最新美国发明专利第2012-11-27期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08318541B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming vertical interconnect in FO-WLCSP using leadframe disposed between semiconductor die A semiconductor device has a plurality of semiconductor die or components mounted over a carrier. A leadframe is mounted over the carrier between the semiconductor die. The leadframe has a plate and bodies extending from the plate. The bodies of the leadframe are disposed around a perimeter of the semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the carrier, leadframe, and semiconductor die. A plurality of conductive vias is formed through the encapsulant and electrically connected to the bodies of the leadframe and contact pads on the semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and electrically connected to the conductive vias. A first channel is formed through the interconnect structure, encapsulant, leadframe, and partially through the carrier. The carrier is removed to singulate the semiconductor die. A second channel is formed through the plate of the leadframe to physically separate the bodies of the leadframe.
US08318538B2	Three dimensional structure memory A Three-Dimensional Structure (3DS) Memory allows for physical separation of the memory circuits and the control logic circuit onto different layers such that each layer may be separately optimized. One control logic circuit suffices for several memory circuits, reducing cost. Fabrication of 3DS memory involves thinning of the memory circuit to less than 50 μm in thickness and bonding the circuit to a circuit stack while still in wafer substrate form. Fine-grain high density inter-layer vertical bus connections are used. The 3DS memory manufacturing method enables several performance and physical size efficiencies, and is implemented with established semiconductor processing techniques.
US08318537B2	Flip chip interconnection having narrow interconnection sites on the substrate A flip chip interconnect of a die on a substrate is made by mating the interconnect bump onto a narrow interconnect pad on a lead or trace, rather than onto a capture pad. The width of the narrow interconnect pad is less than a base diameter of bumps on the die to be attached. Also, a flip chip package includes a die having solder bumps attached to interconnect pads in an active surface, and a substrate having narrow interconnect pads on electrically conductive traces in a die attach surface, in which the bumps are mated onto the narrow pads on the traces.
US08318534B2	Non-volatile resistive-switching memories formed using anodization Non-volatile resistive-switching memories formed using anodization are described. A method for forming a resistive-switching memory element using anodization includes forming a metal containing layer, anodizing the metal containing layer at least partially to form a resistive switching metal oxide, and forming a first electrode over the resistive switching metal oxide. In some examples, an unanodized portion of the metal containing layer may be a second electrode of the memory element.
US08318533B2	Method of manufacturing an organic thin film transistor An organic thin film transistor that has good adhesiveness and good contact resistance as well as allows ohmic contact between an organic semiconductor layer and a source electrode and a drain electrode, and its manufacturing method. There is also provided a flat panel display device using the organic thin film transistor. The organic thin film transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, an organic semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer, and a gate electrode formed on a substrate, and a carrier relay layer including conductive polymer material formed at least between the organic semiconductor layer and the source electrode or the organic semiconductor layer and the drain electrode.
US08318531B2	Thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin films overlying glass substrates thermal management for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin film is described. The method includes providing a plurality of substrates, each of the substrates having a copper and indium composite structure. The method also includes transferring the plurality of substrates into a furnace, each of the plurality of substrates provided in a vertical orientation with respect to a direction of gravity, the plurality of substrates being defined by a number N, where N is greater than 5. The method further includes introducing a gaseous species including a selenide species and a carrier gas into the furnace and transferring thermal energy into the furnace to increase a temperature from a first temperature to a second temperature, to at least initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film.
US08318529B1	Laser anneal for image sensors A technique for fabricating an image sensor including a pixel circuitry region and a peripheral circuitry region includes fabricating front side components on a front side of the image sensor. A dopant layer is implanted on a backside of the image sensor. A anti-reflection layer is formed on the backside and covers a first portion of the dopant layer under the pixel circuitry region while exposing a second portion of the dopant layer under the peripheral circuitry region. The first portion of the dopant layer is laser annealed from the backside of the image sensor through the anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer increases a temperature of the first portion of the dopant layer during the laser annealing.
US08318528B2	Solar array of transparent nanoantennas Implementations and techniques for solar arrays of transparent nanoantennas are generally disclosed.
US08318524B2	Single wafer fabrication process for wavelength dependent reflectance for linear optical serialization of accelerometers A plurality of Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors are optically coupled in series with each other to form an ordered optical series. Each Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor has a unique signalband and a passband. Each Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor has its unique signalband within the passbands of all of the next higher ordered Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors in the optical series so that a corresponding unique fringe signal from each of the Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors is a multiplexed output from the optical series.
US08318523B2	Thin film transistor, method of fabricating the same and organic light emitting diode display device having the same A thin film transistor, a method of fabricating the same, and an OLED display device having the same. The thin film transistor includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate and having a channel region, source and drain regions, and a body contact region, a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor layer to expose the body contact region, a silicon layer disposed on the gate insulating layer and contacting the body contact region exposed by the gate insulating layer, a gate electrode disposed on the silicon layer, an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode, and source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and electrically connected with the source and drain regions, wherein the body contact region is formed in an edge region of the semiconductor layer.
US08318517B2	Method of manufacturing transflective liquid crystal display panel A method of manufacturing a transflective liquid crystal display panel includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A first patterned conductive layer is formed on the substrate to form a gate electrode and a reflective electrode. A first insulating layer is formed on the first patterned conductive layer and the substrate. A patterned semiconductor layer is formed on the first insulating layer. A second patterned conductive layer is formed on the first insulating layer and the patterned semiconductor layer to form a source/drain electrode and a patterned reflective layer. A second insulating layer is formed on the second patterned conductive layer and the first insulating layer. Contact holes are formed in the first and the second insulating layer. A transmissive pixel electrode is formed and filled into the contact holes to be electrically connected respectively to the drain electrode, the reflective electrode, and the patterned reflective layer.
US08318511B2	Integration manufacturing process for MEMS device A method for manufacturing an MEMS device is provided. The method includes steps of a) providing a first substrate having a concavity located thereon, b) providing a second substrate having a connecting area and an actuating area respectively located thereon, c) forming plural microstructures in the actuating area, d) mounting a conducting element in the connecting area and the actuating area, e) forming an insulating layer on the conducting element and f) connecting the first substrate to the connecting area to form the MEMS device. The concavity contains the plural microstructures.
US08318508B2	Patterning with compositions comprising lipid Better patterning methods, including for better methods for forming biomolecular arrays, including a method comprising: providing a tip and a substrate surface, disposing a patterning composition at the end of the tip, depositing at least some of the patterning composition from the tip to the substrate surface to form a deposit disposed on the substrate surface, wherein the patterning composition comprises at least one lipid, optionally at least one solvent, and at least one patterning species different from the lipid and the optional solvent. The lipid can be a phospholipid such as DOPC. The patterning species can be an oligonucleotide or a protein. Microarrays and nanoarrays can be prepared including nanoscale resolution of deposits. The lipid can activate patterning or increase the rate of patterning. Simplified tip preparation can be achieved. Nanoscopic, SPM, and AFM tips can be used.
US08318505B2	Virtual semiconductor nanowire, and methods of using same A multiple-gate field-effect transistor includes a fluid in a top gate, two lateral gates, and a bottom gate. The multiple-gate field-effect transistor also includes a patterned depletion zone and a virtual depletion zone that has a lesser width than the patterned depletion zone. The virtual depletion zone width creates a virtual semiconductor nanowire that is lesser in width than the patterned depletion zone.
US08318503B2	Method for determining the amount of conjugated taxane in polyglut acid-taxane conjugates The invention relates to a method for determining the amount of conjugated taxane, in particular paclitaxel, in a PGA-taxane conjugate said method comprising: a) reacting the PGA-taxane conjugate with a compound formula (I): R1R2N—NH2 (I), wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the description; to give a unbound taxane and a PGA hydrazide and b) determining the amount of unbound taxane.
US08318502B2	Long wavelength fluorogenic intracellular ion indicators that are well retained in the cytosol Cell permeable metal ion indicator compounds and methods of their use and synthesis are described. The compound comprises a metal chelating moiety (Mc), a reporter molecule and two or more lipophilic groups (GL) covalently bonded through a linker to the reporter molecule, wherein the lipophilic groups, when present in a live cell, are cleaved resulting in two or more negatively charged groups.
US08318500B2	Method for agitating the contents of a reaction receptacle within a temperature-controlled environment An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.
US08318493B2	FRT recombination sites and methods of use Methods and compositions using populations of randomized modified FRT recombination sites to identify, isolate and/or characterize modified FRT recombination sites are provided. The recombinogenic modified FRT recombination sites can be employed in a variety of methods for targeted recombination of polynucleotides of interest, including methods to recombine polynucleotides, assess promoter activity, directly select transformed organisms, minimize or eliminate expression resulting from random integration into the genome of an organism, such as a plant, remove polynucleotides of interest, combine multiple transfer cassettes, invert or excise a polynucleotide, and identify and/or characterize transcriptional regulating regions are also provided.
US08318488B1	Assay for drug discovery based on in vitro differentiated cells Provided are assay systems for determining the therapeutic or toxic effect of a putative drug based on assaying its activity in cells which have been differentiated in vitro from stem cells, and induced to display a phenotype that resembles a disease to be treated.
US08318485B2	Stem cell therapy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic optic neuropathy The invention comprises methods and stem cell compositions for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other degenerative diseases of the eye. The invention is practiced in two stages with the first stage comprising the administration of neural stem cells to the eye, and the second stage comprising the administration of mesenchymal cells intravenously.
US08318483B2	Postpartum cells derived from umbilical cord tissue, and methods of making and using the same Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.
US08318480B2	Adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 sequences, vectors containing same, and uses therefor Sequences of a serotype 8 adeno-associated virus and vectors and host cells containing these sequences are provided. Also described are methods of using such host cells and vectors in production of rAAV particles.
US08318478B2	Photobioreactor A photobioreactor comprising a receptacle with a first and a second outer side surface, wherein the receptacle is formed from a flexible, fluid-tight and transparent material, and wherein the receptacle is disposed in a rack provided with elongated, substantially vertical, support elements arranged in at least one horizontal row, whereby the support elements abut, in an alternating and supporting manner, against the first and the second outer side surfaces of the receptacle.
US08318477B2	Cellular electrophysiological measurement device and method for manufacturing the same A cellular electrophysiological measurement device includes a thin plate and a frame. The thin plate has a first surface with a depression and a second surface with a through-hole. The frame is in contact with an outer periphery on the second surface of thin plate. The thin plate has a laminated structure of at least two layers including a first material layer on the first surface and a second material layer on the second surface. The frame is formed of a third material layer. The structure allows the cellular electrophysiological measurement device to be not so vulnerable to breakage of thin plate and other damages, thereby having high production yield.
US08318476B2	Gas treatment systems and methods Systems and methods for biological and chemical gas treatment are disclosed. The systems may generally include a biological treatment zone and a chemical oxidation zone. An oxidizing agent subsystem may deliver an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine dioxide, to the chemical oxidation zone. The oxidizing agent subsystem may generate the oxidizing agent in situ from a product of the biological treatment zone. The oxidizing agent subsystem may include a reaction chamber and a source of a reactant, such as an alkaline metal chlorite reservoir. A controller may be in communication with various sensors and other components to generally manage operation of the disclosed systems.
US08318475B2	Clay interlaced yeast compositions and methods of utilizing the same The present invention relates to compositions comprising yeast cells and/or yeast cell components and methods for producing and utilizing the same. In particular, the invention provides novel yeast comprising altered cell wall structure (e.g., clay and/or clay component(s) integrated (e.g., interlaced) into cell wall(s) and/or cell wall(s) comprising altered glucan:mannan ratio), methods of producing the same, compositions comprising and/or derived from the same, and methods of using the same (e.g., to sequester and/or adsorb bacteria and toxins). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications including dietary (e.g., admixing with feedstuffs or otherwise feeding to animals), therapeutic, prophylactic (e.g. admixing with bedding sources and/or other materials that come into contact with animals, usage during food and beverage processing and manufacture, and usage during filtration of liquids) as well as research applications.
US08318471B2	Nitrilases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US08318468B2	Emulsions in enzymatic reactions A reaction medium for enzyme-catalyzed reactions is provided, comprising an oil-in-water emulsion including water, an emulsifier, an oil phase and at least one interfacially active enzyme, where the emulsion is produced by the phase inversion temperature process and has a droplet size of 50 to 400 nm. A method for the enzyme-catalyzed esterification, transesterification or hydrolysis of fatty acid alkyl esters and/or triglycerides is also provided where the oil-in-water emulsion is used as the reaction medium.
US08318466B2	Process for immobilization of protein catalysts, product, and use An immobilized protein catalyst is prepared by applying an adhesive to a polymeric support, applying a layer of a globular protein over the layer of adhesive, binding a crosslinking agent to the protein layer, and binding the protein catalyst by reaction with the crosslinking agent.
US08318462B2	Fermentative vitamin C production The present invention relates to newly identified microorganisms capable of direct production of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode proteins which are involved in the synthesis of Vitamin C. The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism. Also included are methods/processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms. The invention also relates to genetically engineered microorganisms and their use for the direct production of Vitamin C.
US08318458B2	Polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08318457B2	FSH producing cell clone The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for the α- and the β-chain of the human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), respectively, which has been modified with respect to the codon usage in CHO cells. The present invention further relates to a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising such nucleic acid sequences and host cells containing such recombinant nucleic acid molecules, as well as their use in the production of recombinant human FSH. Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for producing host cells expressing human follicle stimulating hormone by transfecting cells in suspension culture under serum-free conditions with the recombinant nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.
US08318456B2	Two helix binders Provided herein are isolated polypeptides derived from the staphylococcal protein A protein B domain comprising a pair of anti-parallel alpha helices that are capable of binding a target. Also provided are nucleic acid sequences encoding such two helix binders, vectors containing the nucleic acid sequences encoding for two helix binders, and host cells transformed with vectors containing the nucleic acid sequences encoding for the two-helix binders. Also provided are methods of using the two helix binders.
US08318455B2	Inducible/regulated gene expression system in E coli An expression system for transforming E coll with a nucleic acid molecule of interest has an operator sequence of a cmt operon operatively linked to a promoter for the operator, and, a repressor sequence from a cym operon operatively linked to a promoter for the repressor. The expression system may have a nucleic acid molecule of interest, for example, a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a protein. Any type of E coll host cells may be transformed with the expression system. A method of producing a protein involves transforming an E coll host cell with the expression system having a nucleic acid molecule that codes for a protein, and, culturing the host cell in a culture medium under conditions in which the nucleic acid molecule will express the protein.
US08318454B2	Host, transformant and method for producing the transformant and method for producing O-glycosylated heterologous protein The object is to provide a transformant which can produce a heterologous protein having a structurally controlled O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure, a method for producing the transformant by using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as the host, and provide a host for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein.An Schizosaccharomyces pombe host having no omh1 gene or an inactivated omh1 gene in its chromosomes for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein having an O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure by expression of the heterologous protein by a genetic engineering technique and subsequent glycosylation of the expressed heterologous protein. A transformant from the host, a method for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein by using the transformant.
US08318452B2	Solid culture medium for the detection and/or the species discrimination of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci The present invention relates to a solid culture medium for the detection and/or discrimination, among glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, of the groups of species E. faecalis and/or E. faecium belonging to the groups of resistance to the VanA/VanB glycopeptides, and E. gallinarum/E. casseliflavus belonging to the group of resistance to the VanC glycopeptides, wherein said medium comprises, in a culture medium selective for enterococci, at least one chromogenic substrate for α-glucosidase and at least one activator of a colored reaction, chosen from methyl-α-glucoside and glucosyl-α-glucoside, or polymers thereof.
US08318451B2	Process of obtaining ethanol without glucoamylase using Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-amylase variants thereof Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-forming amylase (PS4), and variants thereof, advantageously can be used in an enzyme-catalyzed high temperature liquefaction step to produce ethanol from starch, e.g., cornstarch. PS4 produces significant amounts of maltotrioses, which can be utilized by S. cerevisiae in a subsequent fermentation step to produce ethanol. This property of PS4 advantageously allows ethanol to be produced from liquefacted starch in the absence of a saccharification step. PS4 variants are provided that exhibit improved properties, such as thermostability and/or altered exo-specific and endo-specific amylase activity.
US08318445B2	Immunomagnetic capture and imaging of biological targets The present invention relates to methods and systems for labeling, isolating, detecting, and/or enumerating a statistically significant number of biological cells, or other biological analytes of interest, present in a complex matrix sample. The isolation of a biological target of interest from a sample mixture is done by immunomagnetic separation. Upon introduction of the sample within an imaging chamber, the capture complex (biological target-magnetic capture agent) will be attracted by the magnetic field and will lay on the surface of the chamber in the focal plane of the imaging system.
US08318440B2	Synthetic peptides immuno-reactive with rheumatoid arthritis auto-antibodies Embodiments of the present invention relate to a three dimensional matrix of selected, synthetic peptide mimic sequences that are preferentially recognized by auto-antibodies, specifically by autoimmune antibodies, to be detected in patients afflicted with rheumatic arthritis, enabling enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detection of these antibodies in pre-symptomatic patients, in patients showing symptoms as well as patients confirmed positive for rheumatoid arthritis.
US08318439B2	Microfluidic apparatus and methods for performing blood typing and crossmatching Microfluidic cartridges for agglutination reactions are provided. The cartridges include a microfluidic reaction channel with at least two intake channels, one for an antigen-containing fluid and the other for an antibody-containing fluid, conjoined to a reaction channel modified by incorporation of a downstream flow control channel. At low Reynolds Number, the two input streams layer one on top of the other in the reaction channel and form a flowing, unmixed horizontally-stratified laminar fluid diffusion (HLFD) interface for an extended duration of reaction. Surprisingly, the design, surface properties, and flow regime of microfluidic circuits of the present invention potentiate detection of antibody mediated agglutination at the stratified interface. Antigen:antibody reactions involving agglutination potentiated by these devices are useful in blood typing, in crossmatching for blood transfusion, and in immunodiagnostic agglutination assays, for example.
US08318435B2	DNA extraction method for bursaphelenchus xylophilus from wood chips, lamp primer set for bursaphelenchus xylophilus, and detection method for bursaphelenchus xylophilus from wood chips To extract and detect Bursaphelenchus xylophilus DNA without isolating Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from a piece of wood taken from a tree belonging to the genus Pinus and the like, provided are a method for extracting Bursaphelenchus xylophilus DNA from a collected piece of wood that includes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a LAMP primer set including primers that anneal to a specific region of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus DNA, and a method for detecting Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from a piece of wood by amplifying a DNA by a LAMP method using this primer set.
US08318434B2	Method for introducing a sample specific DNA tag into a plurality of DNA fragments from a plurality of samples The invention discloses methods for introducing a sample specific DNA tag into a plurality of DNA fragments from a plurality of samples. For each of the samples, the method involves (1) amplifying DNA fragments in a first multiplex or multiplex-like PCR reaction using amplicon specific forward and reverse primers. Each forward amplicon specific primer including a first adaptor sequence and each reverse amplicon specific primer including a second adaptor. The first adaptor sequence is identical in all forward primers for each of the samples. The second adaptor sequence is identical in all reverse primers for each of the samples, and (2) further amplifying the amplified nucleic acids obtained using one set of forward and reverse sample specific primers which are directed against the first and second adaptor sequences. One or both of the sample specific primers includes a DNA sequence which differs for each of the samples.
US08318432B2	Cross-reactive hybridization probe for detecting HIV-1 and HIV-2 nucleic acids in the P31 gene sequence Cross-reacting hybridization probe for detecting HIV-1 and HIV-2 nucleic acids. The probe advantageously exhibited uniformly high signal-to-noise ratios when hybridized to HIV-1 and HIV-2 target nucleic acids. The probe can be used, for example, in screening applications for detecting donated blood contaminated with either of the two analytes.
US08318431B2	Methods for evaluating the stage of ovarian cancer or the survival rate of an ovarian cancer patient An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting cancer through identification of genes exhibiting characteristic behavior in the cases of cancer such as ovarian cancer, and a cell growth inhibitor. The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer, which comprises detecting canceration including malignancy of a specimen through detection of at least one alteration of a gene existing in a chromosomal region 2q14. 2, 3p24. 1, 3q26. 2, 3q29, 4q34. 2, 6q23, 9p21. 3, 11q13. 3, 13q22.1, 13q33. 1, 13q33. 3, 15q12, 15q15. 1, 17p12, 17p13. 1, 17p13. 3, 18q21. 1, 18q21. 2, 18q21. 31, 18q21. 32, 18q21. 33, 18q23, 20q13. 13, 20q13. 2, 20q13. 31, 20q13. 33, Xp11. 23, Xp13.1, Xp13. 3, Xp26. 2, Xp26. 3, or Xq28 in the specimen.
US08318430B2	Methods of fetal abnormality detection Methods and kits for selectively enriching non-random polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods and kits for generating libraries of sequences are provided. Methods of using selectively enriched non-random polynucleotide sequences for detection of fetal aneuploidy are provided.
US08318417B2	Simultaneous detection of metabolic enzyme activity and metabolite levels Provided are methods for detecting a metabolic disorder in an individual using mass spectrometry. One method involves (a) contacting a sample containing (i) a metabolically indicative enzyme and (ii) a metabolic analyte, with a substrate for the enzyme to produce a reaction admixture, under conditions wherein the enzyme is capable of acting on a corresponding substrate to generate a product, and wherein a protease inhibitor is present; (b) contacting the reaction admixture with a reagent that inhibits the ability of the enzyme to act on a corresponding substrate, wherein the metabolic analyte and the product are soluble in the reagent; to produce a test sample and (c) determining the presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product contained in the test sample using mass spectrometry, wherein a determined presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product correlates with presence or absence of the metabolic disorder.
US08318416B2	Nutrient monitoring and feedback control for increased bioproduct production The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.
US08318413B2	Amniopunch and uses thereof A tissue, such as an amniotic or chorionic membrane, harvesting device that integrates a system facilitating subsequent storage of tissue samples. The device cuts a sample of the target tissue and automatically deposits the sample in a storage vessel. A method of collecting and storing a sample from a target tissue using a tissue harvesting device. A kit for collecting and storing samples of the target tissue.
US08318412B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device is manufactured by a method including processes of trimming and molding resist patterns. A resist layer formed on a substrate is exposed and developed to form the resist patterns. The resist patterns are trimmed using a first gas plasma to change the profiles of the resist patterns. Widths of the trimmed resist patterns are increased using a second gas plasma to form processed resist patterns.
US08318410B2	Sulfur atom-containing resist underlayer film forming composition and method for forming resist pattern It is an object to provide a resist underlayer film forming composition having a selection ratio of dry etching rate larger than that of a resist film and exhibiting a low k value and a high n value at a short wavelength such as that of an ArF excimer laser, and enabling the formation of a resist pattern having a desired shape. When the composition is produced or used, it is required that odor due to a raw material monomer causes no problem. The object is solved by a resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography containing a polymer having in backbone thereof, a disulfide bond (S—S bond), and a solvent. The polymer may be a product of a reaction between at least one type of compound (diepoxy compound) containing two epoxy groups and at least one type of dicarboxylic acid containing a disulfide bond.
US08318403B2	Salt and photoresist composition containing the same A salt represented by the formula (I-CC): wherein Q1 and Q2 each independently represent a fluorine atom etc., X1 represents a single bond etc., Y1 represents a C1-C36 aliphatic hydrocarbon group etc., A1 and A2 independently each represents a C1-C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon group etc., Ar1 represents a (m4+1)-valent C6-C20 aromatic hydrocarbon group which can have one or more substituents, B1 represents a single bond etc., B2 represents a group capable of being eliminated by the action of an acid, m1 and m2 independently each represents an integer of 0 to 2, m3 represents an integer of 1 to 3, with the proviso that m1 plus m2 plus m3 equals 3, and m4 represents an integer of 1 to 3, and a photoresist composition comprising the salt represented by the formula (I-CC) and a resin comprising a structural unit having an acid-labile group and being insoluble or poorly soluble in an aqueous alkali solution but becoming soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid.
US08318402B2	Photosensitive compound and photosensitive composition including the same Disclosed are a photosensitive compound and a method of manufacturing the same. The photosensitive is composed of a naphthoquinonediazide sulfonic ester compound having at least one naphthoquinonediazide sulfoxy group, and having either at least one carboxy group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms or at least one alkoxy group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, in one molecule.
US08318401B2	Positive typed photosensitive composition Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition, comprising 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a polygonal oligomeric silsesquioxane derivative, and 5 to 30 parts by weight of a compound generating acid by light, based on 100 parts by weight of a polyamide derivative.
US08318398B2	Toner compositions and processes Environmentally friendly toner particles are provided which may include a bio-based amorphous polyester resin, optionally in combination with another amorphous resin and/or a crystalline resin. Methods for providing these toners are also provided.
US08318397B2	Electrophotographic toner and method of preparing the same An electrophotographic toner and a method of preparing the same are provided. The electrophotographic toner includes a latex, a colorant, and a releasing agent, wherein the electrophotographic toner includes silicon (Si) and iron (Fe), each of the Si and Fe is in the range of about 3 to about 1,000 ppm, a mole ratio of Si to Fe (Si/Fe) is in the range of about 0.1 to about 5, an initiation temperature of a maximum heat absorption peak curve when a temperature increases in a heat absorption curve of the toner measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is in the range of about 68 to about 89° C., and a peak temperature of the maximum heat absorption peak curve is in the range of about 86 to about 89° C.
US08318396B2	Organic photoreceptor and preparation method thereof An organic photoreceptor is disclosed, comprising, on an electrically conductive support, a photosensitive layer and a protective layer containing metal oxide particles produced by a plasma method, and the protective layer being formed by curing a composition containing the metal oxide particles and a curable compound. There is also disclosed a preparation method of the organic photoreceptor.
US08318387B2	Mask blank substrate set and mask blank set A substrate set is a mask blank substrate set including a plurality of substrates each for use in a mask blank for producing a photomask to be chucked on a mask stage of an exposure apparatus. In each of the substrates in the mask blank substrate set, a main surface, on the side where a thin film for forming a transfer pattern is to be formed, has a convex shape being relatively high at its center and relatively low at its peripheral portion. In each substrate, the flatness in a 142 mm square area, including a central portion, of the main surface is 0.3 μm or less and the difference upon fitting to a reference main surface of a reference substrate is 40 nm or less.
US08318376B2	Polymer electrolyte membrane with coating layer of anion binding agent and fuel cell using same The present invention relates to a multi-layered polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, which is prepared by introducing an anion binding substance as a coating layer to a non-aqueous polymer electrolyte membrane for preventing the elution of acid, and a fuel cell comprising the membrane. In particular, the present invention discloses a multi-layered polymer electrolyte membrane prepared by coating an anion binding substance on a non-aqueous polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell comprising the membrane, thereby preventing the elution of acid and maintaining the performance of a fuel cell to economic and environmental profit.
US08318371B2	Separator for fuel cell and fuel cell stack using the same A fuel cell separator capable of improving stack performance by reducing the deviation in cell performance and diminishing dead space, and a fuel cell stack using the same are disclosed. The fuel cell separator may include a base member, a first channel group disposed on a surface of the base member and a second channel group disposed on the surface of the base member. The first channel group may include at least one channel and the second channel group may include at least one channel. The first channel group and the second channel group may extend parallel to each other in a first region of the surface and independent from each other in a second region of the surface.
US08318369B2	System and method for reducing radiator sizes for low temperature fuel cell systems A fuel cell cooling system includes a fuel cell having a liquid loop that produces water vapor. An antifreeze cooling loop includes an inductor that receives the water vapor and introduces the water vapor to an antifreeze. The water is separated from the antifreeze and returned to the liquid cooling loop as liquid water after the mixture of condensed water vapor and antifreeze has passed through a radiator. Water in the liquid cooling loop exits the fuel cell and passes through a restricting valve thereby lowering the pressure of the water. A flash cooler downstream from the restricting valve collects the water vapor and provides it to the inductor in the antifreeze cooling loop. The flash cooling in the first cooling loop provides a first cooling capacity that is low temperature and pressure compatible with fuel cell operation.
US08318363B2	Reformer for fuel cell system and fuel cell system comprising the same A reformer for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system including the same are shown. The reformer includes a heat source for providing heat to evaporate a mixed fuel and having a predetermined flow path length through which the mixed fuel passes and a catalyst layer lining the internal surface of the flow path, and a reforming reactor for generating hydrogen gas from the mixed fuel through a chemical catalytic reaction by the heat and having a predetermined flow path length through which the mixed fuel passes and a catalyst layer lining the internal surface of the flow path. Either the heat source, or the reforming reactor, or both are formed from an alloy of a barrier layer forming metal and a mechanical strength enhancing metal.
US08318359B2	Electrode for lithium secondary battery, lithium secondary battery and method for producing the same An electrode for a lithium secondary battery including a sheet-like current collector and an active material layer carried on the current collector. The active material layer is capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, and the active material layer includes a plurality of columnar particles having at least one bend. An angle θ1 formed by a growth direction of the columnar particles from a bottom to a first bend of the columnar particles, and a direction normal to the current collector is preferably 10° or more and less than 90°. When θn+1 is an angle formed by a growth direction of the columnar particles from an n-th bend counted from a bottom of the columnar particles to an (n+1)-th bend, and the direction normal to the current collector, and n is an integer of 1 or more, θn+1 is preferably 0° or more and less than 90°.
US08318358B2	Lithium inks and electrodes and batteries made therefrom Lithium metal powder based inks are provided. The inks are provided in formulations suitable for printing using a variety of printing techniques, including screen printing, offset litho printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, pad printing and inkjet printing. The inks include lithium metal powder, a polymer binder and optionally electrically conductive materials and/or lithium salts in a solvent. The inks are well suited for use in printing electrodes for use in lithium metal batteries. Batteries made from lithium powder based anodes and electronic applications such as RFID labels, Smart Cards and wearable medical devices are also provided.
US08318357B2	Positive electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, positive electrode for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery Disclosed is a secondary battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte that has excellent cycle characteristics and output characteristics. Also disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a secondary battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte that includes a powder of a volume resistivity of 20 Ω·cm or more and 100 Ω·cm or less when said powder has a bulk density of 3 g/cm3. The use of the lithium nickel composite oxide as a positive electrode active material can provide a secondary battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte that has excellent cycle characteristics and output characteristics.
US08318356B2	Activated carbon materials for high energy density ultracapacitors An activated carbon material derived, for example, by carbonizing and activating a non-lignocellulosic carbon precursor has a structural order ratio less than or equal to 0.08, and a nitrogen content greater than 0.2 wt. %. The activated carbon material can also have a volumetric capacitance greater than or equal to 70 F/cm3, an area-specific resistance less than or equal to 0.1 ohm-cm2 and/or a specific surface area greater than 300 m2/g, and is suitable to form improved carbon-based electrodes for use in high energy density devices.
