最新美国发明专利第2013-03-19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
US08399413B2	Low frequency glatiramer acetate therapy A method of alleviating a symptom of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a human patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or a patient who has experienced a first clinical episode and is determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis comprising administering to the human patient three subcutaneous injections of a therapeutically effective dose of glatiramer acetate over a period of seven days with at least one day between every subcutaneous injection so as to thereby alleviate the symptom of the patient.
US08399411B2	Composition for animal consumption and method for reducing MAP kinase activity This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods nutritional supplements, treats, and toys) for animal consumption, particularly compositions that comprise omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and particularly compositions that tend to aid in reducing mitogen-activated-protein (“MAP”) kinase activity in animals. This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions, particularly to methods for using such compositions to reduce MAP kinase activity in animals, and particularly to methods for using such compositions to treat a cancer or tissue hyperplasia. This invention is further directed generally to processes for making such compositions.
US08399410B2	Methods and devices for desmopressin drug delivery Disclosed are devices for urine voiding postponement, and methods for treating conditions such as central diabetes insipidus, enuresis, nocturia, urinary frequency or incontinence. The devices deliver a desmopressin flux through the skin of a patient in a low dose amount just necessary to achieve a desired anti-diuretic effect without undesirable side effects such as hyponatremia. The devices are designed to permit a state of normal urinary production to return quickly after the desmopressin flux is terminated.
US08399403B2	Chemical linkers and conjugates thereof The present disclosure provides drug-ligand conjugates that are potent cytotoxins, wherein the drug is linked to the ligand through either a peptidyl, hydrazine, or disulfide linker. The disclosure is also directed to compositions containing the drug-ligand conjugates, and to methods of treatment using them.
US08399401B2	Fusion proteins A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent. Nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.
US08399399B2	3- and 4-methyl dodecenal and their use in fragrance and flavour compositions 3- and 4-Methyl-4-dodecenal, a method of their production and fragrance and flavor compositions comprising at least one of them.
US08399398B2	Organoleptic compounds and their use in perfume compositions The present invention a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of the following compound: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a straight, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety consisting of less than 10, preferably less than 4, most preferably 1 of 2 carbon atoms.
US08399396B2	Tiron-containing detergents having acceptable color Detergent compositions containing catechols, such as Tiron (1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid), which do not have or do not develop the reddish color associated with the catechol/ferric iron chelate are disclosed. Methods for reducing the intensity of red color in a Tiron (1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid) containing detergent composition are also disclosed.
US08399392B2	Method of reducing asphaltene precipitation in an engine utilizing a C22 hydrocarbyl salicylate A method of reducing asphaltene precipitation or ‘black paint’ in an engine is disclosed. The method includes the step of lubricating the engine with a lubricating oil composition comprising: an oil of lubricating viscosity in a major amount; and, a salicylate detergent system in a minor amount comprising one or more neutral or overbased alkaline earth metal C22 hydrocarbyl substituted salicylates.
US08399391B2	Photoresist residue removal composition A photoresist residue removal composition is provided. The photoresist residue removal composition essentially contains glycolic and water, to which a pH control agent and/or a cleanability improver is selectively added. The photoresist residue removal composition has a high capability to remove residues caused by plasma etching and ashing of a metal or silicon oxide layer under a photoresist pattern, does not cause corrosion, and is eco-friendly.
US08399389B2	Food-grade lubricant compositions comprising estolide compounds Provided herein are compositions comprising at least one estolide 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 are uses of the compositions described herein.
US08399386B2	Foamers for downhole injection The present invention relates to a method for introducing a foaming composition including an imidazoline-based compound to a fluid. The foaming composition comprises at least one quaternized compound having an imidazoline moiety. An example of the quaternized compound is a quaternized imidazoline.
US08399385B2	Plant chimeric binding polypeptides for universal molecular recognition Libraries of nucleic acids encoding chimeric binding polypeptides based on plant scaffold polypeptide sequences. Also described are methods for generating the libraries.
US08399382B2	Cotton growth regulator Protoporphyrinogen oxidase enzyme-inhibiting compounds are useful in compositions and methods for regulating growth of cotton plants. Of particular interest is the use of carfentrazone ethyl and certain metabolites thereof for regulating growth of cotton plants.
US08399380B2	Herbicidal composition A herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in orchard lands or non-crop lands which comprises (a) N-(7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-3-oxo-4-prop-2-ynyl-2H-1,4-benzeoxazin-6-yl) cyclohex-1-ene-1,2-dicarboxamide and (b) 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(2-ethylsulfonylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)urea as active ingredients, and a mixing ratio (the weight ratio of the active ingredient (a) to the active ingredient (b) of which is from 1:0.1 to 10.
US08399373B2	Zeolitic catalysts, their process for preparation and their applications The invention describes a porous composite material that comprises a porous substrate based on a refractory inorganic oxide in which said substrate has a zeolite crystal content that is less than 25% by mass, whereby said crystals are dispersed homogeneously in the pores of said substrate, and the distribution coefficient that is measured by Castaing microprobe is between 0.75 and 1.25, and in which the total pore volume of said substrate represents at least 40% of the initial total pore volume of the substrate, and the mean diameter of the pores represents at least 50% of the mean diameter of the pores of the initial substrate, its process for preparation and its use as catalyst in the hydrocarbon feedstock conversion reactions.
US08399371B2	Optical glass An optical glass in includes SiO2, B2O3, Al2O3, BaO, CaO, ZnO, La2O3, Gd2O3, and Y2O3, each in a specific ratio. Further, the optical glass satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2), taking the content of SiO2 as A, the content of B2O3 as B, the content in total of La2O3, Gd2O3 and Y2O3 as C, and the content in total of SiO2 and B2O3 as D. 0.35
US08399370B2	Glass composition A glass composition which is reduced in the amount of residual bubbles and is produced using smaller amounts of an environmentally unfriendly component such as arsenic oxide and antimony oxide. This glass composition comprises, in terms of mass %; 40-70% SiO2; 5-20% B2O3; 10-25% Al2O3; 0-10% MgO; 0-20% CaO; 0-20% SrO; 0-10% BaO; 0.001-0.5% Li2O; 0.01-0.5% Na2O; 0.002-0.5% K2O; and 0-1.0%, excluding 0%, Cl.
US08399369B2	Optical glass and optical element An object of the present invention is to provide optical glass having improved glass-devitrification resistance and moldability without causing reduction in refractive index, and also provide an optical element using the optical glass as a raw material. Specifically, the present invention provides an optical glass containing components of, by mol %: B2O3: over 60% through 75%; Bi2O3: 24% to 39%; La2O3: 7% or lower; Gd2O3: 7% or lower; and ZrO2: 7% or lower.
US08399362B2	Apparatus for forming a film and an electroluminescence device A device having three evaporation sources and a unit for moving the respective evaporation sources in one chamber is used, whereby it becomes possible to increase efficiency of use of an evaporation material. Consequently, manufacturing cost can be reduced, and a uniform thickness can be obtained over an entire surface of a substrate even in the case in which a large area substrate is used.
US08399359B2	Manufacturing method for dual damascene structure A manufacturing method for a dual damascene structure includes providing a substrate having a dielectric layer, a first hard mask layer and a second hard mask layer sequentially formed thereon, performing a first double patterning process to sequentially form a plurality of first trench openings and a plurality of second trench openings in the second hard mask layer, performing a second double patterning process to sequentially form a plurality of first via openings and a plurality of second via openings in the fist hard mask layer, and transferring the first trench openings, the second trench openings, the first via openings, and the second via openings to the dielectric layer to form a plurality of dual damascene openings.
US08399357B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method forms a semiconductor device including a workpiece structure having a first region and second region located adjacent to the first region formed therein. The first region includes a first pattern and the second region includes a second pattern having at least a greater pattern width or a smaller aspect ratio than the first pattern. The method includes forming the first pattern by providing a first film having a first contact angle at a top portion thereof and the second pattern by providing a second film having a second contact angle less than the first contact angle at a top portion thereof; cleaning the first and the second regions by a chemical liquid; rinsing the cleaned first and the second regions by a rinse liquid; and drying the rinsed first and the second regions.
US08399356B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device A conductive film containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy with a thickness equal to or greater than 1 μm and equal to or less than 10 μm is etched by wet-etching to be a predetermined thickness, and then etched by dry-etching, whereby side-etching of the conductive film can be suppressed and thickness reduction of a mask can be suppressed. The suppression of side-etching of the conductive film and the suppression of thickness reduction of the mask enable a conductive film containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy even with a large thickness equal to or greater than 1 μm and equal to or less than 10 μm to be etched such that the gradient of the edge portion of the conductive film can be steep, a predetermined thickness of the conductive film can be obtained, and shape difference from a mask pattern can be suppressed.
US08399355B2	Stacked semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same A stacked semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip module including at least two semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip having a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a circuit part. A through portion passes through the first and second faces of the semiconductor chip. A recess part is formed in a portion of the second face where the second face and the through portion meet. A through electrode is electrically connected to the circuit part and is disposed inside of the through portion. A connection member is disposed in the recess part to electrically connect the through electrodes of adjacent stacked semiconductor chips. And the semiconductor chip module is mounted to a substrate. The stacked semiconductor package prevents both gaps between semiconductor chips and misalignment of the through electrode.
US08399352B2	Semiconductor device comprising self-aligned contact bars and metal lines with increased via landing regions When forming metal lines of the metal zero level, a reduced bottom width and an increased top width may be achieved by using appropriate patterning regimes, for instance using a spacer structure after forming an upper trench portion with a top width, or forming the lower portion of the trenches and subsequently applying a further mask and etch regime in which the top width is implemented. In this manner, metal lines connecting to self-aligned contact bars may be provided so as to exhibit a bottom width of 20 nm and less, while the top width may allow reliable contact to any vias of the metallization system.
US08399348B2	Semiconductor device for improving electrical and mechanical connectivity of conductive pillers and method therefor A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die having a first surface and a second surface wherein at least one bond pad is formed on the first surface. A passivation layer is formed on the first surface of the semiconductor device, wherein a central area of the at least one bond is exposed. A seed layer is formed on exposed portions of the bond pad and the passivation layer. A conductive pillar is formed on the seed layer. The conductive pillar has a base portion wherein the base portion has a diameter smaller than the seed layer and a stress relief portion extending from a lateral surface of a lower section of the base portion toward distal ends of the seed layer. A solder layer is formed on the conductive pillar.
US08399347B2	Integrated circuits and methods of forming conductive lines and conductive pads therefor Integrated circuits and methods for forming conductive lines and conductive pads of integrated circuits are disclosed. One such integrated circuit includes circuitry, a first conductor coupled to the circuitry, a conductive pad coupled to the first conductor, and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor and coupled to the conductive pad. The second conductor would be floating but for its coupling to the conductive pad.
US08399343B2	Method for the selective doping of silicon and silicon substrate treated therewith A method for the selective doping of silicon of a silicon substrate (1) for producing a pn-junction in the silicon is characterized by the following steps: a) Providing the surface of the silicon substrate (1) with a doping agent (2) based on phosphorous, b) heating the silicon substrate (1) for creating a phosphorous silicate glass (2) on the surface of the silicon, wherein phosphorous diffuses into the silicon as a first doping (3), c) applying a mask (4) on the phosphorous silicate glass (2), covering the regions (5) that are later highly doped, d) removing the phosphorous silicate glass (2) in the non-masked regions, e) removing the mask (4) from the phosphorous silicate glass (2), f) again heating for the further diffusion of phosphorous from the phosphorous silicate glass (2) into the silicon as a second doping for creating the highly doped regions (5), g); complete removal of the phosphorous silicate glass (2) from the silicon.
US08399338B2	Electronic component manufacturing method The objective is to limit pickup defects when chips with a semi-cured adhesive layer are picked up following dicing by lowering the adhesive strength of an ultraviolet curable adhesive beforehand while improving the cohesive force. Provided is a dicing method for semiconductor wafers with a semi-cured adhesive layer that comprises a process to coat the back surface of semiconductor wafers with a paste-like adhesive and semi-cure the paste-like adhesive in a sheet form using heating or ultraviolet irradiation to form a semi-cured adhesive layer, a gluing process to glue an adhesive sheet, wherein an ultraviolet curable adhesive is laminated on a base film, onto the semi-cured adhesive layer, an ultraviolet irradiation process to apply ultraviolet irradiation to the ultraviolet curable adhesive, and a dicing process to dice the semi-cured adhesive layer glued to the adhesive sheet and the semiconductor wafers.
US08399334B2	Method of manufacturing nano device by arbitrarily printing nanowire devices thereon and intermediate building block useful for the method A method of manufacturing a nano device by directly printing a plurality of NW devices in a desired shape on a predesigned gate substrate. The method includes preparing an NW solution, preparing a building block for performing decaling onto the substrate by carrying an NW device, forming the NW device by connecting electrodes of each of building block units of the building block using NWs by dropping the NW solution between the electrodes and then through dielectrophoresis, visually inspecting the numbers of NW bridges that are formed between the electrodes of each of the building block units through the dielectrophoresis, grouping the building block units according to the numbers, and decaling the NW device formed on each of the building block units onto the gate substrate by bringing the grouped building block units into contact with the predesigned gate substrate and then detaching the grouped building block units.
US08399331B2	Laser processing for high-efficiency thin crystalline silicon solar cell fabrication Laser processing schemes are disclosed for producing various types of hetero-junction and homo-junction solar cells. The methods include base and emitter contact opening, selective doping, and metal ablation. Also, laser processing schemes are disclosed that are suitable for selective amorphous silicon ablation and selective doping for hetero-junction solar cells. These laser processing techniques may be applied to semiconductor substrates, including crystalline silicon substrates, and further including crystalline silicon substrates which are manufactured either through wire saw wafering methods or via epitaxial deposition processes, that are either planar or textured/three-dimensional. These techniques are highly suited to thin crystalline semiconductor, including thin crystalline silicon films.
US08399329B2	Method for manufacturing SOI substrate and semiconductor device It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate having an SOI layer that can be used in practical applications with high yield even when a flexible substrate such as a glass substrate or a plastic substrate is used. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a thin semiconductor device using such an SOI substrate with high yield. When a single-crystal semiconductor substrate is bonded to a flexible substrate having an insulating surface and the single-crystal semiconductor substrate is separated to manufacture an SOI substrate, one or both of bonding surfaces are activated, and then the flexible substrate having an insulating surface and the single-crystal semiconductor substrate are attached to each other.
US08399327B2	Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device A method includes forming a plurality of dummy gate structures on a substrate, each dummy gate structure including a dummy gate electrode and a dummy gate mask, forming a first insulation layer on the substrate and the dummy gate structures to fill a first space between the dummy gate structures, planarizing upper portions of the first insulation layer and the dummy gate structures, removing the remaining first insulation layer to expose a portion of the substrate, forming an etch stop layer on the remaining dummy gate structures and the exposed portion of the substrate, forming a second insulation layer on the etch stop layer to fill a second space between the dummy gate structures, planarizing upper portions of the second insulation layer and the etch stop layer to expose the dummy gate electrodes, removing the exposed dummy gate electrodes to form trenches, and forming metal gate electrodes in the trenches.
US08399317B2	Transistor having an etch stop layer including a metal compound that is selectively formed over a metal gate, and method therefor In one aspect, an apparatus may include a metal gate of a transistor. An etch stop layer may be selectively formed over the metal gate. The etch stop layer may include a metal compound. An insulating layer may be over the etch stop layer. A conductive structure may be included through the insulating layer to the metal gate. Methods of making such transistors are also disclosed.
US08399314B2	p-FET with a strained nanowire channel and embedded SiGe source and drain stressors Techniques for embedding silicon germanium (e-SiGe) source and drain stressors in nanoscale channel-based field effect transistors (FETs) are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a FET includes the following steps. A doped substrate having a dielectric thereon is provided. At least one silicon (Si) nanowire is placed on the dielectric. One or more portions of the nanowire are masked off leaving other portions of the nanowire exposed. Epitaxial germanium (Ge) is grown on the exposed portions of the nanowire. The epitaxial Ge is interdiffused with Si in the nanowire to form SiGe regions embedded in the nanowire that introduce compressive strain in the nanowire. The doped substrate serves as a gate of the FET, the masked off portions of the nanowire serve as channels of the FET and the embedded SiGe regions serve as source and drain regions of the FET.
US08399312B2	Methods of forming radiation-hardened semiconductor structures A radiation-hardened semiconductor structure including an insulator material doped with at least one of a transition metal, a lanthanide, and an actinide, and a semiconductor material located over the insulator material. A semiconductor device including the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure is also disclosed, as are methods of forming the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure and the semiconductor device.
US08399311B2	Thin film transistor array panel and method of manufacture A thin film transistor array panel includes a gate line formed on a substrate, an interlayer insulating film formed on the gate line and having an opening, a gate insulator formed in the opening, a data line formed on the interlayer insulating film and including a first conductive layer made of a transparent conductive oxide and a second conductive layer made of a metal, a source electrode connected to the data line and made of a transparent conductive oxide, a drain electrode facing the source electrode and made of a transparent conductive oxide, a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode, and an organic semiconductor contacting the source electrode and the drain electrode.
US08399309B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A manufacturing method is disclosed which ensures strength of a wafer and improves device performance. A thermal diffusion layer is formed from a front surface of a wafer. A tapered groove which reaches the thermal diffusion layer is formed from a back surface by anisotropic etching with alkaline solution. In-groove thermal diffusion layer is formed on side wall surfaces of the groove. A separation layer of a reverse blocking IGBT is configured of the thermal diffusion layer and the in-groove diffusion layer. The thermal diffusion layer is formed shallowly by forming the in-groove diffusion layer. It is possible to considerably reduce thermal diffusion time. By carrying out an ion implantation forming the in-groove diffusion layer and an ion implantation forming a collector layer separately, it is possible to select an optimum value for tradeoff between turn-on voltage and switching loss, while ensuring reverse blocking voltage of the reverse blocking IGBT.
US08399306B2	Integrated circuit packaging system with transparent encapsulation and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a substrate having a redistribution line thereon; mounting an integrated circuit to the substrate; and molding a transparent encapsulation over the substrate covering the integrated circuit and the redistribution line and the integrated circuit seen through the transparent encapsulation.
US08399301B2	Mounting structures for integrated circuit modules A structure of an integrated circuit module includes a wiring board, a plurality of integrated circuits and at least one terminating resistance circuit. The wiring board has a mounting region on at least one surface thereof. The plurality of integrated circuits are mounted in the mounting region of the wiring board and spaced from one another in a first direction. The at least one terminating resistance circuit is arranged between at least two adjacent integrated circuits, and coupled to an output of a last of the plurality of integrated circuits.
US08399299B2	Cavity structure comprising an adhesion interface composed of getter material A method for making a structure including at least the steps of: making at least one first portion of at least one getter material against a first substrate or a second substrate, making at least one second portion of at least one getter material against the second substrate when the first portion of getter material is placed against the first substrate, or against the first substrate when the first portion of getter material is placed against the second substrate, and attaching the second substrate to the first substrate by thermocompression of a first part of the first portion of getter material against at least one part of the second portion of getter material, forming at least one cavity delimited by the first substrate and the second substrate, a second part of the first portion of getter material being placed in the cavity.
US08399296B2	Airgap micro-spring interconnect with bonded underfill seal A method of assembling a package includes aligning a pad chip with a spring chip to form at least one interconnect in an interconnect area, adhering the pad chip to the spring chip so that there is a gap between the pad chip and the spring chip, dispensing underfill material into the gap to seal the interconnect area from an environment external to the package, and curing the underfill material to form a solid mold.
US08399294B2	Semiconductor package for discharging heat and method for fabricating the same A semiconductor package for quickly discharging heat and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor package module having a first insulation member and at least one fluid passage passing through the insulation member. Circuit patterns are formed on a first face of the first insulation member. Semiconductor chips are then disposed on the first face and are electrically connected with the circuit patterns respectively. A second insulation member is formed so as to surround the side faces of the semiconductor chips, the first insulation member, and the circuit patterns. Finally, a through electrode is formed passing through the second insulation member of the semiconductor package module and electrically connecting to the circuit patterns.
US08399290B2	Organic transistor with fluropolymer banked crystallization well A method is provided for fabricating a printed organic thin film transistor (OTFT) with a patterned organic semiconductor using a fluropolymer banked crystallization well. In the case of a bottom gate OTFT, a substrate is provided and a gate electrode is formed overlying the substrate. A gate dielectric is formed overlying the gate electrode, and source (S) and drain (D) electrodes are formed overlying the gate dielectric. A gate dielectric OTFT channel interface region is formed between the S/D electrodes. A well with fluropolymer containment and crystallization banks is then formed, to define an organic semiconductor print area. The well is filled with an organic semiconductor, covering the S/D electrodes and the gate dielectric OTFT channel interface. Then, the organic semiconductor is crystallized. Predominant crystal grain nucleation originates from regions overlying the S/D electrodes. As a result, an organic semiconductor channel is formed, interposed between the S/D electrodes.
US08399289B2	Programmable polyelectrolyte electrical switches An apparatus includes a first solid electrode on a substrate, a polyelectrolyte layer over a part of the first solid electrode, a second solid electrode on a portion of the polyelectrolyte layer, and an anchoring layer on the part of the first solid electrode. The polyelectrolyte layer is either chemically bonded to the anchoring layer or has a thickness of less than about 20 nanometers.
US08399286B2	Semiconductor device and method of making thereof A method of making a semiconductor device includes providing a web substrate, forming a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type over the web substrate, forming a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type over a first side of the first semiconductor layer, forming a first electrode layer over the second semiconductor layer, forming a handle web substrate over the first electrode layer, delaminating the web substrate from the first semiconductor layer after the step of forming the handle web substrate, where at least one opening extends through the first and the second semiconductor layers, and forming a second electrode layer over a second side of the first semiconductor layer such that the first and second electrode layers are in electrical contact with each other.
US08399284B2	Method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display A thin film deposition apparatus, which has high external light transmittance and a cathode having a uniform thickness, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thin film deposition apparatus includes a deposition source spaced apart from a center of the substrate and configured to emit a deposition material toward the substrate and a blocking member disposed on the substrate and configured to block at least part of the deposition material emitted from the deposition source, wherein an opening is defined on at least one side of the blocking member.
US08399283B2	Bifacial cell with extruded gridline metallization Provided is a bifacial photovoltaic arrangement comprising a bifacial cell which included a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first passivation layer formed on the first surface of the semiconductor layer and a second passivation layer formed on the second surface of the semiconductor layer, and a plurality of metallizations formed on the first and second passivation layers and selectively connected to the semiconductor layer. At least some of the metallizations on the bifacial photovoltaic arrangement comprising an elongated metal structure having a relatively small width and a relatively large height extending upward from the first and second passivation layers.
US08399282B2	Method for forming pad in wafer with three-dimensional stacking structure A method for forming a pad in a wafer with a three-dimensional stacking structure is disclosed. The method includes bonding a device wafer that includes an Si substrate and a handling wafer, thinning a back side of the Si substrate, depositing an anti-reflective layer on the thinned back side of the Si substrate, depositing a back side dielectric layer on the anti-reflective layer, forming vias that pass through the anti-reflective layer and the back side dielectric layer and contact back sides of super contacts which are formed on the Si substrate, and forming a pad on the back side dielectric layer such that the pad is electrically connected to the vias.
US08399280B2	Method for protecting an integrated circuit chip against laser attacks A method for protecting, against laser attacks, an integrated circuit chip formed inside and on top of a semiconductor substrate and including in the upper portion of the substrate an active portion in which are formed components, this method including the steps of: forming in the substrate a gettering area extending under the active portion, the upper limit of the area being at a depth ranging between 5 and 50 μm from the upper surface of the substrate; and introducing diffusing metal impurities into the substrate.
US08399277B2	Compound semiconductor light-emitting diode and method for fabrication thereof A compound semiconductor light-emitting diode includes a light-emitting layer (133) formed of aluminum-gallium-indium phosphide, a light-emitting part (13) having component layers individually formed of a Group III-V compound semiconductor, a transparent supporting layer (14) bonded to one of the outermost surface layers (135) of the light-emitting part (13) and transparent to the light emitted from the light-emitting layer (133), and a bonding layer (141) formed between the supporting layer (14) and the one of the outermost surface layers (135) of the light-emitting part (13) containing oxygen atoms at a concentration of 1×1020 cm−3 or less.
US08399272B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor light emitting element A method of manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting element comprises a semiconductor layer forming step of forming the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer on the first wafer having a transparent property; a bonding step of bonding the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer to the first wafer; a groove forming step of forming the groove extending from the lower surface of the first wafer to the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer; a light applying step of applying a first light to the lower surface of the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer through the first wafer to reduce a bonding force between the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer and the first wafer; a separating step of separating the first wafer from the multilayered nitride semiconductor layer; and a cutting step of cutting the second wafer along the groove to divide into a plurality of the semiconductor light emitting element.
US08399265B2	Device for releasably receiving a semiconductor chip A device is disclosed for releasably receiving a singulated semiconductor chip having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite the first main surface. The device includes a support structure. At least one elastic element is arranged on the support structure. Electrical contact elements are arranged on the at least one elastic element and adapted to be contacted to the first main surface of the semiconductor chip. A foil is adapted to be arranged over the second main surface of the semiconductor chip.
US08399264B2	Alignment inspection The present disclosure relates to the field of microelectronic substrate fabrication and, more particularly, to alignment inspection for vias formed in the microelectronic substrates. The alignment inspection may be achieved by determining the relative positions of fluorescing and non-fluorescing elements in a microelectronic substrate.
US08399259B2	Measuring device, measuring apparatus and method of measuring The measuring device of the invention includes: a first container and a second container for holding a sample; and an optical measurement part for carrying out an optical measurement. The first container has a first sample supply inlet for supplying a sample containing an analyte to the first container and at least one electrode. The second container has a second sample supply inlet for supplying the sample to the second container and a reagent holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement.
US08399258B2	Biological markers for longevity and diseases and uses thereof This invention provides methods of using of the sizes and levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, the −641 allele of the promoter of the gene encoding apolipoprotein C-3 (APOC-3), the 405 allele of the gene encoding cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, CETP and APOC-3, for determining and increasing an individual's likelihood of longevity and of retaining cognitive function during aging, and for determining and decreasing an individual's likelihood of developing a cardiovascular-, metabolic- or age-related disease.
US08399257B2	Transposition of maize Ac/Ds elements in vertebrates The present invention is directed to the use of the maize Ac/Ds transposable elements in vertebrates.
US08399253B2	Proliferation culture methods using micro-scaffolds for regulations of cell-to-cell signals A three-dimensional cell culture method for increasing cell proliferation efficiency by suitably regulating the proliferation-inducing and proliferation-inhibitory signals between cells is provided. The method includes repeatedly performing any one or both of the following processes a) and b) so as to regulate proliferation-inducing and proliferation-inhibitory signals between the cells: a) a process of gradually adding the micro-scaffolds, in which a small amount of the micro-scaffolds are used in an initial stage in order to maintain a suitable distance between the cells, and the amount of the micro-scaffolds is then increased slowly according to cell proliferation rate; and b) a periodic shaking process, in which shaking is performed in order to separate connected cells from each other by a physical force, after the cells are incubated for more than a given period of time.
US08399251B2	Use of the extracellular marker DNER for identification and selection of specific pancreatic cells The invention relates to a method of identifying and obtaining cells that have the potential to differentiate into pancreatic cells, having the step of contacting a cell population containing endocrine pre-progenitor cells, endocrine progenitor cells, early endocrine cells, and/or fully differentiated endocrine cells with a DNER binding agent; as well as isolating and/or expanding cells obtained by the method and compositions thereof.
US08399250B1	Anti-mpl ligand (thromobpoietin) antibodies Isolated mpl ligand, isolated DNA encoding mpl ligand, and recombinant methods of preparing mpl ligand are disclosed. These mpl ligands are shown to influence the replication, differentiation or maturation of blood cells, especially megakaryocyte progenitor cells. Accordingly, these compounds are used for treatment of thrombocytopenia.
US08399249B2	Procedure for the generation of a high producer cell line for the expression of a recombinant anti-CD34 antibody The present invention relates to cell capture assay for the selection of a high producer cell line expressing anti-CD34 antibodies that recognize the CD34 membrane-protein in the cell membrane. The monoclonal antibody secreted by the hybridoma cell line 9C5/9069 binds to human CD34 and is used to isolate stem cells. The DNA sequences encoding for the antibody heavy and light chain have been identified, isolated from the hybridoma cells and cloned into appropriate expression vectors. After co-transfection of the heavy and light chain genes into HEK293T or in CHO cells either conditioned medium or purified antibody were assessed for binding to CD34 protein located in the cell membrane in different cell capture assays. The binding of the antibody to CD34-positive cells could be shown with these assays for several cell lines.
US08399247B2	Methods and apparatus for selectively processing eggs having identified characteristics Methods and apparatus for processing eggs based upon a characteristic such as gender are provided. Material is extracted from each of a plurality of live eggs, the extracted material is assayed to identify eggs having the characteristic, and then eggs identified as having the characteristic are processed accordingly.
US08399246B2	Baculovirus expression vector and method therewith for generating immunogenicity in a host A baculovirus expression vector achieves dual functions of (1) subunit vaccine by displaying the influenza surface protein for humoral immune responses; and (2) DNA vaccine by expressing influenza surface protein for long-acting cellular immune response. A method for inducing immunogenicity in a host is also disclosed.
US08399245B2	Rotation system for cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system and method of use therefor A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
US08399241B2	Modulators of alpha-synuclein toxicity Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating expression of genes that function at the step of ER of Golgi trafficking. Compounds that modulate expression of these genes of activity of the encoded proteins can be used to inhibit alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity and used to threat of prevent synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Also disclosed are methods of identifying inhibitors of alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity.
US08399237B2	Pseudomonas alcaliphila MBR and its application in bioreduction and biosorption The present invention relates to microbiology technology field. More particularly, it relates to Pseudomonas alcaliphila MBR CGMCC 2318 which has the ability to reduce and adsorb metal and nonmetal ions. It also relates to methods of bioreduction and biosorption using the said strain by means of its property of reducing nitrate to ammonium and adsorbing metal ions to reduce the metal and nonmetal ions in the solution to elementary state under aerobic conditions. The present invention also relates to application of the said strain in bio-metallurgy, production of metal and nonmetal elementary substance, treatment of wastewater containing metal ions, and removal of harmful metal and nonmetal ions contained in soil and water. The strain of the present invention is easy to cultivate. The method of bioreduction and biosorption by it is very simple and can be widely used in metallurgy, treatment of wastewater and removal of harmful substances in soil and water.
US08399236B2	System comprising bacteriophages and particles that contain active substances The present invention concerns a system, comprising bacteriophages and particles comprising active agents, in which a first additional peptide is fused to proteins of the bacteriophage, the first additional peptide adheres to the surface of the particle and furthermore a second additional peptide is fused to proteins of the bacteriophage. The second additional peptide can adhere on substrate surfaces. The present invention furthermore concerns the use of the system for delayed release of active agents and also a method for production of the system. The present invention furthermore concerns a method for the selection of phage species from a combinatorial phage population.
US08399234B2	Perhydrolase variant providing improved specific activity An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08399231B2	Thermus thermophilus nucleic acid polymerases The invention provides novel nucleic acid polymerases from strains GK24 and RQ-1 of Thermus thermophilus, and nucleic acids encoding those polymerases, as well as methods for using the polymerases and nucleic acids.
US08399224B2	Production of ethanol from barley and DDGS containing reduced beta-glucan and phytic acid Described herein is a method of preparing DDGS containing reduced levels of beta-glucan and phytic acid suitable for an animal feed.
