最新美国发明专利第2013-01-29期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08361782B2	Piezo dispensing of a diagnostic liquid into microfluidic devices Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed into the inlet port of a microfluidic device are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological sample and/or associated liquids in small droplets and at timed intervals to control the operation of the microfluidic device.
US08361779B2	Buffer compounds A method of buffering a chemical or biological composition, comprising adding to the composition an effective buffering amount of at least one protonated or un-protonated amine-quaternary ammonium compound having a general formula: wherein the variables R, G, n and k are as defined herein.
US08361774B2	Recombinant type II restriction endonuclease, NmeAIII, and a process for producing the same A protein is described that has an amino acid sequence characterized by at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 24, the protein being capable of recognizing a sequence consisting of 5′-GCCGAG-3′ within the double-stranded DNA and cleaving the substrate predominantly at 21/19 nucleotides from the recognition site. A method is also described that utilizes the protein for creating a DNA tag for use as a unique identifier for paired end sequencing of DNA or serial analysis of gene expression.
US08361773B2	Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides and host cells therefor Recombinant DNA encoding NruI- and SboI-like restriction endonucleases and methylases and their amino acid sequences are provided as well as methods for expressing the enzymes in transformed host cells and purifying the enzymes.
US08361772B2	Specific lysis of staphylococcal pathogens by bacteriophage phi11 endolysin The Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage phi11 endolysin has two peptidoglycan hydrolase domains (endopeptidase and amidase) and a SH3b cell wall-binding domain. In turbidity reduction assays, the purified protein can lyse untreated staphylococcal mastitis-causing pathogens, S. aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci (S. chronogenes, S. epidermis, S. hyicus, S. simulans, S. warneri, and S. xylocus), making it a strong antimicrobial protein and an effective candidate for treating multidrug-resistant staphylococci. Lytic activity is maintained at the pH (6.7) and the ‘free’ calcium concentration (3 mM) of milk. Truncated endolysin-derived proteins, containing just the endopeptidase domain, also lyse staphylococci, in the absence of the SH3b-binding domain.
US08361770B2	Genetically programmed expression of selectively sulfated proteins in Eubacteria The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides encoding the novel synthetase molecules, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid sulfotyrosine and translation systems.
US08361764B1	Genes and enzymes for degradation of ferulic acid crosslinks Novel genes that code for a family of feruloyl esterases that break down ferulic acid crosslinks between polysaccharide chains and between polysaccharides and lignins in plant cell walls are described herein as well as a method of rapid gene discovery.
US08361763B2	Continuous process and apparatus for enzymatic treatment of lipids A method and system for the enzymatic treatment of a lipid containing feedstock comprises contacting the feedstock with a processing aid, then causing the feedstock to pass at a substantially constant flow rate through a treatment system comprising a plurality of enzyme-containing fixed bed reactors connected to one another in series. The fixed bed reactors can be individually serviceable, the flow rate of the feedstock remaining substantially constant through the system when one of the fixed bed reactors is taken off line for servicing. In the most preferred embodiment, the processing aid is a substantially moisture-free silica. The processing aid can be placed in one or more of the fixed bed reactors, disposed above the enzyme in the reactor, or it can be in a pre-treatment system which can comprise one or more reactors.
US08361759B2	Process for producing farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone by fermentation The present invention provides a scalable process for producing a concentrate containing a mass of a farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone by fermenting in an aqueous culture medium a strain of a microorganism that is capable of producing the farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone, upon completion of fermentation harvesting the fermentation broth and extracting the fermentation broth to provide an extract, and thereafter treating the extract to form the concentrate. The concentrate so produced may be utilized in downstream processes for producing pharmaceutical compounds. A strain of a Micromonospora species capable of producing a farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone at a high yield rate is provided, together with culture media for culturing microorganisms, and fermentation conditions for production of the farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone of the concentrate.
US08361755B2	Compositions and methods for grain processing without pH adjustment Described are compositions and methods relating to starch processing without a phytase pretreatment step and without adjustment of the slurry pH adjustment.
US08361754B2	Recombinant reverse transcriptases The present invention relates to a gene that encodes a hyperactive reverse transcriptase having DNA polymerase activity and substantially reduced RNase H activity, vectors containing the gene and host cells transformed with the invention. The present invention also includes a method of producing the hyperactive reverse transcriptase, producing cDNA from mRNA using the reverse transcriptase of the invention, kits and assay templates made using the hyperactive reverse transcriptase.
US08361752B2	Artificial scaffolding material for protein retention and use of the same The present invention provides an artificial scaffolding material for retaining proteins suitable for placing contiguously one species or two or more species of proteins such as enzymes. To this end, the artificial scaffolding material for retaining proteins is provided with a cell and scaffolding proteins heterologous to the cell and placed on the surface layer side of the cell at an extent that allows aggregation properties to be conferred to the cell, and provided with a plurality of non-covalently binding protein-binding domains arranged in tandem.
US08361751B2	Cells in which activity of the protein involved in transportation of GDP-fucose is reduced or lost A cell in which the activity of a protein relating to transport of an intracellular sugar nucleotide, GDP-fucose, to the Golgi body is more decreased or deleted than its parent cell; a process for producing an antibody composition using the cell; a transgenic non-human animal or plant or the progenies thereof, in which genome is modified so as to have a decreased or deleted activity of a protein relating to transport of an intracellular sugar nucleotide, GDP-fucose, to the Golgi body; a process for producing an antibody composition from the animal or plant; and a medicament comprising the antibody composition.
US08361743B2	Biological production of zeaxanthin and carotenoid biosynthesis control The present invention relates to the isolation of carotenoids and in particular the xanthophyll zeaxanthin (zeaxanthin-β,β-Carotene-3,3′-diol) and optionally other carotenoids such as lycopene, β,β-carotene, 3′-hydroxyechinenone β-cryptoxanthin and the colourless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene from a marine bacterium belonging to the genus Algibacter which is capable of producing the aforementioned compounds. The present invention also provides a strain of Algibacter which is capable of producing significant levels of carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin at high purity, as well as methods of using the Algibacter strain and uses of the carotenoids produced.
US08361741B2	Serum-free growth medium for Acholeplasma laidlawii and methods for retention testing sterilizing grade filters A method for retention testing sterilizing grade filters comprises: a) providing a stock of Acholeplasma laidlawii; b) growing up the stock of A. laidlawii for about 24 hours or less in a single serum-free growth medium that supports cell growth to a high titer and yields a cellular morphology where the cells are small, deaggregated and spherical, thereby producing a bacterial culture; c) challenging a test filter by filtering the bacterial culture through the test filter at a known challenge level, thereby producing a filtrate downstream of the test filter; and d) detecting concentration of A. laidlawii in the filtrate. Serum-free growth media for cultivating or storing A. laidlawii are also described.
US08361739B2	Luciferase-based assays A method and kit are provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.
US08361735B2	Interference control panel for evaluation of analytical assays for samples derived from blood The invention relates to quality control of analytical assays, particularly NAT assays of blood samples containing nucleic acids. A control panel containing quantified amounts of substances known to interfere with an analytical assay is used and compared with a reference sample in the analytical assay. A comparison of the assay results interference panel validates the assay and can serve as a periodic quality control check for the analytical assay as well as related methods and protocols. The use of the control panel of the invention can also determine whether interfering substances are present and establish under what conditions the analytical assay reliable.
US08361733B2	Methods of identifying modulators of a cold-and-menthol-sensitive receptor (CMR1) and recombinant cells for use thereof The present invention relates to regulation of cold sensation and pain. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a member of the transient regulatory protein family, CMR1, which is involved in modulation of the perception of cold sensations and pain. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents that modulate cold responses and pain responses stimulated by cold via modulation of CMR1 and CMR1-related signal transduction.
US08361730B2	ILCS based pattern recognition of sepsis The present invention refers to a method for recognizing and/or characterizing cellular activity patterns, in particular for diagnostic purposes and/or for tracking the therapy of diseases. Blood cells are stimulated in a culture medium at least with toll-like receptor ligands (TLR ligands) and the stimulated blood cells and/or the culture medium are examined.
US08361729B2	Detection of cells expressing T1R2 taste receptor Binding assays for identifying compounds that modulate human T1R2 polypeptide associated taste are disclosed. These assays detect the specific binding of compounds to a human T1R2 polypeptide or the modulation of the specific binding of a compound that specifically binds to a human T1R2 polypeptide. The binding assays may include the use of detectable labels, e.g., radionuclides, enzymes, fluorophases, and the like. Compounds identified in these binding assays have putative application as T1R2 taste modulators, particularly sweet taste, and potentially are useful additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.
US08361728B2	Method for diagnosis of glutamate dehydrogenase disorders Methods and compositions for diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders are disclosed. The methods and compositions apply the discovery of the correlation between an hGDH2 gene polymorphism and the occurrence of atypical Parkinson's Disease.
US08361727B2	3′OH-unblocked, nucleotides and nucleosides base modified with labels and photocleavable, terminating groups and methods for their use in DNA sequencing Provided are novel nucleotides, nucleoside, and their derivatives described herein, that can be used in DNA sequencing technology and other types of DNA analysis. In one embodiment, the nucleotide or nucleoside with an unprotected 3′-OH group is derivatized at the nucleobase to include a fluorescent dye attached via a linker to a photocleavable terminating group. The photocleavable-fluorescent group is designed to terminate DNA synthesis as well as be cleaved so that DNA oligomers can be sequenced efficiently in a parallel format. The design of such rapidly cleavable fluorescent groups on nucleotides and nucleosides can enhance the speed and accuracy of sequencing of large oligomers of DNA in parallel, to allow rapid whole genome sequencing, and the identification of polymorphisms and other valuable genetic information, as well as allowing further manipulation and analysis of nucleic acid molecules in their native state following cleavage of the fluorescent group.
US08361720B2	Real time cleavage assay A cleavage-based real-time PCR assay method is provided. In general terms, the assay method includes subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a) PCR reagents for amplifying a nucleic acid target, and b) flap cleavage reagents for performing a flap cleavage assay on the amplified nucleic acid target to two sets of thermocycling conditions. No additional reagents are added to the reaction between said first and second sets of cycles and, in each cycle of the second set of cycles, cleavage of a flap probe is measured.
US08361719B2	Methods for quantitative determination of methylation density in a DNA locus The present invention is a novel method of determining the average DNA methylation density of a locus of interest within a population of DNA fragments.
US08361716B2	Focusing chamber Aspects of the invention relate to devices and methods of use thereof for concentrating, positioning and/or manipulating agents within a fluid, including but not limited to genomic DNA.
US08361715B2	Method for suppressing a FRET signal, FRET signal suppressor agents and use in a method for multiplexing biological events The invention relates to a method for suppressing the FRET emitted by a reaction medium containing a pair of fluorescent FRET partner conjugates specific for a biological event, characterized in that a FRET signal killer which does not disturb said biological event is introduced into this medium.
US08361714B2	Micrornas differentially expressed in cervical cancer and uses thereof The present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying a miRNA profile for a particular condition, such as cervical disease, and using the profile in assessing the condition of a patient.
US08361712B2	Contamination-free reagents for nucleic acid amplification Methods and kits for generating contamination-free reagents and reagent solutions for use in nucleic acid amplification are provided. Methods include processing of polymerase solutions, nucleotide solutions and primer solutions to render contaminating nucleic acid inert. The methods employ the proofreading activity of the polymerase and/or exonucleases to de-contaminate the reagents and reagent solutions. Methods and kits for contamination-free nucleic acid amplification are provided.
US08361709B2	Method of producing tooth, set of teeth, and method of producing tissue A first cell mass substantially containing only either one of mesenchymal cells or epithelial cells and a second cell mass substantially containing only the other one of the cells are positioned in contact with each other inside a support carrier which can maintain a condition of cell contact; and cultured to obtain a tooth having a specific cell placement. Preferably, after the culturing, the support carrier having both cell masses is cultured with kidney cells.
US08361705B2	Characterization of N-glycans using exoglycosidases The present disclosure provides methods for analyzing structure and/or composition of N-glycans. Such methods often involve digestion of N-glycans with multiple exoglycosidases. In some embodiments, N-glycans are digested with multiple exoglycosidases simultaneously. In some embodiments, N-glycans are digested with multiple exoglycosidases sequentially. In some embodiments, methods in accordance with the present disclosure involve comparison of cleavage products of N-glycans that have been digested with multiple exoglycosidases simultaneously to N-glycans that have been digested with multiple exoglycosidases sequentially.
US08361704B2	Method for reducing tip-to-tip spacing between lines This invention provides a method for reducing tip-to-tip spacing between lines using a combination of photolithographic and copolymer self-assembling lithographic techniques. A mask layer is first formed over a substrate with a line structure. A trench opening of a width d is created in the mask layer. A layer of a self-assembling block copolymer is then applied over the mask layer. The block copolymer layer is annealed to form a single unit polymer block of a width or a diameter w which is smaller than d inside the trench opening. The single unit polymer block is selectively removed to form a single opening of a width or a diameter w inside the trench opening. An etch transfer process is performed using the single opening as a mask to form an opening in the line structure in the substrate.
US08361700B2	Lithographic printing plate precursor and method of preparing lithographic printing plate A lithographic printing plate precursor includes: a support having a surface, a contact angle of water droplet in air on which is 70° or more; and a photosensitive layer, wherein the support has, on a surface of the support, a compound having a functional group X, the functional group X is a functional group capable of forming a chemical bond with a compound having a functional group Y which can interact with the functional group X, when the functional group X is brought into contact with the compound having a functional group Y, to adsorb the compound having a functional group Y on the surface of the support so as to decrease the contact angle of water droplet in air on the surface of the support to 30° or less.
US08361699B2	Method for performing electron beam lithography The present invention relates to a method for performing high speed electron beam lithography (EBL). An electron beam source (EBS), capable of emitting an electron beam towards the energy sensitive resist, forms a first pattern (P1) on the substrate, the first pattern defining a first direction (D1) on the substrate. The electron beam source then forms a second pattern (P2) on the substrate. The energy and/or dose delivered to the energy sensitive resist during the exposure of the first and the second pattern is dimensioned so that the threshold dose/energy of the energy sensitive resist is reached on the overlapping portions of the first and the second patterns (P1, P2). The invention provides a high speed technique for the production of substrates with high quality developed patterns, e.g. hole or dot arrays, by electron beam lithography. Each hole or dot may be defined by the mutually overlapping portions of the first and second pattern, e.g. exposed lines forming a grid, instead of addressing each dot or hole separately.
US08361698B2	Method of fabricating photo mask for organic light emitting display and photo mask so fabricated A method of fabricating a photo mask for an organic light emitting display comprises forming a light shielding layer on a transparent substrate, coating the light shielding layer with an electron beam resist, performing exposure on the electron beam resist by a vector scan method in accordance with a specific pattern and using an electron beam having a predetermined accelerating voltage, developing the exposed electron beam resist to form an electron beam resist pattern having the specific pattern, and etching the light shielding layer using the electron beam resister pattern as an etching mask. The specific pattern has a shape corresponding to transistors included in a pixel of an organic light emitting display and elements that constitute a capacitor.
US08361694B2	Resist underlayer film forming composition It is a problem to provide a resist underlayer film forming composition containing a fullerene derivative, which is easily applied on a substrate and from which a resist underlayer film excellent in dry etching properties can be obtained. The problem is solved by for example a resist underlayer film forming composition comprising: a fullerene derivative represented by Formula (3): (where, R4 represents one group selected from a group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which optionally has a substituent, an aryl group which optionally has a substituent and a heterocyclic group which optionally has a substituent; and R5 represents an alkyl group which optionally has a substituent or an aryl group which optionally has a substituent); and an organic solvent.
US08361691B2	Radiation-sensitive composition and process for producing low-molecular compound for use therein A radiation-sensitive composition contains (A) a low-molecular-weight compound having one or more acid-dissociable groups which decompose by the action of an acid to enhance solubility in an alkaline developing solution and one or more radiation-sensitive acid-generating groups which generate an acid upon application of an active ray or radiation per molecule, and having a polystyrene-reduced number-average molecular weight (Mn) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of 500 to 4,000, and (B) a solvent.
US08361687B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge and image forming apparatus The electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a substrate and a photosensitive layer disposed on the substrate, wherein a surface layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor contains fluorine-containing polymer particles and a dispersion aid for the fluorine-containing polymer particles, and the surface layer has convex portions with diameters of from 200 μm to 500 μm spaced at an average interval of from 600 μm to 950 μm.
US08361684B2	Method for patterning trenches with varying dimension Methods for patterning integrated circuit (IC) features with varying dimensions are provided. In an example, a method includes forming a first patterned radiation-sensitive resist layer over a device substrate using a first mask, wherein the first patterned radiation-sensitive resist layer includes a first portion of an IC pattern; using the patterned first radiation-sensitive resist layer as a mask to form the first portion of the IC pattern in the device substrate; forming a second patterned radiation-sensitive resist layer over the device substrate using a second mask, wherein the second patterned radiation-sensitive resist layer includes a second portion of the IC pattern; and using the patterned second radiation-sensitive resist layer as a mask to form the second portion of the IC pattern in the device substrate. The combined first and second portions of the IC pattern in the device substrate form an IC feature having a dimension greater than dimensions of the first and second portions.
US08361681B2	Polymerizable compositions, color filters, production methods thereof, and solid-state imaging devices Disclosed is a polymerizable composition characterized by containing at least (A) a photopolymerization initiator represented by the following general formula (1); (B) a coloring agent; (C) a polymerizable monomer; (D) a binder polymer; and (E) a solvent. wherein, in formula (1), R1 represents an aromatic group; R2 represents a group represented by any one of the above Formulae (2-1) to (2-3); R3 represents an alkyl group or the like; and A represents a single bond or —C(═O)—; X1, X2, and Y each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like and Z represents an atomic group which may form an arbitrary ring structure containing a carbon-carbon double bond.
US08361680B2	Pigment dispersion solution, pigment photoresist and color filter The present invention relates to a pigment dispersion solution, a pigment photoresist and a color filter. The pigment dispersion solution includes a colored pigment, a dispersant, a binder resin and a solvent, and further includes particles of white pigment. The pigment photoresist using the pigment dispersion solution of the present invention includes an alkali-soluble resin, a monomer, a photo initiator and an additive. The color filter using the pigment photoresist of the present invention includes a substrate, and the pigment photoresist is developed to be shaped in regions corresponding to pixels on the substrate. The present invention adopts a technical means that adding the particles of the white pigment into the pigment dispersion solution, thereby taking advantage of properties such as high reflectivity and diffused reflection on surface of the white pigment, so as to increase transmitting path and absorbing path of lights in the pigment dispersion solution. Therefore, when the pigment photoresist made of the pigment dispersion solution is irradiated by lights to cure, the curing speed could be improved distinctly, the curing time could be reduced and the curing effect could be improved.
US08361676B2	Solid polymer type fuel cell separator and method of production of same The present invention provides a method of production of a separator for a solid polymer type fuel cell characterized by shaping a substrate comprised of stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy and then spraying the substrate surface with superhard core particles comprised of conductive compound particles of an average particle size of 0.01 to 20 μm mixed with a coating material and coated on their surfaces under conditions of a spray pressure of 0.4 MPa or less and a spray amount per cm2 of the substrate of 10 to 100 g in blast treatment. The ratio of the conductive compound to the mass of the core particles is 0.5 to 15 mass %.
US08361675B2	Moving body equipped with fuel cells A vehicle 1000 has two pipings 60 and 62 arranged to discharge an exhaust gas from a fuel cell stack 10 to the outside of the vehicle 1000. An outlet provided at an end of the piping 60 is located at an underfloor position in a rear portion of the vehicle 1000, while an outlet provided at an end of the piping 62 is located at a roof rear end of the vehicle 1000. When the outlet provided at the end of the piping 60 is blocked or when there is a potential for such blockage, the outlet provided at the end of the piping 62 is used to discharge the exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack 10 to the outside of the vehicle 1000. This arrangement ensures continuous drive of the vehicle 1000 even in a specific environment where any of various obstructing objects as the cause of blockage of the outlet is present in the surroundings of the vehicle 1000.
US08361670B2	Flow cell and flow plate having catalyst disposed in microreaction chambers The invention relates to a fuel cell, having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane element, in which the membrane element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the electrodes has a flow field plate and at least one flow conduit, through which a reactant can be conducted, extends in at least one outer surface of the flow field plate. According to the invention, it is provided that the flow field plate has at least one microreaction chamber, and the microreaction chamber is disposed in the outer surface and on the flow conduit. A catalyst is disposed on at least a part of the microreaction chamber in such a way that the catalyst has contact simultaneously with the membrane element and the inflowing reactant.
US08361666B2	Fuel cell apparatus, vehicle including the fuel cell apparatus, and power management method for a system equipped with fuel cell unit Variation of the amount of power to be produced by a fuel cell unit is limited in accordance with a relationship between an output voltage of the full cell unit and an oxidization-reduction potential of catalyst of a fuel cell of the fuel cell unit. The amount of power to be used to charge or discharged from a battery is then corrected according to the limited variation of the amount of power to be produced by the fuel cell unit 40, so as to meet the required system power output.
US08361665B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system including: a fuel cell which generates electrical power through the reaction of a reaction gas; a reaction gas supply device which supplies the reaction gas to the fuel cell; a cooling device which cools the fuel cell by circulating a coolant through the fuel cell; a fuel cell operating temperature output device which outputs a maximum temperature inside the fuel cell as an operating temperature of the fuel cell; and a fuel cell temperature adjustment device which adjusts a temperature inside the fuel cell so that the operating temperature inside the fuel cell is less than a preset upper temperature limit.
US08361664B2	Protected lithium electrode fuel cell system incorporating a PEM fuel cell Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.
US08361657B2	Titanium oxide compound for use in electrode and lithium secondary battery comprising the same For the purpose of increasing the electric capacity of lithium secondary batteries comprising titanium-based negative electrode materials, the present invention aims to produce a titanium oxide compound whose crystal structure, crystallite size, specific surface area and primary particle size are controlled, and to provide a lithium secondary battery comprising such a compound.The present invention produces a lithium secondary battery by using, as an electrode active material, a titanium oxide compound for use in an electrode, which is represented by TiO2.(H2O)a.(A2O)b (wherein A is Na or K, a is 0
US08361655B2	Battery zinc electrode composition A composition, method of its preparation, and zinc electrodes comprising the composition as the active mass, for use in rechargeable electrochemical cells with enhanced cycle life is described. The electrode active mass comprises a source of electrochemically active zinc and at least one fatty acid or a salt, ester or derivative thereof, or an alkyl sulfonic acid or a salt ester or derivative thereof. The zinc electrode is assumed to exhibit low shape change and decreased dendrite formation compared to known zinc electrodes, resulting in electrochemical cells which have improved capacity retention over a number of charge/discharge cycles.
US08361649B2	Method and apparatus for maintaining cell wall integrity using a high yield strength outer casing A method and apparatus is provided in which a pre-formed secondary can comprised of one or more layers of a high yield strength material is positioned around the pre-formed battery case, the pre-formed secondary can inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery through perforations formed in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event.
US08361645B2	Protective circuit module and secondary battery having the same A secondary battery includes a plurality of bare cells including a first bare cell and a second bare cell and a protective circuit module spaced above the plurality of bare cells. A first lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the first bare cell, the first lead plate having a first foot plate electrically connected to the first bare cell. A second lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the second bare cell, the second lead plate having a second foot plate attached to the second bare cell and arranged generally diagonally from the first foot plate with respect to the protective circuit module.
US08361644B2	Battery module composed of flexible battery cells and cell interconnect structure therefor An interconnect device enables battery cells having terminals in the form of flexible tabs to be serially interconnected in a stack. The interconnect device comprises a relatively rigid substrate and at least two arrays of pins projecting from opposing first and second surfaces of the substrate. This enables the flexible tabs of the battery cell to be embedded in the pin arrays, providing a quick and easy means of fixing the tabs and enabling them to be interconnected to other cells in a stacked arrangement. A battery module formed from such a stack of cell assemblies is also disclosed.
US08361639B2	Coating, article coated with coating, and method for manufacturing article A coating includes a nano-composite base comprising a number of films, the films stacked together one after another. Each film includes a nickel-titanium carbonitride layer and a titanium carbonitride layer.
US08361633B2	Cloud point-resistant adhesives and laminates Optically clear adhesives and laminates that include the adhesives are provided. The adhesives and laminates remain haze-free and are cloud point-resistant when placed in environments of high humidity and elevated temperature. The adhesives and laminates are useful in optical electronic display applications.
US08361629B2	Half mirror and process for producing same A half mirror has a shape on a substrate and excels in appearance and design and is fabricated by a method. The method includes forming an organic film by applying, onto a transparent substrate or film, a primer composition containing an addition-polymerizable compound having three or more reactive groups, an addition-polymerizable compound having an acidic group, and an addition-polymerizable compound having a hydrophilic functional group, and polymerizing the primer composition. The method includes turning the acidic group into a metal (M1) salt by treating the organic film with an aqueous solution containing metal (M1) ions, and turning the metal (M1) salt into a metal (M2) salt by treating the organic film with a metal (M2) ion aqueous solution containing metal (M2) ions that are lower in ionization tendency than metal (M1) ions, and (d) reducing metal (M2) ions to form a metal film on a surface of the organic film.
US08361625B2	Interlayer film for laminated glass and laminated glass An interlayer film for a laminated glass which reduces transmittance of ultraviolet rays having wavelength of 380 to 400 nm and has an excellent durability to light exposure, while maintaining high visible light transmittance. The interlayer film for a laminated glass comprises a thermoplastic resin and an indole compound having a structure represented by the following chemical formula 1: Wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 1-3 carbon atoms, and R2 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7-10 carbon atoms.
US08361624B2	Spirodilactam polycarbonate intermediate transfer members An intermediate transfer member that includes spirodilactam polycarbonates, mixtures of spirodilactam polycarbonates or copolymers of spirodilactam polycarbonates, an optional polysiloxane, and an optional conductive filler component.
US08361623B2	Sequestration of compounds from microorganisms The invention provides novel mesoporous particles and methods for the selective sequestration of organic compounds from microorganisms, such as from various genera and species of algae that produce important organic compounds. The organic compounds can be selectively sequestered, for example, in favor of biodiesel impurities such as sterols and chlorophyll, to provide substantially pure free fatty acids. The free fatty acids can then be esterified to provide pure biodiesel.
US08361620B2	Functionalized halogenated polymers for microencapsulation The present invention is directed to a novel reactive protective colloid system suitable for stabilizing an electrophoretic display in which a halogenated solvent, particularly a fluorinated, more particularly a perfluorinated, solvent, or a mixture thereof, is used as the dielectric solvent.
US08361613B2	Coating composition for electrophoretic display devices, sheet for electrophoretic display devices, process for its production, and its applications The coating composition for electrophoretic display devices according to the present invention contains microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices and a binder resin, wherein the binder resin has a glass transition temperature (Tg) in a range of from −85° C. to −10° C. as calculated by FOX formula and has a residual monomer concentration of 500 ppm or lower in a solid content thereof. The sheet for electrophoretic display devices according to the present invention has a microcapsule layer formed from the above-described coating composition for electrophoretic display devices on a base material sheet. The sheet for electrophoretic display devices according to the present invention can be used, as its applications, for electrophoretic display devices using the sheets, and electronic equipments using the electrophoretic display devices.
US08361607B2	Organic resin laminate An organic resin laminate comprising an organic resin substrate and a multilayer coating system thereon has UV-shielding property and high mar resistance. The multilayer coating system includes an outermost layer (I) resulting from plasma polymerization of an organosilicon compound, a lower layer (II) of a silicone coating composition comprising composite oxide nanoparticle dispersion, silicone resin, curing catalyst, and solvent, and optionally a bottom layer (III) of acrylic resin.
US08361605B2	Photosensitive resin composition, dry film, and processed product made using the same A photosensitive resin composition which is effective in avoiding troubles in the step of plating with various metals in printed wiring board production, such as under-film metal deposition and film peeling, and which forms a wiring-protecting film excellent in adhesion, flexibility, insulation reliability, and heat resistance. The photosensitive resin composition comprises (A) a carboxylated polymer, (B) a compound having at least two photopolymerizable unsaturated double bonds, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, and (D) a nitrogen compound represented by a specific feature.
US08361602B2	Multi-layer laminate structure and manufacturing method The present invention is premised upon a multi-layer laminate structure and method of manufacture, more particularly to a method of constructing the multi-layer laminate structure utilizing a laminate frame and at least one energy activated flowable polymer.
US08361600B1	More interactive stance mat An Interactive Stance Mat designed for comfort or rhythmic physical activity short of exercise. Invention is interactive by means of user weight shifts ranging from nuanced to purposeful. Characteristic viscoelastic lag response in cycles provides more tactility to user than elastic force. Mat comprises top mounted flexible planar panel aligned with corrugated foamed polycarbonate-corrugation panel, where it is often unified with planar panel in sections. One or the other panel, but not both, may comprise sections. Attachment unifying the panels comprises a method where corrugation can expand freely and prevent material failure; the method comprises fixing attachment not restraining two or more of the corrugation panels expandable parts. User weight shifts are more interactive with gravity and its reaction forces than mats in the art. Modes of the invention reflect desired motion through selection of planar panel flexibility, and size, configuration of the corrugation panel.
US08361592B2	Honeycomb structure, honeycomb catalytic body and manufacturing method of the same There are disclosed a honeycomb structure capable of providing a honeycomb catalytic body which is excellent in purification efficiency with a small pressure loss and which can be mounted even in a limited space, a honeycomb catalytic body which is excellent in purification efficiency with a small pressure loss and which can be mounted even in a limited space, and a manufacturing method of the same. A honeycomb catalytic body 50 of the present invention is a honeycomb catalytic body of a flow-through type through which cells as through channels extend from an inlet to an outlet, both the surfaces of partition walls 4 of a honeycomb structure 1 and the inner surfaces of pores 25 carry a catalyst to form catalyst layers 5, and the catalyst carrying partition walls have a permeability of 1×10−12 [m2] or more, preferably 1×10−9 [m2] or less.
US08361590B2	Lightweight structural composite for load bearing applications The present invention relates to a lightweight structural composite, which comprises an inner core of lightweight panel encapsulated by outer layers of polymer material. Specifically, the lightweight panel consists of multiple laminations of corrugated thin metal or fiber reinforced plastic sheets kept in position by polymeric foam and/or adhesive, and enclosed in a casing of the same material. The outer layer is made up of a blend of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers. The method of forming the composite comprises of stacking the corrugated sheets, filling the interstitial spaces with the foam, constructing the casing, the surface treatment of the panel for good adhesion to the outer polymer layer and the high temperature/pressure encapsulation of the panel with the polymer blend containing curing agents. The composite has application as replacement to wood, concrete or particle board panels used in ship docking, panels for wall, door and windows, blast-proof panels, rail sleepers and shipping pallets.
