最新美国发明专利第2013-04-02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
US08409712B2	Alloy to be surface-coated and sliding members An alloy to be surface-coated, which can keep excellent hardness of 58HRC or above even when the amount of an alloying element added is reduced or even when the alloy is heated to a temperature of as high as 400 to 500° C.; and sliding members produced by forming a hard film on the surface of the alloy. An alloy to be surface-coated, the surface of which is to be covered with a hard film, which alloy contains by mass C: 0.5 to 1.2%, Si: 2.0% or below, Mn: 1.0% or below, Cr: 5.0 to 14.0%, Mo+1/2 W: 0.5 to 5.0%, and N: more than 0.015 to 0.1% with the balance being Fe and impurities, preferably such an alloy which contains by mass C: 0.6 to 0.85%, Si: 0.1 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.2 to 0.8%, Cr: 7.0 to 11.0%, Mo+1/2 W: 1.0 to 4.0%, and N: 0.04 to 0.08%.
US08409709B2	Composition of hydrophobic granular play material and its method of manufacture A hydrophobic granular play material comprised of a multitude of engineered particle structures. The particle structures have an average maximum diameter of less than three millimeters. Each particle structure has an inner core of first material that is coated with a hydrophobic composition. The inner core can be particles of natural sand, plastic, or polyfoam. The inner core is enveloped in a composition of a cured elastomeric gel. The gel is hydrophobic. However, the elastomeric gel does exhibit adhesion to itself. Consequently, the particles coated in the elastomeric gel repel water but lightly adhere to each other when compressed together. The particle structures of the play material can therefore be compressed into shapes in the same manner as natural wet sand.
US08409706B2	Preparation process of microbeads, and microbeads The present application provides a process for the preparation of microbeads, including the steps of: patterning a thin film, which has been formed on a substrate, into microbead regions of at least one predetermined shape by photolithography; immobilizing a predetermined substance on the thus-patterned microbead regions; and stripping off, from the substrate, the thus-patterned microbead regions with the substance immobilized thereon.
US08409703B2	Temperature switchable adhesive assemblies with temperature non-switchable tack Disclosed herein are temperature switchable adhesive assemblies, which maintain tack above and below the switching temperature. The temperature switchable adhesive assemblies comprise a backing, a first adhesive layer comprising a temperature switchable pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the backing, and a second adhesive layer comprising a non-switchable pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the first adhesive layer. The temperature switchable adhesive assemblies have use in medical, consumer, and industrial applications.
US08409699B2	Breathing sheet material having an adhesive coating layer and manufacturing method therefor The invention relates to a breathing adhesive sheet material comprising a sheet layer having apertures and an adhesive coating layer with apertures corresponding to at least part of the apertures of said sheet layer, provided on one side of said sheet layer having apertures, wherein said apertures in said adhesive coating layer constitute portions of a substantially continuous adhesive coating layer separated there from by remaining adhered to a protective sheet layer upon removal thereof. The invention also relates to a composite sheet material comprising such adhesive sheet material with a removable protective sheet layer provided to separate portions from the continuous adhesive layer upon separation thereof from the adhesive sheet material. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an adhesive sheet material comprising the steps of applying a layer of uncured adhesive material to a sheet layer having apertures and a layer of protective sheet material, and submitting the sheet layer having apertures, the layer of protective sheet material and the layer of uncured adhesive material to a curing operation, thereby causing the layer of adhesive material to preferentially adhere to the sheet layer having apertures outside the apertures, and to adhere to the protective sheet layer at said apertures.
US08409693B2	Data carrier having identifiers The invention relates to a data carrier into which, by means of a laser beam, identifiers are introduced that are visible in the form of irreversible changes, caused by the laser beam, in the optical properties of the data carrier. According to the present invention, the data carrier comprises a laser-sensitive layer (20) that is opaque in the visible spectral range, and that is combined with a securing layer (22) that is metallized at least in a sub-area, the identifiers (30, 32) being introduced by the laser beam simultaneously and in perfect register into the laser-sensitive layer (20) and the metallized sub-area (24) of the securing layer (22).
US08409691B1	Three-dimensional (3D) reinforcement control in composite materials A variable stiffness segmented composite material including reinforcements embedded in a variable stiffness matrix and having a structure for precisely controlling the three-dimensional (3D) distribution and connectivity of the reinforcements in the variable stiffness matrix. The composite material includes a variable stiffness matrix and a plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements embedded within the variable stiffness matrix, the interconnected reinforcements being for mitigating a deformation of the composite material along a first direction by blocking a rigid body motion of the reinforcements with respect to one another in the first direction while allowing a deformation in a second direction differing from the first direction. That is, in one embodiment, the interconnected reinforcements are configured to move with respect to one another to allow for an in-plane deformation of the composite material while mitigating an out-of-plane deformation of the composite material.
US08409690B2	Patterned nanowires Nanowires suspended from a substrate surface and methods of making nanowires suspended from a substrate surface are provided. The suspended nanowires are comprised of a variety of materials, including metals and mixtures of metals. Suspended nanowires supply large surface areas for applications such as, for example, energy storage and catalysis. Embodiments of the invention provide three dimensional nanowires attached to a substrate surface and arrays of three dimensional nanowires.
US08409689B2	Shingle with reinforcement layer A laminated shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.
US08409687B2	UV-curable composition for optical discs and optical disc A UV-curable composition for optical discs contains a fluorine-containing UV-curable resin having a poly(perfluoroalkylene ether) chain and a UV-curable group. The fluorine-containing UV-curable resin exhibits good compatibility with the composition and satisfactorily localizes in and near a surface of a coating film. Thus, the composition can be used to form an outermost layer of an optical disc such that the droplet size of grease such as that constituting fingerprints adhering to the outermost layer is reduced and scattering of light having a short oscillation wavelength passing through the outermost layer is suppressed. Accordingly, an optical disc on and from which signals can be satisfactorily recorded and read is formed.
US08409686B2	Optical recording medium and method for manufacturing the same An optical recording medium having three or more information recording layers reduces crosstalk caused by multi-reflected beams and improves signal quality. In the optical recording medium having three or more information recording layers, the refractive index of a plurality of intermediate layers disposed between adjacent information recording layers is greater than the refractive index of a cover layer disposed between a light incident surface and an information recording layer being the closest from the light incident surface.
US08409682B2	Heat-resistant air hose for diesel engine A heat-resistant air hose for a diesel engine comprising a tubular inner layer and an outer layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner layer, wherein a material for forming the inner layer contains at least one of the following components (A) and (B) and excludes an acid receiver, and a material for forming the outer layer contains a non-peroxide-crosslinkable ethylene acrylic rubber and a non-halogen flame retardant wherein the non-halogen flame retardant is present at not less than 60 and less than 80 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the non-peroxide-crosslinkable ethylene acrylic rubber: (A) an alloy material formed by mixing ethylene acrylic rubber and fluororubber wherein the ethylene acrylic rubber is present at not less than 20% by weight based on the total alloy material; and (B) at least one of acrylic rubber and ethylene acrylic rubber.
US08409678B2	Thin metal casing with plastic part and manufacturing method thereof A thin metal casing with plastic parts and a manufacturing method thereof are revealed. A thin metal casing already formed having on one surface processed and coated with a decorative outer layer is provided. A thermoplastic rubber (TPR) adhesive layer is disposed on an unprocessed surface of the thin metal casing. The TPR adhesive layer is synthesized by butadiene-styrene block copolymer and hydrocarbon petroleum resin. Then the thin metal casing with the TPR adhesive layer is set and fixed in a cavity of an injection molding mold. Next plastic parts are formed on the TPR adhesive layer of the thin metal casing by plastic injection molding. The plastic parts are melted and connected to the TPR adhesive layer integrally by pressure and temperature of injection material. Simultaneously a part of the TPR adhesive layer is infiltrated into existing micro concave holes on surface of the thin metal casing.
US08409677B2	Biodegradable starch-containing blend Disclosed is a composition comprising an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester consisting essentially of a dicarboxylic acid component that includes a terephthalic acid component and a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component, a glycol component consisting essentially of a linear aliphatic glycol component and 0 to 4 mole percent based on 100 mole percent total glycol component of a dialkylene glycol component and at least one additional component; starch; water; and polyol plasticizer. Also described are shaped articles such as films which exhibit greater than expected tear strength and methods for preparing the films.
US08409672B2	Method of manufacturing evaporation donor substrate and method of manufacturing light-emitting device It is an object to provide a method of manufacturing a light-emitting device, which improves use efficiency of an evaporation material and increases accuracy in forming an evaporated pattern by using an evaporation donor substrate by which a material layer to be a transfer layer is prevented from being excessively evaporated and a desired evaporated pattern can be formed. In a method of manufacturing an evaporation donor substrate, a first substrate which is an evaporation donor substrate is irradiated with first light (laser light) through a second substrate which is a mask substrate, whereby a material layer over the first substrate is patterned. In addition, in a method of manufacturing a light-emitting device, the first substrate provided with the material layer which is patterned by the above method is irradiated with second light, whereby the material layer can be evaporated onto a third substrate which is a deposition target substrate.
US08409671B2	Method and apparatus for forming resin film A method for forming a resin film is provided in which a liquid material is cured by shifting irradiation of light from a central side to an outer circumferential side of a substrate during or after spreading a liquid material on the substrate by rotation, in which the light is annular, and an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the annular light are increased concentrically in relation to a central axis of rotation as irradiation time progresses, so that the annular light shifts from the central side to the outer circumferential side of the substrate.
US08409670B2	Process for producing photochromic layered product A method of producing a laminate comprising preparing a substrate having curved surfaces; applying a photopolymerizable and curable composition containing a photochromic compound and a phosphorus-containing photopolymerization initiator onto the curved surfaces of the base member; and curing the photopolymerizable and curable composition by the irradiation with an active energy ray having a relative intensity profile of 0 to 5% of wavelength components of not shorter than 200 nm but shorter than 300 nm, 25 to 75% of wavelength components of not shorter than 300 nm but shorter than 400 nm and 25 to 75% of wavelength components of not shorter than 400 nm but not longer than 500 nm while maintaining the substrate at not higher than 100° C. This method makes it possible to form a homogeneous and thin film containing a photochromic compound at a high concentration and having a uniform thickness on the substrate having a curved surface, such as a spectacle lens that is generally available, and to impart photochromic properties while maintaining excellent mechanical and optical properties of the substrate.
US08409669B2	Method and system for preheating epoxy coatings for spray application A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning.
US08409653B2	Salty taste enhancer and food or drink containing the same It is possible to provide an excellent salty taste enhancer that can compensate for insufficient salty taste when attempting to reduce the salt content of a food. A salty taste enhancer obtained by adding a glutamic acid-containing dipeptide, specifically Glu-Ala, Glu-Arg, Glu-Asn, Glu-Asp, Glu-Gln, Glu-Glu, Glu-Gly, Glu-His, Glu-Ile, Glu-Leu, Glu-Lys, Glu-Pro, Glu-Ser, Glu-Thr, Glu-Trp, Glu-Tyr, Glu-Val, Arg-Glu, Asn-Glu, Asp-Glu, Gln-Glu, His-Glu, Pro-Glu, Ser-Glu, Thr-Glu, or Trp-Glu, to an enzymatic decomposition product of a protein material and/or a basic amino acid, especially arginine. A method for producing these salty taste enhancers, a method for enhancing a salty taste by using these salty taste enhancers, and a food or drink that contains these salty taste enhancers.
US08409652B2	Method to increase the antioxidant activity of chocolate The present invention relates to a novel method for conching chocolate, whereby a chocolate mass is submitted to a conching method that comprises the following steps: —a dry conching step performed at a temperature of between 50° C. and 70° C., —and subsequent a wet conching step performed at a temperature of between 60° C. and 110° C., more in particular at a temperature between 60° C. and 90° C., wherein the dry conching temperature and the wet conching temperature are comprised within the range(s) defined by the graph of FIG. 13 (see shaded or hatched regions). Most preferably the dry conching step is performed at about 60° C. and the wet conching step at about 60° C. or about 90° C. Advantageously, this adapted conching process conserves and even increases the antioxidant activity of a chocolate, in particular a dark chocolate. Consequently, the present invention further relates to a method of conserving and/or increasing the antioxidant activity of chocolate and to chocolates processed accordingly.
US08409648B2	Machine and method for controlling the temperature of dough A machine and method operable to mass produce batches of dough in selectable, discrete and customizable batches and control the temperature of the dough under various environmental conditions is provided. The machine and method adjusts the temperature of the water introduced into a batch of dough in order to make a batch of dough having a predetermined temperature. Specifically, the machine includes a controller operable to adjust the temperature of the water based upon first law of thermodynamics to produce a batch of dough having a predetermined temperature. The machine includes a bowl for containing dough ingredients, a water source operable to selectively introduce water with the dough ingredients, a controller, and a water temperature controlling apparatus. The controller actuates the water temperature controlling apparatus to change the temperature of the water introduced into the bowl so as to form a batch of dough having a predetermined temperature.
US08409647B2	Silica microgels for reducing chill haze The present invention provides a method of reducing chill haze in a protein containing liquid (especially beverages resulting from fermentation such as beer and wine) by contacting the liquid with silica microgels having an average microgel diameter of at least 18 nm, more preferably at least 45 nm, and most preferably at least 70 nm. It has now been discovered that microgels having an average microgel diameter of less than about 18 nm do not adequately reduce chill haze of a protein containing liquid. In particular, while microgels having an average microgel diameter of less than about 18 nm cause the coagulation of haze-forming components, these components remain suspended in liquid and continue to cause haze despite allowing the liquid to settle for long periods of time. Conversely, it has now been discovered that microgels having an average microgel diameter of at least about 18 nm cause the coagulation and precipitation of haze-forming components and the rapid settling thereof without the use of an organic polymer which acts as a flocculating agent.
US08409646B2	Single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid by centrifugation A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis (A) of the capsule. The capsule includes an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of food substance, and a plurality of outlet openings for enabling the food liquid to leave the enclosure under the centrifugal forces exerted in the capsule, with the outlet openings being arranged at a substantially peripheral portion of wall of the capsule.
US08409645B2	Food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.
US08409643B2	Methods for the application of ingredients to the inside of a straw Methods of coating the interior surface of a hollow tubular structure, in particular a drinking device, and more particularly a drinking straw, with an edible composition to impart a desirable modification to a beverage that is drunk through the straw. The edible composition comprises an adhering agent and a powdered ingredient coated to the interior surface. Suitable adhering agents include lipids (e.g., soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, and mixtures thereof), medium chain triglycerides oils, emulsifiers, and mixtures thereof. Suitable powdered ingredients include edible acids, edible bases, sweeteners, flavorings, vitamins, minerals, colorants, sensate agents, carotenoids, antioxidants, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and mixtures thereof. The adhering agent is applied to the interior surface of the straw by any one of a number of methods followed by incorporating the powdered ingredient into the adhering agent layer. The powdered ingredient adheres or sticks to, and is incorporated into, the adhering agent layer. Once the powdered ingredient layer is added, the coated drinking straw is ready for use with a beverage.
US08409638B2	Solid homogeneous mixture of polyvinylacetate and vinylacetate-vinyl laurate copolymer prepared by sequential solution polymerization The invention provides a chewing gum base containing a homogeneous composition in solid form comprising a) from 50 to 90% by weight of polyvinyl acetate and b) from 10 to 50% by weight of vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate copolymer, the weight percentage based on the total weight of the composition.
US08409637B2	Compositions and methods for treating and preventing migrainous headaches and associated symptoms Compositions and methods of treating migrainous headaches and their associated symptoms are provided. Methods of treating migrainous headaches and their associated symptoms include administering a lipid-based composition containing feverfew extract and ginger extract sublingually to a patient in need thereof. Treatments are effective using low total administered amounts of feverfew and ginger extracts.
US08409635B2	Modified pectins, compositions and methods related thereto The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and methods for preparing and using them.
US08409634B2	Anti-oxidant herbal composition The present disclosure relates to a novel Anti-Oxidant Herbal composition comprising Termanalia arjuna extract, Camellia sinensis extract, and Trikatu extract in specific weight percentages and optionally at least one carrier. The present disclosure further relates to use of the composition for treatment and/or prevention of hyperlipidemia and/or Ischemic heart disease. The present disclosure also relates to a method of preparation of the composition.
US08409625B2	Conditioned decellularized native tissues for tissue restoration The invention provides a composition conditioned for the remodeling, restoration, repair, or replacement of tissue within a host. The composition is conditioned by culturing cells on the matrix and/or by exposing the cultured cells or matrix to one or more stressors.
US08409624B2	Artificial cerebrospinal fluid The present invention provides an artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing 120 to 160 mEq/L of sodium ion, 1 to 6 mEq/L of potassium ion, 75 to 155 mEq/L of chloride ion, and 5 to 45 mEq/L of bicarbonate ion, and provides an artificial cerebrospinal fluid further containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of 10 g/L or less of a reducing sugar, 5 mmol/L or less of phosphoric acid, 5 mEq/L or less of calcium ion, and 5 mEq/L or less of magnesium ion. The artificial cerebrospinal fluid of the present invention can prevent or reduce the incidence of cerebral edema and can further suppress brain cell disorders when used as an irrigation fluid or perfusion fluid in the field of neurosurgery, such as intracranial surgery, or when used as a replenishing fluid for lost cerebrospinal fluid.
US08409621B2	Microparticles A method of forming particles, comprises accelerating a first stream comprising a first liquid, applying a charging voltage of at most 1.5 kV to the first stream, and vibrating the first stream, to form particles.
US08409620B2	Solid moss control composition A method of controlling moss by applying to grass infested with moss a dry composition including: a) a source of nitrogen such as isobutylenediurea or methylene urea; b) a non-ionic surfactant or wetting agent; c) a metal containing salt, and d) an acidic pH adjusting agent effective to adjust the pH of the composition to a pH of between 2.5 and 5 when wetted on grass. The dry composition may be a granular composition, and may be applied by broadcasting over a large area.
US08409619B2	Oral drug delivery system for azole, moxifloxacin and rifampicin An oral drug delivery system for treatment of tuberculosis is described. The oral drug delivery system includes (e.g., a mixture or combination of): poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide nano particles having encapsulated an azole therein; poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide nano particles having moxifloxacin encapsulated therein; and poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide nano particles having RIF encapsulated therein.
US08409615B2	Low dosage forms of risedronate or its salts Oral dosage forms comprising risedronate or a salt thereof, a chelating agent, and means for effecting delayed release of the risedronate (or salt) immediate release of the oral dosage form to the small intestine of the mammal subject and pharmaceutically effective absorption of the bisphosphonate with or without food or beverages. The present invention substantially alleviates the interaction between the risedronate (or salt) and food or beverages, which interaction results in the active ingredient not being available for absorption. The resulting oral dosage form may thus be taken with or without food. Further, disclosed is delivery of risedronate and the chelating agent to the small intestine, substantially alleviating the upper GI irritation associated with bisphosphonate therapies. These benefits simplify previously complex treatment regimens and can lead to increased patient compliance with bisphosphonate therapies.
US08409614B2	Low dosage forms of risedronate or its salts Oral dosage forms comprising risedronate or a salt thereof, a chelating agent, and means for effecting delayed release of the risedronate (or salt) immediate release of the oral dosage form to the small intestine of the mammal subject and pharmaceutically effective absorption of the bisphosphonate with or without food or beverages. The present invention substantially alleviates the interaction between the risedronate (or salt) and food or beverages, which interaction results in the active ingredient not being available for absorption. The resulting oral dosage form may thus be taken with or without food. Further, disclosed is delivery of risedronate and the chelating agent to the small intestine, substantially alleviating the upper GI irritation associated with bisphosphonate therapies. These benefits simplify previously complex treatment regimens and can lead to increased patient compliance with bisphosphonate therapies.
US08409612B1	Microgranules insoluble in gastric fluid, method for obtaining same and pharmaceutical preparations A pharmaceutical formulation of a gastric proton pump inhibitor, with the exception of omeprazole, is disclosed. The formulation is in the form of microgranules insoluble in gastric fluid having improved stability over time. The formulation comprises several hydrophobic substances chosen in order to increase the stability of the active principle while obtaining the desired dissolution profile.
US08409611B2	Process for cleaning hard gelatine capsules A process which can be used in the laboratory or on an industrial scale for cleaning the inner wall of hard gelatine capsules, in which the sealed capsules are cleaned with a powder formulation.
US08409603B2	Compositions and methods for tissue engineering, tissue regeneration and wound healing In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.
US08409600B2	Methods for prevention and/or treatment of capsular contracture Methods for prevention or treatment of capsular contracture following surgical implants and other fibrosis related conditions comprising applying a topical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable keratolytic, a pharmaceutically acceptable protein denaturant, a hydrating agent, and combinations thereof are disclosed.
US08409599B2	Silicone hydrogel lens with a grafted hydrophilic coating The invention provides a cost-effective method for applying a hydrophilic coating onto a silicone hydrogel contact lens based on Fenton chemistry. The hydrophilic coating is covalently attached onto the contact lens at room temperature without UV irradiation. The invention also provides silicone hydrogel contact lenses having a hydrophilic coating obtained according to the method of the invention.
US08409593B2	Methods for reducing tackiness associated with a xanthine compound The invention relates to a composition containing, preferably in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one xanthine base or a plant extract containing it, at least one polyurethane powder, and at least one non-ionic dimethicone copolyol. The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for combating cellulite and/or “orange-peel” skin and/or slimming the figure, comprising the application of the composition to the skin. The composition applied to the skin exhibits good cosmetic properties of softness and of non-tackiness.
US08409591B2	Methods and compositions for the dietary management of autoimmune disorders The present invention describes the use of lactic acid bacteria, particularly lactic acid producing members of the genus Bacillus, in treating digestive-related immune disorders by downregulating of cytokines and by inhibiting pathogenic or deleterious microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Specific formulations of Bacillus coagulans for various immune disorders are elaborated.
US08409590B2	Anthrax antigens and methods of use Anthrax antigens are provided that find use as immunogens and vaccines.
US08409588B2	Recombinant foot and mouth disease vaccine A foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine and method for producing same is described wherein the N terminal portion of the FMDV polyprotein, encoding the four structural proteins, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, are each separated by a non-FMDV protease, preferably a cellular protease, for example, furin. The expression system may be transformed into a cell expressing the non-FMDV protease and the resulting particles recovered for use as a vaccine.
US08409585B2	Method for increasing performance of offspring Methods and compositions for increasing intestinal transport of nutrients or growth performance in the offspring of an animal are described. More specifically, a feed composition comprising an omega-3 fatty acid-containing composition for increasing intestinal transport of nutrients or growth performance in the offspring of the animal, and methods therefor, are described.
US08409581B2	Compounds for treating amyloidoses The present invention relates to the use of mimotopes in the treatment of β-Amyloidoses including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, whereby said mimotopes are able to induce the in vivo formation of antibodies directed to non truncated Aβ1-40/42, and N-terminally truncated forms AβpE3-40/42, Aβ3-40/42, Aβ11-40/42, AβpE11-40/42 and Aβ14-40/42 without interfering with physiological functions of APP signalling.
US08409580B2	Therapeutic vaccine targeted against P-glycoprotein 170 for inhibiting multidrug resistance in the treatment of cancers The invention relates to an immunogenic composition which comprises, firstly, a carrier and, secondly, as antigenic structure, conjugates comprising all or part of the amino acid sequences of at least one peptide derived from an extracellular loop of the P-170 protein, each peptide being combined with several molecules of fatty acid containing a carbon chain of between C12 and C24 so as to allow, under suitable administration conditions, the induction of anti-P-170 antibodies.The invention relates to said composition for defining means for treating multidrug resistances.
US08409573B2	Anti-CD71 monoclonal antibodies and uses thereof for treating malignant tumor cells The present invention provides novel anti-CD71 monoclonal antibodies, in particular mouse-human chimeric anti-CD71 monoclonal antibodies, advantageously associated to effector cells for triggering ADCC mechanisms. Anti-CD71 antibodies, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for inhibiting proliferation and/or killing malignant tumour cells, especially metastatic cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells.
US08409570B2	Method of inducing apoptosis using anti-DR5 antibodies The invention concerns anti-DR5 antibodies with improved properties, compositions comprising such antibodies, methods and means for making such antibodies, and their therapeutic use, in particular in the treatment of cancer.
US08409569B2	Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating an inflammation A method of reducing an inflammatory response in a subject is provided. The method comprising providing to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of reducing activity and/or expression of a scavenger receptor or of an effector thereof, thereby reducing the inflammatory response in the subject.
US08409567B2	Toll-like receptor 3 antagonists Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding TLR3 antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.
US08409566B2	Therapeutic and diagnostic applications based on the role of the CXCR-4 gene in tumorigenesis The present invention relates to the identification of a novel role of CXCR-4 in cell transformation and aberrant cellular proliferation. In particular, the present invention relates to the altered gene expression of CXCR-4 in a number of primary tumors and cell lines derived from tumors, in addition to, the altered gene expression of ligands for CXCR-4. Further, the present invention relates, in part, to the Applicant's surprising discovery that the inhibition of CXCR-4 gene expression or the inhibition of CXCR-4 activity in transformed cells reverses the transformed phenotype.
US08409557B2	Topical formulations for the prevention of sexually transmitted disease and methods of producing the same The present invention is directed towards various topical protective formulations, which may be used as an adjunct in preventing the spread of a broad range of sexually transmitted diseases. The product is intended to be used as a topical lotion, cream, emulsion, or the like. The film forming excipients and active ingredients in the following formulations have demonstrated unique skin protective barrier properties with enhanced persistence that inhibits transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
US08409554B2	Hair treatment compositions Aqueous hair treatment compositions which comprise a mono C14-C22 trimethylammonium surfactant, a di-(C20-C24) imidazoline quaternary surfactant, and a mono C12-C22 alkyl hydroxyethyl dimethylammonium surfactant provide improved hair conditioning benefits.
US08409553B2	Cosmetic composition for the hair with a waxy effect, in aerosol form The disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition for the hair, packaged in an aerosol device, comprising polyols in high concentration together with anionic fixing polymers. It further relates to a cosmetic method for the hair comprising the application of this composition to the hair, and to its use for imparting a waxy effect to the hair.
US08409552B2	Anthranillic acid amides and derivatives thereof as cosmetic and pharmaceutical active compounds The use of specific compounds of the Formula 1 (and also corresponding mixtures) in particular as cosmetic agents for the inhibition of the substance P-induced release of histamine from mast cells is described.
US08409545B2	Method for producing a purified synthesis gas from a biomass including a purification step upstream from the partial oxidation The process that is the object of the invention describes a process whose purpose is to produce a purified synthesis gas from lignocellulosic biomass that includes a pyrolysis stage, a purification stage placed upstream from the partial oxidation stage, and a cooling stage.
US08409543B2	Method for preparing pyrochlore-type oxide and method for producing electrocatalyst for fuel cell A pyrochlore-type oxide represented by a general formula A2B2O7-Z is prepared by precipitate formation, where A and B each represent a metal element, where Z represents a number of at least 0 and at most 1, where A contains at least one element selected from a group consisting of Pb, Sn, and Zn, and where B contains at least one element selected from a group consisting of Ru, W, Mo, Ir, Rh, Mn, Cr, and Re. Impurities are then sufficiently removed through washing and drying processes, and the pyrochlore-type oxide is calcined under controlled conditions. This allows the crystallinity of the pyrochlore-type oxide, which contained amorphous parts immediately after the production of the precipitate, to be increased so that the resistance to acid can be improved while preventing particle aggregation.
US08409541B2	Process for producing a copper thiometallate or a selenometallate material A method for producing a thiometallate or selenometallate material is provided in which a first salt containing an anionic component selected from the group consisting of MoS42−, MoSe42−, WS42−, WSe42− and a second salt containing a cationic component comprising copper in any non-zero oxidation state are mixed under anaerobic conditions in an aqueous mixture at a temperature of from 50° C. to 150° C.
US08409540B2	Process for preparing hydrotalcite Disclosed is a method of preparing hydrotalcite having superior anion exchange capability and heat stability by forming a seed so that CO32− ions are located to be maximally stable between Mg—Al layers and then conducting primary crystallization and secondary crystallization.
US08409539B2	Reactor and method for producing phosgene A reactor (1) for preparing phosgene by gas-phase reaction of carbon monoxide and chlorine in the presence of a solid catalyst, which reactor has a bundle of parallel catalyst tubes (2) aligned in the longitudinal direction of the reactor whose ends are fixed in tube plates (3) and have a cap (4) at each end of the reactor (1), and has deflection plates (6) which are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reactor in the intermediate space (5) between the catalyst tubes (2) and leave free passages (7) located alternately opposite one another on the interior wall of the reactor, and in which the catalyst tubes (2) are charged with the solid catalyst, the gaseous reaction mixture is passed from one end of the reactor via one cap (4) through the catalyst tubes (2) and is taken off from the opposite end of the reactor (1) via the second cap (4) and a liquid heat transfer medium is passed through the intermediate space (5) around the catalyst tubes (2), where the reactor (1) has no tubes in the region of the passages (7), is proposed.
US08409538B2	Tricalcium phosphate coarse particle compositions and methods for making the same Methods for preparing a tricalcium phosphate coarse particle composition are provided. Aspects of the methods include converting an initial tricalcium phosphate particulate composition to hydroxyapatite, sintering the resultant hydroxyapatite to produce a second tricalcium phosphate composition and then mechanically manipulating the second tricalcium phosphate composition to produce a tricalcium phosphate coarse particle composition. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications.
US08409537B2	Method for removing contaminants from boron powder Methods for removing an organic contaminant from contaminated boron powder are provided. One method includes providing a contaminated boron powder, the boron powder being comingled with an organic contaminant. The method also includes placing the contaminated boron powder and the organic contaminant comingled therewith onto an inert container. The method includes placing the inert container, the contaminated boron powder, and the organic contaminant comingled therewith, into an enclosed space. A heat source is provided in the enclosed space. The method also includes heating the contaminated boron powder and the organic contaminant comingled therewith to an elevated temperature. The method includes altering the organic contaminant so as to reduce the amount of the organic contaminant comingled with the boron powder. Another method includes reducing the amount of the organic contaminant comingled with the boron powder to not more than about 0.1 weight percent of soluble residue.
US08409535B2	System and method for removing a contaminant from a gas stream A system and method for removing contaminants from a gas stream is provided. The method can include the steps of reacting the gas stream with ozone to form solid contaminant particles and separating the solid contaminant particles from the gas stream. The solid contaminant particles can be separated from the gas stream using an adsorption material.
US08409530B2	Apparatus for storing and dispensing reagent beads Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge. The cover tape is insertable through the stripping gap to be pulled against the stripping edge to peel the cover tape from the bead carrier to move the wells of the bead carrier inside the channel toward the dispense opening and expose the wells individually to dispense the reagent beads.
US08409525B1	Surface with two paint strips for detection and warning of chemical warfare and radiological agents A system for warning of corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances. The system comprises painting a surface with a paint or coating that includes an indicator material and monitoring the surface for indications of the corrosion, chemical, or radiological substances.
US08409523B2	Assay device comprising serial reaction zones An analysis device having at least one sample addition zone, at least one sink, and at least one flow path connecting the at least one sample addition zone and the at least one sink. The at least one flow path includes projections substantially vertical to the surface of the substrate and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such that lateral capillary flow of a liquid sample is achieved. The device includes at least two reaction zones in series, wherein each reaction zone is adapted to facilitating measurement of a response originating from one and the same analyte, and wherein the reaction zones are positioned to allow calculation of the concentration of at least one analyte. Advantages include that a more accurate value can be calculated, variations are reduced, and an estimation of the uncertainty of the response can be calculated.