US08399223B2	Composition containing arazyme for the prevention and treatment of cancer The invention provides a method for treating lung cancer or breast cancer wherein the method comprises administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of arazyme enzyme to a subject with lung cancer or breast cancer. The arazyme enzyme is either a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and/or a protein encoded by DNA comprising the coding region of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
US08399222B2	Compositions and methods for detecting small RNAs, and uses thereof Compositions and methods are provided for the detection of small RNA target nucleic acids, preferably miRNA target nucleic acids, wherein the compositions and methods provide for sensitive and specific detection of the target nucleic acids. The compositions and methods include using one or more of a first amplification oligomer that is preferably an extender primer, a target capture oligomer that is preferably at least partially double stranded, a promoter primer/provider, a reverse primer that is preferably a universal primer and a detection probe. The compositions and methods are useful for diagnostics, prognostics, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and/or determining a treatment.
US08399221B2	Methods for detection and quantitation of small RNAs Improved methods that increase the specificity and sensitivity of detection of small RNAs, including miRNAs, using oligonucleotide primers and nucleic acid amplification, are provided. Reaction conditions that result in preferential decrease in cDNA synthesis of RNAs other than the small RNA molecules targeted for detection during miRNA tailing and reverse transcription reactions are described. Using these reaction conditions greater sensitivity and specificity of amplification of small RNAs including miRNAs is achieved.
US08399220B2	Antibacterial compositions The present invention relates to oral antibacterial compositions comprising trihydroxybenzoate derivatives, e.g., useful for the treatment of gum diseases (e.g., gingivitis or periodontitis) and to methods of using such compositions.
US08399218B2	Engineered zinc finger proteins targeting 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase genes The present disclosure relates to engineered zinc finger proteins that target 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) genes in plants and methods of using such zinc finger proteins in modulating gene expression, gene inactivation, and targeted gene modification. In particular, the disclosure pertains to zinc finger nucleases for targeted cleavage and alteration of EPSPS genes.
US08399215B2	Pentose sugar fermenting cell The invention relates to a cell which comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a xylose isomerase, wherein the amino acid sequence of the xylose isomerase has at least about 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the nucleotide sequence is heterologous to the host. The cell of the invention may be used in a process for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. Such a process may comprise fermenting a medium containing a source of xylose with a cell of the invention such that the cell ferments xylose to the fermentation product.
US08399208B2	Method and kit for the measurement of neutrophil cell activation The present invention is related to accurate detection methods for the measurement only of myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels or neutrophils, preferably equine neutrophils, in complex biological samples. The present invention is further related to ELISA and SIEFED assays for such detection. SIEFED detection sensitivity of active peroxidase activity was found to be enhanced by the addition of nitrite. Such MPO measurement finds its use in many applications such as the prediction, diagnosis and/or monitoring of pathologies correlated with neutrophil activation and/or destruction; the evaluation of drugs and/or immunomodulators; the assessment of immune responses, either natural and/or after treatment with immunomodulators and/or drugs; and the study of cells and their ability to fight microorganisms and/or to destroy them.
US08399206B2	Methods for diagnosis, prognosis and methods of treatment The present invention provides an approach for the determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, expression markers and other criteria, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of modulators of cellular activation allows for characterization of pathways and cell populations. Several exemplary diseases that can be analyzed using the invention include AML, MDS, and MPN.
US08399201B2	Polypeptide complex of TRPM8 and calmodulin and its uses thereof The present invention discovered that a mammalian TRPM8 binds to calmodulin. The present invention provides a polypeptide complex comprising a cold-menthol receptor (TRPM8) or an active fragment or derivative of TRPM8 and a calmodulin or an active fragment or derivative of calmodulin, and the uses of the polypeptide complex.
US08399198B2	Assays with droplets transformed into capsules System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for assays with an emulsion including capsules. A method of performing an assay is provided. In the method, an aqueous phase may be provided. The aqueous phase may include a sample and an effective concentration of one or more skin-forming proteins. An emulsion may be formed. The emulsion may include droplets of the aqueous phase disposed in a nonaqueous continuous phase. The emulsion may be heated to create an interfacial skin between each droplet and the continuous phase, to transform the droplets into capsules. Assay data related to the sample may be collected from the capsules.
US08399196B2	Nucleic acid sequencing methods, kits and reagents The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequencing methods, kits and reagents, and more particularly to methods of sequencing nucleic acid which employ a nucleic acid processing enzyme and one or more nucleotide analogues that are capable of binding to the active site of the enzyme and to complementary bases in the nucleic acid molecule being sequenced, but which are non-incorporable or inhibitors of the nucleic acid processing enzyme. In further aspects, the present invention relates to conjugates which comprise a deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (DNTPs) or an analogue thereof linked to an intercalating dye.
US08399194B2	Heteropolynucleotide duplexes with purine—purine base pairing The present invention relates to stable anti-parallel heteropolynucleotide duplexes, comprising a plurality of complementary purine-purine nucleobase dyads, wherein the nucleobase is coupled to a pentose sugar backbone. The present invention further relates to methods of hybridizing two heteropolynucleotide molecules to form such purine-purine nucleobase dyads, as well as kits and solid supports comprising such purine-purine nucleobase dyads.
US08399193B2	DNA methylation biomarkers for lung cancer The present invention relates to the identification of novel DNA biomarkers and the use of the aberrant methylation patterns of the biomarkers to diagnose a disease or a condition (e.g., a cancer) associated therewith. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the novel DNA biomarkers to diagnose lung cancers, e.g., squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.
US08399192B2	Using populations of beads for the fabrication of arrays on surfaces The present invention provides a method of creating an array of features. The method can include steps of (a) providing a plurality of beads, wherein each bead in the plurality of beads includes probe content; (b) contacting the plurality of beads with a surface to produce a layer of beads on the surface; and (c) transferring the probe content from the beads to the surface to create an array of spatially discrete features on the surface, wherein each spatially discrete feature includes probe content from a bead in the plurality of beads.
US08399189B2	Primers for melting analysis Methods and kits are provided for nucleic acid analysis. In an illustrative method a target nucleic acid is amplified using a first primer and a second primer, wherein the first primer comprises a probe element specific for a locus of the target nucleic acid and a template-specific primer region, and the probe element is 5′ of the template-specific primer region, subsequently allowing the probe element to hybridize to the locus to form a hairpin, generating a melting curve for the probe element by measuring fluorescence from a dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated, wherein the dye is not covalently bound to the first primer, and analyzing the shape of the melting curve. Kits may include one or more of the first and second primers, the dsDNA binding dye, a polymerase, and dNTPs.
US08399186B2	Simultaneous detection of metabolic enzyme activity and metabolite levels Provided are methods for detecting a metabolic disorder in an individual using mass spectrometry. One method involves (a) contacting a sample containing (i) a metabolically indicative enzyme and (ii) a metabolic analyte, with a substrate for the enzyme to produce a reaction admixture, under conditions wherein the enzyme is capable of acting on a corresponding substrate to generate a product, and wherein a protease inhibitor is present; (b) contacting the reaction admixture with a reagent that inhibits the ability of the enzyme to act on a corresponding substrate, wherein the metabolic analyte and the product are soluble in the reagent; to produce a test sample and (c) determining the presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product contained in the test sample using mass spectrometry, wherein a determined presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product correlates with presence or absence of the metabolic disorder.
US08399184B2	Method for laser interference lithography using diffraction grating A method for laser interference lithography using a diffraction grating includes (a) forming a photoresist layer on a work substrate to which a repeated fine pattern is to be formed; (b) forming a refractive index matching material layer on the photoresist layer; (c) forming on the refractive index matching material layer a diffraction grating layer having a period of diffraction grating within the range from λ/ng to λ/n0 (λ is a wavelength of laser beam, ng is a refractive index of the diffraction grating, and n0 is a refractive index in the air or in vacuum); and (d) exposing the photoresist layer by means of mutual interference of positive and negative diffracted lights with the same absolute value by inputting a laser beam perpendicularly to the diffraction grating layer. This method allows to realize an interference pattern with higher resolution and to use a laser source with lower coherence.
US08399182B2	Method of fabricating liquid crystal display device A method of fabricating a transflective type liquid crystal display device includes: forming gate and data lines with a gate insulating layer therebetween on a substrate and crossing each other to define a pixel region that includes a switching region, a reflective region, and a transmissive region; forming a thin film transistor corresponding to the switching region and connected to the gate and data lines; forming a first passivation layer on the thin film transistor; forming a reflective plate on the first passivation layer in the reflective region; forming a second passivation layer on the reflective plate; forming a pixel electrode on the second passivation layer and connected to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor; forming a third passivation layer on the pixel electrode.
US08399179B2	High aspect ratio microstructures A method for forming a high aspect ratio microstructure (20) comprises: a) forming on a conductive surface (4) of a carrier substrate (3) one or more dielectric structures (6) to create a mandrel (7); b) forming masking material (8) by electrodepositing on exposed areas of the conductive surface of the mandrel one or more metal structures; c) forming a composite structure (18) by taking a photopolymer structure comprising a substrate (12) having thereon an electromagnetic radiation-sensitive photopolymer of either a positive tone or a negative tone (14), the photopolymer having a thickness substantially equal to the desired height of the microstructure to be formed, and adhering the photopolymer to the masking material (8), wherein the masking material is opaque to the electromagnetic radiation; d) removing the carrier (3); e) exposing the photopolymer (14) to electromagnetic radiation so as to irradiate regions of the photopolymer corresponding to the one or more dielectric structures (6) and substantially not to irradiate regions of the photopolymer corresponding to the one or more metal structures (8); and f) developing to selectively remove those portions of the photopolymer exposed to the radiation if the photopolymer has a positive tone; or to selectively remove the unexposed portions of the photopolymer if the photopolymer has a negative tone, thereby forming a high aspect ratio microstructure (20). The invention also provides a composite structure (18) for use in the method.
US08399177B2	Enhanced relief printing plate An improved relief printing plate and method for producing said plate is disclosed. Substantially all sizes of relief features resolve a fixed pattern which improves print quality. The pattern is applied to image areas in halftone data used to produce an image mask that is subsequently used to convert a plate precursor into a relief plate. The accuracy, ink density and tonal response of printed images corresponding to relief features that include the pattern are comparable or better than relief features produced without the pattern.
US08399176B2	Photosensitive resin composition Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition suitable for use in a transflective liquid crystal display (LCD). The photosensitive resin composition uses, as an alkali-soluble binder resin, a blend of two kinds of binder resins. The first binder resin has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 1,000 but lower than 20,000 and contains no reactive group. The second binder resin has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 20,000 but lower than 80,000 and contains reactive groups. The photosensitive resin composition has good adhesion to an underlying substrate while forming a high resolution fine pattern.
US08399173B2	Resist composition and resist pattern forming method The present invention provides a resist composition prepared by dissolving components in an organic solvent containing ethyl lactate, which suppresses deterioration of sensitivity with time and also has required lithographic characteristics, and a method for forming a resist pattern. The resist composition is prepared by dissolving a resin component (A) which exhibits changeable alkali solubility under an action of an acid, an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, an amine (D) and acetic acid in an organic solvent (S) containing ethyl lactate.
US08399170B2	Process for production of liquid developer, and liquid developer produced by the process Production process for a liquid developer for use in electrophotograph or electrostatic recording by coacervation method. The process can produce a liquid developer in which a coloring agent (e.g., a pigment) is included completely within a resin particle by distillation of a solvent while retaining the state where the coloring agent is finely dispersed and the resulting colored resin particle is small in particle size with excellent dispersion stability, and excellent optical properties.
US08399166B2	Toner for developing electrostatic image, full color toner kit, and image formation method Disclosed are a toner for developing an electrostatic image, a full color toner kit and an image formation method layer, the toner comprising at least a resin and a colorant, wherein the colorant includes quinacridone pigment having a number average primary particle size of from 30 to 150 nm and having a ratio of a long axis length to a short axis length of from 1.0 to 2.0.
US08399163B2	Method of detecting alignment mark and method of manufacturing printed circuit board When an alignment mark does not exist within an area of an image obtained by a camera, the coordinate of the alignment mark is calculated based on an identification mark existing in the area of the image and a previously stored positional relationship between the alignment mark and the identification mark. A distance by which a long-sized base material is to be moved for causing the alignment mark to be positioned within the imaging area of the camera is calculated based on the calculated coordinate of the alignment mark, and the long-sized base material is moved by the calculated distance.
US08399159B2	Mask blank substrate Provided is a mask blank substrate that can reduce the change in flatness of a main surface thereof before and after chucking to make very small the position offset caused by a photomask and that can significantly reduce the difference in tendency of substrate deformation before and after chucking between photomasks. In a mask blank substrate having two main surfaces and four end faces, a central point is set on the main surface, a first axis of symmetry that passes through the central point and that is parallel to one of the end faces and a second axis of symmetry that passes through the central point and that is perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry are respectively set, measurement points are set in the form of a grid with respect to the first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry so as to measure heights of the main surface from a reference plane at the measurement points, respectively, differences each between measured height values at those measurement points located at positions that are axisymmetric with respect to the first axis of symmetry are calculated, and those differences corresponding to at least 95% of the total number of the calculated differences between the measured height values are within a predetermined value.
US08399158B2	High resolution phase shift mask Techniques are disclosed for fabricating lithography masks, which include a first level process comprising lithography and etching to form mask frame and in-die areas, and a second level process comprising lithography and etching to form one or more mask features in the in-die area. At least one of the mask features has a smallest dimension in the nanometer range (e.g., 32 nm technology node, or smaller). The techniques may be embodied, for example, in a lithography mask for fabricating semiconductor circuits. In one such example case, the mask includes a frame area and an in-die area formed after the frame area. The in-die area includes one or more mask features, at least one of which has a smallest dimension of less than 100 nm. The mask has a critical dimension bias of less than 20 nm and a structure that comprises a substrate and an absorber layer.
US08399156B2	Volume phase hologram recording material and optical information recording medium using the same Disclosed are a volume phase hologram recording material having high sensitivity, high contrast, and excellent multiple recording and record holding properties and a volume phase hologram recording medium using the same. The volume phase hologram recording material comprises mainly a polymer matrix (a), a radically photopolymerizable compound (b), and a radical photopolymerization initiator (c) and the polymer matrix is a three-dimensionally crosslinked or linear polymer matrix formed from a polymer matrix-forming material containing 0.5-50 wt % of an episulfide compound (f), an epoxy compound (g), and a curing agent (h).
US08399153B2	Production of membrane electrode assemblies and stacks thereof In a method for the production of a membrane electrode assembly comprising a membrane, electrodes and a catalyst, the catalyst is pressed into the membrane material, e.g. when forming the material in situ.
US08399152B2	Method of producing fuel cell catalyst layer Provided is a method of producing a fuel cell catalyst layer which has a large specific surface area and high activity and which includes the steps of: forming a dendritic structural member including a catalyst precursor by a vapor phase method; providing a coating layer on a surface of the dendritic structural member; and subjecting the dendritic structural member having the coating layer provided thereon to a reduction treatment. The dendritic structural member including a catalyst precursor is a dendritic structural member including platinum oxide or a dendritic structural member containing a composite oxide of platinum oxide and an element except platinum.
US08399151B2	Fuel cell with buffer-defined flow fields An oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of a cathode side metal separator of a fuel cell. The oxygen-containing gas flow field is connected between an oxygen-containing gas supply passage and an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage. A coolant flow field is formed on the other surface of the cathode side metal separator, on the back of the oxygen-containing gas flow field. The cathode side metal separator has linear guide ridges protruding from an intermediate height area toward the oxygen-containing gas flow field to form a continuous guide flow field, and bosses protruding from the intermediate height area toward the coolant flow field to form an embossed flow field.
US08399150B2	Integrated fuel cell assembly and method of making An integrated fuel cell assembly is described. The integrated fuel cell assembly includes a polymer membrane; an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on opposite sides of the polymer membrane; a pair of gas diffusion media on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, the gas diffusion media comprising a microporous layer and a gas diffusion layer, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode positioned between the polymer membrane and the pair of gas diffusion media; a subgasket positioned around a perimeter of one of the gas diffusion media, the subgasket defining an active area inside the perimeter, the subgasket having a layer of thermally activated adhesive thereon; and a bipolar plate sealed to the subgasket by the layer of thermally activated adhesive. Methods of making the integrated fuel cell assembly and assembling fuel cell stacks are also described.
US08399147B2	Electrolyte-electrode assembly comprising an apatite-type oxide electrolyte and method for manufacturing the same An electrolyte-electrode assembly (MEA) includes: an electrolyte; an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode formed so as to sandwich the electrolyte via intermediate layers. The anode side electrode has a thickness set to 1 μm, for example. A method for manufacturing the electrolyte-electrode assembly, i.e., the MEA includes a step for forming the anode side electrode by sputtering.
US08399145B2	Membrane electrode assembly A membrane electrode assembly having a peripheral edge region and a central region. The membrane electrode assembly comprises an ion-conducting membrane, first and second electrocatalyst layers disposed either side of the ion-conducting membrane, and first and second gas diffusion layers disposed either side of the first and second electrocatalyst layers respectively. The membrane electrode assembly further comprises an edge protection member, the edge protection member comprising a film layer, a bonding layer, and one or more additives selected from the group consisting of free radical decomposition catalyst, self regenerating antioxidant, hydrogen donors (H-donor) primary antioxidant, free radical scavenger secondary antioxidant, oxygen absorbers (oxygen scavenger) and elemental palladium. The edge protection member is positioned between the membrane and the first and/or second gas diffusion layer at the peripheral edge region of the membrane electrode assembly, and the edge protection member overlaps the first and/or second electrocatalyst layers.
US08399142B2	Relative humidity profile control strategy for high current density stack operation A control strategy results in a relative humidity profile that is substantially the same or constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack. The strategy maintains the relative humidity profile within a range that enables high current density operation of the fuel cell stack. The profile is achieved by adjusting a coolant flow rate through the fuel cell stack to maintain a temperature change across the coolant flow path from inlet to outlet substantially constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack.
US08399141B2	Fuel cell system and fuel cell power managing method A fuel cell system and a fuel cell power managing method in which the fuel cell system controls a current output of a fuel cell by adjusting a target voltage value of the fuel cell according to a difference between a current value of the fuel cell and a target constant current value. By doing so, the fuel cell system may allow the fuel cell to stably and constantly output a constant current.
US08399138B2	Liquid rechargeable lithium ion battery One embodiment includes a method for recharging a lithium ion battery, including providing a lithium ion battery comprising used liquid electrode material; removing said used liquid electrode material from said lithium ion battery; and, introducing a relatively unused liquid electrode material into the lithium ion battery to replace the used liquid electrode material.
US08399137B2	Electrolyte for electrochemical device and the electrochemical device thereof The present invention provides an electrolyte containing novel additive for electrochemical device and the electrochemical device thereof. The additive is a compound represented by below formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, or halogen; n and m are independently 1, 2, or 3. The additive of the present invention can protect the surface of the carbonaceous material on the anode and suppress the occurrence of exfoliation, thereby increasing the lifetime of the electrochemical device. Furthermore, the additive of the present invention also slows down the decay of capacity on the cathode during charging-discharging cycles, and hence maintains a better performance.
US08399136B2	Electrolyte solution for lithium ion secondary battery, lithium ion secondary battery, fluoroalkane derivative and gelling agent The electrolyte solution for a lithium ion secondary battery according to the present invention contains a nonaqueous solvent, a lithium salt and a compound represented by the general formula (Z) shown below. Thereby, a lithium ion secondary battery having high battery characteristics and simultaneously achieving a high safety as well can be provided. R—SO2—Ar1—O—R1 (Z) wherein Ar1 denotes a substituted or nonsubstituted divalent aromatic group having 5 to 30 atoms of the nucleus(es); R1 denotes a saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R denotes a saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group having a perfluoroalkyl group and having 2 to 22 carbon atoms.
US08399132B2	Niobium oxide-containing electrode and lithium battery including the same A niobium oxide-containing electrode includes a collector; and an active material layer formed on the collector, the active material layer including an active material, a conducting agent and a binder; and niobium oxide on the active material layer on the collector.
US08399129B2	Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery, and lithium secondary battery including the same A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery of the present invention includes a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer carried on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes a plurality of columnar particles. The current collector has a surface including a depression and a plurality of projected regions defined by the depression. The projected regions carry the columnar particles. Further, the present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery using the foregoing negative electrode. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-capacity negative electrode excellent mainly in cycle characteristics for a lithium secondary battery, and a lithium secondary battery including the same.
US08399126B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A non-aqueous electrolyte is provided that includes a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte salt, wherein the non-aqueous solvent contains a fluorinated ether (1) represented by the following Formula: HCF2CF2CF2CH2—O—CF2CF2H (1). This non-aqueous electrolyte has good wettability to a polyolefin separator, can provide a battery with excellent load characteristics for a long period, does not easily decompose in the battery under high-temperature storage, and causes little gas generation due to decomposition. Furthermore, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and the above-described non-aqueous electrolyte.
US08399125B2	Cap assembly and secondary battery using the same A cap assembly and a secondary battery using the cap assembly, the cap assembly including: a cap-up having a groove; a PTC thermistor disposed in the groove; and inner components disposed below the cap-up. The inner components can include a vent disposed under the cap-up; a cap-down disposed under the vent; a sub-plate disposed under the cap-down; and an insulating vent disposed between the vent and the cap-down The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a can containing the electrode assembly, having an opening at one side; and the cap assembly to seal the opening of the can.
US08399119B2	Battery module and method for cooling the battery module A battery module and a method for cooling the battery module are provided. The battery module includes a battery cell and a cooling fin disposed adjacent to the battery cell. The cooling fin has a solid plate and first and second tab portions extending from first and second edges, respectively, of the solid plate. The first and second tab portions are bent perpendicular to a front surface of the battery cell. The cooling fin extracts heat energy from the battery cell thereto. The battery module further includes a first cooling manifold that contacts the first tab portion of the cooling fin. The first cooling manifold has at least one flow channel extending therethrough that receives a fluid therethrough. The first cooling manifold conducts heat energy from the cooling fin into the fluid flowing through the first cooling manifold to cool the battery cell.
US08399118B2	Battery module and method for cooling the battery module A battery module and a method for cooling the battery module are provided. The battery module includes a first battery cell and a cooling fin disposed adjacent to the first battery cell. The cooling fin has first and second headers, an extruded housing, and a flow diverter. The first and second headers are coupled to first and second ends, respectively, of the extruded housing. The extruded housing has a first plurality of flow channels and a second plurality of flow channels extending therethrough that fluidly communicate with the first and second headers. The flow diverter is disposed in the first header to induce a fluid to flow from the first header through the first plurality of flow channels in the extruded housing to the second header to extract heat energy from the first battery cell.
US08399116B2	Optimized dimensional relationships for an electrochemical cell having a coiled core An electrochemical storage cell having a coiled core is disclosed. The coiled core includes a cathode sheet, an anode sheet, and a separator sheet. An anode connector is connected with the anode sheet at a first end of the coiled core and a cathode connector is connected with the cathode sheet at a second, opposite end of the coiled core. The coiled core has a length Lcore and a width Wcore and each connector has a width Wconnector. The length of the coiled core Lcore, width of the coiled core Wcore, and width of each connector Wconnector have the relationship 0<(Wcore−Wconnector)/Lcore<0.37.
US08399115B2	System and apparatus for monitoring large battery stacks using wireless sensor networks Monitoring individual cells within large battery stacks used in alternative fuel vehicles is provided using wireless sensor networks. In one embodiment, a battery stack comprised of a plurality of cells includes a plurality of wireless sensor nodes each electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of cells. Each of the wireless sensor nodes includes a sensor circuit for measuring individual performance characteristics for cells to which the wireless sensor nodes are connected. This cell-specific performance data may then be wirelessly transmitted to an external node, which is coupled to a vehicle battery management system configured to determine at least one of a state of charge, state of health and remaining useful life data for the overall battery stack based on the performance characteristics of the battery stack's individual cells.
US08399114B2	Battery module A battery module includes a first unit cell, a second unit cell, a first exhaust chamber, and a second exhaust chamber. The first unit cell is disposed so that a positive electrode terminal faces the first direction. The second unit cell is connected in series to the first unit cell, the negative electrode terminal is disposed so as to face the first direction, and the second unit is disposed so as to be adjacent to the first unit cell. The first exhaust chamber is disposed so as to face the positive electrode terminal of the first unit cell, and discharges a gas which is emitted from the positive electrode terminal of the first unit cell. The second exhaust chamber is disposed so as to face the positive electrode terminal of the second unit cell, and discharges a gas generated from the positive electrode terminal of the second unit cell. The end surface of the second unit cell in the first direction and the outer surface of the first exhaust chamber in the first direction are flush with each other. The end surface of the first unit cell in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the outer surface of the second exhaust chamber in the second direction are flush with each other.
US08399113B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery An object of the present invention is to provide a high-energy density nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery that controls the rise in temperature during short circuiting.Used is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery 1, including a battery case 2, and a positive electrode plate 5 having a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode mixture layer containing a cathode material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a negative electrode plate 6 having a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode mixture layer containing an anode material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a separator 7 held between the positive and negative electrode plates, and a nonaqueous electrolyte that are enclosed in the battery case, wherein at least one of the positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 has an electrode plate resistance, as determined in the charged state in the thickness direction when pressurized at 50 kg/cm2, of 0.4 Ω·cm2 or more.
US08399112B2	Battery module and battery pack using the same A battery module 100 includes a plurality of batteries aligned and accommodated in a housing 20, wherein each batteries has an opening portion 17 at an electrode portion 16 of the battery to release gas generated in the battery outside the battery, the housing 20 is partitioned by a circuit board 30 disposed in contact with battery cases 5 around the electrode portions 16 of the batteries into a storage portion 54 in which the batteries are stored, and an exhaust chamber 24 via which the gas released from the opening portion 17 of the electrode portion 16 is exhausted outside the housing 20, the electrode portions 16 of the batteries are connected to a connector 32 on the circuit board 30, and the opening portions 17 of the electrode portions 16 are in communication with the exhaust chamber 24 via through holes 36 in the circuit board 30.
US08399111B2	Battery pack A battery pack includes a bare cell having a pair of first side portions, a pair of second side portions, and a pair of plane portions, each of which are opposite to each other. The second side portions and the plane portions are connected to ends of the first side portions. A protection circuit module is electrically connected to the bare cell. An inner frame exposes one side portion of the pair of first side portions and accommodates the bare cell. An outer frame exposes the pair of plane portions and accommodates the bare cell, the protection circuit module and the inner frame. In the battery pack, outer ribs extending away from the bare cell are further formed at the inner frame that comes in contact with the pair of second side portions of the bare cell so that the outer frame is surrounded by the outer ribs.
US08399107B2	Composition for making metal matrix composites In one embodiment, a composition (10) to be mixed with a molten metal to make a metal matrix composite, the composition characterized by: a ceramic reinforcing filler (12), the ceramic reinforcing filler not being wettable by molten aluminum and/or not being chemically stable in molten aluminum, the ceramic reinforcing filler being coated with a ceramic material, the ceramic material being wettable by and chemically stable in molten aluminum. In a related embodiment, a composition (20) to make a porous preform to be infiltrated by molten metal to make a metal matrix composite, the composition characterized by: a ceramic reinforcing filler (23), the ceramic reinforcing filler not being wettable by molten aluminum, the ceramic reinforcing filler being coated with a ceramic material (22) and optionally with a metal (21) such as nickel, the ceramic material being wettable by molten aluminum. The ceramic material can be coated on the ceramic reinforcing filler by a vacuum deposition technique such as vacuum sputtering.
US08399105B2	Polymer latex suitable for the preparation of dip-molded articles The present invention relates to a polymer latex made by free-radical emulsion polymerization comprising polymer particles containing structural units derived from at least one conjugated diene component, whereby said polymer particles comprise at least one hard phase segment and at least one soft phase segment, wherein the polymer latex is particularly suitable for the production of dip-molded articles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for making such a polymer latex, to the use of said polymer latex for the production of dip-molded articles, to a compounded polymer latex composition that is suitable for the production of dip-molded articles, to a method for making dip-molded latex articles, as well as to the latex articles obtained thereby.
US08399104B2	Composite molded article and process for producing the same The present invention provides a composite molded article and a method for producing the same. The composite molded article comprises a molded article of an olefin thermoplastic elastomer (A) and a molded article of an olefin thermoplastic elastomer (B) fused to each other, wherein the olefin thermoplastic elastomer molded article (A) contains an olefin thermoplastic elastomer composition (A′) having less than 5% by weight of a cyclohexane-soluble(s) and less than 35% of a compression set (JIS K6262, 70° C., 22 hours), and the olefin thermoplastic elastomer molded article (B) contains an olefin thermoplastic elastomer composition (B′) obtained by blending 100 parts by weight of an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber (b-1) containing 6 to 15 wt % of a non-conjugated diene unit, with 40 to 150 parts by weight of a mineral oil softener (b-2), 5 to 150 parts by weight of an olefin resin (b-3), and 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent (b-4) and subsequent dynamic heat treatment thereof.
US08399100B2	Reflection film, reflection film laminate, LED, organic EL display, and organic EL illuminating instrument The present invention provides a reflection film, a reflection film laminate which are less likely to undergo agglomeration or sulfidation of an Ag thin film due to heat, and a LED, an organic EL display, and an organic EL illuminating instrument, each including any of these. The reflection film in accordance with the present invention is a reflection film formed on a substrate, characterized by being an Ag alloy film including Ag as a main component, and Bi in an amount of 0.02 atomic percent or more, and further including one or more of V, Ge, and Zn in a total content of 0.02 atomic percent or more, and satisfying the following expression (1): 7×[A]+13×[Bi]≦8 (1) where [A] (atomic percent) denotes the content of one or more of the V, Ge, and Zn, and [Bi] (atomic percent) denotes the content of Bi. Whereas, a reflection film laminate in accordance with the present invention is a reflection film laminate formed on a substrate, characterized by including: a first film comprising an Ag alloy film including Ag as a main component, and Bi in an amount of 0.02 atomic percent or more, and further including one or more of V, Ge, and Zn in a total content of 0.02 atomic percent or more, and satisfying the expression (1); and a second film including a Si oxide formed on the first film.
US08399098B2	Laminates comprising ionomer interlayers with low haze and high moisture resistance A laminate comprises an ionomeric interlayer sheet which, in turn, comprises or is prepared from a sodium/zinc mixed ionomer that comprises carboxylate groups and a combination of counterions that consists essentially of sodium cations and zinc cations. The sodium/zinc mixed ionomer is the neutralization product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an α-olefin and an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and it has a melt flow rate of about 70 to about 1000 g/10 min. In addition, the precursor acid copolymer, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90%, and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium ions, produces a sodium ionomer that has a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry.
US08399096B2	High-clarity ionomer compositions and articles comprising the same An ionomer composition comprises an ionomer that is the neutralized product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an α-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and about 20 to about 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the precursor acid copolymer, of copolymerized units of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min; and, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium cations, the precursor acid copolymer produces a sodium ionomer that has a melt flow rate of about 0.7 to about 25 g/10 min and a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g. Further provided are articles comprising the ionomer composition.
US08399093B2	Process for preparing redispersible surface-modified silicon dioxide particles Provided is a process for preparing surface-modified silicon dioxide particles with a mean particle diameter of at most 100 nm, involving (A) high-pressure grinding of a predispersion having (i) surface-modified silicon dioxide particles which are at least partly aggregated, are bonded to the surface-modifying component via Si—O—Si bonds, and still have reactive groups on their surface; (ii) an organosilicon compound which has a silicon-carbon bond and a functional group which can react with the reactive groups to form a covalent Si—O—Si bond; and (iii) a solvent, to form a dispersion; and (B) removing the liquid phase of the dispersion. Also provided are redispersible, surface-modified silicon dioxide particles obtained by this process, and their use in toner powders, silicone rubber, adhesives, and scratch-resistance surface coatings.
