最新美国发明专利第2013-04-30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
US08431187B2	Manufacturing method of filter media available at medium and high temperature exhaust gas using foam coating technology and filter media manufactured thereby Disclosed herein is a method of producing a filter medium for treating medium and high temperature exhaust gas using foam coating and a filter medium produced using the method. The filter medium has excellent heat resistance and heat contraction resistance, and exhibits partial dust collection efficiency of 99% or more by weight, total dust collection efficiency of 99.999% or more by weight, and high dust removal efficiency, for all dust particle sizes. Further, the filter media can be efficiently used to treat medium and high temperature exhaust gas because pores having an average pore size of 30 μm or less are uniformly distributed on the surface of the filter media.
US08431183B2	Surface layer The present teachings provide a composition that includes a functionalized polyfluoropolyether and functionalized polybutadiene in a weight ratio of functionalized polyfluoropolyether/functionalized polybutadiene of from about 20/80 to about 80/20 in a solvent. The composition can be used to form a surface layer having a water contact angle of greater than about 90° and a hexanedecane contact angle greater than about 45°.
US08431180B2	Paint shop and method of operating a paint shop In a paint plant which comprises at least one spray-painting device incorporating at least one application unit for painting workpieces and in particular motor vehicle bodies with a fluid paint, in order to enable the fluid paint overspray i.e. the paint particles which are not adhering to the workpieces that are to be painted and which are picked up and carried along in an air flow passing through the application area of the paint shop, to be re-separated from this air flow and also to enable the cleansed air flow to be returned to the application area in an air re-circulating system or else expelled into the environment of the plant, the paint shop comprises a device for separating fluid paint overspray from a stream of crude gas that contains overspray particles wherein this device comprises at least one filter element for separating the overspray from the stream of crude gas.
US08431174B2	Method to separate lipids from cheese whey Shown is a method of selectively separating milk fat globule membrane fragments and milk fat globules from whey. The method includes the steps of adding to whey an amount of a whey-soluble zinc salt and adjusting the pH of the whey to be less than 6.0. The amount of zinc salt added to the whey is sufficient to cause milk fat globule membrane fragments and milk fat globules contained in the whey to precipitate selectively from the whey.
US08431171B2	Partially neutralized acid coated food-grade particles The present invention relates to coated food-grade particles, preferably coated food-grade acids and/or their salts, wherein the particles are coated food-grade cores with coating comprising partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing said coated food-grade particles and to the use hereof in food applications. The invention also encompasses the use of specific partially neutralized polycarboxylic acids, in particular sodium and/or potassium hydrogen malate, as coating agent. Furthermore, the invention is directed to food and drink products comprising said with partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid coated food-grade particle.
US08431167B2	Plant extracts composition for the treatment of liver dysfunction-jaundice Plant extracts compositions comprising extracts of Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus emblica and Gymnosporea montana and at least a carrier. The extracts used to prepare the composition are prepared from specific parts of the respective plants like extract of Curcuma longa; Phyllanthus emblica and Gymnosporea montana are prepared from tubers, fruits and leafs of respective plants. The compositions can be used to treat liver dysfunction.
US08431166B2	Composition comprising the extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge or the compounds isolated from the same for preventing and treating lipid metabolism disorder The present invention relates to a composition comprising an extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge or the compounds isolated from the same, as an active ingredient. In particular, the extract and compounds have the excellent inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation, and thus can be used in a pharmaceutical composition and functional food for the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders.
US08431163B2	Methods of reducing the risk of occurrence of pulmonary edema associated with inhalation of nitric oxide gas Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk of occurrence of pulmonary edema associated with a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas.
US08431160B2	Microparticles containing biodegradable polymer and cationic polysaccharide for use in immunogenic compositions Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.
US08431156B2	Pharmaceutical composition The present invention relates to an oral controlled release pharmaceutical composition in the form of a unit dosage form comprising: (a) a highly soluble high dose active ingredient consisting essentially of therapeutically effective amount of levetiracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and (b) a rate controlling means comprising a rate-controlling agent and/or a coating selected from (i) a active ingredient permeable coating surrounding the unit dosage form, and (ii) an active ingredient impermeable coating covering one or more surfaces but not all the surfaces of the unit dosage form, wherein the composition is in the form of a compact tablet and the levetiracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof is present in an amount ranging from about 55% to about 90% by weight of the tablet.
US08431155B1	Bromocriptine formulations The present application describes pharmaceutical formulations of bromocriptine mesylate and methods of manufacturing and using such formulations. The formulations are useful for improving glycemic control in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
US08431152B2	Transdermally absorbable preparation A transdermally absorbable preparation that even when a drug with poor solubility in a base is added in high concentration, is stable over time and can suppress crystallization of the drug, excelling in transdermal absorbability. There is provided a transdermally absorbable preparation, comprising a base and, added thereto, at least composite particles which are composed of a silicate compound and an organic acid and a drug.
US08431146B2	Scaffold comprising co-precipitated Collgen and glycosaminoglycan for inhibiting adhesion of body tissue layers A device for inhibiting adhesion of apposing human body tissue layers includes a scaffold having a designated mean pore size, relative density, and degradation half-life. The scaffold may be operably positioned between apposing tissue layers, such as proximate adhesiogenic layers at a wound site, so as to permit remesothelialization of the tissue without formation of fibrous adhesions. The scaffold device of the invention inhibits adhesion formation by promoting contractile cell migration away from the wound site for a predetermined period of time. The invention further relates to device and methods for promoting internal tissue regeneration, and for provision and/or dispensation of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents in vivo.
US08431141B2	Alloplastic injectable dermal filler and methods of use thereof A composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent is provided. A method of making a composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, said method comprising admixing a biocompatible and pliable material with a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, is also provided. A method of augmenting soft tissue to provide long-term reduction of a skin defect, said method comprising stimulating collagen beneath the skin defect is further provided. In an embodiment of the method of augmenting soft tissue, the stimulation of collagen production is effected by injecting into the deep reticular dermis and a dermal filler, said dermal filler being an alloplastic injectable suspension and comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent.
US08431140B2	Topical compositions Single phase pharmaceutical compositions for topical application, in addition to kits and methods of use and administration are provided. The compositions comprise a biologically active agent; a delivery vehicle comprising at least a non-polymeric crystallization inhibitor and a film-former; and a volatile solvent; wherein the biologically active agent is present in the composition in a subsaturated state, the biologically active agent is present in the delivery vehicle in a supersaturated state, and the crystallization inhibitor is capable of delaying crystallization of the biologically active agent in the delivery vehicle. Biologically active agents include terbinafine and acyclovir. Treatments for onychomycosis and Varicella zoster infection, HSV-I infection or HSV-2 infection are provided.
US08431139B2	Nucleic acids and proteins from Streptococcus groups A and B The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.
US08431138B2	In ovo vaccination of Campylobacter in avian species The present invention provides a method of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter in an avian species, especially a domesticated avian species such as chicken, turkey, duck, goose and quail, by administering, in ovo, live cells of Campylobacter.