US08409520B2	Ozone concentrator Provided is an ozone concentrator including an ozone generator (3), adsorption/desorption columns (4) in which silica gel (6) cooled with a certain-temperature refrigerant (25) for concentrating ozone generated by the ozone generator (3) is packed, a refrigerating machine (23) for cooling the refrigerant (25), a vacuum pump (20) for enhancing a concentration of the ozone in one of the adsorption/desorption columns (4) by discharging mainly oxygen from the silica gel (6) adsorbing the ozone, a plurality of valves (8) to (13) for air pressure operations, for switching passages of gas that is allowed to flow in or flow out with respect to the adsorption/desorption columns (4), and ozone concentration meters (28, 29) for measuring the concentration of the ozone enhanced by the vacuum pump (20), in which a discharge line of the vacuum pump (20) is connected to another one of the adsorption/desorption columns (4), whereby the ozone is allowed to pass through another one of the adsorption/desorption columns again. Therefore, stable ozone of high concentration can be generated at a satisfactory energy efficiency without any temperature difference between upper and lower positions of adsorption/desorption columns.
US08409519B2	Exhaust-gas converting filter and production process for the same An outlet-side catalytic layer 22 includes a noble metal in a concentration that is a noble-metal concentration in an inlet-side catalytic layer 20 or more, and the inlet-side catalytic layer 20 contains an NOx storage material in a content that is greater than that in the outlet-side catalytic layer 22 in the inlet-side catalytic layer 20, a pore catalytic layer 21 and the outlet-side catalytic layer 22. PM are converted on the inlet side mainly, and NOx are converted on the outlet side mainly. Therefore, the lowering of the noble metal's activities is suppressed, and additionally it is possible to convert PM and NOx efficiently.
US08409517B2	Sulfur-resistant exhaust gas aftertreatment system for the oxidation of NO An arrangement for aftertreatment of exhaust gas for lean-burn internal combustion engines such as diesel engines and Otto engines with direct injection includes a catalyzer for oxidation of nitrogen monoxide and a molecular sieve which keeps sulfur dioxide away from the catalyzer arranged upstream of the catalyzer.
US08409514B2	Method and device for producing ammonia A method for producing ammonia includes dissolving air in water to obtain a two-phase coexistence aqueous solution with air that is pressurized and heated to a critical state to separate critical state nitrogen, critical state oxygen and critical water from the two-phase coexistence aqueous solution. The critical water is electrolyzed to obtain super critical state hydrogen and super critical state oxygen. The critical state nitrogen reacts with the super critical state hydrogen to produce ammonia. A device for producing ammonia includes a pressurizing member and a heating member mounted between a conversion unit and a mixing unit. The conversion unit outputs a critical state gas. A synthesis unit is connected to the conversion unit by a pipe allowing the critical state gas to flow into the synthesis unit. A gas outlet pipe is connected to the synthesis unit and outputs a synthesis gas from the synthetic unit.
US08409513B2	Apparatus and method for the production of trisilylamine There is described an apparatus, a tubular laminar flow, plug flow reactor, for making silylamines and particularly trisilylamine (TSA) in high yields from ammonia gas and a monohalosilane gas. The apparatus can be a tubular flow reactor comprising a first portion of the reactor defining a gas entry zone, a second portion of the reactor defining a reaction zone and a third portion of the reactor defining a separation zone, the reaction zone providing a reactant contacting region. Trisilylamine can be recovered in the separation zone in a cold trap collection vessel.
US08409510B2	Micro scale flow through sorbent plate collection device In the invention, a collection device includes a flow through micro scale plate arranged to collect analyte. The plate includes holes, and sorbent coating on contact surfaces of the plate. The holes pass analyte fluid flow, for example analyte vapor so that fluid flow for collection may be generally perpendicular to the sorbent plate. Preferred embodiment plates include an integrated heater trace. In preferred embodiments, a high substantially perpendicular flow is used for collection and concentration, and during desorption and delivery a low substantially parallel flow is used. The low flow is selected to meet constraints of a detector system.
US08409508B2	Sample withdrawal and dispensing device A device is provided for receiving a fluid sample. The device includes a fitment having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is provided under vacuum. The fitment also includes a port having a seal. The port is configured to provide fluid connection from an exterior surface of the fitment to the cavity upon opening of the seal. The device optionally includes a collapsible compartment coupled to the fitment and in fluid communication with the cavity.
US08409506B2	Apparatus for execution of treatment operations in connection with colouring of tissue specimens on object glasses An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a loading station (2) for microscope slides (7) with tissue specimens, a number of reagent stations (3) for staining of the tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides, a conveyor (5) for transfer of microscope slides (7) between the stations (3) in accordance with a staining program, an unloading station (10) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (19) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprise a photo station (25) with a digital camera (26) for automatic photographing with a background light source of the finished treated tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides (7). The camera is connected to the control unit (19) of the apparatus and the control unit is arranged to store the picture of each individual tissue specimen and information which is located on the relevant microscopic slide (7) and preferably also information about the staining program and status of reagents at the reagent stations (3) for automatic transmission of the information to a place for result analysis.
US08409505B2	Sensor release mechanism for a meter A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
US08409493B2	Systems and methods for leaching a material from an object Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for leaching material from an object. Examples include leaching ceramic from metallic components. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for leaching systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08409492B2	Method for producing aluminum titanate ceramic A method for producing an aluminum titanate ceramic, which comprises subjecting, to forming, a raw material for aluminum titanate formation, containing Na2O-containing α-alumina particles, to obtain a formed body and then firing the body, wherein the α-alumina particles has such a crystal structure that the ratio of the average value of the average length in axis a direction and the average length in axis b direction, to the average length H in axis c direction is 3 or more.
US08409491B1	In-situ formation of reinforcement phases in ultra high temperature ceramic composites A tough ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) composite comprises grains of UHTC matrix material, such as HfB2, ZrB2 or other metal boride, carbide, nitride, etc., surrounded by a uniform distribution of acicular high aspect ratio reinforcement ceramic rods or whiskers, such as of SiC, is formed from uniformly mixing a powder of the UHTC material and a pre-ceramic polymer selected to form the desired reinforcement species, then thermally consolidating the mixture by hot pressing. The acicular reinforcement rods may make up from 5 to 30 vol % of the resulting microstructure.
US08409488B2	Nano impression lithographic process which involves the use of a die having a region able to generate heat A lithographic process for forming a pattern in relief (20) on a mass (10) of polymeric material comprises the steps of: preparing the mass (10) of polymeric material and a die (12) having a surface region (14) facing towards the mass (10) of polymeric material and which reproduces in negative the pattern in relief (20); heating the die (12) and putting the mass (10) of polymeric material into contact with the die (12) in any temporal sequence, in such a way that the part of the mass (10) of polymeric material in contact with the surface zone (14) is subject to softening; and separating the die (12) from the mass (10) of polymeric material on the surface of which the pattern in relief (20) has been formed. The heating of at least one part of the die (12) is obtained by generation of thermal energy upon dissipation of another form of energy in at least one region (16) of the die (12).
US08409487B2	Processes and systems for manufacturing spars and other hollow structures Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.
US08409485B2	Method for manufacturing a tubular body A method for manufacturing a tubular body, includes: attaching a first member to an outer or inner peripheral surface of one end in an axial direction of a cylindrical core, along a circumferential direction of the peripheral surface thereof; applying a first resin solution on the peripheral surface, to cover it and the peripheral surface of one end of the first member closer to the center of the core, and to form a coating (first coat film); attaching a second member to the peripheral surface of the end of the first coat film on the side where the first member has been attached; applying a second resin solution on the peripheral surface of the first coat film, to cover it and the peripheral surface of the end of the second member closer to the center, and to form a coating (second coat film); peeling off the first and second members.
US08409481B2	Method of manufacturing an implantable intraocular planar/convex, biconvex, planar/concave or convex/concave lens and a lens made using this method A method of manufacturing an implantable lens from liquid polymer precursor in an open mold includes metering the liquid into the mold in a measured amount that comes into contact with a functional shaping inner surface of the mold located under a peripheral circular sharp edge of the stationary mold or which reaches up to this peripheral circular sharp edge, at which point the open mold is rotated around it's vertical axis at a speed at which the edge of the surface of the liquid polymer precursor reaches the peripheral circular sharp edge of the open mold, after which the liquid polymer precursor is exposed to conditions under which it transforms itself into a state of a clear solid polymer by polymerization and/or cross-linking, until the transition is attained, and then the implantable intraocular lens is removed from the mold.
US08409469B2	Liquid crystal system and liquid crystal display The instant invention relates to mesogenic systems comprising a) a polymeric component, component A, obtained or obtainable from polymerisation of a precursor comprising one or more mesogenic mono-reactive compounds, one or more di-reactive compounds, which optionally are also mesogenic compounds and optionally a photo-initiator and a low molecular weight component, component B, comprising one or more mono-reactive, mesogenic compounds, one or more mesogenic compounds and one or more chiral dopants, exhibiting a Blue Phase, as well as to the use of these systems in deices and to these devices.
US08409467B2	Polishing liquid for semiconductor integrated circuit A polishing liquid for polishing a barrier layer of a semiconductor integrated circuit, which liquid includes: a quaternary ammonium cation; a corrosion inhibiting agent; a polymer compound having a sulfo group at a terminal; inorganic particles; and an organic acid, the pH of the polishing liquid being in the range of 1 to 7.
US08409466B2	Composition comprising ionized germanuim dioxide, method of making and use thereof A composition comprising at least one ionized silicate mineral and water, wherein the at least one ionized silicate mineral is solvated in water, and wherein decomposition comprises an ionized germanium dioxide, its method of making, and its method of using are disclosed. While the composition is subject to a wide range of applications, it is especially suited for use in a coolant system for a combustion engine, and in particular, the coolant system for an internal combustion engine for vehicles.
US08409463B1	Aqueous method for making magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles The invention discloses an aqueous method of making polymer coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The method comprises providing a mixture of iron salts in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid. A solution of ammonium hydroxide is added to the mixture and stirred. Stirring continues with an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers so as to promote formation of polymer coated iron nanoparticles in suspension, wherein optionally at least one of the polymers in the coating may be aminated. Centrifuging the suspension leaves a supernatant without large particles. Filtering the supernatant through an ultrafiltration membrane and collecting the filtrate recovers polymer coated nanoparticles. Crosslinking the polymer is effected by treatment with a solution of epichlorohydrin and sodium hydroxide while stirring vigorously for up to about eight hours. Optionally aminating the polymer may be accomplished by treatment with ammonia after crosslinking and then removing remaining free epichlorohydrin. Nanoparticles made by the method are included in the invention.
US08409462B2	System and method for the manufacture of surgical blades A method for manufacturing surgical blades from either a crystalline or poly-crystalline material, preferably in the form of a wafer, is disclosed. The method includes preparing the crystalline or poly-crystalline wafers by mounting them and machining trenches into the wafers. The methods for machining the trenches, which form the bevel blade surfaces, include a diamond blade saw, laser system, ultrasonic machine, and a hot forge press. The wafers are then placed in an etchant solution which isotropically etches the wafers in a uniform manner, such that layers of crystalline or poly-crystalline material are removed uniformly, producing single or double bevel blades. Nearly any angle can be machined into the wafer which remains after etching. The resulting radii of the blade edges is 5-500 nm, which is the same caliber as a diamond edged blade, but manufactured at a fraction of the cost.
US08409461B2	Method of manufacturing printed wiring board with component mounting pin The present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board with a component mounting pin to connect a printed wiring board and an electronic component. A method of manufacturing a printed wiring board (1) with a component mounting pin (18) at a stage to form a component mounting surface after layers of a predetermined number were formed includes the steps of forming a conductive land (11) on the component mounting surface, covering the component mounting surface with an insulating layer (12) except the conductive land (11) of the component mounting surface, partly forming near the conductive land (11) of the upper surface of the insulating layer (12) a sacrificial layer (14) which can be removed in the subsequent process, forming conductive layers (16, 17) on the upper surfaces of the conductive land (11) and the sacrificial layer (14) with a plating process to pattern the conductive layers (16, 17), forming the component mounting pin (18) elongated from the conductive land (11) by partly removing the sacrificial layer (14) located under the patterned conductive layers (16, 17) and erecting the component mounting pin (18).
US08409457B2	Methods of forming a photoresist-comprising pattern on a substrate A method of forming a photoresist-comprising pattern on a substrate includes forming a patterned first photoresist having spaced first masking shields in at least one cross section over a substrate. The first masking shields are exposed to a fluorine-containing plasma effective to form a hydrogen and fluorine-containing organic polymer coating about outermost surfaces of the first masking shields. A second photoresist is deposited over and in direct physical touching contact with the hydrogen and fluorine-containing organic polymer coating. The second photoresist which is in direct physical touching contact with the hydrogen and fluorine-containing organic polymer coating is exposed to a pattern of actinic energy and thereafter spaced second masking shields are formed in the one cross section which comprise the second photoresist and correspond to the actinic energy pattern. The first and second masking shields together form at least a part of a photoresist-comprising pattern on the substrate. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08409456B2	Planarization method for high wafer topography A method for planarizing a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having at least one opening therein, each opening defining a lower portion and an upper portion; coating a light sensitive material layer over the substrate, the light sensitive material layer covering the lower and upper portions of the at least one opening; etching back the light sensitive material layer to expose the upper portion of the at least one opening; repeating the steps of coating and etching to remove a predetermined amount below the upper portion of the at least one opening; depositing an insulating layer over the substrate; and planarizing the insulating layer until the upper portion of the at least one opening is exposed.
US08409454B2	Production process for structure and production process for liquid discharge head A production process for a structure includes preparing a substrate on which a first layer and a second layer are provided in this order; forming a second mold, which is a part of a mold member serving as a mold for forming the structure, from the second layer; etching the first layer using the second mold as a mask and thereby forming a first mold, which is another part of the mold member from the first layer; providing a coating layer which serves as the structure to cover the first mold and the second mold; and removing the first mold and the second mold and thereby forming the structure.
US08409451B2	Apparatus for etching substrate and method of fabricating thin-glass substrate An apparatus for etching a substrate includes (a) a nozzle system including at least one nozzle through which acid solution containing at least hydrofluoric acid is sprayed onto the substrate, (b) a mover which moves at least one of the nozzle system and the substrate relative to the other in a predetermined direction in such a condition that the substrate and the nozzle system face each other, (c) a filter system which filters off particles out of the acid solution having been sprayed onto the substrate, and (d) a circulation system which circulates the acid solution having been sprayed onto the substrate, to the filter system, and further, to the nozzle system from the filter system.
US08409449B2	Registered structure formation via the application of directed thermal energy to diblock copolymer films Methods for fabricating sub-lithographic, nanoscale linear microchannel arrays over surfaces without defined features utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Embodiments of the methods use a multi-layer induced ordering approach to align lamellar films to an underlying base film within trenches, and localized heating to anneal the lamellar-phase block copolymer film overlying the trenches and outwardly over the remaining surface.
US08409448B2	Mixed hydrophilic/hydrophobic fiber media for liquid-liquid coalescence An immiscible lipophilic or hydrophilic liquid phase separated respectively from a continuous hydrophilic phase or a lipophilic phase liquid. Fibers having hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties are mixed, layered, etc., and formed into a filter. The separation mechanism involves capture of small droplets of the immiscible phase, coalescence of the small droplets into larger droplets as the immiscible liquid flows through the fiber filter, and release of the large immiscible droplets from the filter. With respect to separation of a hydrophilic immiscible fluid such as water in a lipophilic continuous fluid such as oil, the hydrophobic fibers will cause small water droplets to migrate towards the hydrophilic fibers whereby large droplets are formed on hydrophilic surface. The large droplets stay on hydrophilic fiber surface for extended periods of time and continue to coalescence until they are so large that they can no longer be maintained by the hydrophilic fibers and are released and drained off of the filter. In designing such filter, wettability of the filter media is an important parameter. The filter media can be designed by mixing hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers in various proportions to achieve an optimum wettability range for separation of the immiscible liquid from the continuous phase liquid. The wettability of filter media can be characterized by a modified Washburn Equation.
US08409444B2	Acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide materials for sorbent dialysis A combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide are utilized as ion-exchange materials, for example, in sorbent dialysis. The combination provides for dialysate regeneration while maintaining constant and controlled levels of Na+, HCO3−, and pH.
US08409440B2	Method and unit for the purification of wastewater with aerobic granular sludge The invention relates to a biological wastewater purification method using a reactor including a first compartment (2) and a second compartment (4), the lower parts of which are communicated with one another. The water to be treated enters the first compartment, while the second compartment houses aerobic granular sludge at atmospheric pressure. Oxygen-laden gas is injected into the lower part of the second compartment. The granular sludge forms a bed (5) in the second compartment (4) and the reactor operates in a sequential, discontinuous manner in a cycle comprising two phases, namely: a first anaerobic phase during which the first compartment (2) is vacuum-filled with the water to be treated, after which the pressure is abruptly brought to atmospheric pressure in order to discharge a volume of water rapidly into the second compartment (4); and a second aerobic phase during which gas containing oxygen is injected into the second compartment (4).
US08409427B2	Hydrocarbon treatment method and apparatus The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing a treated hydrocarbon containing stream for use as a feed to a steam methane reformer of a hydrogen plant. In accordance with such method, amounts of olefins and organic sulfur species within an untreated feed are decreased in a reactor that is operated in either a hydrogenation mode to hydrogenate the olefins into saturated hydrocarbons or a pre-reforming mode in which hydrocarbon containing two or more carbon atoms including the olefins are reacted with oxygen and steam to form saturated hydrocarbons, methane, additional hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The reactor is configured and operates at a sufficiently high space velocity that olefin and organic species slip occurs that is further treated in a hydrotreater. The reactor contains a catalyst capable of promoting both hydrogenation and oxidation reactions and the hydrotreater contains a catalyst that is capable of only promoting hydrogenation reactions.
US08409426B2	Treatment of crude oil fractions, fossil fuels, and products thereof In crude oil fractions, fossil fuels, and organic liquids in general in which it is desirable to reduce the levels of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing components, the process reduces the level of these compounds via the application of heat, an oxidizing agent and, preferably, sonic energy. The invention is performed either as a continuous process or a batch process, and may further include optional steps of centrifugation or hydrodesulfurization.
US08409423B2	Method for machining workpieces A method for machining workpieces provides a machining electrode, which is guided at a specific distance to the workpiece. An electrolyte is provided between the workpiece and the machining electrode, through which an operating current flows between the machining electrode and the workpiece. The operating current results from an operating voltage (UA), which is produced at the machining electrode, the workpiece being connected to ground. To perform the machining procedure, the distance between the machining electrode and the workpiece is regulated and the operating voltage (UA) is determined in such a way that the resulting operating current is a DC current or a pulsed DC current—i.e., the operating voltage is a DC voltage of fixed or specific dimension. A measuring voltage (UM) is superimposed on the operating voltage (UA) for producing the operating current. The measuring current resulting because of the application of the measuring voltage (UM) is detected and the distance between the machining electrode and the workpiece is concluded from the relationship between the measuring voltage (UM) and the measuring current.
US08409421B2	Process for producing metallic lead starting from desulfurized pastel The present invention relates to an electrolytic process for producing metallic lead starting from desulfurized lead pastel comprising the following operative phases: a) leaching the desulfurized pastel by putting it in contact with a solution comprising ammonium chloride, with the formation of a leach liquor and evolution of gaseous CO2; b) separating a first solid residue and a first clarified leach liquor from the leach liquor coming from phase a); c) leaching the solid residue separated in phase b) by putting it in contact with a solution comprising ammonium chloride and hydrogen peroxide; d) separating a second solid residue and a second clarified leach liquor from the leach liquor coming from phase c); e) joining the first clarified leach liquor coming from phase b) with the second clarified leach liquor coming from phase d) and forming a single solution; f) subjecting the solution leaving phase e) to electrolysis in a flow cell, with a current density ranging from 50 to 10,000 A/m2, said electrolysis resulting in the formation of a lead sponge. The present invention also relates to the relative desulfurization process of the pastel.
US08409420B2	Process for producing carbonic acid gas solution, an apparatus for the same and carbonated water The oxalic acid aqueous solution filled in an electrolytic tank is electrolyzed with an electrolyzer to produce carbonic acid gas, while ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic generator is applied to the produced carbonic acid gas bubbles, to form micro bubbles, which is dissolved in said oxalic acid aqueous solution, so as to easily produce carbonic acid gas solution with micro carbonic acid gas bubbles dissolved at a low cost; said carbonic acid gas solution can substitute carbonated spring.
US08409413B2	Sampling device for liquid samples A device for sampling liquid samples is provided comprising a capillary-active channel, a sampling site, and a determination site. The capillary-active channel is configured for transporting a sample from the sampling site to the determination site. The capillary-active channel is substantially formed by a carrier, a cover and an intermediate layer located between the carrier and cover. The carrier protrudes beyond the cover in the area of the sampling site. The intermediate layer is displaced towards the back in the direction of the determination site in the area of the sampling site so that the carrier as well as the cover protrude beyond the intermediate layer. The device allows sample to be applied from above onto the exposed area of the carrier in the area of the sampling site and also allows sample to be applied from the side.
US08409412B2	Enzymatic reagent inks for use in test strips having a predetermined calibration code The invention provides an enzyme ink useful in test strips that provides a test strip bias, at the low and high glucose ends, falling within a desired target range. The ink of the invention permits an improved method for the production of single calibration code strip lots with good yields.
US08409405B2	Device and method for dosing or shutting off primary combustion air in the primary heating room of horizontal coke-oven chambers Dosed proportioning and cutoff of combustion air into the primary heating space of a horizontal coke oven is provided by apertures in the ceiling of the coke oven chamber, the apertures covered with a withdrawable cover device which controls the amount of air admitted, manually or in an automatic mode. By way of this device, ventilation of a coke oven chamber with primary air can be so controlled that primary air is introduced in an exactly dosed manner and, depending on its place of installation, exactly distributed into the primary heating space of a coke oven chamber.
US08409402B2	Method and apparatus for filling and cleaning a pulp tower The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling and cleaning a pulp tower. The invention is most suitable for filling and cleaning high-consistency pulp towers, bleaching towers, storage tanks and similar towers containing fiber suspensions, of the wood-processing industry. The apparatus and method according to the invention for filling and cleaning a pulp tower, in which method pulp is fed into the pulp tower either through its cover (10) or at least feed devices (24) arranged at its top, are characterized in that the space surrounding the feed device (24) is washable at the same time as the pulp is fed into the tower by means of washing devices (28, 30, 32) arranged in connection with the feed devices.
US08409400B2	Inductive plasma chamber having multi discharge tube bridge An inductive plasma chamber of the present invention comprises a plurality of discharge tube bridges connected between a discharge tube head and a process chamber. The discharge tube head is disc shaped and a cylindrical gas inlet which a gas is injected is disposed in its center. A susceptor on which a workpiece is placed is disposed inside a process chamber and a flange of upper certain area has an inclined surface which is upward centrally inclined. The discharge tube bridge is provided with at least one ferrite core, and the ferrite core has a winding connected to a power supply source. When a process gas is injected via the gas inlet and a RF power from the power supply source is supplied with a winding, the electromotive force is transmitted inside the discharge tube head, the discharge bridge and the process chamber so that the plasma discharge is occurred in the plasma chamber. The plasma chamber comprises a switching means enabling plasma discharge paths to be alternately formed between the plurality of discharge tube bridges. The switching means switches in a predetermined period to be alternately formed the plasma discharge paths between the plurality of discharge tube bridges. The inductive plasma chamber can obtain high-density plasma while enhancing uniformity as well as enlarging plasma volume.
US08409399B2	Reduced maintenance chemical oxide removal (COR) processing system A chemical oxide removal (COR) processing system is presented, wherein the COR processing system includes a first treatment chamber and a second treatment chamber. The first treatment chamber comprises a chemical treatment chamber that provides a temperature controlled chamber having a protective barrier. The second treatment chamber comprises a heat treatment chamber that provides a temperature-controlled chamber having a protective barrier.
US08409398B2	Control of ion angular distribution function at wafer surface A manufacturing method and apparatus for IC fabrication controls the ion angular distribution at the surface of a wafer with electrodes in a wafer support that produce electric fields parallel to the wafer surface without disturbing plasma parameters beyond the wafer surface. The ion angular distribution function (IADF) at the wafer surface is controlled for better feature coverage or etching. Grid structure is built into the substrate holder within the coating at the top of the holder. The grid components are electrically biased to provide electric fields that combine with the sheath field to distribute the ion incidence angles from the plasma sheath onto the wafer. The grid can be dynamically biased or phased to control uniformity of the effects.
US08409395B2	Composite panel insert ring and method of using the same Provided is a method of forming a thru-hole through a composite structure having a plurality of internal compartments. An insert ring is connected to the composite structure to create a protective layer around the periphery of a penetration formed within the composite structure. An adhesive is disposed between the composite structure and the insert ring to create a fluid-tight seal between the insert ring and the internal compartments. In this regard, the fluid-tight seal mitigates fluid flow between the internal compartments.
US08409390B2	Method for the environmentally sealed connected of two at least partially flexible receptacles A method for contamination-free docking of a first at least partially flexible receptacle to a second at least partially flexible receptacle. The receptacles include, at least in part, films having outer sides that can be solidly welded, and inner sides can be detachably welded. According to the described system, a solid connection between the receptacles is produced outside the detachably welded inner sides in order to create a channel between the receptacles. The channel is opened by loosening the connection between the inner sides.
US08409386B1	Storage tank assemblies and methods for water on water reverse osmosis systems Storage tank assemblies and methods for water on water reverse osmosis systems. A bladder type storage tank is fabricated by forming first and second shells, which when joined together at a center region of each shell, form a tank enclosure, the first shell having first and second openings therein away from the center region of the respective shell, coupling a bladder to the first opening in the first shell so that the bladder will be within the tank enclosure when the first and second shells are joined together at a center region of each shell, temporarily holding the bladder in a collapsed state away from the center region of the first shell with one or more strings and passing the strings through the second opening, welding the first and second shells together at the center region of each shell to form the tank enclosure, and withdrawing the strings to release the bladder.
US08409385B2	Transparent laminate and process for producing the same A transparent laminate is produced by preparing a pair of transparent substrates, forming a sealing portion along the periphery on one of the transparent substrates for sealing a curable resin composition, supplying the curable resin composition in a region on the transparent substrate surrounded by the sealing portion, overlaying the other transparent substrate on the supplied curable resin composition in a reduced pressure atmosphere so that the curable resin composition is sealed as it is sandwiched between the pair of transparent substrates, and subsequently curing the curable resin composition in an atmosphere having a higher pressure than the pressure of the atmosphere in which the composition is sandwiched, to produce the transparent laminate.
US08409382B2	Method for producing an analytical consumable A method for producing an analytical consumable is proposed. The analytical consumable comprises at least one carrier and at least one analytical aid connected to the carrier. At least one optically sensitive material is applied to the carrier, said material being designed to carry out at least one optically detectable alteration in the event of action of an electromagnetic radiation. In at least one coding step, at least one function information item about the analytical consumable is introduced into the optically sensitive material by means of electromagnetic radiation. The function information item is designed to enable at least one analytical instrument to use the analytical consumable correctly.
US08409379B2	Multilayer structures containing a fluorinated copolymer resin layer and an ethylene terpolymer layer Disclosed is a multilayer film laminate comprising a layer consisting essentially of a fluorinated copolymer resin and a layer consisting essentially of an ethylene terpolymer. The ethylene terpolymer layer can be used as an encapsulant layer for solar cells and the multilayer laminate is useful as a component of photovoltaic modules. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules are also included.
US08409373B2	L12 aluminum alloys with bimodal and trimodal distribution A two or three phase aluminum alloy having high strength, modulus, ductility and toughness, comprising a fine grain matrix phase nano L12 alloy having a particle size ranging from about 20 nm to 5 microns and a more ductile larger aluminum alloy coarse grain phase having a particle size ranging from about 25 to 250 microns. The fine grain matrix phase alloy comprises aluminum, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium; and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium. The alloy may also include ceramic reinforcements in addition to the fine grain matrix phase and the coarse grain phase.
US08409366B2	Separation method of nitride semiconductor layer, semiconductor device, manufacturing method thereof, semiconductor wafer, and manufacturing method thereof In a separation method of a nitride semiconductor layer, a graphene layer in the form of a single layer or two or more layers is formed on a surface of a first substrate. A nitride semiconductor layer is formed on the graphene layer so that the nitride semiconductor layer is bonded to the graphene layer with a bonding force due to regularity of potential at atomic level at an interface therebetween without utilizing covalent bonding. The nitride semiconductor layer is separated from the first substrate with a force which is greater than the bonding force between the nitride semiconductor layer and the graphene layer, or greater than a bonding force between respective layers of the graphene layer.
US08409363B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor cleaners A method of manufacturing cleaning solvents is provided. The method includes selecting a small plurality of test solvents from a large plurality of perspective solvents. The equilibrium composition of a multi-component solution is preferably described by the Hansen solubility model. A small plurality of test solvents is applied to solute samples and the degree of dissolution or swelling recorded. Based on the degree of dissolution or swelling, at least one solvent is selected from the large plurality of perspective solvents based on the Hansen parameters.
US08409362B2	System and method for low temperature hydration of food soils A system and method for low temperature hydration of food soils allows for hydration of food soils between washing cycles in a dishwasher. A user selects a hydration button to actuate a hydration cycle between dishwashing cycles. During the hydration cycle, a plurality of spraying devices are periodically actuated in accordance with a desired amount of hydration selected by the user. Water is supplied from a dedicated water supply line to the spraying devices, preferably without being heated, and is distributed throughout a dishwasher chamber utilizing spray nozzles or fans. The hydration cycle ends when deactivated, or when a dishwashing cycle is initiated.
US08409360B2	Cleaning method for a process of liquid immersion lithography Problem: To provide a cleaning liquid and a cleaning method having excellent leaning capability. In a process of liquid immersion lithography, they can preventing the damage to be caused by the component released from the photoresist to photoexposure devices; the waste treatment is easy; the efficiency in substitution with the cleaning liquid for the medium for liquid immersion lithography is high, and the production cost is reduced not detracting from the throughput in semiconductor production.Means for Solution: A cleaning liquid to be used for cleaning a photoexposure device in a process of liquid immersion lithography, which comprises at least 5% by mass of a nonionic surfactant containing at least one group selected from an ethyleneoxy group, a propyleneoxy group and a polyglycerin group, and a balance of water; and a cleaning method using it.
US08409359B2	Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method and storage medium Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus capable of decreasing the frequency of shutdown of the apparatus due to lack of processing liquid in a processing liquid supply unit, as well as efficiently using the processing liquid to improve a yield ratio. The substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of liquid processing units to conduct liquid processing of substrates a substrate carrying unit to carry the substrates in and out of the liquid processing units, a processing liquid supply unit to supply the liquid processing units with processing liquid, and a level gauge to detect an amount of the processing liquid remaining in the processing liquid reservoir of the processing liquid supply unit. The carry of the substrates in the liquid processing units is suspended when the level gauge detects that the amount of the processing liquid remaining in the processing liquid reservoir is below a predetermined threshold.
US08409358B2	Cleaning tool for personal care applicator A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.
US08409354B2	Vapor based combinatorial processing A combinatorial processing chamber and method are provided. In the method a fluid volume flows over a surface of a substrate with differing portions of the fluid volume having different constituent components to concurrently expose segregated regions of the substrate to a mixture of the constituent components that differ from constituent components to which adjacent regions are exposed. Differently processed segregated regions are generated through the multiple flowings.
US08409349B2	Film thickness measurement method, epitaxial wafer production process and epitaxial wafer A film thickness measurement method for measuring a change in film thickness of 0.3 μm or less in a silicon wafer by FTIR, having an auxiliary film formation step for depositing an auxiliary film for measurement on a surface to be measured for the change in film thickness, an auxiliary film thickness measurement step for measuring the film thickness of the auxiliary film, a measurement step for measuring the film thickness of the auxiliary film after the change in film thickness, and a calculation step for calculating a change in film thickness of a back surface deposit from the result of the measurement step and the result of the auxiliary film thickness measurement step.
