最新美国发明专利第2013-02-12期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08372369B2	Enhancing hydrogen spillover and storage Methods for enhancing hydrogen spillover and storage are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes doping a hydrogen receptor with metal particles, and exposing the hydrogen receptor to ultrasonication as doping occurs. Another embodiment of the method includes doping a hydrogen receptor with metal particles, and exposing the doped hydrogen receptor to a plasma treatment.
US08372367B2	System and method for recovering boron values from plant tailings A method is provided for recovering boric acid from a solution containing boric acid and at least one lithium compound. The method comprises (a) passing the solution through an ion exchange resin such that boric acid accumulates on the resin; (b) removing the boric acid from the resin with an aqueous alcohol solution, thus obtaining a first solution comprising an alcohol, boric acid, and water; (c) converting at least a portion of the boric acid to trimethyl borate, thereby obtaining a second solution; (d) distilling an azeotrope from the second solution, wherein the azeotrope contains trimethyl borate; and (e) recovering boric acid from the azeotrope.
US08372365B2	High pressure reduction-oxidation desulfurization process An improved process for reduction-oxidation desulphurization uses an oxidizer operating at a pressure greater than the absorber where a liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution contacts a sulfur-containing gas feed stream.
US08372364B2	Exhaust gas aftertreatment system An exhaust gas post treatment system for, in particular, a self-igniting internal combustion engine including a catalytic converter that is arranged in an exhaust gas line, a fine particle filter and an introduction device for a reduction agent arranged upstream of the catalytic converter in the direction of the flow of the exhaust gas, and to a method for operating said type of exhaust gas post treatment system. An exhaust gas post treatment system and a method for operating said type of system that is simple to use and compact. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the catalytic converter is a reductively or oxidatively operated catalytic converter, or that the introduction device, the catalytic converter, that can be operated reductively or oxidatively, and the fine particle filter are arranged in said sequence and in the exhaust line in the direction of flow.
US08372361B2	Copper recovery circuit The present invention relates generally to a process for controlled leaching and sequential recovery of two or more metals from metal-bearing materials. In one exemplary embodiment, recovery of metals from a leached metal-bearing material is controlled and improved by providing a high grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) and a low grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) to a single solution extraction plant comprising at least two solution extractor units, at least two stripping units, and, optionally, at least one wash stage.
US08372356B2	Manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system is designed to transfer liquids from a standard multi-well plate, deep-well plate or reservoir into another multi-well plate. The preferred pipetting head includes an array of 96-tip fittings. A deck with at least one but preferably two or more wellplate nesting receptacles holds one or more multi-well plates or reagent reservoirs for access by an array of disposable pipette tips mounted to the pipetting head. The electronic motion control system includes a control handle that is mounted to a load cell, the carriage for the pipetting head and is held in the palm of the user. In use, the user grasps the control handle and operates the system in a manner similar to one using a handheld electronic pipettor.
US08372351B2	Glucose monitoring system with wireless communications A glucose monitor having only a test strip reader and wireless transmission to a remote hand held calculation processor. All glucose data processing occurs in a remote hand held calculator processor with the glucose monitor providing only sensing and wireless transfer of data. In an embodiment, the glucose monitor includes a button for use in wirelessly pairing the monitor to a smart phone for data communication with a non-proprietary communication protocol, and a light source to communicate the progress of the pairing. In a further embodiment, the glucose monitor includes a switch coupled to the strip reader such that power is applied to the monitor when a test strip is inserted and power is removed with the withdrawal of the test strip. In another embodiment, inserting the test strip and activating the switch also places the glucose monitor into the pairing search mode to communication with a host remote processor.
US08372350B2	Tunnel for conditioning of products, especially for sterilization of food in prepackaged containers A tunnel is provided for conditioning of food products, especially for sterilization of food in containers or vessels of the heat-sealed type, in which the conditioning unit has: 1) an active pressure control system corresponding to at least one heating stage, which provides for balancing of the pressure within the heat-sealed vessels or containers; and 2) a conveyor which conveys the heat-sealed vessels or containers through the stages along the conditioning unit which contains mechanisms that move the conveyor outside of the conditioning tunnel, and 3) doors operating like check valves that separate the stages of the conditioning unit; and 4) a cross section of the tunnel of the polygonal type; and 5) the conditioning unit including inlets for introduction of washing liquids with a corresponding discharge outlet. Preferably, the magnetrons are covered to protect each magnetron from liquids. In preferred embodiments, the conditioning tunnel includes temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of products within the tunnel. Moreover, preferably the conveyor is adjustable to move forward and rearward, and the magnetrons are adjustable to provide a controllably moveable magnetic field. A controller is connected to the temperature sensors, conveyor and magnetrons to cause the conveyor to move products forward or rearward, or cause the magnetrons to move the magnetic field relative to the food products to more thoroughly and evenly cook the food products.
US08372340B2	Apparatus and methods for integrated sample preparation, reaction and detection Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.
US08372334B2	Method of making diamond-bonded constructions with improved thermal and mechanical properties Diamond-bonded constructions include a diamond-bonded body having a thermally stable region extending a distance below a diamond-bonded body surface. The thermally stable region comprises a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond crystals, and interstitial regions comprising a reaction product. The reaction product is formed by reaction between the diamond crystals and a reactive material. The reactant is a carbide former and the reaction product is a carbide. The diamond-bonded body includes a further diamond region extending from the thermally stable region that comprises the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal disposed within interstitial regions of the matrix phase. The thermally stable region is substantially free of a catalyst material used to initially form the diamond-bonded body. The diamond-bonded body may include a material layer formed from the reaction product that is disposed on a surface of the diamond-bonded body thermally stable region.
US08372330B2	Resin solidification substrate and assembly A solidification substrate assembly for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material includes a solidification substrate assembly. In certain examples, the solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the solidification substrate, and the tilting of the substrate and/or or the use of a peeling member facilitates separation of the substrate from the solidified material. In other examples, the solidification substrate assembly includes a film that is adjacent to a rigid or semi-rigid layer. The solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the film, and a peeling member peels the film away from the solidified material. Intelligent solidification substrate assemblies are also described in which a force sensor determines when to expose the solidifiable material to solidification energy and/or whether to use a peeling member to separate the solidification substrate from a solidified objection section.
US08372328B2	Semi-finished product for producing an opening apparatus An apparatus for opening sealed packaging, including three parts, a pouring nozzle having a flange, a cylindrical cutting element and a screwcap. According to this invention, all three parts of the apparatus are produced in one piece as a semi-finished product. The teeth of the cutting element protrude into the pouring nozzle, while the screwcap is held on the flat edge of the cutting element. The three parts are connected to one another via predetermined breaking point bridges. This invention reduces the production costs and simplifies the assembly and the systems which are required for this purpose.
US08372327B2	Method for resin transfer molding composite parts A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed.
US08372324B2	Binding of particulate materials to manufacture articles Methods and apparatus are disclosed for binding of particulate materials to manufacture articles including continuous panels or sheets. Particulate feed materials are mixed with a heat curable binder and the mixture is fed to and compressed in a die. A radio frequency (RF) field is applied across electrodes between which the mixture is held compressed to inductively or dielectrically heat and cure the binder. Prior to entering the die the mixture is first fed to an intake zone where the mixture is shaped into substantially the same shape as the shape of the mixture in the die so that any curing of the binder due to heating of the mixture in the intake zone occurs while the mixture is in the desired final shape. Operating parameters including shape and dimensions of the intake zone, mixture advancement lengths, are disclosed.
US08372321B2	Polymeric materials A part may be manufactured in a desired color from virgin or recycled polymeric material by selection of a color formulation to be used in a first location 4, 6, 8, 10, 12; relaying color information to a centralized match prediction system 16 as regards the desired color and other information concerning a polymeric material which is to be made in the desired color. The system 16 includes a database and associated software and is able to take the color information and predict how to reproduce the colors using an associated color dispense system. A device 30 controls dispense stations 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 which may be conveniently situated at customer sites or the like. The dispense stations dispense colors for use.
US08372314B2	Indium tin oxide target, method for manufacturing the same, transparent conductive film of indium tin oxide, and method for manufacturing transparent conductive film of indium tin oxide Disclosed are an indium Tin Oxide (ITO) target, a method for manufacturing the same, a transparent conductive film of ITO, and a method for manufacturing the transparent conductive film of ITO. The ITO target includes at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of Sm2O3 and Yb2O3, wherein an amount of the oxide is about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % based on the weight of the target.
US08372308B2	Production method of blue light-emitting phosphor A method ensuring that a CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+ blue light-emitting phosphor having high emission intensity can be produced in an industrially advantageous manner is provided. The production method includes a step of mixing a calcium source powder, a europium source powder, a magnesium source powder and a silicon source powder composed of silicon diimide powder or the like in a ratio producing a CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+ blue light-emitting phosphor, and a step of subjecting the powder mixture to heating at a temperature of 400 to 1,000° C. in an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere and then firing at a temperature of 800 to 1,500° C. in a reducing gas atmosphere.
US08372306B2	Liquid crystal compound having negative dielectric anisotropy, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal compound is provided that has excellent characteristics, such as a negatively large dielectric anisotropy. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition are also provided. A compound having the three factors, i.e., (1) a tetrahydropyran ring, (2) terminal alkenyl chain and (3) exhibits excellent characteristics including a negatively large dielectric anisotropy (Δε). The use of the compound having the characteristics provides an excellent liquid crystal composition and an excellent liquid crystal display device.
US08372303B2	Cerium oxide powder, method for preparing the same, and CMP slurry comprising the same Disclosed is cerium oxide powder for a CMP abrasive, which can improve polishing selectivity of a silicon oxide layer to a silicon nitride layer and/or within-wafer non-uniformity (WIWNU) during chemical mechanical polishing in a semiconductor fabricating process. More particularly, the cerium oxide powder is obtained by using cerium carbonate having a hexagonal crystal structure as a precursor. Also, CMP slurry comprising the cerium oxide powder as an abrasive, and a shallow trench isolation method for a semiconductor device using the CMP slurry as polishing slurry are disclosed.
US08372301B2	Estolide compositions exhibiting high oxidative stability Provided herein are estolide compositions having high oxidative stability, said compositions comprising at least one compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided herein are uses for the compositions and methods of preparing the same.
US08372300B2	Additives for electrolyte solution and electrolyte solution An additive of the formula (1) for use in electrolytic solutions wherein A is —CH(X)— or —C═C(X)—, X being hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonyl having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, benzoyl or alkoxycarbonylalkyl having 3 to 9 carbon atoms, Q1 and Q2 are the same or different and are each alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkyl having 3 to 9 carbon atoms or amino having as a substituent alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and A, Q1 and Q2 may form a ring structure.
US08372297B2	Method for fabricating membrane having hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity A method for fabricating a membrane is disclosed, to provide both hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity to predetermined positions of a surface of a single membrane. The method for fabricating a membrane includes: preparing a template with nano-scale holes formed on its outer surface; coating a polymer material on a predetermined pattern region of the outer surface of the template; attaching a hydrophilic film on the outer surface of the template; and removing the template from the hydrophilic film.
US08372296B2	Manufacturing method for a thermal head Provided is a manufacturing method for a thermal head, including: bonding a flat upper substrate in a stacked state onto a flat supporting substrate including a heat-insulating concave portion open to one surface thereof so that the heat-insulating concave portion is closed (bonding step (SA2)); thinning the upper substrate bonded onto the supporting substrate by the bonding step (SA2) (plate thinning step (SA3)); measuring a thickness of the upper substrate thinned by the plate thinning step (SA3) (measurement step (SA4)); deciding a target resistance value of heating resistors based on the thickness of the upper substrate, which is measured by the measurement step (SA4) (decision step (SA5)); and forming, at positions of a surface of the upper substrate thinned by the plate thinning step (SA3), the heating resistors having the target resistance value determined by the decision step (SA5), the positions being opposed to the heat-insulating concave portion (resistor forming step (SA6)). Thus, a high-efficiency thermal head capable of accurately outputting a target heating amount obtained by estimating an amount of heat wasted without being used is easily manufactured without using a special apparatus.
US08372294B2	Method for continuous use of a vacuum-set water knock-out circuit integrated with a hydraulic oil reservoir The invention relates to a method for continuous use of a vacuumized water knockout circuit integrated with a contaminated hydraulic-oil reservoir.
US08372289B2	Method for conditioning radioactive ion exchange resins A method for conditioning a contaminated ion exchange resin includes mixing the contaminated ion exchange resin with water and at least partly breaking up the contaminated ion exchange resin into water-soluble components or fragments through the use of an oxidizing agent added to the water. A resulting aqueous solution is consolidated with a binder, optionally after concentration by evaporation of water.
US08372288B2	Precision peak matching in liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy A method that identifies common peaks among unidentified peaks in the data from different LC-MS or LC-MS/MS runs is provided. The method employs an algorithm, herein referred to as “Precision Peak Matching (PPM).” The different runs can be from different laboratories, instruments, and biological samples that result in a significant variability in the data. PPM allows estimation and control of precision, defined as the fraction of truly identical peptide pairs among all pairs retrieved, in the matching process. PPM finds the maximal number of peptide pairs at a prescribed precision, thereby allowing quantitative control over the trade off between the number of true pairs missed, and false pairs found. PPM finds common peptides from a database of LC-MS runs of heterogeneous origins, and at the specified precision. PPM fills a much-needed role in proteomics by extracting useful information from disparate LC-MS databases in a statistically rigorous and interpretable manner.
US08372286B2	Method for production of separation media The present invention relates to a method for production of separation media using a so called Spinning Disc technology wherein the porosities of the beads are optimized in such a way that a desired biomolecule may be separated from a complex sample. The method comprises the following steps: a) feeding a 4-8% polysaccharide solution, which has a viscosity within 350-450 mPas, at 65-75° C. to one or more spinning discs at 3001-3010 rpm to form polysaccharide beads; b) capturing said formed polysaccharide beads in a capturing bath; wherein the porosity of the polysaccharide beads is controlled by varying the temperature of the capturing between 15 and 27° C., preferably between 17.5 and 24.6° C. The method yields porosities that prevent molecules larger than 150 000 g/mol to diffuse into the beads. The invention also relates to separation media produced by the method and use thereof for purification of biomolecules, in particular monoclonal antibodies.
US08372284B2	Plant for aerobic and anaerobic digestion treatment by PFR Disclosed are a wastewater treatment plant and a wastewater treatment method. The wastewater treatment plant includes: a reactor including a gas outlet, a treated water outlet, and an inlet through which wastewater and gas are supplied, through which the wastewater is introduced, to perform aeration and denitrification; a sludge separation means including plural reaction unit bodies stacked inside the reactor to divide the interior of the reactor into upper and lower sides and separating sludge in a aeration process by forming a gas hold-up space for collecting the gas rising from a lower portion of the reactor; and a aeration unit introducing gas into the reactor.
US08372281B1	Scraper adjustment mechanism and method A scraper adjustment mechanism and method for a filter that permits an operator to adjust the distance between the scraper and a filter surface without the need to have access to the filter/scraper interface, or fasteners within the filter.
US08372277B2	Floating treatment streambed A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.
US08372276B2	Membrane cleaning with pulsed airlift pump A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom.
US08372275B2	Sink-side filter The present invention is a liquid filter that includes a removable filter cartridge that is easily accessible for quick, easy replacement, the filter being installed directly adjacent to or preferably in direct contact with the sink itself utilizing the opening originally intended for the spray attachment on the sink, or, where there is no opening for a spray attachment, by adding a small hole to access the liquid supply below the countertop, the filter being designed to sit entirely on top of the sink flange or countertop immediately adjacent to the sink and containing an integral faucet for dispensing filtered liquid, along with an integral actuator or switch to control the flow of filtered liquid.
US08372274B2	Wastewater treatment system and method The wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. In one embodiment, the wastewater treatment system includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers. The first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. The second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port.
US08372269B2	Heavy metals trapping co-catalyst for FCC processes A metal trap particle used for passivation of metals during FCC cracking comprises a calcined spray dried particle formed from kaolin, magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate. The metal trap particle contains at least 10 wt. % magnesium oxide which improves metals passivation during FCC cracking.
US08372266B2	Systems and methods for producing a crude product Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones and an interstage solvent deasphalting unit. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones which operates at a temperature within 20° F. and a pressure within 10 psi of the pressure in the contacting zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. At least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from at least one of the separation zones is sent to the interstage solvent deasphalting unit, for separating unconverted heavy oil feedstock into deasphalted oil and asphaltenes. The deasphalted oil stream is sent to one of the contacting zones for further upgrade.
US08372265B2	Catalytic cracking of undesirable components in a coking process Undesirable gas oil components are selectively cracked or coked in a coking vessel by injecting an additive into the vapors of traditional coking processes in the coking vessel prior to fractionation. The additive contains catalyst(s), seeding agent(s), excess reactant(s), quenching agent(s), carrier(s), or any combination thereof to modify reaction kinetics to preferentially crack or coke these undesirable components that typically have a high propensity to coke. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide methods to control the (1) coke crystalline structure and (2) the quantity and quality of volatile combustible materials (VCMs) in the resulting coke. That is, by varying the quantity and quality of the catalyst, seeding agent, and/or excess reactant the process may affect the quality and quantity of the coke produced, particularly with respect to the crystalline structure (or morphology) of the coke and the quantity & quality of the VCMs in the coke.
US08372264B2	System and method for introducing an additive into a coking process to improve quality and yields of coker products Heavy gas oil components, coking process recycle, and heavier hydrocarbons in the delayed coking process are cracked in the coking vessel by injecting a catalytic additive into the vapors above the gas/liquid-solid interface in the coke drum during the coking cycle. The additive comprises cracking catalyst(s) and quenching agent(s), alone or in combination with seeding agent(s), excess reactant(s), carrier fluid(s), or any combination thereof to modify reaction kinetics to preferentially crack these components. The quenching effect of the additive can be effectively used to condense the highest boiling point compounds of the traditional recycle onto the catalyst(s), thereby focusing the catalyst exposure to these target reactants. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can also provide methods to (1) reduce coke production, (2) reduce fuel gas production, and (3) increase liquids production.
US08372257B2	Electrodeposition coating material and electrodeposition method A suspension type electrodeposition coating composition containing, as a resin component, block copolyimide having a siloxane bond in a molecular structure and an anionic group in a molecule. Preferably, the above-mentioned block copolyimide contains, as one of the diamine components, diamine having a siloxane, bond in a molecular structure. In addition, preferably, the above-mentioned anionic group is a carboxylic acid group or a salt thereof and/or a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof. The electrodeposition coating composition has superior heat resistance, which does not easily develop peeling and cracks in the electrodeposited body, and is capable of efficiently forming a high-insulation electrodeposited film superior in the uniformity of film property.
US08372254B2	Anode structure for copper electrowinning An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod.
US08372248B1	Method and apparatus for purifying water A water purification system having an oil and vapor separation subsystem for removing many heavy duty and toxic contaminants from the water. The subsystem removes volatile vapors from the feed water, heats the feed water, and by imparting a swirling vortex action to the heated water, the oils are separated from the water. The water separated from the oil is pumped by a high pressure pump through a helical coil that is heated to a high temperature by the burner. The high temperature, hot water is then fed to an expansion nozzle in an expansion chamber to flash the hot water into steam. The steam is passed through a condenser which converts the steam to purified water.
US08372244B2	Process for the control of pitch The present invention relates to a process for the control of pitch in an aqueous medium by adding surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate or an aqueous suspension comprising surface-reacted calcium carbonate and having a pH greater than 6.0 measured at 20° C., to the medium, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more acids, the use of the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate for pitch control, as well as to a combination of a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate and talc for pitch control, and the resulting composites.
US08372242B2	Conductive webs and process for making same Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue or paper making process. The pulp fibers contained in the webs may comprise softwood fibers, while the conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. Base webs can be produced having a resistance of less than about 100 Ohms/square in one embodiment. Once produced, the conductive material can be cut into slits that are then wound on spools. From the spools, the conductive slits can be fed into a process for making any suitable product.
US08372240B2	Production line for hydraulic binder-based, tapered-edge boards The subject of the invention is a novel plasterboard and its manufacturing processes. The novel board comprises, on one side, two first parallel feathered edges and, on the other side, two other, second, parallel feathered edges that are perpendicular to the first ones; or, on one side, two first parallel feathered edges and, either on the same side or on the other side, two second parallel feathered edges that are perpendicular to the first ones, the said other parallel feathered edges having a width of between 100 and 200 mm; or, on one side, two first parallel feathered edges and, either on the same side or on the other side, two second parallel feathered edges that are perpendicular to the first ones, the said second parallel feathered edges having a width such that the ratio of the width of the said second parallel feathered edges to the width of the said first parallel feathered edges is between 1.5 and 5.
US08372239B2	Plasma processing apparatus An inductively-coupled-plasma (ICP) type plasma processing apparatus is provided. The plasma processing includes an antenna which is substantially straight in a plan view of the antenna. A plasma is generated for performing a plasma treatment to a substrate when a high frequency current is applied to the antenna to form an electric field in a vacuum container. The antenna includes two go-and-return conductors closely disposed to each other in an up-down direction, wherein the up-down direction is perpendicular to a surface of the substrate, and the high frequency current is applied to flow in opposite directions between the two go-and-return conductors. An interval is defined by a distance between the two go-and-return conductors in the up-down direction, varies in a longitudinal direction of the antenna.
US08372236B2	Method to heat a thermoplastic boards by means of heat conduction A method of heating a thermoplastic board by heat conduction in a heating system which has at least a first surface contacting tool and a second surface containing tool spaced from the first tool, at least one of which is heatable. The thermoplastic board is placed into the heating system between the two surface contacting tools, with an auxiliary sheet being placed between the contact surface of the respective heatable surface contacting tool and the surface of the thermoplastic board facing it. The space between the two surface contacting tools is then reduced to a predefined gap measurement, and the heatable surface contacting tool or tools is heated.
US08372234B2	Injection molded footwear and related method of manufacture A method of manufacturing footwear includes providing a modular forepart and a modular rearpart, overlapping these parts along an overlap margin a preselected distance, and permanently joining the parts to selectively manufacture footwear of at least two different sizes, for example, a full size or a half size or some other partial size. The forepart and rearpart can be injection molded from one or more polymeric materials in a mold. The polymeric materials can be bonded to a sheet of material which can be at least partially retained in a three-dimensional, contoured shape by the polymeric material. The molded polymeric material can form a supportive and/or structural exoskeleton in an upper portion of the footwear. The exoskeleton can define one or more holes through which the sheet is visible to form one or more aesthetic regions on the upper. An article of footwear constructed with the method is also provided.
US08372229B2	Method for coupling corrugated pipe segments A method for coupling corrugated pipe segments is disclosed. The method includes providing first and second thermoplastic corrugated pipe segments arranged to form a fluid flow path and aligning ends of the pipe segments adjacent one another to form a joint. The method further includes providing a coupling assembly having a thermoplastic sheet with a flexible weld rod of a thermoplastic material attached thereto and circumferentially contacting the coupling assembly with the first and second thermoplastic pipe segments. An electrical current is applied to the weld rod to cause the weld rod, sheet and pipe segments to fuse to one another and form a circumferential weld seam on each side of the joint.
US08372227B2	Method for producing multilayer ceramic substrate In a method for producing a multilayer ceramic substrate by a non-shrinkage process, even when a total area of surface electrodes on a first principal surface side is smaller than that on a second principal surface side, a favorable balance in terms of a time period from softening to crystallization of glass is achieved between the first principal surface side and the second principal surface side, thereby allowing all base material layers to be densified and prevented from causing cracks or warpage, even when the crystallization temperature is lowered to prevent production of a reaction layer. The crystallization temperature of a glass material included in a second base material layer defining a second principal surface with a larger total area of surface electrodes is less than that of a glass material included in a first base material layer defining a first principal surface.
US08372225B2	Machine and method for pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like product assembly A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final product. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product.
US08372217B2	Iron-based high saturation magnetic induction amorphous alloy core having low core and low audible noise A magnetic core having an iron-based amorphous alloy that includes: a chemical composition with a formula FeaBbSicCd, where 81.5
US08372214B2	Vapor extractor for a warewasher A vapor extraction apparatus for a warewasher includes a housing in which a water-steam separation media is mounted. The housing has an inlet for receiving hot, humid air, water vapor and steam from a washing chamber of a warewasher, a blower for drawing the hot, humid air, water vapor and steam into the housing across the water-steam separation media, and an outlet for air dehumidified and cooled by the water-steam separation media to exit the housing. A duct connects the inlet to a washing chamber of a warewasher, and a bypass damper can be connected to the duct. The bypass damper is operable in a first position to permit air, water vapor and steam from the washing chamber to be drawn into the housing and in a second position to permit ambient room air to be drawn into the housing for cooling the vapor extraction apparatus.
US08372210B2	Post CMP scrubbing of substrates A cleaning method is provided for brush cleaning a surface of a substrate. The method comprises scrubbing a first surface of the substrate with a brush having a first surface geometry; and then scrubbing the first surface of the substrate with a brush having a second surface geometry, wherein the first and the second surface geometries are different. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08372208B2	Automatic wash boom arm impact sensor system In an automatic wash, a control unit operates a boom arm around a vehicle in a bay by moving a bridge along a lengthwise vehicle orientation, moving a trolley on the bridge along a widthwise vehicle orientation, and rotating the boom arm about the trolley. The boom arm is coupled to a mount which is flexibly coupled to the trolley such that boom arm impact displaces the mount and the trolley. The displacement may be two-dimensional and/or angular. In response, the control unit determines whether an impact has occurred by comparing the data to a baseline. If there is an impact, the control unit relocates the boom arm and may continue the wash process. If a sufficient force impact occurs that the control unit cannot correct, the boom arm may disengage from the mount which may trigger a breakaway sensor and cause the control unit to abandon the wash.
US08372207B1	Method of and apparatus for maintaining hygiene for upper extremity amputation or hemiplegia A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.
US08372204B2	Susceptor for MOCVD reactor A susceptor for holding semiconductor wafers in an MOCVD reactor during growth of epitaxial layers on the wafers is disclosed. The susceptor comprises a base structure made of a material having low thermal conductivity at high temperature, and has one or more plate holes to house heat transfer plugs. The plugs are made of a material with high thermal conductivity at high temperatures to transfer heat to the semiconductor wafers. A metalorganic chemical vapor deposition reactor is also disclosed utilizing a susceptor according to the present invention.
US08372202B2	Film deposition apparatus A disclosed film deposition apparatus includes a turntable including a substrate receiving area; a first reaction gas supplier for supplying a first reaction gas to a surface of the turntable having the substrate receiving area; a second reaction gas supplier, arranged away from the first reaction gas supplier along a circumferential direction of the turntable, for supplying a second reaction gas to the surface; a separation area located along the circumferential direction between a first process area of the first reaction gas and a second process area of the second reaction gas; a separation gas supplier for supplying a first separation gas to both sides of the separation area; a first heating unit for heating the first separation gas to the separation gas supplier; an evacuation opening for evacuating the gases supplied to the turntable; and a driver for rotating the turntable in the circumferential direction.
US08372201B2	High temperature ALD inlet manifold A system and method for distributing one or more gases to an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. An integrated inlet manifold block mounted over a showerhead assembly includes high temperature (up to 200° C.) rated valves mounted directly thereto, and short, easily purged reactant lines. Integral passageways and metal seals avoid o-rings and attendant dead zones along flow paths. The manifold includes an internal inert gas channel for purging reactant lines within the block inlet manifold.
US08372195B2	Solid pigment concentrates Solid pigment concentrate comprising at least one pigment and a dispersant comprising a polyamine backbone and one or more hydrophobic pendent groups, characterized in that the concentrate further comprises a non-ionic 5 surface active agent comprising polyoxyalkylene groups. The polyamine backbone can for instance comprise polyalkylene imine building blocks.
US08372194B1	Methods of forming a doped semiconductor thin film, doped semiconductor thin film structures, doped silane compositions, and methods of making such compositions Methods for forming doped silane and/or semiconductor thin films, doped liquid phase silane compositions useful in such methods, and doped semiconductor thin films and structures. The composition is generally liquid at ambient temperatures and includes a Group IVA atom source and a dopant source. By irradiating a doped liquid silane during at least part of its deposition, a thin, substantially uniform doped oligomerized/polymerized silane film may be formed on a substrate. Such irradiation is believed to convert the doped silane film into a relatively high-molecular weight species with relatively high viscosity and relatively low volatility, typically by cross-linking, isomerization, oligomerization and/or polymerization. A film formed by the irradiation of doped liquid silanes can later be converted (generally by heating and annealing/recrystallization) into a doped, hydrogenated, amorphous silicon film or a doped, at least partially polycrystalline silicon film suitable for electronic devices. Thus, the present invention enables use of high throughput, low cost equipment and techniques for making doped semiconductor films of commercial quality and quantity from doped “liquid silicon.”
US08372190B2	Ink set, inkjet recording method and recorded material An ink set including at least a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition and a cyan ink composition, wherein the yellow ink composition contains, as the yellow colorant, at least one member selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by a specific structure and a salt thereof, each of the yellow colorant, the magenta colorant and the cyan colorant contained in the yellow ink composition, the magenta ink composition and the cyan ink composition, respectively, has at least one ionic hydrophilic group, the counter ion of the ionic hydrophilic group contains a lithium ion, and the lithium ion concentration is 70 mol % or more based on all cations in each ink composition.
US08372185B2	Apparatus and method of enhancing the quality of high-moisture materials and separating and concentrating organic and/or non-organic material contained therein The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.
US08372183B2	Detection system for airborne particles This invention relates to a detection system for particles suspended in a gas. The detection system includes an electrostatic precipitator constructed to collect the particles from the gas onto a collection surface using the force of an induced electrostatic charge on the particles. The detection system also includes an optical probe coupled with the electrostatic precipitator and constructed to probe the particles with a beam in order to detect the particles. The body of the electrostatic precipitator has a geometry that allows the beam to travel from the optical probe to the collection surface.