US08361587B2	Enhanced security of optical article An optical article comprising a primary mark disposed on the optical article and a secondary mark disposed on the optical article in close proximity to the primary mark. The primary mark comprises a first optical-state change material and the secondary mark comprises a second optical-state change material. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when a localized authorized activation method is used that selectively activates the primary mark. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an deactivated state when a non-localized unauthorized activation method is used that activates the secondary mark along with the primary mark resulting in the second optical-state change material undergoing a reverse color change when compared to the first optical-state change material. An optical article with a single mark including multiple color change optical-state change material is also disclosed. Methods of covering and encapsulating the marks are also disclosed.
US08361584B2	Belt seams A clipper seam for joining the ends of a belt, are connected by interdigitated staples which are looped about a pintle and provide barbs on their remote ends to penetrate into the material of the belt. Each end is covered by an edge strip of vinyl by radio frequency welding, and a flap is attached to one end on the low pressure side of the belt by a portion, and folded over to cover the seam on the low pressure side by means of a flap which extends beyond the seam area of the other end. A central area to each side of the seam is impregnated with polyurethane to resist abrasion which tends to concentrate in this area.
US08361582B2	Method of joining two or more substrates with a seam A method for joining two or more substrates with a seam is provided. The seam is formed with a thermoplastic tape that is capable of forming an adhesive bond and a physical bond with a substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic tape is formed from a polyurethane film. In addition, the seam can be utilized in a flat configuration or folded into a variety of different shapes, such as in a z-shaped configuration. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a seam can be formed to have improved strength without substantially sacrificing the desired functional properties of the substrate materials.
US08361581B2	Modular textile system A modular textile system comprises a plurality of distinct, but coordinating, textile tiles, each including at least one design zone, where at least two of the distinct tiles include at least one design zone having substantially the same composition.
US08361580B2	UV light and protective film A contact transparent single layer or multilayer film absorbing and/or reflecting UV radiation and short-wavelength visible light is disclosed. The film comprises at least one layer based on at least one optionally modified thermoplastic olefin homo- or co-polymer, comprising a combination of at least one organic or inorganic colored pigment or dye absorbing and/or reflecting short-wavelength visible light, and of at least one organic or inorganic compound absorbing and/or reflecting the UV radiation. The film disclosed herein can be used as a protective film against the effects of UV radiation and short-wavelength visible light, and a sewer cleaning system comprising said multilayer film as an external hose film and an inner, multilayer plastic film, and an impregnated UV-curable carrier material present between the two hose films.
US08361576B2	Hollow moldings having thin film on inner surface A movable mold and a slide mold are employed. There is also employed a deposition apparatus which is equipped with a deposition element such as a target electrode in the inside of a depositing chamber. A body portion and a cover member are primarily molded by the movable mold and the slide mold. The molds are opened while the body portion being left in the movable mold and while cover member being left in slide mold. The body portion left in the movable mold is deposited in the molds with its inner surface being covered with the depositing chamber. Next, the slide mold is driven so that the cover member may be registered with the deposited body portion. Then, a secondary molding resin is injected to integrate the body portion and the cover member.
US08361572B2	Coated medium for inkjet printing A coated medium for inkjet printing, which includes a supporting substrate and a coating layer formed on at least one side thereof. The coating layer includes at least one binder and at least two different inorganic pigments: modified calcium carbonate (MCC) and either precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) or clay.
US08361570B2	Liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display device includes an alignment sustaining layer formed of a photopolymerized material on each of surfaces of a pair of alignment films which are closer to a liquid crystal layer. The alignment sustaining layer is configured to regulate a pretilt azimuth of a liquid crystal molecule of the liquid crystal layer during absence of an applied voltage. A nematic liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer comprise a liquid crystal compound having a terphenyl ring system as an indispensable component, and the liquid crystal layer further comprises part of a photopolymerizable compound. A content of the photopolymerizable compound relative to the nematic liquid crystal material is less than 0.015 mol %.
US08361566B2	Method of fabrication of fibers, textiles and composite materials A method of growing a plurality of free-standing structures comprises providing a plurality of free-standing structures, each free-standing structure having a first end coupled to a substrate, and a terminal end; providing at least one laser beam, the laser beam having a beam waste at a point proximate to the terminal end of the free-standing structure; and moving one of the plurality of freestanding structures or the beam waste to provide a growth zone proximate to the terminal end of each of the free-standing structures such that the free-standing structures grow into the growth zones by addition of decomposing precursor components. The growth rates of each of the free-standing structures are substantially the same.
US08361554B2	Apparatus and method for bar coating In a bar coating apparatus which applies a coating liquid to a continuously running web using a columnar bar which rotates by being supported by a bar receiving member, the bar to be used is determined based on D, where A is a deflection value of a difference between a maximum value and minimum value of roundness of the bar, B is a value obtained by a second-order approximation of A in a width direction X of the bar, T (=A−B) is a value obtained by subtracting B from A, and D is an average inclination which is an average of a bar width of an absolute value \|dT/dX\| of a differential value of T in the width direction X of the bar.
US08361553B2	Methods and compositions for metal nanoparticle treated surfaces The present invention comprises methods and compositions comprising metal nanoparticles. The invention comprises metal nanoparticles and surfaces treated with a metal nanoparticle coating. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more metal compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the metal compound comprises a salt comprising a metal cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates.
US08361546B2	Facilitating adhesion between substrate and patterned layer Systems and methods for adhering a substrate to a patterned layer are described. Included are in situ cleaning and conditioning of the substrate, and the application of an adhesion layer between the substrate and the patterned layer, as well as forming an intermediate layer between adhesion materials and the substrate.
US08361545B2	Manufacturing method of photonic crystal A manufacturing method of a photonic crystal is provided. In the method, a high-refractive-index material is conformally deposited on an exposed portion of a periodic template composed of a low-refractive-index material by an atomic layer deposition process so that a difference in refractive indices or dielectric constants between the template and adjacent air becomes greater, which makes it possible to form a three-dimensional photonic crystal having a superior photonic bandgap. Herein, the three-dimensional structure may be prepared by a layer-by-layer method.
US08361538B2	Methods for applying an application material to an implantable device Devices and methods for applying a coating to an implantable device are disclosed. A method for applying a coating to an implantable device is disclosed. The method includes positioning an implantable device relative to an ultrasonic material delivery apparatus. The ultrasonic material delivery apparatus includes an ultrasonic generator. At least one of the ultrasonic material delivery apparatus and the implantable device has a positive or negative electric charge. An application material is applied to the implantable device using the ultrasonic material delivery apparatus.
US08361537B2	Expandable medical device with beneficial agent concentration gradient An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device, which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.
US08361534B2	Stable nutritional powder Disclosed are compositions comprising carbohydrate; lipid, comprising from about 0.25% to about 2.5% lecithin by weight of total lipid; from about 0.5% to about 10% hydrolyzed casein protein by weight of total protein; and from about 90% to about 99.5% intact protein by weight of total protein; wherein the compositions are nutritional powders. The nutritional powders provide improved oxidative stability and sensory performance.
US08361533B2	Frozen food products, emulsifying systems, and related methods The present invention relates to frozen food products, such as ice creams, having special emulsifying systems. The emulsifying system preferably contains mono esters of propane-1,2-diol and fatty acids, such as 2-PGME, and it may furthermore contain additional emulsifiers such as 1-PGME and/or diglycerides. The frozen food products are characterized by improved organoleptic and sensory properties as well a reduced rate of melting. The invention furthermore relates to the emulsifying systems as such as well as methods of preparing the frozen food product.
US08361527B2	Beverage cartridge A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.
US08361525B2	Culture method favorising the production of K2 vitamin by lactic bacteria and applications thereof in the preparation of food products The present invention relates to a method for increasing the amount of K2 vitamin obtained by culturing at least one stem of a lactic bacteria that produces K2 vitamin, wherein the culture of said stem is realized in resting-cells conditions so that the amount of K2 vitamin produced by the resting-cells culture is higher by a ratio of at least 1.2 to that obtained by the culture of said stem under standard fermentation conditions. The present invention also relates to the biomass obtained from the culture of a lactic bacteria producing K2 vitamin according to the above method. The invention further relates to a method for producing K2 vitamin, to a method for preparing food products, including fermented products and/or fresh diary products, enriched with K2 vitamin, and to the food products thus obtained.
US08361523B2	Effects of Hypodaphnis zenkeri on various cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome Methods of improving a variety of health related factors including, but not limited to weight, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and HDL levels, is provided. In one embodiment, a method of reducing body weight in an overweight subject is provided; the method comprises administering a composition containing an effective amount of Hypodaphnis zenkeri, to an overweight subject, whereby the administering of the composition to the overweight subject is effective in reducing bodyweight in the overweight subject.
US08361522B2	Cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical compositions and their applications Compositions are disclosed containing, as active ingredients, an extract of Allium species, an extract of Citrus species and either an extract of Paullinia species and an extract of Theobroma species, or an extract of Salix species and zinc sulphate, and the method of preparation of these compositions, and cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical application of these compositions.
US08361518B2	Edible olive pomace oil concentrated in triterpenic acids, procedure of physical refining utilised for obtainment thereof and recovery of functional components present in the crude oil The present invention relates to products obtained from crude olive pomace oil by centrifugation or decantation of the pomace, wherein said products contain a specific composition of triterpenic acids (especially maslinic and oleanolic acids), fatty acids, and ethyl esters; these products are suitable for use as additives in human or animal food products or in cosmetics products.
US08361515B2	Extracts of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., the compositions comprising said extracts, the preparing process and application thereof The present invention relates to plant extracts, specifically, the extracts of Chinese medicine Chenopodium ambrosioides L. and the composition comprising thereof. The extracts of Chinese medicine Chenopodium ambrosioides L. are prepared by conventional methods for the extraction of volatile oil, and can be used to treat Helicobacter Pylori-induced diseases of digestive system, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, etc., with easy availability of raw materials, simple preparations, prominent effects, and less side-effect.
US08361513B2	Antimicrobial zeolite and antimicrobial resin composition The present invention herein provides antimicrobial zeolite which hardly causes any color change with the elapse of time even when it is incorporated into a resin to form an antimicrobial resin composition. The present invention thus relates to antimicrobial zeolite which comprises zeolite whose ion-exchangeable ions are partially or wholly replaced with hydrogen ions and silver ions; and an antimicrobial resin composition which comprises the foregoing antimicrobial zeolite in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 80% by mass.
US08361511B2	Tasteless nutritional supplement containing free amino acids A nutritional composition includes proteinaceous material and micronutrients, wherein at least 90 wt % of the proteinaceous material and micronutrients is coated with a fat-containing layer containing at least 90 wt % of edible fat, based on the total weight of the layer, and having a SFC of more than 95% at 30° C., wherein the proteinaceous material includes at least 90 wt % free amino acids, based on its proteinaceous weight content, the micronutrients and proteinaceous material in the coated particulate material forming separate particles, and wherein the coated particulate material and the coating are free from phospholipids. It is preferred that the coating is made from hydrogenated palm oil.
US08361509B2	Pharmaceutical dosage forms for the release of active compounds Pharmaceutical form containing at least an active compound and a polymeric matrix, wherein said polymeric matrix comprises at least one polymer of cationic nature and at least one biodegradable polymer, process for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical formulations comprising said pharmaceutical form, and their uses. The pharmaceutical form provides enhanced absorption of active compounds across the mucosa.
US08361505B1	Method and apparatus for producing a stable sub-colloidal nano-phase silver metal hydrosol An apparatus and method for the preparation and formation of a stable sub-colloidal-sized silver metal hydrosol in pure distilled water without the use of supporting or stabilizing proteins, carbohydrates, or similar types of ligands. The silver metal hydrosol is created by passing an alternating current, high-voltage arc discharge between two pure silver electrodes. The discharge arc passes from a silver wire suspended above the distilled water working fluid, first through the air, and then through the working fluid to a submerged silver plate, thereby completing the circuit. With the passage of the discharge arc through the silver wire, a quantity of the silver metal is deflagrated from the bulk surface of the metal and is vaporized into silver metal atoms, or aggregates of atoms, dispersed into the air. The vaporized silver metal atoms are rapidly quenched into separate atoms or aggregates upon making contact with the cooled working fluid.
US08361500B2	Tablet formulations containing 8-[{1-(3,5-Bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-ethoxy}-methyl]-8-phenyl-1,7-diaza-spiro[4.5]decan-2-one salts and tablets made therefrom Pharmaceutical formulations containing a salt of (5S,8S)-8-[{(1R)-1-(3,5-Bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-ethoxy}-methyl]-8-phenyl-1,7-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one, represented by Formula I, which are suitable for forming into a tablet dosage form, as well as tablet dosage forms are disclosed. Disclosed also are methods of treatment utilizing such dosage forms.
US08361499B2	Controlled release hydrocodone formulations A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material.
US08361492B2	Drug delivery system and methods of use Electrospun fibers are utilized to improve the mechanical characteristics of a contact lens reducing the weight and mechanical strength of the polymers from which the lenses are typically formed. Electrospun fibers are also utilized as a drug delivery system, both through direct use in the eye and by inclusion of the fibers in a contact lens. The fibers are loaded with therapeutic drugs by a variety of methods and processed by coating and cross-linking the fibers.
US08361489B2	Implantable devices for producing insulin The present invention generally relates to implantable devices for producing insulin in diabetic animals. Some embodiments include amphiphilic biomembranes for use in biological applications (e.g., as an alternative and/or supplemental insulin source). Some embodiments also include live insulin-producing cells contained within one or more amphiphilic membranes so as to prevent or diminish an immuno-response and/or rejection by the host.
US08361487B1	Ant controllers and method for application thereof The present invention provides an excellent ant controller for protecting wooden materials such as trees, board fences, sleepers, etc. and structures such as shrines, temples, houses, outhouses, factories, etc. from termites, and for controlling ants doing harm to crops or humans, which contains as active ingredient thereof a hydrazine derivative represented by general formula (I) [wherein A represents one of formulas (II), (III), (IV), and (V), (wherein R4 and R5 are H, C1-C6 alkyl, etc.; X is 1 to 5 substituents selected from H, halogen and (halo) C1-C6 alkyl); R1 is H or C1-C6 alkyl; R2 and R3 are H, OH, C1-C6 alkyl, phenylcarbonyl, etc.; Y is 1 to 5 substituents selected from H, halogen, nitro and cyano; Z is halogen, cyano, C1-C6 alkyl, etc.; and W is O or S]; and a method for application of the ant controller.
US08361482B2	Recombinant BCG tuberculosis vaccine designed to elicit immune responses to mycobacterium tuberculosis in all physiological stages of infection and disease A vaccine against Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) is provided. The vaccine comprises a recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) subunit-based vaccine in which one or more Mtb antigens and one or more Mtb resuscitation or reactivation antigens are overexpressed, and in which at least a portion of the DosR regulon is up-regulated. The vaccine is protective against active Mtb infection both pre- and post-exposure to Mtb, and thus prevents disease symptoms due to the recurrence of a latent Mtb infection.
US08361478B2	Recombinant viral-based malaria vaccines Described are vaccines against malarial infections, which are based on recombinant viral vectors, such as alpha viruses, adenoviruses, or vaccinia viruses. The recombinant viral-based vaccines can be used to immunize against different Plasmodium infections, such as infections by P. falciparum or P. yoelii. Codon-optimized circumsporozoite genes are disclosed. Replication-defective adenoviruses may be used, derived from serotypes that encounter low titers of neutralizing antibodies. Also described is the use of different adenoviral serotypes that are administered to elicit a strong immune response, either in single vaccination set-ups or in prime-boost set-ups in which compositions based on different serotypes can be applied.
US08361475B2	ADAM-9 modulators The invention provides the identification and characterization of a disease and cancer-associated antigen, KID24. The invention also provides modulators of KID24, including a family of monoclonal antibodies that bind to antigen KID24, and methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases with KID24.
US08361473B2	Antibodies and their uses for diagnosis and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection and associated diseases Anti CMV antibodies are provided. Thus an antibody of the present invention comprises an antigen recognition domain capable of binding an MHC molecule being complexed with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 or pp64 peptide, wherein the antibody does not bind said MHC molecule in an absence of said complexed peptide, and wherein the antibody does not bind said peptide in an absence of said MHC molecule. Also provided are methods of using the antibodies.
US08361471B2	Immunostimulatory regimen comprising administering type 1 interferon and agonistic anti-CD40 antibody A synergistic adjuvant is provided comprising synergistically effective amounts of at least one type 1 interferon and at least one CD40 agonist, wherein these moieties may be in the same or separate compositions. In addition, fusion proteins and DNA conjugates which contain a type 1 interferon/CD40 agonist/antigen combination are provided. The use of these compositions, protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection and for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines (prophylactic and therapeutic) is also provided.
US08361470B2	Methods of treatment using anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies Human anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies and the hybridomas that produce them are presented. Certain of these antibodies have the ability to bind native human IL-21, a mutant recombinant IL-21 protein and/or peptide regions of human IL-21. These human anti-IL-21 antibodies are useful in therapeutic treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases mediated by T follicular helper cells, B cells, TH cells or TH17 cells.
US08361466B2	Tweak receptor The present invention provides the TWEAK receptor and methods for identifying and using agonists and antagonists of the TWEAK receptor. In particular, the invention provides methods of screening for agonists and antagonists and for treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and vascular deficiencies of cardiac or peripheral tissue.
US08361463B2	Humanized antibodies against human interferon-alpha The present invention provides humanized anti-human IFN-α monoclonal antibodies useful for therapeutic applications in humans. Preferred antibodies are humanized versions of murine antibodies ACO-1 and ACO-2, as well as variants thereof.
US08361460B2	Food allergens, method of detecting food allergens and method of detecting food allergy-inducing foods The present invention provides a method for detecting food allergens, antibodies and antigens to prepare the antibodies. The antigens of this invention are a mixture comprising multiple native and/or heated food allergens that IgE antibodies of food-allergy patients recognize. The antibodies of this invention are prepared by immunizing animals with the above-mentioned antigens. The food allergen-detecting method of this invention relates to the above-mentioned antibodies. As the method can detect food allergens and food allergy-inducing foods, it can provide safety to food allergy patients.
US08361459B2	Treatment of stroke and other acute neural degenerative disorders using postpartum-derived cells Cells derived from postpartum tissue such as the umbilical cord and placenta, and methods for their use to regenerate, repair, and improve neural tissue, and to improve behavior and neurological function in stroke patients are disclosed.
US08361456B2	Method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural precursor cells, neural precursor cells, and uses thereof There is provided a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells by introduction of a Notch gene. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inducing differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to neural cells or skeletal muscle cells in vitro, which method comprises introducing a Notch gene and/or a Notch signaling related gene into the cells, wherein the finally obtained differentiated cells are the result of cell division of the bone marrow stromal cells into which the Notch gene and/or Notch signaling related gene have been introduced. The invention also provides a method of inducing further differentiation of the differentiation-induced neural cells to dopaminergic neurons or acetylcholinergic neurons. The invention yet further provides a treatment method for neurodegenerative and skeletal muscle degenerative diseases which employs neural precursor cells, neural cells or skeletal muscle cells produced by the method of the invention.
US08361455B2	Non-lithotripsic kidney-stone therapy One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using peristalsis to force a polymer plug through a mammalian lumen, thereby removing any calculi and/or calculi fragments present in the lumen. In one embodiment, the method is used as an alternative to conventional lithotripsy. In another embodiment, the method is used in conjunction with lithotripsy, thereby removing the small calculi fragments that result from such procedures.
US08361447B2	Composition for permanent shaping of human hair The present invention concerns a composition for the permanent shaping of human hair used both for the permanent waving of human hair with an excellent waving effect as well as for the straightening of either naturally or chemically curled hair comprising at least one dipeptide. Accordingly, the present invention is on a composition for permanent shaping hair based on at least one reducing agent and at least one dipeptide.
US08361439B1	Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08361438B2	N-alkoxyamide conjugates as imaging agents The present disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, and related methods. In some cases, methods for treating patients are provided. More specifically, the disclosure provides compounds, diagnostic agents, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring elastin rich tissues. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring the presence of coronary plaque, carotid plaque, iliac/femoral plaque, aortic plaque, renal artery plaque, plaque of any arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, other diseases of the arterial wall, and/or damage or structural changes in ligaments, uterus, lungs or skin, as indicated by changes in total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior arterial perimeter.
US08361435B2	IZM-2 crystalline solid and process for its preparation The invention concerns a crystalline solid designated IZM-2, which has the X ray diffraction diagram given below. Said solid has a chemical composition expressed as the anhydrous base in terms of moles of oxides by the formula XO2:aY2O3:bM2/nO, in which X represents at least one tetravalent element, Y represents at least one trivalent element and M is at least one alkali metal and/or an alkaline-earth metal with valency n, a and b respectively representing the number of moles of Y2O3 and M2/nO; a is in the range 0 to 0.5 and b is in the range 0 to 1.
US08361432B2	Reactor, a retained catalyst structure, and a method for improving decomposition of polysulfides and removal of hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur Disclosed is a reactor, a retained catalyst structure, and a method for increasing the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and removal of hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur. The reactor, the retained catalyst structure, and the method include a retained catalyst structure arranged and disposed for contacting a first stream and a second stream in a reactor including a catalyst. The catalyst increases the rate of decomposition of polysulfides and facilitates the removal of hydrogen sulfide in the liquid sulfur of the first stream with the second stream. The first stream includes liquid sulfur containing polysulfides and dissolved hydrogen sulfide. The second stream includes an inert gas or a low oxygen-containing gas.
US08361428B2	Reduced carbon footprint steam generation processes Processes for the generation of steam are provided for use in an integrated catalytic gasification process for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, the exhaust gas from a steam generating reactor is provided along with steam, a carbonaceous feedstock, and a gasification catalyst, to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, the carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. As substantially all the carbon dioxide produced from the steam generation process and the gasification process are subsequently directed though gas purification and separation processes, substantially all the carbon dioxide may be recovered, yielding a process having a near zero carbon footprint.
US08361427B2	IZM-3 crystalline solid and a process for its preparation A crystalline solid designated IZM-3 is described which has the X ray diffraction diagram given below. Said solid has a chemical composition expressed as the anhydrous base in terms of moles of oxides by the formula aSiO2: bYO2: cR: dF, in which Y represents at least one tetravalent element other than silicon, R represents at least one organic nitrogen-containing species, particularly 1,5-bis(methylpiperidinium)pentane, and F is fluorine, a, b, c and d respectively representing the number of moles of SiO2, YO2, R and F and a is in the range 0.1 to 1, b is in the range 0 to 0.9, c is in the range 0.01 to 0.5 and d is in the range 0 to 0.5.
US08361421B2	Method of treating a syngas stream and an apparatus therefor The present invention provides a method of treating a raw syngas stream and an apparatus therefor. In the method a raw syngas stream is passed to a hydrolysis unit to provide a hydrolysed syngas stream and a condensed water stream. The hydrolysed syngas stream is passed to an acid gas removal unit to separate H2S and a part of the CO2 from the hydrolysed syngas stream to provide a treated syngas stream and an acid off-gas stream. The acid off-gas stream and a sulphur dioxide-comprising stream are passed to a catalytic zone to react H2S in the acid off-gas stream with SO2 in the sulphur dioxide-comprising stream to provide an elemental sulphur stream and a catalytic zone off-gas stream.
US08361416B2	Container for the preparation, preservation and storage of biological samples using a drying agent The invention relates to a sample container (10, 100, 500, 700) for biological sample material (23, 230), comprising an upper opening (11) that can be closed by a lid (14, 140, 540), a lateral wall region (12) and a base (13) and a hygroscopic substance (19, 190, 590, 790) contained in the interior of the sample container for drying sample material (23, 230) in the sample container, wherein the sample container is partitioned into at least two compartments, of which one is a sample compartment (16, 160, 560), and the other is a drying compartment (18, 180, 580) containing the hygroscopic substance, wherein the hygroscopic substance is connected to the interior of the sample container in a steam exchange connection, and wherein the sample compartment extends from an upper end, particularly equipped with an opening (40, 400), in the longitudinal direction to the opening in a flush manner to the base (13) of the sample container.
US08361409B2	Systems and methods for producing aqueous solutions and gases having disinfecting properties and substantially eliminating impurities A system for disinfecting and purifying aqueous solutions and water for drinking purposes comprising an outer pouch, a disinfectant generating device, and an inorganic coagulant. The disinfectant generating device is provided with a membrane shell defining at least two compartments which house a first reactant, a second reactant, and an inorganic coagulant. The disinfectant generating device is capable of producing a disinfectant when exposed to water or moisture and the disinfectant exits the compartment through the membrane shell. The inorganic coagulant aid the formation of flocs of the suspended dispersed particles in the aqueous solution.
US08361406B2	Porous bodies and methods Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
US08361404B2	Cyclonic reactor with non-equilibrium gliding discharge and plasma process for reforming of solid hydrocarbons A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding are discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding are discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.
US08361400B2	Honeycomb structural body An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb structural body which is low in pressure loss and can prolong a period up to a regenerating process. The present invention is directed to a columnar honeycomb structural body comprising a large number of through holes placed in parallel with one another in a length direction with wall portion interposed therebetween, wherein: each of the through holes has one of ends sealed; one end face of the through hole differs in opening area from the other end face thereof; a ceramic material which constitutes the wall portion has an average pore diameter in a range from 5 to 30 μm; and the rate of capacity of micro pores each having a pore diameter two or more times larger than the average pore diameter is set to 30% or less of the capacity of the entire micro pores.
US08361395B2	Light based fuel sulfur sensor and system An ultraviolet sensor arrangement detects the amount of sulfur in a fuel of an internal combustion engine by emitting an ultraviolet light field in the presence of the fuel. A detector is disposed to detect a responsive amount of fluorescent light and provide a sensing signal indicative of the amount of sulfur in the fuel. A filter (or filters) receives the sensing signal and provides a filtered sensing signal to a sensing circuit.
US08361394B2	Calibration system and dye kit and their uses for characterizing luminescence measurement systems A calibration system characterizes luminescence measurement systems, in particular spectrally resolving, wide-field and/or confocal imaging systems. The calibration system has a baseplate with at least one flow-through channel, wherein the at least one channel is formed as a sample chamber for the luminescence measurement system, at least one reservoir in communication with the at least one channel and adapted to receive a liquid, and at least one focusing device integrated into a baseplate for setting a defined measurement beam focus of the luminescence measurement system to be calibrated by using a focusing surface.
US08361392B2	Biochip having image sensor with back side illumination photodiode A biochip having an image sensor with a back side illumination photodiode structure includes: a biochip layer; and an image sensor layer attached to one surface of the biochip layer and configured to sense light with biochemical reaction information, which is emitted from the biochip layer, wherein the image sensor layer includes a plurality of light sensing parts which receive the light directed toward a back side of a wafer.
US08361390B2	Liquid chromatograph The present invention relates to a liquid chromatography apparatus X, which is provided with a deaerator 4. The liquid chromatography apparatus X is further provided with a dissolved oxygen density adjusting means for maintaining a density of dissolved oxygen in an eluting solution to be supplied to a column 60 constant. Preferably, the dissolved oxygen density adjusting means is configured so as to adjust the density of the dissolved oxygen in the eluting solution by adjusting a degree of decompression in a decompression space of the deaerator 4 based on a measurement result by temperature measurement means 40A, 40B, and 40C for measuring the temperature of the eluting solution.
US08361387B2	System and method for the processing of liquid samples A method and system for automatically processing of liquid samples involving mixing of the samples with fluids are disclosed. The system includes a storing and handling device for storing and handling of fluid containers, which includes: a storing member provided with a plurality of storing positions, adapted for accommodating the fluid containers, the storing member having at least two storing levels, each of which extending in a plane, which are being stacked in a direction orthogonally aligned to the plane; and a handler, adapted for automatically transferring the fluid containers at least with respect to the storing positions. A method for operating such storing and handling device is also disclosed, wherein individual fluid containers are transferred between storing positions of a same or different storing levels in accordance with processing of the liquid samples.
US08361386B2	Enzyme detection An enzyme detection product (1) for detecting the presence of an enzyme in a sample. The product (1) comprises: a reaction zone (16) for receiving the sample; a visualization zone (10) for presenting a signal in response to the detection of the activity of the enzyme; and a membrane (11). The membrane (11) is interposable between the reaction zone (16) and the visualization zone (10) and prevents passage from the reaction zone (16) to the visualization zone (10) the components having a size greater than a threshold size. The reaction zone (16) comprises a reactant capable of reacting with the enzyme in order to generate a reaction product having a size less than a threshold size.
US08361385B2	Modular assay plates, reader systems and methods for test measurements Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
US08361382B2	High-strength pearlitic steel rail having excellent delayed fracture properties A steel rail including a composition of, in mass percent, C of 0.6% to 1.0%, Si of 0.1% to 1.5%, Mn of 0.4% to 2.0%, P of 0.035% or less, S of 0.010% or less, Ca of 0.0010% to 0.010%, and the remainder being Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein the tensile strength is 1200 MPa or more, and the size of a long side of a C type inclusion is 50 μm or less in at least a cross-section in a longitudinal direction of a rail head, and the number of Ca type inclusions, each having a size of a long side of 1 μm to 50 μm, is 0.2 to 10 per observed area of 1 mm2 in the cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the rail head.
US08361381B2	Medical implants having a porous coated surface A process for making a diffusion hardened medical implant having a porous surface is disclosed. The medical implant is made by a hot isostatic pressing process which simultaneously forms that porous surface and the diffusion hardened surface.
US08361374B2	Method of making building blocks from clay-containing compounds A method of making a building block from clay-containing compounds, which includes employing a major amount of such clay-containing material in combination with a calciferous additive and water to cure the shape the same under the influence of controlled pressure and temperature for a pre-determined time to create building block which is characterized by a mineralogical crystalline phase. The clay-containing compound includes a mixture of fine particulate material and coarser particulate material. The product produced by the method is also disclosed.
US08361367B2	Flame simulating assembly A method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element for simulating a semi-burned combustible fuel element, including, first, covering a surface of the semi-burned combustible fuel element with a material selected to produce a resiliently flexible mold, and second, after the selected material has set, removing the semi-burned combustible fuel element from the mold. Next, a predetermined amount of liquefied body material is introduced into the mold, and a body is produced resembling the semi-burned combustible fuel element with one or more cavities therein and an exterior surface simulating the surface of the semi-burned combustible fuel element, the body including one or more light passages. After the body material is cured, the mold is removed from the body.
US08361366B2	Process for the preparation of UHMW multi-filament poly(alpha-olefin) yarns A process for preparing ultra-high molecular weight poly(alpha-olefin) (UHMWPO) multi-filament yarns having improved tensile properties at higher productivity. The process includes drawing a solution yarn, then drawing a gel yarn and then drawing a dry yarn continuously in sequence to form a partially oriented yarn, winding up the partially oriented yarn, unrolling the yarn, drawing the partially oriented yarn to form a highly oriented yarn, cooling the highly oriented yarn under tension and winding up the highly oriented yarn.