US08399092B2	Zinc oxide particle having high bulk density, method for producing it, exoergic filler, exoergic resin composition, exoergic grease and exoergic coating composition A zinc oxide particle having large particle diameter and being high-density is provided. An exoergic resin composition, an exoergic grease and an exoergic coating composition containing the zinc oxide particle exhibit an excellent exoergic property. The zinc oxide particle being high-density, has a density of 4.0 g/cm3 or more, median size (D50) of 17 to 10000 μm and tap bulk density of 3.10 g/cm3 or more.
US08399087B2	Stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products comprises a plurality of absorbent sheets each of which is itself folded at least twice about axes that are perpendicular to one another. The absorbent sheets have an embossed surface relief of a predetermined pattern or design. Each of the absorbent sheets within the stack comprises at least one pair of panels sandwiched between a pair of adjacent panels of another of the absorbent sheets in the stack.
US08399084B2	Resistive implant welding for assemblies of plastic components A novel method and set of structures for performing resistive implant welding of two plastic components to form an assembly. A first one of the components to be welded includes a channel structure which receives the resistive implant and maintains it in a desired position until the welding operation is performed. The second component to be welded includes a complementary structure including a land which is sized to engage the channel structure and captive resistive implant on the first component. The two components are pre-weld positioned with the land in the channel structure and the positioned components are then placed in a press which exerts a pre-selected pressure on the interface between the channel and the land. Next, a pre-selected electric current is passed through the resistive implant to heat it and to bring the plastic material of the channel structure and the land to their molten points, where they intermingle through the resistive implant. The electrical current is removed and the weld is allowed to cool to its finished state and the welded assembly is removed from the press.
US08399083B2	Label structure incorporating a leaflet for use on small containers A label structure is disclosed for mounting on a container and includes a base panel for affixing to a surface of the container. An adhesive is applied to at least a portion of a rear face of the base panel for adhering the base panel to the container. The label structure further includes a leaflet associated with the base panel for application to the container with the base panel, and the leaflet comprising at least one panel with opposite faces. The label structure also includes a laminating strip securing the leaflet to the base panel, and the laminating strip overlies the leaflet and overlying the base panel. In some embodiments, the leaflet is positioned adjacent to the base panel, with a first portion of the leaflet overlying the base panel and a second portion of the leaflet not overlying the base panel.
US08399079B2	Composition suitable for thermoformable sheets and articles made therefrom Thermoformable sheet having a thickness of at least 300 micrometers comprising a blend of: (A) from 5 to 20% by weight of a propylene-ethylene copolymer having substantially isotactic propylene sequences, the propylene-ethylene copolymer having a melt flow rate from 4 to 30 g/10 min and comprising at least 70% by weight units derived from propylene and from about 10 to 20% by weight units derived from ethylene; and (B) from 80 to 95% by weight of a polypropylene having a melt flow rate of from 2 to 8 grams/10 minutes, wherein the melt flow rate of the blend is from 2 to 7 grams/10 minutes and wherein the blend exhibits: (1) room temperature Charpy toughness of at least 15 KJ/m2, (2) flexural modulus of at least 1000 MPa, (3) 00 Charpy toughness of at least 2 KJ/m2, and (4) a value for haze of less than 40%.
US08399076B2	Inkjet recording medium and inkjet recording method An ink jet recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing a binder which containing an acrylonitrile butadiene type copolymer, the butadiene concentration of the copolymer is 50 weight % or more, and an inorganic pigment on one or two sides of a base paper mainly composed of wood pulp, wherein the concentration ratio of the acrylonitrile butadiene type copolymer to 100 parts by weight of the inorganic pigment is from one part by weight to eight parts by weight, while 60 weight % or more of the inorganic pigment is kaolin with particles of 0.4 μm or more and below 4.2 μm which account for 64% or more as the cumulative value of the volumetric basis when measured using a laser diffraction method, and the surface roughness of the ink receiving layer is from 0.6 μm to 1.4 μm when a hard backing is used at a clamp pressure of 1,000 kPa according to JIS P8151.
US08399074B2	Compositions for liquid crystal displays In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the content ratio of polar and neutral compounds in a liquid crystal layer is controlled, or a coupling agent that is well adapted to those compounds is used as a material for a sealant, thereby stably maintaining the display quality of the liquid crystal display even at low temperatures.
US08399073B2	Liquid-crystal medium The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium having negative dielectric anisotropy which comprises at least one compound of the formula I in which R1, R1* and a have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the VA, PS-VA, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.
US08399071B2	Process for producing polycrystalline silicon The process for producing polycrystalline silicon by feeding a reaction gas containing a silane gas and a hydrogen gas into a reaction vessel equipped with silicon core members erected on the electrodes, heating the silicon core members by flowing an electric current thereto to a temperature at which silicon deposits, forming polycrystalline silicon rods by allowing the formed silicon to deposit on the silicon core members, and discharging the discharge gas after the reaction from the reaction vessel, wherein the discharge gas discharged from the reaction vessel is quenched so that the temperature thereof drops from 800° C. down to 500° C. in not longer than 0.1 second.
US08399064B2	Process for improving the adhesion of carbon fibres with regard to an organic matrix The invention relates to a process for improving the adhesion of carbon fibers by coating a surface of the carbon fibers with a polymer film containing functional groups capable of acting as chain transfer agents during a chain transfer polymerization of a resin curable by chain transfer polymerization to obtain coated carbon fibers. The coated carbon fibers are then contacted with the curable resin, and the chain transfer polymerization of the curable resin is induced to produce an organic matrix and forming a composite material. The functional groups of the polymer film act as chain transfer agents during the chain transfer polymerization of the curable resin and thereby improve adhesion of the carbon fibers to the organic matrix. Applications of this invention include aeronautical, aerospatial, shipbuilding, railway and motor vehicle industries, armaments industry, sports and leisure articles, and the like.
US08399059B2	Encapsulated ceramic element and method of making the same A PZT (lead zirconate titanate) element including one or more outside surfaces including a layer of encapsulation and metallization material and the method of making the same including at least the steps of providing a wafer of ceramic material including a base and one or more walls defining one or more recesses in the wafer which are filled with an encapsulation material. The encapsulation material is then cured and a layer of metallization is applied to one or more of the outside surfaces of the wafer and encapsulation material. Cuts are then made through the layer of metallization and cured encapsulation material to divide the wafer into a plurality of individual and separate ceramic elements with one or more surfaces including a layer of metallization and encapsulation.
US08399058B2	Masking article and method of masking of substrate The present disclosure relates to a profiled masking article and method of masking a substrate to be treated or painted that provides a feathered or soft edge between painted and unpainted areas. The masking article described herein may be used as a single strip, or as multiple strips, placed side by side, wherein a strip is removed between treatments of different types. This allows successive treatment layers to completely cover previous layers, thus avoiding defects resulting from exposed layers of material. In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a masking article comprising: at least one elongate body (12), said body (12) having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least a portion of said body comprises an adhesive material; and a generally planar top portion (14), connected to the body along at least one surface, said top portion (14) having a microstructured surface.
US08399055B2	Open channel solid phase extraction systems and methods The invention provides, inter alia, capillary extraction devices, and methods of making and using the same.
US08399053B2	Method for dispensing random pattern of adhesive filaments A nozzle for dispensing a random pattern of liquid adhesive filaments. The nozzle may include first and second air shim plates, an adhesive shim plate and first and second separating shim plates. The first and second air shim plates each have respective pairs of air slots. Each air slot has a process air inlet and a process air outlet and the air slots of each pair converge toward one another such that the process air inlets are farther apart than the process air outlets in each pair. The adhesive shim plate includes a plurality of liquid slots each with a liquid outlet. Four process air outlets are associated with each of the liquid outlets. The process air slots are adapted to receive pressurized process air and the liquid slots are adapted to receive pressurized liquid adhesive. The pressurized process air discharges from each group of the four process air outlets and forms a zone of turbulence for moving the filament of liquid adhesive discharging from the associated liquid outlet in a random pattern.
US08399051B1	Method for making a patterned perpendicular magnetic recording disk having a FePt or CoPt chemically ordered recording layer A method for making a bit-patterned-media (BPM) magnetic recording disk includes depositing a FePt (or CoPt) alloy recording layer, and then depositing a sealing layer on the FePt layer before high-temperature annealing. The high-temperature annealing causes the FePt to become substantially chemically-ordered in the L10 phase. After annealing, the sealing layer is removed. The sealing layer prevents nanoclustering and agglomeration of the FePt material at the surface of the FePt layer and the sealing layer, which would result in undesirable high surface roughness of the FePt, making patterning of the FePt layer difficult. The FePt layer can be patterned into the discrete islands for the BPM disk either before deposition of the sealing layer or after deposition and removal of the sealing layer. After patterning and removal of the sealing layer, the disk protective overcoat is deposited over the discrete data islands.
US08399042B2	Water-dispersable sterol containing dispersions The invention relates to aqueous dispersions containing (a) 5 to 50% by weight of sterols and/or stanols; and (b) 0.5 to 20% by weight of citric acid esters of mono- and/or diglycerides, based on the total weight of the dispersion, wherein the citric acid esters of mono- and/or diglycerides are partially neutralised; and to a process for the production of an aqueous sterol/stanol-containing dispersion, which process comprises (a) dissolving citric acid esters of mono- and/or diglycerides that are partly neutralised, in water; (b) dispersing sterols and/or stanols in the emulsifier solution to form a pre-dispersion; and (c) grinding the pre-dispersion in a ball-mill until the dispersion has a particle mass diameter, d90, of less than 5 μm. Optionally, this dispersion is spray-dried.
US08399036B2	Layered taco maker and method A method for filling an edible shell, in particular, a taco shell is achieved by gathering a first filling ingredient for a taco and layering the first filling ingredient along a first plane, gathering a second filling ingredient for a taco and layering the second filling ingredient along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, and inserting the layered first and second filling ingredients within a taco shell. A template for the preparation of a layered taco is also provided. The template includes a guide member having a concave recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the open end of a taco shell, the concave recess being defined by a facing wall in the generally shape of the open end of the taco shell. The template also includes a support shelf transversely positioned within the concave recess. At least one filling ingredient is placed upon the support shelf, the taco shell is slid within the concave section with the filling ingredient between the first and second shell walls and the support shelf is withdrawn such that the filling ingredient is released to lie within the taco shell.
US08399035B2	Pod for dispersible materials A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.
US08399033B2	Anti-bacterial composition comprising extract from barks of Alnus pendula Matsum The present invention relates to a composition for treating a bacterial infection comprising an extract from a bark of Alnus pendula, or diarylheptanoid compound as an active ingredient. The extract from a bark of Alnus pendula, diarylheptanoid compound of the present composition has a remarkably excellent anti-bacterial activity against bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the extract and compound of the present invention may be utilized as an active ingredient of drug, cosmetics, functional food and animal feed for treating bacterial infection, in particular an infection of S. aureus.
US08399031B1	Compositions and methods for restoring pulmonary function This invention relates to compositions and methods that restore pulmonary function, preferably inhibiting or arresting the constriction of the bronchial tubes when administered to mammals, including humans. The pulmonary restorative composition for improving respiratory health comprises an effective amount of Gnaphalium obtusifolium L., more commonly known as rabbit tobacco, sweet everlasting and other historical names; Liquidambar, more commonly known as sweet gum; and Verbascum, more commonly known as mullein. Optionally, the composition may include at least of one additional herbal nutrient selected from the group Prunus avium, more commonly known as wild cherry; Althaea officinalis, more commonly known as marshmallow or mallow; Prunus amygdalus, more commonly known as peach; and Eucalyptus; and may include glucose. Also disclosed are methods for restoring or maintaining pulmonary function by the administration of the composition of the invention.
US08399030B1	Skin treatment compositions and methods of use A new use of castor oil in treating atopic eczema and cradle cap is disclosed. Compositions of greater than 50% castor oil and less than 50% mineral oil are preferable for skin application. Compositions of approximately 80% castor oil and 20% mineral oil are optimal for skin application. The compositions are best applied using a small pump-spray bottle (optimally about 2 oz.) having a relatively small output aperture (optimally about 3 mm). The spray application and composition reduced the messiness of the application process.The composition is applied differently to different conditions; specifically the composition is applied to atopic eczema and dry or non-oily cradle cap and left in place to be absorbed into the patient's skin; to oily cradle cap, the composition is optimally applied for a period of about 5 minutes, after which the scalp is massaged and the patient's scabs or flakes are removed along with the composition.
US08399026B2	Peptides isolated from spider venom, and uses thereof The presently described subject matter relates to isolated spider venom peptides, which are used as potent and selective ion channel blockers, and to a composition and methods for treatment of pain.
US08399025B2	Polyamine modified particles A particle composition comprising a graft copolymer formed from a biocompatible polymer and a plurality of polyamine moieties, wherein the polyamine moieties are bound to the biocompatible polymer, and a combinatorial delivery polymer comprising a plurality of particles that comprises a graft copolymer of formed from a biocompatible polymer and a plurality of polyamine moieties, wherein the polyamine moieties are bound to the biocompatible polymer, a plurality of nucleic acids electrostatically loaded onto the particles, a plurality of chemokine molecules, and a biodegradable polymer network, in which the loaded particles and chemokine molecules may be entrapped, are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for treating a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a particle composition that comprises a graft copolymer formed from a biocompatible polymer and a plurality of polyamine moieties, wherein the polyamine moieties are bound to the biocompatible polymer.
US08399024B2	Water-insoluble medicine A method of producing water-insoluble anti-cancer drug in the form of particulates, the method including preparing a water-insoluble anti-cancer drug having at least one multiple bond in the structure, and irradiating said water-insoluble anti-cancer drug with a laser beam having a wavelength of a low absorption portion in the vicinity of the foot of an absorption curve on the long wavelength side within the absorption band until said water-insoluble anti-cancer drug is formed into particulates having an average particle diameter of 50 to 200 nm.
US08399022B2	Spherical ferrite nanoparticles and method for producing the same A method for producing spherical ferrite nanoparticles includes the steps of: preparing a first aqueous solution containing a disaccharide, an alkaline, an oxidation agent, seed particles and divalent iron ions; and conducting particle growth in the first aqueous solution to produce the spherical ferrite nanoparticles.
US08399020B2	Shaped plant growth nutrient products and processes for the production thereof Shaped plant growth nutrient products such as fertilizer products are provided as well as processes for producing and using such shaped plant growth products. The products comprise active plant growth ingredients mixed with a biodegradable, water dispersible, water soluble, thermoplastic polymeric binding agent. Preferably, the shaped products are in tablet form and the active plant growth ingredient comprises a fertilizer.
US08399018B2	Controlled release ion channel modulator compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders with ion channel modulators. In these methods, the ion channel modulator compositions and formulations are administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disorder, through direct application of the ion channel modulator compositions and formulations onto the auris interna target areas, or via perfusion into the auris interna structures.
US08399017B2	Use of a matrix for orally administering sustained release magnesium, and composition containing said matrix A tablet for oral administration comprises a matrix of progressive and continuous released magnesium. For the administration of 90 to 110 parts by weight of magnesium, the matrix comprises 180 to 190 parts by weight of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, 19.8 to 22.2 parts by weight of glyceryl behenate, 10 to 12 parts by weight of lactose and 10 to 12 parts by weight of colloidal silica. A non-enteric protective coating that slows down the gastric dissolution of the magnesium may comprise 15 to 75 parts by weight of shellac, cellulose ether or a mixture thereof. The tablet may be administered to patients in need thereof.
US08399016B2	Sustained-release tablet composition of pramipexole A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition in a form of an orally deliverable tablet comprises a water-soluble salt of pramipexole, dispersed in a matrix comprising a hydrophilic polymer and a starch having a tensile strength of at least about 0.15 kN cm−2 at a solid fraction representative of the tablet.
US08399014B2	Physiologically active complex comprising protamine and/or salt therefor and an acidic macromolecular substance, and use thereof To provide a method of reducing an intrinsic harsh/astringent taste of protamine and a protamine salt and effectively using a fat absorption suppressive effect of these.A complex is formed by reacting at least one of acidic macromolecular substances, such as alginate and polyglutamate, and gum arabic which are capable of forming a complex reducing harsh/astringent taste and dissociating protamine having a lipase inhibitory activity by pepsin treatment, with protamine or a protamine salt.
US08399013B2	Partially absorbable fiber-reinforced composites for controlled drug delivery This invention describes a partially absorbable, fiber-reinforced composite in the form of a ring, or a suture-like thread, with modified terminals for use as a controlled delivery system of at least one bioactive agent, wherein said composite comprising an absorbable fiber construct capable of providing time-dependent mechanical properties of a biostable elastomeric matrix containing an absorbable microparticulate ion-exchanger to modulate the release of the bioactive agent(s) for a desired period(s) of time at a specific biological site; this can be a vaginal canal, peritoneal cavity, scrotum, prostate gland, an ear loop or subcutaneous tissue. Such drug delivery systems can be used for the local administration of at least one bioactive agent, including those used as contraceptive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and/or antiviral agents as well as for cancer treatment.
US08399012B2	Degradable therapeutic delivery device A biodegradable biodelivery device is disclosed. The biodelivery device is formed from a polymer comprising the reaction product of a polyol and a polyacid. When exposed to water, the polymer degrades through hydrolysis. Of particular advantage, the polymer can be formed so as to be elastic and flexible. In one embodiment, the polymer is formed into a vaginal insert. As the polymer degrades, the polymer releases acid to a vaginal environment for decreasing the pH of the environment.
US08399011B1	Oral particle compositions containing a core and an acid-soluble coat The present invention relates to an oral particle composition as an ingredient in an extended-release tablet formulation, comprising a core and a coat, wherein the coat is acid-soluble.
US08399006B2	Posterior segment drug delivery A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side. Each of the openings on the first side can be connected to each of the openings on the second side with the plurality of interconnecting channels, such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent can be substantially maintained when one or more of the openings is blocked, for example with particles, cells, bacteria or tissue when the device is implanted for an extended time. The length of the channels extending from the first side to the second side may comprise an effective length greater than a distance across the porous structure from the first side to the second side. The therapeutic device many comprise an expandable retention structure and an expandable reservoir, such that the device can be delivered from a lumen of a delivery device and expand when positioned in the patient. The therapeutic device may comprises a penetrable barrier to inject therapeutic agent into the device when implanted in the patient.
US08399005B2	Use of nitric oxide to enhance the efficacy of silver and other topical wound care agents The present invention is directed to compositions comprising at least one nitric oxide donor and at least one second therapeutically active agent with antimicrobial or wound healing capability. In one embodiment, the nitric oxide donor is a nanoparticle which is designed to control for the amount and duration of release of nitric oxide. The nanoparticle may further comprise the additional therapeutically active agent. The composition is useful for enhancing wound healing and for treating and preventing microbial infection. In one embodiment, the composition is directed toward reducing oral bacteria or dental plaque. The combination of one or more nitric oxide donors and one or more additional therapeutically active agent results in unexpected synergistic effects, wherein both the antimicrobial efficacy of the nitric oxide and the antimicrobial or wound healing efficacy of the second therapeutically active agent are enhanced. As a result, a patient may benefit from reduced dosage requirements and a reduced likelihood of antimicrobial resistance. The composition may be formulated for local or systemic administration, for topical applications as well as for use in coatings for medical supplies and devices.
US08399004B2	Lipid carriers There is disclosed a method of controlling pests which comprises exposing a surface of the pest to a particulate composition containing particles of an initially unmagnetized material, which is capable of becoming magnetically polarized when subjected to an electric or magnetic field, the said particles being associated with at least one pesticide or behavior modifying chemical.
US08399003B2	Formulations and methods employing anhydrous disinfectant Use of dried compositions of silver dihydrogen citrate along with citric acid in antimicrobial amounts directly as disinfectants is described.
US08399001B2	Cosmetic composition comprising at least one gellan gum or derivative thereof, at least one monovalent salt, and at least one suspension compound, processes using this composition, and uses thereof Disclosed herein is a liquid or fluid aqueous cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one gellan gum or derivative thereof, at least one monovalent salt, and at least one suspension compound chosen from silicones and fatty substances. Further disclosed herein is a process for shaping and/or holding a hairstyle, in which the cosmetic composition is used, as well as the uses of this cosmetic composition as a styling composition for fixing and holding the hair, a haircare composition, a hair conditioning composition for giving the hair softness, and a hair makeup composition.
US08398988B2	Adjuvanting meningococcal factor H binding protein Factor H binding protein (fHBP) has been proposed for use in immunising against serogroup B meningococcus (‘MenB’). This antigen can be efficiently adsorbed to an aluminum hydroxyphosphate adjuvant by (i) ensuring that adsorption takes place at a pH which is equal to or below the adjuvant's point of zero charge (PZC), and/or (ii) selecting a fHBP and adjuvant with an isoelectric point/PZC within the range of 5.0 to 7, and/or (iii) selecting a fHBP with an isoelectric point above the adjuvant's PZC and using a buffer to bring the pH to within 1.2 pH units of the PZC. The adsorption is particularly useful for compositions which include multiple fHBP variants, and also in situations where an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant should be avoided. Buffered pharmaceutical compositions can include at least two different meningococcal fHBP antigens, both of which are at least 85% adsorbed to aluminum hydroxyphosphate adjuvant.
US08398987B2	Use of platelet glycopeptide IIIa epitopes in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura The present invention relates to a composition for treating diseases associated with autoantibodies specific for platelet proteins, in particular autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. The composition, comprising an epitope of a platelet protein, treats diseases by tolerization.
US08398986B2	ADP-ribosylating toxin from listeria monocytogenes An ADP-ribosylating toxin from Listeria monocytogenes is disclosed, together with mutant toxins and uses therefor. There is only a low level of sequence identity between this toxin and known toxins such as the iota toxin from Clostridium perfringens.
US08398984B2	Removal promoters and inhibitor for apoptosis cells in vivo The present invention is to provide a removal promoter for apoptotic cells which is capable of immediately removing apoptotic cells in vivo by macrophages, or a removal inhibitor which inhibits the removal of apoptotic cells in vivo by macrophages. A removal promoter for apoptotic cells in vivo containing the milk fat globule-EGF factor 8-L (MFG-E8-L), MFG-E8-L mutant having removal promotion action for apoptotic cells in vivo by macrophages, or preferably a recombinant human or mouse MFG-E8-L, or a recombinant human or mouse MFG-E8-L mutant as an active ingredient is prepared. Such removal promoters specifically bind to apoptotic cells and promote the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages by recognizing aminophospholipids such as phosphatidylserine exposed on apoptotic cell surface. On the other hand, a point mutation (D89E) MFG-E8-L mutant is used as a removal inhibitor.
US08398979B2	Polypeptides, antibody variable domains and antagonists The invention relates to anti-TNFR1 polypeptides and antibody single variable domains (dAbs) that are resistant to degradation by a protease, as well as antagonists comprising these. The polypeptides, dAbs and antagonists are useful for as therapeutics and/or prophylactics that are likely to encounter proteases when administered to a patient, for example for pulmonary administration, oral administration, delivery to the lung and delivery to the GI tract of a patient, as well as for treating inflammatory disease, such as arthritis or COPD.
US08398978B2	Antibodies directed against amyloid-beta peptide and methods using same Methods of using antibodies directed to the C-terminal side of β-amyloid peptide for diagnosing and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Aβ peptide associated diseases are described.
US08398971B2	Methods, compounds, and compositions for treatment and prophylaxis in the respiratory tract The present invention provides a method of reducing the quanitity of mucus in the respiratory tract of a subject with elevated levels of mucus in said respiratory tract. The method includes administering to the subject a compound or composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a sialidase or an active portion thereof and an anchoring domain. The therapeutically effective amount comprises an amount of the fusion protein that results in a reduction of the quanitity of mucus in the respiratory tract after administration of the compound or composition when compared to the quantity of mucus present prior to administration of the compound or composition.
US08398967B2	Particle formulations for use in pharmaceutical compositions A liquid composition in an osmotic drug delivery system and a dosage form in an osmotic drug delivery system is disclosed comprising an amphiphilic molecule, a non-aqueous liquid solvent, and a pharmaceutically active agent.
US08398964B2	Organopolysiloxane having amide group, and cosmetic material containing same Provided are an organopolysiloxane that exhibits good dispersion stability within not only organic oil agents but also cosmetic materials that contain a powder, and is able to produce a cosmetic material that exhibits excellent skin affinity, an organopolysiloxane that does not impart a sticky feeling, and exhibits excellent skin affinity and skin adhesion, and a cosmetic material including such an organopolysiloxane. The organopolysiloxane is represented by formula (1) below: in which R1 represents a hydrocarbon group such as an alkyl group, R2 represents a group represented by formula (3) or formula (4) below: in which either R4 represents a specific hydrocarbon group and R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a specific hydrocarbon group, or alternatively, at least one of R4 and R5 represents a hydroxyalkyl group, and A represents a group containing an organosilyl group or organosiloxane residue.
US08398963B2	Cosmetic agent The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer which has, in incorporated form, a) 5 to 50% by weight of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula I where R1 and X1 are defined herein, b) 25 to 90% by weight an N-vinylamide and/or N-vinyllactam, c) 0.5 to 30% by weight of a compound having a free-radically polymerizable, α,β-ethylenically unsaturated double bond and a cationogenic and/or cationic group per molecule, and d) 0 to 30% by weight of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula II where R3, X2, and R4 are defined herein, and the salts thereof.
US08398959B2	Compositions and methods for imparting a sunless tan with functionalized adjuvants Described are compositions and methods for imparting a sunless tan with functionalized adjuvants and a tanning agent like dihydroxyacetone. The functionalized adjuvants are pyrrole and/or indole derivatives functionalized with a substituent comprising a carbonyl group.
US08398958B2	Carotenoid compositions useful for whitening skin The present invention relates to use of carotenoid preparations for promoting skin whitening. Particularly, the present invention discloses that a combination of phytoene and phytofluene is effective in whitening skin. The present invention further relates to carotenoid compositions comprising a combination of phytofluene and phytofluene effective in whitening skin and at least one additional carotenoid, particularly carotenoids devoid of highly intense color.
US08398957B2	Aerosol compositions An aerosol composition comprising: 0.01 wt % to 1.00 wt % sodium borate; 0.01 wt % to 1.50 wt % polyglycerol ester surfactant; <30 wt % propellant; and 67.5 wt % to 85.0 wt % water. Methods of manufacture of an aerosol air freshener are also described wherein the aerosol composition further comprises a fragrance.
US08398954B2	Process for the production of titanium dioxide It is disclosed a process for the production of titanium dioxide comprising the following steps: (a) a titanium ore containing iron, preferably ilmenite, is reacted with an aqueous NH4F solution; (b) the aqueous suspension thus obtained is filtered with consequent separation of a sludge fraction, which contains ammonium fluoroferrates, and a filtrate fraction, which contains ammonium fluorotitanates; (c) the filtrate fraction thus obtained is subjected to an hydrolysis reaction; (d) the thus-obtained solid component is subjected to a thermal hydrolysis reaction. The plant and the reactors for performing the above process are also disclosed.
US08398953B2	Method of preparing lithium titanate nanoparticles A method of preparing lithium titanate nanoparticles, the method including: feeding reactants including lithium and titanium into a reactor, followed by mixing the reactants in the reactor at a molecular level; and generating a crystal nucleus by chemically reacting the reactants in the reactor.
US08398951B2	Polypyrrole and silver vanadium oxide composite In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a composite electrode for a battery is provided. The composite electrode includes silver vanadium oxide present in an amount from about 75 weight percent to about 99 weight percent and polypyrrole present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.
US08398949B2	Carbon nanotube powder, carbon nanotubes, and processes for their production A novel carbon nanotube powder containing carbon nanotubes which have a roll-like structure, also novel carbon nanotubes having a roll-like structure, novel processes for the production of the carbon nanotube powders and of the carbon nanotubes, and their use as an additive or substrate for various applications are described.
US08398947B2	Separation of diamond from gangue minerals The present invention relates to a method for separating diamond from gangue minerals. In particular, this method relates to the addition of a first reagent or reagents which contact the diamond in diamond ore slurry to at least partially remove hydrophilic coatings from the diamond surfaces. A second reagent or reagents may also be added to the slurry so that the reagent may adsorb on the diamond surfaces and thereby enhance the hydrophobicity of diamonds. The increase in hydrophobicity may improve the flotation of diamonds.
US08398945B2	Removal of ammonia nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and urea nitrogen by oxidation with hypochlorite-containing solutions from exhaust air in plants for producing ammonia and urea Process for scrubbing out ammonia nitrogen and/or ammonium nitrogen and/or urea nitrogen from exhaust gases enriched with these nitrogen compounds in plants for producing ammonia or urea, wherein the nitrogen compounds first form with a hypochlorite-containing solution in a scrubber an intermediate which under acidic or neutral reaction conditions is reacted to form elemental nitrogen and salt, and the reaction of the nitrogen compounds to form elemental nitrogen and salt proceeds in a pH range of 4 to 6.
US08398943B2	Arrangement for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases An arrangement and method for reducing the nitrogen oxide content in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine with the aid of ammonia and/or ammonia-releasing reduction agents, whereby ammonia and/or ammonia-containing reduction agent is added to the exhaust gas stream upstream of a catalyst combination composed of an SCR catalyst and a subsequent NH3-oxidation catalyst in such a way that a homogeneous mixture of exhaust gas and ammonia is present upstream of the SCR catalyst. To optimize the reaction or conversion of nitrogen oxides, disposed downstream of the combination of a first SCR catalyst and a first NH3-oxidation catalyst is at least one second catalyst having SCR activity in order in this way to reduce the nitrogen oxides formed at the first NH3-oxidation catalyst due to insufficient selectivity of the catalyst to nitrogen with not yet oxidized NH3.
US08398941B2	Modular test tube rack Disclosed herein is a modular test tube rack. The rack contains multiple sub-racks that can be coupled together to form the test tube rack. The sub-rack can be designed to fit into a variety of scientific instrumentation including a fixed rotor centrifuge. The assembled test tube rack can be of a format and size that allows use of standard array pipetters. Thus, a system is provided allowing use of standard array pipetters and high g centrifugation.
US08398940B2	USB-interfaceable portable test module for electrochemiluminescent detection of targets A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.
US08398932B2	Culture apparatus A culture apparatus which is capable of shortening sterilization time includes a gas concentration measuring sensor, pipes connected to a gas concentration measuring device and every corner of a cultivating chamber, and a sterilizing gas generator that supplies sterilizing gas into a cultivating chamber and atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator. The culture apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates gas in the cultivating chamber, a freely opening/closing door, a door-locking device, and a controller for controlling the locking device to prevent the door from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.
US08398925B2	Washcoated particulate filter substrate An apparatus comprises a particulate filter substrate for an internal combustion engine, the filter substrate is coated at least in part with a washcoat, and the washcoat comprises a relatively high density material having a density of at least 3.50 gcm−3.
US08398923B2	Air decontamination device An air decontamination device comprises an air stream generator (20), a non-thermal plasma filter (22), an ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitting device (24), an ozone catalyzing device (26), and a hydrocarbon emitter (28). The air stream generator (20) generates and directs an air stream through or across the non-thermal plasma filter (22), the UV radiation emitting device (24), the ozone catalyzing device (26), and the hydrocarbon emitter (28). The plasma filter (22) produces free radicals by which contaminants in the air stream are neutralized. The UV radiation emitting device (24) breaks down ozone in the air stream, catalyzed by the ozone catalyzing device (26). The hydrocarbon emitter (28) discharges an aromatic hydrocarbon into the air stream to preferentially react with residual ozone so that the air stream becomes suitable for human exposure. A method is also provided.