US08372182B2	Multi-layered support system In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.
US08372180B2	Process for controlling the moisture content of a supply gas for use in drying a product The invention provides a process for controlling the moisture content of a supply gas for use in drying a product, which process comprises the steps of: (a) providing the supply gas; (b) optionally heating the supply gas; (c) determining the temperature and the moisture content of the supply gas; (d) contacting the supply gas with a rotating desiccant wheel, whereby the rotating speed of the desiccant wheel is controlled by means of the data on the temperature and the moisture content as obtained in step (c) in combination with the corresponding sorption isotherm of the desiccant; and (e) recovering the dehumidified supply gas as obtained in step (d). The invention further provides a dehumidified gas obtainable by said process, a dehumidifier system, a process for drying a product comprising bringing the product into contact with a dehumidified gas as obtained in accordance with the invention, and a product obtainable by said drying process.
US08372177B1	Method of synthesizing tungsten nanoparticles A method to synthesize tungsten nanoparticles has been developed that enables synthesis of nanometer-scale, monodisperse particles that can be stabilized only by tetrahydrofuran. The method can be used at room temperature, is scalable, and the product concentrated by standard means. Since no additives or stabilizing surfactants are required, this method is particularly well suited for producing tungsten nanoparticles for dispersion in polymers. If complete dispersion is achieved due to the size of the nanoparticles, then the optical properties of the polymer can be largely maintained.
US08372171B2	CO generator and process for desulfurizing solid carbon-based fuels A process is presented whereby hot Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas is generated under pressure in an external Combustor by the partial oxidation of a carbon-based solid fuel. This pressurized, hot CO gas or CO gas mixture is then transferred to a desulfurizing vessel containing a second carbon-based solid fuel. The hot CO laden gas and solid material contact in a counter-flow arrangement where the CO reacts with and removes sulfur impurities from the second carbon fuel. The temperature of the pressurized CO laden gas from the Combustor is controlled by varying the oxidizer feed gas composition. The Combustor also contains a means for desulfurizing its feed fuel by flowing a portion of the hot CO gas generated up through the inlet solid fuel feed line.
US08372165B1	Diesel and jet fuel compositions containing the oxygenated compound 1,2-(ditetrahydrofuryl)ethane derived from renewable furfural A diesel fuel blending component primarily comprised of 1,2-(ditetrahydrofuryl)ethane (DTHFE) along with a method of manufacture is presented. The blending component will reduce PM and other emissions in a diesel engine. The component is manufactured from C5 sugar sources by first converting to furfural, then furion, and then hydrotreated to the desired product.
US08372163B2	Method of forming solid state electrolyte having high lithium ion conduction and battery incorporating same A method for making ion conducting films includes the use of primary inorganic chemicals, which are preferably water soluble; formulating the solution with appropriate solvent, preferably deionized water; and spray depositing the solid electrolyte matrix on a heated substrate, preferably at 100 to 400° C. using a spray deposition system. In the case of lithium, the deposition step is then followed by lithiation or addition of lithium, then thermal processing, at temperatures preferably ranging between 100 and 500° C., to obtain a high lithium ion conducting inorganic solid state electrolyte. The method may be used for other ionic conductors to make electrolytes for various applications. The electrolyte may be incorporated into a lithium ion battery.
US08372154B2	Method and apparatus for wrist arthroplasty A prosthetic wrist having at least one of a radial insert, which is configured to be fixed to a radius of a patient, a carpal implant or a wrist bearing component. The carpal implant can include a body and a pair of flanges, each of which being skewed to the axis of the body in a manner that permits them to abut the ulnar side of the hamate bone and the radial side of the distal portion of the carpal bone complex, respectively. The radial insert may be provided with a plurality of modular portions to allow for selection and customization of an implant. Also the various portions can allow for a hemi- or total, or revision wrist arthroplasty. The modular portions can allow for intraopertative customization.
US08372149B2	Artifical disc implant An artificial disc implant includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and a spacer therebetween. The spacer preferably has properties similar to that of a natural spinal disc, while the upper and lower shells form a rigid interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The upper and lower shells can be configured to prevent expulsion of the spacer from the disc space. The implant upper and lower shells may further be configured into partially cylindrical shapes for ease of insertion through an insertion tube as presently known for interbody fusion devices. The devices may further be configured for insertion through a double-barreled insertion tube. Methods and instruments for inserting an artificial disc implant are also provided.
US08372148B2	Expandable intervertebral spacers and methods of use An intervertebral spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer may include contact surfaces that are configured to contact against the vertebral members. A fluid cylinder may be positioned between the first and second contact surfaces and configured to contain a fluid. The fluid cylinder may include an outer cylinder with an open first end that telescopingly receives an inner cylinder. The spacer is configured to maintain the distance between the contact surfaces at a desired amount.
US08372140B2	Implantable valve prosthesis with independent frame elements An implantable valve prosthesis is provided. The valve prosthesis includes a frame structure having first and second independent frame elements. A graft member is attached to both the first and second frame elements and includes a closure member, such as a valve leaflet. The closure member is movable between a first position that allows fluid flow through the prosthesis in a first, antegrade direction and a second position that restricts flow through the prosthesis in a second, retrograde direction.
US08372136B2	Implants having high fatigue resistance, implant delivery systems, and methods of use According to one aspect of the present invention, a fatigue resistant stent includes a flexible tubular structure having an inside diameter, an outside diameter, and a sidewall therebetween and having apertures extending through the sidewall. According to other aspects of the invention, processes for making a fatigue resistant stent are disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, delivery systems for a fatigue resistant stent and methods of use are provided.
US08372135B2	Stent having helical elements An expandable stent comprised of a plurality of helical segments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent is generally cylindrical in shape having a cylindrical axis, and comprises a first and second set of helical segments. The helical segments in the first set are substantially parallel and have a first pitch forming a first helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. The helical segments in the second set are also generally parallel to each other and form a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, thereby forming a second helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the stent comprises one set of helical segments and a plurality of circumferential elements that are joined together by the helical segments to form a plurality of cylindrical elements which are joined together to form a stent body. The stent may also have endzones.
US08372133B2	Polymeric implant delivery system Delivery systems for a polymeric tubular implant, kits that include such delivery systems, and methods of treating patients by implanting tubular implants using the delivery systems. The delivery systems include an inner shaft, an expandable member slidably disposed about the inner shaft and configured to receive the tubular implant, and a tubular outer shaft disposed about the inner shaft.
US08372132B2	Stent inserting device A stent inserting device is used in inserting a self-expandable stent with leading and trailing ends into a tubular organ of a living body. The stent inserting device includes a grip body, an external tube attached to a front end of the grip body, a push member movably inserted into the external tube from a rear end of the grip body, and a tubular cap for removably receiving the stent in a compressed state. The tubular cap has a front end operatively connected to the push member and a rear end slidably fitted to a front end of the external tube. The stent inserting device is designed to hold the stent within the tubular cap in such a manner that the stent is first expanded at the trailing end and then gradually expanded toward the leading end when the tubular cap is pushed away from the external tube.
US08372131B2	Surgical site access system and deployment device for same An expandable surgical site access system and method for using the expandable surgical site access system to perform minimally invasive, percutaneous surgeries to access the spine or other bone structures, organs, or locations of the body is disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical site access system includes an elongated, expandable stent that is particularly adapted to be deployed in a body during a surgical procedure to provide access to a surgical site within the body. The stent defines a working channel through the body from a point of entry to the surgical site.
US08372130B2	Temperature controlled facial mask with area-specific treatments A temperature controlled cosmetic treatment facial mask with area-specific treatments of the present invention includes a substantially planar mask body which is formed with cut-outs for a person's eyes, nose, and mouth. The mask may include a number of large and small area treatment zones in combination with asymmetrical treatment zones suitable for treatment of specific and localized skin conditions. The treatments zones are coated with skin treatments, such as compounds, lotions, gels, and the like as are known in the facial treatment, cosmetics, spa and medical industry. The mask may include a self-heating or cooling substrate to provide temperature control to the face mask and each mask may include heating areas, cooling areas, or both. A system is also provided that includes an imaging device that feeds its output to a central computer system having an image analyzer, CPU, memory and Look Up Table, and face map for determining specific treatment requirements for the particular patient. An output from the central computer system is provided to a treatment deposition device which deposits various treatments onto an intermediate membrane layer to generate a custom temperature controlled facial mask with area-specific treatments for that particular patient.
US08372128B2	Self adhesive bandage embodying light infused photodynamically sanitized permeable absorbent pad outer surface A Band-Aid type self-adhesive bandage whose absorbent pad outer surface is photodynamically sanitized while maintaining standard absorbency performance.
US08372118B2	Spinous process fixation implant An implantable spinous process fixation device includes an elongated component, top and bottom pivoting wing components, arranged opposite and parallel to the elongated component and separated from it by a spacer. First and second spinous processes of first and second adjacent vertebras are clamped between a top portion of the elongated component and the top pivoting wing and between a bottom portion of the elongated component and the bottom pivoting wing, respectively, by pivoting the top and bottom pivoting wings toward the top and bottom portions of the elongated component. The clamping of the spinous processes stabilizes the positions of the adjacent vertebras and prevents them from moving relative to each other.
US08372111B2	System and method for applying pressure to human tissue An apparatus is disclosed including but not limited to a group of force resistive objects for concurrently applying pressure to different positions on at least one of a plurality of human tissues; and a connective member for fixedly interconnecting the plurality of force resistive objects. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.
US08372110B2	Medical implant The invention relates to a medical implant in the form of an elongated helix wherein at least one part of the helix is preformed in such a manner that it has a secondary structure of identically sized loops which it assumes during implantation at the placement site, with said structure in turn forming at the placement site during implantation a polyhedral tertiary structure, and the polyhedron being provided with at least one additional loop.
US08372106B2	Body piercing assembly Apparatuses and methods for a ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a coupling needle in a cartridge which is used to pierce a body part and subsequently detached and replaced with a nut (such as a spherical cap). The coupling needle in the cartridge may be implemented as a component in a piercing system, e.g. using a sterile, disposable cartridge that is operated with a piercing gun. After piercing, the coupling needle may be used to draw a coupled ornamental piece through the pierced hole after which the coupling needle is detached and a nut or spherical cap is attached in its place to complete the piercing. The ornamental piece may be coupled to the coupling needle within the cartridge and operated with the piercing system or it may be attached after piercing.
US08372104B2	Lancet for blood collection and puncture needle unit A lancet having a slider with a puncture needle holding mechanism at one end thereof, and having a cam ring with a continuous cam groove, rotatable about a support shaft, and with a cam ring claw and an anti-return claw restricting the rotation. The lancet also having a ring spring applying a force to rotate the cam ring, having a rotatable stopper arm holding and releasing the rotation of the cam ring, and having a rotatable ratchet restricting the direction of rotation of the cam ring. A puncture needle unit including a puncture needle body integrally molded with a protrusion fitted to the lancet, a rotation stop rib, a puncture needle, and a puncture needle cap lightly pressed into the puncture needle body.
US08372096B2	Ring vessel dissector/harvester device A ring dissector/harvester device for dissecting and harvesting a vessel has a capture tool that is co-axially positioned around the vessel to at least temporarily hold the vessel. A sealing tool is coaxially positioned within the capture tool and is axially movable with respect to the capture tool. The sealing tool and the capture tool are engaged to cauterize a branch from the vessel and to seal the cauterized branch and vessel.
US08372093B2	Systems and processes for controlling gastric bands based on geographic location A system and process employs a gastric band device having an adjustable restriction amount that is adjustable based on at least one first control signal. The system and process also employs at least one of a wireless receiver and location detection electronics configured for providing at least one second signal. In addition, a controller is configured to provide at least one first control signal to the gastric band device based at least in part on at least one second control signal from at least one of the wireless receiver and the location detection electronics. The controller may be configured to provide at least one first control signal for one of increasing restriction or reducing restriction of the gastric band in response to receiving a signal from the location detection electronics representing a predefined geographic location.
US08372090B2	Flexible endoscopic stitching devices An endoscopic stitching device includes a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another, each jaw defining a needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof; a drive assembly including a pair of concentric, individually rotatably and translatably supported barrels, each barrel defining a central lumen therethrough; and a pair of axially translatable needle engaging blades slidably supported, one each, in a respective jaw. The stitching device further includes a center rod slidably and rotatably disposed through the lumen of the barrels, a distal end of the center rod being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws.
US08372088B2	Suturing device for anastomisis of lumens A surgical device that includes an outer hollow body and an inner hollow body. The inner hollow body is slidably disposed within said outer hollow body and the inner hollow body includes at least two hollow arms located at the distal end of the inner hollow body. An inflatable member is rotatably attached to each hollow arm of the inner hollow body. At least a pair of suture rings are rotatably coupled to the outer hollow body wherein the suture rings are in parallel to each other and are coupled to each other by a plurality of suture clips.
US08372086B2	Skin care file and method A skin care file includes a substantially linear handle portion, a substantially rounded file portion having an edge, and a substantially linear arm portion connecting the handle portion to the file portion. An angle between the handle portion and the arm portion is between approximately 15° and 60°. The file portion has a maximum dimension between approximately 0.5 and 1.5 inches. The file portion includes on at least one side and on at least a portion of the edge a grit surface having a grit between approximately 120 and 60 grit.
US08372085B2	Screwdriver for bone screws A screwdriver for bone screws, especially for compression screws and locking screws, has a handle and shaft extending out centrally from the handle. The shaft has a screwdriving tool on its free end. The shaft, includes a flexible shaft portion, wherein the shaft has two rigid, solid portions on both sides of the flexible portion. The flexible shaft portion has a flexible element for the transmission of a torque, and at least the flexible shaft portion is surrounded by an elastic protection hose or a rubber or plastic elastomeric tubular cover.
US08372084B2	System and methods for inserting a spinal disc device into an intervertebral space A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space. The steering actuator is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tool. A locking mechanism is provided to keep the spinal device from pivoting in an insertion position and to keep the disc device from being released unintentionally.
US08372079B2	Dynamic guard and method for use thereof A guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space.
US08372076B2	Method for use of dilating stylet and cannula In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.
US08372073B2	Multi-pin clamp and rod attachment A fixation rod clamp is for coupling a bone pin locking assembly to a bone fixation rod. The clamp comprises a rod attachment portion including a jaw portion and a coupling portion, the jaw portion having first and second opposing jaws extending in a first direction, the jaws forming an opening there between configured to receive the bone fixation rod, the coupling portion extending from the jaw portion in a second direction; and a coupling having a pin vise cooperating portion to engage the bone pin locking assembly and a clamp cooperating portion configured to receive the coupling portion. The jaw portion is configured to engage the bone fixation rod when the bone fixation rod is located within the opposing jaws to thereby mechanically couple the bone pin locking assembly to the bone fixation rod.
US08372064B2	Articulatable device for delivering therapeutic energy to tissue A device for delivering therapeutic energy to tissue is provided. The device includes a proximal segment and a distal segment having one or more electrodes for delivering the therapeutic energy to the tissue. An articulating segment connects the proximal segment and the distal segment such that the distal segment is articulatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal segment. In one aspect of the invention, the articulating segment includes a living hinge. In another aspect of the invention, at least one electrically conductive articulating cable runs along the articulating segment, wherein the articulating cable is used both to articulate the distal segment and to deliver the therapeutic energy to the one or more electrodes.
US08372062B2	Detachable aneurysm neck bridge In one embodiment, a neck bridge for bridging the neck of an aneurysm includes a junction region, a number of radially extending array elements attached to the junction region, and a cover attached to one or both of the junction region and an array element. The array elements are configured to be positioned within the aneurysm after the neck bridge is deployed from a delivery device. In a second embodiment, the neck bridge includes a junction region and a braided or mesh-like structure secured to the junction region. The braided or mesh-like structure is made from an elastic material.
US08372060B2	Catheter/filament style device and methods for treatment of wounds beneath the surface of the skin A reduced pressure treatment system includes a filament delivery conduit having a distal end positioned at a subcutaneous tissue site of a patient and a proximal end positioned extracorporeal to the patient. A continuous filament is positioned in the filament delivery conduit such that one end of the continuous filament extends from the proximal end of the filament delivery conduit and another end of the continuous filament extends from the distal end of the filament delivery conduit. The continuous filament forms a filament mass adjacent the tissue site. A reduced pressure delivery conduit is adapted to fluidly communicate with a reduced pressure source and the filaments mass to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site through the filament mass.
US08372053B2	Pants-type disposable wearing article A pants-type disposable wearing article includes a liquid-impervious base sheet, a liquid-absorbent panel and transverse elastic members, each having opposite fixed portions secured to the lateral zones of the edges article, and a free portion extending in the transverse direction of the article between the opposite fixed portions across the panel and secured neither to the base sheet nor to the panel. The article further has leg-surrounding elastic members. At the crossover points of the transverse elastic members and the leg-surrounding elastic members, the elastic members are not secured one to another.
US08372051B2	Medical dressing with edge port and methods of use Medical dressings and medical dressing kits that can be used to provide a ported medical dressing for placement over a wound or other body site where controlled fluid access is desired. The controlled fluid access provided by the medical dressings may be useful to remove fluids from the wound (as in, e.g., negative or reduced pressure therapies), to provide one or more gases to a wound site, to provide one or more liquids to a wound site, and/or to provide one or more active agents to a wound site. To achieve controlled fluid access, the medical dressing and medical dressing kits may include a port body with a lower surface that is adhesively adhered to the skin at the periphery of a wound or other body site.
US08372047B1	Device and method for topically applying medication to the lips A system and method of topically applying an anesthetic, or other medication, to one or both lips of the mouth. An applicator device is provided that has a curved first wall, a curved second wall, and a horizontal shelf that joins the first wall to the second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the horizontal shelf combine to define either one or two curved lip compartments. A volume of the anesthetic, or other medication, is placed within the curved lip compartments. The applicator device is partially placed in a person's mouth so that the second wall is positioned between the back of the lips and in front of the teeth. While in this position, the lip of the user passes into the curved lip compartment and is contacted by the anesthetic.
US08372044B2	Syringe with needle guard injection device The present invention provides an injection device including a syringe having a distal end for receiving a needle, and a plunger inserted into a proximal end. A guard is slidable on the syringe, has a proximal end, a distal end, and is biased from a first position wherein the needle is exposed toward a second position wherein the guard covers the needle. The syringe includes a body having a central cylindrical opening for receiving a medicine and the plunger, and further includes a pair of longitudinally extending members on opposite sides of the body. The injection device includes cooperating detents for retaining the guard and syringe in the first and second positions. A latch member is engageable by the plunger as the plunger is depressed to release the cooperating detents. Upon release, a spring element biases the guard toward the second position.
US08372042B2	Dose setting mechanism A dose setting mechanism for a medicament delivery device includes a tubular housing having threads on its inner surface, a first window, a second window, and at least one surface opening; a tubular dose limiting member having a first thread segment on its outer circumference for the threads on the housing's inner surface, first indicia on its outer circumference, a stop surface, and equidistant protrusions on its outer circumference; a tubular dose setting member; and a removable lock member attached to the housing. The housing is coaxially arranged inside the dose limiting member and includes a second thread segment for the housing's threads, second indicia, and a dose setting knob protruding through the housing. The lock member includes at least one elongated rib on its inner circumferential surface for interacting with the protrusions for locking the dose limiting member in position when the lock member is attached to the housing.
US08372037B2	Immobilizing objects in the body Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.
US08372031B2	Medicament delivery device The present invention relates to an injection device for manually penetrating a needle arranged to said device and automatic injecting a medicament mixture, the device being of the type comprising: a first housing part into which a multi-chamber container is arranged and a second housing part which can be displaced relative to said first housing in order to mix at least two substances arranged inside said container; a plunger rod arranged to act on said container, drive force means capable of pushing said plunger rod for acting on said container, an activation member comprising flexible locking means releasibly connected to said plunger rod for holding said plunger rod and thereby said drive force means in a pre-tensioned state, and a push button protruding from said second housing part; and a locking member being arranged around said activation member and being axially slidable in relation to said activation member between a first position wherein said locking member completely surrounds said locking means and a second position wherein said locking member partially surrounds said locking means after said locking member has been axially displaced by said first housing when said first housing has been displaced into said second housing part; and wherein said flexible locking means are arranged to be released from said plunger rod only after said locking member is moved from the first position to the second position and said push button is axially moved into the second housing part, such that the flexible locking means comes completely out of contact with the locking member.
US08372030B2	Apparatus for an improved high pressure medicinal dispenser An apparatus for an improved high pressure medicinal dispenser is disclosed. The high pressure dispenser may include a handle (26), a chamber (18), a threaded region, a threaded rod (14), and a knob (20). The high pressure dispenser may have at least one insert-molded component. A threaded insert providing the threaded region may be insert-molded into the handle or the threaded rod may be insert-molded into the knob, or both. The dispenser may have a handle made of hard plastic and overmolded soft rubber material. The dispenser also may have a ribbed knob having at least one longitudinal rectangular cavity. Furthermore, the dispenser may have a chamber that has an interior concave surface and an interior convex surface between the interior cylindrical surface of the chamber and a nozzle. The chamber may have at least one tab or notch dimensioned to engage with at least one corresponding notch or tab on the handle.
US08372027B2	Tampon applicator assembly A tampon applicator assembly having a barrel, a plunger, and a pledget is provided. The barrel has an insertion tip, a main section, and a finger grip. The main section can have a maximum outer dimension located closer to the finger grip than to the insertion tip and/or can have a main section taper ratio of about 1.07 to about 1.15. The insertion tip can have a taper ratio of more than about 0.66 and/or a plurality of petals with a petal length-to-width ratio over about 2 to less than about 3.
US08372026B2	Ocular implant architectures An ocular implant having a first spine; a second spine; a first strut extending in an axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; a second strut extending in an axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; wherein an angular dimension θ of a first edge of each strut undulates as the strut extends in the axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; and wherein a radius r of an outer surface of each strut remains substantially constant as the strut extends the axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine.
US08372019B2	Apparatus and method for sensing force on a robotically controlled medical instrument A medical system comprises a medical probe including an elongated probe body, a lumen extending within the probe body, an axially flexible section, and a push-pull member slidably disposed within the lumen. The system comprises a ditherer mechanically coupled to the member for cyclically displacing it axially back and forth within the lumen, such that the ends of the probe body are axially displaced relative to each other via the axially flexible section. The system further comprises a sensor for sensing a force axially applied to the distal end of the probe body. A method comprises introducing a medical probe into a patient, axially dithering the distal end of the medical probe back and forth relative to the proximal end of the medical probe, and sensing a force applied between tissue of the patient and the distal end of the medical probe while the distal end is axially dithered.
US08372012B2	System and method for generating a trend parameter based on respiration rate distribution Systems and methods provide for assessing the heart failure status of a patient and, more particularly, to generating a trend parameter based on a distribution of the patient's respiration rate. Systems and methods provide for detecting, using an implantable device or a patient-external device, patient respiration and computing a respiration rate based on the detected patient respiration. A distribution of the respiration rate is calculated, and a trend parameter based on the respiration rate distribution is generated. The trend parameter is indicative of a patient's heart failure status. An output signal indicative of the patient's heart failure status may be generated based on the trend parameter.
US08372005B2	Analyte monitoring device and methods of use An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08372004B2	Speckle reduction of microwhite endoscopes An endoscopic system with at least one light source for generating at least partially coherent light, for exciting fluorescent light, with at least one light-conducting element, where the at least one light source and the at least one light-conducting element are positioned in a proximal supply unit. It is further provided with an optical radiance transmission link in an insertion part and with at least one fluorescence converter for conversion into white light. According to the invention, at least one actuator is present, which is coupled with at least one light-conducting element and/or with the at least one light source and/or with the at least one fluorescence converter. With the help of the actuator, perturbations or fluctuations concerning the at least one light-conducting element and/or the at least one light source and/or the at least one fluorescence converter are generated and thereby reduce the speckles in the endoscopic image.
US08372002B2	Endoscope apparatus An image converter receives image data of an object and performs a kind of image conversion on the image data to generate converted image data for display. A measurement section measures at least one spatial characteristic of the object based on: the converted image data, and optical data, which relates to optical characteristics of an optical system through which the image data of the object has been obtained, and which is made to correspond to the kind of image conversion performed by the image converter. Alternatively, a measurement section measures at least one spatial characteristic of the object by relating, based on the kind of image conversion, coordinates of the converted image data to coordinates of the image data of the object before the image conversion, and by measuring the at least one spatial characteristic based on the coordinates of the image data of the object before the image conversion.
US08372000B2	Method and apparatus for biliary access and stone retrieval Endoscopes, endoscopic instruments, and methods for making and using the same. An illustrative endoscopic instrument includes a catheter that can extend through the working channel of an endoscope. The catheter may include an end effector passing region.
US08371998B2	Method of treating anal incontinence A method for treating anal incontinence is provided, in which a support member is implanted in a tissue pathway extending from a first location posterior to and adjacent the anus, through the perineum anterior to the anus and terminating at a location posterior to and adjacent the anus opposite the first location.
US08371997B2	Article comprising an impeller II An impeller for use in conjunction with a percutaneously-insertable blood pump or other rotatable equipment includes a blade that is segmented into a plurality of overlapping or abutting bladelets. In some embodiments, the bladelets are foldable and one side of each bladelet is concave.
US08371996B2	System for rapid identification and use of proper spill remediation materials Material spill remediation packages (16, 40) designed to counteract particular, different types of material releases or spills are provided having spill control assemblies (18, 41) within vacuumized casings (20) and including respective color-coordinated displays (22, 42) and detachable labels (26, 46) for particular spill or release materials. In use, possible locations of material spills are identified and the appropriate labels (26, 46) are applied at or near these locations, prior to the occurrence of any spill. In the event of a spill, the appropriate spill control assembly (18, 41) can be readily identified by matching the color of the label (26, 46) and the color-coded display (22, 42) associated with the appropriate package (16, 40). This allows rapid, error-free response to both hazardous and non-hazardous material releases or spills, even by relatively unskilled personnel.
US08371994B2	Adjustable spring device for walking and running An adjustable spring device for walking and running is attached to user's footwear creating comfortable conditions during the locomotion. In an embodiment, it includes: an upper lever and lower lever locating one above the other, wherein at least one of the levers is made of elastic material, and a support mechanism having a joint shaft that allows the levers to be pivoting. The device includes a first flexible link connecting the front ends of the levers, and a second flexible link connecting the rear ends of the levers. The links can be adjusted to a certain constant length before the deployment of the device. For creating optimal energy exchange conditions between the device and user, and reducing the shock loads on the user's leg joints and spine, the device can be adapted by shifting the support mechanism between the levers and by adjusting the flexible links between the lever ends.
US08371993B2	Quick deploy drag chute Embodiments relate to a drag chute. An exemplary drag chute is comprised of a canopy from flexible material having a perimeter, a first surface, and a second surface. The drag chute is also comprised of a stiffening member coupled to the canopy along a portion of the canopy perimeter. The drag chute is also comprised of a veil attached to the canopy and a leash attached to the veil. The stiffening member may be maintained in a tunnel that extends along at least a portion of the canopy perimeter. In an additional embodiment, the stiffening member may be a foam material. An additional embodiment may include an integrated bag for storing one or more parts of the drag chute when not in use.
US08371990B2	Exercise system An example exercise system includes an exercise apparatus including a processor, a movable element and an output device and a device including a processor and coupled to the exercise apparatus and to a communication network. The device is configured to receive an exercise program information and mental activity data and to output the exercise program information and the mental activity data to the exercise apparatus. The processor of the exercise apparatus is configured to use the exercise program information to control a parameter associated with the movable element and to control the output device to output the mental activity data during use of the exercise apparatus.
US08371988B2	Electronically controlled range valve for multi-speed planetary transmission A shift by wire control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. The control includes a shift by wire shift valve in fluid communication with other shift valves and clutch trim valves to provide double blocking features in the neutral range and a reverse range. The shift by wire valve is configured with multiple differential areas to provide failure modes for all forward ranges.
US08371985B2	Shift control of continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission 4 for a vehicle includes a variator 20 that modifies a speed ratio continuously and a subtransmission mechanism 30 that is connected in series to the variator 20 and applies a first speed and a second speed, which is higher than the first speed, selectively. When the vehicle is running under a low load/high speed upshift condition having a lower load or a higher speed than a normal upshift condition, the subtransmission mechanism 30 is upshifted from the first speed to the second speed at a lower vehicle speed than under the normal upshift condition, and as a result, both rotation variation in an internal combustion engine 1 accompanying upshifting of the subtransmission mechanism 30 and an increase in a fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine 1 due to the shift operation in the continuously variable transmission 4 are suppressed.
US08371981B2	Multi-speed transmission having two planetary gear sets A transmission has an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. One of the planetary gear sets includes a first, second, third and fourth member and the other of the planetary gear sets includes a first, second and third member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08371979B2	Transmission unit, particularly range-change transmission The invention relates to a transmission unit having a continuously variable transmission part (3) and a mechanical transmission part (4) comprising a four-shaft planetary gear (5), the part comprising a first planetary gear set (8) and a second planetary gear set (1) and being connected selectively to the output (A) via a first clutch device (K1) or a second shiftable clutch device (K2). The invention is characterized in that the first planetary gear set (8) and the second planetary gear set (10) of the planetary gear (5) each comprise a first shaft (11, 12) and a second shaft (13, 15), wherein the first shafts (11, 12) are rotationally fixed to each other and connected at least indirectly to the transmission input (E), and the second shaft of the first planetary gear set (8) is connected to the continuously variable transmission part (3) and the second shaft (15) of the second planetary gear set (9) is connected to an input part (16) of the first clutch device (K1). The first planetary gear set (8) comprises a third shaft (14) connected to the continuously variable transmission (3), wherein the third shaft (14) can be further connected to the output (A) via the second clutch device (K2).
