最新美国发明专利第2012-09-25期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08273970B1	Inbred maize variety PH183G A novel maize variety designated PH183G and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH183G with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH183G through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH183G or a locus conversion of PH183G with another maize variety.
US08273966B2	Soybean variety A1016274 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016274. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016274. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016274 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016274 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08273957B2	Δ-15 desaturase genes suitable for increasing levels of omega-3 fatty acids The present invention relates to fungal Δ-15 fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2, LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host plants and microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the Δ-15 fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.
US08273955B2	Spontaneous nodulation in plants Formation of nitrogen fixing root nodules in legumes is induced by perception of lipochitin-oligosaccharide signal molecules secreted by compatible Rhizobium bacteria, which triggers a common symbiotic pathway. The present invention provides a spontaneous nodule formation (snf1-5g) mutant, in which the formation of symbiotic nodules is deregulated, leading to nodule development in the absence as well as in the presence of Rhizobium bacteria and/or exogenous rhizobial signals. The invention further provides an isolated DNA sequence encoding a mutant chimeric Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase whose activity results in this `gain of function′ phenotype of spontaneous nodule formation. Furthermore the snf1-5g gene is shown to confer a spontaneous nodule formation phenotype to plants having a nodulation deficient genetic background. A gene of the invention, that confers a spontaneous nodulation phenotype, has utility for the transfer and establishment of nitrogen fixing capability in non-nodulating plants, and thereby reducing the nitrogen fertilizer dependence of non-nodulating crop plants.
US08273953B2	Antisense DNA of sweetpotato expansin cDNA and method for increasing storage root yield using the same Disclosed herein are antisense DNA of a sweetpotato expansin (IbExpansin) cDNA, a plant transformation vector carrying the same, and a method for increasing storage root production using the same. The transgenic sweetpotatoes prepared using the antisense DNA of IbExpansin cDNA have storage root production increased by up to one and half times. Thus, the gene is useful in the generation of highly productive transgenic storage roots for the increase of bioethanol production.
US08273952B2	Plants having improved growth characteristics and method for making the same The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for improving plant growth characteristics. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for improving plant growth characteristics by modulating expression in a plant of a plant nucleic acid encoding a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) and/or by modulating activity in a plant of a plant CDK protein, which CDK protein comprises different motifs or which CDK nucleic acid encodes such protein. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a plant CDK nucleic acid and/or modulated activity of a plant CDK protein, which CDK protein comprises different sequence motifs or which nucleic acid encodes such protein and which plants have improved growth characteristics relative to corresponding wild type plants. The invention additionally relates to specific nucleic acid sequences encoding for the aforementioned proteins having the aforementioned plant growth improving activity, nucleic acid constructs, vectors and plants containing said nucleic acid sequences.
US08273951B2	Down-regulation of gene expression using artificial micrornas Isolated nucleic acid fragments comprising precursor miRNA, and artificial miRNAs and their use in down-regulating gene expression are described.
US08273948B1	Maize variety hybrid X7M651 A novel maize variety designated X7M651 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X7M651 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7M651 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7M651, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7M651. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7M651.
US08273946B1	Maize variety hybrid X7M672 A novel maize variety designated X7M672 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X7M672 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7M672 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7M672, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7M672. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7M672.
US08273945B1	Maize variety hybrid X08A169 A novel maize variety designated X08A169 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A169 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A169 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A169, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A169. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A169.
US08273942B2	Disposable absorbent article having capacity to store low-viscosity fecal material A disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components of the fecal material and the liquid components can be absorbed by an absorbent core. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed. The fecal material storage element may extend beyond one or more edges of the absorbent core.
US08273940B2	Wearable article having a temperature change element A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training. The wearable article includes a temperature change element providing a cool/wet signal when wetted which causes discomfort to the wearer. The temperature change element comprises a temperature change substance disposed on an impermeable material in order to maximize the thermal signal provided to the skin of the wearer.
US08273936B2	Process for cracking heavy hydrocarbon feed A process for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon feed is disclosed. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is passed to a first zone of a vaporization unit to separate a first vapor stream and a first liquid stream. The first liquid stream is passed to a second zone of the vaporization unit and contacted intimately with a countercurrent steam to produce a second vapor stream and a second liquid stream. The second vapor stream is contacted with a wash liquid in a rectification section to form a rectified stream. The first vapor stream and the rectified stream are cracked in the radiant section of the steam cracker to produce a cracked effluent.
US08273934B2	Process for producing para-xylene A process for producing a PX-rich product, the process comprising: (a) providing a PX-depleted stream; (b) isomerizing at least a portion of the PX-depleted stream to produce an isomerized stream having a PX concentration greater than the PX-depleted stream and a benzene concentration of less than 1,000 ppm and a C9+ hydrocarbons concentration of less than 5,000 ppm; and (c) separating the isomerized stream by selective adsorption.
US08273931B2	Zeolite catalyst with deposited germanium, aluminum and platinum for aromatization of alkanes, process of making and process of using thereof The present invention is for a catalyst, a process for making the catalyst and a process for using the catalyst in aromatization of alkanes having three to five carbon atoms per molecule, such as propane, to aromatics, such as benzene, toluene and xylene. The catalyst is an aluminum-silicon zeolite having a silicon to aluminum atomic ratio (Si:Al) greater than 15:1, such as MFI or ZSM-5, on which germanium, aluminum and a noble metal, such as platinum, have been deposited. The catalyst may be bound with magnesia, alumina, titania, zirconia, thoria, silica, boria or mixtures thereof. The aluminum and germanium may be deposited simultaneously on the zeolite.
US08273929B2	Continuous process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons A method comprising: providing an alkyl halide stream; contacting at least some of the alkyl halides with a coupling catalyst to form a product stream comprising higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen halide; contacting the product stream with a solid reactant to remove at least a portion of the hydrogen halide from the product stream; and reacting the solid reactant with a source of oxygen to generate a corresponding halogen.
US08273924B2	Method for producing 1,2-propandiol by low-pressure hydrogenation of glycerine The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1,2-propanediol, in which a glycerol-containing stream, especially a stream obtained on the industrial scale in the production of biodiesel, is subjected to a low pressure hydrogenation.
US08273923B2	Process for manufacturing a chlorohydrin A process for manufacturing a chlorohydrin by reacting a polyhydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbon, an ester of a polyhydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbon, or a mixture thereof with a chlorinating agent in a reactor containing a liquid reaction medium wherein the chlorinating agent is used at least partially in the gaseous form, and wherein said reactor is stirred by means of a stirring system comprising at least one radial-flow impeller and at least one axial-flow impeller.
US08273920B1	Acetylenic quaternary surfactants The surfactants of this invention are quaternary ammonium compounds based upon 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol. These surfactants, not only decrease the surface tension of aqueous systems, but by virtue of the cationic nitrogen containing moiety have outstanding substantivity for hair, skin and textile fibers, lacking in the parent non-ionic.
US08273919B2	Compound, synthesis method thereof, and oil additive Problem: To provide a novel compound capable of preventing pyrolysis of fluorinated oils when it is used as an additive for the fluorinated oils.Solution Means: A compound represented by Formula (1): wherein Y represents an oxygen atom (O), a sulfur atom (S), a CO group, a SO group, or a SO2 group; k is an integer from 1 to 5; m is an integer from 1 to 10; and n is an integer of 1 or more; and wherein two substituents on each phenyl group may be in any of ortho-, meta-, and para-positions.
US08273916B2	Crystal comprising (2R)-2-propyloctanoic acid and amine According to the present invention, crystals comprising (2R)-2-propyloctanoic acid and an amine, which can be used as bulk drugs for safely orally administrable solid preparations with keeping the pharmacological effect, are provided. Among these crystals, the crystal with dibenzylamine per se is particularly useful as bulk drug for pharmaceuticals and can be used as an intermediate to produce (2R)-2-propyloctanoic acid having an optical purity of more than 99.5% e.e. which has not been obtained.
US08273903B2	Method for preparing the citraconic anhydride and method for isomerizing/dehydrating itaconic acid The disclosure provides a method for preparing the citraconic anhydride and a method for isomerizing/dehydrating itaconic acid. The method for preparing the citraconic anhydride includes the following steps: providing itaconic acid as a starting material; and subjecting the itaconic acid to an isomerization/dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst to obtain the citraconic anhydride, wherein the catalyst includes a heteropolyacid or heteropolyacid salt.
US08273902B2	Process for production of 1-(3-(2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)-ethoxy)propyl)azetidin-3-ol or salts thereof A Process for production of 1-(3-(2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)ethoxy)propyl)azetidin-3-ol or salts thereof which comprises using as a starting compound as a (phenylthio)acetic acid derivative or salts thereof represented by the general formula: wherein X1 represents a halogen atom, is useful as a safe process for mass production of 1-(3-(2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)ethoxy)propyl)azetidin-3-ol or salts thereof which is useful as a remedy for disease of central and peripheral nerve.
US08273900B2	Organic compounds There are described cyclohexyl amide derivatives useful as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF1) receptor antagonists.
US08273898B2	Oxadiazole derivative, light-emitting element, display device, lighting device, and electronic device Provided is a bipolar substance having high excitation energy, in particular, high triplet-excitation energy. An oxadiazole derivative represented by General Formula (G1) below is provided In the formula, Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring. R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring. R2 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms in a ring.
US08273897B2	Method for producing 2,2-difluoroethylamine derivative by amide hydrogenation Process for preparing 2,2-difluoroethylamine derivatives, wherein compounds of the general formula (IV) are reduced to the corresponding 2,2-difluoroethylamine derivatives of the general formula (III), where the A radical is as defined in the description:
US08273894B2	Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, m, n, p, s, t, W, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R8 are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.
US08273893B2	Piperidinic derivatives, pharmaceutic compositions containing the same and preparation processes Pharmaceutical compositions containing new molecules capable of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, thus being useful in the treatment of pathologies associated to cholinergic transmission, such as memory related disorders, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Miastenia Gravis or in the treatment of intoxications induced by chemical agents of central action The production processes of pharmaceutical compositions.
US08273890B2	Thiophene-imidazopyridines The invention relates to thiophene-imidazopyridine compounds according to formula (I), wherein the substituents and symbols are as defined in the description. The compounds are inhibitors of PIk1.
US08273884B2	Methods of making cyclic, N-amino functional triamines The present invention provides strategies for making cyclic triamines. Reactant media including certain precursors and/or certain types of catalysts can be converted into cyclic triamines with improved conversion and selectivity. The strategies can be incorporated into reactions that involve transamination schemes and/or reductive amination schemes. In the case of transamination, for instance, using transamination to cause ring closure of higher amines in the presence of a suitable catalyst leads to desired cyclic triamines with notable conversion and yield. In the case of reductive amination, reacting suitable polyfunctional precursors in the presence of a suitable catalyst also yields cyclic triamines via ring closure with notable selectivity and conversion. Both transamination and reductive amination methodologies can be practiced under much milder temperatures than are used when solely acid catalysts are used. Preferred embodiments can produce reaction mixtures that are generally free of salt by-products.
US08273883B2	Method for producing optically active 2-arylpiperazine derivative The objective of the present invention is to produce an optically active 2-arylpiperazine derivative useful as a synthetic intermediate for pharmaceutical products and agricultural chemicals from inexpensive and readily available starting material by an industrially practicable method. The objective can be accomplished by treating an optically active substituted aminodiol derivative produced from an optically active styrene oxide derivative with a sulfonating agent in the presence of a base, and then reacting an amine compound to obtain the 2-arylpiperazine derivative. Especially, an optically active 1-unsubstituted-2-arylpiperazine derivative can be produced by treating an optically active 1-allyl-2-arylpiperazine derivative with water in the presence of a transition metal catalyst for deallylation.
US08273881B2	Phenazine compounds and use thereof in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases The invention discloses compounds, compositions and methods useful for preventing and/or treating autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases. The methods and compositions utilize water-soluble phenazine compounds, or salts, or solvates thereof. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with agents which treat or prevent autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases such as those caused by arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
US08273880B2	Pyrazole compounds with inhibitory activity against ROS kinase Disclosed herein are novel pyrazole compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a method for preparing the same, and uses thereof as anticancer agents.
US08273876B2	Medicaments containing vardenafil hydrochloride trihydrate The invention relates to a method for producing medicaments that contain vardenafil hydrochloride, essentially as trihydrate in solid form, and to medicaments that can be obtained according to this method.
US08273873B2	Sucrose of new conformational polymorphs and manufacturing method thereof A sucrose of a conformational polymorph and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The sucrose is a Form II sucrose having a melting point of 140-180° C., and furfuryl alcohol is added into a saturated sucrose solution by a reverse solution method, such that the saturated solution is recrystallized to form a new sucrose. The sucrose of this conformational polymorph has a melting point lower than the melting point of a general Form I sucrose, and the solubility of the Form II sucrose is different from the solubility of the Form I sucrose. Thus the Form II sucrose can be used as an excipient of medicines, sacrificial fiber blood vessel network structure for cell cultivations, or the manufacture of an optical interference wavy device. Since the hydrogen bonds in the molecular structure of the Form II sucrose and the Form I sucrose are different, the mechanoluminescence of the sucrose is affected.
US08273872B2	Cellulose esters and their production in halogenated ionic liquids Ionic liquids and cellulose ester compositions and processes for producing ionic liquids and cellulose esters. Cellulose esters can be produced by esterifying cellulose in a reaction medium comprising one or more halide ionic liquids and at least one binary component. Cellulose esters prepared via the methods of the present invention can have a degree of substitution (“DS”) of at least 1.5 and can comprise a plurality of ester substituents, where at least 50 percent of the ester substituents comprise alkyl esters having a carbon chain length of at least 6 carbons.
US08273865B2	Multivalent clostridial toxins The present invention is directed to multivalent Clostridial toxin comprising more than one binding domain directed to a cell surface molecule of a target cell. Such modified toxins are useful as therapeutic compositions to prevent exocytosis and secretion by the target cell. Conditions in which such compositions may be useful include, without limitation, disorders of the sensory or motor nervous system, acute or chronic pain, cancer, pancreatitis, hyperhydrosis, glandular disorders, viral infections, cystic fibrosis and the like. The invention is also directed to methods of using and administering such a composition, and methods of treating a given condition using such a composition.
US08273862B2	Processes for the convergent synthesis of calicheamicin derivatives This invention describes processes for the convergent synthesis of calicheamicin derivatives, and similar analogs using bifunctional and trifunctional linker intermediates.
US08273860B2	Imatinib immunoassay Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from imatinib and monoclonal antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of imatinib or its pharmacologically active salts in biological fluids.
US08273858B2	Polypeptide compounds for inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor growth In certain embodiments, this present invention provides polypeptide compositions, and methods for inhibiting Ephrin B2 or EphB4 activity. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating cancer or for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases.
US08273856B2	Purified linear epitopes from cashew nuts, nucleic acids encoding therefor and associated methods Disclosed are major allergenic proteins in cashew nut, which are legumin-like proteins and 2S albumins. Also disclosed is a polypeptide allergen in the 7S superfamily, which includes vicilin-like and sucrose binding proteins. Several linear epitopes of the cashew nut are identified and characterized. The invention further discloses the sequence of cDNA encoding the allergenic polypeptide, the allergen being designated Ana o 1, and also describes the characterization of the expressed recombinant polypeptide and associated methods employing the polypeptide.
US08273843B2	Organosilicon compound and thermosetting resin composition containing the same An organosilicon compound which is obtained by subjecting a compound (A), a compound (B) and a compound (C) to hydrosilylation reaction: (A) silicone and/or silsesquioxane that has two or more Si—H groups per one molecule and has a molecular weight of 100 to 500,000; (B) silicone and/or silsesquioxane that has two or more alkenyl groups per one molecule and has a molecular weight of 100 to 500,000; and (C) a compound that has one or more epoxy or oxetanyl group and an alkenyl group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms per one molecule.
US08273837B2	Compound, polymer, and resin composition A radiation-sensitive resin composition which has high transparency to radiation, excelling in basic properties as a resist such as sensitivity, resolution, and pattern shape, and, in particular, exhibiting high resolution performance, excellent DOF and LER, and high resistance to a liquid medium used in liquid immersion lithography is provided. Also provided are a polymer which can be used in the composition, a novel compound useful for synthesizing the polymer, and a method of producing the composition. A radiation-sensitive resin composition having an excellent resistance to a liquid medium can be obtained by using the novel compound shown by the following formula (1), wherein R1 represents a methyl group or a hydrogen atom, R2, R3 and R4 individually represent a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent organic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 0 to 3, A represents a methylene group, a linear or branched alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an arylene group, and X− represents a counter ion of S+.
US08273836B2	Method for producing water-absorbent polymer particles A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein a product stream comprising water-absorbing polymer particles is tested for nonferritic metallic impurities by means of an eddy current detector.
US08273833B2	Branched Polymers The present invention is directed to branched reactive water-soluble polymers comprising at least two polymer arms, such as poly(ethylene glycol), attached to a central aliphatic hydrocarbon core molecule through ether linkages. The branched polymers bear at least one functional group for reacting with a biologically active agent to form a biologically active conjugate. The functional group of the branched polymer can be directly attached to the aliphatic hydrocarbon core or via an intervening linkage, such as a heteroatom, -alkylene-, —O-alkylene-O—, -alkylene-O-alkylene-, -aryl-O—, —O-aryl-, (—O-alkylene-)m, or (-alkylene-O—)m linkage, wherein m is 1-10.
US08273832B2	Block terpolymer with confined crystallization A polyester block terpolymer comprising an amorphous block comprising a polystyrene dicarboxylate; a crystallizable block comprising a polyethylene glycol; and an aliphatic diol block; wherein the amorphous block is a continuous phase and the crystallizable block is a dispersed phase, and wherein the dispersed phase is less than about 200 nanometers in size.
US08273830B2	Deprotection method of protected polymer Provided is a method of deprotecting a protected polymer, the method being capable of, in the deprotection reaction of a polymer comprising a unit structure having a phenolic hydroxyl group protected with an acyl group, deacylating the polymer in a short period of time while maintaining the other structure, and being capable of taking out the deacylated polymer while highly suppressing contamination of the deacylated polymer with a substance other than the polymer taking part in the reaction. More specifically, provided is a method of deprotecting a protected polymer comprising at least a step of dissolving in an organic solvent the protected polymer comprising at least a unit structure having a phenolic hydroxyl group protected with an acyl group and a deprotecting reagent selected from primary or secondary amine compounds each having a ClogP value of 1.00 or less with the proviso that in the secondary amine compound, neither of the two carbon atoms coupled to the nitrogen atom of the amino group is tertiary. The primary or secondary amine compounds are each represented preferably by HNR12-nR2n (1).
US08273829B2	Method for making conjugated polymer The present disclosure relates to a method for making a conjugated polymer. In the method, polyacrylonitrile, a solvent, and a catalyst are provided. The polyacrylonitrile is dissolved in the solvent to form a polyacrylonitrile solution. The catalyst is uniformly dispersed into the polyacrylonitrile solution. The polyacrylonitrile solution with the catalyst is heated to induce a cyclizing reaction of the polyacrylonitrile, thereby forming a conjugated polymer solution with conjugated polymer.
US08273828B2	Methods for introducing reactive secondary amines pendant to polymers backbones that are useful for diazeniumdiolation Biocompatible polymers having polymer backbones with at least one secondary amine suitable for diazeniumdiolation are disclosed. Specifically, methods for providing secondary amines-containing polymers using epoxide-opening reactions are provided. More specifically, nitric oxide-releasing medical devices made using these polymers are disclosed.
US08273826B2	Impact modification of thermoplastics with ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers Impact modified compositions having good impact performance can be made from a thermoplastic (e.g., a polyolefin such as polypropylene or HDPE) and a multi-block ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer. The compositions are easily molded and often have particular utility in making, for example, automotive facia, parts and other household articles.
US08273823B2	Atom transfer radical polymerization in microemulsion and true emulsion polymerization processes The invention is directed to a microemulsion polymerization comprising adding a polymerization catalyst precursor, such as a transition metal complex in the higher of two accessible oxidation states, an ATRP initiator, and an organic solvent to an aqueous solution to form an emulsion. Radically polymerizable monomers and a reducing agent may then be added to the emulsion. The reducing agent converts the catalyst precursor to a catalyst for polymerization of the first monomer from the initiator. In certain embodiments the organic solvent may comprise radically polymerizable monomers. The aqueous solution may comprise a surfactant. Further embodiments are directed to an ah initio polymerization process comprising adding a polymerization catalyst precursor; an ATRP initiator, and an organic solvent to an aqueous solution to form an emulsion, wherein the organic solvent comprises second radically polymerizable monomers, adding a reducing agent to convert the catalyst precursor to a catalyst for polymerization of the first radically polymerizable monomer from the initiator; and adding first radically polymerizable monomers to the emulsion.
US08273822B2	Reversible thermochromic compositions The present invention pertains to a reversible thermochromic system comprising a β-phenylvinylketone or a ω-phenyl polyacetylenyl ketone with at least one acidic hydrogen and a base and to a reversible thermochromic composition comprising the reversible thermochromic system and a carrier material and to novel substituted β-phenylvinylketones or ω-phenyl polyacetylenyl ketones with at least one acidic hydrogen.
US08273816B2	Alumina fiber aggregate, process for producing the same, and use thereof An object of the invention is to provide an alumina fiber aggregate which, when used as a filler in various materials such as, e.g., resins, coating materials, metals, and ceramics, enables the mixtures to have reduced viscosity and thereby heightens the productivity of products containing alumina fibers, and which enables cured thermosetting resins to have a sufficiently heightened thermal conductivity.This alumina fiber aggregate, when examined by the electron microscope method, gives a frequency distribution regarding number of fibers, wherein the number of fibers having a fiber length of 50-200 μm is 70% or more (including 100%), the number of fibers having a fiber length smaller than 50 μm is 30% or less (including 0), the number of fibers of 50-100 μm is 30-50%, the number of fibers longer than 100 μm but not longer than 200 μm is 30-50%, and the number of fibers longer than 200 μm is 20% or less (including 0). The fibrous mass comprises 70-100% by mass of Al2O3 and 0-30% by mass of SiO2.
US08273815B2	Curable silicone composition and electronic component A curable silicone composition comprising at least the following components: (A) an epoxy-containing organopolysiloxane; (B) a curing agent for an epoxy resin; (C) a thermally conductive metal powder; and (D) a thermally conductive nonmetal powder; exhibits low viscosity, excellent handleability and curability and, when cured, forms a cured body of flexibility, low specific gravity, and excellent thermal conductivity. An electronic component sealed or adhesively bonded with use of a cured body obtained by curing the aforementioned composition provides high reliability.
US08273813B2	Fire extinguishing and/or fire retarding compositions The invention concerns fire-extinguishing and/or fire-retarding compositions comprising at least one water-absorbing polymer and at least one alkali metal salt of a nonpolymeric saturated carboxylic acid, processes for their production and the use of the compositions for firefighting or as fire-retarding coatings.
US08273812B2	Nano-silver infused container arrangements Nano-silver infused container arrangements are presented including: a nano-silver infused container body defining at least one opening; and a nano-silver infused container lid configured to close off the at least one opening. In some embodiments, the arrangement is a composition of a polymeric compound and a concentration of nano-silver particles. In some embodiments, the polymeric compound includes polyvinyl-pyrrolidione, polypropylene and polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the nano-silver infused container lid includes: a lid top disposed along a plane, a gasket channel disposed along the contiguous lid wall edge, a channel opening, two opposing concave surfaces disposed perpendicular to the channel opening, and a bottom surface disposed substantially perpendicular to the two opposing concave surfaces and a compressible gasket disposed within the gasket channel and retained by the two opposing concave surfaces; and wherein, the nano-silver infused container body includes: a container bottom, a container wall, and a sealing ridge.
US08273810B2	Polyisoprene articles and process for making the same The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.
US08273800B2	Self-priming surfacing composition for finished surfaces A surfacing composition made of recycled paint, which requires no priming, has a non-reflective “flat” appearance, and is partially composed of dried paint. The composition provides a useful application for used or excess household paint, which would otherwise require special methods of disposal and potentially create future toxic cleanup problems. The composition is made of granular dried paint and a water-based sealer, which can be spread on a surface to repair imperfections. The surface can then be finished, and no priming is required. Due to the composition's flat appearance, the patch does not display any characteristic sheen where the repair has been made. The composition provides a simple means of recycling paint, and provides a simple and inexpensive means of repairing imperfections in walls and other surfaces while saving the step of priming the patch before painting or repainting.
US08273797B2	Treating renal cancer using 4-[bis[2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl]amino]-2-methyl-benzaldehyde The present invention features methods of treating a mammalian subject having renal cancer by administration of 4-[bis[2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl]amino]-benzaldehyde. The present invention further features administration protocols and dosing schedules for methods of treating patients having renal cancer and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the treatment methods provided herein.
US08273791B2	Compositions, kits and regimens for the treatment of skin, especially décolletage Compositions, kits and regimens for treatment of damaged skin, especially décolletage, include application of a retinoid, hydroquinone or hydroquinone derivatives, and a composition containing a multi-metal complex.
US08273790B2	Exo-selective synthesis of himbacine analogs This application discloses a novel process for the synthesis of himbacine analogs, as well as the compounds produced thereby. The synthesis proceeds by alternative routes including the cyclic ketal amide route, the chiral carbamate amide route, and the chiral carbamate ester route. The compounds produced thereby are useful as thrombin receptor antagonists. The chemistry disclosed herein is exemplified in the following synthesis sequence:
US08273789B2	Biologically active taxane analogs and methods of treatment by oral administration The present invention relates to a novel chemical compound of formula S-(1): for use in the treatment of cancer, to compositions containing said compound, methods of manufacture and combinations with other therapeutic agents.
US08273786B2	3-phenoxymethylpyrrolidine compounds In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds of formula I: where R1-6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08273785B2	Substituted 2-indolinone as PTK inhibitors containing a zinc binding moiety The present invention relates to substituted 2-indolinone containing zinc-binding moiety based derivatives that have enhanced or unique properties as inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) receptors and their use in the treatment of PTK related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The said derivatives may further act as HDAC inhibitors.
US08273782B2	Inhibitors of Akt activity Invented are novel heterocyclic carboxamide compounds, the use of such compounds as inhibitors of protein kinase B activity and in the treatment of cancer and arthritis.
US08273781B2	Process for preparation of 1-alkyl-5-benzoyl-1H-tetrazole derivatives The present invention provides a process for preparation of 1-alkyl-5-benzoyl-1H-tetrazole derivative including a step 1 of reacting a ketoamide derivative represented by formula (I) (in formula (I), A represents a halogen atom or the like; n represents an integer of 0 to 5; Y represents an alkyl group) with a halogenating agent to obtain an imidoyl halide derivative represented by formula (II) (in formula (II), A, n and Y are as defined above; X represents a halogen atom); and a step 2 of reacting the imidoyl halide derivative represented by formula (II) with an azide represented by formula (III) (in formula (III), M represents an alkali metal or the like; m represents 1 or 2) to obtain a 1-alkyl-5-benzoyl-1H-tetrazole derivative represented by formula (IV) (in formula (IV), A, n and Y are as defined above).
US08273773B2	Heterocyclic antiviral compounds Compounds having the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R4c, R5, R6, R9 and n are as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication.
US08273772B2	Heteroaryl compounds as P2Y1 receptor inhibitors The present invention provides novel heteroaryl compounds and analogues thereof, which are selective inhibitors of the human P2Y1 receptor. The invention also provides for various pharmaceutical compositions of the same and methods for treating diseases responsive to modulation of P2Y1 receptor activity.
US08273771B2	Ischemic disorder or disease inhibitors The invention relates to the use of at least on inhibitor selected from the group consisting of raf-, protein kinase C (PKC)-, MEK1/2-, or ERK1/2-inhibitors, for the manufacturing of a medicament to be administrated from 1 up to 12 hours after initiation of an ischemic disease.
US08273769B2	Phenoxy acetic acid derivatives The present invention provides phenoxyacetic acid derivatives of Formula (I) for the treatment of CRTH2 related disorders and disease selected from asthma, atopic dermatitis and inflammatory dermatoses.
US08273766B2	Tetrahydroisoquinoline compound The present invention relates a specific tetrahydroisoquinoline compound which is useful as a chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) antagonist, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same as an active ingredient. The tetrahydroisoquinoline compound of the present invention is useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease in which CCR3 participates.
US08273761B2	Tricyclic compound and medical use thereof The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or a heterocyclic group optionally having substituent(s), R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or mercapto optionally having a substituent, Xa to Xe are each a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom, m is 0 to 2, and ring A to ring C are each a ring optionally having substituent(s), or a salt thereof, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease relating to an action of melatonin, and the like.
US08273760B2	Indolo[3,2-c]quinoline compounds Disclosed herein are indolo[3,2-c]quinoline compounds of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein R and m are given the definitions as set forth in the Specification and Claims.These compounds can be used to inhibit both growth of cancer cells and activity of telomerase.
US08273759B2	Fungicide heterocyclyl-pyrimidinyl-amino derivatives The present invention relates to heterocyclyl-pyrimidinyl-amino derivatives of formula (I) heterocyclyl-pyrimidinyl-amino derivatives of formula (I) wherein Het, Y, p, Ra, Rb, Rc, X, n, L1 and L2 represent various substituents, their process of preparation, preparation intermediate compounds, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions, and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions.
US08273757B2	Combination of two analgesic chemicals The present invention is a novel analgesic combination and its use. It is classified to be an invention in the field of medicine and technology. The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that existing analgesics does not effectively attenuate pain or produces serious side-effects in clinic. The ingredients of the analgesic combination include ketanserin and propranolol. This combination is used to make a drug to treat pain. Because the ingredients of the analgesic combination target peripheral receptors, the unwanted effects could be only minimal. The big advantage of this combination is that each of the ingredients acts on the different receptors producing the synergizing analgesic. Therefore, the analgesia that the combination produces is remarkable and the effective doses are low.
US08273756B2	Use of modified pyrimidine compounds to promote stem cell migration and proliferation This invention provides cells and methods for stimulating proliferation and migration of endogenous and exogenous mammalian stem cells in vivo and in vitro. The invention provides reagents and methods for efficiently proliferating mammalian stem cells in an animal in need thereof and producing stem cells that can be re-introduced into an animal in need thereof to alleviate neurological and corporal disorders.