US08318354B2	Electrochemical device with a magnesium anode and a stable, safe electrolyte compatible with sulfur An electrochemical device, having an anode containing magnesium; a cathode stable to a voltage of at least 3.2 V relative to a magnesium reference; and an electrolyte containing an electrochemically active magnesium salt obtained by mixing an organic magnesium compound with an aluminum compound in an ether solvent and separation of the electrochemically active salt from the reaction mixture is provided. The separated electrochemically active salt is stable and safe to handle in comparison to conventional Grignard based electrolyte systems.
US08318352B2	Batteries comprising alkali-transition metal phosphates and preferred electrolytes A secondary electrochemical cell is described having (a) a first electrode comprising an active material of the formula LiaCoeFefM1gM2hM3iXY4, (b) a second electrode which is a counter-electrode to said first electrode; and (c) an electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt, a cyclic ester and a carbonate selected from the group consisting of alkyl carbonates, alkylene carbonates, and mixtures thereof.
US08318350B2	Alkaline electrochemical cell An alkaline electrochemical cell is provided which efficiently utilizes active materials within the cell to achieve enhanced cost efficiency. The electrochemical cell includes a container defining a sealed volume and an anode and cathode disposed in the sealed volume of the container. The cathode includes manganese dioxide and the anode includes zinc. A ratio of zinc weight to anode volume is less than 1.8. An alkaline electrolyte is disposed in the container in contact with the anode and cathode, and water is disposed within the container. A weight ratio of water to manganese dioxide is greater than 0.28, and a weight ratio of water to zinc is greater than 0.65.
US08318347B2	Lithium ion secondary battery In a lithium ion secondary battery including a flat-plate electrode assembly which is configured by stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode in the thickness direction thereof, each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer. Each of the current collector includes a substantially rectangular current collector body, a heat radiating portion, and a lead portion, and the heat radiating portions are projected toward the outside of the electrode assembly so as not to overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly. In this way, heat caused inside the lithium ion secondary battery can be diffused efficiently to the outside, and safety of the lithium ion secondary battery can be further increased, without complicating the battery structure and decreasing mechanical strength of the battery.
US08318346B2	Lithium ion battery A lithium ion battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate folded into a V-shaped sectional surface, a second electrode plate which is inserted into an inner-side surface of the first electrode plate and which has an opposite polarity to the said first electrode plate, and separator which is interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, a case to receive the electrode assembly, and a first electrode tab electrically coupled to the first electrode plate and which extends to the exterior of the case, and a second electrode tab electrically coupled to the second electrode plate, and which extends to the exterior of the case.
US08318343B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte cell and positive electrode for same A positive electrode having a positive-electrode active material and used for a nonaqueous electrolyte cell is provided. The positive electrode includes a coating, wherein the coating contains at least one first compound for which a binding-energy peak in a phosphorus 2p spectrum obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is in the range of 132 to 135 eV.
US08318339B2	Battery pack A battery pack is provided and includes an outer package and a battery element housed in the outer package. The outer package includes a laminate having a conductive layer, and a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal of the battery element is electrically connected to the conductive layer.
US08318335B2	Electronic device An electronic device includes a main body, at least one electrical conducting member, and a first battery. The main body defines a battery holding portion to receive the first battery. The first battery defines an electrical conducting groove. The at least one electrical conducting member is disposed on the battery holding portion, and can be received in the corresponding electrical conducting groove of the first battery. When the first battery is replaced by a second battery the same as the first battery, the at least one electrical conducting member is electrically received in the electrical conducting grooves of the first battery and the second battery at the same time before the first battery is detached from the battery holding portion.
US08318331B2	Magnetic recording medium, method for manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording apparatus According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the substrate and having patterns of protrusions and recesses corresponding to a servo area and a recording area, in which the magnetic recording layer located in each of the recesses in the recording area has a thickness smaller than two thirds of a thickness of the magnetic recording layer corresponding to each of the protrusions, the magnetic recording layer remaining in each of the recesses in the recording area has a thickness of 1 nm or more, and a difference in height on a surface of the magnetic recording medium is 7 nm or less.
US08318330B2	Magnetic read/write head substrate A substrate for a magnetic read/write head is disclosed. The substrate can reduce detachment of crystal grains when the substrate is machined. The substrate may be machined when the substrate is cut into strips or a flow path surface recess is formed to produce the magnetic read/write head. The reduced detachment of crystal grains makes the magnetic read/write head more resilient to chipping, which allows the magnetic read/write head to have a lower and more stable flying height that increases recording density.
US08318328B2	High oxidation resistant hard coating for cutting tools An inventive workpiece features on at least parts of its surface a wear resistant hard coating comprising the following composition Al1-a-b-c-dCraXbSicBdZ, where x is at least one element from Nb, Mo, W or Ta; Z is one element or compound from N, C, CN, NO, CO, CNO; and 0.2<=a<=0.5; 0.01<=b<=0.2; 0<=c<=0.1; 0<=d<=0.1. Further a PVD process for depositing such a wear resistant coating is disclosed whereby at least one workpiece is installed in a vacuum coating system and said system is operated in a low pressure argon atmosphere utilizing at least two metal or metal alloy targets with at least temporarily addition of a reactive gas.
US08318322B2	Aromatic amine compound, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device using aromatic amine compound Novel aromatic amine compounds are provided. Light-emitting elements having high emission efficiency and high reliability are provided. Further, light-emitting devices and electronic devices using the light-emitting devices are provided. Specifically, an aromatic amine compound represented by the general formula (1), and light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices and electronic devices that are formed using the aromatic amine compound represented by the general formula (1) are provided. By using the aromatic amine compound represented by the general formula (1) for light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices and electronic devices, the light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices and electronic devices can have high emission efficiency.
US08318321B2	Compound and organic light-emitting device There are provided a compound represented by the general formula (1) and an organic light-emitting device which comprises the compound and has an optical output with remarkably high efficiency and high luminance.
US08318319B2	Shaped articles with balsa wood and method of producing them Shaped articles made of balsa veneers, balsa chips, balsa strands or balsa strips, which are oriented in the same direction according to their grain direction, and the grain direction of the individual chips deviates by 0° to 30° from the direction of the axis of the grain. The spaces of the adjacent balsa veneers, chips, strands or strips are filled with a, for example foamed, adhesive, the density of which may be the same as or close to the density of the surrounding balsa wood.
US08318316B2	Use of a polymer composite for the production of photovoltaic modules A plastic composite including a carrier material of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and polyamide-12 layers (PA-12) adjoining the carrier material on both sides, can be utilized for the production of photovoltaic modules. The combination of carrier material with PA-12 provides improved insulating capacity for the module along with improved adhesion of the composite layers.
US08318315B2	Metal-clad laminate The present invention relates to a flexible metal-clad laminate for a printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same. The flexible metal-clad laminate includes: a first polyimide layer that is disposed on one surface of the metal-clad and has thermal expansion coefficient of 20 ppm/K or less; and a second polyimide layer that is disposed on one surface of the first polyimide layer and has thermal expansion coefficient of 20 ppm/K or more, wherein a difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the first and second polyimide layers is within 5 ppm/K and a glass transition temperature Tg of resin of the first polyimide layer is 300° C.
US08318313B2	Method for supporting metal nanoparticles and metal nanoparticles-carrying substrate A metal nano particle can be supported and immobilized on a substrate uniformly. Thus, disclosed is a method for supporting a nano metal particle, which comprises applying a silane coupling agent having at least one functional group capable of capturing a metal (e.g., an imidazole group, an amino group, a diamino group, a mercapto group, and a vinyl group) in its molecule on a substrate, and then contacting the silane coupling agent with a nano particle of a metal (e.g., gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, nickel, cobalt), wherein the silane coupling agent may be produced by the reaction between an azole compound with an epoxysilane compound, and wherein the metal nano particle to be contacted with the silane coupling agent is preferably coated with an ionic fluid. Also disclosed is a substrate having a metal nano particle supported thereon, which is produced by the method.
US08318311B2	Bonding agent composition for polymer substrates Adhesion promoter compositions which include at least one binder having isocyanate groups. This specific binder is prepared from a mixture of a polyester resin A, at least one monomeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and at least one polyisocyanate B, where the proportion of monomeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is ≦2% by weight of the overall composition. Such adhesion promoter compositions are particularly suitable for new generation automotive paint systems and are very desirable from an ecological and toxicological point of view owing to their low content of MDI.
US08318304B2	Intumescent rod An intumescent rod comprising an intumescent component formed of an intumescent material and a polymer matrix. The intumescent rod may include a second component forming a covering, core or layer adjacent the intumescent component. A method for manufacturing an intumescent rod including molding or extrusion of at least one of an intumescent component and an optional second component.
US08318303B2	Microsphere pressure sensitive adhesive composition The present invention provides an adhesive made from a reaction product of: (a) a polymerizable monomer derived at least in part from non-petroleum resources; (b) an initiator; (c) a polymeric stabilizer, wherein the reaction occurs in water to yield a microsphere adhesive. The microsphere adhesive can be formulated into a pressure sensitive adhesive composition that can be applied to various substrates such as paper and polymeric film to produce repositionable adhesive coated articles such as tapes, notes, flags, easels and the like.
US08318302B2	Fuser member release layer having nano-size copper metal particles A fuser member having a substrate; an outer polymeric layer including a fluoropolymer having nano-size copper metal particles dispersed therein, wherein the nano-size copper metal particles have a particle size of from about 50 to about 1,500 nm; and a release agent material coating on the outer polymeric layer, wherein the release agent material coating has a mercapto functional release agent, and wherein from about 85 to about 100 percent of the outer polymeric layer is covered with the mercapto functional release agent.
US08318300B2	Diffusion barrier for electronic display devices A barrier structure includes a composite film. The composite film includes a polymer matrix and a plurality of dispersed high aspect ratio glass particles within the polymer matrix.
US08318290B2	Substrate which is protected against organic pollution The invention relates to a substrate (1) which is equipped with a mastic (3) along at least part of the periphery thereof, said mastic comprising silicon-type components. The invention is characterized in that a barrier to the migration of the silicons (5, 7, 8) is disposed on the surface (2) of the substrate (1).
US08318287B1	Integrated circuit package and method of making the same Packages for an integrated circuit die and methods and leadframes for making such packages are disclosed. The package includes a die, a die pad, peripheral metal contacts, bond wires, and an encapsulant. The die pad and contacts are located at a lower surface of the package. The die pad and the contacts have side surfaces which include reentrant portions and asperities to engage the encapsulant. A method of making a package includes providing a metal leadframe having a die pad in a rectangular frame. Tabs extend from the frame toward the die pad. The die pad and tabs have side surfaces with reentrant portions and asperities. A die is attached to the die pad. The die is electrically connected to the tabs. An encapsulant is applied to the upper and side surfaces of the leadframe. Finally, the leadframe is cut in situ so that the die pad and tabs are severed from the frame, the sides of the package are formed, and the package is severed from the leadframe.
US08318277B2	Plastic fuel tank A plastic fuel tank is disclosed including polyethylene layers laminated respectively onto an upper surface and a lower surface of an ethylene/vinyl alcohol layer for preventing fuel seepage. The outermost polyethylene layer laminated onto the upper surface is a high-density polyethylene layer colored black so as to minimize transmission of ultraviolet light.
US08318275B2	Multi-color molding article, multicolor molding method and substrate storage container A multicolor molding article is integrally formed of first and second molding materials in combination. At least part of the peripheral portion in the boundary between a first molding part of the first molding material and a second molding part of the second molding material is formed with a thin projected piece. The tapering inclined angle of the thin projected piece is specified to range from 5° to 40°.
US08318274B2	Food casing from a coated, two-dimensional fiber structure The invention relates to a food casing from a two-dimensional fiber structure, which is coated on one or both sides with acrylic resin. The acrylic resin is combined with at least one other natural and/or synthetic polymer. The acrylic resin in the coating may be admixed with the other polymer. The latter can also form a layer of it's own. On the inside of the casing (i.e. on the side facing the food), this coating prevents gelling out, while at the outside it has a mainly permeability-increasing effect. The casing is particularly used as artificial sausage casing, especially for cooked-smoked sausages.
US08318259B2	Method for producing a moulded article comprising a sprayed polyurethane layer For producing a polyurethane layer by spraying a polyurethane reaction mixture, this mixture is supplied under pressure to a spray nozzle, within the nozzle the reaction mixture is accelerated by passing it through one or more channels having a reduced cross-sectional area, and the accelerated reaction mixture is sprayed, with a predetermined amount of kinetic energy, through a spray opening out of the spray nozzle onto a surface. The channels wherein the reaction mixture is accelerated have a total minimum cross-sectional area of S mm2, S being a value smaller than 1.0, the reaction mixture is sprayed out of the nozzle at a flow rate of between 10×S and 80×S g/sec, and, per gram reaction mixture, an amount of 0.05 to 2.5 mmol of a pressurized gas is sprayed together with the reaction mixture through said spray opening out of the nozzle to increase the kinetic energy of the reaction mixture which is sprayed out of the nozzle. By the addition of a pressurized gas to the reaction mixture, a same or even a better spray pattern can be achieved and the reaction mixture can be sprayed at a smaller flow rate.
US08318255B2	Adherends with enhanced surfaces Metallic substrates have a surface for receiving application of an adhesive that includes a precipitated coating of metallic nanoparticulates. A first portion of the nanoparticulates is adhered to the surface and a second portion is in contact with the first portion. Also provided are adhered constructs. These constructs include a first substrate with a first surface that has a metallic precipitated coating of nanoparticulates. A first portion of the nanoparticulates is adhered to the surface and a second portion contacts the first portion. The constructs include a second substrate that has a second surface; and an adhesive is applied between the first surface and the second surface.
US08318253B2	Imprint lithography A method of making an imprint lithography template includes applying a curable material to a patterned surface of a master imprint template, allowing the curable material to cure and thereby forming a second imprint template having a patterned surface which is the inverse of the patterned surface of the master imprint template; removing the second imprint template from the master imprint template; applying inorganic sol-gel to a substrate; imprinting the inorganic sol-gel with the second imprint template; allowing the inorganic sol-gel to cure; and removing the second imprint template from the cured inorganic sol-gel, such that the inorganic sol-gel forms a third imprint template having a patterned surface which corresponds with the patterned surface of the master imprint template.
US08318248B2	Spatially controlled atomic layer deposition in porous materials Methods for the selective deposition of materials within a porous substrate. The methods use the passivating effects of masking precursors applied to the porous substrate. A portion of a pore surface within the substrate is masked by exposing the substrate to one or more masking precursors. The depth of the pore surface that is masked is controllable by regulating the exposure of the substrate to the masking precursor. Application of the masking precursor prevents adsorption of one or more subsequently applied metal precursors about a portion of the pore surface coated by the masking precursor. Less than an entirety of the unmasked pore surface is coated by the metal precursor, forming a metal stripe on a portion of the pore surface. The depth of the metal stripe is controllable by regulating exposure of the porous substrate to the metal precursor. Subsequent exposure of the substrate to a saturating water application oxidizes the deposited precursors.
US08318245B2	Method for producing an optical article coated with an antireflection or a reflective coating having improved adhesion and abrasion resistance properties The invention relates to a method for producing an optical article having antireflection or reflective properties and comprising a substrate having at least one main surface, comprising the step of depositing an sub-layer onto a substrate's main surface, the step of treating the sub-layer by ionic bombardment and the step of depositing onto said sub-layer a multilayered stack comprising at least one high refractive index layer and at least one low refractive index layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the deposition of the sub-layer is conducted in a vacuum chamber in which a gas is supplied during the deposition step.
US08318239B2	Method and apparatus for detecting and passivating defects in thin film solar cells The embodiments of the present invention provide a defect detection process and apparatus to detect defects in solar cell structures. During the process, an input signal from a signal source is applied to a top surface of a transparent conductive layer of a solar cell structure. In response to the input signal, an output signal is generated from a predetermined area of the top surface and detected by a defect detector. The output signal carrying the defect position information is transmitted to a computer and registered in a database. With the position information, an injector is driven to the defect location to apply an insulator to passivate the defect. A finger pattern layer may be formed over the predetermined area after completing the defect detection and passivation processes.
US08318238B2	Film position adjusting method, memory medium and substrate processing system A substrate processing system includes a processing chamber 12, and an orienter 16 centering a wafer W. The orienter 16 is provided with an orienter sensor 42 measuring a central position discrepancy of the wafer W, and an image sensor 41 measuring a width of a non-film forming portion at circumferential portions of the wafer W. After a film deposition processing in the processing chamber 12, the wafer W is loaded into the orienter 16 where a central position discrepancy of the wafer W is measured, and the wafer W is then centered. Further, the width of the non-film forming portion of the wafer W is measured, and a film position discrepancy is calculated based on the width of the non-film forming portion. To correct the calculated film position discrepancy, a target transfer position of the wafer W on a mounting table 13 in the processing chamber 12 is adjusted.
US08318236B2	Stent coating method A stent is coated by ejecting droplets of a coating substance from a reservoir containing a coating substance. A reservoir housing can have a plurality of reservoir compartments. A transducer is used to eject the coating substance from the reservoir. Energy from the transducer is focused at a meniscus or an interface between the coating substance and another coating substance in the reservoir.
US08318232B2	Sweetner and use Sweeteners on the basis of a simultaneously transglucosylated sweet glycoside mixture of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni are prepared. The transglucosylation was developed in the presence of starch under the action of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase. The remaining maltodextrins are transformed to the fructose-terminated oligosaccharides by the addition of sucrose. The sweeteners are purified to not less than 98% content of sweet glycosides and derivatives. The preparations are almost non-caloric, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, cosmetics and milk products.
US08318231B2	Oxidation method and compositions therefor The present invention generally relates to an improved two-part oxidizing system, as well as oxidizing compositions and methods for making and using the same, and in a particular embodiment to a two-part oxidizing system that, when mixed, yields an oxidizing composition. The two-part oxidizing system includes a metal chlorite first part, and an acid second part where the acid is sodium acid sulfate or a derivative thereof.
US08318226B2	Milk-type food and drink packed in transparent container and process for producing the same An object of the present invention is to provide a milk-type food and drink including cow's milk packed in a transparent container such as a PET bottle, which does not generate off-flavor due to photoinduction even when the milk-type food and drink is a store-displaying commercial product which is apt to come under the influence of sunlight and fluorescent light. The invention relates to a milk-type food and drink packed in a transparent container which substantially shields light in the wavelength region of 550 to 720 nm, and a process for producing a milk-type food and drink, which comprises packing a milk-type food and drink in a transparent container which substantially shields light in the wavelength region of 550 to 720 nm.
US08318223B2	Method for producing modified milk Provided is a method whereby a dairy product having a rich and creamy texture can be obtained by reducing or removing a reaction inhibitor of a protein deamidating enzyme contained in a raw material milk having low heat history to thereby more efficiently and more effectively treat the raw material milk having low heat history with a protein deamidating enzyme. A raw material milk having low heat history is treated with a protein deamidating enzyme after or simultaneously with a treatment, such as an addition of a calcium chelating agent, for reducing a protein deamidating enzyme inhibitor.
US08318221B2	Dietary supplements containing extracts of cinnamon and methods of using same to enhance creatine transport Materials derived from cinnamon can be administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of controlling blood glucose as well improving glucose tolerance. Controlling glucose metabolism is essential for those with impaired glucose metabolism as is the case for those with Type II diabetes where insulin function is not properly functioning. Such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing nutrient transport for purposes of athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. Similarly related, such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into excitable tissues such as skeletal muscle. The material can be administered as extracts of cinnamon and can be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks.
US08318219B2	Isolated extract of walnuts, method for its obtention and its use The invention refers to an isolated extract of walnuts of high efficiency and stability over time useful for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of viral, fungal and bacterial diseases, which is characterized in that it is obtained from a process comprising: i) collecting unripe walnut fruits as raw material; ii) preparing the raw material for the extraction, iii) freezing the raw material prepared in the previous step; iv) drying; v) extracting in a time lower than 10 minutes; vi) filtration; and vii) final packaging. The invention also refers to its use for manufacturing a medicament for the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral diseases and to a composition comprising it.
US08318209B2	Loadable polymeric particles for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications and methods of preparing and using the same Particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy) phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles can also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Barium sulfate may also be provided to the core of the particles as a coating or absorbed within the core of the particles. The particles can be used to minimize blood flow to mammalian tissues by occluding at least a portion of a blood vessel of the mammal, or to deliver an active agent to a localized area within a body of a mammal by contacting a localized area with at least one of the particles. Further, the particles are useful in sustained release formulations including active agent(s) for oral administration, as tracer particles for injection into the bloodstream of a mammal or for use in enhanced ultrasound imaging. The particles may include agents for increasing density for achieving useful buoyancy levels in suspension.
US08318207B2	Encapsulation and controlled release of small molecules for intracellular delivery using thermally responsive nanocapsules In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for intracellular delivery of small molecules is provided. The method includes encapsulation of small molecules in a thermally responsive nanocapsule by decreasing the temperature of the nanocapsule to increase the permeability of the nanocapsule and allowing the small molecules to be suck into or diffuse into the nanocapsule. The nanocapsule is delivered into a cell by increasing the temperature of the nanocapsule. The small molecules are released from the nanocapsule into the cell in a controllable manner by cooling and heating treatments.
US08318203B2	Form of administration of racecadotril The present invention relates to a new racecadotril formulation in the form of tablets, the preparation process thereof and the use thereof to treat diarrhoea.
US08318193B2	Crosslinked porous biomaterials The invention provides crosslinked porous biomaterials and methods for forming crosslinked porous biomaterials. The crosslinked porous biomaterials of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer scaffold defining an array of pores, wherein substantially all the pores have a similar diameter, wherein the mean diameter of the pores is between about 20 and about 90 micrometers, wherein substantially all the pores are each connected to at least 4 other pores, and wherein the diameter of substantially all the connections between the pores is between about 15% and about 40% of the mean diameter of the pores. The invention also provides implantable devices comprising a layer of a biomaterial, and methods for promoting angiogenesis in and around an implantable biomaterial.
US08318192B2	Method of making load bearing hydrogel implants Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.
US08318186B2	Use of at least a fatty ester for preparing a composition designed to inhibit 5-α-reductase activity, in pharmacology, in particular dermatology, in cosmetics and as food additive The invention concerns the use of at least a fatty ester for preparing a composition designed to inhibit 5α-reductase activity. Said use produces a remarkable inhibiting effect of 5α-reductase thereby providing a novel response for treating dermatological pathologies and/or disorders related to congenital or acquired exaggeration of 5α-reductase activity, in particular for treating prostatic hypertrophy, prostatic adenoma, acne, hyperseborrhea, alopecia and hirsutism. The invention also concerns cosmetic treatment methods, in particular for greasy skin, and the use of said fatty esters as additives in a food product for human and/or animal consumption.
US08318183B2	Plasmodium liver stage antigens The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.
US08318181B2	Botulinum nanoemulsions The embodiment described herein are related nanoemulsions comprising botulinum toxins. In one embodiment, the nanoemulsions are prepared by high pressure microfluidization and comprise a particle size distribution exclusively between 10 and 300 nm. The nanoemulsions contemplated by the present invention are useful for the cosmetic and medical treatment of muscular contracture states. For example, botulinum toxin may relax facial muscles such that skin wrinkles become smoother and less noticeable. Further, the present invention contemplates a cosmetic formulation that may be self-administered, for example, in the privacy of one's home and without medical supervision.
US08318180B2	Protective vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms comprising cell wall-associated immunogens Vaccine formulations effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are disclosed, as well as methods of using the vaccine formulations in the treatment, prevention and prophylaxis of Staphylococcus aureus infections in a subject.
US08318178B2	Compositions of marine botanicals to provide nutrition to aging and environmentally damaged skin A topical skin care composition and method for its use comprising Codium tomentosum extract and Crithmum maritimum extract, wherein the composition is formulated as an emulsion, cream, lotion, solution, gel, ointment, or anhydrous base.
US08318172B2	Breaking immunological tolerance with a genetically encoded unnatural amino acid The present invention comprises methods and compositions for producing and/or enhancing an immunological response in a subject against a target moiety such as a disease-related moiety by administration of an antigenic version of the target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid and/or by administration of an antibody against a version of a target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid which antibody is cross reactive with the natural target moiety.
US08318169B2	Sustained release drug delivery systems comprising a water soluble therapeutic agent and a release modifier A biocompatible, sustained release intraocular drug delivery system comprising a protein or polynucleotide therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier for the therapeutic agent and a long chain fatty alcohol release modifier. The biocompatible, sustained release intraocular drug delivery system can be used to treat an ocular condition.
US08318164B2	Anti A beta antibody formulation The present invention provides formulations for maintaining the stability of Aβ binding polypeptides, for example, Aβ antibodies. Exemplary formulations include a tonicity agent such as mannitol and a buffering agent or amino acid such as histidine. Other exemplary formulations include an antioxidant in a sufficient amount as to inhibit by-product formation, for example, the formation of high molecular weight polypeptide aggregates, low molecular weight polypeptide degradation fragments, and mixtures thereof. The formulations of the invention optionally comprise a tonicity agent, such as mannitol, and a buffering agent or amino acid such as histidine. The formulations are suitable for several different routes of administration.
US08318162B2	Antibodies to high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen The present disclosure relates to anti-high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA) antibodies which bind to human HMW-MAA. Such antibodies may be used to treat diseases or disorders characterized by expression of HMW-MAA including cancer, for example, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, ALL or AML.
US08318160B2	Treatment of cancer with novel anti-IL13 monoclonal antibodies The present invention relates to the treatment of IL13 dependent neoplastic disorders comprising the administration of novel anti-IL13 antibodies. The invention also includes diagnosing such tumors or cancer using the antibodies of the present invention to detect overexpression of IL13 in the patient.
US08318158B2	Pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and method of diagnosing same A therapeutic agent for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and the method for preparing the therapeutic agent is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using of a biomarker, the presence of chymotrypsin in the gastrointestinal tract to determine the presence of symptoms of addiction, and the likelihood of relapsing into addiction is disclosed.
US08318152B2	Effects of probiotics on humans and animals under environmental or biological changes An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes probiotic compositions comprising probiotic microorganisms with dried vegetable, fruit, cereal, or herb powder. Feeding human or animals either having biological or environmental changes with probiotic compositions has a positive effect in relieving the changes. Positive effects has been demonstrated in humans, dogs, and fish.
US08318150B2	Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4096 and weight control The present invention generally relates to the field of obesity. In particular the present invention relates to the use of probiotics to support weight management and to treat or prevent obesity. One embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4096 for the preparation of a composition to support weight management, promote weight loss and/or to treat obesity.
US08318142B2	Method of stimulating hair growth A method of stimulating growth of a hair shaft from a hair follicle on a scalp of a human includes supplying a hair growth system. The hair growth system includes a vitamin complex ingestible by the human, a cleansing agent suitable for washing the scalp at least once every 48 hours and substantially free from each of sodium lauryl sulfate, palmitoyl ethanolamide, and dehydroepiandrosterone, and a plurality of laser diodes disposed in a fixture. The fixture is configured for surrounding the scalp and applying electromagnetic radiation to the scalp. The method also includes applying electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from about 380 nm to about 1,000 nm to the scalp at a radiant flux of from about 600 nW to about 700 nW via the plurality of laser diodes to stimulate growth of the hair shaft from the hair follicle. A hair growth system is also disclosed.
US08318138B2	Hair care compositions and methods of treating hair using same The present invention provides kits and methods for treating hair on the scalp comprising non-toxic compositions providing beneficial effects on hair without employing high temperatures, free radical initiators or rinsing hair after applying the compositions.
US08318137B2	Methods, agents, and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts The present invention relates to methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing differentiation of undifferentiated mammalian cells into osteoblasts. The invention thus provides a method, comprising contacting a compound with a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No: 194-309; and measuring a compound-polypeptide property related to the differentiation of said cells. The invention further relates to a bone formation enhancing pharmaceutical composition, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean bone density in a subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the in vitro production of bone tissue.
US08318136B2	Methods and systems for neural maintenance and regeneration Methods and systems are described that release one or both of a neurotrophin and an inhibitor of the degradation of the neurotrophin within or in the vicinity of a highly innervated tissue. In some embodiments, the method includes regulating the release of the neurotrophin and the inhibitor of degradation over time. In some embodiments, the method includes monitoring the concentration of the neurotrophin over time. The system may include a device or multiple devices for the release of the neurotrophin and the inhibitor as well as a controller. In some embodiments the system may include a sensor device and/or an imaging device capable of detecting the concentration of the neurotrophin over time. The release of the neurotrophin and inhibitor of degradation may be part of a controlled release system and regulated over time.
US08318133B2	Macrocyclic cyanine and indocyanine bioconjugates provide improved biomedical applications The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing compounds as contrast agents. Novel macrocyclic cyanine and indocyanine bioconjugates that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These compounds are especially useful for endoscopic, localized photoacoustic, and sonofluorescence imaging, detection and therapy of tumors and other abnormalities.
US08318130B2	Hydrogen production using electrochemical reforming and electrolyte regeneration A process, preferably continuous, for producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting in the liquid phase at least one oxidizable organic substance in the presence of a mixture comprising at least one conductive catalyst and an aqueous alkaline carbonate electrolyte, wherein at least one bicarbonate composition produced by reaction of the electrolyte is regenerated and the at least one oxidizable organic substance comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon, for example methanol and/or dimethyl ether. In a preferred embodiment the alkaline electrolyte is regenerated using steam. Various advantageous reaction schemes are described, utilizing, e.g., co-current and countercurrent stream flow and alternative tower sequence arrangements.
US08318128B2	Method of preparing vanadium oxide nanoparticles Vanadium oxide nanoparticles prepared by an inverse micelle hydrolysis of vanadium alkoxide in the presence of a basic catalyst.
US08318123B2	Preparation method of carbon nanotube by decomposing the polymer with hydrotalcite as a catalyst The present invention discloses a preparation method of carbon nanotube by decomposing the polymer with hydrotalcite as a catalyst, which belongs to the field of preparation technology of carbon nanotube (CNT). The technical solution of the present invention are as below: firstly, the hydrotalcite with the particle size at nanometer or sub-micron level is prepared, and then is added into the polymer. After the calcination process at high temperature and a treatment with acid, the nano-scale CNT can be obtained. The CNTs prepared by the method supplied in this invention not only have the advantages including high yield, uniform diameter, few structural defects, low impurity content, low cost and simple preparation process, which is suitable for large-scale industrial production, but also can solve the problem of recirculation of waste plastics and utilization of the resource.
US08318119B2	Method for preparing perovskite oxide-based catalyst particles A high-surface area fine particle dispersal of LaMnO3 or a promoted derivation of LaMnO3 may be prepared by the citrate method. The amount of citric acid used to complex the constituent metal cations into citrate complexed mixed metal compounds may range from about 40 mol % to about 100 mol % in excess of stoichiometry.