US08409347B2	Method of dopant injection, N-type silicon single-crystal, doping apparatus and pull-up device In a dopant-injecting method for injecting a volatile dopant into a semiconductor melt, a doping device having an accommodating portion for accommodating a solid dopant and a cylindrical portion into which a gas ejected from the accommodating portion is introduced, a lower end surface of the cylindrical portion being opened to guide the gas to the melt, is used. The sublimation rate of the dopant in the accommodating portion is set in a range from 10 g/min to 50 g/min. Since a flow volume of the volatilized dopant gas is controlled by setting the sublimation rate of the dopant gas in the accommodating portion in the range from 10 g/min to 50 g/min, the melt is not blown off when the gas is blown onto the melt.
US08409343B2	Organic-inorganic hybrid pigment compositions An organic-inorganic hybrid pigment composition is provided comprising an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, and a fibrous clay. The fibrous clay can be selected from palygorskite, sepiolite, or a combination thereof. The inorganic pigment is selected from rutile pigments, spinel pigments, bismuth vanadate pigments, cerium sulfide pigments, and combinations thereof. The organic pigment is selected from anthraquinone pigments, anthrathrone pigments, anthrapyrimidine pigments, azo pigments, azomethine pigments, quinacridone pigments, quinophthalone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrol pigments, inanthrone pigments, isoindoline pigments, metal complex pigments, perinone pigments, perylene pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, pyranthrone pigments, pyrazolo-quinazolone pigments, thioindigo pigments, and combinations thereof.
US08409340B1	Bio-based corrosion inhibitors A bio-based corrosion inhibitor composition includes a corn stillage product, and may be a substantially water insoluble fraction of corn stillage. The corrosion inhibitor composition is useful in protecting metal articles from corrosion.
US08409338B2	Cooling system The present invention relates to a cooling system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling system for removing dust from air being drawn for cooling heat generation components of an electronic product, for improving convenience in maintenance or repair of the electronic product.
US08409335B2	Separating apparatus The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a domestic vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage including at least one cyclone, and an electrostatic filter, wherein the electrostatic filter is in fluid communication with the at least one cyclone via an air passage, at least a portion of the air passage being formed longitudinally through the separating apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the electrostatic filter and the air passage are arranged concentrically.
US08409334B2	Oxygenation of water for a population of fish Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a vessel of water is provided for housing a population of fish. A stream of oxygenated water is generated to have a dissolved oxygen content of at least about 70 milligrams/liter (mg/l). The stream of oxygenated water is diluted with a second stream of water to provide an output stream with a dissolved oxygen content of from about 5 mg/l to about 14 mg/l. The output stream is injected into the vessel to maintain the population of fish.
US08409332B2	Sorbent fiber compositions and methods of temperature swing adsorption The various embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions, apparatus, and methods comprising sorbent fibers. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fiber compositions for temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise sorbent fiber compositions, apparatus comprising a plurality of sorbent fibers, and methods of using the same for the capture of at least one component from a medium, for example CO2 from flue gas.
US08409331B2	Method and device for purifying air for fuel cells The invention relates to auxiliary systems ensuring functioning of alkaline fuel cell (AFC), in particular to a method and device for sorptive purification of air used in an AFC of carbon dioxide. In accordance with the invention, in the method for purifying air for a fuel cell, the starting air is passed through an adsorber with an adsorbent of carbon dioxide, then the adsorbent is regenerated. After utilization the adsorbent comprising hydrated oxides of transition metals is regenerated at a temperature of 60-120° C. by the air spent in the fuel cell.
US08409329B2	Method for the purification of a gas containing CO2 using an adsorption purification unit A method for the purification of a feed gas stream containing CO2 and water and at least one impurity chosen from NOx and SOx, comprising the incorporation of a purification step for the preferential elimination of water is provided.
US08409323B2	Control method and apparatus A method and apparatus for controlling the electrical power applied to an electrically driven oxygen separation device having one or more composite membrane elements to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed. The composite membrane elements have a resistance increasing during the operation thereof that would act to reduce oxygen output if applied voltage were held constant. In order to increase the time interval for renewing the composite membrane elements, the electrical potential difference is controlled such that the electric current drawn by the elements remains at a substantially constant level by increasing the electrical potential difference as the resistance increases until a predetermined voltage level is reached. Once this level is obtained, the electrical potential difference is maintained at a constant level and the electric current being drawn and the oxygen output is allowed to decay to a predetermined low level after which the element or elements are replaced.
US08409322B2	Method for agglomerating industrial dust, in particular using a briquetting technique Process for agglomerating industrial dusts comprises: kneading in a vat the dusts to be agglomerated in the presence of a first binder comprising a polymer with a molecular weight above 500,000 g/mol, which is in the form of a reverse emulsion; then adding to the vat separately, while still kneading, a second binder comprising a silicate of an alkaline metal; and finally compacting the resulting agglomerates under pressure.
US08409320B2	Process for producing a foamed slag on austenitic stainless melts in an electric arc furnace A process for producing a foamed slag on austenitic stainless melts in an electric arc furnace. A mixture of metal oxides and carbon is introduced into the furnace, the metal oxide is reduced by the carbon below the slag at the metal/slag interface, and the resulting gases bring about the foaming of the slag by bubble formation. The mixture to be charged, which is added in the form of preforms such as briquets or pellets, contains iron oxide, iron carriers, carbon and the required binders in addition to nickel oxide.
US08409313B2	Vent head A vent head for a steam system is provided. In one embodiment, the head comprises a body defining a vent head chamber and having a vent head outlet. The vent head comprises a steam inlet conduit having a steam outlet that opens into the vent head chamber and a baffle disposed within the vent head chamber above the steam outlet. A drainage passageway is provided for fluid communication between the vent head chamber and the steam inlet conduit. In use, the steam outlet may discharge steam into the vent head chamber which impinges on the baffle, thereby separating entrained liquid water from the steam. The separated water is collected in the vent head chamber returned to the steam inlet conduit via the drainage passageway.
US08409307B2	Gasification and steam methane reforming integrated polygeneration method and system This invention is a process and system for providing hydrogen at a high level of reliability from a gasification system by integrating it with SMR. Carbonaceous feedstock such as petroleum coke or coal or biomass is gasified to co-produce SNG, fuel gas, hydrogen, power and steam in conjunction with hydrogen production through steam methane reforming. Carbon dioxide may also be recovered in this process. The integrated schemes are designed in a way that maximizes the reliability of production of high value products such as hydrogen through gasification and minimizes the impact of high natural gas prices on hydrogen production by SMR.
US08409306B2	Fuel reformer A fuel reformer including a reaction container including a first chamber, a first reactor in the first chamber, the first reactor, including a first catalyst, being configured to produce a first reformate by performing a steam reforming reaction on a first fuel, and having a first gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) at a set flow rate, a first heat source thermally connected to the first reactor, and a second reactor connected to the first reactor, the second reactor including a second catalyst, being configured to produce a second reformate having a lower carbon monoxide content than the first reformate, and having a second GHSV greater than the first GHSV at the set flow rate.
US08409303B2	Slurry dewatering and conversion of biosolids to a renewable fuel In the processes for treating municipal sewage and storm water containing biosolids to discharge standards, biosolids, even after dewatering, contain typically about 80% water bound in the dead cells of the biosolids, which gives biosolids a negative heating value. It can be incinerated only at the expense of purchased fuel. Biosolids are heated to a temperature at which their cell structure is destroyed and, preferably, at which carbon dioxide is split off to lower the oxygen content of the biosolids. The resulting char is not hydrophilic, and it can be efficiently dewatered and/or dried and is a viable renewable fuel. This renewable fuel can be supplemented by also charging conventional biomass (yard and crop waste, etc.) in the same or in parallel facilities. Similarly, non-renewable hydrophilic fuels can be so processed in conjunction with the processing of biosolids to further augment the energy supply.
US08409302B2	Scented lighter fluid Lighter fluid having a smoky aroma can be prepared by combining liquid smoke with aliphatic petroleum solvent. The smoke-scented lighter fluid imparts a pleasant scent while it is applied to charcoal briquets and ignited.
US08409301B1	Toss-dye random clothing design system and method As disclosed, a toss-dye random clothing design system and method comprises at least one article of clothing worn by a runner at a race, a sporting event, a corporate or collegiate event, a fashion party, a production plant shift and the like, a plurality of colored dyes provided at a plurality of throwing stations, at least one thrower positioned at a throwing station to throw the dyes onto the clothing as the runner passes by the throwing station, and a random pattern of throw-dye on the clothing based on a confluence of the thrown colored dyes and a path the runner takes there through. Embodiments of the disclosure may include a throw-dye configured to stick to the clothing article(s) in places where moisture is present and a template configured to block the thrown dyes from making contact with the clothing and thereby outline a corporate or collegiate logo thereon.
US08409293B1	Knee prosthesis A knee prosthesis for use in a total knee replacement surgical procedure may include a femoral component, a tibial component and a meniscal component. Optionally, the prosthesis may also include a patellar component. The femoral component may include a bone attachment side and a joint facing side, the latter including an anterior joint surface, a posterior joint surface having a cross-sectional shape defining a portion of a cylinder, and medial and lateral grooves between the anterior and posterior joint surfaces. The meniscal component may include a number of features designed to mate with the femoral component to provide relatively natural movement and range of motion about the knee joint as well as stability and resistance to wear and tear.
US08409291B2	Laterally expandable interbody spinal fusion implant A spinal implant particularly adapted for lateral expansion while disposed in the disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first frame member pivotally linked to a second frame member via at least one, and preferably multiple, pivoting links. The implant may be inserted into the disc space in a collapsed configuration using a lateral approach, and then expanded in the anterior-posterior direction (lateral to insertion direction) to a deployed configuration where the first and second frame members are farther apart. The implant may be expanded by holding one frame member and pushing on the other frame member or one or more proximal links linking the two frame members.
US08409290B2	Interbody device for spinal applications An intervertebral spacer includes a leading end, a trailing end comprising an opening having a clearance and a post positioned across the clearance. The post has an external surface configured to accept an extending portion of an insertion tool and to torsionally engage a complementary surface of the insertion tool at a plurality of different angles.
US08409289B2	Implants and methods for treating bone An orthopedic implant comprising a deformable, expandable implant body configured for treating abnormalities in bones, such as compression fractures of vertebra, necrosis of femurs and the like. An exemplary implant body comprises a small cross-section threaded element that is introduced into a bone region and thereafter is expanded into a larger cross-section, monolithic assembly to provide a bone support. In one embodiment, the implant body is at least partly fabricated of a magnesium alloy that is biodegradable to allow for later tissue ingrowth.
US08409286B2	Expandable spinal fusion device and methods of promoting spinal fusion An intervertebral disc space implant includes spaced-apart bone engagement portions that define an intermediate chamber that holds bone growth inducing material into contact with adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant is expandable to establish and maintain desired intervertebral spacing during fusion. The implant includes a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to each other by action of an expansion member, the first member being engageable with the vertebral body below the disc space.
US08409279B2	Breast implant implantation method and apparatus A method for implanting a breast implant into a subject, the method includes: providing a sterile, flexible, elastic biodegradable bag sized to contain the breast implant; providing a sterile breast implant; inserting, using sterile handling, the sterile breast implant into the sterile bag to form a sterile breast implant assembly; closing the bag to fully enclose the implant within the bag; and implanting in a sterile manner the sterile breast implant assembly into the subject. A sterile bag, which may be provided in a kit, preferably for use with the method includes first and second chambers connected by a channel for moving a breast implant from the first chamber through the channel to the second chamber without directly touching the implant. An incision dilator may also be included with the kit or separately provided for use in a preferred embodiment of the method.
US08409266B2	Cryotreatment device and method Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Pressure control valves are included in some devices to regulate balloon interior pressure within acceptable limits. In applications using liquid carbon dioxide as coolant, the balloon interior pressure can be maintained above the triple point of carbon dioxide to inhibit dry ice formation. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling. One coiled catheter is biased to assume a coiled shape when unconstrained and can be introduced into the body in a relatively straight shape, having a stiffening wire inserted through the coil strands.
US08409265B2	Multiple lumen heat exchange catheters Catheter devices and methods for intravascular heating and/or cooling of human or veterinary patients. The catheter devices generally comprise catheters having inflow and outflow lumens and at least one curvilinear balloon connected to the inflow and outflow lumens such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated through the balloon(s). The catheter is inserted into the vasculature and heated or cooled fluid is circulated through the balloon(s) to heat or cool blood flowing in heat-exchange proximity to the balloon(s), thereby effecting heating or cooling of all or a portion of the patient's body.
US08409264B2	Fungal infection therapy method with low level laser Methods for treating fungal infections of the hand or foot use applications of low level laser energy to the infected area to inhibit fungal growth. A laser device is used to produce one or more low-level laser beams, typically in the range of 400-800 nm emanated at a power of less than 1 watt. The laser light is scanned across the infected area for a predetermined duration. Preferably, the duration is between about 10 and 30 minutes, so that at least 0.5 joules of laser energy is applied. Preferably, about 10 joules of laser energy is applied. The application may be repeated, and is preferably repeated once, about five weeks after the first application. A topical medication, such as an antifungal cream, may be used in conjunction with the laser light to speed up fungal removal.
US08409258B2	Fusionless vertebral physeal device and method An intravertebral device for modulating vertebral growth without changing spinal mobility or compressing the intervertebral disc. By implanting the device around the vertebral growth plate, on the convex side of the curvature, a compression is induced on one side of the growth plate during the vertebral growth. This local growth modulation decreases significantly the vertebral wedging and corrects the global deformity of the spine. The device provides a minimally invasive and fusionless way of correcting spinal curvatures while preserving the intervertebral disc.
US08409256B2	Spinal anchoring screw A spine stabilization system having a dynamic screw comprises at least one bone anchor assembly comprising a receiver member and a bone engaging member pivotably connected to the receiver member. A bearing is provided in the receiver member that engages a portion of the bone engaging member. An elongated connecting member is connected to the receiver member. A retention member insert is provided within the receiver member between the elongated connecting member and the bearing. The retention member is configured to secure the bearing within the retention member.
US08409255B2	Screw and rod fixation assembly and device The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for fixing a screw, wherein the fixing mechanism further includes an inner surface wall having a gripping portion and a non-gripping portion. Further, the present invention provides for a substantially annular ring for guiding and providing mechanical and frictional force to a screw head. Additionally, the present invention provides for a rod seating mechanism operatively engaged to the screw head and including at least one flexible portion capable of being compressed against a portion of a rod therein. Finally, the present invention provides for a locking mechanism for engaging the rod and the rod seating mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a deflecting mechanism for deflecting the at least one flexible portion of the rod seating mechanism against and around the rod as the locking mechanism further engages the at least one flexible portion of the rod seating mechanism.
US08409251B2	Suture anchor and driver A suture anchor assembly with an anchor and a driver locatable in an axial longitudinal opening in the anchor. A suture is provided extending through the opening and outside of the anchor at its distal end, and passing proximally along longitudinal grooves on the outside of the anchor. A recess is provided in the longitudinal opening of the suture body and a groove formation is provided in the drive part of the driver to locate the suture therein.
US08409249B2	Systems, methods, and compositions for achieving closure of suture sites Systems and methods employ functional instruments to close incisions and wounds using a suture knot in combination with a biocompatible material composition. The systems and methods are well suited for use, for example, at a vascular puncture site following a vascular access procedure.
US08409248B2	Plug with detachable guidewire element and methods for use An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue includes a bioabsorbable, threaded plug carried by a delivery device. A guide wire is receivable through lumens in the plug and delivery device that includes wings on a bioabsorbable distal portion. With the wings collapsed, the guide wire is advanced through the passage into a blood vessel, the wings expanding once located within the vessel, and the guide wire is withdrawn until the wings contact the vessel wall. The plug is threaded into the passage over the guide wire until the plug is disposed adjacent the wings. The distal portion of the guide wire is secured to the plug, e.g., by compressing a collet within the plug lumen that seals the lumen, and is severed from a proximal portion thereof. Thus, the plug and distal portion are deployed with the plug sealing the passage.
US08409247B2	Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members one of which is movable with respect to the other. A heat activated drive assembly operably couples to an actuation mechanism that is operably associated with the forceps and configured to supply thermal energy to the heat activated drive assembly. The heat activated drive assembly operably coupled to movable jaw member and configured to impart movement of the movable jaw member when the actuation mechanism is activated.
US08409240B2	Embolic protection device The disclosure relates to an embolic filter, a support structure therefor, and methods for maintaining said filter in a compact state prior to deploying the filter.
US08409237B2	Emboli filter export system Methods for the removal of an embolism protection device use aspiration during the drawing of the embolism protection device into the catheter. Generally, the embolism protection device comprises a three dimensional filtering matrix that provides improved filtering without blocking the flow through the patient's vessel. In some embodiments, the embolism protection device can be actuated between a deployed configuration and a removal configuration with a reduced area across the cross section of the vessel lumen. The embolism protection device in the removal configuration can be drawn within the aspiration catheter. The aspiration catheter can have a distal portion with an expanded compartment with an average diameter at least about 20 percent larger than the average diameter of the shaft of the catheter within about 10 centimeters of the expanded compartment. In a rapid exchange version, the rapid exchange segment can have a length of at least about 10 centimeters.
US08409236B2	Methods of transvascular retrograde access placement and devices for facilitating the placement A system for providing transvascular retrograde access in a central blood vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the system has a handle; a catheter extending from the handle; and a tissue piercing element extending from the handle through the catheter, the tissue piercing element having a sharp distal tip adapted to extend from a distal portion of the catheter, the catheter and handle being adapted to be separated from the tissue piercing element, a distal portion of the tissue piercing element being adapted to serve as a guide for introduction of a device into the central blood vessel. The invention also includes a method of providing transvascular retrograde access to a central blood vessel of a patient.
US08409233B1	Combined subcutaneous tunneler and carrier A surgical tool is used to facilitate the implantation of elements of an electrical stimulation system within a human body, and more particularly facilitates surgical procedures followed to connect an electrode lead extension between an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) and an electrode lead, when the IPG and the electrode lead may not be co-located. In one exemplary embodiment, a removable carrier cover defines an end tunneler portion to facilitate tunneling and a carrier is provided for receiving and holding a portion of a lead, such as a lead connector. Once the tunnel is formed, the removable carrier cover is removed to expose the carrier. The carrier is adapted to carry one or more leads back through the tunnel. In some embodiments of the invention, the tool provides rotational locking and unlocking of the handle relative to the carrier and/or tunneling means.
US08409229B2	Surgical instrument A vascular clamp, has an operating mechanism, and an actuating tool. The vascular clamp is grasped using a detachable operating mechanism, wherein an actuating tool that can be slid in and out is able to open and close the jaws of the grasped vascular clamp. The vascular clamp includes a coupling arrangement and a continuously adjustable adjustment mechanism for this purpose. In order to grasp the vascular clamp, the operating mechanism includes a gripping mechanism and is equipped with a locking mechanism, which are used to create a detachable connection between the vascular clamp and the operating mechanism. For stepless opening and closing, the actuating tool engages in the adjustment mechanism of the vascular clamp and opens and closes the jaws of the vascular clamp by corresponding rotation of the actuating tool. The surgical instrument according to the invention is disassemblable and reassemblable, and can advantageously be disassembled into its three constituent parts during an operation, thus keeping the access opening in the chest free from obstructing instruments.
US08409228B2	Tissue management methods, apparatus, and systems Tissue management methods can include inserting a clamping device into a vessel and clamping a vessel wall via the clamping device. Tissue can be dilated about the clamping device and an anastomotic device provided to the vessel.
US08409227B2	Neural implant The invention relates to a biocompatible neural implant for bridging interruptions or defects in nerves resulting from injuries sustained in an accident or following surgery. Inventive neural implants comprise fibers made from natural or synthetic spider silk and allow interrupted nerves to regenerate across defects such that functional nerve conduction is made possible within a short period of time.
US08409226B2	Method of performing transgastric ventral hernia repair and tissue anchors and deployment devices therefor A transluminal approach through a natural body cavity to repair a ventral hernia is provided. In a transgastric approach, the abdominal cavity is accessed via an incision through a wall of the digestive tract. A system for the deployment of tissue anchors to anchor a tissue reinforcing mesh to repair the ventral hernia is provided. Particular tissue anchors are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the tissue anchors include a shaft and a head reconfigurably coupled to the shaft permitting the head and shaft to be in a substantially parallel loaded configuration and in a substantially transverse deployed configuration. In addition, tissue anchors may include biodegradable and non-biodegradable components, with the non-biodegradable component defining spaces for soft tissue ingrowth upon degradation of the biodegradable component.
US08409225B2	Tendon repair An assembly is described for repairing torn tendons by reattaching them to a bone, in particular although not exclusively for repairing a torn rotator cuff tendon, which allows for reduction of the gap between the tendon and the humerus by pushing the tendon onto its attachment site. Also described is a method of repairing a torn rotator cuff tendon by pushing it onto its attachment site and suturing through the humeral head.
US08409218B2	Confinement of kidney stone fragments during lithotripsy The present invention improves significantly the success rate of lithotripsy and reduces the risk of tissue damage, by injecting a temporary plug in front, and optionally behind a concretion (for extracorporeal lithotripsy) or behind a concretion (for intracorporeal lithotripsy). One aspect of the present invention relates to injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer solution into a lumen, thereby preventing the migration of a concretion, or its fragments, upon extracorporeal or intracorporeal lithotripsy.
US08409212B2	Perforated balloon and method for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone using same The present invention discloses a technique for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone cavity, which involves a forced-feeding balloon rupture mechanism. This mechanism includes continuously or intermittently injecting a liquid or gas into a perforated balloon containing a hardened orthopaedic paste therein in a bone cavity until the perforated balloon is dilated to exceed a critical size, and thus ruptures.
US08409211B2	Integrated cement delivery system for bone augmentation procedures and methods A cement delivery system for vertebroplasty including a rigid cannula having a tubular inner wall defining a central conduit to deliver bone cement and a tubular outer wall extending around the inner wall and spaced apart therefrom to define a peripheral conduit for aspirating bone fluids. Aspirating means communicate with a proximal outlet port of the peripheral conduit to create a pressure gradient between the central conduit and the peripheral conduit to provide a hydraulic force guiding the displacement of bone fluid and the flow of cement. Also, a bone cement delivery system including a rigid cannula having a tubular inner wall defining a central conduit, a tubular outer wall extending around the inner wall and spaced apart therefrom to define a peripheral conduit, and a tubular middle wall extending between the inner and peripheral walls and spaced apart therefrom to define a middle conduit around the central conduit.
US08409207B2	Osteochondral autograft transplantation procedure and apparatus A surgical procedure according to which a cutting device is connected in a spaced relationship to an anchor, and the anchor is located over a first area of the bone. The distance between the cutting device and the anchor is adjusted so that the cutting device extends over a second area of the bone, and the anchor is driven into the first area of the bone so that the cutting device cuts into the second area.
US08409202B2	Drive systems and devices incorporating drive systems A fixation device may be used for supporting and/or stretching an injured body part. An exemplary fixation device uses a thumb wheel control element to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint. The control element and its associated drive system allow for movement along a particular axis, while the position remains fixed with relation to the other axis. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation with rotation, in order to provide for a common point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.
US08409193B2	RF ablation probes with tine valves A tissue ablation probe is provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft, at least one electrode tine carried by the elongated shaft, at least one tine exit from which the electrode tine(s) can be deployed from the elongated shaft and retracted within the elongated shaft, and a sheath covering the electrode tine exit(s). The sheath may, e.g., line an exterior surface of the elongated shaft or an interior surface of the elongated shaft. The sheath has at least one tine valve (e.g., a slit) positioned over the electrode tine exit(s) and configured to open when the electrode tine is deployed and to close when the electrode tine(s) is retracted. In one embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to open in response to pressure exerted during deployment of the electrode tine(s). In another embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to hinder the entry of biological material within the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, the sheath is pliable, such that the tine valve(s) can more easily hinder the entry of the biological material.
US08409187B2	Microwave antenna probe with high-strength ceramic coupler A microwave antenna probe incorporating a high-strength antenna coupler is described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a coaxial feedline to a source of therapeutic energy, e.g., a microwave generator. Proximal and distal radiating portions of the antenna assembly are separated by a microwave antenna coupler. In embodiments, the described antenna coupler is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a central section having a diameter substantially equivalent to the radiating sections. The coupler includes end sections of a smaller diameter than the central section that are dimensioned to fit within the ends of the radiating section. The end portions include a groove that is adapted to receive a corresponding rib formed within the respective ends of the radiating section. The coupler includes an axial opening defined therein into which a tubular collar in fixed using an interference fit. The outward forces of the collar and the inward forces of the radiating section places the coupler under compression, which improves the strength of the coupler, and the strength of the overall probe assembly.
US08409185B2	Replaceable and/or easily removable needle systems for dermal and transdermal cryogenic remodeling The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Embodiments may be particularly well suited for the treatment of dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and alternative embodiments may be configured for treatment of a wide range of target tissues. Some embodiments of the present invention apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments make use of replaceable needle probes supported by a probe body handle, with small needle probes often being replaced during treatment of a single patient. Unlike the large format cryogenic cooling systems of the past, small cryogenic cooling needle probes may dull or be damaged by insertion. Careful control over the control of cryogenic cooling fluid into a needle probe can allow the length of the active cooling to be controlled through depletion of liquid from an evaporating cryogenic cooling flow. Hence, even needles having similar external structures may provide differing lengths of an iceball along the needle axis. Surprisingly, small cryogenic cooling needles and/or other cryogenic cooling probes having a lubricious coating will allow safe removal of the probe from the treatment region while at a least a portion of the tissue remains frozen, significantly decreasing the overall time for a procedure involving many insertion/freeze/removal cycles.
US08409181B2	Methods and systems for treating presbyopia Methods and systems for treating presbyopia are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, by way of example only, a method of treating presbyopia of an eye includes ablating the stroma to form a final ablated shape in the stroma, the final ablated shape including a central zone defined by a concavity having a central zone depth and a central zone diameter, the central zone depth and the central zone diameter each selected to provide the cornea with a near-vision add power after the epithelium is regenerated over the stroma.
US08409165B2	Tabletop drug dispensing vial access adapter A vial enshrouded or contained in a protective covering which prevents emission of radiation form the vial contents, shielding the environment and personnel from irradiation. The vial optionally has a V-shaped bottom to allow withdrawal of a maximal amount of the fluid without inverting the vial. The vial is equipped with a vial access adapter having a fluid withdrawal spike which extends in to the V-shaped bottom. The vial access adapter may be vented or non-vented.
US08409164B2	Anti-reflux vial adaptors In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing member, a connector configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, and an extractor channel formed in the housing member. The extractor channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. In some embodiments, an anti-reflux valve is positioned within the extractor channel. The anti-reflux valve can be configured to impede or obstruct fluid returning to a fluid source after withdrawal of the fluid from the fluid source.
US08409160B2	Reduced-pressure treatment systems and methods employing a fluidly isolated pump control unit Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure treatment device to treat a tissue site with reduced pressure may include a pump control unit fluidly separate from a collection unit. Pump energy may be provided by the pump control unit to deflect one or more diaphragms within the collection unit to create reduced pressure. Other systems, devices, and methods are presented.
US08409158B2	Ostomy appliance with a leakage indicator An ostomy device that comprises an adhesive wafer for attaching to the skin around the stoma. The wafer comprises an adhesive layer having a proximal adhesive side and a distal side, where the distal side is covered with a backing layer. The wafer comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion, and it comprises a proximal section located on the proximal side of the central portion and a distal section visually arranged on the distal side of peripheral portion, wherein the distal section changes colour when the proximal section is exposed to fluid.
US08409156B2	Inflatable bladder dressings, systems, and methods A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.
US08409153B2	Implantable vascular access device The present invention provides an improved vascular access port comprising a port base with a metallic dish insert molded (or bonded) into the bottom of the reservoir. In one embodiment, a single reservoir is provided. In another embodiment, plural reservoirs are provided. The metallic bottom of the reservoir provides a hard surface that will resist abrasion and puncture by the access needles used to infuse medication or withdraw blood. Additionally, the single and dual ports can include exit ports that are intended to better anatomically fit into the subcutaneous areas around muscle tissue.
US08409148B2	Device for the dosed administration of a fluid product, provided with a coupling A device for the dosed administration of a fluid product including a housing, a conveying device for the product, a drive element influenced by the selection of a product dose, a coupling input member coupled to the drive element, a coupling output member coupled to the conveying device, a retaining device which maintains the coupling elements in a maintaining position uncoupled from each other, wherein at least one of the coupling elements is displaceable by a coupling movement from the maintaining position into a coupling state, and wherein a driving force of the drive element causes a delivery movement of the conveying device via the coupling elements.
US08409147B2	Rapid local anesthesia linear injection device This is a Rapid Local Anesthesia Linear Injection Device. It is made of a very simple triangular shaped piece of clear plastic with encased conduits connecting a flange on the tip of the cone where a Luer lock syringe can attach, and the base where there are a multiple tiny hypodermic needles protruding from the base of the triangle. The number of needles would be directly proportional to the length of the base of the device. It would be available in many sizes identified by the shape and the length of the base.
US08409146B2	Surgical access apparatus with centering mechanism A surgical access apparatus includes a housing member and a portal member extending from the housing member and defining a longitudinal axis. The housing member and the portal member define a longitudinal passage therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object. A centering mechanism is mounted relative to the housing member. The centering mechanism includes an annular element mounted for rotational movement within the housing member and about the longitudinal axis and first and second arm elements mounted to the annular element and extending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. The first and second arm elements are each positioned to intersect the longitudinal passage and are adapted to pivot relative to the housing member. The first and second arm elements are operatively connected whereby pivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement with the elongated object causes the annular element to rotate in response thereto and effect corresponding pivotal movement of the second arm element.
US08409145B2	Insertion devices for infusion devices An insertion device for inserting an infusion device at least partially into skin for subcutaneous infusion can comprise a sleeve having a lower surface that is configured to engage the skin, a shuttle or carriage to carry the infusion device between a retracted position and an advanced position; at least a first biasing member to urge the shuttle or carriage toward the advanced position, and an actuator to cause the first biasing member to urge the carriage from the retracted position to the advanced position. In some embodiments, the insertion device can further comprise a hub and at least a second biasing member to urge the hub away from the shuttle or carriage. In some embodiments, the insertion device can further comprise a needle attached to the hub. Methods for inserting an infusion device and various other features that can be comprised by an insertion device are also disclosed.
US08409144B2	Sequential introduction of skin penetrators A device for facilitating the use or application of skin penetrators, the device including a puncturing part for piercing the skin, an indwelling part which can be introduced into the skin through an opening generated by the puncturing part and remains there, wherein the puncturing part and indwelling part are operably associated with the device, and a guide operably associated with the device, wherein, in use, the indwelling part is moved, via the guide, into a position of use after the puncturing part has pierced the skin. In some embodiments, the puncturing and indwelling parts are separate from each other prior to use. A method of using skin penetrators is encompassed and includes sequentially introducing the puncturing part and the indwelling part into the skin.
US08409139B2	Stretch resistant therapeutic device A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.
US08409129B2	Apparatus for reducing contamination of surgical site Apparatus and methods for protecting a patient from surgical site infection from airborne microbes during surgery. A sterile gas flow conditioning emitter for affixation onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision is anatomically shape conforming for attaching a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of sterile gas substantially anatomically levelly on that anatomical surface and flowing the flow field in the direction of that site while essentially preventing ambient airborne particles from entering the interior of the flow field under the emitter to maintain the gas essentially sterile during passage over the site.
US08409123B2	Adjustable dorsal night splint A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.