US08371976B2	Wind turbine generator, and method of controlling the wind turbine generator To enhance durability of a gear transmission mechanism by eliminating play in a gear engagement due to the backlash between the gears (gear clearance) of the gear transmission mechanism in a variable pitch mechanism of blades or a nacelle turning mechanism and further to reduce damages to a gear tooth surface caused by slide of the tooth surface or impact thereon due to slight vibration, the gear transmission mechanism is constructed such that a first pinion gear 20a and a second pinion gear 20b are provided to mesh with a gear wheel 18 respectively and rotated by a first drive motor 32a and a second drive motor 32b respectively, and a controller 36 controls so as to eliminate play in the engagement of the internal gear and the pinion gear due to backlash between the internal gear 18 and the first pinion gear 20a, thereby avoiding generation of a slide and impact force on the gear transmission mechanism even when the external force or the wind acts on the blade 16.
US08371974B2	Chain tension structure To facilitate a tension adjusting operation in the chain tension structure without changing a wheelbase of a vehicle. In the chain tension structure in which a chain is wound around a drive sprocket wheel which is arranged below a vehicle body frame and a driven sprocket wheel which is mounted on a rear wheel side and tension is imparted to the chain by a tension roller, the tension roller is mounted in a state that a hexagon socket head cap screw which constitutes a rotary shaft of the tension roller is inserted into an elongated hole which is opened in a plate-like projecting portion formed on the vehicle body frame.
US08371970B2	Bouncing ball amusement device having reduced transparency A ball amusement device including an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer or plastomer having good bounce characteristics, and at least one liquid within the shell. The outer shell may be configured to reduce the transparency to light through the ball.
US08371968B2	Sports racquet structure A sports racquet comprising a handle portion, a paddle portion, which is provided with at least a solid ball striking surface, and a neck portion, which rigidly connects said handle portion and said paddle portion. The paddle portion comprises at least a first cavity having a first longitudinal axis, which is substantially unperpendicular to said main reference plane.
US08371966B2	Lacrosse stick pocket and related method of manufacture A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.
US08371963B2	Pivoting training device for a baseball batter The invention is a training device for baseball batters and, more generally, is a training device for any athletic motion that utilizes a foot pivoting movement. The invention has a mat, pivot device and toe hold. The mat is approximately the size of baseball batters box. For baseball training, the mat is placed in the batters box such that the pivot device is facing the rear. The baseball player places his rear foot on the pivot device and his front foot in one of the toe holds. The baseball player trains by maintaining rear foot contact on the pivot, and pivoting his rear foot during the swing.
US08371958B2	Golf club face A golf club head includes a heel, a toe, a level golf ball striking face extending from the heel to the toe and including a top edge and a bottom edge, and a patterned striking surface covering the level golf ball striking face extending to the heel, the toe, the top and the bottom edge. The patterned striking surface includes a plurality of generally pyramidal shaped extensions protruding from the level golf ball striking face, each of the pyramidal shaped extensions including a generally square base, four side walls and a top surface, each of the side walls extending outwardly a height H and at an angle Ω, the angle Ω being approximately equal to 60 degrees, from the golf ball striking face and the base, the center of the top surface of any pyramidal shaped extensions being separated from the centers of the top surfaces of all neighboring pyramidal shaped extensions by a width W.
US08371952B2	Round ride with contoured and rotating track A round ride that creates a rotating ride experience with a varying frequency of vehicle elevations. The round ride includes a central hub assembly with a hub and a hub drive that rotates the hub about a central axis at a hub rotation rate. The drive assembly includes support arms extending outward from the hub, upon which are mounted passenger vehicles. The support arms are pivotally mounted to the hub. The round ride includes a track structure with a ring-shaped running surface extending about the central axis and with a track drive rotating the running surface about the central axis at a track rotation rate in the same or differing direction and rate as the hub. The vehicles are vertically supported by the running surface which is contoured to define a series of hills and valleys, and the running surface and the hub are independently rotated about the central axis.
US08371950B2	Assembly for coupling a constant velocity joint with a motor vehicle hub bearing unit A coupling assembly for connecting a hub bearing unit with a constant velocity joint includes a bell member of a constant velocity joint having a tubular section disposed about a driving ring and having an end surface facing a hub member end surface and an inner circumferential surface defining a bore. The inner surface has inner splines engageable with driving ring outer splines and a tapering surface section. A sealing member is disposed between the hub and bell end surfaces and seals the space between the surfaces. An annular retainer disposed within the bell bore has a tapering outer circumferential surface engageable with the inner surface section of the bore such that the tubular section is retained between the retainer outer surface and the hub end surface, preventing disengagement of the splines and compressing the sealing member between the end surfaces. A connector connects the retainer with the hub.
US08371949B2	Constant velocity coupling An input shaft to output shaft coupling including an input shaft having a first wave surface thereupon, wherein the first wave surface comprises mounds and valleys. The coupling additionally comprises an output shaft having a second wave surface thereupon, wherein the second wave surface comprises mounds and valleys. The coupling in one form additionally comprises a housing substantially enclosing the first wave surface and second wave surface, wherein rotational force exerted upon the input shaft is translated through the lobes of the first wave surface to the lobes of the second wave surface and to the output shaft in turn, and wherein the first wave surface and second wave surface transmit rotational force therebetween through any range of angles to a maximum output angle between a rotational axis of the input shaft relative to a rotational axis of the output shaft.
US08371946B2	Display mounting assemblies and gaming terminals with mounting assemblies for display devices Gaming terminals, gaming systems, display device support assemblies, and methods of mounting a display device to a gaming terminal are presented herein. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, an input device for receiving wagers to play the wagering game, and a display device for displaying information related to the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a mounting assembly which affixes the display device proximate the top of the cabinet. The mounting assembly pivotably supports the display device such that a lateral side of the display device can be selectively swung from a first position over the top of the cabinet to a second position over a front of the cabinet where the display device is removable from the cabinet.
US08371945B2	Gaming machine and a network of gaming machines The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a light source and one or ideally a series of lighting positions that are illuminated, via optical pathways that are suitably in the form of optical fibers that transmit light from the light source to the or each lighting position. The light source may have a light filter that operably controls the color and intensity of light illuminating from the lighting positions depending on the outcomes of the game being played. The present invention also relates to a network of the gaming machines and a centralized light source, wherein optical pathways, suitably in the form of optical fibers, transmit light from the light source to the light positions of two or more gaming machines. The network may also include a controller to control illumination of the lighting positions, including color of the light and intensity of the light based on data received from an outcome determiner of one or more of the machines of the network.
US08371941B2	System and method for game state reduction Massively multiplayer network games are fast becoming prevalent all over Internet. Servers that support such network games demand huge computing and storage infrastructure. Storage associated with game servers store game related information as well game-instance related information. Game states provide all the information about a game being played and storing them provides an opportunity to continue the game after a pause. An effective representation of game states allows for reduced demand on the storage. An efficient approach for archiving of game states is discussed.
US08371939B2	Hand-held game apparatus and game program A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between a narrow-range image and a broad-range image of map. The user can manipulate a touch panel which mounted on a display section for displaying the broad-range image. If the user manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range image, thus designating coordinates for the narrow-range image, a changed narrow-range is displayed. If the user indicates a moving direction on the broad-range image, thus designating a scroll direction, the displayed broad-range image is moved (scrolled).
US08371938B2	Gaming system having a common display, a first bonus game or a first bonus game paytable and an option to purchase a second bonus game or a second bonus game paytable with relatively expected higher values A gaming system including a plurality of gaming devices and a shared or a common secondary display associated with the gaming devices. In one embodiment, the shared display is adjacent to one or more of the gaming devices of the gaming system. The gaming system includes at least one primary game and at least one secondary or bonus game. The bonus game is associated with a plurality of average expected payouts or values. In one embodiment, the bonus game that is played on the secondary display is associated with a higher average expected payout or higher values than the average expected payouts or values of the bonus game played on the individual gaming devices. When the player places a designated wager, they qualify to play the game on the secondary display and thus qualify for a chance to win the higher awards.
US08371936B1	Pari-mutuel wagering method The disclosed pari-mutuel wagering method is directed to a sequential selection of two, three or four horses and the finishing position of the first horse in the selected sequence. A winning ticket is determined by three factors. These three factors include the correct sequential order of the selected horses, the correct finishing position for the first horse in the sequence and a corresponding finishing position selection by the racetrack based on a random draw.
US08371933B2	Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system A method of gaming comprising: receiving an input indicative that a player accepts deferred payment in respect of at least one award awardable during play of a game; conducting the play to determine whether the at least one award is made; and providing an entitlement to the player to enable the player to obtain the award after a deferment period when the award is made to the player.
US08371931B2	Gaming system and method for providing a bonus based on number of gaming machines being actively played A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices.
US08371930B1	Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with a time element A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed.
US08371929B2	Gaming method having dynamically changing image reel symbols A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.
US08371925B2	Gaming machine with dynamic bonus limiting feature A gaming machine includes a dynamic, bonus limiting game feature. In response to a wager, the machine conducts a basic game that, among its plurality of possible outcomes, includes a start-feature outcome for triggering the game feature. In one game feature example, the machine receives a selection of at least one of a plurality of different bonus limiting elements, and then receives successive selections of a plurality of selectable game elements until the selected game element has a predefined association with the selected bonus limiting element. In another game feature example, the machine receives successive selections of a plurality of selectable game elements until the selected game element is associated with a bonus-limiting outcome. The bonus-limiting outcome is assigned to a varying number of the selectable game elements from game to game.
US08371917B2	Blackjack variation with up-card bonus A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a blackjack game. If the dealer's up-card is of a predetermined card, then the dealer will automatically reveal the dealer's hole card, thereby providing the player with additional information. If the player's initial hand comprises a predetermined hand or hands, then the player can earn a bonus which can be multiplied based on a multiplier associated with the dealer's up-card.
US08371914B2	Corn-shelling machine fitted with blower means and relative corn-shelling method A corn-shelling machine has a front head and a rear auger to collect and channel the cobs after shelling. The front head has at least one sheller roller fitted with blades to pull a stalk of a corn on the plant downwards. Sheller plates are positioned above the sheller roller, on the side opposite the ground. The sheller plates have an upper wall, opposite the ground and suitable to receive the cobs upon threshing and to retain them during the shelling phase. A blower generates a flow of air to channel the kernels of corn, removed from the cobs during shelling, towards the rear auger. The air flow is directed from the front head of the machine towards the rear auger.
US08371912B2	Unit type clean room A unit type clean room has a wide operation space while providing a high air cleaning effect, is unitized and can be easily installed. The unit type clean room is characterized by including: a machine room unit; a front room unit; and a clean room unit, wherein an air conditioner and a fixed air volume device are installed in the machine room unit, the air conditioner is connected to two HEPA filter units installed in the clean room unit via an air duct, the fixed air volume device is connected to a return air chamber installed in the clean room unit via a return air duct to circulate purified air, purified air is always retained in the clean room, and a front room and an air shower are placed in the front room unit.
US08371910B2	Packaging equipment and process for controlling of the packaging equipment A packaging device including a filling unit for transporting a filling material, a filling tube connected to said filling unit, for introducing the filling material supplied by the filling unit into a tubular casing and for ejecting the filling material located in the casing, a clipping unit disposed in the direction of transport of the filling unit, for constricting the casing at a predetermined position and for closing the casing with at least one closure element, a sensor unit disposed between the filling unit and the filling tube, for detecting impurities in the filling material and for emitting a detection signal to a control unit, wherein the control unit has a control connection to the clipping unit. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a packaging device.
US08371909B2	Systems with cooperating reruckers for producing encased products and related devices, methods and computer program products Reruckers and associated methods and systems configured to automatically reruck netting in an upstream direction on a netting chute or horn proximate in time to a clipping operation to pull a clipped end portion of the netting snugly against a discharge end of the chute or horn.
US08371904B2	Polishing with enhanced uniformity A polishing head is presented. The polishing head includes a housing having top and bottom surfaces. The housing is formed from a single piece of material. The polishing head includes grooves disposed on the bottom surface and an inlet in communication with the grooves for coupling to a pressure medium supply to supply a pressure medium to the grooves. The pressure medium when supplied to the grooves exerts pressure on a template when attached to the bottom surface to provide back side pressure on a back surface of an article when temporally attached to the template.
US08371902B2	Adjustable push-up adhesive bra The push-up adhesive bra includes a pair of bra cups each comprising a generally concave inside surface opposite a generally convex outside surface. Each cup defines an eye-shaped perimeter including a generally curved top and bottom edge meeting at an inner and outer peak. An adhesive is disposed along a portion of the inside surface for removably adhering the bra to a pair of woman's breasts when worn. A two-piece connector is individually fixed to each cup and engagedly connects the pair of cups and is configured such that the connector is disposed substantially at or below a bottom breast line when worn. A shelf-like padding is disposed within each cup adjacent to the bottom edge generally disposed below the woman's breasts. The top edge of each cup comprises a plurality of strap engagement receiving slots where a strap can be selectively attached at any one of the slots.
US08371901B2	Partial female undergarment for covering a womans chest and a method for wearing the same A partial female undergarment slidingly attachable to a brassiere for covering a selected portion of a woman's chest or cleavage when an outer garment is worn over the brassiere. The partial undergarment includes a fabric panel that extends horizontally between the straps of the brassiere, and is removably attached to such straps while the outer garment is worn. The undergarment may be selectively positioned along such straps in the vertical position as desired by the woman, whereupon elastic means under tension removably retains the undergarment in the desired position. The lower portion of the undergarment may hang down to engage loose-fitting outerwear when the woman leans forward, such that the upper portion remains substantially adjacent the woman to cover her upper chest while the lower portion engages the outerwear to define an opaque screen obscuring her lower torso.
US08371895B1	Toy play set A toy play set comprising user designed base plate and structure plates, story telling media, a master doll and accessory toy articles is provided for a child to rebuild a toy playing scene after reading a scene base story, and then for the child to build the play set according to his/her imaginative capability. Interactive audio and/or visual responses are provided when a master toy member touches an accessory toy member for providing further fun in playing the custom designed story scene based play set.
US08371893B2	Method and system for articulated character head actuation and control A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.
US08371892B2	Method for making electron emission apparatus A method for making the electron emission apparatus is provided. In the method, an insulating substrate including a surface is provided. A number of grids are formed on the insulating substrate and defined by a plurality of electrodes. A number of conductive linear structures are fabricated and supported by the electrodes. The number of conductive linear structures are substantially parallel to the surface and each of the grids contains at least one of the conductive linear structures. The conductive linear structures are cut to form a number of electron emitters. Each of the electron emitters has two electron emission ends defining a gap therebetween.
US08371888B2	Movable floating object and driving mechanism therefor A movable floating object includes a floatable body and water pumps mounted on the left and right sides of the body respectively. Intake tubes are coupled to the pumps through intake valves respectively. Discharge tubes are coupled to the pumps respectively. Exertion of force on the pumps forces water out of the pumps and through the discharge tubes, and release of the force creates a vacuum inside the pumps that sucks water into the pumps through the intake tubes and the intake valves respectively. The floatable body moves forwards when same force applied to the pumps and turns when the forces apply to the pumps are different.
US08371884B2	Device and method for connecting at least two electric terminals A device and a method for connecting at least two electric terminals, particularly an electrode terminal and an electric measuring element, the two terminals being connected to each other by clinching.
US08371883B2	Connector assembly A first connector has a housing holding a female contact. A second connector has a housing holding a male contact. The connectors are connected to each other by inserting the male contact into the female contact along an insertion direction. The female contact has a support portion and a spring portion having a contact point. The spring portion is located above the support portion in the vertical direction. The male contact is insertable between the spring portion and the support portion. The male contact has a contact portion, a tip, an upper slope and a lower slope. The contact portion contacts the contact point when the male contact is inserted into the female contact. The upper slope extends from the tip to the contact portion, sloping over a first tapering range. The lower slope extends from the tip to the contact portion, sloping over a shorter second tapering range.
US08371882B1	Straddle mount connector for a pluggable transceiver module A straddle mount connector includes a connector body having a base and a plug. The plug extends a length from the base to an end surface of the plug. The plug has opposite first and second sides and is configured to be received within a receptacle of a receptacle connector. Electrical contacts are held by the connector body and include mating segments arranged in a row that extends along the first side of the plug. The mating segments extend lengths along the first side of the plug from the base to contact tips. The contact tip of a first of the electrical contacts is positioned closer to the end surface of the plug than the contact tip of a second of the electrical contacts such that the mating segment of the first electrical contact mates with a corresponding mating contact before the mating segment of the second electrical contact.
US08371881B2	Electric socket An electric socket includes a socket housing defining prong slots therein. Conductive terminals are disposed in the socket housing. An electrically and thermally insulating protective plate is disposed in the socket housing. The protective plate is disposed between the conductive terminals and the side of the socket housing that forms the prong slots. The protective plate includes a substrate and ring protrusions extending into the prong slots and each having an outer profile matching an inner profile of a corresponding prong slot. A central portion of each ring protrusion defines a through hole aligning with a corresponding prong slot. By providing the electrically and thermally insulating protective plate between the conductive terminals and the socket housing, the electric socket can prevent the high temperature and sparks produced at the conductive terminals from igniting the socket housing to cause fire, thus having improved product reliability.
US08371879B2	Card connector A card connector includes a housing having terminal members into which a card is inserted. The card connector also includes a card insertion space, defined by a top plate, a bottom plate and two side plates, the opposing plates mutually facing each other. The side plates linking the edges of the top and bottom plates. The card insertion space also has a front and a rear edge opening in which the front and rear edges of the card are exposed. The card connector also includes connection terminals, integrated with and mounted in the housing and in contact with the terminal members. One of the side plates has a card retaining member, engaged with a first concave member formed on the side edge of the card, and a position-determining member, engaged with a second concave member formed on the side edge of the card to determine the position of the card.
US08371878B2	Chip card holding mechanism and portable electronic device using same A chip card holding mechanism includes a support bracket, a tray, one or more resilient members and a latching assembly. The support bracket defines a receiving space with an opening. The resilient member is fixed in the support bracket. The tray defines a rectangular groove to receive a chip card. The tray is slidably mounted to the support bracket via the opening, received in the receiving space engageably by the latching assembly and resisting the resilient member.
US08371877B2	Electrical connector with printed circuit board subassembly An electrical connector and method of forming the same are provided, where the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board configured to exhibit a first length L, a first width W, a thickness T, and a slot of a slot-width approximately equal to T, the slot also exhibiting a slot-length at least approximately equal to one-half of L. The printed circuit board includes at least a first signal trace, a second signal trace, and a ground plane, where the printed circuit board is configured to electrically isolate the first signal trace and the second signal trace from the ground plane. The first signal trace is configured to make electrical contact with at least a first electrically conductive cable. The electrical connector also includes at least a first contact pin affixed to the printed circuit board and coupled to the second signal trace.
US08371876B2	Increased density connector system A connector system is provided for electrically connecting a receptacle printed circuit to a header printed circuit. The connector system includes a header assembly configured to be mounted on the header printed circuit. The header assembly includes header contacts. A receptacle assembly is configured to be mounted on the receptacle printed circuit and mated with the header assembly. The receptacle assembly includes a housing and a contact module held within the housing. The contact module has separate first and second chicklets that are coupled together to define the contact module. First and second receptacle contacts are held by the contact module and arranged in a differential pair. The first and second receptacle contacts are engaged with the header contacts of the header assembly. The first receptacle contact of the differential pair is held by the first chicklet and the second receptacle contact of the differential pair is held by the second chicklet.
US08371875B2	High speed, high density electrical connector An electrical connector with electrically lossy materials bridging ground members. The lossy conductive members may be formed by filling a settable binder with conductive particles, allowing the partially conductive members to be formed through an insert molding process. Connectors assembled from wafers that contain signal conductors held within an insulative housing may incorporate lossy conductive members by having filled thermal plastic molded onto the insulatative housing. The lossy conductive members may be used in conjunction with magnetically lossy materials. The lossy conductive members reduce ground system do resonance within the connector, thereby increasing the high frequency performance of the connector.
US08371873B2	Illuminated electrical connector An illuminated or self-illuminating electrical connector is provided that has an internal light source with, electrical circuitry for illuminating the light source. The housing arrangement of the illuminated electrical connector is such that light emanating from the light source is visible through the housing arrangement to the extent that the light is visible through greater than half of the external surface of the illuminated electrical connector. Also visible through the housing arrangement, when the light source is illuminated, is an electronic component that provides an aesthetic and ‘high-tech’ enhancement to the illuminated electrical connector.
US08371870B2	Mouse device with a separable transmission cable A mouse device with a separable transmission cable includes a mouse body, a transmission cable and a buckling means. The mouse body further has a buckling jack and a body connection port located close to the buckling jack. The transmission cable further includes a first terminal and a second terminal, in which the first terminal has a first connection port for engaging the body connection port and the second terminal has a second connection port for engaging a computer. The buckling means for buckling the first terminal inside the buckling jack of the mouse body is located at the first connection port.
US08371869B2	Minute connector A minute connector with a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member has a first conductive portion disposed at each of the bottom surface of a plurality of recessing portions set at an insulative first substrate connected to first ends, and first contacts made of first carbon nanotube bundles protruding from the surface of a first substrate at second ends. The second connecting member has second contacts made of second carbon nanotube bundles connected to second conductive portions disposed at each of the bottom surface of recessing portions set at an insulative second substrate corresponding to each of the first contacts at first ends. Each of the first carbon nanotubes contacts between the second carbon nanotubes with each other in an overlapping manner at the state that the first contacts are contacted with each of the corresponding second contacts.
US08371866B1	Card connector The present invention discloses a card connector which comprises an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals, an ejection mechanism, a tray, and a metal shell. The insulating body has a substrate. One side of the substrate is perforated to form a guide groove of which a bottom surface is a cylindrical surface. The ejection mechanism comprises a pushing shaft, a plurality of balls, a sliding bulk, and a pressing element. The pushing shaft, the plural balls, and the sliding bulk are slidably disposed in the guide groove. The plural balls are located between the pushing shaft and the sliding bulk and can be rolled sequentially. By the design of the ejection mechanism constructed by the pushing shaft, the plural balls, the sliding bulk, and the pressing element, the present invention has an advantage of making the card connector to be of a small size.
US08371858B2	Method and electronic calculating device for teaching arithmetic A method of teaching basic arithmetical calculations is embodied in a novelty electronic graphic calculating device having a user interface for displaying method steps. The method involves displaying two or more collections of individual icons associated with two or more operands; selecting an arithmetical operation to be performed on the two or more operands; regrouping the individual icons into a collection of individual icons associated with an answer to the operation on the operands; and, displaying the collection of individual icons associated with the answer in sets having a maximum of ten icons each. The method permits visual regrouping and carry-over for teaching and learning mental computation of the four basic arithmetic skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
US08371857B2	System, method and device for language education through a voice portal A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.
US08371850B2	Device for forming a bone bed for dental implants A device for forming a bone bed for dental implants having a head composed of crystal of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide with a nanostructure having a crystallographic axis that coincides with the axis of the bone bed forming device. The head has cutting elements formed as a rotatable plate. The plate has two broad facets formed by circular arcs that are convex relative to the axis of bone bed forming device. Transition from one of the convex circular arc to another convex circular arc is smoothed by circular arcs that are concave relative to the axis of bone bed forming device. Grooves form first and second cutting members with narrow facets of the plate. The head has an end part shaped as a truncated sphere possessing a recess formed by two planes arranged at an angle of 90° relative to each other and passing through the truncated sphere center and two points belonging to two diagonally arranged plate ribs. A third cutting member is formed by the intersection of one of the above mentioned two planes and a spherical surface of one of the narrow plate facets of the end part of the head.
US08371839B2	Apparatus of preparing a molded article A sheet molding apparatus includes at least one molding surface having a plurality of perforations and an accompanying vacuum mechanism for controllably drawing reduced pressure through the perforations. The sheet molding apparatus includes further at least one sheet retainer with a clamping capability attached to a frame surrounding at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the molding surface. The sheet molding apparatus with the sheet retainer and its clamping capability can be used for rapidly and accurately positioning thermoformable thermoplastic sheets to match the molding surfaces in producing molded articles.
US08371837B2	Apparatus of preparing a molded article A sheet molding apparatus including at least one molding surface with a plurality of perforations, at least one sheet retainer with a plurality of vacuum perforations, and an accompanying vacuum mechanism for controllably drawing reduced pressure through the perforations. The sheet molding apparatus can be used for rapidly and accurately positioning thermoformable thermoplastic sheets to match the molding surfaces in producing molded articles.
US08371835B2	Mold for extrusion forming of ceramic articles There is provided a mold for extrusion forming of ceramic articles which is excellent in wear resistance and can remarkably decrease forming defects in the vicinity of outer peripheries thereof. The mold for the extrusion forming of the ceramic articles includes a die 1 having a plurality of back holes 9, and slits 8; a back pressing plate 12 and a back spacer 13 to adjust the amount of the kneaded clay to be supplied; and a pressing plate 11 and a spacer 10 to regulate the shape and size of the formed ceramic article. At least a portion of the supply end 22 of the die 1 which overlaps with the back pressing plate 12 is flattened, and a surface roughness (Ra) thereof is in a range of 0.05 μm to 10 μm.
US08371832B2	Peristaltic pump with linear flow control A peristaltic pump includes a conduit having a first end for receiving a fluid from a reservoir and a second end for delivering the fluid. A plurality of fingers are disposed at respective locations along a segment of the conduit and are configured to alternately compress and release the conduit at the locations. A cyclical pump mechanism is coupled to move the fingers between respective compressed and released positions in a spatio-temporal pattern so as to drive a predetermined quantity of the fluid through the segment of the conduit in each pump cycle. A motor is coupled to drive the pump mechanism. A controller is coupled to activate and deactivate the motor in alternation during each pump cycle with a duty cycle that varies within the pump cycle.
US08371831B2	Centrifugal discharge pump with bladed impeller for dishwashers and similar electric household appliances A centrifugal discharge pump (1) for electric household appliances, of unusual efficiency, having: a working chamber which has an intake opening and a delivery opening; an open impeller (10) arranged inside the working chamber and rotatable about a main axis (x) and a motor (5) designed to drive the impeller (10) by means of a transmission shaft (6). The impeller (10) has a planar support element (11) integral with the transmission shaft (6), and a plurality of blades (12) projecting from the support element (11); a free space (13) is provided between the blades (12) in order to allow the removal of foreign solids present in the discharge stream.
US08371828B2	Air compressor having a cast aluminum crankcase An air compressor of a pneumatic system in a vehicle includes a piston pump that is fitted with at least one piston and a crankshaft which are located in a crankcase. At least part of the crankcase is cast from aluminum and includes an integrally formed coolant duct.
US08371826B1	Geyser pump A geyser pump includes an air chamber having an air chamber interior, a generally U-shaped bubble-forming loop external to and disposed in fluid communication with the air chamber and a liquid delivery conduit disposed in fluid communication with the bubble-forming loop. A liquid recirculation/transfer system having an orifice disk assembly and a geyser pump is also disclosed.
US08371825B2	Retrofit kit and method of retrofitting a plumbed emergency eyewash station A retrofit kit for an emergency eyewash station and method of retrofitting a plumbed emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The kit includes a sterile eyewash fluid source. A pump assembly having an input port and an output port is also included. The input port is configured to connect to a dispensing structure of a plumbed eyewash station and the output port is configured to connect to the sterile eyewash fluid source. A drive assembly is configured to drive the pump assembly to draw sterile eyewash fluid from the sterile eyewash fluid source and discharge it through the dispensing structure of the plumbed eyewash station. The eyewash fluid discharged from the dispensing structure is configured to drain through a discharge of the plumbed eyewash station and away from the plumbed eyewash station.
US08371822B2	Dual-powered airflow generator A dual-powered airflow generator comprising: a primary fan motor powered from a primary power source and an auxiliary fan motor powered from a secondary power source. In one embodiment, the primary fan motor has a first drive shaft wherein operation of the primary fan motor causes a desired airflow at a design power of the primary power source. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary fan motor is powered from a secondary power source and has a second drive shaft mechanically coupled to the primary fan motor, wherein the auxiliary fan motor is configured to assist the primary fan motor in causing the desired airflow while the primary fan motor operates from the primary power source at a reduced power. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary fan motor is powered by a solar power generating device or other alternative energy source.
US08371817B2	Apparatus and method for a turbine bucket tip cap A turbine bucket that includes a pressure side, a suction side opposite the pressure side, and a rib extending between the pressure side and the suction side. A tip cap is attached to the pressure side and the suction side and covers the rib. The tip cap includes a precipitation hardened material and a passage aligned with the rib. A method for assembling a turbine bucket having a pressure side and a suction side and a rib extending between the pressure side and suction side. The method includes receiving a tip cap made from a precipitation hardened material and having a passage in the tip cap. The method further includes locating the rib visually through the passage and aligning the passage with the rib. The method also includes welding the tip cap to the turbine bucket and to the rib.
US08371816B2	Rotor blades for turbine engines A tip shroud that includes a plurality of damping fins, each damping fin including a substantially non-radially-aligned surface that is configured to make contact with a tip shroud of a neighboring rotor blade. At least one damping fin may include a leading edge damping fin and at least one damping fin may include a trailing edge damping fin. The leading edge damping fin may be configured to correspond to the trailing edge damping fin.
US08371813B2	Blade pitch controlling apparatus and application thereof A blade pitch controlling apparatus and an application thereof are described. The blade pitch controlling apparatus includes a centrifugal device and a blade pitch variable device, and the blade pitch variable device is arranged under the centrifugal device. The blade pitch variable device has a downward stroke that is variable by the centrifugal device according to a centrifugal force induced thereon so as to drive the blade pitch variable device to change the setting angle of the blades of the wind power generator.