US08361365B2	Process for electroblowing a multiple layered sheet A process for electroblowing a multiple layered sheet using multiple spinning beams to produce different component webs wherein the sheet doesn't stick to the forming screen and has improved web stability.
US08361364B2	Method and apparatus for making crystalline polymeric pellets and granules A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.
US08361357B2	Spray-drying process A process for preparing a spray-dried detergent powder having: (i) detersive surfactant; and (ii) other detergent ingredients; wherein the process has the steps of: (a) dosing an aqueous detergent slurry into a drop tank; (b) transferring the aqueous detergent slurry from the drop tank to a pipe, and transferring the aqueous detergent slurry along the pipe through at least one pump to a spray nozzle; (c) contacting a detergent ingredient to the aqueous detergent slurry in the pipe to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray nozzle into a spray-drying tower; and (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder, wherein the ratio of (i) the volume of the pipe of step (b) in liters to (ii) the volume of the drop tank of step (a) in liters is less than 1:1.
US08361354B2	Optical film, method of manufacturing the optical film, polarizing plate protective film, polarizing plate using the protective film, and liquid crystal display A method of manufacturing an optical film comprising: extruding a melted substance comprising a thermoplastic resin and irregularly shaped particles from a casting die on a support to form the optical film, wherein the casting die is equipped with, in the order from an upstream of an extruding direction of the melted substance: an inlet portion through which the melted substance flows in; a manifold portion; and a slit portion comprising a extending portion and a land portion, the melted substance being ejected from the land portion, wherein cross-sectional shapes of the extending portion satisfies A1
US08361350B2	Silver nanoparticle ink composition An ink composition comprises silver nanoparticles, hydrocarbon solvent, and an alcohol co-solvent. The ink composition is suitable for printing conductive lines that are uniform, smooth, and narrow on various substrate surfaces.
US08361349B2	Fabrication of light emitting film coated fullerenes and their application for in-vivo light emission A nanoparticle coated with a semiconducting material and a method for making the same. In one embodiment, the method comprises making a semiconductor coated nanoparticle comprising a layer of at least one semiconducting material covering at least a portion of at least one surface of a nanoparticle, comprising: (A) dispersing the nanoparticle under suitable conditions to provide a dispersed nanoparticle; and (B) depositing at least one semiconducting material under suitable conditions onto at least one surface of the dispersed nanoparticle to produce the semiconductor coated nanoparticle. In other embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a fullerene. Further embodiments include the semiconducting material comprising CdS or CdSe.
US08361348B2	Method and system for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification A method and a system for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, including: feeding raw material, carbonizing, pulverizing the charcoal, and transporting charcoal powder to the gasification furnace for gasification. A heat source for the carbonizing is achieved by a direct combustion reaction between external combustible gas and external oxygen in a carbonization furnace. The heat emitted from the reaction being directly provided to the necessary heat of biomass pyrolysis, and yielding pyrolysis gas and charcoal from carbonization furnace.
US08361347B2	Blue phosphor, and light-emitting device using the same The blue phosphor of the present invention includes ZrO2 and a metal aluminate that is represented by the general formula aBaO.bSrO.(1−a−b)EuO.cMgO.dAlO3/2.eWO3, where 0.70≦a≦0.95, 0≦b≦0.15, 0.95≦c≦1.15, 9.00≦d≦11.00, 0.001≦e≦0.200, and a+b≦0.97 are satisfied. This blue phosphor has a ZrO2 content of 0.01 to 1.00% by weight. In the blue phosphor of the present invention, two peaks whose tops are located in a range of diffraction angle 2θ=13.0 to 13.6 degrees are present in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by measurement on the blue phosphor using an X-ray with a wavelength of 0.774 Å.
US08361342B2	Two-layer compacted solid product for water potabilization and preparation method The present invention relates to a compacted solid product for water purification comprising:—at least a first layer comprising at least a coagulant/flocculant system comprising at least one polyvalent inorganic salt, at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and at least one high-molecular-weight anionic polymer,—at least a second layer comprising at least one disinfectant that releases active chlorine on contact with water, characterized in that said coagulant/flocculant system moreover comprises a sodium alginate. The invention also relates to the method for preparing such a product.
US08361341B2	Magnetorheological compositions including nonmagnetic material A magnetorheological composition includes a mixture of a carrier medium and a particle component disposed in the carrier medium. The particle component includes a magnetic material and a nonmagnetic material. The nonmagnetic material is present in the particle component in an amount of from about 5 to about 95 parts by volume based on 100 parts by volume of the particle component. The particle component is present in the magnetorheological composition in an amount of from about 20 to about 80 parts by volume based on 100 parts by volume of the magnetorheological composition. The magnetorheological composition has an on-state yield stress at magnetic saturation of from about 0.1 to about 100 kPa.
US08361340B2	Removal of surface oxides by electron attachment Described herein are a method and an apparatus for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface within a target area. In one particular embodiment, the method and apparatus has an energizing electrode which has an array of protruding conductive tips that are electrically connected by a conductive wire and separated into a first electrically connected group and a second electrically connected group wherein at least a portion of the conductive tips are activated by a DC voltage source that is negatively biased to generate electrons within the target area that attach to at least a portion of a reducing gas that is present in the target area to form a negatively charged reducing gas that contacts the treating surface to reduce the metal oxides on the treating surface of the substrate.
US08361335B2	Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. One method comprises providing a first pattern having a first polygon, the first polygon having a first tonality and having a first side and a second side, the first side adjacent to a second polygon having a second tonality, and the second side adjacent to a third polygon having the second tonality, and forming a second pattern by reversing the tonality of the first pattern. The method further comprises forming a third pattern from the second pattern by converting the second polygon from the first tonality to the second tonality forming a fourth pattern from the second pattern by converting the third polygon from the first tonality to the second tonality forming a fifth pattern by reversing the tonality of the third pattern, and forming a sixth pattern by reversing the tonality of the fourth pattern.
US08361334B2	Plasma deposition to increase adhesion Plasma etching of a polymeric dielectric material such as polyurethane results in volatile byproducts that are deposited onto the surface of an inert substrate. The surface treatment increases adhesiveness so that the surface of the inert material may be bonded to another material. Portions of a medical device comprising an inert substrate such as a fluoropolymer may therefore be securely affixed to other portions of the medical device formed of polymeric, metallic, or ceramic materials.
US08361333B2	Compositions and methods to fabricate a photoactive substrate suitable for shaped glass structures This invention provides an inexpensive and rapid method for fabricating a high-anisotropic-etch ratio, shaped glass structures using a novel photosensitive glass composition. Structures of the photosensitive glass may include micro-channels, micro-optics, microposts, or arrays of hollow micro-needles. Furthermore, such shaped glass structures can be used to form a negative mold for casting the shape in other materials.
US08361329B2	Ozone treatment of alkali metal compound solutions An aqueous solution containing an alkali metal compound solute and organic compound contaminants may be treated with ozone to oxidize and/or dissolve the organic contaminants. Treating the aqueous solution with ozone may decrease color contaminants in the alkali metal compound and may also decrease foaming in subsequent crystallization of the alkali metal compound.
US08361328B2	Nanotube separation methods A nanotube separation method includes depositing a tag on a nanotube in a nanotube mixture. The nanotube has a defect and the tag deposits at the defect where a deposition rate is greater than on another nanotube in the mixture lacking the defect. The method includes removing the tagged nanotube from the mixture by using the tag. As one option, the tag may contain a ferromagnetic material and the removing may include applying a magnetic field. As another option, the tag may contain an ionic material and the removing may include applying an electric field. As a further option, the tag may contain an atom having an atomic mass greater than the atomic mass of carbon and the removing may include applying a centrifugal force to the nanotube mixture. Any two or more of the indicated removal techniques may be combined.
US08361325B2	Method and system for removal of inorganic anionic pollutants from contaminated water There is provided a method or a system for obtaining an aqueous solution substantially free of inorganic anionic pollutants selected from perchlorate, cyanide or chromate present therein, comprising contacting the aqueous solution containing said pollutants with a complex comprising micelles of an organic cation adsorbed on clay for removal of said pollutants from the aqueous solution. The method and system may also utilize a mixture of a complex of an organic cation adsorbed on clay as a micelle, and a granular material or a complex of an organic cation adsorbed on clay as a micelle. There is also provided a system comprised of a column accommodating the mixture of a complex of an organic cation adsorbed on clay as a micelle, and a granular material.
US08361321B2	Perforated graphene deionization or desalination A separation arrangement isolates chlorine, sodium and possibly other ions from water. The ion-laden water is applied to at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to pass water molecules and to not pass the smallest relevant ion. The deionized water flowing through the perforated graphene sheet is collected. The ions which are not passed can be purged. In another embodiment, the ion-laden water is applied to a first graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to block chlorine ions and through a second graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to block sodium ions. The concentrated chlorine and sodium ions accumulating at the first and second perforated graphene sheets can be separately harvested.
US08361318B2	Spiral type separation membrane element An object of the invention is to provide a spiral separation membrane element that can reduce the pressure loss of a feed-side channel and be much less vulnerable to the problem of inhibition or blockage of the flow in the feed-side channel. The spiral separation membrane element includes one or more separation membranes, one or more feed-side channel components, one or more permeation-side channel components, and a perforated hollow core tube around which the separation membranes, the feed-side channel components and the permeation-side channel components are wrapped, wherein the feed-side channel component is a net formed by fusion bonding.
US08361317B2	Filter device for a motor vehicle A filter device for a motor vehicle has a filter element with a porous ceramic support body provided with one or more passages for receiving a liquid to be filtered and filter membranes formed on inner walls of the passages. The liquid to be filtered passes through the filter membranes into the support body and exits from the support body through a circumferential surface of the support body. At least one compensation element is arranged at an end face of the support body. The compensation element is elastically deformable for providing an additional liquid volume that is generated when the liquid expands due to freezing.
US08361316B2	Device for mixing and separation of magnetic particles An apparatus for mixing and separating magnetic particles in a liquid comprises a holder having a plurality of apertures configured as an array of rows and columns and a plurality of containers capable of receiving liquid containing magnetic particles, each container being sized to be placed in one of the apertures; plural magnets capable of being moved relative to the containers between a first position and a second position to change the position of the magnets and magnetic particles in the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the magnets between positions at a sufficiently high speed that the particles do not settle down due to gravitational forces during motion between the first and second positions.
US08361315B2	Filtration and air supply device used in an aquatic equipment A filtration and air supply device(3) used in an aquatic equipment(2) ,comprising filtration system with air supply, including filtration box(31), water pump(33), filter cartridge(32), air pump(7), air inlet tube(8), air duct(36). The characteristics of this filtration and air supply device(3) are: Said filtration and air supply device(3) locates inside the aquatic equipment(2). Box wall(310) is with grids(312). Water pump(33) locates in one side of the filtration box(31), and filter cartridge(32) locates in the other side of the filtration box(31). Bottom slab(9) is equipped with air inlet hole(38) and water pump power cord inlet hole(40). The bottom of air inlet hole(38) connects the air pump(7) through air inlet tube(8). The upper part of air inlet hole(38) connects air outlet hole (318) through air duct(36). No-return valve(37) locates between air duct(36) and air outlet hole(318). Outside of the air outlet hole(318) is equipped with air filter hood(315).
US08361314B2	Single piece resilient combination bottom support and relief valve end seal element for fluid filters A fluid filter is described, having a filter body defining a cavity for a filter element, a first end cap for fitting on one end of the filter body, having an integrated single piece anti drain back valve and seal, and a second end cap for fitting on an opposite end of the filter body, having an integrated combination relief valve element that includes supports for the filter element.
US08361308B2	Electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor A method for the detection of carbon dioxide gas using an electrochemical sensor. The method includes exposing a gas to a sensor, which includes a non-conductive solid substrate and at least one each of a metal oxide sensing electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode positioned on the substrate. A solid polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane is in intimate contact with the sensing electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. The method is highly sensitive and selective to carbon dioxide with a very rapid response time.
US08361306B2	Gas sensor control apparatus and method There is provided a control apparatus for a gas sensor, which has a sensor element equipped with first and second oxygen pumping cells. The sensor control apparatus is configured to drive the first oxygen pumping cell to adjust the oxygen concentration of gas under measurement, drive the second oxygen pumping cell to produce a flow of electric current according to the amount of oxygen pumped out of the oxygen concentration adjusted gas by the second oxygen pumping cell, perform specific drive control to control the amount of oxygen pumped by the second oxygen pumping cell to a predetermined level after startup of the sensor element and before the application of the drive voltage between the electrodes of the second oxygen pumping cell.
US08361298B2	Multichannel preparative electrophoresis system The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.
US08361293B2	Monolithic electrophoresis gel system Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within such gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.
US08361286B1	Galvanic anode for reinforced concrete applications An improved sacrificial galvanic anode assembly for cathodic protection of a steel reinforced concrete structure. A galvanic cathodic protection device uses an embedded sacrificial anode of metallic foam for increased reactive surface area covered with a flexible penetrating coating to provide a continuous electrolyte to keep it active. The formulated coating paste is inert to cement embedment material and is pre-applied on the anode body prior to encapsulation. An integrated conductive contact band extends from the coated anode to attachment to a reinforcement bar for establishing electrical conductively therewith within the concrete structure transferring galvanic corrosion to the anode.
US08361284B2	Reducing the height of a defect associated with an air bearing surface A method for reducing the height of a defect associated with an air bearing surface of a hard disk drive slider is disclosed. The technology initially ion mills for a first period of time at a first angle relative to an air bearing surface of a disk drive slider to remove a first portion of the air bearing surface. Then the technology ion mills for a second period of time at a second angle relative to an air bearing surface of the disk drive slider to remove a second portion of the air bearing surface. The second portion of the air bearing surface comprises a defect wherein the ion milling at the second angle reduces the height of the defect with respect to the air bearing surface.
US08361282B2	System and method using a microwave-transparent reaction chamber for production of fuel from a carbon-containing feedstock Approaches for producing fuel from a carbon-containing feedstock are described. Feedstock is introduced into a substantially microwave-transparent reaction chamber. A microwave source emits microwaves which are directed through the microwave-transparent wall of the reaction chamber to impinge on the feedstock within the reaction chamber. The microwave source may be rotated relative to the reaction chamber. The feedstock is subjected to microwaves until the desired reaction occurs to produce a fuel. A catalyst can be mixed with the feedstock to enhance the reaction process.
US08361275B2	Etching apparatus When a substrate is etched by using a processing gas including a first gas containing halogen and carbon and having a carbon number of two or less per molecule, while supplying the processing gas toward the substrate independently from a central and a peripheral portion of a gas supply unit, which face the central and the periphery part of the substrate respectively, the processing gas is supplied such that a gas flow rate is greater in the central portion than in the peripheral portion. When the substrate is etched by using a processing gas including a second gas containing halogen and carbon and having a carbon number of three or more per molecule, the processing gas is supplied such that a gas flow rate is greater in the peripheral portion than in the central portion.
US08361273B2	Polyurethane elastomers This disclosure relates to a linear polymer obtained by reacting a polyethylene glycol, a polypropylene glycol; a diol; and a diisocyanate, as well as a controlled release composition containing the linear polymer together with an active agent. The active agent can have a molecular weight of 200 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol.
US08361272B2	Polyurethane elastomers A linear polymer is obtained by reacting together a polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol; a PEG-PPG-PEG or PPG-PEG-PPG block copolymer; a difunctional amine or diol; and a diisocyanate. A controlled release composition comprises the polymer together with an active agent. Active agents of molecular weight 200 to 20,000 may be used.
US08361270B2	Joining method The invention relates to a method for axial joining of a hybrid joining component to a workpiece, wherein the joining component has a thermoplastic joining section and a metal section which can be heated, having the following steps: moving the joining component into contact with a surface of the workpiece; heating of the metal section such that the joining section at least partially melts; ending the heating of the metal section such that the joining component makes a force-fitting, interlocking and/or integral connection with the surface of the workpiece. In this case, the joining component is held with a regulated force and/or in a regulated position with respect to the workpiece at least during the heating of the metal section, in such a manner that the joining component can be joined to the surface of the workpiece without any opposing support.
US08361267B2	Adhesive chuck, and apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same An adhesive chuck, and an apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a first adhesive chuck inside the chamber and having a plurality of adhesive protrusions to adhere to a first substrate conveyed from an outside into the chamber via an intermolecular attractive force, and a driving unit to move the first substrate adhered to the first adhesive chuck and a second substrate toward each other to be compressed and assembled to each other. The apparatus can achieve adhesion and separation of a substrate with minimal power consumption, enhancing an to operating efficiency. Additionally, the adhesive chuck can overcome a problem of spot generation on a display panel caused by remaining static electricity. Furthermore, since the adhesive chuck is almost free from a problem of electric instability, it can exhibit high stability and efficiency and can be fabricated at lower costs.
US08361266B2	Layered molding process for producing three dimensional objects A fabrication method for producing a hollow three dimensional object is disclosed. The method includes disposing a layer of adhesive over a top surface of an elastic material, disposing a layer of fabric to the top surface of the elastic material, such that the layer of adhesive secures the layer of fabric to the elastic material, applying a silkscreen stencil to the outward facing side of the layer of fabric, applying printable material to the outward facing side of the layer of fabric via the silkscreen stencil, applying heat to set the printable material to the layer of fabric, pressing an inside surface of a mold against the top surface of the elastic material, so as to produce a first three-dimensional object having an open end and removing excess elastic material from a rim of the open end of the first three-dimensional object.
US08361264B2	Process for producing polarizing plate, polarizing plate produced by the process, and liquid crystal display device using the polarizing plate Disclosed is a process for producing a polarizing plate which is transparent, has resistance against high temperatures and high humidity, and is significantly improved in brittleness. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing a polarizing plate comprising two polarizing plate protective films and a polarizer intercalated between the polarizing plate protective films, which is characterized in that at least one of the two polarizing plate protective films is an acrylic film comprising an acrylic resin (A) and a cellulose ester resin (B) at a ratio of 85:15 to 55:45 by mass, and the acrylic film is drawn in at least one direction at a draw ratio of 10 to 150% inclusive and is subsequently bonded to the polarizer with an aqueous adhesive agent.
US08361262B2	Method and apparatus for low-bulk toughened fabrics for low-pressure molding processes A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape of desired thickness to substantially maintain the fibers in a desired configuration. The unidirectional composite tape is slit to a desired width, and the slit unidirectional composite tape is loaded into a multiaxial fabric machine. A first layer is built from the composite tape in the multiaxial machine, and a second layer is built from the composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer in the multiaxial machine. The first and second layers are consolidated to form a composite fabric in a continuous process.
US08361258B2	Reactive compositions including metal A precursor composition of a reactive material that comprises a metal material and an energetic material, such as at least one oxidizer or at least one class 1.1 explosive. The metal material defines a continuous phase at a processing temperature of the precursor composition and the energetic material is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point ranging from approximately 46° C. to approximately 250° C. The fusible metal alloy may include at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density of greater than approximately 2 g/cm3. The reactive composition may also include a polymer/plasticizer system.
US08361257B2	Laminated energetic device A laminated energetic device is disclosed. The laminated energetic device includes a low-gas generating energetic mixture, a core on which the low-gas generating energetic mixture is located, and a protective film for sealing the low-gas generating energetic mixture between the core and the protective film.
US08361254B2	Steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom Maraging steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 3.0 to 8.0% Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The composition may be a first layer of a composite plate, and may have a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a composition comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 1.0 to 3.0 Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The first layer may have a hardness value ranging from 58 to 64 RC, and the second layer may have a hardness value ranging from 48 to 54 RC. The first layer may be formed employing powdered metallurgical techniques. Articles formed from the compositions include armored plate.
US08361252B2	Method and apparatus for remote controlling, monitoring and/or servicing heat-treatment equipment via wireless communications A method and apparatus provide for remote control, monitoring and/or servicing of heat-treatment equipment via wireless communications networks. Specifically, the method and apparatus can be used in pre and post-weld heat-treatment applications for steel pipes in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, power plants, chemical and petrochemical plants and refineries. Importantly, the embodiment generates and manages all the documentation necessary to input and verify the specified heat-treatment process. It will produce and deliver to the customer the reports and certificates required by the applicable quality control standards, requirements and regulatory authorities.
US08361245B2	Steel excellent in resistance to sulfuric acid dew point corrosion The present invention provides a steel material able to secure a superior corrosion resistance in a sulfuric acid dew point corrosive environment of exhaust gas obtained by burning high S-containing fuel, containing, by mass %, C: ≦0.010%, Si: ≦0.10%, Cu: 0.05 to 1.00%, P: ≦0.030%, S: ≦0.050%, and Al: ≦0.10% and comprising a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. Further, this steel contains one type or two types or more of Sb, Sn, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Nb, V, Ti, and B.
US08361241B2	Washing apparatus for washing a head portion of a depilation apparatus In a washing apparatus for washing a head portion of a depilation apparatus, it enables to increase design freedom of pipe arrangement from an overflow prevention unit to a washing fluid tank and to downsize the apparatus by effectively utilizing a space below the overflow prevention unit. A tray for holding a head portion of the electric shaver and an overflow preventing unit to maintain fluid level of the washing fluid in the tray at a predetermined level are integrally formed to adjoin each other via a partition wall in an anteroposterior direction of the washing apparatus. A bottom face of the overflow prevention unit is inclined downward in a widthwise direction of the washing apparatus, and an outlet is provided on a side wall in the widthwise direction in a deepest portion of the overflow prevention unit. A second exhausting path for exhausting the washing fluid from the outlet of the overflow preventing unit is arranged along a side wall of the tray.
US08361234B2	Substrate treatment apparatus A substrate treatment apparatus includes a substrate holding unit, a gas ejection nozzle, and a gas supply unit. The substrate holding unit is configured to hold a substrate. The gas supply unit is configured to supply a gas to the gas ejection nozzle. The gas ejection nozzle is disposed to be positioned adjacent a center portion of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit. The gas ejection nozzle has a gas ejection port. The gas ejection nozzle is configured to eject the gas radially from the gas ejection port over the substrate held by the substrate holding unit to form a gas-flow for covering the substrate.
US08361231B2	Liquid vaporization system Provided is a liquid vaporization system capable of promoting vaporization of a liquid material while solving a problem of residual liquid material. A liquid vaporization system has a liquid vaporization apparatus having a pump and a vaporizer. The vaporizer has a case, a heater provided inside the case, a heat storage plate heated by the heater, and a mesh. The mesh is formed by interweaving wires and has an overall flat plate shape. By overlapping the mesh on an upper surface of the heat storage plate, minute irregularities are formed on the heat storage plate by the mesh. A nozzle is provided above the mesh, whereby the liquid material is dropped from the nozzle onto the heat storage plate. The liquid material spreads over the heat storage plate in a thin film and is heated and vaporized on the upper surface of the heat storage plate.
US08361230B2	Magnetic mask holder Aspects of the present invention are directed to a mask holder for especially large-surface substrates, especially for the micro-structuring of organic electroluminescent materials (OLED) for the production of OLED screens, displays and the like by means of vacuum-coating processes, with a substrate carrier for receiving the substrate during coating processes, with the substrate carrier comprising one or more magnets and the mask features a frame of magnetic material, such that the frame of the mask is held by means of the magnets of the substrate carrier relative to the substrate to be coated.
US08361227B2	Silicon carbide single crystals with low boron content In a crystal growth method, an enclosed growth crucible is provided inside of a growth chamber. The growth crucible has polycrystalline source material and a seed crystal disposed in spaced relation therein. The interior of the growth crucible is heated whereupon a temperature gradient forms between the source material and the seed crystal. The temperature gradient is sufficient to cause the source material to sublimate and be transported to the seed crystal where it precipitates on the seed crystal. A gas mixture is caused to flow into the growth crucible and between the polycrystalline source material and an interior surface of the growth crucible. The gas mixture reacts with an unwanted element in the body of the growth crucible to form a gaseous byproduct which then flows through the body of the growth crucible to the exterior of the growth crucible.
US08361224B2	Colloidal photonic crystals using colloidal nanoparticles and method for preparation thereof The present invention relates to colloidal photonic crystals using colloidal nanoparticles and a method for the preparation thereof, wherein by adding a viscoelastic material into a solution containing the colloidal nanoparticles when preparing the colloidal photonic crystals, a uniform volume contraction occurs due to the elasticity of the viscoelastic material even when a nonuniform volume contraction occurs while drying a dispersion medium in the colloidal solution. Thus, it is possible to prepare 2 or 3 dimensional colloidal photonic crystals of large scale with no defects in less time.
US08361222B2	Method for producing group III nitride-based compound semiconductor In the production of GaN through the flux method, deposition of miscellaneous crystals on the nitrogen-face of a GaN self-standing substrate and waste of raw materials are prevented. Four arrangements of crucibles and a GaN self-standing substrate are exemplified. In FIG. 1A, a nitrogen-face of a self-standing substrate comes into close contact with a sloped flat inner wall of a crucible. In FIG. 1B, a nitrogen-face of a self-standing substrate comes into close contact with a horizontally facing flat inner wall of a crucible, and the substrate is fixed by means of a jig. In FIG. 1C, a jig is provided on a flat bottom of a crucible, and two GaN self-standing substrates are fixed by means of the jig so that the nitrogen-faces of the substrates come into close contact with each other. In FIG. 1D, a jig is provided on a flat bottom of a crucible, and a GaN self-standing substrate is fixed on the jig so that the nitrogen-face of the substrate is covered with the jig. A flux mixture of molten gallium and sodium is charged into each crucible, and a GaN single crystal is grown on a gallium-face under pressurized nitrogen.
US08361218B2	Coloring composition, method for production thereof, and coloring method The present invention provides an image-recording/pixel-forming coloring composition containing a phthalocyanine type colorant having at least one group selected from alkyl and alkyloxy groups (alkylphthalocyanine type colorant). According to the present invention, there can also be provided a coloring composition containing a phthalocyanine type colorant capable of exhibiting excellent properties when used as an image-recording coloring composition or pixel-forming coloring composition, production processes of the phthalocyanine type colorants, a coloring method, and the like.
US08361216B2	Method providing for a low release of H2S during the preparation of sulfur-extended asphalt A method of making a sulfur-extended asphalt mixture with a minimum of hydrogen sulfide gas release into the atmosphere by using sulfur granules with specific physical properties and which are made by successively coating a starting sulfur seed particle with liquid sulfur that is solidified between coatings to thereby build up the a sulfur particle of a desired size. The sulfur granules are used to in the preparation of a sulfur, bitumen and aggregate mixture to provide the sulfur-extended asphalt.
US08361214B2	Inkjet aqueous ink According to one embodiment, an inkjet aqueous ink includes water, a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent, a poorly water-soluble compound, a solubilizer that solubilizes the poorly water-soluble compound in water, and an acetylene glycol-based surfactant. The poorly water-soluble compound is 2,5,8,11-tetramethyl-6-dodecyne-5,8-diol. The solubilizer is selected from polyoxyethylene anionic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants.
US08361212B2	Radiation curable ink jet ink and a method for printing a substrate with this ink A radiation curable hot melt inkjet ink and associated printing method which includes a carrier composition that contains one or more radiation curable compounds and an agent that is able to reversibly gel the carrier composition, which agent is soluble in the carrier composition at a jetting temperature of the ink and creates the gelled carrier at a temperature below the jetting temperature, wherein the gelled carrier composition is a thixotropic composition which has a recovery time of more than 60 seconds after the gel has been mechanically disturbed to lower it's viscosity.
US08361210B2	Method for treating wood Described is a method for treating wood, in which the wood is brought into contact with a mixture of liquid or water-soluble organic ammonium carboxylate and an active ingredient which repels invertebrates, characterized in that the organic ammonium carboxylate has the formula (1): [NR1R2R3R4]+n[R5(COO)n]−n (1), in which R1, R2 and R3 are selected from hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyls containing 1-6 carbon atoms, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl containing 1-6 carbon atoms, R5 is hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon containing 1-6 carbon atoms and n is an integral 1-6 and whereby wood-preservative active ingredient contains a chelating agent which repels invertebrate, which chelating agent is selected from an aminopolycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof, a hydroxy acid or a salt thereof or a phosphonate or a salt thereof or a mixture of chelating agents which belong to two of more groups thereof.
US08361209B2	Turboengine air intake provided with a controlled filter system An air intake (2) for a turbine engine, and a method implemented by the air intake (2) are disclosed. The air intake (2) is provided with a filter system (10) including foldable filter elements (11), arranged at the inlet section (3) of the air intake (2). In addition, the filter system (10) includes control elements (11) that exert a force along a first direction (Y) on the free end (11′) of the foldable filter elements (11) to adjust the filtering power of the filter system (10), guide members (12) of the filter system (10) serving to guide the movement of the free end (11′) induced by the control elements (13).
US08361208B2	Separator helix A separator with a helix assembly and methods for fabricating the helix assembly. In some embodiments, the helix assembly includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
US08361206B2	Generator heat recovery for diesel fuel heated dessicant reactivation Dessicants employed in dehumidifying moisturized air present within a water-damaged building are themselves dehumidified to liberate collected moisture through the use of heated air vented from an on-site electric generator to be drawn over and about a heat exchanger fired by diesel fuel.
US08361205B2	Modular compact adsorption bed A modular and compact adsorbent bed structure is disclosed for use in an adsorption-based gas separation plant. The conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation plant is replaced with a plurality of modular adsorbent bed units connected to make the adsorbent bed structure. The modular design requires lower fabrication and maintenance costs; is easier to transport; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.
US08361204B1	Vacuum-pressure swing absorption concentrator A vacuum-pressure swing absorption concentrator includes a motor driven compressor having pressure and vacuum heads that are connected to a pressure reservoir and a vacuum reservoir respectively. The pressure and vacuum reservoirs are selectively and alternately interconnected in sequence through a main valve to a pair of nitrogen filtering sieve beds. A controller operates the valve to alternately and cyclically interconnect the sieve beds to the pressure and vacuum reservoirs respectively. During each cycle, a respective bed is pressurized and enriched oxygen is produced and delivered to a tank for use by a patient. At the same time, the other bed is evacuated through the vacuum reservoir. A crossover valve delivers oxygen from a pressurized bed to an evacuated bed to facilitate purging of impurities previously collected in the evacuated bed.
