最新美国发明专利第2012-08-14期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08241626B2	Serpentine transmembrane antigens expressed in human cancers and uses thereof Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STEAP” (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate). Four particular human STEAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STEAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STEAP family, STEAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STEAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.
US08241624B2	Method of disinfecting packages with composition containing peracid and catalase The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
US08241622B2	Adeno-associated virus vectors with intravector heterologous terminal palindromic sequences The invention provides recombinant AAV vectors, at least one of which has heterologous terminal palindromic sequences, and methods of using those vectors.
US08241620B2	Complex polymere amphiphile-PDGF Physically and chemically stable, water-soluble, amphiphilic polymer-PDGF complex, characterized in that the amphiphilic polymers include a hydrophilic polymeric backbone functionalized with hydrophobic substituents and hydrophilic groups.
US08241617B2	Methods for removing make-up compositions from keratin materials The invention relates to kits and methods for removing a long wearing or transfer resistant make-up composition from keratin materials such as eyelashes, nails, skin or lips, wherein the make-up composition contains at least one oil soluble film-forming agent and at least one coloring agent, including applying to the make-up composition a removal composition containing at least one oil soluble film-forming agent and at least one oil and removing the make-up composition from the eyelashes, nails, skin or lips.
US08241604B2	Method for making metal/titania pulp and photocatalyst A method for making a metal-titania pulp and photocatalyst is provided, including firstly acidically hydrolyzing a titanium alkoxide solution in presence of an alcohol solvent to get a colloidal solution; then, adding at least one metal salt solution into the colloidal solution to produce a nano-porous metal/titania photocatalyst under appropriate conditions by appropriate reaction. The nano-porous metal/titania photocatalyst thus prepared has excellent optical activity and is applicable in research of water decomposition with light to improve production efficiency of hydrogen energy. In addition, the photocatalyst is further processed in the form of powder or film to facilitate industrial application in wastewater treatment.
US08241601B2	Process for preparing layered double hydroxide comprising carbonate The invention relates to a process for the production of a layered double hydroxide comprising carbonate by preparing a divalent and trivalent metal ion source-containing slurry, which is subsequently treated solvothermally. If the slurry does not contain a divalent metal ion source containing carbonate, a carbonate source is added during or after the solvothermal treatment.
US08241599B2	Method of using volatile organometallics as biomass gasification catalysts The present invention relates to a method for improving biomass gasification. By the present invention, volatile organometallics are contacted with a biomass before or during gasification. By this method, the biomass improves gas yields while reducing solid (tar) and liquid yields. In addition, the volatile organometallics interact with lignin in the biomass to produce methanol, which, in turn, results in a stable liquid or oil by-product or otherwise stabilizes the gasification process of the biomass. The presently disclosed method can also lead to increased syngas production and is potentially CO2 neutral. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.
US08241596B2	High-efficiency, hot trap apparatus and method A hot trap for removing a reactive constituent gas from a gas stream via chemical reaction and/or thermal disassociation includes a trap chamber with a heater assembly and a trap medium in its core inner portion and annular pre-heating and counterflow heating ducts in its outer and intermediate portions surrounding the core inner portion for heating an inflowing gas stream and conservation of heat energy in the trap as well as to maintain lower temperatures on external surfaces.
US08241594B2	Processes for extracting aluminum and iron from aluminous ores There are provided processes for extracting aluminum ions from aluminous ores. Such processes can be used with various types of aluminous ores such as aluminous ores comprising various types of metals such as Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Mn, Ba, Zn, Li, Sr, V, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, Co, Sb, As, B, Sn, Be, Mo, or mixtures thereof.
US08241587B2	Collapsible sterilization container A collapsible single-use sterilization container for use in the sterilization of medical instruments is provided. The sterilization container includes a lid having central portion defined by a frangible region. Upon activation of the frangible region, the central portion may be removed rendering the sterilization container inoperable for future use.
US08241582B2	Reactor with electrical insulating film, fuel cell apparatus, electronic device and method of producing electrical insulating film Disclosed is a reactor including: a heater provided on a surface of the reactor; an electrical insulating film which covers the heater and includes a crystalline RFeO3, where R is a rare earth element; and a radiation prevention film provided on the insulating film.
US08241580B2	Plasma processing methods for inactivating toxins This invention concerns with the plasma inactivating method and processor that can inactivate the surface of the object without causing the degradation inside of it. The inactivation of toxins on the surface of the object proceeds as removing the toxins by nitriding or oxidizing the toxins by the following triple effects, the sharp pulsed electric field by the supply of the electric pulses, the generated N-radicals (N*) contained inside of the plasma in the surrounding gases composed mainly by N2 gas under the low pressure.
US08241579B2	Diesel exhaust gas treatment system A catalyst composition for facilitating the oxidation of soot from diesel engine exhaust is provided. The catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal selected from Pt, Pd, Pt—Pd, Ag, or combinations thereof, an active metal oxide component containing Cu and La, and a support selected from alumina, silica, zirconia, or combinations thereof. The platinum group metal loading of the composition is less than about 20 g/ft3. The catalyst composition may be provided on a diesel particulate filter by impregnating the filter with an alumina, silica or zirconia sol solution modified with glycerol and/or saccharose, impregnating the filter with a stabilizing solution, and impregnating the filter with a solution containing the active metal oxide precursor(s) and the catalytic metal precursor(s). The resulting catalyst coated diesel particulate filter provides effective soot oxidation, exhibits good thermal stability, has a high BET surface area, and exhibits minimal backpressure.
US08241577B2	System for storing an additive and injecting it into the exhaust gases of an engine Process for storing an additive and injecting it into the exhaust gases of an engine and comprising two tanks for storing the additive and one pump for supplying the additive from these tanks to an injection line, these two tanks being in parallel and each being connected to the pump by a branch of the supply line, each of these branches being equipped with a non-return valve and these two valves being calibrated so that the valve located in the branch coming from the first tank (1) is normally open but closes when this tank is empty, and so that the valve located in the branch coming from the other tank (2) is normally closed but opens when the valve from tank (1) is closed or when the branch coming from this tank (1) is blocked.
US08241563B2	Air sanitization system with fiber optic monitoring system An air sanitization system including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an ozone generator disposed in the housing and positioned between the inlet and outlet, at least one fiber optic cable positioned in visible proximity to the ozone generator, a visible light detector, and a controller. The housing is configured to receive a flow of an oxygen-containing gas through the inlet, and the ozone generator generates ozone from the flow of oxygen-containing gas. The at least one fiber optic cable is configured to receive and transmit visible light from the ozone generator. The visible light detector detects an amount of visible light transmitted by the at least one fiber optic cable. The controller is in communication with the visible light detector for determining whether the amount of visible light transmitted by the at least one fiber optic cable corresponds to a failure of the ozone generator.
US08241560B2	Nickel base superalloy and single crystal castings A single crystal nickel base superalloy consists essentially of, in weight %, about 6.4% to about 6.8% Cr, about 9.3% to about 10.0% Co, above 6.7% to about 8.5% Ta, about 5.45% to about 5.75% Al, about 6.2% to about 6.6% W, about 0.5% to about 0.7% Mo, about 0.8% to about 1.2% Ti, about 2.8% to about 3.2% Re, up to about 0.12% Hf, about 0.01% to about 0.08% by weight C, up to about 0.10% B, and balance Ni and incidental impurities. The superalloy provides improved alloy cleanliness and castability while providing improved high temperature mechanical properties such as stress rupture life.
US08241559B2	Steel material having a high silicon content for producing piston rings and cylinder sleeves The invention relates to a steel material having a high silicon content, and to a method for the production thereof, the steel material being particularly suitable for piston rings and cylinder sleeves. In addition to iron and production-related impurities, the steel material contains 0.5 to 1.2 wt. % carbon, 3.0 to 15.0 wt. % silicon and 0.5 to 4.5 wt. % nickel. Also, the steel material can contain small amounts of the following elements Mo, Mn, Al, Co Nb, Ti, V, Sn, Mg, B, Te Ta La, Bi, Zr, Sb, Ca, Sr, Cer, rare earth metals and nucleating agents such as NiMg, MiSiMg, FeMg and FeSIMg. due to the high Si content, a degree of saturation higher than 1.0 is attained, with the melting temperature of the steel material corresponding to normal cast iron. The steel material can be produced according to a conventional cast-iron technique and has a high resistance to wear and tear and a high structural strength (minimal distortion).
US08241556B2	Rotary holding device for gripping tool material at elevated temperatures through multiple collar assembly A tool is provided that is capable of friction stir processing, friction stir mixing, and friction stir welding of high melting temperature and low melting temperature materials, wherein the collar is now divided into at least an inner and an outer collar coupled to the shank and the FSW tip, wherein new thermal barriers enable expansion of the inner collar to be directed inward to thereby create compression on the FSW tip instead of allowing the FSW tip to become loose in the tool at elevated temperatures.
US08241550B2	Imprint lithography An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a template holder configured to hold an imprint template, a substrate table, and an optical encoder, the optical encoder having a radiation output, a first diffraction grating, and a detector, the radiation output arranged to illuminate a second diffraction grating and the detector positioned to detect radiation diffracted by the first and second diffraction gratings to provide an alignment signal.
US08241548B2	Methods of manufacturing linearly expandable ureteral stents A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.
US08241547B2	Lithographically defined adhesion microstructures A method for adhering two layers of materials is described. An additional layer of material deposited on one of the layers is used. The additional layer of material is perforated and undercut by etching away one of the layers thereby generating anchor shaped holes. The other layer is then deposited on the additional layer filling the anchor shaped holes therefore, providing adhesion.
US08241543B2	Method and apparatus for making an apertured web A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers.
US08241539B2	Method of patterning and product(s) obtained therefrom The present invention provides a method of patterning, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a porous film; and (b) adding at least one structure to the porous film. The present invention also provides a patterned film prepared according to the method of the invention. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a porous film, and a porous film prepared according to the method of the invention.
US08241533B2	Use of carbonates This invention publishes new usages of kinds of carbonic ester compounds. The new usage described in this invention is related to the application of carbonic ester compounds in the preparation of solvents for chemiluminescent systems. This invention also provides luminescent compositions, luminescent liquids and oxidized liquids that contain carbonic ester compounds. Chemiluminescent compositions containing carbonic ester compounds can decrease reaction pressure effectively, facilitate reaction balance heading to luminescence reaction, generate larger luminescent output without adding catalyst, decrease the dosage of catalyst or not need adding catalyst, decrease influences of over-high output at the reaction start caused by catalyst on whole luminescent time, and ensure stable light output from luminescent compositions. Carbonic ester compounds, especially long carbon chain carbonic ester, have the characters of non-toxic and high flash point, and have suitable solubility on ordinary bis oxalate ester. Carbonic ester compounds are environment-friendly solvents, which can be widely accepted and recognized no matter in industrial synthesization or in applications.
US08241530B2	Metal separator for fuel cell and method for producing the same There is provided an electron conductive and corrosion-resistant material 3 containing titanium (Ti), boron (B) and nitrogen (N) in an atomic ratio satisfying 0.05≦[Ti]≦0.40, 0.20≦[B]≦0.40, and 0.35≦[N]≦0.55 (provided that [Ti]+[B]+[N]=1). Further, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electron conductive and corrosion-resistant material 3, wherein boron nitride powder adheres to the surface of a substrate 2 of which at least the surface is made of titanium or a titanium alloy, and is then heated. Furthermore, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electron conductive and corrosion-resistant material 3, wherein the surface of a substrate 2 of which at least the surface is made of titanium or a titanium alloy is borided and then heated. In addition, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electron conductive and corrosion-resistant material 3, wherein a TiB2 layer formed of TiB2 particles is formed by spraying TiB2 powder onto a metal substrate 2 and then nitriding the TiB2 layer.
US08241525B2	Method for producing composite material for positive electrode of lithium battery The present invention provides a method for producing a composite material for positive electrodes of lithium batteries which is particularly excellent in high-rate discharge characteristics. The method for producing a composite material for positive electrodes of lithium batteries, contains: a dispersing step of dispersing at least the positive electrode active material and the conductive material 1 in a solvent to be in a forcibly dispersed state; and a composite particle-forming step of obtaining composite particles containing the positive electrode active material and the conductive material 1 by a process for agglutinating the conductive material 1 together with the positive electrode active material in the solvent or by a process for removing the solvent.
US08241522B2	Liquid crystalline blends, device thereof and method thereof The invention provides liquid crystalline blends, a device such as a photovoltaic cell using the blend and method thereof. A liquid crystalline blend comprises at least an electron donor and at least an electron acceptor with a weight or molar ratio in the range of from about 1:20 to about 20:1. Another liquid crystalline blend comprises at least an electron donor and at least an electron acceptor, wherein the electron donor, the electron acceptor, or both is (are) halo-substituted such as F-substituted. The donor or the electron acceptor can be excited by an electromagnetic radiation such as solar light to induce electron transfer between the donor and the acceptor. The photovoltaic cell is improved in that favorable molecular arrangement in the blend gives more interfaces between the donor and the acceptor and thus a viable path for dissociation and electrons and/or holes; as well as larger light-harvesting area toward the coming light.
US08241516B2	Substrate for magnetic disk A method for manufacturing a substrate for a magnetic disk, including the steps of (a) polishing a substrate with a polishing composition A containing alumina abrasives having an average particle size of from 0.05 to 0.5 μm, and an oxidizing agent, and (b) polishing the substrate with a polishing composition B containing silica particles having an average particle size of from 0.005 to 0.1 μm; a substrate for a magnetic disk, obtainable by the method for manufacturing a substrate for a magnetic disk; and a substrate for a magnetic disk having the following surface properties of a long-wavelength waviness of 0.05 nm or more and 0.3 nm or less, and an AFM surface roughness of 0.03 nm or more and 0.2 nm or less. The substrate for a magnetic disk may be suitably used in the manufacture of a hard disk having a high recording density. Especially, a hard disk having a recording density of 50 G bits or more per square inch may be industrially manufactured.
US08241514B2	Plasma etching method and computer readable storage medium A plasma etching method includes disposing a first electrode and a second electrode to face each other; preparing a part in the processing chamber; supporting a substrate; vacuum-evacuating the processing chamber; supplying an etching gas into a processing space between the first electrode and the second electrode; generating a plasma of the etching gas in the processing space by applying a radio wave power to the first electrode or the second electrode; and etching a film to be processed on a surface of the substrate by using the plasma. Further, a DC voltage is applied to the part during the etching process, the part being disposed away from the substrate and being etched by reaction with reactant species in the plasma.
US08241512B2	Ion implantation mask forming method A method of forming an ion implantation mask includes forming a field area on a semiconductor substrate, forming an amorphous carbon layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming a hard mask layer on the amorphous carbon layer, forming an etching mask pattern on the hard mask layer, and etching the hard mask layer and the amorphous carbon layer to expose the field area through the etching mask pattern, wherein etching the hard mask layer and the amorphous carbon layer forms a hard mask layer pattern and an amorphous carbon layer pattern.
US08241511B2	Substrate processing method The present invention provides a substrate processing method to process a substrate including at least a process layer, an intermediate layer, and a mask layer which are stacked in this order. The mask layer includes an aperture configured to expose a portion of the intermediate layer. The substrate processing method includes a material deposition step of depositing a material on a side surface of the aperture and exposing a portion of the process layer by etching the exposed portion of the intermediate layer by plasma generated from a deposit gas, and an etching step of etching the exposed portion of the process layer.
US08241508B2	Method of forming composite, ordered material having sharp surface features A method of making a composite material having sharp surface features includes the steps of: making a composite body comprised of a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase; and treating a surface of the composite body with the preselected etchant so that the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a sharp surface feature, and the recessive phase defines a recessed surface area between the surface features.
US08241506B1	Floating debris removal system for a pool A system and method for automatically removing debris from a surface of a pool. The apparatus for cleaning debris from a pool surface includes a support and a conveyor belt supported by the support. The conveyor belt is inclined and includes upper and lower ends. The conveyor belt is driven from the lower end to the upper end. A diverter is used for diverting debris from the pool surface to the lower end of the conveyor belt. The diverter is connected at the lower end of the support and configured to be positioned outside a skimmer opening of a pool. The apparatus is positioned at the skimmer opening to receive floating debris prior to entering the skimmer opening. The conveyor belt moves the floating debris to the upper end of the conveyor belt. The debris is then deposited into a receptacle.
US08241503B2	Enhanced high water recovery membrane process Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.
US08241499B2	Control of filamentous bacteria induced foaming in wastewater systems A method of controlling filamentous bacteria responsible for foaming and bulking in wastewater systems with virulent bacteriophage. The method includes, optionally, identification of problematic filamentous bacteria and matching virulent bacteriophage, use of bacteriophage from phage libraries and concentration of filamentous bacteria and bacteriophage from the wastewater to be treated.
US08241496B2	Filter device and method of producing the same A filter device includes a casing having an inlet for introducing fluid and an outlet for discharging fluid, and a filtering element disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The filtering element has an outer circumference face restricted from being deformed in a fluid flowing direction. The filtering element has an upstream end face on an upstream side in the fluid flowing direction, and a downstream end face on a downstream side in the fluid flowing direction. The filtering element is configured to be compressed toward the upstream end face by pressing the downstream end face.
US08241492B1	Simulated moving bed chromatography device Disclosed herein is a simulated moving bed chromatography device comprises a minimum of one stationary pipe with a plurality of inlet/outlet channels, a rotary device next to the stationary pipes, a stationary radial flow segmented vessel communicates with the rotary device, a fluid moving device and a drive means to rotate the rotary device. The counter movement of the stationary phase and the fluid is simulated by rotating the rotary device in the same direction as the circulating fluid flow, and the fluid flows through the flow distribution segments, the stationary phase segments, the outer fluid transfer segments, holes or by passes of the improved partition plates in the flow distribution segments/compartments and outer fluid transfer segments.
US08241488B2	Auto-calibrating test sensors An electrochemical test sensor configured to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample comprises a base including a first end, a second opposing end, a first side and a second side bridging the first and second opposing ends. The test sensor further comprises a plurality of electrodes formed on the base at or near the first end. The plurality of electrodes includes a working electrode and a counter electrode. The sensor further comprises a first test-sensor contact formed on the base at or near the second opposing end and coupled to the working electrode by a first conductive lead. The sensor further comprises a second test-sensor contact formed on the base at or near the second opposing end and coupled to the counter electrode by a second conductive lead. The positions of the first and second test-sensor contacts correspond with calibration information assigned to the test sensor.
US08241487B2	Photoformed silicone sensor membrane A sensing device includes a sensing surface, and a matrix overlaying the sensing surface. The sensing device includes a photoformed membrane overlaying at least a portion of the matrix. The photoformed membrane includes a directly photoformed organosiloxane polymer that is substantially permeable to gaseous molecules and substantially impermeable to non-gaseous molecules and ions.
US08241485B2	Biosensor electrode mediators for regeneration of cofactors The present invention is based on the discovery of NAD+ and NADP+ mediator compounds that do not bind irreversibly to thiol groups in the active sites of intracellular dehydrogenase enzymes. Such mediator compounds avoid a common mode of enzyme inhibition. The mediators can therefore increase the stability and reliability of the electrical response in amperometric electrodes constructed from NAD- or NADP-dependent enzymes.
US08241482B2	Process for the recovery of acids The invention is directed to a process for recovering acids from mixtures containing them, in particular organic acids and amino acids, such as acids produced by fermentation in a fermentation broth. The process of the invention comprises contacting a loaded extractant with a solution containing hydroxide ions in the presence of at least one cathode and at least one anode, wherein said hydroxide ions are produced by using said cathode, whereby said acid is converted to its anionic form, by which it can be removed from said extractant and can migrate in the direction of the anode.
US08241479B2	Imaging of deep structures of reliefs for shallow relief embossing A variety of deep structured decorative patterns originate with mechanical relief or etching. The present method incorporates a deeply patterned or textured etching or relief into a thin film embossing shim to simulate the look of the deep pattern or texture when used to emboss thin film or material. A transparent mold of the relief surface (such as brushed metal, engine-turned patterns, and textured glass) is formed using UV curable liquid and a transparent substrate. The relief copy in the transparent mold or overlay is mapped onto a photoresist surface or plate by shining or expanding one or more laser lights or laser beams through the transparent mold. The different heights of the relief copy of the transparent mold will cause the light to diffract/refract to form a corresponding patterned etching in the photoresist plate. The resulting photoresist plate is then metalized and electroplated to form a thin film embossing shim. The thin film embossing shim is then used with conventional embossing equipment to form thin film embossings. The embossed thin films can then be metalized and laminated onto substrate to create a product that has shifting patterns that reflect at a variety of viewing angles when (observed under normal lighting conditions) exposed to white light.
US08241476B1	Sol-gel coatings for on-line preconcentration in capillary electrophoresis A novel on-line method is presented for the extraction and preconcentration of amino acids using a sol-gel coated column coupled to a conventional UV/vis detector. Extraction, stacking and focusing techniques are used in the preconcentration procedures. Sol-gel coatings are created by using N-Octadecyldimethyl[3(trimethoxysilyl)proply]ammonium chloride (C18-TMS) in the coating sol solutions. The resulting sol-gel coating carries a positive charge. For extraction, the pH of the samples is properly adjusted to impart a net negative charge to amino acids. A long plug of the sample is then passed through the sol-gel coated capillary to facilitate extraction via electrostatic interaction between the positively charged sol-gel coating and the negatively charged amino acid molecules. The focusing of the extracted amino acids is accomplished through desorption of the extracted amino acid molecules carried out by local pH change. The described procedure provides 150,000-fold enrichment effect for alanine.
US08241474B2	System and method for sensing using diamond based microelectrodes A method and system is disclosed for monitoring one or more characteristics associated with a fluid. An insulating layer comprising non-conducting diamond is positioned within a housing and has a surface exposed directly or indirectly to the fluid. A plurality of microelectrodes made of electrically conducting diamond each have a surface exposed directly or indirectly to the fluid. An electrical circuit in electrical communication with each of the microelectrodes is adapted to convert electrical signals from the microelectrodes into at least one signal associated with a characteristic being monitored. The sensing system is well suited to hydrocarbon wellbore related applications, but can also be used in other applications.
US08241473B2	Sputter-coating apparatus A sputter-coating apparatus for coating a plurality of workpieces includes a deposition case defining a cavity, a supporting assembly received in the cavity, and a target assembly received in the cavity and extending through the supporting assembly to face the workpieces. The supporting assembly includes a plurality of supporting members. Each supporting member includes a body and a plurality of adjusting units extending through the body. Each adjusting unit includes a supporting pole fixed to the body, a first fixing pole and a second fixing pole fixedly connected to the supporting pole and radially extending from the supporting pole, a first threaded pole and a second threaded pole retractably connected to the supporting pole and radially extending from the supporting pole, and a driving member received in the supporting pole for driving the first threaded pole and the second threaded pole to retract relative to the supporting pole.
US08241472B2	Cleaning, pickling and electroplating apparatus A continuous electro-cleaning, pickling and electroplating apparatus and method using a plurality of elongate tubes that are electrically conductive.
US08241470B1	Method of anodizing A method of anodizing that is performed in the capacitor case. The anode and a formation cathode are inserted into the capacitor case. The formation cathode includes one or more passageways through which formation electrolyte is transferred to contact the surface of the anode. In one particular implementation, the anode includes several slots and the formation cathodes are plates that are inserted into the slots. One or more valves coupled to formation electrolyte storage tanks storing different electrolytes may be coupled to the formation cathode. A rinsing step can be performed by supplying water through the passageways in the formation cathode. Other implementations anodize outside the capacitor case.
US08241466B2	Distillation apparatus A spiral double-tube structure including an inner tube for introducing a solvent vapor resulting from vaporization within a distillation still and an outer tube which a coolant gas cooled by an outdoor machine is passed through is disposed in a buffer tank; the solvent vapor is directly cooled from the surrounding area by the coolant gas with a large temperature difference and thus condensed into a liquid state; by means of an ejector, the liquid is mixed with the solvent suctioned from the buffer tank and returned into the buffer tank; since the solvent in the buffer tank is also directly cooled by the coolant gas, the cooling efficiency is high; accordingly, both the solvent vapor generated from the distillation still and the solvent in the buffer tank for reducing the pressure inside the distillation still can be efficiently cooled without using cooling water, and downsizing of the apparatus can also be attained.
US08241464B2	Papermaking clothing defining a width of a paper web and associated system and method A clothing for supporting a wet paper web for dewatering is provided, comprising a dewatering fabric extending in a machine direction and formed only from a woven material to have a single, substantially consistent, permeability. A pair of laterally-spaced strip portions extend along the dewatering fabric in the machine direction, with each being substantially and consistently impermeable to air and forming a substantially and consistently smooth non-water-retaining surface. The strip portions define a permeable web-carrying portion of the dewatering fabric therebetween, wherein the paper web carried thereby extends over the entire width thereof. The permeable web-carrying portion allows air to flow therethrough, exclusively of the impermeable strip portions, such that the wet paper web carried only by the permeable web-carrying portion is dewatered. The width of the permeable web-carrying portion thereby defines the width of the wet paper web dried thereon. Associated systems and methods are also provided.
US08241459B2	Polymer melt distributor header design A vessel header comprising a plurality of lateral flow tubes arranged in a parallel configuration and entering the vessel header through alternating header penetrations with a single header penetration per lateral flow tube. A method of increasing the throughput of a polymerization reaction comprising conducting the polymerization reaction in a reaction vessel comprising a plurality of lateral flow tubes arranged in a parallel configuration and entering the vessel header through alternating header penetrations with a single header penetration per lateral flow tube wherein the polymerization reaction displays an increase in throughput of 10% and a decrease in volatiles of from 5% to 10% when compared to a polymerization reaction carried out in a reaction vessel lacking a plurality of lateral flow tubes arranged in a parallel configuration and entering the vessel header through alternating header penetrations with a single header penetration per lateral flow tube.
US08241458B2	Methods and apparatus for modifying gel adhesion strength The invention concerns a method for controlling the adhesive bond between an electric-field responsive material and a substrate, which method comprises using an electric field to control the strength and integrity of the adhesive bond. The method may be used, for example, for removing or delaminating a material, which material is responsive to an electric field, from a substrate. The invention further comprises elimination of the application of the electric field and application of the previously removed electric-field-responsive material to the substrate, thereby resuming the strength and integrity of the adhesive bond. The invention includes apparatus for use in the bond controlling process.
US08241454B2	Corrugating machine and method of producing corrugated cardboard having a marking device with a solid coloring agent In a corrugating machine and a method of producing corrugated cardboard, provision is made for a marking device by means of which a color mark is applied by rubbing off a solid coloring agent, the color mark being detected by means of a detection device in order to easily and precisely mark and cut out joining points. The applied and detected color mark enables a web length of a web of single-faced corrugated cardboard in a storage device to be determined, thus allowing an electronic control device to operate a cross-cutting device in an easy and precise manner.
US08241452B2	Reinforcement fibrous cord having excellent adhesive strength and method of producing same A reinforcement fibrous cord having excellent adhesive strength produced by impregnating a meshed cord fabric formed from warp yarns for reinforcement cords and weft yarns having a softening temperature or a melting temperature lower than any of the softening temperature, the melting temperature and the thermal decomposition-initiating temperature of the warp yarns, with adhesive agent, and heat-treating the fabric at the temperature equal to or higher than the softening or melting temperature of the weft yarn and lower than any of the softening temperature, the melting temperature and the thermal decomposition-initiating temperature of the warp yarns so that the weft yarns are self-broken while being fuse-adhered to the adhesive agent-impregnated warp yarns whereby projections caused by the broken residues of the weft yarns are formed on the warp yarns.
US08241451B2	Contoured fluid-filled chamber with a tensile member A fluid-filled may include including an outer barrier, a tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member may be located within barrier and formed from a textile element that includes a pair of spaced layers joined by a plurality of connecting members. A method of manufacturing the chamber may include locating a textile tensile member between two polymer elements. Pressure and heat are applied to the tensile member and the polymer elements in a first area and in a second area. The pressure is greater in the first area than in the second area. In addition, the polymer elements are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member.
US08241450B2	Method for inflating a fluid-filled chamber A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber may include utilizing one of a blowmolding and a thermoforming process to define a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall surface of the chamber. An aperture is defined through the first surface in a location where the first surface is spaced from the second surface. A pressurization apparatus is located adjacent to the first surface and around the aperture, and the pressurization apparatus is utilized to inject a fluid into the chamber through the aperture, compress the first surface against the second surface, and form a bond around the aperture and between the first surface and the second surface.
US08241445B2	Flashing material A method of sealing a construction joint is provided which comprises applying a polymeric sizing to the edges forming the joint, applying a mesh to the joint and applying a further coating of the sizing to said deposited mesh. The sizing material can comprise a styrene-butadiene latex, a filler and at least one of a colorant, an acrylic thickener, dispersant, biocide, defoamer, antifoamer, surfactant and an acid.
US08241440B2	Zirconium strip material and process for making same Methods for producing zirconium strips that demonstrate improved formability are disclosed. The zirconium strips of the present disclosure have a purity and crystalline microstructure suitable for improved formability, for example, in the manufacture of certain articles such as panels for plate heat exchangers and high performance tower packing components. Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to formed substantially pure zirconium strip, articles of manufacture produced from the substantially pure zirconium strip, and methods for making the articles of manufacture.
US08241439B2	Ni-Cr alloy material A Ni—Cr alloy tube demonstrating an excellent corrosion resistance in a high temperature water environment can be provided, wherein the difference between uniform lattice strains of the surface layer thereof satisfies the following formulas (1) and (2). S≦0.002 (1) S=D500−D≦200 (2) wherein the meanings of the individual symbols in the above described formulas are as follows: S: The difference between uniform lattice strains (Å) of the surface layer D500: The {111} interplanar spacing (Å) at a depth of 500 nm from the material surface D≦200: The average value of the {111} interplanar spacings (Å) at the depth of 200 nm or less from the material surface.
US08241438B2	Hafnium alloy target A hafnium alloy target containing either or both of Zr and Ti in a gross amount of 100 wtppm-10 wt % in Hf, wherein the average crystal grain size is 1-100 μm, the impurities of Fe, Cr and Ni are respectively 1 wtppm or less, and the habit plane ratio of the plane {002} and three planes {103}, {014} and {015} lying within 35° from {002} is 55% or greater, and the variation in the total sum of the intensity ratios of these four planes depending on locations is 20% or less. As a result, obtained is a hafnium alloy target having favorable deposition property and deposition speed, which generates few particles, and which is suitable for forming a high dielectric gate insulation film such as HfO or HfON film, and the manufacturing method thereof.
US08241437B2	Metal sheet rolling method and rolled sheet manufactured by metal sheet rolling method The present invention provides a metal sheet rolling method of rolling a metal sheet with a pair of rolls, as well as a rolled sheet manufactured by the metal sheet rolling method. In the metal sheet rolling method, respective interfaces between the pair of rolls and the metal sheet have mutually different frictions. Additionally at least one of the interfaces may be lubricated by a procedure other than lubrication by coating of a liquid lubricant agent. Alternatively at least one of the interfaces may be subjected to surface treatment by a procedure other than lubrication, or otherwise the pair of rolls may be made of mutually different materials.
US08241436B2	Conductive filler and solder material There is provided a conductive filler with high heat resistance which can be melt-bonded under reflow heat treatment conditions for a lead-free solder and, after the bonding, does not melt under the same heat treatment conditions. The conductive filler is characterized in that, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, it has at least one metastable metal alloy phase observed as an exothermic peak and has at least one melting point observed as an endothermic peak in each of the 210 to 240° C. range and the 300 to 450° C. range, and that the filler, upon heat treatment at 246° C., gives a bonded object which has, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, no melting point observed as an endothermic peak in the 210 to 240° C. range or has a melting endotherm calculated from an endothermic peak area in the 210 to 240° C. range, the melting endotherm being 90% or less of the melting endotherm of the filler before bonding calculated from an endothermic peak area in the 210 to 240° C. range.