US08409117B2	Wearable device to assist with the movement of limbs A wearable device (10) to assist with the movement of limbs (50, 51) connected at a joint (52), the device (50) comprising: a linear motion generating unit (20) to generate linear motion, the unit (20) having distal end portions operatively connected to the limbs (50, 51), whereby the linear motion generated by the unit (20) causes the limbs (50, 51) to move and pivot about the joint (52); a force measuring unit (30) to measure a change of force applied to the limbs or linear motion generating unit (20); and a displacement measuring unit (40) to measure the displacement of the linear motion generating unit (20) when linear motion is generated; wherein a predetermined distance of linear motion having a predetermined velocity is generated by the linear motion generating unit (20) to assist with the movement of the limbs (50, 51) based on the change of force measured by the force measuring unit (30) or the displacement measured by the displacement measuring unit (40).
US08409114B2	Composite elongate medical device including distal tubular member An intracorporeal device includes a shaft having a proximal section including a first elongate member and a distal section including a tubular member and a second elongate member. A proximal region of the tubular member is attached to the distal region of the first elongate member. The second elongate member is disposed within the lumen of the tubular member, and a proximal region of the second elongate member is attached to the proximal region of the elongate tubular member. As such, in some embodiments, the tubular member can function both as a member joining the first and second elongate members, and as a structural element in the distal section of the shaft providing for desired flexibility, torqueability, and/or pushability characteristics.
US08409109B2	Rectal probe with disposable balloon assembly A reusable temperature sensing probe assembly comprises a temperature sensor strip extending from one end of a handle. The temperature sensor strip carries at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature within a body cavity of a person, such as the rectum. The handle/temperature sensor strip is reversibly positionable within a unitary balloon/sleeve assembly comprised of a balloon portion and a sleeve portion. The balloon portion is comprised of a first interior space configured to hold the temperature sensor stip and a second interior space separate from the first interior space that is configured for inflation. An inflation tube has one portion sealed within the second interior space of the balloon portion and a second portion which extends through the sleeve portion for connection to a fluid source.
US08409104B2	Heart age assessment An automated method of determining a measure of a subject's heart age comprising the steps of: prompting a user for a plurality of inputs, each relating to an attribute of the subject, each attribute defining one or more of a demographic status of the subject, a lifestyle status of the subject, a physical condition of the subject and a medical history of the subject; receiving, from the user, a plurality of said inputs; determining from said received inputs, a set of parameters for which input data has been received as input from the user; selecting a heart age calculation algorithm from a predetermined set of heart age calculation algorithms according to said set of parameters; and calculating a heart age for the subject according to the selected algorithm; and providing as output said calculated heart age.
US08409102B2	Multi-focus ultrasound system and method A multi-focus probe that includes a motor communicatively coupled with a lead screw and configured to turn the lead screw about a lengthwise axis of the lead screw, wherein the lead screw includes a length having threads. The probe also includes a lead-screw nut positioned about the lead screw such that the lead-screw nut engages the threads and such that the lead-screw nut and the lead screw can move relative to one another via the threads, a transducer configured to move vertically with the lead screw, and an enclosure surrounding the transducer, wherein the enclosure includes a probe face configured to hold fluid and engage a wave emission target such that waves from the transducer can enter the target. Further, the probe includes a capture feature capable of engaging the lead-screw nut such that the lead-screw nut is vertically fixed relative to the probe face and such that the lead screw moves away from the probe face when rotating within the lead-screw nut in a first direction and moves toward the probe face when rotating within the lead-screw nut in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the lead-screw nut is engaged by the capture feature.
US08409100B2	Ultrasound treatment head for an apparatus for treating a patient with ultrasound An ultrasound treatment head for an apparatus for treating a patient with ultrasound comprises at least one active element for converting an electric signal into ultrasound and a vacuum cup having an upper part and a lower part. The active element is mounted in the upper part and the vacuum cup provides a vacuum chamber with a holding space for a gel pad. The upper part is adapted to act as a spring suspension for the active element to lower the active element into the lower part. The active element is provided with a positioning ring protruding with respect to the active element. This positioning ring determines the location of the gel pad within the holding space.
US08409098B2	Method and apparatus for collection of cardiac geometry based on optical or magnetic tracking A cardiac imaging system including an imaging module including an ultrasound emitter and one or more position markers. A tracking and control system may include a position sensing system for sensing a location and orientation of the position marker relative to a predetermined reference. The tracking and control system may be operable with the imaging module to produce at least a three dimensional image of a patient's anatomy. A method of cardiac imaging may include operatively attaching one or more position markers to an imaging module including an ultrasound emitter. The method may further include sensing a location and orientation of the position marker relative to a predetermined reference, and producing at least a three dimensional image of a patient's anatomy by evaluating one or more images obtained by the imaging module and aligning the image(s) obtained by the imaging module relative to the location and orientation of the position marker.
US08409097B2	Visual imaging system for ultrasonic probe A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.
US08409095B1	Systems and methods for hands free control of medical devices A medical device includes a control interface for operating the medical device in a hands-free mode. To control the medical device in a hands-free mode, the control interface includes multiple proximity sensors, each sensor associated with a level of adjustment. For example, a sensor located on a top portion of the medical device is used to increase the level of adjustment. And similarly, a sensor located on a bottom portion of the medical device is used to decrease the level of adjustment. The magnitude of the level of adjustment applied to a parameter of the medical device is controlled based at least in part on the length of time an object remains in proximity to a respective sensor. In one embodiment, the longer the object is held over a respective sensor the more adjustment the control interface will make to the parameter.
US08409092B2	Medical imaging system that redirects heat waste for patient pallet heating According to certain embodiments, a medical imaging system includes an imager, a patient pallet, and a heating subsystem. The imager obtains measurement data of a patient. Further, the imager includes at least one electrical component that generates heat. The patient pallet supports the patient to be scanned by the imager. Further, the heating subsystem heats the patient pallet using the heat generated by the at least one electrical component of the imager.
US08409091B2	Method of using a surgical tissue retractor A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.).
US08409089B2	Surgical retractor A surgical retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools.
US08409086B2	Surgical portal with rotating seal A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal housing, a portal sleeve, and a seal. The portal housing defines a central housing axis and a central housing channel. The portal sleeve extends from the portal housing and is dimensioned to pass through tissue to provide access to underlying tissue via a longitudinal opening. The central housing channel of the portal housing and the longitudinal opening of the portal sleeve define a passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object. The seal has inner surfaces defining a seal passage for establishing a general sealed relation about the surgical object. The seal passage is radially offset with respect to the central housing axis. The seal is adapted to rotate about the central housing axis to vary positioning of the seal passage to substantially maintain the substantial sealed relation upon manipulation of the surgical object within the portal housing.
US08409084B2	Surgical portal apparatus including gear and lockout assembly A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal, a seal, a plurality of restricting members, and a lockout assembly. The portal defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal opening. The seal is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the portal and defines a passage for reception of a surgical object. The plurality of restricting members are arranged about the longitudinal axis to define a passage therethrough and positioned to contact the surgical object. The restricting members have contacting segments adapted for radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis from a rest position to a displaced position. The lockout assembly includes a locking member disposed distal of the restricting members. The locking member is positioned to intersect the longitudinal opening and engage the surgical object. The locking member is operatively coupled with the restricting members to minimize offset manipulation of the surgical object.
US08409074B2	Sleeping state improvement system and sleeping state improvement method A sleeping state improvement system to improve a sleeping state of a user includes a memory device and a control device that comprises a specification unit and a control unit. The memory device can be carried by the user. The specification unit specifies individual attribute information of the user based on individual information. The individual information is information stored in the memory device. The control unit controls an environment during sleep of the user based on the individual attribute information.
US08409073B2	Incubator An incubator according to the present invention will be able to prevent accidents to the incubator itself or other devices, a doctor, a nurse or others causing external force even if the external force is applied to a canopy of a newborn chamber. An optical detector in a control mechanism detects application of external force to the canopy of the newborn chamber, and a signal output section in the control mechanism outputs a signal that renders a driving mechanism for lowering and raising the canopy non-operational when the application of external force is detected. Accordingly, even if external force is applied to the canopy by bump, contact, putting some object or others, the driving mechanism will not continue or start to lower or raise the canopy while the external force is applied to the canopy because the driving mechanism will be rendered non-operational.
US08409067B2	Leaflet production A leaflet is produced from a pre-printed sheet of material by folding the sheet with at least one crease-line along the line of advancement of the sheet but preferably with two or more such crease-lines so that the sheet is fan-folded. The crease-lines are squeezed by a roller nip and then the sheet is fed into a diametral slot in a mandrel of elliptical cross-section. The leading edge of the sheet is gripped within the slot and then the mandrel is rotated to wind the sheet around the outer surface thereof. The wound sheet is then removed from the mandrel and is squeezed through a roller nip so as to form a substantially flat folded leaflet. The leaflet may be converted to a booklet by joining together the overlying sheets along one folded edge of the compressed leaflet and slitting open the other folded edge of the compressed leaflet.
US08409063B2	Nip rollers with removable disks A nip roller is provided that includes a shaft, a first nip disk portion, a second nip disk portion and an attachment section for removably securing the first nip disk portion and the second nip disk portion to the shaft.
US08409060B2	Exercise bike for rehabilitation An exercise bike for rehabilitation includes a frame, on which a first exercise module designed for training hands, a second exercise module designed for training feet, and a damping device to provide the first and second exercise modules loadings are provided. The first and second exercise modules each has two opposite one-way clutches that user may use to independently train his/her hand or feet without interference.
US08409058B2	Varied gait exercise device with pivot bar transfer system An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having upper right and left leg links pivotally mounted to lower right and left leg links respectively. The upper leg links are pivotally coupled to the frame. A foot support is provided on the distal end of the lower leg links. The device includes first and second transfer systems for coordinating movement of the right and left sets of upper and lower leg links. The first transfer system is movably coupled to the frame and includes a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link, a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, and a pivot bar pivotally mounted to the frame between a first end and a second end thereof with the first end coupled to the first transfer member and the second end coupled to the second transfer member.
US08409054B2	Vehicle overspeed system implementing impeller clutch lockout An overspeed system for a vehicle is disclosed. The overspeed system may have a power source, a transmission unit, and a torque converter assembly operatively coupling the power source to the transmission unit. The overspeed system may also have a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a vehicle speed, and a controller in communication with the torque converter assembly and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to prevent a decoupling of the torque converter assembly in response to the signal.
US08409053B2	Transmission with selectable one-way clutch and dual-piston clutch A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.
US08409049B2	Gearbox for a wind energy plant A gearbox for a wind energy plant, with a satellite carrier, which is connected to a rotor shaft or a rotor hub at its input side and which is mounted via a bearing arranged in a gearbox housing, wherein the bearing is arranged in the gearbox housing at the output side of the satellite carrier, and a torque bearing is provided as the bearing for the satellite carrier.
US08409043B2	Lubricating device for a variable speed transmission The invention relates to a lubricating device for a variable speed transmission with an integrated interaxle differential for motor vehicles, on the shaft of the transmission there being at least one synchronizer clutch for shifting one or two lower (slower) gear ratios and the interaxle differential, and the synchronizer clutch and the interaxle differential being supplied with lubricating oil by way of a central longitudinal channel in the shaft and by way of radial channels and/or radial gaps branching off from it. For improved adaptation of the lubricating oil supply in defined driving states of the motor vehicle, there are means which are integrated into the longitudinal channel and which change the lubricating oil supply to the synchronizer clutch and the interaxle differential as a function of the driving speed.
US08409037B2	Training instrument for sports A training instrument includes a rigid pipe being provided with engaging striae extending in an axial direction, and having a predetermined inner diameter, leaf-shaped wings each of which is provided with a projection of a cross-sectional shape in accordance with each of the engaging striae, a shaft having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the pipe and being inserted in the pipe, a stopper being attached to an end of the shaft, and a grip being attached to the shaft.
US08409034B2	Golf ball A golf ball 2 includes a center 12, a mid layer 14, a reinforcing layer 6, a cover 8 and a paint layer 10. The golf ball 2 has a large number of dimples 16 on the surface thereof. The cover 8 is formed of a resin composition including thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B). The polyisocyanate mixture (B) includes a urethane prepolymer (B1) having two or more isocyanate groups or an isocyanate compound (B2) having three or more isocyanate groups. The polyisocyanate composition (B) further includes a thermoplastic resin (B3) which substantially does not react with an isocyanate goup. The golf ball 2 is obtained by a mold having protrusions which projects from the equator of the mold. Each protrusion includes a part of a pimple.
US08409032B2	Golf club head with multi-material face A metal wood golf club with a striking face portion made from more than one material is disclosed. More specifically, due to the unique construction of the striking face portion having multiple materials, the present invention utilizes diffusion bonding, liquid interface diffusion, or even super plastic forming techniques to achieve the desirable bond between the more than one material used to form the striking face. The striking face portion is formed by adding a chip insert made from a secondary material that is different from the remainder of the striking face portion substantially near a geometric center of the striking face portion; wherein the secondary material has a higher Young's modulus than the remainder of the striking face portion.
US08409031B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads with adjustable center of gravity and moment of inertia characteristics Golf clubs, club heads, and club weighting systems may include: (a) a club head body member; and (b) one or more weight members removably and/or movably engaged with the club head body member so as to move between a first position and a second position to change an overall exterior shape of the club head. This shape change may result in changes to the overall center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Alternatively or additionally, the weight member(s) may be removed from the club head body member, reoriented, and/or replaced with a different weight member, e.g., to change the overall exterior shape, center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Methods of making and using these clubs, club heads, and weighting systems also are described.
US08409030B2	Golf club head having ribs Described herein are embodiments of a golf club head having at least one rib with an external portion. For example, according to one embodiment, a wood-type golf club head includes a body that has at least one wall defining an interior cavity. The golf club head further includes at least one rib projecting from the at least one wall. The at least one rib can include an internal portion located within the interior cavity and an external portion located without the interior cavity.
US08409029B2	Golf club set Groove depths D1 of clubs are defined as D1(1), D1(2), . . . , D1(n) in an order from the club having the smallest real loft angle L1, and groove widths W1 of face lines of the clubs measured by the 30 degree method of measurement are defined as W1(1), W1(2), . . . , W1(n) in an order from the club having the smallest real loft angle L1. At this time, a golf club set satisfies D1(1)≦D1(2)≦ . . . ≦D1(n). A ratio [D1(m)/D1(m−1)] of the groove depths D1 between two golf clubs with adjacent club numbers is 1.0 or greater and 3.0 or less. The golf club set satisfies W1(1)≦W1(2)≦ . . . ≦W1(n). A ratio [W1(m)/W1(m−1)] of the groove widths W1 between two golf clubs with adjacent club numbers is 1.0 or greater and 3.0 or less.
US08409027B1	Method for a player to play golf and system therefor A system and method for a player to play golf includes a member having a surface. A colored area is disposed on the surface of the member, the colored area is yellow which when stared at will produce a violet afterimage. Prior to hitting a golf ball, the player stares at the colored area for a few seconds, closes his/her eyes and sees the violet afterimage, then opens his/her eyes. The player then hits the golf ball.
US08409025B2	System for determining performance characteristics of a golf swing An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.
US08409018B2	Game controller and method for harvesting user energy expended while playing a game A game controller, a game machine, and a game system using the game controller is provided. The game controller manipulates a game program, and includes an energy harvesting unit to harvest motion of a user as energy when a game is played and an energy storing unit to store the energy harvested by using the energy harvesting unit.
US08409017B2	Program, and mobile communication terminal A branching tree program replays audio data, and thereafter, when the user performs a selection of alternatives, the branching tree program replays audio data in the branching tree which is the target of selection. The branching tree program progresses a game by repeating this type of selection and replaying. If the end of the branching tree is reached, or if the next item of audio data is not stored upon the portable telephone, then the required data or program is downloaded from a server device 50, and the game is continued. Accordingly, along with it being possible to progress the story of the game by simple actuation, also it is possible to economize upon the storage space, and moreover it is possible to utilize story data without changing the program. As a result, along with it being possible to progress the story of the game by simple actuation, also it is possible to economize upon the storage space, and moreover it is possible to utilize story data without changing the program.
US08409015B2	Video games with revenue participation According to an embodiment, a video game permits revenue sharing by players of the video game and other entities. For example, players can buy and sell whole or fractional portions of the revenue sources derived from a particular game environment. The ownership may be represented as stock or as some other allocations mechanism.
US08409011B2	System and method of conducting simulated combat The present invention is a system and method of simulated combat which can be incorporated in an online multiplayer game. The game, which can be played using multiple human players competing against each other or playing against a computer, begins with a randomly chosen player going first. The randomly chosen player makes one of four moves: Slash, Feint, Adjust, or Thrust. If the player chooses to Slash, Feint, or Adjust, the turn ends and the opposing player has the same four options. If the player chooses to Thrust, the opponent is then given two different options instead: Riposte or Dodge. Once the opponent chooses Riposte or Dodge, he is then allowed to move again. Players have two statuses that change during the game: Energy (which is preferably visible to other players) and Balance (which is preferably hidden from other players).
US08409008B2	Game server, bystander evaluating method, information recording medium, and program A game management unit (20) manages a match-up game which progresses based on a move transmitted from a terminal of a player. At this time, moves are successively added as game record information in a history storing unit (206). When an expected move is transmitted from a terminal of a spectator before a move by the player is received, an expected move management unit (207) stores the expected move in an expected move storing unit (208). The expected move is stored in association with an actual move stored in the history storing unit (206). A spectator evaluation unit (209) compares each expected move stored in the expected move storing unit (208) with a corresponding move stored in the history storing unit (206) at a predetermined timing (e.g., at the time of resignation), and comprehensively evaluates the expected move of each spectator.
US08408999B2	Game apparatus, game processing method, and information recording medium A game apparatus displaying on a screen moves to be made by the player in time with reproduction of a piece of music is provided. In the game apparatus, a reproduction part reproduces music stored in a storage. The music to be reproduced is divided into multiple segments of the same length of time and an image is associated with each of the multiple segments, presenting moves to be made by the player while that segment is reproduced. Multiple regions are provided on the screen. The display part displays an image stored in the storage and associated with a segment i+j−1 among the multiple segments in a region j among the multiple regions on the screen while a segment i among the multiple segments is reproduced by the reproduction part.
US08408998B2	Transmissive LCD display system for gaming machine An embodiment of a gaming machine has a primary game display operable to display the outcome of a game, and a secondary display overlaying the primary game display. The secondary display may have a stand alone transmissive LCD display and at least one backlight assembly, the backlight assembly spaced apart from the transmissive LCD display and located between the transmissive LCD display and the primary game display. With the backlight assembly spaced apart from the transmissive LCD display, the backlight assembly may be removed from or inserted into the gaming machine. This permits different games to be installed in the gaming machine during manufacture or as a retrofit.
US08408997B2	Video game with fast forward and slow motion features Changing a game progress by the operation of a player. A plurality of frame images are sequentially formed and displayed. The frame images are displayed by switching the frame images from a frame buffer. When the frame images are individually formed, the formation time periods of the plurality of frame images are predicted. The game progress made by the frame images is determined in dependence upon the predicted formation time periods of the frame images.
US08408996B2	Gaming device having changed or generated player stimuli A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached.
US08408987B2	Gaming device having transformable wild symbols or cards with wild signal indicators A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.
US08408974B2	Adapter for abrasive cutting wheels An abrasive disc assembly for a tool having an externally threaded, motor-driven spindle. The assembly includes an abrasive disc having a central bore formed therethrough and a male portion having an internally-threaded hub portion and a flange portion. The outer dimension of the hub portion is sized to be received within the central bore and the internally-threaded hub portion is enmeshingly engagable with the externally threaded, motor-driven spindle. The assembly further comprises an articulating locking finger extending from the male portion and having a retaining surface. The articulating locking finger is deflectable between a locked position and a deflected position. Finally, the assembly includes a female portion having a central cavity and an engagement surface. The central cavity receives the hub portion of the male portion such that the retaining surface of the articulating locking finger engages the engagement surface thereby releasably coupling the male portion to the female portion and retaining the abrasive disc therebetween.
US08408968B2	Devices, systems, and methods for recovery and recycling of carpet components Devices, systems and methods for the recycling and recovery of carpet are disclosed herein. Devices, systems and methods for disassembling carpet into the various components used for carpet construction by abrasive removal and separation of components are also disclosed herein.
US08408964B1	Girth reducing device The invention includes a girth reducing device including a connector, an extension affixed to the connector and fasteners affixed to the extension. The connector may connect to a back band of a bra assembly and the fasteners affixed to the extension may connect to another back band of the bra assembly. The connections may be made in a manner that allows for a reduced girth of the bra from a smallest girth possible utilizing existing coupling systems of the bra.
US08408961B2	Method for producing a molybdenum film for the construction of a lamp and molybdenum film and lamp with molybdenum film A method for producing a molybdenum film for lamp construction is provided. The method may include roughening at least a part of the surface of the molybdenum film by sandblasting with a sandblasting means, wherein the sandblasting means contains at least one of aluminum oxide and quartz sand as well as at least one further component.
US08408946B1	Low inductance contact with conductively coupled pin A low inductance contact comprises a coil spring and a conductively coupled pin. The pin has coupling surfaces which enable the coil spring to be attached to the pin in a manner that prevents rotation of the spring's ends. The spring provides an axial pin bias to contact tips, and a torsional bias for conductive coupling between the spring and the pin. The torsional bias is generated by an axial displacement of the spring and by twisting the spring a predetermined angle prior to attachment to the pin. A torsion-induced contact between the pin and the spring enables a conductive path through the pin, while bypassing the coils of the spring. The torsional bias further enables a positive attachment of the spring to the pin. Pins can be fabricated from a drawn profiled stock by stamping or machining. Essential pin coupling features can be prefabricated in a drawn profiled stock.
US08408944B1	Scalable connection system for parallel wiring circuits A high voltage connector system includes a first header for connection to a first electronic device, a first connector that connects to the first header, a second header that connects to a second electronic device, a second connector that connects to the second header, and a plurality of wires connecting the first connector and the second connector. The first header includes a first plurality of header terminals that are electrically connected together such that a high voltage electric current is divided into a plurality of sub-currents. The second header has a second plurality of header terminals that are electrically connected together such that the plurality of sub-currents are joined together to reform the first high voltage electric current.
US08408942B1	Shielding shell of a connector A shielding shell includes a front shell curved from a metal plate and having a base board and two side boards, and a rear shell having a base plate of which a front edge is connected with a rear edge of the base board. Two side plates extend downward from two opposite side edges of the base plate and each is connected with a rear edge of the side board of the front shell by virtue of a strengthening structure. The strengthening structure includes a first strengthening arm extending towards the corresponding side plate from a rear edge of the side board, and a second strengthening arm extending towards the corresponding side board from a front edge of the side plate to be buckled with the first strengthening arm so as to secure the side plate and the corresponding side board together.
US08408932B2	Connector with locking mechanisms A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.
US08408931B2	Electrical connector Provided is a technique of reducing a force required to couple a receptacle connector and a plug connector. A receptacle assistant fitting of the receptacle connector includes a cantilevered lock beam having a deflection part extending in a direction substantially parallel to a connector mounting surface of a receptacle side substrate and in the outside of a receptacle housing. A plug assistant fitting of the plug connector includes an engagement part that pushes aside the free end of the lock beam and rides over the free end of the lock beam so as to be engaged with the free end of the lock beam when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are coupled to each other.
US08408928B2	Connector and display apparatus having the same A connector is used to transmit a signal from a flexible board to an external device. The connector includes an actuator, a supporter, contact terminals, and an outer cover. The actuator includes a body having a slit opened to a front surface and extended in a longitudinal direction of the slit, and a pivot positioned at opposing longitudinal ends of the body. The slit receives the flexible board inserted from the front surface direction. The actuator is rotated with reference to the pivot. The supporter extends in the longitudinal direction and is adjacent to the front surface of the actuator. The contact terminals extend through the supporter and the body, and protrude into the slit. The actuator receives the flexible board when at a first position, and each contact terminal makes contact with the flexible board when the actuator is at a second position different from the first position.
US08408923B2	Dielectric part and an electrical connector assembly incorporating the same A dielectric part is used with an electrical connector housing and a matable connector piece such as a printed circuit board. The electrical connector housing has a plurality of terminal pins secured therein with terminal pin portions extending from the electrical connector housing. The dielectric part includes a box-shaped dielectric part body that is fabricated from a stiff yet resilient dielectric material and has a plurality of dielectric part body holes sized and arranged to slidably receive the terminal pin portions. When the electrical connector housing and the matable connector piece are releasably connected together, the dielectric part body is disposed between the electrical connector housing and the matable connector piece and the terminal pin portions are slidably received in the plurality of dielectric part body holes thereby being enveloped by the dielectric part body to isolate the terminal pin portions from one another. An electrical assembly is also described.
US08408919B2	Simulation device for tracking the respective motions of at least two instruments A simulation device is disclosed for practicing manipulations of at least one elongated medical instrument, comprising a housing presenting at least one instrument input and enclosing a first motion sensor for tracking the motions of a first elongated medical instrument inserted therein. The housing encloses a bifurcating device having one input connected to the instrument input as well as at least a first and a second outputs. The bifurcating device further comprises a deflecting mechanism for guiding the first and a second elongated medical instruments from its input, respectively, through the first and second outputs, the first output being connected to the first motion sensor while the second output is connected to a second motion sensor for tracking the motions of the second elongated medical instrument. Thus, the operator's feelings are very close from those of a real medical intervention, the respective behaviour of the instruments being substantially identical.
US08408918B2	Method and apparatus for haptic simulation A haptic simulation method determines a location of a needle assembly within a magneto-rheological fluid. The needle assembly within the magneto-rheological fluid is associated with a desired resistance value. A viscosity control signal representative of the desired resistance value is generated. The viscosity control signal is applied to a viscosity control device to vary a viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to achieve the desired resistance value.
US08408917B2	Forcible entry training door system The present invention relates generally to apparatus for training the art of forcible door entry for emergency personnel such as firefighters and, in particular, a reusable forcible entry door training prop adapted to simulate a locked door and allow individuals to conduct training in forcible entry techniques for different door types and mounting configurations (e.g., opening inward or outward, left hand opening or right hand opening, steel jam or wood jams).
US08408916B2	Short-vowel intrinsic-sound learning system A system for teaching plural, different, short-vowel sounds, in their intrinsic forms, in the context of associated short-vowel-sound words. The system incorporates, for each such sound, an associated pair of relatively rotatable, foreground and background word-fragment carriers—the former in each pair carrying but a single, first-category, readable, word-ending word fragment having within it the vowel whose sound is associated with the carrier pair, and the latter in each pair carrying a plurality of second-category, readable, word-beginning word fragments, each dedicated to working in teaching cooperation with the single word fragment carried on the associated foreground carrier to combine readably with that first-category word fragment to form a complete, short-vowel-sound word which is correctly pronounceable utilizing the associated short-vowel sound. All word-beginning word fragments end with the same, common consonant.
US08408913B2	System, method, computer program and data set which are intended to facilitate language learning by means of sound identification The invention is intended to facilitate language learning by improving sound identification and perception. It is well known that foreign language students in particular have great difficulty in mastering the sounds of the foreign language being learned. Among other possible causes, this is due to interferences that occur between the written form of the target language and the sounds that the students associates mentally with used in the written form. In the case of foreign language learning, the aforementioned association comes fundamentally from the native language of the learner. The invention relates to a training method for learning languages involving the use of graphic entities which enable the sounds of the target language to be manipulated without creating interferences between the writ en and spoken form.
US08408907B2	Automated improvised explosive device training system A system and method for an automated improvised explosive device training is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system utilizes an IED mock-up that embeds a processor and wireless modem. A separate processor and wireless modem is embedded in a trainee unit. A wireless network interface is provided, allowing for communication between the IED and trainee processors. Upon a simulated detonation, the IED processor queries each trainee unit for their current position using a wireless local area network message. The IED processor is configured to determine distance differentiation and casualty assessment data based on received signal strength of exchanged wireless messages or GPS coordinates. The trainee processor is configured to automatically signal casualty status to the trainee based on casualty assessment data.
US08408901B2	Variable land, multiple height flute contour design for endodontic files A tapered endodontic rotary file for shaping or cleaning a root canal in a tooth has one or more flutes spiraling along the length of the file. The diameters of the one or more flutes tapers in a non-uniform manner from a first diameter in a shank portion of the file to a smaller diameter in a tip portion of the file such that at least one flute region intermediate the shank portion and the tip portion has a diameter less than a straight line taper from the shank portion to the tip portion. The flutes can also be landed and the width of the lands can be varied along the length of the file. In particular, the width of the lands in the intermediate region are wider than the width in the tip or shank portion.
US08408899B1	Dental delivery systems, related components and methods Described herein are various embodiments of a dental delivery system. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a rear dental delivery system through which at least one of water, air and vacuum are delivered for use by a care giver in treating a patient occupying a nearby dental chair can include at least one movable arm that is pivotably mounted to a pivot connection and an upright mounted to the at least one movable arm. The pivot connection can be mounted at approximately a floor level and the at least one movable arm can be configured to pivot slightly above the floor level so as to reduce obstruction in a space separating the dental chair from the dental delivery system.
US08408894B2	Concrete block machine having a controllable cutoff bar An automated concrete block machine including a mold cavity, a feedbox driven between retracted and extended positions and depositing concrete in the mold cavity when at the extended position, a cutoff bar, and a drive system coupled to and driving the cutoff bar in a direction of movement of the feedbox such that a distance between at least a portion of the cutoff bar and a top of the mold varies so that the cutoff bar removes varying amounts of concrete deposited in the mold cavity so that a depth of concrete remaining in at least a portion of the mold cavity varies so as to be unevenly distributed in a desired fashion in the direction of movement of the feedbox.
US08408893B2	Rapid changeover mechanism for bottom portions An apparatus for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers may include at least one blow molding station having a cavity. Within the cavity, the plastic preforms may be expanded into plastic containers. The blowing station has a bottom portion which delimits the cavity. The bottom portion is detachably disposed on a carrier by a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism has at least one pin-like body disposed on a first fastening element. The pin-like body engages in a condition in which the bottom portion is fastened to the carrier in a groove which is provided in a second fastening element. The pin-like body is displaceable relative to the carrier in the groove for fastening the bottom portion, and the groove is designed in such a way that an end section of the pin-like body may pass through the groove in a first section of the groove and cannot pass through the groove in a second section of the groove.
US08408889B2	Device for meltblowing A device for meltblowing of synthetic fibers utilizes an elongated spinneret packet that is held at the bottom side of the spinneret carrier. In order to supply process air the two elongated air tubes extend at the opposite longitudinal sides of the spinneret carrier, which are connected to an air distribution device having an air channel system in the spinneret carrier. In order to avoid thermal stress in the expansion joints between the air distribution device and the spinneret carrier as much as possible, the air distribution devices are embodied by means of multiple distribution segments having an expansion joint between adjacent distribution segments.
US08408886B2	High pressure plunger pump High pressure plunger pump, comprising at least two in-line cylinders as seat for respective plungers, where each cylinder is connected via respective conduits and relative valves to an intake manifold and to a delivery manifold, the cylinders are provided within a single block together with the conduits and the manifold; the intake manifold is positioned in front of the line of cylinders and is in direct communication with the cylinders via a conduit connected to a dead compartment provided as an extension of the respective cylinder and in which the intake valve is located; the intake valve is retained in position by the actual valve seat sealing gaskets or by an elastic plate.
US08408884B2	Fan and airflow guiding structure thereof A fan includes an airflow guiding structure, an impeller and a guiding ring. The outer radius of the airflow guiding structure increases gradually from the top of the airflow guiding structure to the bottom of the airflow guiding structure. The airflow guiding structure includes a plurality of fins and a first space for accommodating a circuit device. The impeller is disposed on the airflow guiding structure and has a hub and several blades. The guiding ring connects to the airflow guiding structure via at least one connecting element. A predetermined distance is arranged between the inner surface of the guiding ring and the outer edges of the blades. An inlet is formed at the top of the guiding ring, and an outlet is formed between the bottom of the guiding ring and the outer surface of a sidewall of the airflow guiding structure. When the impeller rotates, the airflow enters the fan from the inlet and flows along the outer surface of the sidewall of the airflow guiding structure, then the airflow exits the fan through the outlet. The direction of the airflow passing through the outlet is different from the direction of the airflow passing through the inlet.