US08273749B2	N-substituted oxindoline derivatives as calcium channel blockers A series of N-substituted oxindole derivatives represented by Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprise an effective amount of the instant compounds, either alone, or in combination with one or more other therapeutically active compounds, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treating conditions associated with, or caused by, calcium channel activity, including, for example, acute pain, chronic pain, visceral pain, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, urinary incontinence, itchiness, allergic dermatitis, epilepsy, diabetic neuropathy, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorder, bipolar disorder and stroke, comprise administering an effective amount of the present compounds, either alone, or in combination with one or more other therapeutically active compounds.
US08273747B2	Small organic molecule regulators of cell proliferation The present invention makes available methods and reagents for modulating proliferation or differentiation in a cell or tissue comprising contacting the cell with a compound. In certain embodiments, the methods and reagents may be employed to correct or inhibit an aberrant or unwanted growth state, e.g., by antagonizing a normal patched pathway or agonizing smoothened or hedgehog activity.
US08273735B2	Process for preparing benzazepine compounds or salts thereof This invention provides a process for preparing benzazepine compounds of the formula (1): wherein X1 is a halogen atom, R1 and R2 are a lower alkyl group, or salts thereof as well as intermediate benzoic acid compounds in high yield and high purity on industrial scale, which are useful as an intermediate for preparing a pharmaceutically active 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepine compound having vasopressin antagonistic activity.
US08273734B1	5HT2C receptor modulators The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula (I): which act as 5HT2C receptor modulators. These compounds are useful in pharmaceutical compositions whose use includes the treatment of obesity.
US08273731B2	Compositions comprising nicotinic agonists and methods of using same The disclosure is directed at least in part to compositions and methods comprising nicotinic agonists for treating e.g., nervous system disorders, in particular, to combination therapies that include a nicotinic agonist (for example, nicotine) and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor desensitization inhibitor (for example, opipramol).
US08273729B2	Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and related bowel disease The present invention discloses a method of treating an individual having irritable bowel syndrome or a related disorder, comprising the step of administering to said individual a pharmacologically effective dose of a luminally active anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound with minimal or no systemic side effects. Further provided is a method of inhibiting the onset of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or a related disorder in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering to the individual a prophylactically effective dose of a luminally active anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound with minimal or no systemic side effects.
US08273728B2	Preformulation for tabletting natural mixtures of conjugated estrogens A pharmaceutical preformulation in the form of a solid, free-flowing dry extract of a natural mixture of conjugated equine estrogens, which is particularly suitable use in for solid galenic forms, e.g. tabletting. The conjugated estrogens are available for further galenic processing in a form which assures the chemical stability of the hormones and permits advantageous processing into solid galenic forms, for example a tablet. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing these preformulations in the form of a dry extract.
US08273726B2	Compositions for treating and/or preventing diseases characterized by the presence of metal ions The present invention generally relates to the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative diseases, and/or diseases characterized by the presence of certain metal ions, by using certain compositions including organosilicon compounds. A composition of the invention may be administered to a mammal, such as a human. In some cases, the composition may include a silanol, a silandiol, a silantriol, or a cyclic organosilane, and/or be able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon exposure to physiological conditions such as are found in the blood, in the stomach and/or gastrointestinal tract, or in the brain or other organ. In certain cases, the organosilicon compound may be bound to a moiety able to be transported across the blood-brain barrier into the brain, for example, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a virus, etc. The organosilicon compound may also be labeled (e.g., fluorescently or radioactively) in certain instances. In some embodiments, the composition, or a portion thereof, may sequester aluminum, copper, iron or other ions, for example, by electrostatically binding to the ions. The composition may also include other functionalities such as amines, certain alkyl and/or aryl moieties (including substituted alkyls and/or aryls), or hydrophobic moieties, for example, to facilitate transport of the organosilicon compound through the blood-brain barrier.
US08273719B2	Wrinkle-diminishing agent An antiwrinkle agent which is highly effective in alleviating wrinkles caused by the photoaging. The present invention relates to an antiwrinkle agent comprising an eugenyl glycoside.
US08273716B2	Use of LHRH antagonists for intermittent treatments The invention relates to methods of treatment or prophylaxis of physiological and/or pathological conditions with at least one LHRH antagonist, in particular at least one peptidomimetic LHRH antagonist such that the at least one LHRH antagonist is administered in a dose, which does not cause chemical (hormonal) castration.
US08273715B2	Methods of treating fragile X syndrome Subjects having fragile X syndrome are treated with a composition that includes gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists. The gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist (GABA) can be a GABA(B) agonist, such as baclofen, including racemic and R-baclofen.
US08273714B2	ADAMTS13 genes and proteins and variants, and therapeutic compositions and methods of utilizing the same The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13.
US08273713B2	Methods of treating obesity using PYY[3-36] Methods and compositions are disclosed to treat metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PYY or a PYY agonist.
US08273709B2	Triazole-containing macrocyclic HCV serine protease inhibitors The present invention discloses compounds of formula I, II and III or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.
US08273707B2	Process for purifying proteins The invention relates to a process for purifying a protein by mixing a protein preparation with a solution having a first salt and a second salt, wherein each salt has a different lyotropic value, and loading the mixture onto a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column. The dynamic capacity of the column for a protein using the two salt combination will be increased compared with the dynamic capacity of the column for either single salt alone.
US08273702B2	Wound healing compositions containing keratin biomaterials Disclosed are keratin preparations for use in medical applications. Methods of treating wounds are provided, wherein keratin preparations are applied to the wound in a treatment effective amount. Methods of treating burn wounds are also provided. Surgical or paramedic aids are provided, comprising a substrate with keratin preparations provided thereon. Kits comprising keratin derivatives packaged in sterile form are also provided.
US08273700B2	Methods and compositions for treatment of cystic fibrosis The present invention relates to compounds and methods of inhibiting p97/valosin-containing protein and compounds and methods of inhibiting gp78, the compounds and methods being useful for the treatment of a disorder comprising a IκB/NFκB mediated chronic inflammatory response component, for example cystic fibrosis.
US08273696B2	Emanator blister The use of an emanator blister, comprising a nonwater soluble membrane, for the release of a surfactant. Also an emanator blister, the emanator comprises a non-water soluble membrane which is suitable for the dispense of a surfactant.
US08273694B2	Synthetic compositions obtained from algae The application provides a base stock or a lubricant composition comprising the substances derived from algae by chemical modification of algal oil, including compositions comprising estomers. Methods for obtaining the same are also provided, including chemically modifying the algal oil with a saturated fatty acid under conditions favorable to the formation of a poly-estomer.
US08273692B2	Permeability-modifying drilling fluids and methods of use Methods of reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation to aqueous-based fluids using a water-soluble relative permeability modifier that comprises a hydrophobically modified polymer, wherein the hydrophobically modified polymer is a reaction product of: a hydrophilic polymer that comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyvinylamine, a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol), and an alkyl acrylate polymer; and, a hydrophobic compound comprising at least one alkyl chain having a carbon chain length between about 4 and about 22 carbons. The water-soluble relative permeability modifier may be placed within a subterranean drilling operation such that the water-soluble relative permeability modifier attaches onto surfaces within the subterranean formation to effect permeability of aqueous fluids.
US08273691B2	Method for binding non-solid oxidic inorganic materials with etherified aminoplast resins and cured compositions of said materials and etherified aminoplast resins The present invention relates to a process for binding non-consolidated oxidic inorganic materials with curable formulations which comprise etherified amino resins, and to cured compositions obtainable by the process. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a process for stabilizing underground formations composed of oxidic inorganic materials, wherein the curable composition is injected into the underground formation and cured at the temperatures which exist in the formation.
US08273690B2	Crosslinkable polymer compositions comprising phenols and associated methods Crosslinkable-polymer compositions that comprise a chitosan-based compound and a phenol source, and associated methods, are provided. Various methods of use are also provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise providing a crosslinkable-polymer composition comprising an aqueous fluid, a chitosan-based compound, a chitosan-reacting polymer, and a phenol source; introducing the crosslinkable-polymer composition into the portion of the subterranean formation; and allowing the crosslinkable-polymer composition to form a crosslinked gel in the portion of the subterranean formation.
US08273689B2	Method for lubricating and/or reducing corrosion of drilling equipment Lubricants and drilling fluid systems comprising lubricants which form a coherent lubricating film on metal equipment, thereby prolonging equipment life even under a wide variety of conditions, including high temperature and/or high pressure conditions.
US08273688B2	Collection of HCDR3 regions and uses therefor The present invention is directed to the preparation and use of a collection of antibody heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (HCDR3) members, where diversity of the collection is a function of the length of the HCDR3 members. The diversity of the collection of HCDR3 regions substantially represents the natural amino acid distribution of HCDR3 in the human repertoire. This natural amino acid distribution can be represented by biasing the complete random distribution of amino acids, accordingly, in the HCDR3 encoding DNA sequence by using trinucleotide mutagenesis (TRIM) technology. A collection of HCDR3 members of the invention each can be comprised within a variable region of an antibody (or fragment thereof) to form a library of synthetic antibodies or antibody fragments. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such diverse collection and methods of making and using the same.
US08273685B2	Agrochemical composition An agrochemical composition is provided in which an agrochemically active ingredient having 4 or more fluorine atoms in a molecule and having a Log P value of 3 or more is contained, and superior disintegration dispersibility is exhibited, and which is suitable for a water dispersible granule or a suspension concentrate. An agrochemical composition is characterized by containing (a1) an agrochemically active ingredient having 4 or more fluorine atoms in a molecule and having a Log P value of 3 or more, or (a2) an agrochemically active ingredient for which, in a fluidity test of a mixture composed of 50 parts by weight of the agrochemically active ingredient, 2 parts by weight of sorbitan monooleate and 48 parts by weight of water, the time for moving 85 mm is not less than 90 seconds, in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 70% by weight of the total amount of the composition, and (b) a wetting agent such as an alkylsulfate salt, in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the total amount of the composition.
US08273678B2	Highly active catalysts for alkylene oxide polymerization The reaction product of the reaction product of A.) a ligand of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 in each occurrence independently are the same or different hydrocarbyl substituents of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrogen, halogen, or alkoxy groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; X in each occurrence independently is CR6 with R6 being hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and R5 is an organic divalent group of 4 to 40 carbon atoms with the proviso that the two nodes X are not bound to the same atom or to vicinal atoms in the group R5; B.) an aluminum compound of the formula AlR7R8R9, wherein R7, R8 and R9 each independently is a C1 to C12 hydrocarbyl group, hydrogen, halogen, or an alkoxy group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and C.) a Lewis base selected from the group consisting of amines, phosphines, amides, nitriles, isonitriles, and alcohols is useful as a polymerization catalyst, particularly for the homopolymerization or copolymerization of an alkylene oxide.
US08273677B2	Production process of pre-polymerized polymerization catalyst component and addition polymer A production process of a pre-polymerized catalyst component, comprising steps of (i) contacting a transition metal compound defined by formula [1], an activation agent, an organometallic compound defined by formula [2], and an optional organoaluminum compound with one another, thereby forming a primary polymerization catalyst, and (ii) pre-polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the primary polymerization catalyst; and a process for producing an addition polymer, comprising a step of polymerizing an addition polymerizable monomer in the presence of a pre-polymerized catalyst component produced by the above production process, or in the presence of the pre-polymerized catalyst component and an organoaluminum compound.
US08273671B2	Glass material for radio-frequency applications A glass material for producing insulation layers is provided. The glass material can improve the radio-frequency properties of radio-frequency substrates or radio-frequency conductor arrangements. In one embodiment, the glass material for producing insulation layers for radio-frequency substrates or radio-frequency conductor arrangements is an applied layer with a layer thickness in the range between 0.05 μm and 5″mm and has a loss factor tan δ of less than or equal to 70*10−4 in at least a frequency range above 1 GHz.
US08273669B2	Method of forming a passivated densified nanoparticle thin film on a substrate A method for forming a passivated densified nanoparticle thin film on a substrate in a chamber is disclosed. The method includes depositing a nanoparticle ink on a first region on the substrate, the nanoparticle ink including a set of Group IV semiconductor particles and a solvent. The method also includes heating the nanoparticle ink to a first temperature between about 30° C. and about 400° C., and for a first time period between about 1 minute and about 60 minutes, wherein the solvent is substantially removed, and a porous compact is formed. The method further includes flowing an oxidizer gas into the chamber; and heating the porous compact to a second temperature between about 600° C. and about 1000° C., and for a second time period of between about 5 seconds and about 1 hour; wherein the passivated densified nanoparticle thin film is formed.
US08273658B2	Integrated circuit arrangement including vias having two sections, and method for producing the same An integrated circuit arrangement containing a via is disclosed. The via has an upper section having greatly inclined sidewalls. A lower section of the via has approximately vertical sidewalls. In one embodiment, a liner layer is used as a hard mask in the production of the via and defines the position of the sections of the via.
US08273657B2	Method for manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus having a through-hole interconnection A method for manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus having a through-hole interconnection in a semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. A via hole is formed through the semiconductor substrate and the insulating layer. Another insulating layer is formed in the via hole, and a conductive layer of the through-hole interconnection is subsequently formed. The insulating layer formed in the via hole is formed such as to substantially planarize an inner surface of the via hole.
US08273655B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A GaN layer and an n-type AlGaN layer are formed over an insulating substrate, and thereafter, a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed on them. Next, an opening reaching at least a surface of the insulating substrate is formed in the source electrode, the GaN layer and the n-type AlGaN layer. Then, a nickel (Ni) layer is formed in the opening. Thereafter, by conducting dry etching from the back side while making the nickel (Ni) layer serve as an etching stopper, a via hole reaching the nickel (Ni) layer is formed in the insulating substrate. Then, a via wiring is formed extending from an inside the via hole to the back surface of the insulating substrate.
US08273650B2	Method of fabricating thin film interface for internal light reflection and impurities isolation A high-quality epitaxial silicon thin layer is formed on an upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) substrate. A thin film interface is fabricated between the UMG-Si substrate and the epitaxial silicon thin layer. The interface is capable of internal light reflection and impurities isolation. With the interface, photoelectrical conversion efficiency is improved. Thus, the present invention is fit to be applied for making solar cell having epitaxial silicon thin layer.
US08273644B2	Soldering method and method of manufacturing semiconductor device including soldering method A soldering method of soldering first and second members includes shooting a laser light to at least one part of an outer peripheral portion surrounding a soldering-target region of the first member thereby to form an oxide film, and bonding the second member with the soldering-target region through a solder. According to the method, the solder resist is never exfoliated even after cleaning with chemicals for removing flux residues contained in solder.
US08273642B2	Method of fabricating an NMOS transistor A SiC region and a source/drain region are formed such that the SiC region includes a first portion overlapping the source/drain region and a second portion protruding from the source/drain region to a position beneath the LDD region. The concentration of crystalline SiC in the second portion is higher than the concentration of crystalline SiC in the first portion. The SiC region may be formed through a normal implantation before the second spacer is formed, or the SiC region may be formed through a tilt implantation or deposition epitaxially in a recess having a sigma-shape like sidewall after the second spacer is formed.
US08273640B2	Integrated semiconductor nanowire device A method of making a semiconductor nanowire device includes providing a plurality of spaced semiconductor nanowires on a growth substrate; applying a dielectric material so that it is disposed between the semiconductor nanowires producing a layer of embedded semiconductor nanowires having a top surface opposed to a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is defined by the interface with the growth substrate; depositing a first electrode over the top surface of the layer of embedded semiconductor nanowires so that it is in electrical contact with the semiconductor nanowires; joining the first electrode to a device substrate; removing the growth substrate and exposing the bottom surface of the layer of embedded semiconductor nanowires; and depositing a second electrode on the bottom surface of the layer of embedded semiconductor nanowires so that it is in electrical contact with the semiconductor nanowires.
US08273634B2	Methods of fabricating substrates A method of fabricating a substrate includes forming first and second spaced features over a substrate. The first spaced features have elevationally outermost regions which are different in composition from elevationally outermost regions of the second spaced features. The first and second spaced features alternate with one another. Every other first feature is removed from the substrate and pairs of immediately adjacent second features are formed which alternate with individual of remaining of the first features. After such act of removing, the substrate is processed through a mask pattern comprising the pairs of immediately adjacent second features which alternate with individual of the remaining of the first features. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08273631B2	Method of fabricating n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor transistor A method of fabricating an NMOS transistor, in which, an epitaxial silicon layer is formed before a salicide process is performed, then a nickel layer needed for the salicide process is formed, and, thereafter, a rapid thermal process is performed to allow the nickel layer to react with the epitaxial silicon layer and the silicon substrate under the epitaxial silicon layer to form a nickel silicide layer.
US08273630B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a silicon substrate having first and second surfaces, the silicon substrate including no oxide film or an oxide film having a thickness no greater than 100 nm, forming a first oxide film at least on the second surface of the silicon substrate, forming a first film by covering at least the first surface, forming a mask pattern on the first surface by patterning the first film, forming a device separating region on the first surface by using the mask pattern as a mask, forming a gate insulating film on the first surface, forming a gate electrode on the first surface via the gate insulating film, forming a source and a drain one on each side of the gate electrode, and forming a wiring layer on the silicon substrate while maintaining the first oxide film on the second surface.
US08273627B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing thereof A semiconductor device which includes two trenches formed in a semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer as an insulator formed on each side surface of the trenches, and separated on a bottom surface thereof, and a bit line formed below the bottom surface of the trenches in the semiconductor substrate. A channel region is formed in the semiconductor substrate from a side surface of one of the two trenches to that of the other trench via an upper surface of a protruding portion between those two trenches. A method for manufacturing the semiconductor device is also provided.
US08273626B2	Nonplanar semiconductor device with partially or fully wrapped around gate electrode and methods of fabrication A nonplanar semiconductor device and its method of fabrication is described. The nonplanar semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body having a top surface opposite a bottom surface formed above an insulating substrate wherein the semiconductor body has a pair laterally opposite sidewalls. A gate dielectric is formed on the top surface of the semiconductor body on the laterally opposite sidewalls of the semiconductor body and on at least a portion of the bottom surface of semiconductor body. A gate electrode is formed on the gate dielectric, on the top surface of the semiconductor body and adjacent to the gate dielectric on the laterally opposite sidewalls of semiconductor body and beneath the gate dielectric on the bottom surface of the semiconductor body. A pair source/drain regions are formed in the semiconductor body on opposite sides of the gate electrode.
US08273616B2	Gated-varactors Various embodiments of the invention provide a varactor structure that, depends on configurations, can provide a C-V characteristic based on one or a combination of a reverse bias junction capacitor, a channel capacitor, and an oxide capacitor. The junction capacitor is formed by reverse biasing the P+ source region and the N-well. The channel capacitance is formed between the P+ source region and the N+ drain region, and the oxide capacitor is formed in the gate oxide area. Depending on biasing one or a combination of the gate voltage VG, the source voltage VS, and the drain voltage VD, embodiments can utilize one or a combination of the above capacitors. Other embodiments using the varactors in a Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) are also disclosed.
US08273614B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same To reduce variation among TFTs in manufacture of a semiconductor device including n-type thin film transistors and p-type thin film transistors. Further, another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of masks and manufacturing steps, and manufacturing time. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an island-shaped semiconductor layer of a first thin film transistor, then, forming an island-shaped semiconductor layer of the second thin film transistor. In the formation of the island-shaped semiconductor layer of the second thin film transistor, a gate insulating film in contact with the island-shaped semiconductor layer of the second thin film transistor is used as a protection film (an etching stopper film) for the island-shaped semiconductor layer of the first thin film transistor.
US08273605B2	Manufacturing method for electronic device having IC chip and antenna electrically connected by bridging plate There is provided an electronic device manufacturing method capable of manufacturing a device having a preferable communication characteristic at a low cost with a high productivity. The manufacturing method is for manufacturing an electronic device including a plurality of IC chips 100, each having external electrodes formed on a pair of opposing surfaces. One 102 of the electrodes is arranged on an antenna circuit 201 in a transmission/reception antenna having a slit. Furthermore, a bridging plate 300 is arranged for separately and electrically connecting the other external electrode 103 to a predetermined position of the corresponding antenna circuit 301. The method is characterized in that by positioning at least one of the IC chips 100 with the predetermined position on the corresponding antenna circuit 201 to be mounted, it is possible to arrange the retraining IC chips 100 at the predetermined positions on the antenna circuit 201 all at once.
US08273603B2	Interposers, electronic modules, and methods for forming the same In accordance with a method for forming an interposer, a fill hole is formed in a first side of a substrate and a cavity is formed in a second side. The cavity is in fluidic communication with the fill hole. A plurality of posts is formed in the cavity, and an encapsulant is injected through the fill hole into the cavity to encapsulate the plurality of posts. In accordance with a method of thermal management, an electronic component and a heat sink are disposed on opposing sides of an interposer that includes a plurality of encapsulated posts.
US08273602B2	Integrated circuit package system with integration port An integrated circuit package system comprising: fabricating a package base including: forming a lead frame, coupling a first integrated circuit device under the lead frame, coupling a second integrated circuit device over the first integrated circuit device, and molding an enclosure on the lead frame, the first integrated circuit device, and the second integrated circuit device for forming an integration port; and coupling a third integrated circuit device on the integration port.
US08273600B2	Self-aligned metal oxide TFT with reduced number of masks A method of fabricating MOTFTs on transparent substrates by positioning opaque gate metal on the substrate front surface and depositing gate dielectric material overlying the gate metal and a surrounding area and metal oxide semiconductor material on the dielectric material. Depositing selectively removable etch stop material on the semiconductor material and photoresist on the etch stop material to define an isolation area in the semiconductor material. Removing uncovered portions of the etch stop. Exposing the photoresist from the substrate rear surface using the gate metal as a mask and removing exposed portions leaving the etch stop material overlying the gate metal covered. Etching the semiconductor material to isolate the TFT. Selectively etching the etch stop layer to leave a portion overlying the gate metal defining a channel area. Depositing and patterning conductive material to form source and drain areas on opposed sides of the channel area.
US08273596B2	Method for producing electric contacts on a semiconductor component Process for producing strip-shaped and/or point-shaped electrically conducting contacts on a semiconductor component like a solar cell, includes the steps of applying a moist material forming the contacts in a desired striplike and/or point-like arrangement on at least one exterior surface of the semiconductor component; drying the moist material by heating the semiconductor component to a temperature T1 and keeping the semiconductor element at temperature T1 over a time t1; sintering the dried material by heating the semiconductor component to a temperature T2 and keeping the semiconductor component at temperature T2 over a time t2; cooling the semiconductor component to a temperature T3 that is equal or roughly equal to room temperature, and keeping the semiconductor component at temperature T3 over a time T3; cooling the semiconductor component to a temperature T4 with T4≦−35° C. and keeping the semiconductor component at temperature T4 over a time T4; and heating the semiconductor component to room temperature.
US08273595B2	Silicon thin film deposition for photovoltaic device applications The present invention provides for cost-efficient methods for on-line deposition of semi-conducting metallic layers. More specifically, the present invention provides on-line pyrolytic deposition methods for deposition of p-type, n-type and i-type semi-conducting metallic layers in the float glass production process. Furthermore, the present invention provides for on-line pyrolytic deposition methods for production of single-, double-, triple- and multi-junction p-(i-)n and n-(i-)p type semi-conducting metal layers. Such p-type, n-type and i-type semi-conducting metal layers are useful in the photovoltaic industry and attractive to manufacturers of photovoltaic modules as “value-added” products.
US08273594B2	Planar microshells for vacuum encapsulated devices and damascene method of manufacture Low temperature, multi-layered, planar microshells for encapsulation of devices such as MEMS and microelectronics. The microshells include a planar perforated pre-sealing layer, below which a non-planar sacrificial layer is accessed, and a sealing layer to close the perforation in the pre-sealing layer after the sacrificial material is removed. In an embodiment, the pre-sealing layer has perforations formed with a damascene process to be self-aligned to the chamber below the microshell. The sealing layer may include a nonhermetic layer to physically occlude the perforation and a hermetic layer over the nonhermetic occluding layer to seal the perforation. In a particular embodiment, the hermetic layer is a metal which is electrically coupled to a conductive layer adjacent to the microshell to electrically ground the microshell.
US08273590B2	Methods for manufacturing array substrates Disclosed is a patterned photoresist layer on a passivation layer, formed by a lithography process with a multi-tone photomask, having a non-photoresist region, a thin photoresist pattern, and a thick photoresist pattern. The passivation layer corresponding to the non-photoresist region is removed, thereby forming vias to expose a part of a drain electrode in a TFT and a part of a top electrode in a storage capacitor, respectively. The thin photoresist pattern is then ashed to expose the passivation layer in a pixel region. Thereafter, a conductive layer is selectively deposited on the exposed passivation layer and on the sidewalls/bottoms of the vias. Subsequently, the remaining thick photoresist pattern is ashed.
US08273589B2	Light emitting diodes and methods for manufacturing light emitting diodes Light emitting diodes and methods for manufacturing light emitting diodes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a light emitting diode (LED) comprises applying a first light conversion material to a first region on the LED and applying a second light conversion material to a second, different region on the LED. A portion of the LED is exposed after applying the first and second light conversion materials.
US08273588B2	Method for producing a luminous device and luminous device A method for producing a luminous device is specified. A number of light emitting diodes each have a radiation-transmissive carrier and at least two semiconductor bodies spatially separated from one another. Each semiconductor body is provided for generating electromagnetic radiation. The semiconductor bodies can be driven separately from one another and the semiconductor bodies are arranged at the top side of the radiation-transmissive carrier on the radiation-transmissive carrier. A chip assemblage is composed of CMOS chips each of which has at least two connection locations at its top side. At least one of the light emitting diodes is connected to one of the CMOS chips. The light emitting diode is arranged, at the top side of the radiation-transmissive carrier, at the top side of the CMOS chip and each semiconductor body of the light emitting diode is connected to a connection location of the CMOS chip.
US08273587B2	Underfill process for flip-chip LEDs An underfill technique for LEDs uses compression molding to simultaneously encapsulate an array of flip-chip LED dies mounted on a submount wafer. The molding process causes liquid underfill material (or a softened underfill material) to fill the gap between the LED dies and the submount wafer. The underfill material is then hardened, such as by curing. The cured underfill material over the top and sides of the LED dies is removed using microbead blasting. The exposed growth substrate is then removed from all the LED dies by laser lift-off, and the underfill supports the brittle epitaxial layers of each LED die during the lift-off process. The submount wafer is then singulated. This wafer-level processing of many LEDs simultaneously greatly reduces fabrication time, and a wide variety of materials may be used for the underfill since a wide range of viscosities is tolerable.
US08273586B2	Light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof A light emitting device comprises a substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements mounted thereon; a side wall structure having a partition wall portion separating a plurality of light emitting areas that each include at least one of the light emitting elements; and encapsulating resin filled in the light emitting areas to bury the light emitting elements therein. The side wall structure is separated by a space from the substrate at, at least, the partition wall portion so as to be in noncontact with the substrate, and the encapsulating resin is formed so as to integrally, continuously fill the light emitting areas and the space without producing any interface therein.
US08273569B2	Preparation of human embryonic stem cells A purified preparation of primate embryonic stem cells is disclosed. This preparation is characterized by the following cell surface markers: SSEA-1 (−); SSEA-4 (+); TRA-1-60 (+); TRA-1-81 (+); and alkaline phosphatase (+). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cells of the preparation are human embryonic stem cells, have normal karyotypes, and continue to proliferate in an undifferentiated state after continuous culture for eleven months. The embryonic stem cell lines also retain the ability, throughout the culture, to form trophoblast and to differentiate into all tissues derived from all three embryonic germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). A method for isolating a primate embryonic stem cell line is also disclosed.
US08273567B2	Portable measurement system having biophotonic sensor There is provided a portable measuring system having a biophotonic sensor. The portable measuring system also includes a tunable light source, an output intensity detector and an output wavelength detector, which are mounted therein. The portable measuring system can precisely measure a variation in the reflectivity spectrum and/or the transmittance spectrum of the biophotonic sensor before and after an antigen-antibody reaction by varying the wavelength of the tunable light source. Thus, the concentration of the antigen is precisely measured.
US08273566B2	Methods and apparatuses for conducting assays Disclosed are methods for conducting assays of samples, such as whole blood, that may contain cells or other particulate matter. Also disclosed are systems, devices, equipment, kits and reagents for use in such methods. One advantage of certain disclosed methods and systems is the ability to rapidly measure the concentration of an analyte of interest in blood plasma from a whole blood sample without blood separation and hematocrit correction.
US08273563B2	Production of peracids using an enzyme having perhydrolysis activity A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08273559B2	Method for the production of concentrated alcohol from fermentation broths A method for obtaining a concentrated alcohol solution from a lignocellulosic feedstock. The lignocellulosic feedstock is hydrolyzed to prepare a sugar solution. The sugar solution is fermented to produce a fermentation broth comprising alcohol and at least about 1 g ammonium ions/kg fermentation broth. The alcohol in the fermentation broth is then concentrated by distillation to produce an alcohol-enriched vapour. Either before distillation, during distillation or during the azeotrope breaking process, the concentration of ammonia in the alcohol-enriched vapour can be reduced by acid addition to at most about 300 ppm. The alcohol in the alcohol-rich vapour is then further concentrated by an azeotrope breaking process to provide the concentrated alcohol solution.
US08273558B2	Fermentive production of four carbon alcohols Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway.
US08273557B2	Hydrolytic enzyme mixtures for saccharification of lignocellulosic polysaccharides The present invention relates to cell wall degradative systems, in particular to systems containing enzymes that bind to and/or depolymerize cellulose. These systems have a number of applications. Some embodiments relate to a method of producing ethanol using the cell wall degradative systems of the present invention.
US08273556B2	Aldolase and production process of substituted α-keto acids 4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxaloacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.
US08273555B2	Process for esterifying or transesterifying side chains in polymers Provided is a process for esterifying or transesterifying side chains in polymers, which involves esterifying or transesterifying the carboxyl group having the R4 radical of a copolymer obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylate of formula (I), and a monomer of formula (II): wherein R1 and R3 are independently H or CH3, R2 and R4 are independently H or an alkyl radical which is optionally substituted by functional groups such as acryloyl, ether, amino, epoxy, halogen or sulfonic acid groups, and n is from 1 to 40, with an alcohol in the presence of an enzyme which catalyzes the esterifying or transesterifying. Further provided is the esterified or transesterified polymer product and its use.