US08241414B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge, and ink-jet recording apparatus The present invention provides a water-based ink for ink-jet recording including a pigment, water, an anionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (1), and complex salt forming an anionic zirconium complex ion. R—O—(CH2CH2O)n—X−M+ (1)
US08241409B2	Bubble trap for high flow rate infusion A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.
US08241406B2	Device and method for separating wet paint overspray In order to provide a device for separating wet paint overspray from a stream of crude gas containing overspray particles which includes at least two filter devices each of which has an inlet opening through which a partial stream of crude gas enters the respective filter device and each of which includes at least one filter element for separating the overspray from the partial stream of crude gas, which allows one to maintain the fluidity of the mixture including of filter aid material and wet paint overspray that has been cleansed from the filter elements in the filter aid material reservoirs in a simple and efficient manner, it is proposed that the device should comprise at least one reservoir for receiving material which has been cleansed from the filter elements of a plurality of filter devices and a mixing device for mechanically blending the cleansed material from a plurality of filter devices.
US08241405B2	Fluid scrubber and spray booth including the fluid scrubber A wet scrubber for scrubbing a fluid. The wet scrubber may include an inlet for receiving the fluid and a vortex chamber, in communication with the inlet, for causing at least a portion of the fluid to circulate. The wet scrubber may also include at least one diffuser for exhausting the fluid from the vortex chamber, the diffuser configured to substantially prevent fluid exhausted from the diffuser from recirculating back into the diffuser. A paint booth and a method of scrubbing a fluid are also provided.
US08241404B2	Methods of recycling carbon dioxide to the gasification system Method of producing syngas in an IGCC system, comprising compressing and heating carbon dioxide-rich gas to produce heated compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas, mixing the heated compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas with oxygen and feedstock to form a feedstock mixture, subjecting the feedstock mixture to gasification to produce syngas, cooling the syngas in a radiant syngas cooler, contacting syngas cooled in the radiant syngas cooler with compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas to further cool the syngas, and removing an amount of carbon dioxide-rich gas from the product mixture and compressing the removed carbon dioxide-rich gas prior to mixing with oxygen and feedstock.
US08241403B2	Apparatus and method for regenerating a carbon filter The present invention relates to systems for regenerating a plugged diesel particulate filter (DPF) or catalyzed DPF. In certain embodiments, the system includes a fluid container and pulse valve, a heater, and a blower. Other embodiments include methods of regenerating a plugged DPF by directing a fluid at a first face of a DPF, redirecting the fluid at a second face of the DPF, and in some embodiment, heating the DPF.
US08241393B2	Methods and articles for gold nanoparticle production An example embodiment of a method for making gold nanoparticles includes steps of reacting a gold salt with a phosphino amino acid. Example phosphino amino acids include trimers, with a particular example being a trimeric amino acid conjugate containing one phosphino group. In an example method of the invention, the gold nanoparticles may be produced in timer periods of less than about 3 minutes, and at temperatures of less than about 30° C. Other methods of the invention are directed to methods for stabilizing gold nanoparticles, and to methods for making gold nanochains.
US08241391B2	Process and equipment for the treatment of loads or residues of non-ferrous metals and their alloys A process for the treatment of loads or residues of non-ferrous metals and their alloys includes the steps of loading of scraps or dross to be processed and heating the load and melting the metal. The process additionally includes revolving the heated load, tapping the molten metal and emptying a cavity of the furnace. Heating of the load or residues to a temperature above the melting temperature of the metal or non-ferrous alloy to be recovered is carried out by a free burning convective arc which is independent from the supply of external gas to the process, and which may dispense with the use of melting salts.
US08241389B2	Method and device for producing nitrogen fertilizer, removing phosphate from organic waste products, and limiting the potassium concentration The invention relates to a method and a device for producing nitrogen fertilizer, removing phosphate from organic waste products in liquid phase, sanitizing said waste or reducing emissions, and limiting the potassium concentration. According to the invention, the waste product is heated to temperatures ranging between 40 DEG C. at a subatmospheric pressure, the escaping gas that contains carbon dioxide and ammonia is contacted with a mineral-aqueous suspension, the excess gas is conducted within the circuit while the subatmospheric pressure is autogenously stabilized, and the formed nitrogen fertilizer is discharged. In order to additionally produce phosphate fertilizer and limit the potassium concentration, the obtained fertilizer product is divided into the liquid and solid portion, and all or some of the solid portion is redirected into the stripping receptacle while the liquid waste product that is stripped of nitrogen and compounds and phosphorus compounds is cooled and mixed with at least one sulfate-containing compound to limit the small amount of a basic mineral powder is added thereto. The last solid portion obtained from said treatment can be used directly as phosphate fertilizer, potassium fertilizer, or phosphate-containing and potassium-containing mixed fertilizer.
US08241387B2	Agricultural composition The invention relates to an agricultural composition wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of a sulphur active ingredient and at least one dispersing agent.
US08241382B2	Air cleaner for motor vehicles operating in extreme weather conditions A motor-vehicle air cleaner comprises the filter assembly, an air-cleaner housing configured to fittably and removably accommodate the filter assembly and to enclose the main filter and the auxiliary filter separately when the filter assembly is accommodated in the air-cleaner housing. The motor-vehicle air cleaner further comprises a flow restrictor configured to restrict air flow to the auxiliary filter.
US08241380B2	Air filter duct cover Disclosed is a way to increase the air circulation in buildings with furnaces, air conditioners, etc. with ducts that have openings on filter holders for filters. The present invention would stop the air from being drawn in around the filter opening causing more air being drawn from the return vents to increase circulation.
US08241376B2	Self-cleaning device of filtering net and air conditioner having it A self-cleaning device of a filtering net is disposed in a wall-hanging type air conditioner and includes a filtering net with an upper filtering net and a front filtering net, which is disposed outside a heat exchanger and is used for absorbing dust in the air passing through the heat exchanger. A dust sweeping assembly with a detachable brush is disposed outside the filtering net, and is used for sweeping the dust adhered on the filtering net. A drive device with a drive motor and a transmission mechanism is used for driving the dust sweeping assembly to slide on the filtering net to sweep off the dust. A dust box is used for collecting the dust and is detachably disposed in the air conditioner to clear up the dust in the box. A dust exchanging device is disposed on the left or right side of the filtering net, and is used for transferring the dust swept out by the sweeping assembly into the dust box. The self-cleaning device of a filtering net of an air conditioner can clean up the dust on the filtering net in a short time with good clearance effects, and less noise. The structure of the device has high reliability and durability, and is simple.
US08241373B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing metal separator for fuel cell The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell, which can manufacture large-sized metal separators in large quantities using metal plates such as stainless steel by thermoplastic deformation using an incremental and synchronized rubber molding process.
US08241372B2	Electrochemical device and method of fabricating the same A method of forming an electrode including an electrochemical catalyst layer is disclosed, which comprises forming a graphitized porous conductive fabric layer, optionally conditioning the graphitized porous conductive fabric layer, and dipping the graphitized porous conductive fabric layer into a solution containing a plurality of polymer-capped noble metal nanoclusters dispersed therein. The polymer-capped noble metal nanoclusters as an electrochemical catalyst layer are adsorbed onto the graphitized porous conductive fabric layer. An electrochemical device with the electrode made thereby is also contemplated.
US08241370B2	Composition comprising an alkanolamine, a basic amino acid and a suitably selected additional alkaline agent The present invention relates to a composition for treating keratin fibers, and in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, one or more alkanolamines, one or more basic amino acids and one or more additional alkaline agents chosen from aqueous ammonia; ammonium salts of acids whose pKa at 25° C. is greater than 4; alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal hydroxides, carbonates, carbamates and hydrogen carbonates. The present invention also relates to processes for bleaching and/or dyeing keratin fibers, and also to multi-compartment devices or ‘kits’ for performing these processes.
US08241369B2	Distribution channel loss protection for electronic devices An electronic device, prior to entering a distribution channel, is equipped with a loss prevention client which permits limited use of the device until correct authentication is provided by a legitimate purchaser. By permitting limited use before authentication, the device remains both useful to a legitimate purchaser and valuable to a thief. While allowing operation in the possession of a thief, options can be provided to permit tracking of the device or to allow proper purchase of the device.
US08241368B2	Secure booting system and method In a method for securing and disabling an electronic device, the electronic device automatically executes a basic input/output system (BIOS) component of a security and tracking service during boot up. The BIOS component automatically determines whether an application component of the security and tracking service has requested disabling of the electronic device. In response to a determination that the application component has requested disabling of the electronic device, the BIOS component automatically displays system information and unlock key. The BIOS component also automatically prompts a user of the electronic device to enter an activation password to re-enable the electronic device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08241365B2	Shoulder prosthesis with vault-filling structure having bone-sparing configuration A shoulder prosthesis includes a vault-filling component defining a bearing-facing surface and having a first coupling component, the vault-filling component including (i) a vault-filling first portion defining a first part of the bearing-facing surface, and (ii) a projecting second portion projecting from the vault-filling first portion so as to define a second part of the bearing-facing surface. The vault-filling first portion and the projecting second portion define a bone space therebetween. The shoulder prosthesis further includes a bearing component defining a bearing surface and having a second coupling component configured to cooperate with the first coupling component to couple the bearing component to the vault-filling component. At least one bone attachment member positioned in the bone space. The projecting second portion of the vault-filling component further defines a scapula-facing surface.
US08241361B2	Endoprosthesis component An endoprosthesis component is formed from a ceramic material and in which the ceramic material is partially coated with a titanium alloy. An uncoated surface portion of the endoprosthesis component is designed to interact as slide surface with another endoprosthesis component. A coated surface portion of the endoprosthesis component is designed to establish a connection to a bone. The part of the ceramic material forming an interface to the coating has a roughness Ra of between 2.5 μM and 7 μM, creating a firm connection between the coating and the ceramic material. The invention further relates to a method for producing such an endoprosthesis component. To achieve the desired roughness of the surface, the ceramic component is presintered at a temperature of between 880° C. and 980° C. and is then treated with a blasting material.
US08241359B2	Transforaminal intersomatic cage for an intervertebral fusion graft and an instrument for implanting the cage This present invention concerns a transforaminal intersomatic cage for an intervertebral fusion graft, and an instrument and method for implanting the cage, an embodiment of the cage having a body in the shape of a circular arc and comprising a lateral concave surface, a lateral convex surface, a straight upper surface, a straight lower surface and an end wall having at least one hole, called the end hole, designed to receive a rod of an instrument for implanting the cage between the vertebrae, wherein: the end hole has an orientation that is more or less tangential to the circular arc described by the body; the extremity opposite to the end wall of the body includes a return part extending the body toward the center of the circle on which the circular arc described by the body lies.
US08241343B2	Device and method for providing power to lighting elements for use as a visual indicator in a medical probe A lighting device for use as a visual indicator in a medical probe is provided. The lighting device includes one or more light emitting elements that are used as a visual status indicator for the medical probe, and a driver circuit that receives current from a power source and drives the light emitting elements. The driver circuit includes a current sensor to sense a current flowing through the light emitting elements, and a shut off switch. The shut off switch shuts off the power source current from the light emitting elements based on the sensed current from the current sensor.
US08241342B2	Flexible cranial clamp and method of anchoring to cranium A flexible clamp for plugging an aperture in a bone, including a plurality of flexible anchoring members, where each flexible anchoring member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a locking tab connected to the second end of each flexible anchoring member; and, a stabilization member slidingly engagable with the flexible anchoring members, wherein the stabilization member may be translocated from a position adjacent the first ends of the flexible anchoring members to a clamping position adjacent the second ends of the flexible anchoring members. The locking tabs engage an inner surface of the bone and the stabilization member engages an outer surface of the bone when in the clamping position. The flexible clamp further includes a ratcheting mechanism associated with each flexible anchoring member, and a plurality of pawl mechanisms formed within the stabilization member which lockingly engage with each of the ratcheting mechanisms.
US08241340B2	Bone anchor system A bone anchor system anchors a support member to a bone. The bone anchor system comprises a body having a shank adapted for insertion into a hole in the bone. A head is formed on the shank. The head has a support engagement portion adapted to secure the support member to the body. A passage extends from an entry point to an exit point formed in the body. An expandable member has a flexible wall at least partially enclosing an anchoring chamber. The expandable member has an expanded state configured to conform to a cavity in the bone. The anchoring chamber is in fluid communication with the exit point. The expandable member is adapted to expand when a filler material is provided into the anchoring chamber. A portion of the expandable member conforms to the cavity and the body and the support member are substantially anchored to the bone.
US08241337B2	Occipitocervical plate Methods and systems for occipital-cervical spinal fixation. A plate configured for attachment to the occipital bone has two arms extending out from either side, which turn downwards parallel to one another. A first bend is disposed in the arms, such that the arms extend down from the occipital bone behind the spinous process of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, upon installation. A second bend in the arms allows attachment to the C2 vertebra. The system may be dimensioned for pediatric installation. A bone graft material may be held in place between the cervical vertebrae and the skull by installing a cable to the installed system to retain the bone graft material in place. Methods and kits for occipital-cervical spinal fixation are also disclosed.
US08241336B2	Craniotomy closure systems Craniotomy closure systems comprising surgical fasteners and a protective covering over the dura are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips optionally used in combination with the craniotomy closure systems are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closure systems are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.
US08241328B2	Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.
US08241327B1	Pacifier cleanliness indicator An integral display for a child's pacifier indicates whether it is clean and safe for the child's use. The pacifier has a selectable dial on its exterior rear face that allows the care-giver to select between “CLEAN” or “DIRTY”, depending on the status of the pacifier. Once the pacifier is properly cleaned, the care-giver would slide the indicator to display “CLEAN”. In such a manner, the care-giver would always be aware of the cleanliness of the pacifier and whether it would be safe to give to the child.
US08241326B2	Tack device A surgical tack is provided that can have a single shaft formed of a bio-compatible material and a tip adapted for entering and engaging bone or tissue; and a head mounted on said shaft.
US08241324B2	Ultrasonic vascular closure device The present invention relates to the use of a low frequency ultrasonic device for the delivery and activation of collagen based foam sealants to a human and/or animal patient for sealing puncture wounds in vascular tissues. The ultrasonic vascular closure device comprises an ultrasonic generator, an ultrasound transducer, a chamber containing a foam sealant, a transducer tip, a radiation surface, an orifice located at the distal end of the chamber. The foam sealant is ejected into a puncture wound and activated with ultrasonic waves emitting from the radiation surface. The ultrasonic waves induce vibrations within the foam sealant, slightly warming the foam sealants to assist the rapid sealing the puncture. The ultrasonic waves also provide and anesthetic effect for the pain and discomfort from the puncture site.
US08241317B2	Minimally invasive rectal balloon apparatus A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. The balloon has a laterally flat surface thereon when inflated. The laterally flat surface of the balloon has a longitudinal groove formed thereon. A valve assembly is affixed to the shaft at an end opposite the balloon. The valve assembly selectively allows a fluid to pass therethrough to move the balloon from a non-inflated condition to an inflated condition. A fluid introducing means is removably attached to the valve assembly to introduce the fluid into the valve assembly.
US08241315B2	Apparatus and method for treating occluded vasculature Occluded vasculature such as occluded arterial vasculature can be recanalized using a device that is configured to penetrate an occlusion, while limiting a distance that said penetration structure can extend in order to limit inadvertent vascular damage. The device can include an elongate sheath and a stylet disposed within the elongate sheath. The elongate sheath and the stylet can include, in combination, an engagement section that is configured to limit relative axial movement between the elongate sheath and the stylet.
US08241314B2	Anti-popping devices and methods for hair implantation A system and method for implanting follicular units (FUs) into a body surface while suppressing expulsion of previously-implanted FUs. The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are implanted in a body surface from an implant tool or needle that may be incorporated within an automated or robotic system, or may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. An anti-popping member prevents expulsion of the FUs adjacent to the location at which an FU is being implanted. The anti-popping member may be carried on the implant device, or may be a flexible membrane applied to the body surface. If on the device, the anti-popping member may be arranged near the distal tip thereof and may be shaped and mounted so as to conform to uneven body surfaces.
US08241313B2	Instrument and system for surgical cutting and evoked potential monitoring A surgical cutting instrument for use with a drive motor, and related system and method, is described. The surgical cutting instrument includes an elongated drive member, a cutting tip secured to the drive member, a non-conductive coupling body adapted for connection to a motor assembly, a housing maintaining the coupling body, a fluid coupling assembly and an electrical connector for connection to a stimulating energy source. The electrical connector is in electrical communication with the cutting tip via an electrical pathway.
US08241312B2	Blades with functional balance asymmetries for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines end-effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears-type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radiused cut offset by some distance to form a curved geometry. The cut creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the curve of the instrument is corrected by a non-functional asymmetry proximal to the functional asymmetry. Imbalance due to the asymmetric cross-section of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry. The shape of the blade in one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by two radiused cuts offset by some distance to form a curved and potentially tapered geometry. These two cuts create curved surfaces including a concave surface and a convex surface. The length of the radiused cuts affects, in part, the acoustic balancing of the transverse motion induced by the curved shape.
US08241301B2	Guided puncturing needle and puncturing guiding method A guide puncturing needle which is integratively used with a scanning and detecting device, such as CT, MRI or the like, and provides puncturing, biopsy, injection, implanting, and the physical diagnose and therapy, such as RF, microwave, freezing, laser and the like, and a puncturing guide method for applying the puncturing needle to puncture are provided. Since the guide puncturing needle is provided with a needle-entering angle guide means (2), a puncturing layer levelling component (31), a needle-entering reference line levelling component (32), whether the CT gantry and the MRI scanning layer are at any angle, the actual needle-entering layer is always adjusted to just superpose to the CT scanning layer, the actual needle-entering angle is always just the same as the needle-entering angle needed for the scanning and detecting device, thus allow the puncturing needle to arrive at the focus point exactly accurately.
US08241299B2	Biopsy marker delivery configured to retain marker prior to intended deployment A biopsy marker delivery device is described. The delivery device can include a relatively flexible hollow tube, a pushing member such as a push rod disposed for sliding with the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. The inner surface of the tube can be configured to engage the marker at spaced apart locations on the outer surface of the marker.
US08241294B2	Instruments for expandable corpectomy spinal fusion cage An instrument set for an intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member, the set including an inserter/expander having both a rapid expansion mechanism and a fine tuning expansion mechanism.
US08241293B2	Patient specific high tibia osteotomy A surgical kit includes a patient-specific alignment guide having a three-dimensional engagement surface custom-made by computer imaging to conform to a corresponding portion of a patient's tibial bone. The patient-specific alignment guide defines an elongated planar slot for guiding a blade. The planar slot is oriented at a selected angle and at a selected position relative to an anatomic axis of the patient when the engagement surface engages the corresponding portion of the tibial bone. The selected angle and selected position are determined during a pre-operative planning stage.
US08241290B2	Surgical rongeur An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.
US08241289B2	Manual glenoid reamer A reamer arranged to ream a surface of a bone is provided. The reamer includes a guide portion having a non-reaming lower surface configured to slidably engage a corresponding guide reamed portion of the bone and an eccentric reaming lobe. The reaming lobe extends from part of the periphery of the guide portion. The reaming lobe has a reaming lower surface configured to ream bone outside of the guide reamed portion of the bone when the guide portion is rotated and urged towards the guide reamed portion of the bone. A second reamer may also be provided to form a reaming kit.
US08241288B2	Collet fixation system A bone fixation assembly which may include a bone fixation element, a collet and a flexible line. The bone fixation element may comprise a first and second passageway and at least the first passageway is configured to receive the collet. The flexible line passes through both passageways and is secured through the second passageway. The collet may be advanced into the first passageway causing the collet to circumferentially engage the flexible line fixing it in place. Instrumentation for securing the collet includes a collet driver, a counter torque instrument and a tensioner.
US08241284B2	Vessel sealer and divider with non-conductive stop members An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site.
US08241279B2	Overtube and natural opening medical procedures using the same An overtube including an insertion portion having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, at least the distal end portion being inserted into an examination subject; a first lumen formed in the insertion portion and in which a device for carrying out medical procedures in the examination subject is freely inserted and removed; a tissue cutting portion that is to be disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion traversing the first lumen and that cuts the tissue of the examination subject; and a holding portion that holds the tissue cutting portion at a position removed from a position traversing the first lumen.
US08241275B2	Systems and methods for transmural ablation A method of applying ablation energy to achieve transmurality including applying ablation energy at a starting power to a tissue site and monitoring the impedance of the tissue site. A power applied to the tissue site can be reduced as a function of a rate of an increase in impedance according to some embodiments.
US08241271B2	Robotic surgical instruments with a fluid flow control system for irrigation, aspiration, and blowing In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site. The robotic surgical instrument may include a housing, a flow control system, a hollow tube, and one or more hose fittings. The housing to couple the instrument to a robotic arm. The flow control system mounted in the housing includes one or more controlled valves to control the flow of one or more fluids. The hollow tube has a first end mounted in the housing coupled to the flow control system. A second end of the hollow tube has one or more openings to allow the flow of fluids into and out of the surgical site. The hose fittings have a first end coupled to the flow control system and a second end to couple to hoses.
US08241263B2	Absorbent article An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
US08241262B2	Fluid collection and aspiration unit for management of urinary incontinence A flexible unit for collecting and transporting liquid to a collection point or to an area of use, and especially for facilitating management of urinary incontinence is provided which includes a flexible pad adapted to be positioned under an incontinent patient or worn under an undergarment. The pad is provided with an outer liquid permeable polymeric film layer, an outer liquid impermeable polymeric film layer and an intermediate cellular layer made up of a series of individual, spaced, thin wall, liquid impermeable polymeric cells. An aspiration assembly is connected to the pad for removing urine from the interior of the pad, which collects in the spaces between the individual cells. A disposable porous sheet, preferably comprising Dry-Weave® material, is releasably positioned over the outer permeable film layer of the pad. The pad may be sanitized and reused multiple times with only replacement of the Dry-Weave® sheet being required.
US08241261B2	Super-absorbent, reduced-pressure wound dressings and systems A super-absorbent dressing assembly for use with a reduced-pressure wound treatment system includes a breathable, fluid restricted dry layer for placement against a wound, a super-absorbent layer, and a non-breathable layer, and a drape extending over the non-breathable layer. A reduced-pressure interface is available to fluidly couple the super-absorbent layer to a reduced-pressure subsystem. The super-absorbent dressing assembly preferably supplies a compressive force when placed under reduced pressure. A reduced-pressure treatment system uses a super-absorbent bolster to treat wounds, e.g., linear wounds.
US08241259B2	Wound irrigation device and method A method for irrigation of a wound, wherein the method involves the use of a reservoir housing containing a wound irrigation solution and a discharge means attached thereto, wherein the discharge means has multiple ports for directing a stream of the solution at a wound at an appropriate pressure.
US08241254B2	Medical needle systems with reset devices for medical needle shield apparatus A medical needle shield system is provided that includes a medical needle shield apparatus and a reset device. The reset device resets a safety housing on the medical needle. The reset device has alignment features which guide the safety housing towards reset features. The reset features pass through access features in the safety housing to reset the reset geometry so that the safety housing no longer sheathes a tip of the medical needle.
US08241247B2	Medical device with elastomeric bulb A drainage catheter including a body, a drainage lumen extending between the body proximal end and the body distal end, the drainage lumen including a distal fluid inflow port and a proximal fluid drain coupling, and an inflation lumen extending between the body proximal end and the body distal end, conveying inflating fluid from a proximal fluid supply element to a distal fluid acceptor balloon, the proximal fluid supply element adjacent the proximal fluid drain coupling. A sleeve may be secured about the proximal fluid supply element and the proximal fluid drain coupling to provide a fluid impervious coating.
US08241245B2	Co-axial catheter A co-axial catheter assembly including a first lumen having a first distal end and a first proximal end, and a second lumen having a second distal end and a second proximal end. The second lumen extends co-axially with the first lumen, wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen and the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. A catheter hub provides for fluid connections of the inner and outer lumens with respective extension tubes, and includes spacers that maintain the proximal end of the inner lumen concentrically within the proximal end of the outer lumen and the distal end of the inner lumen concentrically within the distal end of the outer lumen, respectively. Methods of manufacturing and of inserting the catheter are also disclosed.
US08241244B2	Needleless injector drug capsule and a method for filling thereof A method for tilling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules.
US08241240B2	Adjustable valve setting with motor control An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve body and a valve rotor adjustable with respect to the valve body. A tool can be utilized to determine and control a position of the valve rotor with respect to the valve body. The tool can include a valve body position reader, a valve rotor position reader and a valve rotor position controller to determine a valve setting for the device and adjust the valve setting as desired.
US08241239B2	Device for removing fluid from blood in a patient An ultrafiltration device and method for the removal of excess fluid in hypervolemic patients and/or removal of toxins in the blood including for patients suffering from either renal or cardiovascular disease is disclosed. An embodiment of the device includes a housing containing multiple large bore hollow fiber membranes which are connected to the patient's vascular system via a connecting element comprising bifurcated fluid pathway elements to physiologically channel the blood flow either to or from each hollow fiber membrane of the device, a channel to direct the fluid removed by the device to a suitable collection container or the patient's bladder, and controls that control excessive removal of the water from the patient. Devices can be either worn extracorporeally or surgically implanted in order to allow for continuous fluid removal with ambulatory freedom.
US08241231B2	Device, sensor, sensor element and method for measuring the profile of a spinal column and for measuring changes in the profile of the spinal column The profile of the spinal column and changes in the profile of the spinal column are continuously measured during movement along the entire spinal column in all degrees of freedom of its deformation.
US08241229B2	Drill device and method for forming microconduits The present invention relates to methods and devices for formation of microconduits in tissue, particularly using an impedance sensing drill to form microconduits. One embodiment of the invention is an impedance sensing drill comprising a drilling assembly, a control module, mechanically connected to the drilling assembly for controlling the depth of drilling by the drilling assembly; and a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled. Another embodiment is a method of forming a microconduit in a material, which comprises the steps of drilling into the material, monitoring an electrical impedance of the material, and stopping the drilling into the material when a change in the impedance is detected, thereby forming microconduit.
US08241228B1	Micro-scale and meso-scale hydraulic and pneumatic tools, methods for using, and methods for making Embodiments are directed to micro-scale or meso-scale hydraulically or pneumatically actuated devices, methods for forming such devices using multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods and particularly fabricating (i.e. building up) a plurality of components of devices that are moveable relative to one another in pre-assembled configurations wherein special features are designed into the devices (e.g. wide gaps in fabrication positions and narrowed gaps in working regions of component movement, mechanisms that inhibit the return of device components to fabrication positions after being moved into working regions, used of cylindrical interference and/or checkerboard bushings, etching holes in selected locations to allow removal of sacrificial material) to allow such fabrication to occur without violating intra-layer minimum feature size constraints while still obtaining effective gaps between components that are smaller than the minimum features size limits. Particular applications of such devices involve medical applications and in particular minimally invasive procedures where devices would be moved into a desired working area within a body of a patient via a lumen and then actuated while at the working location.
US08241227B2	Biopsy tissue sampling treatment instrument A biopsy tissue sampling treatment instrument includes a stem portion having a predetermined length sufficient to puncture living tissue; a puncturing portion formed at a distal end of the stem portion and having a protruding surface portion expanding rearward along a puncture direction of the stem portion; a tissue holding surface provided on a rear side of the protruding surface portion in the puncturing portion and having an area large enough to hold the living tissue; a stopper member provided at a rear end of the stem portion and having an abutting portion capable of abutting against the living tissue punctured by the stem portion; and an operating member provided on the stopper member and configured to hold the stem portion to the living tissue, allowing the stem portion to puncture the living tissue. Consequently, the biopsy tissue sampling treatment instrument increases holding capacity for the living tissue to be extracted, allows living tissue to be extracted in sufficient sampling quantities, and makes it easy to take samples of living tissue at an intended depth in tissue.
US08241226B2	Biopsy device with rotatable tissue sample holder A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member and at least one removable member secured about the exterior of the rotatable member. The at least one removable member defines a plurality of tissue sample compartments. Each tissue sample compartment is configured to receive one or more tissue samples captured by the cutter. In some versions, the at least one removable member comprises a belt and a plurality of vials.
US08241224B2	Test battery system and method for assessment of auditory function A test battery method and system (10, 100, 200, 225) for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control (426) static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.
US08241221B2	Systems and methods for use with an implantable medical device for detecting stroke based on electrocardiac signals Techniques are provided for detecting stroke within a patient using an implantable medical device in conjunction with an external confirmation system. In one example, a preliminary detection of stroke is performed by a subcutaneous monitor based on an analysis of features of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensed within the patient. Exemplary ECG features indicative of possible stroke include the onset of prominent U-waves, the onset of notched T-waves, and changes in ST segment duration or QT duration or dynamic trends in these parameters. The monitor transmits a signal indicative of possible stroke to a bedside monitor or other external system, which generates a stroke questionnaire for use in confirming the stroke. Family members or other caregivers input answers to the questionnaire into the external system, which confirms or disconfirms the stroke. Emergency personnel can be automatically notified. Implantable systems that detect stroke based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals are also described herein.
US08241220B2	Biplane ultrasound imaging and corresponding transducer An ultrasonic imaging tube is provided. A tube body has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. A first transducer array is disposed in the body along the longitudinal axis. A second transducer array is disposed in the body along the longitudinal axis. The first transducer array is substantially parallel with the second transducer array. The first transducer array and the second transducer array are at a first non-zero angle to each other about the longitudinal axis.
US08241217B2	Portable ultrasound imaging data A portable ultrasound imaging system includes a scan head coupled by a cable to a portable battery-powered data processor and display unit. The scan head enclosure houses an array of ultrasonic transducers and the circuitry associated therewith, including pulse synchronizer circuitry used in the transmit mode for transmission of ultrasonic pulses and beam forming circuitry used in the receive mode to dynamically focus reflected ultrasonic signals returning from the region of interest being imaged.
US08241215B2	Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and method providing navigation information for positioning an ultrasonic probe A pre-acquired reference image, a currently picked-up ultrasonic image, and position information indicating a relation between a position of the ultrasonic probe when the reference image was picked-up and a current position of the ultrasonic probe are displayed on a display portion as navigation information. Also, when the following diagnosis image is to be acquired, probe movement information, specifying a position or the like to which the ultrasonic probe has to be moved, is displayed on the display portion as the navigation information.
US08241214B2	Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method for ultrasonic imaging A ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers which perform ultrasonic transmission and reception to an object, a transceiver unit configured to obtain an ultrasonic signal from the object by driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, an ultrasonic data generation unit configured to generate ultrasonic data based on the ultrasonic signal, a time information generation unit configured to generate time information related to the ultrasonic transmission or reception and a time information addition unit configured to add the time information in a part of pixel data of the ultrasonic data in order to synchronize the Image data with biomedical signal, such as ECG.
US08241213B2	Microprocessor system for the analysis of physiologic datasets A system and method for organization and analysis of complex and dynamically interactive time series is disclosed. One example comprises a processor based system for relational analysis of physiologic signals for providing early recognition of catastrophic and pathologic events such as pathophysiologic divergence. The processor is programmed to identify pathophysiologic divergence of at least one of first and second physiologic parameters in relationship to the other and to output an indication of the divergence. An object-based method of iterative relational processing waveform fragments in the time domain is described wherein each more complex waveform object inherits the characteristics of the waveform objects from which it is derived. The first physiologic parameter can be the amplitude and frequency of the variation in chest wall impedance or nasal pressure and the second parameter can be a measure or indication of the arterial oxygen saturation.