US08398922B2	Highly sensitive oxygen sensor for cell culture An oxygen sensor comprising an oxygen sensing compound and configured to substantially mitigate leaching of the oxygen sensing compound from the oxygen sensor to an outer surface thereof is provided. The oxygen sensor may comprise one or more layers. A first portion of the oxygen sensor is configured to be permeable to gas and comprises an oxygen sensing material. A second portion is disposed with or on the first portion and is configured to be permeable to gas and substantially impermeable to the oxygen sensing material.
US08398919B2	Method for repairing exterior wall structures The invention relates to a method for repairing exterior wall structures. According to the invention, the transfer of moisture through external cladding to the wall structure is prevented by treating the external cladding with facade protection, after which holes are formed in the external cladding at a distance from each other and, through the holes, an insulation space behind the external cladding is dried and disinfected with disinfectant.
US08398916B2	Method for forming a tubular medical device A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device that is at least partially formed of a metal alloy which improves the physical properties of the medical device.
US08398910B2	Method for manufacturing a fibre-composite component, fibre-composite component and fibre-composite fuselage component of an aircraft A method for manufacturing a fiber-composite component with a cladding field and a primary component for reinforcing the fiber-composite component includes the steps of: applying a prepreg semifinished product to a mold to form the cladding field, where in the prepreg semifinished product fibers extend in some sections in a curved manner according to an assumed flow force path in the cladding field of the component to be manufactured; curing the prepreg semifinished product; applying layers of a semifinished textile product to the cured prepreg semifinished product to form the primary component; impregnating the semifinished textile product with matrix material; and curing the assembly comprising pre-cured prepreg semifinished product and semifinished textile product; a fiber-composite component with at least one structural component and a skin section connected to said structural component with a recess as well as a fiber-composite fuselage component of an aircraft with a shell component with at least one recess and with a structural component formed as a frame component.
US08398902B2	Moulding lenses The invention provides a method of moulding a vision correction lens from a transparent resin. The resin is introduced into a mould cavity, the sides of which cavity which correspond to the front and rear surfaces of the lens being formed by two sheets, at least one of which is flexible. The amount of resin in the cavity is adjusted to deform the flexible sheet(s) so that the shape of the lens defined by the sheet(s) will provide a desired power, and the resin is then cured. The sheets can be transparent, and a user can look through them as the amount of resin is adjusted, to ensure that the lens is of the desired power. Further, the amount of resin in the cavity can be adjusted to accommodate changes in the refractive index of the resin as it cures.
US08398901B2	Method for producing iridescent solid nanocrystalline cellulose films incorporating patterns A new method to produce solid nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) films containing patterns by differential heating of aqueous suspensions of NCC has been discovered. When acid-form NCC suspensions are dried by heating to temperatures above 50° C., darkening of the NCC can occur, while neutral forms of NCC can produce iridescent chiral nematic films by heating to temperatures up to 105° C. Placing materials of different thermal conductivity beneath the container containing an evaporating NCC suspension results in watermark-like patterns of different iridescent color imprinted within the film structure. Other colloidal rod-like particles can be employed in place of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), for example chitin or chitosan.
US08398900B2	Self-compensating multi-mode fiber An improved multimode fiber optic cable is designed to compensate for the wavelength distribution and emission pattern of laser sources used in high-speed communication systems. The improved multimode fiber optic cable compensates for the wavelength dependent VCSEL polar emission pattern to reduce modal dispersion. Techniques for reducing the modal dispersion within the improved multimode fiber optic cable allow for improved Bit Error Rate (BER) system performance and/or to achieve greater reach in high bandwidth optical channel links are disclosed. Considerable efforts have been undertaken in the design and production of an improved multimode fiber optic cable to minimize modal dispersion, ignoring the effects of wavelength dependent polar emission patterns in lasers. Material dispersion effects have a significant impact on modal dispersion and by modifying a standard parabolic refractive index profile to compensate for material dispersion effects, overall modal dispersion can be reduced.
US08398895B2	Conjugated polymers and their use as organic semiconductors The invention relates to conjugated polymers that comprise phenanthrene and/or indenofluorene units and are free of amine-containing units, to methods of their preparation, to the use of the polymers in organic electronic (OE) devices, and to OE devices comprising the polymers.
US08398894B2	Catalyst for preparing carbon nanotubes by controlling its apparent density The present invention relates to a catalyst for preparing a carbon nanotube having desired apparent density by controlling the adding amount of co-precipitating agent in the process of preparing a catalyst in order to obtain a catalyst having a minimized particle size. More specifically, this invention relates to a catalyst for preparing carbon nanotube having desired apparent density based upon the reverse-correlation between the amount of co-precipitating agent added in the process of preparing catalyst and the apparent density of catalyst. The carbon nanotube prepared by the catalyst having low apparent density shows excellent electrical conductivity and highly uniformed dispersion in the polymer/carbon nanotube composite.
US08398893B2	Halophosphate phosphors and method of preparing the same A method of preparing a halophosphate phosphor represented by Formula 1, the method comprising: mixing a metallic precursor compound, which comprises strontium pyrophosphate, strontium chloride and strontium carbonate, and an activator precursor compound to form a mixture; sintering the mixture under an oxygen or air atmosphere to form a sintered mixture; milling the sintered mixture to form a milled product, and sintering the milled product under a reducing atmosphere: (Sr5-(x+y)AxM′y)(PO4)3Cl.(M2O3)z Formula 1 wherein A is barium or calcium, M′ is an activator and comprises at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Eu2+, Mn2+, Sb2+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Yb3+ and Bi3+, M is aluminum, yttrium or lanthanum, 0≦x≦4.8, 0
US08398891B2	Red-emitting luminophore and light source comprising such a luminophore A red-emitting phosphor composed of an M-Al—Si—N system, comprising a cation M, wherein M is represented by at least one of the elements Ca or Ba or Sr and, if appropriate, can additionally be combined with at least one further element from the group Mg, Zn, Cd, wherein the phosphor is activated with Eu, which partly replaces M, and wherein the phosphor additionally contains LiF.
US08398886B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that includes a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, that optionally includes a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a small viscosity as a third component and a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and that has negative dielectric anisotropy, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing this composition.
US08398885B2	Pore-forming precursors and porous dielectric layers obtained therefrom The invention relates to porous dielectric layers obtained from pore-forming precursors and from matrix precursors. According to the invention, the pore-forming precursors used are chosen form molecules of myrtenol, ethyl chrysanthemumate, jasmine, trimethylbenzene, their positional isomers and their substituted or hydrogenated derivatives. The dielectric constant of the layer obtained is less than or equal to 2.5, starting from matrix precursors having a dielectric constant of less than or equal to 4.
US08398881B2	Refrigerating machine oil composition The present invention provides a refrigerating oil composition containing a refrigerant (A) containing as a predominant component a C1-C8 hydrocarbon compound and a base oil (B) composed of a polyalkylene glycol ether having a specific structure and/or a polyvinyl ether having a specific structure, and satisfying the following conditions: solubility of the refrigerant (A) in the base oil (B) of 40 mass % or less at 40° C. and 1.2 MPa and mixture viscosity of the refrigerating oil composition of 0.1 mm2/s or more at 90° C. and 2.3 MPa. According to the refrigerating oil composition of the present invention, refrigerating oil and hydrocarbon-based refrigerant are mutually dissolved at an appropriate degree, and lubrication can be fully attained by the refrigerating oil. Even when the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant is used in an amount smaller than the conventional amount, cooling can be performed satisfactorily.
US08398880B2	Method of modifying surface of powder, coating material, method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording medium manufactured by the same An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of modifying a surface of a powder, comprising mixing a powder with a compound denoted by general formula (I): wherein, in general formula (I), each of R10 and R13 independently denotes a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, or aryl group, each of R11 and R12 independently denotes an alkyl group or an aryl group, and L denotes a single bond or an oxygen atom.
US08398873B2	Thin-sheet glass substrate laminate and method of manufacturing the same There is provided a thin-sheet glass substrate laminate which is approximately 100% impermeable to gas or vapor and has a high transparency and a thin thickness, and a method of manufacturing the same. A support is temporarily attached to one surface of a glass substrate after forming a pattern P on the one surface, the glass substrate is thinned by etching another surface of the glass substrate, a film base is temporarily attached to the etched another surface, the temporarily attached support is peeled off from the one surface of the glass substrate, the one surface from which the support is peeled off is laminated to a surface of a cover glass, and the temporarily attached film base is peeled off from the another surface.
US08398872B2	Method for preparing ultraflat, atomically perfect areas on large regions of a crystal surface by heteroepitaxy deposition A novel method of forming large atomically flat areas is described in which a crystalline substrate having a stepped surface is exposed to a vapor of another material to deposit a material onto the substrate, which material under appropriate conditions self arranges to form 3D islands across the substrate surface. These islands are atomically flat at their top surface, and conform to the stepped surface of the substrate below at the island-substrate interface. Thereafter, the deposited materials are etched away, in the etch process the atomically flat surface areas of the islands transferred to the underlying substrate. Thereafter the substrate may be cleaned and annealed to remove any remaining unwanted contaminants, and eliminate any residual defects that may have remained in the substrate surface as a result of pre-existing imperfections of the substrate.
US08398871B2	Multi-layer optical filter designs and associated systems A method for designing a first optical filter, exhibiting a first filter performance satisfying a first preset criterion, and a second optical filter, exhibiting a second filter performance satisfying a second preset criterion, includes providing initial first and second filter designs for the first and second optical filters, respectively, as first and second ordered stacks of layers, respectively. A pair of layers, including a first layer, characterized by a first thickness, and a second layer, characterized by a second thickness, is selected from the first and second ordered stacks of layers. The first thickness is constrained to a first constrained thickness that is a positive integer multiple of the second thickness to yield a constrained first filter design. A predicted performance of the constrained first filter design is determined and compared with the first preset criterion for one of accepting and rejecting the constrained first filter design.
US08398862B1	Geothermal recovery method and system A method for extracting energy from hydrocarbons located in a geologic reservoir is presented, including the steps of: oxidizing the hydrocarbons; extracting heat generated from oxidizing the hydrocarbons, relocating oxidized gases away from the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and replenishing oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons. The extraction of heat further includes: evaporating a liquid; transferring the evaporated liquid to the surface; and recovering low-NaCl, low-precipitate water from the evaporated liquid. The replenishing of oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons further includes: generating oxygen from water; and transferring the generated oxygen toward the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and combining hydrogen derived from the generating step with surface oxygen, whereby heat and low-precipitate, pure water is produced.
US08398861B2	Separation method A separation method for extracting a target 1 from a separation subject (101) in which the target (1) to be extracted and a non-target (2) are mixed. The method includes the steps of distinguishing the target (1) from the non-target (2); obtaining positional information of the target (1) distinguished; attaching a liquid to the target (1) based on the positional information; and extracting the target (1) from the separation subject (101) by bringing a catch member (140) into contact with the separation subject (101) such that viscosity of the liquid causes the target (1) to adhere to the catch member.
US08398857B2	Extraction of solute from solute-bearing material This invention is directed to a process for separating a solute from a solute-bearing material. A substantial amount of solute is extracted from the solute-bearing material by contacting particles of the solute-bearing material with globules of an extraction solvent. The particle size of the solute-bearing material and the globule size of the extraction solvent are balanced such that little if any solute or extraction solvent remains in the solute-bearing material.
US08398855B1	BioCAST process A waste treatment process comprised of an ammonification system to convert soluble organic nitrogen into ammonia nitrogen, followed by a physico-chemical process to remove a substantial amount of the ammonia as a recovered ammonium sulfate fertilizer or ammonium hydroxide (“aqua ammonia”), and followed by an ammonia oxidation process to oxidize the remaining ammonia from the physico-chemical process. The process reduces ammonia and carbonaceous organic matter to less than 10 mg/l and recovers ammonia in the form of either ammonium sulfate or ammonium hydroxide.
US08398854B2	Filter system The present invention relates to a filter system (1) for removing impurities from a fluid, having a filter housing (2) enclosing a housing interior (3), and having at least one cylindrical filter body (9) provided in the filter housing (2), said filter body separating an uncleaned space (10) from a clean space (11) in the housing interior (3). In order to be able to more simply adapt the filter system (1) to different filtration levels, each filter body (9) has at least two cylindrical filter elements (12) that are designed as identical components and that are axially attached to one another.
US08398852B2	Drainless reverse osmosis water purification system A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.
US08398851B2	Method of determining the fuel content in a combustion engine lubricating oil The invention relates to a device and to a method for determining the proportion of fuel in a combustion engine lubricating oil. The device according to the invention comprises a column (12) with at least 22000 theoretical plates and a steady state phase capable of separating the fuel, the oil, the internal standard contained in the oil and the solvent, in which the oil and the internal standard are diluted, and a heating module (120) capable of causing an increase in the temperature of the column (12) at a rate of at least 350° C./min. In the method according to the invention, the column (12) is subjected to determined cycles during which the pressure of the carrier gas and the temperature are varied.
US08398850B2	Water treatment feeder device and a water treatment feeder system A package of water treatment pellets includes a first container and a second container. The first container is fabricated from a water-dissolvable sheet material and the first container is filled with and encases the water treatment pellets. The second container is fabricated from a non-water-dissolvable, porous material and is sized and adapted to receive the first container filled with and encasing the water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder device includes a hollow, box-shaped magazine body defining an internal magazine chamber and a plurality of porous holders disposed in the internal magazine chamber. Each one of the plurality of porous holders retains a respective one of the packages of water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder system for a structure operative to circulate water thereabout incorporates the water treatment feeder device and the package of water treatment pellets.
US08398849B2	Application of visbreaker analysis tools to optimize performance A system and method are outlined for controlling and optimizing chemical injection into a process unit to control fouling. The method uses an optical device to measure the fouling propensity of the process fluid at various points within the process unit. The measurements are compared with one another and prediction methods are used to evaluate the fouling potential within the unit, and determine the proper chemical dosage. Antifoulant chemical is then introduced into the unit to control the rate of fouling. The method and application continue on a frequent basis to maintain optimal fouling control within the unit.
US08398847B2	Method for making a usable hydrocarbon product from used oil One or more computer implemented methods for continuously processing used oils are provided. The method can include a feedstock tank containing feedstock. The feedstock tank can have a sparger and a level sensor. The feedstock tank can be in fluid communication with a first pump, a first filter, a heater, a second filter, first flow meter, a primary nozzle, a secondary nozzle, a motionless inline static mixer, and a first reactor.
US08398846B2	Process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising a heavy tail The invention relates to a process for thermally cracking a hydrocarbon feed in an installation comprising a radiant section and a convection section, wherein a hydrocarbon feed stock is fed to a feed preheater present in the convection section, the heat pick-up of the feed preheater is controlled by regulating the heat exchange capacity of an economiser, said economiser being located in the convection section between the feed preheater and the radiant section, and wherein the feed heated in the preheater is thereafter cracked in the radiant section. The invention further relates to an installation for the cracking of a hydrocarbon feed.
US08398836B2	Gas sensor A gas sensor having a sensor element that includes an inner space for introducing a measurement gas therein from an external space and a pump cell which has a first electrode formed on a surface of the inner space and a second electrode formed in a space different from the inner space and is provided to pump oxygen out of the inner space by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. Assuming that the length of the inner space in a short-side direction of the sensor element as viewed from the front end portion side thereof is x1 and the length of the inner space in a longitudinal direction of the sensor element as viewed from the front end portion side thereof is x2, the following inequality is satisfied: 0.05≦x1/x2≦0.25.
US08398826B2	Thin film semiconductor material produced through reactive sputtering of zinc target using nitrogen gases The present invention generally comprises a semiconductor film and the reactive sputtering process used to deposit the semiconductor film. The sputtering target may comprise pure zinc (i.e., 99.995 atomic percent or greater), which may be doped with aluminum (about 1 atomic percent to about 20 atomic percent) or other doping metals. The zinc target may be reactively sputtered by introducing nitrogen and oxygen to the chamber. The amount of nitrogen may be significantly greater than the amount of oxygen and argon gas. The amount of oxygen may be based upon a turning point of the film structure, the film transmittance, a DC voltage change, or the film conductivity based upon measurements obtained from deposition without the nitrogen containing gas. The reactive sputtering may occur at temperatures from about room temperature up to several hundred degrees Celsius. After deposition, the semiconductor film may be annealed to further improve the film mobility.
US08398824B2	Apparatus for hydrocarbon extraction Systems and methods for hydrocarbon extraction from hydrocarbon-containing material. Such systems and methods relate to extracting hydrocarbon from hydrocarbon-containing material employing a non-aqueous extractant. Additionally, such systems and methods relate to recovering and reusing non-aqueous extractant employed for extracting hydrocarbon from hydrocarbon-containing material.
US08398823B2	Press felt and its use A press felt (1) has a front side (1a), a rear side (1b) and fibers (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g) which, on their fiber surface, have channels (20) which extend between a first end (11) and a second end (12) of the respective fiber (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g), the first end (11) pointing in the direction of the front side (1a) and the second end (12) pointing in the direction of the rear side (1b). Furthermore, the press felt (1) can be used for mechanically dewatering a paper web (100) in a papermaking machine.
US08398821B2	Fibrous structures comprising a low surface energy additive Fibrous structures comprising an additive, more particularly finished fibrous structures comprising a low surface energy solid additive, and/or sanitary tissue products comprising such finished fibrous structures, are provided.
US08398816B1	Method and apparatuses for reducing porogen accumulation from a UV-cure chamber Porogen accumulation in a UV-cure chamber is reduced by removing outgassed porogen through a heated outlet while purge gas is flowed across a window through which a wafer is exposed to UV light. A purge ring having specific major and minor exhaust to inlet area ratios may be partially made of flame polished quartz to improve flow dynamics. The reduction in porogen accumulation allows more wafers to be processed between chamber cleans, thus improving throughput and cost.
US08398814B2	Tunable gas flow equalizer A tunable gas flow equalizer is described. In an embodiment, the tunable flow equalizer includes a gas flow equalizer plate having primary opening and a secondary opening. The primary opening may surround a substrate support, and the secondary opening may be configured with a tuner. In an embodiment, the substrate support may be vertically adjustable with respect to the gas flow equalizer plate. The flow uniformity may be fine tuned by adjusting a tuner configured with a secondary opening in the gas flow equalizer plate and/or by adjusting the height of a vertically positionable substrate support plate having an inwardly tapered skirt 528 with respect to the gas flow equalizer plate 520.
US08398813B2	Processing apparatus and processing method The present invention provides a processing apparatus and a processing method, both of which can carry out a low-temperature process to allow active gas species to react with an oxide film on an object to be processed to form a product film and a heating process to heat the object to a predetermined temperature to evaporate the product film, in succession. This processing apparatus 12 is provided with a shielding plate 103 capable of entering a gap between the object W and a transparent window 28 and also withdrawing from the gap. On condition that the shielding plate 103 is closed to cut off irradiation heat from the transparent window 28, the product film is formed by allowing the active gas species of NF3 gas to react with a native oxide film on the object under the low-temperature condition. After that, upon closing the shielding plate 103, the native oxide film is removed by applying heat irradiated from a heating lamp 36 to the product film through the transparent window 28. Additionally, the apparatus includes a low-temperature processing chamber 207 allowing NF3 gas to react with the native oxide film at a low temperature and a heating chamber 209 for heating the product film, independently.
US08398811B2	Polishing apparatus and polishing method A polishing apparatus has a polishing section (302) configured to polish a substrate and a measurement section (307) configured to measure a thickness of a film formed on the substrate. The polishing apparatus also has an interface (310) configured to input a desired thickness of a film formed on a substrate to be polished and a storage device (308a) configured to store polishing rate data on at least one past substrate therein. The polishing apparatus includes an arithmetic unit (308b) operable to calculate a polishing rate and an optimal polishing time based on the polishing rate data and the desired thickness by using a weighted average method which weights the polishing rate data on a lately polished substrate.
US08398810B2	Adhesive for floor coverings An aqueous composition comprising a) a polymer obtainable by free-radical polymerization b) a tricyclic diterpene derivative or a mixture of tricyclic diterpene derivatives (referred to collectively as tricyclic diterpene for short) c) a metal salt of an organic acid d) if appropriate filler.
US08398809B2	Amorphous polyurethane polymer and its use in hotmelt adhesives The present invention relates to innovative amorphous polyurethane polymers of the formula (I) and also to hotmelt adhesive compositions based on them. The compositions are notable for greatly improved dimensional stability after application, and are ideally suited to the adhesive bonding of transparent substrates. The polymers are notable for rapid, bubble-free curing.
US08398808B2	Method and device for attaching sealing profiles A method for attaching a sealing profile to a vehicle body part includes the steps of pulling the sealing profile from a storage unit; passing the sealing profile through a first buffer which compensates for differences between incoming and outgoing speeds of the sealing profile; attaching an adhesive strip to the sealing profile continuously, the adhesive strip having a first adhesive layer facing the sealing profile and a second adhesive layer facing away from the sealing profile; passing the sealing profile with the attached adhesive strip through a second buffer which compensates for differences between incoming and outgoing speeds of the sealing profile; and rolling the second adhesive layer onto the vehicle body part. The adhesive strip is attached to the sealing strip in an assembly unit which heats the first adhesive layer as it moves around a press roller.
US08398805B2	Manufacturing system and manufacturing method for optical display device The invention provides a manufacturing system and a manufacturing method of an optical display device which can bond an optical film to one surface and the other surface of an optical display unit in such a manner that optical anisotropies are orthogonal, by using two material rolls in which their optical anisotropies are the same direction such as an absorption axis. The manufacturing system of the optical display device in which the optical film is bonded to the optical display unit is provided with a supplying apparatus of a first sheet material supplying after cutting into a predetermined length, and a supplying apparatus of a second sheet material supplying after cutting into a predetermined length, and the supplying apparatus of the first sheet material and the supplying apparatus of the second sheet material are structured such that one supplying apparatus cuts a long sheet material having a width corresponding to a short side into a length corresponding to a long side, and the other supplying apparatus cuts a long sheet material having a width corresponding to the long side into a length corresponding to the short side, in correspondence to the long side and the short side of the optical display unit.
US08398802B2	Method for moisture and temperature control in corrugating operation A method of producing a corrugated product comprises the steps of providing at least one medium conditioning apparatus upstream of at least one of a corrugating labyrinth, single-facer, and/or double-backer. The moisture content in at least one of a web of medium material, first face-sheet, and/or second face-sheet is adjusted to be in the range of 6-9 wt. % moisture by applying a substantially continuous thin film of liquid thereto using the at least one medium conditioning apparatus. In one example, at least one heating arrangement is arranged downstream from the at least one medium conditioning apparatus to heat at least one of the web of medium material, first-face sheet, and/or second face-sheet.
US08398799B2	Method of manufacturing honeycomb structure A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure having honeycomb segments, which includes a masking step (S1) of attaching masking materials (8) to both end surfaces (2a) of the honeycomb segments (2), a stacked body bonding step (S2) of bonding the honeycomb stacked body (3) by bonding the plurality of honeycomb segments (2) together while interposing adhesive layers therebetween, an adhesive layer drying step (S3) of integrally fixing the honeycomb stacked body (3) by heating and drying the adhesive layers, a masking material separating step (S4), of separating the masking materials (8), and a grinding step (S5) of grinding an outer peripheral portion of the honeycomb stacked body (3) into a predetermined shape.
US08398798B2	Curvature reduction for switchable liquid crystal lens array A method for fabricating lenticulars includes applying a rubbing layer on a lenticular structure. The rubbing layer is baked on the lenticular structure before installation of the lenticular structure on a plate. After baking, the lenticular structure is applied to the plate.
US08398796B2	Green joining ceramics A method of green joining ceramic components is disclosed, particularly for use in forming a discharge body for a ceramic metal halide lamp. The process includes providing a first green ceramic component having a male joining surface, and providing a second green ceramic component having a female joining surface dimensioned to matingly receive the first component. The first and second green ceramic components are assembled along the joining surfaces, the assembled components are uniformly heated to join the first and second components. The joined components are next cooled in a cooling bath that uniformly cools the joined components. Thereafter, the joined green part may be inserted in the furnace for debindering and sintering.
US08398792B2	Simulated brush stroke system A laminated assembly (10) comprising a substrate (100) with an image (103) thereon, has a first film (20) with a brush stroke texture embossed therein (21), a second film (40) with a canvas texture embossed therein (41) to create a final product having the appearance of a piece of fine art.
US08398791B2	Process for manufacturing mineral wool, cobalt-based alloys for the process and other uses Cobalt based alloys exhibiting high-temperature mechanical strength in an oxidizing medium are provided. The alloys are free of W and Hf and include the following elements in percentage by weight of the alloy: 23 to 34% Cr; 6 to 12% Ni; 6.0 to 10% Ta; 0.3 to 1.2% C; less than 3% Fe; less than 1% Si; less than 0.5% Mn; less than 0.1% Zr; and a balance of cobalt and impurities. Ta/C molar ratios of the alloys are at least 0.3.
US08398789B2	Fatigue-resistant nickel-titanium alloys and medical devices using same Superelastic and/or shape memory nickel-titanium alloys having an increased fatigue life that is superior to known nickel-titanium alloys are disclosed. The nickel-titanium alloys have a minimum fatigue life that may be at least about 10 million strain cycles at a strain of at least about 0.75. The minimum fatigue life may be due, at least in part, to the nickel-titanium alloy having at least one of an oxygen concentration of less than about 200 ppm, a carbon concentration of less than about 200 ppm, the absence of oxide-based and/or carbide-based inclusions having a size greater than about 5 microns (μm), the presence of an R-phase, or combinations of the foregoing. Articles manufactured from such fatigue-resistant nickel-titanium alloys can be more durable because they are more resistant to repetitive strain and crack propagation.
US08398788B2	Methods of preparing thin polymetal diffusion coatings A thin zinc diffusion coating, the diffusion coating including: (a) an iron-based substrate, and (b) a zinc-iron intermetallic layer coating the iron-based substrate, the intermetallic layer having a first average thickness of less than 15 μm, as measured by a magnetic thickness gage, the intermetallic layer having a second average thickness as measured by an X-Ray fluorescence thickness measurement, and wherein a difference between the first average thickness and the second average is less than 4 μm.
US08398783B2	Workpiece de-chucking device of plasma reactor for dry-cleaning inside of reaction chamber and electrostatic chuck during workpiece de-chucking, and workpiece de-chucking method using the same A workpiece de-chucking device of a plasma reactor for dry-cleaning the inside of a reaction chamber and an ElectroStatic chuck (ESC) during workpiece de-chucking and a workpiece de-chucking method using the same are provided. The workpiece de-chucking device includes a lifting unit, an ICP source power unit, and a controller. The lifting unit lifts a workpiece mounted on a top surface of an ESC. The ICP source power unit forms a magnetic field in an inductive coil arranged outside a dielectric window. The controller outputs a source power control signal, a lift control signal, and a de-chucking control signal.
US08398782B2	Protective arrangement for a control device associated with a dishwashing appliance, and associated apparatus and method A protective arrangement for protecting a control device associated with a dishwashing appliance is provided. A door assembly is pivotably engaged with a tub portion of the dishwashing appliance and cooperates therewith to cover a forward access opening defined by the tub portion. The control device is mounted to the door assembly and is adapted to selectively direct operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance. The protective arrangement is configured to wrap about the control device so as to be at least partially disposed between the control device and door assembly. The protective member is further disposed between a detergent dispensing device and the control device to at least partially prevent contact between dishwashing fluid from the detergent dispensing device and the control device. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
US08398779B2	Non destructive selective deposition removal of non-metallic deposits from aluminum containing substrates Non-metallic deposits are selectively removed from aluminum containing substrates such as aluminum faceplates using a selective deposition removal (SDR) solution. The SDR solution does not substantially etch the faceplate holes, thereby preserving the hole diameter integrity and increasing the number of times the faceplate may be cleaned or refurbished while remaining within processing hole diameter tolerances. In an embodiment, the SDR solution comprises, in wt % of the solution, 15.5%+/−2% HF or buffered HF acid, 3.8%+/−0.5% NH4F pH buffer, 59.7%+/−5% ethylene glycol, and the balance H2O.
US08398776B2	Method and apparatus for supporting workpieces in a coating apparatus One aspect involves: supporting a workpiece with workpiece support structure that includes spaced support parts, a support section supporting the support parts, and a workpiece holding adhesive on each support part, where the adhesives engage respective regions of a surface portion on the workpiece; and supplying a coating material toward a different surface portion of the workpiece. A different aspect involves: supporting a workpiece with workpiece support structure that includes a workpiece support member with a surface portion extending approximately parallel to a direction, and a workpiece support part having two adhesive portions that respectively engage the surface portion on the support member and a surface portion on the workpiece; and supplying a coating material in the direction, toward a different surface portion of the workpiece.
US08398771B2	Substrate processing apparatus A substrate processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a process chamber configured to accommodate a substrate, a gas supply line configured to supply a gas to an inside of the process chamber, and an exhaust line configured to exhaust the inside of the process chamber. The gas supply line of the substrate processing apparatus includes a preheating unit preheating the gas supplied from a gas source, a metal pipeline having an angled section wherein the metal pipe line connects the preheating unit and the inside of the process chamber to supply the gas preheated by the preheating unit into the process chamber, and a heat dissipation member covering the angled section to dissipate heat from the angled section.
US08398766B2	Semiconductor wafer composed of monocrystalline silicon and method for producing it Semiconductor wafers composed of monocrystalline silicon and doped with nitrogen contain an OSF region and a Pv region, wherein the OSF region extends from the center radially toward the edge of the wafer as far as the Pv region; the wafer has an OSF density of less than 10 cm−2, a BMD density in the bulk of at least 3.5×108 cm−3, and a radial distribution of the BMD density with a fluctuation range BMDmax/BMDmin of not more than 3. The wafers are produced by controlling initial nitrogen content and maintaining oxygen within a narrow window, followed by a heat treatment.
US08398764B2	Titanium and zirconium mixtures and emulsions for use in preparing gypsum wallboard Provided herein are mixtures, emulsions and other additives for use in manufacturing gypsum wallboard. The mixtures and emulsions may be wax-based emulsions or wax-free mixtures or emulsions, with wax-based emulsions including water, at least one wax, a dispersant which may include sulfur or a sulfur-containing group, and an additive comprising an organic titanium compound or organic zirconium compound. Mixtures may also be prepared including water, a dispersant; and an additive comprising an organic titanium compound or organic zirconium compound. Gypsum slurries may be prepared using such emulsions and mixtures and/or through addition of an organic titanium compound or organic zirconium compound.
US08398762B2	Pigmented inkjet ink comprising a bleed control agent The present invention provides an ink for inkjet printing. The ink contains an aqueous vehicle, a pigment colorant and an effective amount of a bleed control agent selected from benzyl glycerol, 3-phenoxy-1,2-propanediol and any combination thereof. The ink exhibits reduced intercolor bleed when printed, for example, on plain paper.
US08398760B2	Energy activated compositions A composition susceptible to changing color upon the application of energy, wherein the composition comprises a color former and a tinting colorant, wherein the tinting colorant has a complementary color to that of the composition comprising the color former without tinting colorant. Preferably, the composition 5 also comprises an energy absorbing additive. The invention also provides a method of improving contrast when a composition susceptible to changing color is imaged.