US08431136B2	Immunogenic composition An immunogenic composition comprising a Hib saccharide conjugate and at least two further bacterial saccharide conjugates is provided, wherein the Hib conjugate is present in a lower saccharide dose than the mean saccharide dose of all the at least two further bacterial saccharide conjugates.
US08431133B2	Augmentation of titer for vaccination in animals The disclosure relates to a composition added to animal feed used in combination with a vaccine to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine. Amongst other effects, the composition raises the titer of antibodies to the vaccine.
US08431132B2	Recombinant human EPO-FC fusion proteins with prolonged half-life and enhanced erythropoietic activity in vivo A recombinant fusion protein comprising a human erythropoietin peptide portion linked to an immunoglobulin peptide portion is described. The fusion protein has a prolonged half-life in vivo in comparison to naturally occurring or recombinant native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment of the invention, the protein has a half-life in vivo at least three fold higher than native human erythropoietin. The fusion protein also exhibits enhanced erythropoietic bioactivity in comparison to native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment, the fusion protein comprises the complete peptide sequence of a human erythropoietin (EPO) molecule and the peptide sequence of an Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin IgG1. The Fc fragment in the fusion protein includes the hinge region, CH2 and CH3 domains of human immunoglobulin IgG1. The EPO molecule may be linked directly to the Fc fragment to avoid extraneous peptide linkers and lessen the risk of an immunogenic response when administered in vivo. In one embodiment the hinge region is a human Fc fragment variant having a non-cysteine residue at amino acid 6. The invention also relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding the fusion protein and transfected cell lines and methods for producing the fusion protein. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion protein and methods of using the fusion protein and/or the pharmaceutical compositions, for example to stimulate erythropoiesis in subjects in need of therapy.
US08431128B2	Enterococcus antigens The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from E. faecalis, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof.
US08431124B2	Methods for treating a disease characterized by an excess of hyaluronan by administering a soluble hyaluronidase glycoprotein (sHASEGP) Provided are soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. Sialated and pegylated forms of the sHASEGPs also are provided. Methods of treatment by administering sHASEGPs and modified forms thereof also are provided.
US08431122B2	Purification and isolation of recombinant oxalate degrading enzymes and spray-dried particles containing oxalate degrading enzymes The present invention comprises methods and compositions for the reduction of oxalate in humans, and methods for the purification and isolation of recombinant oxalate reducing enzyme proteins. The invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of oxalate-reducing enzymes in particle compositions. The compositions of the present invention are suitable in methods of treatment or prevention of oxalate-related conditions.
US08431121B2	Specifically targeted catalytic antagonists and uses thereof This invention provides chimeric molecules that are catalytic antagonists of a target molecule. The catalytic antagonists of this invention preferably comprise a targeting moiety attached to an enzyme that degrades the molecule specifically bound by the targeting moiety. The catalytic antagonists of this invention thus bind to a target recognized by the targeting moiety (e.g., a receptor) the enzyme component of the chimera then degrades all or part of the target. This typically results in a reduction or loss of activity of the target and release of the chimeric molecule. The chimeric molecule is then free to attack and degrade another target molecule.
US08431118B2	Anti-herpes simplex virus antibodies and methods of use thereof The invention provides antibodies and polypeptides that specifically bind to the glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and use of the antibodies and polypeptides for treating or diagnosing HSV infections.
US08431114B2	Polysaccharide-based polymer tissue adhesive for medical use Tissue adhesives formed by reacting an oxidized polysaccharide with a water-dispersible multi-arm polyether amine, wherein at least three of the arms are terminated by primary amine groups, are disclosed. The use of the tissue adhesives for medical and veterinary applications such as topical wound closure; and surgical procedures, such as intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, and ophthalmic procedures; drug delivery; anti-adhesive applications; and as a bulking agent to treat urinary incontinence are described.
US08431113B2	Polymer conjugates The present invention relates to conjugates of biologically active compounds, preferably therapeutically active compounds, with polymeric moieties having low polydispersity, as well as controlled polymerisation processes for producing the conjugates. An initiation for a controlled radical polymerisation process comprises a biologically active, usually therapeutically active, moiety and the monomer includes zwitterionic monomer for instance 2-methacryloyloxyethyl-2′-trimethylammonium ethyl phosphate inner salt. The process allows close control of the molecular weight and polydispersity of the polymeric moiety and the possibility of optimising the delivery characteristics of the active agent.
US08431111B2	Peptide imaging agents The present invention relates to labelled cMet binding peptides suitable for optical imaging in vivo. The peptides are labelled with a benzopyrylium dye suitable for imaging in the red to near-infrared region. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits, as well as in vivo imaging methods, especially of use in the detection, staging, diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression or monitoring of treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).
US08431109B2	Process for production of composition The invention provides a process for production of a composition comprising a perovskite structure compound, the process comprising: a first process to heat a hydrous oxide of at least one B group element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, and Sn at a temperature within a range of 80 to 300° C. in the presence of an aqueous medium so as to dehydrate the hydrous oxide; and a second process to heat a reaction product obtained in the first process and a hydroxide of at least one A group element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg and Pb at a temperature within a range of 100 to 300° C. in the presence of an aqueous medium.The process provides a composition comprising an ABO3 compound in the form of uniform and fine spherical particles which have an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less, preferably within a range of 0.01 to 0.5 μm, high crystallinity, and a controlled A/B ratio as desired, as well as few internal pores in the crystalline particles.
US08431108B2	Cathode materials and methods for production Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for producing materials having the formula Li[Ni0.5Mn1.5]O4-δ wherein δ≧O, the materials obtainable by such method, and cathodes and batteries comprising such materials.
US08431107B2	Method for producing ammonium heptamolybdate A method for preparing ammonium heptamolybdate with the steps of: i) adding a molybdenum-containing organic phase to a liquid-liquid reextraction apparatus or to a desorption apparatus, and ii) directly cold-crystallization ammonium heptamolybdate by cooling the resulting reextraction or desorption solution.
US08431106B2	Method for generating micronized sulphur A method of producing micronized sulphur wherein elemental sulphur is dissolved in a solvent for sulphur to produce a sulphur-solvent solution and precipitation of the dissolved sulphur is effected or controlled by manipulation of at least one of pressure, temperature or water content in the solvent to produce the micronized sulphur.
US08431101B2	Method of treating an acid gas stream and an apparatus therefor Disclosed is a method of treating an acid gas stream through a series of process steps to provide an ammonium sulfphate stream. The method involves passing the acid gas stream to an incinerator to oxidize the H2S to SO2 to yield an incinerator flue gas stream. The incinerator flue gas stream is passed to a sulphuric acid unit that produces H2SO4 from the SO2 of the incinerator flue gas stream and to yield an aqueous sulphuric acid stream and a sulphuric acid unit off-gas stream. At least part of the aqueous sulphuric acid stream is passed to an ammonia scrubber wherefrom an aqueous ammonium suphate stream is yielded.
US08431097B2	Solute precipitation method and device A precipitator comprises a counter-current circulation between the reacting substances (8, 6, 7 →12) and a non-miscible and chemically inert organic confinement phase (10→9) to maintain the phase containing the reagent in an emulsion. The walls of the precipitator are hydrophobic to prevent the adhesion of the precipitate. The emulsion is maintained by a mobile stirrer body (2). The precipitate is removed continually by a scavenging flow rate device (16).