US08241212B2	Cardiac signal display and event detection using multiresolution Z-score transform A system comprising a medical device including a processor and a Z-score transformation (ZST) module. The system also includes a display in communication with the processor. The processor is adapted to receive sensor data obtained from at least first and second sensors adapted to produce a time-varying physiologic electrical sensor signal. At least one of the first and second sensors is implantable. The ZST module calculates a ZST for the sensor data received from the first sensor and a ZST for the sensor data received from the second sensor. The display is adapted to display the ZSTs in visual correspondence with each other over time.
US08241206B2	System for guiding capsule medical device A system for guiding a capsule medical device is provided with a capsule medical device, a magnetic guidance device, and an image display device. The capsule medical device is provided with an imaging unit and a permanent magnet having a known magnetization direction relatively fixed with respect to an upward/downward direction of an imaging surface, and has a center of gravity deviated from a geometric center of the capsule casing in a direction parallel to a plane parallel to a magnetization direction and an imaging direction and different from the magnetization direction, and maintains a specific state in which the magnetization direction and the imaging direction are parallel to a vertical plane in liquid introduced into the subject. The image display device displays the in-vivo image by conforming a direction of intersection line of the imaging surface and the vertical plane to an upward and downward direction of a display screen.
US08241205B2	Electronic endoscope apparatus and electronic endoscope system An electronic endoscope apparatus has a distal part, an imaging unit, a light emitting unit, and a transmitting unit. The imaging unit converts light applied to the distal part, into an electrical signal. The light emitting unit converts the electrical signal supplied from the imaging unit, into an optical signal. The transmitting unit, which is attached to the distal part, guides the optical signal supplied from the light emitting unit. The electrical signal output from the imaging unit is converted into an optical signal. This optical signal is transmitted from the distal part through the transmitting unit.
US08241204B2	Articulating end cap Various embodiments of a surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device may comprise a collar configured to fit over a distal face of an endoscope and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The surgical device may also comprise a flexible, elongate translating mechanism coupled to the collar and extending proximally from the collar. Applying a linear force to the translating mechanism may cause the translating mechanism to exert a rotational force on the collar. In addition, the surgical device may comprise a hollow cap coupled to a distal end of the collar. The cap may be pivotable relative to the collar in a plane parallel to the axis. In addition, the cap may have a first open end configured to face the endoscope and a second open end configured to face distally.
US08241203B2	Inflatable penile prosthesis with spool valve According to various embodiments, an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) includes a rigidly constructed spool valve assembly that is used to direct fluid into and evacuate fluid out of the inflatable penile cylinders. The fluid transfer system transfers fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable penile cylinders and includes the fluid transfer bulb, inlet valve, exhaust valve and spool valve assembly. The cylinder deflate mechanism evacuates fluid from the penile cylinders to the reservoir and includes the deflate actuator, return valve and spool valve assembly.
US08241202B2	Restrictive and/or obstructive implant for inducing weight loss Described herein is a system for inducing weight loss in a patient, which comprises an extragastric space occupier positionable in contact with an exterior surface of a stomach wall to form an inward protrusion of wall into the stomach, and a retention device positionable in contact with the wall to retain the inward protrusion and to thereby capture the extragastric space occupier within the protrusion.
US08241201B2	Implantable transducer A method and device for connecting a bone conductor transducer contained in a housing to the skull bone for the transmission of vibrations characterized by, that the housing has at least one surface, which is placed against the bottom plane of a recess shaped in the temporal bone with a static force exceeding the dynamic signal forces.
US08241198B2	Ventricular assist device capable of implantation of stem cells A biologic ventricular assist device that also has the capability to capture, grow, and administer stem cells to regenerate and restore damaged myocardium in the heart. The device works in conjunction with a traditional ventricular assist device and possesses an additional external path or tube that is in-line with the path of the ventricular assist device. The external path allows for the administration of stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, as well as leading to a stem cell collecting accessory (14) that captures circulating stem cells. The stem cell collecting accessory is also associated with a chamber (39) for culturing the captured stem cells. The cultured stem cells can be delivered back to the heart by an electro-mechanical or ultrasound/echocardiographic delivery system that runs through the external path back into the ventricular assist device and allows for the delivery of the stem cells, or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, directly into the internal chambers of the heart. Administering the stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, either alone or in combination, to the heart allows the myocardium to regenerate and repair itself even while the heart is attached to the ventricular assist device, ultimately allowing the heart to regenerate, recover and allow the VAD to be removed.
US08241194B2	Process for producing web sections from a flexible web material as well as for producing packing containers A process produces web sections from a flexible web material. The flexible web material is provided with tear-off lines at the distance of the length (L) of the web sections to be formed, which tear-off lines weaken the web material but do not bring about a complete separation of the web sections from the web material. The web sections are separated from the web material along the tear-off lines by tearing. The web material comprises a fabric made of small stretched plastic bands, and the tear-off lines are produced by laser beam processing.
US08241192B2	Sheet or film-forming roll A sheet or film-forming roll 10 includes an inner cylinder member 20 having axial parts 21, 22 provided on both sides thereof and rotatably supported by bearing parts 26, 27 through the axial parts 21, 22, a rubber roll 40 fitted to an outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder member 20, eccentric side plates 53, 54 rotatably fitted to the axial parts 21, 22 of the inner cylinder member 20 respectively, and an elastic outer cylinder member 50 rotatably supported by the eccentric side plates 53, 54. The elastic outer cylinder member 50, which is provided with a thin-walled structure and made from metal, has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the rubber roll 40 to accommodate the rubber roll 40 in an interior 68 thereof, and has inner circumferential surface 50A coming into contact with an outer circumferential surface 40A of the rubber roll 40.
US08241191B2	Composite working lathe The present invention aims at improving the efficiency of tool management by improving the arrangement of a tool magazine in a composite working lathe. The composite working lathe 1 includes a spindle stock and a tool spindle disposed on a bed 20, and a cover 2 covering the surrounding area thereof. A door 4 allowing access to a machining portion is provided on a front side F of the machine, and the machining portion can be visually observed through a window 5. A tool magazine unit 100 is disposed in front of the spindle stock of the machine. A door 120 and a window 130 are provided on the cover of the tool magazine unit 100, allowing operators to observe the tool stored in the magazine through windows 122 and 130. The present composite working lathe enables to improve the efficiency of tool management, such as the confirmation of the tool used in the subsequent step or the removal of chips on the used tool.
US08241187B2	Power assisted arm driven treadmill Systems and methods for a treadmill or similar exercise device which utilizes a principally arm driven belt, but includes a motor assist which provides for additional drive to the belt. The motor assist device may constructively or destructively interact with the user provided motive force via the arms. Generally, the motor will allow for the device to utilize incline as well as to make the device easier to start from rest.
US08241180B2	Method for controlling a creeping process and drive train configured for such method A drive train of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a torque converter and a transmission, wherein a separation clutch is provided between the internal combustion engine and the torque converter. In order to be able to perform a creeping process at a certain creeping velocity, the separation clutch is operated slipping. This way, the gearing of the startup process can be configured long, even when using a so-called hard torque converter, without having to tolerate a creeping velocity, which is too high.
US08241179B2	Hydraulic control apparatus of continuously variable transmission of hybrid vehicle A hydraulic control apparatus of a continuously variable transmission of a hybrid vehicle may include a D-N control valve that converts a state, in which a hydraulic pressure is supplied from a line regulator valve to a solenoid feed valve through a second regulator valve according to changes of a driving pulley control pressure and a clutch lubrication control pressure with respect to driven pulley control pressure, and a state, in which the hydraulic pressure from the line regulator valve is directly supplied to the solenoid feed valve, into each other.
US08241177B2	Methods and systems for turbocharger control Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine, the engine including a turbocharger and a transmission. One example method comprises, operating the transmission at a first lower gear with a first boost level, increasing the boost from the first boost level before completing a shift from the first lower gear to a second higher gear, and after completing the shift, operating the transmission at the second higher gear with the increased boost.
US08241172B2	Arrangement in a planetary gearing and a planetary gear The invention relates to an arrangement and a corresponding planetary gear for increasing the rotation speed including a sun wheel (12), a gear rim (10), a planet gear (14), a power input shaft (46), and a planet carrier. A construction (40) allowing flexing is placed between the support length (f) of the first fastening end (62) of the shaft (20) of the planet wheel (18) and the closest bearing for dynamically adapting the mesh geometry.
US08241170B2	Multi step transmission A multi step transmission comprises planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts, and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (4) which couples housing (G) via brake (04), the carrier of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3) which couples housing (G) via brake (03), the drive shaft via clutch (13), and shaft (5) via clutch (35). Shaft (5) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gear of gearset (P4). Shaft (1) couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and operatively couples the carrier of gearset (P3). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear and carrier of gearsets (P1, P2) respectively, and operatively couples the sun gear of gearset (P3). The ring gear of gearset (P4) couples housing (G) and output shaft (2) couples the ring gear of gearset (P3), and detachably couples, via clutch (28), shaft (8) which couples the carrier of gearset (P4).
US08241166B2	Power train for hybrid vehicle The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows for multiple mode driving, which is combined with a way of driving at a fixed gear ratio such as the shift stages of a common transmission, and high-efficiency driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
US08241165B2	Seat lifting assembly The problem to be solved is to provide a seat lifting assembly where lesser angular movement of the lifting means provide larger increase or decrease in the height of the seat and the problem is solved by providing a seat lifting assembly having a lifting means, an assembly of gears, arrangement of shafts and link which provides higher movement to seat with respect to smaller angular movement of lifting means.
US08241164B2	Joint driving apparatus for robot A joint driving apparatus for a robot comprises an oscillating internally meshing reduction mechanism, a center shaft member, a ring portion, and an oil seal disposed between the ring portion and the center shaft member. The oscillating internally meshing reduction mechanism is fixed to a first member and rotates the second member relatively with respect to the first member. An output member is arranged at the side of an external gear in an axial direction so as to output a relative rotation of an internal gear with the external gear. The center shaft member is fixed to the output member, and has a shaft portion extending up to the side opposite to the external gear in the axial direction of the output member. The ring portion is integrally formed with the first member and faces to the shaft portion of the center shaft member. The oil seal is disposed between the ring portion and the shaft portion.
US08241161B2	Hybrid module for interconnecting an engine and a transmission A hybrid module is configured to interconnect an engine and a transmission. The hybrid module includes an electric motor and a first and second carrier. The first carrier is operatively connected to the transmission and is rotatable about the central axis at a first rotational velocity with the electric motor. The first carrier transfers the first rotational velocity to the transmission. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the central axis at a second rotational velocity. A first sun gear rotatably surrounds the central axis and is connected to the second carrier. A first pinion gear is rotatably supported by the first carrier and is in meshing engagement with the first sun gear such that the first pinion gear rotates about the first pinion axis as the first pinion gear and the first carrier rotate in unison about the central axis.
US08241158B2	Bicycle derailleur apparatus with a supported power supply A bicycle derailleur apparatus comprises a derailleur including a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle frame and a chain guide coupled to the mounting member so that the chain guide moves relative to the mounting member. A power storing unit is supported by the derailleur.
US08241157B2	Projectile impact system Embodiments included herein include a projectile system. At least one embodiment of the a projectile system includes hollow portion and a weight that is movably secured within the hollow portion of the projectile insert system. Some embodiments include an attracting device rigidly secured at a first end of the hollow portion, the attracting device removably securing the weight, where the hollow portion provides a pathway for the weight to travel when a force is exerted on the projectile insert system that causes the weight to become unsecured from the attracting device.
US08241156B2	Shock/vibration dampening Vibration dampening devices for arrows are installed in the arrow point end of the arrow shaft or in the nock end of the shaft or in both of those ends. These devices: (a) are fabricated from elastomeric materials; (b) have an elongated core surrounded by one or more annular, vibration dampening elements; and (c) employ decay time modification to attenuate shock and vibration. The devices are assembled in axially aligned relationship to an arrow point insert or arrow nock, and coupling features insure a positive connection between the dampening device and the arrow point insert or nock to which a device is assembled.
US08241155B1	Bat safety system The danger of damage caused by flying fragments from a shattered baseball bat is greatly reduced or eliminated by wrapping a portion of the bat with nearly invisible polymeric film. Although extremely thin, the film shows great tensile strength and retains wood fragments should the bat shatter in use. Preferably the region of the bat where the handle portion transitions into the barrel portion is wrapped because this area is the most prone to shatter. This leaves the barrel of the bat completely unaltered. Where game rules permit thin strips of film can also be applied to the sides of the barrel as an additional precaution although the barrel is relatively unlikely to shatter in use.
US08241154B2	Cover for the shaft of a field hockey stick A sheath for a lacrosse stick includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of a lacrosse stick and the sheath is unrolled onto the stick to the desired length or the entire length of the stick. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lacrosse stick so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.
US08241151B2	Combination divot tool A golf accessory device includes a divot tool having a pair of spaced apart prongs at one end for repairing divots in a golfing surface. The tool also has an opening adjacent another end for receiving a ball marker assembly. A magnet is positioned in and circumscribes the opening. The ball marker assembly includes a ball marker and a support plate with the ball marker being magnetically attached to a first surface of the plate. A clip is attached to an opposite surface of the support plate. The marker and plate fit within the opening in the tool with an outer edge of the plate seated on the magnet. The ball marker assembly can be removed from the divot tool and attached to an item of clothing by the clip.
US08241148B2	Multi-layer core golf ball Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer.
US08241146B2	Casing layer for polyurethane-covered and polyurea-covered golf balls This invention is related to multi-layer golf balls having at least one layer containing a neutralized high acid ionomer linked to a grafted metallocene copolymer, where the golf balls exhibit improved performance characteristics and properties.
US08241140B2	Golf club head A hollow golf club head made of metal includes a face portion, a sole portion, a side portion, and a crown portion. The crown portion and at least a part of the side portion have a Young's modulus lower than the face portion and the sole portion.
US08241132B2	Gaming system and a method of managing usage of gaming machines A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a communications network arranged to facilitate communications to and from the gaming machines. Each gaming machine is arranged to implement a game, and to generate status information indicative of whether the gaming machine is vacant or occupied, and the system is arranged to display availability information derived from the status information indicative of whether at least some of the gaming machines are vacant or occupied. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
US08241131B2	Avatar protection within a virtual universe Methods, program products, services and devices are provided for protecting a protected avatar from actions of a second avatar within a virtual universe. Protection is implemented for a protected avatar from a second avatar within a virtual universe, including identifying an activity of the second avatar and disqualifying the second avatar from engaging in the identified activity within the virtual universe as a function of a relation of the identified activity to the protected avatar. A protective action is defined, associated with the identified activity and executable against the protected avatar or the second avatar. Activity of the protected avatar or the second avatar is monitored within the virtual universe for an occurrence of the identified activity, and the protective action is executed against the protected avatar or the second avatar in response to detecting the occurrence of the identified activity.
US08241126B2	Video game controller having user swappable control components A game controller is provided. One or more main control input interfaces on the game controller consist of generalized sockets. A variety of modular input interfaces can be plugged into these sockets. Hardware specific to the input type of the modular input is contained within the modular input itself, and plugged in via an interface. This allows for dual analog sticks, a combination of analog and trackball, or further any combination of touchpad, directional pad, or additional components.
US08241124B2	Gaming machine having a curved display with a video switcher and touch router system Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
US08241120B2	Game program, game apparatus and game control method It is an object of the present invention to make a game player comfortably watch moving pictures when a camera's line-of-sight tracks a moving object. In a program of the present invention, a control unit recognizes point-of-sight position data for indicating a position of a camera's point-of-sight. Then, the control unit recognizes a view-frustum region and an intra-view-frustum region. Next, the control unit decides whether or not a moving object is located within the intra-view-frustum region. When the control unit decides that the moving object is located outside the intra-view-frustum region, the control unit executes processing of moving at least one of the camera's point-of-sight and a camera's point-of-target so that the moving object is located within the intra-view-frustum region.
US08241118B2	System for promoting physical activity employing virtual interactive arena A system for promoting physical activity of a participant includes a plurality of stations. The stations are discrete from one another and each includes a display surface, a station processor, and an input sensor, the input sensor generating sensor signals indicative of interaction of the participant with the station. The station processor generates feedback signals based upon the sensor signals, at least some of the feedback signals being visual signals. Each of the stations also includes a display device displaying visual feedback to the participant, the visual feedback being based upon the visual signals, and being displayed on the display surface. The system also includes a central processor in communication with the station processors, the central processor controlling the stations and coordinating operation of the stations with one another such that the participant interacts with the system using multiple of the stations.
US08241117B1	Accounting system An accounting system for use with at least one gaming machine having one or more games stored thereon is provided. The accounting system includes a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. The accounting system also includes an accounting processor for accessing the game meters and using a theoretical win value to determine the overall gaming machine performance.
US08241114B2	Method and system for placing a wager on a pari-multuel event A method and system is provided to permit placing a wager on a pari-mutuel event in which expert handicapper's prognoses are displayed to a player to permit them to formulate either simple or complicated exotic wagers, and to be able to aggregate a wager with those of other players to satisfy wagering minimums.
US08241112B2	Gaming machine A method for playing a game with a gaming machine includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a specific combination of symbols; (g) setting an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award; (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying the larger award; and (i) if a combination of symbols different from the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, switching the larger award back to the normal award.
US08241111B2	Method and apparatus for awarding a mystery promotional ticket A gaming machine award system acts over a gaming machine network having a plurality of gaming devices coupled thereto. The award system includes a bonus server coupled to the network and having stored thereon a trigger condition. A game play tracker tracks game play across the network of gaming devices and detects an occurrence of the trigger condition. The bonus server sends out a selection signal over the network to a selected gaming machine responsive to the detected trigger condition. A printer associated with the selected gaming machine is structured to generate a mystery ticket printed output responsive to receipt of said selection signal including machine-readable indicia corresponding to a record of value stored at the bonus server, and human readable indicia that indicates only a range of possible values of the ticket but not a specific value. The printed ticket is a cashless instrument that may be redeemed or played per the nature and characteristics of the award given with the specific value awarded to the player.
US08241110B2	Apparatus, systems and methods for implementing enhanced gaming and prizing parameters in an electronic environment The inventions herein relate to novel forms of interaction with an electronic system, such as for games of chance, games of skill, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A system is provided for effecting defined game play and prizing structure parameters in an electronic entertainment environment. The system may include an input for receiving the parameters, a memory coupled to the input for storing the parameters, a processing system coupled to the storage or generating game play to effect the defined parameters, storage for recording information regarding particular game play events and an interface for at least presenting game play events to users of the electronic entertainment system.
US08241107B2	Gaming machine with fixed wild symbols and multiplier A method for use with a gaming machine arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels to form at least one outcome and, if a winning outcome occurs, the gaming machine awards an award. The method includes (a) if at least one specified symbol is spun up and displayed in a resultant position on a reel, holding the specified symbol in the resultant position for at least one further game in which at least the reel carrying the specified symbol is re-spun; and (b) awarding the award if a winning outcome occurs, wherein a specified symbol comprising part of a winning outcome has the effect of increasing the award if the specified symbol is adjacent at least one other specified symbol.
US08241106B2	Game with community lines The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session.
US08241102B2	Gaming system having dynamic symbol generation A method of playing a wagering game comprises displaying on at least one display a first plurality of symbols located in an evaluation location, and repeatedly generating a plurality of replacement symbols at a symbol generation point on the at least one display. The method further comprises causing the plurality of replacement symbols to travel from the symbol generation point to the evaluation location along a symbol path, replacing at least one of the first plurality of symbols with at least one of the replacement symbols arriving at the evaluation location, and paying an award for a winning combination of symbols in the evaluation location.
US08241100B2	Methods and apparatus for enhanced interactive game play in lottery and gaming environments Methods and systems for electronic interaction comprising a display for presenting a grid of identifying objects, an input for receiving a player selection of an identifying object, a random generator for randomly selecting a winning identifying object, and a point tally system for awarding points to the player according to the rules comprising a first point value if the player selected identifying object exactly matches the winning identifying object, a second point value if the player selected identifying object is in a geometric relationship with the winning identifying object, and a third, negative, point value if the player is not awarded the first point value or the second point value.
US08241098B1	Adjustable conveyor assembly for a combine An adjustable conveyor assembly attachable to a harvesting combine includes a pair of telescoping conveyor sections providing a length adjustable conveyor for the conveyance of harvested materials being unloaded from a combine bin. The conveyors include a hydraulically motorized extension and conveyor belt drive as well as associated user controls. The conveyor is controlled by a control module located within the combine cab which provides user interface and programmable functions.
US08241097B2	Environmental control system and method for a battery in a vehicle An environmental control system for a battery in a vehicle includes an air intake for receiving ambient air from outside the vehicle. A duct system provides communication between the air intake and the battery. The duct system includes a movable door which can facilitate or inhibit movement of air between the air intake and the battery. An air outlet facilitates air flow from the duct system to the ambient environment outside the vehicle. A fan cooperates with the duct system for moving the air through a heat exchanger in the duct system and across the battery. A control system controls operation of the fan and the movable door, and is configured to determine whether the battery environment requires fresh air or recirculated air.
US08241092B1	Minimal force air bearing for lapping tool A lapping tool for lapping a wafer section in a well controlled manner, has a head with an actuator for bending the row tool, and a force multiplier coupled between the actuator and row tool to multiply the force generated by the actuator for application of greater bending force to the row tool than can be generated by the actuator. Furthermore, at least two actuators, which are controlled together, simultaneously apply force to one force multiplier, so as to further increase bending force. The increase in available force permits the use of a row tool of a ceramic or other material that is substantially stiffer than stainless steel, such as a row tool having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially similar to that of the rowbar itself. The tool further includes structures for tilting or otherwise orienting the wafer section relative to the lapping plate.
US08241089B2	Halter bra A Halter Bra is disclosed which has a support frame (F) with a first side portion and a second side portion and a base portion between the side portions. The side portions extend laterally from the base portion. A first quarter cup (A) is dependent from the base portion and the first side portion and a second quarter cup is dependent from the base portion and the second side portion. The support frame (F) is preferably bound with elastic binding material (B1, B2) on each side portion and on the base portion.
US08241088B2	Brassiere with interchangeable modesty panel Disclosed is a brassiere that is adjustable for varying levels of modesty or daring. The brassiere includes a modesty panel that is integrated to the design of the brassiere, but is also interchangeable with other modesty panels. The modesty panel can be selected from among a set of modesty panels. In this manner, a wearer may vary the look of an outfit or ensemble by using modesty panels of varying colors, fabrics, textures, or levels of modesty or daring. In various embodiments, the modesty panel is fastened to the brassiere using traditional hook and loop fasteners. In other various embodiments, the modesty panel may be fastened using hook material and corresponding loop material, or may be fastened using buttons or snap fasteners. Any other manner of fastening systems may be used to render the modesty panel combined with the brassiere as a single article of clothing.
US08241081B2	Method for making field emission cathode device A method for making a field emission cathode device is presented. First, an insulative substrate is provided. The insulative substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The insulative substrate defines a number of openings extending through from the first surface to the second surface. Second, at least one electron emitter is provided corresponding to each of the number of openings. The electron emitter includes a fixing portion and an electron emission portion connecting to the fixing portion. The fixing portion is fixed on the first surface, and the electron emission portion extends from the fixing portion into the number of openings. Third, a number of cathode electrodes are formed on the first surface to fix the fixing portion between the insulative substrate and the cathode electrodes.
US08241079B2	Pump jet assembly and related adapter system and method A pump jet assembly includes universal components, such as a rotor, shroud and stator, that can accommodate all marine drives within a given range and adapter components, that accommodate the difference between the universal components and a particular marine drive within the range. A pump jet adapter system includes both the universal components and a plurality of adapter components, and is made by assessing a variation in parameters for the range of marine drives and determining rotor parameters to allow use of a universal rotor for all the range of marine drives. Parameters for adapter components are determined to correspond to different marine drives within the range.
US08241074B2	Circuit breakers with lug screw retention and methods for manufacturing same Embodiments provide circuit breakers with stops adapted to prevent a lug screw from falling out of circuit breaker and/or to prevent the lug screw from blocking a wire receiver of circuit breaker lug body. In one aspect, a circuit breaker is provided having a circuit breaker housing; a lug assembly retained in the circuit breaker housing, the lug assembly including a threaded screw hole; a lug screw having driving end and a threaded shaft inserted in the threaded screw hole; and a back-out stop adapted to contact the driving end and limit an extent of backward movement of the lug screw out of the threaded screw hole. Other aspects are provided.
US08241072B2	Push-type connector Provided is a push-type connector having a structure for preventing an operational error of a lever member of the connector by an operator. A first operating part 35a of a first lever member 3a at a first position is positioned anterior to a second operating part 35b of a second lever member 3b at a third position, in relation to the pushing direction of the lever. Further, first operating part 35a of first lever member 3a projects further than second operating part 35b of second lever member 3b in the direction toward the front end of the lever or the operator side. Therefore, second lever member 3b is not likely to be an obstacle to the operation of first lever member 3a, and first lever member 3a is not likely to be an obstacle to the operation of second lever member 3b.
US08241069B2	Connector A connector has a mating portion matable with a mating connector. The connector is provided with a plurality of contacts and a holder member holding the plurality of contacts arrayed in a pitch direction. The mating portion has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a tip potion. Each of the plurality of contacts includes a contacting part and a folded part. The contacting part is exposed on the upper surface of the mating portion. The contacting part extends frontward and has a front end. The front end is exposed on the tip potion of the mating portion. The folded part is folded backward from the front end of the contacting part and has a rear end as an embedment part. The holder member has a plate portion defining an external shape of the mating portion. The embedment part is embedded in the plate portion.
US08241065B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector comprising an end portion of a flat circuit device which forms a connectively engaging protrusion on which a plurality of contacting terminals are arranged and a supporting board portion for supporting the connectively engaging protrusion, and first and second conductive shells having respectively first and second plate portions opposite to each other with the supporting board portion between, wherein the first conductive shell is attached to the supporting board portion with the first plate portion thereof covering directly a first surface of the supporting board portion and the second conductive shell is attached also to the supporting board portion with the second plate portion thereof covering directly a second surface opposite to the first surface of the supporting board portion, so as to hold the connectively engaging protrusion supported with the supporting board portion for causing the same to engage with a mating electrical connector.
US08241063B2	Connector having a body with a positioning projection engaging a positioning depression on a shield case The invention provides a connector including: a shield case having first and second slots; first and second bodies, inserted into the case and combined in an insertion direction; first and second contacts embedded in the first body at spaced intervals in a width direction; and third and fourth contacts embedded in the second body at spaced intervals in the width direction and at a different height from that of the first and second contacts. The first and third contacts are partly received in the first slot. The second and fourth contacts are partly received in the second slot. The case has a partition to partition an internal space thereof into the first and second slots, and a lock piece provided at a rear portion of the case. The first and second bodies are sandwiched between the partition and the lock piece.
US08241058B1	Reel for minimizing unreeled cable length A reel for connecting a cable to the reel and power connections that includes a winding reel housing that has a biasing member and a connection assembly. The assembly is received in the housing and has an insulator with two recesses, a return barrel terminal and a power barrel terminal. One of the insulator recesses receives a return barrel terminal and the other insulator recess receives a power barrel terminal. The return barrel terminal is connected to a return contact, and the power barrel terminal is connected to a power contact. The power contact is connected to a power output member and the return contact is connected to a return output member. The return barrel terminal is rotateable with the return contact while maintaining electrical contact with the return contact and the power barrel terminal is rotateable with the power contact while maintaining electrical contact with the power contact.
US08241057B2	FPC connector for electrically connecting an FPC to PCB and FPC-connection method using the same The present invention relates to an FPC connector for electrically connecting an FPC to contact portion of a wirings printed on a PCB, and to an FPC connection method using the same, wherein an FPC (10) is inserted into a housing (110) so that the contact portion of the FPC (10) may come in direct contact with a contact portion (2a) of the PCB, and an pressing member pressing the FPC (10) on the PCB so as to directly contact the FPC (10) to the PCB (1).
US08241048B2	Signal transmission device A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a switch button, a data connector and a lock fastener. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The switch button is attached/disposed on the linked unit. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. The lock fastener rotates and moves according to the second shaft and the second elastomer.
US08241045B2	Horizontally configured connector A connector of horizontal construction includes at least a pair of first and second halves that are mated together along a common mating line. A plurality of mating blades are supported in a vertical arrangement within a mating portion of the connector. The connector includes two distinct fastenings means for holding the housing halves together. A first fastening means is provided as a horizontal attachment member that extends widthwise in the mating portion in a space between the circuit cards. A second fastening means is provided as an exterior retainer that engages at least part of the outer circumference, or perimeter of the connector.
US08241042B2	Dynamic pulse simulator Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for generating a simulated pulse to be used in combination with a patient monitor. In many embodiments, a pulse is simulated by displacing a volume in a pressurized system. For instance, in one embodiment, the volume in the pressurized system is displaced by rotating a first end of a tube relative to a second end that is held stationary. A portion of the tube collapses due to the twisting causing the volume in the system to decrease. The first end of the tube may be rotated back to its original position causing the volume in the system to return to its original state. This change in volume simulates a pulse.
US08241041B2	Process and system for simulation or digital synthesis of sonographic images The invention relates to a method for the simulation or digital synthesis of echographic images, characterised by the direct transformation in real time, or quasi real time, of the information contained in a 3D scanographic (or tomodensitometric) medical or veterinary image, without delimitation or segmentation of the bodies or structures contained in the volume of scanographic data, according to at least one two-dimensional observation window which can be modified in real time, or quasi real time, in terms of the dimension, position, directions and orientation thereof, the characteristics thereof depending on the type of virtual echographic probe determined, and reproducing all of the attenuation, reflection, refraction and dispersion effects, and the regulation effects of a real echographic image, each echographic image supplied cumulating the results of the simulations of the pre-cited effects.
US08241040B2	Tactile identification system for visually impaired A tactile identification and classification system including a tab having an adhesive layer, a first field on the tab having at least one first projection, in which the first field defines a main category of items. Also included is a second field on the tab having at least one second projection. Further, the at least one second projection differs from the at least one first projection in shape or size, and the second field defines a sub category of items corresponding to the main category of items.
US08241032B2	Single level manifold for an injection molding apparatus An injection molding apparatus is disclosed having a single level manifold that utilizes a melt splitter. The manifold defines an inlet and a plurality of outlets with at least one upstream melt channel and a plurality of downstream melt channels that are situated between the inlet and the plurality of outlets. The upstream melt channel branches into the plurality of downstream melt channels with the upstream melt channel and each of the downstream melt channels longitudinally extending in the same plane. The melt splitter is at least partially positioned within the upstream melt channel where the upstream melt channel intersects with the plurality of downstream melt channels. The melt splitter divides a melt flow received from the upstream melt channel into substantially equal volumes and then directs each of the substantially equal volumes into a respective one of the plurality of downstream melt channels.
US08241031B2	Demolding device for an injection molding part with an undercut An apparatus for releasing a part that has an undercut, particularly in an injection molding system. A flange is moveably mounted with respect to a moveable part of an injection mold. A head is moveably mounted with respect to the moveable part. A joint, such as a ball-and-socket joint, is used to connect the head with respect to the flange. The head has a shoulder that contacts a stop which is longitudinally fixed with respect to the moveable part, when the mold is in a closed position. A bias element can be used to normally urge the head in a lateral direction with respect to the moveable part.