US08273554B2	Ketoreductase polypeptides for the stereoselective production of (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme including the capability of reducing 5-((4S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl(1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl))-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pentane-1,5-dione to (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize the intermediate (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one in a process for making Ezetimibe.
US08273552B2	Modified growth hormone polypeptides We describe modified growth hormone fusion proteins and dimers comprising said fusion proteins; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteins and methods of treatment that use said proteins in the treatment of conditions that result from growth hormone excess.
US08273550B2	Antibodies against a cancer-associated epitope of variant HnRNPG and uses thereof The present application provides the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of heavy and light chain complementarity determining regions of a cancer specific antibody directed to an epitope of variant Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein G (HnRNPG). In addition, the application provides cancer specific antibodies and immunoconjugates comprising the cancer specific antibody attached to a toxin or label, and methods of uses thereof. The application also relates to diagnostic methods and kits using the cancer specific antibodies disclosed herein. Further, the application provides novel cancer-associated epitopes and antigens of variant HnRNPG, and uses thereof.
US08273548B2	Nucleic acids encoding a human PAP1 polypeptide The present invention relates to novel compounds and their uses, in particular their pharmaceutical or diagnostic uses or their use as pharmacological targets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel protein, referred to as PAP1, as well as to novel peptides and compounds which are capable of modulating, at least partially, the activity of parkin.
US08273546B2	Processes of producing fermentation products The invention relates to a process of fermenting plant material in a fermentation medium into a fermentation product using a fermenting organism, wherein one or more carbonic anhydrases are present in the fermentation medium.
US08273542B2	Human T2R receptors for acetaminophen, ranitidine, strychnine and denatonium and related assays for identifying human bitter taste modulators The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter ligands, i.e., acetaminophen, ranitidine, strychnine and denatonium. The present invention further relates to the use of these receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors and which may be used as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for modifying (blocking) T2R-associated bitter taste.
US08273538B2	Blood monocyte CD163 expression as a biomarker in HIV-1 infection and neuroaids The invention provides a method for detecting CD163+/CD16+ cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a biological sample from a subject infected with HIV-1 which comprises contacting the biological sample with an anti-CD163 antibody, so that levels of CD163+/CD16+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the biological sample can be quantified. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for monitoring the course of HIV-1 infection and/or HIV Encephalopathy
US08273532B2	Capture, recapture, and trapping of molecules with a nanopore In a molecular analysis system, there is provided a structure including a nanopore and first and second fluidic reservoirs. The two reservoirs are fluidically connected via the nanopore. A detector is connected to detect molecular species translocation of the nanopore, from one of the two fluidic reservoirs to the other of the two fluidic reservoirs. A controller is connected to generate a control signal to produce conditions at the nanopore to induce the molecular species to re-translocate the nanopore at least once after translocating the nanopore. This enables a method for molecular analysis in which a molecular species is translocated a plurality of times through a nanopore in a structure between two fluidic reservoirs separated by the structure.
US08273528B2	Methods and compositions for determining methylation profiles Methods and compositions for determining the methylation profile of individuals and using the profiles to identify clones with desired traits.
US08273527B2	Viral variants The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogues and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular hepatitis B virus variants.
US08273525B2	Systems and methods for forming defects on graphitic materials and curing radiation-damaged graphitic materials Systems and methods are disclosed herein for forming defects on graphitic materials. The methods for forming defects include applying a radiation reactive material on a graphitic material, irradiating the applied radiation reactive material to produce a reactive species, and permitting the reactive species to react with the graphitic material to form defects. Additionally, disclosed are methods for removing defects on graphitic materials.
US08273524B2	Liquid discharging head, producing method thereof, structure, and producing method thereof A producing method of a liquid discharging head includes a discharge port discharging a liquid and a flow path communicating with the discharge port, the method comprising the steps of forming a pattern of a shape of the flow path on a substrate, forming a layer of a negative type photosensitive resin composition including a photo-initiated polymerization initiator on the substrate so as to coat the pattern, at least a region of the layer in a vicinity of the substrate including a sensitizing agent of the photo-initiated polymerization initiator, a density of the sensitizing agent in the layer formed to be higher in the region than in a part where the discharge port is formed, forming the discharge port by exposing the layer to pattern the layer, and removing a pattern to form the flow path.
US08273521B2	Radiation-sensitive resin composition and compound A radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a compound shown by a formula (1) in which R1 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 form a heterocyclic structure having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, R3 represents a monovalent acid-dissociable group, n is an integer from 1 to 6, each of R4A, R4B, and R4C represents one of an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or R4A represents one of an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and R4B and R4C form a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms.
US08273517B2	Method of manufacturing electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor, image-forming apparatus, and process cartridge An aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor. The method includes forming at least one layer selected from the group consisting of an undercoat layer, a photosensitive layer, and a protective layer, by jetting by an inkjet method a first coating liquid and a second coating liquid from liquid drop discharging heads which are different from each other, and mixing the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid on a conductive substrate. The first coating liquid and the second coating liquid react with each other when they are mixed.
US08273501B2	System and method for hydrating a proton exchange membrane fuel cell A fuel cell hydration system comprising a first reservoir is provided. The first reservoir is positioned between a cathode supply and a fuel cell stack. The first reservoir includes corrugated regions positioned axially along the first reservoir to accumulate water discharged from a first fluid stream. The first fluid stream absorbs the accumulated water when an amount of water within the first fluid stream is below a water level to hydrate the fuel cell stack.
US08273498B2	Solid polymer fuel cell-purpose electrolyte membrane, production method therefor, and membrane-electrode assembly In an electrolyte membrane (10) for a solid polymer fuel cell, sealing ribs (12) of a predetermined height made of an electrolyte resin is formed integrally with the electrolyte membrane (10). Using the electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly (20) is formed, which is further processed into a fuel cell (30). Thus, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly which are capable of improving the sealing characteristic when incorporated into a fuel cell are obtained. Besides, a fuel cell improved in the sealing characteristic is obtained.
US08273495B2	Electrochemical cell structure and method of making the same An electrochemical cell structure is provided which includes an anode, a cathode spaced apart from said anode, an electrolyte in ionic communication with each of said anode and said cathode and a nonconductive frame. The nonconductive frame includes at least two components that support each of said anode, said cathode and said electrolyte and define at least one flowpath for working fluids and for products of electrochemical reaction.
US08273494B2	Fuel cell stack A fuel cell stack includes a stack of fuel cells. Each of the fuel cells includes a membrane electrode assembly and a separator that are stacked. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte membrane therebetween. The terminal plate, the insulation plate, and the end plate are stacked at each end of the stack of the fuel cells in a stacking direction of the fuel cells. The terminal plate has a plurality of spaces formed therein. The spaces are separated from each other by a partition wall. A connection terminal is disposed on a plate surface of the terminal plate. The plate surface faces the insulation plate, at a position at which the connection terminal does not overlap the partition wall in the stacking direction. The connection terminal protrudes outward from the end plate in the stacking direction.
US08273493B2	Solid electrolyte fuel cell stack A solid state electrolyte fuel cell stack includes: layered solid state electrolyte fuel cells, each formed by a solid state electrolyte body having a fuel pole in contact with a fuel gas and an air pole in contact with an oxidant gas; and inter-connectors arranged between the solid state electrolyte fuel cells so as to separate a gas flow path between the solid state electrolyte fuel cells and assure electric conduction between the solid state electrolyte fuel cells. The solid state electrolyte fuel cell stack has two or more air vents for supplying a fuel gas or two or more air vents for supplying the oxidant gas which vents penetrate a part or the whole of the fuel cell stack in the stack layering direction. The different air vents communicate with the different solid state electrolyte fuel cells.
US08273492B2	Load applying mechanism in a fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a fluid unit, and a load applying mechanism. The fluid unit includes a heat exchanger and a reformer provided on one side of the fuel cell stack, and the load applying mechanism is provided on the other side of the fuel cell stack. The load applying mechanism includes first and second tightening units for applying different loads to desired regions of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction.
US08273491B2	Method to reduce time until acceptable drive away in a fuel cell system Methods and systems of reducing the start-up time for a fuel cell are described. One method of reducing the start-up time includes: concurrently supporting load requests for the fuel cell and stabilizing the voltage of the fuel cell; wherein stabilizing the voltage of the fuel cell comprises: providing a flow of hydrogen to the fuel cell and opening an anode valve, wherein the hydrogen flow continues for predetermined volume or a predetermined time; and ending voltage stabilization after the predetermined volume or predetermined time is exceeded while continuing to support load requests for the fuel cell.
US08273488B2	Plate-type heat exchanger and fuel cell system with the same A plate-type heat exchanger for use in a fuel cell system that has a fuel cell stack and a reformer is provided. The heat exchanger includes a substrate and a pair of cover plates. The substrate has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The substrate is disposed between the cover plates, and combined with the cover plates to form a first passageway and a second passageway. The first passageway is formed in the first face and circulates steam discharged from the fuel cell stack. The steam or water condensed from the steam is supplied to a water supply source. The second passageway is formed in the second face, and circulates water supplied from the water supply source. The water is supplied to the reformer after the circulation. The heat exchanger of the present invention improves performance and efficiency of a fuel cell system.
US08273486B2	Protecting a PEM fuel cell catalyst against carbon monoxide poisoning An anode structure comprises an array of carbon nanotubes having a diffusion side and a membrane side, and catalyst particles interspersed on inner surfaces of the membrane side of the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have an average diameter greater than the size of the hydrogen molecule but smaller than the size of the carbon monoxide molecule. Thus, hydrogen flowing toward the catalyst particles interspersed inside the carbon nanotubes are able to go through, while the flow of trace amounts of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen is blocked, preventing the poisoning of the catalyst particles by the carbon monoxide. A fuel cell utilizing the anode structure and a method for manufacturing the anode structure are also disclosed.
US08273479B2	Negative electrode for lithium secondary cell and lithium secondary cell using the same A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery according to the present invention includes a current collector 12, and an active material layer 14 formed on the current collector 12. The active material layer 14 includes a plurality of negative-electrode active material members 16 disposed on the current collector 12. Each negative-electrode active material member 16 is oxide, including a first region 18 of a relatively high oxygen concentration and a plurality of second regions 20 having an oxygen concentration which is lower than that of the first region 18. The first region 18 extends from a bottom face of each negative-electrode active material member 16 in a direction away from the surface of the current collector. The plurality of second regions 20 are alternately disposed on both sides of the first region 18.
US08273477B2	Inorganic salt mixtures as electrolyte media in fuel cells Fuel cell designs and techniques for converting chemical energy into electrical energy uses a fuel cell are disclosed. The designs and techniques include an anode to receive fuel, a cathode to receive oxygen, and an electrolyte chamber in the fuel cell, including an electrolyte medium, where the electrolyte medium includes an inorganic salt mixture in the fuel cell. The salt mixture includes pre-determined quantities of at least two salts chosen from a group consisting of ammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, ammonium trifluoroacetate, and ammonium nitrate, to conduct charge from the anode to the cathode. The fuel cell includes an electrical circuit operatively coupled to the fuel cell to transport electrons from the cathode.
US08273476B2	Secondary battery with protection circuit module A secondary battery with a protection circuit module integrated with a structural reinforcing support. The secondary battery includes a bare cell, a protection circuit module. The protection circuit module includes a circuit board, and a structural reinforcing support coupling the bare cell and the circuit board of the protection circuit module. The structural reinforcing support is integrated with the protection circuit module in order to prevent separation of the protection circuit module from the bare cell.
US08273472B2	Shunt current interruption in electrochemical energy generation system An electrochemical energy generation system includes plural electrochemical cells connected electrically in series that utilize a common electrolyte that can be delivered to each of the cells and/or collected from each of the cells using one or more manifolds. The system provides a possibility for reducing shunt currents by applying a shunt-current minimizing voltage to terminals of the manifolds from the terminal electrodes of the cells connected in series.
US08273470B2	Environmental barrier coatings providing CMAS mitigation capability for ceramic substrate components Environmental barrier coatings having CMAS mitigation capability for silicon-containing components. In one embodiment, the barrier coating includes a bond coat layer comprising aluminide-alumina TGO; and an outer layer selected from the group consisting of AeAl2O19, AeHfO3, AeZrO3, ZnAl2O4, MgAl2O4, Ln4Al2O9, Lna4Ga2O9, Ln3Al5O12, Ln3Ga5O12, Ga2O3, HfO2, and LnPO4.
US08273467B2	Organic electroluminescent device An organic electroluminescent device, which comprises: a pair of electrodes; and an organic compound layer including a light-emitting layer between the pair of electrodes, wherein the organic compound layer comprises a compound represented by formula (I): wherein Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 each independently represents an atom selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen and necessary for forming an unsaturated 6-membered ring skeleton, the atom may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent; a bond in the unsaturated 6-membered ring indicates a single bond or a double bond; and R1 represents a substituent.
US08273464B2	Metal and resin composite and method for manufacturing same An object of the present invention is to obtain a composite in which a copper or copper alloy is securely integrated with and joined to PBT or PPS. A copper product that has been suitably roughened by chemical etching and also blackened can be used favorably. A surface-treated copper piece 1 is inserted into a cavity formed by a movable molding plate 2 and a stationary molding plate 3 of an injection molding mold 10, and a specific resin is injected to obtain an integrated product. PBT or PPS can be used as the resin component of a resin composition 4 that is used here. High injection joining strength is obtained if the resin composition contains, as an auxiliary component, PET and/or a polyolefin resin in the case of PBT, and a polyolefin resin in the case of PPS.
US08273463B2	Multilayer film for plating, method of manufacturing metal film-coated material and metal film-coated material Disclosed is a multilayer film for plating comprising, on a surface of a first substrate, a plating receptive layer which contains a polymer having a polymerizable group and a functional group, wherein the plating receptive layer satisfies at least one of the following (1)-(4): (1) the saturated water absorption ratio is from 0.01 to 10% by mass in an environment of a temperature of 25° C. and relative humidity of 50%; (2) the saturated water absorption ratio is from 0.05 to 20% by mass in an environment of a temperature of 25° C. and relative humidity of 95%; (3) the water absorption ratio is from 0.1 to 30% by mass after immersion in boiling water at 100° C. for one hour; and (4) the surface contact angle of distilled water is from 50° to 150° after 5 μl of the distilled water is dropped onto the plating receptive layer and allowed to stand for 15 seconds in an environment of a temperature of 25° C. and relative humidity of 50%.
US08273462B2	Process for producing metal film The process of the present invention for producing a metal film includes: forming an organic film using a primer composition containing an addition polymerizable compound including three or more reactive groups, an acid group-including addition polymerizable compound, and a hydrophilic functional group-including addition polymerizable compound; forming a metal (M1) salt from the acid group; substituting the metal (M1) salt of the acid group with a metal (M2) salt by processing the organic film with a metal (M2) ion aqueous solution containing a metal (M2) ion having less ionization tendency than the metal (M1) ion; reducing the metal (M2) ion so that a metal film is formed on a surface of the organic film; and oxidizing the metal film. This provides (i) a process for producing a metal film and a metal pattern, at low cost, on an arbitrary substrate, (ii) a metal film, and (iii) use of the meta film.
US08273455B2	Method for the preparation of a granulate for the treatment of snow-covered and/or icy surfaces The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a granulate consisting of wood particles comprising 1 to 10% by weight with at least one water-soluble salt of an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal.
US08273453B2	Structures comprising an association agent and processes for making same Polysaccharides and/or hydroxyl polymers, more particularly, structures, especially fibers, comprising a polysaccharide and/or hydroxyl polymer and an association agent, fibrous structures comprising such structures and processes for making such structures and/or fibrous structures are provided.
US08273452B2	Polymeric films A melt processed film comprising a polymer having several acrylic components.
US08273436B2	Separatable label assembly A label assembly including a face sheet, a back sheet, and a layer of an adhesive positioned between the face sheet and the back sheet. A separation line divides the label assembly into at least two portions. The separation line is formed by a first tearable line of separation extending across the back sheet and a second tearable line of separation extending across the face sheet. The first tearable line of separation is offset with respect to the second tearable line of separation, and at least one of the first and second tearable lines of separation includes an angled portion extending at an angle to an other of the at least one of the first and second tearable lines of separation.
US08273434B2	Resealable multi-ply label construction Resealable multi-ply labels include a base label ply and an overlaminate for capturing onserts between them. The base label plies carry an adhesive layer on the bottom surface for mounting the resealable multi-ply labels to articles. The base plies each include a hinge area, an attachment area, a tab area, and an intermediate area separating the hinge area from the attachment area. The overlaminates form permanent bonds with both the hinge areas and the tab areas of the base plies and form reusable bonds with the attachment areas of the base plies. The permanently bonded tab areas of the base plies provide access for releasing the overlaminates from the attachment areas of the base plies and exposing the onserts.
US08273433B2	Label assembly having angled registration tabs for applying a label to an object A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure aligned with the label shape. The registration structure is one of raised or raisable above the back sheet surface and includes an edge extending at a non-perpendicular angle from the back sheet surface or the removable panel.
US08273429B2	Fabric for end fray resistance and protective sleeves formed therewith and methods of construction An elongated protective textile sleeve for protecting elongate members and methods of constructing a fabric substrate therefore. The fabric substrate has a plurality of filamentary members either woven, knitted or braided with one another. At least some of the filamentary members of the substrate extend to cut edges and are fabricated of a multi-component material that includes a core of a first polymeric material and an outer sheath of a second polymeric material. The outer sheath is heat-fusible and the inner core is heat-settable. The outer sheaths of the filamentary members are heat fused at least in the regions near the cut edges to keep the cut edges from fraying or the filamentary members from pulling out of the substrate. The core is heat set to form the desired shape of the protective sleeve.
US08273426B1	Encapsulated compositions A capsule having a reactive chemical enclosed in the hollow interior thereof, and at least one coating in direct contact with and surrounding the reactive chemical, wherein the coating is a heat-cured thermosetting synthetic resin. The capsule can also include a second coating which is in direct contact with and surrounds the heat-cured thermosetting synthetic resin. The reactive chemical is not reactive with, soluble in or a solvent for the coating, or coatings, which surround the reactive chemical in the hollow interior of the capsule. The coating material is not soluble in water, but is permeable to water.
US08273419B2	Method of forming gas barrier layers including a change in pressure, a gas barrier layer formed by the method, and a gas barrier film A method of forming a gas barrier layer comprises: forming a first layer over a substrate by plasma-enhanced CVD at a first pressure, at least a part of a surface of the substrate being made of an organic material; and forming a second layer on the first layer by plasma-enhanced CVD at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure.
US08273412B2	Method for applying corrosion protection layers comprising thioamides to metallic surfaces Process for applying integrated pretreatment layers to metallic surfaces, particularly the surfaces of coil metals, by treatment with a composition comprising at least one binder, crosslinker, a finely divided inorganic filler, and compounds containing at least two thioamide groups or containing one thioamide group and at least one functional group. Integrated pretreatment layer obtainable by the process.
US08273406B1	Particulate solid coated with a curable resin This invention provides a process for coating particulate solids with a curable novolac resin without employing heat as a step of the process, comprising placing an epoxy resin which is curing on the particulate followed by placing a novolac resin capable of being heat cured on the epoxy resin before curing of the epoxy resin is complete.
US08273405B2	Water-absorbent adhesive compositions and associated methods of manufacture and use An adhesive composition is provided that is water-insoluble yet water-absorbent, i.e., capable of absorbing up to 15 wt. % water or more. The composition in composed of a film-forming hydrophilic polymer with at least one linear segment having a plurality of recurring polar groups along the polymer backbone, a complementary multifunctional polymer with a plurality of recurring functional groups that noncovalently bind to the polar groups on the film-forming polymer, and plasticizer. A method for manufacturing the adhesive composition is provided as well.
US08273402B2	Drug coated stent with magnesium topcoat A method for manufacturing a drug carrying stent includes applying at least a first therapeutic agent to at least an outer portion of a stent framework and applying a first magnesium coating on at least a first portion of the applied first therapeutic agent.
US08273401B2	Phytosterol/salt composition for topical application to food products A phytosterol/salt mixture for even topical application to snack products. At least one free phytosterol in dry form is combined with at least one salt of a similar particle size to form a homogenous blend and applied to the surface of a hot snack food product. The at least one free phytosterol can also be part of a phytosterol blend comprised of at least 95% free phytosterols. To ensure that neither the phytosterol nor salt component settles out and to provide for uniformity of the homogenous blend, the phytosterol blend is of a similar size distribution to the at least one salt. In test runs, a phytosterol blend and at least one salt were combined in a ratio of approximately 53:47, with size ranges determined by sieve analysis to generally fell within the range of 149 to 400 microns.
US08273396B1	Nut cracking device The hard shells or hulls of whole nuts are effectively cracked and separated from the nut meat by propelling and impacting the whole nuts at a predetermined trajectory velocity against an adjustable impacting plate set at the appropriate impacting angle. By controlling the manner in which the whole nuts impact against the impacting plate, the fracturing of the hard shell may be controlled so as to optimize the whole nut meat recovery while minimizing the production of split nut meats. A variable speed impeller in combination with adjustability of the impacting plate optimizes the nut cracking and nut meat separation for any type of whole nut. An orderly sequential feed of whole nuts to an off-set feed zone of rotating impellers equipped with vanes having a catching section and an accelerating section at a regulated rotational speed effectively propels the whole nuts against the adjustable impacting plate.
US08273394B2	Dried egg white, production method therefor, and food containing improved dried egg white A method for producing an improved dried egg white includes preparing a dried egg white by drying a liquid egg white so that the dried egg white after drying has a pH of 9 or more, and dissipating carbon dioxide contained in the dried egg white, wherein, by dissipating carbon dioxide contained in the dried egg white, the pH of the dried egg white is increased to 0.01 to 1 to obtain a pH of 9.5 or more and carbon dioxide concentration in a sealed 250 ml vial is decreased to 1% or less, when 25 g of the improved dried egg white is stored in the vial at 75° C. for 24 hours.
US08273393B2	Mineral amino acid polysaccharide complex This document provides complexes comprising a mineral-amino acid compound and a polysaccharide. For example, the document provides compositions containing such complexes and methods of making and using such complexes.
US08273391B2	Method for producing cheese The present disclosure relates to a method for producing cheese in which the method includes the steps of: providing dairy milk, which could be a skimmed milk and cream mixture; producing a gel-type curd/whey mixture by coagulation; and cutting the curd/whey mixture in a cheese processor such that the whey flows out of the curd.
US08273388B2	Extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. ex Murray var. hypoleucum and compositions for improving metabolic syndrome An extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. ex Murray var. hypoleucum (Ohwi) or of Polygonum hypoleucum (Ohwi) for improving metabolic syndrome is prepared by the following method: (a) providing fresh or dry Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. ex Murray var. hypoleucum (Ohwi) or Polygonum hypoleucum (Ohwi) in partial or whole plant; (b) extracting the partial or whole plant by a solvent to obtain a crude extract; (c) condensing and drying the crude extract to obtain an extract product; and (d) collecting the extract product. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical and a food composition having the above extract for improving the metabolic syndromes. The extract of the present invention can be easily prepared and is demonstrated to modulate the levels of both blood glucose and blood lipid, to inhibit the activities of glycolytic enzymes and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and to stimulate acyl-CoA oxidase. The extract of the present invention is capable of improving metabolic syndromes.
US08273386B2	Use of hop acids in fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and other beverages to inhibit Alicyclobacillus bacteria An antimicrobial agent including hop acids is disclosed that inhibits the growth of acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius in a medium such as fruit juice.
US08273383B2	Methods and compositions for treatment of preeclampsia Methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing a pregnancy related disease or disorder are provided. The methods involve administration of 2-methoxyestradiol, or an analog thereof, to a subject. Also provided are methods for diagnosing or predicting a pregnancy related disease or disorder. The methods involve detection of 2-methoxyestradiol, or a precursor or metabolite thereof.
US08273381B1	Compositions for and methods of controlling olfactory responses to odorants A composition, system and method for modifying an olfactory response to an odorant is disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes crystalline metal nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous medium. The composition is applied to olfactory tissues using a suitable applicator or dispenser. The metal nanoparticles are believed to interact with a G-protein coupled to receptor located in the cilia to moderate (enhance or reduce) sensitivity or ability to smell particular odorants. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the composition includes one or more odorants.
US08273378B2	Dialysis solutions containing pyrophosphates Dialysis solutions comprising pyrophosphates and methods of making and using the dialysis solutions are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis solution comprising a stable and therapeutically effective amount of pyrophosphate. The dialysis solution can be sterilized, for example, using a technique such as autoclave, steam, high pressure, ultra-violet, filtration or combination thereof. The dialysis solution can be in the form of a concentrate.
US08273377B2	Method for allogeneic cell therapy A method of manipulating allogeneic cells for use in allogeneic cell therapy protocols is described. The method provides a composition of highly activated allogeneic T-cells which are infused into immunocompetent cancer patients to elicit a novel anti-tumor immune mechanism called the “Mirror Effect”. In contrast to current allogeneic cell therapy protocols where T-cells in the graft mediate the beneficial graft vs. tumor (GVT) and detrimental graft vs. host (GVH) effects, the allogeneic cells of the present invention stimulate host T-cells to mediate the “mirror” of these effects. The mirror of the GVT effect is the host vs. tumor (HVT) effect. The “mirror” of the GVH effect is the host vs. graft (HVG) effect. The effectiveness and widespread application of the anti-tumor GVT effect is limited by the severe toxicity of the GVH effect. In the present invention, the anti-tumor HVT effect occurs in conjunction with a non-toxic HVG rejection effect. The highly activated allogeneic cells of the invention can be used to stimulate host immunity in a complete HLA mis-matched setting in patients that have not had a prior bone marrow transplant or received chemotherapy and/or radiation conditioning regimens.
US08273372B2	Extracellular matrix composition The invention relates to a process for preparing an extracellular matrix composition comprising cross-linked fibrinogen or a derivative thereof, to an extracellular matrix composition obtained by the process and to the use of the composition in wound healing, tissue regeneration or as a tissue engineering scaffold.
US08273371B2	Crystalline mesoporous oxide based materials useful for the fixation and controlled release of drugs The invention describes a new class of crystalline silica material having two levels of porosity and structural order. At the first level, building units are nanoslabs of uniform size having zeolite framework. At the second structural level, nanoslabs are assembled, e.g. linked through their corners, edges or faces following patterns imposed by interaction with cationic surfactant or triblock copolymer molecules. After evacuation of these molecules, microporosity is obtained inside the nanoslabs, and a precise mesoporosity between the nanoslabs depending on the tiling pattern of the zeolite nanoslabs, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction. These materials are useful for the fixation of biologically active species, such as poorly soluble drugs.
US08273367B2	Articles comprising a mint odor-free cooling agent The present invention relates to articles to be worn in contact with a mammal body, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, nursing pads, baby diapers and the like. The article includes a mint odor-free cooling agent able to convey freshness sensation to the wearer of the article, without the need of modifying body surface temperature.
US08273365B2	Two-piece, internal-channel osmotic delivery system flow modulator An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.
US08273364B2	Plant remediation A method for treating diseased plants, such as turf and trees, includes mixing a quantity of a plant remediation composition with water and applying the plant remediation composition to the diseased plants. The plant remediation composition may include from about 70 up to about 90 volume percent of a potassium silicate, up to 10 volume percent of a sodium silicate, from about 0.25 to about 3.0 volume percent of a surfactant, from about 0.25 to about 3.0 volume percent of a polyol, and the remaining volume percent water. The plant remediation composition may be used to treat plant molds, bacteria and fungi, such as Anthracnose, Fairy Ring, Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, and Snow Mold, and may also be used to prevent and remediate insect infestations.
US08273362B2	Ophthalmic emulsions containing prostaglandins Cationic ophthalmic oil-in-water type emulsions, include colloid particles having an oily core surrounded by an interfacial film, the emulsion including at least one cationic agent and at least one non ionic surfactant, the oily core including a prostaglandin selected from the group comprising in particular latanoprost, unoprostone isopropyl, travoprost, bimatoprost, tafluprost, 8-isoprostaglandinE2, or a mixture thereof, for treating ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma. These emulsions have the property to increase the chemical stability of prostaglandins.
US08273361B2	Vaccine composition containing synthetic adjuvant Compositions and methods, including vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing or enhancing an immune response are disclosed based on the discovery of useful immunological adjuvant properties in a synthetic, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) that is provided in substantially homogeneous form. Chemically defined, synthetic GLA offers a consistent vaccine component from lot to lot without the fluctuations in contaminants or activity that compromise natural-product adjuvants. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions that include GLA and one or more of an antigen, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, a co-adjuvant and a carrier such as a pharmaceutical carrier.
US08273358B2	Activatable clostridial toxins Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.
US08273356B2	Anti-IgE vaccines The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of antigenic peptides derived from the Fc portion of the epsilon heavy chain of an IgE molecule as vaccines for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders. In particular, the invention provides compositions, methods for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders comprising an immunogenic amount of one or more antigenic peptides derived from the CH3 domain or junction of Ch-3/CH4 domain of an IgE molecule and methods for the evaluation of IgE mediated allergies in dogs.
US08273355B2	Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binding proteins The present invention provides a family of binding proteins that bind and neutralize the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in particular human HGF. The binding proteins can be used as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. With regard to their therapeutic activity, the binding proteins can be used to treat certain HGF responsive disorders, for example, certain HGF responsive tumors.
US08273354B2	Anti-RSV G protein antibodies Individual monoclonal antibodies and fragments that bind a conserved epitope of the G protein of RSV and which are minimally immunogenic when administered to a human subject, are useful in treating RSV infections.
US08273350B2	Antibodies to human IL-1β An IL-1β binding molecule, in particular an antibody to human IL-1β, especially a human antibody to human IL-1β is provided, wherein the CDRs of the heavy and light chains have amino acid sequences as defined, for use in the treatment of an IL-1 mediated disease or disorder, e.g. osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other inflammatory arthritides.
US08273343B2	Protein-polymer conjugates This invention relates to a conjugate of a polymer moiety and an interferon-β moiety, an erythropoietin moiety, or a growth hormone moiety.