US08408880B2	Jet suction pump A jet suction pump (9) has a pump fluid nozzle (13) with a round nozzle opening, a mixing tube (14), a suction opening, a suction line (12) arranged thereon and a canister (8), in which at least a part of the mixing tube (14) is arranged. The base (16) of the canister (8) has a non-planar embodiment (17-19).
US08408871B2	Method and apparatus for measuring air flow condition at a wind turbine blade A method and an apparatus for measuring an air flow at an airfoil surface are provided, wherein at least one pressure sensor adapted to detect an air flow associated with a rotor blade surface and a pressure transducer which converts the detected air flow into an electrical signal indicating the air flow are provided. The pressure sensor is arranged within the boundary layer of the air flow at the airfoil surface such that the boundary layer profile may be determined from the electrical signal. The air flow sensor is adapted for rotor blades of a wind turbine to assist in adjusting a pitch angle of the rotor blades.
US08408869B2	Fan assembly A pedestal for a fan assembly includes a telescopic duct for conveying an air flow to an outlet of the fan assembly. The duct includes an outer tubular member having a first stop member, an inner tubular member located at least partially within and slidable relative to the outer tubular member, the inner tubular member having a second stop member for engaging the first stop member to inhibit withdrawal of the inner tubular member from the outer tubular member, and a mainspring rotatably mounted on the second stop member, the mainspring having a free end retained by the first stop member.
US08408868B2	Methods, systems and/or apparatus relating to inducers for turbine engines An inducer that includes a profiled throat. In some embodiments, the inducer includes a conical shape upstream of the profiled throat with a relatively large circular inlet that narrows to the profiled throat and, downstream of the profiled throat, a downstream section that broadens from the profiled throat. The profiled throat may include an approximate convergent-divergent nozzle geometry.
US08408861B2	Cargo container handling system and associated method A system and method for cargo handling is provided. The system includes a transport vehicle including a cargo bay capable of housing a plurality of cargo containers, and a loading dock for coupling to the cargo bay. The system also includes at least one railcar and pylons positioned along a floor of the cargo bay. A predetermined number of pylons are operable to elevate and lower a cargo container within the cargo bay. The present invention also provides a railcar for transporting cargo containers, as well as an apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle. The present invention also provides a system for aligning a loading dock and a transport vehicle that includes a mechanism for adjusting the height of the transport vehicle or loading dock, or a plurality of engagement members that are capable of aligning the loading dock and transport vehicle.
US08408860B2	Method and apparatus for orientating a solid growth culture medium plate An apparatus for orientating a solid growth culture medium plate from an original orientation to a worked orientation, the plate having a lid and a bottom, the apparatus including an orientation mechanism that includes opposed jaws able to receive and hold a plate therebetween in a held position that defines a notional tube above and below the plate, the orientation mechanism being mounted on a jaw support member such that the jaw support member is rotatable such that at least the plate bottom rotates about a generally horizontal axis that intersects the notional tube to orientate at least the plate bottom from the original orientation to the worked orientation.
US08408856B2	Self-drilling fastener A fastener mountable to a rigid substrate such as a fiber cement panel and also mountable to the panel and an underlying support, such as a metal or wooden stud. The fastener may include a drilling portion having a reaming portion for reaming out the material within the panel, a fastening portion for engaging the panel and, if encountered, the underlying support, and a tapered portion between the drilling and fastening portions. The drilling portion may have a length generally equal to, or slightly longer than, a length of the panel so that reaming out of the panel may be completed before engagement of the fastener threads with the interior of the panel begins.
US08408855B2	Screw A screw, in particular a self-tapping screw, has a screw thread which covers up to the front end of the screw formed as a drilling tip or cutting tip. In the front area, starting with a distance from the front end of the screw, there is an opposite thread showing the same pitch as the screw thread, however, its thread height is lower than the thread height of the screw thread. This second, opposite single-thread, double-thread or triple-thread/multi-thread forms a cutting edge with its thread edge which is used to cut fibers in order to reduce wedge effect during screwing in the screw. The screw is particularly suitable for wood or wood-like materials in the edge areas of structural elements.
US08408853B2	Track system A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a handle operating on the retainer, the handle being moveable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning cutout of the track.
US08408852B1	Cargo restraint system with enhanced reinforcement content A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of ends of filaments each filament comprises a plurality of one or more monofilament strands wherein the layer of reinforcement material has a break strength of between approximately three million two hundred forty three thousand one hundred and sixty nine grams and two million four hundred ninety four thousand seven hundred forty five grams.
US08408850B2	Twist drill with negative axial rake transition between the lip and the secondary cutting edge A drill for making a hole within a workpiece has a body extending along a longitudinal axis, at least one flute extending along the body, and a drill point extending from the end of the body. The drill point has a periphery and is comprised of a chisel edge, a primary cutting edge extending inwardly from the periphery, a secondary cutting edge extending outwardly from the chisel edge, and a tertiary cutting edge connecting the primary cutting edge with the secondary cutting edge, wherein the tertiary cutting edge has a negative axial rake angle. A method for producing such a drill point is also disclosed wherein in one grinding pass a gash forms the axial rake angle of the secondary cutting edge, and in a separate grinding pass a portion of the secondary cutting edge is removed to produce a tertiary cutting edge having an axial rake angle that is negative.
US08408847B2	Cutting insert and cutting tool The present invention relates to cutting tools and, more particularly, to cutting tools using clampable cutting inserts. The cutting tool includes a toolholder including at least one insert-receiving pocket, the insert-receiving pocket including at least one side abutment surface. The cutting tool further includes a cutting insert comprising an insert body having at least one insert supporting surface and a clamping hole including a clamping surface defining at least part of a non-circular, substantially elliptical cone. The cutting tool further includes a clamp having a clamp surface adapted to contact the clamping surface at two contact points such that the at least one side abutment surface and the at least one insert supporting surface are secured in a contacting relationship.
US08408841B2	Flow resistance modifier apparatuses and methods for moving fluids Provided is a novel flow control system that includes multiple modifier columns for positioning across a waterway. Bottom ends of the columns are attached to a bottom track extension, for example, at the bottom of the waterway. The columns are sufficiently light so that the buoyancy force pushes their top ends towards the surface forming a “curtain-like” structure that provides resistance to the water flow. Spacing between the columns and other characteristics may be used to adjust this resistance. The columns may be repositioned along the track to change the spacing and/or to form an open pass. The columns are sufficiently robust and may swivel with respect to their bottom support such that their upper portions contact passing vessels. The system may be used to control flow through energy extracting devices or be a part of flood control systems.
US08408840B2	Aerobic irrigation controller An apparatus, method, and system for supplementing an aerobic-treated supply of water in an aerobic sewer pump tank using water from a separate source, the apparatus including an electronic controller device to control the occurrence of injection of water from a separate source at a first predetermined time and for a predetermined length of time. A valve member is in electrical controlling communication with the electronic controller device. An inlet connection member is disposed on one end of the control valve. A conduit member has one end disposed on the other opening end of the control valve. The conduit member further includes a flow redirection member. The flow redirection member injects the separate source water into the receiving orifice of a normally closed trap sealer. The trap sealer deposits the separate source water into the pump tank. A housing member positions the conduit member and the trap sealer. The trap sealer and conduit member are positioned and arranged to prevent liquid flow from the trap sealer to the conduit member. An overflow sensor is arranged and configured to be capable of preventing actuation of the control valve into an open state if the pump tank is filled to a predetermined level.
US08408838B2	Milling machine with cutter drum speed control A milling machine includes a main frame, a rotatable cutter drum coupled with the frame, and an engine mounted to the frame and operatively connected with the drum, and crawler assemblies connected with the frame and including a hydraulic motor. A pump is disposed on the frame for driving the crawler motor and is adjustable to vary a speed of the motor. A regulator adjusts cutter drum speed, a speed selector generates an input corresponding to a desired drum speed, and a sensor senses a drum speed. A control receives input from the selector and the sensor and operates the regulator such that drum speed corresponds to the desired speed. Further, the control also compares sensed drum speed with desired drum speed and adjusts the pump to reduce crawler motor speed when the sensed drum speed has a value lesser than a predetermined portion of the desired drum speed.
US08408837B2	Collets for use with valves Collets for coupling rotary actuators to valves are disclosed. An example collet includes a first plurality of flexible members configured to be coupled to an elongated member and each having a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first inner surface and the first outer surface define a first cross-sectional shape. The example collet further includes a second plurality of flexible members configured to be coupled to the elongated member and each having a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second inner surface and the second outer surface define a second cross-sectional shape that is different from the first cross-sectional shape of the first plurality of flexible members. The first and the second outer surfaces are to engage a third inner surface of an opening of a lever that is configured to cause the first and the second plurality of flexible members to be displaced toward an axis of the elongated member to cause the first and the second inner surfaces to engage one or more surfaces of the rectangular shaft.
US08408834B2	Paint applicator capable of controlling amount of paint released A paint applicator is provided with a handle formed with a paint-entry passage, a first housing half connected to the handle, a second housing half jointed to the first housing half and formed with a plurality of paint exit holes, a non-permeable resilient body disposed on the second housing half and formed with a plurality of apertures, a permeable foamed body, and a brush layer. The apertures are closed in normal conditions and will be opened under pressure. Paint is accumulated in a paint chamber between the first and second housing halves, and then will flow out only when the paint pressure is greater than a deformation threshold value of the non-permeable resilient body. Furthermore, since the apertures are very small and can be evenly and densely distributed over the resilient body, paint will be evenly permeated to the permeable foamed body and the brush layer.
US08408833B2	Brush, in particular toothbrush, and associated production method A brush, in particular a toothbrush, including a head part with a cleaning structure with bristles, a handle part and a neck part, a cavity with at least one outlet opening for an active substance being located in the head or neck part. In one embodiment, the cavity incorporates an active substance element, which contains the active substance in a carrier material and releases the substance in a controlled manner when it comes into contact with water. The cavity may be adapted to the shape of an active substance element by means of defined external contours. The volume of the cavity is preferably 1-2 times and no more than 4 times greater than the volume of the active substance element, ensuring that the latter is preferably surrounded by water during use. This allows the active substance to be effectively metered and ensures the brush is easy to use.
US08408832B2	Adjustable length pen holder A pen holder includes an upper housing for receiving and holding an upper end of a writing implement and a lower housing adapted to receive the writing end of the writing implement. The lower housing has a hole at its lower end that is sized to allow the writing tip of the writing implement to pass through, and the lower housing being removably coupled to the upper housing to form a chamber that at least partially encloses the writing implement. The length of the chamber, or the longitudinal position of the writing implement within the chamber, is variable to accommodate writing implements of different lengths.
US08408831B2	Writing instrument casing and methods of use Various systems and methods are provided for adorning various writing instruments. A casing removably receives the writing instrument such that at least the writing tip extends outwardly from a grip portion of the casing. A cap is provided for removably engaging the grip portion to fully enclose the writing instrument. An opening from which the writing tip is disposed is sized to accommodate various writing instruments. A biasing member within the barrel of the casing is provided to accommodate writing instruments of various lengths. An intercap seal within the cap of the casing enables an original cap to the writing instrument to not be used for protecting the writing tip and preventing the writing instrument from drying out.
US08408829B2	Recording apparatus having an adjustable restraining member A recording apparatus includes a platen that guides a sheet, restraining members disposed on the platen at respective side edges of the sheet to restrain the side edges of the sheet from being raised, a sheet width detector that detects the width of the sheet, and a restraining member detector that detects the positions of the restraining members. At least one of the restraining members is moved in accordance with the information obtained by the sheet width detector regarding the positions of the side edges of the sheet and the information obtained by the restraining position detector regarding the positions of the restraining members.
US08408823B2	Focal-plane shutter for digital camera When photographing using an optical finer, a hold member rotates, and a pressing member pushes a pushed portion of an iron piece member to rotate an unlocking member for a first blade and an unlocking member for a second blade to bring the iron piece member into contact with an iron core member of an electromagnet. When photographing using an electronic finder, a permanent magnet rotor of an electromagnetic device is rotated in a state where the electromagnet is not magnetized, a deterring member is made to face the operation locus of a deterred portion of the unlocking member for a second blade, and then, the hold member is rotated. Thereby, the unlocking member for a second blade is deterred by the deterring member so as to allow observation using the electronic finder without pushing the locking member for a second blade.
US08408818B2	Method for manufacturing protection sleeves A protection sleeve includes a heat shrinkable tube and an adhesive tube and a reinforcing rod housed inside the heat shrinkable tube. The heat shrinkable tube, the adhesive tube, and the reinforcing rod are adhered together in a section spanning across a lengthwise section of the heat shrinkable tube. A protection sleeve manufacturing apparatus includes a jig for securing protection sleeves and a heating device. The jig is contrived to hold a plurality of protection sleeves (each including a heat shrinkable tube, an adhesive tube and a reinforcing rod housed inside the heat shrinkable tube) in a parallel arrangement with spaces in-between. The heating device includes a plurality of hot air vents, means for setting a first distance between the jig and the hot air vents, and means for setting the jig and the hot air vents to a second distance that is closer than the first distance.
US08408816B2	Optical connector An optical connector, assembled to a front end of an optical fiber and attached to an optical component that is provided with an optical element having an optical axis different from that of the optical fiber, includes a main body having a connection end surface, and a reflective portion changing an angle of an optical path. At least one of a fitting protruding portion and a fitting recessed portion are provided so as to be capable of positioning the optical connector to the optical component by respectively fitting a fitted protruding portion and a fitted recessed portion provided on the optical component in each of a first region on the front end side and a second region on the opposite side thereto with the optical path interposed therebetween.
US08408814B2	Optical connector An optical connector of the present invention includes a ferrule to which an internal optical fiber is embedded and an end face grinding is performed; and a connection mechanism which extends to an opposite side of a connection end face of the ferrule, wherein the optical connector butt connects the internal optical fiber and an insert optical fiber which is inserted from outside within a positioning groove provided at the connection mechanism; and a back end side of an end face of the internal optical fiber which butts to the insert optical fiber is made a beveled end face by cutting process.
US08408812B2	Optical fiber connector with rotatable cover and optical fiber connector assembly having same An optical fiber connector includes a casing, an optical fiber coupler, and at least one cover. The casing has a receiving space therein and an opening communicating with the receiving space. The optical fiber coupler is accommodated in the receiving space. The optical fiber coupler includes a plurality of lenses and an engaging part. The lenses and the engaging part face the opening. The at least one cover is rotatably coupled to the casing. The at least one cover is rotatable between a first position where the cover substantially covers the opening and seals the optical fiber coupler in the casing and a second position where the optical fiber coupler exposes through the opening.
US08408804B2	Crankshaft bearing assembly A crankshaft bearing assembly is for a reciprocating fluid-machine. The crankshaft bearing assembly comprises a shaft having a co-rotating first eccentric surrounded by a second eccentric. The second eccentric is adjustable around the first eccentric, and the second eccentric is surrounded by a bearing and a crankshaft bearing housing. The second eccentric is connected, by means of a coupling, to a shaft sleeve concentrically rotatable around the shaft. The coupling comprises a carrier which co-rotates with the shaft sleeve. The carrier, at a radial distance from the center axis of the shaft, is provided with a slide bolt projecting into a groove in a slide casing, the slide casing being fixedly connected to the second eccentric.
US08408796B1	Rolling element retainer belt and linear motion guide apparatus A distortable rolling element retainer belt and a linear motion guide apparatus include a flat belt with holes defined therein and a separating portion is located between the adjacent holes. An upper spacer and a lower spacer are connected to each separating portion and a recess is defined between each separating portion and the upper spacer as well as between each separating portion and the lower spacer. The two recesses are located at different sides of the upper and the lower spacers so that the spacers on the rolling element retainer belt can be distorted to overcome the resistance from bending when the rolling elements traveling in a circulating passage which is not perpendicular to the surface of the rolling element retainer belt.
US08408792B2	Package integrity indicating closure A resealable closure for a container in which package integrity is indicated by a structure which breaks and/or produces an audible sound when the resealable closure is opened for a first time. The package integrity feature, in one form includes at least one strip initially affixed to two portions which comprise the resealable closure so that upon opening the resealable closure for a first time, at least one of the strips breaks, thereby producing the audible sound. The strips may include a weakened portion such as a narrowing. Integrity of the package is indicated by an intact strip viewable upon opening the resealable closure and conversely, a broken or non-intact strip would indicate that the resealable closure has been previously opened. Package integrity may also be shown by a movable second panel or movable die cut tab portions.
US08408791B1	Storage bag An improved storage bag comprises a bag body that defines an opening at a top thereof and two folding lines respectively at two opposing sides thereof. The bag body is provided with two handles respectively at the two opposing sides above the folding lines, so that when the bag body is extended into shape, the handles can be folded relative to the bag body along the folding lines to be overlapped horizontally. The bag body is provided with at least one support bar at each of the two opposing sides. Each support bar extends from a bottom of the bag body to an underside of one of the handles. The support bars can engage with the underside of one of the handles to support the bag body in the extended shape, thereby preventing the bag body from a collapse when the storage bag is in use.
US08408788B2	X-ray image diagnostic apparatus and control method of X-ray image diagnostic apparatus An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus has an X-ray irradiating unit, a receiving unit, a supporting unit, a registering unit, a calculating unit and a presenting unit. The X-ray irradiating unit irradiates an X-ray. The receiving unit receives the X-ray. The supporting unit supports the X-ray irradiating unit and the receiving unit to be opposed to each other, and the supporting unit is movable in a room. The registering unit registers in advance a target position after movement of the supporting unit. The calculating unit calculates a track of the supporting unit from a present position to the registered target position. The presenting unit presents the track until the supporting unit moves to reach the register target position. For example, the registering unit registers a target position coordinate and a target vertical axis rotation angle of the supporting unit as the target position.
US08408786B2	Optical characterization of photonic integrated circuits In one aspect, the present invention provides techniques and apparatus for optical characterization of photonic devices and/or circuits. By way of example, the techniques can be used to identify damaged devices in photonic integrated circuits. In some embodiments, thermal imaging is employed as a diagnostic tool for characterizing the devices/circuits under investigation. For example, in one embodiment, integrated cascaded semiconductor amplifiers can be characterized using amplified spontaneous emission from one amplifier as a thermal modulation input to another amplifier. A thermoreflectance image of the second amplifier can reveal flaws, if present. Further, in some embodiments, thermal imaging in conjunction with a total energy model can be employed to characterize the elements of photonic circuits optically and/or to map the optical power distribution throughout the circuits.
US08408785B2	Portable timepiece To provide a portable timepiece whose vent valve construction is simple, in which the vent valve is not easily erroneously opened, and in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting.A wristwatch is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a pipe, a valve body, a retaining member, and packing formed of a seal material capable of elastic deformation. The timepiece exterior assembly is equipped with the pipe establishing communication between the interior and exterior thereof. The pipe has a valve seat surface, a stopper portion, and a male screw portion. The valve body is equipped with a valve body shaft portion inserted into the pipe, and a valve body head integral with this shaft portion. The valve body head is provided with a female screw portion threadedly engaged with the male screw portion and a plurality of vent holes, with the valve body being axially movable through a change in the mesh engagement of both screw portions. There is mounted to the valve body shaft portion the retaining member moving toward and away from the stopper portion from the interior side of the timepiece exterior assembly. The waterproof packing moving toward and away from the valve seat surface as the valve body moves is mounted to the valve body shaft portion.
US08408783B2	Horizontal agitator The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) comprising a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) disposed axially thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention plate-shaped flow conducting elements (8) extending in at least one axial plane are provided downstream of the propeller (2).
US08408780B2	Portable computer housing with integral display An electronic device such as a portable computer may have a housing with a rectangular recess in which layers of display structures such as a light guide panel layer and other light guide structures are directly mounted without intervening chassis members. Mating alignment features in the housing and display structures may be used to align the display structures relative to the housing. A display may be formed from glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor glass layer. Backlight for the display may be generated by an array of light-emitting diodes. The light guide panel may direct light from the light-emitting diodes through the glass layers. A clamp may be used to hold the light-emitting diodes and light guide structures in place in the recess. An undercut in the housing may also hold the light guide structures in place.
US08408777B2	Planar illumination device A planar illumination device includes: a light guide plate formed by arranging a plurality of unit light guide plates each having a light emission surface as a front surface and a reflection surface as a back surface so that facing end surfaces of adjacent unit light guide plates of the plurality of unit light guide plates are closely arranged; and one or two or more light sources arranged on a side surface, in a direction where the plurality of unit light guide plates are arranged, of each of the plurality of unit light guide plates, in which a projection section is arranged on one of facing surfaces of two adjacent unit light guide plates in the arrangement direction and a recession section in which the projection section is engaged is arranged on the other of the facing surfaces of the two adjacent unit light guide plates.
US08408773B2	Light for vehicles An illuminated component for motor vehicles and the like includes a light source that may comprise one or more LEDs. A sheet of light-transmitting material has a first side surface that is coated with ink or other opaque material. Some of the opaque material is removed to form areas that may be illuminated by the light source. The opaque material may be removed utilizing a laser-engraving/etching process according to a specific pattern or design provided by a customer from a remote location.
US08408772B2	LED illumination device A device comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged in a coplanar array, the coplanar array comprising an LED at the center and LEDs positioned radially symmetrically around the LED at the center, and wherein the central axes of the LEDs are arranged to be parallel to each other; a one-piece lens array collimating light from the LEDs, the lens array comprising a plurality of coplanar lens tiles, the coplanar lens tiles comprising a lens tile at the center and lens tiles positioned radially symmetrically around the lens tile at the center, and wherein the central axis of each of the lens tiles is aligned with the central axis of a corresponding LED; and a focusing lens converging the collimated light from the lens array into a single image in a focal plane, wherein the central axis of the focusing lens is aligned with the central axis of the lens array.
US08408767B2	Automotive headlamp with staircase circulator A lighting system for an automotive vehicle has a housing adapted for mounting to the vehicle with a generally outward facing backplate and at least one socket for an incandescent light source. A transparent lens cover is attached to the housing and forms an internal chamber between the lens cover and the housing. A staircase circulator on the housing comprises a plurality of steps and risers rising from the backplate toward the lens cover along a path that is spaced from the socket, wherein the path is generally along a natural convection flowpath of air within the chamber.
US08408763B2	Projection headlight arrangement for vehicles The invention relates to a projection headlight arrangement for vehicles with a left projection headlight and a right projection headlight, each comprising: a reflector exhibiting two focal points, a light source arranged in a first focal point of the reflector, a lens upstream of the reflector in the direction of light emission whose focus is arranged in the proximity of the second focal point and a diaphragm shaft arranged between the lens and the reflector, which is displaceable in several rotary positions by means of a control unit around a horizontal rotary axis running transversely to the optical axis, wherein the rotary positions each have a diaphragm edge of the diaphragm shaft assigned for the creation of a light-dark boundary for a specified light distribution, wherein a sensor unit is provided for the detection of a traffic participant located in the far-field of the vehicle, the control unit distorts the diaphragm shaft in such a way in dependence on a sensor signal of the sensor unit that such a diaphragm edge of the diaphragm shaft is active, that a complete illumination of the far-field takes place, without blinding the traffic participant detected in the far-field of the vehicle and the diaphragm edges are assigned to light function sectors of the diaphragm shaft, said light function sectors sweeping a variable angular region in the direction of rotation of the diaphragm shaft.
US08408762B2	Post for a combined light fitting A post for a combined light fitting includes a hollow post body composed of at least two post walls, a connector is installed in at least one end of the post body, the connector is provided with a screw connecting hole for connection with outside. All the post walls constituting the post are made of one piece of fiber plate, and on the surface of the fiber plate, at least one V-shaped groove extending along the direction of its height is formed, the V-shaped groove divides the fiber plate into several post walls, and the respective post wall is turned over inward along the V-shaped groove to form the hollow post. In addition, on the upper side and lower side of the fiber plate, positioning grooves are set along the direction of its width, the positioning grooves are perpendicular to the V-shaped groove, a connector is embedded in each of the two ends of the hollow post composed of various post walls after tuned over, and the base of the connector is embedded in the positioning groove for defining the position of the connector.
US08408755B2	Stage lighting fixture and method of operating a stage lighting fixture A stage lighting fixture has a casing having a closed first end and an open second end; a light source housed inside the casing, close to the first end, to emit a light beam along an optical axis oriented longitudinally with respect to the casing; an objective optical system located along the optical axis, at the second end of the casing, and having a focus position; a circular-aperture diaphragm located along the optical axis, between the light source and the objective optical system, to intercept the beam; and an iris diaphragm located along the optical axis, between the light source and the objective optical system, and which can be set to the focus position.
US08408754B2	Variable illumination apparatus A variable illumination apparatus includes: a first substrate; a second substrate opposed to the first substrate with a predetermined gap therebetween; a surrounding wall that is disposed between the first and second substrates, has a first opening and a second opening opposed to each other, and has an inner side surface that is tapered toward the second opening from the first opening; a partition wall to partition a liquid chamber formed by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the surrounding wall into regions, the partition wall being vertical to the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid lens having a lens surface that is formed at an interface between two liquids and is electrically deformable, the two liquids being accommodated in each of the regions and each having a different refractive index; and a light source to irradiate light to the liquid lens from the first opening side.
US08408750B2	LED illuminating device An LED illuminating device includes a hollow base including a first end and a second end, an LED substrate, a connector, and a driving circuit module accommodated in the base. A plurality of vents are defined in a circumferential wall of the hollow base; a space is formed between a circumferential wall of the driving circuit module and the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the hollow base. The space can communicate with the plurality of vents and serve as a hot air channel, to promote heat exchange between hot air in the base and cool air outside the base.
US08408749B2	Thermal transfer in solid state light emitting apparatus and methods of manufacturing Provided are light emitting apparatus including a solid state light emitting element having a first side and a second side, the solid state light emitting element configured to emit light from the first side. Such apparatus further include an elongated thermally conductive element positioned to conduct thermal energy from the second side of the solid state light emitting element.
US08408745B2	Illuminating and targeting systems and methods having variable liquid lens Systems and methods that incorporate a variable liquid lens are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, a light projecting system includes a light source, and a light processing assembly configured to receive a light beam from the light source and to project an output field. The light processing assembly includes at least one liquid lens configured to controllably process the light beam such that the output field is variable between a relatively-broader illuminating field and a relatively-narrower targeting field. In some embodiments, a controller may controllably adjust the at least one liquid lens to alternately provide the illuminating field and the targeting field, and may controllably adjust at least one dwell time to adjust a brightness of at least one of the illuminating and targeting fields, respectively.
US08408739B2	LED lighting fixture A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture for achieving a desired illumination pattern includes a panel and one or more LEDs attached to a surface of the panel. One or more of the LEDs may be mounted at an angle to the surface.
US08408736B2	LED light has geometric-unit(s) incorporated with projection means An LED light includes at least one geometric-unit(s) arranged to project light beams to illuminate different remote areas, and may further include LEDs for illuminating nearby areas.
US08408733B2	Illuminating book light An illuminating device may be used, for example, as a portable illuminator, book light and travel light. The illuminating device may include a head, a pair of rails and a base. The illuminating device may be manipulated into numerous positions including extended and retracted positions such that the light source may be positioned in a variety of positions relative to the base which may include a clip for securing structure the illuminating device to a variety of structures including books, magazines, tables, e-readers and bags, to name a few.
US08408729B2	Lighting device, display device and television receiver A lighting device 12 of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources 17 and a chassis 14 that accommodates the light sources 17. The chassis 14 is formed of a plate member and includes a bottom plate 14a of a flat plate and outer rims 21 having a folding configuration formed at the edges of the bottom plate 14a. The outer rim 21 includes a first folded portion 31 and a second folded portion 32 that is formed by further folding a part of the first folded portion 31. Since the outer rim 21 has a double folding configuration, strength of the outer rim 21 itself is increased to suppress distortion of the chassis 14. Accordingly, uniform brightness is provided.
US08408727B2	Lighting control system with wireless network connection Wireless network used to control multiple lights, includes multiple different networks for different purposes, and interference prevention mechanisms.
US08408726B2	Efficient led-based illumination modules with high color rendering index An illumination module includes a light mixing cavity with an interior surface area and window that are physically separated from an LED. A portion of the window is coated with a first wavelength converting material and a portion of the interior surface area is coated with a second wavelength converting material. The window may be coated with LuAG:Ce. The window may also be coated with a third wavelength converting material with a peak emission wavelength between 615-655 nm where the spectral response of light emitted from the window is within 20% of a blackbody radiator at the same CCT. The LED may emit a light that is converted by the light mixing cavity with a color conversion efficiency ratio greater than 130 lm/W where the light mixing cavity includes two photo-luminescent materials with a peak emission wavelengths between 508-528 nm and 615-655 nm.
US08408725B1	Remote light wavelength conversion device and associated methods A remote light wavelength conversion device is provided for converting a source light emitted from a light source within a source wavelength range into a converted light within a converted wavelength range. The remote light wavelength conversion device may include a waveguide and a color conversion optic. The waveguide may include a first end and a second end and the color conversion optic may be adjacently located at the second end of the waveguide. The color conversion optic may convert the source light transmitted through the waveguide to the converted light.
US08408723B2	Backlighting inductive touch buttons Backing lighting of induction touch keys is accomplished with a spacer layer surrounding an inductive touch sensor coil and a light source on a substrate, and light transmissive layer having a suspended metal disk proximate to the inductive touch sensor coil. A protective fascia may be placed over the light transmissive layer and spacer layer. When the light transmissive layer is displaced toward the inductive touch sensor coil the impedance value of the inductive touch sensor coil changes and the change is detected. Materials used that are translucent (light transmissive) may be continuous and solid, and opaque materials may have openings therein for transmission of light therethrough.
US08408719B2	Projection apparatus and projection method A projection apparatus projecting images of respective color components sequentially includes a light source section having a plurality of light emitting elements (where n is a natural number greater than one), and a driving control section for driving each of the light emitting elements making up the light source section, by a pulse width modulation scheme with a phase difference based on λ/n (where λ is a lighting period unit), in synchronism with a projection period unit of the image of each color component.
US08408714B2	Light source device and projector A light source device includes: an arc tube having a light emission portion; a first reflection mirror having a substantially concave surface for reflecting light emitted from the light emission portion; and a container which accommodates the arc tube and the first reflection mirror, wherein the container has a duct unit disposed above the arc tube. The duct unit includes a first opening open to the arc tube and disposed at a position shifted toward the traveling direction side from an opening end of the first reflection mirror, a wall portion which forms the edge of the first opening on the side opposite to the traveling direction side as a final end of the duct unit, and an inclined portion disposed in the vicinity of the edge of the first opening on the traveling direction side to bend the flowing direction of the cooling air toward the surface opposite to the surface having the first opening.
US08408708B2	Polarization modulation wheel A polarization switch provides substantially ideal binary polarization switching over a broad range of wavelengths using a polarization modulation wheel having at least one retarder stack that transforms polarization. Using the polarization modulation wheel in a polarization system provides a high throughput polarization switch and operates over a wide range of incidence angles while providing substantially continuous and smooth polarization output for each component for any selected polarization basis set. The polarization modulation wheel is well-suited for stereoscopic polarized projection applications.
US08408705B2	System for observing cornea for transplantation The present invention is directed to a system for observing a cornea for transplantation which includes: an illumination means for illuminating the cornea for transplantation contained in a container; an entire-view imaging means for imaging the substantial entirety of the interior of the container; a position adjusting means for adjusting the position and angle of the cornea for transplantation; a magnified-view imaging means for imaging a magnified view of the cornea for transplantation illuminated by the illumination means; an image display means for displaying each image taken by the entire-view imaging means and the magnified-view imaging means; and an image control means for controlling each image.