US08241028B2	Mold with ejection mechanism An exemplary mold includes a core plate receiving a core insert, a cavity plate receiving a cavity insert, and an ejection mechanism for ejecting the core insert. The core insert defines a first molding surface, and the cavity insert defines a second molding surface cooperating with the first molding surface. The ejection mechanism includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and an ejection member fixed to the top plate. The ejection member includes an ejection rod and an ejection head. The ejection rod includes a first rod, and a first engaging body forming a protrusion facing toward the first rod. The ejection head includes a second rod, a second engaging body defining a recess facing toward the second rod, and an ejection portion engaged with the core insert. The protrusion is movably engaged in the recess, so that if the ejection rod goes off-axis, the core insert can stay on-axis.
US08241014B2	Screw compressors A screw compressor includes a housing, a motor stator, a motor rotor, a helical screw rotor, a motor rotor stop, a screw fastener, and a third bearing. The helical screw rotor includes an extension section, a motor coupling section, a first supporting section, a helical screw section, and a second supporting section. The motor rotor stop includes two flange portions, wherein one flange portion is sleeved with the extension section and abuts axially upon the effective sensing section of the motor rotor. The third bearing is interposed between the other flange portion and the housing cap. The screw fastener extends through the motor rotor stop and is threadedly engaged into a thread hole of the helical screw rotor and then biases axially upon the motor rotor stop. Therefore, the motor rotor is secured more firmly, and that a compressor shaft maintains a stable running.
US08241013B2	Serial capillary pump Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for propelling fluids that feature at least one first pump assembly having a primary pump, an accumulator pump, drive means, valve means and control means. The valve means moves between the first position and the second position as the accumulator pump and primary pump alternate between a loading movement and a pump movement. The control means is in signal communication with the accumulator pump, the primary pump and the valve means. The control means issues signal command to the accumulator pump to assume the loading movement and the pump movement and the primary pump to assume the loading movement and pump movement in coordination with the movement of the valve means such that fluids are propelled from the first outlet.
US08241007B2	Oil-injection screw compressor An oil-injection screw compressor includes a blow-off valve disposed on the discharge side of the compressor body and capable of releasing a quantity of air beyond the discharge capacity of the compressor body when operating of the motor at the minimum number of revolutions; a suction non-return valve which, disposed on the suction side of the compressor body, is closed when it is at a stop; and a pressure sensor for detecting the discharge side pressure of the compressor body; and, a controller which, at the time of operation of the motor at the minimum number of revolutions, opens the blow-off valve when the discharge side pressure P detected by the pressure sensor has risen to a prescribed upper limit Pu and closes the blow-off valve when it has fallen to a prescribed control pressure Po.
US08241001B2	Stationary turbine component with laminated skin A stationary turbine engine component, such as a turbine vane, includes a internal spar and an external skin. The internal spar is made of a plurality of spar laminates, and the external skin is made of a plurality of skin laminates. The plurality of skin laminates interlockingly engage the plurality of spar laminates such that the external skin is located and held in place. This arrangement allows alternative high temperature materials to be used on turbine engine components in areas where their properties are needed without having to make the entire component out of such material. Thus, the manufacturing difficulties associated with making an entire component of such a material and the attendant high costs are avoided. The skin laminates can be made of advanced generation single crystal superalloys, intermetallics and refractory alloys.
US08240998B2	Fluid movement device with method A rotatable impeller is a hollow conical/cylindrical stack, with at least one slanted/vertical side portion and at least one level of stack portions. Each impeller comprises at least one shape of airfoil/hydrofoil for thrust to propel, or pull, i.e., to draw in, vapor or fluid; plus a dynamic application utilizes a reverse operation to generate electricity from the kinetic energy of the flow of vapor or fluid. One airfoil/hydrofoil configuration of a stack impeller comprises serpentine rectangular segments positioned by internal rib members. Considered additional levels are enlarged copies of the first level of the stack impeller, positioned at an engineered distance from each level, and are considered to amplify propulsive or vacuum force; or for energy recovery to operate a dynamo generator.
US08240993B2	System and method of manipulating a boundary layer across a rotor blade of a wind turbine An air distribution system for manipulating a boundary layer of air across a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one sidewall that defines a cavity therein. The sidewall extends between a leading edge and an axially-spaced trailing edge, and defines a chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The air distribution system includes a plurality of bleed flow assemblies that are positioned within the rotor blade and are configured to discharge air into the boundary layer to reduce a separation of the boundary layer from the rotor blade. Each bleed flow assembly of the plurality of bleed flow assemblies includes a bleed flow conduit that is coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall and is oriented with respect to the chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The bleed flow conduit is configured to channel air through the rotor blade. An inlet aperture is defined through the bleed flow conduit and through the sidewall to channel air into the bleed flow conduit. An outlet aperture is defined through the bleed flow conduit and through the sidewall to discharge air from the bleed flow conduit and into the boundary layer.
US08240992B2	Method of manufacturing a fibre-reinforced part for a wind power plant The invention relates to a method of manufacturing fibre-reinforced parts for a wind power plant such as eg a blade, wherein the method comprises laying out a first, outermost layer of film in the interior surface of an open mould; following which different layers are arranged on top of the first layer, comprising layers of fiber material; and wherein resin is applied for joining the laid-out layers to each other. By use of a film for the outermost layer a moulding process results that provides a major improvement of the working conditions. A further advantage is also that, compared to the use of gelcoat, a surface is accomplished which is more resistant to physical influences in the form of eg cyclical stresses on the element. The invention also relates to a fiber-reinforced part for a wind power plant, eg a blade, wherein the part is structured from a first, outermost layer, and also to a blade for a wind power plant and comprising a fiber-reinforced part according to the invention.
US08240991B2	Method and system for operating a wind turbine A method, system and computer program product for operating a wind turbine is disclosed. For operating the wind turbine a set of operational data points are sensed via a sensing module. The set of operational data points may include bending stress values. Based on the bending stress values, a load scenario indicator value may be computed. Further, based on the set of operational data points a loading threshold value may be obtained. At least one operating parameter of the wind turbine is changed if the load scenario indicator value exceeds the loading threshold.
US08240988B2	Fastener assembly with cyclone cooling A fluid cooled fastener assembly for use in a high temperature environment and a method of fluid cooling a fastener assembly are provided. The fastener has a coolant passage extending axially through the fastener and a coolant collector coupled to an end of the fastener. The coolant collector includes a collector opening configured to capture a portion of a cooling fluid flowing past the coolant collector and a contoured passage in communication with the collector opening and the passage in the fastener. The contoured passage is configured to accelerate the cooling fluid captured by the coolant collector and to direct it into the coolant passage in the fastener.
US08240986B1	Turbine inter-stage seal control A turbine inter-stage seal with active clearance control. The inner diameter of the stator vane includes a seal support structure with a plurality of segmented seal supports each movable by an actuator located on the vane outer diameter with a plunger or push rod extending through the hollow portion of the vanes. A segmented seal arrangement, such as segmented brush seals, are secured to the underside of the seal support segments and form a complete annular seal for the inter-stage between adjacent rotor disks. A proximity probe or microwave sensor detects the brush seal clearance, and a controller regulates the brush seal clearance.
US08240981B2	Turbine airfoil with platform cooling Convective cooling of gas turbine engine airfoil platforms is enhanced by grooving the interface of the platforms with corresponding platform-to-platform seals, thereby accelerating cooling airflow over the platform surfaces.
US08240980B1	Turbine inter-stage gap cooling and sealing arrangement An industrial gas turbine engine having a first stage rotor blade with a outer segmented shroud forming a blade outer air seal with the blade tips and a second stage stator vane assembly which forms an axial inter-stage gap between an isolation ring that supports the outer shroud segment and the outer endwall of the vane. The isolation ring and the outer endwall both include a circumferential rail extending into the gap to form a serpentine flow passage in the gap. The outer shroud segment includes an aft edge extending outward to form the serpentine flow passage within the gap. Cooling air holes in the aft edge of the outer shroud segment discharge cooling air from the impingement cavity located above the shroud segment into a continuous slot opening into the inner end of the serpentine flow passage in the gap.
US08240979B2	Gas turbine engine systems involving integrated fluid conduits Gas turbine engine systems involving integrated fluid conduits are provided. In this regard, a representative engine casing for a gas turbine engine includes: a casing wall; and a fluid conduit integrated into the casing wall.
US08240973B2	Palletizing robot A palletizing robot includes at least one rotatable pallet; a crane comprising a rotary base, a lifting frame fixed on the rotary base, and an extensible mechanical hand slidably engaged to the lifting frame to grasp a good; and a controller. The controller controls the crane and the at least one rotatable pallet to cooperatively stack the goods on the rotatable pallet, and control the at least one rotatable pallet to rotate itself to package the stacked goods.
US08240970B2	Zero offset loader coupling system and components A loader coupling system includes an arm coupler and a link coupler each adapted to mate with an associated attachment. The arm coupler includes a body adapted to be connected to and extend between first and second spaced-apart arms of an associated loader machine. First and second plunger pins are located respectfully at opposite first and second ends of the body. At least one plunger actuator is operatively connected to the first and second plunger pins, and the at least one plunger actuator is selectively operative to move the first and second plunger pins between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second plunger pins project outward from the respective first and second opposite ends of the body a greater distance in the extended position as compared to the retracted position, wherein the first and second plunger pins are adapted to extend into apertures defined in first and second arm attachment ribs of the associated attachment, respectively, when the first and second plunger pins are located in the extended position. The link coupler includes a tilt link with a first end adapted to be pivotally connected to a control link of the associated loader machine and a second end including a hook adapted to selectively engage and retain a cross-pin of the associated attachment. A lock system is connected to the tilt link and is adapted to selectively capture the cross-pin of the associated attachment in the hook.
US08240969B2	Cargo train wagon for the transportation of bulk material Cargo wagon to transport bulk material in different conditions which allows the load not to attach itself to the surface of the wagon, speeding up the unloading process, wherein said cargo wagon is formed by a defined structure which vertebral frame is conformed by a longitudinal beam, where in a transversal way to such beam ribs have been configured in a semi-rectangular shape which give the volume configuration to the wagon's load; in the Terminal ends of such ribs there are lateral beams that give firmness to the structures that define the ribs; said lateral beams have on their interior end steel plates along their whole longitude that conform an upper lateral end of the wagon; where in said steel plates and in suspended form there are a series of ropes over which there is rubber carpet in suspended form that defines the structure to receive the load.
US08240968B2	Automated rod handling system A system includes a rack with rows for storing drill pipe, and a moveable structure having a control support coupled to an upper portion and a lifting device coupled to a lower portion. The moveable structure travels along a guide for positioning adjacent any of the rows. The control support includes a pivoting actuator, a rotating actuator, an extension arm having a drill pipe capture actuator, and an extension actuator. The lifting device includes a lifting actuator that raises a stack of drill pipe. The system further includes a controller that interprets a control support state including actuator positions and a position index value, and records a position description including the control support state corresponding to the position index value. The controller interprets a position request signal and provides actuator control signals in response to the position request signal and the position description.
US08240967B2	Self-feeding apparatus A self-feeding apparatus for the disabled and elderly, which comprises: a support base; a holder for an open food container, pivotally connected to the base; an article for scooping food from the container; a system for moving the scooping article from a food scooping position from the container and a food dispensing position at a selected height from the base corresponding to the user's mouth. The system includes a first arm slantingly extending from the base and a second arm, arranged in a substantially horizontal position and slidably mounted on the first arm, the food scooping article being slidably mounted on the second arm. A motor is further provided for sliding the second arm along the first arm and the food scooping article along the second arm and for rotating the food container holder. At least one tank for liquid or semi liquid food and for beverages is placed on the base and a conveyor is provided for transporting the food from the tank to the user's mouth. The apparatus also has a programming and control system that includes a mouth operable control at the outlet end of the conveyor.
US08240961B2	Tool holder with vibration damping means and a method for manufacturing the same A tool holder 1 has a shaft 2 intended to be arranged in a tool holder in a manufacturing machine, a head 3 on which a cutter is intended to be arranged and a vibration-damping material 4 arranged between, and attached to, the shaft 2 and the head 3 such that the cutter is in contact with the manufacturing machine solely through the vibration-damping material 4, where the vibration-damping material is a metal or an alloy of metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ti, Zn, Al and Ni. A method for manufacturing a tool holder in which the surface covering of vibration-damping material is created by electrochemical pulse plating through the tool holder, when functioning as an electrode, being lowered into an electrolyte containing ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ti, Zn, Al and Ni.
US08240956B2	System and method for modularly deployable and scalable compressed air energy accumulator A modular energy accumulator system using compressed air. The system comprises a plurality of bladder modules disposed underwater for subjection to a hydrostatic ambient pressure. The plurality of bladder modules include a first bladder module and at least a second bladder module, each of the bladder modules being oriented substantially longitudinally about a vertical axis when made buoyant by ingress of compressed air. An interconnection pipe assembly is configured to facilitate ingress of compressed air into the bladder modules to a pressure level substantially equal to the hydrostatic ambient pressure, and also to facilitate egress of air from the bladder modules at the hydrostatic ambient pressure. The bladder modules are tethered for being maintained in the underwater disposition.
US08240955B2	Tower segments and method for off-shore wind turbines A method for erecting an off-shore wind turbine includes providing a wind turbine tower socket segment that includes a basin positioned at one end of the wind turbine tower socket segment. The basin is filled with water. A wind turbine tower plug segment, which has a closed surface at one end of the wind turbine tower plug segment, is brought in connection with the wind turbine tower socket segment. Further, a wind turbine tower socket segment for off-shore wind turbines is provided that includes a basin adapted for receiving water on one side of the segment. The socket segment is adapted for receiving a wind turbine tower plug segment. Further, a wind turbine tower plug segment adapted for being plugged into a wind turbine tower socket segment is provided. The wind turbine tower plug segment includes a closed surface at one end of the segment. Further, a wind turbine is provided.
US08240954B2	Marine pipeline installation system and methods The present invention relates to a marine pipeline installation system for laying an offshore pipeline and/or installing a subsea riser, said system being adapted to carry out the reel lay method and the J-lay method. The system comprises a vessel with a moonpool, a pipeline launch tower arranged on the vessel, a pipeline guide at an elevated position on said tower for guiding said pipeline to a pipeline launch trajectory along said tower, and one or more tensioners. The support assembly of at least one tensioner frame is adapted to allow for displacement of the tensioner frame between an active position, wherein the pipeline launch trajectory extends through the tensioner frame between the tracks, so that the tracks can engage on a pipeline, and a retracted and non-operable position. The system further comprises a J-Lay installation.
US08240953B2	Geometric universal pump platform The present invention is directed to a Geometric Universal Pumping Platform (GUPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as flooding, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The GUPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the GUPP.
US08240949B2	Hand-operated concrete curb forming machine A hand-controlled, curb forming machine that is transformable between different widths and geometries, and between different wheel configurations, to accommodate different concrete curbing. A downwardly projecting, rotating head that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the slab shapes raw concrete into appropriately styled and contoured curbs. A machine frame slidably receives an adjustable, wheeled subframe. A roller on the opposite frame side rides on an opposite curb form. A pivoted handle is reversible. The electric motor is adjustably secured to the frame by a mounting plate movable within follower slots in the frame. A removable adaptor plate disposed on an opposite frame end supports the machine when not in use, but can be removed for normal curb work exposing a form riding roller. When the machine is deployed with monolithic curbs without rebar, the adaptor plate can mount to the subframe to raise the machine by lowering the wheels.
US08240946B2	Water drainage system A water drainage system having an elongated housing constructed from a plurality of identical subhousings which are aligned end to end. The housing is constructed of a flexible material and includes an elongated longitudinally extending interior chamber and at least one inlet open to a top of the housing and the chamber. A drainage pipe is attached to the housing and has one end open to the chamber and its other end at a location which dissipates water collected within the housing chamber.
US08240945B2	Axisymmetric parts equipped with dust removal grooves An assembly of at least two concentric axisymmetric parts intended to work at least in tension, wherein at least one axisymmetric part is equipped with at least one dust removal groove, the groove being cut from a plain surface of the first axisymmetric part in contact with a plain surface of a concentric second axisymmetric part so as to open toward the plain surface of the second axisymmetric part, the groove being capable of collecting the dust that lies in the area of contact between the two axisymmetric parts.
US08240944B2	Fixing device for emblem plate A fixing device for an emblem plate includes a front cover, a panel, and a rotating member. The emblem plate is located on an outside of the front cover. A locking portion extends from an inner side of the front cover. The locking portion includes a hook. The panel defines a first through hole. The rotating member includes a rotating shaft extending through the first through hole. The rotating shaft axially defines a second through hole. The locking portion extends through the second through hole. A locking block is formed on an inner sidewall of the second through hole, corresponding to the hook. The rotating shaft can be rotated relative to the front cover in the first through hole of the panel, to release the locking block from the hook.
US08240940B2	Glass-pane spacer corner connector A corner connector for glass pane spacers includes a first and a second connecting element, on each of which a spacer can be mounted, and a corner element, which joins the two connecting elements at an angle, wherein the corner element has two lateral surfaces facing the glass panes, two end surfaces facing the respective spacer and an outer surface. The corner connector is characterized in that a metal foil is applied to the outer surface and at least partially to the lateral surfaces and the end surfaces, and butyl is provided in the area of the end surfaces, which creates a seal between the metal foil and the inserted spacer.
US08240935B2	Method for forming a dispenser A method of producing a dispenser for a viscous substance comprising forming a barrel having a top surface with plurality of apertures at one end, directly molding a thermoplastic seal unit onto said top surface, said thermoplastic flowing into said plurality of apertures during molding to form a seal unit having a substantially planar section and a plurality of depending projections. The seal unit can be removable and usually not replaceable after each use of the dispenser. The seal unit can have pull tabs for the easy removal of the seal unit. This seal unit provides a positive seal for the lotion or gel substance that is to be dispensed from the barrel.
US08240932B1	Food handling system An outer tube has a cylindrical configuration with open upper and lower ends. Linear recess are formed in the outer tube. An inner tube has a cylindrical configuration with open upper and lower ends. A spiral slit is formed in essentially the entire length of the inner tube. The inner tubes is rotatably received within the outer tube. A twist cap has a circular lower face. The lower face is secured to the lower end of the inner tube. The twist cap has a cylindrical side wall receiving the lower end of the outer tube. A stuffer has a circular lower face and a cylindrical side wall. The stuffer is slidably received within the inner tube. Fingers extend radially outwardly from the side wall of the stuffer. Each finger extends through the spiral slit and terminates in a linear recess.
US08240930B2	Personal hygiene apparatus A personal hygiene apparatus including a container, a first storage compartment disposed within the container and configured to store a deodorant, a second storage compartment disposed within the container and opposite the first storage compartment, the second storage compartment configured to store a sanitizer solution, an applicator in fluid communication with the second storage compartment and configured to receive the sanitizer solution and an interface disposed between the second storage compartment and the applicator for regulating the supply of the sanitizer solution to the applicator.
US08240926B2	Fixing structure of exterior member to optical fiber cable A fixing structure of an exterior member to an optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber cable having a coating layer formed on an outer circumference of a bare optical fiber, and the exterior member has a through-hole through which the optical fiber cable can be inserted. The exterior member of the optical fiber cable has a light shielding member to cover an outer circumference of the optical fiber cable, the light shielding member is fixed at a part where the exterior member is externally mounted, and an inner surface of the through-hole of the exterior member is bonded to the light shielding member.
US08240925B2	Optical fiber connector An optical fiber connector includes a housing, a connector body, a plurality of optical fibers and spring portion. The housing includes a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall. The connector body is received in the housing adjacent to the second sidewall. The optical fibers are attached to the connector body and extending through the first sidewall. The spring portion is received in the housing and resiliently compressed between the connector body and the first sidewall.
US08240923B2	X-ray tube rotating anode assembly bearing A thermally stable tribological coating is applied to the outer surface of a moveable bearing outer ring in a bearing assembly for an x-ray tube rotating anode and/or the surface of a housing bore of the X-ray tube rotating anode which receives the bearing assembly. If the tribological coating is applied to the outer surface of the bearing outer ring, it is made of a material that is metallurgically incompatible with the material from which the housing containing the bearing is made. The coating includes one or more of the following: Cr, W, Mo, or Nb, or nitrides, carbides, oxides, or sulfides of Cr, W, Mo, or Nb.
US08240917B2	Fluid dynamic bearing pattern and fluid dynamic bearing The invention relates to a fluid dynamic bearing pattern that is disposed on at least one bearing surface of the two bearing parts of a fluid dynamic bearing that are moveable with respect to each other along a direction of movement. The bearing pattern comprises two related grooved sections, each section extending at an acute angle with respect to the direction of movement and exerting a defined pumping effect on the bearing fluid found in the bearing when the bearing parts move with respect to each other. According to the invention, the first section is disposed at an angle α and the second section at an angle β with respect to the direction of movement, the two angles varying in size.
US08240911B1	Wireless passive temperature sensor A wireless passive temperature sensor comprising a surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line is constructed on a piezoelectric substrate having a thermal coefficient of frequency. An array of addressable, wireless passive temperature sensors can be used to monitor an array of temperature points on a structure using a wireless reader. Each sensor can be monitored by measuring the frequency of maximum reflection in their respective bands. A wireless passive heat flux gauge uses two temperature sensors with different frequency and/or time delay responses to measure that temperature differential across a thermal conductor that has a well characterized thermal conductivity and thickness.
US08240909B2	Blender jar interlock A collar assembly for coupling a blade assembly and a removable jar to the base of a motorized blender includes an interlock assembly that prevents coupling of the blade assembly to the blender motor unless the jar is secured to the collar assembly, and prevents removal of the jar from the collar assembly when the collar and blade assembly is coupled to the blender base.
US08240908B2	Control system for and method of combining materials An apparatus and method for combining multiple materials into a stream. The multiple materials may include both a major material and one or more minor materials. The minor materials are added using inlet tubes. The major and minor materials are added at transient or steady state flow rates, depending upon a command from a control signal. The apparatus and method utilize a control system which does not have flow control valves, flow control feedback loops or a dynamic mix tank. The actual flow rates track the commanded flow rates, but deviate by an error. The claimed arrangement provides a time-based error believed to be unobtainable in the prior art.
US08240907B2	Apparatus and method for moving a liquid by means of a piezoelectric transducer An apparatus having a device for moving a liquid comprises a piezoacoustic resonator element (11) having at least one piezoelectric layer (110) and two electrodes (111 and 112) present on the piezoelectric layer (110). The piezoacoustic resonator element (11) is designed such that, owing to a voltage being applied to the piezoelectric layer (110) by means of the electrodes (111 or 112), a volume oscillation of the piezoelectric layer (110) is excited at a resonant frequency. The piezoelectric resonator element (11) can be acoustically coupled in a suitable manner to a liquid for the purpose of transmitting the excited oscillation into the liquid for the purpose of moving the liquid. The apparatus may be in the form of a micromixer or in the form of a micropump and may comprise, in addition, sensor elements (41) for detecting the attachment of substance.
US08240906B2	Backlight unit of liquid crystal display Provided is a backlight unit of a liquid crystal display (LCD). The backlight unit includes: a plurality of light guide plates (LGPs) arranged in M layers and separated from each other by a predetermined gap, wherein M is a natural number equal to or greater than two, a light source unit disposed on at least one side surface of each of the LGPs and including N light source blocks whose brightnesses are controlled individually, and wherein N is a natural number equal to or greater than two. The backlight unit further includes a plurality of light output regions defined by each of the LGPs being divided into a plurality of regions according to a distance from the light source unit and by a plurality of light output patterns being formed in some of the regions, and wherein the light output regions do not overlap each other in a stacking direction of the LGPs and are arranged to correspond to a whole surface of the LGPs.
US08240904B2	Light diffraction member and display and backlight module having the same A display including a display panel and a backlight module adjacent to the display panel is provided. The backlight module includes a light source emitting a light beam and at least one light diffraction member. The light diffraction member includes a first surface, a second surface, an azimuth convergence structure and a light diffraction structure. The second surface is opposite the first surface, and the light beam enters the light diffraction member through the second surface and leaves the light diffraction member from the first surface. The azimuth convergence structure is disposed on the second surface for converging the azimuth of the light beam incident thereon. The light diffraction structure is disposed on the first surface for adjusting the emergence angle of the light beam.
US08240903B2	Electronic device with illuminated logo An electronic device includes a semitransparent housing and a light module. The light module is mounted in the housing, and includes a light source, a light guide, and a light tight shield. The light guide includes a logo. The light tight shield covers the light guide, and defines an opening aligned with and exposing the logo to the housing. Light emitted by the light source illuminates the logo through the light guide and spreads out from the opening. The logo is not visible when not being illuminated.
US08240899B2	Controlling device for a headlamp's high and low beam A controlling device for a headlamp's high and low beam includes a fixing plate, a valve seat and a light-obstructing plate. The fixing plate is formed with a notch, and the valve seat is secured at one side of the fixing plate and installed therein with an electromagnetic valve having a valve rod positioned inside. The valve rod is fitted around with a spring, having its upper side mounted with a connecting plate with a slide groove. The light-obstructing plate, which has its lower central portion and lower two ends respectively disposed with two pivotal members. The two pivotal members respectively have a pivotal hole, pivotally assembled with the pivotal plate of the valve seat and the connecting plate of the valve rod by rivets. Thus, the light-obstructing plate can be actuated by the valve rod to shift for controlling a light projecting range of a headlamp.
US08240880B2	LED illumination module with large light emitting angle An LED illumination module includes a base, a plurality of first LEDs disposed on a top side of the base and a reflecting barrel disposed on the top side of the base. The first LEDs are disposed outside of the reflecting barrel, whereby light generated by the first LEDs is reflected by the reflecting barrel to illuminate a space below a bottom side of the base.
US08240879B2	Illumination module An illumination module includes a substrate and a plurality of LED devices. The substrate has a main plane, and the main plane includes a central region and a peripheral region. The LED devices are disposed on the main plane of the substrate in the central region and peripheral region. Each of the LED devices has a light-exiting direction, where the light-exiting direction of the LED device disposed in the central region is substantially perpendicular to the main plane, and the light-exiting direction of each of the LED devices in the peripheral region goes outwards with respect to the central region.
US08240871B2	Method and apparatus for thermally effective removable trim for light fixture A lighting assembly has a light fixture with a light source and heatsink thermally coupled to the light source. The light source has a light engine with light emitting diodes. A lens is mounted to the light fixture over the light source. The lens is a clear or translucent material. A removable trim is mountable to the light fixture. The removable trim has a flange, recessed portion, and mounting rim. The recessed portion has a depth to reduce glare. The removable trim is formed using a stamping or die casting process. The flange has thermally conductive properties. The removable trim is a metal, thermally conductive plastic, or thermally conductive carbon fiber composite material. A screw is used to mount the removable trim to the light fixture. The light fixture and removable trim are mounted to a recessed can housing using a clip or spring.
US08240870B2	Counter light fixture A halogen light fixture for mounting under a cabinet and over a counter surface, as in a kitchen, has a housing between opposite end caps adaptable to fixtures of varying lengths. A partition between the end caps cooperates with a housing top and rear wall to provide a closed wiring compartment including a power switch accessible on a bottom of the partition. A translucent diffuser panel is supported in open slots formed in the end caps and can be pulled from the slots for access to the lamps sockets. The fixture is held together by screws passing through the housing and the end caps.
US08240859B2	Antiglare film, antireflection film, polarizing plate and image display device An antiglare film is provided and includes: a transparent support; and an antiglare layer containing a binder and a light-transmitting fine particle. The light-transmitting fine particle has an average particle diameter of 3 to 15 μm, the antiglare layer has an average thickness smaller than the average particle diameter of the light-transmitting fine particle by 0.1 to 2.0 μm, the antiglare layer contains the light-transmitting fine particle in an amount of 1.0 to 3.0 weight % based on all solid contents of the antiglare layer. The antiglare layer has a surface having a θ(1) of 60 to 98.5%, wherein the θ(1) is a ratio of a surface region of 0°≦θ≦1° in the surface when θ represents a tilt angle of an irregularity on the surface.
US08240855B2	Diffuser having shape profile for reducing speckle noise and a laser projection system employing the same A diffuser having a shape for reducing speckle noise and a laser projection system including the diffuser are provided. The diffuser is employed by a laser projection system to reduce speckle noise, and includes a scattering pattern. The scattering pattern includes a plurality of scattering ribbons, and a curved surface of each of the plurality of scattering ribbons satisfies equations so that speckle noise is minimized for an aperture size of an optical system.
US08240854B2	Autostereoscopic display device and a system using the same An autostereoscopic display device includes a reflection layer for reflecting at least a portion of incident light, a polarization conversion layer arranged over the reflection layer, and an array of lenticular elements arranged over at least a portion of the polarization conversion layer and including a birefringent material. Light having a first state of polarization is configured to pass through the lenticular element array without substantial lenticular element focusing, where the polarization state is transformed by the polarization conversion layer such that the reflected light has a second state of polarization. Light having the second polarization state passes through the lenticular element array with the lenticular element focusing to provide multiple views to different viewing locations.
US08240852B2	Image processing method and image processing device An ocular fundus image is captured by a fundus camera. Blood vessel regions are erased from the ocular fundus image, and a luminance region greater than a prescribed luminance threshold value and having an area equivalent to a predetermined standard disc area is extracted as a region having a standard disc area. The region having the standard disc area is divided into a plurality of regions by a plurality of dividing lines extending radially from the center of gravity thereof, and divided regions are scanned radially from the center of gravity while angles are shifted to detect in each individual region a point at which luminance variation reaches a maximum. The contour line of the disc region is derived from these points.
US08240849B2	Free form lens with refractive index variations This invention provides for an ophthalmic lens with at least one portion of the lens including multiple voxels of polymerized crosslinkable material. In addition, the present invention provides for apparatus for generating an ophthalmic lens with one or more areas of different refractive indexes and a surface with one or both of a raised area and a depressed area.
US08240848B2	Contact lens with shadow effect A contact lens with a central portion, an iris portion, and a peripheral portion disposed about the iris portion; wherein the iris portion contains an arcuate colored or tinted portion that provides a shadow effect; the peripheral portion can be colored white and can have a pattern that graduates to transparent towards the outer diameter of the lens.
US08240841B2	Pulse drying system A laser drying system for printing is described. The present invention comprises in one embodiment a printer configured to apply liquid ink to a portion of a substrate to produce a printed area and a non-printed area, a laser module comprising a laser emitting a laser emission, the laser module mounted on an adjustable mount, a means to move the substrate from the printer to the laser module, the mount located over the means to move, an optic module comprising a focusing lens to focus the laser emission, and a controller configured to obtain print data from the printer and to operate the mount, the laser module, and the optic module to focus the laser emission only at the printed area of the substrate and not at the non-printed area of the substrate.
US08240838B2	Ink composition for inkjet recording, inkjet recording method, and printed material An ink composition for inkjet recording is provided. The ink composition contains (a) a monomer containing a fluorinated alkylene group and two or more polymerizable groups, (b) a photo initiator, and (c) a polymerizable monomer.
US08240837B2	Fluid ejecting apparatus and image formation method A fluid ejecting apparatus includes: a fluid ejecting unit that ejects a colored fluid and a colorless fluid toward a fluid ejection target medium; an irradiating unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto a fluid that lies on or over the fluid ejection target medium so as to cure the fluid; and a controlling unit that controls the fluid ejecting operation of the fluid ejecting unit and the ultraviolet ray irradiating operation of the irradiating unit. The controlling unit performs control so that the colorless fluid is ejected on an image that is made of the colored fluid that landed on the fluid ejection target medium. After the start of the agglomeration of the colorless fluid that landed on the image, the controlling unit performs control so that ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the colorless fluid.