US08371808B2	Multi-vane segment design and casting method Provided is an industrial gas turbine multi vane segment, which can be cast in one piece using a wax pattern method. The multi vane segment includes a platform; at least three airfoils, extending radially from the platform, having a combined airfoil volume, a chord length and an airfoil thickness; and a shroud with a shroud volume, disposed on an end of said airfoils radially distant from the platform. The ratio of the shroud volume to the combined airfoil volume defines a first ratio, while the multi vane segment has a first ratio greater or equal to 1.4:1. This ratio enables preferential solidification, during casting, of the airfoils before the shroud.
US08371807B2	Protection device for a turbine stator Protection device for a stator of a turbine of the type comprising a series of annular sectors constrained to each other by means of connection means, each sector of the series of sectors comprises a first surface, suitable for contacting the stator which has at least one cavity for the cooling of the corresponding sector, and a second surface which faces a rotor of the turbine. In a rest configuration in which the turbine is not operating, the second surface of each sector has an axial section having an eccentricity with respect to the trace of the rotation axis of the turbine, whereas in an operating configuration in which the turbine is operating under regime conditions, the second surface of each sector has an axial section which is centered with the trace of the rotation axis of the turbine.
US08371805B2	Fixing apparatus for fan A fixing apparatus includes two receiving boxes, and a plurality of elastic members. The receiving boxes are covered to each other, to receive a fan. The plurality of elastic members is correspondingly fixed to the receiving boxes, to support the fan and separate the fan from the receiving boxes. When the fan operates, the plurality of elastic members absorbs vibration produced by the fan, and protects the fan from vibrating against the receiving boxes.
US08371804B2	Gas turbine comprising a unit for detecting a shaft rupture A device for detecting a shaft rupture in a rotor of a turbine, in particular a medium-pressure turbine, of a gas turbine, in particular of an aircraft engine, at least one stator-side sensor element being positioned downstream from the turbine, in particular in the area of a stator-side blade ring of another turbine, in particular a low-pressure turbine, and, in case of a shaft rupture of the rotor of the turbine, a radially externally situated segment of a last (seen in the direction of flow) rotor-side blade ring of the turbine working together with the, or with each, sensor element to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the shaft rupture.
US08371801B2	Systems for improved fluid flows through a turbine A system for installing and extracting a flowing water turbine below the surface of the water includes a flow inducer assembly for improving the conversation of the kinetic energy of a waterway to mechanical energy. The flow inducer assembly includes a nozzle that may be shaped as a cowling and a outlet diffuser. The system may be useful in a number of settings, including, but not limited to, streams, rivers, dams, ocean currents, or tidal areas that have continuous or semi-continuous water flow rates and windy environments.
US08371797B2	Secured palletization facility The invention relates to facility including a robot (2) for supplying pallet preparation stations with products (3) of the crate type or different. The structure of the facility includes side walls (11) and doors (13, 14) for accessing the palletization stations A and B. The structure further includes a fixed wall (15) separating stations A and B, and a cowling (20) mobile from one station to the other and in the shape of a dihedron, for alternatively converting each palletization station A and B into a kind of pallet hatch, wherein said conversion is carried out automatically before the opening of the door for accessing a loaded pallet located in said hatch. The cowling (20) is directly actuated by the product handling robot (2).
US08371795B2	Workpiece transfer system A workpiece transfer system may include a plurality of cassettes for storing workpieces, at least one workpiece processing apparatus, and a multi-joint industrial robot for loading and unloading workpieces to/from the cassettes. The multi-joint industrial robot may include a hand part for holding a workpiece, an arm part supporting the hand part so as to make the hand part rotatable, and a link mechanism that supports an arm joint part, positioned at a base side of the arm part, so as to make the arm joint part rotatable.
US08371792B2	Substrate processing apparatus A substrate processing apparatus including a transport chamber having an end and defining more than one substantially linear substrate transport zone where each transport zone extends longitudinally along the transport chamber between opposing walls of the transport chamber and at least one of the more than one substantially linear substrate transport zones is configured as a supply zone for enabling transport of substrates from the end and at least one of the more than one substantially linear substrate transport zones is configured as a return zone for enabling transport of substrates to the end, and at least one substrate transport located in and movably mounted to the transport chamber for transporting substrates along the more than one substantially linear substrate transport zone, where each substrate transport zone is configured to allow the at least one substrate transport to move from one transport zone to another transport zone.
US08371791B2	Hay and silage feeder There is disclosed a feeding device (10) for dispensing bales of material from a vehicle. The feeding device (10) includes a body (12) having a surface for receiving a plurality of said bales thereon. The surface has a first end (12a) and a second end (12b) and is configured such that the plurality of bales are arranged in at least one row extending at least partially between the first and second ends (12a, 12b). A pusher (18) is slidably mounted to the surface and moveable between a first position proximal the first end (12a) and a second position proximal the second end (12b). A driving mechanism is provided and is controllable to move the pusher (18) between the first and second positions. Such movement of the pusher (18) from the first position to the second position applies a pushing force to the bales arranged in at least one row such that the bales in that row are progressively dispensed from said second end (12b) of the surface.
US08371790B2	Derrickless tubular servicing system and method A derrickless system for servicing tubulars at a wellhead has a first tubular handling apparatus with a gripper positioned adjacent the wellhead where the gripper grips a surface of one of the tubulars, a second tubular handling apparatus with a gripper positioned adjacent the wellhead where the gripper grips a surface of another of the tubulars, and a slip assembly positioned in the wellhead. The slip assembly has a wedge bowl positioned at the wellhead that is suitable for receiving the tubular therein, and wedges positioned in the wedge bowl that are suitable for positioning between the wedge bowl and the tubular. Each of the grippers of the first and second tubular handling apparatus has a stab frame and three grippers attached to the stab frame.
US08371789B2	Hole plug While a high pullout force is being achieved, when a hole plug is demolded from a mold, a load on a locking claw is reduced. A leg portion 3 of a hole plug 1 includes an inner tube 11, an outer tube 12 surrounding the inner tube, ribs 15 interconnecting the inner and outer tubes, and locking claws 14 provided on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and locked in a circumferential border thereof when the leg portion is inserted into a hole 22 of a body panel 21. The ribs are disposed corresponding to positions of the locking claws, and are structured so as to be tilted relative to a radial direction of the hole plug in a case of being viewed from an insertion direction of the leg portion.
US08371788B2	Fastener for automotive components A fastener for securing an undercover panel to an underside of a vehicle is disclosed. The fastener includes a body having a bore for receiving a threaded bolt extending from the underside of the vehicle, a flange for engaging a first side of the undercover panel, a plurality of resiliently deformable engaging fingers for allowing insertion of the bolt into the bore and to resist removal of the bolt from the bore, and a plurality of resilient engaging members for enabling the engaging members to pass in a first direction through an aperture in the undercover panel, and to resist removal of the fastener from the panel. A plurality of reinforcing members extend from the body to engage a respective engaging member, as a result of forces urging said undercover panel towards the underside of the vehicle, to resist flexing of the engaging members away from the body.
US08371787B2	Self-tapping screw A self-tapping screw includes a screw shaft extended downward from a screw head, plural flights of constant-height external thread respectively having the same flight height formed at a part of the screw shaft extended right below the screw head, and plural flights of low-height external thread having flight height decreased gradually toward an end face of a shaft tip portion formed continuously with the constant-height external thread at the shaft tip portion of the screw shaft. A slight arc face is formed continuously at respective connecting parts of upper and lower flanks with upper and lower root faces of the low-height external thread, and the slight arc face is formed so as to extend at least along a connecting part of a lower flank and a lower root face of a constant-height external thread end flight continuing to the low-height external thread.
US08371786B2	Quick-positioning captive screw A quick-positioning captive screw includes a mounting base member having an outer thread spirally extending around the peripheral wall of a top flange thereof, the outer thread having a leading end terminating in the top edge of the top flange and a tail end terminating in the bottom edge of the top flange and cutting a part of the top flange into a rib, a lock screw having an inner thread located on the inside wall of a plastic cap thereof for threading through the outer thread into the space around the periphery of the mounting base member below the bottom edge of the top flange after bonding of the mounting base member to an external panel frame by reflow soldering, and a spring member sleeved onto the threaded shank of the screw bolt of the lock screw and stopped between the head of the screw bolt and the inside step of the mounting base member.
US08371782B2	Adjustable mid- gate An adjustable array of gates and partitions for vehicles, particularly pickup truck beds, that enables succinct partitioned areas for a more organized load. A partition apparatus extends from between the two sides of a truck bed and may be moved forward or backward, including over wheel wells, through the use of rails. In addition, telescoping panels secured perpendicularly from the partition apparatus offers additional partition capabilities as the telescoping panels move from side to side through the use of additional rails.
US08371780B2	Rotationally drivable cutting or milling tool and method, and use of such a cutting tool for producing driving and conveyor belts A rotationally drivable cutting or milling tool has at least one first cutting tooth effective in a first rotational direction and at least one second cutting tooth effective in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The at least one first cutting tooth and the at least one second cutting tooth have differently oriented cutting edges for performing different machining steps in the first and second rotational directions, respectively.
US08371779B2	Locking chuck A chuck including a body having a tail section defining an annular shoulder and a nose section having an axial bore and angularly disposed passageways intersecting the axial bore. An O-ring is disposed in the annular shoulder and a plurality of jaws is slidably positioned in the passageways. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body in engagement with threads on the jaws. A first sleeve and a second sleeve each define a gripping surface thereon and one of the first and second sleeves is axially reciprocal on the body. The one of the first and second sleeves defines an annular groove on an inner surface thereof having a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The O-ring is received in the groove such that axial motion of the one of the first and the second sleeve is limited by abutment of the O-ring with said first and second shoulders.
US08371774B2	Cutting insert for machining a workpiece A cutting insert for machining a workpiece. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08371762B2	Optical fiber connector with resisting blocks An optical fiber connector includes a connector hold, a connector body and a number of optical fibers. The hold defines a receiving recess. The connector body is held in the receiving recess of the connector hold. The optical fibers pass through the connector hold and are attached to the connector body. The connector body includes two engagement blocks formed on opposite side surfaces thereof. The connector hold defines two grooves corresponding to the engagement blocks. The engagement blocks are engaged in the corresponding grooves. The connector body is restricted by the groove in the receiving recess from tilting relative to the connector hold.
US08371760B2	Rolling bearing A rolling bearing, particularly a slewing connection (1), comprising an outer bearing ring (2) and an inner bearing ring (3) and rolling elements arranged between said outer and inner bearing rings for rolling contact with associated raceways, a stop means for limiting an angle of rotation of the rolling bearing being arranged within the rolling bearing, whereby a first solution offered by the invention, the outer bearing ring (2) comprises on an inner peripheral surface a recess (14) which extends in peripheral direction and is limited at two ends by a first stop lug (15), the inner bearing ring (3) comprises on an outer peripheral surface a guide groove (16) which extends in peripheral direction and is limited at two ends by a second stop lug (17), and a guide element (18) arranged in the guide groove (16) connects the inner and outer bearing rings (3,2) to each other by positive engagement.
US08371759B2	Double row rolling bearing for supporting pinion shaft and rolling bearing apparatus provided with the same In a double row rolling bearing for supporting a pinion shaft, an outer ring is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of an annular wall (case) with its axis disposed horizontally, and an inner ring assembly is fitted on a pinion shaft, and is inserted, together with the pinion shaft, horizontally into the outer ring through a larger-diameter opening of the outer ring, and is mounted in the outer ring. A larger-diameter cage has a drop limitation portion for limiting the vertically-downward movement of the larger-diameter case.
US08371758B2	Rolling contact member and rolling bearing Each of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a ball is a rolling contact member formed of a β-sialon sintered body inexpensive, capable of reliably ensuring sufficient durability, and capable of being used in an application where an imposed load is changed abruptly. The sintered body contains as a main component β-sialon represented by a compositional formula of Si6-ZAlZOZN8-Z and satisfying 0.1≦z≦3.5, and has a remainder formed of an impurity. The rolling contact member has a Young's modulus of 180 GPa or greater but 270 GPa or smaller.
US08371757B2	Sealing device with an integrated encoder for bearings A sealing device is to be fitted at a side of a bearing unit in order to seal a gap (15) between a stationary race (11) and a rotatable race (10) of the bearing unit. The device includes a relatively rigid reinforcing insert (16) of disc-annular shape, and a gasket (17) of relatively soft rubber or elastomeric material, over-moulded or vulcanized onto the insert (16). The gasket forms two opposite peripheral sealing portions (18, 19) intended to perform a static sealing action against the rotatable race (10) and a dynamic sealing action on the stationary race (11), respectively. The insert (16) includes magnetized or magnetizable material for forming, at predetermined angular zones or fields, a sequence of alternate and/or spaced north/south poles, in order to act as an encoder.
US08371751B2	Laser guided patient positioning system for chiropractic x-rays and method of use A radiographic apparatus having a laser positioning system comprising three independent laser units for positioning a patient in three-dimension for the purpose of taking x-rays. Each laser unit is orthogonally oriented in respect to the others, such that the first laser unit projects a laser beam aligned with the x-ray beam in said first lateral direction, and the second laser unit projects a laser beam in a second lateral direction that is orthogonal to the first lateral direction, and the third laser unit projects a laser beam in a vertical direction that is orthogonal to both the first and second lateral directions. With the patient properly oriented by the laser system, x-ray films are taken that can be sequenced for radiographic animation analysis.
US08371749B2	Temperature sensor A temperature sensor includes a compare subject voltage output unit, a temperature range decision unit, and a temperature signal output unit. The compare subject voltage output unit is configured to output a reference voltage having a constant value irrespective of a change of an external temperature and a third temperature voltage that decreases in response to an increase of an external temperature. The temperature range decision unit is configured to compare the reference voltage and the third temperature voltage, and output an enable signal, to indicate whether the external temperature is different from a normal temperature. The temperature signal output unit is configured to output a specific one of a plurality of high temperature signals or a specific one of a plurality of low temperature signals, to indicate a range of the external temperature, in response to the enable signal.
US08371744B2	Mixer and system for mixing and dispensing a material A mixer for mixing at least two-components of a dental material comprises a mixing rotor with a coupling for coupling with a drive shaft for driving the mixing rotor. Further a device for dispensing at least two components of a dental material comprises a drive shaft for driving a mixing rotor of a mixer. The coupling of the mixer and/or the device comprises at least one guiding ridge which preferably facilitates coupling to the drive shaft.
US08371743B2	Method for suspending or re-suspending particles in a solution and apparatus adapted thereto A method for suspending or re-suspending magnetically attractable particles is provided. In the present method at least a mixing vessel (10) is provided filled at least partially with a mixture (30) containing magnetically attractable particles (40) at least partially precipitated at the bottom (11) of the mixing vessel (10). An effective magnetic field acting at least in the front end area (3) of the mixing bar (1) is switched on by the magnetic field generating apparatus (4) while the mixing bar (1) is immersed in the mixture (30). Subsequently, the magnetic field is moved away from the bottom (11) of the mixing vessel (10) along with the mixing bar, whereby the movement of the magnetic field along with the mixing bar is carried out such that at least a part of the magnetically attractable particles (40) is raised from the bottom (11) of the mixing vessel (10) and the portion of the particles sticking to the bar is minimized. The magnetic field is switched off in a predefined distance from the bottom which is greater than the distance from the bottom at the time when the magnetic field is switched on. Thereafter, repeated mixing movements of the mixing bar (1) are carried out until the magnetically attractable particles present in the mixture (30) are sufficiently suspended or re-suspended whereby a magnetic field which is switched on does not exist at the front end (3) of the mixing bar (1).
US08371738B2	Lighting device, display device and television receiver A backlight unit 12 includes LEDs 16, light guide plates 18, an air layer AR and a scattering structures. Each light guide plate 18 has a light entrance surface 34 and a light exit surface 36. The light entrance surface 34 faces the corresponding LED 16 and light from the LED 16 enters through the light entrance surface 34. The light exit surface 36 through which light exits is arranged along an arrangement direction in which the LED 16 and the light entrance surface 34 are arranged. The light guide plates 18 are arranged in a parallel layout so as to be parallel to the light exit surface 36 and perpendicular to the arrangement direction. The air layer AR is provided between the adjacent light guide plates 18 and has a refraction index lower than that of the light guide plates 18. The scattering structures are provided in side-edge surfaces 31a that are interfaces between the light guide plates 18 and the air layer AR. The scattering structures are configured to scatter light inside the light guide plates 18. With this configuration, uneven brightness is less likely to occur.
US08371731B2	Vehicle lamp A vehicle lamp can include a light source, a reflector and a lens. The reflector can be formed in a slender shape so as to include a parabolic reflex surface in a longitudinal direction and an ellipsoidal reflex surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A focus of the parabolic reflex surface and one of the focuses of the ellipsoidal reflex surface can be located at the light source, and other focuses of the ellipsoidal reflex surface can be substantially parallel with a central axis of the lens. The reflector can reflect light emitted from the light source toward the lens with a wide angle so that light use efficiency of the light source can improve as compared with certain conventional vehicle lamps. Thus, the vehicle lamp can provide a favorable light distribution even when it is formed in a slender shape.
US08371730B2	Marine light holder A light for use with a floating object, like a boat, has a body, the body having a flange and a light bulb extending therefrom, a lens, and a switch for activating and deactivating the bulb, the switch being disposed between the lens and the body. A mounting bracket attaches to the body and has an arm for cooperating with the flange such that the body may be disposed at varying angles relative to the arm, a first clamp attaching to the arm and a second clamp attaching to the first clamp such that the mounting bracket may be clamped to an item on the floating object.
US08371729B2	Light with keying arrangement mountable on a mounting rail A keyed mounting arrangement for a light or other object mountable on a mounting rail having a keying feature may comprise a body containing operating elements; a clamping arrangement including clamp members on the body for clamping and releasing the mounting rail; and a keying member removably disposed in a recess located on the body in a predetermined location and having a keying feature that engages the keying feature of the mounting rail when the body is clamped to the mounting rail. Where the object is mountable on mounting rails having keying features of different sizes and shapes, the keying member may be selected from a set of keying members for having a keying feature of a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the keying feature of the mounting rail.
US08371726B2	Recessed luminaire with a reflector A HID recessed luminaire is disclosed and described. The HID recessed luminaire includes a reflector that has a primary reflector portion and a secondary reflector portion. The primary reflector portion defines a first frustum of a pyramid and the secondary reflector portion defines a second frustum of a pyramid. Optionally, a portion of the primary reflector and a portion of the secondary reflector are integrally connected to one another.
US08371725B2	Shaped optical prism structure A shaped optical prism structure for mounting on an upward light-outgoing surface of a street light or wall lamp to change the direction of light through about 360 o by means of a recessed flat incident surface, a recessed primary full-reflection surface and a curved light-distribution surface formed of a series of sloping surfaces and to enable the light to be projected onto the floor.
US08371722B2	LED-based light bulb device with Kelvin corrective features An LED light bulb device including a bulb body, a cap, an LED assembly, and first and second light affecting features. The cap is mounted to the bulb body for connection to an electrical socket. The LED assembly includes a plurality of LEDs and framework. The framework maintains the LEDs relative to the bulb body such that emitted light is directed at an LED region of the wall. The first light affecting feature is associated with the LED region of the wall, whereas the second light affecting feature is associated with a diffusion region of the wall, with the diffusion region being apart from the LED region. The first light affecting feature affects light in a manner different from that of the second light affecting feature. The light affecting features are selected to affect or alter light emitted from the LEDs to provide a desired Kelvin color temperature and diffusion.
US08371718B2	Efficient LED array An efficient LED array. In an aspect, an LED apparatus includes a metal substrate having a reflective surface, and LED chips mounted directly to the reflective surface to allow for thermal dissipation, and wherein at least a portion of the LED chips are spaced apart from each other to allow light to reflect from a portion of the reflective surface that is located between the portion of the LED chips. In another aspect, a method includes configuring a metal substrate to have a reflective surface, and mounting a plurality of LED chips directly to the reflective surface of the metal substrate to allow for thermal dissipation, and wherein at least a portion of the LED chips are spaced apart from each other to allow light to reflect from a portion of the reflective surface that is located between the portion of the LED chips.
US08371713B2	Illumination device for pixelated illumination An illumination device (1) for pixelated illumination of a target area (3) comprising: an array (4) of light emitting devices; projection optics (5) arranged in between the array (4) of light emitting devices and the target area (3); a reflecting structure (6) having a first opening (9) facing the array (4) of light emitting devices and a second opening (10) facing the projection optics (5), and a reflective surface connecting the first and second opening, the surface enclosing and facing an optical axis (11) of the projection optics (5). The projection optics (5) is adapted to image the array (4) of light emitting devices, and a virtual extension thereof created by the reflecting structure (6), onto the target area (3), thereby generating an extended pixelated illumination pattern (2). By utilizing a reflecting structure to create a virtual extension of the array of light emitting devices, a high degree of pixelation can be achieved in the illumination pattern while minimizing the number of light emitting devices required. Thus, increased efficiency and reduce costs can be achieved.
US08371711B2	Lighting device with wind generator A lighting device includes a casing unit, a lighting module, a wind generator, a power port module, a battery seat and a control module. The casing unit includes a first side, a second side, and a wind duct extending through the first and second sides. The lighting module is disposed at the first side and operable to emit light outwardly of the casing unit and away from the first side of the casing unit. The wind generator includes a blade unit disposed in the wind duct, and an electric generator unit coupled to the blade unit. The blade unit is driven to rotate by wind flow. The electric generator unit is driven by rotation of the blade unit to generate electricity. The control module is configured to control distribution of electricity generated by the electric generator unit to the lighting module, the power port module and the battery seat.
US08371709B2	Multipurpose hand lamp and electric cigar lighter assembly A multipurpose hand lamp comprises a housing accommodating a motherboard assembly carrying a contact switch, a lamp switch and a power socket, a power supply unit electrically connected with the power switch and carrying at least one replaceable rechargeable battery for power input and power output, a light source unit having a lamp cover hinged to the housing and at least LED lamp carried in the lamp cover and electrically connected with the lamp switch for giving off light, and an electric heater having an electric heating wire electrically connected with the contact switch and disposed below a cigarette lighter port of the housing, and a spring-loaded holding-down member for switching on the contact switch to turn on the electric heater when the lamp cover is opened.
US08371708B2	Electric power tool An electric power tool can include a main body, which rotates a motor with a pull operation of the switch lever and actuates a head tool by a rotative force of the motor, and an auxiliary tool configured for attaching and detaching to and from the electric power tool main body. In the main body, an actuating part actuated with the pull operation of the switch lever is provided. The auxiliary tool includes a detecting part, which noncontactly detects an actuation of the actuating part, and an electric circuit section for actuating electric devices, provided in the auxiliary part, by a detecting actuation of the detecting part.
US08371700B2	Heat dissipation module and projection apparatus using the same A heat dissipation module includes a heat-absorbing unit, a first heat pipe, a second heat pipe, and a heat-dissipating unit. The heat-absorbing unit is adapted to contact the heat source thermally. The first heat pipe has a first heat-absorbing section being connected to the heat-absorbing unit and a first heat-dissipating section. The second heat pipe has a second heat-absorbing section being connected to the heat-absorbing unit and a second heat-dissipating section. The heat-dissipating unit includes a first fin assembly and a second fin assembly. The first heat-dissipating section is connected to the first fin assembly along a first extending direction, the second heat-dissipating section is connected to the second fin assembly along a second extending direction, the first extending direction and second extending direction are oblique to each other, and a part of the first fin assembly and a part of the second fin assembly are inset to each other.
US08371699B2	Image display device having a screen with a fluorescent region An image display device having a screen having a fluorescent region including a fluorescent material; a light irradiation system, including a first light source outputting excitation light exciting the fluorescent material; a second light source outputting visible light; a scanning unit scanning with a light beam output from each of the first light source and the second light source on the screen; and an excitation light wavelength band reflector reflecting light in a wavelength band of the excitation light toward the screen, and formed on an output side of a light beam from the light irradiation system with respect to the screen. The visible light output from the second light source is diffused by the screen, while the excitation light output from the first light source develops a color different from that of the visible light by being projected in the fluorescent region.
US08371697B2	Method for image projection, image projection apparatus and image projection screen A method for image projection on a screen, including providing an image to be projected on the screen, determining excitation light representing the image, and illuminating with the excitation light at least one light excitable layer disposed on the screen, wherein the light excitable layer is configured to be stimulated for the emission of visible light based on the excitation light.
US08371695B2	Real-time spectrally-adjustable ophthalmic illumination An ophthalmic illuminator is provided that includes a plurality of color sources, each color source producing a light of a corresponding color; a combiner for combining the light from the color sources to produced a combined light; at least one optical fiber configured to receive the combined light and propagate the received combined light towards a distal end of the ophthalmic illuminator; and a controller configured to control an intensity for each of the color sources responsive to a sampling of a spectral content for the combined light.
US08371693B2	Autism diagnosis support apparatus An autism diagnosis support apparatus 1 according to the present invention is an autism diagnosis support apparatus that detects a symptom of autism based on a state of a subject looking at a target, including: an eye-gaze point detection unit 2 that detects a line-of-sight direction of the subject looking at the target; a color camera 3 that takes an image of the target; a pupil position detection unit 4 that measures a pupil coordinate of the target; and a data analysis unit 7 that calculates a relationship between the line-of-sight direction of the subject and a pupil position of the target using the line-of-sight direction and the pupil coordinate and outputs the relationship along with the image of the target.
US08371688B2	Single pass radiation curable inkjet printing methods for producing printed flexible foils and plastic bags A radiation curable inkjet printing method for producing printed flexible foils and plastic bags wherein a web-like polymeric substrate having a maximum value for Tan δ between 40° C. and 110° C. and a surface energy Ssub is printed upon using a single pass inkjet printer with a non-aqueous radiation curable inkjet liquid having a surface tension SLiq, wherein SLiq is smaller than Ssub by at least 4 mN/m, and curing the radiation curable liquid on the substrate at a surface temperature equal or higher than the temperature of the maximum value for Tan δ and smaller than the melting point of the polymeric recording medium. A single pass inkjet printer is also disclosed.
US08371687B2	Ink composition and image formation method The invention provides an ink composition containing at least: a water-soluble organic solvent; a pigment; water; and a nonionic polymer thickener. The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is from 5 weight % to 30 weight % relative to the total amount of the ink composition. The ratio of Vhigh/Vlow, in which Vhigh represents 25° C. viscosity (mPa·s) measured at a shear rate of 1.5×105 (s−1) and Vlow represents 25° C. viscosity (mPa·s) measured at a shear rate of 3.0×103 (s−1), is from 0.70 to 0.95. The invention further provides an image formation method including at least ejecting the ink composition onto an image recording medium using an image formation apparatus to form an image on the image recording medium.
US08371681B2	Piezoelectric element, liquid-ejecting head, and liquid-ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer and electrodes provided to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer consists of a complex oxide containing bismuth, cerium, iron and cobalt and the molar ratio of cobalt to the total of iron and cobalt is 0.125 or more and 0.875 or less.
US08371679B2	Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus There is provided a liquid ejecting head unit that includes a liquid ejecting head ejecting liquid by driving a pressure generating element. The liquid ejecting head unit includes: the liquid ejecting head that includes first wiring substrates each having a connection wiring electrically connected to the pressure generating element and a support member that supports at least two first wiring substrates in different positions; a second wiring substrate that is commonly connected to the connection wirings of a plurality of the first wiring substrates electrically; and a head substrate to which the second wiring substrate is electrically connected. A connection portion connected to the head substrate is aligned on one face side of the second wiring substrate.
US08371669B1	Fire timing control in printing devices Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for generating each of (i) a first signal and (ii) a second signal based at least in part on a position of a carriage, where the carriage is a component of a printing device, estimating (i) a major cycle duration associated with the first signal and (ii) a first minor cycle duration associated with the second signal, estimating a position of the carriage based at least in part on the estimated major cycle duration and the estimated first minor cycle duration, and generating a plurality of print synchronization pulses based at least in part on the estimated position of the carriage.
US08371666B2	Container data center A container data center includes a mobile container, two rails, two supports, and a rack. The container includes a top wall and a bottom wall opposite to the top wall. The rails are attached to the top wall facing the bottom wall. The supports are attached to the bottom wall facing the top wall, corresponding to the rails. The rack is received in the container. The rack includes a top plate, a bottom plate opposite to the top plate, two rows of first slide members attached to the top plate, and two rows of second slide members attached to the bottom plate. The rows of first slide member slidably resist against the rails, and the rows of second slide member slidably resist against the supports.
US08371660B2	Load transmitting insert for a soft spline body A splined drive body for supporting a plurality of sprockets is disclosed. The drive body is provided with at least one composite drive body spline which consists of a first portion made up of the drive body material and a second portion made up of a different, harder material. The second portion of the composite drive body spline is an insert which includes a force receiving surface and a force transmitting surface and is operable to transmit force transmitted to it into the drive body through a force receiving surface provided on the first portion of the composite drive body spline.
US08371657B2	Storage hopper assembly A transport assembly for transporting granular material may define at least a first egress for releasing a first portion of a granular material. The device may also include a door assembly slidably coupled with the transport assembly for at least substantially covering the first egress in a first position for retaining granular material and for at least substantially uncovering the first egress in a second position for controllably releasing the first portion of the granular material. The device may also include a linear actuator assembly coupled with the transport assembly and the door assembly for moving the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The device may also include a pump assembly coupled with the linear actuator assembly for actuating the linear actuator assembly to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position.
US08371655B2	Seat cushion frame structure of seat for vehicle and seat for vehicle with seat cushion frame structure A seat cushion frame structure of a seat for a vehicle has a seat cushion frame structure, a rear end of which is connected to a lower end of a seat back frame structure in such a way that the seat back frame structure can be inclined relative to the seat cushion frame structure, the seat cushion frame structure includes a pair of side frames, each of which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and an oblique wire on at least one of the pair of side frames, an upper end of which is fixed to a side portion of the at least one of pair of side frames and a lower end of which is fixed to the seat cushion frame structure at a position forward of the upper end.