US08273340B2	Methods and compositions for attracting or repelling cockroaches A method for attracting cockroaches to an object or area, involving treating said object or area with a cockroach attracting composition containing a cockroach attractant effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters of C3-7 saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier material or carrier. A method for repelling cockroaches from an object or area, involving treating said object or area with a cockroach repelling composition containing a cockroach repelling effective amount of at least one compound selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters of C3-7 saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids or mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier material or carrier.
US08273338B2	Treatment and composition for achieving skin anti-aging benefits by corneum protease activation Novel methods and compositions for treating aged and environmentally damaged skin are disclosed which provide improvements in the skin's visual appearance, function and clinical/biophysical properties by activating at least one proteolytic enzyme in the skin's stratum corneum. The disclosed treatment methods involve topical application of a novel cosmetic composition containing a combination of a cationic surfactant such as N,N-dimethyldodecyl amine oxide (DMDAO), an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or monoalkyl phosphate (MAP) and a chelating agent such as ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) to stimulate a chronic increase in the replacement rate of the skin's stratum corneum by means of corneum protease activation. This chronic, low level stimulation is effective to induce repair and replacement of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of the skin and improvements in the appearance, function, and anti-aging properties of the skin.
US08273337B2	Hair binding peptides and peptide-based hair reagents for personal care Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to hair. Peptide-based hair reagents formed by coupling a hair-binding peptide to a benefit agent are described. The peptide-based hair reagents include peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants. The peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants are comprised of at least one hair-binding peptide coupled to a hair conditioning agent or a coloring agent, respectively.
US08273332B2	Hair care product containing acetylpyridinium salts Cosmetic hair treatment agent comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, at least one surface-active agent chosen from cationic and/or zwitterionic surfactants, and at least one acetylpyridinium derivative of formula (I) for improving the general condition of the hair, for reducing hair damage in the interior of the hair, and for increasing the elasticity of hair.
US08273325B2	Contrast agents The present invention provides novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, wherein the compounds have affinity for proteoglycans. The compounds comprise an amino acid based core unit linked to positively charged moieties. The compounds further comprise at least one imaging moiety detectable in in vivo imaging making the compounds useful as diagnostic contrast agents for imaging of proteoglycans, such as heparan sulphate proteoglycans.
US08273323B2	Hydrogen production method In a process for producing hydrocarbonaceous educts, the starting material is autothermally gasified by non-catalytic partial oxidation by adding oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen at temperatures of 1200 to 1500° C. and pressures of 15 to 100 barabs to obtain a raw gas containing H2 and CO as main components as well as the components CO2, H2O, CH4 and traces of H2S, COS, CnHm, N2 and Ar, and subsequently the CO contained in the raw gas is converted to CO2 and further H2 by adding steam. An improvement of the process consists in that in a pressure-swing absorption process the converted raw synthesis gas is separated directly, i.e. without passing through a wash for removing CO2 and H2S, into high-purity H2 and into a gas mixture containing H2S, CO2, H2, CO, CH4, Ar and N2, the gas mixture is supplied to the tail gas wash of a Claus process, the H2S separated is introduced into the feed gas of the Claus process, and the waste gas of the tail gas wash, mixed with the tail gas of the Claus process, is burnt.
US08273322B2	Sulfate process A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (such as an iron-containing titaniferous material; such as ilmenite) is disclosed. The process includes precipitating titanyl sulfate from a process solution produced in the process. The titanyl sulfate precipitation step includes subjecting the precipitated titanyl sulfate to a shearing action during the course of precipitating titanyl sulfate from the process solution or after precipitation has been completed.
US08273321B1	Analytical grade salt A three-step process for the preparation of analytical grade sodium chloride from rock salt was developed.
US08273314B2	Internal combustion exchanger-reactor for fixed bed endothermic reaction The invention concerns an exchanger-reactor (1) comprising: a vessel (2); means for distributing a feed through a fixed bed catalytic zone (10); means (6) for collecting effluent from the catalytic zone (10); means for heating the catalytic zone (10); in which said collection means (6) comprise conduits passing right through the catalytic zone (10), said conduits being distributed in the catalytic zone and interposed between the heating means, and in which the heating means of the catalytic zone are contained in sheaths (8) which are partially immersed in the catalytic zone (10), the sheaths (8) being open at one of their ends and closed at the other, the open end being fixed to an upper tube plate (21) defining the collection chamber (19) which is located above the catalytic zone (10), said heating means comprising at least one combustion zone (13) located close to the catalytic zone, means for supplying said combustion zone (13) with an oxidizing gas mixture (15) and with a gaseous fuel (17), and means for evacuating the gaseous effluent deriving from the combustion (14).
US08273311B2	Apparatus and method for separating biological particles using difference between gravity and magnetic force Disclosed is an apparatus and method for injecting liquid-drops of particle mixture liquid including a mixture of biological particles, affecting magnetic field, and having only positive particles, which are combined with magnetic responsive material, separated by magnetic force, and having negative particles, which are not combined with magnetic responsive material, precipitated by gravity.
US08273306B2	Color-changing materials and multiple component materials having a color-changing composition The present invention relates to a color-changing material and to a multiple-component material that includes a color-changing composition. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions are capable of changing color in order to indicate a change in condition, such as a change in pH. The color-changing materials and color-changing compositions include a hydrogel-forming composition, a charged colorant and a pH adjuster. The hydrogel-forming composition includes at least one charged species.
US08273303B2	Universal sterilizing tool A contoured sterilizing element is configured to conform to the outer and inner surfaces of a working end-site of a medical device such as a catheter hub, luer connector, luer component, needleless access site, and/or access port The sterilizing element is made from absorbent material and can be pre-moistened or impregnated with an anti-pathogenic agent The sterilizing element can be contained within a housing that is easily griped and opened in one hand by the user The sterilizing element is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device, using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized.
US08273301B2	Exhaust-gas treatment device having a sensor foil A device for exhaust-gas treatment includes at least one housing with an inner surface and at least one sensor foil disposed in the housing. The sensor foil is formed at least with a sensor element and a conductor element. The sensor foil is also provided with an edge up to which the conductor element extends and which bears against the inner surface of the housing. The housing also has an opening for contacting of the conductor element. The opening is surrounded on the inner surface by an electrical insulating layer.
US08273297B2	Particle agglutination in a tip An apparatus and a related method for performing particle agglutination reactions in at least one disposable probe tip are disclosed. The at least one probe tip includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition, at least one flanking cavity for the capture of particles by centrifugation or other means, a transition zone for the mixing of the sample with reagents for agglutination and a detection zone for the optical detection of particle agglutination. A mechanism may be attached to the probe tip for the controlled movement of fluids through the internal volume of the probe tip. The probe tip is particularly useful for the automation of high-throughput agglutination-type assays.
US08273295B2	Apparatus for providing power management in data communication systems A blood glucose meter having a compact housing, a display unit disposed on the housing, the display unit including a display light source to illuminate the display unit, an input unit disposed on the housing, the input unit configured to provide input functions for the blood glucose meter, and a power source provided within the housing for providing power to the blood glucose meter, where the housing includes a port integrated on said housing configured to receive a blood glucose test strip, and corresponding methods of measuring blood glucose meter is provided.
US08273289B2	Refractory coating for silica mesh fabric Coated silica mesh fabrics for use in metal casting operations are disclosed. The refractory coating comprises a mixture of colloidal silica binder and refractory particles such as zirconia flour. A slurry comprising the colloidal silica and refractory particles is applied to the silica mesh fabric and allowed to dry. The coated silica mesh fabric may be used in metal casting operations at relatively high molten metal temperatures above 3,000° F.
US08273284B2	Position adjusting means for hot runner nozzles, adjusting method and use thereof The present invention relates to a position adjusting means for hot runner nozzles comprising a main inlet, a manifold, a rotational transitional piece and a nozzle; the rotating transitional member is disposed with an inlet and an outlet; the inlet and the outlet of the rotating transitional member each has a symmetry axis and the two symmetry axes are disposed in parallel with and spaced apart from each other for a particular distance; the inlet of the rotating transitional member and the outlet of the manifold are connected to each other in a rotatable and sealed manner; the outlet of the rotating transitional member and the inlet of the nozzle are connected to each other in a rotatable and sealed manner; the nozzle or a nozzle assembly formed by the nozzle and a nozzle extension member of the nozzle combining together is disposed with an inlet and an outlet; the inlet and the outlet of the nozzle or the nozzle assembly each has a symmetry axis and the two symmetry axes are disposed in parallel with and spaced apart from each other for a particular distance. With the symmetry axis of the inlet of the nozzle or the rotating transitional member as circle center, rotate either one of the rotating transitional member or the nozzle or rotate both the rotating transitional member and the nozzle to position the outlet of the nozzle at a desired position within a particular area, thereby attaining adjustment of the position of the hot runner nozzle. The present invention may be applied to hot runner systems of plastics injection molding.
US08273283B2	Method of making molded articles A method of making a finely textured molded article is disclosed. The method utilizes properties of the compound being molded, such as impact toughness and melt flow index. Poly(vinyl halide), particularly polyvinyl chloride), articles can be custom-injection-molded using the method, in order to simulate the appearance of original metal, glass, or wood articles. Consumer, transportation, building construction, and other industries can benefit from durable plastic articles that simulate the more fragile articles.
US08273282B2	Bisected mold for tire molding and process for manufacturing tire with use of the mold Provided are a bisected mold for tire molding that enables manufacturing of high-performance tires and that at a mold clamping, avoids a tire from being pinched to thereby attain a yield enhancement; and a process for manufacturing a tire. Inside a container bisected into upper and lower parts in the state of mold opening, there are disposed a mold for tire molding and, along upper and lower side plates, an unvulcanized tire. After performing vulcanization molding of the unvulcanized tire while changing from this state to a state of mold clamping of sectors and segments split into a plurality of pieces in a circumferential direction of the unvulcanized tire through a driving device and a slide unit means, only the sectors are subjected to mold opening by use of a driving means while maintaining the state of mold clamping of the mold for tire molding and the segments by the driving device and the slide unit means, and subsequently taking the vulcanization-molded tire.
US08273279B2	Microporous polyolefin membrane and manufacturing method A microporous membrane having a structure in which its pore size distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, which is produced by extruding a combination of a diluent or solvent and a polyolefin resin composition comprising from about 75 to about 99% of a polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight of from about 2.5×105 to about 5×105 and a molecular weight distribution of from about 10 to about 100, and from about 1 to about 25% polypropylene resin having a weight average molecular weight of from about 1×104 to about 4×106, a heat of fusion of 80 J/g or higher, and a molecular weight distribution of from about 1 to about 100, percentages based on the mass of the polyolefin composition; cooling the extrudate to form a high polyolefin content cooled extrudate; stretching the cooled extrudate at a high stretching temperature to form a stretched sheet; removing the diluent or solvent from the stretched sheet to form a membrane; stretching the membrane to a high magnification in at least one direction to form a stretched membrane; and heat-setting the stretched membrane to form the microporous membrane.
US08273274B2	Method for the manufacture of stable, nano-sized particles The current invention relates to methods of making nano-particles of a material with a narrow polydispersity. The particle materials are active agents, organic compounds, polymers, and combinations thereof.
US08273273B2	Manufacturing method for optical film A manufacturing method for an optical film via a solution casting method on a transparent substrate film comprising the steps of: (i) ejecting a micro-particle dispersion containing micro-particles having a average particle diameter of at least 25-200 nm as liquid droplets by use of an ink-jet head when a residual solvent content in a web is 5-400 weight %, and (ii) depositing the liquid droplets to adhere onto one side surface of a web and to form a micro convex structure, and further to form 1-10,000 points of convex parts per 10,000 μm2 having a height of the convex parts of the convex structure of 0.01-0.5 μm.
US08273268B2	Electrically conductive polyolefin blends An electrically conductive polymer compound is disclosed. The compound comprises a matrix comprising two polyolefin copolymers having different melt mass flow rates and electrically conductive functional additive particles dispersed in the matrix. The compound is useful for making extruded and molded plastic articles that need electrical conductivity.
US08273265B2	Phosphors and light emitting device using the same There are provided phosphors having high luminous efficiency at desired wavelengths and good light output stability and a light emitting device using the same. A phosphor according to an aspect of the invention includes a sulfide crystallographic phase and an oxide crystallographic phase. Here, the phosphor is a multiphase compound in which the sulfide crystallographic phase and the oxide crystallographic phase exist together.
US08273261B2	Methods of forming semiconductor constructions The invention includes methods in which silicon is removed from titanium-containing container structures with an etching composition having a phosphorus-and-oxygen-containing compound therein. The etching composition can, for example, include one or both of ammonium hydroxide and tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide. The invention also includes methods in which titanium-containing whiskers are removed from between titanium-containing capacitor electrodes. Such removal can be, for example, accomplished with an etch utilizing one or more of hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
US08273260B2	Etching method and etching apparatus of semiconductor wafer A method of etching a semiconductor wafer is provided. The method comprises the steps of: jetting a mixed gas including hydrogen fluoride and ozone onto a surface of a semiconductor wafer; monitoring the surface of the semiconductor wafer; analyzing the surface of the semiconductor wafer; and adjusting at least one of the hydrogen fluoride concentration and the ozone concentration in the mixed gas based on a result of the analysis.
US08273255B2	Economical fat, oil, and grease waste removal system and method An economical fat, oil and grease removal assembly and method includes a container having a bottom, a top, a sidewall, an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is spaced above the bottom and below the top to define a static water level for liquid in the container. The container includes at least one baffle extending downwardly to a level below the static water level. The container further includes a port at an elevation such that F.O.G. floating on water in the container can flow from the container out through the port when the liquid level in the container is raised above the static water level. The assembly further includes an inlet bridge, an outlet bridge and a storage tank arranged to accept F.O.G. that is flowed out of the container. A hub on the storage tank interfaces the container with the storage tank.
US08273253B2	Apparatus and method for filter cleaning by ultrasound, backwashing and filter movement during the filtration of biological samples The present application is directed to the separation of—a solid fraction from a fluid sample particularly a therapeutic cellular fraction from a biological sample such as a bone marrow sample by a porous filter (2) which separates a filtration unit (1) into an upper pre-filtration chamber (3) into which a fluid sample (4) requiring cell separation is introduced and a lower post-filtration chamber (5) into which a fluid (6) capable of transmitting an acoustic standing wave is introduced. An acoustic element (8) is coupled to a substrate (7) which is located within and at the bottom of the lower chamber (5) and which resonates in response to the acoustic generating element (8) and generates a standing wave through the two fluid phases and the filter to agitate the sample (4). Simultaneously, a cyclic process of vacuum draw (9). causes movement of the sample (4) downwards through the filter (2). Vacuum pressure, fluid flow rate and frequency of vibration are controlled from a remote unit housing appropriate pumps and valves.
US08273249B2	Method integrating electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for pre-treatment of coking wastewater A new method that integrates electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: first, adjusting the PH of coking wastewater and adding Fe2+ into the wastewater; then leading the wastewater containing Fe2+ through such 5 areas as pulsed high-voltage discharge oxidation area, pulsed high-frequency DC electrolytic oxidation area, microbubble oxidation area, flocculation area and precipitation area in succession. High-voltage pulse and high-frequency pulse are two different mechanisms for achieving strong oxidation. With help of both solid and liquid catalysts, these two oxidations can work synergistically. The recalcitrant organic chemicals are effectively destroyed and satisfactorily removed out of wastewater. The high-concentration coking waster pretreated with this method will meet Chinese highest discharge standard as long as the routine biochemical treatment is applied thereafter. The total investment on equipments and operation expenditure of the whole system is economically modest, which, together with its highly efficient treatment performance, ensures its extensive application in the field of wastewater treatment.
US08273245B2	Microfluidic devices, particularly filtration devices comprising polymeric membranes, and methods for their manufacture and use The present disclosure describes devices useful for microscale fluid purification, separation, and synthesis. Such devices generally comprise a fluid membrane that separates two or more fluids flowing through plural microchannels operatively associated with the membrane. Often, the membrane is a semipermeable membrane, such as might be used with a filtration device, such as a dialyzer. Devices of the present invention can be combined with other microscale devices to make systems. For example, the devices may be coupled with one or more microchemical microfactories, one or more micromixers, one or more microheaters, etc. Examples of devices made according to the present invention included an oxygenator, a dialyzer, microheat exchangers, etc.
US08273241B2	Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08273240B2	Method and apparatus for treating wastewater containing emulsified oil In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for treating wastewater that contains emulsified oil is provided. The method comprises feeding the wastewater that contains the emulsified oil to an electrolytic tank, and oxidatively electrolyzing the wastewater that contains the emulsified oil using indissoluble electrodes. The negatively charged emulsified oil particles in the wastewater are neutralized on a surface of an anode during the oxidative electrolysis. The anode comprises an indissoluble electrode with oxygen radical-generating characteristics. The method further comprises particle group electrolyzing the wastewater using particle groups, and discharging the treated wastewater.
US08273238B2	Tool for the electrochemical machining of a fuel injection device The invention relates to a tool for the electrochemical machining of a fuel injection device, the tool having an electrode holder and an electrode element which forms a cathode during the machining operation in order to be able to electrochemically remove material from the fuel injection device in a machining region. The electrode element is arranged in such a way that it can be displaced in relation to the electrode holder.
US08273237B2	Method and apparatus for electrowinning copper using an atmospheric leach with ferrous/ferric anode reaction electrowinning The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for recovering metal values from a metal-bearing materials, and more specifically, a process for recovering copper and other metals through leaching, electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and the synergistic addition of ferrous iron to the leach step.
US08273231B2	Methods of depositing coatings with γ-Ni + γ′-Ni3A1 phase constitution A method including depositing a powder on a substrate to form a first layer thereon, wherein the layer includes a Pt group metal, Si and reactive element selected from the group consisting of Hf, Y, La, Ce, Zr, and combinations thereof. Deposited on the first layer is a second layer including Al to form a coating with a γ-Ni+−γ′Ni3Al phase constitution. In preferred embodiments, the second layer is deposited with an organo halocarbon activator.
US08273230B2	Method for making membrane fuel cell electrodes by low-voltage electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanomaterial-supported catalysts A cathode electrophoretic deposition (EPD) suspension is provided by mixing an ionomer solution with an electrolyte. An anode EPD suspension is provided via mixing carbon nanomaterial (CNM)-supported catalyst with a solution of the same composition as that of the cathode EPD suspension. Ultrasonication and high-speed stirring are executed on the cathode and anode EPD suspensions, thus turning them into homogenous suspensions. There is provided a low-voltage EPD apparatus incorporated with a porous material to separate it into anode and cathode compartments. The anode and cathode EPD suspensions are filled in the anode and cathode compartments, respectively. An inert gas is introduced into the anode compartment for stirring the anode EPD suspension. An electrode base substrate is used as the anode of the EPD apparatus. A low-voltage direct current (DC) power supply is used to supply DC low voltage to the EPD apparatus, thus evenly coating a catalyst layer on the substrate. The catalyst layer coated on the substrate is washed with de-ionized water and dried, thus forming a membrane fuel cell (MFC) electrode.
US08273221B2	Sputter target utilization An apparatus and method are provided for improved utilization of a sputter target in the longitudinal end regions. The focus of erosion in the end regions is widened, thereby extending the useful life of the target. This provides improved efficiency and reduces waste because a greater proportion of the target material in the more expansive central region can be harvested, because the target is utilized for a longer period of time.
US08273217B2	Paper machine for used paper recycling apparatus To present a paper manufacturing apparatus for used paper recycling apparatus small enough to be installed in a room of small shop or the like, friendly to the environment, low in running cost, and high in confidentiality. The paper manufacturing apparatus includes a paper making process unit for manufacturing wet paper from pulp suspension sent from a pulp making section in preceding process, the paper making process unit includes a paper making conveyor for manufacturing and conveying the pulp suspension, the paper making conveyor is composed of a mesh belt of paper making mesh structure of numerous mesh cells for filtering and dewatering the pulp suspension disposed so as to run straightly toward its running direction, and the paper making process length in the mesh belt is set in a range of straight running direction length of the mesh belt in the apparatus case of furniture size. As a result, a used paper recycling apparatus of small size and simple structure is realized.
US08273214B2	Manufacture of a veil made of glass and cellulose fibers in cationic medium A process for producing a veil comprising glass fibers and cellulose fibers which includes dispersing cellulose fibers and chopped glass fibers into a white water, forming a bed in a forming device by passage of the dispersion over a forming fabric through which the white water is drained off, the fibers being retained on the fabric and the dispersion including, during passage, a cationic white water, and performing a heat treatment step an oven device.
US08273204B2	Method for joining cellular acoustic panels The invention relates to a method for joining a first acoustic panel (2), having a cellular structure of the honeycomb type, with a second acoustic panel (2), wherein said method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one mandrel, (5, 8) having a shape adapted to the cells (3), into at least one cell (3) located in the vicinity of a junction edge (6) of the acoustic panel; passing a roller (12) on said junction edge of the acoustic panel; joining the junction edge of the acoustic panel together with a junction edge (6′) of the second panel and connecting the same by applying a linking means.
US08273203B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing prepreg sheet and prepreg sheet According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a prepreg sheet includes steps of (A) forming a resin layer 61 on a surface of a supporter 3, (B) winding a reinforcing yarn 10 around the resin layer 61, and (C) embedding at least a part of the reinforcing yarn 10 in the resin layer 61. Preferably, in step (C), the surface of the supporter 3 is relatively moved towards the reinforcing yarn 10.
US08273202B2	Method of making a fixed angle centrifuge rotor with helically wound reinforcement A centrifuge rotor includes a rotor body having first and second axial ends and a circumferential sidewall extending therebetween. The rotor body has a plurality of wells for receiving sample containers to be processed in the rotor. The rotor further includes an elongate reinforcement extending around the circumferential sidewall of the rotor body along a helical path. At least two portions of the elongate reinforcement interlock at one or more specific points on the surface of the rotor.
US08273197B2	Pyrotechnic priming charge comprising a porous material Pyrotechnic priming charge (1) intended to be used preferably for starting up one or more ignition chains, comprising a coherent porous fuel structure (2) and at least one oxidizer (4). According to the invention, the primer also comprises a moisture inhibitor (5) applied to the surface of the primer with a view to increasing the safety of the primer and reducing the risk of unintentional ignition due to breakdown of the oxidizer under the influence of ambient moisture and temperature.
US08273196B2	Aluminum alloy sheet for cold press forming, method of manufacturing the same, and cold press forming method for aluminum alloy sheet An Al—Mg—Si based aluminum alloy sheet having undergone normal-temperature aging (or being in a underaged state) after a solution treatment thereof is, before press forming, subjected to a heating treatment (partial reversion heating treatment) in which the alloy sheet is partially heated to a temperature in the range of 150 to 350° C. for a time of not more than 5 minutes so that the difference in strength (difference in 0.2% proof stress) between the heated part and the non-heated part will be not less than 10 MPa. The alloy sheet thus treated is subjected to cold press forming in the condition where the heated part with low strength is put in contact with a wrinkle holding-down appliance of the press and the non-heated part with high strength is put in contact with the shoulder part (radius) of the punch. In the partial reversion heating treatment, the temperature rise rate and the cooling rate in cooling down to 100° C. or below are set to be not less than 30° C./min. Further, the period for which the alloy sheet is left to stand at normal temperature after the partial reversion heating treatment until the cold press forming is set to be within 30 days.
US08273195B2	High-strength steel tube and heat treatment method of heat-treating the same A heat treatment method of heat-treating a steel tube provides the steel tube with satisfactory workability and high pressure resistance capable of coping with a recent increasing trend of pressure dealt with by a recent common rail type fuel injection system. A steel tube of a desired size is formed by drawing a material of a steel containing at least vanadium. The steel tube is processed for normalizing by holding the steel tube at high temperatures between 950 and 1000° C. for a predetermined time and slowly cooling the steel tube at a predetermined cooling rate. Then, the steel tube is processed for tempering by heating the steel tube at a temperature between 500 and 700° C. and cooling the steel tube to an ordinary temperature at an optional cooling rate.
US08273193B2	Lead-free, bismuth-free free-cutting silicon brass alloy The present invention supplies a lead-free, bismuth-free free-cutting silicon brass alloy with high zinc which preferably comprises 35.0 to 42.0 wt % Zn, 0.1 to 1.5 wt % Si, 0.03 to 0.3 wt % Al, 0.01 to 0.36 wt % P, 0.01 to 0.1 wt % Ti, 0.001 to 0.05 wt % rare earth metals selected from the group consisting of La and Ce, 0.05 to 0.5 wt % Sn, and/or 0.05 to 0.2 wt % Ni, and the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities. In yet another embodiment, the alloy may be boron-free. The invented alloy is excellent in castability, weldability, cuttability, electroplating properties, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties. The alloy is especially applicable in castings which need cutting and welding under low pressure die casting, such as castings for faucet bodies in the water supply system. The alloy is also suitable for use in components which are produced from casting ingots by die forging.
US08273189B2	Method for treating metal surfaces by carboxylation, use of the method for temporary protection against corrosion, and method for manufacturing a shaped metal sheet thus carboxylated The invention relates to a method for the carboxylation conversion of a metal surface under oxidizing conditions in relation to the metal, consisting in bringing the metal into contact with a hydro-organic or aqueous bath containing a mixture of organic acids. The invention is characterized in that; the organic acids comprise saturated linear carboxylic acids having between 10 and 18 carbon atoms; the mixture comprises a binary or ternary mixture of such acids; the respective proportions of said acids are such that (i) for a binary mixture x±5%−y±5%, wherein x and y represent the respective proportions, in molar percentages, of the two acids in a mixture with the composition of the eutectic and (ii) for a ternary mixture x±3%−y±3%−z±3%, wherein x, y and z represent the respective proportions, in molar percentages, of the three acids in a mixture with the composition of the eutectic; and the concentration of the mixture in the bath is greater than or equal to 20 g/l.
US08273187B2	Probe cleaning method and apparatus A cleaning apparatus for cleaning measuring probes (18) of a gas turbine engine (1). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning measuring probes (18) of an gas turbine engine (1). The apparatus comprises distribution means (30) comprising a plurality of supply means (31, 32, 33), each comprising connection means (33) arranged for connection to a probe (18), and each supply means (31, 32, 33) being arranged to, when connected to a probe (18), distribute pressurized cleaning liquid to said measuring probe (18), wherein a substantially simultaneous cleaning of probes connected to said distribution means (30) via said supply means (31, 32, 33) can be obtained.
US08273185B2	Cleaning a vehicle exhaust filter A method of cleaning a vehicle exhaust system filter (1), the filter (1) having a first end (11) and a second end (10) and comprising a plurality of elongate channels (6) containing debris (19) to be removed, comprises the steps of: (i) providing a chamber (14) having an outlet in fluid communication with the first end (11) of the filter (1); (ii) covering the second end (10) of the filter (1) to hinder fluid flow out of the second end of the filter; (iii) introducing a flow of liquid into the chamber (14); (iv) stopping the flow of liquid into the chamber (14) when the chamber and channels (6) of the filter are substantially filled with liquid; (v) introducing a pulse of compressed gas into the chamber (14), and (vi) uncovering the second end (11) of the filter (1) to allow the gas to force said debris (19) and liquid (17) out of the second end (10) of the filter (1). The invention also provides apparatus for use in the method.
US08273182B2	Devices and methods for cleaning and drying ice skate blades A handheld device for removing moisture from a skate blade, the device including a body and multiple wiper blades. The body includes a front end and a rear end and defines a skate blade pathway substantially parallel to an axis extending from the front end to the rear end. The multiple wiper blades are located within the body along an axis extending from the front end to the rear end, and are adapted to contact a surface of a skate blade traversing the skate blade pathway.
US08273181B2	Process of removing calcium and obtaining sulfate salts from an aqueous sugar solution The present invention provides a process for obtaining a product stream comprising one or more sulfate salts of potassium, sodium or ammonium from a sugar stream resulting from [processing a lignocellulosic feedstock, said sugar stream which includes calcium sulfate and one or more of these sulfate salts. The process comprises (i) treating the sugar stream to remove calcium, thereby producing a sugar stream containing substantially no calcium, and obtaining a salt stream comprising a calcium salt; (ii) choosing a feed stream that is either (a) a clarified salt stream derived from the salt stream of step (i) after removal of calcium therefrom; or (b) the sugar stream containing substantially no calcium that is produced in step (i); (iii) introducing the feed stream chosen in step (ii) to an ion exchange bed; and (iv) regenerating the ion exchange resin bed of step (iii) with sulfuric acid to produce the product stream.
US08273179B2	Deposition mask for display device and method for fabricating the same A deposition mask for depositing a thin film and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The deposition mask is configured to ensure a positioning accuracy and a pattern size accuracy and is suitable for use in manufacturing a high definition display device. The deposition mask includes at least one pattern mask having the same patterns as the patterns that are to be formed on a substrate and a frame mask which has at least one opening. The pattern mask is individually and non-detachably fixed to the frame mask at a region of the frame mask corresponding to the opening.
US08273178B2	Thin film deposition apparatus and method of maintaining the same A thin film deposition apparatus and a method of maintaining the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thin film deposition apparatus includes: a chamber including a removable chamber cover; one or more reactors housed in the chamber; a chamber cover lifting device connected to the chamber cover. The chamber cover lifting device is configured to move the chamber cover vertically between a lower position and an upper position. The apparatus further includes a level sensing device configured to detect whether the chamber cover is level, and a level maintaining device configured to adjust the chamber cover if the chamber cover is not level. This configuration maintains the chamber cover to be level as a condition for further vertical movement of the chamber cover.
US08273177B2	Titanium-doped indium oxide films An apparatus and methods of forming the apparatus include a film of transparent conductive titanium-doped indium oxide for use in a variety of configurations and systems. The film of transparent conductive titanium-doped indium oxide may be structured as one or more monolayers. The film of transparent conductive titanium-doped indium oxide may be formed using atomic layer deposition.
US08273172B2	Heat resistant phosphate cement A phosphate cement composition is provided. The cement composition comprises about 10 to 40 percent by weight calcium or magnesium oxide, about 10 to 40 percent by weight acid phosphate, and about 10 to 50 percent by weight vermiculite or perlite or mixture thereof.
US08273170B2	Ink composition An ink jet ink composition containing an aralkyl-modified silicone surfactant, an organic solvent, and a metallic pigment.