US08431096B2	Process for high temperature solution polymerization The current invention provides a method of improving the efficiency of one or more heat exchangers used in cooperation with a high temperature solution polymerization process. Addition of surface active agents, such as C6 to C22 carboxylic acids, to a two phase liquid-liquid polymer solution downstream of a reactor system and upstream of a heat exchanger system can increase the efficiency of heat exchange by more than 10 %.
US08431093B2	Device for centering a microtiter plate A pipetting aid device includes a support comprising a face, a plurality of light elements mounted in the support forming a two-dimensional array in the plane of the face, and first and second centering structures. The first and second centering structures are mounted to extend from the face of the support. The first centering structure includes a first and second pair of stop walls, wherein a pair of stop walls forms a corner. The second centering structure includes a third and fourth pair of stop walls. The first and third pairs of stop walls form corners of a first positioning zone of a first type of plate. The second and fourth pairs of stop walls form corners of a second positioning zone of a second type of plate. The first centering structure and the second centering structure are positioned outside both the first positioning zone and the second positioning zone.
US08431092B2	Biochip holder and method of collecting fluid A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.
US08431091B2	Tissue embedding apparatus, and method for operating a tissue embedding apparatus The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8). In order to be able to embed tissue in an automated manner also when different cassettes are used, a tissue embedding device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the recorded image of the tissue sample (8) can be evaluated while further processing of the tissue sample (8) in the tissue embedding device (1) can be predefined in accordance with the evaluation of the image.
US08431089B2	Process analysis system with sterile sampling of mechanically-sensitive material from a bioreactor Sampling valve with which samples containing mechanically sensitive material are removed in a sterile manner from a bioreactor, and process analysis system with analysis stations, in particular chromatography systems, biosensors and cell determination devices, permitting automated, sterile removal of a sample from a bioreactor and gentle transport of the sample, containing mechanically sensitive material, in particular cells, to the analysis station.
US08431088B2	Carbon dioxide detector having borosilicate substrate The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide detector having a borosilicate substrate. It may also have a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. The carbon dioxide detector may be part of a carbon dioxide detector system also including an air intake operably connected to the housing to allow air to reach the carbon dioxide detector. The carbon dioxide detector may include a borosilicate substrate and a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution disposed on the borosilicate substrate. This detector may be part of a further system, such as a resuscitation system. The detector may be made by wetting a borosilicate substrate with a carbon dioxide responsive indicator solution and drying the indicator solution to immobilize it and form a dried carbon dioxide detector. It may be used to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide in an air sample by exposing the detector to the sample.
US08431086B2	Medical fluid access device with antiseptic indicator A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent.
US08431081B2	Method and apparatus for regenerating an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe2O3. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.
US08431079B2	Analyzer for performing medical diagnostic analysis Embodiments of an analyzer for performing medical diagnostic analysis of biological samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the analyzer may have a first and at least a second disk-shaped cuvette conveyor each having an array of cuvette holders, a first drive unit for rotating the first cuvette conveyor about a rotation axis, and a second drive unit for rotating the second cuvette conveyor about the rotation axis. The operation of the second drive unit is independent from the operation of the first drive unit. The first cuvette conveyor and the second cuvette conveyor are spaced from each other in an axial direction along the rotation axis and with an air gap between them. The cuvette holders of the first cuvette conveyor and the cuvette holders of the second cuvette conveyor are adapted for holding cuvettes having the same shape and dimensions.
US08431073B2	Nickel base gamma prime strengthened superalloy A nickel base gamma prime strengthened superalloy with a unique blend of adequate hot corrosion resistance, high oxidation resistance, high coating compatibility, adequate phase stability, adequate creep resistance and low density is disclosed. The composition includes: Up to 20 wt % Co, between 12 and 14 wt % Cr, between 1 and 2 wt % Mo, between 1.4 and 2.8 wt % W, between 5.1 and 5.9 wt % Al, between 1.1 and 1.6 wt % Ti, between 3 and 7 wt % Ta, between 0.01 and 0.3 wt % of C+Zr+B, between 0.05 and 1 wt % Hf, between 0.05 and 1 wt % Si, and between 0.01 and 0.2 wt % of the sum of rare earths such as Sc, Y, the actinides and the lanthanides. The composition is intended for use in hot components such as gas turbine blades, and the hot components are preferably produced by clean casting.
US08431071B2	Sintering of metal and alloy powders by microwave/millimeter-wave heating A method of sintering by: placing a compacted metal powder inside a cylindrically-shaped susceptor and in an inert atmosphere or a vacuum, and applying microwave or millimeter-wave energy to the powder until the powder is sintered.
US08431066B2	Method for making carbon nanotube film The present disclosure relates to a method for making a carbon nanotube film. In the method, a bent flexible substrate having a curved surface is provided. A carbon nanotube array on the curved surface of the bent flexible substrate is fabricated. The bent flexible substrate is at least partially unbent, thereby at least partially unbending the carbon nanotube array. A drawing tool is provided to contact the unbent carbon nanotube array to select a carbon nanotube segment from the carbon nanotube array. The selected carbon nanotube segment is drawn using the drawing tool, thereby forming the carbon nanotube film.
US08431065B2	Polyolefin-based crosslinked articles Methods for making a crosslinked elastomeric composition and articles made of the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, an elastomeric composition comprising at least one propylene-based polymer is blended with at least one component selected from the group consisting of multifunctional acrylates, multifunctional methacrylates, functionalized polybutadiene resins, functionalized cyanurate, and allyl isocyanurate; and blended with at least one component selected from the group consisting of hindered phenols, phosphites, and hindered amines. The propylene-based polymer can include propylene derived units and one or more dienes, and have a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g. The blended composition can then be extruded and crosslinked. The extruded polymer can be crosslinked using electron beam radiation having an e-beam dose of about 100 KGy or less. The crosslinked polymers are particularly useful for making fibers and films.
US08431059B2	Method for making a mosaic-style art product A mosaic-style art kit is provided. The art kit includes a frame, modeling material, and a guide sheet. The frame includes a peripheral surface operably configured to overlie the guide sheet, and a mosaic-style internal structure having partitions forming cavities for receiving and retaining the modeling material. A front side of the frame is placed on the guide sheet such that the mosaic-style internal structure is aligned with a design on the guide sheet. The design thereby instructs a color of modeling material to be inserted into each cavity of the internal structure. The modeling material is inserted accordingly, and the frame and guide sheet are separated to produce a mosaic-style art product.
US08431058B2	Polyurethane systems for production of polyurethane sandwich components The present invention relates to the use of a polyurethane system, comprising (a) polyisocyanates, (b) at least one compound reactive with isocyanate, (c) at least one reactive chain extender having at least two groups reactive toward isocyanates, where at least one group reactive toward isocyanates is a free, primary NH2 group, (d) at least one catalyst, and (e) if appropriate, further additives, for production of polyurethane sandwich components. The present invention further relates to a process for production of polyurethane sandwich components, and to polyurethane sandwich components obtainable by this process.