US08371651B2	Child seat mountable vehicle seat A child seat mountable vehicle seat, includes: a seat skin including a front skin and a rear skin; a stitched portion; and a non-stitched portion formed in the stitched portion to define an opening from which a metal striker is projected. An extension portion of the front skin is turned over and extends forwards, while an extension portion of the rear skin extends forwards further than the metal striker. A trim plate is applied along an inner surface side of the rear skin, and in the non-stitched portion, the extension portion of the front skin is superposed on the extension portion of the rear skin with respect to a direction in which a latching device is moved to latch the metal striker.
US08371649B2	Bicycle saddle structure and method of assembly thereof A bicycle saddle structure includes a load-bearing shell having an elongate front portion, a widened rear portion and a bottom surface with a front seat and a rear seat which are formed at a predetermined minimum distance (dMu\l) therebetween, rails with a rear end portion, and a front end portion which is designed to interact with the front seat of the shell. The rails have a maximum longitudinal extension (Ir) longer than the predetermined minimum distance (dMu\l) between the seats. The structure includes a cam linkage member which is designed to be interposed between the front seat of the shell and the front portion of the rails to cause the shell to be snap fitted to the rails. A method of assembly of the above bicycle saddle structure is also provided.
US08371641B2	Construction machine, in particular road milling machine, miner, recycler or stabilizer The construction machine according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that an air-processing apparatus (28) is arranged outside the cab (9) on the machine frame (2), wherein a device (13, 22) for feeding processed and/or fresh air into the cab and used air from the cab is provided, said device having a feed air duct for processed air for the cab and a discharge air duct for used air from the cab.
US08371638B2	Drive for transit door A multi-part drive shaft for a transit vehicle door comprises an upper drive shaft connected to a door operating mechanism and having a door panel operating arm extending therefrom, a lower drive shaft journaled for rotation, a door panel operating arm extending therefrom and a flexible drive shaft secured at one end to the upper drive shaft and at the other end to the lower drive shaft. Rotation of the upper drive shaft will transfer torque to the lower drive shaft at the same angular speed.
US08371634B2	Vehicle hinge pillar and fender insulator A motor vehicle has a hollow space between a front pillar and a fender. A noise insulator panel is mounted within and fills the hollow the hollow space between the pillar and the fender panel to block and absorb the communication of noise to the weather strip that seals the door to the pillar. The noise insulator panel includes a housing portion of compressible foam material with a base wall that is oversized to fit in compression between the pillar and the fender panel to block the communication of noise and a sidewall that extend forwardly from the base wall to define a cavity facing the engine and tires. An absorber portion fills the open cavity of the housing portion. The absorber portion is made of a fibrous material that is secured within the cavity of the housing portion and acts to absorb noise.
US08371633B2	Center console A center console is provided between two vehicle seats arranged next to each other. At least one front side of the center console, at least one container can be arranged in a detachable manner.
US08371632B2	Mounting structure for a pillar garnish A garnish including an integrally molded grip is attached to a center pillar of a vehicle body with a bracket. The bracket attaches to a part of the pillar adjacent to the grip using a threaded bolt provided on an outboard side of the garnish. An opening is formed in the garnish for attaching the garnish to the pillar. A lid closes the opening. Integrally forming the grip with the garnish eliminates the need for positioning the two parts relative to each other and reduces the number of component parts. Providing the bracket for attachment adjacent to the base end of the grip improves the mounting strength of the grip. As the lid closing the opening is concealed by the grip when viewed inside the passenger compartment, the opening can be made so large as to improve the efficiency of the assembly work.
US08371623B2	Cam clamp assembly A cam clamp assembly for a sanitary fitting includes a first arcuate segment having a first extension with a slot. A second arcuate segment has a second extension, and the first and second segments are pivotally coupled together for movement about a first axis. An elongated member is pivotally coupled to the second extension for movement of the elongated member about a second axis so that the elongated member is receivable within the slot, the second axis being parallel to the first axis. An offset cam member is pivotally mounted to the elongated member for movement about a third axis, parallel to the first and second axes. A handle rotates the cam member between an open and closed position, and defines a cam travel stop that provides a tactile indication that a predefined compression of the fitting has been obtained when the cam member has been rotated to the closed position.
US08371622B2	Leak proof pipe connections and leak proofing pipe connections A sealing ring and a method of preventing or stopping a joint leak between a pipe and a pipe fitting to minimize property damage as well as clean up costs occurring from property damage due to joint leaks by securing a sealing ring to the pipe and the pipe fitting to form a secondary joint that inhibits or prevent leakage between the primary joint between the pipe and the pipe fitting.
US08371621B2	Fitting connection A fitting connection for a capillary has a sealing bushing, a compression bushing, and a backing bushing. The backing bushing has a bore for receiving the sealing bushing and the compression bushing into the backing bushing, and the sealing bushing and the compression bushing are each provided with a central bore for feeding through a capillary tube. The bore of the backing bushing has a partly slightly conical bore end which compacts the sealing bushing such that the bore of the sealing bushing exerts a radial surface pressure onto the external wall of the capillary.
US08371618B2	Hidden pivot attachment for showers and method of making same A water supply attachment is a spherically-shaped pivot attachment having a hollow passage extending between its opposing ends that includes a threaded portion for coupling to water supplies. The water supply attachment can be a hidden pivot attachment usable in various shower assemblies. The hidden pivot attachment may be used in combination with a seal cup and an attachment nut, such that the hidden pivot attachment closely fits within the void spaces of the seal cup and attachment nut, enabling the hidden pivot attachment to form a seal with the seal cup.
US08371611B2	Rupture feature for inflator of vehicle airbag A rupture feature releases pressurized gas into a diffuser through an egress opening in an inflator wall responsive to a pressure impulse in the inflator. A sturdy rupture fragment is positioned opposite the egress opening. A thin rupture membrane continuously circumscribes and sealingly interconnects the rupture fragment to the inflator about the egress opening. Rupture membrane thickness is less than rupture fragment thickness or inflator wall thickness at the egress opening. The rupture membrane is upstanding from the inflator wall about the egress opening to a constant height. The rupture fragment and the rupture membrane are integrally-formed with each other and with the inflator wall at the egress opening. The pressure impulse impacts the rupture fragment, urges the rupture fragment away from the inflator, detaches the rupture fragment from the inflator by fully transversely fracturing the rupture membrane, and drives the rupture fragment into containment within the diffuser.
US08371608B2	Airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system and method for producing an airbag arrangement An air bag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The air bag arrangement comprising an air bag package, having an air bag, which can be inflated to protect a vehicle occupant, and an envelope, in which the air bag is vacuum-packed, a gas generator for inflating the air bag, a gas generator support, on which the gas generator is fixed and a mounting element, fastened to the gas generator support, to house the air bag package. The mounting element has fastening means via which it is connected to the air bag package in a positive-locking manner and has multiple partial elements.
US08371607B2	Transportable collapsible shade structure A transportable shade device to provide a portable shaded area for outdoor workers. The structure features a wheeled frame which is engageable to be towed. A pair of opposing shade panels are rotationally engaged to a vertical support above a center section of said frame. Both panels rotate to an extended position to maximize shade to a seating area on the frame and rotate to a retracted position to minimize wind load on the structure during towing at highway speeds.
US08371605B2	Modular binding for sports board A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.
US08371602B1	Collapsible vehicle tow loop A collapsible tow hook for a motor vehicle includes a bracket attached to a vehicle structure and having laterally spaced side walls with first and second slots in each of the side walls. A tow loop has laterally spaced arms that straddle the spaced side walls of the bracket. First and second bolts extend through bolt holes in the laterally spaced arms and through the slots of the side walls. A retainer acts between the bracket and the first and second bolts to establish a normal upward position of the tow loop on the vehicle. The retainer yields to allow the first and second bolts to traverse the slots upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure.
US08371599B2	Truck towing system and assembly A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to removably connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is removably engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
US08371598B2	Width adjuster for motorcycle stand The leverage device is intended to be installed on motorcycle stands that currently use a hex head machine screw for width adjustment. It consists of a) a female hex portion to mate with the hex head of the machine screw, b) a lever portion to be actuated by the user and c) a flat bottom to keep it captive to the machine screw. The device allows the user to loosen the screw slightly for width adjustment then re-tighten it without the use of tools. The low profile device is installed on the motorcycle stand to become a permanent part of the stand, unlike a wrench that is separate.
US08371597B2	Box trailer access device An apparatus for assisting a person get into and exit an interior of a truck trailer. The apparatus comprises multiple parts, including a stationary step having a U-shape and a handle movable between an upright and stowed position. In its stowed position, the handle does not extend beyond the rear of the trailer, enabling the trailer to back up to a loading dock without interference from the handle. Two latching mechanisms assist in locking the handle in its upright and stowed positions. In its upright position, the handle enables a person standing on the step to more easily enter and exit the interior of the trailer.
US08371595B2	Lower part structure in vehicle body rear part A lower part structure in a vehicle body rear part has a rear suspension frame disposed in rear of a fuel tank and in front of a spare tire and has a mechanism for causing jump up of the rear part of the spare tire under load application from the vehicle rear. The lower part structure is configured so that the center in the vertical direction of the front part of the spare tire is located so as to lap on the extension line of vertical width of a frame in the vehicle width direction of the rear suspension frame, and when the spare tire is moved to the vehicle front by a load applied from the vehicle rear, the spare tire comes into contact with the rear suspension frame directly or indirectly, whereby the rear part of the spare tire is pushed up with the rear suspension frame side being the center, and is turned in the longitudinal direction.
US08371593B2	Device for adjusting camber and/or toe of the wheels of a wheel suspension The invention relates to a device for adjusting the camber and/or toe of the wheels of a wheel suspension, particularly for motor vehicles, having a wheel carrier on which each wheel is rotatably supported and comprising a carrier part receiving the wheel and a guide part connected to the wheel suspension, between which rotating parts (26, 28) rotating about a rotation axis and preferably driven by an electric motor are disposed, bringing about a defined displacement of the carrier part and/or the guide part by the rotational actuation thereof for changing the camber and/or toe. According to the invention, a single adjusting drive (54) is provided for actuating the rotary parts (26, 28), by means of which the two rotary parts (26, 28) can be adjusted in different, particularly in opposite, directions.
US08371591B2	Disk for controlling an angle of binding in snowboard Disclosed is a disk for adjusting the angle of a snowboard binding. A base plate of the snowboard binding has a toothed gear formed at an inner periphery of a center opening thereof. As toothed gear formed at outer ends of disk gears included in the disk are engaged with the toothed gear of the base plate of the snowboard binding when a disk lever provided at the center of the disk is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the disk can be mounted to the base plate of the snowboard binding, so as to control the angle of the snowboard binding.
US08371590B2	Transportation device with pivoting axle Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.
US08371589B2	Mass transit vehicle A mass transit vehicle includes one or a combination of the following: floor portions that are angled for creating an incline of a floor of the buss; a door or entranceway that is angle relative to a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and/or an entranceway that opens a relatively low height relative to the ground.
US08371588B2	Linear actuator An actuator, which can be actuated along a longitudinal axis, in particular for a spring carrier, includes a stationary part, a first rotor, which can be driven so as to perform a rotary motion, a rotatable second rotor, which is supported against the stationary part in the axial direction in an axial rest position, a coupling device, by which the second rotor is coupled to the first rotor, and an output element, which is connected to the second rotor and can be moved axially by means of a rotary motion of the second rotor. The coupling device interacts with the first rotor and the second rotor in such a way that, starting from the rest position, an axial movement of the second rotor can be produced by means of a first rotary motion of the first rotor in order to release the second rotor from the stationary part and thereby bring it into a working position.
US08371583B2	Shuffled playing cards and manufacturing method thereof The present invention provides shuffled playing cards which eliminate the need for a game host to shuffle cards before games by taking a lot of time as well as eliminate the possibility of cheating. A shuffled playing cards (1) obtained by shuffling a predetermined number of decks of playing cards (12) using a shuffling machine is packaged as an individual pack. The shuffled playing cards (1) is individually packaged and sealed with an adhesive label (13). A bar code (13a) which represents a unique shuffled card ID has been printed on the adhesive label (13). The shuffled card ID is registered in a database by being associated with information which allows identification of a shuffling machine used to shuffle the playing card set.
US08371581B2	Method of detecting open mailpieces such as non-wrapped magazines The method of detecting a mailpiece of the open mailpiece type such as a non-wrapped magazine consists in causing the mailpiece (3) to pass on edge through a first conveyor (2A) arranged to move the mailpiece (3) by nipping it while holding it tightly over substantially the entire height of the mailpiece, then to pass on edge through a second conveyor (2B) arranged to move the mailpiece (3) by nipping it while leaving a top end (3B) of the mailpiece free to fan out. Two measurements are taken of the thickness of the mailpiece (3) respectively when the mailpiece is in the first conveyor (2A) and when it is in the second conveyor (2B), for the purpose of determining, by differentially comparing the two measurements, whether the mailpiece is an open mailpiece.
US08371580B2	Paper sheet treating apparatus with upstream side touching faces A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of correcting an inclination to a traveling direction when a paper sheet is inserted into an insertion slot. The paper sheet processing apparatus includes a pair of movable pieces capable of being moved toward a center direction of the traveling route through which the paper sheet is conveyed by a motor. The pair of movable pieces are moved toward the center direction of the traveling route by a driving source such that the distance between one movable piece and the other movable piece becomes shorter than a width of the bill and corrects the inclination of the bill to the traveling direction by regulating side edges of the bill to be conveyed before the bill reaches the movable pieces.
US08371576B2	Media sheet stacking implement A media sheet stacking implement for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes an exit nip formed by a first exit roller and a second exit roller for advancing media in a media process direction along a media path and delivering the media to an output bin of the image forming apparatus. A pinching element is mounted along the media path downstream from the exit nip. The pinching element has at least one first member and at least one second member movable relative to the at least one first member between a closed state and an open state. An actuating mechanism is operatively coupled with the pinching element for moving the pinching element between the closed state and the open state to allow the pinching element to hold a trailing end of a media sheet to be delivered to the output bin when in the closed state.
US08371572B2	Detachable reversible pick mechanism for feeding media from a media tray of an image forming device A detachable reversible pick mechanism for a media input tray. The pick mechanism comprises a reversible drive transmission having a drive shaft gear operatively connected to a pick axle gear, the drive shaft gear slidably engageable onto a cantilevered drive shaft extending from a housing, a pick axle having a pick wheel at each end, the pick axle operatively connected to the pick axle gear; and a transmission housing consisting of a top, a bottom, and a side surface defining a cavity therein for containing the reversible drive transmission, an opening in a front portion and in a rear portion of the transmission housing through which the pick axle and drive shaft, respectively, pass, the front portion dimensioned so that the pick wheels each extend beyond the top and the bottom of the front portion, and a releasable latch mounted on the side surface for rotatably engaging a free end of the cantilevered drive shaft to axially position the pick mechanism on the drive shaft, the latch allowing a user to readily dismount the pick mechanism for service or replacement.
US08371571B2	Method and device for inserting supplements into multipage printed products A method for inserting a supplement into a multipage printed product having a back and composed of signatures and/or individual sheets, and being transported with the back oriented parallel to a conveying direction. The multipage printed product is supplied with a signature or an individual sheet projecting from the multipage printed product to define a predetermined separating location between the projecting signature or individual sheet and an adjacent signature or sheet. The multipage printed product is opened at the predetermined separating location and then the opening is expanded. The supplement is thereafter inserted into the expanded separating location.
US08371566B2	Anti-tipping die tool holder An anti-tipping clamp that is used as an intermediary support for a die tool. The clamp includes a body with a rail engagement section designed to engage with a rail on a conventional forming machine for securing the clamp to the rail. The clamp also includes a die tool holding section with two spaced apart lateral arms that extend upward from a body and which provide support for a die tool.
US08371562B2	Double path mount for cab suspension with tilting function A cab mounting assembly attaches a cab to a chassis of a vehicle at the point of rotation of the cab when the cab is tilted. The cab mounting assembly provides two paths for the forces acting between the cab and the chassis. The static forces are supported by a bearing assembly which includes a relatively hard elastomeric member. The dynamic forces are supported by an elastomeric mount which includes a relatively soft elastomeric member. The elastomeric mount is attached to the bearing assembly and to a shock absorber. The bearing assembly is attached to the elastomeric mount and to an air spring assembly.
US08371558B2	Hoist apparatus A screwable hoisting apparatus to aid in elevating objects is described. The apparatus is embedded into a tree with one hand while the tree climber is free to use his other hand to secure himself to the tree. A method for using the same is disclosed.
US08371546B2	Purse hanger A purse hanger for hanging a purse from a flat surface has a rigid interface member defining a substantially planar interface area that is co-planar with the flat surface during use. A rigid arm has a proximal end swivelably coupled with the rigid interface member and a distal end, which, in use, is oriented by gravity to a position vertically beneath the planar interface area. A flexible member has a first end coupled to the distal end of the rigid arm, and a second end coupled to a purse engagement member such as a rigid loop securing the purse strap. The flexible member allows the rigid interface member to be stored in the purse while the purse engagement member remains secured to the purse strap. The rigid interface member can have a storage cavity for storing personal items.
US08371545B2	Adjustable lamp An adjustable lamp holder has a mounting structure arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A pair of hollow pivot pillars extends from the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and a receptacle is positioned on the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially opposite the pivot pillars. A body with a body axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis has a pair of pivots formed thereon for engaging the pivot pillars. A projection is formed on the body substantially opposite the pivots and an angle adjuster, having a proximal end and a distal end, has the proximal end positioned in the projection and the distal end positioned in the receptacle. Movement of the angle adjuster tips the angle of the lamp.
US08371540B1	Cable positioning bracket A cable positioning bracket is provided for mounting to a building component, e.g. a wall stud. The bracket has an anchor plate for being connected to the broad surface of the building component and a pair of side plates for being connected to the narrow surface of the building component. A pair of platforms carry a series of opposed tabs that are oriented to engage and support one or more cables. One side plate pivots away from the building component by means of a hinge plate to insert the cable or cables.
US08371537B2	Aircraft structure with hinge rib assembly An aircraft structure comprising; a rear spar, an upper cover which is attached to the rear spar and overhangs to its rear; a lower cover which is attached to the rear spar and overhangs to its rear, a hinge rib assembly comprising: a first hinge rib arm attached to a first one of the covers; and a second hinge rib arm connected to the first hinge rib arm and attached to a second one of the covers; and an aerodynamic control element pivotally mounted to the hinge rib assembly. The first and second hinge rib arms are separate parts. This provides the ability to disassemble the hinge rib in-situ for repair or maintenance purposes; the ability to install or remove the hinge rib without having to move it inboard along the structure; reduced material wastage during manufacture; and the ability to install one or more elongate lines which extend in a span-wise direction along the aircraft structure.
US08371535B2	Method for releasing an unmanned missile from a carrier aircraft Unmanned missile and method for releasing the unmanned missile from a carrier aircraft, in which the missile has an autonomous flight control device that acts on control devices of the missile. The method includes adjusting vertical rudders and elevators of the missile into a neutral position in which a respective rudder angle is 0°, separating electrical and mechanical connections between the missile and the carrier aircraft, and detecting, via sensors of the missile, that the separating has occurred. The method also includes activating the autonomous flight control device and automatically controlling the missile with the flight control device and the control devices based upon correction flight condition variables caused by a prevailing downwash between the missile and the carrier aircraft, and automatically controlling the missile with the flight control device and the control devices based on data stored in at least one storage device on the missile.
US08371533B2	Aircraft auxiliary fuel tank system and method One or more main aircraft fuel tanks are provided with one or more fuel gauges arranged to provide a measure of the amount of fuel in said one or more main fuel tanks. One or more auxiliary fuel tanks are also provided. The aircraft uses fuel during a first phase of fuel consumption, upon commencement of which phase the auxiliary fuel tanks hold fuel. After the first phase said one or more auxiliary fuel tanks are empty and a second phase commences. During the first phase, an indication of the amount of fuel carried by the aircraft is provided by means of summing (i) the amount of fuel in the main fuel tanks as measured by said one or more fuel gauges and (ii) the amount of fuel remaining in said one or more auxiliary fuel tanks as calculated using a measure relating to the fuel consumption rate. During the second phase of fuel consumption, an indication of the amount of fuel carried by the aircraft is provided on the basis of the amount of fuel measured by said one or more fuel gauges.
US08371531B2	Aircraft cabin window assembly method A method for assembling a cabin window to a bay in a side wall of an aircraft fuselage, where the cabin window including an outer transparent element and at least one inner transparent element, includes making a non-through hole in a portion of the side wall. The outer transparent element includes a first part having a diameter greater than that of the bay and which is shaped to co-operate with the portion of the side wall to block the outer transparent element in the bay both laterally and longitudinally. A second part of the outer transparent element has a groove that projects into the fuselage. The outer transparent element and the at least one inner transparent element are welded to the fuselage using a strap which presses a seal against at least the fuselage and the inner wall of the groove.
US08371524B2	Torque link set An aircraft landing gear (10) includes a torque link set (12) comprising a first fairing (12a) rotatably connected at a first end (18) to a first end (19) of a second fairing (12b). The fairings (12a), (12b) may be arranged to act as first and second torque links. The fairings may be in the form of noise reduction fairings.
US08371520B2	Rapidly convertible hybrid aircraft and manufacturing method A hybrid fixed wing aircraft converts into a roadworthy vehicle in a matter of seconds therefore operating efficiently in both air and ground transportation systems. The single piece wing is mounted on a skewed pivot that is on the lower portion of the fuselage and is operated by a pushbutton operating system. The aircraft includes telescopic twin boom tail design that when extended allows good pitch stability and damping. The aircraft's wing area may be increased with additional telescopic wing tip segments. This allows an increase in aspect ratio, hence improving efficiency at high loads. This feature also creates a reduction in induced drag at cruise speed by simply retracting the tips in flight. The vehicle has a unique synchronized control system that switches from flight to ground mode without input from the operator, thereby providing a natural interface for the operator.
US08371517B2	Powder gun deflector A system for dispensing pulverulent coating material comprises a source of pulverulent coating material, a source of compressed gas, a device for movably supporting a nozzle, the nozzle coupled to the source of pulverulent material and providing an opening through which the pulverulent material is dispensed, a deflector supported by the device and spaced from the opening to aid in shaping a cloud of dispensed coating material, and a source of high-magnitude electrostatic potential coupled to impart electrostatic potential to the dispensed pulverulent material. The deflector includes at least one first passageway extending with a radial component of the deflector and communicating with the source of compressed gas to direct gas with a radial component into the cloud of dispensed coating material.
US08371512B2	Electrical or hybrid motor vehicle with thermal conditioning system upgrading low-level sources A motor vehicle has a low exhaust heat engine (ME) for driving the driven wheels and a system for conditioning the air temperature of the passenger compartment (CAB). The conditioning system includes a reversible heat pump (PAC) which conditions in temperature respectively a distribution loop (DI) and an exhaust loop (RE) through which flows a coolant. The distribution loop (DI) is connected to an exchanger (H2) with the air entering the space compartment (CAB) and is connectable via an electromagnetic valve (EV1) to another exchanger (H1) with the air entering the passenger compartment (CAB). The exhaust loop (RE) is connected to an exchanger (F1) with the outside air. The exhaust loop being further connected to the engine (ME) for exchanging heat with the engine.
US08371509B2	Chip module for an RFID system The invention relates to a chip module for an RFID system comprising a web-type or sheet-type support material (4) on the upper face of which a coupling antenna (2) and an RFID chip (3), which is electrically, especially galvanically, connected to the coupling antenna (2), are arranged and the lower face of which is provided with an adhesive layer (9). The coupling antenna (2) consists of an aluminum layer (7) having a thickness of 1 μm-20 μm, especially of 3 μm-12 μm.
US08371508B2	Imaging module for optical reader An imaging module includes a mounting frame, a scanning module, a lens, a number of illumination lights, a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The mounting frame has a bottom wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall located at opposite sides of the bottom wall. The first and second walls define a receiving space which opens at a top end of the mounting frame. The second circuit board has a decoding element and is electrical connected with the first circuit board. The second circuit board covers the top end of the receiving space.
US08371504B2	Shopping cart A shopping cart is disclosed. The shopping cart comprises a frame, a receptacle for holding items and a scanning apparatus for scanning items to be placed within the receptacle. The shopping cart further comprising weighing means for monitoring the weight of the receptacle.
US08371502B1	Shopping center gift card offer fulfillment machine, program product, and associated methods Exemplary embodiments provide for offer fulfillment utilizing a shopping center gift card and an offer fulfillment machine. A cardholder obtains the gift card and registers with an issuer to receive offers, discounts, and promotions electronically. The machine activates the gift card's offer purse, a subaccount associated with an offer. The machine notifies a cardholder of the promotional offer. To redeem an offer, the cardholder presents the gift card as payment to a merchant. No coupons are necessary. No change to the merchant's POS terminal is necessary. The machine matches, in memory, the offer purse to a standard transaction approval request. The machine determines eligibility for the promotion and updates an amount associated with the offer purse to thereby satisfy at least in part from the offer purse the standard transaction approval request. A purchase purse, another gift card subaccount, can optionally provide any remaining amount for the transaction.
US08371501B1	Systems and methods for a wearable user authentication factor A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing multi-factor authentication with a wearable user authentication factor. A multi-factor authentication module is implemented to use a plurality of authentication factors, including a unique tag identifier associated with an electronic tag embedded within a wearable article, such as a ring or watch, for the authentication of a user. A user of a wearable user authentication factor approaches a multi-factor terminal, which detects the electronic tag and reads its unique identifier. The user is then requested to provide a predetermined biometric feature, such as a fingerprint, to a biometric reader. The biometric feature is processed to generate a unique biometric identifier. The unique identifier of the electronic tag and the unique biometric identifier is then submitted to a multi-factor authentication module, which compares it to authentication information associated with the user. If the submitted unique identifiers match the user's authentication information, then the user is authenticated.
US08371498B2	Method for manufacturing a printed wiring board A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board, the method including forming a solder resist layer having a small-diameter aperture and a large-diameter aperture, each aperture exposing a respective joint pad. A metal ball having a first diameter is mounted in the small-diameter aperture by using a mask for small diameter metal balls, which includes a small-diameter aperture area that corresponds to the small-diameter aperture on the solder resist layer. A metal ball having a second diameter larger than the first diameter is mounted in the large-diameter aperture by using a mask for large diameter metal balls, which includes a large-diameter aperture area that corresponds to the large-diameter aperture on the solder resist layer. A small-diameter bump is formed from the metal ball having a first diameter and a large-diameter bump is formed from the metal ball having a second diameter by heating each of the metal ball with a first diameter and the metal ball with a second diameter to at least their respective reflow temperatures.
US08371497B2	Method for manufacturing tight pitch, flip chip integrated circuit packages A flip chip packaging method to attach a die to a package substrate, the method including dipping the die into solder paste; placing the die onto the package substrate; and reflowing the solder paste to attach the die to the package substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08371496B2	Method and apparatus for treating glass bodies, as well as a glass body and measuring probe The method and apparatus serve to treat a multi-walled glass body, in particular a glass body (20) with a glass membrane (25) for a chemical sensor or measuring probe, wherein a portion of at least one wall or of an interior tube (21) is to be fused, and wherein the fusing can have the purpose of closing off a first chamber (291). A glass element (286) which serves to absorb radiation energy is inserted in the vicinity of the portion (210) of either the wall or of the interior tube (21) that is to be fused. The glass element (286) is exposed to the radiation energy of at least one energy radiator (17), whereby the glass element (286) and the portion (210) of either the wall or the interior tube (21) are fused together.
US08371491B2	Surgical end effector having buttress retention features A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.
US08371488B2	Setting tool A setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component includes piston stop device (30) for braking the setting piston (20) and which is located at an end region of the hollow chamber (14) of the piston guide (13) in which the setting piston is displaceable, adjacent to the bolt guide (12), and has a stop element for the setting piston (20) and which has a first ring (31) and a second ring (32) arranged coaxially with each other and displaceable relative to each other, and a receiving space (3) provided between the two rings and filled with particles (34) with respect to which the receiving space is sealed.
US08371483B2	Lid for containers which have an opening with a rolled inside edge A lid for use with containers having a peripherally disposed edge with a rolled inside edge positioned around the container opening. The lid has a flange with a first rim projecting downwardly therefrom. The first rim has an edge engaging section with a plurality of concentrically positioned snap rings that each have a concavely shaped contact surface facing outward from the first rim to engage a curved surface on the rolled inside edge. The first rim is tapered inwardly such that the lower snap rings have a smaller diameter than the upper snap rings to allow the container to select which snap ring provides the best fit for snap engagement with the curved surface. The snap rings are made out of a material that deforms to the shape of the curved surface. A second rim projecting downward from the flange outwardly of the first rim provides a dust shield.
US08371481B2	Valve for a container for dispensing pressurized fluid The invention relates to a valve for a container for dispensing pressurized fluid, the valve having a valve body which is mountable on a container lid, a closure member which is arranged in a passage provided in the valve body, a sealing arranged on the closure member and formed of at least one disc-shaped sealing lip and which, when the closure member is in a closing position relative to the valve body, abuts on a valve seat provided on the passage, and a holding device by which the closure member is displaceably arranged in the valve body and held in a closing position therein when it is in its normal position, at least one wear protection device being associated with the at least one sealing lip upstream with respect to the outflow direction of the fluid.
US08371480B2	Container having a compressible function A container includes a housing, a container body mounted in the housing and having an inner portion provided with a receiving chamber and a pusher movably mounted in the receiving chamber and having a surface provided with an outlet hole connected to the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber has a bottom wall provided with a stop portion. The pusher has a bottom wall provided with a pressing portion that is movable to closely abut the stop portion. Thus, the pressing portion can be moved to closely abut the stop portion so as to completely squeeze the cosmetic filling outwardly from the outlet hole and to prevent part of the cosmetic filling from being left in the receiving chamber so that the user can use the cosmetic filling to the maximum extent.