US08398753B2	System and method for removing contaminants The invention provides a system and method comprising an apparatus for removing contaminants from a gas in a semiconductor processing device, which can include a filter unit having at least two parallel filter stages located therein. The filter stages are designed to remove a least a portion of the contaminants present in the gas flowing through them. The apparatus can also include a flow controller for distributing the gas flow among the filter stages. In one embodiment, the controller may consist of a diffuser plate. The invention also provides a sampling tube orifice for gas flow control in a system or method of the invention. In another embodiment, an apparatus for removing contaminants from a gas in a clean room comprises a filter unit having at least two parallel filter stages, which are used to remove a portion of the contaminants in the gas as it passes through the apparatus.
US08398749B2	Process for the recovery of carbon dioxide A process for the recovery of carbon dioxide, which includes: (a) an absorption step of bringing a carbon dioxide-containing gaseous feed stream into gas-liquid contact with an absorbing fluid, whereby at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the gaseous stream is absorbed into the absorbing fluid to produce (i) a refined gaseous stream having a reduced carbon dioxide content and (ii) an carbon dioxide-rich absorbing fluid; and (b) a regeneration step of treating the carbon dioxide-rich absorbing fluid at a pressure of greater than 3 bar (absolute pressure) so as to liberate carbon dioxide and regenerate a carbon dioxide-lean absorbing fluid which is recycled for use in the absorption step, in which the absorbing fluid is an aqueous amine solution containing a tertiary aliphatic alkanol amine and an effective amount of a carbon dioxide absorption promoter, the tertiary aliphatic alkanol amine showing little decomposition under specified conditions of temperature and pressure under co-existence with carbon dioxide.
US08398747B2	Processes for purification of acetylene This invention relates in part to a process for producing high purity acetylene by withdrawing a crude acetylene stream from a storage source, and passing said stream through an adsorbent bed that contains layered adsorption media to selectively remove moisture, solvent and carbon dioxide from the stream, thereby producing the high purity acetylene. The adsorption media is regenerated in-situ. The high purity acetylene product is useful as a source material for depositing carbon and carbon-containing films in semiconductor applications.
US08398746B2	Small area electrostatic aerosol collector A small area electrostatic aerosol collector includes a collector housing, an inlet nozzle that extends from the housing and an exit port that provides an exit for air to flow back out of the housing. A pumping arrangement pulls air into the housing through the inlet nozzle. The sampled air is moved through ductwork such that particulates are collected on a substrate and the air is evacuated through the exit port after collection. The collector includes a charging device positioned within the ductwork to create an electric field defining a charging point that the air passes through between the inlet nozzle and the substrate. The substrate is held at a neutral or opposite charge relative to the electric field created by the charging device. Particulates are collected on the sample substrate by containing the aerosol in a small area and by forcing the aerosol to flow near the substrate.
US08398742B2	Pressure sensor disconnection detection systems and methods A system for a vehicle includes a regeneration module and a disconnection indication module. The regeneration module indicates when a regeneration of a particulate filter is complete. The disconnection indication module receives a pressure difference across the particulate filter measured using delta pressure sensor. The delta pressure sensor generates the pressure difference based on first and second pressures upstream and downstream of the particulate filter applied to the delta pressure sensor using upstream and downstream pressure lines, respectively. In response to an indication that the regeneration of the particulate filter is complete, the disconnection indication module selectively indicates that the downstream pressure line is disconnected based on a comparison of the pressure difference and a predetermined pressure.
US08398741B2	Fine composite metal particles and their production method, micro-bodies, and magnetic beads Fine composite metal particle comprising a metal core and a coating layer of carbon, and being obtained by reducing metal oxide powder with carbon powder.
US08398739B2	Iron-based steel powder composition, method for producing a sintered component and component A composition comprising water atomised prealloyed iron-based steel powder is provided which steel powder comprises by weight-%: 0.2-1.5 Cr, 0.05-0.4 V, 0.09-0.6 Mn, less than 0.1 Mo, less than 0.1 Ni, less than 0.2 Cu, less than 0.1 C, less than 0.25 O, less than 0.5 of unavoidable impurities, the balance being iron. A method of forming a sintered component, and component additionally are provided.
US08398735B2	Filter element with pleat support combs A filter element includes support grid secured about its periphery edges to a periphery frame member. A pleated filter media is secured to the frame member and is sized and positioned to fully cover the filter fluid aperture. The support grid is positioned such that it is effective in providing support to the filter media against fluid forces. At least one elongated comb member is provided and includes a plurality of spaced tapered teeth protruding outwards towards the filter media. The teeth are sized and spaced to be received into at least a portion of grooves present between the pleats of the filter media. The teeth of the comb member are sized and spaced to regulate filter media pleat separation and spacing.
US08398730B2	Method and apparatus to facilitate substitute natural gas production A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.
US08398729B2	Gasification systems for partial moderator bypass Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.
US08398728B2	Process for making a composition comprising at least two different dialkyl ethers The present invention further contemplates a process for making a dialkyl ether composition comprising two or more ethers of the formula R1—O—R2. The present invention further contemplates a process for making a dialkyl ether composition starting from a first reaction product comprising 1-butanol. The invention further contemplates a dialkyl ether composition comprising two or more ethers of the formula R1—O—R2, where each R1 and R2 can independently be any carbon chain length, saturated or unsaturated; branched or straight-chain, of between C2 and C10; specifically between C4 and C10; more specifically between C4 and C6; more specifically C6; more specifically 04. The present invention further contemplates a process where a first reaction product comprising 1-butanol is used to produce a dialkyl ether composition where each R1 and R2 can independently be any carbon chain length, saturated or unsaturated; branched or straight-chain, of between C2 and C10; specifically between C4 and C10; more specifically between C4 and C6; more specifically C6; more specifically C4.
US08398727B2	Method of manufacturing vacuum-sealing-type flexible-film primary battery A method of manufacturing a flexible-film primary battery includes forming a first conductive carbon layer directly on a surface-treated inner surface of a first pouch film to form a positive electrode collector, and forming a positive electrode layer on the first conductive carbon layer to form a positive electrode plate. A second conductive carbon layer is formed directly on a surface-treated inner surface of a second pouch film to form a negative electrode collector, and a negative electrode layer is formed on the second conductive carbon layer to form a negative electrode plate. An adhesion/post-injection polymer electrolyte layer is inserted between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate to manufacture a battery assembly. An electrolyte is injected into the polymer electrolyte layer of the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sealed completely to form a primary battery.
US08398724B2	Methods for preparing hair coloring compositions Methods for providing, at the discretion of the user, at least two different oxidative hair coloring compositions providing different level of lift based on a single tint component. The methods involve the use of a tint component, an oxidizing component and a third component comprising a non-ammonia alkalizing agent. The compositions may comprise little or no ammonia.
US08398722B2	Phenylpyrido [1,2-A] indolium-derived thiol/disulfide dye, dye composition comprising this dye, process for lightening keratin materials using this dye The invention relates to the dyeing of keratin materials using phenylpyrido[1,2-a]indolinium-derived thiol and disulfide fluorescent dyes. The invention relates to a dye composition comprising a phenylpyrido[1,2-a]indolinium-derived-chromophore thiol or disulfide dye and to a dyeing process with a lightening effect on keratin materials, in particular keratin fibers, especially human keratin fibers, such as the hair, using said composition. It similarly relates to novel phenylpyrido[1,2-a]indolinium-derived-chromophore thiol dyes and to the uses thereof in lightening keratin materials. This composition makes it possible to obtain a coloring with a lightening effect which is particularly resistant and visible on dark keratin fibers.
US08398721B2	Dry-cleaning article, composition and methods Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition also may include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a dispenser from which the composition is selectively dispensed onto a dry garment or other object to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an internal chamber containing the composition, and the composition is dispensed onto objects prior to placing the objects in a drying machine.
US08398719B2	Neck sparing total hip implant methods A femoral prosthesis. The femoral prosthesis includes an implant body having a proximal end and a distal end and a shoulder at the proximal end, the shoulder being structured and dimensioned for a tight press fit into the neck of a femur. The implant body includes a trunk at the distal end, the trunk having a wedge formed by a tapered portion extending in the direction of the distal end of the implant body. The implant body also includes a medial column extending from the shoulder toward the distal end and a lateral column extending from the shoulder toward the distal end. The wedge, the medial column, and the lateral column to provide multi-planar stability for the implant body and surface area for fixation of the implant body.
US08398716B2	High performance knee prostheses with posterior cam Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can also be specially shaped to achieve similar results, preferably using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics.
US08398705B2	Stent A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a bioabsorable material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.
US08398695B2	Side branch stenting system using a main vessel constraining side branch access balloon and side branching stent A side branch stenting system using a catheter/stent assembly having a balloon with adjacent globular and cylindrical portions and a stent mounted thereon over the cylindrical portion The stent has finger-like projections mounted over portion of the globular portion of the balloon. At a bifurcation site with another stent in place in the main vessel and having an opening into a side branch, the catheter/stent assembly is placed in the side branch and inflated. The cylindrical portion of the balloon expands the main stent body in the side vessel. The globular portion of the balloon inflates in the main vessel, constraining the main vessel and bending the finger-like projections around the circumference of the opening into the side branch.
US08398694B2	Over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.
US08398693B2	Electrically actuated medical devices The present invention relates to medical devices for implantation or insertion into body lumens, for example, catheters, guidewires, stents and aneurysm coils. The devices of the present invention comprise electrically actuated materials, such as electroactive polymers and piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials, which enhance or expand their functionality.
US08398689B2	Devices and methods for dynamic fixation of skeletal structure The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.
US08398688B2	Bone screw In order to improve a bone screw with a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and with a head which can be brought into engagement with a bone screw receiving means of a bone plate for the releasable connection of the bone screw to the bone plate, wherein a securing element for securing a connection between the bone screw and the bone plate is provided, wherein the bone screw can be brought from a position of engagement, in which the bone screw is held on the bone plate, into a release position, in which the bone screw can be released from the bone plate, wherein the securing element can be brought from a non-securing position, in which the bone screw can be brought into the release position, into a securing position for securing the connection between the bone screw and the bone plate, in which the bone screw takes up the position of engagement, such that a bone plate can be fixed to bone parts more easily and more securely it is suggested that the securing element be supported on the bone screw so as to be movable.
US08398681B2	Adjacent level facet arthroplasty devices, spine stabilization systems, and methods The invention discloses an implantable facet arthroplasty device suitable for treating adjacent level disease. The device is designed for implantation between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. Components of the device include: a crossbar; a first component having a first attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a first location of a spinal fusion device attached to a first vertebra and a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the crossbar; and a second component having a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a second location of a spinal fusion device attached to the first vertebra and a second attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the crossbar. The first component articulates relative to the second component and the first vertebra articulates relative to the device itself.
US08398680B2	Bioabsorbable magnesium knots for securing surgical suture A crimpable magnesium sleeve for securing a suture within the body and for dissolving over time while introducing only compatible amounts of magnesium into the body. An instrument for placing such a sleeve on a suture crimping the sleeve and cutting the suture after placement. An alloy of magnesium, zinc, and aluminum may be used to form the sleeve.
US08398677B2	Closure device with textured surface A closure device closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device includes a plurality of fibrous tissue engaging members coupled to a proximally extending elongate member, a closure sheath sized to receive the elongate member and slidable over the elongate member to move the fibrous tissue engaging members from an expanded position to a collapsed position, a delivery sheath sized to receive the closure sheath and having a distal end sized to engage the fibrous tissue engaging members in the expanded position, and a closure member having an aperture sized to receive the closure sheath.
US08398676B2	Closure device A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.
US08398675B2	Absorbable medical sealing device with retaining assembly having at least two loops A device having an inner seal and a retaining assembly seals a puncture in a blood vessel. The inner seal is placed inside the blood vessel and seals the puncture by contacting the inner surface wall of the blood vessel. The retaining assembly has at least two loops which engage the inner seal. Each loop may remain in substantial contact with the inner seal for substantially 360 degrees of the travel of each loop. The at least two loops may lie in a plane which is parallel to both the major axis of the inner seal and a folding axis. A locking member may be slid along the retaining assembly so as to contact the outer surface wall of the blood vessel.
US08398673B2	Surgical instrument for grasping and cutting tissue A surgical instrument for cutting and grasping tissue comprising a handle assembly, an elongated member and first and second jaws. A first movable member moves the second jaw in a first direction about a first pivot axis in a grasping action and a second movable member moves the second jaw in a second direction different than the first direction and about a second pivot axis in a cutting action. A switch is positioned at the proximal portion of the instrument and a selecting member is actuated by movement of the switch, the selecting member movable between a first position to enable movement of the second jaw in the first direction and prohibit movement in the second direction and a second position to enable movement of the second jaw in the second direction and prohibit movement in the first direction.
US08398671B2	Electrical contact for occlusive device delivery system A delivery wire assembly for delivery of an occlusive device to a location in a patient's vasculature includes a delivery wire conduit having a proximal tubular portion coupled to a distal coil portion, the respective tubular and coil portions defining a conduit lumen. A core wire is disposed in the conduit lumen and having a distal end coupled to an occlusive device, wherein an elongate electrical contact body at least partially seated in the conduit lumen and coupled to a proximal end of the core wire, the electrical contact body and the proximal tubular portion forming a junction. A coil collar is disposed around the electrical contact body near the junction.
US08398669B2	Indwelling fecal diverting device Disclosed is an indwelling fecal diverting device. The device comprises an elongate tube formed, at an upper end thereof, with a tubular body part; a pair of fixing balloons attached up and down to an outer surface of the tubular body part such that a clamping portion is defined between the fixing balloons; and a tube opening and closing balloon attached to an inner surface of the tubular body part. An injection passage is defined in the tube so that a remedial liquid can be injected through the injection passage to the outside of the tube to medically treat an anastomosed portion of an intestinal tract of a patient. The indwelling fecal diverting device is fitted into the intestinal tract of the patient, air is supplied into the fixing balloons to inflate them, and the intestinal tract is clamped around the clamping portion using a clamping band.
US08398668B2	Devices and methods for treatment of obesity Methods, devices, tools and assemblies for treating a patient to effect weight loss. One method embodiment involves passing a device including an expandable member in a collapsed configuration and a buoyancy member through an opening in the skin of a patient and into the abdominal cavity of the patient, and anchoring at least a portion of the expandable member, relative to at least one structure in the abdominal cavity. Devices including at least one expandable member and at least one buoyancy member are provided.
US08398665B2	Lancing system for withdrawing a body fluid Lancing system for withdrawing body fluid having a lancing element and a lancing instrument, which includes a lancing drive, by which a lancing movement of a lancing element is driven. The lancing drive comprises a drive source and a transmission having a housing coupling mechanism which includes at least two transmission links, a housing bearing, and a coupling element adapted for coupling a lancing element thereto. A lancing depth limiting stop is positioned in the housing so that a stop surface of the lancing element contacts the lancing depth limiting stop during the forward phase of the lancing movement. The housing coupling mechanism comprises a length compensation device to ensure a distance adaptation of the spacing between the lancing element and a housing bearing of the housing coupling mechanism during contact of the stops and further movement of the lancing drive.
US08398664B2	Lancing device and lancet A lancing device and lancet are provided with depth-control, lancet ejection, and/or guidance mechanisms. The depth-control mechanism includes a dial rotationally mounted at a distal end of the housing of the lancing device, the dial being coupled to a linkage whereby rotation of the dial imparts translational movement to a stop surface of the linkage to limit the stroke of the lancet and thereby control lancing penetration depth. The ejection mechanism includes an ejector that is advanced into contact with a transversely flared flange of the lancet to discharge the lancet from the lancing device. The guidance mechanism includes an inner guidance housing for restricting out-of-axis movement of a lancet carrier.
US08398657B2	Multi-fire suturing instrument with proximal ferrule release feature A surgical suturing instrument has a needle which traverses at tissue receiving gap and picks up suture distal to the gap. This invention provides an automated mechanism enabling the suture to be removed from the needle after the needle is retracted proximal to the tissue gap. This mechanism provides enhanced device reloading and other potential uses.
US08398655B2	Integrated double clips applier with division device for clamping clips The present invention relates to a clip applier for clipping and dividing blood vessels, including: a handle; a first jaw unit; and a second jaw unit. The clip applier of the present invention can bring up two ligating clips at the same time with the first jaw unit and the second jaw unit, whereas the two clamping positions of the blood vessel can be clamped with the ligating clips simultaneously by the clip applier of the present invention in a single step, and thus the operating steps can be simplified, and the time involved with the surgical operation can be shortened.
US08398648B2	System and method of harvesting osteochondral plugs A method is disclosed and can include engaging a harvest guide with bony tissue and placing a cutting device within the harvest guide. The harvest guide can maintain the cutting device substantially perpendicular to a tangent through a point on the bony tissue aligned with the cutting device. The cutting device can be an osteochondral chisel, a trephine, or a combination thereof.
US08398645B2	Femoral tibial customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrumentation A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.
US08398644B2	Retraction tube for use with bone screw A retractor system and method for locating and placing a polyaxial screw while substantially simultaneously retracting tissue is shown and described. The retractor has a channel that facilitates introducing a rod into the polyaxial screw. Various embodiments are shown, including one which utilized a reducer for moving the rod in the retractor.
US08398643B2	Maxillary bone cutting and injection system and method of using the same A bone cutting and injecting device for cutting maxillary bone and injecting a filler through the maxillary bone under a subantral membrane to separate the subantral membrane from the maxillary bone and fill the space formed therebetween. The device includes a hollow tubular element having a diameter sized to be inserted into a pilot hole in the maxillary bone, a piston longitudinally displaceable within the hollow tubular element, and a cutter mounted to the piston and operably disposed adjacent the distal end of the hollow tubular element. A fluid path is defined through the hollow tubular element for guiding the filler, and the cutter is configured to redirect the filler in a transverse or radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element.
US08398642B2	Dual reamer driver The disclosure illustrates a dual driver for surgical reamers in which either of a crossbridge and crossbar style reamers are axially inserted in the distal end of a central shaft for the reamer driver. A pair of L shaped grips are adapted to connect and disconnect the different style of reamers by the movement of an external sleeve biased towards the connection position. Movement of the sleeve away from the distal end allows an internal plunger to cam the grips to an open position and urge the appropriate reamer from the tool driver directly in an axial direction.
US08398641B2	Tissue modification devices and methods Described herein are devices and methods for cutting tissue in a patient. In some embodiments, a bimanually controlled device may include a tissue modification region; at least two flexible elongate lengths of cable that extend substantially adjacent to each other proximally to distally; a plurality of rungs extending between the lengths of cable; and a pair of flexible elongate cutting members extending along the length of the tissue modification region of the device. Each elongate cutting member has a thickness cuts a discrete trough into tissue to a depth that is greater than the thickness of the cutting member. The device may further include a substrate sized and configured to releasably hold the cutting members a distance from one another and a pair of couplers positioned toward an outer edge region of the substrate and configured to releasably secure a cutting member to the outer edge region of the substrate.
US08398640B2	Volume measuring intervertebral tool system and method The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a device for use in an intervertebral tissue removal procedure includes a cannula having a first end portion for insertion into tissue, a feed passage within the cannula, a return passage within the cannula, and a loosening member movable within the feed passage and the return passage and at least partially deployable away from the first end portion of the cannula.
US08398638B2	Method of treating spinal internal disk derangement A method of treating a spinal disk according to the present invention can include inserting an alloplastic bulking agent into the spinal disk to treat the defect. The alloplastic bulking agent has a plurality of microparticles. The bulking agent results in at least one of sealing the defect, increasing a pressure of the disk, increasing a height of the disk, improving stability of the disk and improving structural integrity of the disk.
US08398637B2	Device and method for less invasive surgical stabilization of pelvic fractures An apparatus and method for minimally invasive stabilization of anterior pelvic fractures consisting of two rod shaped implants that may be surgically inserted subcutaneously or along the bone surface of each hemipelvis and a means of both linking the individual rods as well as rigidly securing the construct to the pelvis.
US08398632B1	Surgical clamp having treatment elements A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation tool is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.
US08398630B2	Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
US08398628B2	Eye therapy system The cornea is reshaped in multiple steps according to varying amounts of energy in varying patterns and/or at varying locations to achieve a customized reshaping of the cornea to address the specific needs of an individual patient. The varying amounts of energy may be applied via one or more conducting elements, which include an outer conductor and an inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, a distal end of the outer conductor and the inner conductor defining the varying patterns. For example, one step may form a substantially circular lesion to flatten a first portion of the cornea to treat presbyopia, while another step may form a substantially circular and concentric lesion having a greater diameter to steepen a second portion of the cornea to treat hyperopia. Advantageously, continuous transitional regions are formed relative to the reshaped portions to provide vision for intermediate distances.
US08398625B2	Electrosurgical electrode with insulative coating An electrode adapted to connect to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrode includes a proximal end that is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical energy source. The electrode includes a distal end configured for treating tissue. The distal end of the electrode includes a first portion having one or more edges and a second portion having a substantially blunt profile. An insulative material is disposed over at least the distal end of the electrode. The insulative material includes a first thickness at the first portion and a second thickness at the second portion, wherein upon activation, the insulative material disposed over the first portion breaks away from the first portion allowing energy to travel to tissue from the first portion.
US08398624B2	System and method for performing ablation using an expandable member An apparatus comprises a catheter, a conductive element and a balloon. The catheter has a lumen. The conductive element is disposed along the catheter. The balloon has an interior in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. The balloon is formed of a conductive material conductively coupled to the conductive element. The balloon has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
US08398623B2	Ablation devices with sensors structures A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter (10) and an expandable ablation element (18) incorporating one or more balloons (20,22) at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway (28, 30) extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe (72) carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop (82) which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the sensor probe.
US08398620B2	Medical instrument with a rotatable detent A medical instrument comprises a shaft, a handle connected to said shaft and having a movable gripping part. An insert is guided along said shaft and connected to said movable part at its proximal end. A tool is provided at a distal end of said insert. A lock is provided for locking said movable grip part in a position. A detent is provided for releasing said locking of said lock. A rotatable stopping member is arranged on said movable grip part. A rotational plane of said rotatable stopping member lying across a longitudinal axis of a movement direction of said movable grip part. Said rotatable stopping member can be rotated between a first position not influencing said locking function of said lock and a second position keeping said lock permanently away from said locking engagement.
US08398618B2	Medical instrument with a detent A medical instrument comprises a shaft which is connected at the proximal end to a handle, and it also comprises an insert which is guided along the shaft and which is connected at the proximal end to a movable grip part of the handle. At its distal end, the insert has a tool which can be actuated by pivoting of the grip part. A lock is also provided which can be brought into locking engagement with the movable grip part. To cancel the lock function, a detent is provided which can be brought between lock and movable grip part, such that the lock function can be cancelled by the detent.
US08398614B2	Apparatus for aspirating, irrigating and cleansing wounds An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.
US08398613B1	Method and apparatus for draining fluid from an organism A surgical drain and method for using the same. The surgical drain comprises a first end, which may be sized for placement within an organism. The first end features a plurality of segments, each labeled with an alphanumeric character. The first end may be cut at a line between two of the segments. The alphanumeric character at the terminal end of the first end after cutting is recorded prior to placing the drain within the organism. When removing the drain, the recorded alphanumeric character is compared with the character at a terminal end of the first end of the surgical drain. Thus, a treating professional can ensure that no portion of the surgical drain is left within the wound, preventing infection due to a foreign object left within the organism.
US08398610B2	Catheter with distensible and frangible cap A catheter for delivering a medical implant in a patient's vasculature includes an elongate catheter having a distensible and frangible cap mounted across the open distal end thereof. The cap is distendable by pressure within the catheter to provide a bumper tip for guiding the catheter through a patient's vasculature. At the desired site for deploying the medical implant, the cap is ruptured to permit the implant to be advanced through the distal opening. Methods of using the catheter are also disclosed.
US08398607B2	Medical connector A medical connector for use with one or more medical implements. In some embodiments, the connector minimizes or eliminates the retrograde flow of fluid into the connector from one end or port upon the disconnection of a medical implement from the other end or port. In some embodiments, the connector generates a positive flow of fluid out of the connector from one end or port when a medical implement is disconnected from the other end or port.
US08398606B2	Folded perineal pad A multi-layered, absorbent perineal pad is disclosed that has a generally ovate cross-section. In disclosed embodiments, the pad has an absorbent outer layer, antimicrobial intermediate layer, and absorbent inner layer. At least two opposing edges of the pad are sealed to one another so that the absorbent inner layer encloses an internal cavity within the pad. The pad may be used to absorb liquids from perineal structures (such as vaginal or anal liquids) or administer agents to perineal structures. Liquids that are absorbed in the pad can be subjected to diagnostic assays.
US08398605B2	Absorbent article having drawstring members A wearable absorbent article, comprising a drawstring member that is at least partially inelastic. The drawstring member can include an inelastic material. The drawstring member can be substantially inelastic. The article can include a chassis with an edge, and a drawstring chamber disposed along at least a portion of the edge, wherein the drawstring member is disposed within the drawstring chamber.
US08398602B2	Carrying case and syringe system with same A carrying case (1) for a pharmaceutical injection device (21) administering a pharmaceutical to a living body includes a case unit (2, 20) and an electric charging device (3a). The case unit (2, 20) accommodates the pharmaceutical injection device (21). The electric charging device (3a) is mounted in the case unit (2, 20), includes an electric charging terminal (9) electrically connectable to the pharmaceutical injection device (21), and electrically charges the pharmaceutical injection device (21). The carrying case (1) can prevent troubles including such a situation that a user cannot charge the pharmaceutical injection device (21) while being out with the carrying case.
US08398599B2	Anchoring system for a medical article An anchoring system secures a catheter to the body of a patient and arrests axial movement of the catheter without meaningfully impairing fluid flow through the catheter. The anchoring system includes an anchor pad that adheres to the patient's skin and supports a retainer. The retainer includes interacting structure with a cooperating keeper and latch that releasably moves the retainer between an open and a closed position. When in the open position, the retainer can receive a portion of the catheter and be subsequently moved to the closed position. The retainer further includes one or more retention mechanisms that inhibit axial movement of the catheter relative to the retainer when the catheter is secured therein. In one mode, the retainer includes interacting structure with a keeper and latch. The keeper selectively cooperates with the latch to secure the retainer in a closed position where the cover is generally over to the base. In another mode, the anchoring system includes a mount that allows the retainer to rotate 360° relative to the anchor pad.
US08398594B2	Spring arrangement in an injection device An injection device, in some embodiments an autoinjector, which includes a thrust spring that advances an injection needle from an initial position to an insertion position from the distal end of the injection device and that causes a product to be emptied from the product reservoir by an emptying movement, and a return spring that retracts the injection needle from the insertion position into the distal end of the injection device counter to the force of the thrust spring, wherein the return spring is decoupled from the thrust spring during the emptying movement.
US08398593B2	Brake for injection devices A brake mechanism for an injection device for generating a braking action on a moving, e.g. rotating, part or component of the injection device.
US08398591B2	Aspiration catheter having variable volume distal suction chamber An aspiration catheter is provided in which rapid withdrawal of a piston disposed within a distal region of a catheter lumen creates a sudden pressure drop for ingestion of intravascular matter into the catheter lumen through a distal port while avoiding large losses of suction common with catheters having long aspiration lumens. Conventional aspiration using the same catheter can subsequently complement the procedure by fully removing the ingested matter from the catheter.
US08398590B2	Device to indicate priming of an infusion line A priming indicator for a fluid infusion system includes a luer cap or other component of the infusion system having an indicator surface covered by a membrane. The membrane exhibits a first visual characteristic, such as being opaque, when dry and exhibits a second characteristic, such as becoming less opaque, when wet. Once the membrane becomes wet, indicia on the surface, which may be provided on a rod at least partially covered by the membrane, becomes visible, thereby indicating an intravenous tube to which the luer cap is secured has been primed or is nearly primed. The indicator may alternately be employed at an upstream end of an infusion set, such as at the port of a medical bag providing a supply of fluid, to indicate a low level of fluid in the medical bag.
US08398589B2	Occlusion perfusion catheter Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen.
US08398585B2	Injector and two-chamber system having sealing container adapter The invention relates to a single-use injector and to a two-chamber system, wherein at least one first chamber is part of a cylinder-piston unit that can be received in the single-use injector, and wherein the second chamber is part of a container having at least one opening, and closed at least intermittently by means of a stopper and place in a container adapter releasably supported on the single-use injector. To this end, the stopper and the container adapter can be permanently latched to each other. When the container is inserted, the container adapter closes off the opening and displaces the stopper. When the container is inserted into the container adapter, the adapter connects the interior of the cylinder-piston unit to the interior of the container. By means of the present invention, a single-use injector and a two-chamber system having a reduced number of components is developed.
US08398581B2	Fluid exchange catheter system A catheter system that can be used for concurrent fluid infusion and aspiration in humans, animals and biological material, at a wide range of flow rates, without any blockage problems. The system has devices that control the infused liquid's pressure changes accordingly to the aspirated liquid's pressure changes, in order to allow accurate and safe fluid exchange flow control and create changes of pressures at the catheter's tip that do not allow the catheter's blockage.
US08398580B2	Methods and apparatus for treating rhinitis Described here are devices and methods for the delivery of treatment agents simultaneously with capnic gases. Specifically, the treatment agents and capnic gases may be delivered to a mucosal membrane at a controlled flow rate to treat rhinitis. Exemplary capnic gases include carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dilute acid gases.
US08398579B2	Catheter including composite guide and methods for use of the same A catheter including a catheter body having a catheter lumen is disclosed. A manifold assembly is coupled with a proximal catheter portion. A manifold lumen extends through the manifold assembly and includes an assembly cavity extending around the proximal catheter portion. A fluid jet loop including fluid jet orfices along a tapered loop guide surface is coupled with a distal catheter portion. The catheter further includes a composite guide having a proximal guide insert and a distal guide. The proximal guide insert is positioned within the assembly cavity and includes a guide insert surface flush with a catheter body interior wall. The distal guide includes a tapered loop guide surface, and an intermediate guide surface of the catheter lumen is flushly engaged with a leading edge of the tapered loop guide surface, the distal guide continuously tapering inwardly and distally along the tapered loop guide surface.
US08398574B1	Athletic garment with inflatable cup protector assembly An athletic undergarment has a pants with a trunk and legs. A cup pouch is adjustably attached to a waistband supports a cup protector assembly having a bellows and bladder providing a protective comfortable air cushion for a person's groin area. Adjustable knee supports are attached to the legs.
US08398573B2	DRUJ brace with ulnar styloid accommodation The DRUJ brace is donned circumferentially around the distal radioulnar joint and provides adjustable compression of the proximal portion of the distal radioulnar joint that is independent of adjustable compression of the distal portion of the distal radioulnar joint, without compression of the ulnar styloid. Compression is maintained by hook and loop fasteners.
US08398572B2	Bladder tube connection A compression device for applying compression treatment to a patient's body. The device includes an inflatable bladder having an inner layer, an outer layer opposite the inner layer, the inner layer and the outer layer are joined to form a hollow interior adapted for periodically receiving fluid to inflate the bladder, the joined layers are joined by a seam having a sealed upstream end, an open downstream end, and sealed lateral sides. The bladder includes an opening positioned between the lateral sides and extending through the inner layer and/or the outer layer of the bladder. The device includes the tube extending toward the open downstream end of the seam and through the opening. The device includes a seal extending between the lateral sides of the seam and across the tube preventing fluid leakage between the tube and the opening in the bladder when the bladder is inflated.