US08431045B2	Ligand exchange thermochromic systems and high ε ligands for same Ligand exchange of thermochromic, LETC, systems exhibiting a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation as the temperature of the system is reversibly changed are described. The described LETC systems include one or more than one transition metal ion, which experiences thermally induced changes in the nature of the complexation or coordination around the transition metal ion(s) and, thereby, the system changes its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation as the temperature changes. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, thermochromic systems are disclosed comprising a transition metal ion with particularly useful ligands, such as phosphine compounds, tridentate ligands that coordinate through three nitrogen atoms, bidentate ligands, or ortho hindered pyridine monodentate ligands.
US08431042B2	Solid state scintillator material, solid state scintillator, radiation detector, and radiation inspection apparatus In an embodiment, a solid state scintillator material includes a composition represented by a general formula: (Gd1-α-β-γTBαLuβCeγ)3(Al1-xGax)aOb, where α and β are numbers satisfying 0<α≦0.5, 0<β≦0.5, and α+β≦0.85, γ is a number satisfying 0.0001≦γ≦0.1, x is a number satisfying 0
US08431031B2	Method for producing a bulk wave acoustic resonator of FBAR type A method for fabricating a bulk wave acoustic resonator (FBAR) which includes at least locally a partially suspended thin layer of piezoelectric material, and includes the following steps: the formation of at least one first so-called lower electrode on the surface of a thin layer of piezoelectric material; the deposition of a so-called sacrificial layer on the surface of the said thin layer of piezoelectric material and of the said first electrode defining a first set; the assembling of the said first set with a second substrate; the formation of at least one second electrode termed the upper electrode on the opposite face of the said thin layer of piezoelectric material from the face comprising the said first electrode; and the elimination of the sacrificial layer so as to unveil the said thin layer of piezoelectric material and the said first electrode and define the bulk wave resonator.
US08431030B2	Process for manufacturing crystal resonator There is provided a crystal resonator (crystal element) in which the probability of chipping occurring in separation is small when there is one supporting section with respect to a frame section of a crystal wafer, and inclined surfaces due to the anisotropy of etching are eliminated. The present invention relates to a crystal resonator manufacturing method such that an AT-cut crystal wafer is etched, a large number of rectangular crystal elements are joined with frame sections by supporting sections, and the crystal elements are mechanically cut away from the frame sections. On both sides of the +X-axis one end section of the crystal element, at least the outer side surface has a planarly tapered projection having a triangular inclined surface with an apex in the −X-axis direction, and the tip end of the projection has processing traces of the etching in the +X-axis direction.
US08431027B2	Dissolved air flotation system with bubble separation system and method of use A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water.
US08431024B1	Method for enhancing biotransformation of groundwater contaminants A method for enhancing biotransformation of groundwater contaminants is provided. The method comprises steps of providing an injection column at an upstream of a contaminated source for injecting a compost solid; providing a recirculation device at a downstream of the contaminated source; forming a compost liquid by mixing surface water or groundwater from the recirculation device with the compost solid, and the groundwater bringing the compost liquid to the contaminated source at the downstream; and producing a reaction at the contaminated source and the downstream. Also, the groundwater contaminants can be adsorbed and biodegraded in the injection column at the upstream by the recirculation of the recirculation device.
US08431017B2	Gel assisted separation method and dewatering/desalting hydrocarbon oils A method for separating polar hydrocarbon compounds from a hydrocarbon oil containing polar hydrocarbon compounds comprising the steps of: a) forming a gel in the hydrocarbon oil, and thereafter b) separating the gel from the hydrocarbon oil to produce a separated gel and a separated hydrocarbon oil.
US08431016B2	Methods for hydrocracking a heavy oil feedstock using an in situ colloidal or molecular catalyst and recycling the colloidal or molecular catalyst A hydrocracking system involves introducing a heavy oil feedstock and a colloidal or molecular catalyst, or a precursor composition capable of forming the colloidal or molecular catalyst, into a hydrocracking reactor. The colloidal or molecular catalyst is formed in situ within the heavy oil feedstock by intimately mixing a catalyst precursor composition into a heavy oil feedstock and raising the temperature of the feedstock to above the decomposition temperature of the precursor composition to form the colloidal or molecular catalyst. The colloidal or molecular catalyst catalyzes upgrading reactions between the heavy oil feedstock and hydrogen and eliminates or reduces formation of coke precursors and sediment. At least a portion of a resid fraction containing residual colloidal or molecular catalyst is recycled back into the hydrocracking reactor to further upgrade the recycled resid fraction portion and provide recycled colloidal or molecular catalyst within the hydrocracking reactor.
US08431012B2	Lubricating base oil The present invention is directed to a heavy hydrocarbon composition useful as a heavy lubricant oil base stock and to a heavy lubricant composition derived from the heavy lubricant oil base stock that remains clear and bright even after being cooled to room temperature and stored for an extended period of time.
US08431011B2	Method for automatically and rapidly distinguishing between control and sample solutions in a biosensor strip The present invention is directed to electrochemical sensors and systems and methods for electrochemically sensing a particular constituent within a fluid through the use of a diagnostic test. The methods provide for automatic discrimination of sample from control or standard solutions. A device and system used to determine a constituent level within a fluid that employ such automatic sample discrimination methods or specially formulated solutions is also provided.
US08431004B2	Antireflective member, optical element, display device, method of making stamper and method of making antireflective member using the stamper A method for making a stamper which has an uneven surface pattern, in which unit structures are arranged in x and y directions at respective periods that are both shorter than the shortest wavelength of an incoming light ray, on the surface of a substrate and satisfies the following Inequality (1): Λ ⁢ ⁢ x , y λ min < 1 ni + ni · sin ⁢ ⁢ θ ⁢ ⁢ i max ( 1 ) where λmin is the shortest wavelength of the incoming light ray, θimax is the largest angle of incidence of the incoming light ray, ni is the refractive index of an incidence medium, Λx is the period of the uneven surface pattern in the x direction, and Λy is the period of the pattern in the y direction. As a result, diffraction of short-wave light components can be reduced in a broad wavelength range.
US08430998B2	Sputtering apparatus A sputtering apparatus includes a preheating chamber, a deposition chamber, a passage in communication with the preheating chamber and the deposition chamber, a first support assembly received in the preheating chamber, a second support assembly received in the deposition chamber, a number of posts capable of mounting on each of the first and second support assemblies, a transferring robot arranged in the preheating chamber, and a magnetic assembly fixed on the transferring robot. The transferring robot is configured for demounting the post from the two support assemblies, transferring the demounted post between the preheating chamber and the deposition chamber, and mounting the transferred post on the two support assemblies. The magnetic assembly is configured for collecting iron workpieces dropped on a bottom in the preheating chamber, the deposition chamber, or the passage.