US08408704B2	Fundus oculi observation device, ophthalmologic image processing device, and program A fundus oculi observation device capable of defining which part in the result of analysis of the layer thickness of a fundus oculi is a part obtained by analyzing a vascular region is provided. A fundus oculi observation device 1 forms a plurality of tomographic images G1-Gm of a fundus oculi Ef. A layer thickness distribution calculator 231 calculates layer thickness distribution of the fundus oculi Ef in a cross section of a tomographic image G based on the tomographic images G1-Gm. A vascular region specifying part 234 specifies a vascular region in the tomographic image G. A controller 210 controls a display 240A to display layer thickness distribution information representing the layer thickness distribution and to also display vascular position information representing the position of the vascular region on the layer thickness distribution information.
US08408702B2	Diagnostic, prescriptive, and data-gathering system and method for macular pigment deficits and other eye disorders A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
US08408701B2	Method for generating a trimming setpoint for an ophtalmic lens A method for generating a trimming setpoint for an ophthalmic lens to be fitted in a surround of a spectacle frame, includes: a) within a coordinate system of the surround identified by a horizontal axis, acquiring the shape of a longitudinal profile of the surround and the perimeter length of this longitudinal profile; b) within an optical coordinate system of the ophthalmic lens which is identified by a centering point and by a horizontal axis and which is made to coincide with the coordinate system of the surround, centering and orienting the longitudinal profile, c) projecting the acquired longitudinal profile onto a curved surface deduced from a curvature parameter of the ophthalmic lens or from the spectacle frame, d) correcting in two operations, the shape of the projected longitudinal profile, so as to equalize its perimeter length with the perimeter length of the acquired longitudinal profile, and e) deducing from the corrected longitudinal profile the trimming setpoint.
US08408700B2	Method for calculating a customized progressive addition surface; method for manufacturing a progressive addition lens A method for calculating a customized progressive addition surface S′″ of a progressive addition lens (PAL) made of a material having an optical index of n, the method, comprising at least the successive steps of: a) providing N initial progressive addition surfaces where N≧1, b) calculating N intermediate surfaces S′k by flattening each initial progressive addition surfaces Sk, c) calculating a transformed intermediate surface S″, d) calculating the customized progressive addition surface S′″ by cambering the transformed intermediate surface S″.
US08408698B2	Laminated composite lens The present invention is directed to a composite lens, comprising an anterior rigid gas permeable layer, and an annulus of soft material bonded to a posterior surface of the anterior rigid gas permeable layer, wherein a central zone of the composite lens is rigid and without a soft layer, wherein a peripheral zone of the composite lens is generally rigid in its anterior aspect and soft in its posterior aspect.
US08408696B2	Viewing glasses with adjustment mechanism Viewing glasses include a frame and a bridge. The frame has a spacer, and the spacer has at least two location grooves formed in different positions. The bridge is arranged on the spacer and includes a base and two side pads. The base has an elastic location piece corresponding to the location grooves of the spacer that can adjust the position of the bridge located on the spacer.
US08408695B2	Floating lens mounting system Various embodiments of an eyeglass and eyeglass system are provided that can maintain the geometric and optical quality of a lens supported by the eyeglass. The eyeglass can comprise a frame, a support member carried by the frame, and a lens mounting area or groove extending at least partially along at least one of the frame and the support member. The support member can be pivoted, moved, or deflected relative to the frame between a retaining position and an open position. In the open position, the lens can be seated within the lens mounting area. In the retaining position, the support member and the frame retain the lens without exerting deformative forces on the lens. Accordingly, the as-molded geometric and optical qualities of the lens can be preserved.
US08408686B2	Attachment, liquid container, and liquid supply apparatus An attachment is mounted on a cartridge holder of a printer as a replacement of an ink cartridge. An ink outlet member having a link passage is separably secured to an attachment body. Ink is supplied from the exterior to the ink outlet member through an ink supply tube. When the attachment is mounted on the cartridge holder, a downstream end of the ink outlet member is positioned with respect to and connected to an ink supply needle of the printer. Accordingly, the attachment is easily and quickly installed in a liquid ejection apparatus. This reduces costs and makes it easy to use the attachment.
US08408682B2	Heat sealeable filter to enable vacuum sealing of particle generating insulations An insulation container has an insulation material, a filter arranged to encase the insulation material, the filter of a material that prevents escape of the insulation material while allowing air to pass through, and a container arranged to encase the filter, the container being heat sealable. A printer has an ink supply, a print head arranged to receive ink from the ink supply and configured to receive electrical signals from a controller and to dispense ink in accordance with the electrical signals onto a print substrate, and an insulator to absorb heat from the print head. A method of manufacturing an insulator includes forming a filter container of a filter material, the filter material having openings small enough to prevent escape of the filter material and large enough to allow air to pass through, filling, at least partially, the filter container with an insulating material, sealing the filter container, inserting the filter container into a sealable container, applying a vacuum to the sealable container such that the vacuum is applied to the filter container as well, and sealing the sealable container.
US08408680B2	Ink-jet chip The present invention relates to an ink-jet chip, adaptive for a printing device, at least comprising: a plurality of ink-jet heating elements and an ink-jet signal generating circuit. The ink-jet signal generating circuit at least includes: a counter electrically connected with the printing device, for receiving a counter control signal and a pulse signal, and generating a plurality of counter signals corresponding to the counter control signal and the pulse signal; and a decoder electrically connected with the counter, for receiving and decoding the plurality of counter signals, for generating a plurality of address signals, and selecting a corresponding ink-jet heating element basing on the plurality of address signals.
US08408675B2	Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus The head unit includes: a recording head; and a sub-carriage to which the recording head is fixed in a state where spacers are interposed therebetween, wherein each spacer has a spacer main body portion having a base surface which comes into contact with the sub-carriage, and back end-side protrusion portions, reference plane protrusion portions, and leading end-side protrusion portions, which are convex portions that rise from the spacer main body portion to direct toward the flange portion side, to which the spacer is fixed, from the sub-carriage side and which are respectively formed toward a leading end portion of the flange portion in relation to a direction of the nozzle row, at both end portions in a width direction perpendicular to the nozzle row of the recording head, each reference plane protrusion portion has a surface that becomes a reference plane which comes into contact with the flange portion.
US08408672B2	Maintenance unit for print head The present invention generally relates to a printing apparatus including one or more print heads for depositing printing fluid onto a substrate, wherein the apparatus comprises a maintenance unit for the one or more print heads. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning one or more print heads from adhering printing fluid. The present invention also relates to the use of said apparatus in the automated manufacture of a contact lens, in particular a silicone hydrogel contact lens.
US08408670B2	Discharge inspection apparatus and discharge inspection method A discharge inspection apparatus includes: a first electrode for detection which faces a nozzle, that discharges liquid of a first potential, at a predetermined interval and has a second potential different from the first potential; a second electrode for detection which faces a nozzle, that discharges the liquid of the first potential, at a predetermined interval and has the second potential; an inspection section which inspects whether or not liquid is discharged from the nozzle on the basis of electrical changes which occur at the first electrode for detection and the second electrode for detection due to the discharging of the liquid of the first potential from the nozzle; a first insulating receiving section which holds the first electrode for detection; and a second insulating receiving section which holds the second electrode for detection and is disposed with a space interposed between the second receiving section and the first receiving section.
US08408653B2	Ready to assemble sofa and method for packaging same A furniture system having a base frame, side pieces and a back portion, that assembles quickly and disassembles into a configuration that optimizes space when shipped.
US08408650B2	Modular highchair with height adjustment A highchair comprising a base arranged to rest on a floor, a carrier mounted on said base and adjustable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to said base, and a seat comprising a substantially horizontally extending seat surface connected to said carrier, wherein said carrier extends substantially downward from the front edge of said seat surface.
US08408646B2	Seat cushion extension mechanism A seat assembly having a seat base. A seat pan is operably connected to the seat base. A rod extends across the seat base into elongated slots in the seat pan. An engagement member is operable between a first position out of contact with the rod and a second position in contact with the rod. A motor includes a drive shaft operably connected with the rod and adapted to rotate the rod. Rotation of the drive shaft when the engagement member is in the first position causes longitudinal displacement of the seat pan. Rotation of the drive shaft when the engagement member is in the second position causes rotation of the rod and the seat pan.
US08408642B1	Seat net apparatus A retaining apparatus for retaining goods stored upon a vehicle seat in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle seat has a seat portion and a back portion with the seat portion having a front and a back and the back portion having a head rest. The retaining apparatus comprises a pouch having a first end, a second end, and an opening between the first end and the second end. A pouch securing mechanism secures the pouch to the front of the seat portion. A seat net is connected to the pouch within the opening. A seat net securing mechanism secures the other end of the seat net to the head rest wherein the seat net is alternatingly completely receivable within the pouch and extendable from the pouch to the head rest of the vehicle seat thereby creating a compartment between the seat net and the vehicle seat.
US08408640B1	Portable table and seating combination A portable table and seating combination is disclosed. The combination includes at least a first portion of a hinge attached to a tabletop portion. The tabletop portion includes at least a top surface, and a plurality of edge portions extending from the top surface. The top surface in combination with the plurality of edge portions forms a seating confinement compartment. The combination further includes at least a retractable leg support attached to the tabletop portion. The retractable leg support resides adjacent the seating confinement compartment, and in an extended position the retractable leg support, supports the tabletop portion at a predetermined distance above a surface. The combination also includes at least a seating portion configured for confinement within the seating confinement compartment. In a first embodiment, the seating portion is an integrated seating portion. In an alternate embodiment, the seating portion is a freestanding seating portion.
US08408637B1	Support system for a tiltable structure for a work vehicle A system for supporting a tiltable structure for a work vehicle including an upper link pivotably connected to a lower link. A connecting link is pivotably connected to the upper link, the connecting link having an engagement member. The upper link, lower link and engagement member securing the tiltable structure in a maintenance position.
US08408632B2	Bumper reinforcement member A bumper reinforcement member including a front reinforcement member and a back reinforcement member, wherein the front reinforcement member includes a front intermediate face, which becomes a bumper front face, and a front groove arranged above and below the front intermediate face and that recesses from the bumper front face side towards a bumper rear face side; the back reinforcement member includes a back intermediate face positioned on a front side than bottom faces of both upper and lower front grooves, and a back groove arranged above and below the back intermediate face and that recesses from the bumper front face side towards the bumper rear face side; and the front reinforcement member and the back reinforcement member have the front groove contained in the back groove without bringing at least the bottom faces of the front groove and the back groove into surface contact with each other.
US08408627B2	Pick up truck, rail cap assembly with lighting system and method of use A rail cap assembly comprises a rail cap having a first and second opposed ends separated by a length, wherein the rail cap has a top and first and second sidewalls that together form an inner surface extending from the first end to the second end. Openings are spaced along the length of the rail cap. A lighting system is at least partially disposed within the inner surface and comprising a plurality of lighting elements. Each lighting element is secured within a respective opening. The lighting elements are electrically interconnected through connective wiring. The rail cap assembly may be installed one at least one bedrail of a pickup truck.
US08408622B2	Frame molding A frame molding is provided. The frame molding includes a frame molding main body having first claws and a holder member assembled with the frame molding main body. A holder member includes a metal holder portion and a resin holder portion fixed to the metal holder portion. The resin holder has receiving portions that are crimped by the claws.
US08408621B2	Assist grip A grip body (1) of an assist grip includes hinge bodies (21, 31) provided in hinge cavities (11, 12) on bases provided at opposite left and right ends, and the hinge bodies (21, 31) are pivotally connected to the hinge cavities (11, 12) at opposite sides via pivot shafts. A mounting clip (5) having spring resiliency is inserted into a rectangular opening (27, 37) provided substantially at the center of the hinge body (21, 31), and a cover (4) is assembled by inserting a clip support portion (42) into the inside of resilient legs at both sides of the mounting clip (5) so as to cover the front of the hinge body (21, 31). Between the cover (4) and the hinge body (21, 31), a guide groove (21c, 31c) and a guide rib (44) are provided so as to be fitted together and slidingly contact along a push-in direction of a part where the hinge member and the cover slidingly contact when the cover (4) is pushed.
US08408618B2	Gripping pliers Gripping pliers (1) are provided for grasping and holding an object. The gripping pliers include at least two gripping jaws (2), movable in reference to each other, along with a drive for an opening and closing motion of the gripping jaws (2). At least one of the gripping jaws (2) includes several fingers (3), arranged side-by-side in reference to each other with each being individually adjustable against a restoring force, approximately in an opening and closing direction. The gripping jaws (2) are each embodied in one piece with their respective fingers.
US08408617B2	Gripping device for gripping underwater pipelines at the laying stage, and relative auxiliary gripping tool A gripping device, for gripping underwater pipelines at the laying stage, has jaws that are pressed onto a pipeline extending along an axis-substantially parallel to a laying direction, and have respective friction pads that are brought cyclically into contact with the outer face of the pipeline; and auxiliary gripping tools, which have panels for covering respective friction pads, and are selectively connectable to the jaws to increase grip between the jaws and the pipeline.
US08408614B2	Sifting scoop A sifting scoop for removing pet waste from litter in a litter box having a handle carrying a sifting cup having a mouth wider than a downstream pet waste retaining pocket formed by the cup. The handle overlies the sifting cup providing a waste shield. The handle includes a grip attached by a bridge to the cup that provides a hand guard and scoop hanger with the grip serving as a leg when the scoop is stood uprightly on a pedestal formed by a cup endwall. The cup has a first sifting portion formed in a litter-engaging surface on the side opposite the handle with the sifting portion formed by a plurality of elongate slots that are wavy or S-shaped extending longitudinally in the direction of scooping. The cup has a second sifting portion having slots in the end wall inline with litter being scooped.
US08408612B2	Rotary locking mechanism for outside vehicle door handle A locking device for a handle assembly of a motor vehicle door including a base and a handle portion includes a lock cup fixedly secured to the base and having a plurality of teeth. A spool is rotatably coupled to the lock cup and operably connected to the handle portion. The spool has a pawl rotatably mounted thereto and includes a pawl pin extending out therefrom. An inertia element is disposed within the lock cup and is rotatable out of a rest position upon rotation of the spool. The inertia element includes an elongated slot extending between first and second ends for receiving the pawl pin therewithin. A spring extends between the spool and the inertia element. The spring biases the inertia element towards the rest position.
US08408609B2	Safety lockout hasp A safety lockout hasp includes a shackle member having a first shackle leg and a second shackle leg, and first and second clasp members pivotally secured to the first shackle leg. The first clasp member includes an apertured flange, and the second clasp member includes a cutout portion positioned to receive the apertured flange therethrough when the first and second clasp members are in a closed position in which at least one of the first and second clasp members engages the second shackle leg. When the first and second clasp members are in the closed position and a lockable retaining member is inserted through a lockout aperture in the apertured flange, withdrawal of the apertured flange from the cutout portion is prevented, thereby securing the first and second clasp members in the closed position.
US08408607B2	Animal-resistant container An animal-resistant container includes a body and a lid. The body has an interior volume in which refuse may be placed. At least one latch mechanism is secured in the body and at least one latch receptacle is secured in the lid. The latch mechanism is engaged with the latch receptacle to secure the lid to the body and prevent access to the interior volume. The latch mechanism can be actuated by a gripping arm of a refuse pickup vehicle to release the latch mechanism from the latch receptacle so that contents of the container can be emptied during automated collection. A tilt sensor detects tilting movement of the container, and the latch mechanism is prevented from actuation following detection of the tilting movement so that an animal intruder cannot tip over the container and gain entry into the container.
US08408599B2	Guide loops for a seat belt system A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system includes a first portion configured for attachment to a body of a vehicle in one plane and a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle and configured for attachment to the body in another plane. The guide loop is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the body. In another embodiment, the guide loop includes a third portion extending from the second portion and substantially parallel to the first portion. The third portion is spaced apart from the first portion prior to attachment to the body so as to define a channel that is configured for receiving a seat belt webbing. A guide loop for a vehicle seat belt system including a height adjuster includes a loop portion and a stop portion, and is fixedly attachable to and not rotatable with respect to the height adjuster.
US08408598B2	Anti-tip system for a power wheelchair An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
US08408596B2	Air bag device for passenger seat An airbag device that may ensure an increased restraining force and a reduction of damage with respect to an occupant that is out of position or of small stature is provided. The airbag device for a passenger seat of the present invention may be disposed inside an instrument panel of a vehicle and protects an occupant inside the vehicle by inflation and deployment of an airbag when an emergency situation occurs. The airbag device includes: an airbag that is compressed into a plurality of layers in a vertical direction when not used, and inflated and deployed when an emergency situation occurs; and a restriction member that restricts the deployment of the airbag so that a deployment direction of an upper layer portion is directed toward an occupant side, wherein the upper layer portion is deployed first from among the plurality of layers of the airbag.
US08408595B2	Thermoplastic coated, heat-sealed airbag An airbag comprises a pair of fabric layers and a thermoplastic covering on the fabric layers applied by extruding the covering onto a surface of each of the fabric layers. The covering is configured to seal the airbag when heated such that no stitched seam is used to seal the airbag. A primer may be applied between a fabric layer surface and covering to aid in adhesion of the covering to the fabric layer. The airbag can also include internal seams formed by the heat sealed, thermoplastic covering composition.
US08408594B2	Airbag A seatbelt system for a vehicle includes a seatbelt anchor, a seatbelt connected to the seatbelt anchor, and an airbag mounted to the seatbelt anchor such that the airbag is provided separately from the seatbelt. The airbag may be a side airbag for a pelvic area of a vehicle occupant. The seatbelt system may deploy the airbag to a desired location in a short amount of time and in a precise manner with improved confidence that the airbag has been deployed to the desired location.
US08408593B2	Vehicle cabin with airbag system A vehicle cabin having a vehicle seat is provided and the vehicle seat is aligned in a frontal direction. An instrument panel extends on the front side toward the vehicle seat and forms a foot well in the perpendicular projection onto a projection plane that is defined by a vehicle floor or sections thereof. A leg space extends between the foot well and the vehicle seat, and an airbag system is provided that is integrated at least in sections in the instrument panel and which has a prebag and an airbag. In the inflated state, the airbag is supported on the prebag. In the projection plane, the leg space in the frontal direction is at least twice as long, preferably at least three times as long as the foot well.
US08408584B2	Pyrotechnic tether release assembly for inflatable airbags A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth.
US08408582B2	Inflatable airbag assemblies with heat shields Heat shields are used to shield an airbag from hot gasses issuing from an inflator. The heat shields can be a piece of thin metal that is coupled to the airbag cushion or the inflator. The heat shield can be held in place by being attached or coupled to the airbag and/or the inflator.
US08408578B2	Boat coupling A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.
US08408574B2	Modular trailing edge for bicycle stem A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frame supported on the front and rear wheels, the frame having a frame member. The bicycle further includes a first fairing member protruding outward from the frame member and having a side surface defining an aerodynamic trailing edge and a second fairing member detachably mounted on the first fairing member such that the side surface is exposed.
US08408573B2	Stem for bicycle handlebar In one embodiment, a stem for bicycle handlebar and the like includes an arm joining the handlebar with a fork. The arm includes a three-piece wedge on each end that is adjustable by a screw to tighten and loosen a middle clamp of the wedge. The wedge is moved to release and tighten the fork and the handlebar independently.
US08408567B2	Swather tractor with frame suspension A swather tractor has a frame defined by a main tractor frame carrying the cab, engine and drive system, rear axle with castor wheels and a transverse front frame assembly mounted at a front of the main frame. The front rigid frame assembly carries the header and comprises a cross member and a pair of upstanding legs each carrying a front ground wheel hydraulically driven so that steering is controlled by the rate of forward movement of the front wheels. In order to provide improved suspension, the main frame is connected to the front frame assembly by a coupling which allows up and down suspension movement of the main frame relative to the front frame assembly.
US08408566B2	Subframe A subframe for a front axle of a motor vehicle is arranged on the floor side of the vehicle structure and is connected to a front axle transverse beam and to the vehicle body. The subframe substantially contains two longitudinal beams which are arranged in a divergent fashion in relation to one another and which are connected at the rear end—as viewed in relation to the direction of travel—to a plate-shaped stiffening element. The latter is held together with the longitudinal beams on a central tunnel of the vehicle structure by fastening devices, with it being possible for the free front ends of the longitudinal beams to be fastened to the front axle transverse beam by further fastening devices.
US08408565B2	Hinge structure of skateboard The present invention relates to a hinge structure of a skateboard, and more specifically, to a hinge structure of a skateboard wherein an intermediate part of the skateboard divided into two parts that are a front board and a rear board is connected by a hinge unit. Accordingly, the skateboard is twisted and the skateboard's alignment is elastically returned by a cam and spring of the hinge unit, thereby increasing propelling force and durability. Also, since assembly and disassembly of the hinge unit is easy when the skateboard is broken, convenient maintenance and repair are enabled.
US08408564B2	Refuse and recycling cart A refuse and recycling cart assembly includes a U-shaped lower frame to hold a plurality of refuse or yard waste containers with easy turn lockable wheels to provide for maneuvering the cart in tight places, stopping or storing the cart on inclined and slippery surfaces or immobilizing the cart during loading or unloading. A U-shaped upper frame with a low to the ground wide rear opening provides for easy loading of containers into the cart with little lifting required. A U-shaped rear vertical support frame has a removable upper frame to give even more clearance for loading containers into the cart with little lifting. The top of the upper rear vertical support frame is bent to provide a handle with a user gripping strip placed on the handle. Upper and lower U-shaped horizontal supports are cantilevered from the upper vertical support frame to support a pair of recycling bins.
US08408562B1	Golf bag cart A golf bag cart includes a body for engaging a golf bag. The body has a first longitudinal end and an opposite second longitudinal end. A first pair of wheels is rotatable about a first axis of rotation at or adjacent the second longitudinal end, a second pair of wheels rotatable about a second axis of rotation which is pivotable relative to the body between a folded position and an outstretched position. When the second axis of rotation is in the outstretched position, the first and second wheel pairs support the body in a slanted orientation. When the second axis of rotation is in the folded position, the first and second wheel pairs support the body in a generally horizontal orientation. When the second axis of rotation moves from the outstretched position to the folded position, the second axis of rotation moves away from the first axis of rotation.
US08408561B2	Vehicle height adjusting device A displaceable spring seat (2) supporting one end of a vehicle suspension spring (S) is supported by a fluid pressure of an operation chamber (J). A screw pump (P) supplying a working fluid to the operation chamber (J) includes a pump chamber (L) defined within a cylinder (10) by a piston (11, a nut (13) formed integrally with the piston (11), and a screw shaft (14) screwed into the nut (13). A guide member (16) fixed to the cylinder (10) is fitted onto an outer circumference of the nut (13) or the piston (11) such that when the screw shaft (14) is driven to rotate, the piston (11) is fed via the nut (13). The guide member (16) formed from a non-metallic, low-friction material, reduces a driving resistance of the piston (11) and improves a durability of a screw portion between the nut (13) and the screw shaft (14).
US08408557B2	Seal arrangement and a method of repairing a seal arrangement The seal arrangement (154) is arranged between the casing portions (50,52) and a fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72) is positioned between the casing portions (50,52). A first protecting member (156) is positioned between the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72) and the casing portion (50) and the first protecting member (156) consists of a polymer and hydroxyapatite. The first protecting member (156) consists of 50 to 80 wt % polymer and 20 to 50 wt % hydroxyapatite and incidental impurities. The first protecting member (156) is located in an annular groove (70) and is thus arranged between the casing portion (50) and the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72). The first protecting member (156) is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72) is positioned between the legs of the U-shaped cross-section first protecting member (156). The first protecting member (156) prevents corrosion of the casing portion (50) by the fluoropolymer O-ring seal (72).
US08408555B2	Intershaft seal system for minimizing pressure induced twist An intershaft seal system capable of communicating a balanced pressure profile onto forward and aft faces along a piston ring is presented. Seal system includes forward and aft mating rings and a piston ring. Mating rings include a plurality of divergent flow grooves adjacent to the piston ring. Each divergent flow groove includes a pair of grooves which intersect at and are substantially symmetric about an apex. The piston ring includes channels which direct a fluid from a high pressure region upward, downward, or directly through the piston ring and onto the divergent flow grooves. The divergent flow grooves separate the fluid in a symmetrically divergent fashion prior to communication onto the piston ring. The divergent flow grooves communicate a substantially symmetric pressure force along the radial width of the piston ring so as to minimize twisting thereof, thus reducing wear along the piston ring and increasing seal life.
US08408554B2	Low and reverse pressure application hydrodynamic pressurizing seals The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove may contain a pocket. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.
US08408553B2	Goal detector for detection of an object passing a goal plane A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed goal plane. It is known to encircle the goal plane with conductors to produce an electromagnetic field to excite signal emitter means in the movable object, alternatively detect the signal emitted by the emitter means. With the present invention these circuits are sectioned into a plurality of separate circuits, which provides an improved spatial resolution of the system in particularly when the movable object is close to the conductors.
US08408552B2	Interlocking game chips A poker or game chip has an outer ring and an inner disk. The inner disk is typically engaged with the outer ring, but may be disengaged by pushing on the inner disk. When the chips are in a stack, pushing on an inner disk causes it to disengage with the outer ring, and engage in the outer ring of an adjacent chip. In a stack of chips, all of the chips may have a moveable inner disk and, upon application of pressure, may be shifted to engage with the outer rim of an adjacent chip, thereby causing the stack of chips to lock. A stack of chips is thereby secured together, so that the chips will not easily disengage and spread along the top of the table.
US08408551B2	System and method to handle playing cards, employing elevator mechanism A card shoe handling device includes a playing card output receiver including a playing card support surface and a ceiling at least partially disposed relatively over the playing card support surface. The playing card output receiver is sized and positioned to receive a number of playing cards handled by the playing card handling system. The playing card handling system also includes an elevator mechanism operable to selectively move the playing card output receiver between a lowered position and a raised position, where in the lowered position the ceiling limits access from an exterior of the playing card handling system to the playing cards carried by the card support surface of the playing card output receiver and in the raised position the ceiling does not limit access from the exterior of the playing card handling system to at least some of the playing cards carried by the playing card output receiver.
US08408547B2	Adjustable gaming reel A reel assembly for a gaming machine is disclosed. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, alignment of the center lines of the symbols can be accomplished without the need to remove the reel assemblies from the gaming machine. The reel assembly includes a two piece motor mount assembly that carries a stepper motor and a lamp assembly. The two piece motor mount assembly includes a fixed mounting ring that is rigidly secured to a fixed reel assembly support and a rotatable mounting ring that is rotatable with respect to the fixed mounting ring. The rotatable mounting ring is interlocked with fixed mounting ring to enable rotation of the rotatable mounting ring, for example, by way of a tongue and groove arrangement with respect to the fixed mounting ring. The lamp assembly is also mounted to the rotatable mounting ring. An adjustment screw for locking the angular position of the fixed mounting ring with respect to the rotatable locking ring is accessible along a direction generally accessible while the reel assemblies are installed in the gaming machines. As such, alignment of the symbol center lines can be accomplished without removing the reel assemblies from the gaming machine.
US08408544B2	Sorting by controlling scanned document velocity A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that after scanning sorting such documents is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. The method further includes providing at least two movable members including two rotatable exit rollers, movable belts, or a movable belt and a rotatable exit roller along the path to provide a nip for the documents; and selectively driving the movable members to provide selectable exit velocities so that such documents are sorted in accordance with their selected exit velocity.
US08408539B2	Sheet transport and hold down apparatus A media sheet transport including a belt for supporting the media thereon. The belt is operably connected to a drive mechanism for moving the belt in a process direction past an image marking unit. The belt has a plurality of openings therein. A vacuum plenum has a surface disposed below the belt and is operably connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum plenum is adapted to applying a negative pressure to the media for holding the media to the belt. An electrostatic hold down apparatus includes a first tacking roller spaced in a cross-process direction from a second tacking roller. The first and second tacking rollers are engagable with the belt. The first tacking roller is disposed to engage the inboard edge of the media, and the second tacking roller is disposed to engage the outboard edge of the media. The first and second tacking rollers impart an electrostatic charge to the edges of the media for electrostatically securing the inboard and outboard edges of the media to the belt.
US08408533B2	Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus A sheet feeder attracts a topmost sheet on a sheet conveyor belt as a conveying member and conveys the sheet toward an image forming unit in a subsequent step. The sheet feeder includes a vane rotation direction control unit that serves as a suction direction control unit controlling a direction in which a suction blower as an air suction unit sucks air to be reversed as a positive pressure generating unit that generates a positive pressure in a sheet suction unit. The vane rotation direction control unit controls the direction in which the suction blower sucks air to be reversed immediately after a feeding operation ends to generate the positive pressure in the sheet suction unit.
US08408532B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a sheet feeding unit, a belt pressing member, and a moving unit. The sheet feeding unit includes an endless, dielectric belt to contact and attract the uppermost sheet to a surface thereof and feed in a sheet feeding direction, and an electric potential pattern forming unit to form an electric potential pattern on a surface of the dielectric belt. The moving unit moves the belt pressing member between a sheet attracting position and a sheet feeding position. The dielectric belt attracts the uppermost sheet at the sheet attracting position, the moving unit moves the belt pressing member to the sheet feeding position, and an entire flat portion of the dielectric belt feeds the uppermost sheet in the sheet feeding direction while carrying the uppermost sheet thereon as the dielectric belt rotates.
US08408531B2	Recording medium post-processing apparatus and image forming system A recording medium post-processing apparatus includes: a recording medium stacking unit on which recording media are stacked; a binding section that binds the recording media by deforming the recording media in a thickness direction, and retracts to the outside of the stacking area of the recording media after binding the recording media; a reference member that functions as a position reference used for aligning the recording media; and an alignment unit that aligns end portions of the recording media facing the reference member by moving the recording media to a position where the recording media come into contact with the reference member from a position where the recording media are separated from the reference member.
US08408530B2	Bookbinding system with controlled trimming unit A printing system which is capable of performing square back processing and preventing occurrence of a new trouble of inadvertently creating a saddle-stitched brochure defective in the appearance of a trimmed edge and/or print appearance, which is unexpected by an operator. A receiving unit receives a job of a first type for creating a saddle-stitched brochure subjected to square back processing and trimming processing or a second type creating a saddle-stitched brochure not subjected to the square back processing but subjected to the trimming processing. A controller controls a trimming position at an end of the sheet bundle for the job and/or an image printing position on a sheet included in the sheet bundle based on whether a job to be processed is of the first type or of the second type.
US08408528B2	Clamping device and method for connecting a clamping jaw to a clamping device A clamping device has several clamping element receptacles each with a clamping element held by the clamping element receptacle. The clamping element receptacles have an inclination running obliquely to a clamping direction of the clamping device and by means of which the clamping element is guided. The clamping element has a clamping jaw support and the clamping jaw is connectable to the clamping jaw support. The clamping jaw engages in an undercut provided on the clamping jaw support and is additionally fixed by means of a positive fixing means to the clamping jaw support when it is connected to the clamping jaw support.
US08408524B2	Apparatus for humidifying a gas flow In a device for humidifying a gas flow, an atomized liquid is combined with a gas flow in a spray chamber, and passed through a generally U-shaped gas flow passage having a first generally vertical part 3 through which the atomized liquid and gas passes to a lower part 4. From there, the gas passes generally vertically upwardly to an outlet 9. The lower part of the passage incorporates an opening 6 to a water separator 7. The opening 6 is closable by a float device 10, or includes a flow restricting control valve 13.
US08408519B2	Gate valve with lubricated secondary seal A gate valve includes a pair of opposing housing members, a gate, primary sealing sleeves and a secondary sealing member. The primary sealing sleeves are disposed in each of the housing members. The gate is configured to slidably pass through a transverse gate chamber defined when the housing members are joined together. The secondary sealing member is secured between the housing members and includes at least one passage or aperture configured to allow lubricating fluid to be applied through at least one of the housing members through the secondary sealing member and onto the gate.