US08273169B2	Aqueous dispersion liquid and coating material, film, and product using the same In one embodiment, an aqueous dispersion liquid contains at least one particles selected from tungsten oxide particles and tungsten oxide composite particles. A mean primary particle diameter (D50) of the particles is in the range of 1 nm to 400 nm. In the aqueous dispersion liquid, concentration of the particles is in the range of 0.1 mass % to 40 mass %, and pH is in the range of 1.5 to 6.5. The aqueous dispersion liquid excels in dispersibility of particles and capable of maintaining good liquidity for a long period.
US08273166B2	Phase change ink compositions and colorants for use in the same A phase change ink compositions, comprising a novel colorant wax to prevent and/or reduce printhead and nozzle contamination in ink jet printers caused by drooling and faceplate staining. In particular, there is provided novel colorants containing acid groups for use in phase change ink compositions and which are compatible with phase change ink components.
US08273165B2	Compacted air flow rapid fluid evaporation system A total water desalination system is disclosed that includes a centrifugal separator, a feed-water device controlled by a relative humidity sensor, an air pump, an evaporator core, an air dryer, a non-particulate coalescent air filter, and an air flow/brine gravity separating tank. The evaporator core typically contains multiple conical processing chambers and introduces a physical dynamic that increases the surface area of the water, using low-level thermal energy to vaporize micron-size water particles into a gaseous state, suitable for reconstitution into desalinated (or lower salt content) water. The evaporator core operation principles are based on creating a highly dynamic environment that separates impurities from sea, brackish, river, or turbid water; evaporating the water into a residual clean vapor, and returning the vapor to water composition with high efficiency.
US08273159B2	Control device module, especially in or for a motor vehicle A control device module for a motor vehicle includes a control device that has a closed housing in which a first internal pressure prevails, and at least one connecting device for coupling a connecting element of an electrical cable. A closed space is defined in the coupled state between the connecting device and the connecting element, in which closed space a second internal pressure prevails. The control device also includes a pressure compensating device for adapting the first and second internal pressures to an external pressure that acts on the control device module from outside.
US08273157B1	Method and system for an integrated air filtering apparatus and thermal solar system using aspect ratio A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising an air plenum positioned between the system and the underside body. In a specific embodiment, the air plenum is configured according to a specified aspect ratio. The system uses an air moving device to transfer a volume of air through the plenum. The air moving device is configured to maintain a flow rate associated with the volume of air at a specified velocity. The air plenum is configured to reduce the particle concentration of the air traveling through the plenum and to undergo heat treatment for use inside the target building where the thermal solar system is implemented, which keeps the air entering the building clean and healthy.
US08273156B2	Method and apparatus for water distillation and recovery Contaminated water stored in an equalization basin is distributed to one or more flash vessels and a desired vacuum is pulled in a filled flash vessel, reducing the boiling point of the contained contaminated water. The suction force is preferably created by passing the contaminated water under pressure through a differential pressure injector. The contaminated water in the flash vessel completes an electrical circuit between conductive plates and a heating element that are submerged therein. An alternating electrical current is applied, some of which is conducted by the contaminated water to a heating element that heats the water, and the rest of which dissipates as thermal energy, heating the contaminated water. The alternating current is preferably generated by passing the contaminated water under pressure through a hydroelectric power generator. Little thermal energy is needed to evaporate the contaminated water, which condenses at the top of the flash vessel and is collected from a collection trough. Slurry created by distillation is delivered to the equalization basin to increase the conductivity and temperature of the stored contaminated water.
US08273154B2	Fire brick mercury removal process from flue gas A method and system for removal of in most instances 70% of mercury contamination from flue gas and in many instances 90-95%. It involves passing hot flue gas through a honeycomb filter brick comprising a ceramic honeycomb of MgAl2 Si2O8, preferably containing minor amounts of Iron, Platinum and Titanium.
US08273151B2	Horizontal liquid/gas separation device, and separation method, in particular for the liquid and gaseous phases of a crude oil A liquid/gas separator device for separating liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, in particular crude oil, the device comprising a network of first and second separator pipes disposed horizontally, said first and second separator pipes being connected together by vertical link third pipes. The first separator pipes are fed from and connected upstream to a horizontal cylindrical diffuser and are connected downstream to a first horizontal cylindrical manifold. The second separator pipes are connected upstream to the same diffuser and downstream to a second horizontal cylindrical manifold.
US08273150B2	High dimensional cored wires containing oxygen removers and a process for making the same A high dimensional cored wire is provided containing de-oxidant material arranged in a core of the wire, the de-oxidant material being in finely divided granular or powdery form coated with a protective coating material, the diameter of the cored wire varying between 13 and 40 mm. A process for manufacturing the wire is also provided.
US08273149B2	Method for producing nanometer-size wires and nanometer-size wire The present invention provides a nanowire production method that is simpler than conventional nanowire production methods, and that makes it easier to control the size and shape of the nanowires by using a technique completely different from the conventional ones. A powder particle containing a metal element is divided into nanometer-size wires containing the metal element by irradiating a suspension of the powder particles with a femtosecond laser. The present invention also makes it possible to divide the nanometer-size wires thus formed into nanometer-size particles containing the metal element by irradiating further the nanometer-size wires with the femtosecond laser.
US08273145B2	Cam-type locking device for retaining static filter panels in a filter holding frame A filter holder assembly includes at least one frame having a peripheral wall and an inwardly directed peripheral edge substantially perpendicular to said peripheral wall and adapted to support a filter. At least one cam lock lever is secured to the peripheral wall at a first predetermined distance from the inwardly directed peripheral edge for compressing the filter in the frame and against said inwardly directed peripheral edge. The cam lock lever has a handle portion at one end thereof and a cam head provided with a cam foot at an opposite end thereof. The cam lock lever is rotatable to cause the cam foot to move between an open position and clamping position where the cam foot exerts a compressive force on the filter.
US08273143B2	Air cleaner, replaceable filter cartridges, and methods An air cleaner assembly, a main filter element, and a method for servicing an air cleaner assembly are provided according to the present invention. The air cleaner assembly includes an air cleaner housing and a main filter element. The air cleaner housing can include a safety liner or support having a closed end cap that supports the main filter element, and helps reduce the tendency of the main filter element to rotate during use of the air cleaner assembly.
US08273140B1	Method and apparatus for hydrogen production from water A method, apparatuses and chemical compositions are provided for producing high purity hydrogen from water. Metals or alloys capable of reacting with water and producing hydrogen in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions are reacted with one or more inorganic hydrides capable of releasing hydrogen in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions, one or more transition metal compounds are used to catalyze the reaction and, optionally, one or more alkali metal-based compounds. The metal or alloy is preferably aluminum. The inorganic hydride is from a family of complex inorganic hydrides; most preferably, NaBH4. The transition metal catalyst is from the groups VIII and IB; preferably, Cu and Fe. The alkali metal-based compounds are preferably NaOH, KOH, and the like. Hydrogen generated has a purity of at least 99.99 vol. % (dry basis), and is used without further purification in all types of fuel cells, including the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell.
US08273139B2	Catalytic partial oxidation reforming Systems and processes for producing syngas are provided. A first hydrocarbon can be partially oxidized in the presence of an oxidant and one or more first catalysts at conditions sufficient to partially combust a portion of the first hydrocarbon to provide carbon dioxide, non-combusted first hydrocarbon, and heat. At least a portion of the non-combusted first hydrocarbon can be reformed in the presence of at least a portion of the heat generated in the partial oxidation step and the one or more first catalysts to provide a first syngas. The first syngas can comprise hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Heat can be indirectly exchanged from the first syngas to a second hydrocarbon to reform at least a portion of the second hydrocarbon in the presence of steam and one or more second catalysts to provide a second syngas. The second syngas can comprise hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
US08273136B2	Electrochemical element, and method and apparatus for manufacturing electrode thereof A method for manufacturing an electrode of an electrochemical element includes: (A) forming an active material layer on a current collector; and (B) providing lithium to the active material layer. The A step and the B step are carried out in continuous space.
US08273133B2	Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities for knee prosthesis patients Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. Such systems and methods include (i) adding more articular surface to the antero-proximal posterior condyles of a femoral component, including methods to achieve that result, (ii) modifications to the internal geometry of the femoral component and the associated femoral bone cuts with methods of implantation, (iii) asymmetrical tibial components that have an unique articular surface that allows for deeper knee flexion than has previously been available and (iv) asymmetrical femoral condyles that result in more physiologic loading of the joint and improved patellar tracking.
US08273132B2	Multiple-cam, posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action by either distinct bars or interconnected structural elements such as cam extensions to prevent early translation of the knee or dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which can occur in cruciate-substituting designs.
US08273131B2	Method and apparatus for positioning a multiple piece prosthesis A method and apparatus for positioning an implant system in anatomy is disclosed. The apparatus can include an alignment member operable to contact an implant portion, a bone, or other appropriate portion. The method can include using the apparatus to assist in positioning a single or multi-piece implant member. Also, a method of aligning a first implant position relative to another implant position is disclosed.
US08273130B2	Magnetically mounted artificial joint The invention relates to a prosthesis for replacing a joint connection, wherein like magnetic fields from the condyle 10, socket 12 and joint collar 14 overlap in such a way that the repulsive forces generate a suspended state of the condyle 10 in the bearing and the damping effect is maximized. The invention is also directed to a method for replacing a bone junction in a mammal, wherein the prosthesis is fastened to the articular bone and repulsive forces generate a levitated state of the condyle 10 under load.
US08273125B2	Intervertebral disk prosthesis provided with anchor means An intervertebral disk prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis comprises: a first plate for engaging a first vertebral body, said first plate comprising a first slot formed through the first plate; a second plate for engaging a second vertebral body, said second plate comprising a second slot formed through the second plate; a first anchor member, said first anchor member positioned and slidable through the first slot and having a sharp edge for penetrating into the first vertebral body; and a second anchor member, said second anchor member positioned and slidable through the second slot and having a sharp edge for penetrating into the second vertebral body. The first plate and the second plate engage with one another by way of complimentary concave and convex spherical cap portions to provide relative movement between the first plate and the second plate.
US08273123B2	Unitary accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) and discrete base members for use therewith Unitary accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) including a haptics system for self-anchoring in a human eye's ciliary sulcus and a resiliently elastically compressible shape memory optical element having a continuously variable Diopter strength between a first Diopter strength in a non-compressed state and a second Diopter strength different than its first Diopter strength in a compressed state. The unitary AIOLS include an optical element with an exposed trailing surface and are intended to be used with a discrete base member for applying an axial compression force against the exposed trailing surface from a posterior direction. Some unitary AIOLs are intended to be used with either a purpose designed base member or a previously implanted standard in-the-bag IOL. Other unitary AIOLs are intended to be solely used with a purpose designed base member.
US08273118B2	Heart valve holder assembly for use in valve implantation procedures A valve holder assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve having a stent base an multiple extending commissure posts. The valve holder assembly includes a holder and a rotor that is rotatable relative to the holder.
US08273113B2	Bone screw A bone screw is provided having first and second threaded portions of different diameter separated by a middle portion that is unthreaded so that the bone screw may be inserted into a pair of adjacent bone fragments and used to compress the fragments together by driving the screw into a hole drilled in the fragments. An installation tool is also disclosed for threadably engaging one end of the bone screw and is used to initially drive the screw into the bone hole. Thereafter, a screwdriver may be inserted through the tool and into engagement with a recess in the bone screw and may be used to drive the screw fully into the bone and to separate the bone screw from the installation tool. A method of installation is further provided.
US08273109B2	Helical wound mechanically interlocking mating guide and advancement structure A structure including a pair of helically wound interlocking forms located on a cylindrical closure for an open headed medical implant and in a receiver between arms of the implant respectively. The interlocking forms each include overlapping gripping elements that engage mating elements during assembly to prevent radial splaying of arms of the implant.
US08273103B2	Surgical needle and method of manufacturing a surgical needle A surgical needle having an elongate needle body and a needle point formed on a distal end of the needle body, the needle body manufactured from an elongate cylindrical blank. The needle body has at least one textured-profile lateral face, which has at least one textured-profile lateral-face region provided with a textured profile, wherein the textured profile has a plurality of indentations and wherein the at least one textured-profile lateral-face region extends as far as the needle point.
US08273084B2	Atrial ablation catheter and method of use An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode array that can be pressed against the wall of the atrium.
US08273081B2	Impedance-based cardiac therapy planning method with a remote surgical navigation system A method is disclosed for planning the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by RF ablation with a remote navigation system, including the identification of ablation lines around the pulmonary veins ostia—atrial junctions based on impedance measurements. When used by itself or in conjunction with electro-anatomical approaches, the impedance method therein disclosed enables safe and effective arrhythmia treatment.
US08273080B2	Methods and devices for treating tissue The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
US08273078B2	Device for creating openings in pressurized vessels with deformable walls The catheter (1) has a fastener (10) for firmly holding the wall (19) of vessel (18) when it is cut by optical fibers (3). The fastener (10) has an engaging element which can be a pin (20), roughened surface (23), spiral grooves (27), dendritic grooves (31), adhesive surface (34) or pointed pins (38).
US08273073B2	Long nose manipulatable catheter A long nose manipulatable catheter is described herein. The catheter generally comprises a flexible joint region defining a main lumen and an adjacent wire lumen. The wire lumen has an opening near or at a distal end of the flexible joint region and a push/pull wire can be pushed or pulled through the wire lumen. The catheter assembly may also comprise at least one radio-opaque marker band for securing the push/pull wire. The joint region has a predetermined length sized to affect a flexure of the joint and is generally located at the distal end of the catheter. The joint region itself may be varied to extend distally from where the braid terminates, or it may extend to encompass a portion of the braid. By varying a length of the joint region, the amount of curvature and flexure of the joint region can be controlled.
US08273070B2	Port member for infusion solution bag, and infusion solution bag Provided a port member for an infusion solution bag that is capable of suppressing occurrence of gaps or wrinkles in a sealed portion in a manufacturing process, and preventing damages to resin sheets of a bag body during storage or transportation. A port member for an infusion solution bag includes a tubular body portion having one end sealed by a plug member structured to enable a hollow needle to be pierced into the plug member, and a tubular to-be-sealed portion continuously formed with an other end of the body portion and having an inner space communicated with the inside of the body portion, the to-be-sealed portion being held between and sealed to end portions of resin sheets overlapped together to form a bag body having an inner space for accommodation of at least a medicine, in which the to-be-sealed portion thus sealed has a radially flattened shape.
US08273067B2	Leg cut-out stages of development Manufacturers of disposable absorbent articles may produce a wide range of sizes of articles. The design of these articles has generally remained the same as the product increases in size to fit larger and larger users. Generally speaking, the proportions of the articles remain the same in smaller and larger sizes. For example, the longitudinal length of the absorbent core as a percentage of the total longitudinal length of the article may be approximately the same for small, medium, and large sizes.
US08273056B2	Needle guard with resilient spring surrounding tip shield A needle guard assembly having a resilient arm extending from a base situated to slide along the shaft of a needle, In one implementation the needle guard has an elongate containment member that rides with the resilient arm and is co-operable with the resilient arm to effectuate a covering of the entire distal tip of the needle upon the needle being refracted into the needle guard.
US08273050B2	Ocular implant with anchor and therapeutic agent Ocular implants and methods of treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves inserting an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant has a therapeutic drug or agent and is advanced within the anterior chamber to a location posterior to a cornea of the eye. At least a portion of the implant is placed into eye tissue at this location. The therapeutic drug of the implant is exposed to aqueous humor. In one method, an anchor is utilized to retain the implant in eye tissue.
US08273049B2	Pumping cassette A pump cassette is disclosed. The pump cassette includes a housing having at least, one fluid inlet line and at least one fluid outlet line. The cassette also includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pressure pump pumps a fluid from the fluid inlet line to the fluid outlet line. A hollow spike is also included on the housing as well as at least one metering pump. The metering pump is fluidly connected to the hollow spike on the housing and to a metering pump fluid line. The metering pump fluid line is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet line.
US08273046B2	Systems and methods for providing light therapy traction Systems and methods for providing light therapy traction to a patient. A light therapy device and a traction mechanism provide concurrent, alternating and/or repetitive treatment to a patient. The light therapy device includes one or more light sources configured to deliver light to a patient. The traction mechanism is configured to provide selective separation to a particular location the patient's body, such as a location of the patient's vertebrae. In some embodiments, the light therapy and traction are performed simultaneously. In other embodiments, the light therapy and lumbar traction are performed in treatment cycles to the patient. Embodiments of the present invention embrace the application of light therapy prior to, during, and/or after a cervical and/or lumbar traction treatment.
US08273044B1	Traction splint device A traction splint device for providing aid to a person suffering from a broken or fractured lower extremity. The device generally includes a collapsible shaft adapted to be positioned alongside a leg of a patient, a first support connected to a first end of the shaft, and a second support connected to a second end of the shaft. The first support is adapted to be positioned forwardly of a lower end of the leg and includes a center brace having a notch. A plurality of stabilizing straps traverse the shaft and are adapted to constrain the leg. At least one of the straps is adapted to wrap around the notch of the center brace to secure a lower end of the leg and at least one of the straps is adapted to extend through an opening of the second support to secure an upper end of the leg.
US08273040B1	Attitude adjustable arm sling An arm sling provides elastic elongation to accommodate arms of differing lengths. Wedge shaped blocks are engagable with the sides of the sling to provide abduction of the sling. The sling is made predominantly of a net material so as to provide air circulation around the supported arm. An elastic sheet material supports the hand of the supported arm. A shoulder strap provides a movable cushioned pad for comfortable use of the sling as held by the strap.
US08273033B2	Temperature compensation of a respiratory gas sensor A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes a mainstream airway adapter, and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The gas sensing portion is subject to temperature variations associated with variations in flow rate and direction of respiratory gases. Methods are described that utilize the measurement of instantaneous respiratory flow rate combined with estimates of gas temperature and composition to estimate the sensor cooling effects from which a flow based time varying compensation factor is derived.
US08273029B2	Pressure recovery index to assess cardiac function Determining an index for assessing cardiac function. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving ventricular pressure data during an invasive cardiac procedure, wherein the received pressure data includes a diastatic ventricular pressure value, a minimum ventricular pressure value, and a predefined fiducial marker pressure value. An index value is calculated by comparing a first pressure difference to a second pressure difference. The first pressure difference represents the difference between the received diastatic ventricular pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The second pressure difference represents the difference between the received fiducial marker pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The index value is provided to a health care provider to assess early diastolic cardiac function.
US08273024B2	Ultrasound transmission gel An improved ultrasound transmission gel adapted to induce a therapeutic effect and/or palliative effect in a patient. An ultrasound transmission gel may include a water-based gel having a conductivity adapted to facilitate ultrasound signal transfer, and an essential oil. An essential oil may be selected according to its ability to calm and/or relieve certain medical conditions. In some embodiments, an ultrasound transmission gel may be customized to suit a particular patient's medical needs.
US08273021B2	Apparatus, method and medium measuring skin moisture content An apparatus for measuring skin moisture content in a user's skin is provided. The apparatus may include a signal supplier to generate an out-of-phase signal from a voltage signal obtained from the user's skin and an in-phase signal from the voltage signal, a susceptance measurement unit to measure the susceptance of the voltage signal by synchronizing the voltage signal and the out-of-phase signal received from the signal supplier, a conductance measurement unit to measure the conductance of the voltage signal by synchronizing the voltage signal and the in-phase signal, and an output unit to output sweat gland activity information of the user based on the measured conductance and skin moisture content information of the user based on the measured susceptance.
US08273019B2	Clinical investigation data logging with contextual time shifting A health monitoring device that includes a data logger module that collects health information from a subject or clinician during specific time ranges that are part of a health monitoring schedule. The collected health information and/or the time ranges are determined in part by the content of the collected health information. The device records the collected health information along with a time stamp. The device also includes a clock and a time shift mode that allows a user to adjust the clock to a specified point in the health monitoring schedule so that the device operates at the specified point in the same manner as if the device had reached the specified point without intervention by the user to adjust the clock.
US08273016B2	Esophagus isolation device An esophagus isolation catheter for deflecting an esophagus of a patient away from an ablation site in the left atrium of the patient's heart is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body and a deflectable section. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a deflectable intermediate section mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and a generally straight tip section mounted at the distal end of the intermediate section. In this embodiment, the catheter comprises two puller wires, one anchored proximal the other. The intermediate section deflects to form a generally C-shaped curve. In an alternative embodiment, the catheter comprises a deflectable tip section mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. In this embodiment, the catheter comprises only one puller wire. The tip section carries a tip electrode having an atraumatic design to prevent damage to the esophagus upon deflection.
US08273015B2	Methods for imaging the anatomy with an anatomically secured scanner assembly A method for viewing a portion of a patient's anatomy that comprises placing a scanner assembly including an oscillating reflector in the anatomy, securing the scanner assembly to an anatomical structure, scanning the anatomy with the scanner assembly secured to the anatomical structure, collecting radiation returned from the scanned anatomy, and generating a displayable image of the anatomy.
US08273009B2	Pipette aspiration device A device for aspirating sample media into a pipette for use in a micro-manipulation procedure includes a ring member having an opening sized for receiving a digit of an operator, and an aspirating bulb engaged with the ring member. The aspirating bulb has an open end sized for receiving an end of the pipette, and includes a compressible chamber capable of creating a suction force suitable for aspirating the sample media into the pipette. The aspirating bulb is oriented along the ring member such that the chamber is compressible by a digit on the same hand of the operator as the digit receivable in the ring member.
US08273007B2	Apparatus for transporting and positioning a capsule in which a radioactive source is present An apparatus is described for transporting and positioning a capsule, in which a radioactive source is present, from a screened safe into an applicator to be temporarily placed in the body of the patient. The apparatus is provided with a safe for storing at least one capsule and with a larger number of applicators, which can be connected, via transport tubes, to passages in a switch-connecting plate, wherein the capsules, or a dummy instead of one of the capsules, can each, via their own tube and switch, independently of one another, be introduced into a transport tube selected by the respective switch and can be displaced therein independently of one another in a manner programmable with regard to location and residence time, by a transport wire slidable via a drive motor.
US08273006B2	Tissue irradiation Devices and methods are disclosed for treatment to tissue surrounding a body cavity or other intracorporeal site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. Such a device includes a treatment location on a distal portion of the device with one or more radiation shielding components that partially encircle a radiation source at the treatment location to control emitted radiation from the radiation source. The device minimizes radiation damage to healthy tissue surrounding the body cavity or other site while irradiating tissue not shielded by the radiation shielding components. A device embodying features of the invention can include a sealing member at a location on a shaft of the device proximal to a treatment location to seal the passageway leading to the body cavity.
US08273001B2	Exercise kit, apparel item and method of using same A muscle toning kit includes an exercise garment having a first resistance article and a second resistance article. The first resistance article and the second resistance article cooperate to facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of a user. The first resistance article is adjustable to provide a range of user selected resistance levels, while second resistance article has another range of user selected resistance levels so that as the user maneuvers the exercise garment, its adjustable pressure opposing structures facilitate the toning and conditioning of the at least one muscle group of the user. The method includes wearing and deforming the exercise garment from its original shape through natural extension and flexing actions of the user to facilitate providing a resistive force to condition the at least one muscle group of the user.
US08272996B2	Device and method for limiting travel in an exercise device, and an exercise device including such a limiting device A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability.
US08272992B2	Method for operating a drive train A process of operating a motor vehicle drive train that comprises at least one hybrid drive having a combustion engine and an electric motor with a clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric motor, and an automatic transmission is arranged between the hybrid drive and an output. The process including the step of disengaging the clutch to carry out a shift, after a reduction of load at the internal combustion engine and after a reduction of the torque that is transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Subsequently carrying out a gear shift by the automatic transmission and, thereafter, increasing the torque that is transmitted by the clutch. Increasing the load from the combustion engine, and optionally engaging the clutch. A load transfer by the electric motor occurs before and/or after the gear shift in the transmission is carried out.
US08272991B2	Power output apparatus, hybrid vehicle provided with the same, and control method of power output apparatus In a hybrid vehicle, in order to stop an engine while a clutch is kept engaged and to transmit power from a motor to a drive shaft by changing a change speed state of a transmission when the power from a second motor is being transmitted to the drive shaft by the transmission, for example, a rotation speed of the first motor is adjusted so that the first motor can be connected to the drive shaft with the clutch disengaged while torque commands for both motors are set so that the power based on torque demand is outputted to the drive shaft, the power is transferred from the second motor to the first motor while both motors are connected to the drive shaft by the transmission, and the connection between the second motor and the drive shaft by the transmission is disconnected.
US08272987B2	Single planetary, single motor/generator hybrid powertrain with three or more operating modes A hybrid powertrain has an engine, an input member, an output member, and a stationary member, and includes a single planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The input member is connected for common rotation with the engine and the output member is connected for common rotation with the second member. A single motor/generator is continuously connected for common rotation with the third member. A starter motor is operatively connected to the engine for starting the engine. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to connect the input member for rotation with the first member. A second torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to ground the first member to the stationary member. A third torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to ground the third member to the stationary member. The powertrain is operable in an electric-only operating mode, an engine-only operating mode, and an electrically-variable operating mode.
US08272986B2	Transmission with mechanically-biased clutch A transmission configured for receiving power from an engine is provided with a normally-closed clutch in order to permit operation in modes requiring closure of the clutch even when hydraulic power from a pump powered by the engine or by rotation of a transmission member is not available, or is not of a sufficient pressure.
US08272983B2	Pulley tensioner for a belt drive for use in contact with oil A tensioner for a belt drive comprises a pivot defining an axis, a support hinged to the axis and defining a guiding surface preferably having a circular profile, an elastic element for actuating the support and a crown pulley eccentric with respect to the axis and surrounding the guiding surface. The tensioner further comprises a journal bearing to support the pulley on the guiding surface.
US08272982B2	Cam damped pulley for rotary devices A drive system for a rotary device, such as an automotive alternator compensates for and dampens the effect of sudden bidirectional rotational velocity variations of the pulley caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration of an internal combustion engine without using a one-way clutch. The drive system in one aspect comprises an axially movable cam member rotatably supported on a hub that is connected to the alternator shaft and that is journaled within the pulley. The cam member is coupled to the pulley by splines so that it rotates with the pulley while affording axial movement. Springs urge the cam member into engagement with a cam follower on the hub. Upon sudden acceleration or deceleration of the pulley, the cam member rotates angularly relative to the cam follower and moves axially to compress the springs, which exert a restoring force on the cam member and cam follower to eliminate their relative angular rotation. In other aspects, projections on the pulley and the hub operate on springs or fluid filled chambers to dampen sudden velocity changes.
US08272981B2	Pulley assembly for a continuously variable transmission Pulley assembly for a continuously-variable vehicle transmission, comprising a support element having an axis, a first half-pulley rotationally connected to the support element, a second half-pulley facing the first half-pulley to define a seating adapted to house a drive belt, the second half-pulley being axially and circumferentially mobile in relation to the support element, and cam means functionally inserted between the second half-pulley and the support element to control the position of the second half-pulley. The cam means define a plurality of circumferential cavities carried by a peripheral portion of the second half-pulley, said cavities being defined by the first and second sides which are transverse to axis, and comprise a plurality of cam-followers which are connected to the support element and housed in the corresponding circumferential cavities to cooperate selectively with the first and second sides.
US08272980B1	Jacket having an access section for insertion and removal of an inflatable bladder A jacket for an inflatable bladder such as an exercise ball. The jacket has a durable cover with an access section having an inner panel defining an access opening. Outer panels overlie the inner panel and have edges which extend across the opening and are provided with closures. In use, the outer panels may be separated at fasteners so a bladder may be removed or inserted through the access opening. The inner panel and the outer panels may be a woven material with their weave oriented to resist distortion when the bladder is inflated and to assist in securing the closure. The cover may be any suitable material such as a coated nylon providing durability.
US08272979B1	Multi-bladed expandable broadhead An aerodynamic multi-bladed expandable broadhead with rearward mounted overlapping blades with greater in-flight blade angles along with substantially perpendicular blade edges relative to the arrowhead body. Position of blades in flight guarantees they will always make a lethal cut on contact with an animal even before expansion. Greater in-flight blade angle means less force to open blades on hide guaranteeing expansion, and minimal rotation of blades to the penetration position results in a maximum entry cut and greater penetration. By expanding the distance between the blade edge and pivot a stronger blocky blade is produced. Geometry dictates during entry when blades hit bone on angle shots arrow direction will favorably remain in its intended lethal path to an animal.
US08272974B2	Hybrid golf club head A hybrid type golf club head is disclosed herein. The hybrid golf club head preferably has an increased heel/toe camber to minimize drag through rough when a golfer swings the hybrid golf club. A sole of the hybrid golf club head is relieved to allow for the face angle to open without the leading edge lifting too high.
US08272971B2	Golf ball with reduced flight path length Golf balls with a reduced flight path are disclosed. In some cases, foam incorporated into a middle layer increases impact absorption and reduces a ball's flight path. In other cases, a dimple pattern may be selected to reduce a ball's flight path. In other instances, a parachute or other drag inducer may be deployed as a result of striking the ball to induce drag and minimize the ball's flight path.
US08272956B2	Social supply harvest mechanic for interactive social games A supply harvest mechanic with a social fulfillment component for online social games.
US08272953B2	Game machine, game program and storage medium having program therein When a cooperation game starts in a host game machine and a guest game machine that have been separately executed standalone games, present information (time and position of character) of the guest game machine is changed into one of the host game machine. During the cooperation game, present information of the guest game machine and the host game machine are renewed, being synchronized with each other. Then, player characters of the guest game machine and the host game machine are displayed on a display of each game machine, and each player plays the cooperation game together with the player character of the other game machine which is displayed on one's own game machine.
US08272952B2	Gaming system having dynamic player inputs A gaming system comprises a wager input device, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a touch screen overlying at least a portion of the display. The system further includes a controller operative to (i) cause the display to display at least one soft key, the soft key overlying and concealing a first portion of the primary wagering game, (ii) cause the display to display a play of the primary wagering game, and (iii) during the play of the primary wagering game, cause the display to present an altered display of the soft key to reveal some or all of the first portion.
US08272949B2	System and method for automatic progressive link dispersal Certain embodiments provide a system and method for automatic progressive link management and dispersal. Certain embodiments of a progressive gaming system include a first progressive link, wherein the first progressive link includes a first progressive amount. The system also includes a second progressive link, wherein the second progressive link includes a second progressive amount. The system further includes a progressive manager capable of automatically dispersing to the second progressive amount a portion of the first progressive amount greater than a base amount upon removal of the first progressive link. In an embodiment, the progressive manager calculates the portion of the first progressive amount that is greater than the base amount. In an embodiment, the first and second progressive links are active in multiple gaming environments. The progressive manager may schedule automatic dispersal of the portion of the first progressive amount to a selected progressive amount at a selected time.