US08430997B2	Electrode for electrolytic production of chlorine The present invention relates to an electrode that includes an electrically conducting substrate based on a valve metal having a main proportion of titanium, tantalum or niobium, and an electrocatalytically active coating comprising up to 50 mol % of a noble metal oxide or noble metal oxide mixture and at least 50 mol % of titanium oxide. The coating includes a minimum proportion of oxides of anatase structure determined by a ratio of the signal height of the most intensive anatase reflection in an x-ray diffractogram (CuKα radiation) after subtraction of a linear background to the signal height of the most intensive rutile reflection in the same diffractogram, wherein the ratio is at least 0.6.
US08430994B2	Making sheets The invention is directed toward improvements in security substrates, such as paper, used for making security documents, such as bank notes, having anti-counterfeit able features and in particular to security substrates incorporating an elongate security element and methods of making the substrate. The invention comprises a security substrate for making security documents and the like comprising a fibrous base substrate and an elongate security element at least partially embedded therein. At one surface of the security substrate one portion of the security element is exposed to provide a continuous track along the length of the security element. A plurality of other portions along at least one edge of the security element are partially covered by overlapping regions of the fibrous substrate. The invention further comprises a method of manufacturing such a security substrate.
US08430985B2	Microporous layer assembly and method of making the same One embodiment includes a process including coating a first microporous layer onto a first decal and curing the first microporous layer and the first decal.
US08430984B2	Collapsible mandrel employing reinforced fluoroelastomeric bladder A collapsible mandrel comprises an inflatable bladder. The bladder includes a reinforcement sandwiched between inner and outer layers of a fluoroelastomeric rubber.
US08430982B2	Pyrophoric material A pyrophoric material comprises a pyrophoric metal coated onto a wire mesh substrate. Iron and nickel are the preferred metals and a steel wire mesh is suitable. A process for making the pyrophoric material involves spraying an alloy of iron and/or nickel with aluminium onto a mesh using a high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process following by leaching out at least a proportion of the aluminium by treatment with an alkaline solution. The product has application as a supported catalyst or as either an ignition medium or as a flare material in military countermeasures in which applications it is capable of burning at a high temperature.
US08430979B2	Copper alloy containing cobalt, nickel and silicon A copper alloy having an improved combination of yield strength and electrical conductivity contains, by weight, from 1% to 2.5% of nickel, from 0.5% to 2.0% of cobalt, with a total nickel plus cobalt content of from 1.7% to 4.3%, from 0.5% to 1.5% of silicon with a ratio of (Ni+Co)/Si of between 3.5 and 6, and the balance copper and inevitable impurities wherein the wrought copper alloy has an electrical conductivity in excess of 40% IACS. A further increase in the combination of yield strength and electrical conductivity as well as enhanced resistance to stress relaxation is obtained by a further inclusion of up to 1% of silver.
US08430977B2	Hollow drilling steel rod and method of manufacturing the same The present invention relates to a hollow drilling steel rod including a stem portion and a thread portion positioned at an end portion in an axial direction with respect to the stem portion, the hollow drilling steel rod being constituted of a steel having a specific composition described in the present specification, in which the thread portion includes a thread having been subjected to a high frequency quenching, and the thread portion and the stem portion separate from each other have been joined by a friction welding.
US08430972B2	Metal surface treatment composition, metal surface treatment method, and metal material A metal surface treatment composition including at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a zirconium compound and a titanium compound, and an organosiloxane, which is a polycondensate of organosilane and has in a molecule thereof of at least two amino groups, in which the Degree of polycondensation of the organosiloxane is at least 40%, the content of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the zirconium compound and the titanium compound is predetermined content, the content of the organosiloxane in the metal surface treatment composition is predetermined content, and the mass ratio of at least one element selected from the group consisting of the zirconium element and the titanium element contained in the zirconium compound and the titanium compound, respectively, to the silicon element contained in the organosiloxane is a predetermined ratio.
US08430971B1	Composition for treatment of a drilling fluid and associated methods A composition is provided for lowering a pH of a drilling fluid. The composition includes HCl, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone. A method of using the composition includes adding the composition to a drilling fluid for a well to assist in lowering a pH thereof. Methods are also provided for performing hydraulic fracturing of an oil or a gas well, for adjusting a pH of a drilling fluid, for adjusting and maintaining a pH of a process fluid, for solubilizing calcium carbonate in an aqueous suspension or dispersion of calcium carbonate, for removing a foulant in a fluid-handling element, and for adjusting a pH and lowering a salt level of turf.
US08430969B2	Method for exposing and cleaning insulating coats from metal contact surfaces A process flow exposing and cleaning contact surfaces employing a liquid cleaning agent such as flux to penetrate the interface between the glassy coats and the surface of metal and to delaminate the coats from the metal, and then, at elevated temperatures, to use the agent's vapor pressure to break up the glassy coats into smaller pieces. The glassy coats are prevented by their low density to penetrate into the molten solder. Finally, at ambient temperature, the floating filler debris is water-washed and rinsed away. Cleaning agents include low-viscosity liquids (oils) and flux, which do not decompose at elevated temperatures and are mixed with components operable to provide, at the elevated temperatures, the fumes for sufficient vapor pressure to break up and dislodge the coats from the metal contacts.
US08430968B2	Method of extracting starches and sugar from biological material using controlled cavitation A method of extracting sugar, starch, and/or carbohydrates from feed material such as corn or corn stover is disclosed. The feed material is mixed with liquid and perhaps accelerants to form a mixture. The mixture is pumped through a controlled cavitation reactor, where it is exposed to shockwaves from cavitation events. The shockwaves open pores in the feed material and force liquid in and out of the pores to liberate trapped sugars and starches, which are dissolved in the liquid for subsequent removal.
US08430966B2	Vapor deposition apparatus and process for continuous deposition of a thin film layer on a substrate An apparatus and related process are provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate. A receptacle is disposed within a vacuum head chamber and is configured for receipt of a source material. A heated distribution manifold is disposed below the receptacle and includes a plurality of passages defined therethrough. The receptacle is indirectly heated by the distribution manifold to a degree sufficient to sublimate source material within the receptacle. A distribution plate is disposed below the distribution manifold and at a defined distance above a horizontal plane of a substrate conveyed through the apparatus. The distribution plate includes a pattern of holes therethrough that further distribute the sublimated source material passing through the distribution manifold onto the upper surface of the underlying substrate.
US08430958B2	Apparatus and method for seed crystal utilization in large-scale manufacturing of gallium nitride An apparatus and associated method for large-scale manufacturing of gallium nitride. The apparatus comprises a large diameter autoclave or internally-heated high pressure vessel, a seed rack, and a raw material basket. Methods include effective means for utilization of seed crystals. The apparatus and methods are scalable up to very large volumes and are cost effective.
US08430951B2	Low cost fluid flow sensor A system and method for a low cost fluid flow sensor is described. One embodiment includes a fluid flow sensor comprising a first resistance temperature detector configured for generating a flow signal, wherein the flow signal is based on a fluid velocity, and wherein the first resistance temperature detector is configured for a fluid temperature range; a second resistance temperature detector configured for generating a temperature signal, wherein the temperature signal is based on a fluid temperature; and a controller coupled to the first resistance temperature detector and the second resistance temperature detector, the controller configured for receiving the flow signal and the temperature signal, wherein the controller takes a first controller action when the temperature signal is within a temperature signal range substantially representative of the fluid temperature range, and the flow signal is within a flow signal range, wherein the flow signal range is determined based on the temperature signal.