US08318118B2	Process for the treatment of gas phase alkaline chloride in a combustion plant A process for the treatment of gas phase alkaline chlorides in a combustion plant that is arranged for combustion of solid fuel and which includes a combustion chamber from which a flue-gas flow is directed to pass a heat transfer device. A phosphorous substance is added to the flue-gas flow, separate from the fuel, the substance chosen from a group of substances that form phosphorous oxide at combustion temperatures of approx. 500° C. or above, wherein the phosphorous substance is distributed in the flue-gas at a location upstream of the heat transfer device. The phosphorous substance is added to an amount which results in phosphatising of gas phase alkaline chlorides included in the flue-gas flow before the chlorides reach the heat transfer device. A corresponding combustion plant is disclosed, as well as the use of a phosphorous substance for phosphatising alkaline chloride in gaseous phase in a flue-gas flow.
US08318116B2	Methods for deacidizing gaseous mixtures by phase enhanced absorption An improved process for deacidizing a gaseous mixture using phase enhanced gas-liquid absorption is described. The process utilizes a multiphasic absorbent that absorbs an acid gas at increased rate and leads to reduced overall energy costs for the deacidizing operation.
US08318115B2	Systems and methods for high efficiency regenerative selective catalytic reduction The invention provides a system for regenerative selective catalytic reduction including a catalyst chamber that contains a catalyst for reducing NOX in a gas stream passing therethrough. The system also includes a reactant injector, first and second heat exchangers, and a valve manifold adapted to direct a substantially continuous gas stream through the heat exchangers and catalyst chamber in such a manner as to flow through the catalyst chamber in the same flow direction during each cycle of the system. The invention also provides a process of regenerative selective catalytic reduction wherein the gas stream through the catalyst chamber flows in the same flow direction during each cycle of the process.
US08318101B2	Oil-derived hydrocarbon converter having an integrated combustion installation comprising carbon dioxide capture The invention relates to an oil-derived hydrocarbon converter comprising a catalytic cracking vessel (1) in the presence of catalyst particles in fluidized phase and a regenerator, for regenerating said catalyst particles by burning off the coke deposited on them, said catalyst circulating between said cracking vessel and said regenerator, said regenerator being a reactor (2) integrated into a combustion installation for steam generation comprising carbon dioxide capture. According to the invention, said regenerator is a reduction reactor (2) for an oxygen support, which is fed with solid fuel, comprising said particles provided with coke, and is equipped with a cyclone (C2) for separating the solids and with exchangers (E2), this reduction reactor for said oxygen support being associated with an oxidation reactor (3) for said oxygen support and equipped with a cyclone (C3) for separating the solids and with exchanges (E3), said oxygen support circulating between these two reactors, and in that said oxygen support consists of metal oxide particles having a mean diameter different from that of said catalyst particles.
US08318098B2	Method and apparatus for detecting an analyte Embodiments of the present technique facilitate the detection of analytes. Detection is generally achieved by binding agents labeled with non-radiative energy transfer acceptors. The binding agents, when bound to a specific analyte, change conformation such that the distance between the respective non-radiative energy transfer acceptors and a respective quantum dot or quantum well changes. Certain embodiments of the present technique also comprise readout circuitry configured to determine rates of non-radiative energy transfer electrically and not optically.
US08318097B2	Apparatus for extracting gaseous specimens to be measured from a production process and system An apparatus and a system for extracting gaseous specimens to be measured, preferably during the production of polycrystalline silicon, are disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention is a flange-like device (80), which is placed between each of the at least two pipe sections (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 41a, 41b) of the outlet pipes (11, 21, 41).
US08318090B2	Hand sanitizer/sterilizer Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.
US08318089B2	Method and apparatus of sterilization using monochromic UV radiation source A processes of sterilizing a contact lens, that is immersed in an aqueous liquid and hermetically in a container, using at least 284 mJ/cm2 of UV radiation in the range of 240-280 nm is disclosed herein.
US08318088B2	Radiation sterilization of medical devices A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.
US08318086B2	Microwave remediation of medical wastes Methods, devices, and remediation compositions for the microwave remediation of medical wastes are provided. The remediation compositions include a microwave active fluid including a microwave active liquid, a microwave enhancer, and a viscosity modifying agent. Methods include immersing medical waste in the remediation composition and then irradiating the medical waste and the remediation composition to remediate the medical waste. The devices include a container for the medical waste and the remediation composition, a microwave radiation source and a temperature monitoring device.
US08318085B2	Methods and compositions for inhibiting metal corrosion Methods of inhibiting the corrosion of a metal surface contacted by an aqueous acid solution. The methods combine a corrosion inhibiting composition with the aqueous acid solution, wherein the corrosion inhibiting composition comprises a reaction product of an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone with a primary or secondary amine. The metal surface is then contacted with the aqueous acid solution comprising the corrosion inhibiting composition, thereby inhibiting corrosion thereon.
US08318082B2	Cubic boron nitride compact A composition containing: about 45 to about 75 volume % of cubic boron nitride (CBN), where the CBN has finer and coarser particles having two different average particle sizes, the range of the average particle size of the finer particles being about 0.1 to about 2 μm, the range of the average particle size of the coarser particles being about 0.3 to about 5 μm, the ratio of the content of the coarser CBN particles to the finer CBN particles being 50:50 to 90:10; a secondary hard phase containing a nitride or carbonitride of a Group 4, 5 or 6 transition metal or a mixture or solid solution thereof, and a binder phase.
US08318081B2	Direct smelting plant A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct melting process is disclosed. The plant includes a plurality of gas injection lances to inject the oxygen-containing gas into the vessel that extend downwardly through openings in a side wall of a direct smelting vessel.
US08318072B2	Stretched cellulose acylate film and process for producing the same One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for producing a stretched cellulose acylate film with an in-plane retardation, Re, of 100 nm or more and a relationship between the thickness direction retardation, Rth, and Re which satisfies Rth<(Re/2), by longitudinally stretching an unstretched cellulose acylate film in a longitudinal direction by pulling by means of a difference in circumferential velocity between a pair of rollers, wherein the method is characterized in that the cellulose acylate film is subjected to free-end uniaxial stretching to a longitudinal stretch ratio of 1 to 2 while the film is being heated in a heating oven installed between the pair of rollers at a stretching temperature in the range of Tc−10° C. to Tc+70° C., Tc being the crystallization temperature of the film, and with the temperature difference in the film width direction maintained within 10° C.
US08318065B2	Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion, post-doping annealing, and materials used therein.
US08318060B2	Microencapsulation of amines A system for microencapsulation of an amine in a polymer shell in an aqueous environment.
US08318058B2	Method for manufacturing mold for molding optical element A method for manufacturing a mold for molding an optical element, wherein the mold comprising a base material having a molding base face and a covering layer provided on the molding base face of the base material, and an upper surface portion of the covering layer located above the molding base face forms a molding face, the method including: a covering step for forming a covering layer on the molding base face of the base material; a pressurizing step for pressurizing a surface of the covering layer; and a high-precision processing step for forming a molding face by applying high-precision processing onto the surface of the covering layer subsequent to the pressurizing step.
US08318057B2	Method for replicating optical elements, particularly on a wafer level, and replicas formed thereby Integrated multiple optical elements may be formed by bonding substrates containing such optical elements together or by providing optical elements on either side of the wafer substrate. The wafer is subsequently diced to obtain the individual units themselves. The optical elements may be formed lithographically, directly, or using a lithographically generated master to emboss the elements. Alignment features facilitate the efficient production of such integrated multiple optical elements, as well as post creation processing thereof on the wafer level.
US08318054B2	Dark green solar control glass composition The present invention provides a dark green colored glass composition having a soda-lime-silica glass composition, wherein the coloring compounds comprises in weight percentage: from 0.71 to 1.50% of total iron expressed as Fe2O3; from 22 to 30% of ferrous-ferric ratio and from 0.15 to 0.50% of expressed as FeO; from 0.10 to 0.20% of SO3 without affecting the refining properties and ability of the SO3 to eliminate bubbles; about 0 to 1.0 wt. % TiO2; about 0.0004 to 0.03 wt. % Cr2O3; and also 0.0004 to 0.015 wt. % CuO.
US08318053B2	Photosensitive resin composition and color filter using the same Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition including (A) a photopolymerizable monomer including a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein the substituents of Chemical Formula 1 are the same as defined in the specification, (B) a binder resin, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a pigment and (E) a solvent, and a color filter using the same.
US08318051B2	Light-absorbent resin composition for laser welding, light-absorbent resin molding, and method for manufacturing light-absorbent resin molding The present invention provides a light-absorbent resin composition for laser welding whereby transparency can be maintained and stable laser welding is possible. The light-absorbent resin composition for laser welding includes a resin and laser-light-absorbent nanoparticles, wherein the laser-light-absorbent nanoparticles are nanoparticles of tungsten oxide indicated by the general formula WyOz, and/or nanoparticles of composite tungsten oxide indicated by the general formula MxWyOz.
US08318049B2	Composition for forming electron emission source, electron emission source including the composition, method of preparing the electron emission source, and field emission device including the electron emission source An electron emission source includes nano-sized acicular materials and a cracked portion formed in at least one portion of the electron emission source. The acicular materials are exposed between inner walls of the cracked portion. A method for preparing the electron emission source, a field emission device including the electron emission source, and a composition for forming the electron emission source are also provided in the present invention.
US08318047B2	Method for providing RF powder and RF powder-containing liquid Provided are a method for providing an RF powder that is easily handled because it is used as a powder (powdery state), not used as individual elements, and is high in applicability and extensibility, extremely low in manufacturing cost in respect of the unit price of each particle, and extremely high in practicability; and an RF powder-containing liquid. In the method for providing an RF powder, an RF powder composed of a large number of RF powder particles 11a is provided to a user in a state of being stored in a container 1. The RF powder is stored in the container 1 together with a medium that prevents the large number of RF powder particles 11a from adhering to one another. The medium is a liquid having a specific color determined so as to correspond to the characteristic frequency of the RF powder.
US08318046B2	Water dispersible polyanilines made with polymeric acid colloids for electronics applications Methods are provided to producing stable, aqueous dispersions of polyaniline and colloid-forming polymeric acids. Films from the disclosed compositions are useful as buffer layers, in organic electronic devices including electroluminescent devices, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLED) displays. Films cast from the compositions are also useful in combination with nanometal wires or carbon nanotubes in applications such as drain, source, or gate electrodes in thin film field effect transistors.
US08318045B2	Radiation shielding members including nano-particles as a radiation shielding material and method for preparing the same Disclosed is a radiation shielding member having improved radiation absorption performance, including 80.0˜99.0 wt % of a polymer matrix or metal matrix and 1.0˜20.0 wt % of a radiation shielding material in the form of nano-particles having a size of 10˜900 nm as a result of pulverization, wherein the radiation shielding material is homogeneously dispersed in the matrix through powder mixing or melt mixing after treatment with a surfactant which is the same material as the matrix or which has high affinity for the matrix. A preparation method thereof is also provided. This radiation shielding member including the nano-particles as the shielding material further increases the collision probability of the shielding material with radiation, compared to conventional shielding members including micro-particles, thus reducing the mean free path of radiation in the shielding member, thereby exhibiting superior radiation shielding effects. At the same density, the shielding member has reduced thickness and volume and is thus lightweight. The porosity of the shielding member is minimized, thereby preventing the deterioration of shielding effects and properties of the shielding member and realizing applicability in spent fuel managing transport/storage environments and the like.
US08318043B2	Composition for liquid crystal film, liquid crystal film using composition, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal film A composition for a liquid crystal film includes: 100 parts by weight of a vertically aligned liquid crystal mixture; 0.001-20 parts by weight of a chiral dopant; and 50-900 parts by weight of a solvent.
US08318042B2	Systems, methods and solutions for chemical polishing of GaAs wafers Chemical polishing solutions and methods are disclosed for the chemical polishing of GaAs wafers. An exemplary chemical polishing solution consistent with the innovations herein may comprise dichloroisocyanurate, sulfonate, acid pyrophosphate, bicarbonate and carbonate. An exemplary chemical polishing method may comprise polishing a wafer in a chemical polishing apparatus in the presence of such a chemical polishing solution. Chemical polishing solutions and methods herein make it possible, for example, to improve wafer quality, decrease costs, and/or reduce environmental pollution.
US08318039B2	Refrigerant composition comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO1234yf) The present invention provides a non-flammable refrigerant, which is excellent in handleability while retaining the refrigerating capacity. Specifically, the present invention relates to a refrigerant composition comprising 36 to 50 mass % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a) and 50 to 64 mass % of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO1234yf).
US08318037B2	Organosilicon glycol-based electrolytes with a hydroxy terminus Disclosed are hydroxy terminated alkylsilane ethers with oligoethylene oxide substituents. They are suitable for use as electrolyte solvents and particularly well suited for use with aqueous environment electrolytic capacitors. Methods for synthesizing these compounds are also disclosed.
US08318035B2	Methods of finishing quartz glass surfaces and components made by the methods Methods of surface finishing a component useful for a plasma processing apparatus are provided. The component includes at least one plasma-exposed quartz glass surface. The method includes mechanically polishing, chemically etching and cleaning the plasma-exposed surface to achieve a desired surface morphology. Quartz glass sealing surfaces of the component also can be finished by the methods. Plasma-exposed surface and sealing surfaces of the same component can be finished to different surface morphologies from each other.
US08318032B2	Method to pattern metallized substrates using a high intensity light source A method for delineating a metallization pattern in a layer of sputtered aluminum or sputtered copper using a broad spectrum high intensity light source. The metal is deposited on a polymeric substrate by sputtering, so that it has a porous nanostructure. An opaque mask that is a positive representation of the desired metallization pattern is then situated over the metallization layer, exposing those portions of the metallization layer intended to be removed. The masked metallization layer is then exposed to a rapid burst of high intensity visible light from an arc source sufficient to cause complete removal of the exposed portions of the metallization layer, exposing the underlying substrate and creating the delineated pattern.
US08318029B1	Methods of manufacturing diamond capsules Capsules and similar objects are made from materials having diamond (sp3) lattice structures, including diamond materials in synthetic crystalline, polycrystalline (ordered or disordered), nanocrystalline and amorphous forms. The capsules generally include a hollow shell made of a diamond material that defines an interior region that may be empty or that may contain a fluid or solid material. Some of the capsules include access ports that can be used to fill the capsule with a fluid. Capsules and similar structures can be manufactured by growing diamond on suitably shaped substrates. In some of these methods, diamond shell sections are grown on substrates, then joined together. In other methods, a nearly complete diamond shell is grown around a form substrate, and the substrate can be removed through a relatively small opening in the shell.
US08318027B2	Mobile flowback water treatment system Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
US08318019B2	Methods of dewatering algae for extraction of algal products A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.
US08318016B1	Orbital wastewater treatment system, method of operating same, and kit for modifying an orbital wastewater treatment system An orbital wastewater treatment system includes a tank assembly, at least one impeller, a flow-diversion mechanism, an actuator, optionally at least one sensor disposed in the tank assembly, and a control unit. The tank assembly has an anoxic zone and an aerobic zone and passages between the two zones. The impeller is disposed in the tank assembly for aeration and for moving mixed liquor under process about the tank assembly. The flow-diversion mechanism is disposed at at least one of the passages between the aerobic and the anoxic zone. The actuator is operatively connected to the gate for regulating the flow state or configuration thereof in response to a signal generated by the control unit at least partially pursuant to a predetermined schedule and/or at least partially in accordance with input from the sensor.
US08318010B2	Quick disconnect liquid chromatograph columns A chromatography column and method for use in a liquid chromatography process includes a telescoping chromatography and piston tubes, with the piston tube having a porous layer partially obstructing flow therethrough. A chromatography clamp is selectively movable between open and closed positions, and configured to extend substantially 360 degrees about the periphery of the chromatography tube when closed. The chromatography clamp is configured to releasably maintain the chromatography tube and piston tube in fluid communication with one another. In particular embodiments, the chromatography clamp includes a ledge extending at an oblique angle relative to the transverse direction, which is configured to cam the clamp towards the closed position upon application of greater than atmospheric pressure within the chromatography column.
US08318009B2	Apparatus for manufacturing oxygenated water An apparatus for generating oxygenated water by dissolving oxygen in water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reservoir (10) storing drinking water, an oxygen generating unit (20) generating oxygen through electrolysis and supplying the oxygen into a pipe line (11) through which the drinking water flows, and a dissolving unit (30) dissolving the oxygen in the drinking water. The dissolving unit (30) includes a pump (31), a Venturi (32), and a dissolving container (50) and a Venturi (33) which are connected in series to each other. The dissolving container (50) is provided with an oxygen pipe (56) installed at an inlet portion thereof to supply the oxygen generated from the oxygen generating unit (20) into a center portion of the drinking water quickly supplied. Consequently, the apparatus changes physical properties and molecular structure of the drinking water to generate the micro-bubbles in the drinking water, thereby achieving the dissolved oxygen concentration of more than 150 ppm, which is beneficial to a human body. Also, since the apparatus is downsized, the use efficiency thereof is increased.
US08318006B2	“Once through” process for hydrocracking hydrocarbon-containing feeds with high nitrogen contents The present invention concerns an improved once-through process for hydrocracking hydrocarbon-containing feeds with high nitrogen contents, with partial elimination of ammonia, for example by a hot flash located between the hydrorefining zone and the hydrocracking zone. Said hot flash drum functions at a pressure close to that of the hydrorefining reactor and at a temperature in the range from 150° C. to the hydrorefining reactor outlet temperature.
US08318002B2	Lubricant composition with improved solvency Lubricating base oils/base stocks comprising one or more hydrodewaxate and/or hydroisomerate base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) or mixture thereof, preferably GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) of improved solvency comprise said base stock combined with a Group I base stock/base oil selected from the group consisting of high viscosity Group I mineral oil, preferably Bright Stock.The solvency and the capability to solubilize performance additives of base oils comprising one or more hydrodewaxate and/or hydroisomerate base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) or mixture thereof, preferably GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) is improved by the addition to said base oils of a Group I base oil/base stock selected from the group consisting of high viscosity Group I mineral oil, preferably Bright Stock.
US08317999B2	Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08317997B2	Method and apparatus for measuring oxidation-reduction potential Methods and systems for measuring the oxidation-reduction potential of a fluid sample are provided. The system includes a test strip with a sample chamber adapted to receive a fluid sample. The sample chamber can be associated with a filter membrane. The test strip also includes a reference cell. The oxidation-reduction potential of a fluid sample placed in the sample chamber can be read by a readout device interconnected to a test lead that is in electrical contact with the sample chamber, and a reference lead that is in electrical contact with the reference cell. Electrical contact between a fluid sample placed in the sample chamber and the reference cell can be established by a bridge. The oxidation-reduction potential may be read as an electrical potential between the test lead and the reference lead of the test strip.
US08317988B2	Concentration determination in a diffusion barrier layer The present invention relates to improved electrochemical biosensor strips and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. By selectively measuring a measurable species residing in a diffusion barrier layer, to the substantial exclusion of the measurable species residing exterior to the diffusion barrier layer, measurement errors introduced by sample constituents, such as red blood cells, and manufacturing variances may be reduced.
US08317985B2	Hydrogen producing unit An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit.
US08317984B2	Graphene oxide deoxygenation A graphene oxide (GO) target is exposed to light having power sufficient to initiate a deoxygenation reaction of the GO target. The deoxygenation reaction of the GO target transforms the GO target to graphene.
US08317982B2	FGEPSC (flared, gas exhaust, pneumatic, saturation and condensation) process and system The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for utilization of waste heat of flue gas liberated from different heat sources to provide high quality water from sea/brackish.
US08317975B2	Product and processes from an integrated forest biorefinery An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.
US08317970B2	Ceiling electrode with process gas dispersers housing plural inductive RF power applicators extending into the plasma A gas distribution plate is formed of a metallic body having a bottom surface with plural gas disperser orifices and an internal gas manifold feeding the orifices. Each one of an array of discrete RF power applicators held in the plate includes (a) an insulating cylindrical housing extending through the plate, a portion of the housing extending outside of the plate through the bottom surface, and (b) a conductive solenoidal coil contained within the housing, a portion of the coil lying within the portion of the housing that extends outside of the plate through the bottom surface.
US08317963B2	Affixing an anchor in a drilled hole An anchor is fastened into a drilled hole in substrate layer such as concrete by providing on an end portion of the anchor a surrounding layer of an adhesive of a character that it softens when heated and sets when it cools with a portion of the anchor exposed outside the hole. The exposed portion is heated by an inductive heating device in a heating cycle where the heating cycle is actuated by the operator switch but accurately controlled and limited to a single operation in the presence of the anchor by a control in the device in dependence on sensed environmental conditions and a measured size of the anchor.
US08317962B2	Base material processing device and base material processing method using the same A base material processing device includes a first base material conveying section which receives from a first line and conveys a to-be-processed flexible base material, a base material dividing section which divides the flexible base material conveyed by the first base material conveying section, a route changing section which receives the flexible base material from its start edge formed by division by the base material dividing section and changes its conveyance route to a second line, and a second base material conveying section which is provided before the second line and holds and conveys to the second line a to-be-processed flexible base material.
US08317961B2	System and method for manufacturing optical display device, set of material rolls and method for manufacture thereof A system for manufacturing an optical display device includes providing a roll of a belt-shaped sheet material including an optical film and a release film, which has score lines previously formed by cutting layers of the material other than the release film. The optical film is bonded to a rectangular optical display unit of the display device. In the bonding steps, a first optical film is divided by the score lines into pieces each having a length corresponding to a long side of the display unit, and a second optical film is divided by the score lines into pieces each having a length corresponding to a short side of the display unit. The first optical film has a first polarizing plate whose longitudinal direction is parallel to its absorption axis, and the second optical film has a second polarizing plate whose longitudinal direction is parallel to its absorption axis.
US08317959B2	Method of making multi-ply door core, multi-ply door core, and door manufactured therewith The present invention concerns a method of forming a multi-ply core component. A mold press is provided having an upper die and a lower die defining a mold cavity. At least one of the upper die and the lower die has a plurality of protrusions. A first wood composite board and a second wood composite board are disposed within the mold cavity. The first and second boards are fused proximate the plurality of protrusions by compressing the boards in the mold cavity through application of heat and pressure.
US08317956B2	System, method, and composition for adhering preformed thermoplastic traffic control signage to pavement The present invention relates to a method for adhering detectable warning devices, pavement markings and preformed traffic control devices (turn arrows, stop bars) that are hydrocarbon or alkyd thermoplastic in nature to an uncured or “green” concrete substrate providing permanent adhesion for detectable warning devices, pedestrian and traffic control markings.
US08317955B2	Method for automatic setting of the rider roll/glue applicator roll gap on a glue machine A method for automatically setting the rider roll/glue applicator roll gap for the single face web on a glue machine senses a forward drag that the single face web, operating at corrugator speed, exerts on the glue applicator roll, driven at an underspeed, after bringing the flute tips of the single face web into contact with the glue applicator roll by adjusting the position of the rider roll. Changes in forward drag exerted on the glue applicator roll are monitored and related directly to glue applicator roll drive current to provide a slight compression of the single face web between the rider roll and the glue applicator roll. Preferably, the glue applicator roll uses a regenerative drive and the target drive current command in a feedback control system to cause the gap to be adjusted to achieve the desired slight compression of the web flutes and to maintain the glue applicator roll under speed.
US08317950B2	Method of making hydrogen-absorbing alloy for alkaline storage battery, and alkaline storage battery A hydrogen-absorbing alloy for alkaline storage battery which is produced by a rapid cool using a rapid quenching method and whose component is represented by a general formula Ln1-xMgxNia-b-cAlbZc is used for a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery.
US08317949B2	Ductile metallic glasses This application deals with glass forming iron based alloys which when produced as a metallic glass or mixed structure comprising metallic glass and nanocrystalline phases, results in extraordinary combinations of strength and ductility. Specifically, high strain up to 97% and high strength up to 5.9 GPa has been measured. Additionally, consistent with the amorphous structure high elasticity up to 2.6% has been observed. Thus, the new alloys developed result in structures and properties which yield high elasticity corresponding to a metallic glass, high plasticity corresponding to a ductile crystalline metal, and high strength as may be observed in nanoscale materials.
US08317948B2	Copper alloy for electronic materials The invention provides Cu—Ni—Si alloys containing Co, and having excellent strength and conductivity. A copper alloy for electronic materials in accordance with the invention contains about 0.5-about 2.5% by weight of Ni, about 0.5-about 2.5% by weight of Co, about 0.30-about 1.2% by weight of Si, and the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein the ratio of the total weight of Ni and Co to the weight of Si ([Ni+Co]/Si ratio) satisfies the formula: about 4≦[Ni+Co]/Si≦about 5, and the ratio of Ni to Co (Ni/Co ratio) satisfies the formula: about 0.5≦Ni/Co≦about 2.
US08317947B2	Aluminum alloy sheet for press forming The present invention provides an aluminum alloy sheet for press forming, having the crystallo-graphic texture in which the orientation density of CR orientation ({001}<520>) is higher than that of any orientation other than the CR orientation. The orientation density of the CR orientation is preferably 10 or more (random ratio). The orientation densities of all orientations other than the CR orientation are preferably less than 10. The aluminum alloy sheet is preferably made of an Al—Mg—Si alloy.
US08317945B2	High-strength steel plate excellent in drop weight properties and base steel toughness Disclosed is a steel plate having a specific chemical component composition. The steel plate has an F value defined by the following expression (1) and satisfying the following condition: 3.20≦(F value)≦4.50, has a tempered bainite microstructure having an average equivalent area diameter of grains surrounded by high-angle boundaries with a difference in orientation between two grains of 15° or more of 4 μm or less, and has a tensile strength of 585 MPa or more: F value=9.4×[Mo]+8.1×[V]+4.7×[Cr] (1) wherein [Mo], [V] and [Cr] represent contents (percent by mass) of Mo, V, and Cr, respectively. The steel plate having this configuration surely has satisfactory drop weight properties and high base metal toughness only by controlling the contents of necessary alloy elements.
US08317944B1	9 Cr— 1 Mo steel material for high temperature application One or more embodiments relates to a high-temperature, titanium alloyed, 9 Cr-1 Mo steel exhibiting improved creep strength and oxidation resistance at service temperatures up to 650° C. The 9 Cr-1 Mo steel has a tempered martensite microstructure and is comprised of both large (0.5-3 μm) primary titanium carbides and small (5-50 nm) secondary titanium carbides in a ratio of. from about 1:1.5 to about 1.5:1. The 9 Cr-1 Mo steel may be fabricated using exemplary austenizing, rapid cooling, and tempering steps without subsequent hot working requirements. The 9 Cr-1 Mo steel exhibits improvements in total mass gain, yield strength, and time-to-rupture over ASTM P91 and ASTM P92 at the temperature and time conditions examined.
US08317943B2	Ball for constant velocity joint and method for producing the same Disclosed is a ball for a constant velocity joint, and a method for producing the same. The ball for a constant velocity joint is produced via a quenching step for heating a spherical body consisting of a material corresponding to a high carbon chromium bearing steel regulated by Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) to 840-900° C. and then cooling the spherical body under such a condition as 10-25 vol. % of austenite remains up to a first part where the depth from the surface is 0.1 mm, a step for tempering the spherical body at 150° C. or more, and a step for shot peening the spherical body and imparting a compression residual stress of −1000 MPa or more to a region reaching second part where the depth from the surface is 0.2 mm.
US08317942B2	Ledeburite cast iron with a high carbide content and an evenly distributed graphite embodiment A cast iron material, particularly a ledeburitic cast iron material with a carbide content of at least 15 wt. % and a characteristic free, evenly distributed graphite formation is disclosed. In this case, the evenly distributed graphite formation may comprise graphite flakes and/or vermicular graphite and/or nodular graphite. Depending on the respective application (diameter (D) of the running gear seal, peripheral speed), the basic matrix may be realized in pearlitic and/or bainitic and/or martensitic form. Due to the high graphite content, the material has a thermal conductivity that is three to four times greater than that of white cast iron materials, wherein this provides the advantage that no scoring of the running gear seals occurs at high peripheral speeds (>5 m/s) and large diametrical dimensions of the seals (D >600 mm). In addition, the high carbide content of at least 15 wt. % provides an adequate wear resistance, and other alloying elements such as chromium, vanadium, molybdenum and nickel provide the material with a corresponding corrosion resistance. The aforementioned ledeburitic cast iron material with evenly distributed graphite formation can be used, for example, for the manufacture of axial face seals and cylinder liners.
US08317939B2	Method of gas carburizing In a first step of a method of gas carburizing, a steel treatment object is heated in a carburizing atmosphere comprising a carburizing gas until the surface carbon concentration of the treatment object reaches the final target value that is not higher than the solid solubility limit at a carburizing temperature that is not higher than the peritectic point, at which steel transforms from δ iron and liquid phase to γ iron, and is not less than the eutectic point, at which steel transforms from liquid phase to γ iron and cementite. In a second step the gas carburizing is advanced after the first step so that the carburizing depth of the treatment object increases while the surface carbon concentration of the treatment object is kept at the final target value by reducing the carbon potential of the carburizing gas with the lapse of time.
US08317938B2	Nitratable steel material composition for producing piston rings and cylindrical sleeves A steel composition which has good nitridability, in particular for the manufacture of piston rings and cylinder liners, contains the following elements in the following quantities expressed with respect to 100 weight % of the steel composition: 0.5-1.5 weight % Al, 0.5-1.2 weight % C, 68.2-96.9 weight % Fe, 0.1-3.0 weight % Mn and 2.0-10.0 weight % Si. It can be manufactured by producing a melt of starting materials and casting the melt into a prepared mold. Nitriding the steel composition obtained results in a nitrided steel composition produced by gravity casting manufacturing with properties that surpass those of hardened and tempered spheroidal graphite.
US08317934B2	Multi-stage substrate cleaning method and apparatus A first application of a cleaning material is made to a surface of a substrate. The cleaning material includes one or more viscoelastic materials for entrapping contaminants present on the surface of the substrate. A first application of a rinsing fluid is made to the surface of the substrate so as to rinse the cleaning material from the surface of the substrate. The first application of the rinsing fluid is also performed to leave a residual thin film of the rinsing fluid on the surface of the substrate. A second application of the cleaning material is made to the surface of the substrate having the residual thin film of rinsing fluid present thereon. A second application of the rinsing fluid is then made to the surface of the substrate so as to rinse the cleaning material from the surface of the substrate.
US08317930B2	Rheological fluids for particle removal Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.