US08398571B2	Vibration pad cover and vibration treatment system A cover (150) for a vibratory pad (10) comprises a pocket or pouch (158) faced with dressing fabric material and sized to accommodate a vibration pad, a closure (154e) to retain the cover on the pad, in use, and a strap (146,148) integral with the cover suitable for connecting the cover (and a pad retained therein) to the limb (29) of a patient. The strap has an (adhesive) connector (176) that is capable of being secured so as to pressure the pad against the limb and so that, once made, the connection cannot be unmade without disabling the connector against making subsequent connections. Thus the cover can only be used once. A system (12′150′) includes the vibration device and comprises means to disable the device after a cover has been employed for a period of time or number of treatments.
US08398566B2	Biopsy needles A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes a handle including a handle body that defines a hollow interior that includes a hollow inner housing member and a cannula assembly including an inner cannula, an outer cannula and a snarecoil coil at a distal end that is attached to the outer cannula. The biopsy needle also includes a first biasing element that is coupled to the cannula assembly and is configured to apply a force thereto when stored energy of the first biasing element is released to cause forward projection of the cannula assembly. A first mechanism of the needle has a first component associated with a proximal end of the inner cannula that is received within the inner housing member and a second component associated with the inner housing to cause controlled rotation of the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula after the cannula assembly is projected a predetermined distance.
US08398560B2	Equine wireless physiological monitoring system An accelerometer senses equine respiratory structural vibrations. The accelerometer includes a sensing surface configured to be attached to one of hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage, and other tissue of a horse. The accelerometer is responsive to respiratory structural vibrations of the horse and outputs a signal corresponding to the respiratory structural vibrations.
US08398558B2	Automatic transmission power adjustment for Doppler radar The invention relates to a Doppler radar heart sensor comprising a radar signal emitter (102); a radar signal receiver (103); a signal pattern matcher (106); and a transmission power adjuster (108). The signal pattern matcher (106) is connected to the radar signal receiver (102) and arranged to analyze a received radar signal (105), to compare the received radar signal with signal patterns, and to issue a corresponding indication signal upon detection of a sufficiently high similarity between the received radar signal and at least one of the signal patterns. A transmission power adjuster (109) is connected to the radar signal emitter (102) and the signal pattern matcher (106), the transmission power adjuster being arranged to gradually modify a transmission power delivered to the radar signal emitter (102) until the signal pattern matcher issues the indication signal. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and a computer program product.
US08398553B2	Method and an apparatus for recording bladder volume A non-invasive method and apparatus for monitoring the bladder volume in humans or animals. The monitoring measurements are based on the analysis of ultrasound signals from at least two individual ultrasound transducer arrays. Each one individual ultrasound transducer array has a contact face, which is arranged in order to transmit an ultrasonic signal through an abdominal surface of an individual being monitored. The method and apparatus includes the arranging of each individual transducer array on the abdominal surface around an axis which extends from a point on the abdominal surface through a point on or within the urinary bladder. The method and apparatus further comprises that each individual transducer array is arranged to scan the bladder using a two-dimensional scan plane which extends radially from the transducer array through the bladder.
US08398549B2	Ultrasound methods, systems and computer program products for imaging contrasting objects using combined images A system for identifying a presence of an object in a tissue region of interest includes a controller configured to obtain first and second image data sets from the region of interest. A contrast identification module is configured to identify a contrasting region of altered stiffness in the first image data set corresponding to an object in the tissue region of interest. An image data enhancement module is configured to identify the object in the second image data set based on the contrasting region of altered stiffness in the first image data set.
US08398546B2	System for monitoring and managing body weight and other physiological conditions including iterative and personalized planning, intervention and reporting capability A nutrition and activity management system is disclosed that monitors energy expenditure of an individual through the use of a body-mounted sensing apparatus. The apparatus is particularly adapted for continuous wear. The system is also adaptable or applicable to measuring a number of other physiological parameters and reporting the same and derivations of such parameters. A weight management embodiment is directed to achieving an optimum or preselected energy balance between calories consumed and energy expended by the user. An adaptable computerized nutritional tracking system is utilized to obtain data regarding food consumed, Relevant and predictive feedback is provided to the user regarding the mutual effect of the user's energy expenditure, food consumption and other measured or derived or manually input physiological contextual parameters upon progress toward said goal.
US08398544B2	Surgical instrument equipment appropriate for mini-invasive surgery A surgical instrument equipment appropriate for mini-invasive surgery, inserted through natural orifices or incisions, made up by a device to have access to the patient's body, that is comprised by a rigid ring from which at least two extensions stem out in distal direction, which extensions act as separators and a multivalve flexible head which, when in use, is provided enveloping the external side of said rigid ring, and that comprises: at least one operative conducting duct for the access of at least one working instrument; a connector to insufflate and irrigate fluids; and a funnel to retain fluids that holds said multivalve flexible head that envelops the rigid ring, defining when assembled, a passage for said working instrument that is provided within at least a conducting duct and, in turn, is comprised by a clamp handle, a movement transmission element made by an external tubular sheath, a driving chuck and a clamp head is including an intrahead device.
US08398541B2	Interactive user interfaces for robotic minimally invasive surgical systems In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.
US08398540B2	Semi disposable endoscope A disposable endoscope body having an enclosure in its distal end for a non-disposable element, such as a video camera head. Because of its complexity and sensitivity, the camera head is non-disposable and cannot be sterilized. The camera head is sealed in the endoscope body, such that it does not contaminate the patient during the procedure. Sealing is achieved using an end cap. After use, the camera is withdrawn from the proximal end of the endoscope, which, being near to or within the workstation, has not been inserted into the subject and should be free of patient contamination. Passage of the camera out through the proximal end therefore avoids contamination by the patient, such that it can be used again without need for sterilization. A dispensing kit is described, for supplying the sterile endoscope body and for installing and sealing the camera with a minimum of manual intervention.
US08398539B2	Phallus device and system with screw attachment The present invention is a phallus device and system for attaching a phallus to a mounting base. By utilizing a male/female screw attachment system a phallus can be attached to a number of different mounting bases such as a harness, a motorized device or the like. the particular advantage of the system is that the attachment is easy to achieve but less likely to come apart during use.
US08398529B2	Dual direction exercise treadmill with moment arm resistance An exercise treadmill for simulating a dragging or pulling action, having an endless moveable surface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and a lower run, with an exercise surface for walking or running on while operating the treadmill; and a moment arm weight resistance means for simulating the dragging or pulling of a load.
US08398519B2	Transmission with hydraulically actuated splined clutch A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.
US08398516B2	Avoiding coasting downshift torque reversal in an automatic transmission A method for controlling a coast down downshift that is produced in an automatic transmission by disengaging an off-going control element and engaging an oncoming control element, including the steps of determining a first desired pressure magnitude of the off-going control element and a first desired pressure magnitude of the oncoming control element, executing the current downshift using said first desired pressure magnitudes, determining during execution of the current downshift corrections of said first desired pressure magnitudes that occur during the current downshift, determining a second desired pressure magnitude of the off-going control element and a second desired pressure magnitude of the oncoming control element, using said corrections and the second desired pressure magnitude to determine a subsequent desired pressure magnitude of the off-going control element and a subsequent desired pressure magnitude of the oncoming control element, and executing a downshift using said subsequent desired pressure magnitudes.
US08398515B2	Powertrain comprising an optimized energy recovery system A powertrain includes a variable ratio transmission device having an input shaft coupled to an engine and an output shaft coupled to a driven unit, a three-way power split transmission device including three input/output couplings, a first of which is coupled to a flywheel and a second of which is coupled to an electrical machine. The third input/output coupling of the three way power split transmission device is mechanically coupled to the engine and to the input shaft of the variable ratio transmission device.
US08398514B2	Three-mode hybrid powertrain with two motor/generators A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member and a stationary member. The transmission also includes a first planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third node and a compound planetary gear arrangement having a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh node. The engine, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the first planetary gear set, and the output member and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the compound planetary gear arrangement. Thus configured, the transmission provides an under-drive gear for launching the vehicle, as well as a direct-drive gear and an over-drive gear for propelling the vehicle at higher speeds.
US08398513B2	Plate-link chain, particularly for a motor vehicle drive system A plate-link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. The chain includes a plurality of link plates articulatingly connected with each other by rocker members. The rocker members extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain. The chain includes curved contact surfaces formed on the rocker members and on the link plates, along which the rocker members and link plates are in contact with each other to transmit force. The respective contact surfaces have a width that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, and when considered in a side view running transversely to the width and in the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, they have an arc length. The contact surfaces have at least three regions along the arc length with different curvatures.
US08398510B1	Expandable arrowhead or broadhead and spring element An expandable arrowhead having a blade-carrying body with a slot that houses at least one movably mounted blade. Each blade can be pivotally mounted about a shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is fixed with respect to the body. In other embodiments, the shaft is movably mounted with respect to the body, for example by mounting a shaft within the slot so that the shaft moves within the slot with respect to the blade-carrying body. In some embodiments of this invention, a spring element positively holds one or more blades in a closed position or a retracted position, particularly during extreme forces encountered when launching an arrow from an archery bow, such as a compound archery bow. The spring element of this invention can be used to improve blade opening capabilities of conventional blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads.
US08398506B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads Golf club heads including first section and a second section that are separate and distinct from one another and are engaged to form at least a portion of the golf club head. The first section may include a first ledge member and the second section may include a second ledge member and the first ledge member may be engaged with the second ledge member to form a junction area. The first ledge member may include a first vertical side and a second vertical side and a horizontal side therebetween and the second ledge member may include a first vertical side and a second vertical side and a horizontal side therebetween. The first and second ledge members may be complementary. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making a golf club and golf club heads also are provided.
US08398504B2	Shaft selection assist apparatus A shaft selection assist apparatus according to this invention includes a storage means for storing recommended shaft information indicating a correspondence between measurement parameters obtained upon a test strike with a golf club to which a predetermined reference shaft is attached, and recommended shafts among shafts of a plurality of types, an acquisition means for acquiring the measurement results of the measurement parameters associated with a test strike actually made by a user with the golf club, a selection means for selecting a recommended shaft by referring to the recommended shaft information based on the measurement results acquired by the acquisition means, and an output means for outputting information indicating the recommended shaft selected by the selection means. The measurement parameters include the vertical launch angle of a struck ball and the back spin amount on the struck ball. The recommended shaft information stored in the storage means is information which specifies recommended shafts based on the relationship between the shaft rigidity distribution, and the vertical launch angle and the back spin amount.
US08398501B2	Muscle training apparatus and method The invention is directed to a muscle trainer and methods for exercising a weaker of two sets of opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the two sets of opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the two sets of opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. In various embodiments, the invention provides methods for training the opposing sets of muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way to accomplish a useful or recreational function. The methods include: (a) moving the muscle trainer through an actual motion; (b) determining a difference between the actual motion and an ideal motion, where the difference indicates a dominating force direction in which the muscle trainer is being urged by the stronger or dominating set of muscles; (c) applying an external force to the muscle trainer to urge the muscle trainer in the dominating force direction; and (d) using the weaker or non-dominating set of muscles to urge the muscle trainer against the external force to thereby exercise the non-dominating set of muscles.
US08398497B2	Twister ride system A ride system for rotating vehicles through a vertical plane or ride space about a common horizontal axis. The ride system includes an elongated support member with a longitudinal axis. The system includes a housing with a base and a frame supporting the elongated support member with the longitudinal axis spaced apart a distance from the base and such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal. The system also includes a plurality of vehicle support assemblies hanging from the elongated support member. Each of the vehicle support assemblies includes an extension arm supporting a passenger vehicle at one end and attached to the elongated support member at a second end via a support coupling assembly. The support coupling assembly is configured to rotate the extension arm about the longitudinal axis, whereby the passenger vehicle is moved through a vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
US08398492B2	Damper having torque limiter function A damper includes an outer cover having a front cover and a rear cover. The covers are joined to form a lubricant oil accommodation chamber for accommodating liquid. A damper device, a limiter mechanism, a first plate including a first collar portion located toward the front of the limiter mechanism, and a second plate including a second collar portion located toward the rear of the limiter mechanism are arranged in the outer cover. The limiter mechanism includes a first limiter plate, which is an input side on the torque transmission path, a second limiter plate, which is an output side on the torque transmission path, and a limiter disc spring, which presses the limiter plates.
US08398484B2	Instant online lottery method and system A system and method for an instant online lottery game is disclosed. The system for an instant online lottery game can comprise a server and a plurality of instant online lottery units. The server can store a progressive jackpot that can be won with an instant online lottery number, wherein the progressive jackpot can increase in size based on a portion of ticket sales revenue or the number of tickets sold. The server can have a first random number generator that can generate the instant online lottery number and a second random number generator that generates a plurality of game-play combinations. The instant online lottery number and the plurality of game-play combinations can be provided to the player at the time of purchase of the instant online lottery ticket.
US08398483B1	Systems, devices and methods for electronic sports book wagering with a wager sell back option An electronic sports book wagering system provides a bettor with an opportunity to purchase a sports book ticket sell back option when placing a bet on the outcome of an event. An option may be purchased by a bettor to be exercised at will by the bettor during a break in play or during an indicated period of the event for the bettor to potentially receive compensation to cancel the wager (e.g., at half time during a football game on which the wager was placed). The amount of compensation or refund provided to the bettor upon exercise of the option may be determined based on a current probability at the break in play or indicated period of whether the bettor will win the bet for which the wager was made. The bettor may be guaranteed a minimum refund amount of the original wager upon exercising the option.
US08398482B2	Combination casino kiosk and notification result responder device and method therefor A gaming system has a gaming machine. The gaming machine transmits a signal to a remote device indicating a winning round.
US08398472B2	Central determination poker game An poker game which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. In one embodiment, a plurality of playing cards are provided to a player wherein one or more of the provided playing cards are based on the predetermined game outcome. The player is enabled to select one or more of the initially dealt playing cards to hold or to discard. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the predetermined game outcome may be obtained based on the held cards, the gaming device utilizes one or more backfill algorithms, to determine which card or cards, if any, need to be dealt to the player. The determined cards are provided to the player to replace the playing cards designated by the player to discard and the selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is provided to the player. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the selected predetermined game outcome cannot be obtained by the player based on the playing cards held by the player, a subset of the held cards is selected and one or more backfill algorithms are used to determine which cards need to be dealt to the player. The discarded playing cards and at least one held playing card are replaced with the determined card. The selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is then provided to the player.
US08398471B2	Method and system for providing a feature game using spatial relationship between objects Embodiments and methods for conducting a game are herein provided. The method comprises providing a representation of a plurality of game indicia having spatial relationship with each other, one of the game indicia being designated as a reference game indicium. It further comprises receiving a player input corresponding to a guess regarding the spatial relationship of an other location with respect to the reference location, the other location being from the plurality of locations. The method further comprises revealing the other location to the player, evaluating the player input as either correct or incorrect, and evaluating fulfillment of a game-ending criterion. Based on evaluation, the game either continues or an outcome is evaluated to finally provide an award to the player. Physical embodiments comprise gaming machines and gaming program adapted for either conducting the game or causing the game to be conducted.
US08398470B2	Game with programmable light emitting segments A puzzle includes light emitting diodes integrated in the puzzle in order to achieve a high level of interaction between the user and the puzzle. The puzzle can adapt to the players needs by increasing or decreasing the difficulty level or by giving the user hints. The puzzle functions not only as a puzzle but may also function as an ambient light (or object) of programmable color point (and layout) when not in use as a puzzle.
US08398468B2	Air conditioning device for car An air conditioning device for a car includes a door structure composed of an inner door and an outer door having an inner space in which the inner door rotates, and the circumference of which comes into facial contact with the inner door, wherein the facial contact prevents air from leaking, and the inner and outer doors respectively control the temperature and amount of air to flow.
US08398467B2	Motorized device for making sausages A motorized device for making sausages including a meat product situated inside a casing, the device has a first cutting element cutting a meat product; a second element carrying out an insertion of a product portion inside the casing and immediate twisting; and a single geared motor actuating both the elements.
US08398465B2	Dust-protected hand-held power tool A battery-operated hand-held power tool (2), especially an angle grinder, comprises a housing base (4) accommodating the electromotive drive components and air inlet openings (10) supplying the electromotive drive components with a cooling air flow. In order to protect the electromotive components from dirt, the hand-held power tool is designed in such a manner that a filter element (20) is provided in the area of the air inlet openings (10) and keeps dust, especially magnetizable dust, away from the electromotive drive components. The filter element (20) is retained by a filter retaining part (12, 30) which can be attached to the exterior of the housing base (4). The filter retaining part (14, 30) can be elastically deformed to such an extent that it is slightly deformed, especially expanded, when attached to the housing base, and engages behind or snaps into an element on the housing base.
US08398463B2	Pad conditioner and method A polishing pad conditioning apparatus includes a laser beam generating unit for providing a laser beam, a fluid delivery system for providing a fluid stream and a vacuum line for removing debris. The laser beam may directly impinge on a surface of a polishing pad thereby creating cutting action, while an atomized fluid stream provides cooling and pad debris along with fluid are removed thru the vacuum line. Alternatively, the laser beam may be combined with the atomized fluid stream in a region above the pad surface to substantially impart part of its energy to the fluid stream, generating high energy droplets which provide “cool” cutting action on the pad surface.
US08398462B2	CMP pads and method of creating voids in-situ therein A method of creating pores in a CMP pad in-situ includes impregnating a first material with a second material to form a CMP pad. The second material can have a resistance to frictional erosion that is less than that of the first material. The CMP pad thus has two materials with differing frictional erosion resistances. The working surface of the CMP pad can be contacted to a wafer to be polished wherein the second material can be frictionally eroded during polishing.
US08398461B2	Polishing method, polishing pad and polishing system A polishing method, a polishing pad and a polishing system are provided. In the invention, the polishing pad is used to polish a polishing article. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer and a surface pattern disposed in the polishing layer. The polishing layer includes a polishing surface, a rotating central region, and a peripheral region. The surface pattern includes many grooves distributed from near the rotating central region and extending outward to near the peripheral region. The grooves include many groove cross sections along a circumferential direction of a same radius. Each of the groove cross sections has a left sidewall and a right sidewall. An included angle is formed by the polishing surface and one of a group of the left sidewalls and a group of the right sidewalls. The included angle is an obtuse angle.
US08398454B2	Apparatus for testing the polishability of materials A method and apparatus for measuring the polishability of a solid material such as a dental restorative material includes using a series of apparatus to perform the steps of forming the material into a desired specimen with a generally planar surface, conditioning the surface by abrasion, measuring the abraded surface with a profile determination device, optionally measuring the amount of material abraded from the surface and the gloss of the abraded surface, polishing a portion of the abraded surface with a polishing device at a controlled load for a pre-determined time and measuring the roughness and/or gloss of the polished surface followed by comparison thereof to the corresponding measurements of the unpolished, conditioned portion of the specimen surface. Polishing materials and devices may also be tested using the apparatus and method for polishing a standardized material.
US08398447B2	Method for manufacturing spark plug for internal-combustion engine A method of manufacturing a spark plug having an attachment fitting 2, an insulator 3, a center electrode 4 and an earth electrode 5. While fixed to attachment fitting 2, earth electrode 5 has a convex part 510 formed by projecting a part of an opposed surface 51 toward center electrode 4, and a concave part 520 formed toward the opposed surface 51 from the earth electrode's back surface 52. The convex part 510 is disposed so that the extension of a shaft center of the convex part 510 passes through the area in which the concave part 520 is formed. The relation S1>=s is realized when an area of an opening of the concave part 520 is set to S1 and an average cross-section area of a cross section of the convex part 510 perpendicular to an axial direction of the spark plug is set to s.
US08398445B2	Automatic ice-vaning ship The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for operating a marine vessel, drilling subsea wells, and producing hydrocarbons therefrom. The marine vessel comprises at least two matching pairs of controlled azimuthing propulsion devices to ice-vane the vessel in the event of a changing ice drift or other conditions and keep station in a body of water containing pack ice. In one embodiment, a matching pair of azimuthing propulsion devices are provided. In one embodiment, the propulsion devices share a single physical axis of rotation and in another each propulsion device has its own physical axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the azimuthing propulsion devices are controlled by an automatic control system with a feedback loop. In yet another embodiment, the vessel is substantially oblong having a centrally mounted turret with mooring lines capable of disconnecting from the vessel.
US08398441B2	Assembly and system of datacommunication cables and connectors A datacommunication interconnection system includes (a) an extension trunk cable-connector assembly and (b) a trunk cable-connector assembly. The extension trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a first cable including a plurality of first subunits, each of the first subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a jack attached to one end of the cable; and a plug attached to an opposite end of the cable. Each of the jack and the plug includes a contact for each of the conductors of the cable. The trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a second cable including a plurality of second subunits, each of the second subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a plug attached to one end of the second cable and connected with the jack of the extension trunk cable; and a plurality of RJ-45 connectors attached to subunits at an opposite end of the second cable.
US08398440B2	Electrical connector having offset mounting terminals In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical connector includes a housing that supports a plurality of electrical contacts. Each electrical contact defines a mating end and an opposing mounting end, and a plurality of mounting terminals disposed at the mounting end. The mounting terminals of each contact are arranged in at least one column extending along a longitudinal direction, such that each column is spaced along a lateral direction, and the mounting terminals of adjacent contacts are longitudinally offset.
US08398439B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulating body having a base portion and a tongue portion extending forward from a front side of the base portion. A top surface of the tongue portion defines a plurality of terminal fillisters each extending along a front-to-rear direction to penetrate through the tongue portion and the base portion. Two inner sides of a front end of each terminal fillister protrude face-to-face to form two holding portions with an interval therebetween gradually narrowing from rear to front. A plurality of terminals each has a contact arm disposed in the terminal fillister. A shielding shell encloses the insulating body to define an inserting space between the shielding shell and the tongue portion. The contact arm has a front end thereof held between the holding portions to avoid curling under the action of inserting a mating connector into the inserting space.
US08398437B2	Connector and method for producing the same A connector having a plurality of terminals that are integrally incorporated in a connector housing, in a given arrangement, with a high degree of accuracy. The connector includes a prealigner having a plurality of terminal holding recesses, a plurality of terminals fitted into and held in the terminal holding recesses in a given alignment, and a housing main body molded so that the prealigner is interposed in the housing main body as an insert element.
US08398436B2	Stackable cable mount power connector A stackable cable mount power connector includes a cover having a draw screw engagement pin and a connector shell having a bushing and an insert assembly positioned therein. A draw screw having a locking pin is positioned within the bushing. The bushing includes grooves for receiving the locking pin. The connector includes multiple primary contact pins having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the primary contact pins is positioned within the bushing. The lower portion of the primary contact pins is positioned within the insert assembly. The upper portion of the primary contact pins is configured to receive secondary contact pins. The lower portion of the primary contact pins is configured to engage a power source. The connector also includes a stud positioned within the insert assembly. The stud includes slots for receiving the locking pin. When the cover is removed from the connector shell, the locking pin is positioned within the grooves of the bushing, and the draw screw is fixed within the connector and does not rotate. When the cover is attached to the connector shell, the draw screw engagement pin engages the draw screw, and can be rotated by a handle attached thereto. Attachment of the cover causes the locking pin to be positioned within the slots in the stud, and the draw screw is rotatable within the connector, thus allowing connection to a power source. The cover can be removed to allow a secondary connector to be coupled to the bushing.
US08398428B2	Reel for minimizing unreeled cable length A reel for connecting a cable to the reel and power connections that includes a winding reel housing that has a biasing member and a connection assembly. The assembly is received in the housing and has an insulator with two recesses, a return barrel terminal and a power barrel terminal. One of the insulator recesses receives a return barrel terminal and the other insulator recess receives a power barrel terminal. The return barrel terminal is connected to a return contact, and the power barrel terminal is connected to a power contact. The power contact is connected to a power output member and the return contact is connected to a return output member. The return barrel terminal is rotatable with the return contact while maintaining electrical contact with the return contact and the power barrel terminal is rotatable with the power contact while maintaining electrical contact with the power contact.
US08398423B2	Contacting plug as well as contacting plug-in connection A contacting plug for contacting a contract carrier, in particular a circuit board, includes two clamping claws able to be swiveled relative to each other, transversely to a plug-in direction, at least one of the clamping claws being implemented as contact holder carrying at least one flexible contact element, which contact holder is designed to rest on the contact carrier with a contact force and has spring devices for generating a clamping force which is independent of the contact force. The clamping claws have at least one stop face in each case, which rest against each other in the non-contacting state of the contacting plug and thereby prevent plastic deformation of the contact element.
US08398420B2	High temperature pothead A technique enables protection of electrical conductors in a submerged environment, such as a wellbore environment. A connector system is employed to connect a submersible component with an electrical cable. The connector employs redundant seal systems designed to maintain functionality during the life of the system when utilized in high temperature environments. For example, the high temperature, redundant seal systems enable continued operation of the submersible component in a submerged environment of at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
US08398419B2	Electrical connectors for photovoltaic systems An electrical connector system including first and second electrical connector members mated to one another to form a sealed connection in order to protect electrically-conductive components against the infiltration of moisture. The first connector member includes a socket with a first annular ridge at its tip, while a second annular ridge is formed within the socket at its base. An electrically-conductive pin is housed within the first connector member and extends into the interior of the socket. The second connector member includes a plug. An electrically-conductive socket, mated to the pin, is housed within the plug. When the plug of the second connector member is mated with the socket of the first connector member, the tip of the plug contacts the annular ridge at the base of the socket, which is deformed so as to form a water-tight seal between the tip of the plug and the base of the socket. Likewise, the annular ridge at the tip of the socket contacts the base of the recess and is deformed so as to form another water-tight seal between the tip of the socket and the base of the recess.
US08398404B2	System and method for elevated speed firearms training The system and method to advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or a rendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimuli movement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time for which stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engage the stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase the interval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages the stimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, the trainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement with increasingly elevated speed and accuracy.
US08398400B2	Pick-up implant abutment and method A dental implant abutment arrangement for use with a dental implant has an abutment with a proximal retaining member and an axial bore. The retaining member is rotationally asymmetrical and has a transverse area that is large enough to resist rotation and axial motion of the abutment in a dental impression material. The axial bore has a tapered distal bore portion with an inner taper for matching an outer taper of an abutment receiving portion of an implant, a cylindrical proximal bore portion and an intermediate threaded portion having a small diameter than the distal and proximal bore portions and a larger diameter than an internal thread of the implant. The axial bore has distal and proximal steps between the distal bore portion and a distal end of the threaded portion and between the proximal bore portion and a proximal end of the threaded portion. An insertion tool is provided for pulling the abutment toward the implant to removably lock the inner taper to the matching the outer taper and a removal tool is provided for pushing the abutment away from the implant to disengage the lock between the inner taper and the outer taper.
US08398399B2	Ultrasonic flossing device An ultrasonic flossing device includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An engine is disposed within the housing and is configured to convert input energy into ultrasonic energy and an electronic driving circuit is coupled to both the engine and the power source. A power source is electrically coupled to the engine and is configured to deliver input energy to the engine. At least one acoustic transformer is coupled to the engine, the at least one acoustic transformer being configured to amplify the ultrasonic energy. A main fluid reservoir is configured to store a fluid therein, the main fluid reservoir being coupled to the at least one acoustic transformer such that, upon activation, the fluid transmits the ultrasonic energy to a treatment area.
US08398394B2	Dental treatment center A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.
US08398392B2	Neck ring for forming a neck portion of a preform and the mold stack incorporating same There is provided a neck ring for defining at least a portion of a neck portion of a preform. The neck ring comprises a body having: mounting flange and a molding face, the molding face including a venting structure, the venting structure having: (i) a plurality of air vent grooves for collecting and venting, in use, excess air from a molding cavity as it is being filled with the molding material, and (ii) an air collector groove in fluid communication with the plurality of air vent grooves for providing an evacuation path for the air to be vented from the plurality of air vent grooves.
US08398389B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing a crimped compound thread The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a crimped composite thread, wherein the inventive method consists in extruding, cooling and in drawing several yarns in the form of a plurality of strand filaments and in jointly crimping them in order to obtain a crimped composite thread. The aim of said invention is to make it possible to pre-treat the threads in a manner adaptable to each treatment step. The aim is attained by that at least one multi-treaded yarn is whirl-tangled many times during several operations prior to crimping. For this purpose, a whirl-tangling device provided with a plurality of whirl-tangling units following each other in a direction of the yarn displacement is used.
US08398388B2	Vane pump A vane pump may include an oval fixed portion of which an outer circumference may be oval, a rotation ring that may be rotatably disposed outside of the oval fixed portion with a gap and in which blade slots may be formed in a predetermined depth along a circular interior circumference of the rotation ring at a predetermined interval from each other, blades of which one end thereof may be slidably inserted into the blade slots respectively and of which the other end slidably contacts an outer surface of the oval fixed portion, an elastic member coupled to the rotation ring and elastically pushing the blades towards the oval fixed portion, and a drive portion connected to the rotation ring and rotating the rotation ring such that oil may be sucked through an expanding space that may be formed between at least two of the blades and oil may be pumped through a shrinking space that may be formed between at least two of the blades.
US08398385B2	Refrigerant compressor Refrigerant compressor for a hermetically encapsulated small refrigerator, which has a piston (20) guided in a piston bore (3) of a cylinder housing (1), the cylinder housing being frontally terminated using a valve plate (7) having a pressure opening (17) and a suction opening (16) and also being frontally provided with holes (5), which each have a thread. In order to adapt refrigerant piston compressors having screwed-on cylinder head in such a manner that an energy-efficient redesign of the structure cylinder cover-valve plate-cylinder housing is possible, the changes on the structure required for this purpose simultaneously being minimized, it is provided that a first clamping element (11), which is screwed into the holes (5), is provided, which contacts the valve plate (7) and presses it against the cylinder housing (1) in the area of at least a section of the piston bore wall (14) and has a pre-tension in the direction of the valve plate (7) in the screwed-on state, the clamping element (11) having a clamping section (13), which is located above the piston bore wall (14) in the installed position and has the shape of an imaginary projection of the piston bore wall (14) on the first clamping element (11).
US08398380B2	Centrifugal blower with non-uniform blade spacing A centrifugal blower in a cooling system of an electronic device having non-uniform blade spacing with acceptable balance. The non-uniform blade spacing is determined according to specific repeating sinusoidal patterns to obtain acoustic artifacts that are favorable and balance that is similar to that found with equal fan blade spacing. The fan impeller can include a prime number of fan blades to prevent higher harmonic interaction among noise sources. The perceived sound quality from the fan is improved with essentially no effect on the thermal performance of the fan.
US08398379B2	Chemical liquid supplying apparatus A chemical liquid supplying apparatus which can discharge chemical liquid with high accuracy is provided. The apparatus is used to discharge the chemical liquid in a chemical liquid tank from an application nozzle. The apparatus has a combined member formed integrally with a pump case and a cylinder, and a flexible tube serving as a pump member is provided in the pump case, wherein its inside is a pump chamber and its outside is a pump-side driving chamber. A piston is assembled to the cylinder and when the piston is reciprocated by a motor, the pump chamber is expanded and contracted. A gap between the piston and the cylinder is covered with a diaphragm, and an interior of the diaphragm is a seal space. Therefore, an incompressible medium having leaked from the gap between the piston and the cylinder enters into the seal space and does not leak to the outside.
US08398377B2	Electric compressor with integral inverter An electric compressor provided with an integral inverter, incorporated with a motor and provided in a receiving space surrounded by a compressor housing with a motor drive circuit that includes the inverter. At least some of electric parts including the motor drive circuit are covered by a resin charged into the receiving space, and a part of a region which is in the receiving space and into which the resin can be charged is filled with a light-weight material different from the charged resin. In the structure of the resin covering section for such a motor drive circuit, the amount of resin charged is significantly reduced, and the entire compressor is reduced in weight and cost.