US08430947B2	Water recovery from steam-assisted production A method of introducing flue gas, from a flue stack in a steam-assisted production facility, into a heat exchanger. The flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline gas and produced gas. The method begins by cooling a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas in the heat exchanger to produce flue gas water. This flue gas water is then collected and removed as make-up water.
US08430945B2	Method and device for producing pig-iron based stainless steel without using a supply of electrical energy The aim of the invention is to produce stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. According to the invention, the liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace (1), is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorization, desiliconization and desulfuration), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace (1) is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters (2, 3), where the required chemical process steps (of the DDD treatment and of the heating, decarburization and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy, the DDD treatment being carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter (2) and the decarburization being carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter (3).
US08430943B2	Dual salt fertilizer giving enhanced crop yields Multiple-component fertilizer materials and methods of use are provided, wherein the fertilizer materials include first and second fertilizer products respectively including an ammoniacal fertilizer (e.g., urea) in combination with a partial calcium salt of a selected copolymer, and a phosphorous fertilizer (e.g., DAP) in combination with a partial sodium salt of a selected copolymer. The copolymer fractions of the first and second fertilizer products are most preferably copolymers of itaconic acid and maleic anhydride. The fertilizer materials give synergistically enhanced crop yields when applied to soil or growing plants.
US08430942B2	Composition for inhibiting urease and nitrification The subject matter of the present invention is a composition for inhibiting urease and nitrification, which may be in liquid or solid form and which comprises at least one compound for inhibiting urease, of phosphoramide type, combined with an essential oil of Allium preferably originating from Allium sativum. This composition may be used in combination with a urea-based fertilizer for the manufacture of fertilizing compositions.
US08430939B2	Radiant heat flux enhanced organic material gasification system A system for producing superior quality synthesis gas (“syngas”) consisting of a series of chambers in which the gasification stages of reaction, homogenization and activation occur. The first stage reaction stage agitates and combines the reactants, consisting primarily of organic matter, oxidizer and steam, to initiate gasification of the organic and volatile fraction and to transport the inorganic residue to continuous removal. In the homogenization chamber, turbulence is induced by injecting gaseous species. The gas mixture emerging from the homogenization chamber is accelerated via a third stage communicating duct and is introduced tangentially into the fourth stage activation chamber inducing a cyclonic motion wherein a high intensity radiant heat source is introduced along the central axis of the gas vortex. The syngas and remaining particulate materials are constrained to exit the activation stage through discrete portals which are oriented to further separate the syngas from the remaining entrained particulates.
US08430933B2	Method and apparatus for deploying a shape memory polymer Methods and apparatus described herein may utilize activation of an SMP material to install medical devices with respect to a surgical site. Activation of the SMP material may be performed with the use of a triggering force and/or a constraint applied to the SMP material. Activation using a triggering force and/or a constraint may be used to create varied activation rates in an SMP material and may be combined with temperature or other activation stimuli to create the varied activation rates.
US08430931B2	Methods for implanting a joint prosthesis A method of implanting an aggregate joint prosthesis with a side approach to a joint includes exposing a side surface of a joint and positioning a pin member within the joint. Articular surfaces can be drilled and milled, and the prosthesis can be implanted. A set plate can be removed, with the set plate being configured to releasably link at least two components of the aggregate prosthesis.
US08430930B2	Truss implant In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.
US08430928B2	Copolymers for intraocular lens systems Some embodiments provide a copolymer comprising: an acrylate recurring unit and an optionally substituted vinylaryl recurring unit, wherein a portion of at least one of the recurring units comprises a vinyldialkylsiloxy pendant group. The copolymers may be useful as soft acrylic haptics for intraocular lenses. Some embodiments further relate to intraocular lenses having a hydrophobic soft acrylic optic and a silicone haptic, such as a dual optic accommodative lens a having hydrophobic soft acrylic anterior and posterior optic bodies and a silicone haptic. Related copolymeric composite materials as well as additional embodiments of intraocular lenses, are also described herein.
US08430920B2	Device and methods for treatment of tissue A device and methods for treating tissue via laser energy to induce tissue reduction and/or necrosis are described herein. Laser energy may be applied to a tissue region via an optical fiber advanced through a lumen of at least one needle. Fluid may also be infused or injected into the tissue region through at least one needle. Tissue reduction and/or necrosis of a target tissue region in turn reduces the appearance of droopy, baggy and/or wrinkled skin.
US08430915B2	Spinal osteosynthesis device and preparation method A spinal internal implantation device for osteosynthesis has one or more bars for supporting for moving the spine and at least one implant for connecting the bars and vertebrae. The implant includes a blown anchor attached to a body of the implant and a fixation arrangement for the bars. The fixation arrangement includes a clamp for clamping the bar against internal walls of a channel formed in the body of the implant. At least part of the length of the bars includes a transversal bearing structure that is a cross-section of the bars having at least one flat part of a part having a lower forepost convexity than the rest of the cross section.
US08430914B2	Assembly for orthopaedic surgery An assembly for connecting a support element to a bone. The assembly comprises: a bone screw having a head at one end of a threaded shaft; and a clamp comprising: a base at a first end of the clamp delimiting an opening for receiving the head of the bone screw; and at least two side members extending from the base towards a second end of the clamp. The head of the bone screw and the clamp are configured to allow the head of the bone screw to be inserted into the base from the direction of the first end at a first orientation of the base to the bone screw, and to retain an inserted bone screw within the base at a second orientation of the base relative to the bone screw.This allows the screw to be inserted into the bone without requiring prior assembly of the screw and clamp. It also allows later revision whereby the clamp can be removed from the screw without requiring an implanted screw to be removed from the bone.
US08430909B2	Knotless graft fixation using an implant having a pointed tip A method for securing soft tissue to bone which does not require the surgeon to tie suture knots to secure the tissue to the bone. Suture is passed through the graft at desired points. A cannulated plug or screw is pre-loaded onto the distal end of a driver provided with an eyelet implant at its distal end. Suture attached to the graft is passed through the eyelet of the implant located at the distal end of the driver. The distal end of the driver together with the eyelet implant is inserted into the bone. Tension is applied to the suture to position the graft at the desired location relative to the bone. The screw or plug is advanced into the pilot hole by turning the interference screw or tapping the plug until the cannulated screw or plug securely engages and locks in the eyelet implant, so that the cannulated plug or screw with the engaged eyelet implant is flush with the bone. Once the screw or plug is fully inserted and the suture is impacted into the bone, the driver is removed and any loose ends of the sutures protruding from the anchor site are then clipped short.
US08430908B2	Process and instrument for stretching tissue of skin An instrument for stretching tissue is provided. The instrument can include opposing hook jaws 10 movably coupled to a rod 12 and movable toward each other, and each hook jaw 10 can have a hook receptacle 18. A hook module 20, having at least one hook 22, can be seated in the hook receptacle 18. An adjustment cam 28 can be connected to each hook module 20 and an adjustment drive 26 can be coupled to the adjustment cams 28 where the adjustment drive 26 moves the adjustment cams 28 to cause a skin stretching force at one or more hook modules 20 and to cause a skin reperfusion force at one or more hook modules 20.