US08408518B2	Electric actuators having internal load apparatus Electric actuators having internal load apparatus are described herein. An example electric actuator having an internal load apparatus described herein includes a housing defining a cavity to receive a drive system and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the drive system. Rotation of the drive system in a first rotational direction causes the drive shaft to move in a first rectilinear direction and rotation of the drive system in a second rotational direction causes the drive shaft to move in a second rectilinear direction opposite the first rectilinear direction. A biasing element is operatively coupled to the drive system such that least a portion of the drive system moves axially toward the biasing element to deflect the biasing element when the drive shaft reaches an end of stroke position to provide a load to the drive shaft when electric power to the electric actuator is removed.
US08408517B2	Water delivery device A proximity sensor may be incorporated as part of a water delivery device. A holder may align an optical source and sensor of the proximity sensor.
US08408515B2	Pressure-reducing valve A pressure-reducing valve is provided in which a diaphragm rod connected to a valve body of a valve mechanism is connected to a central part of a diaphragm having its peripheral edge part clamped between a body and a diaphragm cover, wherein the diaphragm (28) is formed from a disk-shaped rubber sheet for which the sheet thickness of at least its peripheral edge part is uniform in the natural state, and in a state in which the diaphragm cover (17) is fixed to the body (16) so that the peripheral edge part of the diaphragm (28) is compressively held between a collar portion (17b) of the diaphragm cover (17) and a clamping face (91) of the body (16), a portion having, of the gap between the collar portion (17b) and the clamping face (91), a minimum gap is positioned further inward in the radial direction of the diaphragm (28) than a portion having a maximum gap. This enables the sealing properties and the pull-out resistance for the diaphragm to be guaranteed while achieving a reduction in weight and a reduction in cost.
US08408511B2	Actuating lever for a longitudinal adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat An actuation lever according is provided for a longitudinal adjustment device of a car seat, and includes, but is not limited to a gripping section, which a person uses to grab the actuation lever, and at least one attachment section for mechanically coupling the lever with a locking unit of the longitudinal adjustment device. The actuation lever is at least section ally, but preferably completely, made out of an injection molded plastic part.
US08408510B2	Apparatus for preventing rotation of seat frame for vehicle An apparatus for preventing rotation of a seat frame for a vehicle having the seat frame that includes an inner link portion and an outer link portion that may be provided with a height adjustment device to adjust a height of a seat and a rack gear link may include a height link, wherein one end portion of the height link may be pivotally connected to a set bracket and the other end portion thereof may be pivotally connected to a cushion side member, and a rotation prevention link provided on the inner link portion wherein one end portion of the rotation prevention link may be pivotally hinged to the height link and the other end portion thereof may be movably installed on the set bracket.
US08408508B2	Support structure for display device and display device using same A support structure for supporting a display panel includes a support and a clamp. The support is rotatably coupled to the display panel. The clamp includes two clamping arms rotatably coupled to the support, a bolt and an adjusting nut. A slot is defined in each clamping arm. The bolt is extended through each slot and engaged with the adjusting nut. Therefore a distance between two distal ends of two clamping arms can be adjusted by screwing and unscrewing the adjusting nut along the bolt. A display device using the support structure is also provided.
US08408506B2	Mounting appratus for slide rail A mounting apparatus includes a supporting bracket, a locking member, and a holding mechanism. The supporting bracket is fixed to a slide rail and includes two inserting pins extending through the two corresponding through holes of a rack post. The locking member is slidably mounted to the supporting bracket. When the locking member slides to abut against a front surface of the rack post, the slide rail is prevented from moving backwards to make the inserting pins disengage from the through holes. When the locking member slides to space away from the rack post, the slide rail is enable to move backwards to make the inserting pins disengage from the through holes. The holding mechanism abuts against the locking member to prevent the locking member from sliding. The holding mechanism is operable to move away from the locking member.
US08408503B2	Stage apparatus A stage apparatus enables easy position alignment at a real installation site. Mounts 25 having sub base plates 21 arranged thereon are provided on carriages 25 and thereby constitute sub mounting tables 20a to 20d; and the mounts 25 are fixed to a main mounting table 10 having a main base plate 11. The positions of main base plate 11 and sub base plates 21 are aligned with each other by adjustment mechanisms 30 provided on the sub mounting tables 20a to 20d. As main positioning members 16 and sub positioning members 241, 242 are arranged on the main mounting table 10 and sub mounting tables 20a to 20d, separation can be performed so that a state of position alignment is restorable. Accordingly, position alignment is easy when assembling after transportation.
US08408500B2	Cable carrier chain for leading edge mobile slat for an aircraft wing An aircraft wing comprising a wing fixed central body, and a leading edge mobile slat (16) designed to be moved in rotation relative to the fixed central body along a circular trajectory inscribed on a sphere with center (C). According to the invention, the wing also comprises a cable carrier chain (30) comprising links (34) articulated to each other through articulation axes (44) that converge towards a single point, the chain being connected at its two ends to the fixed central body and to the mobile slat. Furthermore, the single point is the center (C) of the sphere, located on a rotation axis (42) of the leading edge mobile slat relative to the wing fixed body.
US08408498B2	Aerodynamic body and high-lift system comprising such an aerodynamic body An aerodynamic body with an outside with a top and bottom in relation to the direction of airflow, with lateral end parts that form the lateral ends of the aerodynamic body when viewed across the direction of airflow, where in the interior of the aerodynamic body a duct with an airflow drive with a drive motor and a compressor means that is driven by the aforesaid and that is arranged in the duct is arranged, with at least one inlet at the bottom and/or at at least one of the lateral end parts of the aerodynamic body and with at least one outlet at the top of the aerodynamic body for influencing the airflow at the aerodynamic body is arranged, where in the duct a sleeve is arranged which is rotatable by means of a drive motor, which sleeve includes at least one recess which at a particular rotational position of the sleeve can be made to at least in part coincide with the outlet at the top of the aerodynamic body so that the air that has been compressed by the compressor flows through the recess in the sleeve and through the outlet, as well as a high-lift system comprising such an aerodynamic body.
US08408496B2	Fuselage cell structure of an airplane for the simplified installation and attachment of fasteners for fastening conduits The invention relates to a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft for the simplified installation and attachment of at least one fastener for at least one conduit, the fuselage cell structure having a large number of reinforcing elements formed in particular using an aluminum alloy material. According to the invention, the reinforcing elements within the fuselage cell structure are provided with at least one groove in which the fasteners can be secured by producing a combined pressing and clamping fit creating a positive fit at least in certain regions. For this purpose, the fasteners can have at the lower face thereof, for example, two retaining feet which can be spread apart and attached by driving a fixing element into the groove. The reinforcing elements are continuous stringers preferably produced by extrusion and cross-bars, the required grooves being simultaneously extruded during the production process.
US08408493B2	Composite stringer end trim A stringer having a stringer end trim that reduces pull-off forces in a stringer connection structure, including a stringer body; a stringer free edge provided on said stringer body; and a stringer end trim having at least one curvature provided in the stringer free edge forming the stringer connection structure.
US08408491B2	Nacelle assembly having inlet airfoil for a gas turbine engine A nacelle assembly includes an inlet lip section and an airfoil adjacent to the inlet lip section. The airfoil is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position to adjust the flow of oncoming airflow and to influence an effective boundary layer thickness of the nacelle assembly.
US08408483B2	Adjustable flow regulator for dental water jet A dental water jet apparatus for adjusting a pressurized water stream from a pump to a tip moves pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. When the flow control knob is turned in a first direction, the volume of fluid directed towards the tip decreases and the volume of fluid returned to an inlet of the pump increases. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue.
US08408480B2	Self-cleaning spray tip A spray tip assembly capable of self-clearing is provided. The spray tip assembly includes a distal end including an outlet. The outlet defines at least a first configuration during a first condition and at least a second configuration during a second condition. The distal end may be configured to at least one of flex and expand such that the outlet changes from the first configuration to the second configuration.
US08408479B2	Method and device for spraying a pulverulent material into a carrier gas Method of spraying a pulverulent material into a carrier gas, comprising the acceleration of the carrier gas under pressure up to a sonic velocity before an expansion enabling the pulverulent material to be entrained, with formation of a constant stream of carrier gas entraining an adjustable predetermined amount of pulverulent materials, and safety device for spraying pulverulent material into a carrier gas.
US08408478B2	Product distribution apparatus with system and method of automatic meter calibration A product distributing apparatus is described as well as a system and method of automatically calibrating the meter of the apparatus which does not require the operator to leave the operator station of the towing vehicle. One application of such an apparatus and method is in an agricultural air seeder and it is in this context that the apparatus is described.
US08408477B2	System for fastening a rail, and tensioning clamp for a system of this type A system for fastening a rail having a rail foot, a web positioned thereon, and a rail head, includes a tensioning clamp with a carrying plate. The carrying plate has a central portion for bracing the tensioning clamp on the carrying plate, at least one torsion portion branching off from the central portion in the lateral direction and a holding arm connected to the torsion portion via a curved transition portion. The holding arm extends, starting from the transition portion, counter to the torsion portion and exerts via the free end of its end portion a resilient holding-down force on the rail foot of the rail to be fastened. The length of the torsion portion and the course of the transition portion is adapted to each other in such a way that at least the transition portion is guided without supports laterally past a region of the carrying plate that is associated with the central portion of the tensioning clamp. The end portion of the holding arm is angled away from the torsion portion in such a way that it points in the direction of the web of the rail to be fastened.
US08408475B2	Flexible rate matching Flexible rate matching. No constraints or restrictions are placed on a sending communication device when effectuating rate matching. The receiving communication device is able to accommodate received transmissions of essentially any size (e.g., up to an entire turbo codeword that includes all systematic bits and all parity bits). The receiving communication device employs a relatively small-sized memory to ensure a lower cost, smaller sized communication device (e.g., handset or user equipment such as a personal wireless communication device). Moreover, incremental redundancy is achieved in which successive transmissions need not include repeated information therein (e.g., a second transmission need not include any repeated information from a first transmission). Only when reaching an end of a block of bits or codeword to be transmitted, and when wrap around at the end of such block of bits or codeword occurs, would any repeat of bits be incurred within a later transmission.
US08408474B2	Method for speeding up the detection and the activation of the communication interface between a terminal and a UICC The invention relates to A method for speeding up the detection and the activation of the communication protocol used between a terminal (2) and a UICC (4) supporting at least one High Speed protocol (HSP).The method according to the invention is characterized by providing the terminal (2) with information about the High Speed Protocol supported by said UICC (4) through the current interface prior to the communication with said UICC (4) through a HSP interface.
US08408472B2	EAS tag with articulated body and attaching element An electronic surveillance article (EAS) tag has an articulated body, or housing, having an articulating joint joining two portions, or pods. In one embodiment a first portion, or sensor pod, encloses EAS elements and a second portion, or retention pod, contains a retention mechanism. In one embodiment, the retention pod and sensor pod are connected by a swivel joint. In one embodiment the retention pod encloses a ball clutch. An aperture in the retention pod gives access to an aperture in the ball clutch. A shaft on an attaching element inserts into the clutch to attach the tag to an object. In one embodiment, the attaching element is a lanyard having one end terminating in a shaft and the other end terminating in a connector for forming a loop in the lanyard. Other attaching elements may be used.
US08408471B2	Authorizing the use of a biometric card Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for authorizing the use of a biometric transaction card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a biometric card having a biometric sensor to determine whether the biometric information (fingerprint) is from human skin. In a typical embodiment, the cardholder approaches a magnetic reader with the card. The user places his/her finger on the SpO2 sensor of the card. The sensor estimates the SpO2 level. Card authorization is based, in part, on the estimated SpO2 level.
US08408469B2	Laser scanning assembly having an improved scan angle-multiplication factor A laser scanning system for generating a laser scanning pattern in a scanning field, while amplifying the scan-angle multiplication factor of rotating mirrors employed therein. The laser scanning system employs rotatable laser scanning assembly having an axis of rotation and first and second rotating mirrors with normal vectors that are coplanar with each other and said rotational axis, and which form an acute angle substantially less than 90 degrees so as to provide a laser scanning assembly with a scan angle multiplication factor that is greater than 2.0. A cluster of stationary mirrors mounted about the first and second rotating mirrors, for sweeping a laser beam off the cluster of stationary mirrors after a laser beam has been reflected off the first rotating mirror, then reflected off the second rotating mirror, and then directed outwardly towards an array of pattern mirrors, so as to generate a resultant laser scanning pattern within the scanning field.
US08408463B2	Mobile device add-on apparatus for financial transactions An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
US08408458B2	Receiving and dispensing unit and self-checkout system A receiving and dispensing unit and a self-checkout system of an embodiment includes a coin receiving and dispensing device which holds received coins in accordance with the denomination and dispenses the held coins, and a bill receiving and dispensing device which holds received bills in accordance with the denomination and dispenses the held bills. The bill receiving and dispensing device is arranged to overlap the coin receiving and dispensing device in the height direction of the coin receiving and dispensing device.
US08408457B2	Systems and methods for coordinating an advertising message with a product display In accordance with the teachings described herein, retail advertising systems and methods are provided for coordinating an advertising message with a product display. An advertising media device may be used for broadcasting recorded advertising messages about products in a retail environment. A product display may be used that is associated with a product on sale in the retail environment and that includes an associated wireless identification tag. A wireless identification system may be used that includes at least one antenna in the retail environment and that is configured to detect the wireless identification tag in the retail environment. An advertisement coordination system may be used that determines from the wireless identification system that the product display is located in the retail environment and in response causes the advertising media device to broadcast an advertising message related to the product display.
US08408452B2	Container with modified corner A multi-sided container comprises a bottom wall, a top wall, opposite side walls, opposite end walls, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of diagonal corner walls. At least one of the plurality of diagonal corner walls that is defined by at least one diagonal corner panel and at least one reinforcement flap is overlapping one another. A portion of the bottom wall projects under and beyond a bottom edge of the at least one diagonal corner wall.
US08408448B1	Forming constant diameter spherical metal balls A process and tools for forming spherical metal balls is described incorporating molds, injection molded solder, a liquid or gaseous environment to reduce or remove metal oxides and an unconstrained reflow of metal in a heated liquid or gas and solidification of molten metal in a cooler liquid or gas.
US08408446B1	Methods and tooling assemblies for the manufacture of metallurgically-consolidated turbine engine components Embodiments of a method for manufacturing a turbine engine component are provided, as are embodiments of a thermal growth constraint tool for the manufacture of turbine engine components. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of arched pieces, arranging the plurality of arched pieces in a ring formation, and bonding the plurality of arched pieces together to produce a monolithic ring by heating the ring formation to a predetermined bonding temperature while constraining the outward radial growth thereof.
US08408441B2	Surgical stapler An anvil assembly comprising an anvil shaft and an anvil head, the anvil head having anvil depressions for forming surgical staples. The anvil head is mounted to the anvil shaft and the anvil shaft has a longitudinal axis and first and second spaced apart elongated projections attached to the anvil shaft and extending therefrom. The projections are configured and dimensioned to retain a purse string suture.
US08408430B2	Remote sprayer with integral dip tube Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein connecting at a landing below the top of the bottle neck, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a remote trigger sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism at a landing below the bottle opening. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
US08408429B2	Bottle with integral dip tube Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein connecting at a landing below the top of the bottle neck, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism at a landing below the bottle opening. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
US08408428B2	Device for delivering a composition, the device including a membrane forming a check valve The device includes a membrane slidably mounted in a metering chamber, the membrane including a first sealing element forming a check valve, and a second sealing element enabling the membrane to slide in a leaktight manner relative to the metering chamber. The first and second sealing elements are made of a material that is relatively flexible, the membrane also including a rigid portion made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the first and second sealing elements.
US08408426B2	Squeezable partition bottle and bag assembly A squeeze bottle forces substantially all of the liquid to be dispensed toward a top of the bottle. A valving arrangement reduces or eliminates a likelihood of air contacting the liquid to be dispensed. A top cap has a nozzle with a one-way valve allowing liquid to leave a liquid bag. A bottom cap has a one-way valve allowing air to enter an airbag. The liquid bag and the airbag are positioned within a sealed third chamber. The liquid bag and the airbag have a controlled interaction within the sealed third chamber, which results in substantially complete emptying of the liquid bag by squeezing the bottle.
US08408417B2	Tank A tank, comprising a storage space enclosed by a substantially fluid-tight tank wall, wherein the tank wall comprises a curing material for causing transition from a first flexible state to a second substantially form-retaining stage, wherein the tank wall is provided with a preformed opening for substantially fluid-tight co-action with a preformed valve.
US08408414B2	Cap adapted to engage container with another object A cap may be adapted to engage a container and may preferably be adapted to facilitate engaging the container with another object or may be adapted to otherwise possibly simplify transport, use, or storage of the container.
US08408412B2	Folding container Disclosed herein is a folding container which stores various kinds of cargo and is transported. A container body of the folding container includes a top plate, a bottom plate, left and right side plates, and front and rear end plates. Each side plate includes upper and lower plate bodies which are connected to each other and to the top and bottom plates by spring hinges. A rotating shaft is provided in the container body, and a belt connected to the rotating shaft is connected to the left and right side plates at positions adjacent to the junctions between the upper and lower plate bodies. The left and right side plates are pulled inwards and folded by rotating the rotating shaft and winding the belt around the rotating shaft. Therefore, the operation of folding or unfolding the container body can be facilitated, and safety can be ensured during the operation.
US08408410B2	Reusable drinking straw holder with bottle neck securing assembly A straw holder 200 retains a drinking straw within a bottle such that the straw holder may be reused within other bottles. A plug section comprises a hollow funnel section 211 with an outer side and an inner area 212, with the outer side attaching to a top gasket member 204, a middle inner sealing member 205 and a lower guiding member 206, with the lower guiding member having means of centering the straw holder within the middle of a bottle, with the middle inner sealing member 205 having mean of contacting the inner wall area 402 of a neck section 401 of a bottle, and the top gasket member being configured to sit on top of a top lip 403 of a bottle.
US08408401B2	Oil strainer for outboard motor unit An internal oil strainer housed in an outboard motor unit. A lower end of an oil tube is supported by a first seal member constructed of an O-ring fitted into an oil outlet of a strainer case. An upper end of the oil tube is supported by a second seal member constructed of an O-ring fitted into an inlet of an oil channel.
US08408399B2	Method and apparatus for sorting particles A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.
US08408398B2	Sheet handling system A sheet handling system is provided in which sheet handling apparatuses and a central apparatus are network connected and which can set a discrimination level of each of the sheet handling apparatuses from the central apparatus.The sheet handling apparatus has selection means which can select any one of a genuine note, a damaged note, a rejectable note, automatic setting and on-line setting, and setting means which requests the central apparatus to transmit a discrimination level when the on-line setting is selected, receives the transmitted discrimination level and sets a discrimination level. The central apparatus has selection means which can select any one of the genuine note, the damaged note, the rejectable note, and the on-line setting, and setting means to set automatically a discrimination level based on detection data received from the sheet handling apparatus in a case that the on-line setting is selected, and transmits the relevant discrimination level when the transmission request for the discrimination level is made.
US08408395B2	Process for the beneficiation of ores by means of hydrophobic surfaces A process for separating at least one hydrophobic material from a mixture comprising this at least one hydrophobic material and at least one hydrophilic material, which comprises the steps: (A) preparation of a slurry or dispersion of the mixture to be treated in at least one suitable dispersion medium, (B) contacting of the slurry or dispersion from step (A) with at least one solid, hydrophobic surface to bind the at least one hydrophobic material to be separated off to this, (C) removal of the at least one solid, hydrophobic surface to which the at least one hydrophobic material is bound from step (B) from the slurry or dispersion in which the at least one hydrophilic material is comprised and (D) separation of the at least one hydrophobic material from the solid, hydrophobic surface.
US08408394B2	Sheet for holding elastic loops thereon A container for holding elastic loops therein is described. The container includes a substantially planar card having two portions with a folding section therebetween. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops thereon. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet. Thus, the separator assists in folding both the elastic loops and sheet when the card is being folded along the folding section. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.
US08408387B2	Holder for removably storing circular disc-like objects A holder for removably storing therein circular disc-like objects. The holder comprises a body having a front opening surrounded by a first annular ledge facing a rear portion of the body. The front opening is smaller than the circular objects and the first annular ledge is of a size to support the circular objects thereon such that the circular object in engagement with the first annular ledge is viewed through the front opening. The rear portion of the body has a circular rear opening that is larger than the first annular ledge. A second annular ledge is disposed inwardly of the rear opening and supports a metal ring that is engageable by a circular magnet to releasably close the rear opening and rear portion of the body. The body may be opened by applying rearward pressure through the front opening.
US08408386B1	Catwalk and conveyor support system for grain handling A catwalk and conveyor support system adapted to be disassembled and including one or more raised sections each having a catwalk with a walkway and guard rails, and conveyor supports. Each of the conveyor supports have a vertical and a horizontal section, wherein the vertical section is adjustably connected to the catwalk and the horizontal section vertically adjusts with respect to the catwalk via the vertical section. The conveyor supports are arranged in a linear manner and are independently adjustable relative each other and relative the catwalk. Multiple raised sections may be used and are generally connected in a serial manner between storage receptacles. One or more conveyors for transporting the granular material between storage receptacles are supported upon the horizontal sections of the conveyor supports, wherein an angular disposition of the conveyors relative the catwalk is adjusted via vertical adjustment of one or more of the conveyor supports.
US08408384B2	Conveyor assembly with selectively movable zones A conveyor assembly includes a series of rollers for conveying a product to one or more product operations. A pair of spaced apart side frames support the series of rollers spanning between the frames. A drive system is associated with one or more rollers of the series of rollers and includes a selectively inflatable bladder, an elastomeric sleeve and a moving belt, wherein inflation of the bladder pushes the moving belt against one or more of the rollers for their rotation. A brake system is associated with one or more of the series of rollers and includes a selectively inflatable bladder and a fixed elastomeric band, wherein inflation of the bladder pushes the fixed elastomeric band against one or more of the rollers for stopping its rotation.
US08408381B2	Trolley-type conveyance device A carriage-type conveying apparatus with a workpiece support base and an elevating drive has a passive shaft interlocked with the elevating drive and a lock to prevent descent of the workpiece support base A power source carriage capable of traveling synchronously with the conveying carriage is aside of a traveling path of the conveying carriage at a workpiece support height changing position so as to be reciprocable along the traveling path. The power source carriage has a transmission shaft driven by a power source and a separable interlock to interlock the passive shaft and a transmission shaft with each other.
US08408380B2	Conveyor induct An induction subsystem for a conveying system includes a plurality of induction conveying units that are controlled by a plurality of controls in a manner that delivers articles to a release conveyor with gaps between the articles that approach a desired length. The conveying units may be controlled using algorithms that examine a planned release time for an article and a time at which the article would be released were it to complete the rest of its travel through the induction subsystem at one or more nominal speeds. The difference is used to determine an appropriate speed for at least one of the conveying units. The conveying unit may alternatively be controlled using algorithms that determine desired speed ratios for the conveying units, and which may seek to control the centerline to centerline spacing of articles as they reach the release point such that desired gaps are created.
US08408377B2	Reload conveyor with articulating conveyor frame A reload conveyor is disclosed in the present disclosure. Such a reload conveyor includes a conveyor frame 14 and a material receiving mechanism 18. The conveyor frame 14 is configured to articulate to assume a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration wherein the overall length of the reload conveyor in the transport configuration can be substantially shorter than in the transfer configuration. The material receiving mechanism can be configured and arranged to assume a transfer configuration and a transport configuration wherein the width of the material receiving mechanism is substantially less in the transport configuration than in the transfer configuration.
US08408376B2	Drive uncoupler A coupling device including a drive member that is rotatable about an axis, a driven member that is substantially aligned with the drive member and is selectively rotatable about the axis, a speed sensing member that is coupled to the drive member and is movable between a first position and a second position in response to the rotational speed of the drive member, and a clutch member that is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in response to movement of the speed sensing member between the first position and the second position. At least a portion of the clutch member is removable without changing the alignment between the drive member and the driven member.
US08408375B2	Separator spring for clutch plate separation and stabilization A clutch assembly includes a plurality of reaction plates separated by one or more separator springs to maintain a distance between the reaction plates when the clutch is not activated.
US08408374B2	Coupling assembly having transport lock A coupling assembly which has an adjusting device. In order to prevent uncontrolled adjusting of the adjusting device during transport until installation, a transport lock is provided. In order to be able to further propose an installation space-neutral solution, which, in particular, has no negative impact on the actuating system, grabber arms are disposed for lever elements of the coupling assembly axially in the direction of the counterpressure plate.
US08408372B2	Multidisk oil-bath clutch An embodiment of a multidisk oil-bath clutch having: a housing mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of rotation; at least one hub mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis of rotation and housed inside and coaxially with the housing; a number of drive disks housed inside the housing and angularly integral with the housing or the hub; a number of driven disks housed inside the housing, alternating with the drive disks, and angularly integral with the hub or the housing; at least one oil inlet into the housing; and at least one oil outlet from the housing. Each drive disk has a number of first circulation channels equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of rotation and extending radially from an inner edge of the drive disk to an outer edge of the drive disk; and each driven disk has a number of second circulation channels equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of rotation and extending radially from an inner edge of the driven disk to an outer edge of the driven disk.
US08408370B2	Energy absorbing element An energy absorbing element contains a free-flowing medium. The medium is expressed from the element, upon the occurrence of an impact, through at least one opening. The medium is enclosed in a capsule that bursts on impact.
US08408366B2	Disk brake The bottom surface of a seal groove provided in a cylinder bore has a first slant portion and a second slant portion. A transition point between the first slant portion and the second slant portion is located closer to the opening of the cylinder bore than the center in the cylinder bore axial direction of the seal groove. A gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of a piston seal member and the bottom surface of the seal groove, and the surface pressure applied to the bottom surface of the seal groove from the piston seal member is higher at the cylinder-bottom-side end of the piston seal member than at the cylinder-opening-side end thereof. Thus, it is possible to suppress the movement of the piston toward the cylinder bore bottom due to thermal expansion of the piston seal member.
US08408364B2	Elevator hoistway speed identifier with measured property The invention relates to a measuring arrangement, an elevator system and also a monitoring arrangement for measuring the movement of an elevator car. The measuring arrangement includes identifiers disposed at set points in the elevator hoistway, each of which identifiers contains at least one property to be measured, which property to be measured is made to be variable in the direction of movement of the elevator car. The measuring arrangement includes at least one measuring apparatus, fitted in connection with the elevator car and arranged to move along with the elevator car in the elevator hoistway. The measuring apparatus is arranged to separately read the property to be measured of each aforementioned identifier after the measuring apparatus has moved in the elevator hoistway to the reading point individual for the identifier to be read.
US08408363B2	PTO lube control system The PTO assembly includes an engine driven input shaft, an output shaft, a transmission, a disconnect unit for selectively coupling and uncoupling the input shaft from the transmission and a clutch for coupling an uncoupling the transmission from the output shaft. A lubrication system includes a shaft lube circuit for lubricating the input shaft, a pump, and a lube control valve for controlling communication of lubricant from the pump to the lube circuit. The lube control valve is operatively coupled to the disconnect unit so that when the disconnect unit is engaged the lube control valve blocks communication from the pump to the lube circuit, and when the disconnect unit is disengaged the lube control valve communicates the pump to the lube circuit. The lubrication system also includes a transmission lube circuit for lubrication the transmission. The control valve communicates lubricant to the transmission lube circuit when the disconnect unit is engaged and disengaged.
US08408361B2	Ladder assembly having the function of a carrier A ladder assembly includes a ladder, two wheel carriers mounted on the ladder movably and rotatably, two wheels each rotatably mounted on a respective one of the wheel carriers, two fastening members each extended through a respective one of the wheel carriers and each secured on the ladder to attach the respective wheel carrier to the ladder, and a support rack pivotally mounted on the ladder. Thus, when the support rack and the wheels are expanded outward from the ladder, the ladder assembly can function as a carrier, and when the support rack and the wheels are folded onto the ladder, the ladder assembly can function as a ladder so that the ladder assembly both functions as a ladder and a carrier, thereby enhancing the versatility of the ladder assembly.
US08408359B2	Acoustic attenuation method based on acoustic ray deflection theory and a muffler The present invention provides an acoustic attenuation based on sound ray deflection theory and a muffler. The method of the present invention provides a temperature gradient between the interior and the exterior of the chamber of the muffler through the low temperature refrigeration system, in which the temperature inside the pipe wall is higher than that outside the pipe wall. The said temperature gradient may deflect the acoustic ray towards the low temperature direction, so as to capture and reduce the noise. The muffler of the present invention comprises a muffler housing laid with a sound absorbing structure (4) on its internal surface, is characterized by the low temperature refrigerating system (2) which is fixed in the position corresponding to the sound absorbing structure (4) on the external surface of the muffler housing (1), covers at least 5% of the area of the external surface of muffler housing (1), and is used to realize quantitative control of the temperature gradient together with a temperature control system (3). The muffler of the present invention effectively improves the noise-absorbing effect of the prior muffler.
US08408358B1	Morphing resonators for adaptive noise reduction Tunable perforate acoustic liners are disclosed using shape memory materials, which allow the acoustic liners to tune for multiple frequencies across a wide range, unlike current designs which are limited to specific frequencies or small ranges. The liner will be initiated through a sensor and feedback loop to monitor the current acoustic environment and initiate geometry change needed to more effectively attenuate engine noise.
US08408357B2	Air duct attenuator An attenuator for the air inlet tract of an internal combustion engine comprises an unobstructed tube (4) having a surrounding enclosure (9) divided into a primary chamber (11) in fluid communication with the inlet tube, and a secondary chamber (12) in fluid communication with the primary chamber. Two secondary chambers (12, 13) may be provided. The arrangement can be tuned to attenuate a wide range of frequencies.
US08408352B2	Energy efficient power steering pump control system An electronic control unit monitors pressure conditions present at the input to the steering system and other vehicle data signals and then provides override control of a hydro-mechanical flow control device. An electro-hydraulic valve is connected to the supply side of the hydro-mechanical flow control device and reacts to the electronic monitoring of pressure and other vehicle data to alter the counter-balancing forces within the hydro-mechanical flow control device. This causes a by-pass diversion of steering fluid to the source by the hydro-mechanical flow control device and thereby relieves backpressure on the pump when relatively little steering assist is required to be provided by the steering system. The control of steering fluid diversion at such times results in a significant reduction in parasitic losses within the steering system and improves the operating and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
US08408348B2	Snowmobile and engine for snowmobile A snowmobile having improved drive stability of the vehicle body during steering includes a pair of left and right skis on a front side of the vehicle body, a steering shaft disposed on a front of a saddle type seat for steering the skis, an engine mounted in a cowling that covers the front side of the vehicle body, and a crawler disposed on a rear side of the vehicle body for driving the snowmobile. The engine is mounted by inclining a cylinder axis thereof forward, and the steering shaft is disposed on the front of a cylinder head of the engine.
US08408347B2	Camera car A mobile camera vehicle has a roll cage or similar structure attached to a chassis. Upper and lower horizontal bars are attached to the vehicle structure. Front and rear vertical bars are each attached to the upper and lower horizontal bars. A lift plate is attached to and vertically moveable on the front and rear vertical bars. A lift plate actuator may be attached to the lift plate and used to raise and lower the lift plate on the front and rear vertical bars. Alternatively, the lift plate may be moved manually. A camera platform is supported on the lift plate. A vertical shock isolator may optionally be supported on the lift plate, and with a camera on the camera platform on the vertical shock isolator.