US08240827B2	Liquid containers A liquid container includes an air introduction portion including an air introduction chamber, a first path through which the air introduction chamber is configured to communicate with a liquid chamber, a second path extending from the air introduction chamber and is opened to an exterior of an container body, an air communication path through which the air introduction chamber is configured to communicate with the exterior of the container body, a valve member comprising a first valve and a second valve, the valve member being movable, such that when the first valve closes the first path the second valve opens the second path, and when the second valve closes the second path the first valve opens the first path, and an urging member configured to urge the valve member in such a direction that the first valve closes the first path and the second valve opens the second path.
US08240817B2	Bonded housing and fluid ejector A method of forming a fluid ejector includes positioning a fluid ejection module such that it is adjacent to a mounting frame, applying heat to a thermohardening glue that is between the fluid ejection module and the mounting frame, and curing the glue to secure the fluid ejection module to the mounting frame. The heat is applied with a heating element at least partially embedded in the glue.
US08240815B2	Recording element substrate, and inkjet head and its production method An inkjet head includes a recording element substrate for discharging ink, a supply port penetrating the recording element substrate and serving as an ink flow path, a protrusion formed at a position surrounding the supply port, projecting from one surface of the recording element substrate, and having a first metal layer at a distal end, and a supporting member having a second metal layer welded with the first metal layer and supporting the recording element substrate.
US08240809B2	Ink-jet recording apparatus An ink-jet recording apparatus includes: an ink-jet head including a plurality of nozzle openings from which ink is ejected and an ink ejection surface in which the plurality of nozzle openings are formed; a waste-ink receiving mechanism which receives the ink ejected from the plurality of nozzle openings; a set of (a) a wiper configured to wipe the ink adhering to the ink ejection surface and (b) an absorbing member configured to absorb the ink received by the waste-ink receiving mechanism and to be brought into contact with the ink ejection surface such that the absorbing member adheres the ink thereto; and a driving mechanism configured to drive at least one of the ink-jet head and the set of the wiper and the absorbing member, such that the wiper and the absorbing member are, one of together and independently, moved relative to the ink ejection surface while being opposed thereto, and such that the absorbing member adheres the ink to the ink ejection surface and the wiper wipes the ink adhered by the absorbing member from the ink ejection surface.
US08240808B2	Ink-jet head maintenance device, ink-jet recording device and ink-jet head maintenance method A maintenance device for an ink-jet head having a head substrate on a surface of which orifices for ejecting ink droplets are formed in a row. A maintenance device includes a removal unit comprising a suction assembly which is disposed in a position that faces the surface of the head substrate having the orifices formed thereon and does not come into contact with the head substrate, and which has formed therein, on a surface opposite the head substrate surface on which the orifices are formed, a first and second suction ports, each being slit-like and elongated in a direction parallel to an orifice array direction; and a suction pump which draws air from inside the suction assembly.
US08240803B2	Recording apparatus and method for controlling the recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a recording head configured to scan a recording medium and record an image on the recording medium. The recording apparatus includes a recording buffer to store image data representing one pixel with a plurality of bits, a reading unit to read, from a storage area of the recording buffer, image data corresponding to a region including a boundary between two regions recorded on the recording medium in successive scanning and recording operations, a thinning unit to thin out image data based on a thinning rate corresponding to the image data read by the reading unit, a storage unit to store image data thinned out by the thinning unit in the storage area of the recording buffer, a quantization unit to perform quantization processing on the image data stored in the recording buffer when the image data is transferred to the recording head, and a recording unit to perform recording based on the image data quantized by the quantization unit.
US08240789B2	Positioning device for slide assembly A positioning device of a slide assembly includes a first rail, a second rail slidably connected to the first rail and defining a path, and a third rail slidably connected to the path of the second rail. A positioning member is securely connected to the second rail. An engaging member is pivotably connected to the positioning member and includes an extension arm located corresponding to the positioning portion of the first rail and capable of engaging with the positioning portion. An extension wing has an inclined surface relative to a horizontal plane and extending toward the path of the second rail. A resilient member is connected to the engaging member and makes the extension wing of the engaging member slide toward the third rail. When the third rail is retracted relative to the second rail, the engaging member is disengaged from the positioning portion of the first rail.
US08240787B2	Self-closing rail system A self-closing rail system includes a first rail, a second rail which is slidably connected to the first rail, and a self-closing device. The self-closing device includes an attachment member connected to the first rail and a guide portion extends longitudinally from the attachment member. A movable member is movably connected to the guide portion of the attachment member. An elastic member is connected between the attachment member and the movable member such that the elastic member applies a force to the movable member. A fixing member is connected to the second rail and has a pin which is connected to or disengaged from the movable member depending on the relative movement between the first and second rails.
US08240786B2	Door latch A cabinet includes a frame portion and a door hingedly connected to the frame portion. A member is rigidly connected to the door and includes a flange portion extending from and spaced apart from an outer surface of the door. A handle is pivotably connected to the door and includes a user graspable portion disposed between the first outer surface of the door and the flange portion of the member. A catch member is rigidly connected to the user graspable portion and extends through a slot in the door for interlocking engagement with a retention feature disposed on the frame portion. When the door is in a closed position, handle is pivotable with respect to the door from a door retention position to a door release position for disengagement of the catch member from the door retention feature.
US08240781B2	Method for operating a brake system for motor vehicles The invention relates to a method for operating a braking system for motor vehicles with electrically actuated hydraulic valves, the coils of which are powered up, at least in phases, with currents which modify the currentless state of the hydraulic valves, in order to heat the hydraulic fluid present in the system. The hydraulic fluid is heated via a heating profile which, in accordance with the hydraulic fluid temperature, activates the heating phase of the hydraulic fluid. The heating profile consists of a first heating phase and, subsequent thereto, a second heating phase. During the first heating phase, the coils are powered up in such a way that the coil temperature at the end of the first heating phase corresponds to a pre-defined temperature value of the coil which is at least approximately maintained during the second heating phase when powering up the coils.
US08240780B1	Hydraulic brake booster A supply valve (40), a relief valve (42) and a microprocessor (46) control the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid from a dedicated pressure source (12) to a brake boost piston (18, 60, 108) interposed between an operator brake pedal (22) input member (20, 106) and a master cylinder. Transducers (48, 50, 102) sense a current relationship between the input member (20, 106) and the boost piston (18, 60, 108) and supply the microprocessor (46) with a input to accordingly operate the supply valve (40) and relief valve (42). In one embodiment, a single transducer (102) senses relative motion between the input member and the piston while in a second embodiment, a single transducer (48) senses the force exerted on the piston by the input member and a third embodiment first and second transducers (48, 50) to sense relative motion between the input member and the piston.
US08240778B2	Hydraulic trailer brake system A trailer device for driving stabilization of vehicle combinations is provided. In order to design a device for driving stabilization of passenger vehicle trailers in a cost-effective and simple manner, a brake system for braking the trailer by an overrun brake and for stability regulation is designed so as to have separating valves, switching valves, inlet and outlet valves and a pressure build-up pump. A stabilizing coupling is also connected by means of a second pressure medium pump to actuators which can vary the clamping force of the stabilizing coupling between the trailer and tractor vehicle if the second pressure medium pump conveys pressure medium from the storage tank into or out of the actuators.
US08240776B2	Articulate continuous miner A continuous mining machine in which the machine is capable of mining a width exceeding the width of the machine chassis by articulating the cutter end of the machine relative to the rear of the machine.
US08240773B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring gateroad structural change A method and apparatus is provided for determining structural change in a mining operation. A first scan of gateroad surfaces is obtained and information of the scan profile is stored. At a later time a second scan of the gateroad surfaces is then obtained. Information of the scans can be registered and any difference noted. If the difference exceeds a threshold a warning can be provided indicating a gateroad structural change that may be hazardous. The scans can be made from a single sensor, or from multiple sensors (301, 303). In the case where the sensors (301, 303) are mounted on a gateroad traversing structure (109), the distance of spacing of the sensors (301, 303) can be used to determine when the sensor (303) has reached a position of movement or travel of the gateroad traversing structure (109) where the scan from sensor (301) was made. A distance sensor (309) can be provided to determine the distance of movement and where the scans coincide.
US08240771B2	Mesh chair component A mesh chair component having contours that support a user appropriately can be made by combining a plurality of mesh panels to form the component. For instance, in a preferred embodiment of the present inventions, three preformed mesh panels are combined to form the back rest of a chair that provides its user with lumbar support without the necessity of additional structural support. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, mesh panels are used in combination with a beneficially contoured frame to provide a chair seat with a waterfall front.
US08240770B2	Three-dimensional article produced from sheet material A three-dimensional article produced from sheet material and comprising a frame unit having a plurality of outer sides made of sheet material each of which having a different angular disposition is provided. First and second longitudinal ends of the frame unit are interconnected by a female fastener embedded in the first end and by a male fastener introduced through the second end and coupled with the female fastener. A kit for assembling the three-dimensional article comprising a plurality of expandable separate members made from sheet material and set in a flat condition is also provided.
US08240768B2	Adjuster An adjustment device for a vehicle component, in particular for the back rest of a vehicle seat, is proposed having a first fitting and a second fitting, wherein the relative position of the two fittings to one another can be changed by means of eccentric means, wherein a rotation of the eccentric means by means of a drive element is provided, wherein the adjustment device has a central element which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the first fitting, wherein the drive element is provided mounted in an overlapping region by means of the central element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an adjustment device for a vehicle component, in particular for the back rest of a vehicle seat, having a first fitting (8) and a second fitting (11), wherein the relative position of the two fittings to one another can be changed by means of an eccentric (1) which transmits a torque from a drive (4) to the first fitting (8) so that said first fitting (8) rolls on the second fitting (11), and wherein the eccentric comprises at least one eccentric means (2) which can be driven by a driver (3) which is arranged on the drive (4).
US08240760B2	Buoyant pool chair with sealed frame A buoyant pool chair supports a swimmer in an upright, semi-reclining or sitting position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame for supporting buoyant cushions. The buoyant cushions include layers of flexible cushion material secured together in overlapping relation, with the frame members being sandwiched between the overlapping layers. A layer of adhesive material bonds the overlapping cushion layers together and forms a water-tight seal around the frame members. A flexible layer of a water-resistant coating material is bonded to external surface portions of the buoyant cushions to provide a further protective layer and water-tight seal.
US08240759B2	Seat assembly having a trim cover A seat assembly having a trim cover assembly disposed proximate a cushion. The trim cover assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion has a first end coupled to the first portion, a second end coupled to the frame, and an elastomeric layer that exerts a tensile force.
US08240753B2	Motor vehicle seat with pivotable wing rests and seat arrangement with such a motor vehicle seat A motor vehicle seat is provided with a backrest which can be pivoted from a substantially upright position of use into a substantially horizontal position of non-use. The backrest includes, but is not limited to a wing rest which in the position of non-use of the backrest can be pivoted from a lower armrest position of non-use about a pivot axis extending in seat direction into an upper armrest position of use to form an armrest. The wing rest includes, but is not limited to a support part as well as an upholstery part and between the support part and the upholstery part a height adjusting device for the height adjustment of the upholstery part relative to the support part is arranged.
US08240752B2	Holding structure of guide pipe of sunroof apparatus A holding structure of a guide pipe of a sunroof apparatus is provided in which a guide pipe is difficult from being removed. In a frame 12 of the sunroof apparatus in which a guide pipe 25L covering a cable 22 is arranged, a bank part 601 extending obliquely upward from one of the sidewalls 502 of the guide groove 51L is formed on the one of the sidewalls, and a bottom portion 501 of the guide pipe groove 51L comes in surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower part of the guide pipe 25L and the bank part 601 comes in surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the guide pipe 25L.
US08240743B2	Apparatus for reducing noise in a soft top vehicle An apparatus and method for reducing noise in a vehicle having a soft top roof. The apparatus includes a main extension bar having a first end and an opposing second end. A first coupling mechanism is affixed to the first end and a second coupling mechanism is affixed to the second end. The first and second coupling mechanisms are attached to roll bars located on a top portion of the vehicle. With the apparatus in place upon the roll bars, the main extension bar exerts upward force against the soft top roof of the vehicle, thereby reducing movement of the soft top roof and noise within the interior of the vehicle.
US08240741B2	Covering frame for a tarpaulin structure The invention relates to a covering frame for a tarpaulin structure, comprising a number of bows, which can be displaced along lateral longitudinal beams (4) and which each have a slide (6) at the ends thereof. Folding means (9) for force-folding a tarpaulin are provided in the vicinity of the slides (6). The invention also relates to a slide (6). A reliable and cost-effective assembly is achieved by virtue of the fact that the folding means (9) can be inserted into a guide (62a) of the slide (6) along the axis of the guide (62a). In addition, a profile of a longitudinal beam (4) for use in a covering frame is provided in order to guide a slide (6).
US08240740B2	Internally tracked slider system for low profile contractible canopy A canopy deployment and retraction mechanism particularly suited to cover the cargo compartment of an elongated vehicle such as a railroad car. Each of a series of tarpaulin-supporting, parallel bows has sliders at each end sliding in a pair of funnel-shaped channels having their flat bases vertically secured to the upper inside lateral wall sections of the compartment. The spacing between the bases of the channels is less than the total length of a bow and its sliders and provides a degree of play in order to accommodate slight variations in the width of said compartment, and allows for self-centering of the cover. The shape of the channels allows for the placement of the cover retraction mechanisms such as cables and sliders within the outer periphery of the container, reducing bulk. The downward slope of the channel lower side further improves the evacuation of debris under the wiping action of the traveling sliders. The upward slope of the channel upper side further improves the sealing of the deployed canopy against the intrusion of rain water.
US08240739B2	Sun shield The invention relates to a sun shield for a vehicle, wherein the sun shield can be rotated from a storage position about a horizontal rotational axis in front of the windshield into at least one first shading position. The sun shield comprises a sun shield body, whereon a shield segment is mounted in a movable manner. The present invention further relates to a method for retracting and extending a shield segment relative to a sun shield body.
US08240737B2	Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed A pick-up style utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed, including a front seat, a rear seat, a stationary bottom plate serving as a bottom face of the cargo bed, an expansion bottom plate for expanding the bottom face of the cargo bed, and a shared linkage mechanism for holding the rear seat at a use position where the rear seat is positioned on the upper side of the stationary bottom plate and a shunting position where the rear seat is shunted into a rear leg room provided in front of and below the stationary bottom plate. The shared linkage mechanism also holds the expansion bottom plate at a storage position where the expansion bottom plate is above the stationary bottom plate and an expansion position where the expansion bottom plate is positioned over the leg room.
US08240736B2	Deceleration responsive vehicle seat A deceleration responsive vehicle seat (20) for an occupant (9) of a vehicle, wherein the seat has a frame structure adapted to absorb the weight of the occupant and other forces exerted by said occupant on the seat. The frame structure includes a seat cushion frame assembly comprising a seat cushion frame (21), a seat cushion (22) being supported on said seat cushion frame, the frame structure further including a backrest frame assembly (25,27), a backrest cushion having an upper part (26) and a lower part (28), said backrest cushion being supported by said backrest frame assembly. The seat cushion and backrest cushion support the occupant in an upright sitting normal position. The seat further includes frame structure fixation means (2,3) adapted and arranged to fix said frame structure to the vehicle body. The seat further includes an integrated seat belt system (40,41,42,43) for said occupant.
US08240733B2	Automobile carpet having a removed section A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle floor, a vehicle seat, and an automobile carpet. The vehicle seat includes risers mounted to the vehicle floor. The automobile carpet attaches to the vehicle floor and includes a topcoat and a backing coupled with and disposed vertically below the topcoat. At least a portion of the backing is removed from the topcoat to define a removed section disposed below and longitudinally aligned with the vehicle seat. A method for installing the automobile carpet and the automobile carpet are also disclosed.
US08240730B2	Pneumatic actuator The invention relates to a pneumatic actuator composed of cuts of a gas-tight film which are interconnected so as to form hollow film elements that are gas-tight towards the outside. The hollow film elements are interconnected by means of air ducts while forming a fan-shaped structure from a cross-sectional perspective. The actuator, which is fastened to a component, is swiveled about a common edge of the hollow film elements when compressed gas is delivered via a connection. The swiveling movement of the actuator can be used for gripping and holding objects or transmitting optical signals.
US08240728B2	Automated shackle assembly A shackle assembly may be used for delivering a steel structure in a construction field, the shackle assembly including a shackle body, first, second, and third shackle pins, first and second elastic means, a vertical movement mean, and a control means. Thanks to the plurality of shackle pins and the plurality of elastic means, the shackle assembly can reduce its weight and manufacturing cost. Also, in spite of the light weight and the low cost of the shackle assembly, stability and efficiency in its working can be sufficiently secured.
US08240726B2	End effector with multiple pick-up members An end effector for use with a moving device has a frame and a plurality of operational members mounted for movement on the frame. The effector also has an actuation mechanism directly connected to a first operational member and is operable to move the first operational member from a first position to a second position, and from the second position to the first position. A linking apparatus is provided for linking the first operational member to a second operational member. The actuation mechanism moves the first operational member from the first position to the second position, and results in the second operational member being moved by the linking apparatus from a third position to a fourth position. The operational members can be pick up members for picking up items at one pitch and releasing them at a second pitch.
US08240724B2	Robust over-center latch assembly An over-center latch assembly has a base for attaching the over-center latch assembly to a first part of a unit. The first part of the unit is moveable to a second part of the unit. A handle is rotatably coupled to the base by a hinge. A pivot is coupled to the handle such that the pivot traverses about the hinge. The pivot is configured to receive a hasp. A stop surface is coupled to the base whereby rotation of the handle about the hinge is limited by the stop surface. A hinge bearing is coupled to the hinge. The hinge bearing enables an increased quantity of latch/unlatch cycles of the over-center latch assembly before failure of the over-center latch assembly.
US08240722B2	Stop armature for aircraft doors The invention relates to a stop armature of an armature system of an aircraft door with a fuselage stop armature (10) and a door stop armature (12, 79), with a stop screw (30; 40; 60) in one of the two stop armatures (10, 12 or 79), which can be pressurized by the other stop armature (10) in the longitudinal direction of the screw (30; 40; 60; 80) on a locating face (34; 52; 70; 88). It is further developed by virtue of the fact that the screw (30; 40; 60; 80) encompasses a screw head (32; 42; 69) with a ball (36; 50; 68; 85) held therein that can rotate around its midpoint (M) as the fulcrum. The invention also relates to a stop screw for a stop armature and the use of a ball thrust screw as the stop screw.
US08240720B2	Packing A packing, interposed between respective ends of electric wire tubes serving as tubular members opposed to each other, includes a main body and an elastic member. The main body is inserted through inner-diameter-openings of the respective ends of the electric wire tubes, respectively. The elastic member is situated substantially at a center of the main body and the respective ends of the electric wire tubes are abutted against the elastic member. The electric wire tubes joined with each other through the packing are inserted into the body constituting the coupling. Then, grip portions of the body are forced into a grip case. The body is thereby decreased in diameter, and hence the electric wire tubes are fastened in a biting manner by the body.
US08240718B2	Sanitary quick connector A quick-connect sanitary fluid connector system provides for connection of a sanitary fluid system to an industry standard, flanged sanitary fitting. The standard fitting is placed in abutting relation to a sanitary gasket and to a first fitting of the quick connector, and at least two eccentric cams operated by cam levers press against the back surface of the standard connector flange, thereby applying pressure to the juncture and forming an abutted sanitary seal which avoids fluid entrapment within the connector. The joining pressure can adjustable by threaded rotation of the first fitting within a connector body. The cam levers can include locking holes and pins for locking the levers in their locking positions. Insertion of the standard fitting can automatically open the cams, and springs can automatically return the cam levers to their locking positions. Spring retracted telescoping cam levers can be automatically latched in their locking positions.
US08240717B2	Insertion coupling An insertion coupling which can be used for example for a vacuum line consists of an insertion part and a sleeve part (1), wherein a locking element (5), which can be brought into engagement with a retaining rib of the insertion part, and an actuation element (10) are integrally formed on a housing tab (9) which extends in an arc-shaped manner around a longitudinal axis of the sleeve part (1) and can be elastically deflected radially. A movement of the locking element (5) in a radially outward direction and thus a release of the engaged state between the sleeve part (1) and the insertion part is possible by moving the actuation element (10) in an actuation direction (13). A construction which is particularly simple in design is produced owing to the small number of parts. The sleeve part (1) is provided with a window, by means of which a correct engaged state of the locking element with the retaining rib can be visually checked.
US08240714B2	Skateboard with sail assembly A skateboard with sail assembly, comprising a skateboard having first and second ends and a through hole. The through hole is positioned in between the first and second ends. A removable post assembly projects from the through hole. A pedal clamp assembly is mounted onto the removable post assembly. A handle bar assembly is also mounted onto the removable post assembly. The skateboard with sail assembly may be utilized with its sail in a deployed configuration or a retracted configuration. In addition, the post assembly may be completely removed so that the skateboard may be utilized on its own.
US08240713B2	Pole anchor and ski pole base with extending brush bristles and acircular, preferably hexagonal section A base for a slalom pole or ski pole having brush bristles extending from an acircular axially extending base, preferably having a polygonal or hexagonal configuration, the bristles extending from a circular surface adjoining a circular brush section. The base can also be used as a pole anchor.
US08240712B2	Shoulder anchor device A shoulder anchor device is provided with a shoulder anchor (38) in which is formed an insert-through hole (40) through which a webbing (24) is inserted, and a slide plate (50) covering a vehicle cabin interior side of the shoulder anchor. A gap between an upper edge portion (52a) of an opening portion (52) at the slide plate (50) and a supporting region (42) that supports the webbing (24) at the shoulder anchor, is such that A>B where A is a gap dimension at a front portion side in a vehicle longitudinal direction and B is a gap dimension at a rear portion side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A rear portion (152a) in the vehicle longitudinal direction at the upper edge portion (52a) is formed at a position at which, when the webbing (24) is twisted, the rear portion (152a) abuts a twisted portion of the webbing and correction of the twisted portion is possible. At a time of taking-up the webbing, twisting of the webbing which passes through the shoulder anchor insert-through hole can be prevented or suppressed, and pulling-out of the webbing can be made to be smooth.
US08240705B2	Airbag apparatus An airbag is composed a first airbag which is formed in a manner that a plurality of frame bodies of a substantially same triangle ring shape are horizontally aligned with respective central space portions of the frame bodies communicated with each other and connected with no gap, and a second airbag which is formed in a manner that the central space portions of the air bag body are blocked with blocking members. When the first airbag is deployed and inflated with gas generated by an inflator in a triangle ring shape upon a collision, air from the atmosphere is taken in to the central space portions of the first airbag from check valves and intake-exhaust holes, and the second air bag is deployed and inflated by using the airbag body as an outer frame and retaining the air inside thereof.
US08240699B2	Caster device and infant supporting apparatus having the same A caster includes a housing, a rotating member, and a caster. The housing defines an accommodation space having an open bottom end. The rotating member is disposed within the housing, and is rotatable between first and second angular positions. The caster is co-rotatable with the rotating member. One of the housing and the rotating member has first and second engaging portions. The other one of the housing and the rotating member has a third engaging portion, which engages the first engaging portion so that the caster is unfolded and disposed outwardly of the housing when the rotating member is at the first angular position and which engages the second engaging portion so that the caster is folded and disposed at a folded position and within the accommodation space when the rotating member is at the second angular position.
US08240697B2	Gliding board A gliding board including a primary core positioned between a lower sub-assembly and an upper sub-assembly, the upper sub-assembly and the lower sub-assembly including at least one first upper reinforcement and one first lower reinforcement, respectively, extending longitudinally over at least two thirds of the length of the gliding board, and further including a frictional damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes a blade having a thickness of less than 2 mm and a structure that enables the sliding of at least one of the ends of the blade. The damping arrangement is positioned between the first lower reinforcement and the first upper reinforcement, and the distance separating the damping arrangement from the first upper reinforcement, or from the first lower reinforcement can range, for example, between 0 mm and four times the thickness of the blade.
US08240695B1	Baby trailer towing connector A baby trailer towing connector formed of a first connector, a second connector, a buffer bar and a spring member for the connection of a baby trailer to a baby bicycle is disclosed. The second connector has a connection frame attached to the top wall and opposing sidewalls of the holder block of the first connector and secured thereto by a pin, assuring connection stability and avoiding breaking of the pin during a towing operation.
US08240689B2	In-wheel suspension system with remote spring and damper means A vehicle suspension system (55) is configured so as to contain all of the suspension motion control elements completely within the volume of the road wheel (100) while remotely locating the energy storage device (45) and damping device (42). An upright (60) comprises the spindle (61), brake caliper (105), and structure to hold a main strut shaft (70) parallel to a secondary strut shaft (67). The suspension's motion is controlled by the shafts which slide relative to the sprung part of the vehicle (1). The main strut shaft (70) includes a pumping piston (73). The fluid (91) displaced by the pumping piston (73) flows through a hydraulic connection (47) to a remote suspension module (40) mounted to the sprung part of the vehicle. The remote suspension module (40) hydraulically transmits the wheel motion to the remote energy storage device (45) and damping device (42). A steering arm (95) rotating around the main strut shaft (70) is configured to allow both struts (70 and 67) to slide through it, thus eliminating bump steer.
US08240683B1	Portable hand truck with powered lifting device The invention as presently conceived discloses an apparatus that combines the maneuverability of a heavy-duty two-wheel hand truck with an integral battery-powered lifting system. The base of the sliding frame has two outriggers for enhanced stability. The apparatus is provided with a lifting platform similar to a forklift. The lifting force is provided by a winch which retracts or extends a stainless steel cable with a distal hook. Such an arrangement is capable of lifting thousands of pounds. The winch is powered by an on-board 12 volt deep cycle battery. A control panel is situated on the rear of the hand truck for battery power operation. The apparatus can be used to raise loads slightly for transport in a conventional hand truck manner; or alternatively, the apparatus can be used to lift larger equipment including small vehicles.
US08240681B2	Wheel supporting mechanism, post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus A wheel supporting mechanism for adjusting height of a housing supported by the wheels is provided. The wheel supporting mechanism includes wheels supporting a housing; an axle extending from each of the wheels; a wheel mounting member, which has a bearing rotatably supporting the axle, and which has a first end portion and a second end portion; a pivot supporting portion, which pivotally supports the wheel mounting member in relation to the housing; a pivot restriction member that restricts pivoting of the wheel mounting member by being engaged with a vicinity of the second end portion; and an adjustment member that adjusts a height of the housing in relation to the wheel by restricting a pivoting range of the wheel mounting member by connecting the pivot restriction member to the housing.
US08240679B2	Suspension system for vehicle A suspension system for a vehicle, including: (a) a suspension spring; (b) a hydraulic damper; (c) a displacement force generator disposed in parallel with the suspension spring and the damper; and (d) a controller including a damping-force controlling portion for controlling a damping force of the damper and a displacement-force controlling portion for controlling a displacement force of the displacement force generator. The displacement-force controlling portion is configured to execute a sprung-portion vibration damping control for controlling the displacement force, such that the generated displacement force acts as a damping force against sprung-portion vibration. The damping-force controlling portion is configured, upon execution of the sprung-portion vibration damping control, to execute a damping force reducing control for reducing the damping force that is to be generated by the damper, depending on an intensity of unsprung-portion resonance frequency vibration which occurs in the vehicle and which has a resonance frequency of the unsprung portion.
US08240677B2	Active material based seal assemblies Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications tailored for vehicles such as in a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.
US08240675B2	Seal structure A seal structure includes a thick abradable film, thereby improving sealing performance. A seal structure (1) is provided with at least one fin (5) that projects in a ring-shape from a circumferential surface of a rotating shaft (3) and that is provided along an axial direction (L) and a seal member (9) having a ring-shaped sealing surface (19) opposed to the fin (5), and on which an abradable layer (25) is formed by thermally spraying abradable material onto the sealing surface (19), the seal structure (1) is provided with tapered portions (21) inclined in a radial direction (K) at end portions of the sealing surface (19) in the axial direction (L).
US08240669B2	System and method for managing calculated odds bets in a blackjack game A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.
US08240668B1	Holding system for playing cards A card holding system with a handle having a first, second and base panel, the base panel connected by a bottom edge of the first and second panels, a shaft connected by a top edge of the first and second panels, a plurality of fan pieces sandwiched between the first and second panels, the fan pieces having a first and second end, where the first end is smaller than the second end, the first end is attached to the shaft so the fan pieces can rotate about the shaft and move between at least an open and closed position, in the open position the fan pieces are fanned outwardly from the shaft and handle, in the closed position the fan pieces are positioned in between the panels of the handle, each fan piece having a card slot with a depth on a front surface adapted to hold a playing card.
US08240667B2	Voucher management path system for a gaming machine printer A gaming machine printer. The gaming machine printer creates printed vouchers, tickets, receipts, etc. for use in gaming applications employing cashless enabled gaming systems. The gaming machine printer includes a voucher management system having a burster bar for separating vouchers and a serpentine voucher guide that may be opened for inspection. The gaming machine printer further includes various electrical features that protect the gaming machine printer from electrostatic discharges.
US08240666B2	Sheet feeder and scan apparatus with sheet-stopping function independent of movement of pick-up mechanism In a scan apparatus, a sheet feeder having a sheet-stopping function includes a rotating shaft, a sheet-input roller, a pick-up mechanism and a sheet-stopping mechanism. The pick-up mechanism, including a bracket mounted on the rotating shaft and a pick-up roller mounted on the bracket, picks up a sheet from a paper tray. The sheet-stopping mechanism, driven independent of movement of the bracket by the rotating shaft, switches between a sheet-stopping state and a sheet-non-stopping state. The rotating shaft rotates in a first direction to enable the sheet-stopping mechanism to enter the sheet-non-stopping state and rotates in a second direction to enable the sheet-stopping mechanism to enter the sheet-stopping state, in which a passage to the sheet-input roller is blocked up.
US08240663B2	Security container for value documents A security container for storing documents of value in stack form is provided with a stacking pocket for receiving documents of value in a stacked form, a bottom element disposed in the stacking pocket on which rests a fed document of value or a stack of fed documents of value, and an inlet opening leading into the stacking pocket which is disposed such that documents of value fed to the security container fall onto the bottom element. In the transport direction there is disposed at least one closing element with at least one portion which is deflectable from a closing position, in which it prevents a motion of a document of value back into the inlet opening, into a passing position in which it guides the document of value and in which onto the portion there acts a restoring force driving towards the closing position.
US08240662B2	Sheet finishing apparatus of image forming apparatus A sheet finishing apparatus includes a conveyance section which is disposed in a space section which is surrounded by peripheral walls of an image forming apparatus main body and conveys a recording medium discharged from the image forming apparatus in a paper discharge direction, a frame which is positioned in the space section and contains the conveyance section, and a removal mechanism to bring the conveyance section into a removal mode in synchronization with an operation of extracting the frame from the space section.
US08240660B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus, including: a recording head configured to record an image on a recording medium; a conveying mechanism disposed so as to face the recording head and configured to convey the recording medium in a medium conveyance direction that is horizontal; a maintenance unit disposed, in its standby state, alongside the recording head in the medium conveyance direction and configured to perform maintenance of the recording head; a retaining portion disposed above the recording head and configured to hold and retain the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording head, such that the recording medium is held and retained in a horizontal posture; and a medium receiving portion which is disposed alongside the retaining portion and to which the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording head is discharged.