US08361203B2	Carbon porous body and adsorbent using the same A carbon porous body (ICY) includes a carbon skeleton containing carbon atoms, wherein the carbon skeleton includes carbon main sections and carbon linking sections mutually linking the carbon main sections; a distance D1 between adjacent carbon main sections and a distance D2 between adjacent carbon linking sections satisfy the relationship of D1
US08361198B2	Process and device for the separation of foreign gases from a reducing useful gas by steam-driven pressure swing adsorption A process is described for purifying synthesis gas by means of a pressure swing adsorption unit which is desorbed by a vacuum produced by a so-called ejector, which is driven by steam generated by a heat exchanger which uses the heat in the flue gas duct or in the useful-gas duct for the generation of steam. The pressure swing adsorption unit is operated advantageously in cyclic turns of adsorption under excess pressure, depressurization desorption and vacuum desorption and the gas desorbed by the ejector being cooled in a cooler so that the contained steam can be condensed and discharged or is advantageously returned to the feed gas for the synthesis gas production. The foreign gas desorbed by the pressure swing adsorption unit, which contains at least partly not yet consumed fuel gas, is recycled to the fuel gas. In an advantageous embodiment, the vacuum from the ejector is stored in an intermediate tank and applied to the pressure swing adsorption unit according to the vacuum desorption cycle. Also disclosed is a device for running this process.
US08361192B2	Methods and systems for recovering rhenium from a copper leach Various embodiments provide new methods of rhenium recovery. The methods can include subjecting a metal-bearing solution to an activated carbon bed, and adsorbing rhenium onto the activated carbon. The methods can also include heating a basic aqueous elution solution and eluting the rhenium from the activated carbon with the heated elution solution.
US08361191B2	Low acid leaching of nickel and cobalt from lean iron-containing nickel ores In various aspects, the invention provides processes that use relatively low levels of acid to leach lean nickel ores, including processes that provide relatively high levels of extraction of nickel and cobalt from nickel laterite ores, in conjunction with relatively low levels of iron extraction.
US08361189B2	Process and apparatus for producing metals and/or primary metal products The invention relates to an apparatus for producing metals and/or primary metal products, in particular pig iron and/or primary pig iron products, in which a metal-containing charge material, in particular in fine particle form, is introduced, using pneumatic conveying, by means of a carrier gas stream, in the form of a stream of medium formed from the charge material and the carrier gas stream, into a melting unit, in particular a melter gasifier, for further processing. According to the invention, the charge material is introduced after the carrier gas stream has been separated off and separately at at least two introduction points, so that at least two partial quantities of the charge material can be introduced independently of one another and continuously or in stacked form.
US08361187B2	Method for reducing oxidic slags and dusts using inductively heated furnace A method for reducing oxidic slags and dusts possibly loaded with organics uses an inductively heatable coke bed extending in the axial direction and having a temperature gradient. Reaction gas is sucked off in an axial region of the coke bed between two induction bodies and metal regulus and slag melt are tapped on the lower end. An inductively heatable shaft furnace chargeable with a lumpy coke bed for the reduction of metallic slags is made of an electrically insulating refractory material, has an adjustable temperature gradient includes at least one cooled induction body on the head side, a suction connection in an axial region where the prevailing temperature exceeds the condensation point of the substances to be removed, located below the cooled induction body on the head side, and an opening for tapping metal regulus and slag melt is provided on the lower end of the furnace.
US08361185B2	Compositions for sustained release of agricultural macronutrients and process thereof A macronutrient sustained release composition for a plant locus containing a nanocomposite wherein a nitrogen containing macronutrient compound adsorbed on the surface of hydroxy apatite phosphate nanoparticles is intercalated within the interlayer spacing of a nanoclay. The nanocomposite containing the adsorbed macronutrient compounds is slowly released in a sustained manner when contacted with an acidic soil.
US08361183B2	Air filtration media pack, filter element, air filtration media, and methods An air filtration media pack is provided having a plurality of layers of single facer media. The layer of single facer media includes a fluted sheet, a facing sheet, and a plurality of flutes extending between the fluted sheet and the facing sheet and having a flute length extending from a first face of the filtration media pack to a second face of the filtration media pack. A first portion of the plurality of flutes are closed to unfiltered air flowing into the first portion of the plurality of flutes, and a second portion of the plurality of flutes are closed to unfiltered air from flowing out of the second portion of the plurality of flutes so that air passing into one of the first face and the second face of the media pack and out the other of the first face and the second face of the media pack passes through media to provide filtration of the air. The fluted sheet includes repeating internal peaks facing toward the facing sheet and repeating external peaks facing away from the facing sheet. In addition, the fluted sheet can include at least one ridge extending along at least 50% of the flute length between an internal peak and an adjacent external peak. Additional characterizations of an air filtration media pack, air filtration media, and methods of making and using are provided.
US08361182B2	Filter cartridge with centerboard, dust collectors, and methods An air filter cartridge is provided including an air filter media construction having a first, outlet end, flow face and an opposite, second, inlet end, flow face. The filter media construction includes fluted media secured to a facing media sheet. The filter media is closed to flow of unfiltered air completely therethrough. A centerboard is provided. The centerboard has a media portion embedded within the media construction. The centerboard has first and second opposite sides. The media portion that is embedded within the media defines an aperture arrangement extending completely through the centerboard from the first side to the second side. An adhering sealant secures the centerboard to the media construction. At least some adhering sealant extends through the aperture arrangement.
US08361178B2	Tungsten rhenium compounds and composites and methods for forming the same The present invention relates to tungsten rhenium compounds and composites and to methods of forming the same. Tungsten and rhenium powders are mixed together and sintered at high temperature and high pressure to form a unique compound. An ultra hard material may also be added. The tungsten, rhenium, and ultra hard material are mixed together and then sintered at high temperature and high pressure.
US08361176B2	Hydrophilic and hydrophobic silane surface modification of abrasive grains A surface-modified abrasive grain includes an abrasive grain as a substrate, and a film on the abrasive grain that includes a relatively hydrophilic silane component and a relatively hydrophobic silane component. The film can be a single film layer or multiple film layers, wherein a film layer most proximal to the abrasive grain has a predominately hydrophilic silane component, and a film layer more distal to the abrasive grain includes predominately a relatively hydrophobic silane component. Coated abrasive products and bonded abrasive products include the surface-modified abrasive grains.
US08361175B2	Method and device for converting biomass into gaseous products A method for converting biomass having a water content of at least 50% into gaseous products includes providing a reactor containing supercritical water and a salt melt. The salt melt includes at least one of a salt and a salt mixture. The reactor and the salt melt are heated to the reaction temperature. The biomass is heated to a preheat temperature. The biomass heated to the preheat temperature is fed into the salt melt. The biomass is heated to the reaction temperature so as to commence a conversion of the biomass into the gaseous products, so as to release from the biomass at least one additional salt into the salt melt. An amount of the salt melt containing at least a portion of the at least one additional salt is withdrawn from the reactor and the amount of the withdrawn salt melt is replaced with a fresh salt solution. The gaseous products are removed from the reactor.
US08361173B2	Fatty acid blends and uses therefor Provided herein are blends oils or fatty acids comprising more than 50% medium chain fatty acids, or the fatty acid alkyl esters thereof, and having low melting points. Such blends are useful as a fuel or as a starting material for the production of, for example, a biodiesel. Also provided genetically altered or modified plants, modified such that the amount of medium chain fatty acids generated by the plant are increased. Further provided is a method of predicting the melting point of a blend of fatty acid methyl esters and the use of such a method for identifying blends suitable for use as, for example, a biodiesel.
US08361172B2	Low melting point triglycerides for use in fuels In the present invention, a fuel composition and a process for making the same are disclosed. Specifically, in the present invention, triglycerides useful for distillate fuels are described along with their method for preparation from Fischer-Tropsch acid by-products and the glycerol by-product from biodiesel generation. By using these two by-product streams, the overall efficiency of both processes is improved and a new source of distillate fuels is created. These triglycerides can be used to improve the lubricity of Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fuels. In addition, these triglycerides also have low melting points and have viscosities compatible with distillate fuels.
US08361170B2	Uses of emulsifying agents One or more stable, clear, water-in-fuel microemulsion-forming surfactants may be used in a liquid fuel or oil which is immiscible with water to: a) scavenge free-water which exists in or is introduced into the liquid fuel or oil thereby to render or retain the liquid fuel or oil in a usable state; and/or b) inhibit the growth of aquatic micro-organisms in the liquid fuel or oil when the fuel or oil becomes contaminated with free-water thereby to retain the liquid fuel or oil in a usable state.
US08361167B2	Natural hair dyes The invention provides dye mixtures for application to human hair, the dye mixtures comprising polyphenolic materials, these materials being obtained from botanical sources. Preferably, the botanical source is fruit, especially fruit selected from blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, grapes, chokeberries, Saskatoon berries, sea-buckthorn, mulberries acai, cherries, red cabbage and/or figs. Preferably, the polyphenolic materials comprise anthocyanin compounds which, most preferably, are aglycone anthocyanidins or glycosylated anthocyanins of the formula (III): wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, H, OH or OCH3, R3 is OH (aglycone anthocyanidins) or a glycosyl group (glycosylated anthocyanins), and x is a counter-ion. The invention also provides methods for the preparation of these dye mixtures and for the use of the dye mixtures in the semi-permanent coloration of human hair.
US08361162B2	Orthopaedic joint prosthesis implant kit This invention relates to an orthopaedic joint prosthesis implant kit (2). The implant kit comprises a stem component (4) of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis which is intended for articulation with a mating component of the joint. The stem component has a distal end (6) and a proximal end (8), and a neck part (10) at the proximal end, and is configured for fixation in a bone cavity-using bone cement material with the distal end within the cavity and the proximal end at the opening of the cavity, and with the neck part protruding from the cavity towards the mating component of the joint. The implant kit further comprises a positioning kit (18), at least one spacer (20, 22, 24) for location between the wall of the cavity and the stem component at its proximal end, and a delivery device (26).
US08361157B2	Method of implanting a shoulder prosthesis assembly A shoulder prosthesis assembly includes a metaglenoid element (7) having a plate (13) with a central tubular bushing (14) and members for anchoring it in the glenoid cavity. The assembly also includes a glenoid sphere (9) that fits over the metaglenoid element which has an axial screw that is (35) screwed into the bushing. The glenoid sphere has a member to facilitate installation thereof on the metaglenoid element. The member may include a pin (46) adapted to slide in the tubular bushing (14) and in an axial channel of the screw, so that the glenoid sphere (9) can be screwed into place without any risk of damaging the thread of the screw or the tapping of the bushing.
US08361154B2	Temporarily bound prosthetic intervertebral discs implantable by minimally invasive surgical techniques The described devices are bound spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc.
US08361150B2	Composite implant A composite interbody vertebral implant for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first endplate of a porous metal material and a second endplate of a porous metal material which are configured to allow bone in-growth. The implant also includes a polymeric body positioned between and bonded to the first and second endplates such that polymeric material of the polymeric body is impregnated into pores of the first and second endplates to bond the components together. The implant may include a cavity extending through the composite implant configured to receive bone growth material to facilitate fusion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra.
US08361148B2	Method for stabilizing spine A method of stabilizing a portion of a spine includes pivoting first and second members of an expandable spinal implant relative to one another to a closed configuration in which the spinal implant has a compact profile, inserting the spinal implant in the closed configuration into the spine between first and second vertebral bodies, and pivoting the first and second members crosswise to an expanded configuration while the spinal implant is within the spine. The first and second members are separate from and coupled to one another.
US08361147B2	Meniscus prosthetic devices with anti-migration features A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature. The anti-migration feature is a bridge for engagement with a femur notch in some instances. Generally, the anti-migration feature allows the artificial meniscus to be implanted into the patient's knee and maintain its position within the knee without penetrating the adjacent bone. The bridge is reinforced with fibers in some instances.
US08361146B2	Materials for making hydrophobic intraocular lens The present invention provides copolymers made up of alkoxyalkyl methacrylate and/or alkoxyalkyl acrylate monomers in combination with one or more additional hydrophobic monomers. The copolymers may be used in the manufacture of intraocular lenses, including both the optic and haptic portions of the lenses. The present invention also provide methods for making intraocular lenses from the copolymers.
US08361141B2	Modular stent assembly A modular stent assembly (20) is provided with stent sections (22-26) which are coupled together by a coupling arrangement formed of first (30) and second (32) coupling elements. The first and second coupling elements (30, 32) provide a strong coupling between adjacent stent sections (22-26) which behaves in a manner substantially identical to the conventional unitary tie bar. The modular nature of the stent assembly (20) reduces manufacturing costs, can provide for replacement of only a defective part of the assembly 20 and can facilitate the assembly of a stent having differing characteristics along its length optimised for a particular medical application.
US08361140B2	High strength low opening pressure stent design A stent has a plurality of expansion columns that extend in a radial direction to form a circumference of the stent and interconnected in the axial direction to form an overall axial length of the stent. Each expansion column has a plurality of first cells and a plurality of second cells that alternates along the expansion column with at least one first cell. Each first cell has at least two facing walls extending in the radial direction that have a first width. The second cells each have at least two facing walls that extend in the radial direction which have a second with greater than the first width. The first cell uses less force to open than the second cell, but upon opening provides increased radial strength by creating a substantially vertical cell wall.
US08361138B2	Braided occlusion device having repeating expanded volume segments separated by articulation segments The present invention provides a flexible, low profile vascular occlusion device having large volume filling capability and high metal content for fast occlusion, of the type fabricated from braided tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and shaped to create an occlusion of an abnormal opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained. The device further includes a first shape formed from the braided tubular fabric consisting of a repeating pattern of expanded volume segments separated by small diameter articulation segments and a second overall device shape comprised of the first shape formed about itself in various shapes to occlude a vessel. In one embodiment a shaping wire contained coaxially within the tubular braid, provides or assists in the formation of the second overall device shape.
US08361137B2	Tubular prosthesis The radially deformable tubular prosthesis comprises a lattice that is deformable between a retracted state of small diameter and an expanded state of greater diameter. It includes at least two external hooks defining between them a clamp for hooking in external tissue, the two hooks being carried by the lattice and being movable between a spaced-apart position in which the clamp is open, and a closer-together position in which the clamp is closed.
US08361132B2	System and method for manipulating a temperature of a patient A system for affecting a temperature of a patient, the system includes: a nose catheter that is adapted to be inserted into a nose upper channel and to receive a first fluid; and a temperature control and fluid supply unit that is adapted to supply the first fluid and control a temperature of the first fluid so as to affect a temperature of a brain of a patient when the nose catheter is inserted into the nose upper channel of a patient and receives the first fluid.
US08361131B2	Multi-component K-wire A surgical tool includes first and second K-wire components that are configured to pivot relative to each other and their relative position can be securely locked. The locking mechanism may be a sleeve, a retention ring or a collet.
US08361127B2	Bone fixing device A bone fixing device and in particular a device for stabilizing cervical vertebrae is provided, (with) a plate (2, 200) with at least one recess (5) for guiding through a section (15, 61, 62) of a bone screw (6, 60), a connecting element (20, 30), displaceable in the recess, for connecting the bone screw to the plate and a securing device (10, 11) for securing the connecting element against falling out of the recess.
US08361126B2	Bone plate system Bone plate systems for surgical implants and bone repair are provided. The bone plate is multi-tiered for receiving bone anchors for securing a plurality of bones or bone fragments in a desired relationship. The plate members include throughbores for receiving a pivot base therein, with head ends of the bone anchors being secured within the pivot bases. The throughbores may permit and define a translation path for the pivot base and the bone anchor secured therein relative to the plate. The configuration of the pivot base and the throughbore facilitate pivoting and optional translation of the pivot base relative to the plate. With the bone anchor seated within the pivot base, an apparatus for inhibiting bone anchor back out is employed.
US08361123B2	Bone anchor assemblies and methods of manufacturing and use thereof A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a proximal head and a distal shaft configured to engage bone, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, an insert positioned in the proximal end of the receiver member having a pair of spaced apart insert arms defining a recess therebetween, and a closure mechanism positionable between and engaging the insert arms to capture a spinal fixation element within the recess of the insert and fix the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member.
US08361119B2	Bone anchoring device A bone anchoring device is provided that includes an anchoring element with a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a connection element for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the connection element being made of an elastic material, a receiving part being connected to the shank for receiving the connection element and connecting the connection element to the shank, a seat for the connection element the seat being provided in the receiving part, and a locking element being engageable with the receiving part for fixation of the connection element in the seat. At least the portion of the connection element which is received in the recess has a substantially smooth-surface. The locking element has an engagement structure which contacts the surface of the connection element in such a way that a form-fit connection is provided.
US08361118B2	Elongated implant device and bone stabilization device including the same An elongated implant device for stabilizing the spinal column includes a rod-shaped member having a first end and a second end, the rod-shaped member defining a longitudinal axis of the implant device, a sleeve which is slidably arranged on the rod-shaped member, the sleeve having a free end and a coupled end, the coupled end being connected with an axial dampening element, and the axial dampening element, which is connected between the sleeve and the second end of the rod-shaped member to damp a movement of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis. The first end of the rod-shaped member may be configured to be connected to a first bone anchor and the sleeve may be configured to be connected to a second bone anchor.
US08361112B2	Surgical suture arrangement A surgical instrument may comprise a shaft having proximal and distal ends defining an axis therebetween. The shaft may be flexible and sized for insertion into the working channel of a flexible endoscope. The shaft may be configured to be used in conjunction with various suture anchor applicators. One suture anchor applicator may have a first tube with a first channel and a tissue penetrating tip. The first channel may be adapted to retain a second tube. The second tube may have a second channel and a blunt tip. The second channel may be adapted to retain at least one suture anchor and may include an exit port adapted for ejecting suture anchors. An alternative suture anchor applicator may comprise a first tube and a second tube with a tissue penetrating tip. The second channel is adapted to retain at least one suture anchor.
US08361111B2	Devices, systems and methods for closure of cardiac openings The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage.
US08361109B2	Multi-planar obturator with foldable retractor Various methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access to a body cavity using a surgical access device that can include an elongate flexible member having proximal and distal ends and a sidewall extending therebetween. The elongate flexible member can be movable between a first position in which the elongate flexible member has at least one longitudinal fold formed in the sidewall such that a width of a longitudinal opening extending through the elongate flexible member is reduced, and a second position in which the fold in the sidewall is unfolded such that a width of the longitudinal opening is increased. In some embodiments, an obturator having expansion members can be used to unfold the elongate flexible member.
US08361100B2	Applicator instruments for the delivery, deployment, and tamponade of hemostats and methods therefor An instrument for deploying hemostats has an intermediate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen, and an inner shaft telescopically received within the central lumen of the intermediate shaft. The instrument includes an inflatable balloon, a first actuator for inflating the balloon, and a second actuator for moving the distal ends of the intermediate and inner shafts relative to one another for changing the shape of the inflated balloon. A proximal end of the balloon is secured to the distal end of the intermediate shaft and the distal end of the balloon is secured to the distal end of the inner shaft. The intermediate and inner shafts are moveable so that the inflated balloon has a toroidal shape and a flattened distal face. The inflated balloon has a major axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate shaft.
US08361098B2	Surgical blade for use with a surgical tool for making incisions for scleral eye implants A surgical blade is disclosed for use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The surgical blade comprises a rotatable support arm capable of being rotated by the surgical tool and a detachable curved cutting blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. The surgical tool causes the curved cutting blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the curved cutting blade is detached from the rotatable support arm. The curved cutting blade is then removed from the incision by pulling the curved cutting blade forward out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.
US08361096B2	Cutting balloon catheter having flexible atherotomes A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible.
US08361095B2	Loop thrombectomy device A thrombectomy device may include an elongate torsion member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of helically arranged engagement members disposed at a distal portion of the elongate torsion member. Preferably, at least a portion of the engagement members has a rounded, atraumatic shape. The engagement members have a collapsed state where the engagement members are compressed toward the elongate torsion member, and an expanded state where the engagement members are expanded radially outward. Preferably, the engagement members are attached to and extends radially outward from the elongate torsion member at a different longitudinal point such that the engagement members are spaced longitudinally and circumferentially from each other when in the expanded state. When the thrombectomy device is deployed in a body lumen or cavity, the engagement members expands out to contact a wall of the body lumen or cavity.
US08361092B1	Vascular anastomosis device and method A side-to-end vascular anastomosis device comprising a diversion conduit coupled to a lower flange which is inserted into the vessel and an upper flange located on the outside of the vessel designed to clamp together to seal the incision into which the lower flange of the device is inserted.
US08361083B2	Obstetrical vacuum extractor with over-traction release A vacuum extractor for obstetrical use comprises a vacuum cup at one end of an elongated stem having a handle at the opposite end. The vacuum cup is sealed over a portion of the head of the fetus and a vacuum source, usually operating through the stem, connects to the inner side of the cup and secures it to the fetal head. A strain sensor is connected to the stem. When the force applied to the cup through the handle and stem exceeds a predetermined maximum, a valve connecting the vacuum pressure to the atmosphere is opened so as to release the vacuum pressure from the cup. Another extractor comprises an elongated hollow stem having one or more apertures along its length, a vacuum source connected to a cup supported on the stem, and a handle member which includes a traction limiting element operative to open and close the apertures.
US08361079B2	Method for drilling enlarged sections of angled osteal tunnels Methods for drilling enlarged osteal tunnels using osteal guides capable of drilling an angled osteal tunnel, namely, an osteal tunnel having an angle or turn within the bone and for drawing a muscle, tendon or ligament in need of repair into the enlarged osteal tunnel such that the bone can mend about, around, over and/or within the muscle, tendon or ligament. A reamer and guide wire can be used to create the enlarged osteal tunnel to accommodate a portion of the muscle, tendon or ligament in need of repair. The device allows for the blind intraosseous preparation of osteal tunnels and the blind intraosseous retrieval of sutures from such osteal tunnels.
US08361071B2	Vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.
US08361059B2	Cooling system A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply line and a second cooling system chilling the coolant within the coolant supply line to a temperature below the first temperature before the coolant reaches the connection point.
US08361058B2	Laser treatment apparatus A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a laser beam to a patient's eye, comprises: a plurality of laser sources which emit treatment laser beams having different wavelengths, each laser source being held in a main body to be mountable and demountable and connected to a power source through a connector; a light delivery optical system having a mirror for making the laser beams from the laser sources coaxial with each other to deliver each laser beam to the patient's eye; an input unit for inputting mounting information of each laser source; a control unit which checks a predetermined operation of each laser source by a sensor at the time of activation to determine whether an abnormality is present or not in each laser source, and displays an indication that the abnormality is present on a display, wherein the control unit will not perform the operation check whether the abnormality is present or not in the laser source or laser sources unmounted in the main body, based on the mounting information input by the input unit.
US08361055B2	Syringe and method for reconstitution of dry-form drugs and medicines A method of reconstituting and administering an injectable fluid distributed to practitioners in dry-form includes receiving a drug or medicine in dry form, selecting a reconstitution concentration for the drug or medicine, reconstituting a desired number of units of the drug or medicine by adding diluent to the dry-form drug or medicine, selecting a syringe having units marked according to the selected reconstitution concentration, drawing up a desired number of drug or medicine units using the selected syringe, and administering a desired number of units according to the unit markings on the selected syringe. Such a syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly that has a plunger handle and a piston, a needle, and a needle cap. The syringe includes a visual indicia, representing a first drug concentration contained in the barrel, that is distinguishable from a corresponding visual indicia, on a second syringe, representing a second drug concentration.
US08361054B2	Apparatus and methods for containing and delivering therapeutic agents The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for containing and delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through the container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure source may be selectively in fluid communication with either a first hollow tube and the container so that therapeutic agent is urged into a catheter, or with a second hollow tube and a catheter so that a fluid from the pressure source bypasses the container and enters the catheter.
US08361052B2	Method and system for sustained-release of sclerosing agent Methods and systems for treating pleural disease comprising a providing a low dosage of a sclerosing agent over a period of time. Certain examples include catheter with a sclerosing agent that is inserted into the pleural space. The sclerosing agent is released in a sustained-release manner over a period of time to achieve diffuse pleurodesis of the pleural layers.
US08361049B2	Boxer shorts and process of making boxer shorts with expandable material A boxer-style pant and a method of making a boxer-style pant having side seams and hanging legs. Expandable material is used to provide a conforming fit and to expedite high-speed manufacture. The pant is made from a web and includes a garment shell having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region positioned between the front and back regions. The side seams connect the front region to the back region. The garment shell may be essentially composed of an expandable material that is selectively expanded in certain areas of the garment, and/or an expandable material may be attached to the garment shell in the crotch region and/or in the back region.
US08361048B2	Refastenable absorbent product with overlaid side panels and method of making same in the machine direction A prefastened absorbent garment is manufactured with its longitudinal axis in the machine direction. A web of garment chassis material extending in the machine direction is overlaid with a side panel web. The side panel web is attached at opposite width borders of the chassis web and has one or more complementary fasteners opposing each other in the longitudinal axis direction of the garment chassis web. The garment can be folded to place the complementary fasteners in releasable engagement and individuated from the combined chassis and side panel webs.
US08361045B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing several distinct disposable absorbent articles on a single machine An apparatus and a method are disclosed for manufacturing several distinct disposable absorbent articles on a single machine. The apparatus includes three sections. The first section is capable of forming an absorbent assembly and cutting the absorbent assembly into individual absorbent assemblies. The second section is capable of moving a bodyside liner into alignment with the individual absorbent assemblies and applying an outer cover to the individual absorbent assemblies to form a continuous web having a primary stretch in a cross direction. The second section is further capable of adding at least three components to the web. The third section is capable of severing the continuous web into individual absorbent articles which can then be folded, stacked and packaged.
US08361042B1	Fat harvesting container A fat harvesting container, having a transparent container assembly with a top edge, a base, an exterior wall with first and second sections, and an incline wall. The first section extends from the top edge to the base. The second section extends from the top edge to the inclined wall, and the inclined wall extends from the second section to the base. The transparent container assembly also comprises a first outlet. The fat harvesting container also comprises a lid assembly, a tubing assembly, and a first valve assembly. The inclined wall biases liquid matter towards the first outlet, thus facilitating its exit therethrough with minimum movement of liquid matter and fat matter within the transparent container assembly. This way liquid matter and fat matter remain separate and a probability of remixing is reduced and prevented.
US08361041B2	Optically guided feeding tube, catheters and associated methods The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.
US08361039B2	Myocardial injector with spring loaded protective array A system is provided for performing injections in the ventricle of a patient. The system includes an injection catheter with a proximal and distal end. Importantly, a flexible array is mounted at the distal end of the injection catheter and is moveable between a protective configuration and a flared configuration. Also, a needle of variable length is mounted on the distal end of the injection catheter and is covered by the flexible array when the array is in its protective configuration. In order to manipulate the flexible array, a locking mechanism is mounted on the proximal end of the injection catheter for engagement with the flexible array. When selectively operated, the locking mechanism moves the array from its protective configuration to the flared configuration, holds the array in its flared configuration for an injection, and subsequently moves the array back to its protective configuration.
US08361035B2	Prefilled retractable syringe, plunger and needle assembly A retractable syringe, plunger and releasable needle retaining assembly are provided. The retractable syringe typically has a glass barrel and is prefilled with fluid contents before use. The releasable needle retaining system comprises a retractable needle, a needle seal, a retaining member and an ejector member that is operable to release the retractable needle from the retaining member. The retaining member has a mating surface for mounting to a complementary mating surface of an interior wall of a syringe barrel. The plunger comprises a plunger outer, a plunger rod frangibly connected to a controlling member, a spring and a unitary plunger seal capable of engaging the retractable needle, wherein the plunger rod, plunger outer and the controlling member co-operate to releasably maintain the spring in an initially compressed state. After delivery of fluid contents of the syringe, the plunger forces the ejector member to release the retractable needle from the retaining member. Decompression of the spring at the end of depression of the plunger facilitates retraction of the retractable needle when engaged with the unitary plunger seal. Dual locking systems prevent re-use of the syringe after needle retraction.
US08361031B2	Exchanging information between devices in a medical environment A medical device including an operation determiner for determining operations to be performed by the medical device in response to a gesture of the device with respect to the medical device, and an operation data accessor for accessing operation data for the operation performed by the medical device.
US08361030B2	Disposable infusion device with occlusion detector A disposable wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament and a cannula having a distal end that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient The device further comprises a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament along a path to the cannula when actuated and a lock-out that precludes actuation of the pump when an occlusion occurs within the path to the distal end of the cannula.
US08361027B2	Drug delivery device A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocable chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to undergo incremental advancement. The device may also be provided with manually control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.
US08361022B2	Apparatus for transdermal delivery of parathyroid hormone agents An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.
US08361019B2	Injection aid and stability disk for syringe or insulin pen An injection aid for a syringe includes a disk with a central orifice and a flange. The flange is located on the top of the disk, and surrounds the central orifice. The outlet end or needle hub of a syringe or insulin pen fits in the flange, with the syringe needle extending through the orifice, thereby securing the disk to the syringe. The bottom surface of the disk is generally flat. The bottom surface of the disk makes contact with the skin when the needle is inserted to the proper depth. In other words, the needle lies perpendicular to the disk and is arranged to project past the disk's flat bottom surface by a set, pre-determined length. When the disk is pressed flat against a patient's skin, the needle is at the proper depth for the substance being injected.
US08361017B2	Balloon catheter A balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable and deflatable balloon fixed to the catheter tube and a refolding device for folding the balloon onto the catheter tube during balloon deflation, wherein the refolding device includes at least one flap arrangement being fixed on the catheter tube and being disposed within the balloon.
US08361012B2	Dry to wet injector The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for combining a solid particulate with a solvent prior to an injection protocol within an injector device. The solid particulate may be a pharmaceutical compound and the microcapsules contain a solvent for such particulate. Upon application of pressure, the microcapsules may be configured to burst and release the solvent, thereby dispersing and/or partially dissolving the particulate. The injector therefore allows for the use of relatively unstable pharmaceutically active compounds in a device that requires relatively long storage times and the use of pharmaceutical compounds that are relatively stable in the dry state.
US08361011B2	Manifold hub for patient fluid administration The present invention concerns a housing for supporting the proximal inlet ports of at least two isolated lumens, for use in a patient fluid administration system, wherein each of the lumens further comprises a distal outlet for connecting to at least one patient fluid administration member, and wherein the housing further comprises an integral unit, wherein the unit comprises a distal frame layer, a female connector layer, for connecting to at least one of the fluid peripheral elements and at least one intermediate gasket layer for providing sealing between each of the isolated lumens.
US08361007B2	U-shaped disc shunt and delivery device The intervertebral disc contains no blood vessels. Nutrients and waste are diffused mainly through adjacent vertebral bodies. As we age, calcified layers form between the disc and vertebral bodies, blocking diffusion. The disc begins to starve and flatten. The weight shifts abnormally from disc to the facet joints causing strain and back pain. Under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid is produced causing acidic irritation and unspecific pain. A U-shaped disc shunt (126) is delivered into and sealed within the degenerated disc simply by needle puncturing and withdrawal, to draw nutrients from bodily circulation into the avascular disc. A continual supply of nutrients increases biosynthesis of the water-retaining sulfated glycosaminoglycans, hence swelling pressure within the disc. The weight is re-shifted from the facet joints to the regenerated disc, alleviating back pain. With oxygen transported through the shunt, anaerobic production of lactic acid is minimized. In addition, the residual lactic acid is expelled through the U-shaped shunt during disc compression into bodily circulation to alleviate unspecific pain.