US08408342B2	Hybrid power driving system and driving method thereof The present invention discloses a hybrid power driving system, comprising: an engine, a clutch, a first shaft, a second shaft disposed parallel to the first shaft, a motor, an energy storage device, and an output gear. The engine may be connected with the first shaft via the clutch. The motor is connected with the second shaft directly or indirectly, and is electrically connected with the energy storage device. The first shaft has a first gear, a second gear and a first synchronizer, in which the first gear and the second gear are mounted on the first shaft via bearings respectively, and the first synchronizer is selectively engaged with the first gear or the second gear. The second shaft may have a third gear, a fourth gear and a second synchronizer, in which the third gear may be mounted on the second shaft via a bearing. The fourth gear may be fixed to the second shaft. And the second synchronizer may be selectively engaged with the third gear or the fourth gear. The first gear may be engaged with the third gear, the second gear may be engaged with the fourth gear. And the third gear may be engaged with an output gear. The present invention also discloses a driving method of a hybrid power driving system. Through the first synchronizer and the second synchronizer selectively engaging with corresponding gears, a plurality of operating modes can be realized. And the structure is simple and compact.
US08408340B2	Self-contained jettisonable tracked drive A self-contained jettisonable tracked drive, which is intended for redundant propulsion of the multi-track vehicle. This drive enhanced survivability of military vehicle to perform under enemy fire and over anti-tank mines.
US08408337B2	Downhole blowout preventor The downhole flow control means or downhole blowout preventor (downhole BOP) of the present invention is adapted for use during reverse circulation drilling with both concentric drill pipe and concentric coiled tubing. The downhole BOP comprises an inner tube member having an inner passage therethrough and an outer casing forming an annular passage between the inner tube member and the outer casing. The inner passage and the annular passage of the downhole BOP is in fluid communication with the inner passage and annular passage, respectively, of the concentric drill pipe or concentric coiled tubing. The downhole BOP further comprises two valve means, preferably a check valve and a ball valve, for closing off the annular passage and the inner passage of the downhole BOP, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole BOP further comprises an electric actuator for opening and closing the ball valve.
US08408329B2	Piling and drilling rig with foldable deflection apparatus The present invention relates to a piling and drilling rig having a leader, a deflection apparatus for the deflection a rope which is pivotally connected to the head of the leader in a manner pivotable between at least one transport position and at least one working position, with the deflection apparatus being rotatable about an axis standing obliquely on the axis of extent of the leader.
US08408327B2	Method for operating a power driver A method for operating a driving tool, such as a fastening tool, that has a driver, a motor assembly with a motor and an output member, and an electrical power source. The methodology includes transmitting electrical power to the motor to rotate the output member and thereafter adjusting one or more control parameters if a rotational speed of the output member is not within a predetermined operating range.
US08408314B2	Multi-point chemical injection system for intelligent completion An intelligent completion system includes production tubing configured for production from multiple zones in a wellbore. At least one flow control valve is disposed on the production tubing for each of the multiple zones, this flow control valve capable to regulate the flow of a wellbore fluid into the production tubing. A chemical injection mandrel is disposed on the production tubing adjacent the at least one flow control valve in the each of the multiple zones, this mandrel being connected to at least one chemical injection line for injecting one or more chemicals into the wellbore. A control mechanism is connected to the at least one flow control valve and the chemical injection mandrel such that the injection mandrel and the at least one flow control valve are operated in a coordinated manner.
US08408313B2	Methods for application of reservoir conditioning in petroleum reservoirs Methods and apparatuses for recovering heavy oil that, at least in one embodiment, include conditioning a reservoir of interest, then initially producing fluids and particulate solids such as sand to increase reservoir access. The initial production may generate high permeability channels or wormholes in the formation, which may be used for heavy oil production processes such as cold flow (CHOPS) or enhanced production processes such as SAGD, or VAPEX.
US08408310B1	Method and apparatus of mounting a valve on a flange with flexible bolts to stop oil flow from a ruptured pipe or device A method and apparatus for stopping oil flowing from the end of a ruptured pipe or other device, by mounting a flange on the end of the ruptured pipe or device, if a flange is not already present; providing a gate valve having a flange on its lower end to mate with the flange on the ruptured pipe or device; providing a permanently affixed gasket member on the mounting flange of the gate valve; lowering the gate valve to the depth of the flowing oil from the ruptured pipe or device; providing at least two flexible bolts through opposite openings in the flange of the gate valve; while the gate valve is situated adjacent the flowing pipe or device, threading each flexible bolt through two opposite openings in the flange of the ruptured pipe or device; placing pulling pressure on the lower ends of the two flexible bolts to pull the gate valve from a position adjacent the ruptured pipe or device to a second position where the gasket of the gate valve mounts against the face of the flange of the ruptured pipe or device.
US08408309B2	Running tool An embodiment of a running tool for setting and testing a packoff seal of a well pipe hanger has an elongated stem having an axial passage, a body, a cam, a cam tail, a stem engagement element, and a piston. A method of setting and testing a packoff seal comprises rotating the stem relative to the body to a delivery position, thereby disengaging the engaging element from the stem. The stem moves axially downward relative to the body to land the packoff. The engagement element reengages the stem in a landing position. Fluid pressure is applied to the axial passage to set and seal the packoff, thereby moving the running tool to a set position.
US08408306B2	Processes and systems for treating oil and gas wells Systems and processes are provided for removing fluid from a subterranean well and enhancing the production of oil and/or gas are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an injection conduit, an injection valve, a relief valve, a container, a container valve, a return conduit valve, and a return conduit, all arranged within a subterranean well for removing at least one fluid from the well. The removal of at least one fluid from the well is controlled by the flow of gas into the injection conduit.
US08408305B2	Method of enhancing fracture conductivity The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage contains a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant to which the breaker has affinity. The proppant-free stage may be introduced prior to introduction of the proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or formation. Alternatively, the proppant laden stage may be introduced into the wellbore and/or formation prior to introduction of the proppant-free stage.
US08408304B2	Pump mechanism for cooling of rotary bearings in drilling tools and method of use thereof A bearing for a wellbore tool includes a flow device. The flow device may be a pump such as a positive displacement pump or a hydrodynamic pump. In arrangements, a pump stator connects to a wellbore wall. A pump rotor rotates with a drilling motor, and/or a drill string. Rotation of the pump rotor may generate a pressure differential to displace the fluid. The pump may be configured to flow fluid across a gap between a rotating section and a non-rotating section of the bearing. The fluid may be drawn from a wellbore annulus and also returned into the wellbore annulus. The bearing may support thrust loadings and/or a radial loadings. In embodiments, inserts in the bearing may be used to filter the fluid.
US08408299B2	Viscous oil recovery using emulsions The present invention is directed to a method of generating a basic water-in-oil emulsion for use in recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. The emulsion may be used to displace hydrocarbons from the formation. The emulsions used are ‘basic’ in the sense that they do not have added surfactants and are not solid-stabilized. The emulsions are made using a hydrocarbon having at least one of the following properties: (i) greater than five weight percent (wt %) asphaltene content, (ii) greater than two wt % sulfur content, and (iii) less than 22 dyne/cm interfacial tension between the hydrocarbon liquid and the aqueous liquid.
US08408297B2	Remote operation of an oilfield device A rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched and unlatched with a docking station housing for use and removal, respectively. The system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with an active seal. A first sensor and a second sensor can be used to detect temperature, pressure and density of the supplied fluid at different locations and this data can be compared using a central processing unit (CPU). Also, a sensor can be used to detect the revolutions per minute of a rotating seal of the rotating control device and fluid can be provided to the rotating control device responsive to the detected revolutions per minute.
US08408294B2	Radio frequency technology heater for unconventional resources A system for heating at least a part of a subsurface hydro carbonaceous earth formation forms a borehole into or adjacent to the formation, places elongated coaxial inner and outer conductors into the borehole with the inner and outer conductors electrically connected to each other at a depth below the top of the formation, and connects an AC power source to at least the outer conductor to produce heat in at least one of the conductors. The AC output has a controlled frequency, and the outer conductor comprises a standard oil well component made of a ferromagnetic material that conducts current from the AC power source in only a surface region of the conductor due to the skin effect phenomenon. More heat is dissipated from portions of the conductor that is within the depth range of the formation than from other portions of the conductor.
US08408293B2	Reducing methane slack when starting and stopping biogas fermenters A novel method reduces methane slack when operating a biogas fermenter. When starting up a freshly charged fermenter, the methane portion of the produced biogas is initially so low and the portions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are so high that the biogas cannot be directly used in a combined heat and power plant. Conventionally, the biogas generated during the startup phase has a small portion of methane that is discharged directly into the atmosphere or is flared off if the methane fraction is larger. The initially produced methane is consequently not used and becomes methane slack. To reduce methane slack, the biogas with the low methane fraction is fed to a gas treatment unit in which non-methane components of the gas mixture are partially separated, and the remaining gas mixture with a higher methane content is returned to the biogas fermenter until the methane fraction is sufficiently high.
US08408292B2	Method for pre-treatment of subterranean sites adjacent to water injection wells A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites.
US08408285B2	Heat dissipation apparatus A heat dissipation apparatus includes fins each including a body and blades extending radially outwardly from the body. The blades define cutouts therebetween. The fins are stacked together in such a manner that the cutouts of the fins cooperatively form airflow guiding channels each extending spirally from top to bottom.
US08408278B2	Automatic pouring method An automatic pouring method whereby a tilting automatic pouring device can pour at high speed, accommodating high-speed molding on a high-speed molding line. The method includes: a step wherein a pouring hopper, which can hold an amount of molten metal sufficient for multiple pours, is tilted forward, thereby pouring the molten metal from the hopper into a casting mold; a step wherein the pouring hopper is tilted backward, thereby stopping the aforementioned pouring into the casting mold; and a step wherein a set of casting molds, including the casting mold for which the aforementioned pouring has been completed, are moved at intervals. During the period from the beginning of the step in which molten metal is poured into the casting mold to the end of the step in which the set of casting molds is moved at intervals, whenever the weight of molten metal in the pouring hopper is less than a prescribed weight, molten metal is continually supplied to the pouring hopper by tilting a holding furnace forward.
US08408277B2	Method and apparatus for production of rotatable sputtering targets The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing rotatable sputtering targets by means of continuous casting. Target material is deposited around a cylindrical target holder (14) by means of a movable mold (30) surrounding the target holder. The mold (30) is fed with molten metal while it is translated along the target holder to progressively form the layer of molten metal on the outer surface of the target holder.
US08408275B2	Track and curtain system A modular track system for hanging a curtain, the track system consisting of modules or sections with attachments and accessories designed to adjust to varying environments and specifications. Track shape and length are adjusted by specifying various combinations of the specialized components created as part of the system. Complementing the track system is a curtain with integrated loop fasteners which allows the curtain to be attached and removed without removing the track. The system further preferably includes a side support for use in attached the track to a fixed support in the environment, and a guiderail on the side of the track on one or more track sections, the track and curtain all being coordinated to form an efficient and improved curtain hanging system.
US08408274B2	Architectural apparatus and method According to one aspect, there is provided a curtain assembly including a curtain and a plurality of rails. The curtain can be used to cover a variety of openings. The plurality of rails can be attached to and disposed horizontally on the curtain to provide rigidity to the curtain when in an open position (covering the opening). The plurality of rails can be made of two main sections, a first and a second coupled to opposite sides of the curtain. The second section can be configured to provide the lateral stability to the curtain, permitting the first section to be made of almost any material. Typically both sections are metal. The first section can also include folded over portions which wrap around the edges of the curtain. The folded over portions provide for attachment and also insure no sharp edges exist on the exterior sides of the curtain. The plurality of rails can be bonded to the curtain using an adhesive. The curtain can include prepared bonding surface to receive the rails. Both can be spaced to minimize overlap between the plurality of rails when the curtain is in a recessed position (wound around a roller).
US08408273B2	Bead breaking unit for tire changing machines The bead breaking unit for tire changing machines includes an arm having a first extremity associated turnable with a support structure and a second extremity having a bead breaking tool, the arm being suitable for oscillating between an away position, wherein the bead breaking tool is positioned substantially at a distance from the support structure, and a work position, wherein the bead breaking tool is positioned substantially close to the support structure, at least an actuator device having a mobile element associated sliding with the arm, at least a drive element for driving the arm, associated with the mobile element and suitable for operating during the movement of the mobile element from an extracted position to a retracted position to move the arm towards the work position and an apparatus of temporary coupling between the mobile element and the arm, suitable for operating during the movement of the mobile element from the retracted position to the extracted position to move the arm from the work position to the away position.
US08408269B2	System and method for deposition and removal of an optical element on an endoscope objective An applicator suitable for converting a white-light endoscope into an endoscope for combined white-light/fluorescence imaging is disclosed. The applicator facilitates attachment of an optical element, for example an optical filter, to a distal optical port of an endoscope. The applicator engages with alignment feature on the endoscope's distal end and releasably supports the optical element in an opening that is aligned with the optical port. The optical element is released in a proximal direction by pressing down on an actuator.
US08408263B2	Vacuum lamination device A vacuum lamination device for laminating a lamination member includes a base plate having an uneven surface contacting the lamination member for placing the lamination member, a frame member fixed to the base plate and having a discharge port for evacuating a processing space, and a cover member for hermetically sealing the processing space in the lamination process. The lamination member is placed on the uneven surface, and the cover member is placed so as to cover the lamination member. Then, a gaseous material in the processing space is evacuated through the discharge port while heating the processing space.
US08408262B2	Adaptive chuck for planar bonding between substrates An electrostatic chuck includes an array of independently biased conductive chuck elements, an array of sensor-conductor assemblies, and/or a combination of an array of sensor-conductor assemblies and at least one motorized chuck. Conductive chuck elements, either standing alone or embedded in a sensor-conductor assembly, are independently biased electrostatically to compensate for bowing and/or warping of a substrate thereupon so that the substrate can be bonded with a planar surface. A single electrostatic chuck can be employed to reduce the bowing and warping of one of the two substrates to be bonded, or two electrostatic chucks can be employed to minimize the bowing and warping of two substrates to be bonded.
US08408258B2	Shock absorbing system for stump grinding apparatus A stump cutting assembly mounted to a stump cutting wheel. Stump cutting assembly is a stump cutting tooth interconnected to the wheel by a holder or block that is fixed to wheel by welding or other equivalent process, an optional debris deflector and a fastener that interconnects tooth and deflector to holder. As wheel rotates about its axis of rotation, the tooth cuts away at wood or other debris in which it comes into contact through the side to side and/or longitudinal movement of a stump grinder unit.
US08408257B2	Liquid medicine dispensing device A liquid medicine dispensing device includes a rotary unit 12 which rotates while holding a plurality of original drug vials 100, and a conveyance mechanism that conveys a prescription bottle 110 in the horizontal direction on the underside of the rotary unit 12. Each of the original drug vials 100 is connected with a discharge nozzle 17 to which a discharge valve 26 is attached, and an air nozzle 29 connected with a pump and an atmospheric relief valve. When discharging liquid medicine, the prescription bottle 110 is conveyed in advance to a position that is directly below an original drug vial 100 required for dispensing. In that state, the original drug vial 100 is inverted by rotating the rotary unit 12 by 180 degrees, and the discharge valve 26 is opened.
US08408253B2	Nozzle A nozzle that can introduce gas into containers placed at a predetermined interval. The nozzle introduces gas into the container without contacting the container, and includes a main opening where the gas at a first flow rate is discharged and a sub-opening where the gas at a second flow rate is discharged in a same direction as the direction of the gas discharged from the main opening.
US08408251B2	Apparatus and method for venting gases and removing sediment from a liquid Apparatus, methods, and systems are provided for venting gases and removing sediment from a liquid comprising a body containing a flow through passageway running from a top end of the body to a bottom end of the body, adapted to sealably attach to an opening of a liquid container at a top end; a substantially annular secondary valve positioned within the flow through passageway adapted to selectively seal flow around the outside of the secondary valve; a primary valve contained within the secondary valve configured to selectively seal flow through a tubular shaft formed down an axis of the primary valve; an air breather valve attached to the body adapted to selectively seal an air vent formed in the body, wherein the air breather valve is attached to the body such that liquid leakage from the air vent is minimized; and a reservoir adapted to sealably engage to the bottom end of the body; wherein the reservoir is configured to cause the primary valve to unseal flow through the tubular shaft when the reservoir is at least partially engaged to the body, and wherein the reservoir is configured to unseal flow around the outside of the secondary valve when the reservoir is fully engaged to the body.
US08408249B2	Weaving machine with modularized drive A weaving machine with drive elements including two or more crankshaft parts rotatable along the width direction of the machine and a common rotational center line. The drive elements are situated in intermediate sections and include respectively a lay sword and lay sword shaft and are connected to a connecting rod belonging to the intermediate section. The machine utilizes a computerized control system for controlling the weaving process. Substantial weight and space reductions are made as large, heavy shaft mountings and gearboxes can be avoided.
US08408247B2	Element for controlling filling and/or drawing of a pressurized gas, tank and circuit provided with such an element The invention relates to an element for controlling filling and/or drawing of a pressurized gas, to be mounted in an opening of a tank (1), comprising a body (21) provided with at least one device (8) for controlling the circulation of gas placed between a first end, which has an opening (31) forming an inlet and/or an outlet for the gas with regard to the tank, and a second end for communicating with the inside of the tank. The control element also comprises a safety gas escape device (5) for evacuating the gas from the reservoir in the event of a dangerous situation and comprises a channel or gas escape circuit (215, 213, 212, 211, 31) running between a first end (215) for communicating with the pressurized gas of the tank and a second end (31) for communicating with a user circuit or with the atmosphere, the escape circuit being closed or not according to the state of a safety element (52), characterized in that the second end of the gas escape circuit (215, 213, 212, 211, 31) coincides with the opening (31) of the control element forming an inlet and/or an outlet for the gas.
US08408246B2	Fuel cartridge for fuel cells A fuel cartridge with a deformable inner fuel container connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The pressure in the inner fuel container is controlled.
US08408245B2	Valve actuator with vent A valve actuator includes a valve body, a valve member comprising a shaft, and a piston connected to the shaft, with the valve member being movable by operation of the piston. The valve body comprises a valve chamber that provides fluid communication between an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The shaft is disposed in and extends through a sealed chamber, the sealed chamber being sealed at one end from the valve chamber and at another end from a piston chamber, and a vent that extends from the sealed chamber to an external surface, wherein the shaft extends axially in both directions past sealed ends of the sealed chamber.
US08408240B2	Wall-mounted faucet that is available for water supply lines of different specifications and sizes A faucet includes a faucet body, a connecting member mounted in the faucet body, a plurality of elastic plates each connected between the faucet body and the connecting member, a first connector selectively connected with the connecting member, and a second connector selectively connected with the connecting member. Thus, the connecting member is connected with a water supply line by the first connector or the second connector so that the faucet is available for water supply lines of different types and sizes.
US08408239B2	Fastening arrangement A fastening arrangement for water-throughflow sanitary components in a concealed box is proposed. In a direction extending parallel to the bottom of the concealed box, the sanitary component has a distance between the ends of two mutually opposed connection stubs that is greater than the inner distance separating the through openings in the wall of the concealed box that are assigned to the two connection stubs. In order nevertheless to ensure that the sanitary component can be inserted from the open front side of the concealed box into this box, one of the two through openings is designed in such a way that it is possible for the assigned connection stub to be introduced obliquely. The connection stub is inserted into the through opening until the opposite connection stub is situated completely inside the concealed box and can then be pivoted in front of the assigned through opening. A lateral displacement then occurs such that the sanitary component is arranged centrally in the concealed box.
US08408235B2	Head for air pump A head for an air pump includes a housing, a nozzle, an urging mechanism, and an end cap. The housing includes a first compartment defined therein and including a first end defining an opening port and a second end enclosed by an end wall. The housing further includes a hole extending therethrough and into the first compartment. The nozzle device is disposed within the first compartment. The urging mechanism includes a cam, an axle and a pivoting member. The cam is disposed in the first compartment and abuts against the nozzle device. The axle is inserted into the housing through the holes and engages with the cam. The pivoting member is connected to the cam by engaging with a terminal end of the axle.
US08408233B2	Flow control system and method for controlling two positive displacement pumps A fuel flow system for a gas turbine engine includes a first pump, a second pump, a bypass loop, an integrating bypass valve and a pilot valve. The first pump connects to an actuator and a metering valve. The second pump connects to the metering valve and is arranged in parallel with the first pump. The bypass loop recycles fuel flow from the first pump and the second pump to inlets of the first pump and second pump integrating bypass valve includes first and second windows. The first window regulates fuel from the first pump through the bypass loop and the second window that regulates fuel from the second pump through the bypass loop. The pilot valve controls the size of the first and second windows.
US08408224B2	Walking assistance device A walking assistance device is disclosed that includes a support member having a first end and a second end. Attached to the support member is a hand grip, and attached to the second end is a base member. The base member includes a rounded surface that is configured to rotatably pivot relative to a walking surface as a user walks. The base member may further include a foot portion that has a toe and a heel. The toe and the heel may be the same length, or alternatively they may have varying lengths. Additionally, a pad is optionally attached to the foot portion and may be configured with tread to engage the walking surface in a way that provides traction to the walking assistance device.
US08408223B2	Removable sanitary cover for canes, walkers, crutches, and the like A removable sanitary cover for a leg extremity of a cane, walker, crutch, and the like, to reduce dirt and contaminants coming into from outdoors or dirty environment into an indoor or sanitary area. The sanitary cover includes a base and at least one sidewall that together form an enclosure having an opening generally opposite of the base. The sanitary cover also includes a closure positioned generally circumferentially about the enclosure at the at least one sidewall near the opening. In use, the sanitary cover is positioned about a distal end of the leg extremity of the cane, walker, crutch, and the like, with the closure keeping the sanitary cover in place relative to leg extremity until the sanitary cover is removed through an external force. The closure may be an elastic band, drawstring or other closure means. An optional skid-resistant material may be added or otherwise incorporated into an outer surface of the base.
US08408220B2	Cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning glue A cleaning apparatus includes a heating device, a freezing device, and a conveying belt. The heating device includes a hot water source and a hot water container. The hot water container includes an exit shutter and defines a water inlet and a water outlet. The hot water source being communicated to the hot water container via the water inlet. The freezing device includes an aerosol spray system and a freezing container. The spray system includes a spray head. The freezing container includes an entrance shutter. The spray head is received in the freezing container. The conveying belt extends into the hot water container via the exit shutter and into the freezing container via the entrance shutter and thereby bridges the hot water container and the freezing container.
US08408215B2	Filter making apparatus The invention concerns a filter making apparatus comprising: a filter material converging device, a flavor element positioning device comprising a passage element, the passage element comprising a passageway, a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, the first inlet and second inlet being in fluid communication with the passageway, wherein the first inlet is adapted to pass a continuous strand of material into the passage element, wherein the second inlet is adapted to pass fluid into the passage element, and wherein the outlet is positioned at a point downstream from at least a portion of the filter material converging device, wherein the passage element is adapted to pass through the second inlet and into the filter material either the continuous strand of material from the first inlet, or fluid from the second inlet, or the continuous strand of material from the first inlet together with fluid from the second inlet.
US08408210B2	Cuffless tracheal tube According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube ventilating device includes a sealing portion near a distal end of the tube. The sealing portion has an electroactive polymer configured to undergo a clinically effective change in volume, thickness, or both upon application of an electrical potential. Such a change in volume, thickness, or both enables sealing of the device against an inner surface of a trachea while permitting the free passage of ventilating gas through the tube. In addition, at least one electrical conductor is coupled to the electroactive polymer and is configured to apply the electrical potential.
US08408207B2	Method and device for gas supply during cardiopulmonary resuscitation A method and device for providing ventilation gas to a patient during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The device comprises: a gas source for supplying oxygen to the bronchi of the patient and a switch valve for initiating and terminating the gas supply. The switch valve is operated synchronous with the cardiopulmonary resuscitation cycle so that the switch valve operates with the same cycle as the cardiopulmonary resuscitation cycle but off-set in relation to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation cycle. The gas supply is initiated between 25% and 2% of the cycle time before the start of a compression stroke and is terminated between 2% and 30% of the cycle time after the start of a compression stroke. Alternatively, the gas supply is initiated between 25% and 48% of the cycle time after the termination of a compression stroke and is and terminated between 52% and 80% after the termination of a compression stroke.
US08408200B2	Flow resistance modulated aerosolized active agent delivery The present invention is directed to methods and devices for delivering an active agent formulation to the lung of a human patient. The active agent formulation may be in dry powder form, it may be nebulized, or it may be in admixture with a propellant. The active agent formulation is delivered to a patient at a low inspiratory flow rate for an initial period of time to increase bioavailability of the active agent.
US08408199B1	Solar reflector, collecting window and heat storage A linear trough concentrates sunlight through a long target window in a greenhouse's roof or north wall. Heat is stored in a geothermal heat bank below the greenhouse's center, where a thermal skirt around the greenhouse reduces heat loss.
US08408198B2	Solar collector stabilized by cables and a compression element A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.
US08408191B2	Engine combustion control using ignition dwell An engine control system, a controller for the engine control system, and a method of controlling a combustion process in an internal combustion engine operating at an engine operating condition. The engine control is based on closed-loop control of ignition dwell. Ignition dwell is defined as time or crank angle difference between an end of fuel injection (EOI), or some other aspect of an injection control signal, and a start of combustion (SOC), or some other aspect of an internal combustion event. One or more engine control devices, such as a fuel injector or an exhaust gas recirculation valve may be varied to control ignition dwell. By providing such a closed-loop engine control based on ignition dwell, the air/fuel charge mixture, and/or stratification present in the combustion chamber at the moment combustion starts may be controlled. Advanced combustion systems utilizing premixed compression ignition (PCI) offer the benefit of low temperature combustion for simultaneous low NOx and particulate emissions with high fuel economy. Combustion control based on ignition dwell can be used to optimize engine emissions and fuel consumption for PCI over the operating range.
US08408188B1	Engine accessory belt drive pulley A belt drive pulley system termed a “flip drive” is configured to provide at least two belt drive pulleys that are co-axially and integrally arranged and share common axle/bearing and mounting components. By being co-axially disposed, the belt drive pulleys will operate in separate and distinct planes. The flip drive is adapted for use in various applications so that power received on its first pulley from a first belt drive is transferred from its second pulley to a second belt drive (where the first and second belt drives are not co-planar).
US08408185B1	Engine fuel economizer An engine fuel economizer device connected or connectable to establish an electrical path between an electrical system of an engine, preferably a d.c. battery and a starter motor or a charging alternator of an engine, preferably an internal combustion engine. The device, in one aspect thereof, includes a coil of conductive hollow tubing having a plurality of complete turns or loops formed therealong, is positionable over and around a section of fuel line which extends from a fuel tank to the engine. In another aspect of this disclosure, the coil device is prepositioned over and along a length of nonconductive tubing which is spliceable into the fuel line after a section of fuel line is sectioned and removed. Various additional aspects position the device in close proximity to the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the engine.
US08408176B2	System and method for reducing hydrocarbon emissions in a gasoline direct injection engine A method is described for starting an engine of a motor vehicle under varying temperature conditions. The method may include during a first, higher-temperature, starting condition, directly injecting fuel into all of the combustion chambers the initial fueled cycle comprising crankshaft rotations during which at least some fuel is injected for a first time since the engine was brought from rest. Further, during a second, lower-temperature, starting condition, the method includes directly injecting fuel into less than all of the combustion chambers during at least the initial fueled cycle of the engine. In this way, it is possible to prevent the engine's pump from being outstripped during cold-start conditions at low engine temperatures. Also, it may allow subsequently fueled cylinders to start at a higher engine speed and lower manifold air pressure than otherwise possible, thereby further reducing the need for overfueling.
US08408175B2	Stop-start self-synchronizing starter system A starter system is provided for an engine having a stop-start capability. The starter system includes a first gear coupled to the engine, wherein the first gear rotates at a speed of the engine. The starter system also includes a starter arranged relative to the engine. The starter includes a second gear arranged to selectively mesh with and apply torque to the first gear in order to start the engine, such that the second gear is capable of rotating at the speed of the engine. The starter additionally includes a synchronizer arranged to substantially match the speed of the first gear with the speed of the engine prior to engagement of the first and second gears, such that the second gear is enabled to mesh with and apply torque to the first gear to thereby start the engine. The starter system and the engine may be employed in a vehicle.
US08408173B2	Electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus An electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus may include a valve unit housing of which a guide protrude portion is formed therein, a main piston which is slidably disposed in the valve unit housing and defines a valve adjusting oil chamber with the valve unit housing, a main spring which is disposed within the valve adjusting oil chamber and elastically supports the main piston on the guide protrude portion, a dependent piston which is slidably disposed within the valve unit housing, is guided along the guide protrude portion, reciprocates according to reciprocation of the main piston, and opens a valve, and a main oil supply portion which selectively supplies hydraulic pressure to the valve adjusting oil chamber.
US08408172B2	High efficiency lift profiler for an internal combustion engine A system for varying actuation of a combustion valve in an internal combustion engine, including a control shaft pivot housing fixedly disposed on the engine, a control shaft pivotably disposed within the control shaft pivot housing and eccentrically fixed to a control shaft disc, an input rocker subassembly pivotably disposed on the control shaft disc and having a contact feature disposable as a follower against a camshaft lobe, an output cam subassembly pivotably disposed on the control shaft and engageable by the input rocker subassembly and including an output cam profile for engaging a finger follower of the engine, and a bias spring to urge the output cam subassembly toward the input rocker subassembly. In one aspect of the invention, high lift events with full duration are produced whenever the control shaft is aligned such that the input rocker pivot center and the output cam pivot center are coincidental.
US08408165B2	Cooling systems A method for controlling a cooling system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine permits rapid warm-up of the engine by the use of two electrically-operated valves in addition to a conventional thermostat. The method includes controlling a bypass valve and a heater valve to both remain closed at low coolant temperatures and engine speed to inhibit coolant flow through the engine. A control unit opens the bypass valve to prevent cavitation in the water pump if engine speed and/or load exceeds a certain value. The heater valve is opened when a threshold engine coolant temperature is reached permitting warming of the heater matrix.
US08408160B1	Pet waste containment system A secure pet waste containment system utilizing an automated gear, roller and spool assembly to secure pet waste on all sides and store them for future disposal. A housing includes an aperture in its top side into which a pet, typically feline, would deposit waste. The aperture and space thereunder is lined with bagging that has its source from a bag cartridge disposed around the circumference of the aperture. When waste has been deposited, the lining secures the waste on all sides by traversing a series of rollers until the lining is wound within a circular spool. As this is occurring, the bag cartridge automatically releases more bagging into the aperture and space thereunder for subsequent deposit of pet waste.
US08408156B2	Passenger reminder system A passenger reminder system for reminding a driver-caregiver, upon exiting a vehicle, that a passenger remains in the vehicle. Embodiments of the passenger reminder system generally comprise one or more straps or other barriers used to connect a driver's seat belt to the interior of the driver side front door. When the driver's door is open, the strap of the passenger reminder system extends from the seat belt to the interior of the driver's door, impeding the driver-caregiver from exiting the car. This hindrance reminds the driver-caregiver that another passenger is onboard and prompts the removal of the passenger.
US08408154B2	Strakes An improved strake for structures that are subject to vortex induced vibrations and motions due to fluid flow around the structure. One embodiment includes a streamliner on the edge of the strake. The streamliner may be added to existing strakes or may be formed at the same time as the strake for extruded strakes. The streamliner reduces vortex induced vibrations and motions of the structure to which the strake is attached. Another embodiment of the invention provides a tension resisting support attached to the strake and structure. The support provides a different load path along the strake than the previously known art for carrying the pressure loading from fluid pressure acting normal to the surface of the strake.
US08408153B2	Automated mooring method and mooring system A mooring system for receiving and exercising at least partial control over the approach of a vessel approaching a mooring facility. An array of mooring robots are mounted to the mooring facility. Each robot has at least one vessel contact member supported by a moving mechanism in a manner to thereby be (i) movable relative to the mooring facility and (ii) presentable to engage the side of said vessel. A sensor can sense the position of the vessel relative the mooring facility. A processor can calculate movement instructions based on information received by the processor to calculate instructions for the movement of the contact member during the receipt of the vessel by the mooring system. A controller can preposition the contact member and then control the condition of each mooring robot such as to reduce the approach speed of the vessel at least in a direction towards the mooring facility.

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