US08317926B2	Duplex surface treatment of metal objects The specification discloses a method and apparatus enabling the formation of a diffusion surface layer on a surface of a metal substrate, typically a ferrous based metal substrate, wherein in a first stage in a first fluidized bed furnace, a diffusion zone is formed extending inwardly from the surface of the metal substrate in which nitrogen has been diffused to form a nitride or carbo nitride inner zone and an outer white layer that is substantially free of porosity, treating the substrate formed in the first stage to prevent formation of or remove any surface oxide on the surface of the substrate, and in a second stage separate from the first stage, holding the thus treated substrate in a fluidized bed furnace operated under an inert atmosphere and fluidized by a flow of inert gas or gases, the substrate in the fluidized bed furnace being treated in the presence of a halide gas and a particulate metal or metal alloy.
US08317925B2	Method and system for mask handling in high productivity chamber A structure for independently supporting a wafer and a mask in a processing chamber is provided. The structure includes a set of extensions for supporting the wafer and a set of extensions supporting the mask. The set of extensions for the wafer and the set of extensions for the mask enable independent movement of the wafer and the mask. In one embodiment, the extensions are affixed to an annular ring which is capable of moving in a vertical direction within the processing chamber. A processing chamber, a mask, and a method for combinatorially processing a substrate are also provided.
US08317923B1	Protective self-aligned buffer layers for damascene interconnects Protective self aligned buffer (PSAB) layers are layers of material that are selectively formed at the surface of metal layers in a partially fabricated semiconductor device. In a Damascene interconnect, PSAB layer typically resides at an interface between the metal layer and a dielectric diffusion barrier layer. PSAB layers promote improved adhesion between a metal layer and an adjacent dielectric diffusion barrier layer. Further, PSAB layers can protect metal surfaces from inadvertent oxidation during fabrication process. A PSAB layer may be formed entirely within the top portion of a metal layer, by, for example, chemically converting metal surface to a thin layer of metal silicide. Thickness of PSAB layers, and, consequently resistance of interconnects can be controlled by partially passivating metal surface prior to formation of PSAB layer. Such passivation can be accomplished by controllably treating metal surface with a nitrogen-containing compound to convert metal to metal nitride.
US08317921B2	In situ growth of oxide and silicon layers A single-wafer, chemical vapor deposition reactor is provided with hydrogen and silicon source gas suitable for epitaxial silicon deposition, as well as a safe mixture of oxygen in a non-reactive gas. Methods are provided for forming oxide and silicon layers within the same chamber. In particular, a sacrificial oxidation is performed, followed by a hydrogen bake to sublime the oxide and leave a clean substrate. Epitaxial deposition can follow in situ. A protective oxide can also be formed over the epitaxial layer within the same chamber, preventing contamination of the critical epitaxial layer. Alternatively, the oxide layer can serve as the gate dielectric, and a polysilicon gate layer can be formed in situ over the oxide.
US08317915B2	Additives for a hydraulic binder based on belite-calcium-sulphoaluminate-ferrite clinker A composition includes at least, in % expressed by mass relative to the total mass of the composition, from 0.01 to 3% of polycarboxylic acid or salts thereof, the polycarboxylic acid including 2 to 4 carboxyl groups per molecule; and from 97 to 99.99% of a Belite-Calcium-Sulphoaluminate-Ferrite clinker (BCSAF clinker).
US08317909B2	Compositions and processes for deposition of metal ions onto surfaces of conductive substrates The present invention provides compositions and processes for preparing metallic ions for deposition on and/or into conductive substrates, such as metals, to substantially eliminate friction from metal to metal contact. It is used in the aqueous embodiment to form new metal surfaces on all metal substrates. The processes form stable aqueous solutions of metal and metalloid ions that can be adsorbed or absorbed on and/or into conductive substrates. The aqueous solutions consist of ammonium alkali metal phosphate salts, and/or ammonium alkali metal sulfate salts mixed with a water soluble metal or metalloid salt from Group I through Group VIII of the periodic table of elements. The aqueous solutions allow for a nano deposition of the metal ions on and/or into the surfaces of conductive substrates. The surfaces created by the deposited metal ions will provide metal passivation and substantially eliminate friction in metal-to-metal contact without the use of hydrocarbon based lubricants.
US08317902B2	Process for removing polar components from a process stream to prevent heat loss A process for removing polar components from a process stream in a refinery process without cooling the process stream. The process stream is fed to a first adsorber unit to remove contaminants containing sulfur at substantially the same elevated temperature by exposing the process stream to a metal oxide and/or a mixed metal oxide to remove the sulfur containing contaminants and produce a metal sulfide and a desulfurized process stream. The metal sulfide may be regenerated by exposing it to a stream of oxygen and the desulfurized process stream exposed to the regenerated metal/mixed metal oxide to remove moisture from the stream. The stream is then processed within a second adsorber unit to remove nitrogen containing contaminants at substantially the same elevated temperature by exposing the stream to a molecular sieve and/or zeolite.
US08317899B2	Shipboard hybrid system for making dry, oil-free, utility air and inert gas A shipboard system provides dry, oil-free utility air and inert gas for use on a marine vessel. A compressor converts ambient air into a pressurized air stream. The air stream is cooled by heat exchange with sea water in the vicinity of the vessel. The air stream is then dried in a dehydration membrane module, and some of the product of the dehydration module is taken for use as utility air. The remainder of the dried air is passed through an air separation module which includes a polymeric membrane. The product of the air separation module includes a nitrogen-enriched gas which is used as an inert gas on the vessel. The compressor is the only mechanically moving component of the system.
US08317895B2	Method for recovering valuable metals from wastes A method for recovering valuable metals, which include at least one M element selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ni and Co, and V, in the form of iron-based alloys from a waste containing the valuable metals, comprising the steps of (a) roasting the waste to form a roasted ore containing oxides of the valuable metals; (b-1) heating the roasted ore together with an iron source and a flux, to form an iron-based alloy melt; (b-2) adding a reducing agent having higher affinity for oxygen than V at a reduction temperature to the melt, thereby reducing the oxides of the valuable metals to form an Fe-M-V alloy melt; (c) oxidizing substantially only V in the Fe-M-V alloy melt to form a V-oxide-containing slag and an Fe-M alloy melt; and (d) separating the V-oxide-containing slag from the Fe-M alloy melt.
US08317894B2	Method of producing metal nanoparticles continuously and metal nanoparticles produced thereby Disclosed are a method of producing metal nanoparticles continuously, and metal nanoparticles produced thereby. The method comprises: (a) preparing a metal precursor solution by dissolving a metal precursor in alcohol; (b) continuously putting the metal precursor solution into a reactor having supercritical conditions, thereby producing metal nanoparticles; (c) cooling the solution obtained in step (b); and (d) separating and collecting the metal nanoparticles from the solution obtained in step (c).
US08317888B2	Liquid suspensions and powders of cerium oxide particles and polishing applications thereof Suspensions of cerium oxide particles in which the particles (secondary particles) have an average size not exceeding 200 nm, such secondary particles being comprised of primary particles having an average size not exceeding 100 nm with a standard deviation having a value not exceeding 30% of the value of this average size, are prepared from a solution of a cerium-III salt, including cerium IV or hydrogen peroxide, which is contacted with a base in the presence of nitrate ions and in an inert atmosphere; the medium thus obtained is subjected to a thermal processing in an inert atmosphere, then acidified and scrubbed and the powder is obtained by drying and calcining of the suspension, which suspension and powder are useful for polishing applications.
US08317886B2	Apparatus and method for gasifying solid organic materials An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof.
US08317877B2	Prosthetic foot A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.
US08317875B2	Noise reduction device for articulating joint, and a limb support device having the same An articulating connection or joint for a limb support device having a first support member and a second support member pivotably couples together the first support member and the second support member. The articulating connection can include one or more first articulating connection member, or load-bearing pin, and one or more second articulating connection member, or bushing, disposed about the first and second support members. The load-bearing pin is coupled to one of the support members and the bushing is coupled to another of the support members. The bushing is configured to rotatingly receive the load-bearing pin and interacts with an actuation member configured to apply a force on the load-bearing pin to eccentrically align the load-bearing pin relative to the bushing so that the load-bearing pin continuously follows and contacts a bearing surface of the bushing during use of the limb support device, thereby inhibiting noise generation from the interaction of the bushing and load-bearing pin.
US08317873B2	Polymeric prosthetic liner with controlled stretch characteristics A controlled-stretch prosthetic liner comprising a polymeric material covered with at least a stretch-controlling fabric. Certain liner types, such as below knee (BK) liners, may also include a panel of more stretchable fabric so as to prevent any interference with knee flexion. The polymeric material of the liner may also be used to control liner stretch, such as by adding Kevlar pulp or other materials that increase the strength and reduce the elasticity of the polymeric material and/or by reducing the amount of plasticizer(s) present therein. The stretch-controlling fabric, possibly in conjunction with the polymeric material, acts to limit the longitudinal stretch of the liner while not adversely affecting the radial stretch thereof.
US08317869B2	Femoral component of knee prosthesis, the femoral component having anterior/posterior claw(s) for digging into bone and/or a raised rib with a bulbous terminus A femoral component of a knee prosthesis, wherein the femoral component includes a sharp radius at each end (e.g., the anterior end and the posterior end) of the femoral component is disclosed herein. The sharp radius at each end may form a “claw” at each end. Each of these claws may “dig” through the patient's cartilage into the bone (or may “dig” directly into bone if there is no intervening cartilage). One benefit provided by a claw may be facilitating a smooth transition of cartilage/poly bearing to femoral implant/poly bearing (e.g., during knee extension). A femoral component of a knee prosthesis, wherein the femoral component includes a raised rib having a bulbous terminus at a free edge is disclosed herein. This raised rib having a bulbous terminus at a free edge may, for example, simultaneously create sufficient implant strength and adequate cement fixation while minimizing the component's thickness.
US08317865B2	Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using a mesh structure A percutaneous path is established into a selected bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable mesh structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable mesh structure is expanded within cancellous bone by conveying a material into the mesh structure. Expansion of the mesh structure can, e.g., compact cancellous bone, and/or form a cavity in cancellous bone, and/or move fractured cortical bone.
US08317858B2	Stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch via a first connecting web. The stent moreover comprises at least one auxiliary retaining arch which connects the respective arms of the at least one retaining arch connected to the at least one positioning arch.
US08317855B2	Crimpable and expandable side branch cell A stent may include a side branch cell comprising a plurality of petals. Each petal may comprise struts and turns, and may have a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle to the stent longitudinal axis. Each petal may include a plurality of straight struts which are substantially parallel to the stent longitudinal axis. Each petal may include at least one appendage which may be oriented substantially parallel to the stent longitudinal axis, and which may remain substantially parallel to the stent longitudinal axis as the stent is deployed. The dimension of the side branch cell about the circumference of the stent may increase more than the dimension of the side branch cell in a stent lengthwise directions as the stent is expanded.
US08317849B2	Pediatric underbody blanket An underbody convective warming blanket that may be used by a pediatric or neonate patient includes a head portion configured with multiple substantially U-shaped channels each having a plurality of adjacent rows of apertures that circumscribe the head of the patient positioned on the blanket. The adjacent rows of apertures are configured on the upper layer of the blanket so as to be positioned at an orientation or angle relative to the base plane of the blanket or the head of the patient such that those apertures would substantially face the head of the patient when the blanket is inflated, so that the heated air output from the apertures is directed substantially towards the head of the patient to thereby effect an invisible dome of heated air that envelopes the head of the patient.
US08317848B1	Vestibular implant and method for optical stimulation of nerves An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device or external device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying laser nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
US08317847B2	Biostimulation apparatus, gene control apparatus, and muscle-related disorder therapeutic apparatus A biostimulation apparatus of the present invention includes a laser oscillator for oscillating an ultra short pulsed laser beam and an optical system for focusing the ultra short pulsed laser beam, wherein the ultra short pulsed laser beam is focused by the optical system at a target portion of a living subject to cause the target portion to be irradiated with the laser beam to stimulate an acupuncture point, and wherein the target portion is either the acupuncture point or its periphery.
US08317846B2	Bone screw for positive locking but flexible engagement to a bone A fracture fixation device is described for fixing a bone having a near cortex and a far cortex, comprising a shaft portion configured to span a distance between the near cortex and the far cortex of the bone; a head portion adjoining the shaft portion and providing for engagement of the device with a bone plate, wherein the head portion is integral with the shaft portion; and a threaded front section for engagement of the device with the far cortex of the bone, wherein the device permits motion of the shaft portion relative to the near cortex.
US08317843B2	Multi-axis connection and methods for internal spinal stabilizers A multi-axis connection for transferring load from the vertebrae of a patient to a plate extending from one vertebra to another vertebra when affixed to the respective vertebrae by screws extending through holes in the plate at the level of the respective vertebrae, each screw being oriented at any of a plurality of angles relative to the plate. The threaded shank of each screw is screwed into the vertebral body and the head is positioned in the central portion of the hole, the hole being defined by an aperture, an opening through which the screw extends, and the central portion between aperture and opening. The diameter of the head is larger than the aperture of the hole in the plate and is provided with a screw thread that engages the smaller diameter aperture of the hole to pull the head into the central portion of the hole when the screw is rotated, the head of the screw being retained within the hole by the smaller diameter aperture and the opening of the hole.
US08317832B2	Implants and methods for inter-spinous process dynamic stabilization of spinal motion segment An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer which is at least partially flexible and positionable in an interspinous spacer between adjacent spinous processes. The spacer member includes upper and lower surfaces structured to receive a respective adjacent one of the upper and lower spinous processes of the spinal motion segment and a body having distinctive first and second sections with differing flexibility to modify the manner of movement at the spinal motion segment.
US08317831B2	Interspinous process spacer diagnostic balloon catheter and methods of use An interspinous process spacer diagnostic balloon catheter and method. The balloon catheter has a main expandable member, a distal expandable member and a proximal expandable member that all can be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and then collapsed again to a collapsed configuration. The device can be used to determine whether a particular patient is a candidate for implantation of an interspinous process spacer to treat the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis and the size of such a spacer if indicated.
US08317828B2	Suture anchor installation system and method An apparatus for placement of a suture anchor having a suture connected thereto includes a handle dimensioned for engagement by the user and an elongated member connected to the handle and extending therefrom. The elongated member has an anchor mount for mounting a suture anchor. The handle includes a frame having a suture retainer adapted for retaining a suture, at least one cover releasably mounted to the frame to at least partially enclose the suture retainer and a release button mounted to the frame and movable to release the at least one cover from the frame to expose the suture portion.
US08317827B2	Suturing devices and methods Methods and devices are provided for delivering a preloaded loop of suture extending from a knotting element to tissue to be ligated within a body. The knotting element can be threaded with a loop of suture and loaded onto a deployment device using a loading device. A protective sheath can be placed around the knotting element and the loop of suture to facilitate safe insertion of the loop of suture through a working channel of a minimally invasive device.
US08317826B2	Absorbable bulky multi-filament draw textured yarn, manufacturing method thereof and medical use using them An absorbable multifilament draw-textured yarn having a bulky structure, and a manufacturing method and medical use thereof The absorbable multifilament draw-textured yarn is obtained by draw-texturing a multifilament made of an absorbable polymer and has bulkiness and a superior soft touch, which are the characteristics of draw-textured yarns. As a result of partially imparting a bulkiness of 150-1000% to the multifilament draw-textured yarn, it is possible to culture cells in the bulky structure, and the multifilament draw-textured yarn is suitable for cell delivery or drug delivery.
US08317821B1	Release mechanism The present invention provides for a method and apparatus related to a releasable mechanism having a first connector having a first end and a second end, a second connector having a top and a bottom, a first notch positioned near the first connector second end to releasably mate with the second connector bottom, and a second notch located near the second connector bottom to releasably receive the first connector second end.
US08317820B2	Medical device with pivotable jaws A medical device with pivotable jaws and method of use thereof are disclosed. The device includes a pair of jaw members which are capable of being rotated independently of one another and spaced apart up to about 360°. Various gear arrangements are provided for enabling rotation of the jaws. The jaw members are disposed within a flexible slotted housing when advanced to a target tissue site, and thereafter rotated out of the housing a predetermined amount to contact target tissue.
US08317818B2	Removable blood clot filter with edge for cutting through the endothelium A removable blood clot filter includes anchor members with a sharp edge configured so that when the filter is removed the sharp edge aids in passing the anchor members through endothelial tissue. The filter may also include a sharp edge on locator members configured to aid pulling the locator members away from the endothelial tissue.
US08317810B2	Tissue puncture assemblies and methods for puncturing tissue A tissue puncture assembly includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen, a distal portion having a side wall, a side port opening extending through the side wall and, and a guiding surface having a distal end that extends adjacent to a distal edge of the side port opening. The tissue puncture assembly further includes a flexible puncture member insertable through the lumen of the elongate tubular member. The flexible puncture member deflects upon contacting the guiding surface to exit the elongate tubular member through the side port in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongate tubular member. The tissue puncture member is capable of puncturing tissue at an oblique angle. The tissue puncture member may further adopt a pre-formed shape at its distal end to prevent inadvertent puncture of tissue and to maintain access to the puncture site. The transseptal puncture assembly may include various sensors to identify tissue structures and precisely locate the desired puncture site.
US08317803B2	Surgery equipment holding device A surgery equipment holding device including a holder for holding surgical equipment, a bar connected to the holder, a brake which operatively engages the bar for stopping movement of the bar, and a pair of switches for switching being an active state and an inactive state of the brake. The surgery equipment holding device is characterized in the operation thereof at the time of disengaging the fixation state, and exhibits excellent operability.
US08317800B2	Injectable material delivery device with an integrated mixer An injectable material delivery device is disclosed and can include a barrel that can have an internal chamber. A plunger can be at least partially disposed within the internal chamber of the barrel. Further, a collapsible mixing blade can be disposed within the internal chamber.
US08317799B2	Therapeutic material delivery system for tissue voids and cannulated implants Described herein is a novel drug delivery assembly having particular applicability to the field of orthopedic and surgical medicine. The devices and assemblies described herein enable the efficient application and retention of potentially expensive therapeutic materials to very specific locations, particularly those associated with voids in bone and tissue. One particularly unique aspect of the present invention involves the introduction of constructs which promote the retention of therapeutic material in the target area of application for beneficial use, for example by forming a proximal barrier that prevents leakage of the therapeutic material out of the target area. Additionally, the present invention provides unique devices and methods for surgical introduction of such constructs. The present invention finds particular application in connection with introduction of stem and progenitor cells, bioactive molecules and bone scaffold materials in conjunction with bone voids and with the use of cannulated implants, such as bone screws (also surgical screws) and pins. The present invention also has beneficial use in the delivery of cancer drugs, antimicrobials, bone cements and other therapeutic materials.
US08317780B2	Fractional scanner for dermatological treatments A dermatological treatment device is disclosed for generating a matrix of two dimensional treatment spots on the tissue. A handpiece carrier a laser which generates a beam of laser pulses. The pulses are focused onto the tissue with a lens system. A diffractive element is positioned between the laser and the lens system for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of sub-beams. A scanner translates the beam over the diffractive element to generate the two dimensional spot pattern. The laser has a semi-monolithic resonator design with one integral end minor defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.
US08317779B2	Methods and systems for laser treatment using non-uniform output beam Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
US08317778B2	Steerable and flexibly curved probes Steerable and flexibly curved probes are provided, primarily for A surgical applications. A probe with flexible distal portion is inserted through an incision or cannula and the flexible distal portion may be selectively bent or steered using a guide wire. The guide wire is extended through the probe on a radially offset axis, and affixed at its distal end to the distal end of the flexible distal portion. The curvature of the nitinol wire is induced by extending or retracting the wire from the proximal end of the flexible distal portion while the distal end of the guide wire remains affixed to the distal end of the probe. The guide wire is activated by a finger-actuated mechanism. A further embodiment is provided in which the guide wire is fixed at both ends of the flexible distal portion of the probe and has a normally curved conformation, and assumes such conformation after insertion through a straight cannula. Other embodiments and applications are similarly disclosed.
US08317777B2	Steerable multi-linked device having multiple working ports A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. The first mechanism defines a first plurality of grooves. The second mechanism defines a second plurality of grooves. The first and second pluralities of grooves cooperate to define at least two working ports along a length of the device. At least one of the first and second mechanisms are steerable.
US08317770B2	Systems and methods of identifying catheter malfunctions using pressure sensing Methods and systems for determining whether a catheter malfunction is present in a catheter by analyzing changes in the pressure of fluids being pumped through the delivery lumen of the catheter. The pressure changes that may be monitored may include, e.g., the peak pressure within the catheter and/or the pressure decay profile. The catheter malfunctions that may be determined using the methods and systems of the invention may include, e.g., leaks, blockages, the presence of gas bubbles, etc.
US08317766B2	Individually packaged absorbent article In order to produce an easily removable individually packaged absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, while maintaining the surface sheet thereof in a hygienic state and avoiding the occurrence of individually-packaging failures such as bending or wrinkling of a packaging sheet on the production line, in the process of producing individually packaged absorbent articles, absorbent articles are provided at definite intervals on a band shaped sheet and a notch out satisfying the following conditions is formed at the intermediate site between each pair of the absorbent articles. [1] The notch out is formed by an outward curved cut line, which starts from the cutting-starting point in the side periphery toward the diagonally tilting direction forward in the line and shows a convex outward of the band shaped sheet, and an inward curved line which is connected to the endpoint of the outward curved cut line via a ininflexion point P and shows a convex inward of the band shaped sheet. [2] When the interval distance in the line direction of the outward curved cut line is referred to as B and the distance from the ininflexion point P to the side periphery line of the band shaped sheet is referred to as A, the relationship B>1.5A is satisfied.
US08317764B2	Designing the shape of absorbent articles worn close to the body A method for designing an absorbent article to be worn close to the body is disclosed. For one embodiment of the method, the steps are attaching middy tape in the shape of an edge of a first element of an absorbent article onto a body form to create an outline of the first element of the absorbent article, attaching conformable sheet material to the body form about the outline of the first element of the absorbent article, marking the shape of the outline of the first element of the absorbent article on the conformable sheet material to create a pattern, removing the conformable sheet material from the body form, constructing a first element of the absorbent article corresponding to the pattern.
US08317755B2	Device for securing medical tubing The device for securing medical tubing is an attachment for use with medical tubing, such as a nasal cannula, nasogastric/orogastric tubes or the like, that permits the medical tubing to be comfortably and releasably secured to the skin of the patient. The device for securing medical tubing includes a base having opposed inner and outer surfaces. Laterally opposed peripheral edges of the first surface of the base are releasably secured to one another to form a channel for receiving and releasably securing a portion of the medical tubing. The outer surface of the base is divided into an attachment portion adapted for releasable attachment to the patient's skin, and an outwardly facing portion. Preferably, a layer of non-allergenic adhesive is applied to the attachment portion of the outer surface. The adhesive layer may be covered by a release strip.
US08317753B2	Special purpose fluid dispenser A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.
US08317752B2	Touch screen system and navigation and programming methods for an infusion pump A medical pump system includes an input device for entering a command or a value of a pump programming parameter and a memory for storing a programming code. A processor is in communication with the memory and the input device in order to generate a display signal for an output device to generate one of a plurality of screens, such as near view and far view screens. The programming code is operable to display on a far view screen a plurality of medical therapy buttons that can be used to navigate directly to a near view programming screen. The far view screen can also concurrently display quick titration buttons that are associated with the medical therapy buttons and can be used to navigate directly to a quick titration screen without having to go to a general near view delivery screen or near view programming screen.
US08317751B2	Injection device An injection device (110) is provided which includes a syringe (122) having a discharge nozzle (118). The syringe is movable between a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing and an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from the housing. A trigger (114) is activatable to allow the contents of the syringe to be discharged through the discharge nozzle. There is also a releasable locking mechanism (116) which, when engaged, prevents the trigger from moving into an active position. The trigger includes a first portion (150) having a cut-out (152) which extends from a first end of the trigger in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis (101). The releasable locking mechanism includes a protrusion (154) along a second axis (181) for communicating with the first portion of the trigger when the releasable locking mechanism is engaged and for communicating with the cut-out when the releasable locking mechanism is disengaged. Such an injection device provides improved protection against accidental activation of the trigger.
US08317748B2	Method and apparatus for increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.
US08317744B2	Robotic catheter manipulator assembly A robotic catheter manipulator assembly may include a support member including a catheter manipulation base and a sheath manipulation base movable relative to each other and to the support member. Each respective manipulation base may be releasably connectable to a catheter cartridge and a sheath cartridge. A drive mechanism may be provided for moving the catheter and sheath manipulation bases relative to each other and to the support member. The manipulation base or the cartridge may include a first element engageable with a complementary second element slidably engaged with the other one of the manipulation base or the cartridge for controlling movement of a component connected to the cartridge. The cartridge, for example, may be a transseptal cartridge, a catheter cartridge or a sheath cartridge, and the component may respectively be a surgically insertable device such as a transseptal needle, a catheter or a sheath.
US08317742B2	Applying shear stress for disease treatment Herein disclosed is a system for applying shear stress ex-situ to a fluid. In some embodiments, the system comprises a shear device; and at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient, the devices defining a fluid passage configured to be sterilized and maintained sterile during use, the fluid comprising at least one therapeutic fluid, blood, or a combination thereof. The shear device of the system is in fluid communication with the at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient. Herein also disclosed is a method of preparing a fluid for intravenous administration to a patient.
US08317737B2	Device for actively removing a target component from blood or lymph of a vertebrate subject Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject for treatment of a disease or condition in the vertebrate subject. An implantable device is provided which includes a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one first reservoir in communication with at least one lumen; one or more energy sources configured to provide energy to elicit one or more signal responses associated with one or more labels that bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of the vertebrate subject; one or more sensors configured to detect the one or more signal responses associated with one or more labeled target components; and one or more reactive components in communication with the at least one lumen for release responsive to the one or more sensors.
US08317731B2	Method and gel composition to prevent reflection of HIFU at tissue-air interface In order to reduce reflection and heating of a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) beam following a region of interest in tissue to which an HIFU beam was administered, at least two layers of aquasonic gel are applied at a tissue/air interface following the region of interest and the focus in a direction of propagation of the HIFU beam. A first of the two aquasonic gel layers is a foamed aquasonic gel layer, and a second of the two layers is substantially bubble-free aquasonic gel. The layer of foamed aquasonic gel is placed directly adjacent the tissue/air interface, and the layer of substantially bubble-free aquasonic gel is placed over the layer of foamed aquasonic gel, at a side thereof facing away from the tissue/air interface.
US08317729B2	Cervical dilation meter An instrument for measuring cervical dilation can have a pair of arms connected at their proximal ends to an arm pivot or articulating member, the arms being in movable communication with a gauge assembly for measuring the relative distance between the arms at a fixed location near the proximal ends of the arms. The arms can be disposed to apply an outward lateral pressure against the walls of the cervix, thereby engaging the cervix without the need for physical penetration, gripping, or other attachment of the device to the cervical tissue. Continuous outward lateral pressure of the arms against the cervical walls can allow the arms to expand in response to and in concert with expansion and dilation of the cervix. The relative distance between the arms correlates to the diameter of the cervix, such that the correlated measurement indicated on a scale of the gauge means is the measurement of cervical dilation.
US08317726B2	Biopsy forceps assemblies Embodiments of the invention include devices for obtaining tissue including a proximal actuator and a distal assembly having first and second end effectors. The first and second end effectors include the features of at least one element within the inner surface either of the first and second end effectors for aiding in the capture and retention of a targeted tissue sample.
US08317725B2	Biopsy device with fluid delivery to tissue specimens The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.
US08317723B2	Pressure sensor for biological fluids and use thereof A pressure sensor for connecting to a detector is provided. The pressure sensor comprises: an optical fibre, having a distal end with a distal plane for sensing pressure, a proximal end for communicating with a patch cord, and an In-fibre Bragg grating (FBG) therebetween; a housing, having a distal aperture, a proximal aperture and a bore therebetween, and sized to accept the optical fibre; an annular ring, forming a flexible seal between said optical fibre and housing at least distal to the FBG and a holder for retaining the housing. The FBG is housed in the housing such that in use, axial strain is transferred to said In-fibre Bragg grating housed within said housing by pressure exerted on the distal plane.
US08317722B2	Method and device for hearing test A method of conducting a hearing test, and a device to perform the method, the method including configuring multiple test sound sets including multiple sound sources at each included audio frequency, wherein the sound sources, when sequentially arranged according to volume, have a uniform volume difference and a same frequency band, the uniform volume difference indicating a volume difference between neighboring sound sources, outputting the sound sources included in one of the multiple test sound sets, and determining and outputting a following test sound set according to a subject's input sound sources' number one or more times, and determining an auditory threshold of the subject regarding the audio frequency of the output test sound sets based on a result of the subject's input.
US08317717B2	Method and apparatus for third heart sound detection A cardiac rhythm management system includes a heart sound detector providing for detection of the third heart sounds (S3). An implantable sensor such as an accelerometer or a microphone senses an acoustic signal indicative heart sounds including the second heart sounds (S2) and S3. The heart sound detector detects occurrences of S2 and starts S3 detection windows each after a predetermined delay after a detected occurrence of S2. The occurrences of S3 are then detected from the acoustic signal within the S3 detection windows.
US08317714B2	Systems and methods for capture and display of blood pressure and ultrasound data An ultrasonic imaging system comprises a processing system and an ultrasound imaging probe that is configured to transmit ultrasound energy into a selected portion of a subject and to receive echoes therefrom and to transmit data signals representative thereof to the processing system. The system further comprises a blood pressure sensor that is configured to measure the blood pressure of the subject and to transmit data signals representative thereof to the processing system. The processing system can processes the received ultrasound data signals to generate an ultrasound image and the received blood pressure data signals to generate a blood pressure trace. The processing system can also display the ultrasound image and blood pressure trace in a display image in which portions of the ultrasound image are displayed in temporal synchrony with portions of the blood pressure trace.
US08317707B2	System and method for medical imaging with robust mode switching via serial channel In one embodiment of the invention, there is an ultrasound processing system that communicates images over a single asynchronous serial channel according to a scheme that does not require an isochronous serial channel and that switches among ultrasound imaging modes robustly. For example, the system is configured to packetize ultrasound image data of at least one ultrasound imaging mode into a stream of data frames and to convey the stream of data frames via the asynchronous channel. Each data frame includes indication of the ultrasound imaging mode and includes ultrasound-imaging-mode-specific imaging parameters. Other embodiments exist.
US08317703B2	Energy-delivery device including ultrasound transducer array and phased antenna array, and methods of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue using same A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue.
US08317701B2	Device and method for intra-ocular pressure measurement A device and method are presented for use in non-invasive measurement of a patient's intra-ocular pressure (IOP). The device comprises a probe unit comprising a flexible membrane which is to be brought into contact with a patient's eyelid thereby enabling a contacting region of the membrane to match a shape of the eyelid defined by the shape of the patient's cornea. The device is configured to enable controllably varying application of force to the membrane against the eyelid and to enable illumination of the membrane at least within the contacting region thereof, the deformation of the illuminated membrane affecting detected light returned from the membrane, thereby enabling identification of a condition of applanation of a desired area of the membrane by identifying desired data indicative of the detected light and allowing the IOP measurement upon identifying said condition.