US08361006B2	Blood treatment device A blood treatment device has a blood purification element divided into two chambers by a semipermeable membrane. With the device, nonphysiological conditions of the patient, in particular critical potassium concentrations and withdrawal rates, can be better prevented during the blood treatment. The device's analyzer unit determines on the basis of at least one sensor the concentration of a substance in the blood in the blood inlet line, the instantaneous transfer rate of this substance through the membrane, and the total quantity of this substance withdrawn during the treatment. The determined concentration is compared with a first admissible value range, the transfer rate is compared with a second admissible value range, and the quantity of the substance withdrawn is compared with a third value range. The device's control unit can instruct the device such that the blood treatment device performs the blood treatment while maintaining all three admissible value ranges.
US08360996B2	Guide wire A guide wire for a catheter is inserted for use into the catheter and has a wire body, a reshapeable shaping ribbon (wire material) mounted such that a part of the base end side of the shaping ribbon is fixed to the front end side (small diameter section) of the wire body and a part of the front end side of the shaping ribbon extends in the direction to the front end of the guide wire from the front end of the wire body, and a helical coil installed so as to cover both the front end side of the wire body and the shaping ribbon. The coil is divided into a first coil and a second coil, and the first coil is divided into a fine pitch section and a rough pitch section. The bending rigidity of the fine pitch section is greater than that of the rough pitch section.
US08360994B2	Arrangement for body fluid sample extraction An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.
US08360991B2	Tissue penetration device A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of the patient. Contact is made between the tip and the tissue of the patient. The tip is advanced into the tissue during a penetration stroke to a position of maximum inward displacement. The tissue penetration element is allowed to settle upon reaching the point of maximum inward penetration for at least about 1 millisecond with no driving force imposed on the tissue penetration element. The tissue penetration element is displaced proximally over a withdrawal stroke and the tip is removed from the tissue.
US08360988B2	Catheter air management system An air management system is described for removing and reintroducing a desired amount of air into an air passage of a pressure measurement catheter. More specifically, the system includes a cylindrical housing, check valves in communication with the housing and an moveable shaft with multiple sealing members along its length. As the shaft is moved within the housing, a piston member causes the residual air in the catheter air passage to be evacuated to a defined negative pressure. Further movement of the shaft causes a piston member to inject a predetermined volume of air into the catheter air passage. In this respect, periodic adjustments of the piston member returns the volume of air in a variable volume chamber to one that is unaffected by residual volume in the chamber and that provides an optimum volume of air to maximize the time the sensor can function accurately between recharging events.
US08360987B2	System and method for monitoring plantar temperature of the foot A console for measuring plantar foot pressure includes a support case and at least two temperature sensitive pads, disposed in the case, configured to allow a user to measure the temperature of the soles of their feet without assistance.
US08360982B2	Method and apparatus for operating a micromotor in a fluid using a moisture barrier A device and a method for sealing a micromotor with an optional associated gearbox are disclosed where, in one aspect of the present invention, a catheter tip comprises: a micromotor; an ultrasound imaging transducer; a gearbox mechanically coupled to the micromotor, the gearbox having a rotatable portion mechanically coupled to the ultrasound imaging transducer array; and a moisture barrier disposed so as to reduce or prevent acoustic coupling fluid from entering both the gearbox and the micromotor.
US08360980B2	Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus control method After executing a second transmission constituting an ultrasonic wave of an amount of one frame from an ultrasonic wave having a high sound pressure of destructing bubbles in a predetermined section for making a blood stream image or a tissue image in a circulation image of a blood stream disappear by making the bubbles in the predetermined section disappear, there is carried out a third transmission by an ultrasonic wave having a low sound pressure of not substantially destructing the bubbles for acquiring the circulation image of the blood stream with regard to the predetermined section. The first transmission is executed by the ultrasonic wave for making a portion of the blood stream image in the circulation image disappear by making the bubbles at the predetermined region present in the predetermined section disappear as necessary while executing the third transmission.
US08360978B2	Ultrasound device for medical applications An ultrasound device for medical application has a transducer formed by a number of transducer elements. The transducer elements are carried on a flexible support that allows the transducer elements to be configured to an examination subject. A measurement device determines, for each transducer element, a distance or a rotation thereof with respect to a reference point. The reference point can be a point that is physically a part of the ultrasound device, or can be a virtual reference point.
US08360973B2	Process for acquiring scanned image data relating to an external body portion and/or a product applied thereto A process is disclosed for acquiring scanned image data relating to an external body portion and/or a product applied to the external body portion. The process includes placing a transfer member in contact with an external portion of an individual to obtain a transfer image on the transfer member. The transfer image of the transfer member is scanned with an optical image scanner to obtain scanned image data. The scanned image data may be sent from a first computer associated with the scanner to a second computer at a remote location. An image corresponding to the scanned image data may be displayed and viewed to analyze a characteristic of the external body portion and/or a characteristic of a product applied to the external body portion. The process may also involve determining a recommendation of a treatment for the external portion and providing this recommendation. Another aspect relates to evaluating the product applied to the external body portion. In addition, the process may include monitoring the status of the external body portion during treatment.
US08360972B2	Virtual ports devices and method A device auxiliary to surgery, for anchoring and lifting cavity walls or internal organs of a patient. The device provides a virtual port; that is an instrument that can be non-invasively, or minimally invasively and removably attached to the undersurface of a patient's cavity, or to various tissues within a cavity, and to which various retracting means are attached. The device includes means allowing it to be moved from one position to another and reattached to the undersurface of the abdominal wall, or to various tissues within a cavity, without creating any additional openings in the cavity wall. The device includes means for attaching various retractors.
US08360969B2	Securable cannula and method A medical device suitable for introducing a medical instrument into a patient includes an outer cannula and at least one arm connected to the cannula toward a proximal portion of the at least one arm. The at least one arm is deployable between a closed position and an open position. An inner member is telescopically received in the outer cannula to hold each arm in the closed position. The inner member is deployable to disengage from the arm after the device is inserted into a patient, thereby freeing the arm to be deployed to the open position where it helps hold the outer cannula in the patient. The inner member includes an inner cannula and/or a trocar.
US08360968B2	Endoscopic sheath with illumination A protective sheath adapted to cover an elongate medical probe. The sheath includes an elongate sheath adapted to receive an insertion tube of a medical probe and isolate the insertion tube from body tissue and at least one light generating element mounted on the sheath.
US08360965B2	Endoscopic image pickup unit An endoscopic image pickup unit includes: a first fixed lens frame which holds a first objective lens group; a second fixed lens frame which, being fitted over the first fixed lens frame, holds a second objective lens group; a movable lens frame which, being installed in the second fixed lens frame so as to be able to move forward and backward along a photographic optical axis, holds a movable lens; and a deformation preventing member which, being interposed between a distal end body and the second fixed lens frame, prevents the second fixed lens frame from being deformed by fixing force of the fixing member when the endoscopic image pickup unit is fixed to the distal end body.
US08360962B2	Position control of medical appliances in the human body by means of phase difference measurement A system measures a change in position of a medical appliance, such as an endoscopy capsule. A device uses this measurement in order to influence the position of the medical appliance. The medical appliance sends a signal that is received by a multiplicity of spatially separate receiving devices. The time profile of the phase differences between the received signals and a reference signal provides an indication of whether the medical appliance has moved. In the event of a movement being detected, a maneuvering device can be regulated by a regulating means in such a way that the maneuvering device generates forces and/or torques and applies them to the medical appliance to counteract the detected movement.
US08360959B2	Penile implant with convertible proximal tip A penile implant includes an inflatable bladder providing a fluid chamber, a distal tip extending from a distal end of the inflatable bladder, and a proximal tip assembly extending from a proximal end of the inflatable bladder. The proximal tip assembly includes a tip core providing a first proximal tip diameter and a tip sleeve disposed over the tip core to provide a second proximal tip diameter that is larger than the first proximal tip diameter. The tip sleeve is removable from the tip core to provide the penile implant with a proximal tip that is convertible between the first and second proximal tip diameters.
US08360957B2	Method of treating erectile dysfunction The present invention is a novel method of using an elastic band comprising a tubular member constructed in the form of a closed loop, to restrict the flow of blood to the corpora cavernosa, resulting in occlusion of the dorsal veins in the penis and allowing blood to be trapped in the corpus cavernosum to enhance sexual performance and treat erectile dysfunction.
US08360954B2	Apparatus for examining and curing urinary incontinence, and for exercising bio-feedback of women vagina muscles An apparatus for examining and curing urinary incontinence and exercising the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal muscles using bio-feedback including a controller main body, a probe, and a bio-feedback device. The probe includes: an insert frame extending in a longitudinal direction thereof; an insert expansion part surrounding adjacent to a front end of the insert frame and expandable therearound; an air supply path connected to the interior of the insert expansion part to supply air; a handle engaged with the insert frame; a fixing means for fixing the insert expansion part to the insert frame or the handle; a valve installed at the air supply path; and a PTC ceramic heater and a vibration motor installed at the insert frame. An elastic member includes a magnet, an insertion depth adjustment part, and leg support parts installed at the insertion depth adjustment part. The bio-feedback device includes a sound generating means, and an image display means. The main body includes a controller for controlling each component, a motorized air pump, an air flow detection sensor, a pressure detection sensor, a spring air cylinder, a solenoid air injection valve, an air tank, etc. Therefore, it is possible for a user to readily perform examination and treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle (vagina muscle) reinforcement exercise using bio-feedback.
US08360953B2	Transferring and holding device for high-risk neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients A transferring and holding device and method for holding infants having lifelines, such as IV tubes, monitor wire leads, and ventilator tubes, connected thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a support surface adapted to hold an infant; a boundary attached to and bolstering the support surface; and at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the lifelines and to impede the lifelines from being disconnected from the infant. The support surface preferably has openings to enable skin-to-skin contact between the infant and a person holding the infant, and at least a portion of the support surface can be a nonabsorbent, open-weave webbed material. The boundary may include a foam member, and/or a flexible plastic or metal member to provide structural support.
US08360948B1	System and method for folding and handling stacks of continuous web This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack. After the web is separated above the chute, the supporting mechanism eventually travels to the base where the now-completed stack is conveyed to a downstream location. While the supporting mechanism is occupied transferring the completed, old stack, new folded web is deposited on a deployed temporary support that allows a new stack to form thereon until the supporting mechanism has completed the transfer of the old stack, and is ready to receive the new stack from the temporary support.
US08360946B2	Machine for the manufacture of bags A machine (1) for the manufacture of bags, having a support element (2, 3, 4) for detachably coupling a corresponding portable storage (22, 33, 44) of a consumable material (22a, 33a, 44a) from which the bags are made and mechanical mechanism for making bags from the material. A remote reading mechanism (5) is provided for reading the information stored in a radiofrequency tag (6, 7, 8) included in the portable storage, as well as a control unit (18) which contains a mechanism for obtaining information from the radiofrequency tag, which allows identifying the type of consumable material coupled in the support element, and for automatically generating a signal for controlling the mechanical mechanism.
US08360932B2	Lockup clutch control device for vehicle In a vehicle mounting an engine equipped with an exhaust turbocharger and a fluid transmission device as the power transmission device, occurrence of surging in the exhaust turbocharger is prevented at the time of connecting a lockup clutch in the fluid transmission device. When a condition for connecting the lockup clutch is held to lock up the fluid transmission device coupled to the engine 1 equipped with the exhaust turbocharger, the operation is executed by lowering a target engine rotational speed for a predetermined period of time prior to the locking up to avoid the occurrence of surging caused by a decrease in the engine rotational speed due to the lockup. A lockup clutch control device 50 includes first timer means 51 for setting a time for executing the operation by decreasing the target engine rotational speed, and second timer means 52 for setting a time for waiting for the start of lockup.
US08360924B2	Multi-speed planetary transmission with two planetary gear sets and up to ten forward speed ratios A multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a first and a second compound planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set has a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth member. The second planetary gear set has a first, second, third, and fourth member. The first member of the first compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the input member. The first member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the output member. The second member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously grounded to the stationary member. None of the members of the first planetary gear set are continuously connected for common rotation with any of the members of the second planetary gear set. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable to establish up to ten forward speed ratios.
US08360920B2	Continuously variable transmission and control method thereof When a vehicle stops in a travel range, a transmission controller sets a subtransmission mechanism in a second speed interlocking condition in which a torque input into a continuously variable transmission is transmitted in a second gear position and both a frictional engagement element of a first gear position and a frictional engagement element of the second gear position are engaged, and when a predetermined condition is established while the vehicle is stationary, the transmission controller reduces an output shaft torque of the continuously variable transmission.
US08360918B2	Multi-speed transmission with planetary and layshaft gears A transmission includes a coaxial input member, output member, intermediate member, and simple planetary gear set. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second and a third axis of rotation, respectively. The transmission has five sets of intermeshing gears, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and others of which are arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to one of the intermediate member and the simple planetary gear set. The transmission has eight torque-transmitting mechanisms that are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective gear of the intermeshing sets of gears to a respective one of the layshafts or to a stationary member. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish up to fourteen forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08360917B2	Continuously variable transmission Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
US08360911B2	Multiple sprocket assembly A multiple sprocket assembly receives a chain and transfers torque therefrom to a rear wheel hub of a bicycle. The multiple sprocket assembly includes a plurality of different-sized multiple-toothed sprockets arranged coaxially about the rear wheel hub. A plurality of annular support elements extend between the sprockets and have a plurality of openings disposed circumferentially on the annular support element. The openings are aligned with tooth gaps of an adjoining smaller sprocket. The sprockets and the annular support elements are configured to transmit torque from the smaller sprocket to a larger sprocket.
US08360910B2	Worm-belt transmission of a power-steering drive A power-steering drive for a steering system in a motor vehicle includes a motor driving a motor shaft and a transmission situated between the motor shaft and an output shaft. The transmission takes the form of a combined worm-belt transmission. Furthermore, in a method for adjusting the transmission of a power-steering drive, the adjustment is performed by solely adjusting the intermediate shaft relative to the motor shaft and/or the output shaft.
US08360909B2	Method and apparatus for shifting a bicycle transmission A control mechanism for controlling a bicycle transmission to set a speed stage of a bicycle comprises a shift command communication path for communicating electronic shift commands to select a speed stage of the bicycle, a transmission command communication path for communicating information for controlling the operation of the bicycle transmission, and a transmission control unit operatively coupled to the shift command communication path and to the transmission command communication path for receiving the shift commands and for generating the information for controlling the operation of the bicycle transmission. When the transmission control unit receives at least one shift command requesting a shift through N speed stages to a destination speed stage, where N is an integer greater than one, the transmission control unit generates information for causing the bicycle transmission to move to the destination speed stage.
US08360908B2	Expandable pulley An expandable pulley comprising a plurality of adjacent segments, each segment being radially moveable, each segment slidingly engaged with a pin member, each pin member having an engagement with each segment such that each segment is moveable in a direction substantially at an angle (α) to a radial along each pin member, a moveable guide member engaged with each segment for spatially locating each segment with respect to another segment, a counterweight cooperatively connected to each segment and cooperatively engageable with each pin member, each counterweight exerting a force opposing a segment centripetal force, and each pin member connected to a hub.
US08360905B2	Chromatic architecture for sports equipment Sporting items such as soccer balls include a casing region and a graphic region that are defined by enhanced-visibility colors (EVCs) that are substantially complementary. Such EVCs can be selected to avoid colors associated with color confusion in color deficient individuals. In addition, such colors can be selected based on total reflectances to obtain a predetermined luminance contrast. EVCs can be selected based on separations of color coordinate locations using CIE chromaticity coordinates or CIE L-a-b coordinates or otherwise selected. Color selection can include consideration of anticipated viewing backgrounds in a general setting, or colors can be customized for a particular location and particular illumination conditions.
US08360904B2	Sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.
US08360903B2	Method of selecting preferred customized equipment parameters for golf clubs A method of selecting preferred customized equipment parameters for golf clubs, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may comprise collecting a primary data set comprising a plurality of actual golf-equipment parameters and a plurality of actual player-skill evaluation data; providing a plurality of secondary data sets, each comprising a first subset including a plurality of reference golf-equipment parameters and a plurality of reference player-skill evaluation data, and a second subset including a plurality of potential customized golf-equipment parameters; comparing the first subset of each of the plurality of secondary data sets with a corresponding subset of the primary data set; selecting all secondary data sets wherein the first subsets match the corresponding subset of the primary data set; identifying, from the second subsets of all the secondary data sets wherein the first subsets match the corresponding subset of the primary data set, the plurality of potential customized golf-equipment parameters belonging to a specific secondary data set; and designating the plurality of potential customized equipment parameters belonging to the specific secondary data set as the plurality of preferred customized golf-equipment parameters.
US08360899B2	Methods, apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs A method can include (i) identifying a reference shaft for an individual based on one or more characteristics of the individual; (ii) receiving shaft feedback information from the individual with respect to a performance of the reference shaft based on an assessment by the individual of one or more reference shaft characteristics of the reference shaft; (iii) executing a shaft comparison between shaft characteristic information of the reference shaft and shaft characteristic information of a plurality of available shafts based on the shaft feedback information of the individual, the shaft characteristic information of the reference shaft comprising information about the one or more reference shaft characteristics; and (iv) identifying one or more recommended shafts from the plurality of available shafts based on the shaft comparison to custom fit the individual. Other examples and related embodiments are disclosed herein.
US08360894B2	Waterslide bowl An annular-shaped waterslide bowl for use as an element of a waterslide apparatus serves to slow a rider down and bring him or her to a stop at the end of the waterslide ride. The bowl has a bowl wall with a rider entry port through which a rider slides from a flume into the bowl. The bottom wall of the bowl has an opening at its center and a low circumferential wall around the opening extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The rider comes to a stop in the bowl and can step over the circumferential wall into the opening. A staircase or slide located within the opening provides means for the rider to exit the bowl. The waterslide bowl provides a compact structure for slowing and stopping the rider and is particularly suitable for waterslide installations having limited space.
US08360890B2	Online gaming cheating prevention system and method A method, system, and software for preventing cheating during online gaming, including a first online gaming server computer system configured to gather information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming; a second online gaming server computer system configured to receive the information; and a central database configured for aggregating the received information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered by the first online gaming server computer system along with information stored on the central database regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered from a plurality of online gaming server computer systems. The aggregated information from the central database regarding cheaters detected is made available to the second online gaming server computer system, and cheaters identified in the aggregated information are prevented from online gaming on the second online gaming server computer system based on the aggregated information from the central database.
US08360889B2	Game system, game apparatus therefor, communication apparatus therefor, computer program therefor, and data management method therefor A game system (100) has plural game terminals (200) and a communication apparatus (300). The communication apparatus (300) receives an end notification indicating the end and a state of a play and stores a state data set (254) including a play data item indicating a result of the play and a time data item indicating a point in time corresponding to a point in time at which the end notification was received. The game terminal (200), by transmitting a state request, receives a state data set (254) stored in the communication apparatus (300) at that point in time and reads a play data item within the state data set after a delay period has passed since a point in time indicated by a time data item within the state data set, to output information corresponding to a state of a play indicated by the play data item.
US08360888B2	External control of a peripheral device through a communication proxy in a wagering game system Example embodiments are directed to external control of peripheral devices through a communication proxy of an electronic wagering game machine in a wagering game network. In a particular embodiment, an electronic wagering game machine includes a central processing unit (CPU); at least one peripheral device in data communication with the CPU; and a data communication interface in data communication with the CPU to enable data communication with an external system via an external system interface, the data communication interface including a first communication mode to control data communication between the external system and the at least one peripheral device, the data communication interface including a second communication mode to enable a communication proxy that optionally relinquishes control of the data communication between the external system and the at least one peripheral device.
US08360886B2	Controlling interaction between protected media A method, server system, and computer program storage product are disclosed. At least a first unique identifier from a first remote processing system is received. The first unique identifier is associated with a first remote software package that is on the first remote processing system. The first unique identifier and a second unique identifier are compared. The second unique identifier is associated with a second remote software package that is on a second remote processing system. The first unique identifier indicates that the first remote software package is one of a parent and a child copy of a software package executable. The second unique identifier indicates that the second remote software package is one of a parent and a child copy of the software package executable. An operation of at least one of the first remote software package and the second remote software package is authorized based upon the comparing.
US08360881B2	Interactive game for an electronic device An interactive game allows a player to play a “handclapping” game on a device with a touch screen interface (mobile phone, tablet or other such device) with a 3D model or a 2D model of an animal, a person, or any other character. The player must successfully mimic the moves of the 3D or 2D model/character to progress in the game. Specifically the player must match his moves by touching the screen with his finger or fingers with the moves made by the animal, a person, or any other character, which is also touching its appendages to specific areas of the touch screen.
US08360879B2	Game machine and game program for overturning or spinning a player object on a display screen In an overturn determination process, it is determined that a race kart that is a player object is to be overturned if the race kart is changed into a predetermined pose. In an overturn process, the race kart is forcedly overturned and spun only during a first predetermined time period T1 by experiencing external forces that causes an overturn, and the race kart is rotated by inertia only during a second predetermined time period T2 without experiencing the external forces. Then, a process is performed for bringing the direction of the player kart's height close to the normal vector of the ground and bringing the traveling direction of the race kart close to the pre-overturn traveling direction, whereby the race kart is recovered to a state capable of running again. While the race kart is overturned, an operation control process is not performed, and an operation input from the controller is not accepted.
US08360877B2	Input of message to be exchanged between game apparatuses connected together for communication thereamong Multiple game machines communicating with one another progress a game while exchanging messages with one another. A screen showing the progress state of the game is displayed on a first LCD included in each game machine. When the progress state of the game displayed on the first LCD becomes a predetermined game situation, an icon prestored in association with the game situation is displayed in an icon display area provided on a second LCD having a touch panel provided on the front side thereof. When a player touches the displayed icon using a stylus, message buttons prestored in association with the game situation of the touched icon are displayed on the second LCD. When the player touches any one of the displayed message buttons with the stylus to select it, a message corresponding to the selected message button is input.
US08360876B2	Networked game machine, game information display and game program for mahjong game A game machine includes a game progress controller, a main image display controller, a supplementary information generator, and a sub-image display controller. The game progress controller accepts operational information entered from a touch panel and from other game machines and successively obtains tile objects representing tiles of individual players. The main image display controller defines arrangement zones for the tile objects representing the tiles of the individual players within a main screen area, displays the tile objects so that patterns of tile objects of a primary player are visually recognizable, and substitutes the tile objects obtained by drawing actions for specified ones of the tile objects. The supplementary information generator generates supplementary information regarding the tile objects that are displayed in a visually recognizable fashion. The sub-image display controller displays the supplementary information in a sub-screen area located adjacent to the main screen area.
US08360875B2	Jackpot display system A jackpot display system (10) for a gaming system, the jackpot display system comprising a display control device (14) arranged to receive jackpot data indicative of a plurality of current jackpot amounts, each jackpot amount being derived from games played on at least one gaming machine (40, 42), and a plurality of displays (16) in communication with the display control device (14). The display control device (14) is arranged to selectively associate at least some of the displays (16) with respective jackpot amounts so that during use jackpot amounts are shown on the associated displays.
US08360874B2	Dynamic gaming library A method for casino operators and/or players to instantly “create” new games without requiring recertification by a gaming laboratory. New games are created on the fly by making combinations of game attributes including but not limited to theme, denomination, volatility, RTP. Game attributes are associated to pre-certified software components that are then dynamically linked to instantly offer a new game. Having players dynamically create games according to their preference totally removes the game operator's risk to compose menus of available games that players will not play.
US08360873B1	Combining games based on levels of interactivity of the games A method of combining games based on levels of interactivity of the games is disclosed. It is identified that a player is idle with respect to a primary game, the primary game having a first level of interactivity. A secondary game having a second level of interactivity is selected based on the second level of interactivity being compatible with the first level of interactivity. The player is provided with an option to participate in the secondary game white the player is idle with respect to the primary game.
US08360871B2	Wagering game machines with non-volatile memory Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to load a software program which, when executed by a processor, is associated with presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered. The software program may be loaded into a non-volatile memory in the form of phase-change random access memory, nanotube random access memory, or a combination thereof, and executed by the processor to present the wagering game after conducting a first preliminary authentication. Upon entering a reset cycle, a subsequent preliminary authentication of the software program is conducted without reloading the non-volatile memory, and the program is executed from the non-volatile memory by the processor while a background full authentication of the software program stored in mass storage is conducted. Execution out of the non-volatile memory is halted if the background full authentication fails.
US08360867B2	Video game which delivers an offer to a player In an embodiment, a video game provides offers to players of a video game. For example, the video game can provide to the player an offer to receive a particular virtual item (a virtual object or a virtual service delivered in the video game) in exchange for a particular price, such as the player character wearing a logo or branded material of an advertiser. The time at which the offer is provided to the player can be governed by the status in the game of the player character of the player.
US08360862B2	Integrating social contact identifiers into wagering games Described herein are processes and devices that integrate social contact identifiers into wagering games. One of the devices described is a social contact identifier integrator. The social contact identifier integrator can display one or more elements of a wagering game, such as graphics that are part of, or connected to, the wagering game. A player of the wagering game can have a social network account that has one or more related social network accounts, such as friends or acquaintances. The social contact identifier integrator selects a social contact identifier from one of the related social network accounts and integrates the social contact identifier into the wagering game. The social contact identifier integrator can also determine and assign rewards to the player or to the related social network account whose social contact identifier appeared in the wagering game.
US08360857B2	Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating a flat rate play session on a gaming device and example player interfaces to facilitate such In accordance with some embodiments, there is provided a method, apparatus and article of manufacture for providing a flat rate play session using a gaming device. The flat rate play session may define a duration of, for example, a period of time, a number of game plays, and/or a number of qualifying events. In some embodiments, a flat rate play session may define a game and a wager amount per game play. In some embodiments, a player may be allowed to change the game and/or the wager amount per game play during the flat rate play session. In some embodiments, a retail price may be calculated for the flat rate play session based on a number of simulations of the flat rate play session and a desired profit margin. In some embodiments, various user interfaces (e.g., touch-screen menus) may be used to allow a player to select and purchase a flat rate play session. Various user interfaces (e.g., touch-screen menus) may also be used to allow a player to reconfigure a flat rate play session during the duration of the flat rate play session.
US08360850B2	Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. A player's accumulated triggering symbols determine, at least in part, the player's probability of winning part of the bonus accumulation pool and/or the player's portion of the bonus accumulation pool.
US08360847B2	Multimedia emulation of physical reel hardware in processor-based gaming machines Gaming machines, systems and methods for providing more realistic emulations of rotating reels are disclosed. Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device, speakers and virtual reels. A reel spin timer can be adapted to vary the spin times of the simulated rotating reels from one game play to another, and a reel sound generator can be adapted to provide reel sounds to one or more speakers with respect to the simulated rotating reels. Provided reel sounds can also vary from one game play to another, and both reel spin times and reel sounds can be selected randomly from stored values or files. Stored values or files can include samplings from actual physical reels. A remote host can provide downloadable reel spin times and reel sounds to gaming machines within an associated gaming system.
US08360844B2	Multiple wager, multiple potential winning outcome gaming platform A multiple wager, multiple potential winning outcome gaming “Spin Game” platform may be played in its native configuration as well as easily themed to allow variations and adaptations including but not limited to casino table games, sporting teams and events, entertainment, film, television, and celebrities, as well as various other pop-culture fashions and trends. Specific deployments may be used to aid in transitioning “slots only” (or other EGM exclusive) players to active participants in table games by providing a step-by-step confidence building path from individual standalone, to multi-player “Party Style” deployments of the “Spin Game”, and finally to the actual table games themselves. Countdown timers may be configured to encourage and even reward players to place their wagers before the timer reaches zero—when “No More Bets” is called and the “Game Wheel” is spun, thereby ensuring that casino “hands per minute” target goal requirements are met or exceeded.
US08360843B2	Presenting network-wide events in network wagering venue A wagering game system its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account, from a network wagering venue, that is eligible to participate in a network-wide wagering game event, and selecting the player account to be a player that performs for an audience of other users. The player can win at least some portion of awards by playing a wagering game during the network-wide wagering game event. Audience member users can participate in the event using interactive features (e.g., betting features, chat features, etc.) presented in a presentation, or view, of the network-wide wagering game event. The operations can also include involving, or incorporating, the audience members, into the network-wide wagering game event in a variety of ways, such as assisting the player participant to perform better at the wagering game, engaging in side-bets, receiving awards, etc.
US08360841B2	Facilitating a payout at a gaming device using audiovisual content A gaming device is adapted to present audiovisual content to players of the game. While the audiovisual content is playing, the player may initiate a game start. A snap shot of the audiovisual content playing at the time of the game start is taken. Reels of the gaming device spin and provide indicia on a payline. The indicia on the payline are compared to characters and elements within the snap shot of the audiovisual content. If there is a match for outcome significant indicia, the player receives a benefit.
US08360840B2	Gaming machine with enhanced feature indicator A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. The gaming machine 10 comprises a bonus feature that is triggered when a trigger condition occurs in a base game and an indicator incorporated in the bonus feature indicates to the player that the chance of winning during the bonus feature is higher than in the base game that triggered the bonus feature.
US08360833B2	Method and apparatus for attachment and removal of fans while in operation and without the need for tools Disclosed is an air containment cooling system for containing air between two rows of equipment racks. The air containment cooling system comprises a canopy assembly configured to enclose a hot aisle defined by two rows of equipment racks and a cooling system embedded within the canopy assembly, the cooling system being configured to cool air disposed within the hot aisle, the cooling system including a heat exchanger, a mounting plate coupled to the canopy assembly, and a fan assembly configured to move air to the heat exchanger, the fan assembly being releasably mounted on the mounting plate. The fan assembly may include a fan unit having a fan and a motor and a mounting ring configured to mount the fan unit thereon. The mounting ring may have at least one mounting post configured to pass through a key slot formed in the mounting plate.
US08360829B2	Spinner wheel housing The invention relates to a spinner gate housing (100) comprising an outer housing (10) consisting of at least one covering element (15), at least one bottom element (16), two front wall elements (11, 12) and two trapezoidal lateral wall elements (13, 14) which are arranged at a distance from each other and encompassed b said front wall elements. At least one of the lateral wall elements (13, 14) comprises a recess for receiving a guiding sleeve. A guiding sleeve cover (40) is pressed against the lateral wall element (14) by means of at least three claw devices (50) fixed to the lateral wall element next to the recess for receiving the guiding sleeve and/or the bottom element (16) is connected to a base baring element (17) by means of a plurality of claw devices (70), said base bearing element to be fixed to a blasting compartment or a foundation.