US08371476B2	Bulk bag with gate valve assembly A bulk bag includes a shell and a gate valve assembly and is configured to retain a material. The gate valve assembly includes a gate which is slidable to selectively prevent and facilitate variation of rate of dispensation of material from the bulk bag and, more particularly, through an aperture defined by the shell of the bulk bag. The gate valve assembly has a configuration which, during movement of the gate to restrict dispensation of material through the aperture in the shell, renders the gate unlikely to snag with other portions of the bulk bag such as, for example, portions of the shell which define the aperture. Methods are also provided.
US08371475B2	Process for metering superabsorbents Superabsorbents are metered by a process using a screw conveyor, wherein the superabsorbent is selected, or treated with a cohesion control agent, to have an unconfined yield strength of from 0.75 to 1.5 kPa at consolidation stress of 6 kPa.
US08371474B2	Fluid dispenser The invention is a method of dispensing a fluid and a dispenser which will dispense an appropriate amount of fluid to effectively clean a user's hand, even if the dispenser is inactive for a period of time.
US08371473B2	Potting system This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more bands; and one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands. In a further embodiment, the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.
US08371470B2	Container for dispensing liquid doses The present invention relates to spill resistant container for dispensing liquid doses wherein the container includes a body of generally hollow form about a center vertical axis with open ends, comprising: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a liquid withdrawal chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a detachable base cap having a cavity in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.
US08371464B2	Container with adjustable date indicium A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.
US08371462B2	Teat unit A teat unit has a flexible teat, a receiving head and a dimensionally stable base part. The teat is arranged on the receiving head. The receiving head and the base part are connected to each other by a releasable plug connection, and the receiving head has a securing element for securing the teat unit on a drinks container. This teat unit permits a great many possible configurations of the individual parts and, therefore, an optimization of their individual functions.
US08371461B2	Dual chambered bottle with weight distribution mechanism and method of manufacturing the same A bottle assembly including a body portion having a dividing wall, a first chamber for holding a first liquid and a second chamber for holding a second liquid. The base portion of the bottle assembly includes a weight distribution mechanism for counterbalancing the first liquid against the second liquid. The weight distribution mechanism is a flexible member positioned between a first base portion of the first chamber and a second base portion of the second chamber, the flexible member slidingly engaging an inner surface of the base portion of the bottle assembly. When the first liquid is reduced, the first base portion of the first chamber is displaced in a first direction and the second base portion of the second chamber is displaced in a second direction, the first direction being opposite the second direction.
US08371457B2	Collapsible rack for holding equipment A collapsible storage rack includes multiple rack members and a linkage assembly. At least one of the rack members includes a laterally extending body and a storage element that projects in a forward direction from the body. The rack members are shiftable along an upright extension direction and are shiftable relative to each other into and out of a collapsed condition. The linkage assembly shiftably interconnects the rack members and permits shifting movement of the rack members into and out of the collapsed condition.
US08371456B2	Structurally ribbed support component for millwork drying operations The present invention is a modular stacking system for continuous stack drying of millwork that is easily transported and takes up a minimal amount of floor space when assembled. The modular stacking system is comprised of modular stabilizing stackable blocks and lightweight cross members which allow the user to create multiple stacking layers. The design of the stackable blocks ensures that the stacking system remains stable even with a large number of layers.
US08371455B2	Frameless display stand A card holder has at least one slot into which cards and/or photos may be inserted. The card holder may include two curved slots that may provide vertical stability to a card inserted in one of the curved slots. The card holder may include a straight slot that may be used to accommodate thicker card stock paper. The slots in the card holder may have teeth to help grip the card/photo more securely to keep them in place. When not in use, the card holders may conveniently and securely stack on top of each other for storage.
US08371453B2	Bottom feed liquid filter A liquid filter, with a housing inlet port and outlet port arranged at the bottom of the liquid filter. The liquid filter may also be configured with an inward projecting domed top cover and/or an eccentric septum plate supporting a desired filter element and/or filter basket. The inward projecting domed top cover configurable with respect to the septum plate to retain the desired filter element and/or filter basket in place when in a closed position.
US08371452B2	Adjustable ventilation stack for a water filter system A water filter system including a filter housing having a filter element for filtering impurities from water and a ventilation stack movably connected to the filter housing for adjusting a position of the stack relative to a level of the water to release air from the water trapped by the filter element during filtration.
US08371449B2	Package A package for a dispensing device, comprising a protection pouch arranged to enclose the dispensing device. The protection pouch comprises a base section that is arranged to support the dispensing device in the general vertical direction, and the package comprises a support member arranged to essentially elevate the base section of the pouch from a support surface.
US08371446B2	Securely sealed inflation valve for inflatable packaging An inflatable valve for an inflatable packaging cushion has first and second juxtaposed plys of thermoplastic material secured together by first and second spaced-apart heat sealed side seams to form a flattened tube having an interior sealing end positioned in an inflatable packaging cushion and an inflation probe insertion end positioned exteriorly of the inflatable packaging cushion. An adhesive strip is applied to the second ply and extends between the heat sealed side seams. Release paper covers the adhesive strip; wherein the release paper is removed and the first and second plys are pressed together, the adhesive strip seals the first and second plys together. Spot seals at the intersections of the heat sealed side seals and the adhesive strip sealingly join the side seals and the adhesive strip. The adhesive strip is provided by one side of a two-sided adhesive tape or as a layer of adhesive. The first ply only partially overlies the adhesive strip, wherein when the release paper is removed, a portion of the adhesive strip is exposed and may be used to secure the inflation end of the inflation valve to the inflatable packaging cushion.
US08371445B2	Compressible tissue carton A compressible package having pair of scored sidewalls, which facilitate compression of the package into a wedge shape for storage in narrow recesses. Optionally, the compressible package may include a scored bottom flap wherein the bottom portion of the sidewalls and the bottom flap are shaped such that when the carton is compressed by a user the resulting shape of the bottom flap complements the shape of the sidewalls, maintaining a substantially closed carton. Preferably the compressible package is a carton for storing and dispensing tissue and the carton assumes a wedge shape, which allows the carton to be fit into tight spaces, such as between the seat and the center console of the automobile while maintaining a substantially closed carton.
US08371430B2	Low profile telescopic conveyor assembly A telescopic or non-telescopic conveyor system having a feed section operatively associated with the conveyor system for feeding materials to one end of the conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system is pivotably mounted to the feed section to pivot the telescopic conveyor system to pivotably rotate relative to the feed section. In another embodiment, the feed section of the conveyor includes a frame to which is attached one or more movable baffles for moving material which has been collected at the sides of the feed section to permit displacement of the same upon lateral movement of the feed section.
US08371424B2	Yaw damper with pump Yaw damper for damping yaw motions between two vehicle parts. This includes in the customary manner a piston part and a cylinder part, wherein that piston part is provided with a piston which divides that cylinder part into two chambers. Between these two chambers, connecting lines are present. The embodiment of these connecting lines determines the damping characteristic which governs the motion between the piston and the cylinder part. Especially for vehicle parts which move at higher speeds and/or high frequencies, such as train sets, it is desirable to provide a damper which is as stiff as possible. For this purpose, the present invention proposes the installation of pumping elements which, as far as possible, increase the pressure in the chambers which are formed by the piston in the cylinder part. Preferably, this construction is realized such that this pressure automatically decreases at lower speeds and/or low frequencies.
US08371415B2	Single reduction carrier for independent suspension A drive unit for an independent suspension includes a single reduction carrier with an offset pinion configuration. The single reduction carrier includes a pinion input gear defining a pinion gear axis of rotation. The pinion gear drives a ring gear, which is coupled to a differential. The differential is laterally positioned to be centered along a longitudinally extending vehicle centerline and the pinion gear axis of rotation is significantly offset from the longitudinally extending vehicle centerline in a lateral direction.
US08371413B2	Control device for power transmitting device for four-wheel drive hybrid-vehicle A control device for a power transmitting device for four-wheel drive hybrid-vehicle is provided capable of preventing the occurrence of negative torque resulting from power generation control of a second electric motor MG2. Drive-force control executes a control such that rear-wheel output torque Tpr of rear wheels falls in a positive torque when first and second electric motors MG1 and MG2execute power generation controls, thereby preventing torques of front and rear wheels from orienting in different directions. Accordingly, the front and rear wheels have torques oriented in the same direction, thereby favorably preventing discomfort feeling during a vehicle running.
US08371411B2	Electric vehicle An electric vehicle includes a double-sided swing arm that supports a motor shaft, an axle, and a wheel by supporting a motor on one side of the wheel and a reduction mechanism on the other side of the wheel. In this case, the swing arm is composed of, on the one side of the wheel, plural separable arm portions. The arm portions have respective separation points on an outside or outer periphery of the wheel. With the components arranged in this manner, weight balance of the electric vehicle is easily achieved, and the operational efficiency of mounting, removal, and replacement of the wheel and the motor is improved.
US08371410B2	Inverted wheel type moving body and method of controlling the same An inverted wheel type moving body according to the present invention includes a right chassis 17 and a left chassis 19 rotationally supporting wheels, motors 34 and 36 rotationally driving a right driving wheel 18 and a left driving wheel 20, a body 12 rotatably supported on the right chassis 17 and the left chassis 19 through a right arm 14 and a left arm 16, lower joint motors 65 and 95 disposed in the right arm 14 and the left arm 16 and varying vehicle height of the moving body 100, and a control unit 80 that controls the lower joint motors 65 and 95 to lower the vehicle height based on a fail signal 88 output when the inverted wheel type moving body is in an abnormal state.
US08371407B2	Front-end module for vehicles A front-end module for vehicles which comprises a mounting member with a plurality of sections extending in different directions to accommodate vehicle components wherein a component provided as a cooling module is by means of fixing elements secured to said mounting member in a central area thereof and wherein an air guide unit is disposed adjacent to said mounting member which unit comprises at least one air guide element made of a foamed material.
US08371404B2	Self-propelled pool service cart with sulky A self-propelled pool service cart specifically adapted for transporting a battery powered pool cleaning vacuum powered by an on-board rechargeable battery, along with other pool cleaning equipment and accessories. The cart is adapted an electric motorized transaxle with integrated transmission for powering the cart wheels. The electric motor receives power from the rechargeable battery that is used to power the vacuum. The cart is adapted with a handle assembly that includes a thumb actuated throttle that allows the user to selectively control the speed of the cart. In an alternate embodiment, a wheeled platform or sulky is provided for removable attachment to the cart in trailing configuration. The wheeled platform includes a pole mount for removably receiving a telescopic pool cleaning pole therein when in operation. A self-propelled cart in accordance with the present invention may be used either with or without the wheeled platform. The cart is further adapted for simple attachment and removal to a vehicle.
US08371400B2	Downhole tool actuation A downhole tool string component has at least one end adapted to connect to an adjacent tool sting component and a bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. A turbine is disposed within the bore and an actuating assembly is arranged such that a clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect with the turbine.
US08371398B2	Downhole fluid loss control apparatus A sealing device for downhole use, one of which is for casing, when drilling with casing, which allows the casing to be closed off if the bottom hole assembly needs to come out for any reason. In one embodiment, the internal packer is triggered to set in a variety of ways upon removal of the bottom hole assembly. It can be drilled out when the new bottom hole assembly is run in later. In an alternative design, a flapper can be used that is held open for the initial insertion of the bottom hole assembly and is released to spring shut upon removal of the assembly. Multiple flappers or packers or other types of closure devices are envisioned to allow removal of the bottom hole assembly more than once and still retain blowout protection on each removal of the bottom hole assembly. A variety of applications are contemplated some of which are perforation, side tracking, fracturing, and gravel packing, to name a few examples.
US08371389B2	Differential shifting tool and method of shifting A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.
US08371383B2	Method of fracturing subterranean formations with crosslinked fluid Subterranean formations, such as tight gas formations, may be subjected to hydraulic fracturing by introducing into the formation a fracturing fluid of an aqueous fluid, a hydratable polymer, a crosslinking agent and proppant. The fracturing fluid is prepared in a blender and then pumped from the blender into the wellbore which penetrates the formation. The fluid enters the reservoir through an entrance site. The apparent viscosity of the fluid decreases distally from the entrance site such that at least one of the following conditions prevails at in situ conditions: (a) the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid 100 feet from the entrance site is less than 10 percent of the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid at the entrance site; (b) the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid 15 minutes after introduction into the entrance site is less than 15% of the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid at the entrance site; or (c) the apparent viscosity of the fracturing fluid is less than 10 cP within 15 minutes after being introduced through the entrance site.
US08371381B2	Engineered fibers for well treatments Mixtures of fibers and solid particles are effective for curing fluid losses and lost circulation in a subterranean well. Stiff fibers are more effective than flexible ones; however, mixtures of stiff and flexible fibers have a synergistic effect. The quantity and particle-size distribution of the solids are optimized according to the stiffness, dimensions and concentrations of fibers.
US08371371B2	Apparatus for in-situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil An apparatus for the in situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil from oil sand deposits, and applying heat energy to the deposit to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen is provided. A high-frequency generator feeds electric power to a linearly extended conductor loop at a predefined depth of an oil sand deposit, the inductance of the conductor loop is compensated in some sections or continuously. Advantageously, one of the conductors of the conductor loop may be disposed substantially in a vertical direction above the extraction pipe.
US08371365B2	Heat exchange device and method for manufacture A heat exchange device of a type for affecting an exchange of heat between a first and second fluid is characterized by a plurality of heat exchange cells in a stacked arrangement wherein each cell includes inlet and outlet manifold rings which define inlet and outlet manifolds, respectively. Adjacent heat exchange cells are bonded to one another via metallurgical bonds between the contacting surfaces of the manifold rings. In a further aspect, a method for the manufacture of a heat exchange device is provided.
US08371362B2	Method and apparatus for the production of a casting A method and apparatus for the production of a casting that includes pouring molten material into a mold for forming the casting, allowing the molten material to solidify, removing the mold at least in part from the resulting solidified casting, and locating the solidified casting in a chamber that completely surrounds and facilitates a controlled rate of cooling of the casting.
US08371360B2	Partition mount with integrated plunger assembly A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.
US08371359B2	Track assembly for supporting fabrics A track assembly for supporting fabric on a surface includes a base track defining a first half of a hinge and a first half of a snapping clamp. An upper track defines a second half of the hinge and is pivotally connectable to the base track. The upper track defines a second half of the snapping clamp for releasably engaging the fabric. The upper track includes a strut extended downwardly towards the base track such that when high tension forces are applied to the upper track, due to fabric tensioning, the strut contacts the base track to reinforce the track assembly.
US08371353B2	Sealing device and method of manufacturing display device using the same A sealing device including a mask for partially irradiating light and a method of manufacturing a display device using the sealing device is disclosed. The sealing device used to bond first and second substrates by interposing a sealing material at edges of the first and second substrates and by irradiating light to the sealing material comprises: a mask disposed on one side of the stage, in which a transmission portion is formed in correspondence to the formation position of the sealing member so that light can be irradiated to the sealing material; and an optical head irradiating the light to the sealing material through the transmission portion of the mask. A pattern for regulating the amount of the light irradiated to the sealing material is formed in the transmission portion of the mask.
US08371352B2	Radial tire for use in aircraft and method of producing the same The present invention provides a belt formed of a spirally wound strip member constituted of a few juxtaposed cords and rubber coating thereon, with a structure which can absorb influence of difference in winding diameter at the unit width portion of the strip member without deteriorating productivity of the tire. Specifically, the present invention provides a radial tire for use in aircraft, having a carcass including at least one layer of carcass ply extending in a troidal shape between a pair of bead cores, at least two layers of belt formed by spirally winding in a tire circumferential direction a strip member constituted of plural juxtaposed cords and rubber coating thereon, on the carcass on the outer side in the tire radial direction at a crown region of the carcass, and a tread rubber laminated on the belt, characterized in that: thickness and circumference of the belt decrease from the tire equatorial face toward end portions thereof in the widthwise direction; at least a belt portion corresponding to a tire shoulder portion, a boundary face between the belt layers and the tread rubber has a stepped configuration descending in the tire radial direction from the tire equatorial face toward the end portions thereof in the widthwise direction; and a boundary face between the belt and the carcass is a smooth curved face.
US08371341B2	Magnetically actuated vapor recovery valve A system including a vapor recovery valve having a valve body with a fluid flow path and a vapor flow path. The fluid flow path and the vapor flow path are generally fluidly isolated from each other. The vapor recovery valve further includes a vapor control valve positioned in the vapor flow path. The vapor control valve is movable between a first position wherein the vapor control valve at least partially impedes the flow of vapor therethrough and a second position wherein the vapor control valve does not impede or less impedes the flow of vapor therethrough compared to when the vapor control valve is in the first position. The vapor recover valve includes an actuator magnetically coupled to the vapor control valve. The actuator is configured such that sufficient fluid flow through the fluid flow path in a first direction causes the actuator to move the vapor control valve from the first position to the second position in a second direction that is generally not the same as the first direction.
US08371339B2	Fabric structure A fabric structure includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, a plurality of conductive yarns, and a plurality of connecting yarns. A yarn coverage ratio of the first fabric layer ranges from about 90% to about 100%. A yarn coverage ratio of the second fabric layer ranges from about 90% to about 100%. The conductive yarns are distributed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The connecting yarns interlace the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, so that the conductive yarns are sandwiched between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The conductive yarns and the connecting yarns are not interlaced.
US08371338B2	Foam insulation structure and method for insulating annular ducts An annular duct insulation structure includes a substantially rigid annular insulation-retaining insert having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A viscoelastic insulation foam layer is disposed around the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the insert so as to result in a composite insulation structure of the foam layer and the insert. The foam layer is formed of at least one of (A) a compressed open-cell foam layer or (B) a compressed closed-cell foam layer in which at least a portion of the closed cells has been opened, wherein the foam layer has been compressed sufficiently to permit the composite insulation structure to be slipped into an annular duct without substantial friction, and wherein the foam layer decompresses so as to substantially fill a void between an inner surface of the duct and an outer surface of the foam layer of the composite insulation structure.
US08371336B2	Accumulator An outer gas type or inner gas type accumulator has a mechanism for reducing a pressure difference generated when liquid in a liquid chamber and gas expand thermally at a zero-down time, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of a bellows is reduced to suppress abnormal deformation of the bellows, a movable plate supported by a spring is provided at the bellows cap side of an oil port, the movable plate is supported by the spring and away from a seal in normal operation, the movable plate is pushed by the bellows cap and contacts with the seal while elastically deforming the spring, in a zero-down state, and when the liquid and the gas expand thermally in the zero-down state, the bellows cap moves to a position where the liquid pressure and the gas pressure balance, while the movable plate keeps contact with the seal.
US08371331B2	Solenoid operated fluid control valve Solenoid operated fluid control valve for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, a valve member for controlling fluid flow to a fluid passage, an actuator pin disposed between the armature and the valve member for moving the valve member in response to armature movement, and one or more features including an armature damping member, tubular actuator pin support body, flow diverter, coil bobbin support sleeve, and/or internal particle gettering magnet to improve valve operation.
US08371330B2	Valve device A valve device is installed on a gas tank and opens and closes a gas filling passage. The valve device includes: a housing having a housing portion therein; a first check valve that is fixed to the housing and has a through hole, through which the housing portion and the filling passage communicate with each other; and a valve pressing member. The housing has a filling port, through which the outside and the housing portion communicate with each other. The housing portion contains a filter, disposed between the filling port of the housing and the through hole of a passage member, and a valve element that is moved between the filter and the filling port by the flow of gas. When the gas in the gas tank flows into the housing portion, the valve element moved toward the filling port seats on a valve seat and closes the filling port.
US08371329B2	Pilot device with remote pressure control for gas pressure regulators A pilot device cooperates with a gas pressure regulator suitable for use in gas distribution systems and consists of: a head with two chambers separated by a first membrane, one chamber at the gas pressure regulator outlet pressure and the other at atmospheric pressure; a body with elastic means and an axial thrust unit acting on the first membrane and cooperating with a regulation unit having at the inlet a supply pressure and at the outlet the motorization gas which is transferred to the motorization chamber of the gas pressure regulator. The pilot device features a tank having a wall with a further membrane provided with the mechanical elastic setting means. Gas is conveyed into the tank with a load pressure to modify the thrust of the elastic setting means. The device has a closed compensation chamber at atmospheric pressure, having the further membrane in common with the tank.
US08371327B2	Liquid distributor in pressurized fluid system A liquid distributor for distributing a liquid in a pressurized system, including an inlet line and a first outlet line for respectively supplying a pressurized fluid to the liquid distributor and receiving the pressurized fluid from the liquid distributor. The liquid distributor having a first container defining a first chamber with an aperture leading into the first chamber and a second container defining a second chamber, with an inlet port connectable to the inlet line and a first outlet port connectable to the first outlet line. A check valve is provided between the first and second chambers, operable between an open configuration. The check valve closing when a pressure inside the second chamber is larger than a pressure inside the first chamber by a predetermined pressure differential.
US08371318B2	Liquid processing apparatus, liquid processing method, and storage medium A liquid processing apparatus 1 comprises a casing 5, a substrate holding mechanism 20 that holds a wafer (substrate to be processed) W, a process-liquid supplying mechanism 30 that supplies a process liquid, a draining cup 12 that receives a process liquid, and a draining pipe 13 that discharges a process liquid outside. The process-liquid supplying mechanism 30 includes a first chemical-liquid supply mechanism that supplies a hydrofluoric process liquid, and a drying-liquid supplying mechanism that supplies an organic solvent for drying a wafer W. A control part 50 causes the first chemical-liquid supplying mechanism to supply a hydrofluoric process liquid, and then causes the drying-liquid supplying mechanism to supply an organic solvent. In addition, before the control part 50 causes the drying-liquid supplying mechanism to supply an organic solvent, the control part causes a cleaning mechanism 10 to remove an alkaline component in a casing 5.
US08371316B2	Apparatuses, device, and methods for cleaning tester interface contact elements and support hardware A medium for predictably cleaning the contact elements and support hardware of a tester interface, such as a probe card and a test socket, while it is still in manual, semi-automated, and automated handling device and the electrical test equipment is disclosed. The cleaning material may include a cleaning pad layer and one or more intermediate layers that have predetermined characteristics.
US08371314B1	Cosmetic supply organizer assembly A cosmetic supply organizer assembly is provided for organizing and securely holding frequently used cosmetic supplies in a compact space to enhance efficiency. The assembly includes a base tray, an upper tray positionable on the base tray, and a first bowl. The first bowl has a first bowl handle portion. The upper tray has a first upper tray aperture that includes a first upper tray aperture slot portion. Thus, the first upper tray aperture is shaped to receive the first bowl with the first bowl handle portion positioned in the first upper tray aperture slot portion to securely hold the first bowl during use.
US08371309B2	Intraoral apparatus for treating upper airway disorders A removable intraoral apparatus for improving airway patency is described. Wearing the apparatus alters the position, configuration and freedom of movement of the tongue, the muscles of mastication, as well as the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The apparatus is useful for correcting snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea due to intermittent closures or partial obstructions occurring in the oropharynx during sleep. The apparatus of the invention can improve various types of airway disorders and improve oral functions by changing the position, configuration and freedom of movement of selected portions of the tongue and mouth, reducing the resistance to air flow in the mouth and pharynx, re-orienting and reprogramming the muscles of the mouth and tongue, and maintaining a proper oral systemic balance.
US08371298B2	Method and apparatus for lung volume estimation In a method, ventilator and ventilator control unit for determining an end-expertorial lung volume (EELV) for a mechanically ventilated patient, a breathing gas is provided to the patient that has a first fixed N2/O2 gas composition, at least until the N2/O2 gas composition in air expired from the patient is constant. At least once, at a first predetermined point in time, the N2/O2 gas composition in the breathing gas is changed to a second fixed composition. The change in the N2/O2 gas composition exhaled by the patient for each breath is measured until a second point in time at which the level of expired O2 in at least two subsequent breadths is substantially stable. The measurement is made downstream of the expiratory tube of the ventilator. The total gas volume is determined for each breath, and the EELV of the patient's lungs is determined based on the change in O2 level between the first and second points in time.
US08371296B2	Method and apparatus for nitric oxide generation Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. Precise delivery of nitric oxide at therapeutic levels of 20 to 100 ppm and inhibition of reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen to form toxic impurities such as nitrogen dioxide can provide effective inhalation therapy for pulmonary hypertension.
US08371294B2	Method and apparatus for driving a transducer of an inhalation device An inhaler is disclosed wherein medicament in a flat-bottomed container is aerosolized with a vibrator piezoelectric transducer. The transducer is driven by a signal that excites multiple harmonic frequencies to create a complex pattern of oscillations. A circuit for generating the drive signal to the transducer is also disclosed.
US08371293B2	Bladder cushion, forehead cushion, headgear straps, headgear cap and/or chinstrap A cushion for a patient interface includes two or more bladders arranged in concentric relation. Each of the bladders includes a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face, and each of the bladders is adapted to be pressurized independently from one another. At least one of the bladders is an active bladder that is pressurized to at least a sealing pressure to form a continuous seal with the patient's face in use.
US08371292B2	Use of ciclesonide for the treatment of respiratory diseases The invention relates to new method of treatment of respiratory diseases, in particular the treatment of asthmatic children.
US08371288B2	Solar collector/heat exchanger A solar collector/heat exchanger includes a first panel of corrugated heat conductive material, a second panel of corrugated heat conductive material, and a third panel of corrugated material. A mounting structure mounts the first and second panels with the third panel sandwiched between the first and second panels. The mounting structure further defines an air flow path across the first and second panels. The corrugations of the first and second panels extend parallel to the air flow path and the corrugations of the third panel extend perpendicular to the air flow path so as to cause turbulence in air passing between the first and second panels.
US08371275B2	Compressed air system A compressed-air system for supplying a compress-air injection module of a turbocharged internal combustion engine and the pneumatic systems of the vehicle comprises a compressor is provided. The compressor is connected via a line to a pressure accumulator for the supply of a compressed-air injection module and to a device for compressed-air preparation having an air dryer and a pressure regulator for supplying pressure circuits for compressed-air-actuated consumers. The line for supplying the compressed-air injection module branches off upstream of the device for compressed-air preparation.
US08371274B2	Vehicle with an internal combustion engine for ethanol-containing fuels, and an auxiliary heater The present invention relates to a vehicle, having an internal combustion engine which is designed for combusting an ethanol-containing fuel, and an engine-independent air heating system. An exhaust passage of the engine-independent air heating system is disposed adjacent to a suction pipe of the internal combustion engine in order to heat the air in the suction pipe. Alternatively or additionally, the exhaust passage of the engine-independent air heating system is disposed adjacent to a fuel supply line of the internal combustion engine in order to heat the fuel in the fuel supply line. A connecting element or connecting openings are disposed between the exhaust passage of the engine-independent air heating system and the suction pipe in order to pass the exhaust gas of the engine-independent air heating system completely or partly into the suction pipe.
US08371271B2	Vapor vent control apparatus, system and outboard marine engine therewith An outboard marine engine has vapor vent control apparatus including a fuel inlet in fluid communication with a fuel reservoir of the engine. The fuel inlet is operably attachable to a fuel pin of a fuel connector. When attached, liquid fuel flows to the fuel reservoir and when detached, liquid fuel flow out of the fuel inlet is prevented. A vapor vent passage is configured in fluid communication with the liquid fuel reservoir and an air intake of the engine. A vent pin is disposed in the vapor vent passage. The vent pin moves between a first position upon attaching the fuel connector to the fuel inlet and a second position upon detaching the fuel connector from the fuel inlet. In the first position, the vapor vent passage is open to fuel vapor flow and, when in the second position, the vapor vent passage is closed to fuel vapor flow.
US08371270B2	Fuel supply system for motorcycle The motorcycle includes a power unit having a crankcase of an internal combustion engine, a throttle body mounted to the power unit, a fuel injection system mounted on the throttle body, a fuel tank, the fuel pump unit by which a fuel in the fuel tank is supplied to the fuel injection system, and the fuel filter device. The fuel supply system for the motorcycle includes the fuel filter device disposed so as to overlap with the throttle body when viewed in the vehicle width direction, an upper portion of an outer case of the fuel filter device is supported by an engine hanger boss for fixing the power unit to a body frame of the motorcycle, and a lower portion of the outer case is supported by the crankcase.
US08371262B2	Method and apparatus to remove a fluidic contaminant from lubricating oil A device for removing a fluidic contaminant from engine oil in an internal combustion engine includes a fluid absorbing element having a mounting element and a fluid absorption media assembled into a sump of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine. A first portion of the fluid absorption media is immersed within the engine oil contained in the sump when the engine is not operating and a second portion of the fluid absorption media is exposed to ambient air contained in a head space of the crankcase. The fluid absorption media is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant in the engine oil during a period when the engine is not operating and to desorb the absorbed fluidic contaminant.
US08371260B2	Cylinder head drain and vent A central direct injection (DI) cylinder head is configured with an intake valvetrain and an exhaust valvetrain separated by an uncovered central DI valley. The uncovered central DI valley limits oil flow from the high side chamber to the low side chamber and PCV transfer. Oil drainage and additional PCV transfer between the intake and exhaust chambers is provided by drain/vent passages integrally cast into the casting of the cylinder head. The drain/vent passages may be of varying configuration, and may be located between an injector port of a first cylinder set and a spark plug port of an adjacent cylinder set, or at either or both ends of the cylinder head. A method is provided to form a casting of the cylinder head as described herein, including casting of a plurality of drain/vent passages between the first chamber and the second chamber of the cylinder head.