US08317700B2	Methods and devices for non-invasive analyte measurement Methods and compositions for the non-invasive determination of the concentration of an analyte are provided.
US08317699B2	Device and method for assessing blood glucose control A blood glucose and lifestyle tracking apparatus is disclosed. The blood glucose and lifestyle tracking apparatus provides a method for recording both blood glucose values for fasting, postprandial, and preprandial time periods and lifestyle factors.
US08317697B2	Method and apparatus for remote blood alcohol monitoring A tamper proof transdermal alcohol content monitoring device is made up of analog and digital sides which are securely attached to the human subject to be monitored. The analog side has a sampling circuit which draws a measured insensible skin perspiration sample from the skin of the subject and measured with an electrochemical fuel cell. A distance measurement of the device from the skin of the subject and temperature of the sample are monitored along with the transdermal alcohol content, and converted to digital signals which are transmitted to a modem when the monitor is in proximity to the modem. The signals are stored in the modem and uploaded to a central monitoring station. Automatic alerts may be sent from the central monitoring station to a supervising agency. The supervising agency may also access the information through secured dedicated websites via the Internet.
US08317689B1	Miniature endoscope system The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.
US08317685B2	Rotatable operation device for endoscope A rotatable operation device for an endoscope includes a fixed shaft projected outward from an operating portion, a cylindrical shaft projected from a rotatable operating member. The cylindrical shaft is rotatably fitted on the fixed shaft, and an end side surface of the cylindrical shaft contacts a fixed surface defined inside the operating portion. An internal space of the operating portion and an internal space of the rotatable operating member are airtight against outside. The rotatable operation device is configured to have an air passage which is formed in the cylindrical rotary shaft, a space at a fitted portion between the fixed shaft and the cylindrical rotary shaft communicating with the inside space of the operating portion through the air passage with the end side surface and the fixed surface remaining contacted.
US08317681B1	Endoscopic smart probe and method An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, an improved endoscopic device useful for implanting the aforementioned endoscopic smart probe is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species within the intestine is disclosed. Methods for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.
US08317676B2	Gastric band with contrasting supply tube A balloon-type gastric band includes a balloon shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe a stomach at a predetermined location. A supply tube is secured to the balloon for fluid communication with an internal cavity of the balloon, wherein the supply tube includes both at least one colored section and at least one clear section for respectively contrasting the supply tube from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient and facilitating identification of leaks within the supply tube. In accordance with an alternate embodiment the supply tube is colored while remaining translucent.
US08317671B1	Paperboard cartons with laminated reinforcing ribbons and method of making same A method of making reinforced paperboard cartons comprises the steps of advancing a web of paperboard along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing web of paperboard. The ribbon of reinforcing material, which also may be paperboard, has a width less than the width of the web of paperboard and is applied with adhesive at a selected location across the width of the web. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons. Multiple ribbons and multiple layers of ribbons may be laminated to the web in respective selected locations to provide reinforcement in more than one portion of the cartons. Reinforced cartons and carton blanks made by the method also are provided.
US08317670B2	Tri-fold side seamed plastic produce bag, method and apparatus for making same A trifold side seamed plastic produce bag includes a front wall and a taller back wall, first and second side edges sealed together and a seamless bag bottom. The taller back wall provides means for finding the bag opening. The bag is joined at the side edges to additional bags by a perforation. The bag is corona treated on at least one wall and promotional material is printed on the treated surface. The bags are folded to one third of their height to fit compact bag roll dispensers. The bags are folded in a Z-fold or C-fold configuration. The method and apparatus for producing the bags includes a slitter that removes a strip of plastic from only the top layer of the bag stream to form an extended flap on each bag. The method includes manufacturing the bags and winding them onto cores or forming the bags into coreless rolls.
US08317668B2	Exercise device for abdominal and other core muscles A device for exercising the abdominal and other core muscles of a user comprises a rotatable base having a central opening therein, and a bar removably insertable into the opening. The bar may comprise two or more separable segments and may have provide for the attachment and removal of weights to provide resistance to a user. Also disclosed is a method of exercising using such a device.
US08317666B2	Weightlifting apparatus A weightlifting apparatus has multiple disc weights. Each disc weight has a round base and a round cover assembled on the round base. The round base has multiple locating slots formed therein. The round cover has multiple locating holes formed therethrough. When the locating slots align with the locating holes, lightweight weight plates or coins can be inserted into corresponding locating slots. When the locating slots misalign with the locating holes, the inserted weight plates or coins can be retained in the locating slots. Accordingly, easy weight adjustment and cost-saving effect can be achieved without requiring users to purchase an entire set of disc weights. With incremental fine weight adjustment of weight plates and coins, users can quickly adapt to the adjusted weight, and the exercise injury caused by large increment of weight adjustment can be avoided.
US08317662B2	Grip trainer A grip trainer includes a first chamber designed to engage a stick and a second chamber attached to the first chamber. The second chamber is configured to hold an insert. An insert disposed in the second chamber. The insert has a hardness no greater than 60 on the Shore 00 Durometer scale.
US08317660B2	Yoga mat with pose markings A mat for learning, teaching, and performing yoga is provided in which the upper surface of the mat includes visually discernable floor-contacting body part markings. Sets of the markings can be used by yoga practitioners to facilitate proper positioning for one or more yoga poses. In another aspect of the invention, mats can be made for practitioners of different sizes and abilities by varying the spacing of the sets of markings for the poses. Further, an image of the mat can be represented on another medium, such as a card, poster, or video, on which a pose is depicted and the representations of the markings of the mat for that pose can be highlighted.
US08317655B2	Hydraulic pressure control apparatus for torque converter A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a torque converter includes a relay valve switching levels of a hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic power transmission chamber and establishing selective connections between a cooler and the hydraulic power transmission chamber or between the cooler and a hydraulic pressure supply source of which a flow amount of the operational fluid is regulated by a first orifice, an electronic control unit controlling operations of the relay valve, a hydraulic pressure declination determining portion judging whether the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure supply source is lower than a threshold value based on a predetermined vehicle state, and a switching command outputting portion outputting a command to connect the cooler and the hydraulic pressure supply source by the relay valve when the hydraulic pressure declination determining portion determines that the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure supply source is lower than the threshold value.
US08317653B2	Engine unit and straddle-type vehicle A continuously variable transmission of an engine unit. A driving side pulley is mounted on a crankshaft. A driven side pulley is mounted on a driven shaft. A belt is looped around the driving and driven side pulleys. The continuously variable transmission is housed in a transmission case. The transmission case includes a drive shaft supporting portion supporting an end portion of the crankshaft, a driven shaft supporting portion supporting an end portion of the driven shaft 27, and a support column portion bridged between the drive shaft supporting portion and the driven shaft supporting portion. The engine unit thereby has a simple structure and increaes the strength of supporting a crankshaft and a driven shaft.
US08317652B2	Drive unit with an internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine drives, via a belt drive, a first and a second auxiliary unit embodied respectively as a water pump and an air-conditioning compressor and drives a starter-generator operating as a starter and as a generator depending on the operating mode. The belt drive is connected through a clutch element, which has a freewheel, to the internal combustion engine such that, when the internal combustion engine is at standstill, only the two auxiliary units, but not at the same time the internal combustion engine, are driven by the starter-generator. The clutch element which has a freewheel allows a stepless transition of the drive mode from the internal combustion engine to the starter-generator. In order to start the internal combustion engine, the clutch element is engaged only for a short time, so that the drive power of the starter-generator is transmitted to the internal combustion engine.
US08317651B2	Assemblies and methods for clamping force generation Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam produces a clamping force proportional to torque, while a permanent magnet bearing provides a minimum clamping force.
US08317649B2	Output gear-equipped reduction device and method of assembling the same The output gear-equipped reduction device has an output flange for taking out rotation reduced by a reduction mechanism, an output shaft provided on the output flange and having a smaller diameter than the output flange, and an output gear provided on the output shaft and having an addendum circle greater than the diameter of the output shaft. The output flange, the output shaft, and the output gear are integrally formed as an output flange section, an output shaft section, and an output gear section of a single output member in that order in the axial direction with the above-stated dimensional relationship maintained. The integral output member is supported at the output shaft section by a casing via bearing means.
US08317647B2	Drive unit A drive unit comprises an output shaft, two or more hydraulic motors, each hydraulic motor being adapted to drive the output shaft, and hydraulic fluid distribution means for supplying relatively high pressure hydraulic fluid to the drive motors and for removing relatively low pressure hydraulic fluid from the drive motors. The hydraulic fluid distribution means comprises a hydraulic fluid inlet for connecting to a hydraulic line to provide relatively high pressure hydraulic fluid to the two or more hydraulic motors and a hydraulic fluid outlet for removing relatively low pressure hydraulic fluid from the two or more hydraulic motors.
US08317645B2	Silent chain transmission In a silent chain transmission, the distance between the centers of front and rear pin holes of each of the inner link plates of the chain is smaller than the length of the smallest chord obtained by dividing, by the number of sprocket teeth, the circumference of a circle having a radius extending from the center of the sprocket to the center of a pin hole of a link plate of the chain when the last-mentioned link plate is fully engaged with the sprocket.
US08317643B2	Hydraulic tensioning system comprising integrated overpressure valve A hydraulic tensioning system (1), which is used in traction mechanism drives, particularly chain drives of internal combustion engines, is provided. The tensioning system (1) includes a piston (3), which is designed in the shape of a crucible, subjected to a pressure by a pressure spring (8), guided in a linearly displaceable manner in a housing (2) and spring-loaded against a traction mechanism. Hydraulic fluid can flow out of a pressure chamber (5) depending on an actuating direction of the piston (3) via an overpressure valve (11) forming a damper and associated with the piston (3) or can enter via a one-way valve (7) of the housing (2) into the pressure chamber (5). The overpressure valve (11) encloses a valve plate (15) that is integrated in the piston (3), and a pressure spring (8) of the piston (3) surrounds an outside of the valve housing (12) of the overpressure valve (11).
US08317642B2	Device for driving a generator by a belt drive of an internal combustion engine A device for connecting a generator to a belt drive of an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a belt pulley (1) that is guided so that it can rotate relative to a hub (2) set on a shaft (3). At least one spring element is arranged between the belt pulley (1) and the hub (2) and connects the belt pulley (1) and the hub (2) to each other elastically for transferring rotational motion and here sets a relative rotation between the belt pulley (1) and the hub (2) corresponding to an effective torsional stiffness. The at least one spring element is placed with a defined movement play (s) with respect to the belt pulley (1) and/or the hub (2), in order to allow relative rotation through the movement play (s) in a first region (I) with a low torsional stiffness, while, in a second region (2), a high torsional stiffness can be generated by the at least one spring element.
US08317640B1	Bat with circumferentially aligned and axially segmented barrel section A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one tubular member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another tubular member.
US08317637B2	Multilayer core golf ball having hardness gradient within and between each core layer The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next.
US08317630B1	Plunging type constant velocity joint A constant velocity joint has an outer joint part, an inner joint part, a ball cage and a plurality of balls located in the cage. The outer surface of the inner joint part is provided with two radii and the inner surface of the ball cage is provided with two radii resulting in a joint that is more compact, more durable and lubricated better than known joints.
US08317625B2	Game apparatus, game program and information recording medium The present invention aims at providing a game such that even when player uses predetermined characters for a long time to proceed the game as in the case of the RPG, there is no possibility that player may become weary of motion patterns of characters used. The present invention is essentially based on the finding that there is employed a scheme to store motion information of characters every title data obtained when specific conditions of the game are attained to permit a player to set an arbitrary title data with respect to a character so that the player can change motion information of each character as occasion demands also in the progress of the game.
US08317623B1	Physical characteristics based user identification for matchmaking One or more physical characteristics of each of multiple users are detected. These physical characteristics of a user can include physical attributes of the user (e.g., the user's height, length of the user's legs) and/or physical skills of the user (e.g., how high the user can jump). Based on these detected one or more physical characteristics of the users, two or more of the multiple users to share an online experience (e.g., play a multi-player game) are identified.
US08317618B2	System, method and computer program for enabling an interactive game A system, method and computer program enable an interactive game. A game server, in response to a user request, provides a unique identifier associated with an instance of the interactive game. The game server forwards one or more invitations to join the interactive game in accordance with the user request. Thereafter, the game server registers one or more wireless communication devices to be used as data controllers for use by participants that join the game.
US08317614B2	System and method for playing a music video game with a drum system game controller A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.
US08317608B2	Gaming device having hard drive based media and related methods Various embodiments are directed to a gaming device that uses an internal hard drive for primary media storage. The software is installed on the hard drive without requiring physical access to the hard drive including, but not limited to, removal or replacement of the hard drive. According to one method, an install flash program is used to format and/or reformat an internal hard drive. Additionally, the install flash program is used to install media stored on a removable storage device onto the internal hard drive.
US08317606B2	Live authoring method for real time development of video games A video game development system is provided with live feedback to developers working with multiple game platforms or consoles. The system includes a communications hub module running on a hub server linked with two different video game platforms. A video game development tool is provided and linked to the hub module. The development tool is used to perform modifications to video game data including game asset changes and additions. An authoring module is associated with the video game development tool and operates after the game data modifications to transmit an authoring message to the hub module. The authoring message includes content reflecting the game data modifications and is formatted for receipt by the hub module. The hub module generates update messages from the authoring messages and forwards these messages to the video game platforms that operate to run a video game using the game data modifications.
US08317596B2	Event-based scheduling of wagering game events Wagering game systems and methods are disclosed in which the occurrence of a triggering event causes a community game to begin. Further, the occurrence of an event may cause a wagering game or wagering game service such as a progressive game to be reconfigured.
US08317595B2	Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system In one example, there is provided a method of gaming comprising initiating play, conducting a feature game in response to a feature trigger condition being met, providing at least two alternative continuations which may be accessed if a further trigger condition is met during the feature game, determining which of the alternative continuations to apply upon the further trigger condition being met, and continuing play with the determined continuation.
US08317593B2	Method of gaming, a game controller, and a gaming system A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols and displaying the selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display positions arranged in a grid having a plurality of display positions arranged between a plurality of pairs of opposing sides, each symbol being selected from a symbol set; determining whether a line of contiguous symbols is formed by one or more designated symbols between a pair of opposing sides of the grid; and making an award in response to a positive determination.
US08317586B2	Wagering game machine operational simulation Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to acquire an original player input value associated with a wagering game. One or more simulations may be run in reverse from a randomly selected statistical outcome to determine at least one of a modified starting game parameter value, a modified intermediate-time game parameter value, and a modified player input value. Original starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and/or player input values may be modified to provide the modified starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and player input values, respectively. At least a portion of the simulation running forward based on the modified values may be displayed. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08317581B2	Puzzle game A puzzle game includes a plurality of game pieces arranged in an arrangement of game pieces. Each of the game pieces includes a matrix of polytopes. Each of the polytopes of each of the game pieces includes one of a pre-determined number of individual indicia disposed thereon, which is different than the individual indicia disposed on all of the other polytopes of the respective game pieces. The arrangement of game pieces includes a pre-determined number of rows and columns of polytopes. The game pieces are re-positioned within the arrangement of game pieces so that each of the individual indicia is displayed only once in each row of polytopes in the arrangement of game pieces and is displayed only once in each column of polytopes in the arrangement of game pieces.
US08317580B2	Video game with latency compensation for delay caused by frame buffering The present invention provides a game apparatus, a game progressing method, and a recording medium that remove dissatisfaction of a player generated when an operation is not reflected on a progressing result of a game in spite of the operation being made at an appropriate timing and enhance entertaining potentialities. If an operation instruction on a player character is received from a player, a time period that has elapsed since a previous state has changed to a current state is measured. When the elapsed time is within a predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state and the previous state are inquired. When the elapsed time is not within the predetermined time, allowable actions in the current state are inquire. Based on an inquiry result, it is determined whether the operation instruction from the player is an allowable action.
US08317579B2	Game apparatus and program A video game is provided in which a player can switch a player character in a battle to an enemy character by a switching operation. With such a switching operation, the player performs the battle with the enemy character. If a predetermined time elapses, the enemy character is switched back to the player character. At this time, an HP of the enemy character reflects on an HP of the player character. If a special ability of the enemy character is used, the special ability is inherited by the player character and can be used in battles thereafter.
US08317577B2	Butchering processes for meat products A method for mass-production butchering of a beef chuck roll includes locating an anterior side and a posterior side of the chuck roll, and making a first series of cuts into the chuck roll along lines not intersecting the anterior and posterior sides. The first series of cuts form a first set of separate beef portions with increasing weights from initial to final cuts in the first series. The method also includes making a second series of cuts into the chuck roll along lines not intersecting the anterior and posterior sides to form a second set of separate beef portions.
US08317575B2	Power toilet bowl cleaning attachment An implement for cleaning mineral ring build up in a toilet bowl. The inventive device is an attachment driven by a cordless drill. It consists of a ball covered with a non abrasive material attached to a shaft which rotates the ball to remove mineral ring build up on toilet bowls.
US08317572B2	Method for manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disc The invention aims at providing a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disc capable of eliminating undulations of an outer peripheral end face of a glass substrate in a short processing time, and obtaining high roundness. In a method for manufacturing a disc-like glass substrate for a magnetic disc, the method includes a forming step of pressing a rotating grindstone against an outer peripheral end face while the glass substrate is rotated, thereby forming an outer peripheral end. In the forming step, processing is performed using a first condition (S106) on which first undulations are formed and a second condition (S108) on which second undulations having a different wavelength from the first undulations are formed.
US08317571B2	Grinding assembly for glass slabs and grinding head for a rectilinear grinding machine equipped with such assembly A grinding assembly is described, for a grinding head for a grinding machine of glass slabs, comprising: a first (and possibly a second) grinding wheel adapted to tangentially work on the glass edge and whose rotation axis A is parallel to the glass edge to be ground; and a handling system for the grinding wheel for adjusting the removal of glass in an oscillating way or in parallel with the plane of the slab to be ground. A grinding head equipped with the above grinding assembly is further described.
US08317570B2	Control of a grinding device with grinding rollers on winding shafts The invention describes a control unit for a sanding machine, which winds and unwinds the abradant paper over a contact device. This control unit continuously detects the position of one or more of these sanding machines, the abradant unwinding, the movement of the transport system and the position of the workpiece. These parameters are used to regulate the sanding machine(s) in such a way that the workpieces are fed through and the sanding operation executed without interruption.
US08317568B2	Mark-free wire fabric straps A mark-free fabric strap wire casing. The casing is provided with a cushion B which is composed of erect fine hairs C for relieving the stress generated by the bra wire on skin. With simple structure, the present invention which is used as the casing for the wire used in female underwear can be manufactured with high production efficiency and suitable for the production automation. Because the fabric strap itself is provided with a cushion composed of erect fine hairs, it has a softer feel when in contact with skin and relieves the pressure feel generated by the wire within the underwear on skin. It reduces the wire impression mark left under the breasts after wearing it. The wire can be embedded without causing much embossment, thereby enchaining visual appearance of the underwear article.
US08317565B2	Three dimensional toy bath tub city A portable, lightweight, water-resistant, multi-colored toy for placement in a bathtub, either supernatant or stationary, and which can be used with small toy cars of various models includes a base member having a multi-storied superstructure on which toy cars are placed with the base member having pivotal flip-down and flip-up legs for supporting the toy in the bathtub and the legs having suction cup for adhering to the bathtub bottom and one of the floors—the top floor—including a car wash, a gas station and a convenience store with water for the car wash being provided by a conduit that extends from the water up to the car wash and the upper side of the base member including an island and a boat ramp extending to the water.
US08317564B1	Children's building system A children's building system is comprised of panels that can be connected together to form a structure formed from one or more layers of connected panels. The panel includes a connecting flange along one side edge and a channel member along an opposite side edge. The channel member is sized, configured, and shaped to receive the connecting flange of an adjacent panel, such that panels can be connected together to form a “wall”. In one embodiment, the system includes a connector to vertically connect the panels. The connector defines upper and lower channels or slots and can rest on a lower panel and receive an upper panel, thereby enabling a second level of panels to be formed over the first level of panels. In another embodiment, the panels include a tongue on an upper edge and an downwardly opening slot in the bottom edge, wherein the tongue is sized and shaped to be received in the slot. In both instances, vertical walls of a desired height can be constructed, but the ability to form horizontal “floor” or “ceiling” surfaces is substantially prevented.
US08317560B2	Method for producing a spark plug electrode A method for producing a spark plug is provided, which includes a ground electrode fixed to a housing, and a center electrode insulated electrically from the housing by an insulator, the ground electrode having a ground electrode base and a ground electrode section, which ground electrode section including an electrode base and a noble metal section. In order to produce the spark plug, the ground electrode base is connected to the ground electrode section, in which, in a first step, the electrode base is connected to the noble metal section to form the ground electrode section, and in a second step, the ground electrode section is connected to the ground electrode base.
US08317557B2	Anti-ingestion system for a marine drive An anti-ingestion system is provided for a marine drive with a submerged exhaust outlet. An anti-ingestion valve is operated by differential pressure thereacross to a closed condition when the engine is operating in an on state and cooling water is being pumped through a water conduit to an exhaust mixing point, with the anti-ingestion valve blocking passage of cooling water therepast in the noted closed condition. The anti-ingestion valve is operated by differential pressure thereacross to an open condition when the engine is in an off state, and permits passage of air therethrough and communicates atmospheric pressure through the water conduit to the exhaust mixing point to relieve vacuum in the exhaust system.
US08317556B2	Boat propulsion system, and control device and control method therefor A boat propulsion system includes a power source, a propulsion section, a shift position switching mechanism arranged to switch among a first shift position, a second shift position, and a neutral position, a gear ratio switching mechanism, an actuator, and a control section. When switching is to be performed from the neutral position to the first shift position and the high-speed gear ratio, the control section is arranged to cause the actuator to, maintain the low-speed gear ratio, switch to the first shift position, and then establish the high-speed gear ratio when the current gear ratio of the gear ratio switching mechanism is the low-speed gear ratio, and cause the actuator to establish the low-speed gear ratio before switching to the first shift position, switch to the first shift position, and then establish the high-speed gear ratio when the current gear ratio of the gear ratio switching mechanism is the high-speed gear ratio. This arrangement improves the durability of a power source and a power transmission mechanism in a boat propulsion system including an electronically controlled shift mechanism.
US08317555B2	Amphibious robotic crawler An amphibious robotic crawler for traversing a body of water having two frame units coupled end-to-end or in tandem by an actuated linkage arm. Each frame unit includes a housing with a drivable continuous track rotatably supported thereon. The frame units are operable with a power supply, a drive mechanism and a control module. Each frame unit further includes a buoyancy control element for suspending the frame unit in the water, and for controlling the depth of the robotic crawler within the water. The control module coordinates the rotation of the continuous tracks, the position of the linkage arm and the buoyancy of the buoyancy control elements to control movement, direction and pose of the robotic crawler through the body of water.
US08317554B1	Modular hydraulic thruster system for vessel A modular hydraulic thruster system for vessel. At least one thruster is hydraulically connected to a power pack and electrically connected to an instrument panel. The instrument panel has a thrust angle indicator, tube gear clamp status indicator, extension indicator, tilt angle indicator, and tachometer, all pertaining to each thruster. The thruster includes a tube rotating and reciprocating through a housing, which is rotatably attached to a bracket. A swivel union is attached to one end of the tube; a hydraulic motor drives a propeller to an opposite end of the tube. Some instrumentation electrical and hydraulic lines are routed through the swivel union and into the tube; others are further routed out of the tube through a tube aperture and through a flexible spiral conduit to accommodate tube reciprocation within the housing. Means is disclosed to prevent a swivel union stationary section from rotating relative to the housing.
US08317549B2	Clamp for a male terminal A clamp for male terminal comprising a clamping ring capable of inserting on a male terminal, two jaws connected to the clamping ring and mutually approachable to tighten the clamping ring on the male terminal, clamping means acting on the jaws to move them between a distant position and a close position along a clamping direction. The clamping means comprise a clamping member rotating around a clamping axis inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the clamping ring. The clamp further comprises guiding means cooperating with a movable jaw to guide the movement of such movable jaw along the clamping direction on said plane, between the distant position and the close position.
US08317546B2	Printed circuit board A printed circuit board includes a mounting area. The mounting area includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first and second mounting portions partially overlap. The first mounting portion includes a number of first holes, a number of second holes, and a third hole. The first holes, the second holes, and the third hole are configured for the mounting of signal pins of a universal serial bus (USB) pin. The second mounting portion includes the first holes and a number of fixing holes. The first holes are configured for the mounting of signal pins of a USB connector. The fixing holes are configured for the mounting of fixing pins of the USB connector.
US08317543B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector which comprises an insulated housing on which a first engaging portion is provided for engaging with a second engaging portion provided in a mating electrical connector, first contacts arranged in a predetermined direction on the insulated housing and operative to come into contact with second contacts provided in the mating electrical connector, a conductive shell for covering partially the insulated housing, and an aligning cover attached to the conductive shell and operative to cause end portions thereof in the predetermined direction to engage respectively with end portions in the predetermined direction of the mating electrical connector for aligning the insulated housing with the mating electrical connector when the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion, and with which the first engaging portion can be appropriately and smoothly put in engagement with the second engaging portion.
US08317542B2	High-speed card connector Connectors to connect optional or daughter cards or boards to main or motherboards. One example provides a connector that is capable of supporting high-speed data rates by employing contacts that provide short signal paths and a ground plane to improve signal quality. The space consumed in electronic devices may be reduced by providing a connector having a low profile, while another example may provide a connector having mechanical stability. Another example provides a connector having an increased manufacturability.
US08317540B2	Coaxial connector with shielding shell The present invention relates to a coaxial connector, more particularly relates to a coaxial connector with shielding shell that comprises a main body, a flat portion connected to the main body and a wire holder on the rear end of the flat portion. The main body includes a pair of holding arms and a receiving hole for receiving the cylinder portion of the insulating housing. The flat portion has a front end and a back end, the front end receives the cylinder portion and supports the main body after the main body being bent toward to the flat portion, and there is a cavity formed in the center of the back end through bending over a cover plate, the bending arms bend inward to cover the insulating housing and holding arms from outside.
US08317539B2	Coaxial interconnect and contact A coaxial interconnect and contact are provided. The coaxial contact is patterned to define a plurality of openings along its longitudinal length. An inner surface of the contact can circumferentially engage an outer surface of a mating contact, wherein such engagement causes at least a portion of the contact to flex radially outwardly. The contact can also flex in the longitudinal or axial direction.
US08317538B2	Terminated plug connector for antenna equipment Disclosed is a terminating connector comprising a terminating connector housing, fastening means that are embodied monolithically with the connector housing and are used for fixing the terminating connector to a socket, and an insulating member which is rotatably mounted in the terminating connector housing and is used for retaining contact elements that can engage with corresponding contact elements in a socket insulating member.
US08317537B1	Utility receptacle apparatus for use with a work surface or similar article A utility receptacle apparatus for use with an article of furniture having a work surface and an opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a grommet member having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral portion and an opening. The bottom side comprises a structure that is sized to fit into an opening in the work surface. The peripheral portion is sized so as to contact the work surface when the structure is disposed within the opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus further includes a device charging system attached to the grommet member. The device charging system has a charging pad for receiving and charging a chargeable electronic device. The device charging system also has electrical conductors for connection to an electrical power source. The utility receptacle apparatus further includes a receptacle base member which has portions thereof that are configured to be attached to the underside of a work surface of the article of furniture. The receptacle base member has at least one utility receptacle that is located on the receptacle base member at a predetermined location so that the utility receptacle is accessible through the openings in the work surface and grommet member when the receptacle base member is attached to the underside of the work surface.
US08317536B2	Ground clamp with ball contact stud A grounding clamp carries a through-hole where one end of the hole or opening carries a multi-sided socket, such as a hex-shaped socket or depression. A pair of ball studs extend in part into the through-hole and threadably lock together trapping or sandwiching the clamp therebetween. One of the ball studs is blocked from rotating by the hex-shaped socket. As the other ball stud is rotated onto it, the three components, the clamp and the two ball studs form a composite grounding assembly which is locked together.
US08317534B2	Charging connector A charging connector (10) is provided to be connected to a vehicle-side connector (50) to charge a battery. The charging connector (10) has a main body (11) including a fitting (13) connectable to the vehicle-side connector (50), a lever (14) accommodated in the main body (11) and adapted to hold the vehicle-side connector (50) and the fitting (13) in a connected state by being engaged with a lock projection (55) provided on the vehicle-side connector (50). A lock release (14B) is provided in the lever (14) and for canceling a locked state of a lock (31) and the lock projection (55), and a lock release accommodating portion (25) is formed at a position of the main body (11) corresponding to the lock release (14B) and includes two sidewalls (25A) arranged to face opposite side surfaces of a pressable portion (14D) to be pressed at the time of an unlocking operation.
US08317532B2	Connector and connecting unit A connector includes a connector protrusion to be inserted into a connector socket and including a locking lever provided on a first surface and a connecting terminal provided on a second surface opposing the first surface or on a front surface; and a connector frame surrounding the connector protrusion and having an opening in a surface opposing the first surface of the connector protrusion. When the connector frame is moved in a direction opposite to the direction where the connector protrusion is inserted while the connector protrusion is in the connector socket, an end of the locking lever fits into the opening and the locking lever is unlocked.
US08317531B2	Plug-type connector The invention relates to a plug-type connector with a cable, which has at least one line, a contact carrier, which has at least one contact element, which is connected to the at least one line of the cable, and an encapsulation, which is injected around the cable and the contact carrier, wherein a sealing element for sealing the encapsulation off from the outer sheath of the cable is provided.
US08317530B2	Waterproof connector having a packing with exterior ridges of different heights In a waterproof connector, an annular packing 33 is mounted on an outer periphery of a tubular fitting portion of a connector housing, and when a fitting portion of a mating connector is fitted to the tubular fitting portion, the annular packing forms a seal between the two fitting portions. An annular ridge 41 is formed on an outer periphery of the packing 33, and the annular ridge 41 is formed into a generally mountain-shape and has a pair of inclined surfaces 41a and 41b inclining respectively in opposite directions along an axis of the tubular fitting portion. An angle α of inclination of the inclined surface 41a disposed close to a front end of the packing disposed at an insertion side of the tubular fitting portion is larger than an angle of inclination of the other inclined surface 41b.
US08317524B2	Connector and electrical tracks assembly A connector and electrical tracks assembly comprises a connector with a plurality of electrical contacts; said connector being connectable to a further connector at a first extremity; said connector being connectable at a second extremity to a circuit board portion with a plurality of electrical tracks; wherein a circuit board portion is located between a first layer of plastic thermosetting composite material of fiber and filler and a second layer of plastic thermosetting composite material of fiber and filler.