US08240655B2	Image recording apparatus having pivotable roller arm An image recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to record an image on a sheet, a tray on which the sheet is placed, a first roller configured to feed the sheet placed on the tray, a first guide member configured to guide the sheet fed from the first roller to the recording unit, a second guide member configured to guide the sheet passed through the recording unit, a second roller configured to feed the sheet guided by the second guide member, a third guide member configured to guide the sheet fed from the second roller to the recording unit, a common roller configured to transmit a rotation force to the first roller and the second roller, and a second-roller arm including the second roller at a distal end thereof and configured to be pivotable about an axis.
US08240653B2	High speed interfolder separator An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
US08240648B1	Distributed load edge clamp An arrangement for clamping a flat plate to a flat surface includes juxtaposing the plate to the flat surface. An axially-movable wedging element defining a surface fitted with wedges is fixed against motion in other than a direction of elongation, and is forced to move in the direction of elongation. The wedges are forced against a first spring beam to impart forces thereto. The forces are coupled from the first spring beam to a second spring beam by intermediary supports. The second spring beam bears against a surface of the flat plate to force the plate against the flat surface.
US08240645B2	Bearing The invention relates to a bearing, in particular a chassis bearing for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, with an outer bearing sleeve, an inner bearing sleeve, at least one elastomer body arranged between the outer and inner bearing sleeves and two chambers which are arranged laterally opposite each other on the outer bearing sleeve. The chambers each have an adjusting element. The adjusting elements are displaceable. When subjected to pressure, the adjusting elements are displaced inwardly against the inner bearing sleeve. The adjusting elements can be clamped in their axial position by clamping rings which can be reduced in size radially, for example by means of air pressure. The inner bearing sleeve is thereby fixed and the rigidity of the bearing increased.
US08240640B2	Contactor [Technical Problem] A contactor is provided which is capable of making fluids of two phases contact each other under a good dispersion state and which can be easily multi-staged.[Means for Solving the Problems] The inside of a contactor 1 is divided into a plurality of cells 22, 32 by partition walls (a vertical wall 10, horizontal walls 21, 31) and the respective cells 22, 32 become countercurrent contacting spaces of an upflow fluid flowing up in the contactor 1 and a downflow fluid flowing down in the contactor 1. A downflow fluid injection hole 52 provided in the vertical wall 10 of each stage makes the downflow fluid blocked by the partition wall and residing inject into the neighboring cells 22, 32 of a lower stage side, while an upflow fluid flow-in port 51 provided in an upper side of the injection hole 2 makes an upflow fluid from the cells 22, 32 of the lower stage side flow in.
US08240637B2	Device for the linear displacement of a valve member The device includes a spindle rotatably supported perpendicular to a value displacement direction and is made of a first spindle part and a second spindle part. The two parts are provided with outside threads configured in opposite directions to each other. On the first spindle part, a first nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. On the second spindle part, a second nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. The first nut includes a first bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a first connecting rib. The second nut comprises a second bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a second connecting rib. The other end of the first connecting rib and the other end of the second connecting rib are rotatably supported on a third bearing. Parallel to the spindle, on the side thereof facing away from the valve member, a stop is provided for the first nut and for the second nut, the stop surface extends perpendicular to the displacement direction of the valve member.
US08240633B2	Concrete forming apparatus for use in forming concrete support columns A lightweight forming system and the method of using same that can be used to construct concrete columns of various external shapes and sizes. The system includes a reusable, flexible securement jacket that can be wrapped around a concrete receiving component having a concrete receiving chamber into which the concrete is poured. Load is exerted on the concrete receiving component in a novel manner through the use of elongated load tubes that are affixed to the spaced apart edges of the securement jacket. A plurality of draw-latches of novel construction are affixed to the load tubes at vertically spaced apart locations and when closed by the workman function to forcefully pull the load tubes together to positively pre-load the concrete receiving component prior to pouring concrete. The securement jacket of the system can be quickly and easily removed as soon as the concrete has sufficiently cured and can then be immediately reused to pour another column. Following use, the securement jacket can be rolled into a tight bundle for transport and storage.
US08240631B2	Apparatus for controlling liquid in a cup holder An apparatus for controlling liquid in a cup holder is provided. The apparatus includes a cup holder having a bottom, wherein the bottom has at least one aperture and a plurality of grooves. An electrical connector is located within the at least one aperture. The apparatus also includes a removable coaster configured to be placed within the cup holder and cover the electrical connector. The removable coaster has a plurality of ridges extending therefrom. The plurality of ridges is configured to extend into the plurality of grooves in the bottom of the cup holder. A surface is positioned below the aperture. The surface has at least one weep hole and at least one wall between the surface and the electrical connector. Finally, the apparatus comprises a drip line in the path of liquid flow from the at least one weep hole.
US08240628B2	Holding apparatus A holding apparatus has a main body, a longitudinal clamping member, and second and third clamping members. The first clamping member is slidably disposed on the main body, and the first clamping member has at least one pair of slanted sliding-tracks. The transverse clamping members are slidably disposed on the main body each having at least one sliding element slidably coupled to the slanted sliding-track of the longitudinal clamping member.
US08240627B2	Retaining assembly for locking disk drive A retaining apparatus in an electronic device includes a bracket, a disk drive, a pair of latch members and a securing member. The bracket includes two side panels. The disk drive is received between the two side panels. The pair of latch members is capable of locking the disk drive in the bracket. Each latch member is rotatably attached to each side panel. The latch member includes a locking portion capable of locking the disk drive in the bracket. The securing member connects with the latch members. The securing member will drive the other latch member when either one is actuated.
US08240625B2	Mounting structure for functional component According to one embodiment, a functional component mounting structure includes: a functional component having: a base body; a functional portion formed on a front surface of the base body; and a latching portion extending from a back surface of the base body; a component receiver having: a base portion having an opening into which the latching portion is inserted from a front surface side to a back surface side thereof; and a latch receiving portion on which the latching portion is latched; and a cover member pivotally fitted to the component receiver to open and close the opening.
US08240618B1	Multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A primary pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the primary pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a normal detent position. A secondary pivot arm assembly is secured to the primary pivot arm assembly whereby the secondary pivot arm assembly can act independently of the primary pivot arm assembly to allow released movement and return of the crossing arm in reaction to rear impingement.
US08240613B2	Docking system First and second portions of a docking system are releasably connected with one another using at least one latch mechanism that can be reusably released either from the first portion of the docking system or from the second portion of the docking system.
US08240608B2	Device for installing windshield panes A fastening device for at least one pair of window panes, especially aircraft windshield window panes, each having a window pane retainer equipped with a frame that is applied to the borders of receptacle openings for the window panes, wherein the frames have a pair of posts facing one another provided with matching profiles that can mate the aforementioned posts, one inside the other, in a fastening line of the window pane retainer on the common border to the openings that receive the pair of panes.
US08240603B2	Mat for reducing the disturbance of particulate matter and liquids by wind A mat for reducing the disturbance of particulate matter by wind, has a first layer of coarse mesh material, and a second layer of coarse mesh material. The first layer is held in a substantially fixed position relative to the second layer. The mat is particularly suitable for use as a helicopter landing mat, in conditions where dust, sand, snow, water or other particles or liquids might otherwise cause a disturbance resulting in loss of visibility, damage or wear to parts of the helicopter, and injury or damage to nearby people or equipment.
US08240601B2	Coupling with slack-takeup, a rotor, and a rotary wing aircraft A coaxial rotary coupling (11) includes a hollow inner tube (4) and a hollow outer tube (7), with inner and outer splines (12 and 13) in mutual engagement. The coupling (11) further includes: approach elements for longitudinally approaching the inner and outer tubes (4, 7) together with elements presenting a wedge arrangement for causing the inner and outer tubes (4, 7) to turn (23) relative to each other in opposite directions so as to limit tangential assembly slack; a soleplate (16) of the driven tube (7); and a flange (17); the driving tubes (4) having complementary splines (12, 13, 18) together with dogs including force-transformation ramps (31) that are distributed peripherally within the coupling (11).
US08240597B2	UAV ducted fan lip shaping A ducted fan air-vehicle having a duct lip shape is described. The duct lip has an internal duct lip portion and an external duct lip portion, both of which are substantially curvature continuous around the circumference of the air duct. The duct has a plurality of cross-sections along its circumference and at least some of the plurality of cross-sections have a different shape. Further, each cross-section around the circumference of the duct has an a/b ratio and the a/b ratio for each cross-section is substantially the same.
US08240594B2	Dispensing gap defined between loading door and main body of automatic towel dispenser A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the front wall of the main body and a lip of the loading door collectively define a gap to which the guiding system guides the toweling and through which towels are dispensed when the loading door is in the closed position.
US08240593B2	Paper feeding device A paper feeding device that feeds a sheet of a paper roll to a printing device includes two spaced-apart side plates having opposed first notches for rotatably bearing-supporting a first paper roll and opposed second notches for rotatably bearing-supporting a second paper roll that may have a different diameter in an unused state from that of the first paper roll. A near end sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the paper rolls is slidably positioned in a linear groove formed in one of the side plates. The linear groove having a longitudinal axis that passes through a midpoint of a straight line connecting a rotation center of a first paper roll bearing-supported in the first notches and a rotation center of a second paper roll bearing-supported in the second notches. When first and second paper rolls of different sizes are used, if both paper rolls are wound on paper tubes of the same size, the position of the near end sensor need not be changed, which is a great convenience for the user.
US08240591B2	Webbing retractor, method of controlling webbing retractor, and vehicle In a webbing retractor, due to operation of a pretensioner mechanism, a stopper wire is moved, and second lock pawls of a second lock base mesh-together with an inner ratchet of a lock ring. In this way, a limit load by a torsion shaft can be switched to a high load. Therefore, immediately after operation of the pretensioner mechanism, the limit load by the torsion shaft can be made to be to the high load, and the limit load can be made to be the high load at an early stage.
US08240590B2	Fishing reel A fishing reel (100) comprises a crank (110), a spool (120) connected to said crank (110), a pull-off brake mechanism (230,230,400,400,400) and a chassis (130). The pull-off brake mechanism (230,230,400,400,400) 5 and the crank (110) are interconnected such that a pretension of the pull-off brake mechanism (230,230,400,400,400) increases as the crank (110) is moved in a reeling-in direction. Moreover, the pretension of the pull-off pull-off brake mechanism (230,230,400,400,400)10 also increases as the crank (110) is moved in a direction opposite to the reeling-in direction.
US08240585B1	Dishwasher controlled garbage disposal A dishwasher controlled garbage disposal system that momentarily activates the garbage disposal upon activation of the dishwasher to clear the dishwasher's drain route through the garbage disposal. A signal detection and transmission device functionally attached to the dishwasher detects activation of the dishwasher's water pump and sends a signal to a wall mounted control module which activates a pre-operational warning timer. This timer activates for a short time a pre-activation yellow warning light and a fluctuating warning sound. When the warning timer deactivates, a disposal timer activates for a short time a red warning light, a constantly sounding warning sound, and a relay which activates the garbage disposal. A single shot latching relay within the signal detection and transmission device is activated when the dishwasher is initially turned on to prevent the control box from activating more than once during a given wash cycle of the dishwasher.
US08240584B2	Hose frame assembly A hose frame assembly includes a pipe body, a wheel disc, a tensile adjusting device, and a cable. The pipe body includes three aligned pipe sections, and two resilient joints connected between every adjacent two of the three pipe sections. The tensile adjusting device is located between the pipe body and wheel disc, and includes a guide rail, two sliding members slidably mounted to the guide rail, and a resilient member connected between the sliding members. A wheel is rotatably mounted to each of the sliding members. Two ends of the cable extend through the pipe sections and the resilient joints and spacedly are fixed to an inner wall of one of the pipe sections located at a far end of the pipe body. A portion of the cable located out of the pipe body is positioned around the wheel disc and the wheels.
US08240583B2	Shower head A shower head comprising a pair of plates, for dispensing and closing, directly facing each other relative to an axial direction. The shower head comprises a closing ring which is directly arranged between the plates and fixing and sealing means suitable for fixing the plate each other and for realizing a liquid tight seal, so as to sealingly delimit with the plates a fluid collecting chamber and dispense the liquid through holes of the delivery plate. The shower head is especially thin, inexpensive to manufacture and to assemble.
US08240582B2	Stacked piezoelectric device A stacked piezoelectric device 1 including a ceramic laminate formed by laminating piezoelectric ceramic layers and inner electrode layers alternately and a pair of side electrodes. The inner electrode layers 13 and 14 have inner electrode portions 131 and 141 and the recessed portions 132 and 142. The ceramic laminate 15 has the stress absorbing portions 11 and 12. A recessed distance of one of two of the recessed portions 132 and 142 which interleave the stress absorbing portions 11 and 12 therebetween which is located on the same side surface as the stress absorbing portion 11 or 12 is greater than the depth of the stress absorbing portion 11 and 12.
US08240577B2	Semiconductor device An object of the present invention is to achieve a wireless chip with high reliability, a small chip area, and low power consumption, where voltage that is generated inside is prevented from excessively increasing also in a strong magnetic field such as in the case of approaching an antenna. A resonant circuit including a MOS capacitor element that has a predetermined threshold voltage is used to achieve a wireless chip. This allows a parameter of the resonant circuit to be prevented from changing in the case where the voltage amplitude exceeds a predetermined value in a strong magnetic field so that the wireless chip can be kept far away from the resonant condition. Accordingly, generation of excessive voltage is allowed to be prevented without the use of a limiter circuit or a constant voltage generation circuit.
US08240570B2	Hybrid imaging optical code reader A wireless hybrid imaging optical code reader is operable in both handheld and fixed configurations, the fixed configuration corresponding to the imaging optical code reader being mounted upon a fixed laser optical code scanner. The imaging optical code reader comprises first and second imaging windows and an optical element which allows light from only one of the imaging windows to be incident upon an imaging device of the imaging optical code reader dependent upon whether the imaging optical code reader is being used in the hand held or fixed configuration.
US08240569B2	Imaging engine with independently adjustable lens carriages An imaging engine in accordance with the present disclosure includes a first image sensor section, a second image sensor section, an optics barrel, a first lens carriage that includes at least one lens, and a second lens carriage that includes at least one lens. The first lens carriage is positioned within the optics barrel so that there is a first optical path through the lens(es) in the first lens carriage to the first image sensor section. Similarly, the second lens carriage is positioned within the optics barrel so that there is a second optical path through the lens(es) in the second lens carriage to the second image sensor section. Advantageously, the position of the first lens carriage within the optics barrel and the position of the second lens carriage within the optics barrel are both independently adjustable.
US08240566B1	Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe or EMV® card reader, such as readers on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) machine, or gas station pump. The blocking device securely attaches to the transaction machine such that unauthorized removal of the blocking device is difficult and likely will attract attention. The blocking device surrounds exposed portions of a magnetic-stripe card reader housing such that a skimming mold that fits over both the housing and the blocking device will stand out and be obvious to a user of the transaction machine. Also, a skimming mold fitting over the blocking device may prevent a card holder from properly inserting a magnetic-stripe card into the card reader. The difficulty of placing a skimming mold under or over the blocking device likely will deter a potential criminal skimmer from attempting to attach a skimming device in the first place.
US08240560B2	Method and apparatus for contactless payment authentication The present disclosure relates generally to the authentication of contactless payments attempted by a device having embedded contactless payment functionality. In particular, the disclosure is directed to systems and methods that utilize authentication schemes that already exist on a device in which the contactless payment functionality is embedded. One example of such authentication schemes is the use of password protection to lock or unlock the device in which the contactless payment functionality is embedded. Using the password protection functionality may provide varying levels of authentication protection based on the desires of the user. A number of exemplary uses of such a method and apparatus are disclosed herein.
US08240557B2	Collaborative negotiation techniques for mobile personal trusted device financial transactions Techniques for negotiation techniques for mobile personal trusted device financial transactions are provided. A user of a mobile personal trusted device sets user preferences that define the user's preferred parameters for conducting financial transactions. A merchant sets merchant preferences that define the merchant's preferred parameters for conducting financial transactions. When a financial transaction is initiated, a user preference and a merchant preferences are accessed. A negotiated preference is generated that accommodates both the user preference and the merchant preference. If the user preference and the merchant preference are not mutually exclusive, the negotiated preference attempts to satisfy both preferences. If the user preference and the merchant preference are mutually exclusive, the negotiated preference satisfies at least one of the two preferences based on which of the two preferences has a higher priority. The financial transaction is conducted based on the negotiated preference.
US08240556B2	Card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is enabled to perform at least one banking operation responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. A user is also enabled to perform at least one banking operation responsive to financial account data communicated to the automated banking machine from a mobile phone.
US08240555B1	Banking apparatus controlled responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive to the card data. The automated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device and a terminal processor. The terminal processor is operative to cause the deposit accepting device to process sheets in carrying out transactions involving financial transfers. The terminal processor controls operation of the deposit accepting device in response to stored device operation instructions, which can be modified through communication with a remote computer.
US08240553B2	Method and apparatus for providing electronic data Apparatus for providing electronic data associated with an item to a user, the apparatus comprising a memory tag scanner arranged to communicate with a memory tag associated with an item, a user profile memory arranged to store user profile data therein, an output interface arranged to provided data to a user, and a data processor arranged to cause data to be selectively read from the memory tag associated with an item and the data to be selectively provided to a user via the output interface in accordance with the stored user profile data.
US08240549B2	IC package tray embedded RFID A carrier tray as described herein includes a container having pockets for holding electrical components such as integrated circuits during manufacturing, and a device coupled to the container for tracking usage of the carrier tray into and out of process chambers used for performing particular processes on the electrical components carried therein. Stations and methods of using the carrier tray are also described herein.
US08240540B2	Structure for joining members including a nut and an auxiliary member Provided is a structure for joining members applicable even to different members. Included are first and second plate-like members 1 and 2 to be joined which are stacked one on the other for face-to-face contact and formed with respective, mutually contiguous holes 3 and 4, a fastening member 5 formed with a threaded hole 20 contiguous with the holes 3 and 4 of the members 1 and 2 and abutting on the member 1 on a side away from the member 2 and an auxiliary member 7 inserted into the holes 20, 3 and 4 of the members 5, 1 and 2. Due to frictional heat and plastic flow, material derived from the member 7 is adapted to enter into a threaded groove on an inner periphery of the hole 20 of the member 5 and cover a circumference of the hole 4 of the member 2 so as to join the members 1 and 2 together.
US08240538B1	True multi-fire surgical stapler with two-sided staple deployment One example of a surgical stapler may include a first staple holder, a second staple holder opposed to the first staple holder; a first feeder belt extending into the first staple holder, a second feeder belt extending into the second staple holder; and staples affixed to and frangibly separable from each feeder belt. Another example of a surgical stapler may include an anvilless end effector that in turn includes two opposed staple holders; at least one feeder belt extending into each staple holder, and staples frangibly affixed to each feeder belt.
US08240536B2	Powered surgical stapling device A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle.
US08240529B1	Collapsible hitch mounted cargo carrier A cargo carrier removably attaches to a square hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is collapsible when not in use. A base plate has a series of first arms pivotally attached thereto each first arm extending outwardly for use and secured thereat and folding upwardly for storage. A removable plate secures the first arms in the extended position. A second arm is attached to an outer end of a first arm and pivots between an extended position extending upwardly from the first arm and a collapsed position flush against the first arm. Each second arm is lockable in its extended position. A flexible cable is attached to the distal end of each second arm to help retain cargo within the device.
US08240525B2	Device to carry a bottle There is disclosed a device (1) to carry a bottle (5) including an attachment portion (10) to be secured to a user (15). A clip (20) has an aperture (25) through which a part (30) of the bottle (5) to be secured by the user may pass. A connecting means (35) extends between the attachment portion (10) and clip (20) and is operable to permit the bottle (15) in use to assume a substantially vertical orientation.
US08240524B2	Upper nozzle The present invention is directed to creating a less-energy loss or smooth (constant) molten steel flow with a focus on a configuration of a bore of an upper nozzle, so as to provide an upper nozzle formed with a bore having a configuration capable of to suppress deposit formation. For this purpose, in an upper nozzle 10 for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, a radius of an upper end of a bore 11 is set to be equal to or greater than 1.5 times a radius of a lower end of the bore 11, and a bore surface 14 is formed in a vertical cross-sectional configuration represented by log(r(z))=(1/n)×log((H+L)/(H+z))+log(r(L))(n=1.5 to 6).
US08240523B2	Cap with recessed portion A cap for an aerosol can is provided comprising a recessed portion configured to retain a sprayer for the can wherein the sprayer is contained in the recessed portion when stored in the cap. The sprayer comprises a button actuator to attach to the valve of the can and a spray nozzle extension for the button to provide additional control. The button includes a sleeve for fitting over a protruding post in the recessed portion to align the sprayer in the recessed portion. The recessed portion may also include a support with a notch for aligning the nozzle in the channel provided by the recessed portion.
US08240519B2	Ice dispenser An ice dispenser including an ice supply container; a shaft extending into the supply container; a stirrer rotatable about the shaft which extends into the supply container, the stirrer being connectable to a rotation drive device that rotates the stirrer; an output chamber communicated with the supply container, the output chamber having an ice outlet opening; a slider rotatable in the output chamber, a rotation of the slider in a predetermined manner operating to bring the slider into moving engagement with ice located in the output chamber; and a coupling selectively disposable between an active coupling disposition in which the coupling operatively interconnects the stirrer and the slider to one another such that the slider rotates in correspondence with a rotation of the stirrer and a decoupling disposition in which the coupling does not operatively interconnect the stirrer and the slider to one another.
US08240507B2	Seal-retaining valve for fluid metering device A valve comprises a valve cartridge, a valve stem and a valve seal. The valve cartridge comprises a generally cylindrical cartridge body, a bore extending longitudinally through the cartridge body, and an outlet passage and intermittent inlet passages extending through a side wall of the cartridge body to intersect the bore. The valve stem comprises an elongate body configured to slide within the bore, and a neck and a seal channel circumscribing the elongate body. The valve seal is seated within the seal channel. The valve stem slides within the bore to move the seal channel past the inlet passages. Portions of the cartridge body between the inlet passages retain the valve seal within the valve channel until the inlet passages are open to the neck. In one embodiment, the inlet passages form a crenelated edge. In another embodiment, the inlet passages form a ported end.
US08240501B2	Method of controlling in-can pressure during thermal processing A closure for a food can including a foil end panel bonded to an intermediate ring which is fixed to the can body. The foil panel comprises a diaphragm having a centre panel which included at least one concentric bead. The profile of this beaded panel is selected so that its downward position is no greater than the lowest point of the intermediate ring. The provision of the bead(s) reduces pressure differences experienced by the diaphragm, particularly during processing of the can contents, due to the volume increase available from the beads.
US08240499B2	Trashcan with hydraulic lid deceleration A trashcan has a hydraulic drop-deceleration mechanism including a can body, a lid, and a connection pole for push-open connection. The lid is connected to the connection pole at a top connection pole end. The connection pole is connected to the foot pedal via a lever at a bottom connection pole end. A hydraulic mechanism is for drop-deceleration. The hydraulic mechanism is connected to the connection pole by a connector. The hydraulic mechanism has a chamber filled with hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic mechanism has a gliding rod moving within the chamber. The gliding rod forms a tip at a gliding rod lower end. The mechanism has upper and lower fluid storage chambers. A piston is slidingly mounted in the hydraulic mechanism is biased in a lid open position by a spring.
US08240493B2	Container having oriented standing surface A plastic container having a shoulder region adapted for vacuum pressure absorption, a sidewall portion having a rigid support ledge and a tapered base structure having a geometrical shaped footprint. The base having an oriented standing surface to urge the container into a predetermined orientation during processing. The shoulder region including vacuum panels being movable to accommodate vacuum related forces generated within the container.
US08240491B2	Child-resistant canister A child-resistant canister includes a container and a closure configured to mount on the container to close an opening into an interior region formed in the container. The closure includes a lid and a lid anchor coupled to the lid. The lid anchor is configured to mate with a closure retainer included in the container to retain the closure in a mounted position on the container.
US08240487B2	Merchandizing hanger The invention provides a merchandise hanger including a first hanging portion including a first arm, a second hanging portion including a second arm, and a center portion connected to the first hanging portion and the second hanging portion. The first arm, the second arm and the center portion are configured to connect to merchandise.
US08240485B2	Chassis and module for data storage device enclosure and methods of reconfiguring chassis and module A chassis for a data storage device enclosure is disclosed. The chassis comprises a bay arranged to receive a module and a key in the bay. The bay key is constructed and arranged such that a module can be received in the bay only when said module has a corresponding module key. The bay key is manually reconfigurable by a user without use of a tool from a first configuration in which only a module having a corresponding first key can be received in the bay to a second configuration in which only a module having a corresponding second key, which is different from the first key, can be received in the bay.
US08240481B2	Sifter A sifter comprising: a receiver having a supply chamber; a sieve assembly having a sieving chamber coupled to the supply chamber; a rotor having a rotating shaft laterally arranged to pass through the supply chamber and the sieving chamber; a drum having a circular cross-section and having a larger diameter than the diameter of the rotating shaft, the drum being extended in at least space of the sieving chamber and arranged coaxially with the sieve; a cylindrical sieve located inside the sieving chamber and arranged coaxially with the rotating shaft; a stirring rotor located in an inner area of the sieving chamber inside the sieve comprising a rotating blade attached to the rotating shaft; an extraction member; and an outlet for discharging powder passing through the sieve from the inner area to the outer area.
US08240479B2	Flicker boxes Systems and methods are described that facilitate generating a changing visual effect during opening and closing of a package for a product. The package includes first and second portions, each having thereon an polarized interference region with non-parallel planes of polarization. All or part of the second package portion is transparent to one polarization, permitting the polarized interference region on the first package portion to interact with a polarized interference region on the second package portion. The package portions are mated together (e.g., in a tube and sleeve arrangement or the like), such that the polarized regions are aligned and overlap each other when the package is closed, thereby permitting less light through due to the two overlapping planes of polarization. As the package is opened (or closed), the polarized regions move or slide past each other, creating the visual effect by changing the size and shape of the overlapping polarized region. As the package is opened or closed, light passage through interactive regions where the polarized regions overlap is reduced or eliminated, depending on the orientation of the planes of polarization.
US08240478B2	Multi-product container and container blank The present invention is directed to a multi-product container and container blank. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define a container blank. The blank includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, opposed side panels and a plurality of corner panels. Also, a top panel is attached to the back panel opposite said bottom panel. A fold over cup panel is attached to the front panel opposite the bottom panel. The cup panel does not include additional panels or tabs opposite the front panel. An optional cup receptacle is formed in the cup panel. As fanned, the front panel, back panel opposed side panels and plurality of corner panels are hingedly attached to said bottom panel via unperforated score lines.
US08240477B2	Container assembly for packaging products A container member including a rigid cup portion defining a chamber. The container member has an opening at one end in communication with the chamber and a flexible suspension member extending over the opening. The suspension member has an inner surface facing the chamber, an opposing outer surface and a cavity extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. The cavity is in communication with the chamber and sized to receive at least a portion of the product to be packaged therethrough. The container assembly includes a retainer having a retaining member removably positioned to extend over the cavity. The retaining member holds the at least a portion of the product in position in the chamber such that the at least a portion of the product does not contact the cup portion.
US08240474B1	Packaging article for rectangular objects A packaging article comprises first and second packaging members with one or more depressions and corresponding protrusions, respectively, and can be assembled with their each protrusion received within the corresponding depression. A transverse cross section of each depression is concave. A transverse cross section of each protrusion includes a secondary protrusion that forms a longitudinal ridge; a longitudinal cross section of the ridge comprises one or more concavities. A substantially rectangular object is place in a depression and the first and second packaging members are assembled. The object, received within the depression and located between the assembled packaging members, rests with two opposing edges of the object urged against the concave surface of the depression with corresponding lines of contact oriented substantially longitudinally, and with two other opposing edges of the object urged against the concavity.
US08240473B2	Headliner packaging system with hinged clamp A headliner packaging may be configured to package a headliner having a surface and a width. The system may include one or more elongated clamps. Each elongated clamp may be configured to releasable secure the headliner by applying clamping force to an area on the surface of the headliner. Each elongated clamp may have a length that exceeds the width of the headliner. Each elongated clamp may have a hinge on one end of the elongated clamp which is configured to allow the elongated clamp to rotatably swing into an open position to receive the headliner and to rotatably swing into a closed position to lock the headliner securely within the elongated clamp. The packaging system may be configured to package an article other than a headliner.
US08240470B2	Carrying bag A carrying case (500) and handle (504) for accommodating a portable topical negative pressure therapy apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) separable therefrom, the waste canister having an aspiration conduit (274) emerging therefrom is described, the carrying bag comprising an apparatus receiving pouch (502), said pouch having opening and closing means (522, 524) at a lower portion thereof and said handle (504) being directly attached to said apparatus.
US08240463B2	Conveyor belt with varying flexibility and method of construction of same A conveyor belt having a width and a length, and a longitudinal centerline, also has a first longitudinal edge, and an opposing second longitudinal edge and a load bearing region. The load bearing region is located evenly about the belt longitudinal centerline, throughout the length of the belt. The conveyor belt also has a first flexibility region and a second flexibility region, wherein the first flexibility region is located between the first longitudinal edge and the load bearing region, and the second flexibility region is located between the second longitudinal edge and the load bearing region. The conveyor belt further comprises at least one fabric layer, having a width corresponding to the conveyor belt width, and having a length corresponding to the conveyor belt length, wherein the fabric layer has a density which varies over the fabric layer width; and wherein the fabric layer density is higher in the first and second longitudinal edges and the load bearing region than the fabric layer density in the first and second flexibility region.
US08240458B2	Device and method for the transfer of flexible flat articles A device and method for the transfer flexible flat articles between two conveyors. The device includes a first gripper conveyor with first grippers moved along a first gripper conveyor track for suspended transportation of the articles in a conveying direction, and a second gripper conveyor with second grippers moved along a second gripper conveyor track. Opening and closing of the grippers is controlled so that a transfer of the articles from the first to the second grippers is able to take place. In doing so, a spacing between the first grippers differs from the spacing between the second grippers such that, in a transfer zone, one gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which include the greater spacing between one another, defines a concave course, and the other gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which have the smaller spacing between one another, defines a correspondingly convex course.
US08240457B2	Bread conveying apparatus A bread conveying apparatus comprises: a first discharge conveyer for conveying bread, the first discharge conveyer disposed along a conveying path on which the bread is conveyed; and a second discharge conveyer for conveying the bread, the first discharge conveyer disposed along the conveying path and having a common region that partially overlaps with a region on the conveying path where the first discharge conveyer runs, wherein the first discharge conveyer has a first flight for urging the bread, and the second discharge conveyer has a second flight for urging the bread, and wherein a conveying speed at which the bread is conveyed by the second discharge conveyer is different from a conveying speed at which the bread is conveyed by the first discharge conveyer.
US08240455B2	Device and method for transferring a group of products from an input conveyor to an output conveyor The invention relates to a device for transporting food products (20), particularly product slices produced by means of a slicer (26, 28, 30), comprising at least one transfer station (10) for receiving food products from an incoming product stream flowing in from at least one incoming conveyor (12) and for transferring the food products to an outgoing conveyor (14), wherein the transfer station comprises a transfer unit that is configured to simultaneously transfer a group of successively received food products to the outgoing conveyor.
US08240452B2	Tread elements for a conveyor and method and device for testing tread element strips A tread element for a conveyor such as an escalator or moving sidewalk has a tread plate and at least one border strip. First and second abutment arrangement for the strip are provided, and include a first groove element and a tongue element on mating portions of the tread plate and strip. Interacting stop surfaces of the abutment arrangements on the plate and strip prevent relative movement in the direction of mounting, while one of the abutment arrangements provides a locking arrangement between the tread element and strip.