US08371258B2	Lash adjuster A lash adjuster includes a cylindrical body, a cylindrical plunger, a low pressure chamber defined in the plunger, a high pressure chamber defined in a hollow lower interior of the body and filled with an operating fluid, a check valve allowing the operating fluid to flow into the high pressure chamber when in a valve-opened state and cutting off flow of the operating fluid from the high pressure chamber into the low pressure chamber when in a valve-closed state. A retainer of the check valve includes a base plate and a cylindrical portion extending upward from an outer circumferential edge of the base plate so as to surround the valve element. The base plate includes a central portion on which the valve element is placed and which has an upper surface formed with a swollen portion. The cylindrical portion has a plurality of openings formed through it circumferentially equiangularly.
US08371252B1	Control system for a boiler assembly A control system for managing and interfacing a plurality of water heaters, e.g. boilers. The control system includes a first boiler unit controlled by a first boiler control unit and a second boiler unit controlled by a second boiler control unit. The first boiler control unit is operable to coordinate the operation of the first and second boiler units in response to changes in output demand. The flues of the first and second boiler units are connected to a common flue. The control system further includes an interface and an interface control system. The interface control system communicates requests from the interface, to report and/or alter the operating parameters of the first and second boiler units, to the first and second boiler control units and communicates the request outcome(s) back to the interface.
US08371248B2	Pet washing apparatus A pet washing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a top member, side supports, and a flexible side wall. In various embodiments, a water line brings water in from a water source such as a sink faucet. The water line is attached to a nozzle. A drain tray is placed over the base so that water used within the apparatus drains through the drain tray into the base. A pump is provided in the base to pump water out of the base through a water exit line, for example, into a sink drain. The device is collapsible such that the drain tray, side support, and top member all collapse and fit within the base. Optionally, the base has a handle and wheels.
US08371247B2	Handheld device for cleaning an animal's paw and method of use The present invention relates to a device for cleaning an animal's paw. Specifically, the paw cleaning device easily and efficiently removes dirt and debris from the paw of a pet. The paw cleaning device includes an elongated body with a splashguard designed to receive the paw of a pet and further the method for using the paw cleaning device to clean the pet's paw.
US08371244B2	Pet water bottle A water bottle for pets comprises a stainless steel canister, a liquid dispenser, a removable screw cap. The canister is used for containing water and has a closed end and an open end. Threads are positioned near the open end of the canister. The removable dispenser has threads for engaging the threads near the open end of the canister and a pet-operable drink valve. The removable screw cap selectively covers and uncovers the pet-operable drink valve.
US08371242B2	Powder coating cabin or substructure therefor In a powder spraycoating cabin or substructure for same, a cabin bottom contains bottom flaps configured near outer longitudinal walls and a walk-on bottom part situated between the bottom flaps. The bottom flaps are rotatable about an axis of rotation running in the lengthwise cabin direction, as a result of which the width of lengthwise bottom gaps situated bilaterally about the flaps can be varied. A suction duct is situated underneath. The walk-on bottom part is fitted with compressed-air outlets to blow compressed air toward/into the lengthwise bottom gaps.
US08371240B2	Twin row planter An apparatus and method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.
US08371238B2	Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.
US08371236B2	Convertible structure for rail car Disclosed is a rail car body having a roof, side walls, and a floor for supporting a series of vehicles in end to end relation longitudinally within the body so that they can be transported in a train. The rail car body includes an adjustable deck mounted within the body to support a second series of vehicles also in end to end relation. The adjustable deck has adjustable supports for vertically adjustment between at least two vertical positions in the body. The rail car body also includes a removable intermediate deck for supporting a third series of vehicles in end to end relation within the body. The removable intermediate deck is removably mounted on wheels (of a cart) and can be rolled longitudinally into and out of the rail car body. Thus, the rail car can be used in a two tier configuration or a three tier configuration.
US08371234B2	Bogie for railway vehicle A bogie for a railway vehicle including a chassis; two front wheels and two rear wheels; and for each front wheel and each rear wheel, a guide for guiding the wheel in rotation and a primary suspension device of the chassis on the guide is provided. At least the primary suspension devices associated with the front and rear wheels arranged on the same first lateral side of the bogie each include two longitudinal connecting rods, each connected to the chassis by a first connection point and to the corresponding guide by a second connection point, and at least one resilient component inserted between the two connecting rods to define at least the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension device, the two connecting rods being offset longitudinally from one another.
US08371233B2	System and method for dynamically affecting a force applied through a rail vehicle axle A system is provided for dynamically affecting a force applied through at least one axle of a rail vehicle configured to travel along a rail track. The rail vehicle includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of wheels received by the plurality of axles. The system includes a device configured to selectively impart the force through the at least one axle to control a respective weight of the at least one axle on the rail track for affecting a traction performance of the rail vehicle traveling along the rail track.
US08371232B2	System and method for modification of a baseline ballast arrangement of a locomotive A system and method for modification of a baseline ballast arrangement of a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) having an overall tractive effort rating based on symmetrical distribution of weight and driving torque applied by the locomotive to the respective axles of the locomotive. The system includes a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) truck comprising an un-powered first axle and a powered second axle. The system also includes a first suspension assembly configured to apply to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight and a second suspension assembly configured to apply to the second axle a second portion of the locomotive weight different from the first portion. An amount of locomotive weight allocated from the first axle to the second axle allows modification of a baseline ballast arrangement by reducing an amount of ballast in the baseline ballast arrangement corresponding to the amount of weight allocated from the first axle to the second axle. The axle weight distribution involves relatively slight weight distribution compared to the nominal weights normally carried by the axles.
US08371229B1	Track cleaning car A track cleaning car that includes a base plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a rear end, a hole centrally disposed in the base plate with a motor suspended over the hole, the motor disposed from a floating plate compressibly mounted over the base plate on a plurality of springs, each of the plurality of springs disposed around each of a plurality of guide rods, the motor engaging a driveshaft to rotate a rotatable disk with a cleaning pad removably attachable thereto, and the track cleaning car having a photomicroprocessor sensible of the motion of the track cleaning car, the photomicroprocessor arresting the motor when sensing the track cleaning car is at rest.
US08371226B2	Air cushion or wheeled overhead guideway system An air cushion or wheeled overhead guideway mass transit system is disclosed.
US08371225B2	Device, method, and apparatus for lifting a railway rail A railway-rail-lifting device for lifting a railway rail comprises an arm and a roller rotatably mounted to the arm. The arm is operable to be rotated to bring the roller to bear on the rail such that the roller exerts a lifting force thereon. Securing means are operable to releasably secure the device to a rail fastening assembly.
US08371218B2	Letterpress printing original plate for laser engraving and a letterpress printing plate obtained therefrom To provide a photosensitive resin composition which is a material for a printing original plate for laser engraving which generates no printing deficiencies and from which a printing plate with a satisfactory resolution can be produced. A printing original plate for laser engraving where image is formed by irradiation of laser beam to form a printing plate, characterized in that the photosensitive resin composition layer consists of a photosensitive resin composition in which soluble polyamide or soluble polyether urethane urea, ethylenic unsaturated monomer and photopolymerization initiator are essential ingredients and the amount of (meth)acryloyl group in the photosensitive resin composition is 0.25 to 0.40 mol per 100 g of the photosensitive resin composition.
US08371212B1	Cell assembly for use in a high-pressure cubic press In an embodiment, a cell assembly for use in a high-pressure cubic press comprises a substantially tubular heating element including a proximal end region having a proximal mouth, a distal end region having a distal mouth spaced from the proximal mouth, and a passageway extending between the proximal mouth and the distal mouth configured to receive at least partially receive at least one can assembly therein. A pressure transmitting medium extends about at least the substantially tubular heating element. A proximal electrical contact electrically contacts the substantially tubular heating element at the proximal end region thereof. A distal electrical contact electrically contacts the substantially tubular heating element at the distal end region thereof. A gasket medium defines a receiving space that receives at least the substantially tubular heating element and the pressure transmitting medium.
US08371210B2	Reciprocating fluid machines A scotch yoke type fluid device in which the pistons are decoupled from each other is provided. Each piston of the device has its own pair of sliding surfaces and its own slider. The sliding surface of each piston is disposed on the same side of a big end bearing of a crank. The main axis of the crank is movable along a path such that the pistons are neither substantially retarded nor advanced. The effective centre of mass of the crank, piston and slider remains stationary relative to the crank axis. Each piston includes a guide for constraining the piston to move along the piston axis. An intermediate member may interconnect the piston and the slides.
US08371208B2	Method for shooting a semi-automatic firearm A method for rapidly firing a semi-automatic firing unit having a trigger, a receiver and a barrel. The firing unit is placed in a handle so as to enable only reciprocating linear movement along a constrained linear path that is parallel to the barrel. The user grasps the handle and places their trigger finger firmly on a finger rest. In use, the user generates a forward activation force that urges the firing unit forwardly so that the trigger collides with the stabilized finger, stimulating the first round of ammunition in the receiver. A recoil force from the discharging ammunition pushes the firing unit rearwardly so that the trigger separates from the stabilized finger. During the recoil event, the user may apply negative resistance to the translating firing unit which may be varied by the user on-the-fly to proportionally change the firing tempo.
US08371207B2	Barrier A barrier that includes attack resistant pane(s) (see DEFINITIONS section). In this way, a person behind the barrier can be protected when they are outside. More specifically, the person behind the barrier is protected, at least to some extent, from both: (i) vehicular attacks; and (ii) blast (for example, bombs) and/or ballistic (for example, bullet) attacks. Also, the protected person can see what is happening across the barrier because of the attack-resistant pane(s). Also, if the barrier is unanchored then it can be moved from place to place, for example, by heavy equipment, so that the same barrier can be re-deployed at different outdoor locations (or indoor locations) on an as-needed basis. Preferably, the barrier also includes framing pieces that secure the attack-resistant pane(s) to the body of the barrier, with the framing pieces being covered on one side by an attack-resistant material (preferably, hardened steel).
US08371206B1	Wedge-type breechblock bidirectional make-break assembly A gun with a wedge-type breechblock containing a single make-break junction assembly, located between the stationary mass of the cradle and the breechblock. The make-break junction assembly having a first set of contacts located along the bottom of the ramp structure affixed to the cradle and a second set of contacts housed in a shoe affixed to the bottom of the breechblock, at a location corresponding to the first set of contacts. Such that, when the breechblock is in-battery and the gun loaded, this shoe will be aligned with and adjacent to the first set of contacts, so that the make-break circuit will be completed.
US08371200B2	Miter box with adjustable clamps The present invention relates to a miter box. Miter boxes have a base, a pair of opposed side walls, and at least one aligned slot in the side walls. An embodiment of the present invention includes at least one guide rail mounted on the base perpendicular to the side wall. Further, a clamping assembly is positioned on the guide rail. The clamping assembly is selectively moveable along said guide rail. In this manner, a work piece can be secured to the miter box to hold the piece in position while it is being cut.
US08371198B2	Table saw fence engagement and blade guard apparatus A fence engagement and blade guard includes a column mounted to a table saw with a horizontal member received in a channel in the column. A vertical rod extends through and is vertically adjustable in a hole in the horizontal member. An engagement cart is suspended from the vertical rod and includes a beam having axle apertures and axles received in the apertures to support wheels. The wheels frictionally engage a work piece. An axle suspension system is supported from a shield. The engagement cart is angularly rotatable for engagement of the wheels on the work piece to directionally urge the work piece against the table saw fence.
US08371196B2	Motion detecting system for use in a safety system for power equipment A method of controlling a woodworking machine having a movable cutting tool. The method monitors a signal for a change indicative of a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, senses movement of the cutting tool, and performs an action to mitigate the dangerous condition when the signal change and movement of the cutting tool are both detected. A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine and then to perform some action to mitigate the dangerous condition is also disclosed. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving.
US08371193B2	Adjustable torque limiting device for a click-type torque wrench An adjustable torque limiting device includes a shank unit composed of first and second shanks coaxially and rotatably connected to each other, a carrier unit mounted between the shanks and having axially facing bearing regions and radially facing detent regions which cooperatively define cavities for receiving detent bodies, respectively, so as to transmit a straining force emanating from the detent regions to the detent bodies, a force transmitting member movably mounted on the shank unit and frictionally engaged with the detent bodies, an adjusting assembly turnable to axially move the force-counteracting member, and a compressible biasing member disposed between the force-counteracting member and the adjusting assembly to exert a preloaded force against the straining force.
US08371189B2	Umbilical member arrangement unit of robot wrist section An umbilical member arrangement unit for an umbilical member, having a simple structure and high rigidity, capable of avoiding interference between the umbilical member and external equipment. The unit has a guide member constituted by a first plate member attached to a front end of a wrist section, a second plate member opposed to the first plate member and a connecting member connecting the first and second plate members. A cross-sectional region of the connecting member includes the wrist axis, extends from the axis in a first radial direction by a distance not smaller than a half of a size of the umbilical member in the cross-sectional direction thereof, and extends from the axis in an axisymmetrical second radial direction by a distance not larger than a half of the size of the umbilical member, so that the umbilical member contacts the second plate member and/or the connecting member at any rotational angular position of the guide member.
US08371188B2	Transmission control assembly having a locking mechanism A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.
US08371187B2	Spherical linkage and force feedback controls A user interface system comprises a plurality of linkages connected between a platform and a base. The linkages permit motion of the platform over at least a portion of a spherical surface. A support assembly coupled between the platform and the base comprises a spherical joint having a center of rotation substantially concentric with a center of the spherical surface. The spherical joint constrains motion of the platform to the spherical surface. The system may include a sensor corresponding to each linkage. Each sensor may be coupled to sense a movement of its corresponding linkage in response to motion of the platform over the portion of the spherical surface. A user-manipulable handle may be coupled to the platform so that the user can move the platform.
US08371185B2	Measuring device A measuring device comprises a sensor module and an evaluation module mounted on the sensor module. The sensor module includes a first component having a first screw thread, and the evaluation module includes a second component having a second screw thread. The screw threads engage with one another by screwing; wherein the first or the second component has a slit, which essentially extends into the component in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis; and there are formed by the slit a first clamping limb and a second clamping limb of the component, which are separated from one another by the slit. On the component there is furthermore arranged an actuating element, which acts on the first clamping limb and the second clamping limb, and deflects the clamping limbs relative to one another, whereby the first screw thread and the second screw thread are clamped against one another and secured against rotation relative to one another.
US08371183B2	Method for determining properties of three-dimensional objects The invention relates to a method for determining properties of three-dimensional objects that have been produced by a generative method, in particular by a thermal generative method. The problem solved is that of providing a nondestructive test method by which the density of such objects can be determined and possible component defects can be identified. This is achieved by firstly completely immersing the three-dimensional object in a dyeing liquor, removing it from the dyeing liquor after a defined residence time, then washing it off, drying it and exposing it to a vacuum and subsequently subjecting it to an image-analytical evaluation by determining the intensity of the coloration by apparatus technology, wherein an assessment with regard to density and component defects of the three-dimensional object is effected by a comparison of the image-analytical characteristic values of coloration and reference data stored beforehand by computer technology.
US08371180B2	Micromechanical sensor element for capacitive differential pressure detection A sensor concept for capacitive pressure measurement yields reliable measurement results and is for aggressive particle-bearing measuring environments. This sensor element is a micromechanical sensor element, whose structural elements are implemented in a layered structure. The sensor element includes two pressure connections separated from each other, a deflectable carrier element for at least one deflectable measuring electrode, and at least one stationary counter electrode for the measuring electrode. The carrier element spans a closed cavity in the layered structure. The carrier element is spanned by a cap structure, and is suspended on the cap structure via a suspension web functioning as a rocker bearing. The two pressure connections are connected to the carrier element's top side which is divided by the suspension web into two separated pressure connection zones. The measuring electrode is on the carrier element's underside and the counter electrode is on the cavity's opposite wall.
US08371178B1	Turbopump with rotor torque sensor A turbopump for a rocket engine includes a rotor shaft with a turbine connected to drive the rotor and a centrifugal impeller connected to be driven by the rotor. An electromagnetic powered motor is formed as part of the turbopump and is powered to drive the rotor at a low speed in order to test for an amount of torque required to drive the rotor at the low speed. A load cell is connected to the motor that rotates the rotor shaft. From the use of a load cell the amount of torque required to rotate the rotor can be determined and compared to a known value in order to determine if the turbopump is damaged and requires repairs.
US08371177B2	Tendon tension sensor A tendon tension sensor that has particular application for measuring tension on a tendon employed in a robotic arm. The tension sensor includes an elastic element having a curved channel through which the tendon is threaded. The elastic element also includes a center portion on which strain gauges are mounted that measure the strain on the elastic element. Tension on the tendon causes the center portion of the elastic element to flex or bend, which is measured by the strain gauges providing an indication of the tension in the tendon.
US08371176B2	Media isolated pressure sensor A media isolated pressure sensor is disclosed that helps improve performance and reduce cost. In one illustrative embodiment, a pressure sensor may include a carrier having one or more holes defined therein. The carrier may be coupled to a diaphragm on one side, and a pressure sensing die on the other, with the pressure sensing die in fluid communication with the hole in the carrier. The carrier, diaphragm and pressure sense die may form a transfer fluid cavity, which is filled with a pressure transfer fluid. An input pressure from a media to be sensed may be provided to the diaphragm, which transmits the pressure to the pressure sensing die via the pressure transfer fluid. The pressure sensing die remains isolated from the media to be sensed.
US08371174B2	Micro-deformable piezoresistive material and manufacturing method thereof and pressure sensor using the same A micro-deformable piezoresistive material is provided, including a hard plastic body, a micro-deformable rough texture surface, and a plurality of conductive particles. The micro-deformable rough texture surface is formed on a side of the hard plastic body, wherein the maximum deformation of the rough texture surface is far less than the thickness of the hard plastic body. Additionally, the conductive particles are evenly dispersed in the plastic body.
US08371173B1	Ultrasonic probe deployment device for increased wave transmission and rapid area scan inspections An ultrasonic probe deployment device in which an ultrasound-transmitting liquid forms the portion of the ultrasonic wave path in contact with the surface being inspected (i.e., the inspection surface). A seal constrains flow of the liquid, for example preventing the liquid from surging out and flooding the inspection surface. The seal is not rigid and conforms to variations in the shape and unevenness of the inspection surface, thus forming a seal (although possibly a leaky seal) around the liquid. The probe preferably is held in place to produce optimum ultrasonic focus on the area of interest. Use of encoders can facilitate the production of C-scan area maps of the material being inspected.
US08371169B1	Metallurgic treatment and verification system The system comprising an object to be tested, with the object has a structural resonant frequency. A vibration analyzer sends a signal through the object to a signal receiver. The signal receiver sends the data to a processor and a data storage device. A cooling chamber is used to cool the object to a specified temperature, and then allows the object to return to ambient temperature. A second vibrational test is performed and the data is compared with the first vibrational test to determine the effectiveness of the thermal treatment of the object.
US08371168B2	In-plane sensor and method for making same According to the present invention, an in-plane sensor comprises: a fixed structure including a fixed finger and a fixed column connected to each other, the fixed finger having a supported end supported by the fixed column and a suspended end which is unsupported; and a movable structure including at least one mass body and an extending finger connected to each other; wherein the supported end of the fixed finger is closer to the mass body than the suspended end is.
US08371166B2	Inertial or resonating sensor in surface technology, with out of plane detection by strain gauge A MEMS surface sensor, including: a substrate, a surface of which defines a substrate plane; a first zone having a first thickness, of which two surfaces form a first plane and a second plane parallel in relation to one another and to the substrate plane, first zone forming at least one mobile mass that moves in a direction out of the substrate plane; and a second zone, linked to a fixed zone of the substrate, the second zone forming at least a pivot link of the mobile mass in relation to said substrate, and having a thickness less or equal to that of the mobile mass and being linked to the mobile mass, an axis of the pivot link being between the first plane and the second plane, and parallel to the first plane and the second plane.
US08371164B2	Gauge lens with embedded anti-fog film and method of making the same The gauge lens with anti-fog film includes a substantially planar transparent lens substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and a thin film possessing anti-fog properties adjacent and substantially covering the inner surface of the lens substrate to provide a low angle of contact for water and moisture. The anti-fog film is bonded to the lens substrate during the molding process that produces the lens substrate shape. The anti-fog film comprises a hydrophilic material or is coated with a hydrophilic coating. In addition to the anti-fog film, in another embodiment, the outer surface of the lens substrate has a hard coat film adjacent and substantially covering the outer surface of said lens. The materials for the lens substrate, anti-fog film, and hard coat film are selected based on the application, performance, and stability of the gauge lens in the environment that it is operated.
US08371159B2	Method for estimating the wear of a tire The degree of wear of a tire is estimated with constant accuracy. An acceleration sensor (11) is installed on the inner surface in the inner liner region of a tire to detect the acceleration of the tread in the radial direction of the tire. The peak level on the leading edge side or the trailing edge side of the tread appearing in the differentiated waveform of the detected acceleration is calculated and used as an index V of deformation speed of the tread. The degree of wear of the tire is estimated on the basis of the calculated index V of deformation speed and an M-V map (16B) showing a predetermined relationship between the degree M of tire wear and the index V of deformation speed.
US08371157B2	Engine position tracking for internal combustion engines A method for determining engine crankshaft position determines the position of a rotating crankshaft using one or many crankshaft position sensors. The sensor output signals representing crankshaft position are digitized and specific timing positions are derived. The sampled timing positions are compared to a known position template to determine crankshaft position.
US08371156B2	Compression sensor gasket assembly and method of construction A compression sensor gasket assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The compression sensor gasket assembly includes a gasket body having opposite sealing surfaces extending between an outer periphery and an inner periphery with the inner periphery bounding a through opening. The gasket body has a passage extending from the outer periphery through the inner periphery and a pressure sensor assembly releasably attached to the gasket body in the passage and being configured to sense pressure within the through opening. The pressure sensor assembly can be removed from the gasket body in service without having to disassemble clamped members from clamped abutment with the gasket assembly. Further, the pressure sensor assembly can be routed over a curved path extending between the outer and inner peripheries to navigate about features that may be present in the gasket body.
US08371154B2	Compression measurement device Performance of a sport equipment, such as a ball bat, is measured by applying a force through a spring of known elastic properties to compress the sport equipment and indicating compliance of the sport equipment to a known standard based on the compression of the sport equipment.
US08371153B2	Apparatus and method for purging gases released from a heat exchanger An apparatus and method for purging gases released from a heat exchanger are provided. The apparatus includes an enclosure that defines an interior space and is configured to receive at least a portion of the heat exchanger. A gas source is configured to deliver an inert gas to the interior space of the enclosure at a pressure higher than an ambient pressure outside the gas source and the enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to maintain a positive pressure difference between the interior space and the ambient pressure. A detector is configured to detect a leak of a gas from the heat exchanger into the interior space of the enclosure. A pressure relief device configured to release gas from the interior space of the enclosure if the pressure in the interior space exceeds a predetermined level.
US08371152B2	Helium conservation device for a gas chromatograph A device for conserving helium gas in a gas chromatograph system is characterized in that during the majority of an analytical separation, helium is used as the carrier gas while an auxiliary non-helium gas is used to pressurize the inlet and provide for septum purge and split vent flow. Prior an injection period, a coaxial helium flow is established at the column entrance wherein the coaxial helium flow is less than the column flow. Following the injection and sample transfer period, a coaxial helium flow is established wherein the flow is greater than the column flow.
US08371148B2	Installation part for receiving a roll journal In an installation part (1) in a rolling stand for receiving a roll journal (24) having a journal bush (24) of a roll which is used in the processing of steel and non-ferrous metals, wherein the installation part (1) has a cambered side (3) which faces the roll and a run-out side (4) which lies opposite the cambered side (3), having lubricant receiving spaces (7, 15, 16) on the cambered side (3), at least one housing tongue (23) is provided on the cambered side (3) for the at least partial delimitation of the lubricant receiving spaces (7, 15, 16) with respect to one another and for the formation of a gap (25) with the journal bush (24), the width of which gap (25) is below a predefined gap width threshold value.
US08371147B2	Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a spring unit Apparatus and methods for use in the manufacture of a spring unit for incorporation into an upholstered article, for example, a mattress, cushion or the like. Coil formation apparatus includes a drive shaft to control movement of a coil pitch guide member and a link member comprising a connecting rod adjustably connected to a radius arm of the drive shaft. A coil interlinking process comprises compressing a first coil to define a clearance, extending a second coil passed the first coil via the clearance, allowing the first coil to extend across the clearance, and contracting the second coil to engage the first coil thereby interlinking the first and second coils. Spring unit manufacturing apparatus comprises a plurality of jaw pairs each comprising a first fixed jaw and a pivotal second jaw, the pivotal second jaw being pivoted by a cam and linkage assembly operated by a rotary drive shaft.
US08371146B1	Track fitting garage door lock apparatus and associated method A track fitting garage door locking apparatus includes a male block with an internal housing and a key hole. A locking mechanism may be coupled to the internal housing and detachably coupled to the male block. A worm screw is coupled to the internal housing and passes through an opening of the guide track. A female block may be affixed to the guide track. The female block may include an axial bore aligned with the worm screw. A key may be removably interfitted within the key hole and thereby lock and unlock the lock mechanism such that rotational articulation of the male block causes simultaneous rotation of the male block, the internal housing and the worm screw. In this manner, the male block may be linearly reciprocated towards and away from the female block as the worm screw and the internal housing are simultaneously rotated in a corresponding direction.
US08371145B1	Yarn conveying system for circular knitting machines A yarn conveying system includes a circular knitting machine, at least one yarn conveying tray and a control unit electrically connected to the circular knitting machine and yarn conveying tray. The circular knitting machine has a needle cylinder and at least one yarn feeder arranged annularly on the needle cylinder. The yarn conveying tray is wound by at least two separate yarns and includes a driving device to drive the yarn conveying tray rotating so that the yarns are supplied via a yarn conveying path to the yarn feeder. The control unit generates a yarn feeding signal to the circular knitting machine to control yarn feeding speed and a driving signal to the driving device to control rotational speed of the yarn conveying tray. Thus users can operate the control unit to control speed of the yarns supplied from the yarn conveying tray to the yarn feeder.
US08371144B1	Loop forming and loosening mechanism and sinkers thereof for circular knitting machines A sinker includes a sliding segment with a sliding portion slidably located in a sinker groove, a loop forming and loosening ancillary segment extended upwards from one side of the sliding portion and then extended outwards, a passive segment located above the sliding segment and driven by a cam, and an indented abrasion-reducing space located at a lateral side of the sliding portion and below the loop forming and loosening ancillary segment. Through the abrasion-reducing space, the loop forming and loosening ancillary segment can move directly and horizontally above a needle cylinder. The loop forming and loosening mechanism for circular knitting machines of the invention can simplify fabrication of the needle cylinder, reduce labor and material costs, improve quality and production yield of the needle cylinder, and also reduce abrasion of the sinker, thus can improve performance of the mechanism and enhance lifespan of the sinker.
US08371143B2	Hose reinforcement knitting machine and knitting process A circular knitting machine (140b) for knitting a plurality of yarns (196) into a tubular reinforcement (45) on a rotating hose (41), comprising a knitting head (160b) having a plurality of knitting needles (170 and 170a) and a central passageway, wherein the rotating hose is designed to pass through the central passageway, and rotate in the same direction as the knitting head. Further comprising a conforming means defined on the circular knitting machine for conforming the knitted reinforcement to the exterior of the rotating hose.
US08371140B2	Refrigerated container for super frozen temperatures A refrigerated container and method capable of maintaining super frozen temperatures of about−50 degrees C. or less, includes container walls insulated to a value of at least about r-20, a cargo compartment configured for receiving cargo, and at least one refrigerant compartment configured for receiving refrigerant in the form of CO2 snow. The refrigerant compartment maintains the CO2 snow and vapor sublimating therefrom separately from the cargo compartment. The refrigerant compartment is located within the cargo compartment and configured to permit ambient atmosphere within the cargo compartment to contact at least three sides, and up to six sides, of the refrigerant compartment. The placement of the refrigerant compartment is also configured to generate a temperature gradient within the cargo compartment capable of generating convection therein, so that the super frozen temperatures are maintained within the cargo compartment without the use of external power sources.
US08371139B2	Ice making apparatus and refrigerator having the same An ice making apparatus, in which a valve cap is opened by manually adjusting a valve member of a water storage unit when making ice cubes, and a refrigerator having the same. The ice making apparatus includes a water storage unit having a storage main body, in which water is stored, an ice making unit to make ice cubes through supply of water stored in the storage main body, at least one valve member to open and close a water supply hole, through which water stored in the storage main body is supplied to the ice making unit, and an opening and closing member to move the at least one valve member so as to open the water supply hole.
US08371137B2	Shading panel for display system A shading panel is described for shading light emitting elements of a light emitting diode display system. The shading panel defines a substantially plane panel surface having an upper border and a lower border, the shading panel comprising at least one column of at least two openings aligned according to a column direction, each opening being suitable to receive at least one light emitting element. For each pair of adjacent openings of the at least one column of openings, the shading panel comprises a first shading louver and a second shading louver, the first shading louver being positioned closer to the opening of the pair of openings closest to the upper border, the second shading louver being positioned closer to the opening of the pair of openings closest to the lower border. The height of the first shading louver is smaller than the height of the second shading louver.
US08371135B2	Refrigerator and control method thereof Provided are a refrigerator and a controlling method thereof. The refrigerator includes a main body, a display device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, an audio output, an audio input, a voice recognizer, and a display controller. The display device is on the main body and includes a display. The RFID reader is on the display device or the main body. The audio output outputs through audio to an outside whether to enter a food name, when an RFID tag attached to a food item or a container holding the food item is read by the RFID reader. The audio input is on the display device, to which audio from the outside can be input. The voice recognizer reads audio input to the audio input. The display controller controls the display device to display on the display a screen corresponding to data read by the voice recognizer. Thus, a food name can be entered by a user's selection or through reading an RFID tag, and a food name can be entered through audio or through a screen on a display, so that a user's range of options is broadened, and convenience is increased.