US08317523B2	Plug connector for circuit boards A multiple plug connector for a printed circuit board having a mounting part and at least two contact parts which each have a plug part for plug-connection to a complementary plug part of a plug connector, wherein an opening is formed for each contact part and each contact part passes through one of the openings by way of the plug part and is mechanically fixed to the mounting part. Each contact part has, on a side facing the printed circuit board, at least one contact element for electrical contact with a conductor of the printed circuit board. The mounting part has at least one first contact for electrical contact to at least one contact element of a contact part, and at least a second contact electrically connected to at least one first contact device for electrical contact with a conductor on the printed circuit board.
US08317521B2	Computer-implemented method of and system for teaching an untrained observer to evaluate a gemstone A computer-implemented method teaches a user to evaluate a gemstone, such as a cut diamond. The method includes providing a computer system connected to an apparatus capable of capturing an image of a gemstone. The computer system is arranged to process a received image of a gemstone to determine one or more optical properties of the gemstone. In one aspect, the method presents on a display of the computer system a series of pre-stored screens comprising a graphical representation how the cut of a gemstone affects its light handling ability, and a user interface screen. The user interface screen allows the user to control the operation of the apparatus to measure the one or more optical properties of a particular gemstone provided to the apparatus, to view an image of the gemstone measured, and to view representations of the measured one or more optical properties.
US08317512B2	Method for operating a firing furnace, in particular for the dental sector, and firing furnace The invention relates to a method for operating a firing furnace, in particular for the dental sector, in which the temperature is measured and, based on the measured temperature, a temperature control is performed. If appropriate, the temperature integral, recorded at discrete points, is determined over the course of time and in particular stored, and is used, if appropriate in addition to the temperature, for controlling the firing furnace.
US08317511B2	Control valves for heaters and fireplace devices A dual fuel heating apparatus can include a safety control system having a shutoff valve, a thermocouple solenoid assembly, a first nozzle, and a second nozzle. The first nozzle can be positioned to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof towards the thermocouple solenoid assembly when the first gas, liquid, or combination thereof is being combusted. The second nozzle can be positioned to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof towards the thermocouple solenoid assembly when the second gas, liquid, or combination thereof is being combusted. The thermocouple solenoid assembly can be configured to maintain the shutoff valve in an open position based on heat from combustion directed to the thermocouple solenoid assembly or in a closed position based on an absence of heat from combustion directed to the thermocouple solenoid assembly.
US08317509B2	Two-shot, four station injection mold A two-shot molding system with four independent molding positions at ninety degree intervals allow injection of the first shot, injection of the second shot, cooling, and ejection of the product to occur simultaneously while the mold is closed. Thus, the invention decreases cycle time, increases throughput, and allows for adequate cooling time without delaying injection and ejection.
US08317508B2	Frame for a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object and device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by such a frame The present invention relates to a frame (1) of a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3). The device manufactures the three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying a powder or liquid building material (3a) layer by layer at locations in each layer corresponding to the cross-section of the object (3) to be manufactured in a building space. The building space is defined by the frame (1) and a platform (2) inside the frame (1), wherein the frame (1) comprises at the inner side facing the building space glass ceramic plates.
US08317506B2	Linear actuator assisted knockout mechanism for a food patty forming machine A knockout mechanism for a food patty forming machine with one or more knockout cups for ejecting formed food from a cavity of a reciprocating mold plate. A rocker arm moves the knockout cup between a raised position and a knockout position. A linear actuator applies force to the knockout cup to move the knockout cup from the raised position to the knockout position. A spring also applies force on the rocker arm to move the knockout cup.
US08317502B1	Texture pattern imprinting apparatus The present invention may be attached to a vehicle for movement adjacent to a generally vertical wall structure for imprinting a pattern in a surface of the wall structure. An imprint form frame may be attached to an imprint form. The imprint form frame may be attached to a support frame that may be of generally rectangular form with horizontal and vertical members. The support frame may be attached to one or more position support members so as to be movable in a horizontal and perpendicular direction relative to the plane of the support frame. The perpendicular movement may be controlled by a power actuator. The position support member may be attached to a frame support beam for attachment to a vehicle and may be movable vertically.
US08317495B2	Linear compressor A linear compressor is provided that includes a stationary member including a cylinder that provides a space to compress a refrigerant; a movable member that linearly reciprocates with respect to the stationary member, and that includes a piston that compresses the refrigerant inside the cylinder and a supporter piston having a support portion that extends in a radial direction of the piston; front main springs positioned so as to be symmetrical with respect to centers of the piston and the supporter piston, one ends of which are supported by a front surface of the support portion of the supporter piston and the other ends of which are supported by the stationary member; a rear main spring, one end of which is supported by a back surface of the supporter piston; a suction muffler that provides a passage to introduce the refrigerant while reciprocating with the movable member, reduces noise, and includes an extended part that extends toward the supporter piston; and a spring guide fixed to the supporter piston to support one end of the rear main spring on the front surface. A recessed part having a size sufficient to accommodate the extended part of the suction muffler is formed on the back surface of the spring guide.
US08317493B2	Precision pump having multiple heads and using an actuation fluid to pump one or more different process fluids A pump for one or more different process fluids is provided including a pumping chamber having a process fluid inlet and outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber. An actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to actuating fluid chambers is provided that is in communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of incompressible actuating fluid. A diaphragm separates each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. The actuation mechanism is removable by a quick disconnect that provides for disconnection of the activation mechanism without affecting process fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism to displace actuating fluid causes actuating fluid to flow only into each actuating fluid chamber having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.
US08317485B2	Pump and pump control circuit apparatus and method Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The circuit includes a pressure sensor capable of sensing a pressure in the pump and a microcontroller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the pump. The microcontroller switches operation of the pump between a high-flow mode and a low-flow mode. When in the high flow mode, the microcontroller limits a current provided to the pump to a high-flow current limit value that is not dependent on the sensed pressure. When in the low flow mode, the microcontroller limits the current provided to the pump to a low-flow current limit value that is less than the high-flow current limit value and that changes depending on the sensed pressure.
US08317483B2	Wind turbine rotor blade In one embodiment, a rotor blade includes a tip, a root, and a body extending between the tip and the root. The body has surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The body further defines an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and a bend therebetween. The bend is defined such that the outboard portion extends outwardly with respect to the inboard portion. The bend is stiffened to reduce opening of the bend during deflection of the rotor blade.
US08317482B2	Swept turbomachine blade A turbomachine blade including a plurality of blade sections stacked along a radial axis is disclosed. The projection of a line interconnecting the leading edges of the blade sections of the bottom stack onto a mid-plane presents a first longitudinal angle of inclination towards the leading edge that lies in the range 10° to 25°. The projection of a line interconnecting the leading edges of the blade sections of the intermediate stack presents a second longitudinal angle of inclination towards the trailing edge lying in the range 10° to 25°. The projection of a line interconnecting the leading edges of the blade sections of the top stack presents a third longitudinal angle of inclination towards the trailing edge lying in the range 20° to 50°. The bottom limit of the intermediate stack of the blade sections lies in the range 30% to 40% of the total radial height of the stack of blade sections.
US08317480B2	Turbine assembly and energy transfer method A turbine assembly comprises 2 or more symmetrical vanes or blades attached to a centralized shaft. The assembly may be placed into a fluid current for transferring energy therefrom. Each blade has a scoop with a relatively broader span at the top end and a relatively narrow span at the bottom, which scoop-like vane or blade resembles an inverted tear drop. Eighty-six percent of the potential energy vector is captured within the blade assembly. One end may be connected to a power generation device that will create electrical power when rotated. Certain energy transferring methodology is believed further supported by the vane or blade designed incorporated into the overall turbine assembly.
US08317479B2	Segmented rotor blade extension portion A wind turbine rotor blade extension portion having a plurality of segments, located adjacent one another in a span-wise sense. An interface between adjacent segments is configured to minimize disruption to fluid passing thereover and to inhibit transmission of longitudinal loads between segments. Each segment has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is spaced from the second surface at a proximal region of the extension portion and the first surface is connected to the second surface at a distal region of the extension portion to thereby generate a fair surface for a rotor blade to which the extension portion is connected, in use.
US08317470B2	Combined light fitting and ceiling fan A combined ceiling fan and light fitting (fan/light) (1) having folding fan blades (12) is provided. The fan light (1) has a blade support (13) arranged to be rotated by an electric motor (6), with blades (12) being secured to the blade support (13), a root end of each blade (12) being pivotable between folded and operative positions about a blade pivot axis-(14) fixed in the blade support (13). In one aspect of the invention, an improved mechanism is provided for synchronizing movement of the blades. This uses a sun gear (16) mounted to the blade support and arranged to mesh with planet gears (17) that rotate about the blade pivot axes (14). In addition improvements are provided to blades (12, 33, 60) and blade mounting arrangements that balance compact folding of the blades (12, 33, 60) and good air moving effectiveness.
US08317468B2	Flow-routing component of a pump A flow-routing component of a pump is composed of at least two parts, a first part (2) of the component being manufactured by metal-powder injection molding, and a second part (4) of the component being manufactured from sheet metal. A pump assembly is also provided having such a flow-routing component.
US08317462B2	System for actively monitoring wear on wind turbine brake pads and related methods A system for monitoring wear on a brake pad of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a brake assembly having a brake pad and a moveable component. The brake pad may be configured to engage a friction surface of the wind turbine. The movable component may be configured to move relative to the friction surface as the brake pad wears. Additionally, the system may include a sensor at least partially mounted within the brake assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect a position of the movable component relative to the sensor or a position of the friction surface relative to the sensor.
US08317458B2	Apparatus and method for double flow turbine tub region cooling A steam turbine includes a turbine rotor, a generator end having a generator end first stage with a first reaction, and a turbine end having a turbine end first stage with a second reaction not equal to the first reaction. The steam turbine includes a tub section disposed between the generator end and the turbine end, the turbine rotor and the tub section defining an annulus therebetween. A difference between the first reaction and second reaction is capable of urging a steam flow through the annulus for reducing a temperature of the turbine rotor. A method of cooling the turbine rotor is also disclosed.
US08317455B2	Device and method for removing a bundle from a heat exchanger Device for removing a bundle from the casing of a heat exchanger, comprising a carrier frame provided with pulling means for removing the bundle from the casing, wherein the carrier frame is adapted to hold the bundle removed from the casing, wherein the device is provided with hoisting means for hoisting the carrier frame, wherein the hoisting means comprise at least one gripper and wherein the device is also provided with connecting means for connecting the gripper releasably to the carrier frame.
US08317451B2	Lifting system for display cases A lifting system for shelves and store gondolas which provides for a gripping engagement of the upright posts of the frame of the shelving which supports the load on engaged shelves and products. The device features a dolly and extending members having an opening on distal ends to grip the post. Tapers on the members provide for deflection of any kickplates present. The dollies may be employed in a plurality around the shelf and engaged with connector bars between them for a unified movement of the dollies elevating the shelf.
US08317450B2	Tactile wafer lifter and methods for operating the same A tactile wafer lifting apparatus includes a pedestal and a vertical drive connected to the pedestal. The vertical drive is defined to provide controlled upward and downward movement of the pedestal. The tactile wafer lifting apparatus also includes a wafer support member disposed over the pedestal. A tactile switch is disposed between the wafer support member and the pedestal such that sufficient downward force on the wafer support member causes activation of the tactile switch. The tactile switch is connected to the vertical drive so as to interrupt upward movement of the pedestal and wafer support member disposed thereover upon activation of the tactile switch.
US08317449B2	Multiple substrate transfer robot Embodiments of multiple substrate transfer robots and substrate processing systems have been disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a multiple substrate transfer robot is provided and may include an arm capable of extending along a horizontal direction; and a wrist coupled to the arm and having a plurality of blades coupled thereto, each blade configured to horizontally support a substrate thereupon and vertically disposed with respect to each of the other blades. In some embodiments, a substrate processing system is provided and may include a substrate processing chamber having a plurality of susceptors, wherein each susceptor is vertically disposed and capable of holding a semiconductor substrate; and a substrate transfer robot having a plurality of blades for transferring a plurality of substrates to and from the processing chamber, each blade configured to horizontally support a substrate thereupon and vertically disposed with respect to each of the other blades.
US08317445B2	Butterfly push-pull pin The Butterfly Push-Pull Pin, also referred to as a force advantageous push-pull pin in this application is a practical fastener used to support penetrable materials on supporting material such as a bulletin board, notice board, tack board, wall or other element penetrable by a push pin. In the Butterfly Push-Pull Pin, two broad, sloped, opposing sides of a polygonal handle are grasped to push the pin in. Two other broad, sloped, opposing sides of the polygonal handle are used to pull the pin out.
US08317439B2	Cutting tool A cutting tool of the sort used for deep hole drilling has a cutting head mounted on a shank. The cutting head is formed asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis and has at least one cutting edge. The cutting head has guiding segments that extend from a forward end to a rear end of the cutting head. Each of the guiding segments has a guiding pad in the periphery thereof. A forward end of the guiding pad lies on a cylindrical envelope defined by the cutting diameter of the cutting tool. A rear engagement portion of the cutting head is engaged with a forward engagement portion of the shank. The cutting head is made from sintered carbide powders and the guiding pads are integrally formed with the cutting head.
US08317438B2	Twist drill having at least two cutting inserts at the tip each with its own J-shaped chip guiding flute and a method for the production thereof A twist drill having at least two cutting inserts at the tip each with its own J-shaped chip guiding flute and a method for the production thereof.
US08317437B2	Adaptive positive feed drilling system An apparatus for a drilling operation. In one advantageous embodiment, the drilling operation includes a motor, a rotary sensor, and a controller connected to the rotary sensor. The rotary sensor may be capable of generating a signal in response to rotary movement of the drill motor. The controller may be capable of monitoring a speed of the air motor from the signal generated by the rotary sensor and may be capable of identifying a change from a current layer in a stackup to a new layer in the stackup using the signal.
US08317435B2	Cutting insert The invention relates to a cutting insert for clamping into a disc-type or strip-shaped tool body, in particular, for milling crankshafts, whereby the insert is substantially cuboid-shaped and has two front faces, two side faces, serving as cutting faces as well as an upper and a lower side face, whereby a convex face is arranged between the front faces and the upper and lower side faces, so that the upper and lower side faces and the convex face form cutting edges each with a side face. According to invention, the cutting insert has an inwardly-tapered face adjoining the convex face, which allows the cutting edge to protrude and tapered chamfers are provided between the inwardly-tapered faces of the front face on both sides of a planar supporting surface to the outer edge.
US08317433B2	Universally usable bar cutter head and use thereof Bar cutter head (20) for receiving multiple bar cutters of a first bar cutter set, the bar cutter head (20) having n receptacle openings (25.1-25.6) for receiving n bar cutters of the first bar cutter set, which are all situated along a first concentric cutter head nominal circle having a first cutter head nominal radius (r1). A first spiral-toothed bevel gear (11) can be milled in the single-indexing method in this configuration. The bar cutter head (20) additionally has m receptacle openings (26.1 -26.6) for receiving m bar cutters of a second bar cutter set, which are all situated along a second concentric cutter head nominal circle having a second cutter head nominal radius (r2). A second spiral-toothed bevel gear can be milled in the configuration having the m bar cutters. It is thus a universally-usable cutter head (20).
US08317428B2	Drain pipe A marine structure comprising a supporting member that comprises a wall at least partially delimiting said supporting member such that an inner side of said wall is arranged to at least partially delimit an inner volume of said supporting member and an outer side of said wall is arranged to face the ambient environment of said supporting member. The marine structure further comprises a drain pipe adapted to guide fluid from said marine structure to a body of water at least partially surrounding said marine structure. At least a portion of said outer side of said wall partially delimits said drain pipe.
US08317420B2	Ribbon cassette In one embodiment, a ribbon cassette includes two rows of spherical bumps extending between sidewalls of the cassette on both a floor and ceiling of the cassette and a pair of concentric arched retaining walls on both the floor and ceiling between an exit gate and the rows of bumps. In another embodiment, there is only one row of bumps and one retaining wall on the floor and ceiling. In another embodiment, the retaining walls are straight. The two rows and retaining walls, along with cassette sidewalls, form three distinct zones for densely packing the ribbon, unpacking the ribbon, and isolating the ribbon, resulting in less jamming with longer lengths of ribbon.
US08317416B2	Barrier device for camera A reliable barrier device for a camera, which is able to smoothly open and close blade members while suppressing a drive load applied when the blade members are opened and closed. Closing springs for primary and secondary blades are each interposed between corresponding ones of spring hooks on a barrier drive ring and on primary and secondary blade members. When the drive ring is rotated in a barrier opening direction, the distance between the spring hook on the ring and the spring hook for primary blade decreases and the urging force of the closing spring for primary blade decreases, which reduces a rotational torque produced by the closing springs for primary and secondary blades at barrier open state, making it possible to decrease a rotational torque produced by opening springs and acting on the drive ring at barrier open state.
US08317415B2	Mounting apparatus A mounting apparatus comprises a shell, a positioning member, a rotating member, and a connecting member. The positioning member is secured to the shell; the connecting member is adapted to secure a camera module. The rotating member is secured to the connecting member, and extends out off the shell. The positioning member includes a first flange and a second flange, the connecting member is rotatable and secured between the first flange and the second flange, and the connecting member is rotatable between a first position by the rotating member, where the connecting member abuts the first flange, and a second position, where the connecting member abuts the second flange.
US08317413B2	Packaging for fused fiber devices for high power applications A packaged fused-fiber device includes a fused-fiber device having at least one input fiber and at least one output fiber, and a fused portion between the input fiber and output fiber. A concave shaped substrate has an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a minimum distance from the inside surface to the outside surface that is generally set by the substrate thickness is substantially constant throughout the substrate. An affixment material secures the first and second ends of the fused portion to the inside surface of the substrate. A thermally conductive housing is in thermal contact with the outside surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the substrate has an L-shaped cross section and the housing is a hollow housing that has a rectangular cross section.
US08317412B2	Cladding alignment for fusion splicing optical fibers In aligning ends of optical fibers (13), e.g. for performing a prealignment of ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs) in order to thereafter perform a core alignment process, in a fiber optic fusion splicer a best, optimum or near optimum position or setting of the optical system (7) for observing the self-focusing effect is first determined and then the very alignment operation may be performed using the determined setting. The very alignment process may then be performed by adjusting stepwise the offset distance between the observed fiber ends by e.g. using a cascade technique.
US08317408B2	Optical-fiber connection unit, and optical connector and optical adapter used therein Provided is an optical-fiber connection unit in which a split sleeve (14) for performing centering of distal end portions of ferrules (11 and 111) is provided not to an optical adapter (20) but to an optical connector (10). With this configuration, it is unnecessary to provide a sleeve holder inside a casing (21) of the optical adapter (20), and hence a shape of the optical adapter (20) is simplified. Further, a sleeve holder (13) provided to the optical connector (10) is formed in a state of being exposed outward. Thus, a risk of defective molding is reduced, and presence or absence of defective molding can be easily confirmed.
US08317407B2	Optical connector plug with shutter For a less load to a shutter and secure motions of the shutter without damaging a ferrule, a rear stopper guide (22) and an intermediate spring guide (23) covering an upper side of a hold of an optical plug, and an outer cover (24) covering a front outer periphery of the hold are provided; the outer cover (24) is pushed by an optical connector adapter (Q) to move from a front end position of the hold to a rear end position, an inner side of the outer cover (24) is provided with a shutter (21) which can be swung from a lid close position to a lid open position, and the shutter (21) is automatically opened and closed by a shutter automatic opening and closing mechanism (S) in accordance with a rack and pinion system, working with rearward and forward movements of the outer cover (24).
US08317406B2	Optical connector An optical connector, which is capable of enhancing fittability into a cabinet, or the like on account of compactification and also avoiding problems of an increase of bead loss, a breakage, etc. of an optical fiber, can be provided. In an optical connector 1 that houses a fusion-spliced portion 13, in which a short optical fiber 5 that is fitted previously to an optical connector ferrule 85 and a coated optical fiber 3 are fusion spliced together and holds the fusion-spliced portion 13 therein, one end of a protection sleeve 87 made of the thermal shrinkage material that externally fixes the fusion-spliced portion 13 is coupled to the optical connector ferrule 85. An air escape hole 7ffor escaping an air, which is confined in the protection sleeve 87 when the protection sleeve 87 is thermally shrunk and adhered closely to the optical connector ferrule 85, to the outside is formed in the optical connector ferrule 85.
US08317404B2	Bearing ball cage and method of making the same A cage for a ball bearing assembly has a pocket for accommodating one of the balls defined at a plurality of locations in a direction circumferentially thereof and each of the pockets has an inner surface so shaped as to represent a concaved spherical surface. A concaved portion extending from an open edge on the cage inner diametric side towards the cage outer diametric side is provided in an inner surface of each of the pockets. The sectional shape of the inner surface of this concaved portion in a cage circumferential direction is represented by an arcuate shape of a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the concaved spherical surface defining the inner surface of the respective pocket. The inner surface of each of the pockets may be formed with a film.
US08317401B2	Slide bearing A crank bearing is disclosed that includes a semicircular upper bearing and a semicircular lower bearing, which can be split from each other. The upper bearing includes a first oil passage for introducing engine oil from the outside to a gap between the crank bearing and a crank journal, and a second oil passage for permitting the engine oil to flow in the circumferential direction of the crank bearing. The first oil passage includes an inner circumference opening, which is open to the inner circumference of the main bearing. The upper bearing includes a non-undercut portion in which no oil passage is formed on the trailing side of the inner circumference opening in the rotational direction of the crank journal. A chamfer oil passage for discharging the engine oil in the second oil passage to the outside from the axial direction of the crank bearing is provided in at least one of the lower bearing and a region on the proceeding side of the circumference opening in the rotational direction of the crank journal.
US08317400B2	High performance thrust bearing pad An exemplary bearing for a turbocharger includes one or more thrust pads where each thrust pad includes a portion of a conical well; and a through-bore that includes lubricant channels, each channel configured to direct lubricant from the bore to a corresponding conical well of a thrust pad. Other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.
US08317398B2	Linear motion device comprising a deflection assembly having a single deflection passage A linear motion device has a first assembly and a second assembly which is linearly movable relative to the first assembly, in which at least one first rolling surface which extends in a longitudinal direction is provided on the first assembly, the first rolling surface being located opposite a second rolling surface provided on the second assembly, and in which a row of rolling elements is located between the first and second rolling surfaces, and in which a return passage that is substantially parallel to the first rolling surface is provided in the first assembly, the return passage being connected at either end via a curved deflection passage to the first rolling surface such that rolling elements are transferred, thereby enabling the rolling elements to circulate endlessly, and in which the first assembly includes at least one deflection assembly that may be installed as a whole, and that includes a single deflection passage, and the return passage is provided directly and completely in a separate first body of the first assembly, and the deflection assembly is fastened to the first body via a single, separate fastening bolt that is installable from one side, the fastening bolt being located in the region of the center of curvature of the assigned, curved deflection passage.
US08317392B2	Surface acoustic wave based micro-sensor apparatus and method for simultaneously monitoring multiple conditions A SAW-based micro-sensor apparatus for simultaneously monitoring acceleration/vibration and temperature utilizing a sensing element configured as a SAW device (e.g., SAW resonator or SAW delay line). The SAW device can be located in different locations on a substrate with respect to a thin piezoelectric diaphragm comprising an inertial mass. The temperature-compensated acceleration/vibration can be measured utilizing a frequency difference between an acceleration sensitive SAW resonator (e.g., SAW-g) and a temperature sensitive SAW resonator (e.g., SAW-T). The temperature can be measured utilizing a frequency shift provided by the SAW-T and a temperature reference SAW resonator (e.g., SAW-R). Similarly, the phase response of different reflectors of the SAW delay line can be utilized to differentially measure the acceleration/vibration and temperature.
US08317388B2	Systems for managing fluids in a processing environment using a liquid ring pump and reclamation system Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.
US08317383B2	Fastening device for light pipe assembly A fastening device for fastening a light pipe assembly including a number of light pipes includes a chassis including two opposite hooks, and two pairs of blocks extending from two of the number of light pipes, respectively. When the light pipe assembly is compressed to be elastically deformed, the light pipe assembly is able to be placed between the hooks. When the light pipe assembly restores, each hook is able to be sandwiched between two blocks of a corresponding pair of blocks.
US08317381B2	Vehicle light A vehicle light is provided having a light source, a fiber-optic light guide into which light of the light source is coupled on a coupling surface, an expander for expanding the aperture angle of an incident light beam, and deflectors, which are intended for deflecting incident light, disposed behind a rear side of the fiber-optic light guide.
US08317379B2	Car lighting unit for generating a beam of light and a holographic 3D image The invention provides a car lighting unit comprising a reflector and a light source arranged to generate light. The reflector circumferentially surrounds the light source and has a reflector opening. The reflector is arranged to reflect at least part of the light from the light source through the reflector opening. The car lighting unit further comprises a source-related 3D hologram and a source-unrelated 3D hologram. The car lighting unit is 5 constructed to generate a beam of light and a source-related holographic 3D image, using light from the light source, during operation of the lighting unit, and a source-unrelated 3D holographic image when the lighting unit is not in operation.
US08317374B2	Modular utility light A modularly constructed hand held, utility light is described and taught having a sealed electrical module and a separately attached handle module. In one embodiment. module includes two half shells that when assembled and attached to the electric module. Various embodiments of the handle module may comprise an articulation mechanism configured to allow the user to manipulate the direction of the light provided by the utility light by rotating the utility light in at least one direction. The articulation mechanism may comprise one or more of a ball and socket joint, a ratchet mechanism, or any other suitable device configured to allow a user to manipulate the direction of the light provided by the modular utility light. In another embodiment, the handle module may comprise a strap configured to facilitate cord management and/or allow a user to hang the modular utility light above a work area.
US08317373B2	Luminous device with changeable color and brightness A luminous device is provided. The luminous device can be controlled to emit light with different color and brightness. The luminous device is divided into a plurality of areas, a predetermined color and brightness values of the light emitted by the luminous device is stored in data storage of the luminous device. When the luminous device is touched, the luminous device determines the touch area first, and then accesses the corresponding color and luminance value of the determined area from the data storage, and controls the luminous device to emit light with the accessed color and brightness value.
US08317372B2	LED bulb An LED bulb includes: a circuit board having opposite first and second surfaces; a plurality of LEDs disposed on the first surface; and a heat dissipating structure having a heat dissipating board, wherein the heat dissipating board has opposite third and fourth surfaces, the third surface is attached to the second surface of the circuit board, and a plurality of heat dissipating bumps is disposed on the fourth surface and gradually decreases in length from the center toward the periphery of the fourth surface to thereby facilitate air convection around the heat dissipating bumps, thus improving the overall heat dissipating efficiency so as to increase the light emitting efficiency and lifetime of the LED bulb.
US08317369B2	Light fixture having selectively positionable housing Light fixtures including a housing that acts as a heat sink, and additionally includes structure to selectively position the light fixture at different orientations. In certain embodiments, the light fixture includes a housing, a light source, and a bracket. Set of fins may protrude from the housing, and flanges may protrude from the bracket. In use, the flanges engage ribs on the housing to support the lighting fixture. By altering the engagement between the flanges and ribs, the light fixture may be re-positioned within the bracket in a number of different orientations, creating a number of light distribution options for the light fixture.
US08317367B2	Solid state optical system A light fixture includes a solid state light emitter having first and second light-emitting portions configured to emit first and second portions of the light, respectively. The light fixture also includes a reflector having a first reflective surface positioned in the path of the light and including a first substantially parabolic section configured to reflect the first portion of the light, and a second substantially parabolic section adjacent the first substantially parabolic section and configured to reflect the second portion of the light. The second substantially parabolic section has a focal length greater than that of the first substantially parabolic section. The light fixture also includes a stray light reflector having a second reflective surface facing the first reflective surface. The first reflective surface reflects a part of the light toward the stray light reflector, and the stray light reflector is configured to reflect the part of the light.
US08317361B2	Operation lamp and illumination unit thereof The present invention relates to an operation lamp, consists of a plurality of illumination units, a fastening seat, a focus adjusting device and a lamp housing. The illumination units are designed to be modularized, so a plurality of LED light source sets and reflection mirrors can be processed with a rapid focus adjustment for allowing each illumination unit reflecting and concentrating and focusing light for forming a concentrated light beam. Moreover, after the plural illumination units and the lamp housing are assembled, through adjusting the height difference between at least two pivot parts at the outer end of each illumination unit and supporting members, the left/right oblique angle of the illumination unit is able to be adjusted, such that each concentrated light beam can be precisely adjusted to pass through the lamp center. Moreover, by adjusting the focus adjusting device, the elevation angle of the inner end of each illumination unit is adjusted, such that the concentrated light beam is able to be freely adjusted to any projection location in the horizontal direction, so as to adjust the illumination area.
US08317360B2	Lighting system cover including AR-coated textured glass, and method of making the same Certain examples relate to lighting system covers that include AR-coated textured glass, and/or methods of making the same. In certain examples, at least one light source is provided proximate to a cover comprising a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes an anti-reflective (AR) coating on the surface that is closer to the at least one light source, and the glass substrate is textured (e.g., such that it is substantially prismatic in texture) on the surface opposite the AR-coated surface. The surface of the glass substrate on which the AR coating is formed may be a flat, irregular, or textured matte. An optional AR coating also may be formed on the textured surface of the glass substrate.
US08317356B2	Solar powered light-emitting device A solar powered light emitting device includes a solar cell battery, a plurality of organic light emitting diode (OLED) elements and a plurality of light guides. The OLED elements and the light guides are arranged on a light incident surface of the solar cell battery in which each of the light guides are arranged between every two neighboring OLED elements for guiding lights into the solar cell battery.
US08317353B1	Decorative roof light covering system A decorative roof light covering system includes a roof overhang that is attached to and extends downwardly from a roof. The roof overhang has a bottom edge, a first side and a second side. A plurality of decorations is attached to the bottom edge of the roof overhang. A cover includes a bottom wall that has a top side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A first lateral wall is attached to and extends along the first lateral edge. A second lateral wall is attached to and extends along the second lateral edge. Each of the first and second lateral walls extends upwardly from the top side. A coupling assembly is attached to the roof overhang and releasably couples the cover to the roof overhang. The cover is attached to the roof overhang when the decorations are to be hidden from view.
US08317350B2	Power tool with a light for illuminating a workpiece A power tool having a light for illuminating an area proximate a movable end effector. The light may be mounted in such a way as to transmit light through a rotatable collar on the power tool, through or through a member of a housing of the power tool, or from the moving end effector. The light may be powered by a power source that is used for moving the end effector or from a generator that generates electrical power when the power tool is used.