US08272947B2	Managing cashless wagering game systems This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing of cashless wagering game systems. An apparatus comprises a first cashless wagering game media input device, operable to access a first cashless wagering game medium associated with a first cashless wagering system; a second cashless wagering game media input device, operable to access a second cashless wagering game medium associated with a second cashless wagering system; and a control module operable to: receive a transfer amount, the transfer amount associated with the first cashless wagering game medium and to be debited from the first cashless wagering system; and credit at least a portion of the transfer amount to the second cashless wagering system.
US08272945B2	Game related systems, methods, and articles that combine virtual and physical elements Physical objects may be employed with a virtual game layout to enhance wager and non-wagered based gaming. Displays subsystems may provide a changeable or selectable virtual game layout with demarcations appropriate to a selected game. A sensor subsystem may detect physical aspects of game related pieces (e.g., playing cards, chips, markers, dice, spinners, tokens, tiles) as well as media (e.g., identity media, financial media). All gaming functions may occur through interaction with a playing surface, as well as functions such as order food, beverages and services. Automated tracking of players, dealers and games may be realized along with bonusing and promotions.
US08272944B2	Wagering game with rule set altered prior to completion of reel spin A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a plurality of spinning reels that stop to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to accepting a wager input from a player. The controller is in communication with the display and is operative to conduct the wagering game in accordance with a basic set of gaming rules. The controller is further operative to cause a modification to a gaming rule of the basic set of gaming rules and to indicate the modification to the player.
US08272942B2	Gaming machine performing rendered effect that allows suspense of winning to be sustained according to symbol combination rearranged upon losing result A gaming machine 13 starts a game, determines symbols to be rearranged, and variably displays symbol groups. Next, in a case where at least a predetermined number of identical symbols for providing an award is rearranged or in a case where identical symbols for providing an award are rearranged in “REACH (ready-to-win)” state, the gaming machine 13 displays a rendered effect that corresponds to the identical symbol on a display device. Accordingly, in a case where a combination with a “REACH” state is achieved even if it ends up with a losing combination, a rendered effect, which is the same as that performed when a winning combination is achieved, is performed to allow the player to maintain the feeling of suspense for winning to the end.
US08272941B2	Bonus with proximity of occurrence related to base game outcomes or payback percentage Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. In another aspect, winning the bonus award may be based on payback percentage or outcomes of the base game. In yet another aspect, the timing of the next bonus award can be configured, or otherwise based on one or more conditions.
US08272936B2	Systems and methods for determining a lottery winner based on a plurality of lottery tickets In accordance with some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, a method, an apparatus and a computer readable medium are provided for receiving a request from at least one lottery player to purchase at least one lottery ticket comprising a plurality of symbols, issuing the at least one lottery ticket to the lottery player, associating the at least one lottery ticket with a lottery team formed of at least one other lottery player associated with at least one other lottery ticket associated with the lottery team, determining an occurrence of a qualifying winning event based on the plurality of symbols of all of the lottery tickets associated with the lottery team, and determining a payout for the lottery team based upon the occurrence of the qualifying event.
US08272935B2	Gaming system with a select and drag feature The present invention relates generally to a casino gaming system including a select and drag feature. In the system, a gaming device is capable of enabling play of a game of chance, wherein the game of chance displays multiple game positions for insertion of values related to the game of chance. Also, the system includes a processor associated with the gaming device, and the processor includes an algorithm allowing a player to select an initial value in one of the game positions and then copy the initially selected value into another game position. The select and drag feature may be used with any game, including a lottery style game.
US08272930B2	Air system An air system for pressurizing and air conditioning a cockpit and cabin space of a plane comprises a compressor (3) for compressing an air mass flow, wherein the air mass flow to be compressed is extracted through a ram air duct (13, 14) from the environment of the plane and supplied through a heat exchanger (15, 18) to at least one zone (10A-D) to be pressurized and air conditioned.
US08272924B2	Grinding head for a surface grinding machine The invention relates to a grinding head for a grinding machine. The grinding head comprises a tool holder, which in use is moved in a plane, in particular rotated or translated back and forth, by the grinding machine. The grinding head furthermore comprises at least two tools which are connectable to the tool holder by a releasable sticking connection. One of the tools or the tool holder is provided with at least one protrusion and the other one is provided with an associated cavity to lock which extend transverse to said plane of movement of the tool with respect to the tool holder in a direction parallel to said plane when the tool is connected to the tool holder.
US08272921B2	Beehive frame and comb foundation for controlling varroa mites A frame and comb foundation and method for controlling Varroa mites in a honeybee hive. In a first embodiment the invention is comprised of half portions of the frame and comb foundation in combination with a power supply, heating element, electronic control unit (ECU), temperature sensor and an optional diagnostic system. The ECU which may be mounted on the frame and comb foundation or, in a separate enclosure is comprised of a micro-controller and other circuitry. The temperature sensor is mounted adjacent to the heating unit. The power supply may mobile or stationary, such as a battery or line current.In a second embodiment, the frame and comb foundation is interconnected with similar frame and comb foundations in multiple hives that include individual ECU's and temperature sensors and individual wireless electronic communication systems, a single power source and individual heating elements. The multiple temperature sensors are mounted adjacent to the heating elements. The ECU's are mounted on the frame and comb foundations or in separate enclosures. The ECU's are comprised of logic circuits or micro-controllers and other circuitry. The power source may be a mobile or stationary source such as a battery.
US08272917B2	Directionally controllable flying vehicle and a propeller mechanism for accomplishing the same A flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a propeller control mechanism for flying the vehicle. The propeller control mechanism includes a propeller having a center shaft for connecting to the drive shaft; first and second propeller blades extending from the center shaft; and a control mechanism including a first linkage connecting the center shaft to the first propeller blade and a second linkage connecting the center shaft to a region defined on the propeller, wherein a change in a driving torque of the drive shaft causes the first linkage and the second linkage to change the pitch and height of the propeller blades while substantially unchanging the tip path plane of the propeller blades.
US08272915B2	Bubble generating assembly that produces vertical bubbles A bubble generating assembly has a housing having a motor, an air generator coupled to the motor, and a bubble generator associated therewith. The assembly also includes a source of bubble solution, and a pump system provided inside the housing that draws bubble solution from the source to the bubble generator. The bubble generator includes a plurality of openings, with bubble solution delivered to the bubble generator flowing through the openings. The air from the air generator is delivered upwardly through the openings.
US08272912B2	Organic electroluminescence device and method for producing the same It is an object of the present invention to provide an organic EL device having a structure to enhance a barrier property against gases such as water vapor and oxygen which penetrate into an organic EL element formed on a substrate.That is, the present invention provides the organic EL device including a substrate 10, an organic EL element 20 holding an organic EL layer including a light emitting layer between one pair of electrodes of which at least one is transparent or translucent, a sealing layer 30 which seals the organic EL element 20 and in which multiple layers are formed by stacking an inorganic film and an organic film alternately and a sealing glass substrate 40 disposed by tightly adhering onto an uppermost organic film 33-n in the sealing layer 30, on the substrate 10.
US08272910B2	Electroluminescent device having improved light output An electroluminescent device including a transparent substrate, a securing layer, a light scattering layer, an electroluminescent unit including a transparent electrode layer, a light emitting element including at least one light emitting layer, and a reflecting electrode layer in that order, wherein the light scattering layer includes one monolayer of inorganic particles having an index of refraction larger than that of the light emitting layer and wherein the securing layer holds the inorganic particles in the light scattering layer.
US08272909B2	Method of assembling a small-diameter spark plug with resistive seal A spark plug (10) includes an intermediate connecting pin (54) disposed in the central passage (28) of an the insulator body (12). The connecting pin (54) seats in an intermediate taper section (72) within the central passage (28), which is generally frustoconical and establishes a transition between a first larger diameter of the central passage (28) and a second smaller diameter. The intermediate tapered section (72) is located longitudinally above a filleted transition (26) feature of the insulator body (12) exterior. A pin head (53) of the connecting pin (54) has a complementary tapered under-cut and seats against the intermediate tapered section (72) to provide self-centering of the connecting pin (54) without trapping gas during the assembly process. The intermediate taper section (72) also provides an increase in insulator wall thickness which improves dielectric capacity and structural integrity of the insulator (12).
US08272908B2	Swim ring and swimming aid A swim ring, including: at least one ring stabilizing a swim position of the swim ring; wings protruding upward from a base component or from the ring and configured with disengageable wing connectors; and suspenders configured to be attached on one side at the base component or at the ring and on the other side at the wings, wherein the ends of the suspenders are configured to be connected to the wings through disengageable suspender connectors, wherein a wing side suspender connector and a wing connector of a first wing are integrally combined to form a combined one piece wing side connector, wherein the combined one piece wing side connector, a suspender side suspender connector and a wing connector of a second wing are configured, so that establishing disengageable connections of the connectors with one another is only possible in a single connection configuration.
US08272907B2	Sectionalized sports board A sectionalized sports board including a plurality of board sections and a post-tensioning apparatus incorporated into a board stringer and operatively disposed between the sections along the longitudinal axis of each section. The post-tensioning apparatus includes a post-tensioning cable slidably inserted into a cable chase disposed in each of the board sections, and a cable tension adjustment for selectively coupling the sections into a configuration for use of the board or for separating the board sections so that they can be folded into a compact collapsed configuration. The post-tensioning cable is permanently anchored at its ends, and when the post-tensioning cable is in a stressed condition, the board sections are abutted to provide a useable and rigid board configuration, and when the post-tensioning cable is unstressed, the board sections may be folded into a compact collapsed configuration.
US08272904B2	Power utility connector with a plurality of conductor receiving channels An electrical connector assembly includes a main conductive member and a tap conductive member separately fabricated from one another. Each of the main and tap conductive members including at least one conductor receiving channel, wherein the main and tap conductive members together include at least three channels configured to receive conductors therein and extending along three different channel axes. The channel(s) of the main conductive member is configured to receive a main power line conductor, and the channel(s) of the tap conductive member is configured to receive a tap power line conductor. The main and tap conductive members are joined to one another such that the main conductive member and the tap conductive member cooperate to capture the main power line conductor therebetween when the main and tap conductive members are joined, and the tap conductive member and the main conductive member cooperate to capture the tap power line conductor therebetween when the main and tap conductive members are joined.
US08272903B2	Probe connector A probe connector adapted for fastening a cable thereto includes an insulating housing and a plurality of probe pin assemblies. The insulating housing defines a plurality of fastening openings and inserting holes penetrating therethrough. The probe pin assembly includes a shell, a plunger and an elastic element assembled in the shell. The shell has a barrel partly received in the inserting hole, and a box-shaped base shell received in the fastening opening. The base shell has a rear plate extending rearward. The rear plate extends rearward to form a connecting piece of which two opposite side edges define two clipping pieces capable of being bent towards each other to clip a core wire of the cable therebetween. The plunger partially projects out of the barrel and the inserting hole. Then the rear plate is bent downward to make the probe pin assembly be a right-angled shape.
US08272897B1	Electrical connector The present invention discloses an electrical connector that is soldered on a circuit board. The circuit board has an opening recess having a hooking recess extending forward and outward and formed at each of two side edges of the opening recess. Two side walls of shell of the electrical connector are punched to form flexible fixing pieces, which extend forward and outward, respectively. A track groove is formed in front or rear of the flexible fixing piece in each of the two side walls of the shell. The circuit board can be inserted into the track grooves, and the flexible fixing pieces can be flexibly held in the hooking recesses. The present invention can economize spaces at both sides as well as reduce volume of the electrical connector by engaging the flexible fixing pieces and the hooking recesses, and engaging the track grooves and the circuit board.
US08272892B2	Hospital bed having wireless data capability A system is provided for use with a pre-existing hospital bed and a nurse call system. The system includes a first apparatus that is coupleable to a data port of the hospital bed and a second apparatus that is spaced from the hospital bed, that is spaced from the first apparatus, and that is coupleable to the nurse call system. A transmitter of the first apparatus is operable to transmit data received at the data port to a receiver that is operable to wirelessly receive data transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the first apparatus. The first apparatus and second apparatus are used in lieu of a cable that is otherwise usable to connect the hospital bed to the nurse call system via a hard-wired connection.
US08272888B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector for transmitting data signals between the insulated conductors of a first data cable and corresponding insulated conductors of a second data cable, including a first part having a socket shaped to at least partially receive a plug of said first data cable; a second part having a plurality of insulation displacement contact slots shaped to receive end sections of the conductors of the second data cable; and a plurality of electrically conductive contacts including resiliently compressible spring finger contacts extending into the socket for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the first cable; insulation displacement contacts seated in corresponding insulation displacement contact slots for effecting electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the second data cable; and mid sections extending therebetween, wherein mid sections of the contacts are seated in corresponding channels.
US08272887B2	Connector A connector includes a first terminal housing for housing a plurality of first connecting terminals aligned, a second terminal housing for housing a plurality of second connecting terminals aligned, and a connecting member for collectively fixing and electrically connecting the plurality of first connecting terminals to the plurality of second connecting terminals at each contact point by pressing the adjacent insulating members. The plurality of first connecting terminals are aligned and held in a first inner housing housed in the first terminal housing. The plurality of second connecting terminals are aligned and held in a second inner housing housed in the second terminal housing. The first and/or second connecting terminals includes a low rigidity portion that can be deformed, when pressed by the connecting member, such that portions of the first and/or second connecting terminals on the contact point side are parallel to portions thereof on the opposite side.
US08272886B2	Connector A connector capable of being water-tightly secured to cables without locally applying pressure to the cables is provided.A male connector 14 is formed with at least one guide groove 18m extending in an insertion direction on a portion in a circumferential direction, a female connector 16 is formed with at least one guide protrusion 20m that extends in the insertion direction and can be inserted into the guide groove 18m corresponding to the guide groove 18m, the guide protrusion 20m has both ends coupled to an outer surface of the second connector 16, a middle portion of the guide protrusion 20m is formed to be an elastic arm separated from the outer surface, and a lock mechanism is provided between the guide groove 18m and the guide protrusion 20m.
US08272883B1	Intersystem grounding bridge and system An intersystem grounding bridge and associated intersystem grounding bridge system includes a cylindrical housing formed from an electrically conductive material, the housing having a plurality of channels in a first face of the housing for receiving and holding grounding conductor wires of associated communication components, a plurality of threaded apertures in the cylindrical surface of the housing for receipt of set screws so as to secure grounding wires inserted within these first channels, and a second channel formed in a second face of the cylindrical housing for receiving a grounding and an associated grounding conductor wire. A second threaded aperture in the cylindrical housing in cooperates with the second channel to secure a grounding rod and, if present, the associated grounding conductor wire. The grounding bridge may include a cover to form an intersystem grounding bridge system.
US08272882B2	Semiconductor device socket A contact terminal (26ai) comprises: a pair of movable side contact pieces (26M) and (26F) which pinch or release a ball-like electrode portion (DVa) of a semiconductor device (DV); a fixed side terminal (26T) having on one end a contact point (26te) coming into contact with an electrode group (PBE) of a printed wiring board (PB); and a fixing portion (26C) which connects proximal end portions of the pair of elastic movable side contact pieces (26M) and (26F) to the other end of the fixed side terminal (26T). The fixed side terminal (26T) formed into a curved shape is elastic and has the one end thereof joined to the fixing portion (26C). The fixed side terminal (26T) is formed of a plurality of curved portions (26ta, 26tb, 26tc, and 26td) and the contact point (26te) provided continuous with one another.
US08272875B1	Educational device for simulating addictive behavior and method of using An addiction simulator for use in an educational program, operable for (i) periodically requesting simulated addictive behavior, (ii) receiving a satisfaction signal from an assigned individual in response to a generated request, representing consumption of an amount of addictant in limited supply, and (iii) refusing acceptance of a satisfaction signal when the supply of addictant has been exhausted. The duration of the interval between requests can based upon a physiological characteristic of the assigned individual.
US08272872B2	System and method for calculating optimal performance and weight classification A website providing a weight, activity and nutritional program over a network. The website allows users to input an assessment of a subject, which can be used to generate a condition overview and a weight plan for the subject. The weight plan can include minimum weights for the subject, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time. The website can also be used to generate a nutrition plan based on the subject data entered, and to enter and monitor activity data.
US08272870B2	Device for securing a dental attachment to an implant An anchorage unit fits to a dental implant. A dental attachment for mounting to the anchorage unit has a first attachment part and a second attachment part. The attachment parts define an aperture for accommodating a portion of the anchorage unit with a boundary wall of the aperture on each of the attachment parts serving, in use, as a jaw for clamping against the portion of the anchorage unit. The aperture is of greater size than the portion of the anchorage unit to allow adjustment of the position of the attachment with respect to the anchorage unit. In another embodiment, a two-part anchoring assembly defines a pair of jaws for, in use, receiving and clamping against a portion of a dental attachment. The apparatus is particularly relevant when an attachment must be placed on more than one implant simultaneously.
US08272868B2	Dental curing lights and a seamless, single load cavity preparation and filling technique There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.
US08272862B2	Article and method for fabricating an applicator tip assembly for a skin formulation applicator The article and corresponding method include a casting fixture for a part of a skin formulation applicator which is otherwise difficult to cast. The casting fixture includes a central cup section and two opposing tear-away sections. A rigid base portion of an applicator tip assembly is mounted into an upper rim of the cup section and liquid silicone material is poured into the volume defined in the cup section portion beneath the base portion. The silicone cures and bonds to extending elements from the base portion, providing a firm connection between the cast tip portion and the base portion. When the combined part is ready for use, the tear-away sections are removed by the user, which results in an easy ejection of the part, which can then be installed by the user in the formulation applicator.
US08272860B2	Elliptical tire mold A tire mold having a substantially elliptical base surface and a method for making a tire mold are provided. In one embodiment, a user selects a major axis length for the tire mold, then selects a ratio of the major axis length to a minor axis length. The tire mold is then formed with a substantially elliptical base surface defined by the first major axis and the selected ratio.
US08272856B2	High-pressure pump, in particular for a fuel injection apparatus of an internal combustion engine The high-pressure pump has at least one pump element which has a pump plunger which is driven in a reciprocating motion and defines a pump working space into which fuel is drawn in from a fuel feed via an inlet valve during the suction stroke of the pump plunger and from which fuel is displaced into a high-pressure region via an outlet valve during the delivery stroke of the pump plunger. The inlet valve and/or the outlet valve has a valve member at least approximately in the shape of a ball which acts as a sealing surface with a valve seat arranged in a valve housing. The valve member, in its open state, is lifted with its sealing surface from the valve seat, a first cross section of flow is cleared between the valve member and the valve seat, and downstream of the first cross section of flow, a second cross section of flow is formed between the valve member and the valve housing. In the direction of flow between the first cross section of flow and the second cross section of flow, a third cross section of flow is formed between the valve member and the valve housing, said third cross section of flow being larger than the first cross section of flow and the second cross section of flow.
US08272851B2	Fluidic energy transfer devices A fluid energy transfer device, including a chamber for receiving a fluid, at least a portion of the chamber comprising a movable portion relative to another portion of the chamber, the movable portion being adapted to change the volume of the chamber from a first volume to a second volume by movement of the movable portion. The device further includes an actuator attached to the movable portion, wherein the displacements of the movable portion can be larger than the displacement of the actuator.
US08272849B1	Process for sizing a throat length of a jet pump A process for sizing an axial length of a throat in a jet pump, where an exponential relationship between mixing and kinetic energy dissipation of the primary jet is plotted in terms of a non-dimensional parameter on a graph which ranges from around 1.0 at an axial length of zero to a ratio of less than 0.1 at the minimal axial length of the throat to produce complete mixing between the primary and secondary fluids. This non-dimensional parameter is referred to as the Stein number.
US08272845B1	Systems and methods for asymmetrical pumping in low speed, low volume fluid recovery operations Systems and methods for asymmetrical pumping in low speed, low volume fluid recovery. According to the system and method, fluid is recovered from a well using an asymmetrical recovery motion. A walking beam is actuated about a first pivot point between an upstroke motion and a downstroke motion in response to rotation of a crank wheel. The crank wheel rotates more than 180 degrees during the upstroke and rotates less than 180 degrees during the downstroke. Further, the walking beam and the crank wheel are in communication with one another by an arm extending there between, wherein the arm is positioned on an opposite side of the first pivot point from the well.
US08272840B2	Blade support limb for vertical axis wind turbine A blade support limb structure of a vertical axis wind power generator includes a fixed support limb (1) and a rotatable support limb (2), one end (21) of the rotatable support limb is connected with one end (22) of the fixed support limb and the rotatable support limb may rotate around it. The structure keeps a wind wheel at stable rotation speed in the case the environmental wind speed exceeds the rated wind speed, thereby to ensure that vertical axis wind power generator outputs constant power. The structure solves a problem of constant power output of the vertical axis wind power generator from hundreds watts to thousands watts, so its applications are wide.
US08272834B2	Acoustic damper integrated to a compressor housing A compressor housing for accommodating a compressor wheel comprises an inlet and an outlet, each being defined by a wall provided integrally with said compressor housing, wherein at least one acoustic damper element is disposed on the outside of at least one of said walls of the inlet and the outlet. Preferably, the acoustic damper element is integrally formed with the compressor housing by die casting. A compressor or a turbocharger can be equipped with the compressor housing.
US08272832B2	Centrifugal compressor with surge control, and associated method A centrifugal compressor for compressing a fluid comprises a compressor wheel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades, and a compressor housing in which the compressor wheel is mounted. The compressor housing includes an inlet duct through which the fluid enters in an axial direction and is led by the inlet duct into the compressor wheel, and an inner surface located radially adjacent the tips of the blades. A bleed port is defined in the inner surface of the compressor housing at a location intermediate the leading and trailing edges of the blades, for bleeding off a bleed portion of the fluid, the bleed port leading to a recirculation flow channel that feeds the bleed portion back into the inlet duct. Highly cambered vanes are disposed in the recirculation flow channel for turning the bleed portion to take out and in some cases reverse the swirl in the bleed portion.
US08272830B2	Scissor lift transfer robot A method and apparatus for a transfer robot that may be used in a vacuum environment is described. The transfer robot includes a lift assembly comprising a first platform and a second platform coupled to the first platform by a plurality of support members, the plurality of support members comprising a first pair of support members and a second pair of support members, a first drive assembly coupled to a portion of the plurality of support members, the first drive assembly providing a motive force to the plurality of support members to move the second platform in a first linear direction relative to the first platform, and an end effector disposed on the second platform and movable in a second linear direction by a second drive assembly, the second linear direction being orthogonal to the first linear direction.
US08272828B2	Object moving apparatus An object moving apparatus is provided which is different from coordinated conveyance through real-time information exchange between carriages only by wireless communication and which can move an object reliably and in a more stable manner by coordinated control of carriages without the object falling off. Arranged is a leader carriage A with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions by travel drivers 1 and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up a vehicle 4 as object. The leader carriage is movable along a given target track. Further arranged is a follower carriage B with a carriage body 2 travelable in all directions and a lifter 5 attached to the carriage body via a link mechanism 3 for lifting up the vehicle 4. The follower carriage estimates and follows movement of the leader carriage so as to move the vehicle 4 in coordination with the leader carriage.
US08272826B2	Substrate processing apparatus A substrate processing apparatus includes first and second transfer chambers, first and second load lock chambers for exchanging one or more substrates with respective ones of first and the second transfer chambers, and a substrate transfer unit, located between the first and second load lock chambers, for transferring the one or more substrates to the first and second load lock chambers.
US08272817B2	Tool for machining a workpiece The invention relates to a tool for machining a workpiece, which tool is rotatable about a tool axis, having a tool shank and a tool head, which tool head comprises at least one land, at least one spiral point assigned to the land and at least one flute assigned to the land, wherein the flute has a left-hand helix and the spiral point is skewed to the left, or wherein the flute has a right-hand helix and the spiral point is skewed to the right.
US08272815B2	Boring tool and method of boring pilot hole A boring tool can form a hole accurately by improving the rigidity of a reamer so that the runout of the reamer can be prevented at high speeds, extending product life by suppressing the breakage caused by cutting resistance. The boring tool is inserted into a pilot hole formed in a workpiece beforehand to cut the inner wall of the pilot hole. The boring tool comprises a shank part rotated about an axis, an edge part with a cutting edge at the tip of the shank part, and a chip discharging groove formed in the outer peripheral part of the edge part and extending from the tip to the rear end. The cutting edge is formed at a crossed ridge part between the wall surface of the chip discharging groove and the outer peripheral surface of the edge part. The cross-section of the chip discharging groove is formed in a U-shape.
US08272814B2	Stringer crawler with attachment mechanism A crawler assembly includes an attachment mechanism that is removably attachable to a stringer. The stringer has a vertical web and a longitudinal axis. The crawler assembly includes a longitudinal slider that is engageable to the attachment mechanism and having a normalizing mechanism disposable in bearing contact against the vertical web for maintaining an orientation of the longitudinal slider relative to the stringer. The longitudinal slider is movable along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The crawler assembly includes a lateral slider that is mountable to the longitudinal slider and is movable along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lateral slider includes a drill bushing. The longitudinal and lateral sliders cooperate to move the drill bushing to at least one predetermined hole location.
US08272810B2	Pilings for foundation underpinning A pile segment for foundation underpinning. In some embodiments, the pile segment includes a head, a trunk extending from the head, and a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbore has a longitudinal centerline. The area of a cross-section through the head and normal to the centerline is greater than the area of a cross-section through the trunk and normal to the centerline.
US08272809B2	Active control releasable ballast system for use with dive equipment An active control releasable ballast system for dive equipment is disclosed which in one embodiment includes a removable pocket that is secured with a side release buckle within a fixed pocket. The buckle is required to be opened before the weight contained in the pocket can be dropped or given to another individual in or out of the water. Thus, the release of the weights is a conscious and deliberate act.
US08272808B1	Device and method for the plugging of services in conduits A plug for a tubular service entrance of a conduit, wherein the plug includes a core body having a central hollow channel extending from a first end to second end of the core body; at least one flexible fin extending radially outwardly from the core body and having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the tubular service entrance so that the plug is adapted to fit tightly into the tubular service entrance, and wherein the at least one flexible fin is deformable to adapt to the shape of the service entrance and apply a lateral force against the inner diameter of the service entrance. A plug dispensing magazine for storing and dispensing service entrance plugs to be service entrances of a conduit prior to installation of a liner in the conduit and a method of sealing the service entrances.
US08272807B2	Surface drainage system A surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit.
US08272806B2	Panel connector Described is a building connecting apparatus for receiving structural members including frames and panels. The apparatus includes a main body having a central opening for receiving an extension member attached to a slot plate. Receiving plates can be coupled to the apparatus for receiving the structural members with the extension member capable of guiding and aligning the structural members.
US08272803B2	Conveyor shaft assembly with spring clip A shaft assembly using spring clips to confine components mounted on the shaft in selected positions. The shaft assembly includes a shaft with components mounted along its length. Each component is confined by a pair of flanking spring clips. Each spring clip has a pair of confronting side panels resiliently coupled together. Holes through the side panels receive the shaft. The side panels are biased to converge toward each other so that a laterally applied force from a confined component acts in the direction of the bias to prevent the clip locked on the shaft from unlocking.
US08272801B2	Multi-function surface treatment tool A tool for treating a surface by rubbing and including means to dispense onto the surface stuff, for example, a lotion for skin treatment, and including also a pair of opposed fins which are supported by a stiff, tapered, upstanding spine portion that traverses the tool and has an upper radial face for wiping and scrapping stuff, the fins extending laterally of and along the lower length of the spine portion and having an under face for rubbing contact with the surface, and each fin having optionally an upper absorbent face on each side of the spine portion to provide a swabbing capability, and the tool having a distal end and a proximal end, with the upstanding spine portion narrowing toward the distal end of the tool and the spine portion being hollow and shaped towards the proximal end for holding of the tool directly or coupled to a holdable object and also a method for making the tool.
US08272800B2	Writing instruments for small children Crayons are formed of a unitary material with interior distances between surfaces to prevent insertion through the maximum mandibular opening of a child five years of age or younger.
US08272792B2	Retention bodies for fiber optic cable assemblies Retention bodies for securing a fiber optic cable thereto for optical connectorization are disclosed along with fiber optic cable assemblies. The fiber optic cable is inserted into a passage of the retention body and secured to the same using a bonding agent and/or a mechanical element. The rear end opening of the passage is configured for inserting and securing an end portion of the fiber optic cable having at least one strength component and a portion of a cable jacket. Additionally, the retention body has a buckling chamber disposed within the retention body passage for accommodating movement of optical fiber.
US08272787B2	Connector enclosure A connector enclosure for enclosing a cable assembly includes a main body that has a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion is adapted for selective releasable engagement with the second body portion. Each of the first and second body portions defines a cavity having a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The cavity of each of the first and second body portions cooperatively defines a passage through the main body. The passage is configured to retain a cable assembly.
US08272784B2	Sleeve bearing system An exemplary sleeve bearing system includes a bearing housing, a sleeve bearing and a resilient washer. The bearing housing defines a receiving hole therein. The receiving hole has a first diameter. The sleeve bearing has a second diameter which is slightly less than the first diameter, and the sleeve bearing is received in the receiving hole of the bearing housing. The resilient washer is received in the receiving hole of the bearing housing and is fitted around the sleeve bearing. The resilient washer is sandwiched between the bearing housing and the sleeve bearing and resiliently abuts an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve bearing to thereby mount the sleeve bearing in the receiving hole of the bearing housing.
US08272781B2	Dynamic power control of a memory device thermal sensor Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for the dynamic power control of a memory device thermal sensor. In some embodiments a memory device includes an on-die thermal sensor and enable logic to dynamically enable or disable the on-die thermal sensor. In some embodiments, the on-die thermal sensor senses thermal data responsive to a thermal data sense indication. The thermal data sense indication may be received subsequent to the expiration of a delay period.