US08360828B2	Cutting tool A cutting tool suitable for cutting a workpiece placed on a photocurable adhesive layer is provided. The cutting tool includes a main body, a cutting layer and a light emitting material. The cutting layer is disposed on a surface of the main body and is applicable in cutting the workpiece. The light emitting material is disposed inside the cutting layer or between the main body and the cutting layer. The light emitting material is suitable for emitting a light capable of curing the photocurable adhesive layer adjacent to a cutting path as the workpiece is cut by the cutting layer.
US08360826B2	Controlling powder delivery rate in air abrasive instruments A micro-abrasive blasting device and method for perturbation control may use a plurality of delivery conduits of various lengths and/or apertures, or a single moveable delivery conduit. The user is able to individually open and close bypass conduit pinch valve(s) external to micro-abrasive blasting device to affect the perturbation intensity internal to the mixing chamber. By selectively opening and closing flow through delivery conduits it is possible to provide a more consistent perturbation rate and select the perturbation intensity internal to mixing chamber.
US08360823B2	Splicing technique for fixed abrasives used in chemical mechanical planarization An abrasive article includes a support pad, a first abrasive element, a second abrasive element and a fixation mechanism. The support pad has a first major surface, a second major surface, a first edge, a second edge and a channel. The channel is formed within the first major surface and extends from the first edge to the second edge. The first and second abrasive elements are each positionable over a portion of the support pad. The fixation mechanism is positioned within the channel ad secures an edge of the first abrasive element and an edge of the second abrasive element to the support pad.
US08360822B2	Device for machining a die plate of an extruder Methods and devices for machining a die plate of an extruder for pelletization are provided. The device can include a grinding wheel with a grinding surface rotatably disposed on a drive mechanism of a cutter head associated with the extruder. The grinding surface can include a hard coating aligned with the die plate.
US08360821B2	Glass-plate working apparatus A glass-plate working apparatus (1) includes a grinding means (7) for grinding a peripheral edge (6) of a glass plate (2); and a grinding supporting means (9) for supporting the glass plate (2) whose peripheral edge (6) is to be ground by the grinding means (7), wherein the grinding supporting means(9) includes a grinding supporting table (101), a plurality of suction cups (102) which are held on the grinding supporting table(101) by being attached by suction to the grinding supporting table (101) and suck and hold the glass plate (2) by sucking the glass plate (2) whose peripheral edge (6) is to be ground, and an arranging means (103) for disposing the plurality of suction cups (102), respectively, at positions corresponding to the shape of the glass plate (2) to be ground.
US08360820B2	Robotic manipulator A robotic manipulator for clamping a workpiece includes a power source, a first rotary member, and a clamping mechanism. The first rotary member is connected to and rotated by the power source. The clamping mechanism is non-rotatably connected to the first rotary member and includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member capable of coupling to and decoupling from the first clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are coupled to each other. A receptacle is defined between the first clamping member and the second clamping member to receive the workpiece. The receptacle has a shape and size substantially the same as the workpiece.
US08360816B2	Article of clothing with wicking portion Articles of clothing that incorporate fabrics or chemicals having wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low coefficients of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of irritation, bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. The invention also includes methods for producing this wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low coefficient of friction apparel.
US08360814B2	Yo-yo having a modifiable string gap The invention is a yo-yo that includes unique features that enable a user to adjust the yo-yo's string gap. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the yo-yo's side assemblies includes a screw engaged to a nut that has two thru-bores located in a side-by-side relation. The screw is located to one side of the yo-yo's axis of rotation and can be rotated by a user to adjust the position of the associated side assembly on the yo-yo's axle structure. By appropriate positioning of the side assembly, a user can adjust the yo-yo's performance characteristics.
US08360811B2	Fixing structure for fixing metal plate and bolt to synthetic resin member A downsized fixing structure for fixing a metal plate and a bolt to a synthetic resin member which can prevent an upper surface of the metal plate from being covered by a resin, is provided. The fixing structure includes: a bus bar, i.e. the metal plate; the bolt having the head portion and the shank portion passed through a through hole provided at the bus bar; and a housing 9, i.e. the synthetic resin member, to which the bus bar and the bolt are fixed. Fixing portions projecting from a surface of the head portion of the bolt adjacent to the shank portion of the bolt are arranged to penetrate into the metal plate to be fixed thereto. A circumferential surface of the head portion of the bolt is knurled. The head portion is formed together with the housing by insert molding.
US08360798B2	Connector Connector including a connector housing and at least one resilient lock lever supported by the connector housing. The lever has a flexible free end including a locking cam projecting out of the housing. A release member, such as a sliding cover, is moveable between a locking position and a release position, the release member being provided with a pressure surface for engaging a section of the lever when the release member is moved to the release position. A resilient member biases the release member to the locking position. The lock lever can for example be a leaf spring.
US08360796B2	Device for latching a connector device and associated tool A device for latching a first connector to a complementary second connector. The device including a female element that is fixed to the first connector and delimits a housing open axially rearward, at least one elastically deformable retaining finger that projects radially inside the housing of the female element, a male element that is carried by the second connector and includes a latching front section furnished with a retaining notch, the latching section being adapted to be inserted axially from the rear toward the front into the housing of the female element as far as a front latching position in which the retaining finger is received in the retaining notch to immobilize the first connector axially on the second connector.
US08360794B2	Electrical connector having a metal shell with locking tabs extending into a recess An electrical connector includes an insulating housing defining a pair of pivotal grooves on two opposite sides of a front end thereof and a L-shaped recess at each side thereof. A plurality of contacts are arranged in the housing. A metal shell defines a pair of pivotal posts sliding assembled in the pivotal grooves, the metal shell rotating downward to cover on the insulating housing. The shell defines a locking element extending to the front end of the housing and inserted in the L-shaped recess to lock the metal shell with the insulating housing.
US08360789B2	Interconnection system for electronics cards The present invention relates to an interconnection system for connecting two electronics cards together, wherein the system includes first and second subassemblies including housings each receiving at least one connector, the first and second subassemblies being configured for fastening to first and second electronics cards respectively; and a coupling, third subassembly including housings receiving connector couplings, said connector couplings being configured to couple the connectors of the first subassembly with the connectors of the second subassembly; the third subassembly being configured to be placed between the first and second subassemblies.
US08360784B2	Reward chain Methods and apparatus for a game in which children are rewarded for their good behavior. In one embodiment, the game includes a plurality of strips that include written messages of positive reinforcement. When the child acts in a manner that is praiseworthy, the parent instructs the child to remove a strip with a printed message, instructs the child as to the meaning of the message and the spelling of the message, and instructs the child to form the strip into a ring that is placed on a chain of other such strips. When the chain reaches a predetermined position (such as in contact with the floor or a predetermined number of links in the chain) the child receives a reward.
US08360783B2	Aural, neural muscle memory response tool and method An aural, neural muscle memory response tool includes an acoustic resonator in the form of a two-pronged fork with parallel tines formed from a U-shaped bar of elastic metal. The U-shaped bar is attached to a deflector at a curved vertex. The tines are configured to resonate at a determined frequency up to about 20 Hz. A housing houses and stably supports the deflector and also houses a portion of the tines without contacting the tines. Optionally, the tool may include a manually actuatable trigger configured to cause the tines to vibrate when actuated. Use of the tool for training entails performing a task; determining to either associate a sound generated by the tool with the performed task, and if the sound generated by the tool will be associated with the performed task, generating the sound. These steps may be repeated until the training session is complete. Use of the tool for recollection entails determining whether to produce a sound generated by the tool and associated with a task as a muscle memory cue, and if the sound will be produced, producing the sound before the task is performed; and then performing the task.
US08360781B2	Hazardous material response system, method of using same and method of training for same This application describes methods for responding to a hazardous material based upon properties of the hazardous material based on its name. This application also describes methods of teaching hazardous material responders how to use the method of responding to a hazardous material based upon properties of the hazardous material based on its name.
US08360778B2	Braille cell cap An electromechanical Braille cell assembly includes a plurality of parallel bimorph reeds. A first plurality of bimorph reeds is mounted to a first side of a printed circuit board by a first plurality of clips and a second plurality of bimorph reeds is mounted to a second side of the printed circuit board by a second plurality of clips. A frame has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall in the form of an angle wall and a second side wall in the form of a flat wall. Pinholes are formed in the angle wall to accommodate Braille pins and the flat wall is slotted to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards. A monolithic cap covers all of the Braille pins. Pinholes formed in the cap receive the respective tips of the Braille cells when actuated bimorph reeds cause displacement of the Braille pins.
US08360774B2	Prophy angle The present invention provides a dental prophylaxis angle that includes a housing, a drive shaft, and a rotor. The housing may define a first bore and a second bore in communication with the first bore. The drive shaft is positionable in the first bore and may include a distal bearing surface. The rotor is positionable in the second bore and can be driven by the drive shaft. Further, the rotor rotates about a first axis. The second bore can further include a side surface, a plane perpendicular to the first axis that intersects both the side surface and the distal bearing surface. The drive shaft and the side surface of the second bore can operate together, against a common surface of the rotor, to prevent removal of the rotor from the second bore in a direction along the first axis.
US08360769B2	Apparatus for manufacturing products from a thermoplastic mass An apparatus for manufacturing products from material which is thermoplastically deformable, as from plastic, comprising: —a mold (2) with at least one mold cavity (3); —in the or each mold cavity (3) at least one slide (8); —movement means for moving each slide (8); —closing means for opening and closing the mold (2); —feed means for introducing, with the mold cavity (3) closed, said material in at least substantially plastic condition into the or each mold cavity; wherein the movement means (9) for moving the slide (3) are arranged for moving said slide forward at a relatively high speed relative to the movement speed of the mold parts upon opening and closing thereof, from a position at least partly retracted from the mold cavity, such that said material, as a result, is displaced in the mold cavity for obtaining the filling thereof, preferably at a speed high such that adiabatic heat development occurs in the or each mold cavity.
US08360767B2	Device for avoiding the uncontrolled discharge of melt from a nozzle plate One or more embodiments of a device for avoiding the uncontrolled discharge of melt from nozzle apertures of a nozzle plate are provided. The device can include a locking member that is movable in front of the nozzle plate. The locking member can be formed as an extrudate collection member. The locking member can be reciprocable between a production position and a collection position. And melt can be discharged from the nozzle apertures of the nozzle plate in the form of extrudates into a process chamber when the locking member is in the production position and into extrudate collection member when the locking member is in the collection position. The device can also include a melt extraction aperture disposed on the extrudate collection member. The melt extraction aperture can be configured to align with the nozzle apertures in the nozzle plate and a melt extraction channel.
US08360764B2	Transfer system for multicomponent injection molding The invention relates to a method and a device for producing parts that are made up of more than one component. The first part (17) is produced in a first plane (10) and then transported by a transfer system (15) into a second plane (11).
US08360762B2	Oil pump rotor An oil pump rotor includes an inner rotor formed with n (n: a natural number) external teeth, and an outer rotor formed with n+1 internal teeth which are in meshing engagement with each of the external teeth. And the oil pump rotor is used in an oil pump that includes a casing having a suction port for drawing in fluid and a discharge port for discharging fluid and conveys the fluid by drawing in and discharging the fluid due to changes in volumes of cells formed between surfaces of the internal teeth and surfaces of the external teeth during rotations of the rotors under meshing engagement therebetween. And the tooth profile of the external teeth of the inner rotor is formed by a deformation in the circumferential direction and a deformation in the radial direction applied to a profile defined by a mathematical curve with the deformation in the circumferential direction is applied while maintaining the distance between the radius (RA1) of an addendum circle (A1) and the radius (RA2) of the tooth groove circle (A2).
US08360761B2	Fixation arrangement for an oil pump in a refrigeration compressor The fixation arrangement of the present invention is applied to a compressor of the type which comprises a shell (1) inferiorly defining an oil sump (3) and housing: a crankshaft (4) journalled in a cylinder block (2) and carrying a rotor (6) formed by a stack of annular laminations; and an oil pump (10) comprising a tubular sleeve (20), which is superiorly mounted to the rotor (6) and inferiorly immersed in the oil sump (3), and a pump shaft (30). The fixation arrangement comprises at least one retention element (40) radially and axially locked around the tubular sleeve (20) and having a radially outer locking portion (41), which is seated and radially forced against a respective confronting circumferential extension (6c) defined between two consecutive annular laminations, in order to axially lock the tubular sleeve (20) to the rotor (6).
US08360760B2	Rotary engine vane wing apparatus and method of operation therefor A rotary apparatus is described having: a vane; a rotor comprising a center, the rotor configured to carry the vane; and a housing, the rotor operatively mounted within the housing. The vane includes: a central vane axis extending longitudinally through the vane along a y-axis, the y-axis comprising a line from the center of the rotor to the housing, and a vane end intersecting the y-axis, the vane end proximate an inner surface of said housing. The vane end of the vane further includes a vane extension protruded radially outward from about the vane end along an x-axis about perpendicular to the y-axis, the vane extension comprising at least one aperture therethrough. During operation of the rotary apparatus, fuel flows through the aperture reducing pressure between a portion of the vane extension and the housing, which facilitates vane sealing to the housing and improves efficiency by reducing engine chatter.
US08360759B2	Rotary engine flow conduit apparatus and method of operation therefor A rotary engine is described including: (1) a rotor eccentrically located within a housing, the rotor configured with a plurality of rotor vane slots; (2) a first vane of a set of vanes separating an interior space between the rotor and the housing into at least a trailing chamber and a leading chamber, where the first vane slidingly engages a rotor vane slot; (3) a first conduit within the rotor configured to communicate a first flow between the trailing chamber and the rotor vane slot; and (4) a second conduit within the rotor configured to communicate a second flow between the trailing chamber and the first conduit. Optionally, a vane seal is affixed to the first vane or the rotor, where the vane seal is configured to valve the first conduit or a vane conduit, respectively.
US08360755B2	Wet-running pump A wet-running pump comprises a rotor which is connected to a pump wheel and which is arranged in a wet area adapted to have a guided fluid passed therethrough. The wet area is separated from a dry area wherein a stator which cooperates with the rotor, is arranged. The wet area is separated from the dry area by a conductor plate, wherein the electric lines thereof form the stator such that the conductor plate simultaneously forms a separating can, thus simplifying the construction and mounting of the wet-running pump.
US08360753B2	Micro fluidic transportation device and method for manufacturing the same Provided is a micro fluidic transportation device capable of controlling discontinuous transportation of micro droplets using surface acoustic wave (SAW), and a method for manufacturing the same. The micro fluidic transportation device which includes: a substrate; a piezoelectric layer formed on the substrate; an inter digitated transducer (IDT) electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer for energy conversion by generating a surface acoustic wave (SAW); and a fluid passage formed on the piezoelectric thin layer.
US08360752B2	Electric compressor The present invention relates to an electric compressor integrally including a compression mechanism and an electric motor, and an object thereof is to prevent the housing from being elongated in the axial direction and improve the sealability and the mountability of the compression mechanism. According to the present invention, a hermetic terminal (45) electrically connecting the electric motor (30) and a motor drive circuit (40) is attached within a swelled-space portion (50) swelled toward radial outside of a housing (11) so as to be continuous with a mounting bracket (17) of the housing (11). Accordingly, the distance between the compression mechanism and motor drive circuit can be shortened.
US08360750B2	Pump device The present invention relates to a pump device with a first diaphragm pump head having two or an integral multiple of two fluid delivery chambers and diaphragms associated therewith, which are hydraulically coupled to a second diaphragm pump head. The second diaphragm pump head has two additional fluid delivery chambers and additional membranes associated therewith, which are drivable by a double-acting piston via associated diaphragm control chambers, a refilling valve being connected in each case to the diaphragm control chambers and the diaphragm control chambers being temporarily impinged with a diaphragm control pressure, which is greater than atmospheric pressure, using the refilling valve. The piston may thus be activated using a relatively small force to achieve a delivery action.
US08360748B2	Rotary piston machine An electrically driven rotary piston machine which operates as a rotary piston pump or rotary piston compressor wherein the rotary piston machine has a basic housing, which holds an electrical coil and pump head, wherein the pump working space is preferably bounded by a trochoid toothing of the rotors. The pump head which can usually be manufactured relatively economically is embodied as a disposable part and therefore has a quick-action connection with the more complex basic housing.
US08360747B2	Miniature fan A miniature fan includes a housing having a mounting portion with a shaft seat. A base is mounted to the mounting portion of the housing. The base includes first and second faces spaced along an axis. An outer layer is provided on the first face of the base. A bottom layer is provided on the second face of the base. The base further includes a coil unit intermediate the outer layer and the bottom layer. The coil unit is electrically connected to a drive circuit. An impeller includes a shaft and a permanent magnet. The shaft is coupled to the shaft seat of the housing and rotatable about the axis. The permanent magnet is aligned with the coil unit. The axial height of the miniature fan is reduced, and the structure of the miniature fan is simplified.
US08360745B2	Air driven pump with performance control An air driven diaphragm pump includes an performance control actuator having a housing with opposed air chambers. The pump includes pump chambers facing the air chambers and pump diaphragms extending between each air chamber and each pump chamber, respectively. The actuator further includes an air valve, an intake to the air valve and an engagement. The intake includes an intake passage and a performance control intake adjuster rotatably mounted. The intake adjuster has a helical channel and a closure element extending adjustably into the intake passage. The engagement engages the helical channel for control of the intake. The helical channel has varied pitch to provide a nonlinear relationship between rotation and axial advancement of the intake adjuster. The nonlinear relationship gives flow rate proportional to the angular rotation of the intake adjuster. The end points of the channel provide a practical minimum pump performance of about 40% of maximum pump flow rate and a maximum pump performance of about 97% of maximum pump flow rate.
US08360742B2	Swash plate compressor A swash plate compressor capable of realizing an excellent sliding characteristic when a drive shaft is rotated at high speed, and a high refrigerating capacity when the drive shaft is rotated at low speed, has a release passage for communication between a crank chamber and a suction chamber. The release passage includes a first passage communicated to an oil rich region, in the crank chamber, and a second passage communicated to an oil poor region, in which lubricating oil is small in quantity, in the crank chamber. A valve mechanism that increases an opening ratio of the first passage with respect to the release passage, as a rotational speed of a drive shaft increases, and increases an opening ratio of the second passage with respect to the release passage, as the rotational speed of the drive shaft decreases.
US08360737B2	Dynamic range motor for a pump device A pump system selectably and dynamically controls the flow rate of a fluid being delivered to a patient's body over a wide range of flow rates. The pump system includes an infusion tubing, a pumping mechanism, a motor drive assembly in mechanical communication with the pumping mechanism, a user input control, and an electronic controller in electrical communication with and at least partially controlling the motor drive assembly. The electronic controller include a digital signal processing controller in electrical communication with the motor drive assembly that is configured to receive a signal from the user input control and to cause power to be supplied to the motor drive assembly in response at least partially to the signal from the user input control. The pump system may selectably deliver fluid at rates from about 1 milliliter per hour to at least about 3000 milliliters per minute.
US08360735B2	Serial axial fan A serial axial fan preferably includes a first impeller and a second impeller each having a plurality of blades radially extending with a predetermined rotation axis as the center, a first motor portion, a second motor portion, a first housing, and a second housing. The first motor portion has a first circuit board on which at least one electronic component arranged to control the driving of the first impeller is mounted. The second motor portion has a second circuit board on which at least one electronic component arranged to control the driving of the second impeller is mounted. The first and second circuit boards are electrically connected. The driving of the first impeller and the driving of the second impeller are controlled by the electronic component disposed on at least one of the first and second circuit boards.
US08360728B2	Aircraft with transient-discriminating propeller balancing system A system for balancing an aircraft propeller system receives a vibration signal from the aircraft propeller system and determines whether the vibration signal indicates a transient vibration condition. If it is determined that the vibration signal does not indicate a transient condition, the system enables a balance correction controller. The controller generates a balance correction signal based on the vibration signal, and balances the aircraft propeller system in response to the balance correction signal if the balance correction controller is enabled.
US08360727B2	Yoke and bearing fitting assembly for rotors A yoke and bearing fitting assembly for a multi-blade aircraft rotor is disclosed. The assembly has a yoke having arms extending generally radially from a central portion of the yoke, the arms each having opposing surfaces. An aperture is formed in each arm and extends between the surfaces. A bearing fitting has a body configured for insertion into the aperture of the yoke and has two rims protruding from a periphery of the body, the body also having a bearing mount adapted for mounting a pitch change bearing assembly to the yoke. Each rim abuts one of the surfaces of the associated yoke arm when the bearing fitting is installed within the aperture, so as to create clamping forces between the rims and the arm and the arm. The bearing fitting transmits forces from the pitch bearing assembly into the yoke.
US08360726B1	Turbine blade with chordwise cooling channels A turbine rotor blade with near wall cooling that provides full coverage film cooling for the leading and trailing edges. A first layer of chordwise extending cooling channels are formed on a spar, and a second layer of chordwise extending cooling channels are formed over the first layer to provide near wall cooling. Open ends of the two layers of channels on both pressure and suction side walls of the blade open into a leading edge slot and the trailing edge wall sides to discharge film cooling air.
US08360724B2	Horizontal axis wind turbine To provide a horizontal axis wind turbine capable of reducing flutter, and by extension, reducing the load on the wind turbine, without controlling the yaw, regardless of the direction of the wind relative to the nacelle. When the wind speed is above a specific value, the yaw angle of the nacelle is held constant, the blade pitch angle is controlled according to the yaw angle Y of the wind direction relative to the nacelle, and the rotor is allowed to rotate freely. Even when the yaw angle of the nacelle is held constant, allowing the rotor to rotate freely makes it possible to reduce the load by avoiding flutter.
US08360719B2	Fan A fan includes an impeller comprising a hub and a plurality of blades, and a housing receiving the impeller and comprising a first frame having a side wall and an inlet, and a second frame having a side wall and an outlet, wherein an inner surface on a periphery of the inlet is a smooth curved surface. The first or second frame has at least one side hole disposed at the side wall of the first or second frame.
US08360716B2	Nozzle segment with reduced weight flange A nozzle segment for a gas turbine engine includes a flange which extends from a vane platform, the flange includes a hollow cavity.
US08360713B2	Wind manipulator and turbine A vertical axis turbine machine for converting fluid flow into rotational energy and having a housing with an inlet, a turbine rotor having two spiral turbine blade sets, namely an upper blade set and a lower blade set, mounted on a common vertical axis in the housing, and in which the upper blade set twists in one direction and in which the lower blade set twists in the opposite direction, the upper and lower blade sets meeting at a central area of the rotor midway between top and bottom, and flow guides in the housing guiding incoming fluid flow onto the turbine rotor, and the rotor being surrounded by a plurality of impeller vanes extending vertically within the housing, and the housing having upper and lower outlet ducts, and outlets rearwardly of said housing.
US08360709B2	Device for selectively dispensing limestone for a regenerating oven and process for selectively loading limestone in a regenerating oven using such device A selective dispensing device (1) is disclosed for limestone in vats (5a, 5b) of a regenerating oven adapted to arrange limestone with greater sizes next to an external wall (7a, 7b) of the vats (5a, 5b) and limestone with smaller sizes next to an internal wall (8a, 8b) of the vats (5a, 5b), comprising at least one mobile bulkhead (11) connected to a drive shaft (13) rotating around a rotation axis (X), such rotation being driven by an actuator system and the mobile bulkhead (11) being able to rotate around the rotation axis X to be alternatively inclined by a first angle (α) and by a second angle (β) with respect to reference plane (Z).
US08360707B2	Detachable implement handling apparatus for tractors An apparatus generally consisting of a base member mountable on a component of a prime mover which may be pivoted about a transverse axis, a carrier mounted on the base member displaceable along a transverse line of travel between first and second positions and a boom mounted on the carrier, disposable in an inoperative position disposed along such line of travel when the carrier is in its first position and pivotal to an operative position disposed at an angle relative to such line of travel when the carrier is in its second position.
US08360705B2	Can seamer In seaming various shapes of cans, there is no need of replacement of a profiling cam or experience in techniques, thus enabling to reduce the number of components to be replaced and simplify a replacement work remarkably. Below a rotary driving ring (10), a holding ring (4) is mounted in such a manner that it can move horizontally and rotate integrally. Inside the holding ring (4), a curl roller (2) and a tightening roller (3) are mounted opposite to each other. The holding ring (4) is so mounted on a guide ring (6) as to be turned via a pressurization roller (5). The guide ring (6) is drive-controlled in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction by an X-axis table (7) and a Y-axis table (8) driven by servo motors (14, 16) according to the shape of a can.
US08360700B2	Cargo net The invention relates to a cargo net comprising a plurality of interconnected straps arranged in a lattice structure wherein that the straps comprise ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multifilament yarns, the UHMWPE yarns having a tenacity of at least 1.9 N/tex. In one embodiment, the cargo net according to the invention is a cargo net to anchor loads onto pallets. In another embodiment, the cargo net according to the invention is a barrier cargo net for restraining cargo or other objects from entering a secure or off limits area. IR visibility of the cargo net was measured for the two infrared ranges of 3-5 μm and 8-12 μm where most of the detectors of the thermal imaging devices function.
US08360698B2	Cutting method A cutting method capable of efficiently removing cutting chips around a cutting point with a little electric power, and cutting a work with high accuracy with a ball end mill. The ball end mill has a slit shaped-opening part at a portion adjacent to a rake face of a cutting edge in internal communication with a suction passage, and a work in which a cutting liquid is previously coated on an inclined face of the work is cut while the cutting liquid is sucked in the area around the cutting edge from the opening part through the suction passage. As a result of this, the cutting liquid in the area around the cutting edge is sucked from the opening part and a cutting power decreasing rate is higher than in a case where the suction is not carried out.
US08360697B2	Method for reducing vibrations, which occur during a machining process, of a machine element and/or of a workpiece The invention relates to a method of reducing vibrations, occurring during a machining operation, of a machine element (7,8) and/or of a workpiece (5) in a machine tool, production machine and/or in a machine (1) designed as a robot, wherein an additional mass (9a, 9b, 9c) is attached to the machine element (7,8) and/or to the workpiece (5) in an automated manner, wherein the mass of the additional mass (9a, 9b, 9c) is adapted to the machining operation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a machine (1) in this respect. The invention enables vibrations, occurring during a machining operation, of a machine element (7,8) of a machine (1) and/or of a workpiece (5) to be reduced.
US08360696B2	Quick change arbor, hole cutter, and method An arbor is provided for small diameter quick change and standard hole saws. Each hole saw defines an outer diameter of less than 1¼ inches, a central aperture and at least one drive pin recess. The arbor comprises an arbor body including an end portion engageable within the central aperture, and a drive member having at least one drive pin receivable in a corresponding drive pin recess of the hole saw for rotatably driving the hole saw.
US08360695B2	Interface between a rotating shank tool and a lubricant transfer area in a tool holder An interface between a shank tool and a lubricant transfer area. The shank tool is arranged in a tool holder, and comprises a clamping section, a conical shank end and at least one internal lubricant duct comprising an orifice located in a tapered surface of the shank end outside a shank tool axis. The lubricant transfer area is provided in the tool holder, which encompasses an inner recess, and which narrows in the direction of a centrical lubricant feed pipe, the inner recess defining an inner cone supporting the conical shank end radially outside of the orifice. The conical shank end and the lubricant transfer area include a funnel-shaped lubricant transfer chamber, which extends between the centrical lubricant feed pipe and a tapered surface contact area between the inner cone of the lubricant transfer area and the conical shank end. Also, an adjustable screw for an interface as described above.
US08360693B2	Boring bar apparatus In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a boring bar, a slot, a channel, a centering pin, and an adjustment system. The slot may extend substantially perpendicular to an axis extending through the boring bar. The slot may be configured to receive a cutting unit. The channel may be located within the boring bar extending substantially along the axis. The centering pin may be moveably located within the channel and configured to selectively engage a centering feature in the cutting unit. The adjustment system may be configured to position the centering pin relative to the channel in a plurality of axes.
US08360692B2	Apparatus for transferring slurry Provided is an apparatus for transferring slurry, which is used to transfer minerals from the bottom of the sea to the ground; and, more particularly, to an apparatus for transferring slurry, which can efficiently transfer the slurry in the state of a solid-liquid mixture containing the minerals without clogging of a transfer pipe.
US08360689B2	Method for ground improvement with hardened inclusions A method for ground improvement with hardened inclusions includes providing a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines and to create cavities at the location the tines are advanced. The device is at least partially retracted and hardening cementitious material backfill is added into the cavities for forming a plurality of hardened inclusions within the cavities.
US08360682B2	Information method combined with dynamic consolidation and vacuum drainage for reinforcement of soft soil ground A method for treating soft soil, including dividing a site into a plurality of subsections, investigating profile of the soft soil in each of the plurality of subsections, estimating expected settlement of the soft soil in each of the plurality of subsections, installing a plurality of water-tight systems around the site to block seepage of ambient groundwater from entering the site, installing a plurality of vacuum pipes in the plurality of subsections in a layered matrix form, connecting the plurality of vacuum pipes to a vacuum system via a plurality of ground horizontal pipes, placing a piezometer in each soil stratum, probing ramming energy thereof by conducting dynamic trials, measuring pore water pressure dissipation of each soil stratum to determine the spacing of the plurality of vacuum pipes, and performing a plurality of cycles of vacuum-compactions in each of the plurality of subsections.
US08360681B1	Portable concrete striking device with auger The portable concrete striking device comprises an elongated portable screed, a handle mounted to the screed for allowing a worker to manually pull the screed towards an upstream direction and an auger rotatably mounted to the screed and located upstream of the screed. A motor is linked to the auger for rotating the auger. The auger is capable of directing excess concrete upstream of the screed towards an excess concrete discharge location which is located at a determined position along the elongated screed.
US08360680B2	Hydraulic riding trowels with automatic load sensing High performance, multiple rotor, hydraulically driven riding trowels for finishing concrete have unloader valve circuitry for controlling hydraulic pressure. Each trowel has a rigid frame with two or more downwardly-projecting, bladed rotor assemblies that finish concrete. The rotor assemblies are tilted manually or hydraulically to effectuate steering and control. Blade pitch is controlled manually or hydraulically. The unloader valve system monitors drive pump pressure with a shuttle valve to derive an unloader pilot signal. A sequence valve responds to the unloader pilot signal to control a pressure valve that bypasses the normal foot control valve in an overpressure situation. The pressure control head signal normally applied to the hydraulic drive motor control heads is modified with a feedback signal to automatically control the associated pump swash plates. A gearbox may be disposed between the drive motors and rotors. Piston type and gear and vane type motors may power the rotors.
US08360679B2	Inflow and infiltration cap and seal barrier An apparatus and method is described for providing a water impenetrable barrier between a cone and support frame of a manhole system. The apparatus includes a barrier, cap, and seal that restricts the inflow and infiltration of water or other debris into the interior of the manhole system. The cap and seal barrier may be implemented in a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system.