US08317349B2	System for lighting refrigeration cabinets using LED lights The invention relates to a lighting system intended to light the interior of cabinets of the type used in commercial refrigerators, having glass doors. The system is based on a series of three interconnected LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The assembly is inserted into a diffusion tube, the shape of which enables optimized light emission and is designed for sections installed inside cabinet door frames. The LEDs can be powered by a current or voltage source and the manner in which the LEDs are housed along the inner periphery of the door enables the optimized lighting of the items on display.
US08317348B2	White light emitting device and white light source module using the same A white light emitting device including: a blue light emitting diode chip having a dominant wavelength of 443 to 455 nm; a red phosphor disposed around the blue light emitting diode chip, the red phosphor excited by the blue light emitting diode chip to emit red light; and a green phosphor disposed around the blue light emitting diode chip, the green phosphor excited by the blue light emitting diode chip to emit green light, wherein the red light emitted from the red phosphor has a color coordinate falling within a space defined by four coordinate points (0.5448, 0.4544), (0.7079, 0.2920), (0.6427, 0.2905) and (0.4794, 0.4633) based on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, and the green light emitted from the green phosphor has a color coordinate falling within a space defined by four coordinate points (0.1270, 0.8037), (0.4117, 0.5861), (0.4197, 0.5316) and (0.2555, 0.5030) based on the CIE 1931 color chromaticity diagram.
US08317343B2	Interior or exterior rearview mirror assembly A mirror assembly may include a middle portion having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter, where the first side comprises a reflective portion. A front portion may be substantially transparent and may be formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on the first side of the middle portion. A back portion may be substantially opaque and may be formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the middle portion. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass the perimeter of the middle portion.
US08317341B2	Cube-corner type self-reflection sheet having improved tensile strength Disclosed is a retroreflective sheet using a cube-corner type retroreflection principle, which is composed of a body layer which includes a flexible transparent thermoplastic sheet made of a transparent material for high light transmittance and having a smooth surface as a front surface and also includes a woven fabric disposed therein, and a cube-corner type microprism layer having a retroreflective function formed on a surface of the body layer including the transparent thermoplastic sheet and the woven fabric in an integrated form, opposite the front surface. The retroreflective sheet has a configuration in which the woven fabric having high tensile strength is inserted into the transparent thermoplastic polymer (PVC, TPU, PO, or acryl) sheet, and is suitable for end uses requiring high tensile force.
US08317336B2	Cooling and air flow exhaust for image projection apparatus An image projection apparatus is disclosed which is capable of reducing noise when airflows from plural flow paths are taken in into a fan and exhausted therefrom. The apparatus comprises a first flow path through which a first airflow for cooling a light source passes, a second flow path through which a second airflow for cooling constituent parts other than the light source passes, a fan which exhausts air introduced from the first and second flow paths to the outside of the apparatus, a third flow path which introduces a third airflow to an exhaust area between the light source and the fan in the first flow path, and a light-shielding member which is provided in the exhaust area and shields the light from the light source.
US08317335B2	Projection type video display having enhanced startup operation A projection type video display for displaying a video by casting light that is emitted from a lamp (1) serving as a light source and modulated on the basis of a video signal, has lamp cooling means (3) for cooling the lamp 1. The video display comprises: detection means (lamp drive circuit 2) for detecting the startup status (lamp voltage information) of the lamp in a startup operation: and control means (microcomputer 4) for controlling the lamp cooling means (3) in accordance with the startup status detected by the detection means. This arrangement can shorten time required for the execution of the startup operation of the lamp.
US08317334B2	Projector alignment in a multiple-projector projection system Projector alignment in a multiple-projector projection system is checked by determining a location of at least a portion of a boundary of an image field projected by at least one of the projectors and comparing the determined location of the at least the portion of the image field to a system-calibrated reference location of the at least the portion of the boundary of the image field.
US08317333B2	Method and device for converting an emission beam from a laser light source into 2-dimensional light A 2-dimensional beam scan unit reflects emission beams from a red laser light source, a green laser light source and a blue laser light source and scans in a 2-dimensional direction. Diffusion plates diffuse the respective light beams scanned in the 2-dimensional direction to introduce them to corresponding spatial light modulation elements. The respective spatial light modulation elements modulate the respective lights in accordance with video signals of the respective colors. A dichroic prism multiplexes the lights of the three colors after the modulation and introduces the multiplexed lights to a projection lens so that a color image is displayed on a screen. Since the 2-dimensional light emitted from the beam scan unit is diffused to illuminate the spatial light modulation element, it is possible to change the optical axis of the beam emerging from the light diffusion member for irradiating the spatial light modulation element moment by moment, thereby effectively suppressing speckle noise.
US08317331B2	Recycling system and method for increasing brightness using light pipes with one or more light sources, and a projector incorporating the same A recycling system and method for increasing the brightness of light output using at least one recycling light pipe with at least one light source. The output end of the recycling light pipe reflects a first portion of the light back to the light source, a second portion the light to the input end of the recycling light pipe, and transmits the remaining portion of the light as output. The recycling system is incorporated into a projector to provide color projected image with increased brightness. The light source can be white LEDs, color LEDs, and dual paraboloid reflector (DPR) lamp.
US08317326B2	Optical tomographic imaging method and apparatus An optical tomographic imaging method is provided in which light from a light source is split into a measuring beam and a reference beam, the measuring beam being moved by a scanning optical system and guided to an object to be examined, the reference beam being guided to a reference mirror, and in which a tomogram of the object is generated from a return beam of the measuring beam reflected or scattered by the object and the reference beam reflected by the reference mirror. The method includes acquiring longitudinal sectional information on the object, calculating depth-position information on the object from the longitudinal sectional information, and acquiring a three-dimensional surface image of the object by controlling a reference-path length defined by the reference mirror and a scanning operation of the scanning optical system in accordance with the depth-position information on the object.
US08317322B2	Contact lens with brightly colored sclera Contact lenses have patterns in which the portion that substantially lies over the sclera when worn on-eye is brightly colored or tinted; the colored or tinted contact lenses can have colored or tinted central portions that enhance the iris when worn on-eye and limbal rings that enhance the limbus.
US08317321B2	Multifocal lens with a diffractive optical power region A lens system is presented having a diffractive optical power region. The diffractive optical power region has a plurality of concentric surface relief diffractive structures. A greater portion of light incident on a diffractive structure near the center point contributes to the optical power than light incident on a diffractive structure peripherally spaced therefrom.
US08317315B2	Corrugated pre-curler for media hold-down transport A system for maintaining depth of focus in an ink jet printer between a series of print heads and corrugated media includes a vacuum transport in combination with a heating element positioned upstream of the series of print heads in order to help the vacuum transport acquire the corrugated media and seal edges of the corrugated media against a platen.
US08317314B2	System and method for improving throughput for printing operations in an indirect printing system A printer is configured with a controller that transforms operation of the printer to increase throughput. The printer includes an image receiving member, a printhead configured to eject ink drops onto the image receiving member to form an ink image, a transfix roller configured to move towards and away from the image receiving member to form a transfixing nip with the image receiving member selectively, a release agent applicator configured to engage the image receiving member selectively to apply release agent to the rotatable imaging member, and a controller configured to generate firing signals that operate the printhead from image data and to transform operation of the printer from a first printing process sequence to a second printing process sequence in response to a coverage parameter for image data to be printed being less than a predetermined threshold.
US08317313B2	Printing systems with progressive image transfer and progressive radiant energy exposure of images for multi-pass printing, printing apparatuses and corresponding methods Printing systems, printing apparatuses and methods of forming images on media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the printing systems includes a rotatable intermediate member including an outer surface on which marking material can be applied by a marking system to form an image via multiple passes of the intermediate member past the marking system; a transport device including a rotatable transport belt having an inlet end and an outlet end, the transport device being movable relative to the outer surface of the intermediate member to engage the transport belt with a medium starting at the inlet end at which a leading edge of the medium enters and progressively increase an engagement zone with the medium toward the outlet end as the leading edge of the medium advances, the outer surface and the transport belt forming an image transfer/curing zone along which the image is transferred from the outer surface to the medium, the image transfer/curing zone increasing in length as the transport belt is progressively engaged with the advancing medium; and a radiating device including a radiant energy source adapted to simultaneously progressively expose the image to radiant energy while the image is being transferred to the medium along the image transfer/curing zone.
US08317307B2	Liquid container having a structure that enables rapid charging A rectangular-shaped liquid container has first and second liquid storage chambers, each having an upper face, a bottom face, an upstream opening, and a downstream opening, in fluid communication; a first partition wall defining the bottom face of the first chamber and sloping so as to be lower towards a lowermost part of the first chamber; and a second partition wall defining the upper face of the first chamber and the bottom face of the second chamber and sloping so as to be lower towards a lowermost part of the second chamber. The lowermost parts of the two chambers are adjacent, the upstream and downstream openings of the first chamber are adjacent to the bottom face of the first chamber at its lowermost part, and the upstream and downstream openings of the second chamber are adjacent to the bottom face of the second chamber at its lowermost part.
US08317299B2	Liquid projection apparatus A device for projecting liquid as jets or droplets from multiple nozzles, the device comprising: a plurality of transducers oriented substantially parallel to one another and each having an inner face and an outer face opposite said inner face, the transducers being arranged in a substantially planar array; a plurality of nozzles to project liquid therefrom; liquid supply means for supplying a liquid to the nozzles; each nozzle is associated with an adjacent respective transducer which is excitable to cause movement of the adjacent associated nozzle in a direction substantially aligned with the nozzle axis, to project liquid therefrom; the liquid supply means supplies liquid to an inner end of said nozzle; means for selectively exciting transducers as required, thereby to project liquid as jets or droplets from the respective outer face by movement of the liquid through the nozzle in response to the movement of the nozzle; wherein the transducers are formed as beams in a material layer, separated by slots within the material layer, and the width of the slot varies along the length of the beams, the width of the slot being a minimum at a position substantially adjacent the nozzle.
US08317296B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a recording head that ejects ink; a sheet material that receives ink discarded from the recording head directly from the recording head or indirectly via another member; an ink absorption material that absorbs ink, and includes an ink absorption surface that forms a surface that intersects with an ink receiving surface of the sheet material that receives ink, and faces the ink receiving surface; and a sheet material movement unit that causes the sheet material to slide in at least a direction in which the ink receiving surface approaches the ink absorption surface.
US08317290B2	Ink jet printing apparatus, ink jet printing method, and preliminary discharge control method On performing a predetermined printing operation, whether or not, among a plurality of printing elements, only a part of the printing elements are applied is detected. If it is judged that only the part of the printing elements are used, a judgment is made whether or not the preliminary discharge operation is performed based on the number of discharges for the part of the printing elements, and if it is not judged that only the part of the printing elements are used, a judgment is made whether or not the preliminary discharge operation is performed based on the number of discharges for all of the printing elements of the printing head. This eliminates an unnecessary preliminary discharge for non-printing elements even in a printing operation mode in which only a part of the printing elements are applied.
US08317289B2	Inline calibration of clear ink drop mass An imaging device includes print media and a plurality of ink jets for ejecting drops of substantially clear ink onto the print media. One of the print media and the substantially clear ink has a fluorescent characteristic and the other of the print media and the substantially clear ink is substantially non-fluorescent. The imaging device includes a fluorescence sensor having (i) a light emitter for illuminating the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media by the plurality of ink jets with light of an activating wavelength, and (ii) a light detector for detecting a fluorescence intensity of light received from the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media in an emission wavelength. A controller is configured to modify an operating parameter of the imaging device based on the fluorescence intensity detected by the sensor.
US08317288B2	Liquid discharge apparatus A liquid discharge apparatus which discharges a liquid in each of continuing discharge opportunities includes: a discharge head discharging the liquid from nozzles; a controller controlling the discharge head to discharge the liquid from the nozzles; a duty detecting section detecting a value of a duty which is a ratio of a discharge amount of the liquid discharged from the discharge head with respect to a maximum discharge amount of the liquid to be discharged from the discharge head in each of the discharge opportunities; and a wait time determining section determining whether a wait time, in which the liquid is not discharged, is provided after each of the discharge opportunities, based on the values of the duties detected by the duty detecting section in past continuing discharge opportunities including the last discharge opportunity.
US08317278B2	Releasably locking slide assemblies Slide assemblies having telescopic slide members, a handle assembly and open and closed positions, with either or both of the open and closed positions being a releasable locking position, while merely requiring an intuitive pushing or pulling on a handle in the direction of intended movement to both unlock and move the slide assembly from the respective optional locking position.
US08317277B2	Dampened assisted-motion systems and methods A system for assisting the linear movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets at its respective ends. The strut includes an outer hollow member that houses a primary spring, a cylindrical piston that translates through one end of the outer hollow member, and a reverse damping mechanism. A free end of the primary spring is held inside the outer hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and its opposite end rests on the piston. The piston's free end includes a clevis for the second bracket. An inner hollow member houses a second spring which regulates movement of a damper shaft such that damping occurs when the shaft is pulled out of the damper.
US08317276B2	Furniture drive for driving a movable furniture part A furniture drive is provided for driving a movable piece of furniture. The drive includes an electric motor, an actuator that can be moved back and forth between two end positions to apply a force on the piece of furniture to be driven, and a gearbox connected between the electric motor and actuator. The gearbox has at least one gear stage configured as an eccentric gearbox and includes two gear wheels that mesh with each other. One of the two gear wheels is firmly connected or coupled to the actuator, and the other gear wheel is coupled to the electric motor such that the eccentric gearbox has two limit positions which correspond to the end positions of the actuator. Upon a rotation of the gear wheels, starting from the limit positions, the gear ratio decreases over a deformed rotational angle range.
US08317275B2	Laundry device A washing machine is disclosed, by which assembly and disassembly of a control panel (70) is facilitated to an installing arrangement of the washing machine and by which a control panel (70) is configured stable against heat or water coming from the inside of the washing machine. The present invention includes a body case configuring an exterior of the washing machine, a top plate (80) provided to a topside of the body case, a control panel (70) attached to a front side of the body case to perform various manipulations required for an operation of the washing machine, and a panel frame (100) provided to an upper or lower part of the front side of the body case to be externally exposed in part, the panel frame (100) having one side connected to the top plate (80) and the other side assembled to the control panel (70).
US08317271B1	Chair occupant support vest A support vest, for limiting movement of a person in a chair, has a body that includes a central section adapted to fit against an anterior portion of the trunk of the person. A pair of shoulder straps project upward from the central section to fit against the person's shoulders. The body is formed by a resilient perforated core pad and layers a mesh fabric that abut the major surfaces of the core pad. A outer cover abuts one of the second layer of a mesh fabric layers and is formed by a resilient perforated nucleus pad encased is a breathable fabric. This layered body is breathable and has materials that wick perspiration away from the person.
US08317269B2	Mesh stacking chair A stackable chair has a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides each with a backrest support, a front leg and a rear leg. One or both of the seat and the backrest have a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held across and substantially covering an opening in an all-plastic hoop fixed between the frame sides.
US08317268B2	Portable footrest for use when sitting on a toilet A portable footrest for elevating the feet of an individual when seated on a toilet includes an elongated carrying case and two collapsible rectangular box like support members. The footrest also includes a cross member for positioning the support members in a temporarily fixed spaced relationship. Each of the support members includes four rectangular or square shaped elements pivotally connected to one another and wherein one of the side of one of the elements is releaseably connected to an opposite side of another of the elements and each of the support members is positionable in a flat linear end-to-end relationship with two interior elements and two end elements for storage in the carry case. A block on three of the elements prevent the elements from rotating more than about 90° when forming a rectangular box like support. Further, a releaseable latch fastens the outer edges of the elements to form a box like structure.
US08317267B2	Ergonomic saddle chair An ergonomic chair comprising a saddle seat, frame, and shin supports that are adjustable in position and orientation with respect to the saddle seat. The saddle seat is adjustable in terms of the width of the portion of the seat supporting the user's thighs. The shin supports are adjustable with respect to the position of the saddle seat in three degrees of freedom and freely rotate in a fourth degree of freedom. In one embodiment, the frame comprises a rocking mechanism allowing the seat to rock forward and back.
US08317264B2	Vehicle seat The invention relates to a seat for a means of transport, having a supporting structure (1, 2, 3, 4), on which seating surface (5) and backrest (6) are mounted, and having a seat crossbeam (3, 4) of hollow design. The invention provides for the cavity of the seat crossbeam (3, 4) to contain electrical and/or electronic components (7).
US08317263B2	Vehicle seating system with pivoting stop mechanism and method A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism.
US08317260B1	Rear seat extension device for motorcycles A rear seat extension device for attaching to a motorcycle featuring a cushion component having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a back surface, wherein the bottom surface of the cushion component is curved inwardly to provide the cushion component with a good fit atop a main seat of the motorcycle; an attachment strap extending from the back surface of the cushion component; and one or more mounting holes disposed in a second end of the attachment strap, the attachment strap is for placing underneath a rear seat of the motorcycle such that the mounting hole is placed over a prong disposed underneath the rear seat.
US08317259B2	Seat device for vehicle There are provided a seatback supporting backs of plural passengers seated on a bench type of seat cushion, a headrest provided at an upper portion of a first portion of the seatback and supporting a head of the passenger seated in front of the first portion, a pressure-receiving portion provided at a second portion of the seatback which is arranged beside the first portion so as to move rearwardly when being pressed by a rearward move of the passenger seated in front of the second portion, and a headrest moving mechanism provided to connect the pressure-receiving portion to the headrest so that the headrest is moved forwardly or upwardly in accordance with a rearward move of the pressure-receiving portion. Accordingly, the passenger's head can be protected with a simple structure.
US08317257B2	Body for pneumatic vehicle A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis supporting an air tank. The second sub-assembly has part of the vehicle body and is bonded to the first-sub-assembly using a structural adhesive. Another pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis, air tank, part of the vehicle body, a pair of B-pillars, and a pair of rear rails. The second sub-assembly has a part of the vehicle body, a pair of A-pillars, and a pair of roof rails. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat base and upright seat back providing a seating area. A bladder located in the central region of the seating area inflates to provide two bucket seats, and deflates to provide a bench seat. The vehicle seat also has inflatable inserts to provide cushioning.
US08317254B2	Trailer A trailer that has doors and openings to hold and transport items, and can convert to a flatbed trailer with a trunk door, a flatbed front, and flatbed sides.
US08317248B2	Trim cover arrangement for motor vehicles A trim cover arrangement is provided for attachment to a motor vehicle body with a first and second trim cover profile that each can be connected with the body, and are adjacent to each other on the body in the assembly position. At least one of the profiles facing the other profile comprises pointed and/or sharp-edge bounded visible surface that is outwardly visible in the assembly position, which is formed by an at least regionally overlapping arrangement of the first and second profile.
US08317247B2	Motor-vehicle lining panel comprising a sharply back-lit pictogram This panel (1) includes at least one zone (10) forming a pictogram (12), the pictogram (12) being illuminated by a light source (14) placed beneath the lining panel (1), the lining panel (1) having a translucent skin (2) forming the external surface (8) of the lining panel (1) and a support layer (4) placed against the skin (2) between the light source (14) and at least the zone (10) forming a pictogram (12). The support layer (4) has at least a first thickness (e1) around the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12) and at least a second thickness (e2) facing the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12), the second thickness (e2) being smaller than the first thickness (e1).
US08317245B2	MEMS-based micro and nano grippers with two-axis force sensors The present invention relates to a design and microfabrication method for microgrippers that are capable of grasping micro and nano objects of a large range of sizes and two-axis force sensing capabilities. Gripping motion is produced by one or more electrothermal actuators. Integrated force sensors along x and y directions enable the measurement of gripping forces as well as the forces applied at the end of microgripper arms along the normal direction, both with a resolution down to nanoNewton. The microfabrication method enables monolithic integration of the actuators and the force sensors.
US08317237B1	Release handle for vehicle closure lid latch A handle assembly is mounted on a vehicle body and includes a handle pulled by a user to pull a cable and release a remotely located latch, such as a luggage compartment lid latch, engine compartment lid latch, or fuel filler door lid latch. The handle assembly includes a bezel having a guide channel structure for slidably mounting the handle and defining a path for straight-line pulling of the cable. The guide channel structure is formed in part by a flexible wall, such as a flexible finger on the bezel that yieldably bears upon the handle, so that if the user pulls the handle at an angle to the straight-line pull axis of the cable, the flexible finger flexes to permit the handle to pivotally shift within the bezel to the angle established by the user, and without kinking the cable.
US08317236B2	Appliance drawer and latch mechanism therefor An appliance drawer construction allows, upon the press of a button, the extension of the drawer from a housing. At the same time, inadvertent unintended opening caused, e.g., by a person's body brushing past or up against the appliance, may be avoided. In another aspect, the invention provides a simple and effective latch release linkage which is particularly well suited to a drawer, like a laundry washer additives dispenser drawer, that requires an offset of the latch from the operation push-button, due to the placement of an additive storage compartment portion of the drawer directly behind the front console of the drawer, and the space constraints within the housing that receives the drawer.
US08317234B2	Connector A connector for connecting a plurality of components having cooperating faces together. The connector includes a plurality of dogs for locking the cooperating faces of upper and lower conduits together. The plurality of dogs are movable between an open position and a locked position. A hydraulic piston moves the plurality of dogs into the locked position. The connector includes an annular collar that retains the plurality of dogs in the locked position once the hydraulic piston is withdrawn. When the annular collar is removed, the plurality of dogs return to an unlocked position thereby allowing separation of the cooperating faces without snagging of the plurality of components.
US08317230B2	Method of labeling a package for shipment A method of labeling a package for shipment includes: providing a shipping label having a generally laminar body with a designated tear path matrix extending over at least a major portion thereof, the generally laminar body having a face side on which is printed origination, destination and tracking data, and a bottom side to which is applied a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface; and attaching the shipping label to a surface of the package, via the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface on the bottom side of said label, prior to its shipment via a common carrier. The designated tear path matrix may be a pattern of interconnected regular hexagons, or a pattern of intersecting first and second parallel tear lines. The tear path matrix may be formed by through-hole perforations in the label body, by channels in the label body, or by regions of reduced shear strength in the label body.
US08317224B2	Vehicle occupant head protection A head restraint device (10) provides sideways restraint for a vehicle occupant's head (41) with restraint members (28) The restraint members (28) are movable between and operative position in which they extend on either side of the head (41) and a retracted position in which they are no longer positioned to the side of the head, so not impinging sideways motion of the head and/or access into or out of the vehicle. The restraint members (28) pivot between the two positions.
US08317217B2	Ski skin made directionally oriented flock A ski skin includes a directionally oriented flock applied to a carrier surface. The flocked textile material may be further processed directly (glue application, assembly) as skin, or it may be laminated onto other, additional carriers. The fibers of the directionally oriented flock extend at an acute angle relative to the carrier layer.
US08317210B1	Suspension height adjustment apparatus A suspension height adjustment apparatus includes first and second plates which may cooperatively engage to define a plurality of thickness dimensions, which correspond to suspension height adjustment dimensions. The first and second plates of the suspension height adjustment apparatus may be coupled between an upper strut assembly and a vehicle frame through a plurality of connection adapters which engage to the upper strut studs of the strut assembly.
US08317208B2	Vehicle suspension system Vehicle suspension having arms (6) and (7) for each wheel (14) and (15) respectively, each arm (6) having more than one sprung strut (18) and (19) of which two such struts each operates exclusively between two different arms. Each arm's rotational axis (28) and (38) respectively intersects a vertical longitudinal plane through the center of road contact with the wheel at a point (45) and (46) respectively on a straight lines (47) and (48) respectively between the center of contact with the road and a point at or near the anticipated center of gravity (49) of the suspended mass projected onto the plane. Preferably, the vehicle transmission avoids applying a moment about the arm's rotation axis, braking is attached to the arm and steering linkage is passed through or near the arm's axis of rotation.
US08317205B2	Mobile storage unit A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.
US08317203B2	Coupling device for attaching medical instruments to a holding device A coupling device for securing medical instruments to a holding device allows for simple and rapid handling and exact positioning of the medical instrument. A coupler socket is configured on one component and a coupler plug is configured on the other component, wherein the coupler socket and coupler plug can be fixed in mutually connected position with respect to one another by means of at least one locking element. The coupler socket is configured as a sleeve-shaped collet chuck including several mutually distanced spring arms. The coupler plug includes a coupling pin equipped with at least one radially outward-pointing catch cam. When coupled, at least one catch cam of the coupling pin catches on a corresponding back-cut on the collet chuck. The locking element can be screwed onto the collet chuck so that the spring arms of the collet chuck in the coupled position are affixed facing radially outward.
US08317198B2	Method of playing a card game A method of playing a card game adds a “showdown” aspect to a conventional game such as Texas Hold 'Em or the like. Generally, a round of the conventional game is played out in the usual fashion. Then, the winning hand from this play is pitted against a specially dealt showdown hand. A jackpot is awarded to the player holding the winning hand if the showdown hand beats the winning hand based on a pre-established ranking of hands.
US08317196B2	Medium conveying device and image forming apparatus A medium conveying device includes a first guide member, a second guide member, a conveying member, and a support member. The first guide member guides one face of a medium to be conveyed and opposed to the one face when the medium is conveyed. The second guide member guides the other face of the medium and is opposed to the other face when the medium is conveyed, the second guide member being movable between a close position and an open position. The conveying member is provided in a conveying passage formed by the first guide member and the second guide member being at the close position in order to convey the medium in the conveying passage. The support member keeps the second guide member at the open position and is provided at a position outer than the second guide member in a direction that the medium is conveyed. When the second guide member is at the open position, the medium in the conveying passage is removable from the conveying passage.
US08317188B1	Modular print system A modular print system which includes media cartridges instead of manually loaded feed trays. The print system includes a print module including a keyed entrance, and sealed cartridge containing media and including a keyed exit corresponding to the keyed entrance. The cartridge is removably attached to the print module.
US08317185B1	Method and apparatus for feeding media sheets in an image production device A method and apparatus for feeding media sheets in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include applying a downward airflow to a top of a leading edge of a media sheet located at a top of a media stack that is to be fed to an image production section of the image production device, and applying a vacuum airflow to the top of the leading edge of the media sheet located at the top of the media stack that is to be fed to the image production section of the image production device, the applied downward airflow and the applied vacuum airflow causing the top media sheet to separate from the media stack, and feeding the separated top media sheet to the image production section.
US08317184B2	Printer producing dividing sheets for output tray A printing apparatus has a sheet path and is adapted to produce print job sheets and dividing sheets. The apparatus includes a printing unit for printing the print job sheets. A first device in the sheet path downstream of the printing unit generates dividing sheets. The device includes a deforming unit with a stamp for punching and deforming a partial area of a dividing sheet so that a hook-shaped deformation is imparted in the dividing sheet. An output tray is arranged in the sheet path downstream of the first device and includes an inclined support for receiving the print job sheets and the dividing sheets.
US08317180B2	Sheet finisher, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet finishing method A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle-stitching unit to stitch a center of a sheet bundle, a folding unit to fold the center and to form a fold, a first and a second rollers that move along a direction of the fold while nipping and pressing the fold of the sheet bundle and reinforce the fold, and a drive section to move the first and the second rollers along the fold from a standby position apart from an edge of the sheet bundle, and the first and the second rollers are separate from each other in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle at the standby position, and after the first and the second rollers reach to a position where they pass the edge of the sheet bundle of a processable maximum size, they come close to each other in the thickness direction and nip the fold.
US08317175B2	Manipulator A manipulator includes a driving member, a sliding rod and a sleeve. The sliding rod includes an expanding portion on an end thereof. The sleeve includes at least two expanding sections on an end thereof. The driving member drives the sleeve to slide along the sliding rod. The two or more expanding sections are elastically bent outward via pressing against the expanding portion, and are resumed to their original shape and positions via detaching from the expanding portion.
US08317167B2	Humidifier for fuel cell The present invention provides a humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having different diameters are appropriately arranged to control the flow direction of dry air introduced into the humidifier, thus uniformly humidifying the dry air.
US08317165B2	Nanobubble-containing liquid producing apparatus and nanobubble-containing liquid producing method A nanobubble-containing liquid producing apparatus includes: a microbubble generating device that prepares a microbubble-containing liquid with use of a liquid introduced into a microbubble generation tank and discharges the microbubble-containing liquid into the microbubble generation tank; a micro-nanobubble generating device that prepares a micro-nanobubble-containing liquid with use of the microbubble-containing liquid introduced into a micro-nanobubble generation tank and discharges the micro-nanobubble-containing liquid into the micro-nanobubble generation tank; and a nanobubble generating device that prepares a nanobubble-containing liquid with use of the micro-nanobubble-containing liquid introduced into a nanobubble generation tank and discharges the nanobubble-containing liquid into the nanobubble generation tank. Therefore, an apparatus for producing a nanobubble-containing liquid with use of general-purpose products can be manufactured at low cost and in a short period of time.
US08317164B2	Fence rail with concealed fastener A fence rail includes a detachable fastener cover that covers and conceals a fastener chamber. Through the use of a knuckle and a catch fastening system, moisture is prevented from entering the fastener chamber. The fastener chamber allows for securing pickets to the rail using a means for fastening as close to the top of the rail as possible thereby allowing for significant racking of the fence.
US08317163B1	Swing gate bracket hinge A pipe gate hinge comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket, at least one pipe attachment member, and at least two post attachment members. The bracket has a first longitudinally extending leg with the distal end portion angled in the first transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis and a second longitudinally extending leg with the distal end portion angled in the second transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one pipe attachment aperture is in the first leg and one pipe attachment aperture is in the second leg. At least one post attachment aperture is proximate the distal end portion of the first leg and at least one post attachment aperture is proximate the distal end portion of the second leg. At least one pipe attachment member is configured and arranged to be inserted through the pipe attachment apertures to secure the bracket to a vertically extending member of a pipe gate. At least two post attachment members are configured and arranged to be inserted through the post attachment apertures to secure the bracket to a vertical surface.
US08317162B2	Road rail A road rail comprises tubular posts (1; 20) to be anchored in the ground and a rail profile (2; 21) to be attached to the posts. The rail profile has a substantially closed cross-section but is open downwards for lowering onto the posts. The rail profile is supported on each post by a support member (5; 24) carried by lower edges of opposed cutouts (4; 23) in the post. At least one locking member (7; 26) inside the rail profile provides locking between the post and the rail profile by engagement on one hand with the rail profile and on the other hand with an upper edge of each post cutout (4; 23) by a locking tongue (10; 27) of the locking member.
US08317154B2	Method for operation of a position regulator The disclosure relates to a method for operation of a position regulator for control of a pneumatic drive for an actuating member in a process installation. The position regulator has a pneumatic system with at least one nozzle/bounce-plate system, in which the bounce plates are in the form of piezo bending bars. For damped ventilation and venting of the pneumatic drive in the event of failure of the electrical power, it is proposed that the level of the electrical power supply be monitored and that, if a predeterminable limit value is undershot, the piezo bending bars of the pneumatics are adjusted via the input signals of the pneumatics such that the pneumatically controlled valves, which are subject to a characteristic, of the amplifier are open precisely just so far that a damped movement of the pneumatic actuating drive takes place to a predeterminable limit position at the desired movement speed.