US08240451B2	Techniques for mounting a peripheral device in a vending machine Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.
US08240449B2	Locking device of rotary shaft A locking device of a rotary shaft includes a clutch member rotating integrally with the rotary shaft and provided so as to be displaceable in the direction of axis of the rotary shaft, a locking member provided in a fixed state to engage the clutch member to regulate the rotation of the clutch member, a biasing member biasing the clutch member toward the locking member, and a torque transmission member rotating under the rotary torque transmitted thereto from a power source, having a boss loosely inserted into a cam groove provided in an outer peripheral portion of the clutch member, and transmitting the rotary torque to the clutch member via the boss. The boss is displaced within the cam groove with switching of the rotation/stop of the torque transmission member or switching of the rotational direction thereof.
US08240448B2	Parking device of transmission According to an operation of a shift lever to parking range, a cam member at a parking rod comes in between a parking pole and a support member, and the parking pole swings so that a pawl portion of the parking rod can engage with a parking gear. A concave holding portion to hold the support member is formed at a transmission case. The support member comprises a first cylindrical outer face having a first radius R1 which is supported in a concave inner face the concave holding portion to rotate in a specified range and a second cylindrical outer face (cam-contact portion) having a second radius R2 which contacts a cam member. The first radius R1 has a center which is located at the same position as that of the second radius R2. Herein, R2 is shorter than R1.
US08240446B2	Clutch assembly with formed retention ring A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.
US08240444B2	Control device for a gearbox and method for controlling a gearbox A control device for and a method of controlling a gearbox having a pressure-limiting device connected to a pressure medium source. A first controllable valve device is connected downstream of the pressure-limiting device and an actuating device is connected further downstream and adjusts the gearbox. A second controllable valve device is connected directly to the pressure medium source, via a supply line, and another actuating device is connected downstream of the second controllable valve device. An electric control device is provided for actuating the controllable valve devices and a sensor is connected to the electric control device for measuring pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line. The electric control device is connected to the second controllable valve device such that the second controllable valve device and the further actuating device are controlled by the pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line.
US08240441B2	Hydrodynamic coupling device for hybrid vehicles A hydrodynamic coupling device including: a housing; a sealing plate rotationally connected to the housing; a pump disposed within the housing; a turbine disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the pump; and a dry chamber at least partially enclosed by the housing and the sealing plate. A hydrodynamic coupling device including: a housing; an electric motor rotationally connected to the housing; and a fluid coupling including a pump rotationally connected to the housing and a turbine rotationally connected to an output hub. The fluid coupling does not include a stator. A hydrodynamic coupling device including a space formed between a stator shaft and a pump hub and a sleeve disposed in the space. The sleeve divides the space into first and second channels.
US08240437B2	Brake systems for rollators and rollators comprising the same A brake system for a rollator may include a brake handle, a braking device operatively coupled to the brake handle, and a gear rim mechanically coupled to at least one wheel of the rollator. The brake handle may be pivotally attached to a frame of the rollator and comprises a service-brake position and a parking-brake position while the braking device may be disposed on the frame of the rollator proximate the at least one wheel. When the brake handle is in a service-brake position, a braking member of the braking device is frictionally engaged with an inner portion of a rim of the at least one wheel thereby braking the wheel. When the handle is in a parking-brake position, the braking member of the braking device is engaged with teeth of the gear rim thereby preventing the wheel from rotating.
US08240429B1	System method and devices for windage noise damping in induction motor A rotor windage noise damping system for an induction motor cooling vent A duct having a duct airflow path has a proximal end opening in communication with the cooling vent and the distal end opening is for communication with ambient air. The duct includes a plurality of baffles. The baffles are oriented in a generally parallel mutually spaced symmetrical or asymmetrical array relative to each other and the duct airflow path. Dimensions for baffle array symmetry or asymmetry, parallel spacing, baffle thickness and baffle inset from one of the duct openings are chosen to restrict distance between adjacent baffles to less than a wavelength of windage noise at selected propagation frequencies, yet provide for sufficient cooling airflow through the duct. The duct may be tuned to dampen selected propagation frequencies by changing the baffle array.
US08240428B2	Aspirator with integral muffler An aspirator with an integral muffler includes a housing having a top, a bottom and a side and an aspirator chamber and a muffler chamber in the housing. The aspirator chamber includes an inlet, an outlet and a venturi section between the inlet and the outlet, and the muffler chamber has an outlet and an inlet in fluid communication with the muffler chamber duct. A duct extends from the muffler chamber outlet into the aspirator chamber.
US08240424B2	Tubular valve tower extension element The tubular valve tower extension element (30) connects to a free end of a valve tower (22) of a vehicle's steering system. The connection end (42) of the valve tower extension element (30) can be connected to a valve tower (22) and comprises a bearing (32) located opposite the connection end (42) in the region of an opening (34) defined by one end of the extension element (see FIG. 1).
US08240423B2	All-wheel steering system and vehicle incorporating the same An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.
US08240422B2	Steer-by-wire type steering device A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering motor, a steering power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the steering motor to a steering axle, a toe angle adjusting motor and a toe angle adjusting power transmitting mechanism for adjusting the toe angle upon rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor. A switching mechanism is provided which operates in such a manner that in the event of failure of the steering motor, the rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor in place of the steering motor is transmitted to the steering power transmitting mechanism to enable a wheel turning, but in the event of failure of the toe angle adjusting motor, the wheel turning is carried out only by the steering motor. A hollow motor is employed for one or both of the steering motor and the toe angle adjusting motor.
US08240420B1	Steering mechanism A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly. A sensor for activating parking breaks is also associated with the base for sensing the lever assembly when it is in the outboard position.
US08240419B2	Alcohol interlock system with wireless data transmission and safety function An interlock system (1) for a vehicle is provided with an alcohol tester (4), which is designed to measure the alcohol level of a driver of the vehicle. A control device (2) is coupled with the alcohol tester (4) and is designed to make it possible to start the vehicle or to prevent the vehicle from being started depending on the measured alcohol level. A transceiver module (3) is coupled with the control device (2) and is designed to send data to a remotely located control system in a wireless manner or to receive data from said control system in a wireless manner. The transceiver module (3) is designed, furthermore, to release the control device (2) in response to data received in a wireless manner in order to make it possible to start the vehicle regardless of the operating state of the control device.
US08240415B2	Construction machine An intermediate plate member (22) having a plate thickness equal to or less than that of a door body (19) is provided between the door body (19) and a reinforcing member (24) constituting a right side door (18). The door body (19) and the intermediate plate member (22) are jointed by spot welding, and the intermediate plate member (22) and the reinforcing member (24) are jointed by fillet welding, thereby jointing the reinforcing member (24) through the intermediate plate member (22) on the inner side surface (19A) of the door body (19). Through the use of the intermediate plate member (22), the generation of distortion in the door body (19) is reduced and the outer appearance of the right side door (18) is maintained in good condition.
US08240411B2	Power conversion apparatus and electric vehicle The metallic case of a power conversion apparatus includes a casing having a side wall, as well as an upper case and a lower case, a first area being formed between a cooling jacket provided at the inner periphery of the side wall and the lower case, the metal base plate dividing the first area between the cooling jacket and the upper case into a lower side second area and an upper side third area, first and second power modules being fastened to a top surface and a capacitor module being provided in the first area, driving circuits that drive inverter circuits of the power modules respectively being provided in the second area, and a control circuit that controls the driver circuits being provided in the third area.
US08240409B2	Self-propelled high-clearance vehicle A self-propelled high-clearance vehicle includes a front half-chassis and a rear half-chassis placed one behind the other and assembled together by a pivot connection, the front and rear half-chassis respectively including firstly a front wheel set and a rear wheel set disposed in line one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and secondly a first stabilizer wheel set on the left and a second stabilizer wheel set on the right located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the high-clearance vehicle; a driver's cab mounted on one and/or the other of the half-chassis; and an engine unit for driving the vehicle, mounted on one and/or the other of the half-chassis.
US08240408B2	Adaptable vehicle having interchangeable tracks and wheels The hybrid vehicle is mounted from a kit which includes a vehicle body that has a chassis, a first actuator assembly carried by the chassis and a motor carried by the chassis; a wheel kit including a second actuator assembly and a number of ground-engaging wheels; and a track kit that has track guide wheels, track driving wheels and a pair of ground-engaging tracks. The vehicle body can be interchangeably coupled to either one of the wheel kit thus defining a wheel mode hybrid vehicle and the track kit thus defining a track mode hybrid vehicle. In the wheel mode, the second actuator assembly is removably carried by the chassis, the ground-engaging wheels are operatively and removably coupled to the first and second actuator assemblies and the motor powers the first and second actuator assemblies. In the track mode, the track guide wheels are removably carried by the chassis, the track driving wheels are operatively and removably coupled to the first actuator assembly, the tracks are operatively installed on respective track guide and driving wheels and the motor powers the first actuator assembly.
US08240404B2	Roof bolt bit In one aspect of the present invention, a roof bolt drill bit for use in underground mines comprises a bit body with a shank adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism. A working face disposed opposite the shank comprises a plurality of polycrystalline diamond cutting elements. Carbide bolsters are disposed intermediate the plurality of cutting elements and the bit body.
US08240401B2	System and method for damping vibration in a drill string A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
US08240396B2	Tool with an oscillating head The invention relates to a tool that includes a tool holder, which has on its first end a tool holder recess that is adapted to the contours of a rotating spindle driver and a tool recess on a second end that lies opposite the first end. The tool holder also includes a tool head that can be inserted into the tool recess. For the optimal machining of a workpiece, attempts were previously made to provide an oscillating unit in the spindle of the machine, to initiate oscillations in the tool head. The disadvantage of said known constructions is that all available tools have to be synchronized with the oscillation unit. The invention overcomes said disadvantage by equipping the tool holder with an oscillating motor.
US08240395B2	Hand-held power tool Improving vibration reduction of a handle in a hand-held power tool by performing a predetermined operation on a workpiece by linear movement of a tool bit in an axial direction. The power tool includes a power tool body, a handle and a vibration-proofing part. The vibration-proofing part includes an elastic element that is disposed between the power tool body and the handle and reduces transmission of vibration from the power tool body to the handle, and also includes a body-side receiving part and a handle-side receiving part which are opposed to each other so as to hold the elastic element. The vibration-proofing part is designed such that deformation of the elastic element is shearing deformation in each of the direction of a z-axis defined along the axial direction of the tool bit and the directions of a y-axis and an x-axis which intersect with the z-axis.
US08240388B2	Submergible oil well sealing device and method for sealing underwater oil wells An oil well sealing device that is submergible for sealing under water oil wells and a method for sealing underwater oil wells are described. The device comprises a housing having at least one lower opening at a lower end of the housing and at least one upper opening at an upper end of the housing; a pump sucking oil through the lower opening into the housing and pushing the oil through the upper opening out of the housing; and a closing element movable to close or open the upper opening.
US08240387B2	Casing annulus tester for diagnostics and testing of a wellbore Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a casing tester for plugging and abandoning a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of testing an annulus defined between a first tubular string and a second tubular string includes engaging a first annular packer with an outer surface of the first tubular string and engaging a second annular packer with an outer surface of the second tubular string. The tubular strings extend into a wellbore. The method further includes injecting a test fluid between the packers until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the annulus.
US08240383B2	Methods for making and using UV/EB cured precured particles for use as proppants Disclosed herein are methods of making free flowing coated particles and low temperature including a step of curing the coating with UV light or electron beam. Each particle has a precured coating disposed upon a substrate. Methods of using the particles are also disclosed.
US08240375B2	Field joint for a downhole tool A field joint for connecting a plurality of downhole tool modules is disclosed. The modules include a housing and an electrical line. A bulkhead is coupled to a first module that includes a first conduit aperture for receiving an electrical connector assembly. The first electrical connector assembly is releasably coupled to the exterior portion of the first module and includes a first connector having a first end adapted for electrical coupling to an electrical line. A connector block is coupled to the second module that includes a second conduit aperture positioned to substantially face the first conduit aperture when the first and second modules are joined. A second electrical connector is disposed in the second conduit aperture and is electrically coupled to an electrical line such that an electrical contact is established with a second end of the first connector when the first and second modules are joined.
US08240374B2	Apparatus and methods for limiting debris flow back into an underground base pipe of an injection well In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.
US08240366B2	Radiant coolers and methods for assembling same A method of assembling a radiant cooler is provided. The method includes providing a vessel shell that includes a gas flow passage defined therein that extends generally axially through the vessel shell, coupling a plurality of cooling tubes and a plurality of downcomers together to form a tube cage wherein at least one of the plurality of cooling tubes is positioned circumferentially between a pair of circumferentially-adjacent spaced-apart downcomers, and orienting the tube cage within the vessel shell such that the tube cage is in flow communication with the flow passage.
US08240365B2	Heat exchanger It is known that corrugated plate heat exchangers can have good thermal and hydraulic performance but limitations with regard to operational pressures whilst conventional tube type heat exchangers can achieve high pressure operation but can have high flow pressure losses due to the configuration of such tubes. By arranging a tube stack comprising respective tubes 2a, 3a arranged in layers typically one upon the other with cross junctions 4 between them and intersticial gaps between tubes it is possible to create swirling spinning motion in the flow possibly inside and at least outside the tubes for improved heat exchange with only limited flow restriction. The swirling flow in the heat exchanger matrix outside of the tubes passes along channels formed by the interconnecting intersticial gaps between the tubes and is guided about those tubes for heat exchange. Typically, a multitude of stack layers is combined such that association between the stack layers prevents in operation lateral and vertical movements as well as vibration of the tubes.
US08240362B2	Cooling system for a computer system The invention relates to a cooling system for a computer system, said computer system comprising at least one unit such as a central processing unit (CPU) generating thermal energy and said cooling system intended for cooling the at least one processing unit and comprising a reservoir having an amount of cooling liquid, said cooling liquid intended for accumulating and transferring of thermal energy dissipated from the processing unit to the cooling liquid. The cooling system has a heat exchanging interface for providing thermal contact between the processing unit and the cooling liquid for dissipating heat from the processing unit to the cooling liquid. Different embodiments of the heat exchanging system as well as means for establishing and controlling a flow of cooling liquid and a cooling strategy constitutes the invention of the cooling system.
US08240359B2	Liquid storage and cooling computer case A computer case including at least one radiator having two ends and at least one serpentine coiled tube for flowing a cooling liquid therethrough to cool a computer disposed within the case. The radiator may be made of a nonferrous metal.
US08240358B2	Method and device for minimizing adverse effects of temperature differential in a heat exchanger or heat exchange reactor A heat exchange apparatus includes first and second sections, and further includes a first cross-flow fluid passageway disposed at least partially within the first section, defined by an internal surface of the first section, and including an inlet and outlet. The apparatus also includes a second cross-flow fluid passageway disposed at least partially within the second section and including an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus includes an interior fluid passageway with at least one tube disposed at least partially within the first section and at least partially within the second section, extending at least partially through the first passageway and at least partially through the second passageway, and including at least an inlet and an outlet. A sealing zone is disposed between the first section and the second section. The sealing zone isolates the first section from the second section either or both mechanically and in fluid communication.
US08240344B2	Method and apparatus for insulating a component of a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank A new process for insulating the void in a thermal distance piece in a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank uses a vacuum source to draw insulation into the TDP. Two remotely spaced openings to the void are provided. A strainer is temporarily mounted in one of the openings. The other opening is connected to a suction wand. The wand has an inner cylinder that extends through an outer cylinder and projects outwardly from a proximal end of the outer cylinder. Distal air vents are provided on the inner cylinder, near a distal cap that connects distal ends of the cylinders. Proximal air vents are provided on a proximal cap that connects a portion of the inner cylinder to a proximal end of the outer cylinder. The distal end of the wand is inserted into a container of insulation. When a vacuum is drawn through the opening with the strainer, the insulation is drawn through the wand and into the void.
US08240342B2	Papermaker's press felt with long machine direction floats in base fabric A papermaker's press felt includes: a base fabric comprising: a set of top machine direction (MD) yarns; a set of bottom MD yarns; and a set of cross machine direction (CMD) yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns and the bottom MD yarns. The top MD yarns, bottom MD yarns, and CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of repeat units in which each top MD yarn forms a long MD paper side float above certain consecutive ones of the set of CMD yarns. The press felt further comprises at least one batt layer attached to the base fabric. In this configuration, the long paper side floats of the base fabric can provide a desirable balance of properties.
US08240341B2	Hydrophilic end seal A kit, apparatus, and method for sealing a junction between a manhole and a pipe within a sewer system are provided. In a first embodiment, the end of a pipe adjacent a manhole is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material. The tubular sleeve is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a pipe liner is installed or otherwise placed through the tubular sleeve and against the wall of the pipe. In a second embodiment, a majority of the area surrounding a junction of a pipe and a manhole is sealed by the use of a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material including a flange portion, a mechanical fastener, a pipe liner, and a manhole liner.
US08240340B2	Hydrophilic end seal A kit, apparatus, and method for sealing a junction between a manhole and a pipe within a sewer system are provided. In a first embodiment, the end of a pipe adjacent a manhole is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material. In a second embodiment, a majority of the area surrounding a junction of a pipe and a manhole is sealed by the use of a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material including a flange portion, a pipe liner, and a manhole liner.
US08240335B1	Fueling valve for fueling a remote control vehicle A fueling valve for fueling a remote or radio-controlled vehicle or removing fuel therefrom has a sliding member in a cylinder to permit fuel to placed or removed from a vehicle as desired. Such a fueling valve greatly simplifies the transportation of the vehicle.
US08240331B2	Negative pressure relief valve assembly A negative pressure valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly comprises a valve port assembly comprising a port and a flange substantially surrounding the port, a valve comprising a plate adapted to substantially cover the port, the plate comprising a minor edge, a major edge having a major edge length, and a plate biasing assembly stop located at a first position along the major edge, the first position more than 50% of the major edge length as measured from the minor edge. The valve assembly further comprises a hinge coupled to the plate, the hinge adapted to couple the plate to the flange, and first plate biasing assembly adapted to couple to the valve port assembly and to bias the plate towards the valve port assembly, the first plate biasing assembly comprising a resilient member adapted to contact the stop plate.
US08240322B2	Splash-proof umbrella structure A splash-proof umbrella structure comprises a rod passing through a slide sleeve sliding up and down along the rod. The slide sleeve is coupled to support sticks. A piece of umbrella cloth is arranged on the support sticks. The upper side of the rod has a first rod sleeve and a second rod sleeve. The first rod sleeve has first link rods coupled to the support sticks. The second rod sleeve has second link rods coupled to the first link rods. The bottom of the rod has a handle. When getting off a vehicle in rain, the user can open the umbrella in a confined space to prevent from being wetted by rainwater via sliding the slide sleeve upward to stretch the umbrella cloth bottom-up. When not in use, the umbrella cloth can be collapsed via sliding the slide sleeve toward the handle. Further, the handle can collect rainwater.
US08240318B2	Hair clip A hair clip is provided. An upper clip includes a first body, a first pressing unit for separating the upper clip and a lower clip, and a first bracket having a first through hole. The lower clip includes a second body, a second pressing unit configured to separate the upper clip and the lower clip when a clamping force is applied thereto, and a second bracket having a second through hole, the second bracket being positioned on an upper portion of the second pressing unit of the lower clip. A fixing member having an elasticity has a first end coupled with the first body of the upper clip and a second end coupled with the first pressing unit of the upper clip. The spring provides an elastic force while pressing the upper clip. The hinge connects the upper and lower clips with the spring.
US08240317B2	Device adapted to release a hair substance A hair conditioner module adapted to release, in working conditions, a hair substance, comprising a support material soaked with a hair substance and being selected from the group comprising a polyolefin bicomponent fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene.
US08240311B2	3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes The present invention is related to a 3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes including an elastic meshed fabric, an elastic framework and a fixing device, wherein the 3D elastic framework which supports and holds the elastic meshed fabric, is fixed by the fixing device to locate between the skin and the clothes, so as to form a ventilative chamber for achieving the separation. Here, the elastic framework can be bent to adapt to different body shapes or portions and adjusted to provide most comfortable wearing angle, so that a proper air flowing can be achieved between the skin or the body portion and the clothes, thereby keeping the skin dry.
US08240310B2	Medical positioner having immobilizer function Provided is a medical positioner having an immobilizer function. The medical positioner includes a vacuum pad allowing air to freely flow in and out through ports and regulating movement of beads, and is configured to firmly fix positioning lock bars to an outer surface of the vacuum pad. Thereby, when a patient wears the vacuum pad applied to the medical positioner, the beads held in the vacuum pad are prevented from being lopsided. The beads are grouped in cell units by partitions, so that movement of the beads from a designated cell to the neighboring cell through the ports is controlled. When the patient is examined using medical equipment, the medical positioner freely and accurately corrects a posture of the patient wearing the vacuum pad for diagnosis or treatment, and maintains the corrected posture to enhance accuracy of the diagnosis or treatment carried out through the medical equipment.
US08240309B2	Adjustable nasal devices Described herein are adjustable whole-nose nasal devices having a first passageway for communication with a first nasal passage and a second passageway for communication with a second nasal passage, an airflow resistor that inhibits expiration more than inspiration, and an adjustable connector. The adjustable connector may include one or more adjustable joints or regions that allow the whole-nose device to conform to the spacing between a subject's nostrils, and/or the orientation and angle of the subject's nostrils. Also described herein are whole-nose devices having a single airflow resistor communicating with both of a subject's nasal passages. Methods of treating a disorder using the whole-nose nasal devices are also described.
US08240307B2	Apparatus for non-invasive mechanical ventilation An apparatus (1) for non-invasive mechanical ventilation comprises a fan (2) of Bi-level type, or BiPAP, for generating an air flow according to a succession of inspiration steps, or IPAP, and exhalation steps, or EPAP. The flow is conveyed in the aerial ducts of a patient (25) by means of a flexible tube (3) connected to a nasal mask (4). A flexible air reservoir (5) is provided pneumatically connected to the duct (3) and the nasal mask (4) in order to subtract from the inspiration flow a certain air amount before that it reaches the patient (25) at the beginning of an IPAP step. During the exhalation EPAP step, since the air flow pressure decreases automatically, there is the emptying at least partial of the flexible air reservoir (5), whereas the air exhaled by the patient exits through an opening (14) made on the nasal mask (4). This way an air exchange occurs also in the most peripheral patient's aerial ducts and the amount of gaseous exchanges is increased, reducing at the same time the duration of the treatment.
US08240305B2	Dispensing device A dispensing device with a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation in which 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. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided for aligning the connecting element relative to a respective receptacle and/or insert which has guiding portions formed at or by the respective receptacle and/or insert.
US08240303B2	Liquid ejection device A liquid ejection device of the present invention includes an inhaling port portion, an ejection head for ejecting a liquid to be inhaled by a user through the inhaling port portion, a first sensor for detecting an action of the user relating to inhalation, a second sensor for detecting another action of the user relating to inhalation, the second sensor being different from the first sensor, and a determining portion for determining an operation of ejecting the liquid of the ejection head in response to both a first signal output from the first sensor and a second signal output from the second sensor, wherein the determining portion enables ejection of the liquid from the ejection head when both the first signal and the second signal are signals indicating inhalation intention of the user.
US08240301B2	Dispensing device A dispensing device for dispensing a number of doses of medication to a patient, comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medication by actuation of the dispensing mechanism from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position, a dose counter for counting the number of doses dispensed by said device, a first battery-less arrangement for providing power to said dose counter in response to the actuation of said dispensing mechanism, and an electronic display for displaying a dose indication, characterised in that the device includes a second battery-less arrangement for providing power to said electronic display when said dispensing mechanism is in said non-dispensing position.
US08240297B2	Direct-start engine operation utilizing multi-strike ignition A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions.
US08240289B2	Control apparatus for internal combustion engine The present invention relates to a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine. It is an object of the present invention to prevent an excessive reaction of a throttle valve when the throttle valve is driven on the basis of a throttle opening calculated from a plurality of required torques. Step 100 is performed to consolidate the plurality of required torques. Step 102 is then performed to judge whether the sensitivity of throttle opening variation corresponding to torque variation is high. When the sensitivity is judged to be high, step 106 is performed to convert only a fluctuating required torque to a throttle opening. Step 108 is then performed to consolidate the remaining required torques and convert the resulting consolidated required torque to a throttle opening. Next, the required throttle opening calculated in step 106 and the required throttle opening calculated in step 108 are consolidated to calculate a final throttle opening.
US08240287B2	Operation management apparatus Operation management apparatus includes a control section for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine, a storage section for storing data of an integrated operating time of the engine monitored by the control section, and a display section capable of displaying not only operating states of the engine but also an integrated operating time of the internal combustion engine. The control section controls the display section to make a blinking display with a predetermined number of blinks, corresponding to the integrated operating time, at predetermined timing.
US08240283B1	Method for preparing and using an engine valves adjustment guide strip Described is a method of making and using an adherent guide strip on a damper wheel of a piston engine to adjust engine valves. The method includes cutting the strip to a length sufficient to exactly encircle the damper wheel; placing midpoint marks onto a visible outside surface of the strip; engaging the strip with a peripheral edge of the crankshaft pulley while aligning the strip for corresponding rotational positions of the damper wheel; and guiding rotation and positioning of the crankshaft and camshaft by the midpoint marks on the guide strip in order to more easily and accurately adjust the engine's valves.
US08240279B2	Engine valve control device An engine valve control device is applied to an engine valve control mechanism having a VVT (valve timing adjusting device), an OCV (control valve) that controls a flow of hydraulic oil supplied to the VVT, and an electromagnetic solenoid that controls an operation of the OCV according to a control duty (control command value). The engine valve control device calculates the control duty based on a holding duty, which occurs when an actual phase does not change but is held, and feedback correction values. The engine valve control device corrects the value of the holding duty in accordance with a steady-state deviation between the actual phase and a target phase to perform learning for storing and updating the holding duty value. If temperature of the hydraulic oil is low, the learning is prohibited even when the steady-state deviation is occurring.
US08240277B1	Internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine suppressing trouble in a fuel feed system or lubrication system even when using ammonia as fuel. The internal combustion engine is able to be fed ammonia as fuel and is provided with a fuel tank storing ammonia in a liquid state, a fuel injector injecting ammonia in a gaseous state into a combustion chamber or intake port, and a fuel passage connected to the fuel tank and fuel injector. Inside the fuel tank or fuel passage, there is arranged a substance that can absorb or adsorb water and cannot absorb and adsorb ammonia.
US08240273B2	Plush treat dispenser In at least one embodiment, an animal treat dispenser includes a treat container having an aperture, an aperture adjustment mechanism that is capable of varying an effective size of the aperture to regulate passage of animal treats through the aperture, and a plush toy at least partially covering the treat container.
US08240272B2	Milking equipment In a milking cluster of teat cups, each teat cup has a port in the form of a nozzle disposed in the head portion of the flexible liner (3) of the teat cup. The milking cluster includes a distributor having a fluid inlet aid outlets connected to the nozzles of the cups. The distributor inlet is connected to a supply of filtered air under atmospheric pressure by a first valve which is operable to admit air to the distributor in order to regulate the level of vacuum present in the teat cup liners during a milking cycle. It is connected to a delivery line for supplying sanitising fluid, which is utilised to treat the teats and teat cups in a cleansing cycle following the milking cycle, by a second valve operable to maintain the delivery line primed with sanitising fluid preparatory to initiation of the cleansing cycle.
US08240271B2	Substrate processing apparatus To provide a substrate processing apparatus capable of easily installing a plasma discharge electrode having flexibility at a prescribed position in an electrode protective tube, and is capable of holing the plasma discharge electrode having flexibility at the prescribed position. This apparatus includes: a processing chamber that houses a plurality of substrates, with a space provided from each other in a state of being stacked; a gas supply unit that supplies a desired gas into the processing chamber; an exhaust unit that exhausts an atmosphere in the processing chamber; electrodes having flexibility that extend in a stacking direction of the substrates; a protective tube that contains each electrode; a first fitting member fixed to the tip end of each electrode; and a second fitting member disposed in a tip end part of each protective tube, the electrode being contained in the protective tube, with the first fitting member and the second fitting member connected to each other.
US08240270B2	Impact detecting apparatus and package device An impact detecting apparatus that is configured to be attached to an object and includes a drop-impact display unit configured to display a direction of drop impact when the object is dropped; and a tilt display unit configured to display a direction of tilting when the object is tilted. The drop-impact display unit and the tilt display unit displays the direction of drop impact and the direction of tilting at the same time.
US08240269B2	Boat window system A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.
US08240266B2	Mooring apparatus A mooring apparatus (2) including a frame (4), a mooring wheel (6) and a locking system, wherein the mooring wheel includes a circumferentially located mooring rope engagement portion and is rotatably coupled to the frame; and the locking system is adapted to prevent rotation of the mooring wheel when in a locked configuration and to permit rotation of the mooring wheel when in a released configuration, whereby when the locking system is in the locked position, the mooring wheel is configured such that the forces exerted by a mooring rope against the mooring apparatus act along an axis which passes substantially through a rotational axis of the mooring wheel.
US08240265B1	Method and apparatus for salvaging underwater objects A method and apparatus for removing debris from an ocean floor or seabed employs a subsea debris basket. The basket eliminates the absolute necessity of a cargo barge or any other supporting vessel that might be required to remain in a field until the objects on the ocean floor can be lifted. The present invention provides a non-weather sensitive solution. The present invention affords the safe operation in that all lifting and lowering is performed in a subsea environment next to the ocean floor or seabed. The present invention enables operation to be completed with the use of an ROV or remotely operated vehicle. The present invention provides improved offshore efficiency, less time being required to recover debris from the seabed to the underwater salvage basket or debris basket. The present invention enables the possibility of use of an A-frame or simple crane to lower debris into a subsea basket. The basket can be reused or redeployed in the field if desired. The basket may also be “reefed” in place to address the stability concerns of small debris and to minimize transit time of debris to a reef site.
US08240264B2	Marine lifting apparatus A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges.
US08240262B2	Method and device for displaying sewing processes A method and the device for displaying sewing processes to allow simulation of the formation of stitch patterns and embroidery patterns in sewing machines (1) and embroidery machines or in sewing simulators close to reality is provided. In the representation on the monitor (3) features, such as colors and the structure of the sewing material (2), are considered. By activating a simulation mode, the drive for the stitch formation unit can be disabled.
US08240261B2	Method for delivering beneficial liquids at steady rate A method for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The method features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity.
US08240260B2	Apparatus for delivering beneficial liquids at steady rate An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber. The apparatus features steady rate performance without refreshing the water chamber and low temperature sensitivity.
US08240255B2	Body frame structure of railway vehicle A body frame structure having practically sufficient strength is provided. The body frame structure has a simple structure that can be obtained by simple joining operation. Vertically and horizontally arranged first and second frame members are weld-joined to an outer panel with an end portion of the second frame member facing a side surface of the first frame member. The first frame member is placed in a straddling manner on the outer panel and the end portion of the second frame member weld-joined to the outer panel and is weld-joined to both the second frame member and the outer panel. In this manner, even when the vertically and horizontally arranged first and second frame members are laser-welded to the outer panel, the joint strength can be improved without using a joint plate.
US08240254B2	Thrill ride retrieval apparatus and method A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.
US08240253B2	Method and machine for compressing ballast of a rail track The compression of ballast for a rail track takes place after two-stage cleaning by a cleaning machine. For this purpose, cleaned ballast is dispensed and a first ballast layer is thereby formed. The rail track which is laid on the first ballast layer has lateral oscillations imparted to it by a front stabilization unit, and the first ballast layer is thereby compressed. The formation of a second ballast layer takes place by a second chute, which second ballast layer is subsequently compressed by a rear stabilization unit.