US08430904B2	Embolic protection device The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.
US08430901B2	Embolic protection device An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow through passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body. After use, the catheter (118) is movable along the guidewire (101) to engage the proximal end of the filter element and close the inlet openings before sliding over the filter element from the proximal end to the distal end to progressively collapse the filter body on the guidewire (101) for retrieval. The filter element (105) may conveniently be mounted on a tubular sleeve (104) which is slidable and rotatable on the guidewire (101) between spaced-apart stops (106, 120) on the guidewire (101) which allows some manipulation of the guidewire independently of the filter when the filter is in use.
US08430899B2	Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation with concurrent hypothermia Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders characterized by low cardiac output. The devices, systems and methods use intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in combination with hypothermia of all or a portion of a human or veterinary patient's body to improve coronary perfusion and cardiac output. To effect the hypothermia, a heat exchange catheter may be positioned in the a patient's vasculature separately from the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter. Alternatively, a combination Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation/heat exchange catheter may be utilized. Such combination catheter comprises a) a catheter sized for insertion into the aorta, b) a counterpulsation balloon and c) a heat exchanger. A drive/control system receives temperature and electrocardiograph signals and drives the inflation/deflation of the counterpulsation balloon as well as the heating/cooling of the heat exchanger.
US08430896B2	Surgical appliance for use in taking out transplant-use tendon and in regenerating operation of tendon at location where transplant tendon was taken out A surgical appliance for taking out a transplant-use tendon in surgery and assisting reconstruction of the tendon after take out. The surgical appliance has a tendon cutter, guide tube, a grip portion and a guide needle. The guide tube is a hollow thin tube having open opposing ends, wherein a distal end opening constitutes a discharger port of the guide needle. A through hole is formed in the grip portion in the direction of a central axis, and the proximal end side outlet of the through hole constitutes an insertion port. The guide needle is provided with a sharp conical tip on a distal end side and a threading hole on a proximal end. The guide needle is inserted into the guide tube, such that the opposite ends may be exposed from the discharge port and the insertion port when it is inserted into the guide tube.
US08430884B2	Femoral guide for ACL repair having selectively deployable femoral surface engagement member A guide for positioning a femoral tunnel during an ACL repair. The device may include a shaft having a distal end and a femoral surface engagement member. The femoral surface engagement member may be selectively deployable relative to the distal end of the shaft. The femoral surface engagement member may have a relatively sharp distal end, that is configured to alter, e.g., pierce, a surface of the femur.
US08430883B2	Femoral guide for ACL repair having reduced profile for left/right knee configurations A device for positioning a femoral tunnel during ACL reconstruction, the device comprising: a shaft having a lumen, the lumen defining a longitudinal axis; and a distal offset projection, at least a portion of the distal offset projection extending distally from the elongated shaft; and a single lateral reference member configured to reference a portion of a patient's anatomy, e.g., a PCL or a portion of the femoral notch, the lateral reference member located on one of the left or the right side of the device, wherein, on a second one of the left or the right side of the device, the device defines a void. Two devices may be employed to provide a set.
US08430877B2	Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.
US08430876B2	Vessel sealer and divider with knife lockout An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.
US08430873B2	System and method for return electrode monitoring A system for determining probability of tissue damage is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to generate an electrosurgical current and a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to the electrosurgical generator. Each of the return electrodes includes an impedance sensor attached thereto. The system also includes a current monitor connected in series with each of the plurality of the return electrodes to measure the electrosurgical current passing therethrough and a processor coupled to each of the current monitors. The processor is configured to calculate a cooling factor and a heating factor for each of the plurality of the return electrodes. The processor further configured to determine probability of tissue damage for each of the plurality of the return electrodes as a function of the cooling factor and the heating factor.
US08430868B2	Axial-force limiting torque wrench for use with implantable medical devices Embodiments of the invention are related to tools for coupling leads to header assemblies for implantable medical devices, amongst other things. A wrench is configured so that if an axial force exceeding a first threshold is applied to a handle housing, then the housing handle will rotate with respect to a shaft. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US08430864B2	Catheter with multiple deflections A catheter has a control handle with at least an outer thumb control and an inner second thumb control. A longer puller wire has a distal end anchored at or near a distal end of distal deflectable portion. A shorter puller wire has a distal end anchored at or near a distal end of the proximal deflectable portion. For the shorter puller wire, a shorter compression coil has a distal end at or near a proximal end of the intermediate deflectable section. For the longer puller wire, a longer compression coil has a distal end at or near a distal end of the shorter puller wire. The inner and outer thumb controls include engagement members releasable by rotation of one thumb control relative to the other. When disengaged, the thumb controls each can be moved longitudinally relative to each other. When engaged, the thumb controls are coupled together for longitudinal movement as a single unit relative to the control handle.
US08430861B2	Microvascular obstruction detection and therapy A method of detecting and treating a microvascular obstruction is provided. In one embodiment, a catheter is provided for both detecting the microvascular obstruction and treating or removing the obstruction.
US08430859B2	Purge bag for an IV line and methods of addressing the causes of the growth in resistant bacterial infections in hospitals The invention relates to systems and methods for collecting the content of IV lines that otherwise would be spilt in a hospital environment. In one general aspect the system includes an intravenous tubing system to prevent spillage of fluids. The IV tubing system includes intravenous tubing and a purge bag. The intravenous tubing includes a first end configured to attach to a fluid container and a second end having a connector. The purge bag includes at least one port, such as a needle-free valved port, configured to receive fluids from the intravenous tubing. The purge bag optionally contains a second port is configured to let air into or out of the purge bag with a closing means that may be a needle-free valved port. The purge bag can be packaged separately from the IV tubing set and the package can be opened at the time of use.
US08430857B2	Reusable diapers A reusable diaper includes forward and rearward waist portions. At least one corner tab may be releasably attachable to the forward and rearward waist portions. The diaper may include at least one pocket configured to receive therein at least a portion of the corner tab. The pocket may be substantially impervious to liquids, such that positioning of the portion of the corner tab in the pocket helps inhibit wicking of liquid through the pocket and into the corner tab. Some embodiments may include first and second sets of interchangeable corner tabs that are releasably attachable to the forward and rearward waist portions. The second set of corner tabs may be sized differently than the first set of corner tabs such that the diaper size is adjustable depending on whether the first or second set of corner tabs are used.
US08430856B2	Absorbent article with low cold flow construction adhesive Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and certain crystallization enhancers, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75N. Also, a method for assembling such articles.
US08430854B2	Lotion applicator and method therefor A device for applying lotion to a user's body has a foam layer. A cover layer is applied to a top surface of the foam layer. A pair of openings formed through the foam layer and the cover layer. A reinforcement layer is applied around each opening.