US08398376B2	Dry pumps A dry pump apparatus comprises; a pumping mechanism, a controller for controlling the operation of the pumping mechanism, and a sensor for sensing the operating temperature of the pumping mechanism. The controller is configured to carry out an automated shutdown sequence involving the following steps; a) ceasing operation of the pumping mechanism b) monitoring the temperature of the pumping mechanism by means of the temperature sensor c) at least one pre-selected temperature interval, initiating operation of the pumping mechanism for a fixed time period so as to purge a proportion of contaminant particulate matter present until a predefined temperature is reached or a predefined time limit has passed. By carrying out these steps the incidence of powder compaction between component parts of the apparatus which may contract during shutdown, and consequential restart failure and down time, can be significantly reduced.
US08398371B1	Turbine blade with multiple near wall serpentine flow cooling A large and highly twisted and tapered turbine rotor blade with a low flow cooling circuit that includes a first serpentine flow circuit in a forward section of the lower span of the blade, a second serpentine cooling circuit in the aft region of the lower span, a third serpentine cooling circuit in the forward region of the upper span, and a fourth serpentine cooling circuit in the aft region of the upper span to provide cooling for the entire blade. Cooling air from the first serpentine flows into the third serpentine cooling circuit and cooling air from the second serpentine flows into the fourth serpentine cooling circuit so that the lower span of the blade is cooled first using fresh and relatively cooler cooling air.
US08398370B1	Turbine blade with multi-impingement cooling A turbine rotor blade with a cooling circuit that provides for multiple metering and impingement cooling for the entire airfoil. A cooling supply channel delivers cooling air into a leading edge impingement cavity, a row of suction side wall impingement cavities, and a row of pressure side impingement cavities through metering holes to produce impingement cooling for each cavity. Another series of impingement cavities is formed in the trailing edge region and connects with the last impingement cavity in the mid-chord region to cool the trailing edge.
US08398368B2	Method for implementing wind energy converting systems Wind Energy Converting Systems (WECS) fitted with anti-icing systems are made by using the method according to the invention in the following steps: a) prearranging a wind rotor with blades (5), an anti-icing system, and means (50, 51) for adjusting the anti-icing system; b) installing the prearranged rotor of the WECS on a test site; c) carrying out at least one operation test of the WECS; d) detecting parameters useful for determining the presence or absence of ice on the outer surface (5E) of the blades (5). If the detected parameters do not meet a predetermined target function, the method comprises additional steps of: e) performing an adjustment through said adjustment means (50, 51); repeating the previous steps from c) to e) until no ice is detected on the outer surface (5E) of the blades (5).
US08398367B2	Extraction unit for turbine and related method An extraction unit for a steam turbine includes an end plate mounted downstream of a selected stage of a steam turbine, the end plate sealing the selected stage from the atmosphere, and an extraction pipe passing through the end plate for extracting steam from the selected stage.
US08398366B2	Annular vane assembly for a gas turbine engine An annular vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes a vane segment, the vane segment includes an arcuate rail and a vane that extends radially inwardly from the arcuate rail. The assembly also includes a hollow cylindrical casing, the inside curved surface of which an annular groove is formed that receives the arcuate rail. The arcuate rail is secured in the annular groove using a resilient strip interposed between the rail and the groove. The resilient strip includes a planar main body and sprung wings that extend to either side of the main body. The wings are angled with respect to the plane of the main body. The resilient strip is moveable circumferentially between a first position in which the strip exerts a force radially on the arcuate rail and a second position in which the wings occupy recesses in the assembly.
US08398361B2	High-efficiency, multi-stage centrifugal pump and method of assembly A high-efficiency, multi-stage centrifugal pump and method of assembly. The pump can include three pump stages with each one of the three pump stages including a front casing, a back casing, an impeller, and a bladed diffuser. The front casing and the back casing are removeably coupled around the impeller and the bladed diffuser. In the three-stage pump, the fluid can be pumped at a flow rate between about 300 liters per second and about 500 liters per second with an efficiency between about 86% and about 91%. The method includes separately casting, machining, and polishing each one of the front casing, the back casing, the impeller, and the bladed diffuser.
US08398358B2	Automobile luggage compartment storage device A luggage compartment storage device for moving a heavy item from a low easy access point to a high storage surface. A base frame is rigidly mounted to the high storage surface. A slide is connected to the base frame. A sliding frame is connected to the slide. Rear swing arms and front swing arms are pivotally connected to the sliding frame. A damper is connected between the rear swing arms and the sliding frame. A platform support frame is pivotally connected to the front swing arms and the rear swing arms. A platform is supported by the platform support frame. A pull down handle is pivotally connected to the front swing arms. The position of the pull down handle is lockable. A locking device is used for locking the platform support frame in place when the platform is at the high storage surface. The user manipulates the pull down handle to move the heavy item between the high storage surface and the low easy access point. In a preferred embodiment, the heavy item is a cooler and the base frame is rigidly mounted to shelving installed in the luggage compartment of an SUV. In another preferred embodiment, a cutting board is sliding attached to the bottom of the platform support frame. In other preferred embodiments the storage device is utilized for storage assistance in work vehicles, workshops, garages, basements, stock rooms, motor homes, closets and for assisting in disabled access.
US08398354B2	Bookbinding apparatus A bookbinding apparatus for trimming sheets includes an adhesive applying device for applying adhesive to a back of the sheets; a trimming blade disposed in a trimming position; a bunch position changing device disposed in a transport path to change a position of the sheets in the trimming position; a blade receiving member having at least first and second blade receiving areas with different blade receiving surfaces contacting with the trimming blade; a driving device positioning the trimming blade between a cut position for bringing the trimming blade into contact with the blade receiving member and a spaced waiting position; a shift device selectively shifting one of the first and second blade receiving areas to a predetermined trimming position, and a control device for controlling the shift means and the driving means.
US08398353B2	Print processing system, print processing method, and storage medium A print server checks a job ticket for a print job to be processed. When a method of printing set in the printing attributes of the job ticket is case binding, a first thickness of a bookblock is calculated using the paper type set in the printing attributes. The print server calculates a second thickness of a bookblock using the paper type after a change. The print server changes the paper type set in the job ticket when the difference between the first thickness and the second thickness is within a permissible range.
US08398352B2	Separation fastener with frangible nut A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.
US08398351B2	Segmented nut for screw connections A nut for a screw connections has, in the circumferential direction, segments that are substantially of the same size, abut one another in separating planes, and are movably guided relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. Closing elements serve for movement of the segments toward one another into the closed position. In order to provide a segmented nut that is suitable for many applications in facility and apparatus engineering, the segments are pivotable relative to one another and connected for this purpose in a first end area in a pivotable way. The closing elements load the segments in the second end areas.
US08398348B2	Method for producing hollow body elements, hollow body element, component, follow-on composite tool for producing hollow body elements The invention relates to a method for producing hollow body elements (200), for example, nut elements which are applied to components which are normally made of steel (280), in particular, for producing hollow body elements having an essentially quadratic or rectangular external profile (202). Said method consists of cutting individual elements of a profile in the form of a profile rod (1) or a winding after holes (204) have previously been stamped in the profile, a threaded cylinder (206) is subsequently, optionally, formed using a follow-on composite tool (10) which consists of several working stations. The invention is characterized in that a penetrating process and a punching process are carried out in the working station. The invention also relates to hollow body elements (200), components, follow-on composite tools (10) and rolling mills (600, 602).
US08398347B2	Integrated nutplate and clip for a floating fastener and method of manufacture and assembly An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.
US08398345B2	Low profile dual-action disposable clamp Disclosed is a clamp that includes a bolt, a spacer, a shank, an expander and a blocking means. The bolt includes a non-threaded undercut that permits the bolt to rotate in an internally threaded portion of the spacer without threaded engagement between the bolt and the spacer. When used as a clamp, the spacer, shank, expander and blocking means cooperate to deform the expander into a blind side flange and to clamp a work piece between the flange and the spacer. To remove the clamp, the bolt is moved away from the spacer while rotating the bolt in the expander to bring the external threads of the expander into threaded engagement with the internal threads of the spacer. This permits the extraction of the bolt from the blind side expander by maintaining rotational restraint of the expander with the spacer. In several embodiments, a compression spring is positioned between the head of the bolt and the spacer to automatically move the bolt when it is rotated in a loosening direction.
US08398344B2	Adjustable load stabilizer method and apparatus A method and apparatus for stabilizing cargo within a transport container. First and second tubular elements are provided having generally cylindrical bodies and bearing members at a terminal end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo. A method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container includes providing an extensible load stabilizer having first and second tubular elements, each having a bearing member, positioning the load stabilizer between opposing surfaces within the transport container, and extending the tubular members with respect to each other, and stabilizing a surface of cargo against an opposing surface.
US08398341B2	Cutting head for a reamer The present invention provides a cutting head of a reamer. At least two wiping pads extend rearwardly from a cutting head forward end. At least one cutting section comprises a cutting edge that extends from the cutting head forward end to the peripheral surface. The cutting edge is formed at the intersection of a rake surface and a relief surface. The rake surface is generally tangentially directed and faces a direction of rotation. A deflecting surface is formed adjacent the rake surface and generally transverse thereto. The deflecting surface extends from a rake surface first end in a direction away from the cutting edge. The deflecting surface makes an acute axial angle with respect to the axis of rotation. A rear end of the deflecting surface joins the peripheral surface adjacent the cutting section and distal the rear end of the cutting head.
US08398333B2	Expansion joint holder An expansion joint holder on an existing slab of concrete employs teeth that releasably grip and hold an expansion joint when an adjoining slab is poured, and is provided with an upstanding handle for installation and subsequent removal after the adjoining slab has been poured or placed against the expansion joint.
US08398332B2	Ground-reinforcing grid Disclosed herein are ground-reinforcing grids comprising a plurality of modular units, wherein each modular unit comprises: a plurality of cells, rib members connecting the cells together such that the cells are spaced apart from each other by the rib members, and connector means for connecting the modular units together, wherein the cells are configured to flex more than the rib members; wherein each modular unit has sufficient rigidity to enable the ground-reinforcing grid to provide ground reinforcement; and wherein each modular unit has sufficient flexibility provided by the flexing of the plurality of the cells to enable the ground-reinforcing grid to flex and accommodate loads without adversely affecting the rigidity of the ground-reinforcing grid.
US08398331B2	Adjustable pipe coupling assembly An adjustable pipe coupling assembly (10) has first and second clamps (30, 32), rotating elements (38, 40, 44) for the clamps, first and second pipes (16, 18), and first and second pivot elements (60). The clamp (30) includes opposed ears (52, 54) which locate the pipe (16) therebetween. The pipe (16) can pivot about an axis. The clamp (32) includes opposed ears (52, 54) which locate the pipe (18) therebetween. The pipe (18) can pivot about an axis. In use, rotating the clamps adjusts the horizontal angle between the axes, and pivoting the pipes about their respective pivot means adjusts the vertical angle between the pipes.
US08398330B2	Connecting assembly for tools and handles A connecting assembly is provided that includes a tool receiving portion, a handle receiving portion, a tightening member, a first open region, and a second open region. The handle receiving portion has a first engaging portion, a clamping portion with a first cam, and a longitudinal axis. The tightening member has a second cam and a second engaging portion. The second engaging portion is engagable with the first engaging portion so that the tightening member moves to cause the first and second cams to interact with one another biasing the clamping portion in a desired direction. The first open region is defined at the first engaging portion, while the second open region is defined at the clamping portion so that the open regions are in fluid communication with one another.
US08398329B2	Safety device used in combination with child seat assembly A safety device used in combination with a child seat assembly is provided to solve the problems about complicated structure and risk for the children. The safety device includes a bracket, a first wing and a second wing pivotally connected to the head portion of the bracket, a flexible piece cooperating the first and second wings, a locking piece releasably engaged with the first and second wings. When one of the wings is pivotally rotated, both of the wings will be synchronously rotated to a vertical or horizontal state.
US08398328B2	Coupling arrangement and connection assembly A coupling arrangement has a housing, a cylindrical supporting element having a center axis, which at least partly axially overlaps with the housing and contacts it at a first axial end area to disable movement at least in one direction along the center axis, the supporting element has at least a first protrusion, a connecting element with at least a second protrusion, which at least partly axially overlaps with the supporting element and which is arranged along the center axis facing away from the first axial end area, and a spring arranged and designed such that a first and a second axial end rest on the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively. The spring, the supporting element with its first protrusion and the connecting element second protrusion are designed and arranged such as to provide an axial force along the center axis at the first axial end area.
US08398318B2	Opening/closing assembly for light path and photographing apparatus including the same An opening/closing assembly for a light path and a photographing apparatus including the same, comprises: a barrier base having an opening for providing the light path; a rotatable barrier installed on the barrier base for opening/closing the light path, and including an insertion portion; a first driving member disposed on the barrier base and including a first engagement groove in which the insertion portion is inserted and a functional portion on which an external force is exerted; a second driving member disposed on the barrier base and including a second engagement groove in which the insertion portion is inserted; and an elastic member for elastically connecting the first driving member and the second driving member, wherein, when the barrier is rotated, a distance between a portion of the first engagement groove contacting the insertion portion and a portion of the second engagement groove contacting the insertion portion is varied.
US08398316B2	Security camera assembly A security camera assembly has a bracket, a housing, and a camera. The bracket includes a top plate having a front end and a back end, a front leg extending from the front end of the top plate in a first direction generally perpendicular to the top plate, and a back leg extending from the back end of the top plate generally in the first direction. A housing is connected to the front leg of the bracket, the housing and the front leg of the bracket defining therebetween a camera receiving space. A camera is disposed in the camera receiving space. A method for mounting the security camera assembly is also disclosed.
US08398307B2	Bearing device A bearing device comprises a bearing fixing base, a hub, an oil seal bush, and an oily felt. The bearing fixing base is fixedly joined with a tubular support; the hub is fixedly joined with a rotor spindle which extends into the tubular support and rotates with respect to the tubular support; the oil seal bush is disposed between the spindle and the tubular support with a receiving clearance being defined between the oil seal bush and the tubular support; the oily felt is disposed in the receiving clearance. The oily felt supplies lubrication oil to lubricate the oil seal bush for prolonging a life span of the bearing device.
US08398306B2	Flexible package with internal, resealable closure feature A reclosable flexible package having a reclosable closure comprising easy-to-use adhesive securement means in combination with non-reclosable closures provided above and below the reclosable closure. The package provides a re-openable seal for reclosing the bag upon a partial discharge of the contents thereof, such as food contents. The flexible package offers manufacturing ease and cost-savings, and tamper-resistance. The flexible package also may be incorporated into a bag-in-box package configuration. Methods of making and filling the package also are provided.
US08398303B2	Temperature measuring probe, in particular for a household appliance A temperature measuring probe with a hollow outer shell including an electrically conductive section and an electrically insulating section. A temperature sensor including a resonator is disposed in the electrically conductive section and electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive section. An antenna including a shortened monopole is disposed in the electrically insulating section. The temperature sensor and the antenna are electrically conductively connected to each other. A respective material and respective dimension of the electrically insulating section and the antenna are matched such that an effective resistance of the antenna is approximately equal to an effective resistance of the temperature sensor in an operating frequency range of the temperature sensor.
US08398291B2	Backlight assembly and cover for a compact display apparatus A back cover for a backlight assembly capable of achieving a more compact a display apparatus includes a cover element, a line portion, and a plurality of point light sources. The cover element includes a metallic layer, and the cross-section of the cover element has an L-shape. The line portion is formed over the cover element. The point light sources are mounted on the surface of the cover element to receive a driving voltage from the line portion. A bottom cover portion of the cover element covers an opening portion. A side cover portion of the cover element faces the side wall. The point light sources mounted on the cover element emit light on a side surface of a light guide plate.
US08398287B2	Multicolor lighting system A multicolor light source including a first light source operably to emit a first light of a first color and a second light source operably to emit a second light of a second color. The multicolor light source also includes a first wave guide optically connected to the first light source and a second wave guide optically coupled to the second light source and to the first wave guide. The combination of the first wave guide and the second wave guide couples the first light to the second light to create an outputted light having at least one aspect, other than hue, different from the first light and the second light.
US08398281B2	Interior trim panel with at least one lighting element and method for producing an interior trim panel of this kind An interior trim panel (10) comprises at least one lighting element (12). The lighting element (12) comprises a light-conducting body (14) arranged in a receiving bore (22) formed in the interior trim panel (10), wherein the light-conducting body (14) comprises a light entry face (16) and a light exit face (18) arranged in the area of a panel surface (26) visible in the mounted state of the interior trim panel (10). The visible panel surface (26) and the light exit face (16) of the light-conducting body (14) are provided with a continuous layer of lacquer (28).
US08398273B2	Surface-mounted or wall-mounted luminaire The invention relates to an elongate light fixture having a substantially triangular cross-section. The light fixture is screwed to a supply duct with the rear wall thereof. A front rail runs parallel to the rear wall. Transparent panels and are inserted detachably between the rear wall and rail. In the interior of the light fixture, a fluorescent lamp is provided as the luminous element. The light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is reflected upward by way of reflector surfaces that open in the shape of a funnel and is scattered diffusely in the direction A by means of the frosted panel. The panel surfaces, which likewise open in the shape of a funnel, reflect the light exiting downward from the lamp in the direction toward the panel, the grooved structure of which ensures that the light is deflected substantially in the direction B, while the portion of the side light exiting in the direction C is reduced. With this reflector and panel configuration, firstly good illumination of the space and secondly specific and glare-free workplace lighting is made possible.
US08398269B1	Decorative holographic ornament A decorative holographic ornament has a body of generally clear or translucent hard plastic or similar material, of a size suitable for use as a tree ornament or the like. Molded holographic film is applied to the inside surface of the ornament, so that it is protected by the plastic body. An inner wire spool or core is supported in the center of the ornament, and LED wire is wrapped through or around the core. When the LED lights on the LED wire are illuminated, holographic images of the LEDs are generated and visible from the outside of the ornament with a pleasing “three-dimensional” aesthetic effect.
US08398268B2	Method and apparatus for attaching polyhedron cover to an illuminator and operating it An illuminator base includes slots to enclose the flaps, locks to attach the flaps and a rotating actuator that is used as a rotating base for the illuminator to enable the rotation of the cover around a stand or a support to review the imprinted motifs or menus around the cover. The illuminator base further includes at least one switching device and the actuator includes activator for said switching device and the illuminator is actuated by rotating and pushing or pulling the cover.
US08398262B2	Low profile extrusion The present invention provides various embodiments for apparatuses and methods of manufacturing low profile housings for electronic and/or optoelectronic devices. Some embodiments provide low profile housings with a hollow casing comprising a first surface, second surface, and at least one lateral side surface. The housing is substantially light-diffusive. At least one cap is provided for sealing an end of the casing, with the at least one cap being sized to account for variations in the casing. At least one light emitting device, such as an LED, may be mounted within the casing. A mounting means may be included for mounting the housing. In another embodiment, a low profile housing with a first casing and second casing surrounding a majority of the first casing may be provided. At least one light emitting device, such as a double-sided printed circuit board with a plurality of LEDs, may be provided in the first casing. One or more end caps may be provided for sealing both the first and second casings while providing a ventilation feature to allow for pressure equalization. Two different wavelengths of light may be emitted from either side of the housing.
US08398257B1	Toilet light Devices, apparatus, and methods of using a solar powered, battery operated, light sensitive toilet seat LED (light emitting diode) lid light device that removably clamps to an edge of the outside toilet seat lid. A solar panel is visible on outside of toilet seat is used to recharge a battery in the device. The underside of device contains the secured battery, circuit board, mercury switch and photocell. When the lid and device are in upright position the mercury switch closes. The photocell senses absence of light and the LED light illuminates the toilet bowl and surrounding area.
US08398254B2	Chassis assembly, illumination device, display device, and television receiver apparatus A chassis assembly comprises a chassis 14 and lamp clips 18. The chassis 14 has mounting holes 33 to 35. Each lamp clip 18 includes a main body 27 to be mounted to the chassis 14, a lamp gripping portions 28 provided on the main body 27 so as to grip cold cathode tubes 17, and mounting portions 30 to 32 protruding from the main body 27 toward the chassis 14 side. The mounting portions 30 to 32 are to be inserted in the respective mounting holes 33 to 25. Rims of the mounting holes 33 to 35 are sandwiched between the main body 27 and the respective mounting portions 30 to 32. Three mounting portions 30 to 32 and three mounting holes 33 to 35 are provided in relative positions so as to restrict mounting of the lamp clip 18 to the chassis 14 in an orientation other than a predefined orientation.
US08398246B2	Real-time projection management An exemplary method includes defining an environment, formulating an anti-keystoning algorithm based at least in part on the defined environment, projecting a laser image from a source to a surface of the defined environment, determining at least one vector parameter with respect to the source and the surface and correcting the laser image based on the anti-keystoning algorithm and the at least one vector parameter. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
US08398245B2	Heat exchanger and projector A heat exchanger which is hollow and contains a plurality of small flow paths includes: a plurality of partition walls disposed in parallel with one another in the width direction of the heat exchanger to form the plural small flow paths; and an inlet unit and an outlet unit configured to communicate with the inside and the outside of the heat exchanger, and allow cooling liquid to flow into and out of the heat exchanger through the inlet unit and the outlet unit, the inlet unit and the outlet unit extend in directions opposite to each other along the width direction from a pair of center positions located approximately at the centers of inner side surfaces of the heat exchanger in the width direction and opposed to each other, and penetrate outer side surfaces of the heat exchanger.
US08398243B2	Projection device for the holographic reconstruction of scenes The present invention relates to a projection device for holographic reconstruction of scenes, said device comprising at least one light modulator device and at least one light source which emits sufficiently coherent light for the generation of a wave front of a scene, which is encoded in the light modulator device. A Fourier transform (FT) of the light which is emitted by the light source and modulated by the light modulator device is projected by a projection means on to a screen. Further, the wave front which is encoded on the light modulator device is projected by the projection means into at least one virtual observer window in an observer plane. For tracking the observer window according to a change in an eye position of the at least one observer, the inventive device comprises at least one deflection means, which is disposed between the light modulator device and the screen.
US08398240B2	Single-fiber multi-spot laser probe for ophthalmic endoillumination An ophthalmic endoilluminator is provided. The ophthalmic endoilluminator includes a light source, a first optical assembly, an optical coupling element, and an optical fiber having an optical grating located distally on the optical fiber, the optical fiber optically coupled to the optical coupling element. The first optical assembly receives and substantially collimates the white light. The optical coupling element receives the substantially collimated white light from the first optical assembly and directs the light to an optical fiber. The optical grating couples to the distal end of the optical fiber, the optical grating having a surface relief grating, and an overlayer optically coupled to the surface relief grating. The optical grating is operable to substantially diffract incident light into N diffraction orders, the N diffraction orders having a substantially uniform intensity.
US08398237B2	Device and method for optically measuring the transmission and diffusion of ocular media An optical device for measuring the transmission and diffusion of a tissue of the front segment of an eye, includes: a light source; an optical collimation system for directing the collimated light beam towards a tissue of the front segment of an eye to be characterized; an optical mire placed on the optical path between the optical collimation system and the tissue; an optical imaging system capable of receiving a light beam transmitted by the mire and the tissue and capable of forming an image of the mire on an image detector; and an image processing system capable of calculating a modulation transfer function for the tissue from an image of the mire through the ocular medium. The optical mire includes a set of alternately light and dark angular sectors radially distributed from a central point. Different image processing methods for extracting a function representing the transmission and diffusion characteristics of the tissue are described.
US08398235B2	Plastic lens for spectacles, process for producing the same, and coating liquid applicator for use in the process The present invention provides a plastic lens for spectacles wherein a transparent hardened coating layer containing a UV absorbing agent is formed on a peripheral edge of the plastic lens which has been subjected to edging or on a machined surface of the plastic lens which has been subjected to machining for attachment to a frame, a process for producing the plastic lens for spectacles, and an applicator suited for use in such a process. Discoloration of the peripheral edge of the edged plastic lens for spectacles or the machined surface of the plastic lens machined for attachment to a frame is prevented.
US08398233B2	Inkjet recording medium An inkjet recording medium includes a substrate, a base layer disposed on the substrate, and an ink receiving layer disposed on the base layer. The ink receiving layer includes cationically-modified fumed silica having nanoparticles of alumina and/or silica mixed therein. The alumina nanoparticles have an individual particle size ranging from about 15 nm to about 50 nm, and the silica nanoparticles have an individual particle size ranging from about 5 nm to about 45 nm.
US08398231B2	Continuous web printer with upper and lower print zones for opposing sides of web A continuous web printer that has an inlet for receiving a web of media from a media web roll unwinder, an outlet for delivery to a media web roll winder, a media feed path extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of pagewidth printhead assemblies for printing on both sides of the web. The media feed path has an upper print zone positioned above a lower print zone. The upper print zone is a section of the media feed path in which one side of the web is printed and the lower print zone being a section of the media feed path in which the other side of the web is printed.
US08398228B2	Image forming apparatus Provided is an image forming apparatus for an inkjet recording having improved bleed resistance and stickiness resistance of formed image, exhibiting excellent abrasion resistance and adhesion to the recording medium, and having capability of printing onto recording medium with low softening temperature. An image forming apparatus for an inkjet recording method that forms an image by jetting a photo-curable inkjet ink comprising a colorant, a photo-curable monomer, a photo-initiator and a gelling agent onto a recording medium, and photo-curing the ink by a light irradiation apparatus, wherein an illuminance of the light irradiation apparatus is 1 mW/cm2 or more and 50 mW/cm2 or less, the apparatus comprising: a warming section for warming the photo-curable inkjet ink at a temperature of 5 to 30° C. higher than a gelling temperature of the photo-curable inkjet ink, and a control section for controlling a surface temperature of the recording medium at a temperature of 5 to 30° C. lower than the gelling temperature of the photo-curable inkjet ink.
US08398219B2	Ink jet printer module and printer using the same An ink jet printer module has a module body, an ink inlet port, a washing liquid inlet port and a pneumatic inlet port connected with the main ink tank, the washing liquid tank and the pneumatic pump. A common flow path in the interior of the module body selectively communicates with either the washing liquid flow path or the washing liquid flow path. An ink opening and closing valve is provided at the module body. A pneumatic and washing liquid selection valve is provided in the module body An ink discharge port is provided in the module body discharges the ink of the ink flow path to the outside of the module body. A common discharge port is provided in the module body and discharges either the pneumatic or the washing liquid of the common flow path.
US08398218B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus, includes a liquid jet head; a container main body; an air opening mechanism configured to open and close an air opening path in the container main body. The air opening mechanism includes a holding part, and an opening member movably provided at the holding part. The opening member includes an air communicating path, a filter member, and an air room. An opening cross-sectional area of the air room in a direction perpendicular to an air flow-in direction is greater than an opening cross-sectional area of the air communicating path in a direction perpendicular to an air flow-in direction.
US08398216B2	Reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to printhead A fluid reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to a printhead is provided. The assembly has a reservoir compartment in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying the fluid to the printhead via a fluid outlet, the reservoir compartment having an air vent and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region within the compartment, and a valve in the bypass fluid path for priming the reservoir compartment with fluid via the bypass fluid path.
US08398209B2	Integrated structure of a printer head and an antenna An integrated structure of an inkjet head and an antenna includes a metal heat dissipation board, a flexible (or rigid) circuit board and an antenna module. The metal heat dissipation has an elongated printing ribbon. The flexible (or rigid) circuit board is mounted on the metal heat dissipation board, and has one end electrically connected with the printing ribbon and the other end having a plurality of parallel circuits mounted thereon and connected to external control circuits. The antenna module is directly mounted on and electrically connected with the flexible (or rigid) circuit board. Given the integrated structure, the antenna module is effectively mounted on the inkjet head to reduce the size of the structure and lower the cost thereof.
US08398207B2	Inkjet recording head and inkjet recording method An apparatus includes nozzles and an ink passage. Each nozzle includes a pressure chamber which houses an electrothermal transducer provided on a substrate to apply ejection energy to ink, an ink ejection orifice which faces the electrothermal transducer, and an ink passage along which the ink is supplied to the pressure chamber. The ink supply port is provided on the substrate and communicates with the ink passages. A distance between a center of gravity of the electrothermal transducer and the ink supply port differs between the nozzles which are next to each other. In at least one of the nozzles, a center of gravity of the ink ejection orifice is shifted from that of the electrothermal transducer in a direction toward the ink supply port by an amount which is increased as the distance increases.
US08398196B2	Droplet size in inkjet printing A printer control unit (3) is described for controlling the size of droplets emitted by a nozzle of a printhead (8) in an inkjet printer. The control unit (3) receives information about an image to be printed by the printer, for example from a raster image processor (5), the information including droplet size information regarding the size of droplet required to be emitted by the nozzle to print the image. Print parameter information for printing the image is determined on the basis of the received droplet size information, the print parameter information including information for use in setting the printer such that droplets emitted by the nozzle during the printing of the image have the required droplet size.
US08398195B2	Method for detecting adjustment value of fluid ejection device, and fluid ejection device An adjustment method is a method for adjusting a fluid ejection device having first and second heads with the first head disposed on an upstream side of the second head in a feed direction in which a medium is conveyed, the second head forming dot rows of a fluid between dot rows of the fluid formed by the first head. The first head and the second head are driven with a first voltage change amount to form a first test pattern, and the first head and the second head are driven with a second voltage change amount to form a second test pattern.
US08398170B2	Active response seating system A seat having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy. The zoned seating can also include one or more recoil shields that can be one piece, multiple pieces, or can itself comprise multiple sections that correspond with the multiple zones or individual zones. The seating can also include inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy. The seating includes both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with each including a zoned configuration designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner. The zones can separate independent and defined zones that are designed to be separate and act as individual anatomical support areas that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner. It is preferred that the zones act and operate independently from one another. However, the zones could be arranged, for example, by size, design, formation, or the shape of construction, to interact with adjacent zones. The seat can also be formed around and/or from a molded, contoured member that itself replicates a surface taken from a multi-zoned surface which has been adjusted to fit an individual.
US08398166B2	Vehicle seat assembly A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. The first foam member includes at least one channel for interlocking the first foam member and a second foam member.
US08398161B2	Sunroof headliner attachment system A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.
US08398160B2	Roof structure of a body of a motor vehicle In a roof structure for the body of a motor vehicle with front roof pillars which are interconnected via a roof frame element, the roof frame element is arranged in a center section of the roof structure in relation to the connecting section thereof to the respective roof pillar so as to be set back in the longitudinal vehicle direction.
US08398156B2	Damper mounting structure In a damper mounting structure provided at each lateral end of a vehicle body to support an upper end of a wheel suspension damper, a dash upper panel (1) and a cross member (2) jointly form a laterally extending member that supports upper ends of vehicle suspension dampers (5) at either lateral end thereof. The cross member (2) includes a main body welded to an upper surface of the dash upper panel (1) via a pair of lateral flanges (5a) thereof extending along either side thereof, and a half bowl-shaped portion (9) formed on each end thereof and welded to a periphery of the corresponding damper mounting portion via a peripheral flange (9d) formed along an outer periphery of the half bowl-shaped portion (9). The peripheral flange (9d) is provided with a pair of cutouts (2b) that expose two of the threaded bolts (7). The cross member is further provided with an opening (10) for exposing the third threaded bolt.