US08360674B2	Applicator device with dispersive product delivery An applicator device, particularly suited for mascara, may deliver high or low viscosity liquids or semi-liquids, and contains a valve controlling flow between a product reservoir, an intermediate pooling area, and a product dispensing chamber. The arrangement prevents backflow to the product reservoir, precluding contamination of the product supply. Product delivery from the product dispensing chamber is from one of several methods. In one method, a plurality of prongs each comprise a conduit to the product dispensing chamber and thereby allow for dispersed product delivery from the prong tips. Alternatively, there may be one or more openings on the applicator head being interconnected to the dispensing chamber, which permits product to extrude between the rows of prongs and thereby be applied to a receiving surface. A third embodiment combines the two methods along with alternating height prongs to more effectively apply mascara onto all sides of a user's lashes.
US08360670B2	Pen-like applicator A pen-like applicator contains a pen shaft having a removable cap at a first end and at the other, second end, a delivery button that acts upon a reservoir for application fluid. A protective device while being in a protected position, protects the delivery button from being actuated when the cap is on and being coupled to the movement of the cap in a way, such that the protective device is in a release position that releases the delivery button for actuation when the cap is removed.
US08360665B2	Camera shutter device and optical apparatus having the same A camera shutter device and an optical apparatus having the same are disclosed. The camera shutter device includes a pair of cores, each wrapped by a coil and having a distal end facing the other, wherein each coil is formed at the distal end with an electromagnetic force line generating unit. A magnet comprising a first magnet and a second magnet is interposed between the pair of cores. The magnet linearly and reciprocally moves in a direction perpendicular to the electromagnetic force line generating unit, and a slider opens and shuts a shutter blade as the magnet linearly and reciprocally moves, whereby miniaturization and thinning of the shutter device can be realized, and an opening/shutting operation can be stably performed.
US08360664B2	Thermal imaging camera with a fast electromechanical shutter device A thermal imaging camera, with an electromechanical shutter device for interrupting the ray path from time to time, has a motor (1), a motor shaft (2) and a shutter flag (3). The motor shaft (2) and the shutter flag (3) are in connection with one another via a crank-and-rocker mechanism. The crank-and-rocker mechanism includes a crank (4) rotatable about the motor shaft (2) with a crank pin (5) and with a rocker (6), at one end of which an elongated hole (8) is provided, which forms a rectilinear sliding joint together with the crank pin (5), and at the other end of which the shutter flag (3) is formed.
US08360662B1	Miniaturized turret-mounted camera assembly A lightweight camera mounting assembly allowing for retraction and extension through a pair of doors in a bottom wall of a housing. The doors are parallel to the bottom wall and are configured to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to the bottom wall. The assembly includes an extension position and a retraction position, and the assembly extends and retracts with respect to rotation of the doors.
US08360661B2	Stabilized equipment support and method of balancing same A stabilized support for supporting motion-sensitive, ultra-lightweight, camera equipment includes a hollow platform on which the camera equipment is mounted, and a structure on which the platform is detachably mounted. The structure has a handle, a counterweight mounted below the platform, and an arm for connecting the handle with the counterweight. The platform has a plurality of interior compartments preferably arranged in generally parallel rows at opposite sides of the platform, each row extending past a center of gravity. A plurality of ballast weights is held and confined in the interior compartments within the platform to balance the support when held by the handle, or supported by optional support legs. The placement of the ballast weights is based on a balancing procedure in which the camera equipment is balanced relative to a stationary horizontal support surface.
US08360655B2	Bearing device for wheel A bearing device for a wheel is capable of suppressing a backlash in a circumferential direction, is excellent in coupling operability of a hub wheel and an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint, and is excellent for maintenance by allowing separation of the hub wheel and the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint. In the bearing device for a wheel, a hub wheel, and a shaft section of the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint are separably coupled with each other through a recess-projection fitting structure, the shaft section being inserted in a fitting manner into a hole portion of the hub wheel. Projecting portions extending in an axial direction are provided on one of an outer surface of the shaft section of the outer joint member and an inner surface of the hole portion of the hub wheel.
US08360653B2	Double row, angular contact ball bearing with two plastic comb cages with retaining tabs Double row angular contact ball bearing (10) has split inner rings (18, 24) and two plastic comb snap cages (32, 44). The comb cage has retaining tabs (38, 50) which mate with retaining grooves (22, 28) in the split inner rings. These retaining tabs hold the inner rings into the bearing.
US08360647B2	Plain bearing composite material, use thereof and production methods therefor The invention relates to a plain bearing composite material with a supporting layer made of steel, a bearing metal layer made of a copper alloy, and with a lining applied to the bearing metal layer. The copper alloy can contain 0.5 5% by weight of nickel, 0.2 to 2.5% by weight of silicon and =0.1% by weight of lead. The lining can be an electrodeposited layer, a sputtered layer or a plastic layer. The invention also relates to methods for producing this composite material.
US08360643B2	Package having a resealable pour spout A package formed of a package material comprising a heat-sealable inner layer, an outer layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The package may include a gusset with a center fold that divides the gusset into a first folded portion and a second folded portion. The package may further include a transverse heat-seal region extending across the gusset whereby the first folded portion is sealed to itself by mating surfaces of the heat-sealable inner layer and the second folded portion is sealed to itself by mating surfaces of the heat-sealable inner layer. The package may also include a patterned die cut formed in the heat-sealable inner layer, wherein at least a portion of the patterned die cut is adjacent to the transverse heat-seal region of the gusset so as to allow a portion of the inner layer to delaminate and expose a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive when the center fold is unfolded and the resealable pour spout is opened.
US08360639B2	Radiation imaging system and assist apparatus for the same In an X ray imaging system, a rotational support device supports an X ray source in a rotatable manner, to adjust an orientation angle thereof. An angle detector is disposed on the X ray source removably, for detecting the orientation angle. A shift determiner operates when the X ray source is moved pivotally, and determines a shift amount for an FPD device to a position opposed to the X ray source according to the orientation angle from the angle detector and a distance between the X ray source and the FPD device. A pseudo signal generator generates a pseudo signal of a level irrespective of the shift amount by correcting a detection signal from a shift detector according to the shift amount from the shift determiner, and supplies a second moving device with the pseudo signal. Movement of the FPD device is controlled according to the shift amount.
US08360636B2	Temperature detection and reporting system and method in power driving and/or consuming system An apparatus, in one embodiment, can include a configuration including a plurality of heat generation devices. The apparatus also includes a plurality of thermal sensors respectively, operably connected to each of the plurality of heat generation devices, wherein each thermal sensor of the plurality of thermal sensors includes a respective output terminal configured to provide a voltage representative of the temperature of the respective heat generation device. The apparatus further includes an output circuit configured to output the highest temperature information among the heat generation devices. The output terminals of the plurality of thermal sensors are tied together. A corresponding method is also discussed.
US08360627B2	Screw machine having a vacuum housing insert A screw machine for treating at least partially powdery bulk material has a housing with at least one housing bore and a screw arranged in the housing bore. A vacuum housing portion is provided, which is formed as a vacuum housing insert, which is releasably attached in the housing, in which a metal nonwoven is exchangeably held as a gas-permeable wall portion on a base body.
US08360626B2	Vehicle headlamp lamp unit having pluralityof shades A lamp unit includes a projection lens, a light emitting device disposed such that a light emitting axis of the light emitting device is oriented upward, a reflector disposed to cover light emitted from the light emitting device and to reflect the light toward the projection lens, a first shade configured and disposed to partially block the light reflected by the reflector, and a second shade. The first shade includes a light cutting edge configured to form a cutoff line along an upper edge of a light distribution pattern, and an auxiliary reflecting surface extending rearward from the light cutting edge and configured to partially reflect, toward the projection lens, the light reflected by the reflector. The second shade is arranged to extend from a front edge of the reflector toward the auxiliary reflecting surface.
US08360618B2	LED unit An LED unit includes a printed circuit board, an LED mounted on the printed circuit board, and a lens covering the LED and fixed on the printed circuit board. The lens includes a pedestal and an optical element connected to the pedestal. The lens has a light-incident face formed in an interior thereof for receiving light emitted from the LED into the lens, and a light-emergent face formed on an outside thereof for refracting the light out of the lens. The optical element has two opposite sides longer than the other two opposite sides thereof so that the light pattern modulated by the optical element has two opposite ends wider than a middle thereof.
US08360615B2	LED light module for omnidirectional luminaire A light module including a single light emitting diode (LED) and a rotationally symmetrical reflective light transformer providing an omnidirectional pattern with a pre-calculated intensity distribution. In alternative embodiments the light module may consist of a plurality of LEDs and the reflective light transformer, having plurality of identical segments, provides an omnidirectional pattern with a pre-calculated intensity distribution as a result of superposition of the limited angle pattern reflected by each segment. In order to provide high efficiency the light transformer reflective surface profile is designed using a given LED's spatial intensity distribution and required intensity distribution across the emitted omnidirectional pattern as a design parameters.
US08360613B2	Light feature A lighting apparatus includes a light source module and a heat dissipation module. The light source module emits light and generates heat. The heat dissipation module dissipates at least a portion of the heat, and includes a base portion to which the light source module is physically coupled. The heat dissipation module also includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins. At least two of the fins that are immediately adjacent to one another form an air channel having a first opening and a second opening between the at least two of the fins. The air channel has a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the air channel in a generally vertical direction with respect to a horizontal plane as the air enters the air channel through the first opening and exits the air channel through the second opening.
US08360612B2	Laser lighting apparatus and method Disclosed is a laser light system for narrow hallways, a night light for small rooms, and a fire evacuation system. The system provides a means for less infrastructure to light narrow and small areas as well as directional lighting for fire escape.
US08360605B2	LED luminaire A luminaire for lighting an area includes at least one LED and a first reflector disposed substantially within the housing. The first reflector includes an annular reflective surface having a central axis and an edge defining an aperture through which light exits. The annular surface is formed from a first conic cross section portion revolved about the central axis with one of the at least one LED facing the central axis and positioned proximate a focal point of the first conic cross section portion. The luminaire also includes a second reflector within the housing. The second reflector has a bottom reflective surface that is formed from a second conic cross section portion extending to and revolved about the central axis. The focal point of the second conic cross section portion is proximate the one of the at least one LED.
US08360604B2	Light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems including low absorption, controlled reflectance enclosures LED lighting systems include an enclosure adjacent at least one LED that is configured so that at least some light that is emitted by the at least one LED passes through the enclosure. The enclosure has less than about 10% total absorption. The enclosure also has a transmittance-to-reflectance ratio that is configured to homogenize light that emerges from the enclosure (1) directly from the at least one LED, and (2) after one or more reflections within the enclosure.
US08360598B2	Flashlight having a switch for programming a controller An electrical light or flashlight may comprise: a housing for receiving a battery; an electrical light source in the housing; an electrical switch including an electrically conductive flexible dome providing a switch contact; a controller for selectively coupling electrical power from a battery to the electrical light source, responsive to the electrical switch for selectively energizing and de-energizing the electrical light source, wherein said controller is programmable responsive to closures or openings or both of the electrical switch, or to a time therebetween, or to continuous closure or opening thereof, or to a combination thereof, for operating the light source in predetermined operating states, and wherein the light source is selectively energizable and de-energizable in predetermined operating states responsive to the electrical switch.
US08360597B1	Light mounting apparatus A light mounting apparatus is being proposed herein. The light mounting apparatus is formed to as to allow for versatile usage, in connection with a wide variety of tools, structures, and surfaces. Furthermore, the light mounting apparatus includes suitable connection structures to a light source in order to provide multiple degrees of freedom, thereby allowing a user to easily direct light beams to a desired location.
US08360596B2	Flashlight and illuminated rear section with two-sided lighting module A multipurpose lighting device comprising a flashlight end, a lantern end including a barrel through which light may pass, and a module mounted between the flashlight end and lantern end. The module includes a first light source configured to direct light out the flashlight end, and a second light source configured to direct light out the lantern end. The second light source is disposed on an opposite end of the module from the first light source. The module further includes a power source configured to energize the first light source and second light source, wherein the second light source is oppositely disposed on the module from the first light source.
US08360594B2	Attachable portable lighting device and methods of operation A lighting device includes a housing, one or more light sources, one or more lenses and an attachment mechanism or clip. The housing includes a front end, a lower surface, and an upper surface. The one or more light sources are positioned at a front end of the housing. The one or more lenses are positioned proximate to the light sources. The clip or the attachment mechanism is coupled to the lower surface of the housing.
US08360590B2	Plumbing fixture with light pipe illumination A plumbing fixture using an integrated light pipe wherein a multi-shot method of injection molding is used to apply transparent, light channeling plastic completely or partially over surface areas of parts used above and below the waterline in the spa, pool or recreational water industry. Light is provided to the transparent over-molded portion of parts via a lighting element that can be molded onto the specific parts to be lit or assembled as a separate component to a part. All parts to be lit are directly or serially wired to a power supply mounted within the major appliance housing and are operated by an appropriate control device. This unique multi-shot manufacturing method and approach to illuminating targeted components and/or features provides lighting effects in a way that is simple and rugged and well suited to the rigorous environment of recreational uses of plumbing fixtures and illumination.
US08360580B2	Method of measuring the position, in a horizontal direction in the sagittal plane, of a remarkable point of an eye of a subject The present invention relates in general to taking geometrico-morphological measurements on a subject. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of measuring the position of a remarkable point of the subject's eye. The method includes amongst others, the steps of capturing images in different relative postures (APIV1, APIV2, (O1,X1,Y1,Z1), (O2,X2,Y2,Z2)) of a subject, identifying reference points of the eye ((RCG1, RCD1), (RCG2, RCD2)), and calculating the remarkable point (CROD, CROG) as a function of the captured images. The values of the posture parameter (APIV) are obtained by a position-identification element (60, 70, 80, 700, 800) having at least one known geometrical characteristic that is placed on the subject's head. Each captured image contains a representation of the position-identification element (60, 70, 80, 700, 800). The posture parameter is thus calculated as a function of these images and of the known geometrical characteristic.
US08360579B2	Ophthalmologic device for breaking down eye tissue An opthalmological apparatus (1) comprises a base station (11) having a light source (51) for generating light pulses, and an application head (3) which can be mounted on an eye (2) having a light projector (58) for the focussed projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue (22). The application head (3) additionally has movement drivers (57) for moving the light projector (58) in a feed direction and in a first scanning direction. A scanner (52) is arranged in the base station (11) in order to deflect the light pulses in a second scanning direction. In addition, the opthalmological apparatus (1) comprises an optical transmission system for transmitting deflected light pulses from the base station (11) to the application head (3), and for superimposing the light pulses deflected in the second scanning direction onto the movement of the light projector (58) in the first scanning direction. It is possible to use light sources with high light pulse rates, for example femtosecond lasers, without the need for impractical enlargement of the overall size of the application head (3) owing to the scanner. In addition, it is possible while safeguarding a manageable overall size of the application head (3) to make use of light sources with high light pulse rates, something which increases the accuracy of treatment and reduces the burden on the eye (2).
US08360577B2	System, method, and computer software code for grading a cataract A method for grading a cataract, the method including creating a three-dimensional image of at least most of a lens of an eye having a cataract from information received from an imaging system, comparing the three-dimensional image with a first template to determine an optical density of the lens, and determining a grade for the cataract based on the comparison of the optical density of the lens and a volume of the first template. A system and computer software code for grading a cataract are also disclosed.
US08360576B2	Copolymerizable methine and anthraquinone compounds and articles containing them This invention relates to polymerizable ultraviolet light absorbers and yellow colorants and their use in ophthalmic lenses. In particular, this invention relates to polymerizable ultraviolet light absorbing methine compounds and yellow compounds of the methine and anthraquinone classes that block ultraviolet light and/or violet-blue light transmission through ophthalmic lenses.
US08360575B2	Eyeglasses and lens for same A lens for eyeglasses includes a substrate and at least one carbon nanotube (CNT) film including a number of CNTs. The substrate includes a surface, or defines at least one cavity. The at least one CNT film is disposed on the surface of the substrate, or embedded in the at least one cavity of the substrate such that a part of light is absorbed by the CNTs of the CNT film.
US08360573B2	Sunglass frame A pair of sunglasses having interengaging surfaces of a temple portion and a lens frame portion with a groove, passageway or recess provided in or defined by at least one of the temple portion and the lens frame portion to accommodate a sliding therein of a hang tag attachment string or cord.
US08360571B2	Recording method and recording apparatus First humidified gas is supplied from a first supply port to a sheet to be conveyed to increase the moisture content of the sheet. Second humidified gas is supplied to a space where nozzles of the inkjet recording head are exposed, from a second supply port provided at a position closer to the inkjet recording head than the first supply port to increase the atmosphere humidity of the space. The part of the sheet of which the moisture content has been increased is made to enter the space where the atmosphere humidity has been increased, and recording is performed. When a conveyance operation stops, the quantity of flow or humidity of the first humidified gas is reduced. In resupplying a temporarily returned sheet, the amount of moisture to be provided by the first humidified gas is set in accordance with regions of the sheet.
US08360569B2	Phosphate-containing surfactants for use with pigment—and latex-containing ink-jet inks The present disclosure is drawn to an ink-jet ink and a method of ink-jet printing over a prolonged period of time. The ink-jet ink include from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % pigment by solids, from 0.1 wt % to 15 wt % latex by solids, and from 0.01 wt % to 3 wt % phosphate-containing surfactant, wherein when the ink-jet ink is fired from a thermal ink-jet printhead at 400 million drops per nozzle with said nozzle having an orifice size of about 20 microns, at least 80% drop weight is retained compared to an initial firing prior to firing the 400 million drops per nozzle.
US08360567B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus having a decompression unit There is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus that is used for ejecting a liquid. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head unit that ejects the liquid, a liquid supplying path that is used for leading the liquid to the head unit, a defoaming chamber that is disposed in the liquid supplying path and is used for eliminating air bubbles inside the liquid, a broaden chamber that is disposed in the liquid supplying path and can collect the liquid due to having a cross-section area larger than that of the liquid supplying path, and a decompression unit that is used for decompressing the defoaming chamber and the broaden chamber.
US08360566B2	Method for printing A method of printing including providing an ink delivery system including a print head in fluid communication between a first tank and a second tank; and providing a pressure differential across the print head to cause ink to flow from the print head. With embodiments of the method, ink can be controllably dispensed from the print head at substantially the same velocity irrespective of the orientation of the print head with respect to the direction of the force of gravity.
US08360564B2	Dual condensor The present invention relates to ink jet printing. More particularly, the invention relates to a condenser assembly for an ink jet printer. The condenser assembly comprises a first condenser adapted to separate first solvent vapor from a first fluid by condensation of said first solvent onto a first coolable surface and a second condenser adapted to separate second solvent vapor from a second fluid by condensation of said second solvent onto a second coolable surface.
US08360563B2	Liquid Droplet jetting apparatus A damper control section controls a piezoelectric actuator attached to a damper, in a printing mode of jetting an ink by a pressure applied by an actuator for jetting, to suppress a pressure fluctuation in an ink storage chamber, and controls the piezoelectric actuator, in a purge mode of discharging forcibly the ink in the ink-jet head as a waste liquid, to transport the ink in the ink storage chamber to the ink-jet head.
US08360562B2	Droplet discharging device and method for heating functional liquid thereof A method is for heating a functional liquid of a droplet discharging device that has a storage which houses a container storing a functional liquid containing a functional material; a droplet discharge head discharging the functional liquid in a droplet; a cooling means included to the storage and cooling the functional liquid; and a supply tube supplying the functional liquid that is cooled in the storage to the droplet discharge head. The method includes: heating the functional liquid in the supply tube with waste heat that is generated correspondingly to cooling of the cooling means.
US08360561B2	Self-cleaning ink supply systems In one embodiment, a method for controlling an ink supply system includes operating a pump of the ink supply system in a forward direction to supply ink from an ink reservoir to an ink tank, and subsequent to operating the pump in the forward direction, reversing the pump and operating the pump in a reverse direction to prevent or reduce formation of clogs within the ink supply system.
US08360559B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure-generating chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer and electrodes provided to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is composed of a complex oxide having a perovskite structure containing bismuth and cerium in the A site of the perovskite structure and at least one metallic element selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and chromium in the B site of the perovskite structure, and the molar ratio of the metallic element or elements in the B site, the bismuth, and the cerium is 1:(1−x):(3x/4).
US08360553B2	Liquid droplet jetting apparatus A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a jetting head having a jetting surface on which a plurality of nozzles are formed for jetting liquid droplets; a carriage carrying the jetting head and moving reciprocatingly in a first direction along a surface parallel to the jetting surface; and a guide member having a guide surface perpendicular to the jetting surface and extending in the first direction to guide the carriage along the guide surface. The carriage is provided with a fixed slide member fixed to the carriage to slide along the guide surface; a movable slide member arranged apart from the fixed slide member in the first direction to slide along the guide surface and configured to be movable with respect to the carriage in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and an angle change mechanism for changing an angle of the carriage relative to the first direction.
US08360552B2	Carriage for carrying a fluid ejector cartridge In one embodiment, a carriage for carrying a fluid ejector cartridge includes: a body having a bay therein for holding a fluid ejector cartridge; a pump mounted to the body; a retaining cover connected to the body, the cover movable between an open position in which the cartridge may be installed in or removed from the bay and a closed position in which the cover contacts the cartridge in the bay to help retain the cartridge in place in the bay; and a port disposed within the cover such that the cover port is connected to a port on the cartridge when the cartridge is installed in the bay and the cover is in the closed position, the cover port operatively connected to the pump so that a fluid may be pumped into the cartridge through the cover and cartridge ports.
US08360546B2	Phase change magnetic ink and process for preparing same An in situ process for preparing a phase change magnetic ink including combining a phase change ink composition with a reducing agent; wherein the phase change ink composition comprises a carrier, an optional colorant, and an optional dispersant, and wherein the reducing agent has at least one alcohol functionality; heating the combined phase ink composition and reducing agent to a first temperature sufficient to provide a melt composition; adding a metal salt to the melt composition under an inert atmosphere to provide a metal salt-melt composition; heating the metal salt-melt composition to a second temperature sufficient to effect a metal reduction reaction to reduce the metal salt to metal nanoparticles thus forming in situ a phase change magnetic ink including the metal nanoparticles; optionally, filtering the phase change magnetic ink while in a liquid state; cooling the phase change magnetic ink to a solid state.
US08360544B2	Print condition setting method in printing device In a printing device includes a plurality of heads corresponding to black K ink and colored inks C, M, and Y, wherein the heads are extended in a direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of a medium and are disposed in parallel from the upstream side to the downstream side, and ink droplets are discharged and deposited on the medium in order from the heads while the medium is being conveyed, a print condition setting method includes the steps of setting an order in accordance with the extent of concentration irregularity in the composite colors RGB; and creating, within the discharge order of the inks, the most separation of discharge order between the two colored inks that manifest the composite color having the greatest concentration irregularity, and inserting K ink between the discharge orders of the two colored inks that manifest the composite colors having the second greatest concentration irregularity.
US08360543B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and ejection inspecting method A liquid ejecting apparatus including: (A) a nozzle that ejects a liquid; (B) a sensor that outputs a signal in accordance with a temperature change of the liquid; (C) a driving signal generation section that generates a driving signal for ejecting the liquid from the nozzle; (D) an inspection section that ejects the liquid of a first electrical potential; and (E) a controller that corrects the driving signal that is generated at the driving signal generation section in accordance with the liquid temperature.
US08360537B2	Ejection device for a displaceable furniture component An ejection device for a furniture component moveably housed in or against a furniture body. The ejection device includes a swivellably housed lever. A first castor is attached to a free end of the lever, and a second castor is attached to the lever at a distance from the free end.
US08360533B2	Regenerative braking system Disclosed is a regenerative braking system capable of minimizing uncomfortable feeling during the braking operation while improving responsiveness and control performance by performing the braking operation using an electric motor. An electro-mechanical braking system is used when braking a rear wheel or front and rear wheels, so variable frictional braking is achieved, thereby maximizing the recovery rate of the regenerative energy.
US08360531B2	Hydraulic brake system Embodiments of a hydraulic brake system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a priority flow control valve for supplying operating pressure has a first orientation in which operating pressure is provided at a controlled flow port and a second orientation in which operating pressure is provided at the controlled flow port and an excess flow port. A steering control unit has an inlet port for receiving operating pressure and an outlet port for communicating a steering control load sense signal. A brake control unit has an inlet port for receiving operating pressure and an outlet port for communicating a braking control load sense signal. The inlet port of the brake control unit and the inlet port of the steering control unit are connected to the controlled flow port.
US08360530B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a pad that is made of resin foam, and that forms a seat cushion or a seatback. The pad has a layered structure formed of a surface layer pad that forms a seating surface-side portion of the pad and a back layer pad that is provided on the back side of the surface layer pad. The back layer pad is higher in hardness and lower in density than the surface layer pad.
US08360528B2	Vehicle seats In a vehicle seat, by turning-control a control lever, a locked state of a reclining device is cancelled, to thereby bring a seat back into a forward foldable state. When the seat back is switched into the forward folding state while maintaining the operating state of the control lever, the interlocked state between the vehicle seat and a floor is cancelled. However, when the operating state of the control lever is cancelled while the seat back is folded forward, the interlocked state between the vehicle seat and the floor is maintained.
US08360519B1	Temporary seat-top storage device A seat, seat cover and wall subassembly for installation into the upholstery of a vehicle seat or an after-market seat cover is disclosed. The invention is particularly advantages for use on a vehicle seat and provides a means of containment of items on the seat of a vehicle during transport.
US08360513B2	Wind deflector comprising a linearly oscillating deflector element A wind deflector for a vehicle is provided. The wind deflector includes a movably mounted deflector element and an actuator for moving the deflector element. The actuator can move the deflector element in a linearly oscillating manner in one direction in space, especially vertically. The linear movement can be performed regardless of a curvature of a class A surface of a vehicle.
US08360509B2	Rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for truck cargo bodies This invention provides a foldable/retractable and unfoldable/deployable, rearwardly tapered aerodynamic assembly for use on the rear trailer bodies and other vehicles that accommodate dual swing-out doors. The aerodynamic assembly includes a right half mounted on the right hand door and a left half mounted on a left hand door. Each half is constructed with a side panel, top panel and bottom panel, which each form half of an overall tapered box when deployed on the rear of the vehicle, the bottom panels and top panels being sealed together at a pair of overlapping weather seals along the centerline.
US08360508B2	Fastback for a passenger car A fastback for a passenger car is provided with a roof profile and a floor profile in the tail region. The roof profile initially descends from a highest profile point and the floor profile initially ascends from a lowest profile point in a rear axle region. The tail region forms an aerodynamic diffusor having a floor diffusor and roof diffusor. For this purpose, the roof profile features an S-shaped upward curvature toward an upper tail break-away edge and the floor profile features an S-shaped downward curvature toward a lower tail break-away edge. Due to the roof profile and the floor profile, the tail region of the passenger car has a shape with a fish-like profile.
US08360502B2	Tarp system with a universal joint connector A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.
US08360500B2	Side visor for automobile A first covering part of the present invention covers a portion from the front part to the upper part of a door window and expands to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the lower surface thereof is open. A second covering part covers a portion lower than the first covering part of the upper part of the door window, is provided so as to be on the outside of a window glass and be located on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the lower edge of the first covering part, and is formed so as to gradually approach the window glass from the rear end toward the front end, the lower edge thereof being provided close to the outer surface of the window glass. A third covering part covers a portion between the first and second covering parts in the upper part of the door window by integrally connecting a portion located in the upper part of the door window of the lower edge of the first covering part and the upper edge of the second covering part, and is provided in such a manner as to be curved so as to project to the upside, and extend to the slantwise upside from the front end toward the rear end and extend to the slantwise upside from the upper edge of the second covering part toward the lower edge of the first covering part in the vehicle width direction. In the front part of the third covering part, a plurality of through holes are provided.
US08360497B2	Lock mechanism for electric retractable seat for vehicle A lock mechanism for an electric retractable seat for a vehicle, includes a seat cushion frame, a seat back frame, a guide groove, a latch including an engagement opening portion, a slide member disengaging from the engagement opening portion when the latch is in an unlocked position, engaging with the engagement opening portion during a movement of the seat cushion frame to the seating position, and being locked between the guide groove and the engagement opening portion when the latch is in a locked position, a pawl for restricting the latch from pivoting when the pawl is in a restricted position, and allowing the latch to pivot when the pawl is in a released position, a releasing member for rotating the pawl.
US08360495B2	Vehicle seat A fixture, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises a first partial region and a second partial region. The first partial region is integrally connected to the second partial region by a connecting region. The first partial region is configured to permit the pre-assembly thereof relative to the second partial region by the connecting region. The connecting region may permit the first partial region to be movable, such as foldable relative to the second partial region.
US08360475B2	Roller skis or boards The present invention relates to a roller ski or board, said ski or board providing in-line central rollers, centrally provided on the ski or board body, and two pairs of additional rollers, respectively a front pair and a rear pair, said pair of rollers being raised with respect to the ground on which ski or board rests when the same ski or board is substantially parallel with respect to the ground, and contacting the same ground when ski or board is inclined, each one of the additional rollers is coupled with the ski or board by a support system comprising a fork, having one end coupled with the roller and the other one faced toward the ski or board, between the end of the fork faced toward the ski or board and the same ski or board being provided with a resilient element.
US08360468B2	Head-protecting airbag apparatus A head-protecting airbag apparatus covers a window so that an occupant's head can be protected. The airbag includes a front window shielding portion with an inclining inflatable portion and a horizontal inflatable portion in the shape of a pipe. The inclining inflatable portion is disposed between an upper guide portion that extends continuously from a portion that partitions an upper edge region of the gas supply passage, and a lower guide portion that extends from a portion that partitions a lower edge region of the gas supply passage. The inclining inflatable portion and the horizontal inflatable portion respectively include an inclining peak portion and a horizontal peak portion formed by ridgelines that swell thickly. The respective width dimensions of the inclining inflatable portion and the horizontal inflatable portion in a flat state are larger than the vertical width dimension of the gas supply passage that is flatly deployed.
US08360466B2	Side airbag apparatus Before a thorax protecting portion of an airbag is altered to a storage mode, at least a part above a gas supply port of the thorax protecting portion is folded along a folding line extending through a thickness limiting portion, so that the thorax protecting portion is partitioned into a main protecting portion, to which the inflation gas is supplied from the gas supply port, and an auxiliary protecting portion, to which the inflation gas is supplied via the main protecting portion. The thickness limiting portion has an arcuate portion that is curved to bulge rearward, and the thickness limiting portion is arranged in the thorax protecting portion such that the rear end of the arcuate portion is located in the auxiliary protecting portion.