US08371126B2	Gas turbine combustor In a gas turbine combustor, a cavity with which a plurality of first air passages communicates is formed by covering with a cover a concave portion of a top hat main body in which the first air passages are formed along the circumferential direction of the top hat main body, a plurality of second fuel passages that communicates with the first fuel passages are formed by connecting an inner ring and an outer ring to the top hat main body and by connecting the inner ring and the outer ring to each other, a peg is fixed on the inner ring to communicate with the second fuel passage through a third air passage, and thin wall portions that serve as a thermal elongation absorbing unit by which thermal elongation is absorbed are provided on the inner ring and the outer ring.
US08371115B2	Exhaust component assemblies with divider plates A exhaust component assembly includes an exhaust component and a divider plate. The exhaust component includes an inner wall defining a gas passageway. The divider plate is inserted in the gas passageway and secured to the exhaust component by mechanical locking means, generally in an interference-fit relationship.
US08371111B2	Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine An object of the present invention is to prevent an excessive temperature rise of a precatalyst in the case where the precatalyst is provided in the exhaust passage upstream of an exhaust gas purification apparatus and has a heat capacity smaller than that of the exhaust gas purification apparatus, and reducing agent is added from a reducing agent addition valve toward an upstream end surface of the precatalyst. According to the present invention, the reducing agent addition valve is located in such a way that the reducing agent added through it reaches the precatalyst in a liquid state. In the case where the level of activity of the precatalyst is higher than a specific level at the time when the addition of reducing agent through the reducing agent addition valve is performed so as to supply the reducing agent to the precatalyst and the exhaust gas purification apparatus, the reducing agent is added more intensively than in the case where the level of activity of the precatalyst is not higher than the specific level.
US08371108B2	Twin turbo diesel aftertreatment system Exhaust temperatures in emission control devices may be directly controlled by an intake air throttle, fuel injection timing, and exhaust pressure when an emission control device is placed between two variable geometry turbocharger exhaust turbines and coupled to a combustion engine. Such an approach may substantially raise the temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment devices in an emission control device during non-warmed exhaust conditions, leading to faster catalytic light-off.
US08371102B1	Combustor control based on fuel modulation and passive optical sensors A system for controlling the uniformity of combustion over a range of operating conditions in a combustor with a plurality of fuel nozzles. The system includes a number of optical sensors, each sensor comprising an optical probe that collects naturally occurring optical radiation emanating from a segment of the combustor or combustor exhaust, and at least one transducer that receives the radiation collected by the probes, compares the intensity of collected radiation from each sensor in a plurality of spectral pass-bands that are indicative of the fuel/air ratio in the combustor segments, and produces output signals that are indicative of the state of combustion in the combustor segments. A control system receives the output signals from the transducers and in response controls the fuel flow to the fuel nozzles to achieve an output from each of the sensors that has been determined to be indicative of a predetermined state of combustion.
US08371093B2	Air packaging device product and method for forming the product An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each including at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.
US08371092B1	Apparatus and methods for reducing capsule elongation A capsule pressure control assembly for regulating or controlling the internal pressure of filled capsules, whereby instances of capsule elongation are reduced or eliminated, thus resulting in an increased yield rate of acceptable filled capsules.
US08371091B2	Building system and method with prefabricated structures joined between them, reusable and transportable A building system and method by means of at least two prefabricated structures comprising a first prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a second prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a first transportation axis in which said first prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said first prefabricated structure to a building site and said first transportation axis is parked in the construction site; a second transportation axis in which said second prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said second prefabricated structure to said building site and said second transportation axis is parked in the construction site; at least one of said lateral, back or from wall of each one of said first and second prefabricated structure is dismounted, dismantled or rolled up; wherein said first and second prefabricated structures are joined in such a manner that said prefabricated structures are in communication by said dismounted, dismantled or rolled up side.
US08371090B2	Stair tread overlay and method A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.
US08371089B2	Modular building system The present invention relates to the field of modular building systems. Embodiments of the invention include, a modular building system comprising planar sheets of material and moment connections, which are combined with tool-less or limited tool assembly mechanisms and can be used, for example, as spatial partitions, platforms, structural supports, or supports for articles. Specific embodiments of the invention provide structures having a seemingly homogenous, flowing ribbon structure. One embodiment of the invention provides an exhibition support system comprising: (a) at least two planar support members comprising: (i) a top panel with a top planar surface; (ii) a parallel bottom panel with a bottom planar surface; and (iii) multiple walls disposed lengthwise between the panels; wherein the panels and walls define interior hollow cells with inner surfaces and a selected inner cell height and inner cell width; and (b) at least one moment connection with two elongated members: (i) disposed at an angle of orientation relative to one another; and (ii) having a height or width to allow for a pressure fit within one of the cells along the inner cell height or width of the planar member when inserted therein; whereby structural support for the system is internal and is provided lengthwise within the planar support members at the inner surfaces of the cell that interfaces with the elongated members when inserted therein.
US08371087B2	Folding support or frame structure A novel building block is described which is formed of two similar interlocking elements with chamfered surfaces to allow the elements to rest against each other. In one embodiment, the block is used to made structural walls, In another embodiment, a single block with a transparent or translucent pane is provided to form a window. In yet another embodiment, a building is made with at least one floor, one roof and support structures supporting the roof and being formed of the interlocking elements. Each element is made of L-shaped components.
US08371083B2	Retrofit roof assembly Disclosed is a retrofit arrangement for securing a new roof structure above an already existing roof structure. The system uses thermal blocks placed crosswise between the ribs on the existing roof structure. Above a series of these thermal blocks, a longitudinal support strip is provided onto which a plurality of clips can be fastened. The blocks provide thermal resistance, and enable a reduction in number of fasteners required for assembly.
US08371080B2	Log wall connector system A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.
US08371076B2	Solar panel support module and method of creating array of interchangeable and substitutable solar panel support modules A solar panel array support system including a plurality of removable, interengaged adjacent support modules of similar configuration. Each support module mounts a PV solar panel, and also a DC-AC inverter electrically connected to the solar panel. The DC-AC inverter is also electrically connectable to additional DC-AC inverters mounted to the adjacent solar panel support modules. Each support module includes flexible male connector elements that enter a slot forming a female connector element in an adjacent support module to pivotally and removably engage each support module to another. Individual modules or a plurality of solar panel support modules can be readily removed from and replaced in a solar panel array, and can be readily removed and installed to form a second modular solar panel array.
US08371075B2	Sliding pendulum bearing For uncoupling a building structure from the ground a sliding pendulum bearing is suitable for the protection of building structures in the case of movements of the ground, due to earthquakes for example, or as an alternative for conventional deformation bearings. The bearing has a first sliding face with a first concave sliding face and a sliding shoe, which is in sliding contact with the first sliding face of the first sliding plate. A low friction material of a low-friction plastic is entrapped in the sliding shoe which has elastoplastic equilibrium properties. In particular as a low friction material a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is utilized. After a displacement entailed by an external force the sliding shoe returns of its own accord into a stable equilibrium position.
US08371074B2	Mast assembly for wind turbine A mast assembly having a base, and a mast pivotally connected to the base for movement between a horizontal and an upright position. A linear actuator is connected between the base and the mast and is extensible to move mast about the pivot. A strut is selectively positioned between the mast and the base to inhibit pivotal movement toward the horizontal position during lifting of the mast. A plurality of abutments on the base permits selective connection between the actuator and the base. The strut position supports the mast while said actuator is moved between the abutments.
US08371073B2	Building with integrated natural systems A building is provided with integrated natural systems that reduce dependency on external resources to operate and maintain the building. A source of electricity is provided through an extensive set of solar panels that may be incorporated on louvers mounted to the exterior of the building. The building has a double insulative layer to include an outer airtight membrane or cover, and an internal building structure that defines habitable space within the structure. Rainwater may be collected and stored within a subsurface well. The space between the internal structure and outer membrane may support the growth of vegetation in a greenhouse environment. A flow of temperature regulated air is provided through the structure by a set of underground pipes in which the air is circulated through a central core of the building, into the habitable space, and then outward into the greenhouse space.
US08371072B1	Molded synthetic hip, ridge or rake shingle and process and apparatus for molding same A molded hip, ridge or rake shingle is provided that is shaped to fit over angled intersecting planar surface of a roof hip, ridge or rake, by making a shingle precursor and draping it in heated condition over a rack having surfaces that have an included angle therebetween to cool and take form, such that portions of the shingle precursor conform to the surfaces of the rack, at a desired predetermined included angle between the shingle precursor portions, to form a hip, ridge or rake shingle with shingle portions having the desired included angle between the shingle portions. The shingle is formed according to the process, and on an apparatus, to produce the shingles that can be applied to a roof, in an array of shingles.
US08371070B2	Retractable load-bearing cover A retractable load-bearing cover apparatus is selectively deployable and retractable along a track defining a path of travel between first and second terminus points. The load-bearing cover apparatus includes a plurality of sections that are deployable along the track in a first direction, and retractable along the track in a second, opposite direction, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are releasably engagable to one another. The cover apparatus includes a drive system for deploying and retracting the sections along the track, and a storage system for disengaging the sections and arranging such disengaged sections into a vertically stacked orientation.
US08371069B2	Fastening strip for use with a seal for sealing a window A fastening strip (10, 30) and seal (40) arrangement are described. By use of a plurality of individual retention elements (20) that are coupled—either integrally or separate—to the fastening strip it is possible to effect inter-engagement of the seal and strip. The retention elements are received into the seal, which is deformable and engages with the retention elements to effect the retention of the fastening strip to the seal.
US08371068B1	System and method for improving the wear life of a brake shoe in the counterbalance system of a tilt-in window A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window and its method of operation. Posts are provided on the sides of a tilt-in window sash that rotate when the sash is tilted. A brake structure is attached to each post. Each brake structure has a first contoured surface that rotates with the post when said sash is tilted. A second contoured surface is provided within the window track. The second contoured surface moves up and down in the track with the post but does not rotate with the post when the sash is tilted. When the window sash is tilted for cleaning, the first contoured surface moves against the second contoured surface within the window track. A cam action occurs that moves the first contoured surface away from the second contoured surface. This causes the brake structure to be biased against the track and lock in a fixed position within the track.
US08371067B1	Durable lightweight planter with illuminated display unit An improved plant container comprised of a cement or stucco exterior coating over wire mesh enclosed polystyrene block segments formed from smaller cube segments. This provides for a planter lighter in weight with effective drainage and moisture retention. The planter allows for effective illuminated signage displays for various advertising.
US08371064B2	Insect and arachnid trap An insect and arachnid trap (10, 100) comprises a substrate (12) having a top surface (14) onto which a sticky substance (24) is deposited. One embodiment of the trap (10) is provided with a reinforcing rib (26) to reinforce the thin sheet substrate. The trap (10, 100) may also have a channel (22, 22) into which the sticky substance (24) is deposited. The top surface (14) may have a smooth finish and be inclined to the horizontal in order to prevent trapped insects and arachnids from extricating themselves from the sticky substance. The sticky substance is a composition which includes polybutene oil and polyisobutylene. The sticky substance preferably includes 5-15 wt % polyisobutylene. This sticky substance in combination with the channel and smooth top surface provides an insect and arachnid trap which is more effective than known examples. The reinforcing rib ensures that the substrate (12) does not fold back upon itself when handled after use. Contact with trapped insects or arachnids is thus avoided.
US08371058B2	Mechanism for the disassembly of a handgun without triggering A mechanism for the disassembly of a handgun without triggering, which prevents the consequential accidental firing of a cartridge in the chamber upon triggering. The mechanism including a disassembler, sear catcher lever, sear catcher and a sear catcher spring. The disassembler has an eccentric pin. Rotation of the dissembler moves the sear catcher lever forward. The sear catcher spring pushes the sear catcher which abuts the other end of sear catcher lever. The sear catcher can catch the sear as soon as the sear is pressed downwards around the sear pin by the slide, and it can hold the sear beneath the plane of cocking of the firing pin. At the same time, the sear catcher blocks the firing pin safety lever if the sear catcher lever is in its utmost forward position. That way the cocking of the firing pin is prevented and the triggering is blocked.
US08371055B2	Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories A method and system for an inductively powering rail on a firearm to power accessories such as: telescopic sights, tactical sights, laser sighting modules, and night vision scopes. This is achieved by having primary and secondary electromagnets (U-Cores) on both the inductively powering rail and the accessory. Once the electromagnets are in contact, the accessory is able to obtain power through induction via the inductively powering rail. Accessories may be attached to various fixture points on the inductively powering rail and are detected by the firearm when attached and detached. When attached, power and data communications may flow between the accessory and a master CPU located on the firearm. Accessories that are attached to the inductively powering rail and have rechargeable power systems may be recharged via the inductive power rail. Further, accessories that have power that is not needed may be transferred to other accessories.
US08371053B2	Nameplate A nameplate includes a fixing bracket and a plate. The fixing bracket includes a main body, a latching portion, and a resilient portion. The main body defines a mounting hole. The latching portion is formed on the main body and positioned adjacent to a periphery of the mounting hole. The resilient resisting portion protrudes radially from the main body and is partially received in the mounting hole of the main body. The plate is detachably and adjustably assembled to the fixing bracket and resists the resilient resisting portion of the fixing bracket. The plate has a latching member formed thereon. The latching member passes through the mounting hole and latches with the corresponding latching portion of the fixing bracket.
US08371046B2	Stirrup A riding boot for use with a stirrup, the riding boot including a sole for engaging the stirrup, the sole coupled to the riding boot and a magnetic member coupled to the sole. The magnetic member is a polymer including a magnetic metal.
US08371040B2	Cover for a clothes dryer and assembling method thereof Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover for a dryer. The dryer is adapted, when in operation, to heat a gas stream. The dryer includes a cover mounted to at least one section of an outer wall of the dryer, in particular a rear wall of the dryer. A passage through which the gas stream can flow is formed, at least sectionwise, by the cover. The cover can include a heating unit having at least one heating element such that the gas stream flows around the heating element when the dryer is in operation.
US08371037B2	Slurrification process A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
US08371034B2	Dust collection cover attachable to cutter A dust collection cover capable of efficiently collecting cutting chips and residues generated as a result of cutting a workpiece. A cutter includes a motor and a rotary blade driven by the motor, and the dust collection cover is attached to the cover for covering a part of the blade. The cover is formed with a dust discharge port through which cutting chips and residues are discharged. The cover has a guide arrangement for directing the cutting chips and residues toward an interior of the cover body. The arrangement provides a blowing-out air blowing to the workpiece, or a rod-like member removing the cutting chips and residues.
US08371031B2	Cutting device A cutting device, particularly suited for removing vehicle glazing panels, has forward blade carrier and a rearward handle spaced from the forward blade carrier. The forward blade carrier may function as a handle, the device thereby being operable in two handed use. The rearward handle and forward blade may be movable relative to one another permitting re-configuration of the device. The rearward handle and forward blade carrier may be connected by a bridge portion.
US08371030B2	Maintenance method of wind turbine generator A maintenance method is provided for a wind turbine generator including a tower and a nacelle. The maintenance method includes: attaching a pedestal to the tower; attaching a jack to the pedestal; and lifting the nacelle by using the jack to detach the nacelle from the tower, from a state where the nacelle is rotatably connected to the tower.
US08371029B2	Production apparatus and production method for crankshaft The present invention provides a production apparatus for crankshaft, including: a die which has a lower die, an upper die, and plural side forming punches, the upper die being provided movably to the lower die, the side forming punches moving perpendicularly to a movement direction of the upper die; a press ram which moves the upper die to the lower die, closes a material of the crankshaft, and forms the material; cam mechanisms which are provided for the side forming punches and which move the side forming punches to an inside portion of the die in accordance with movement of the press ram; a grade separation structure which is provided to at least one of the side forming punches in order to prevent interference of the side forming punches with each other.
US08371028B2	Method for increasing the current carried between two high voltage conductor support towers A method for increasing the current carried between two high voltage conductor support towers is provided. The method includes removing a first high voltage carrying cable mounted between the towers and replacing it with a composite core cable. This replacement of cable may be accomplished with existing cable hanging equipment and without the need for additional tooling.
US08371026B2	Method for manufacturing multilayer ceramic electronic device In a method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic device, a multilayer ceramic element assembly is prepared that includes laminated unsintered ceramic base material layers, a first conductor pattern, a seat portion disposed in a surface of the multilayer ceramic element assembly and arranged to mount a surface mount electronic device thereon, a second conductor pattern connected to the surface mount electronic device, and a resin introduction portion located outside a vertically projected region of the surface mount electronic device and arranged to introduce a resin to the seat portion. The multilayer ceramic element assembly is fired and the surface mount electronic device is mounted on the seat portion of the fired multilayer ceramic element assembly with the second conductor pattern therebetween. The resin is filled from the resin introduction portion into the seat portion and between the seat portion and the surface mount electronic device, and the resin is cured.
US08371024B2	Apparatus and process for filling structures with different cavities Process for industrially filling differently structured cavities in building blocks with moldings, having the following features: a) the moldings are cut in the form of differently configured mineral-wool pads (1, 2) from mineral-wool boards supplied, b) the mineral-wool pads (1, 2) are then distributed in layers on at least two levels, c) the mineral-wool pads (1, 2) distributed in this way are respectively separated, arranged in rows and moved into a vertical position in order to be transported further, d) the vertically positioned mineral-wool pads (1, 2) are pushed off laterally in layers and distributed on at least two levels in a supply unit (A 170), wherein, for example, one level has large mineral-wool pads (1) and the other level has small mineral-wool pads (2) and the levels are arranged in accordance with the construction of the cavities of the building block; e) in a further position of the distributing unit (A 180), the mineral-wool pads (1, 2) are pushed into sheet-metal channels, moved up to the building blocks and sucked in there (A 190).
US08371019B1	Method for manufacturing a magnetic write pole having straight side walls and a well defined track-width A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a very narrow track width, straight well defined sides and a well defined trailing edge width (e.g. track-width). The method includes uses two separate chemical mechanical polishing processes that stop at separate CMP stop layers. The first CMP stop layer is deposited directly over a RIEable fill layer. A RIE mask, is formed over the fill layer and first CMP stop layer, the RIE mask having an opening. A trench then is formed in the RIEable fill layer. A second CMP stop layer is then deposited into the trench and over the RIE mask, followed by plating of a magnetic material. First and second chemical mechanical polishing processes are then performed, the first stopping at the first CMP stop and the second stopping at the second CMP stop.
US08371018B2	Electromechanical transducer and manufacturing method therefor In an electromechanical transducer which includes a vibration membrane provided with an upper electrode, a substrate provided with a lower electrode, and a support member adapted to support the vibration membrane in such a manner that a gap is formed between the vibration membrane and the substrate with these electrodes being arranged in opposition to each other, it is constructed such that a part of the vibration membrane and a region of the substrate are kept in contact with each other without application of an external force, and a remaining region of the vibration membrane other than its region in which the contact state is kept is able to vibrate.
US08371014B2	Method and apparatus for forming a metallic container A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.
US08371011B2	Automated systems for roller rail disassembly and methods of disassembling roller rail assemblies An automated system for disassembling a roller rail assembly includes an actuation device configured to move the roller rail assembly in a disassembling direction. A guide bracket is arranged and configured to receive the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved in the disassembling direction. The guide bracket allows movement of the roller rail assembly in the disassembling direction. A separator member is located downstream of the actuation device. The separator member being received by a housing member of the roller rail assembly and having a wide region that separates sidewalls of the housing member and releases roller wheels of the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved past the separator member by the actuation device.
US08371010B2	Automotive maintenance tool Embodiments of a device and method for removing a valve spring from an engine are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a base component with a compressor component removably connected to the base component via an elongate member threadedly engaged with the base component. A fastener may threadedly engage with the elongate member to reversibly keep the compressor component in place. The base component is configured to engage with opposing vertically-extending components on a cylinder head while the compressor component is configured to simultaneously engage with a valve spring. When rotational force is applied in a clockwork direction to the fastening component, the compressor component is forced in a downward direction thereby compressing the valve spring for subsequent removal thereof.
US08371008B2	Apparatus for pushing hollow cylindrical member An apparatus holds a plurality of hollow cylindrical members and pushes off the hollow cylindrical members. The apparatus includes a holder shaft for holding the hollow cylindrical members in tandem thereon, a gripper member projecting outwardly from a side wall surface of the holder shaft and engaging an inner wall surface of a foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, a cam disposed in the holder shaft for displacing the gripper member, a pusher cylinder for pressing an end face of a rearmost one of the hollow cylindrical members and moving all the hollow cylindrical members forward, to release the foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members from the holder shaft and position a next one of the hollow cylindrical members as a new foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, and a turning cylinder for turning the holder shaft.
US08371005B2	Stacked piezoelectric element, manufacturing method thereof and vibration wave driving apparatus A method of manufacturing a stacked piezoelectric element that can suppress periodic damping on miniaturization of a vibration wave motor and improve its performance. A stacked piezoelectric element comprises piezoelectric layers and electrode layers alternately stacked to have a shape of a cylinder. The electrode layers are divided into a plurality of electrode layer regions along a circumferential surface of the shape of a cylinder.
US08371003B2	Device for opening and closing a zipper A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper is provided. The device includes a body having first and second diverging guide channels having mutually oriented guide angles for receiving the respective zipper tracks for sliding, non-interlocking movement of the zipper tracks through the guide channels in advance of the zipper slider for reducing the closure angle of the zipper tracks in advance of the zipper slider to correspond to the guide angle of the guide channels, and a handle carried by the body for permitting manual pulling movement of the body along at least a portion of the length of the zipper and generally positioned in a coextensive orientation in relation to a pull tab of the zipper slider such that an operator can simultaneously grasp the pull tab of the zipper slider and the handle while sliding the zipper slider in the closing direction.
US08371001B2	Stretchable, elastic tie-down device with fabric fastening means An elastic tie down device having a body comprising an elongated, substantially flat, elastic material with a first end and a second end; a first, flexible hook and loop fastener panel secured to the body along the axis of the elongated body at one end of the body, the first panel extending beyond the length of the body; and a second, flexible hook and loop fastener panel secured to the body opposite the first panel and aligned substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the elongated body, the second panel secured to the body at a same end of the body as the first panel.
US08370999B2	Clip for holding two parts together A clip for holding first and second parts together snaps into an opening in a first part and includes a central housing for receiving and retaining a male portion on a second part using catches. The clip has a spring structure allowing sideways displacement of the catches so that it occupies either a locked position in which it projects into the central housing to prevent axial movement of the male portion, or a position of release of the male portion in which it is withdrawn from the central housing. The clip also includes a mechanism for causing the catches to move to their locked positions automatically by snapping the clip onto the first part.
US08370997B2	Ratchet strap Described is a ratchet strap with a free end securing system. The ratchet strap has a strap with an attachment end and a free end and a strap winding shaft which is capable of receiving the free end in a wrapped relationship. A ratchet mechanism is included for simultaneously shortening the attachment end and the free end wherein the free end is drawn from the wrapped relationship with the strap winding shaft.
US08370993B2	Bendable support rod for a surface cleaning apparatus A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a surface cleaning head having a dirt inlet and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The upright section may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower upper portion may be rotatable relative to the lower portion about an axis that intersects a longitudinal axis of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The upright surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a wheel provided on the upright section.
US08370991B2	Supply tank assembly for an extractor cleaning machine An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank assembly having a first tank and a second tank. The first tank is in fluid communication with a distributor. The first tank has a rigid body defining a first storage chamber for storing a first cleaning fluid and supplying the first cleaning fluid to the distributor. The second tank is positioned within the first storage chamber of the first tank in fluid communication with the distributor. The second tank has a rigid body defining a second storage chamber for receiving a second cleaning fluid and supplying the second cleaning fluid to the distributor. At least a portion of the rigid body of the second tank defines a boundary of the first storage chamber to separate the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid.
US08370989B2	Static eliminator with dust removal feature Provided is a static eliminator with dust removal feature. The static eliminator includes an ion generator, a dust-removing main body and a dust-collecting device. The dust-removing main body has a workpiece-passing channel passing through the dust-removing main body. A dust-scraping member is disposed on a sidewall of the workpiece-passing channel. A blow vent of the ion generator communicates with said workpiece-passing channel and faces to the dust-scraping member. An inlet end of the dust-collecting device communicates with the workpiece-passing channel.
US08370987B2	Wiper blade The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) in a flat beam construction, having a wiper strip (12) and a single spring rail (20, 64, 68) serving as the carrier element, and a spoiler (22) connected to the head strip (18) of the wiper strip (12), wherein a connecting element (24) having a joint part (30) is disposed in the center region of the wiper blade (10). The invention proposes that the head strip (18) have a hollow profile that is open in the direction of the spoiler (22), on the longitudinal sides of which guide profiles (40) are disposed having open grooves (42) facing each other, in which the spring rail (20, 64, 68) is embedded.
US08370986B2	Connecting device for a wiper arm The invention relates to a connecting device (10) for a wiper arm (14) and a wiper blade (12). Said wiper blade comprises a first connecting part (16) on the wiper blade end and a second connecting part (18) on the wiper arm end, both parts being juxtaposed in the operational position and being connected to each other via a hinge element (44) so that they can be swiveled about a hinge axis. Securing means (32) are provided so that the first and second connecting part (16, 18) engage with each other. The invention is characterized in that the first connecting part (16) has a recess (38) for accommodating the securing means (32) in which a longitudinal, shaped portion (66) is provided which is parallel to the hinge axis. The invention also relates to a flat bar wiper blade (12) which comprises a first connecting part (16) for fastening the flat bar wiper blade (12) to a wiper arm (14). The connecting part (16) comprises a counter-hinge element (42) so that the flat bar wiper blade (12) can be connected to the wiper arm (14) so that it can be swiveled about a hinge axis. Said flat bar wiper blade is characterized in that a recess (38) for accommodating a securing means (32) is provided in which a longitudinal, shaped portion (66) is provided which is parallel to the hinge axis.
US08370985B2	Compact autonomous coverage robot An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.
US08370984B2	Brush section for an electric toothbrush A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a relatively large brush head portion having a generally rectangular shape, although oblong, elliptical and other such shapes having a length to width aspect ration greater than 1 may be employed. The brush head portion is secured to a shaft portion of the brush section that may be configured to couple to a handle section. The handle section may include an electric drive including drive shaft, and the drive shaft may couple to the brush head via a coupling member positioned within the shaft portion. The electric drive may impart a rotary, oscillating rotary-oscillating or other suitable drive motion to the drive shaft that is, in turn, imparted upon the brush head by virtue of the coupling member.
US08370982B2	Ramp A ramp which comprises a user support element, an edge element at an edge of the user support element, a handrail, a support connector which is slidably engagable with the edge element, an elongate upright handrail support, and an adjustable elongate depending ramp support. The handrail support and the ramp support are coaxially held by the support connector. The ramp may also comprise a user support element, an edge element at an edge of the user support element, and a height adjustable ramp support which includes a foot and two arms pivotably engaged with the foot. Each arm has a slider pivotably engaged at its distal end remote from the foot, and each slider is slidably engagable with the edge element for lengthwise adjustment of the ramp support along the edge element and for slidable adjustment relative to each other so as to set a distance between the edge element and the foot. Each slider is further fixedly holdable in place to maintain its set position.
US08370981B2	Integrated continuous batch tunnel washer A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy. The pre-rinse ensures that the fabric articles are substantially free of soil or the majority of any soil when they are transferred to an extractor for final removal of excess water.
US08370974B2	Fitted bed sheet A fitted top sheet is provided with a lip having an elastic member that runs side to side along at least a portion of the lip. This provides corners that grab the corners of the mattress for a form fit, while at the same time permitting movement of the sheet upwardly to accommodate an individual's toes without having to provide a so-called zone of expansion.
US08370973B1	Collapsible, folding mattress support having the appearance of a box spring with legs A foldable mattress support with legs includes a metal frame with a fabric covering. The metal frame includes first upper and lower frames and second upper and lower frames. Each of the upper and lower frames is pivotally attached to a vertical plate of a hinge. A bolt that is oriented along a first axis passes through the first upper frame and through the vertical plate. A leg attaches through the fabric covering to a base plate of the hinge. The first upper frame pivots about a first axis; the second upper frame pivots about a second axis; the first lower frame pivots about a third axis; and the second lower frame pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the vertical plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis.
US08370970B2	Snap-in quick removal pop-up drain stopper This device incorporates a new method for attachment of a pop-up drain stopper to the pivot rod which controls its mechanical motion as is typical in bathroom sinks, thereby providing the consumer with a simple and convenient method of removing and installing the stopper as is needed for extraction of drain clogs. As shown in FIG. 5, the stopper is inserted into the drain with the connecting journal channel opening (6) positioned over the pivot rod (8). Downward pressure is applied (FIG. 6) forcing the pivot rod to pass through the channel and snap into the connecting journal (FIG. 7). Transversely, by pulling upward, the stopper disengages from the pivot rod and is removed from the drain opening. By incorporating two or more conjoined connecting journals in an elongated connecting bracket (FIG. 8), the stopper can accommodate a wider range of pivot rod placement.
US08370968B2	Cervical spine protection device Disclosed is a cervical protective device that reduces the possibility of neck injuries in contact sports. In a preferred embodiment, this device is worn in conjunction with a football helmet and football shoulder pads. Without restricting normal movement of a football player, the device contacts the lower most parts of the sides of the helmet and has a shape that is molded as to the normal anatomy of the upper back and lower cervical spine. The device contacts the lower sides of the player's neck and is held in place by the shoulder pads as normally worn by football players. Force received at the top of the helmet is applied to the protective device, absorbed by compression elements contained within the protective device and the force is directed away from the cervical spine.
US08370966B2	Roofing glove A roofing glove is provided. The roofing glove includes a fitted protective covering receivable to a hand of a user, at least one spike having an anchor and a sharp protrusion extending from the glove and narrowing at a distal tip, anchored within the covering at a first predetermined location, and at least one grip pad disposed upon the covering at a second predetermined location. The at least one spike and the at least one grip pad are adapted to grip a surface, or the like, upon a fall by the wearer of the glove to prevent further fall or slide.

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