US08272777B2	Method for mixing an exhaust gas flow The invention relates to a method for mixing an exhaust gas flow with a fluid in an exhaust gas pipe 40 of an exhaust gas system 4, in which the fluid is injected by means of an injection device 5 into the exhaust gas pipe 40. The exhaust gas flow is guided in the exhaust gas pipe 40 in the area of the injection device 5 in a direction of flow S parallel to the exhaust gas pipe 40. The fluid is injected directly onto a deflection element 6 which is arranged in the exhaust gas pipe 40 in a central direction of injection E which deviates from the direction of flow S by an angle se, wherein by means of at least one sheet metal part 60 which is provided on the deflection element 6 and which is raised at least partially at an angle sv with reference to the direction of flow S, the exhaust gas flow is diverted with reference to the direction of flow S from its direction of flow S into a central direction of distribution V. Before and after it impacts the deflection element 6, the fluid is carried along at least partially by the diverted part of the exhaust gas flow into the direction of distribution V and is diverted into the direction of distribution V by the raised sheet metal part 60.
US08272770B2	TIR switched flat panel display A flat panel display uses pixels that are turned on or off by the enabling or disabling total internal reflection, TIR, of a light guide. A reflective surface directs the switched light towards the viewer. An optional mask can be employed to provide extremely high contrast ratios in low and in high ambient lighting conditions. The elements that enable TIR can be enabled quickly because of their small size and weight, resulting in a very fast switching speed. The fast switching speed allows colors to be generated and displayed in a sequential manner.
US08272769B2	Modular lighting fixture with improved device for connecting the arms to the respective support A modular lighting fixture (10) is provided with a plurality of arms (16) branching off a central support (14) wherein they are inserted pressure-wise starting from the respective bottom ends. The central support comprises a containment body (18) wherein a plate (20) is arranged, with concentric seats (22,24) for as many spiral electrical conductors (22′, 24′) surmounted by a cylindrical plate (26) of insulating material wherein a plurality of through seats (28) with circular plan or wells is peripherally obtained, starting from a plane (30), wherein the bottom ends of arms (16) are inserted, provided with the electrical cables (42) for powering a lighting body connected to the opposite top end of the same arms. The bottom end of the arms is made integral to a sleeve (40) provided, along the base perimeter, with a vertical notch (40′) intended for coupling with a projection (52) protruding from the outer side surface of a cylindrical body (48), whereon the sleeve is fitted pressure-wise.
US08272768B2	Light emitting device The light emitting device comprises: a bowl-shaped reflector; a point light source; and a combined lens provided on the light axis of the point light source. And the combined lens has: a convex lens part having a focal point coinciding with the point light source, refracting center light around the light axis into parallel light; and a concave lens part provided around the convex lens part, and refracting and diffusing light having an angle with the light axis larger than an angle between the center light and the light axis so as to increase the angle with the light axis. A virtual focal point of the light refracted and diffused with the concave lens part coincides with the focal point of the paraboloid of revolution.
US08272765B2	Heat sink system The improved heat sink system for a lighting fixture includes a conductive mount configured to selectively receive and retain a lighting subassembly. An inner heat sink couples to the conductive mount and is positioned to encompass the lighting assembly. A plurality of cooling fins couple to and extend away from the inner heat sink. An outer heat sink couples to the cooling fins and is offset from the inner heat sink to permit air flow therebetween and over the cooling fins. This enables air convection cooling of the inner heat sink, the outer heat sink and the cooling fins simultaneously to draw heat energy away from the lighting subassembly.
US08272762B2	LED luminaire A luminaire includes an electrical base, an optic, and a heat sink disposed between the base and the optic. An LED driver circuit is disposed at least partially within the heat sink, and is disposed in electrical communication with the base. An LED light source is disposed in thermal communication with one or more surfaces of the heat sink, and in electrical communication with the driver circuit, the LED assembly includes an LED module. The light source includes a printed circuit board with a plurality of projections that are bendable such that the projections are arranged on an angle when assembled on the heat sink.
US08272760B2	Waterproof LED display A LED display includes at least two standard LED units connected side by side, having a peripheral hole and wire passing hole, a wire passing hole stopper, comprising a first annular seat, fixed around the wire passing hole via a first double sided adhesive, a first silicon rubber sealing ring, and a first screw, provided on one side of the wire passing hole; a second annular seat, fixed around the wire passing hole via a second double sided adhesive, a second silicon rubber sealing ring, and a second screw, provided on the other side of the wire passing hole, and a peripheral hole stopper comprising a third annular seat, fixed around the peripheral hole via a third double sided adhesive, a peripheral hole cap, and an O-shaped sealing ring provided between the third annular seats and the peripheral hole cap.
US08272759B2	Light-emitting diode lampshade An LED lampshade has a body and multiple light concentrators. The body has a light exit plane. The light concentrators are formed on the body. Each light concentrator has a light incident recess, a light transmitting recess and an third concentration wall. The light incident recess has a first concentration wall and a first chamber defined by the first concentration wall. The light transmitting recess corresponds to the light incident recess, and has a second concentration wall, a second chamber defined by the second concentration wall and opposite to the first chamber, and an opening formed through the light exit plane. The third concentration wall is formed around a periphery of the light concentrator. Given the opposite light incident recess and light transmitting recess and the three concentration walls, the LED lampshade enhances light transmittance and concentration therethrough.
US08272758B2	Illumination apparatus and methods of forming the same In one aspect, an illumination apparatus includes a waveguide, embedded in which are a light-emitting source and a photoluminescent material. Output light is emitted from at least a portion of a first surface of the waveguide. The photoluminescent material includes nano-size phosphor particles and/or quantum dots.
US08272751B2	Display apparatus having a tubular reflecting surface A display apparatus includes: a light modulator having translucent windows; a light emitter having a light source; a light guide having a tubular reflecting surface guiding light source light to the light modulator; and a light separator having a light separation surface separating guided light into transmitted and reflected light. The tubular reflecting surface narrows from the light modulator toward the light emitter to guide the reflected light to the windows. Denoting a lateral cross-sectional area of an inside area of the tubular reflecting surface at a light source end as S1, a lateral cross-sectional area of the tubular reflecting surface at a light separation surface end as S2, and a maximum incident angle at which light from the light source reflected by the tubular reflecting surface is input to the light separation surface as θ, θ×√(S2/S1)≧110.
US08272748B2	Projection-type display apparatus and method for performing projection adjustment A projection-type display apparatus that projects an image toward a projection surface and displays the image thereon, the apparatus includes: a projecting section that includes a focal length adjusting mechanism and projects an image; an adjustment image controlling section that uses the projecting section to project a guide display image suggesting how to adjust the position where the projection-type display apparatus is installed and uses the projecting section to project a calibration image having a predetermined shape when the guide display image is projected; a projection distance measuring section that measures a projection distance that is the distance to the projection surface based on a captured image obtained by capturing the calibration image; and a focus adjusting section that operates the focal length adjusting mechanism based on the projection distance to perform focus adjustment so that the displayed guide display image is brought into focus.
US08272747B2	Distortion detection system and distortion detection method The present invention relates to a distortion detecting system and a distortion detecting method having a structure for efficiently detecting distortion of a projected image that is projected onto a projected surface by a projector. The distortion detecting system includes a photodetecting apparatus, and an analyzing apparatus. When a reference brightness image is projected onto the projected surface by the projector, the photodetecting apparatus forms the projected image on the projected surface onto the photosensitive surface of the photodetector, and outputs light intensity profile data that indicates a one-dimensional distribution of incident light intensity in each of a first direction and a second direction on an image for inspection formed on the photosensitive surface. The analyzing apparatus detects distortion of the projected image by analyzing the light intensity profile data in the respective first direction and second direction outputted from the photodetecting apparatus based on known information concerning the reference brightness image.
US08272743B2	Projection of images onto tangible user interfaces The techniques described herein provide a surface computing device that includes a surface layer configured to be in a transparent state and a diffuse state. In the diffuse state, an image can be projected onto the surface. In the transparent state, an image can be projected through the surface.
US08272742B2	Single projection display device having high portability Linearly polarized illumination light that is emitted from a light source unit and then reaches a polarized light separation plane along the optical axis of an illumination optical unit is reflected from the polarized light separation plane at a right angle and reaches a reflection optical unit. The reflection optical unit reverses the phase of the linearly polarized illumination light and reflects the illumination light to the polarized light separation plane. The illumination light passes through the polarized light separation plane and reaches a reflective liquid crystal display device. The reflective liquid crystal display device converts the illumination light into modulated light having image information thereon. In this case, the phase of the linearly polarized light is reversed again and reflected from the polarized light separation plane at a right angle to reach a projection lens. The light is enlarged and projected onto a screen.
US08272733B2	Printer apparatus A printer apparatus includes a guide rail, a first device including a first head, a second device including a second head, and a hauling device including a driving member movable between the first device and the second device. A first holding mechanism is provided on one side with respect to a medium supporter. A second holding mechanism is provided on another side with respect to the medium supporter. When ink is to be ejected from the first head, the second holding mechanism holds the second device separated from the driving member, and a first connecting mechanism connects the first device to the driving member. When ink is to be ejected from the second head, the first holding mechanism holds the first device separated from the driving member, and a second connecting mechanism connects the second device to the driving member.
US08272731B2	Image forming apparatus An image-forming apparatus includes a recording head configured to eject ink droplets, a transport belt disposed facing the recording head and configured to transport a sheet, a suction mechanism to suctionally attract the sheet to the transport belt, a release mechanism configured to change a position of the transport belt between a home position close to the recording head and a release position away from the recording head, and a control mechanism configured to control transport and discharge of the sheet. The control mechanism, is configured to move the transport belt from the home position to the release position with the sheet being attracted to the transport belt when the control mechanism detects a sheet jam, rotate the transport belt in a direction in which the sheet is transported at the release position, and then discharge the sheet from the transport belt.
US08272722B2	Ink cartridges, ink supply systems, and image recording apparatus An ink cartridge includes a case defining an ink chamber therein, in which the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein, and the case comprises a particular wall having an opening formed therethough. The ink cartridge also includes an ink supply portion configured to dispense ink from an interior of the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber, and a sealing portion positioned at the particular wall. A predetermined portion of the sealing portion is configured to selectively cover a first portion of the opening. Moreover, the ink cartridge includes a protrusion positioned at the particular wall, in which the protrusion is configured to selectively cover a second portion of the opening, and a predetermined portion of the protrusion is configured to be selectively connected to the predetermined portion of the sealing portion. When a predetermined amount of force is applied to the protrusion in a predetermined direction the protrusion is configured to move from a first position in which the predetermined portion of the protrusion is connected to the predetermined portion of the sealing portion to a second position in which the predetermined portion of the protrusion is separated from the predetermined portion of the sealing portion to uncover at least a portion of the second portion of the opening.
US08272721B2	Liquid-drop ejecting apparatus and liquid cartridge A liquid-drop ejecting apparatus comprises: a liquid-drop ejection head; a first tank; a second tank; and a negative pressure generation unit. The first tank includes: a liquid storage chamber for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid-drop ejection head; a gas chamber formed above the liquid storage chamber in a first direction; a communication hole connecting the liquid storage chamber and the gas chamber; a gas-permeable membrane affixed to an inner surface of the gas chamber so as to cover the communication hole; and a first groove formed on the inner surface of the gas chamber so as to surround an area where the gas-permeable membrane is affixed. The second tank is for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid storage chamber in the first tank. The negative pressure generation unit which is configured to generate a negative pressure in the gas chamber.
US08272718B2	Image forming apparatus having recording head An image forming apparatus includes a recording head having nozzles for ejecting droplets, a liquid tank that stores liquid to be supplied to the recording head, a first channel member connected to the recording head, a second channel member connected to the liquid tank, a pressure regulation valve including an internal channel that connects the first channel member to the second channel member, a third channel member connecting the pressure regulation valve to one of the second channel member and the liquid tank, and a liquid feed unit disposed on the third channel member to feed the liquid. The pressure regulation valve changes a fluid resistance of the internal channel of the pressure regulation valve in response to a flow amount of the liquid passing through the first channel member and, as liquid droplets are ejected from the nozzles, the liquid feed unit feeds the liquid from the liquid tank to the recording head with the recording head in communication with the liquid tank via the pressure regulation valve.
US08272715B2	Inkjet printhead with high nozzle density An inkjet printhead is provided having an array of ink chambers each including a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle and being defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and underlying wafer substrate with one sidewall having an opening to allow ink to refill the chamber, an ink conduit between the nozzle plate and underlying substrate, and a plurality of ink inlets defined in the substrate. Each conduit is in fluid communication with the openings the chambers and with at least one of the inlets for receiving ink to supply to the chambers. The nozzles are arranged in rows such that the nozzle centers are collinear and the nozzle pitch along each row is greater than 1000 nozzles per inch.
US08272712B2	Image forming apparatus and control method thereof In multipass printing, a mask pattern which increases the degree of dot dispersion in each pass is used for a combination of inks for increasing glossiness when printing an image. Contrary, a mask pattern which decreases the degree of dot dispersion in each pass is used for a combination of inks for decreasing glossiness. Thus, an entire image can be made uniformly glossy by suppressing gloss unevenness within the image.
US08272708B2	Printhead with individual nozzle firing frequency at least once per decap time An inkjet printhead has nozzles and respective heater elements. A print engine controller actuates the heater elements to eject ink through the corresponding nozzle. During use, the print engine controller actuates each of the heater elements at least once every decap time. The decap time is a predetermined time period in which the viscosity of the ejectable liquid at the nozzle increases to a threshold, at which ejection fails and the nozzle clogs.
US08272706B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus, and control method thereof, capable of controlling residual vibrations following the ejection of liquid A driving signal includes an ejection driving pulse having an expansion element and a constriction element, and a non-ejection driving pulse having an expansion element and a holding element and a constriction element. The length of time from the end of the constriction element in the ejection driving pulse to the beginning of the expansion element in the non-ejection driving pulse is taken as t; the lengths of time of the expansion element, holding element, and constriction element in the non-ejection driving pulse are taken as a, b, and c, respectively; and the inherent vibration cycle of the liquid within the pressurizing chamber is taken as Tc. t, a, b, and c are within the ranges defined by the following equations: Tc/4≦t≦Tc/2 (1) (5Tc/8)−t≦a≦(3 Tc/4)−t (2) b+c=Tc−t−a (3).
US08272705B2	Liquid ejection apparatus and non-transitory storage medium storing program A liquid ejection apparatus including: a flushing-operation-data producing section which produces flushing-operation data for flashing of ink; a second-liquid-ejection-data producing section which produces data about ejection of treatment liquid such that (i) the treatment liquid is to be landed on a dot area on which the ink is to be landed upon forming an image dot among dot areas and (ii) an amount of the treatment liquid landed to be on at least one dot area on which the ink is to be landed upon flashing of the ink is made smaller, by referring the flushing-operation data produced by the flushing-operation-data producing section, than an amount of the treatment liquid to be landed on a dot area on which the ink is not to be landed upon flashing; and a second-liquid controlling section which controls a head on the basis of the data produced by the second-liquid-ejection-data producing section.
US08272700B2	Vehicle brake apparatus A pressure regulating valve unit 7 is configured to be electrically driven according to a detection value of a detection unit 74 adapted to detect an amount of brake application effort made by a brake operation member 5 so as to switch states of the vehicle brake apparatus between a state where a boosted hydraulic pressure chamber 9 is made to communicate with a hydraulic pressure generating source 6 while a communication between the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber 9 and a reservoir R is interrupted, a state where the communication between the boosted pressure chamber 9 and the hydraulic pressure generating source 6 is interrupted while the boosted pressure chamber 9 is made to communicate with the reservoir R, and a state where the boosted hydraulic pressure chamber 9 is disconnected from both the hydraulic pressure generating source 6 and the reservoir R.
US08272698B2	Wheel spindle structure of bicycle This invention relates to a wheel spindle structure of a bicycle, in which a wheel spindle is inserted in a wheel hub so as to fix the wheel body. The wheel spindle, made of rigid titanium alloy, is cut to have a plurality of recessed grooves provided around the circumference extending along the axial direction. By providing the recessed grooves, rigidity of the wheel spindle is reduced so as to increase its elasticity. This results in high elastic force with slight elongation-contraction, whereby the wheel body can roll to move smoothly so as to remarkably increase the steering capability of the bicycle.
US08272697B2	Inward hanging method and vehicle seat A trim cover is inwardly hung into inward hanging grooves of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat includes a cushion pad having right and left bank faces. A number of workpieces are cut out. Portions of the cut out workpieces are gathered. There portions correspond to lateral inward hanging ends located at lateral end portions of inward hanging margins of the cut out workpieces. The gathered portions are sewn so as to curve, into inward hanging directions, the inward hanging margin portions of the workpieces thereby contracting obverse surface materials of the workpieces. Inward hanging members are mounted to the trim cover. the inward hanging members are inserted into longitudinal inward hanging grooves. Fasteners engage the inward hanging members and engagement members of the cushion pad.
US08272694B2	Articulating passenger seat A passenger seat, having a seat back, and a seat bottom, including a seat pan, supported by a frame mounted on laterally spaced-apart legs for being mounted to the deck of the aircraft by track fittings. A seat back frame assembly and a seat bottom assembly are joined for articulating movement such that when the seat back is reclined, the seat pan is shifted forward and the forward end of the seat pan and thus the seat bottom is raised in order to maintain an appropriate passenger seating angle.
US08272685B2	Vehicle seat with air duct An automotive vehicle seat back adapted for movement between an upright position and a lowered position has an air duct with an intake located adjacent an upper portion of the seat back and an outlet located adjacent a lower portion of the seat back. The air duct takes in ambient cabin air at its upper end and that air is directed to an electronics compartment located behind the seat in order to cool the electronics regardless of whether the seat back is in the raised or the lowered position.
US08272683B2	Vehicle roof assembly A vehicle roof assembly includes a vehicle roof structure, an accessory frame and a moveable member. The vehicle roof structure includes a first roof section with a mounting slot and a second roof section with a mounting structure. The accessory frame includes a first frame end that includes a mounting flange, and a second frame end that includes a complementary mounting structure. The mounting flange engages the mounting slot to couple the accessory frame to the vehicle roof structure and to enable the accessory frame to pivot relative to the vehicle roof structure between a pre-installation position and an installed position where the complementary mounting structure engages the mounting structure. The movable member is coupled to the accessory frame and moves between a first position proximate to one of the first and second frame ends, and a second position proximate to the other of the first and second frame ends.
US08272682B2	Chassis of a vehicle provided with an extruded central pillar A chassis of a vehicle, the chassis is provided with a pair of door sills arranged longitudinally under the door zone and each having a through hole, and a pair of central pillars, each of which raises perpendicularly and vertically from a door sill, is made of one piece, is inserted in an interlocking way in the through hole of a window sill and is welded to the window sill at the through hole.
US08272681B2	Process for producing a locally hardened profile component, locally hardened profile component and use of a locally hardened profile component A process for producing a profile component from a semi-finished sheet metal part, which at least in certain sections has a structurally increased strength. The semi-finished sheet metal part is formed in an at least a single-stage bending process. The bending process and also subsequent parting and cutting operations on the semi-finished sheet metal part are combined with a thermal treatment of at least one geometrically delineated region of the semi-finished sheet metal part. The thermal treatment comprises at least one heating step and is combined with a subsequent cooling step, in such a way that the at least one geometrically delineated region has a structurally increased strength after cooling. Bending can be effected by using roller profiling wherein rollers are preferably cooled or swage bending.
US08272680B2	Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
US08272678B2	Sliding door system for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a sliding door system, comprising at least one sliding door, wherein a guide rail is provided in the vehicle body in the vicinity of the door opening. A guiding element can be displaced along the guide rail, the element being connected to the sliding door via a retaining arm. The sliding door system has a power conducting unit, which is formed by members connected to each other in an articulated manner for receiving and guiding at least one line, which extends from a stationary connection on a vehicle body to a connecting element. The power conducting unit can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. The guide rail overlaps the power conducting unit at least in some regions.
US08272677B2	Tensioning bow for a convertible top The invention relates to a tensioning bow for a convertible top, a convertible top for a convertible vehicle, a convertible vehicle and a method for mounting a convertible top to a body of a convertible vehicle. The tensioning bow comprises a main segment having a first end and a second end, a first pivotable segment being assigned to the first end of the main segment, and a second segment, wherein a first rotary joint pivotably connects the first pivotable segment to a portion of the main segment, and wherein a second rotary joint pivotably connects the first pivotable segment to the second segment.
US08272672B2	Suspension device A suspension device for receiving a load includes a U-shaped lifting arm, a mounting plate for receiving a load and provided on the lifting arm, a guide rod extending between the legs of the U-shaped lifting arm, a suspending fishplate displaceable along the guide rod for suspending the suspension device from a lifting/support unit, and a damping member arranged between one of the legs of the U-shaped arm and the suspending fishplate, with a stiffness of the damping member being selected to a predetermined angle to a horizontal.
US08272669B2	Label assembly for applying a label to an object A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration tab aligned with the label shape. The registration tab includes a foldable portion that when folded provides rigidity when the tab is used as a supporting leg to place the label assembly over an object during labeling.
US08272666B2	Column-mounted knee airbag device An airbag module is stored within a column lower cover of a steering column. The airbag module is structured to include a supporting plate, an inflator, and a knee airbag. A gap is formed between a lower surface of the knee airbag and the column lower cover. Ribs are formed to project at inner side surfaces of corner portions of the column lower cover. The ribs are pressed against the knee airbag and are made to be an interfering design.
US08272664B2	Airbag lateral flap The airbag assembly features an airbag cushion, a deployment flap, an extension flap attached to the deployment flap, and a lateral flap. The deployment flap is configured to protect the airbag cushion as it deploys from the module housing. The extension flap is configured to position the airbag cushion during deployment. The lateral flap is configured to allow for proper airbag deployment.
US08272663B2	Tow assembly for heavy trucks A tow assembly for a truck for high capacity loads provides independent load paths interconnected to a tow eye for bearing a towing load. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting interface having a front face and oppositely located side faces and defining an interior space, a first outer member extending from one side face of the mounting box, a second outer member extending from an opposite side face of the mounting box, an inner member disposed and extending through the first outer member, the interface, and the second outer member, and, a tow eye mounted to the front face of the interface and structurally interconnected to the inner bar. Towing loads are transmitted to the mounting interface and distributed and shared by the inner member and first and second tube structure.
US08272661B2	Gooseneck hitch assembly A gooseneck hitch assembly is provided for attaching to a towing vehicle. The hitch assembly generally includes a hitch ball head assembly and retaining assembly for receiving and securing the hitch ball head assembly. The retaining assembly includes a channel coupled to a locking collar. Once the hitch ball head assembly is inserted into the channel, the collar is released and resilient members guide the collar to its offset resting position to lock the hitch ball head assembly in place. Alternatively, the collar is released and resilient members guide a lever into a circumscribed groove of the hitch ball head assembly, thereby locking the hitch ball head assembly in place. The hitch ball head is removable and may be selectively received by the retaining assembly in both towing and inverted positions. Optionally, the hitch assembly may be protected or covered by a housing.
US08272658B2	Rear suspension system for a bicycle A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. Upon displacement of the rear wheel, the rear suspension system allows the rear wheel to move from a general first position to a second position, and then acts to return the rear wheel to the general first position. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference. The bicycle may include a rear frame couple with a front frame through first and second pivot translating assemblies, the orientations and/or shapes of which affect the rear wheel path as well as the leverage ratios.
US08272655B2	Mini bike having pedal as a power generator A mini bike for strengthening a leg muscle, and for enjoying amusement and a leisure time is provided. The mini bike having a pedal as a power generator includes: a driver having a first bevel gear in order to transmit rotation power generated by a rolling motion of a pedal; a second bevel gear installed to transmit rotation power generated in the driver; a first power transmission gear coaxially installed in the second bevel gear to transmit rotation power to a spline shaft; a clutch positioned at the spline shaft to selectively connect rotation power of the first power transmission gear to a first gearshift and a second gearshift and for controlling a low speed and a high speed; a first driving gear and a second driving gear for rotating by selection of the clutch; and a driving controller including a gearshift in which the clutch is connected to the cable in order to select the first gearshift and the second gearshift. Therefore, when young boys and girls go to or coming from a school, when office workers go to or come from their office, when an adult enjoys a leisure time, as well as when children enjoy amusement, the bike can be used, and when riding on the bike, the user can enjoy a low speed or a high speed, and the bike can be used for strengthening a leg muscle.
US08272654B2	Locking pin mechanism for a transport semi-trailer A locking pin mechanism for a transport semi-trailer, the locking pin mechanism is used for locking longitudinally extending members of a frame of a transport semi-trailer together with a trailer body movably arranged on the longitudinally extending members. The locking pin mechanism comprises at least two bolt assemblies and a linkage assembly for driving the at least two bolt assemblies. The bolt assembly comprises a bolt, an inner spring, a sliding sleeve, an outer spring and a bracket. The sliding sleeve at an end away from its sliding sleeve end-plate is connected with the linkage assembly; the linkage assembly can be pulled such that the sliding sleeve of the bolt assembly is compresses the inner and outer springs to force the bolt to be pulled out from a locating hole under an action of an elastic force of the inner spring; and after the linkage assembly is released, the bolt can be inserted into the locating hole under the action of the elastic force of the outer spring. The locking pin mechanism of the invention provides an improved operability, an excellent reliability and a convenience in operation.
US08272651B2	Torsion beam type suspension A torsion beam type suspension has no risk that a beam body will directly contact with a fuel tank, or that a frontward projecting portion of a stabilizer will contact with the fuel tank. In a torsion beam type suspension in which a pair of trailing arms are connected to the beam body to form an H-shaped torsion beam, and both ends of the stabilizer separate from the torsion beam are connected to the trailing arms, both-side parts of the stabilizer 7 extending along the beam body 2a are attached to a vehicle body 4, a portion between vehicle body attachment parts 9 of the stabilizer 7 is curved downward, and the curved part 10 is disposed at the rear of the fuel tank 11 and in front of the beam body 2a.
US08272650B2	Low-end adjustment mechanism for vehicle suspensions A low-end adjusting mechanism for vehicle suspensions useful for compensating rolling and pitching motions and for leveling purposes, in which a vehicle spring (1) having a longitudinal axis is mounted between two spring seats or receptacles (2, 3), and at least one spring seat can be adjusted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spring by rod shaped coupling elements which are mounted at both ends in an articulated or pivotable manner.
US08272645B2	Tool replacing device A tool replacing device including a case member is disclosed. In the case member, engaging balls supported between a holding member and a movable member is projected into the holding member by an extruding surface of the movable member, resiliently urged by a second spring, thereby allowing a tool to be engaged. By pressing the movable member against a resilient urging force of the second spring, the engaging balls can be moved in the movable member. Also, since there are provided shock sensors for detecting a moving distance of the holding member holding the tool, collision or the like of the tool can be detected. Even if power supply is stopped, the present tool replacing device can hold the tool.
US08272637B2	Sheet tray unit with three tray portions and tray stopper, and image recording device comprising said sheet tray unit A sheet tray unit includes a particular feed tray configured to hold one or more sheets therein, and a discharge tray disposed on the particular feed tray and configured to receive a discharged sheet. The discharge tray includes a first discharge tray portion, a second discharge tray portion, and a third discharge tray portion. The first discharge tray portion is configured to support the second discharge tray portion such that the second discharge tray portion selectively slides in a first direction and in a second direction, which is opposite and substantially parallel to the first direction. The second discharge tray portion is configured to support the third discharge tray portion such that the third discharge tray portion selectively slides in the first direction and in the second direction. The first discharge tray portion includes a stopper configured to limit the third discharge tray portion from sliding in the first direction beyond a predetermined position.
US08272635B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a medium placing portion on which a medium is placed, a feed roller rotatably provided in contact with the medium placed on the medium placing portion so as to feed the medium, guide members disposed on both sides of the feed roller for guiding the medium being fed. The guide members are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the medium. A biasing unit is provided for biasing the guide members in a direction toward the medium.
US08272634B2	Sheet feeding device, and image forming device There is provided a sheet feeding device in which a sheet is discriminated at preliminary loosening before feeding, and is set to be controlled according to the type of the sheet by a simple configuration without requiring a special configuration. In the sheet feeding device in which air is blown onto a sheet stack, and a sheet floating at the uppermost level by the blowing is absorbed and conveyed, a sheet type is discriminated, based on a moving amount of the tray, at preliminary loosening before sheet feeding after setting the sheet in a tray.
US08272632B2	Bookbinding apparatus, bookbinding system and image formation processing system In a bookbinding apparatus, an adhesive applying portion applies an adhesive to an end face of a sheet bundle allowed to stand in the substantially vertical direction, a storage portion that gathers and stores the sheet bundle which is applied with the adhesive and bound in the adhesive applying portion while letting the sheet bundle stand in the substantially vertical direction, transport means for conveying the sheet bundle while letting the sheet bundle stand in the substantially vertical direction from the adhesive applying portion to the storage portion along a substantially vertical transport path, and a cutting portion which is provided on the transport path between the adhesive applying portion and the storage portion, and which cuts an end face of the sheet bundle while letting the sheet bundle stand in the substantially vertical direction.
US08272625B1	Retaining bracket for a fence gate A retaining bracket for a fence gate used to secure the gates in a closed position relative to the fence includes a pair of axial members and a center “U”-shaped neck portion. Each opposing axial member is comprised of a straight rod and is attached to the neck portion. In use, a user holds an existing gate in the closed position and inserts an end portion of each axial member downward into a top-facing aperture located in a fence post and an adjacently opposing gate posts, thereby retaining the gate in its closed position.
US08272624B1	Fence engageable weed barrier system A fence engageable weed barrier system includes a fence that is mounted in and extends upwardly from the from a ground surface. The fence includes a fence section comprising at least one post and a dividing wall attached to and extending laterally away from the at least one post. Each of a plurality of primary barriers is positioned beneath the fence section and receives a bottom edge of the dividing wall to prevent weed growth beneath the fence section. Each of the primary barriers includes a base wall that has a top side a front edge and a back edge. A back wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the back edge. A front wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the front edge. A dividing wall receiving space is defined between the front and back walls and receives the bottom edge of the dividing wall.
US08272620B2	Formwork system having bolt element ties rotatably journaled in respective captively connected locking elements The invention relates to a formwork system which comprises formwork elements having opposite formwork interior surfaces, which can be interlinked at a distance to one another by means of formwork ties. Said formwork ties are constituted of a bolt element and two locking elements that are configured so as to be coupled to the bolt elements in the two distal areas thereof facing away from each other and that are adapted to transmit tensile forces from the formwork elements onto the bolt element. The formwork system is characterized in that the locking elements comprise coupling elements for transmitting pressure forces from the formwork elements onto the bolt element.