US08360464B2	Covers for inflatable knee airbag housings An inflatable knee airbag is typically stored in a packaged state within an airbag housing. The housing typically has a cover, which can be either a cosmetic cover or an unfinished cover, if the cover will not be readily visible to an occupant. The cover can be extruded rather than molded and may have features for coupling the cover to the housing. The cover may also have other features such as a tear seam.
US08360463B2	Engagement structure An engagement structure includes a garnish main body, a garnish lid, an engagement stop, and an engaged part. The engagement stop has an engagement protrusion and is disposed on one of the garnish main body and the garnish lid. The engagement protrusion protrudes in a direction opposite to an airbag accommodated between the pillar and the garnish main body. The engaged part is engaged to the engagement protrusion and is disposed on another of the garnish main body and the garnish lid. The engaged part has a guiding surface configured to guide the airbag during inflation.
US08360460B1	Floating hitching system The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be easier and quicker than prior art systems. Furthermore, the apparatuses and method disclosed herein may be more effective over rough terrain. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein include a tongue attached to the conveyance, a floating hitch attached to the motor vehicle, and a compression-hitching pin. A conveyance can be hitched to a motor vehicle simply by inserting the hitching pin through the tongue of the conveyance and the floating hitch of the motor vehicle and then pushing down on the handle of the hitching pin and turning the handle to lock the hitching pin in place.
US08360456B2	Apparatus for towing bicycles Apparatus for towing bicycles, comprising a towing arm, a connector, adapted to fix the towing arm to a towing vehicle, a joint for interconnection between the towing arm and the connector, which defines a first oscillation axis and a second oscillation axis, the first oscillation axis being parallel to the resting surface of the towing bicycle to which the connector is coupled during use, a fork for connection of the towing arm to the hub of the front wheel of the bicycle to be towed, the fork being locked to the towing arm during use, a strut pivoted on the towing arm, and a coupling assembly which is adapted for connection of the strut to the bicycle to be towed. The first oscillation axis is transverse to the anteroposterior direction of the towing bicycle and the second oscillation axis is perpendicular to the resting surface.
US08360455B2	Tailgate access step A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time.
US08360451B2	Air suspension system An air suspension system for a multi-axle vehicle having air bags (4,5; 6,7; 8,9; 10,11; 44 to 49) supporting either side of the axles (2,3; 41 to 43), including separate air lines (18 to 25; 50 to 55) respectively connecting each air bag to a level control valve (16,17; 56,57) via manifolds (26,27; M) and air lines (28,29; 54,55) to independently control air supply to the bags on either side, the separate air lines being of the same size and length to ensure that substantially the same volume of air is supplied to each bag to improve the responsiveness and stability of the system.
US08360450B2	Stabilizer device A stabilizer device includes a bar having a portion to be mounted to a vehicle body. A resin ring is integrally formed to the bar by a direct injection method, and a bush made of rubber is provided around the periphery of the resin ring. The bush is fixed to a member of the vehicle body side by a bracket. Since the contact area of the resin ring to the bar is secured by using the axial direction length of the bush, the movement strength of the bush in the axial direction can be improved even when there is size restriction. In the fixing construction of the stabilizer device, the movement of the bush to the bar can be sufficiently prevented even when the size restriction is severe.
US08360448B2	Angular adjusting system for torsion suspension and torsion suspension so obtained In a traditional hitched trailer there is no way to adjust the ride height of the trailer. Provided is an angular adjusting mechanism (13) for a suspension system (10) comprising a shaft (12) and a crank arm (20), the shaft (12) having a connecting end (14) connected to the crank arm (20), said angular adjusting mechanism (13) comprising a frusto-comcal shaped surface (16) provided on the connecting end (14) and pointing outwardly from said shaft (12), said surface (16) having an array of first cavities (18) arranged circumferentially, a frusto-comcal bore (22) proximate a first extremity of said crank arm (20), said bore (22) having an array of second cavities (24), said bore (22) being operative to mate with said surface (16) of said connecting end (14), and an interlocking element (30) partly positioned in one of said second cavities (24) and partly positioned in one of said first cavities (18) so as to lock said crank arm (20) at a predetermined angular position with respect to said shaft (12). Also, an improved torsion suspension system (10) including the above mentioned angular adjusting mechanism (13) is provided.
US08360445B2	Roll-out cart A roll-out cart includes a lid and a cart body supported on wheels. The cart body is comprised of a base wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls that cooperate with each other to define a cart interior. The lid is attached to the cart body with a hinge connection and is moveable between an open position to provide access to the cart interior and a closed position to prevent access to the cart interior. A latch is pivotally mounted to the lid to lock the lid in the closed position.
US08360444B2	Monument transport tool and method A transport tool is disclosed for moving an aircraft monument from one location to another. The transport tool comprises an elongated, substantially rectangular, support frame having handle members at an upper region, wheel elements at a lower region, and a leg pivoted to the mid-region of the tool for supporting a load mounted to the tool as the transport tool is rotated about the wheel elements from a vertical orientation in which the load can be loaded onto, or unloaded from, the tool to a horizontal orientation in which the load can be transported from one location to another. Also disclosed is a method for transporting the load between two locations using the transport tool.
US08360440B2	Control system for leaning vehicle A leaning vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, an engine, and a shock tower having a lower end pivotally connected to a front portion of the frame about a pivot axis. Front left and right suspension assemblies operatively connect to the front portion of the frame. A steering assembly has a steering column and a handlebar. A rear suspension is connected to the rear portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly has a knuckle, a spindle passing through the knuckle and being rotatable relative to the knuckle about a steering axis, a lower suspension arm having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the lower end of the spindle about a tilting axis parallel to the pivot axis, and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm.
US08360430B2	Table ball game device The present invention relates to a table ball game device (1), comprising a game field (2) and a game table comprising a game field edge (3), wherein on at least one narrow side (4) at least one launch apparatus (5) for launching spheres (6) at a ball (7) are pivotally disposed, wherein the at least one launch apparatus (5) is associated with a feed apparatus (8) for automatically feeding the spheres to the at least one launch apparatus (5).
US08360422B2	Feedback-based document handling control system A method and system for performing sheet registration are disclosed. Output values for a sheet may be identified within a reference frame. A difference between each output value and a corresponding desired output value may be determined. Input values may be determined based on at least the differences. State feedback values may be determined based on information received from one or more sensors. Jerk values may be determined for multiple drive rolls based on the input values and the state feedback values. A desired angular velocity for each drive roll may be determined based on the corresponding jerk value. A motor voltage may be determined for each drive roll that tracks an observed angular velocity value to the desired angular velocity value. The jerk values may create a linear differential relationship between the input values and the output values. The steps may be performed multiple times.
US08360420B2	Paper adjusting device A paper adjusting device comprises a first and a second limiting plates; the second limiting plate substantially parallel to the first limiting plate; a first driving plate comprising a rotating end and a sliding end, the rotating end of the first driving plate is rotatably attached to the first limiting plate, and the sliding end of the first driving plate is slidably engaged with the second limiting plate; a second driving plate comprising a rotating end and a sliding end, wherein the rotating end is rotatably attached to the second limiting plate, and the sliding end is slidably engaged with the first limiting plate; and an operating member comprising a positioning plate and slidably connected to the first and the second driving plates; wherein the first and the second limiting plates, the second limiting plate are slidable to form a space to align a stack of paper.
US08360416B2	Sheet remaining amount detection device and image forming apparatus A sheet feeder includes a tray on which sheets are to be placed, a rope connected to the tray, a pulley which includes a shaft and on which the rope is taken up such that the winds thereof are aligned in an axial direction of the shaft, and a motor for moving the tray upward by rotating the pulley about the shaft in a direction to take up the rope to locate the uppermost sheet on the tray at a sheet pickup position. A sheet remaining amount detection device applied to this sheet feeder includes a position detector for detecting a present position which is a present take-up position of the rope on the pulley in the axial direction, and a remaining amount detecting section for detecting the remaining amount of the sheets on the tray based on the present position detected by the position detector.
US08360414B2	Imaging device An imaging device including a pivoting media pick tire is described.
US08360410B1	Baking dough processing assembly The present invention is a dough board assembly including an outer frame having top and bottom edges, an inner perimeter with the inner perimeter having at least one shoulder, at least one inner board sized to rest on the at least one inner shoulder within the inner perimeter so that at least one of the top and bottom edges extend above the inner board as it rests on the at least one shoulder. The inner perimeter has at least one perimeter length and at least one perimeter width. In an alternate embodiment, the assembly further includes a insert defining at least one orifice. In a second embodiment, the invention further comprises a rolling pin.
US08360409B2	Apparatus and method for simultaneous treatment of multiple workpieces A system for simultaneously treating multiple workpieces is configured with sites, configured to hold respective workpieces, affixed on a rotatable base. Each site has a shelf accommodating an interior space and may be positioned by base rotation in alignment with a station of fixed location. Each station is equipped with an active component. The active components are movable simultaneously within respective stations into the respective interior spaces of respective aligned sites.
US08360408B2	Multi-tool positioner for flexible manufacturing of fixture joining components A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.
US08360405B2	Mounting apparatus for a vibration-sensitive module A vibration-sensitive module having a mounting flange is mounted to a vibrational base with a bushing assembly secured to the base, where the mounting flange has cammed surfaces radially adjacent to the bushing assembly that variably engage the radial peripheries of the bushings in response to vibrational movement of the base. The cammed surfaces produce a desired force vs. deflection characteristic of the mounting apparatus, and the bushing material retains its compressibility under load to minimize cross-coupling of vibrational force impulses.
US08360399B2	Mid-span winch with a reel-enclosing support frame The mid-span winch has a support frame, a reel mounted in this support frame and a handle affixed to the support frame. The mid-span winch has a longitudinal axis extending horizontally from the reel and a vertical axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at a point on the reel. The handle is mounted to the support frame at a location on the support frame which is coincidental with the vertical axis. Wobbling and twisting motions in the winch body are thereby readily perceived with a true amplitude. A corrective action can then be applied to the winch body without using an excessive or a shy force. In another aspect of the present invention, the handle has a hand grip which extends obliquely from the longitudinal axis, whereby both a wobbling motion and a twisting motion on the winch body can be stabilized at once in a same grasp.
US08360396B2	Leverage tool for a crank assembly of a radar system An apparatus may comprise a lever operable to rotate a crank arm. The apparatus may further comprise a slotted member affixed to an end of the lever. The slotted member may be operable to clip around a first handle of the crank arm. The apparatus may further comprise an alignment member affixed to the lever. The alignment member may comprise a hole that receives a second handle of the crank arm. The apparatus may further comprise a third handle affixed to the lever such that a force applied to the third handle causes the lever to rotate. The rotation of the lever may cause the crank arm to rotate in a particular plane. The third handle may be offset from the particular plane.
US08360393B2	Valve actuator having spring return power A spring return valve comprising a motor, a first worm member, a second planetary gear member, a second worm member, an elastic member, and a valve attached to said second worm wheel is provided. Since the first and the second planetary gear are installed between the first worm shaft and the second worm shaft and the elastic member is fitted onto the second worm shaft, the load applied on the output shaft can be reduced a lot, the opening and/or closing operation is very easy even if the elastic coefficient is small, thereby the reduction in size is possible.
US08360384B2	Collapsible support device and composite material for making the same A collapsible support device for a mobile device, incorporating a composite member that can be selectively transitioned between an intermediate state, a tilted state and collapsed state. The composite member includes at least one rigid layer coupled to a malleable layer, and a first plurality of hinge elements that facilitate transition between the above states, the hinge elements including the malleable layer and substantially excluding the rigid layer.
US08360378B1	Mobile electronic device support A mobile electronic device support is disclosed for allowing a mobile electronic device to be removably secured to a surface, such as a column.
US08360362B2	Aircraft floor and method of assembly The invention relates to aircraft floor assemblies and to methods for their assembly. In one embodiment, an aircraft comprises at least one fuselage section and at least one floor section. At least one system component is installed to the floor section prior to installation of the floor section in the fuselage of the aircraft. In another embodiment, a floor section adapted to be installed in an aircraft includes at least one system component installed to the floor section while it is outside of the aircraft. In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed for assembling an aircraft. The method comprises installing at least one system component to a floor section, and installing the floor section into a fuselage section of the aircraft.
US08360360B2	Motorized undercarriage for aircraft The undercarriage for aircraft comprises: at least one wheel provided with a rim; a hub carrying the rim; and a motor and gearing for driving the wheel, the motor and the gearing being received, preferably completely, inside the hub.
US08360357B2	Aircraft with a wing movable along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage An aircraft has a fuselage a wing integral with the fuselage at a point on a rigid central wing box. Sections of the wing are located on sides of the central wing box and integral and fixed relative to the wing box to form a rigid wing. The wing is mounted movably in translation relative to the fuselage along a longitudinal direction of the aircraft parallel to an axis of the fuselage between an extreme forward position and an extreme rear position of a point of reference of the wing. The central wing box is determined in the front by a wing box front spar, in the rear by a wing box rear spar, and laterally by root ribs. Sections of the wing include external front and external rear spars integral with and fixed relative to the wing box front spars and wing box rear spars to form the rigid wing.
US08360356B2	Flying apparatus A flying apparatus having a thrust directing wing is disclosed. The flying apparatus can include a wing that receives a thrust flow from a thrust flow generator, and selectively redirect the flow in at least one of a plurality of directions. The wing can redirect the thrust flow so as to generate vertical thrust, forward thrust, and combinations thereof. The thrust flow generator can include a gas turbine engine, which can include two rotating shafts and a common burner, with each shaft coupling a compressor with a turbine.
US08360355B2	Wing-to-body fairing with spray-on foam and noise reduction method A fairing includes a fairing body having a fairing interior and an interior surface and a spray-on insulation foam layer provided on the interior surface of the fairing body.
US08360353B2	Portable winding and reeling apparatus An improved winding apparatus for winding hoses and similar hose-shaped items such as those used in the firefighting industry. The apparatus includes a retainer including first and second pieces adapted for moving relative to each other in a complementary way for securing the hose to the winding means. Optional mechanical and electrical means for driving the apparatus are described. Rollers, left and right guide means and a squeegee comprise a three part guide and cleaning subassembly which aids in the reeling of the hose. The apparatus includes a modular core adapted to be permanently mounted to any vertical wall or alternatively easily connected to a handcart or fire truck for movement to fit the particular application.
US08360351B2	Multi-sectional roller mill A multi-sectional roller mill comprises at least two mill sections (2, 2′) each including a plurality of ‘rollers (20, 20′), wherein each mill section includes a-drive shaft (16, 16′) and male and female parts of a coupling element (15) attached to respective ends of said drive shaft for rotation therewith, and wherein the said coupling element provides for rotation between said male and female parts of drive shafts of adjacent mill sections.
US08360347B2	Method and system for separating and recovering wire and other metal from processed recycled materials Processing waste materials to recover valuable metals, such as copper, from the materials. The disclosed systems and methods employ processes that further refine the waste materials to concentrate the metallic material after the waste materials are initially processed. Processes include employing air separation and screening. Processes also include employing a dynamic sensor and a vacuum pressure separator to separate metals from other materials.
US08360345B2	Airless spray gun having overhead valve and removable head A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a handle, a fluid head comprising a fluid valve and a trigger coupled to the fluid valve, and a quick disconnect fastener coupling the fluid head with the handle. A system, in other embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a body, a pivot joint coupled to the body, and a trigger having a lever coupled to the pivot joint. The trigger may be configured to move in a first direction. The system also may include a valve disposed in the body and movable in a second direction crosswise to the first direction, wherein the lever is configured to bias the valve in the second direction.
US08360343B2	Methods and systems for executing fluid delivery mission A mobile fluid delivery machine for delivering fluid to a site has a tank storing fluid, and at least one spray head configured to spray the stored fluid onto the site. In addition, the machine has a communication device configured to receive fluid delivery mission instructions from a site computing system, the mission instructions identifying a sequence of path segments on the site and corresponding fluid delivery amounts allocated to the path segments, and a location device configured to determine the location of the machine on the site. Th machine may also have a fluid delivery system configured to determine whether the location of the fluid delivery machine corresponds to a path segment of the sequence, and when it is determined that the location of the machine corresponds to a path segment in the sequence, to identify the fluid delivery amount allocated to that path segment based on the mission instructions.
US08360339B2	Fire suppression apparatus and method for generating foam A fire suppression apparatus and method of generating foam are provided in which a foam-forming liquid is introduced under high velocity and pressure into a mixing manifold through a plurality of jets, and a non-combustible gas is introduced under high velocity and pressure into the center of the mixing manifold, downstream of the jets and in the direction of flow of the foam-forming liquid. The foam generated in the mixing manifold is discharged through a hose and nozzle connected to the mixing manifold. The apparatus may be a self-contained unit, supported on a frame, with its own supply of foam-forming liquid and non-combustible gas.
US08360337B2	Ultrasonic waterjet apparatus An ultrasonic waterjet apparatus has a mobile generator module and a high-pressure water hose for delivering high-pressure water from the mobile generator module to a hand-held gun with a trigger and an ultrasonic nozzle. An ultrasonic generator transmits high-frequency electrical pulses to a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive transducer which vibrates to modulate a high-pressure waterjet flowing through the nozzle. The waterjet exiting the ultrasonic nozzle is pulsed into mini slugs of water. The ultrasonic waterjet apparatus may be used to cut and de-burr materials, to clean and de-coat surfaces, and to break rocks. The ultrasonic waterjet apparatus performs these tasks with much greater efficiency than conventional continuous-flow waterjet systems because of the repetitive waterhammer effect. A nozzle with multiple exit orifices or a rotating nozzle may be provided in lieu of a nozzle with a single exit orifice to render cleaning and de-coating large surfaces more efficient.
US08360335B2	Valves and methods for regulating the flow rate of a liquid to a fixture Embodiments of valves permit liquids such as water to flow therethrough at a relatively high flow rate when the temperature of the water is below a predetermined level. The valves reduce the flow rate when the temperature of the water is at or above the predetermined level. The valves can thus facilitate purging of cold water from the hot-water supply piping upstream of the valves at a relatively fast rate, while reducing the flow rate of the water once the water reaching the valves has warmed to a comfortable level.
US08360328B2	RFID tag An antenna for an RFID transponder device having a substrate and an RF integrated circuit. The antenna comprises two opposing conductive elements arranged on one side of the substrate and electrically connected to the integrated circuit; and a conductive patch arranged between the elements on the same side of the substrate and not electrically connected to them.
US08360327B2	Animal transponder tag A tag and a method of manufacturing a tag having an electronic device, which may be a transponder embedded in binding material, the method including applying a pre-coat of binding material to the transponder, at least partially curing the pre-coat of binding material, locating the resulting pre-coated transponder in further binding material and curing the further binding material. The method may further include applying a vacuum to the binding material and binding material, heating the binding materials and vibrating the binding materials. Apparatus for producing tags is also described and claimed. The tag has a construction which facilitates subcutaneous introduction into a target subject, such as an animal, and helps provide retention of the tag in the inserted position in the target subject.
US08360324B2	Wireless IC device A wireless IC device that is operable in a wide band and is suitable for RFID systems includes a radiating plate and an electromagnetically coupled module constituted by a wireless IC that processes transmitted/received signals and a feeding circuit board having a feeding circuit and coupled with the wireless IC. The radiating plate includes a linear electrode bent at a bent portion and apparently sectioned into two linear electrode portions having different lengths. The electromagnetically coupled module is arranged such that the feeding circuit board and the linear electrode portions are electromagnetically coupled. The wireless IC is operated by signals received by the radiating plate, and response signals from the wireless IC are radiated outward from the radiating plate.
US08360321B2	System and method of deconvolving multiplexed fluorescence spectral signals generated by quantum dot optical coding technology A method deconvolves a multiplexed fluorescence spectral signal into its component single-color fluorescence spectra emitted by contributing fluorophore types. A spectral database contains a parameter set for each of the component spectra. Optical codes are received as the multiplexed signals. A sliding window technique estimates a number and location of local peaks for the component spectra. Allowable variation ranges are assigned for the corresponding parameter sets. Each multiplexed signal is deconvolved into a sum of parametric values to generate a list of its component spectra. Encoded and received optical codes, in the form of multiplexed signals, are decoded and identified by their component spectra and contributing fluorophore types. A system for deconvolving the multiplexed signals includes a spectral database containing the parameter sets, a detection element receiving the optical codes, and a signal processor encoded to analyze and deconvolve the multiplexed signals.
US08360318B2	Dimensioning and barcode reading system A system and method for auto-calibrating a barcode scanning tunnel to determine the orientation of one or more cameras with respect to a range finder and a conveyor belt comprises providing a scanning tunnel having a moveable surface, at least one range finder having an orientation, at least one camera having an orientation and at least one calibration object having at least one indicia disposed in a predetermined relationship to one or more features of the at least one calibration object, capturing at least one image of the at least one calibration object by the at least one camera, electronically detecting the at least one calibration object at least one indicia and the one or more object features and electronically calculating at least one component of the at least one camera orientation with respect to the moveable surface in response to information obtained from the image and the at least one calibration object at least one indicia.
US08360316B2	Taking undistorted images of moved objects with uniform resolution by line sensor An apparatus (10), in particular a code reader, for the taking of undistorted images of a surface of objects (14) moved on a conveying device (12) is set forth, wherein the apparatus (10) has a geometry detection sensor (18) which is made for the detection of the geometry of the objects (14) with reference to spacing data and/or to the remission behavior of the objects (14) as well as a line sensor (20), in particular a line camera, which can scan the objects (14) linewise for the generation of image data of the surface in a linear reading window (22) which forms an angle with the conveying direction. In this connection, a control (24) is provided which is made to generate, on the basis of geometrical data of the geometry detection sensor (18), a respective spacing profile of the surface over the reading window (22) from the perspective of the line sensor (20) and to generate an associated zoom factor and/or a taking frequency for the line sensor (20) from each spacing profile; to set the line sensor (20) to the associated zoom factor and/or to the taking frequency for the respective line of the objects (14) to be scanned; and to compose the image data thus taken linewise in an undistorted manner to form a uniformly resolved total image of the surface.
US08360310B2	Methods and apparatus for user interface management in point of sale applications Systems and techniques for managing implementation of user interfaces and related elements of a point of sale application. A stencil is created to define aspects of a user interface to be used with on or more point of sale applications. A user interface defined by the stencil is integrated with a point of sale application model, with integration including establishing bindings between elements defined by the stencil and corresponding elements of the application and importing appropriate specific elements defined by the model to more generalized elements defined by the stencil. An integrated point of sale configuration is loaded to one or more point of sale stations for use in point of sale operations.
US08360309B2	Reducing transaction time in a self-service terminal Methods of reducing transaction time in a self-service terminal are described. The methods involve pre-stacking a defined amount of media, such as a commonly withdrawn amount of money, before the user has performed any service selection. During service selection, the user is given an option to withdraw the defined amount of money and if the user selects this option, the pre-stacked amount is dispensed. If the user selects an option to withdraw a different amount of money, a second dispenser in the self-service terminal may be used to stack and dispense this different amount.
US08360308B2	Protocol driven image acquisition Systems, methods, and computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon for protocol driven image acquisition are provided. In embodiments, a protocol is received by an image capturing device. The protocol comprises orders from a clinician, a workflow for capturing at least one image, or a combination thereof. At least one field for receiving metadata to be associated with the at least one image allows structured documentation to begin on the image capturing device. The at least one image and associated metadata are communicated to a medical information system. A patient is identified by the metadata or an existing patient to device association and the at least one image is associated with an electronic medical record for the patient.
US08360306B2	Partition assembly made with partitions having rounded edges and method of making same A partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot and a rounded edge. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions are made by rounding an edge of a multi-layered blank using a rotatable tool and then cutting the partition material to a desired size. Slots may then be formed in the edge sealed material.
US08360305B2	Method and apparatus for reflow soldering Reflow soldering apparatus comprising a vapour chamber in communication with a reservoir of heat transfer fluid such that a volume of vaporised heat transfer fluid is created and held in the vapour chamber by heating of the heat transfer fluid. A heating chamber is provided for receiving a board and a transportation mechanism is provided to transport vapour, and condensate formed from the vapour, from the volume of vaporised heat transfer fluid to the heating chamber. The transported vapour and condensate applies heat to the heating chamber for the reflow soldering process.
US08360300B1	Method and apparatus for ultrasonic welding 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. Ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the first workpiece by the sonotrode for a period of time.
US08360299B2	Surgical stapling apparatus A surgical stapling apparatus having a housing with an actuator and an elongated member extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed on one end of the elongated member. The end effector houses a plurality of fasteners that are operatively coupled to a plurality of pusher members. An actuation mechanism is operatively coupled to the actuator; the actuation mechanism includes a longitudinally translatable drive member and an actuation sled. The actuation sled is configured for engaging the plurality of pusher members. A pressure responsive element is also disposed in one of the jaws. The pressure responsive element communicates a signal to a controller. The signal is representative of pressure applied to the pressure responsive element. The controller is configured to activate a feedback response.
US08360291B2	Staple cartridge A staple cartridge is provided with: a refill which houses in a wound manner a staple sheet formed by coupling a plurality of straight staples and includes a guide passage for carrying out the staple sheet; and a cartridge body which includes a feeding passage for guiding the staple sheet carried out from the refill via the guide passage to a position of driving out by the driver. The guide passage is communicated with the feeding passage when the refill is attached to the cartridge body, and the refill is attached to and detached from the cartridge body from a direction different from a direction along which the guide passage and the feeding passage are communicated.
US08360287B2	Air piston and dome foam pump A foam pump for pumping a foamable liquid from a foamable liquid source includes a premix chamber having an interior volume receiving the foamable liquid from the foamable liquid source. The foam pump also include a premix chamber air inlet valve, and a collapsible air chamber surrounds the premix chamber and fluidly communicates with the interior volume of the premix chamber through said premix chamber air inlet valve. The collapsible air chamber has an expanded volume and a compressed volume, and, when the collapsible air chamber is moved from its expanded volume to its compressed volume, air within the collapsible air chamber is forced into the premix chamber through the premix chamber air inlet valve and mixes with the foamable liquid received in the premix chamber. An outlet communicates with the premix chamber and, upon compression of the collapsible air chamber from its expanded volume to its compressed volume, foamable liquid and air are advanced from the premix chamber into the outlet. This foamable liquid and air mixture is homogenized into a foam product by advancement through a mesh screen.
US08360285B2	Metering device A dosing apparatus for fluid, in particular pasty, substances such as toothpaste, liquid soap, mustard, etc., comprises a pump which has a filling nozzle which forms a suction opening of the pump in order to pump the pasty substance out of a container. An adapter has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for connecting a neck or an opening of the container to the filling nozzle of the pump. The outlet opening can be connected to the suction opening. The apparatus includes a two-part adapter housing where the upper part can be substituted for using different sized and shaped containers. The connection between the suction opening of the pump and the outlet opening of the adapter is designed to be releasable. The filling nozzle is formed coaxially to the adapter.
US08360278B2	Pressure vessel, system and/or method for dispensing a comestible mixture A pressure vessel, a system and/or a method dispense a comestible mixture. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method are used to cool, freeze and/or entrain a gas into the comestible mixture before dispensing the same. The pressure vessel may have a lid and a body that are connected to form an air-tight compartment. The compartment is sized to receive a deformable bag of the comestible mixture. The bag has an opening to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag and/or the compartment through a hole in the lid. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a compressor or other source of a compressed gas a hose to communicate the compressed gas from the compressor into the compartment. Further, the hose communicates the compressed gas to a freezing chamber and/or a cooling chamber of the machine. The pressure vessel, the system and/or the method has a tube to communicate the comestible mixture from the bag to the freezing chamber and/or the cooling chamber.
US08360277B2	Assembly for dispensing beverage An assembly for dispensing a beverage includes a collapsible beverage container having a neck part with an outlet. A connecting element is arranged at the neck part so as to receive an inlet end of a dispensing line. The beverage container is contained in a pressure chamber having an interior configured to accommodate the beverage container and a lid. The connecting element is configured for abutment with the lid of the pressure chamber to form a seal between the lid and the beverage container during use.
US08360267B1	Drinking container having locking drinking orifice and vent aperture A locking mechanism for a trigger assembly in a lid of a drinking container is provided. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a button member, a stop and a manifold. The button member is moveable in a first direction from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. The button member is further moveable in a second direction toward an interior of the lid when the button is disposed in the second position. The button member has a locking protrusion portion. The locking protrusion portion of the button member is disposed proximate the stop in the first position, and distal the stop in the second position. The stop limits movement of the button member in the second direction with the button member disposed in the first position. A manifold is slidingly connected to the button member. The manifold is displaced by the button member when the button member is moved in the second direction. The manifold operates a seal assembly to allow fluid communication between the drink aperture and the container body.
US08360264B2	Containing elongate bulk products Some embodiments of a container can be configured to transport chain or other elongate bulk products and to thereafter display the chain or other elongate bulk products in a manner that provides enhanced visibility to consumers. In some circumstances, the container may be tiltable to shift from a storage position to a display position. Also, the container may be nestable with other containers when stacked during storage.
US08360263B2	Insulated container, method of fabricating same and apparatus for fabricating The invention relates to an insulated container for hot drinks or the like comprising an inner cup having a generally frusto-conical cup body and a generally frusto-conical outer shell. The cup is seated within the shell so that a contact path is disposed near the upper edge of the shell, along which contact path the outer surface of the cup body and inner surface of the shell are in contact. At least one bonding spot and/or bonding area for bonding said shell to said cup body is locally formed within said contact path.
US08360262B2	Integrated food packaging system having a cup, a container, and a cover A food container formed of a single sheet of plastic, which includes a cup (12), a cover (16) that is movable between open and closed positions on the cup top, and a container (20,22) that is movable between a stowed position in the cup and an unstowed position out of the cup. The cup has a cup flange (34) and the container has a container flange (60) that is pivotally connected to the cup flange along a pivot line (64) that can be torn to separate the container from the cup. The cover is pivotally connected to the cup top at the cover flange, and the container has a lift tab (220) that lies on the cover flange. The container has a side wall that forms a vertical channel (190) on its outside for passing a straw into liquid in the cup.
US08360261B2	Foldable concrete washout and waste containment unit A foldable concrete washout and waste containment unit having a foldable support box receiving and supporting a flexible liner for receiving and retaining within the flexible liner within the support box waste materials.
US08360260B2	Collection tank A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.
US08360258B2	Beverage container closure A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.
US08360257B2	Screw cap, container body and container The invention relates to a screw cap (10) capable of being screwed onto the neck (44) of a container body (40), the screw cap comprising a substantially cylindrical screw section (17) comprising a screw thread (16) on its inner face, at least one tamper evidence member (18) for indicating an initial opening of the screw cap (10), and a desiccant chamber (24) located radially inwardly to the screw section, wherein the screw section (17) is radially resilient.

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