US08240252B2	Ammunition casing An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about −40° C. of less than about 4.
US08240251B2	Reactive shaped charge, reactive liner, and method for target penetration using a reactive shaped charge Embodiments of a reactive shaped charge, a reactive liner, and a method for penetrating a target are generally described herein. The reactive shaped charge comprises a reactive liner having a matrix of reactive metal particles in a hydrocarbon fuel, a high explosive, and an inner barrier separating the reactive liner from the high explosive. The hydrocarbon fuel fills the interstitial spacing between the reactive metal particles, and the matrix is tightly packed or compresses to exhibit a solid like property.
US08240248B2	Endless printing belt Provided is an endless printing belt which is capable of reducing ink leakage from a back surface, reducing a loss of ink due to volatilization in the case of applying volatile ink, ensuring a smooth feeding action of the printing belt to achieve accurate positioning of a printing portion, and enhancing belt strength so as to suppress deformation of the belt.In an endless printing belt mainly made of thermoplastic resin provided with interconnected cells, a surface of the belt constitutes a surface for a printing surface, a side surface is rendered ink-impermeable, and a back surface of the belt includes an ink-impermeable portion and an ink-permeable portion.
US08240246B2	Removable toaster basket with handle A removable toaster basket assembly to be removably received in a toasting slot of an electric pop-up toaster facilitates inserting and removing food articles in the toasting slot for toasting of the food article. The removable toaster basket assembly includes an elongate substantially planar frame for resting on an upper surface of the toaster and defines a rectangular slot therethrough. A handle extends from one end of the frame. An elongate basket is slidably received in the slot, the basket having ends and sides which define an open top for receiving a food article. A stop on the basket limits translation of the basket with respect to said frame to maintain the basket captive within the frame.
US08240245B2	Brewing unit for automatic coffee machines The present invention relates to a brewing unit for a coffee machine. The brewing unit comprises a brewing chamber in which a dose of coffee powder can be lodged, an inlet for supplying water to the chamber for preparing a coffee beverage, a first piston providing a moveable wall for adjusting the chamber internal volume, which wall has an outlet for delivering the coffee beverage out from the chamber, and a valve assembly for opening/closing said delivery outlet. Advantageously a second piston is provided which moves the first piston and supports the valve assembly. The second piston is also moveable with respect to the first piston, for actuating the valve assembly.
US08240244B2	Tool for controlling the quantity of particulates contained in a receptacle The invention provides a tool (10) for use in controlling quantity of congregatable particulates, such as coffee, contained in a receptacle. The tool (10) includes support means (20) and a blade (18). The support means (20) are adapted to be supported by a wall of the receptacle. The blade (18) is for contacting an upper surface of the congregated particulates. The tool (10) is movable relative to the receptacle wall.
US08240242B2	Pressurized rotary actuator According to one embodiment, a rotary actuator comprises a chamber within a housing. A piston within the chamber is operable to rotate about a fixed point. A primary inlet is disposed within the housing. The primary inlet allows fluid to pass between the chamber and a primary fluid source.
US08240241B2	Hydraulic drive system and diagnostic control strategy for improved operation A method and apparatus are provided for hydraulic fluid supply between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive unit, switching hydraulic fluid flow direction to the hydraulic drive unit or stopping hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic drive unit when measured hydraulic fluid pressure crosses a predetermined pressure threshold value. The method further comprises calculating an amount of mechanical work done by the hydraulic drive unit and warning an operator or limiting hydraulic fluid flow rate to the hydraulic drive unit when the calculated mechanical work for the drive cycle is less than an expected amount of mechanical work. The apparatus for practicing the method further includes a pressure sensor associated with a hydraulic fluid supply conduit between the pump and the drive unit, and an electronic controller programmed to operate the drive system according to the method.
US08240240B2	Cylinder position sensor A device for detecting the absolute position of a cylinder rod is provided. A cylinder assembly has a cylinder body with a gland member positioned thereof. The gland member has a rod opening extending therethrough. An adjustable sensor is mounted on the gland member, the adjustable sensor being operable to read one or more detectable features of the cylinder rod. The adjustable sensor can be incrementally adjusted relative to the cylinder rod to optimize the gap provided between the adjustable sensor and the cylinder rod, allowing the sensor to detect the motion and absolute position of the cylinder rod. The detectable features may be three tracks of data including first timing data and position data.
US08240234B2	Methods and systems for chip breaking in turning applications using CNC toolpaths The present invention provides methods and systems for chip breaking, controlling cutting tool wear, and the like in turning, boring, and other applications, including: engaging a workpiece with a cutting tool in a feed direction along a toolpath, superimposing an oscillation in the feed direction on the toolpath, and dynamically or non-dynamically varying the oscillation superimposed in the feed direction on the toolpath such that interrupted cuts and chips of a predetermined length or less are produced. These systems take full advantage of computer numerical control (CNC) methodologies.
US08240229B2	Shift lever device In a shift lever device, when the shift lever is operated from a position C to a position N, a pusher slides along a select sliding region of an indexing section due to biasing force. In the indexing section, an anchor is formed at positions over the entire range of the select sliding region by a secondary resin penetrating completely into a through hole in a primary resin. Therefore, lifting of the secondary resin relative to the primary resin can be suppressed during molding of the secondary resin.
US08240228B2	Manipulator A manipulator includes a base, a flange, a connecting arm, a plurality of elastic members, and a plurality of fasteners. The elastic members is positioned between the base and the connecting arm. The fasteners are movably connected to the connecting arm, and fixedly connected to the base.
US08240223B2	Actuator arrangement An actuator arrangement comprises a pair of symmetrically loaded screw actuators driven from a common motor through respective drive shafts, and a protection arrangement arranged to avoid the continued application of full motor drive to one of the actuators in the event of the occurrence of a jam condition associated therewith.
US08240221B2	Beam pumping unit for inclined wellhead A method and pumping unit for use with an inclined wellhead. Proper address of the wellhead is accomplished through incorporation of an elbow-shaped walking beam. The forward section of the walking beam is fabricated such that its longitudinal axis is angled to address the inclination of the wellhead. The rearward section of the walking beam and the four-bar linkage system remains unchanged relative to a prior art pump jack intended for vertical wells. This modification is a simple and effective means of addressing an angled wellhead while preserving the well-known operating characteristics of a prior art pumping unit. Torque factors, polished rod position, speed, acceleration, stroke length, and effective counterbalance remain unchanged.
US08240219B2	Apparatus for testing object strength An apparatus for testing strength of a corner portion of an object includes a support platform, an installation mechanism having a slidable plate mounted on the platform, a force gauge fixed to the slidable plate, a drive mechanism connected to the slidable plate to move the slidable plate, and a push-pull mechanism. The push-pull mechanism is connected to the force gauge to be pushed or pulled by the force gauge and exerts push or pull force on the corner portion of the object.
US08240218B2	Stress sensing devices and methods Embodiments relate to stress sensing devices and methods. In an embodiment, a sensor device includes an active layer; and at least three contacts spaced apart from one another in the active layer, the at least three contacts being coupleable in a first configuration for a first operating mode of the sensor device in which a current in the active layer has a first ratio of horizontal to vertical components with respect to a die surface and in a second configuration different from the first for a second operating mode of the sensor device in which a current in the active layer has a second ratio of horizontal to vertical components, wherein a ratio of a resistance between at least two of the contacts in the first operating mode and a resistance between at least two of the contacts in the second operating mode is related to mechanical stress in the sensor device.
US08240217B2	Diaphragm isolation forming through subtractive etching Described herein is a housing comprising an inside and at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises inner and outer surfaces. An etch stop deposit is disposed over at least a portion of the housing, and a diaphragm material deposit is disposed over at least a portion of the etch stop deposit.
US08240212B2	Induction sensor to measure vibrations of a turbo-machine rotor blade An induction sensor measures vibrations of a turbo-machine fan blade. The induction sensor comprises a magnet and an induction coil wound upon the magnet parallel to the lines of the magnetic field generated by the magnet.
US08240205B2	Mechanical quantity sensor and method of manufacturing the same A mechanical quantity sensor includes a first structure having a fixed portion with an opening, a displaceable portion arranged in the opening and displaceable relative to the fixed portion, and a connection portion connecting the fixed portion and the displaceable portion, a second structure having a weight portion joined to the displaceable portion and a pedestal joined to the fixed portion, and arranged and stacked on the first structure, and a base having a driving electrode and a detection electrode arranged on a face facing the weight portion, connected to the pedestal, and arranged and stacked on the second structure. The second structure has a projection arranged in an area on a face of the weight portion facing the base, the area corresponding to an area where the driving electrode and the detection electrode are not arranged, the projection having a thickness larger than thicknesses of the driving electrode and the detection electrode.
US08240199B2	Hydraulic signature tester The present invention provides a subsea apparatus for testing a hydraulic signature which has a fluid supply, a first pressure line coupled to the fluid supply, a second pressure line coupled to the fluid supply; and a pressure recording device operatively coupled to both the first pressure line and the second pressure line. A pressure recording device is capable of storing pre-determined pressure data representative of said pressure lines. The first pressure line functions at a lower pressure than the second pressure line while a pressure recording device records data to allow comparison of actual pressure data on the first and second pressure lines with said stored data.
US08240198B2	Method for determining the profile depth of a tire and/or a tire characteristic, and a tire A method used for determining a profile depth or wear on a tread of a tire of a vehicle, and/or a tire characteristic, a magnetic field being detected by a magnetic field sensor disposed in the interior of the tire, particularly in the area of the tread on the tire interior, or at a distance from the tire, particularly in the area of a wheel housing or a wheel well of the vehicle, the magnetic field being transmitted or changed by at least one indicator element disposed in the tread on the tire exterior. The current wear state of the tread and/or the tire characteristic, particularly a tire type and/or permissible top speed, is determined based on output signals of the magnetic field sensor. The invention further relates to tires.
US08240197B2	Vehicle brake testing assembly A compact, modular and versatile vehicle testing assembly for testing at least the brakes of an assembled vehicle comprises a pair of rollers adapted to support a tire of a tire and wheel assembly of a vehicle positioned on the testing assembly, with the pair of rollers being moveable relative to one another to alter the spacing there between. A drive system is connected to one of the rollers to operate as a drive roller for selectively imparting rotational motion to a tire of a vehicle tire and wheel assembly, with the other roller comprising a freewheeling roller to which rotational motion is imparted by a vehicle tire. A brake member is engageable with the freewheeling roller to selectively inhibit rotation of the freewheeling roller.
US08240195B2	Abnormality detection apparatus and abnormality detection method for air/fuel ratio sensor An apparatus includes: an control portion that controls fluctuating the air/fuel ratio; a data acquisition portion that acquires a responsiveness parameter during change of output of the sensor between a rich peak to a lean peak; and a determination portion that determines presence/absence of abnormality of the sensor based on an abnormality criterion value and a data average. When the number of the acquired data becomes equal to or greater than a first number, if the number of the acquired data during a large intake-air-amount of an engine is greater than or equal to a second number, the determination portion determines the presence/absence of abnormality, or if the number of the acquired data during the large intake-air-amount is less than the second number, the determination portion does not determines that, but acquires the data until the number of the acquired data during the large intake-air-amount reaches the second number.
US08240190B2	Ambient-temperature gas sensor The invention provides a novel method for the fabrication of nanomaterials, especially nanostructures arranged on a substrate with nanoparticles deposited thereon. The methods of the present invention can be used to fabricate a novel ambient-temperature gas sensor that is capable of detecting a variety of specific gasses over a range of concentrations.
US08240189B2	Thermal selectivity multivariate optical computing A method of using photoacoustic spectroscopy to determine chemical information about an analyte includes the steps of emitting a light ray for interaction with a sample of an analyte; transmitting the light ray through a fill fluid disposed in a detection cell, the fill fluid having molecules substantially similar to molecules of the analyte to absorb the light ray; producing a thermal wave and oscillation in the fill fluid proportional to an intensity of the light ray; including a pressure oscillation in the fill fluid by the thermal wave; and detecting the pressure oscillation by a microphone to determine information about the analyte sample.
US08240186B2	Magnetic sensor and accelerometer calibration techniques The invention relates, in general, to the field of magnetic sensors and accelerometers and the utilization of the same as magnetometers, magnetic compasses, range finders, navigational systems and other applications. More particularly, the invention relates to effective, simplified and highly accurate techniques for calibration of magnetic sensors and accelerometers.
US08240184B2	Method for producing high-precision half shells A method for converting blanks by drawing in a tool with a ram, a die and a pressure pad wherein, converted blanks with high dimensional precision can be produced, includes feeding a blank with a plurality of bulges to the tool. In flange regions of the blank the pressure pad is moved in a first process step of the method into a first position, which corresponds to the height of the bulges of the flange region of the blank added to the blank thickness. In the first process step the blank is preformed in the tool using the ram and in a second process step the pressure pad and the ram are moved into the end positions, so that the blank is converted by the ram to the end form and the pressure pad smoothes the bulges of the flange regions of the blank.
US08240181B2	Extrusion die device An extrusion die device includes a first die having a shaping hole. An inner periphery of the shaping hole has a plurality of twisted guiding portions. A second die includes a plurality of guiding holes. A bridge is formed between two adjacent guiding holes. A plurality of tongues extends from a surface of each bridge and each includes an input end face contiguous to the bridge and an output end face whose projection on the surface of the bridge has an angular shift relative to the input end face. A side of the second die is coupled to an input side of the first die. The tongues are received in the shaping hole. Material is squeezed through a passage between each tongue and the inner periphery of the shaping hole and rotates according to the twisting direction of the tongues, forming a hollow object with an integrally formed helical rib.
US08240180B2	Height positioning mechanism for roll stand assembly on an apparatus for continuously forming an extruded sheet product An apparatus for continuously forming an extruded sheet product having an extruder assembly with a sheet die for delivering flowable material. A roll stand assembly has a main frame with first and second rolls. A vertical height positioning mechanism is operated to vary the relationship between the sheet die and nip location between rolls and has first and second lift components that cooperate with the main frame at first and second laterally spaced locations. The first and second lift components are each movable in first and second opposite paths to selectively elevate and lower the nip location relative to the sheet die. The vertical height positioning mechanism further has an actuating system to selectively and simultaneously cause the first and second lift components to move.
US08240178B2	Lock assembly The present invention provides for a lock assembly for selectively locking and unlocking a door using a key. The lock assembly includes a housing with a core removably disposed in the housing. A first actuator is coupled to the housing for defining a first lock configuration with a second actuator coupled to the housing independently from the first actuator for defining a second lock configuration. The core includes a keyway for receiving the key and is rotatable within the core between a locked position and an unlocked position. A universal drive member is coupled to the keyway and movable with the keyway between the locked and unlocked positions with the universal drive member interchangeably receiving the first actuator and the second actuator while the keyway remains in the core for interchanging the lock assembly between the first lock configuration and the second lock configuration.
US08240171B2	Glassware manufacturing method and machine A glassware manufacturing method and machine, whereby the inner surfaces of the molds of the various forming sections of the machine are treated using a common processing member, and the exhaust substances produced by the treatment are aspirated simultaneously with or at a predetermined time during the treatment by a suction device having at least one suction hood associated with the processing member.
US08240170B2	Apparatus for sealing a joint between vessels for conveying molten glass A sealing apparatus for use in conveying molten glass from a first vessel to a second vessel, wherein at least a portion of the first vessel is nested within the second vessel without contact between the first and second vessels, and a flexible member comprising a gas-tight seal separates an atmosphere enclosed by the sealing apparatus and an ambient atmosphere. The sealing apparatus is useful for flexibly sealing a non-contact joint between conduits for supplying molten glass to a forming body.
US08240167B2	Cryogenic freezing apparatus A kit is described for use in freezing liquid within a first pipe of a given first diameter and a second pipe of a given second diameter less than the given first diameter. The kit includes a multi-section refrigerant chamber adapted for attachment around a pipe, the chamber having end mounting walls with openings having a diameter greater than the first given diameter; a pair of first adapter plates attachable to the outer faces of the end walls of the chamber sections, the first adapter plates having central pipe receiving openings with a diameter equal to the first given diameter; and a pair of second adapter plates attachable to the outer faces of the end walls of the chamber sections, the second adapter plates having central pipe receiving opening with a diameter equal to the second given diameter. A compressible gasket can be inserted between the chamber sections.
US08240163B2	Vehicle-air-conditioner compressor There is provided a vehicle-air-conditioner electric compressor in which a high-voltage short circuit due to the breakage of a high-voltage system including an inverter is prevented in the event of a crash, thereby improving safety. In a vehicle-air-conditioner electric compressor (1) including an inverter accommodating section (10) at the periphery of a pressure-resistant housing (2) in which an electric motor and a compressing mechanism are accommodated, the inverter accommodating section (10) accommodating an inverter (13) that converts direct-current power supplied from a high-voltage power source to three-phase alternating-current power and feeds the power to the electric motor in the pressure-resistant housing (2) through glass-sealed terminals (16), wherein in a vehicle-mounted state, the inverter accommodating section (10) and the inverter (13) are offset to the rear of a vehicle with respect to the front-surface portion (2A), facing the front of the vehicle, of the pressure-resistant housing.
US08240162B2	Engine driven refrigerant compressor with pulse width modulation control A fuel-powered engine is provided to drive a mobile air conditioning or refrigeration unit such as a portable chiller, a container refrigeration unit, a portable packaged system, a transport tractor-trailer or truck refrigeration unit, etc. A control rapidly changes the engine speed between the predefined set of discreet engine speeds to precisely adjust the capacity of the refrigerant system. If the engine operates only at a single speed, then the control cycles the engine between this operating speed and a zero speed (the engine is shut off). If the engine can operate at multiple discreet speeds, then the control can cycle the engine between any of these speeds (including a zero speed). When a lower capacity is desirable, the engine operates for a longer time interval at a lower speed, and when a higher capacity is desirable, the engine operates for a longer period of time at a higher speed. The cycle rate is selected to control the comfort (e.g. temperature and/or humidity) of the conditioned environment within the specified tolerance band, while conforming to the reliability requirements.
US08240160B2	Thermal control system and method In a thermal control system of the type employing a two phase refrigerant that is first compressed and then is divided into a variable mass flow of refrigerant into a hot pressurized gas form and a differential remainder flow of cooled vapor derived from condensation and then thermal expansion, transitions between different temperature levels are enhanced by incremental variations of the mass flow at different control rates.
US08240156B2	Ice dispensing technology An ice-making device that includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part for opening and closing the duct. An ice conveying part conveys the ice dispensed through the duct. A driving speed of the ice conveying part increases for a previously set initial driving time when the dispensing of the ice starts, and the ice conveying part is driven at a previously set target speed when the initial driving time elapses.
US08240153B2	Method and system for controlling a set point for extracting air from a compressor to provide turbine cooling air in a gas turbine A method for controlling the generation of turbine cooling air from air extracted from a compressor of a gas turbine including: extracting compressed air from a low pressure and a high pressure stage of the compressor; adding in an ejector the compressed air from the low pressure stage to the air from the high pressure stage and discharging the combined air as turbine cooling air; bypassing the ejector with a bypass portion of the extracted compressed air from the high pressure stage; in response to turning on the flow of extracted compressed air from the low pressure stage, changing a set point for an actual pressure ratio that includes a pressure of the turbine cooling air, and adjusting the bypass flow in response to the changed set point to cause the actual pressure ratio to approach the changed set point.
US08240150B2	Lean direct injection diffusion tip and related method A nozzle for a gas turbine combustor includes a first radially outer tube defining a first passage having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet adapted to supply air to a reaction zone of the combustor. A center body is located within the first radially outer tube, the center body including a second radially intermediate tube for supplying fuel to the reaction zone and a third radially inner tube for supplying air to the reaction zone. The second intermediate tube has a first outlet end closed by a first end wall that is formed with a plurality of substantially parallel, axially-oriented air outlet passages for the additional air in the third radially inner tube, each air outlet passage having a respective plurality of associated fuel outlet passages in the first end wall for the fuel in the second radially intermediate tube. The respective plurality of associated fuel outlet passages have non-parallel center axes that intersect a center axis of the respective air outlet passage to locally mix fuel and air exiting said center body.
US08240148B2	Turbine system and method for starting-controlling turbine system The present invention provides a turbine system which can start a turbine, while controlling thermal stress generated in a turbine rotor and an expansion difference, due to thermal expansion, between a casing and the turbine rotor, to be lower than defined values, respectively. The turbine system (1) according to the present invention includes the turbine (4) having a casing (2) and the turbine rotor (3) rotatably attached to the casing (2), and a main steam pipe (5) connected to an upstream portion of the casing (2). A control valve (6) adapted for controlling a flow rate of steam discharging into the casing (2) is provided with the main steam pipe (5), and a power generator (7) is coupled with the turbine rotor (3). Additionally, a starting control system (10) is adapted for controlling the control valve (6), while obtaining an operational amount of the control valve (6).
US08240147B2	Rotary energy conversion device with reciprocating pistons A rotary heat engine has a cylindrical engine block containing a rotor with four equally spaced pistons and corresponding cylinders extending radially in the rotor. The pistons are pivotally connected to connecting rods that are in turn connected to a shaft at an inner end of each connecting rod. The engine block has a cover thereon and the block can have heating and cooling locations that create heating and cooling chambers within the rotor, thereby causing the pistons to reciprocate and causing the rotor to rotate within the engine block. The pistons reciprocate within the rotor while the rotor rotates within the engine block.
US08240141B2	Hydraulic system protected from external impacts A hydraulic system includes at least one hydraulic circuit with at least one pump, one or more consumer equipment units, at least one HP discharge line comprising at least one bypass, the bypass being located between the pump and the units, at least one return line including at least one bypass, the bypass being located between a tank and the units. The hydraulic system further includes at least one closure element on the at least one HP line between the bypass and the units, and at least one nonreturn valve on the at least one return line between the bypass and the units. The closure element is placed automatically in the closed position when a break of the HP line is detected downstream of the closure element of the HP line.
US08240136B2	SCR catalyst heating control Various systems and methods are described for controlling a selective catalytic reduction system coupled to an exhaust system of an engine, the selective catalytic reduction system including a catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. One example method comprises, before regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, adjusting an operating parameter to decrease an amount of ammonia stored in the SCR catalyst to a desired amount of stored ammonia, where the desired amount of ammonia storage is varied based on operating conditions, and initiating regeneration of the catalyst when the desired amount of stored ammonia is reached.
US08240132B2	Catalyst system for the reduction of NOx and NH3 emissions This catalyst system simultaneously removes ammonia and enhances net NO, conversion by placing an NH3-SCR catalyst formulation downstream of a lean NOx trap. By doing so, the NH3-SCR catalyst adsorbs the ammonia from the upstream lean NOx trap generated during the rich pulses. The stored ammonia then reacts with the NOx emitted from the upstream lean NOx trap—enhancing the net NOx conversion rate significantly, while depleting the stored ammonia. By combining the lean NOx trap with the NH3-SCR catalyst, the system allows for the reduction or elimination of NH3 and NOx slip, reduction in NOx spikes and thus an improved net NOx conversion during lean and rich operation.
US08240129B2	System and method for diagnosing operation of a NOx adsorber catalyst A system and method for diagnosing operation of a NOx adsorber catalyst are disclosed. An operating temperature of the catalyst is monitored, and when it exceeds a catalyst desulfation temperature threshold that occurs when the catalyst undergoes a desulfation event, a control circuit determines an oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst as a function of at least an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas exiting the catalyst. The control circuit may further determine the oxygen storage capacity as a function of an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas entering the catalyst. The control circuit may further determine the oxygen storage capacity as a function of a mass flow rate of fresh air entering the internal combustion engine that produces the exhaust gas. The oxygen storage capacity may be mapped to catalyst aging information such as, for example, a remaining useful life of the catalyst.
US08240128B2	Exhaust system with O2 sensor The present invention relates to an exhaust system having a riser adapted to be mounted to the exhaust inlet of a marine engine and a turndown connected to the riser. The riser and turndown define a primary exhaust passage to direct exhaust gases downwardly toward the discharge opening. A secondary passage, a tube, is integrated to the turndown within the primary exhaust passage. An O2 sensor is mounted within the tube. The tube has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the primary exhaust passage. With the diameter being less, the exhaust gases in the secondary passage have a pressure that is greater than in the primary exhaust passage which eliminates or at least reduces the ability for water to enter the secondary passage protecting the O2 sensor from damage.
US08240126B2	Valve system for a gas turbine engine A valve system intermediate a secondary flow path and a primary flow path to selectively communicate secondary airflow into the primary gas flow path and control airflow injected from a higher pressure plenum into a lower pressure flowpath.
US08240125B2	Thrust vectoring system and method A method and system for thrust vectoring a primary fluid flow from an exhaust nozzle of a jet engine that significantly increases the non-axial force able to be generated by a flight control surface associated with the nozzle. In one implementation the method involves placing a flight control element having a movable portion adjacent a downstream edge of the nozzle. A secondary fluid flow is created adjacent a surface of the flight control element that influences a boundary layer of the primary fluid flow over the flight control element. This causes the primary fluid flow to generate a force that is directed non-parallel (i.e., non-axial) to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. In one specific implementation a plurality of slots are formed in the flight control surface, and the flight control surface is formed by an airfoil. In another implementation the flight control surface is formed on an interior wall of the nozzle at a downstream edge of the nozzle. In various implementations either a pressurized secondary fluid flow can be directed out through the slot, or a vacuum force can be generated through the slot to either promote attachment or separation of the primary fluid flow passing over the flight control surface.
US08240122B2	Cooling apparatus of a gas turbine system The amount of water to be injected in an intercooler is controlled to cool the compressed gas to the saturation temperature. It is difficult to adjust the amount of the water to be injected, however, since the temperature of the compressed gas at an intercooler outlet is actually higher than the saturation temperature. An intercooling system is configured so as to cool a gas to the saturation temperature without controlling the amount of water injection and thereby maintain the reliability of the compressor while improving the cooling efficiency. The intercooling system is located between a plurality of compression stages of a gas compressor to cool the gas that has been in the compressor. A desired amount of liquid is sprinkled to cool the compressed gas while restraining inflow of the liquid into the compression stages.
US08240121B2	Retrofit dirt separator for gas turbine engine A dirt separator may be retrofit into existing gas turbine engines since it is formed of circumferentially separate pieces which may be assembled together in the gas turbine engine.
US08240118B1	Combination of hay rake and baler with hay deflector and method A hay rake having a central main frame member with left and right extendable spinner arms so that they swing toward and away from the main frame from a closed position for transportation to an open position for raking hay. Each spinner arm comprises at least one spinner disposed on its outer surface. Each spinner arm is attached to the main frame using a spinner arm knuckle-like joint which allows the spinner arm assemblies to move in both a horizontal and a vertical plane. Hay deflectors are attached under each spinner arm in front of the spinners to prevent wrapping of hay around rotating parts and to assist in moving tile hay toward the entrance of the baler.
US08240116B2	Interlocking belt guards for a draper header A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.
US08240111B2	Holding device for a balustrade A holding device (1) by which one or more panes of glass (2) forming a balustrade (3) is/are supported on a wall (4) or ceiling (5), consisting of a carrier rail (7) holding or supporting the panes of glass (2) and a holding plate (9) attached to the ceiling (4) or the wall (5), with the carrier rail (7) held in a horizontal direction on the holding plate (9) by means of a U-shaped hook-in pocket (25) projecting from the carrier rail (7). A box rail (11) projecting from the holding plate (9) in the direction of the carrier rail (7) is attached directly or by supporting elements (12), such that the carrier rail (7) is in contact with the box rail (11) or the supporting element (12) in the vertical direction, and one or more setscrews (16) and clamping screws (34) project from the box rail (11) in the direction of the carrier rail (7) with the screws connected to the carrier rail (7), and the distance between the box section (11) and the carrier rail (7) can be varied by means of the setscrew(s) (16).
US08240109B2	Support system for solar panels Precise parameters are maintained in a support structure for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding structure which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Easy installation with unskilled labor is facilitated by attaching one support joist to a substrate and then unfolding the entire support structure.
US08240101B2	Roofing material fasteners, applicators and method of installation A roofing material fastener comprises a shank having a length dimension and a point. The shank is adapted to enable it to be driven through at least a first course of roofing material and into a roof deck. A fastener head is positioned in a region of the shank distal from the point. A spike protrusion projects from the distal region of the shank to a terminus. The length of the spike protrusion is less than one half the length of the shank, measured from the point to the fastener head. The spike protrusion is adapted to penetrate a depth less than the full depth of a second course of roofing material installed above the first course. The spike protrusion is shaped to inhibit sawing through the second course of roofing material by the spike protrusion.
US08240091B2	Double-seal gasket for refrigerator cabinets with high heat insulation properties Gasket for refrigerator cabinets of the kind including a soft bellows-type portion used for sealing the area between the cabinet and the door and extending from a base portion able to match the outer door and/or inner door of the refrigerator cabinet. The base portion is substantially rigid and has at one end, a sealing portion made of substantially soft material extending toward the inner door. The soft material portion has good flexible and spring back features when exposed to refrigerator and freezer temperatures. These features make the gasket able to further seal, preferably by compression, the space located between the cabinet and inner door in a more internal area of the refrigerator cabinet. Furthermore, the soft sealing portion is independent and free from constraints with respect to the soft bellows-type portion.
US08240090B2	Corner pad for a door assembly A door assembly for disposition in a building includes a vertical member, a weather strip adjacent the vertical member, and a door selectively moveable to be adjacent the weather strip opposite the vertical member. A threshold extends below the door and the vertical member extends upwardly from a lower end. A corner pad is mounted to the lower end of the vertical member. The corner pad includes a base surface abutting the threshold, a first edge surface extending upwardly from the base surface between the vertical member and the weather strip, and a lower reservoir surface extending upwardly from the first edge surface. The lower reservoir surface extends inwardly into the corner pad defining a reservoir between the vertical member and the weather strip. The corner pad includes a second reservoir surface extending angularly from said lower reservoir surface for preventing the water from splashing out of said reservoir and into an interior of the building.
US08240089B2	Carriage for sliding doors and windows Described is a carriage (7) for sliding doors and windows (2) comprising a fixed frame (3), at least one sash (4) that is slidable horizontally relative to the fixed frame (3) by means of a carriage unit (1), and a handle (9) mounted on the sash (4) for controlling the carriage (7); the latter is provided with a supporting frame (11), mobile on wheels, and with a connecting member (13) interposed between the supporting frame (11) and a bottom sash (4) rail (8); the connecting member (13) is movably constrained to the supporting frame (11) to enable the sash (4) to be lifted and lowered relative to the supporting frame (11) under the action of the handle (9); a helical spring (44) is interposed between the supporting frame (11) and the connecting member (13) to lessen the effort required of the user to lift the sash (4).
US08240084B2	Apparatus and method to package articles for storage and identification A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.
US08240083B2	Plant aid, water collection sheet and method The invention relates to a plant aid for surrounding a young plant. The plant aid comprises a tube at least partly sideways surrounding a young plant placeable in the plant aid. The plant aid further comprises a water collection sheet for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere. The water collection sheet comprises a water collection surface comprising a receiving surface, which receiving surface operatively makes a first angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The water collection sheet further comprises a collecting surface adjoining a lower edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface operatively makes a second angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.
US08240082B1	Check valve for insect traps An insect trap having a cylindrical tubular body with a top end and a bottom end and an oval flexible flapper removably mounted in regions adjacent the bottom end whereby the peripheral edge of the flapper is in contact with the inside surface of the body for the condition of no air blowing down the body and the peripheral edge of the flapper spaced from the inside surface of the body for the condition of air blowing down the body.

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