US08272614B1	Balancing article suspension device A device for supporting and suspending objects from a balance point on a surface. The device includes a balance contact, a retainer region, a display body, and a display surface. The display surface of the device may be configured into a design representing a particular figure or logo, or may simply be aesthetically pleasing. By using a balance contact on the surface without a counterbalance, the device provides a visually striking, unique way of holding objects.
US08272610B2	Wall mountable holder In one aspect, a holder assembly includes a substrate-mountable holder having a metal base having a centerline, the base having a plurality of openings to receive a plurality of fasteners, a generally symmetrical wireform having a pair of legs with a portion therebetween, the portion welded to the base, each leg having a first segment extending parallel to the base and a second segment extending outwardly of the base. First segment of each leg may be generally parallel to the centerline, or first segment may be angled with respect to the centerline. Second segment of legs may extend generally linearly outwardly of the base or may have radii of curvature.
US08272604B2	Locking arm pedestal system The locking arm pedestal system includes a clevis assembly pivotally attached to a plurality of pivotal arms. One of the arms is pivotally attached to a telescoping arm housed in a base, the telescoping arm setting the desired height of the clevis assembly. The base is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle console and floor. The clevis assembly includes a pivotal mounting bracket where an item can be mounted thereon at a desired angle. A pivot locking joint prevents the mounting bracket from pivoting from the desired angle. Each of the pivotal arms also includes similarly configured pivot locking joints to set the desired position of the clevis assembly with respect to the user. Fasteners clamp the locking pivot joints in place.
US08272602B2	Stand for electronic device A stand includes a base, a supporting member and a connecting member. The supporting member is spaced from the base and comprises a supporting portion and an arm pivotally engaging with the supporting portion. The arm is rotatable towards the supporting portion. The connecting member connects the base and the supporting member. The connecting member comprises a plurality of connecting portions foldaway relative to each other.
US08272594B2	Laminar flow wing optimized for supersonic cruise aircraft A method of providing an aircraft having a fuselage and a wing configured for extensive laminar flow at design cruise conditions, the method characterized by a) providing wing biconvex-type airfoils having values of thickness, chord and shape along the wing span which provide substantially optimal aircraft range at design cruise conditions, considering the influences of wing drag and wing weight; b) providing wing leading edges, which are configured to effect laminar flow; c) providing fuselage and wing contours which, in combination, produce reduced total wave drag and produce extensive areas of laminar boundary layer flow on the wing; and d) providing wing sweep angularity that facilitates provision of a), b) and c).
US08272592B2	Method and system for controlling helicopter vibrations A method/system for controlling helicopter vibrations is provided that includes a vibration canceling force generator for actively generating a vibration canceling force. The system includes a resonant actuator having a natural resonant frequency and a resonant actuator electronic control system. The resonant actuator electronic control system provides an electrical drive current to the resonant actuator to drive the resonant actuator about the resonant frequency when commanded by a received command signal. The resonant actuator has a feedback output with the feedback output fed back into the resonant actuator electronic control system wherein the resonant actuator electronic control system adjusts the electrical drive current based on the resonant actuator feedback output to generate the vibration canceling force.
US08272590B2	Tape winding apparatus A tape winding apparatus includes: a rotating device configured to rotate a wind-up core for winding a tape into a roll which defines a tape roll; a push roller configured to be pressed against the tape roll, the push roller contacting with and rolling on an outer periphery of the tape roll at a tape feeding position where the tape is fed onto the tape roll; a feeding direction control guide arranged upstream from the push roller as viewed in a running direction of the tape and configured to control a tape-feeding direction of the tape that is fed onto the tape roll; and a movement device configured to move at least one of the push roller and the feeding direction control guide such that the tape-feeding direction conforms with a tangential direction of the tape roll at the tape feeding position.
US08272587B2	Entrance chute for blowing insulation machine A machine for distributing insulation from a bag of insulation having a cross-sectional shape is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is oriented in a substantially vertical plane and is configured to receive the bag of insulation. The inlet end has opposing longitudinal sides configured to be substantially horizontal in orientation. The inlet end also has opposing lateral sides connected to the longitudinal sides. The opposing lateral sides are configured to be shorter than the opposing longitudinal sides and further configured to be substantially vertical in orientation. A plurality of shredders is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the insulation. A discharge mechanism is provided for distributing the insulation into an airstream. The chute has a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the bag of insulation.
US08272586B2	Method for detecting the amount of grains within a grinding device A method for detecting an amount of grains within a container of a rotating grinding member is described, said method comprising the steps of: supplying (FORP1) a first driving torque to the rotating grinding member during a first interval (T1) of a grinding cycle (CM); —having (CTM1OO) a first value indicative of a period of rotation of said member at the first driving torque; supplying (RP2) the rotating grinding member, during a second interval (T2) of said cycle, with a second driving torque lower than the first driving torque; —measuring (CTM50) a second value indicative of the relative period of rotation of said member at the second driving torque, processing (CDTR, CNFR) the first and second values in order to generate information (ALR) indicative of the amount of grains being within the container.
US08272579B2	Mechanically integrated and closely coupled print head and mist source A deposition apparatus comprising one or more atomizers structurally integrated with a deposition head. The entire head may be replaceable, and prefilled with material. The deposition head may comprise multiple nozzles. Also an apparatus for three dimensional materials deposition comprising a tiltable deposition head attached to a non-tiltable atomizer. Also methods and apparatuses for depositing different materials either simultaneously or sequentially.
US08272576B2	Gas dynamic virtual nozzle for generation of microscopic droplet streams A nozzle for producing a single-file stream of droplets of a fluid, methods using the nozzle, and an injector, comprising the nozzle of the invention, for providing the single-file stream of droplets of a fluid to a high-vacuum system are described. The nozzle comprises two concentric tubes wherein the outer tube comprises a smoothly converging-diverging exit channel and the outlet end of the first tube is positioned within the converging section of the exit channel.
US08272574B2	Document for personal identification having protection against external manipulations and a method for producing A document for personal identification, having a chip module including the following components: a chip and a leadframe, wherein the chip is connected to the leadframe, an outer cover, wherein the outer cover is connected to a transponder substrate. A first component of the chip module is connected to the outer cover and a second component of the chip module is connected to the transponder substrate in such a way that, in the case of separation of outer cover and transponder substrate, the first component of the chip module is separated from the second component of the chip module.
US08272572B2	Secure insert intended, notably, for a chip card The invention relates to an insert for a multilayer chip card, including an intermediate sheet and, on either side of the intermediate sheet, at least one outer sheet having a face in close contact with the corresponding face of the intermediate sheet, the intermediate sheet including at least one recess prior to the lamination of the insert. The insert having at least one of the outer sheets is made from a fluent material, such that, when the intermediate sheet is being laminated with the outer sheets, part of the material of the outer sheets moves into the recess in the intermediate sheet, thereby forming a visual and/or tactile defect on the surface of the insert, indicating whether of not the insert and/or the chip card is authentic.
US08272571B2	E-paper display control of classified content based on e-paper conformation A system for one or more portions of one or more regions of an electronic paper assembly having one or more display layers includes, but is not limited to: one or more conformation sensor modules configured to direct acquisition of first information associated with one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly and one or more multi-layer display control modules configured to direct control of display of one or more portions of one or more display layers of the electronic paper assembly regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08272570B2	Multi-modal one-dimensional barcodes Techniques for decoding a multi-modal barcode are provided. The techniques include scanning a multi-modal barcode into a grayscale image, applying a threshold to quantize the grayscale image into a monochrome image, passing the monochrome image to 1D barcode recovery to reconstruct a primary barcode, applying a horizontally-oriented edge detector to the grayscale image to quantize grayscale into monochrome, passing the monochrome image to a 1D barcode recovery process to reconstruct a secondary barcode to decode the multi-modal barcode.
US08272565B2	Transaction card assembly with transaction card and auxiliary item A transaction card assembly includes a transaction card, a foldable backer, and an article. The transaction card includes an account identifier fixedly connected thereto. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal and links the transaction card to a financial account or record. The foldable backer supports the transaction card and defines an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and a viewing aperture extending from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The article is coupled with the interior surface of the foldable backer such that a portion of the article is viewable through the viewing aperture when the foldable backer is in a folded configuration around the article. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of facilitating use of a transaction product and other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08272564B2	Check carrier The check carrier consists of an envelope of translucent material that is dimensioned to closely conform to the dimensions of a standard check. The back of the check carrier includes an endorsement window through which a bank or other financial institution can apply its endorsement stamp directly to the check. The bottom of the check carrier may be provided with an area for receiving the MICR printing such that the MICR can be read directly off of the carrier. The MICR area can be removed. The open end of the check carrier can be sealed closed using a repositionable adhesive. The adhesive can also be used interior of the check carrier such that the adhesive contacts the check to fix the check within the carrier.
US08272563B1	Security to prevent transaction activity until audit is complete Methods and devices provide security to prevent transaction activity until an audit is complete. A cash handling device such as, for example, a cash recycler may include a processor for executing computer-executable instructions, memory that stores the computer-executable instructions, and an input means for receiving user input. The computer executable instructions may cause the apparatus to: allow a first input to the input means in order to indicate that an audit is to be performed, prevent any further transactions on the cash handling until the audit is complete, allow a second input to the input means in order to indicate that the audit is complete, and allow any further transactions to proceed after the audit is complete.
US08272560B2	Container with triangulated corners A multi-sided container comprises a bottom wall, opposite side walls, opposite end walls, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. The multi-sided container also comprises diagonal corners connecting adjacent ends of the side walls and the end walls. The diagonal corners each comprising an inner diagonal corner panel and an outer diagonal corner panel. One of the inner and outer diagonal corner panels extends at an angle of less than 45° with respect to an adjacent end wall, and the other of said inner and outer diagonal corner panels extends at an angle of less than 45° with respect to an adjacent side wall. One of the inner and outer diagonal corner panels has a major thrust vector in a direction parallel to the transverse axis of the container and said other of said inner and outer diagonal corner panels has a major thrust vector in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The inner and outer diagonal corner panels provide resistance to both lateral and longitudinal deflection of the container.
US08272558B2	Suspension file The invention relates to a suspension file (10, 110) for accepting documents, comprising a web (12) made of foldable material with two top edges (14) and two lateral edges (16) which interconnect the top edges (14). The web (12) is folded on a bottom (20) of the file so as to form at least one fold (18) and is provided with two sidewalls (22) that extend from the bottom (20) of the file to the top edges (14). Hooks (26) that project from the lateral edges (16) are attached to the top edges (14). The suspension file (10, 110) further comprises at least one reinforcement element (36) which is connected to the web (12) and extends from one top edge (14) to the other along one of the lateral edges (16). According to the invention, the at least one reinforcement element (36) is arranged at a distance from the respective lateral edge (16).
US08272557B1	Shield for a cutting or welding torch A torch shield includes a receptacle having a geometric shape with a central opening. A plurality of chains are disposed on the receptacle, such that the chains hang below the receptacle. A collar is connected to the receptacle for securing the receptacle to a shaft.
US08272552B2	Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staple sizes A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08272547B1	Motorcycle carrier apparatus The motorcycle carrier apparatus provides several important features, first, not only three cross supports but also two angle supports beneath the platform upon which the motorcycle is removably placed, accommodating even the heaviest of motorcycles, a removable ramp for ease in loading and unloading. A further important feature is the clamp bar that provides the dual frame mounts that bolt to a motorcycle upper frame member. The positive attachment of these frame mounts ensures that a motorcycle is rigidly mounted and supported, with no chance of unintentional motorcycle movement or potential loss. The clamp bar is importantly height adjustable so that most motorcycles are accommodated.
US08272543B2	Combination of full flow cap valve and neck finish Present invention provides a combination of one-piece full flow cap valve and improved neck finish of a fluid bottle. The one-piece full flow cap valve is constructed of a single injection molded piece, capable of discharging fluid at full flow capacity.
US08272533B1	No touch utensil dispenser A device for dispensing cutlery utensils individually, having a housing containing a quantity of utensils with the housing having sides and product guides within. The front wall contains an opposing leaf escapement mechanism connected to it, to hold and singulate the utensils such that they dispense seriatim, without a user being required to physically touch or interface with any part of dispenser other than the actual desired utensil.
US08272532B2	Beverage container lid A beverage container lid for a container base having a reservoir, the lid comprising a shell removably mountable on the base comprising a first drink passage that extends through the shell and communicates with ambient and a cartridge removably engageable to the shell. A second drink passage is in communication with the first drink passage and is formed between an outer surface of the cartridge and inner surface of the shell. The cartridge comprises a valve that is moveable between an open condition and closed condition to control communication between the reservoir and second drink passage.
US08272528B2	Multi-nut retention mechanism A utility box having a housing, and a ring that forms a hole that receives an attachment from a cover. A fastener retention piece has a first recess in a first surface, a second recess within the first recess, and a third recess in a second surface. The first and second recesses retain fasteners when the first surface is adjacent a lower surface of the ring. The third retaining recess retains a fastener when the second surface is adjacent the lower surface of the ring. The fasteners secure the attachment depending from the cover, and the recesses prohibit complete rotation of the fasteners.
US08272526B1	Tamper evident pull-tab container A container has a lid (20) that can be opened only by lifting and pulling a pull tab (30), with lifting of the pull-tab resulting in an evident change. The pull tab (30) is held down by attachment (interference fit, weld, glue) to a lid surface (38) by a hold-down (40) that is joined to the pull tab by a pair of bridges (52, 54). When the pull tab is lifted, the bridges are broken. Thereafter, the pull-tab springs up slightly from the lid plane, under the force of one or more spring walls (80, 81) and a hinge (34), which makes it evident that the container has been opened.
US08272525B1	Lip-openable spill-proof container A lip-openable lid is provided for use in connection with a container or container cap having a valve seat and an opening for egress of container contents. A lip-openable container is also provided that employs the lip-openable lid. The lid is comprised of a gasket with a lip-engageable annular wall, a central portion radially inward of the wall, and a peripheral flange that is engageable with the valve seat. The lid includes a rigid support that has liquid flow openings, supports the central portion of the gasket and positions the gasket against the valve seat. The lid can also include means for securing the gasket to the support. The central portion of the gasket is comprised of a flexible elastomer and is capable of flexing and stretching to displace the flange from the valve seat when downward pressure is applied against the gasket. When downward pressure is applied, the central portion of the gasket contacts the rigid support and flexes and stretches downward from and/or over the rigid support. The annular wall and the flange can be comprised of flexible elastomeric material. The flange can include a rigidifying material.
US08272524B2	Floating roof emergency draining system sealing valve A valve for a floating roof emergency drainage system for draining fluid accumulated atop the floating roof, including a valve body having a top part having a cylindrical bore of first diameter, a bottom part formed by a circumferential wall which extends axially downward from the top part and defines within the wall a cylindrical bore of second diameter that is generally coaxial with and greater than the first diameter, thereby defining at the junction of the top and bottom part bores a downward facing shoulder which serves as a valve seat, the circumferential wall of the bottom part having at least one fluid discharge passage extending transversely therethrough for discharge of the fluid from the valve, a valve seal element axially movable in the bottom part bore between an upper closed position where it abuts the shoulder, and a lower open position spaced axially downward from the upper closed position, and a spring mounted in the bottom part and constantly biasing the valve seal element toward the upper closed position, the valve seal element in the open position being at least partially below the fluid discharge passage in the bottom part bore, thus providing a passageway, when the valve seal element is in the open position, for fluid to flow through the top part bore, past the shoulder and to exit the valve via the fluid discharge opening.
US08272522B2	Break-away impact-resistant tip A closure for a container, the closure including a spout having a dispensing nozzle and a tip attached to the spout at a break-away junction. The break-away junction is recessed from the nozzle such that a user is protected from rough or jagged edges that may be created when the tip is broken away from the spout. The spout also has an orifice that is smaller than the dispensing nozzle for controlling the rate or amount of product dispensed from the container, the orifice remaining intact when the tip is broken away from the spout. The tip is sufficiently flexible to absorb an impact, such as from the container being dropped, but is sufficiently stiff that a user can fracture the break-away junction by applying sideways force to the tip. The closure may be attached to the container by a cap body or may be formed integrally with the container.
US08272521B1	Crane moment load and load delivery system control and method The present invention is a crane operating system and method which monitors the crane moment load in order to keep the crane within the safe operating envelope. In determining the current crane moment load the system considers boom raising cylinder pressure, boom angle, chassis incline, as well as hydraulic pressure.
US08272520B2	Standalone open frame A method for a standalone open frame in one example is configured to support a rack-mount electronic component of a predetermined size selected from any of a plurality of predetermined sizes. The standalone open frame is configured to securely engage the rack-mount electronic component through employment of at least one set of rack-mount adapters that is configured for the predetermined size of the rack-mount electronic component.
US08272519B1	Rotatable display carousel A rotatable display carousel may include a stationary central rod and a bottom plate rotatably mounted about the central rod. A plurality of shelf sections may be rotatably positioned above the bottom plate respectively. A rotating mechanism may be used to simultaneously rotate each shelf section respectively by rotating the bottom plate about the central rod. In this manner, each shelf section rotates in sync based upon a rotational speed of the bottom plate. The central rod remains stationary while the bottom plate and the shelf sections rotate respectively. The structural arrangement enables the plurality of shelf sections to be dynamically linked to the bottom plate in such a manner that the shelf sections synchronously rotate upon rotation of the bottom plate.
US08272516B2	Fluid filter system An endcap including a first plate member including a radial inner portion, a radial outer portion, and defining a longitudinal axis. The endcap also includes a flange disposed between the radial inner and outer portions of the first plate member and projecting axially along the longitudinal axis in a first direction. The endcap also includes a first seal member disposed adjacent the flange. The first seal includes a first portion thereof engaged with an axial facing surface of the first plate member and a second portion thereof engaged with a radially facing surface of the flange. The endcap further includes a second plate member disposed radially outward of the radial outer portion and a second seal member disposed adjacent the second plate member including at least a portion thereof axially spaced from the axially facing surface of the first plate member in a second direction along the longitudinal axis opposite the first direction.
US08272515B2	Packaged article containing electronic device A packaged article containing an electronic device which comprises an electronic device-packaging carrier tape and an electronic device-packaging cover tape, wherein a layer in the cover tape contacting with the carrier tape contains an adhesive resin (A), an electrically-charged resin. (B) charging opposite to the charging polarity of the adhesive resin (A) generating at the time of friction between the adhesive resin (A) and the electronic device, and a metallic filler and/or carbon, and wherein the packaged article containing an electronic device is capable of preventing the adhesion of the electronic devices to the cover tape (pickup failure) resulting from the static and the part breakage by ESD, by inhibiting the static caused by the friction between the contained electronic devices, particularly small/light weight electronic devices, and the cover tape.
US08272505B2	Expandable soft-sided jewelry organizer with secured display compartments The jewelry organizer includes a case with a top portion and a base portion hingedly connected to one another and structured and disposed to be controllably and completely attached to one another to enclose a plurality of storage compartments. Each of the compartments is attached to an inside of one of the top and bottom portions in a manner that allows the compartments to fold over one another in a nesting fashion. Each compartment is at least partially made of an at least partially transparent material that allows the contents of the compartment to be visible without opening the compartment. Accordingly, the jewelry organizer allows jewelry to be visualized and accessed without removing other jewelry items or opening more than one compartment.
US08272504B2	Fastener assembly for a conveyor chain, a carrier for use with the fastener assembly and method for modifying a conveyor chain The present invention relates to a fastener assembly (1) for attaching a carrier (2) to a conveyor chain (3). The fastener assembly (1) comprises a first and a second link plate (4, 5), connected by means of link pins (9) such that they define between them an interspace (6). The first link plate (4) has an outer side (8). The fastener assembly (1) further comprises a fastener (10) for a carrier (2), which fastener (10) is attached to the first link plate (4) at the outer side (8) thereof by means of a retainer (11), which retainer (11) at least partially encompasses the first link plate (4) and extends into the interspace (6). The present invention also relates to a carrier (2) for use with the fastener assembly (1), a conveyor chain (3) comprising at least one fastener assembly (1) and a method for modifying a conveyor chain (3).
US08272503B2	Support device for a conveyor installation and method for operation of a conveyor installation A support device for the support of conveyed objects includes a roller body with a series of rollers, which run along a path and support the conveyed objects in a support region. The rollers roll in the support region on a support surface. Thereby, the following steps are carried out: relieving the rollers on entering into a part region of the support region; aligning the relieved rollers; renewed loading of the rollers on leaving the part region of the support device. For this, at least one recess of the support surface is present in the support region, wherein a roller which is located in the region of the recess, may be moved into the recess.
US08272498B2	Conveyor for transporting and overturning flat objects, such as sheaves of paper or printed materials In a conveyor for transporting and overturning flat objects, such as sheaves of paper or printed materials, a first ring-bound belt (10) is positioned above a second belt (20), which is also ring-wound, in such a way that an active branch (13) of the first belt (10) faces and is in contact with a corresponding active branch (23) of the second belt (20). The first belt (10) and the second belt (20) are subject to an axial torsion of 180°, thus exchanging their positions in such a way that the sheaves (2) which are inserted into an input section (30) exit overturned from an output section (40). Further, the first belt (10) is longitudinally staggered in relation to the second belt (20), in such a way that an upstream roller (11) of the first belt (10) is staggered in relation to a corresponding upstream roller (21) of the second belt (20), and that the downstream roller (22) of the second belt (20) is staggered in relation to a downstream roller (12) of the first belt (10).
US08272497B2	Apparatus for conveying packages An apparatus (1) for conveying packages (10), comprising a first conveying device (4) which conveys the packages (10) in a predefined conveying direction (r), and a rotating device (6) which rotates at least some of the packages (10) by a predefined angle of rotation with respect to a predefined axis of rotation, wherein the rotating device (6) comprises at least one gripping device (12) which grips the packages (10) for the rotation process. According to the invention, the conveying speed of the first conveying device (4) is synchronised with a movement speed of the gripping device (12).
US08272494B2	Conveyor assembly A conveyor assembly includes a main conveyor and a swing auger assembly pivotally coupled to an inlet end of the main conveyor for loading particulate material into the main conveyor. The swing auger assembly includes two first and second augers which are slidable relative to one another to vary a length of the swing auger assembly between a loading hopper at an inlet end of the swing auger assembly and the main conveyor connected at an outlet end of the swing auger. The swing auger assembly is suspended from an overhead support member extending upwardly from the inlet end of the main conveyor such that the swing auger assembly is pivotal through an intermediate position overtop of the main conveyor between first and second laterally offset positions on opposing sides of the main conveyor.
US08272480B2	Oil pan integrated with filter and other components An oil pan assembly is disclosed that includes an oil filter, and an oil pan receiving the filter. The oil pan includes a reservoir defining a drain aperture for selectively draining fluid out of the oil pan, and a wall defining a filter cavity in fluid communication with a receiving passage and a sending passage of the oil pan. The oil pan further includes a filter cover assembly, including a cover securing the oil filter within the filter cavity, a filter drain tube extending from the cover through the filter cavity and into a drain passage, and a plug disposed on the filter drain tube, the plug selectively sealing the drain passage. The drain passage allows fluid communication between the filter cavity and the reservoir. The filter drain tube is configured to receive filtered oil from the oil filter.
US08272479B1	Hunting tree stand A tree stand having one or two C-shaped platform sections removably and supportably positionable on one or two mounting brackets, with each platform section being foldable in half for ease of transport and storage, and including a hinged portion for enabling access to the stand from below.
US08272476B2	Descent control device A magnetic descent control device is disclosed. The device comprises an input shaft affixed to a rotating driven sheave acting as a drive assembly, which grips a cable guiding the descent path of a body carrying cage. The input shaft has a shoulder upon which rests a rotor. The rotor is encased within a front and back enclosure of conductive material. Disposed along at least one surface of the rotor and/or at least one of the conductors, is a series of magnets such that rotation of the rotor relative to the conductors creates relative motion between the magnets' magnetic field and the conductor inducing eddy currents in the conductor that oppose the magnetic field creating a rotational braking force. As a result, very precise and/or controllable descent may be obtained over a broad range of descent angles and/or distances with little or no mechanical wear or risk of overheating. Preferably, the sheave gripping the cable may have a circumferential groove to better improve traction and grip of the cable. A plurality of such devices may be applied to drive assemblies contacting a common cable, and a plurality of cables may support the cage, each affixed with at least one descent control device.
US08272475B2	Sound attenuator for low frequencies, method for manufacturing sound attenuator for low frequencies and system for attenuating low frequencies for example in air-conditioning ducts of paper mills A sound attenuator for low frequencies in an air-conditioning duct of paper mills includes a sound attenuator frame insertable in the air-conditioning duct. At least one attenuator member operating according to the plate resonator principle has a first resonator plate, a framework, whereto the first resonator plate is attached by its inner surface, and a second plate, which is essentially parallel to the first resonator plate. The second plate is attached to the framework by its inner surface, whereby the second plate, the framework and the first resonator plate delimit at least one attenuator unit. The first resonator plate, attached to the framework, is a steel plate and is attached to the framework by laser welding and the framework comprises a pressure balancing opening.
US08272459B2	Superabrasive inserts including an arcuate peripheral surface Superabrasive inserts are disclosed. More particularly, a superabrasive insert may comprise a superabrasive layer bonded to a substrate at an interface. Further, the superabrasive layer may include a central substantially planar surface, a peripheral side surface, and an arcuate peripheral surface extending between the central substantially planar surface and the peripheral side surface. In one embodiment, the arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a lateral extent and an extension depth, wherein a ratio of the lateral extent to the extension depth is at least about 1.5. In another embodiment, an arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a substantially circular arc, wherein the substantially planar surface is tangent to the substantially circular arc and a tangent reference line to the substantially circular arc forms an angle of at least about 10° with the peripheral side surface. Subterranean drilling tools (e.g., drill bits) including at least one superabrasive insert are disclosed.
US08272458B2	Drill bit with replaceable blade members A drill bit for rotary drilling a well bore of a subterranean formation which has replaceable blades which overlap and interlock with each other and have retention means on more than one axis. The replaceable blades may have cutters with enhanced retention by brazing ring grooves and the body may be flared at its bottom to better retain the blades and cutters.
US08272457B2	Detachable latch head for core drilling A latch head assembly for a core receiving apparatus including a core tube assembly and a retrieving head is provided. The latch head assembly includes a support, a first coupling for releasably engaging the retrieving device coupled to a first end of the support, and a second coupling for releasably engaging the core tube assembly coupled to a second end of the support. A core receiving apparatus including the latch head assembly is also provided. A method for inserting and retrieving the core receiving apparatus into and from a drill string is also provided.
US08272456B2	Slim-hole parasite string A system for drilling a well having a wellbore includes a first pipe string positioned in the wellbore with a first annulus being present between the first pipe string and the wellbore. A second pipe string, smaller in diameter than the first pipe string, is positioned within the first pipe string to form a second annulus between the first pipe string and the second pipe string. The second pipe string is configured to be attached to a drill bit. A first rotator is operably associated with the first pipe string to rotate the first pipe string in a first direction at a first speed, and a second rotator is operably associated with the second pipe string to rotate the second pipe string in a second direction at a second speed.
US08272455B2	Methods for forming wellbores in heated formations A method for forming a wellbore in a heated formation includes flowing liquid cooling fluid to a bottom hole assembly in a wellbore in a heated formation. At least a portion of the liquid cooling fluid is vaporized at or near a region to be cooled. Vaporizing the liquid cooling fluid absorbs heat from the region to be cooled.
US08272449B2	Methods for increasing oil production According to a method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells, an alkali or alkali earth carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali or alkali earth carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition. An explosive composition can be introduced and detonated to achieve sufficient CO2 gas production to increase pressure within the subterranean petroleum reservoir. Petroleum recovery can be further enhanced through the use of recycling.
US08272444B2	Method of testing a drilling riser connection The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.
US08272439B2	Downhole tool delivery system with self activating perforation gun An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
US08272438B2	System and method for robustly and accurately obtaining a pore pressure measurement of a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore Systems and methods are disclosed for accurately determining a pore pressure of a subsurface formation (20) penetrated by a wellbore (40). The systems and methods provide for measuring pressure and temperature at a measuring location proximal to the wellbore for a predetermined amount of time, storing the measurements, communicating the measurements and processing the pore pressure from the pressure and temperature measurements. The measuring location may be a location in a channel (50) drilled from the wellbore into the formation.
US08272437B2	Enhanced geothermal systems and reservoir optimization Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.
US08272436B2	Reducing methane slack when starting and stopping biogas fermenters A novel method reduces methane slack when operating a biogas fermenter. When starting up a freshly charged fermenter, the methane portion of the produced biogas is initially so low and the portions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are so high that the biogas cannot be directly used in a combined heat and power plant. Conventionally, the biogas generated during the startup phase has a small portion of methane that is discharged directly into the atmosphere or is flared off if the methane fraction is larger. The initially produced methane is consequently not used and becomes methane slack. To reduce methane slack, the biogas with the low methane fraction is fed to a gas treatment unit in which non-methane components of the gas mixture are partially separated, and the remaining gas mixture with a higher methane content is returned to the biogas fermenter until the methane fraction is sufficiently high.
US08272431B2	Heat exchanger using graphite foam A heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger may have an inlet configured to receive a first fluid and an outlet configured to discharge the first fluid. The heat exchanger may further have at least one passageway configured to conduct the first fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The at least one passageway may be composed of a graphite foam and a layer of graphite material on the exterior of the graphite foam. The layer of graphite material may form at least a partial barrier between the first fluid and a second fluid external to the at least one passageway.
US08272422B2	Film loading arrangement for laminator A film loading arrangement simplifies the film loading process for a user and prevents the improper loading of a laminate film roll into a laminator. The components allow the laminate roll of film to be loaded in the correct orientation by providing differing connection structures on each end of the laminate film roll. The differing connection structures are received by respective receiving structures on the laminator. Each connection structure is compatible with only one of the receiving structures such that when the connection structures are attached to the roll, the film can be loaded in only one direction, i.e., correctly. Therefore, the user can properly load a laminate film roll and avoid damaging the laminator as a result of improper film loading. A tensioning mechanism can be provided for adjusting the force required to unroll laminating film from the supported roll.

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