US08398155B2	Vehicle cabin interior surface with embedded magnetic holder A magnetic holding system for a vehicle cabin includes a non-ferrous panel having a front side exposed to the vehicle cabin and a rear side. A magnet is located on the rear side of the non-ferrous panel. The thickness panel, in the region where the magnet is located, and the strength of the magnet are selected to grip a ferrous element when it is placed on the front side of the panel in the region where the magnet is located. The ferrous element may be an object to be held on the non-ferrous surface or it may be attachable to the underside of an object that is to be held.
US08398154B1	Deflector for changing the course of a vehicle in an offset impact A deflector is attached to a sub-frame in the front end of a vehicle that rotates the front end of the vehicle in the event the vehicle contacts an object outboard of the sub-frame. The deflector has a deflection beam that is supported on an outboard end by a reaction leg. The reaction leg is backed by an attachment leg that is secured in a parallel orientation to a part of the sub-frame.
US08398152B1	Multi-cell motor compartment rail In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a multi-cell motor compartment rail system is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises an inner rail member and an outer rail member. Partition members couple to the inner rail member and outer rail member and are configured to form multiple cells within the engine compartment rail system when the inner rail member and outer rail member are coupled together. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a method for forming a multi-cell motor compartment rail is also provided. The method comprises coupling a first partition member to an inner rail member of an engine compartment rail system and coupling a second partition member to an outer rail member of an engine compartment rail system. Next, the inner rail member and the outer rail member are coupled together to form the multi-cell motor compartment rail.
US08398147B2	Convertible top having a common pivot for a pivot link for two bows and a tensioning link for a rear rail A convertible top having a pivot link is provided that supports two bows. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively.
US08398145B2	Fan and canopy assembly for riding vehicle A riding vehicle is provided with a downdraft fan assembly mounted on a vehicle roll bar for providing a flow of ambient air over the vehicle operator and a canopy carried by the fan assembly and providing solar and precipitation protection for the operator.
US08398143B1	Multi-configured double stroller apparatus and method of using same The invention is an apparatus and method of using same for controlling the positioning of one or more of the seats for a vehicle, such as a double stroller, with an actuating mechanism beneath the seat that controls the seating arrangement from a tandem arrangement to a lateral arrangement and vice versa, in addition to the seat's pivoting, sliding and revolving. The apparatus comprises a frame anchored to the stroller, the frame having a plurality of stop members and supporting a ring carriage; a ring revolvably captured within the ring carriage; and an actuating mechanism beneath the seat, the mechanism comprising: a handle and a support housing for supporting the mechanism over the ring, for housing a sliding means for sliding the seat, and for supporting a revolving means for revolving the seat, along with the ring, around the frame and a pivoting means for pivoting the seat.
US08398140B2	Apparatus for extending vehicle cargo area An apparatus for a vehicle includes a first panel that defines a loading surface and has first and second sides. The apparatus also includes a support frame connected to the first panel and having first and second supports. A second panel is pivotably connected to the first panel. The first and second supports are configured to be selectively connectable to and releasable from the vehicle body. The apparatus is positionable in a stowed position when the supports are connected to the vehicle body. In the stowed position, the apparatus is within the interior cargo area and the first panel is substantially parallel with and above the floor. The apparatus is pivotable with respect to the vehicle body to a deployed position in which the supports are connected to the vehicle body and in which the apparatus extends at least partially out of the vehicle to provide additional cargo area.
US08398139B2	Front passenger small storage presenter A storage compartment or presenter includes a tray that is ejected from a vehicle panel when a door on the storage presenter is fully opened and recessed into a storage housing. In this way, the present invention presents objects stored in the storage compartment to a driver or passenger by deploying a storage tray allowing access to items stored therein. Thus, the present invention eliminates the difficulty in retrieving objects within the often times small confines available for in-panel storage compartments.
US08398137B2	Auxiliary bed floor for sheet materials An auxiliary bed floor for a vehicle includes a panel that fits between the sidewalls of the vehicle and has cutouts along the side edges to remove portions of the panel that cannot fit between the wheel housings. The panel is mounted on the sidewalls by a plurality of swing arms, each having a first end pivoted on a sidewall above the floor, and a second end pivoted on the panel so that swinging of the swing arms will swing the panel between a lowered position in which the panel is adjacent the floor and a raised position in which the panel is positioned above the height of the wheel housings. A latch mechanism is provided to retain the panel at its raised position so that cargo can be carried on top of the panel as well as on the vehicle bed floor beneath the panel.
US08398133B2	Pressure-based crash detection system incorporated in side rail A vehicular crash sensing system is provided wherein a bumper cap contacts a bumper. A chamber is at least partially fit into a side rail attached to the bumper, wherein the chamber is sealed by the bumper cap. The bumper cap and chamber together enclose a space containing a volume of air. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.
US08398132B2	Vehicle protection device A vehicle protection device includes a strip of resilient, impact-absorbing material in the form of a band. The strip of material extends around the entire vehicle: front, rear, and both sides. The band may be held in place, for example, by the resiliency of the impact-absorbing of the material.
US08398129B2	Tote box seal A seal for tote boxes includes a post member of extended length which has an enlarged end portion and a housing which has locking fingers which flex to accept the enlarged end of the post member and then lock to prevent removal of the post member. The housing includes a pair of upwardly projecting flanges, and a downwardly projecting flange. When installed on tote box the upwardly projecting flanges maintain the position of the downwardly projecting flange so that it is visible past the handle of the tote box allowing visual access to indicia on the downwardly projecting flange and allowing an authorized user to cut the post portion to remove the seal.
US08398124B2	Pull-up by torque fitting A fitting is provided that may optionally be pulled up to its final assembled condition by torque rather than by turns. At least one fitting component includes a structure that facilitates pull up by torque. In one embodiment, a ring is provided that may be disposed on one of the fitting components and includes an engagement surface that engages a surface on the other of the fitting components at a first axial position that corresponds to a complete pull up. The engaging surfaces increase the torque required to continue pulling up the fitting past the first axial position.
US08398122B2	Push connect joint assembly, system and method A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows the re-use and repair of push-to-connect fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement comprises a split fastening ring and a split O-ring support member.
US08398121B2	Secure coupled tube assembly Secure assembly of a tube coupled to a body having a bore. The coupling is provided by an insert mounted in the bore, a releasable internal retainer for retaining the tube in the bore, and a release member slidably moveable in the bore, the release member being pushable into the bore to release the retainer for uncoupling the tube from the body. A spacer is provided to prevent the release member from being pushed in. The spacer includes a clip portion inserted in a groove formed between a stationary surface of the body or the insert and an opposing shoulder surface of the release member which projects outside of the bore. The clip portion is connected by at least one breakable bridge portion to a locking portion which abuttably engages the tube to prevent the clip portion from being removed unless the bridge portion is broken by a user.
US08398120B2	Cast iron gladhand A swivel-type cast iron swinger gladhand is provided. The gladhand has a mounting bracket, a cast iron coupler support body, and a cast iron coupler body. The cast iron coupler body includes a pivot arm, a coupler and a clamp integrally formed from a single casting. The cast iron coupler body is pivotally supported by the mounting bracket and the cast iron coupler support body.
US08398118B2	Apparatus and method for fingerprint capture A device and method for allowing secure self-capture of multifold fingerprint impressions. The device includes a strip of fingerprint labels wrapped about a tubular ergonomic roller. A subject inserts the thumb of a first hand into the ergonomic roller and grips the roller between his thumb and forefinger. The subject then rolls the inked tip of a finger on his second hand across a label in a first rotational direction while rotating the ergonomic roller in an opposite rotational direction. To prevent fraudulent substitution of fingerprinting materials that are distributed to a subject, the materials are marked with machine readable invisible barcodes that are associated with a unique identification number. After a subject captures his fingerprints and submits his materials to a trusted observer, the barcodes on the materials are compared to the identification number to determine whether the materials submitted are in-fact those that were distributed to the subject.
US08398117B1	Sheet with wristband A printable form with a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to the printable form. The wristband may be detached from the printable form and secured around a body part for use in identification.
US08398115B2	Vehicle steering wheel A vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel body, a movable element held movably on the steering wheel body, which element can be pressed down against the force of a restoring element against the steering wheel body, and with a horn contact which is closed by pressing down of the element. An economical design for constructing the horn contact is created in that the horn contact has two cable cores (44a, 44b) which are held in a holding element (32), and that a contact element (36a, 36b) which is likewise held by the holding element (32) extends into each of the cable cores (44a, 44b). The two contact elements (32a, 32b) come into electrical contact with each other here by the pressing down of the movable element.
US08398114B2	Vehicular trim applications using film adhesive in lieu of stitching A vehicle seat configured to retain an air bag. The vehicle seat uses selective use of adhesive tape in place of stitching to provide easier manufacturing, lower cost, improved durability and easier repairs, as well as having the adhesive tape be configured to rupture as needed in response to activation of the air bag.
US08398113B2	Knee air bag for vehicle A knee air bag for a vehicle has an inflator, a diffuser and a cushion to protect a passenger's knee when the cushion is deployed. The knee air bag also includes an inflator connector which is provided on a back of the cushion, and an external tether which is provided on an upper portion of the inflator connector and secured at lower and upper ends thereof to the back of the cushion, thus guiding the cushion so that the cushion is deployed upwards. The knee air bag makes the cushion come into close contact with a seatback of the vehicle when the knee air bag is deployed, thus reducing interference with a roof air bag located at an upper position, therefore preventing a passenger's head or neck from suffering secondary injuries.
US08398112B2	Vehicle seat side air bag system A side air bag restraint sub-assembly is disposed in a cavity in a vehicle seat. A reinforcement panel is secured to either the inflator bolts or the seat fame on one edge. The opposite edge of the reinforcement panel is sewn to a hem on one side of a tear seam.
US08398110B2	Back-country ski binding A slope compensation mechanism for automatically adapting an angle between a ski boot and a ski to a slope, including a tower mechanism having a tower base assembly mounted to the ski and a tower pivot mechanism rotatably and slidably mounted to the tower base assembly. A resilient pivot mechanism allows the tower pivot mechanism to rotate and to axially move with respect to the tower base assembly and a boot mounting beam engages with elevation angle catches corresponding to ranges of angles of a slope. A slope angle adaptation mechanism acting between the tower base assembly and the tower pivot mechanism determines a slope index angle corresponding to a slope being traversed and maintains the tower pivot mechanism at the slope index angle.
US08398109B2	Heavy-duty trailer A heavy duty wheeled trailer for use in towing the trailer behind a vehicle. The trailer includes an adjustable height tow connection point to adjust and connect to different types of tow vehicles while maintaining the front deck substantially parallel to the trailer main deck. The trailer further includes a modular support frame allowing the trailer to be easily scaled in length and performance capabilities through removal or addition of modular frame cells.
US08398107B2	Bicycle angle adjustment device for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part The bicycle angle adjustment device according to the invention is suitable for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part. The first bicycle part is provided with a hole with an internal toothing. Also, an intermediate ring is provided with an external and internal toothing, wherein the intermediate ring's external toothing, when 5 mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the first bicycle part. In this way, a first set of meshing toothings is formed. The second bicycle part is provided with an external toothing which, when mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the intermediate ring, in such a way that a second set of meshing toothings is formed. The first set of toothings has a first minimum angular rotation and the second set of toothings has a second minimum angular 0 rotation. The first minimum angular rotation of the first set of toothings differs from the second minimum angular rotation of the second set of toothings.
US08398100B2	Skateboard apparatus A skateboard apparatus comprising a truck assembly is provided. The truck assembly comprises a suspension assembly, a pivot element, a collapsible tubular member, a compression spring, and a tension spring. The suspension assembly comprises a suspension spring for creating a rocking motion about a longitudinal axis of the board structure. The collapsible tubular member is threadedly connected to the pivot element, which is pivotally connected to the suspension assembly. The compression spring is externally and coaxially mounted around sleeve members of the collapsible tubular member. The tension spring coaxially that extends through the collapsible tubular member, in communication with the compression spring, telescopically extends and retracts the collapsible tubular member for creating an upward motion and a downward motion respectively, of the board structure. The suspension assembly synchronizes the upward and downward motion with the rocking motion of the board structure for creating a surf-like motion on a ground surface.
US08398096B2	Pushing vehicle for transporting a child, modular supporting system, and components A pushing vehicle is described for transporting at least one child, including: a wheeled chassis including a chassis frame and a plurality of wheels that are rotatably mounted relative to the chassis frame to support the chassis frame above a ground surface and which enable the chassis to be moved along the ground surface; a passenger support for supporting a child; wherein the passenger support is attachable to the frame in a mounting position by a single tool-less attachment mechanism for attaching an underside of the passenger support to the chassis frame, to support the passenger support generally above the wheeled chassis. Also described are related modular seating systems and a supporting compartment.
US08398095B2	Skibob and method for riding a chairlift Skibobs are disclosed having features for conveying the skibob with rider on a moving chairlift while the rider remains mounted on the seat of the skibob. The frame and suspension are configured for elevating the underside of the skibob seat above the level of the chairlift bench during loading, so that the chairlift bench, while moving forward from behind the rider, can pick up the skibob, rider and all, and carry the mounted rider up the ski slope without falling. As the undercarriage of the skibob is lifted off the snow, the rider is deposited on the chairlift bench so that the seat of the skibob is secured in place by the weight of the rider on the seat. During offloading, the skibob is nonetheless readily disengaged from the chairlift bench with an active boost from the suspension and optional spring-loaded seat as the undercarriage contacts the offloading platform, permitting the rider to ski away from the chairlift without dismounting the skibob, thus improving ease of use for riders with limits in physical capacity. These and other features of the invention are a benefit to disabled persons in gaining access to the ski slopes.
US08398091B2	Suspension system for vehicle A suspension system for a vehicle, including: an electromagnetic actuator configured to generate an actuator force and including a sprung-side unit supported by a sprung portion, an unsprung-side unit supported by an unsprung portion, a screw mechanism, and an electromagnetic motor; a connecting mechanism including a support spring for permitting one of the sprung-side and unsprung-side units to be floatingly supported as a floating unit by a unit-floatingly support portion that is one of the sprung and unsprung portions by which the floating unit is supported; and a controller including a sprung-vibration-damping control portion and a relative-vibration-damping control portion that is configured to execute a relative-vibration damping control for damping a vibration of the floating unit caused by the structure in which the floating unit is floatingly supported by the support spring.
US08398089B2	Radial shaft seal, radial shaft seal assembly and method of installation A radial shaft seal configured for receipt in a housing and about a shaft to sealingly isolate an air side of the seal from an oil side of the shaft seal is provided. The seal includes a mounting portion and a seal lip having an annular sealing surface extending between an oil side end and a free air side end. An annular bridge is connected to the oil side end of the seal lip by a first hinge and to the mounting portion by a second hinge. The bridge extends from the first hinge to the second hinge in radially overlying relation to the seal lip. An annular projection extends from the mounting portion axially away from the bridge. The projection has an oil side facing the seal lip and confronts the air side end of the seal lip upon the seal lip pivoting about the first hinge.
US08398087B2	Bonded piston seal A bonded piston seal, which comprises a metal ring, and a rubbery elastomer seal as vulcanization-bonded thereto expect the sliding site along which a mating seal member slides, where the rubbery elastomer seal is partially bonded to the metal ring through an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layers comprises (a) an underlayer adhesive layer comprising a phenol resin and an epoxy resin, and (b) an overlayer adhesive layer comprising a phenol resin, a halogenated polymer, and a metal oxide. Not only the distinguished initial adhesiveness, but also the distinguished water-resistance can be obtained by providing (a) the underlayer adhesive layer of the afore-mentioned components and (b) the overlayer adhesive layer of the afore-mentioned components.
US08398084B2	Blackjack variation with automatically burned cards A method to implement a blackjack variation. The dealer is dealt an up-card and a hole-card. If the up-card is a 10-valued card, then the dealer peeks at the hole-card, and if the hole-card is also a 10-valued card, then the dealer will burn both the up-card and the hole-card (which are both 10-valued cards), and deal two additional cards to the dealer which become the dealer's hand. The game then proceeds normally.
US08398082B2	Linking puzzle game and method A linking puzzle game and method of play involving one or more players and including a playing surface having at least one, but preferably, a plurality of puzzle areas of varying degrees of difficulty. A plurality of base zones are disposed in an interconnecting relation to one another on each of the one or more puzzle areas, wherein at least one indicia is associated therewith, such as via a plurality of game pieces randomly distributed thereon. A plurality of action pieces each having predetermined indicia disposed thereon which corresponds to an objective goal which is reached by adding or performing another mathematical operation on the indicia of game pieces disposed on appropriate ones of interconnected base zones.
US08398079B2	Image forming apparatus A control portion controls a skew feed correcting portion so that a first skew feed correcting operation for correcting skew feed of a sheet while turning the sheet based on one edge of the sheet crossing a sheet conveying direction is performed in a case where a first alignment operation based on a position of one edge of the sheet is performed when a sheet processing portion processes the sheet. Further, the control portion controls the skew feed correcting portion so that a second skew feed correcting operation for correcting the skew feed of the sheet based on a side edge of the sheet parallel to the sheet conveying direction is performed in a case where a second alignment operation based on a position of the side edge of the sheet is performed when the sheet processing portion processes the sheet.
US08398078B2	Post-processing device and image forming apparatus including the same An image forming apparatus includes a sheet aligning mechanism that aligns a sheet of medium stacked by causing the sheet of medium to move in a shift direction orthogonal to a feed direction. The sheet aligning mechanism includes: a pair of alignment members having a pair of alignment surfaces; a rotational waiting position detector that detects whether the alignment members have moved to a rotational waiting position at which the alignment members wait; a rectilinear waiting position detector that detects whether the alignment members have moved to a rectilinear waiting position; and a post-processing controller that performs correction of a rotational angle and amount of movement of the alignment members performed by a rotational movement drive mechanism, based on signals output from the rotational waiting position detector and the rectilinear waiting position detector.
US08398077B2	Recording media storage device, recording media processing device, and storage detection method A check processing device accurately detects if the check storage unit is full. The check storage unit 10 of a check processing device 1 has first and second storage pockets 13 and 14. A first vertical pressure plate 54, 64 and a second vertical pressure plate 55, 65 for holding the checks conveyed into the storage pockets 13 and 14 are disposed to the storage pockets 13 and 14. The first vertical pressure plates 54 and 64 are displaced according to the total thickness of the checks stored in the storage pockets 13 and 14. Using detection mechanisms 80 and 90 having an interrupter 81, 91 disposed to the corresponding first vertical pressure plate 54 and 64, and a photosensor 82, 92 for detecting the corresponding interrupter, the total thickness of the checks stored in the storage pockets 13 and 14 can be detected, and whether the storage unit is full can be detected from this total check thickness.
US08398070B2	Valve unit and paper sheet takeout device A valve unit which circulates and blocks air has a first block connected to upstream suction tubes, a second block facing this first block and connected to downstream suction tubes, a shield plate disposed in a space S between the first block and the second block, and a motor which rotates this shield plate. The shield plate is provided with a connection hole which connects the upstream suction tube to the downstream suction tube, and a connection hole which connects the upstream suction tube to the downstream suction tube.
US08398068B2	Image recording device An image recording device includes a tray unit, a sheet feeder disposed above the tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the sheet feeder, and a unit for discharging the sheet having an image recorded thereon. The tray unit includes a first tray for holding thereon a first sheet, a second tray disposed above the first tray to hold thereon a second sheet, and a third tray disposed above the first tray. The second tray selectively moves between a first position and a second position. When the second tray is in the first position, the sheet feeder feeds the second sheet from the second tray, and the third tray receives the second sheet discharged from the discharging unit. When the second tray is in the second position, the sheet feeder feeds the first sheet from the first tray, and the first tray, the second tray, and the third tray overlap one another vertically.
US08398062B1	Door holding apparatus An apparatus for holding a door, the apparatus incorporating a base, a pair of support columns, each support column among the pair of support columns having upper and lower ends, each support column among the pair of support columns being fixedly attached to the base; and a cradle mounted between the support columns, the cradle being adapted for, upon downward and upward movements of the door between the support columns, alternatively compressing against and releasing the door; the cradle including at least a first wall and being adapted for, upon the door's downward and upward movements, alternatively moving the at least first wall toward and away from the door.
US08398061B2	Clamping device in main shaft driving device for machine tool A clamping device in a main shaft driving device for a machine tool, which rotationally drives a main shaft, wherein the main shaft is rotatably supported by a frame. The clamping device includes a clamp piston, a pressure chamber and an operating fluid supplying mechanism, wherein the clamp piston has a first pressure-receiving surface and a second pressure-receiving surface, the first pressure-receiving surface receiving the spring force of a spring member, the second pressure-receiving surface receiving pressure of an operating fluid, wherein the operating fluid supplying mechanism includes a switching portion that selectively supplies the corresponding operating fluid from a common operating fluid supply source to at least one of a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber.
US08398058B2	Universal bracket A universal handrail support bracket is disclosed in which a bracket is configured to be mounted to a handrail or banister and the bracket has an annular ring attached thereto. The annular ring has a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface. A curved nut and a cap have surfaces which mate with respectively the inner and outer surfaces of the annular ring. The curved nut and the cap are positioned respectively inside and upon the annular ring such that they may both freely rotate and pivot. A fastener such as a screw passes through both the curved nut and the cap and into a fixed substantially vertical surface such that the bracket may be attached to the fixed substantially vertical surface at any desired pitch angle, yaw angle, and roll angle for attaching a rail to a vertical surface.
US08398056B1	Motorcycle lift and support appartus A motorcycle lift and support apparatus is disclosed for lifting and supporting a motorcycle for various purposes such as repair, maintenance, and storage. The apparatus of the present invention includes a retractable wheel system to facilitate apparatus mobility.
US08398055B2	Ball segment valve A ball segment valve for controlling fluid flow in a piping, includes a valve housing with a valve seat disposed therein, a tubular bearing body fitted to an upper axial opening of the valve housing, a rotating spindle inserted through the bearing body into the valve housing, a tightening sleeve unit sleeved on the spindle to ensure full engagement of the spindle with the bearing body, a journal member inserted through a lower axial opening into the valve housing, and a valve body having upper and lower lugs coaxially fitted to the spindle and the journal member, and a spherical segment having a convex outer spherical surface and rotated with the spindle between a fully closed position, where the spherical surface is in sealing contact with the valve seat, and a fully opened position to permit a full fluid communication of the valve housing.
US08398052B2	Subsea hydraulic coupler A subsea stab plate assembly includes a stab plate which has apertures each extending in an axial direction through the plate from a front face of the plate to a rear face of the plate. A subsea hydraulic coupler has a body with an internal longitudinal passageway including a valve operable to open the passageway on the mating of the coupler with a complementary coupler. The coupler is shaped for insertion through an aperture in either of two directions, having a circumferential groove and a flange assembly including an axially extending hub which fits into the groove and a shoulder for abutment against the front face of the plate. The flange assembly includes a plurality of separable segments, each of which constitutes part of the hub and part of the shoulder. The hub fits between the groove and the inside of the aperture.
US08398051B2	Gate valve actuator and method A gate valve actuator including a stem that is movable linearly in an actuator housing connectable to the gate valve. The stem acts on the gate valve to shift the gate valve between open and closed positions, respectively. The stem is driven by a motor in a first direction into a steady state operation position. In the position the stem is biased in a second opposite direction towards a shutdown position by a spring member acting on the stem. A trigger mechanism is arranged for holding the spring member in a compressed state. The trigger mechanism includes an electrically controllable trigger that is arranged for release of the spring member in result of de-energizing the electrically controlled trigger. A method for shifting a gate valve between a steady state operation mode and a shutdown mode utilizing the gate valve actuator.
US08398047B2	Cable barrier post anchoring device and related method A line post anchoring device for a roadway cable barrier system includes a lower helical anchor to which a detachable line post socket member is secured. The helical anchor and line post socket of each line post anchoring device have mating coupling sections that are preassembled and hydraulically screwed into the ground in a single operation. Each socket includes interior guide plates for properly guiding and positioning a line post therein, such that the cabling system can be effectively strung under tension at the same time the anchoring devices are installed in the ground. Damaged sockets are easily replaced with minimal disruption to the surrounding soil by backing the helical anchor out of the ground only so far as necessary to detach and replace the damaged socket, and then reinserting the helical anchor in the same location. There is no delay or multiple operations required for installation or repair, thus enhancing roadway safety by minimizing traffic disruptions and possible accidents incident thereto.
US08398045B2	Slide rail device for vehicle seat A slide rail device which includes a lower rail, an upper rail which is freely slidably engaged with the lower rail, and balls which are installed between the lower and upper rails. The lower rail includes a lower-rail bottom wall, a pair of lower-rail side walls, a pair of lower-rail upper walls, a pair of lower-rail lower-ball contact R-portions, and a pair of lower-rail upper-ball contact R-portions. The upper rail includes an upper-rail top wall, a pair of upper-rail side walls, and a pair of upper-rail ball-bearing walls. Each upper-rail ball-bearing wall includes an upper-rail lower-ball contact portion and an upper-rail upper-ball contact portion. A radius of curvature of the lower-rail lower-ball contact R-portion of the lower rail is greater than that of the lower ball, and a radius of curvature of the lower-rail upper-ball contact R-portion of the lower rail is greater than that of the upper ball.
US08398044B2	Longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (3) has a first seat rail (5) fixed to the vehicle structure and arranged on a vehicle floor (10) and a second seat rail (8) fixed to the seat and displaceable in relation to the first seat rail (5) and guided in same. A position detection device (20) is provided with a sensor (24), having a magnet and a Hall element. The sensor (24) is arranged in the interior of the second seat rail (8) and aligned with a flat area associated with the first seat rail (5) in which one end of the flat area corresponds to the end of the rail and the flat area forms a detection area. The sensor (24) is used to detect an end of the detection area. The sensor (24) has a certain detection range and the distance between the sensor (24) and the detection area lies within the certain detection range of the sensor (24). The distance between the sensor (24) and the vehicle floor (10) lies outside of the certain detection range of the sensor (24).
US08398043B2	Seat sliding device A seat sliding device for preventing accidental operation of the operation member. The lock member 50 fixes (locks) the upper rail 20 fixed to a vehicle seat and the lower rail 30 fixed to the vehicle floor via the front and rear feet so as not to make a relative movement. The lock member 50, with the lock nails 55 of the pivoting member 50b, pivots around the pivot center L extending in the rail sliding direction, in response to the operation of the operation lever, and the pivot center L is positioned distant from the lock nails 55.
US08398039B2	Mounting panel, system and method for high density fiber optic applications A mounting plate having at least two L-shaped mounting flanges alternatively offset from a centerline defined to bisect the mounting flanges. A mounting system including a plurality of mounting plates with interlocking mounting flanges positioned horizontally on a mounting frame of one standard rack unit (1.75 inches) height. A mounting system including a plurality of mounting footprints with overlapping fastener flanges positioned horizontally on a mounting frame of one standard rack unit width. A method of mounting plates configured and dimensioned to receive a fiber optic coupler or adapter including a mounting a plurality of plates having at least two L-shaped mounting flanges into a mounting frame such that the mounting flanges of adjacent plates are configured to interlock or overlap.
US08398037B2	Equipment support A support having a plurality of elongate hollow leg members, each of which is at least partially supporting an apex selectively, detachably mountable to equipment. At least one leg member has a circumferential wall of a thickness along a major portion of its length no more than approximately 0.04 inches.
US08398034B2	Pipe spacer A pipe spacer is provided for spacing at least one pipe in a piping system. The spacer includes a handle with at least one pipe-engaging support member for maintaining an engaged pipe close to a surface in a piping system.
US08398026B2	Multi-function rotary access door A method and apparatus comprising a frame and a door. The door may be moveably connected to the frame. The door may be capable of being rotated in the frame between a closed position and an open position to provide access to an opening of a vehicle body without moving the door outside of a mold line of the vehicle body.
US08398018B2	Fan cowl support for a turbo fan engine A fan cowl support for an aircraft having an engine pylon, an engine fan case and an engine fan cowl. The fan cowl support includes a support having a forward end connected to the engine fan case and an aft end connected to the engine pylon with a spherical connector. At least a portion of the engine fan cowl is connected to the support.
US08398017B2	Continuous composite fan duct and thrust reverser A duct having a continuous C-shaped cross section slidably attached to a strut supporting an aircraft engine. The duct may comprise an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, at least one slider, a thrust reverser, and an outer cowl panel of a thrust reverser. The inner wall may comprise a forward section and an aft section. The aft section may be integral with the first end wall, the second end wall, the outer wall, and the at least one slider. The forward section may comprise a right half and a left half which may be pivotally attached to the strut and may pivot to an open position when the rest of the fan duct is slid aftward away from the engine. The duct, excluding the forward section of the inner wall, may slide aftward on its at least one slider, providing engine access.
US08398016B2	Air intake arrangement for an aircraft An air intake arrangement includes a mobile plate controlled by at least one fluid communication passage or opening extending between the outer and inner surfaces of the mobile plate. The fluid communication passage or opening is located at least in the vicinity of a limited downstream area of the outer surface, is at a high pressure when the aircraft flies at cruising speed, and is capable of transmitting the high pressure to an extended area of the inner surface. The air flowing through the air intake arrangement may be used to refresh an enclosed area with electrical or mechanical equipment.
US08398013B2	Cable reel device The invention relates to a cable reel device, comprising a rack on which the cable reel is rotatable mounted. The cable reel is provided with a portion for storing cable, wire or the like, as well as flanges on either side of the portion. The device comprises a machine which is provided with at least two drive wheels. The rack with the cable reel can be placed in the machine so that the rack and the cable reel rest on the machine, so that the flanges of the cable reel are in contact with the drive wheels.
US08398011B2	Fishing reel A fishing reel for winding a fishing line includes a reel unit, a spool, a handle, a tension detection section, a temperature detection section, a detected tension correction section, and a corrected tension output section. The spool is rotatably attached to the reel unit and configured to wind the fishing line thereon. The handle is mounted to the reel unit, and configured to rotate the spool. The tension detection section is configured to detect tension applied on the fishing line by converting the tension into an electric signal. The temperature detection section is disposed to detect temperature of the tension detection section. The detected tension correction section is configured to correct the tension after being detected on the basis of the temperature of the tension detection section after being detected. The corrected tension output section is configured to output the tension after being corrected by the detected tension correction section.
US08398008B2	Force transfer system comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a thrust bearing The invention relates to a force transfer system comprising a hydraulic cylinder (1) comprising a piston (10) which can be impinged with hydraulic fluid and a thrust bearing (2) which is in operative contact with the piston, said bearing comprising a first and a second glide surface for exerting a sliding motion. The thrust bearing comprises a pressure space (25) which is connected to the side of the piston (10) impinged with hydraulic fluid by way of at least one hole (11) made in the piston.
US08398007B2	Jet mill A jet mill in which crushed material introduced into a crushing chamber is comminuted by gas being sprayed from a plurality of gas-jet nozzles, wherein high-efficiency pulverization is performed by optimizing various pulverization conditions according to the type of crushed material or other such properties. The direction in which gas is sprayed into the crushing chamber is variable adjustable; the spraying direction of each nozzle is displaced simultaneously by the electromotive actuator; swirl flow is produced in three dimensions, including the flow of a directional component that is perpendicular to the horizontal swirl flow; and a fine-powder discharge port of a first pulverization chamber and a fine powder introduction port of a second pulverization chamber are communicatingly connected by a ventilation duct.
US08398006B2	Mechanized separation of mixed solid waste and recovery of recyclable products The method and systems efficiently extract recyclable materials from a mixed solid waste stream. The methods and systems use sizing, density and dimensional separation to produce intermediate waste streams that are enriched in particular recyclable materials. The recyclable materials can then be efficiently sorted from the individual intermediate streams using mechanized sorting equipment.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10