US08317151B1	Mounting bracket for GPS antenna A bracket is provided for mounting an antenna onto a well disposed on a gun turret. The antenna (for receiving GPS signals) has an exposed dome and a connector extending underneath the dome. The bracket includes a substantially cylindrical housing that contains an internal chamber. The housing has proximal and distal ends along a longitudinal axis. The distal end has a first surface for attaching to the well. A flange disposed at the proximal end provides a surface onto which the antenna mounts. The connector can be inserted into the chamber. A male-threaded boss extends from the distal end to insert into a female-threaded well disposed on the turret.
US08317150B2	Truncated pyramid shaped shipping base A shipping base shaped like a square, truncated pyramid for use with a washing machine of the type having an undercarriage suspended below the wash tub. The shipping base has an opening in the top of the truncated pyramid into which the washing machine undercarriage is lowered until the undercarriage is suspended within the space defined by base, and an integrally formed frame-like pallet for supporting the washing machine. The opening is only slightly larger than the dimensions of the undercarriage so that the shipping base prevents any significant lateral movement of the undercarriage or the washing machine tub.
US08317147B1	Solar light stick holder device A solar light stick holder comprising a single wire having a first end and a second end, a first extension arm and a second extension arm, a connecting base, a first holder-loop and a second holder-loop. The first end and second end each forms a loop for holding the solar light stick. The connecting base comprises at least one screw-loop to secure the holder to a fixture.
US08317142B2	Shower bracket A mounting bracket connects a water pipe fastened to an eared fitting to a support bar in a building. The bracket has an isolator made of a material selected to substantially reduce the transmission of noise and wrapped around the support bar. The bracket has a stiff shell wrapped around a periphery of the support bar and has two opposing ends. The shell is sized to clamp the isolator against the support bar during use as the ends are moved toward each other with sufficient force that there is a tight clamp resulting in little relative movement between the shell and the support during use. The shell has a mounting portion for the eared fitting. The bracket also has a fastening mechanism to hold the ends together and to fasten the eared fitting to the mounting portion during use of the bracket. The fastening mechanism clamps the ends together to restrain relative movement of the shell and support bar. For telescoping support bars an adaptor is interposed between the isolator and the smaller, inner telescoping member of the support bar to make the support bar a uniform size at the location of the bracket.
US08317141B2	Tripod A tripod configured with three tripod legs pivotally attached to a tripod plate comprises as components a coupling device, a connecting arrangement for the non-latching engagement of two tripod legs and a locking arrangement, which has a locking piece with a latching action and which has detent elements. In this way, in a closed position the tripod legs can be connected to and detached from each other very easily.
US08317139B2	Display support A display support includes a sliding module and a base module detachably connected to each other. The sliding module includes a first integral-formed frame and a second integral-formed frame movably disposed therein. When using the display support, the sliding module is joined in a receiving portion of the base module.
US08317136B2	Stabilized controllable drogue for aerial flight refueling The stabilized controllable drogue for an inflight aerial refueling system includes a reception coupling, a paradrogue frame, a drogue canopy, and a plurality of actuators for moving the drogue canopy in a desired direction to control, steer and stabilize the stabilized controllable drogue during turbulent conditions.
US08317129B1	Universal convergent nozzle and distinct nozzle aperture Apparatus and methods provide for an engine nozzle having a universal convergent nozzle and a distinct nozzle aperture. Aspects of the disclosure provide a universal convergent nozzle that includes a nozzle throat and is attachable at a first end to an aircraft engine and at a second end to a distinct nozzle aperture. While the distinct nozzle aperture may include features that are specific to the corresponding engine mounting location, the universal convergent nozzle may be interchangeably used with any engine and distinct nozzle aperture at any engine mounting location. The configuration of the universal convergent nozzle ensures consistent engine performance and engine exhaust plume conditioning across all engine mounting locations, irrespective of the distinct nozzle aperture features downstream of the universal convergent nozzle.
US08317128B2	Laminar flow wing optimized for transonic cruise aircraft On an aircraft designed for maximum efficient cruise speed in the range from about Mach 0.8 to about Mach 1.2, and having fuselage and wings with: (a) less than about 25 degrees of leading edge sweep, in combination with airfoil thickness to chord ratios between about 3% and about 8%, as an average along the wing semi-span outboard from the zone of substantial fuselage influence, and (b) wing leading edge sweep between about 20 degrees and about 35 degrees, in combination with airfoil thickness to chord ratios equal to or below about 3% as an average along the semi-span outboard from the zone of substantial fuselage influence to the wing tip.
US08317124B2	Film packing device A film packing device has a handle. The handle is pivotally connected with a film packing unit and a roller unit. The film packing unit has an axle tube, a first rolling member and a second rolling member. A roll of film is fitted on the axle tube with the axle tube to provide a support effect for the user to pack an object in a quick, simply and convenient way.
US08317123B1	Sheet rolling device A sheet rolling device includes a mandrel that selectively retains the sheet stock between a sidewall of the mandrel and a gripper blade of the mandrel. The sheet rolling device also includes a sensor that detects a presence and an absence of the sheet stock near the mandrel, a controller operably associated with the mandrel so as to cause a motor to rotate the mandrel to wind the sheet stock around the mandrel, and an expansion leaf operably associated with the controller and situated along at least a portion of an exterior of the sidewall of the mandrel. Extension of the expansion leaf away from the sidewall increases an effective perimeter of the mandrel about which the sheet stock may be wound and retraction of the expansion leaf toward the sidewall decreases the effective perimeter of the mandrel about which the sheet stock may be wound.
US08317116B2	Method and apparatus for processing a sized ore feed A method and process line apparatus for processing a sized ore feed excavated from an ore deposit is disclosed. The method involves disposing a processing apparatus in a processing apparatus position relative to the ore deposit, and disposing a first mobile conveyor to receive a sized ore feed at a receiving location located along a length of the first mobile conveyor. The first mobile conveyor is operable to convey the sized ore from the receiving location to a discharge end of the first mobile conveyor. The method also involves disposing a second mobile conveyor to receive the sized ore from the discharge end of the first mobile conveyor at a transfer location along a length of the second mobile conveyor and to convey the sized ore from the transfer location to the processing apparatus. The first and second mobile conveyors are oriented at an operational angle between a length of the first mobile conveyor and a length of the second mobile conveyor. The method further involves moving at least one of the first and second mobile conveyors to vary at least one of the operational angle and the transfer location to permit successive portions of the ore deposit within operational reach of the receiving location to be received for conveying along the first and second mobile conveyors to the processing apparatus while the processing apparatus is located in the processing apparatus position.
US08317114B1	Dual span center pivot irrigation system A dual span center pivot irrigation system comprising first and second center pivot span structures pivotally secured at their inner ends to a fixed center pivot structure. Each of the center pivot span structures are independently operable with the movements thereof being coordinated by suitable controls. The center pivot span structures may be operated in at least three different modes, namely: (1) independent wiper; (2) follow the leader; and (3) independent full circle.
US08317112B2	High pressure fuel injector seat that resists distortion during welding A valve seat (16′) for a fuel injector (10) includes a main body (27) having a proximal and a distal end with at least one orifice (24) extending through the main body. A seating surface (22) is provided on the main body to receive a closure member (20) of a fuel injector such that when the closure member engages the seating surface, the at least one orifice is closed. A guide surface (36) is provided on the main body to guide movement of the closure member. An annular wall (26) extends in a cantilever manner from the main body at the distal end thereof and defines an outer peripheral portion of the valve seat. The wall is constructed and arranged to deform during welding at the wall so as to isolate effects of the welding from the seating surface and the guide surface.
US08317111B2	Bi-component drip emitter A drip emitter formed from an elastomer component and a rigid polymer component for welding to the inner surface of an irrigation hose. The drip emitter has a fluid flow pathway including a flow restriction, typically in the form of a labyrinth, formed at least partially within the elastomer to provide a variable geometry flow restriction. The flow restriction may include under-tooth bypass spaces located between the base and the sequence of baffles, over-tooth bypass clearances or may employ baffles with a thickened root portion which forms a sloped transition region between an upright upper wall portion and the base. In each case, flow through the drip emitter when deployed is regulated by pressure-responsive deformation of the elastomer component. Some implementations employ a thermoset elastomer component such as silicone with mechanical interlocking between the components.
US08317110B2	Water-and-hot-water mixing device A water-and-hot-water mixing device includes a mixing valve unit which mixes hot water and water and discharges mixed water therefrom, an operation part which sets a predetermined temperature, a mixed water thermistor which detects a temperature of mixed water, a hot-water thermistor which detects a temperature of hot water supplied to the mixing valve unit, and a controller which performs a feedback control of a discharge water temperature by controlling the mixing valve unit. The controller starts the feedback control when the controller determines that a change amount of the temperature of the hot water per unit time detected by the hot-water thermistor is not more than a fixed value and the temperature of the hot water detected by the hot-water thermistor is not lower than the predetermined temperature.
US08317109B2	Payment device with audio and/or visual capability and associated method A payment device includes a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, a communications module coupled to the processor and configured to interact with a payment terminal, a sound-producing element coupled to the processor, and an associated body portion. The memory is configured to store at least one representation of at least one sound and the processor is configured to cause the sound-producing element to produce a sound corresponding to the at least one representation of the at least one sound when such representation is stored in the memory, responsive to the communications module interacting with the payment terminal, substantially without usage of a battery on the device. Visual stimuli can be employed in addition to or in lieu of sounds. Sounds can be downloaded to devices with or without batteries, as part of a service offering.
US08317107B2	Chip-spacer integrated radio frequency ID tags, methods of making same, and systems containing same A chip package includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed as a spacer structure on a surface of a die in a chip package. A method includes assembling an RFID spacer structure, to at least one chip such as memory or logic. A computing system includes an RFID spacer structure in a chip package.
US08317105B2	Optical scanning system having an extended programming mode and method of unlocking restricted extended classes of features and functionalities embodied therewithin A method of unlocking restricted extended classes of features and functionalities embodied within an optical scanning system having an extended programming mode. The method involves providing an optical scanning system supporting baseline classes of features and functionalities, and having an extended feature class programming mode for programming extended classes of features and functionalities, in addition to the baseline classes of features and functionalities. A license key is assigned to the optical scanning system, for unlocking at least one of the extended classes of features and functionalities, and programming the optical scanning system to operate with at least one of the extended classes of feature and functionalities, in addition to the baseline classes of features and functionalities. A license is procured to unlock and use at least one of the extended classes of feature and functionalities, and obtaining said license key assigned to the optical scanning system. The said optical scanning system is caused to operate in the extended feature class programming. While the optical scanning system is operating in the extended feature class programming, the license key is used to unlock at least one of the extended classes of features and functionalities, and program the optical scanning system to operate with at least one of the extended classes of feature and functionalities, in addition to the baseline classes of features and functionalities.
US08317104B2	Image engine with integrated circuit structure for indicia reading terminal Embodiments of the present invention comprise an image engine constructed as an IC structure that has one or more active regions for illuminating, imaging, and decoding a decodable indicia. In one embodiment of the image engine, the IC structure can comprise an imaging region, an aiming region, and an illumination region, all disposed on a single, contiguous substrate. The resultant constructed embodiment can fit within a form factor, wherein the form factor is less than about 500 mm3.
US08317097B2	Content presentation based on user preferences Architecture is provided that facilitates user-controlled access to user profile information related to spam filtering. A user is allowed to selectively expose (or mask) portions of his/her profile related to spam filtering to third parties. Additionally, advertisers and/or content providers can offer incentives or enticement in response to the acceptance of which a user exposes larger portions of their profiles related to spam filtering. The architecture comprises a system that facilitates profile management utilizing a profile component that facilitates creation and storage of an electronic profile including spam filtering information of a user, and a control component under control of the user for controlling access to the profile.
US08317095B2	Exception notification system and method A system and method for distributing prepaid cash alternatives and resolving exceptions related to the sale of prepaid cash alternatives such as traveler's cheques or prepaid cards. Reports of sales may be reviewed to identify exceptions, and information explaining the exceptions may be made available electronically. Sellers may be notified of exceptions by e-mail, which may include a link or address to information explaining the exceptions. The information may be provided in real time through a secure site on a network, such as the Internet. A company may contract with business partners to sell the prepaid cash alternatives to customers, and the business partners may report the sales to the company via reports. After being notified of exceptions, business partners may provide corrected information or new information to resolve the exceptions.
US08317093B2	Information providing system, apparatus and method for information processing, and computer program product An information providing system includes the following elements. An IC card stores card ID. An information providing terminal reads out the card ID of the IC card, provides information to the IC card, and transmits the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the ID of the provided information to a management server. The management server receives the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the provided information ID from the information providing terminal, has a database to manage the card ID and the provided information such that the card ID is associated with the provided information, acquires the information provided to the IC card from the database in response to an information request from a client terminal, and supplies the provided information to the client terminal. The client terminal displays the provided information supplied from the management server.
US08317091B2	Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method A sheet processing machine transmits information indicating a degree of contamination or damage for each sheet detected by a discrimination unit to a teller PC as a discrimination result. The teller PC saves the discrimination result received from the sheet processing machine in a data storage unit. A CPU of the teller PC decides reference levels that can attain good bill ratio designated by the user for respective items required to discriminate good/bad states of a sheet based on the previous discrimination results saved in the data storage unit. The CPU of the teller PC sets the reference levels that can attain the good bill ratio designated by the user in the discrimination unit of the sheet processing machine. The discrimination unit set with such reference levels discriminates good/bad states of sheets based on the reference levels set by the teller PC.
US08317083B2	Cash drawer with controlled access security compartment A cash drawer having a secured storage compartment accessible from the front when the drawer is closed or open is disclosed. The storage compartment includes a cover and bottom tray, the forward upper ends of which are upwardly positioned to define a chute which is in communication with a slot in the cash drawer front plate for depositing items such as, for example, large denomination paper currency into the storage compartment. Controlled access to the compartment is provided by a suitable lock such as, for example, a dead bolt key lock.
US08317081B2	Reflow bonding method and method of manufacturing head suspension A reflow bonding method easily bonds first and second wiring members together by reflowing solder arranged on at least one of first and second bonding parts that are defined on the first and second wiring members, respectively. The method includes positioning the first and second wiring members so that the first and second bonding parts face each other with the solder interposed between them and heating and pressing one of the first and second bonding parts from behind with a pressing face of a heater chip so that the first and second bonding parts lie one on another and so that the solder is heated and reflows to bond the first and second wiring members together.
US08317078B1	Method and apparatus for ultrasonic welding or bonding A method and an apparatus for ultrasonic welding of a first workpiece to a second workpiece is disclosed. The two workpieces are clamped between a sonotrode and an anvil so that the two workpieces are in mechanical contact with each other, the first workpiece is in mechanical contact with the sonotrode and the second workpiece rests on the anvil. Fluid is introduced between the second workpiece and the anvil so that the second workpiece at least partly rests on the fluid. The fluid is frozen so that the fluid forms a solid body. Ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the first workpiece by the sonotrode for a period of time.
US08317076B2	Minute ball array apparatus A minute ball array apparatus includes: an array jig including insert parts, into which minute balls are to be inserted, and which are formed in a predetermined pattern; a ball moving unit, which comprises a thrust surface, and which moves the thrust surface along an upper surface of the array jig so as to move the minute balls supplied onto the upper surface of the array jig to drop the minute balls into the insert parts of the array jig; a collapsing member, which is provided in a vicinity of the thrust surface, and which collapses a buildup of the minute balls rising along the thrust surface when the thrust surface is moved by the ball moving unit; and a motion imparting unit that imparts the collapse member with motion for collapsing the rising buildup of the minute balls.
US08317074B2	Electroactive polymer-based articulation mechanism for circular stapler Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
US08317071B1	Endocutter with auto-feed buttress Surgical apparatus may include a staple holder and a buttress positioned on the upper surface of the staple holder, where the staple holder is configured to fire multiple sets of staples, and where the buttress is advanceable between firings such that the staple holder is configured to deploy multiple sets of staples through the buttress. A surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing an endocutter having a staple holder and having a plurality of staples, where a plurality of but less than all of the staples are arranged in a firing position within the staple holder; engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; deploying the plurality of staples in firing position through a buttress and into tissue of the patient; disengaging the end effector from tissue of the patient; moving a plurality of staples into firing position; engaging tissue of the patient with the staple holder; advancing a segment of buttress relative to the staple holder; and repeating the deploying.
US08317070B2	Surgical stapling devices that produce formed staples having different lengths A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.
US08317069B2	Pneumatic nailer with sleeve actuated piston return A pneumatic nailer for use with a high pressure fluid source is disclosed. The pneumatic nailer includes a housing defining a storage chamber positionable in fluid communication with the high pressure fluid source, a cylinder positioned within said housing, a piston having a piston head, said piston head being movable within said cylinder, said cylinder and said piston head defining a return chamber on side of said piston head, a sleeve movable with respect to said cylinder between a first sleeve position and a second sleeve position, said sleeve and said cylinder defining a sleeve space therebetween, wherein, when said sleeve is positioned in said first sleeve position, said sleeve space is isolated from fluid communication with said return chamber, and wherein, when said sleeve is positioned in said second sleeve position, said sleeve space is positioned in fluid communication with said return chamber.
US08317067B2	Device holder with magnetic retainer The device holder with magnetic retainer is a holder that removably attaches to a garment by magnetic attraction. The holder typically holds a portable electronic device and includes a frame having a recess that receives the portable electronic device therein. The back portion of the frame retains a first magnetic member. A second magnetic member is designed to be positioned underneath a garment, such as a back of a shirt sleeve, so that a portion of the garment is positioned between the first and second magnetic members to attach the device to the garment. Front and rear peripheral edges of the device holder form a cord receiving channel that excess cord of the electronic device can be wrapped around, thereby facilitating neat storage of the excess cord.
US08317059B2	Adjustable fuel tank for a vehicle An adjustable fuel tank for a vehicle includes a container body having a first container section and second container section. A container volume is defined by the container body. The first and second container sections are moveable relative to one another for adjusting at least one of an exterior shape of the container body and the container volume of the container body.
US08317057B2	Paint roller paint saving pan A paint roller paint saving pan for a tubular roller pad is provided. The paint roller paint saving pan includes a paint can attachment portion configured to removably axially support the paint roller paint saving pan relative to an open end of an open paint can. A roller pad support portion is configured to radially support an end of the roller pad. A paint catching portion is positioned adjacent and vertically below the roller pad support portion and includes a through passage permitting fluid communication into the paint can when the paint can attachment portion is vertically supported on the paint can such that paint scraped from the roller pad supported by the roller pad support portion can return back to the paint can. The paint roller paint saving pan is configured to provide access to the roller pad by a rigid tool to scrape excess paint therefrom.
US08317054B2	Tamper strip for multiple door closure A server lid for a container with an integral tear strip tamper evident feature is presented. A tear strip for the tamper evident feature is molded as an adjunct to a base member which forms the closure. The tear strip is joined to the base by at least one frangible web, and hinges about the frangible web to overlie front edges of one or more flaps formed in the server lid. Ultrasonic welds connect the overlying tear strip to the flaps or adjacent the flaps for providing a tamper evident feature. The shape of the server lid provides stackability in that the base rim of the container will fit over the upper portion of the lid, including frangible webs to allow interfitting of one container bottom with the container closure of the next, to allow the containers to be stacked on a shelf without substantial danger of slipping or tipping.
US08317045B2	Collapsible container A collapsible container is provided which includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls which are transverse to the side walls. The side and end walls are pivotably connected to the base between an upright position generally perpendicular to the base and a collapsed position on the base. A support is pivotably and slidably mounted to each of the end walls. The support is configured to extend into the container and to fully retract within the end wall. The support extends far enough into the container to reliably support another container thereon.
US08317037B2	Rail including a shelf for supporting an information handling system A rack system for supporting one or more information handling systems is provided. The rack system may include a rack and one or more rails coupled to the rack and configured to support one or more information handling systems. At least one of the rails may include an upper support structure, a lower support structure, a slot defined between the upper and lower support structures and configured to receive a guide structure of the information handling system, and a shelf. The slot may have a front end opening proximate to a front end of the rail, and extend toward a back end of the rail. The shelf may extend forward from the front end opening of the slot, and can support a portion of the information handling system when the guide structure is not received in the slot. The shelf may also not be coupled to any other rail.
US08317034B2	Separation of particulate matter and animal manure The present invention relates to separating one or more of sand and other particulate matter from a mixture of animal waste and water. The present invention can help to control the discharge of noxious odors while processing material containing animal waste. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a cylindrical housing and a non-rotating collection table. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes optional shield provided inside the cylindrical housing that can help to capture the particulate matter and that can also help to reduce the discharge of noxious gas and odors from the apparatus.
US08317030B2	Flanged perforated metal plate for separation of pellets and particles A perforated plate for a vibratory sifter, the perforated plate including a base plate comprising a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and a flange integrally formed with the base plate. A method of forming a screen assembly for a vibratory sifter, the method including forming a base plate, forming a plurality of openings extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the base plate, and forming an integral flange on the base plate.
US08317029B2	Wafer storage container A wafer storage container including a container body having an opening adapted to store wafers is disclosed. The container body includes a window and wafer support parts. Delivery components are attached to the exterior face part of the container body. The delivery components includes a bottom plate disposed at a bottom of the container body, a pair of side handles disposed at both sides of the container body, and a robotic flange disposed at a top of the container body. The container further is provided with a lid adapted to seal the opening of the container body. The lid includes a lid main body, a pair of latch mechanism disposed within the lid main body, a retainer member disposed at an inner surface of the lid main body, a seal gasket member disposed at a periphery of the lid main body such that it contacts a periphery of an opening part of the container body and a lid cover. The container body, the delivery components and the lid main body are formed of a self-extinguishing material, and the latch mechanism and the retainer member are formed of PEEK, and the gasket member is formed of elastomeric resin.
US08317027B2	Dispensing container A re-usable dispensing container (10) for pills, tablets or capsules, includes a base portion (20) having a plurality of compartments (25). An adhesive-free sealing sheet (50) is arranged to cover openings of the compartments such that the sheet may be ruptured to provide access individually to the compartments. A sealing sheet retainer (30), having apertures thorough which the sheet may be ruptured, is removably closable over the sealing sheet removably to retain the sealing sheet between the sealing sheet retainer and the base. A lid (40) is provided to cover the sealing sheet retainer (30) and is lockable to the base with a tamper-evident locking pin.
US08317018B2	Cigar package A packing system for cigars including a cigar box and at least one support. The flat support is sized slightly larger than the distance between a pair of walls of the cigar box so that the support is compressed into an arch shape that is maintained by the walls when inserted into the cigar box. The support includes a plurality of elongate holes that define a plurality of collars. The cigars are seated by the collars and restrict the movement of the cigars. The support also provides a pleasing display for the cigars. In a more particular arrangement, one or more such supports include tabs that engage the cigars of a straight body type and restrict movement of the cigars.
US08317017B2	Article of packaging An article of packaging in the form of a carton having an information-bearing insert enclosed within a substantially closed chamber defined by at least one side wall portion of the carton and a further panel facing an inner face of said at least one side wall portion, said side wall portion having a plurality of pre-cut tear lines or perforations defining an openable tab or flap for gaining access to said chamber and to the insert located therein, wherein said chamber is not accessible from a loading opening of the carton such that the chamber does not interfere with the loading of a product into the carton.
US08317015B2	Apparatus for locking a magazine A locking apparatus for locking a magazine configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB) may include an actuator, a rotating block, and a locking member. The actuator may be installed on the magazine. The rotating block may be connected to the actuator. The rotating block may be rotated about a vertical axis. The locking member may be rotatably connected to the magazine about the vertical axis. The locking member may be selectively combined with the rotating block to block a front face of the magazine, thereby preventing breakaway of the PCB from the magazine.
US08317012B2	Drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system The invention disclosed provides a drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system that propels a fluid entraining conveyor through a well bore to carry fluids to the surface. The invention is comprised of a pair of synchronized follower wheels connected to a set of counter rotating sheaves. A fluid entraining conveyor is wrapped in a “figure-8” conveyor path around the sheaves in a plurality of coaxial grooves and around a distal sheave located in the fluid in the well bore. The coaxial grooves incorporate a unique shape which in conjunction with the wrap pattern provide improved tractive qualities and thus reduce tension in the conveyor and increase the durability of the conveyor. The conveyor can run at increased speeds and with no tension on the downward portion of the conveyor resulting in higher efficiency and less down time due to breakage.
US08317001B2	Electromechanical actuator for a vehicle brake, the vehicle brake including such an actuator, and a method of maintaining such an actuator The invention provides an electromechanical actuator for a vehicle brake, the actuator comprising: a motor; a screw-and-nut system having a first element, the screw or the nut, rotated by the motor; and an antirotation member preventing rotation of the second element of the screw-and-nut system, the nut or the screw, so that the second element moves linearly in response rotation of the motor so as to exert compression selectively on friction elements of the brake. According to the invention, the actuator is subdivided into a first portion comprising the screw-and-nut system, and a second portion comprising the motor, the portions being designed to be separable while the actuator is mounted on a brake.
US08316997B2	Elevator group control system Provided is an elevator group control system which is excellent in convenience and can prevent a decrease in operation efficiency even when an elevator is used by a group of a plurality of persons. For this purpose, there are installed in an elevator hall a destination operating panel by use of which users register their destination floors before boarding and a group boarding registering device for registering that users use an elevator as a group. The number of users expected when users use an elevator as a group is stored beforehand in a user head-count storage section. When registration of a destination floor by use of the destination operating panel has been performed at the same time with registration of a group use by use of the group boarding registering device, a car to be assigned to a hall car call is determined on the basis of the number of users stored in the user head-count storage section.
US08316996B2	Elevator apparatus having rescue operation controller In an elevator apparatus, a rescue operation for a car is performed by a rescue operation controller. The rescue operation controller obtains a rescue operation voltage value and applies a voltage having the rescue operation voltage value to a brake coil in response to a signal from a speed detector at a time of the rescue operation for the car. The rescue operation voltage value is a value of the voltage necessary to reduce braking force of a brake device to move the car by using a state of imbalance between the car and a counterweight.
US08316994B1	Battery powered vertical lift assembly The invention is a battery powered vertical lift assembly adapted for vertically raising and lowering a load along a substantially vertical structure. The vertical lift assembly comprises a vertical guide, which is secured to the substantially vertical structure by any suitable connecting means. A carriage is movably attached to the vertical guide, and a platform, which supports the load, is attached to the carriage. The carriage is raised and lowered along the vertical guide by a suitable drive mechanism, whereby the load, supported on the platform, is raised and lowered along the vertical guide. Preferably, the drive mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage comprises a DC motor, powering a gear unit that is operatively connected to a sprocket, with the whole drive mechanism attached to the carriage. A sprocket engaging chain is attached to a surface of the vertical guide, with the chain extending the length of the vertical guide. A battery on the platform powers the DC motor. The carriage and attached platform are raised and lowered by controlled rotation of the sprocket engaged with the chain on the vertical guide. The sprocket and the whole drive mechanism attached to the carriage, thus, ascend or descend along the chain supported on the vertical guide. The carriage also includes a safety brake for immobilizing the carriage, with respect to the vertical guide, when there is relative movement between the drive mechanism and the carriage. The unique safety brake locks the carriage to the vertical guide upon failure of any component.
US08316988B2	Shock absorbing fabric structures Fabric structures having elongation yarns and ground yarns that form a sheath are provided, with the structure having two connection segments and at least one expansion segment in between the connection segments. Heat treatment of the one or more expansion segments shrinks the length of the elongation yarns during manufacture. A tensile load applied to the fabric structure stretches the elongation yarns and unfolds the gathered sheath. The elongation yarns absorb energy as the fabric structure elongates. In some embodiments, the fabric structure has more than one expansion segment so that the deployment force of the structure is not constant. In some embodiments, the fabric structure includes a band in some portions.
US08316983B2	Construction vehicle A construction vehicle includes a hydraulic pump for travelling driven by an engine and a hydraulic motor for travelling driven by a pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump. A control unit is configured to set an upper limit of a command value of an acceleration opening degree in accordance with a magnitude of a travelling load and a magnitude of a vehicle speed, and to set a lower limit of a displacement of the hydraulic motor for travelling in order to maximize the vehicle speed at the acceleration opening degree limited to a predetermined amount.
US08316981B2	Vehicular actuator arrangement and implementations A vehicle drive arrangement is controlled with an actuator arrangement. According to an example embodiment, an actuator arrangement includes a rotatable gear having pins thereon that are applied to a latch and rocker arm to selectively engage and lock a vehicle drive system. In some applications, gear is rotated to apply a first pin to move the latch for selective engagement of the vehicle drive system, and to apply the second pin for selective locking of the engagement, during which selective locking the rotation of the first pin does not cause movement of the latch. Other embodiments are directed to vehicle drive systems and vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, employing drive systems and an actuator.
US08316978B2	Double-acting gas suspension system A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a single body having two double-acting pneumatic cylinders in axial alignment therein. The suspension system may be sold in a kit, and may be retrofitted on an existing OEM motorcycle front wheel fork.
US08316976B2	Frame for a ride-on vehicle having a plurality of battery packs In one embodiment, the invention is a frame for a ride-on vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, and a plurality of substantially similar battery packs. The frame defines a central plane and includes a front end located adjacent to the front wheel(s), a rear end located adjacent to the rear wheel(s), and a lattice structure that extends substantially between the front end and the rear end. The lattice structure includes a first portion that includes battery pack mounts that secure a first subset of the battery packs arranged in two layers, and includes a second portion that includes battery pack mounts that secure a second subset of the batter packs arranged in a single layer. The lattice structure also defines a truss that mechanically couples the front wheel(s) to the rear wheel(s).
US08316972B2	Reconfigurable balancing robot and method for moving over large obstacles An apparatus and a method for robotic control that allows an unbalanced pendulum robot to raise its Center of Mass and balance on two motorized wheels. The robot includes a pair of arms that are connected to the upper body of the robot through motorized joints. The method consists of a series of movements employing the arms of the robot to raise the robot to the upright position. The method comprises a control loop in which the motorized drives are included for dynamic balance of the robot and the control of the arm apparatus. The robot is first configured as a low Center of Mass four-wheeled vehicle, then its Center of Mass is raised using a combination of its wheels and the joint located at the attachment point of the arm apparatus and the robot body, between the rear and front wheels; the method then applies accelerations to the rear wheels to dynamically pivot and further raise the Center of Mass up and over the main drive wheels bringing the robot into a balancing pendulum configuration.
US08316971B2	Robotic vehicle A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

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