US08430845B2	Emboli protection devices and related methods of use An embolic protection system and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. The embolic protection system includes a guide catheter, a multi-lumen tube having a sealing surface on the distal end and an interventional device. A method of treating a blood vessel includes providing a guide catheter and a multi-lumen elongate member having proximal and distal ends, evacuation and inflation lumens extending therebetween and a sealing surface on the distal end. The elongate member is advanced through the guide catheter into a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart proximal a lesion. The sealing surface is expanded to engage the endoluminal surface of the blood vessel and stop antegrade flow. An interventional device is advanced through the evacuation lumen to treat the lesion.
US08430842B2	Manual breastpump with stimulation feature A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.
US08430840B2	Intraocular pressure control An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate.
US08430836B2	Conduit device and system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.
US08430835B2	Renal therapy blood cleansing system with balance chamber and bolus, rinseback or prime volume feature A renal therapy blood cleaning system includes: a blood filtering device in communication with an extracorporeal circuit; a first pump configured to pump fluid to the blood filtering device; a second pump configured to pump fluid from the blood filtering device; a balance chamber in fluid communication with first and second lines, the first and second lines in fluid communication with the first and second pumps, respectively, the balance chamber configured to exchange like volumes of fresh and spent fluid; a plurality of valves; and a control scheme programmed to operate the plurality of valves to enable spent fluid taken from the balancing chamber through one of the first and second lines to be recirculated to the balance chamber through the other of the first and second lines to compensate for a volume of fresh fluid delivered to the blood filtering device.
US08430834B2	Method and device for detecting air in a fluid system, in particular in an extracorporeal blood circuit of a blood treatment device The present invention relates to a method and to a device for detecting the entry of air in a fluid system, in particular in an extracorporeal blood circuit of a blood treatment device comprising an arterial branch leading to the blood treatment unit and a venous branch leading from said blood treatment unit. Periodic fluctuations in the fluid system, in particular in the arterial tube, are measured upstream of the blood pump arranged in said arterial tube. The measured periodic pressure signal is analyzed spectrally in a system of functions, in particular a system of orthogonal functions, for example sine and cosine functions and the entry of air is deduced if at least one of the coefficients of the functions exceeds or falls below predefined threshold values.
US08430831B2	Device, system, and method for controllably reducing inflammatory mediators in a subject Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Extracorporeal devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.
US08430830B1	Post operative pressure garment A compression garment for treating post operative patients involved in body contouring surgery and including a base structured for removable disposition in an operative position about the torso and other portions of the patient's body. The compression garment is dimensioned, configured and structured to apply appropriate compression to the surgically affected portions of the patient in order to reduce pain, diminish swelling and avoid fluid accumulation, while not impairing the venous and lymphatic circulation of the affected body portion. The base has one or a first and second cover member overlying its internal and external faces and a closure assembly serves to maintain the garment in a variable closed orientation such that appropriate compressive force may be applied to the affected body areas.
US08430829B1	Article for use with orthopedic immobilization apparatus A wearable article, which covers any number of different orthopedic immobilization devices for appendages of either the upper or lower extremities, includes a tubular sleeve of material printed with graphic indicia, including any of a decorative pattern, logo, text, graphic or advertisement, etc. In various disclosed embodiments, the article maybe any of reversible, water repellent, rapidly securable, selectively accessible or capable of storing either a source of scent or other all the object therein.
US08430828B2	Method and apparatus for a multi-use body fluid sampling device with sterility barrier release A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. Each cavity has a longitudinal opening that provides access to an elongate portion of the penetrating member. A sterility barrier is coupled to the cartridge. The sterility barrier covers a plurality of the longitudinal openings. The sterility barrier is configured to be moved so that the elongate portion is accessed by the gripper without touching the barrier.
US08430827B2	Vacuum assisted biopsy device A biopsy device having a stylet, an outer cannula, and a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The stylet includes a lumen with an open proximal end and a tissue receiving opening near a distal end thereof. The outer cannula is slidably disposed over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. Actuation of the outer cannula causes a vacuum to be delivered to the tissue receiving opening through the lumen of the stylet before the outer cannula advances distally.
US08430826B2	Specimen retrieval apparatus A specimen retrieval apparatus includes an elongated tubular member defining a lumen therethrough and having an end effector disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen of the shaft communicates with the lumen of the elongated tubular member. A suction member is disposed at a distal end of the shaft in communication with the lumen of the shaft. The suction member is configured to retain a tissue specimen thereon. A sleeve is disposed about the shaft and is movable with respect to the shaft from a proximal to a distal position. A specimen retrieval bag is coupled to the sleeve. The bag is deployable from an undeployed position wherein the bag is disposed about the sleeve to an extended position wherein the bag is deployed over the tissue specimen.
US08430823B2	Vestibular canal plug An apparatus to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to stimulation. The apparatus comprises a plugging device configured to constrain the movement of endolymph fluid within a semicircular canal, and a control module coupled to the plugging device that causes the plugging device to maintain a set actuated position.
US08430822B2	Blood pressure measuring apparatus and method of controlling the same A high-accuracy blood pressure value deriving method that is hardly influenced by individual differences of a person to be measured is provided. A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a cuff member comprising a compression air bladder, a sub air bladder, and a pulse wave detection air bladder, pressure control means for pressurizing or depressurizing each air bladder, a pressure sensor which senses the internal pressure of each air bladder, pulse wave signal extracting means for extracting time-series data of a pulse wave signal superposed on a cuff internal pressure, in the process during which the pressure control means pressurizes or depressurizes each air bladder, and blood pressure value deriving means for deriving a systolic blood pressure value and/or a diastolic blood pressure value based on a change in feature amount of the pulse wave signal and a cuff internal pressure at a point of time of the change.
US08430818B2	Capsule medical apparatus The capsule medical apparatus of the present invention is disposed in a test subject and acquires information on the inside of the test subject. The capsule medical apparatus comprises a plurality of communication electrodes that are disposed on the surface of the capsule medical apparatus and capable of communication for outputting the information acquired by the capsule medical apparatus to the outside of the test subject, a judgment section that judges whether or not the plurality of communication electrodes can perform the communication based on the state of the plurality of communication electrodes, and a control section that suspends, based on the judgment result obtained in the judgment section, the operations of at least part of various sections of the capsule medical apparatus when the plurality of communication electrodes cannot perform the communication.
US08430817B1	System for determining confidence in respiratory rate measurements This disclosure describes, among other features, systems and methods for using multiple physiological parameter inputs to determine multiparameter confidence in respiratory rate measurements. For example, a patient monitoring system can programmatically determine multiparameter confidence in respiratory rate measurements obtained from an acoustic sensor based at least partly on inputs obtained from other non-acoustic sensors or monitors. The patient monitoring system can output a multiparameter confidence indication reflective of the programmatically-determined multiparameter confidence. The multiparameter confidence indication can assist a clinician in determining whether or how to treat a patient based on the patient's respiratory rate.
US08430813B2	Illuminated surgical access system including a surgical access device and integrated light emitter A surgical access system for providing access to a surgical site in a patient includes a surgical access device defining a working channel for accessing a surgical site and an integrated light emitter for illuminating the surgical site. The light emitter is integrated in proximity to a distal end of the surgical access device. In some embodiments, the light emitter is offset from the distal end. In certain embodiments, the integrated light emitter includes a light transmission medium for transmitting light from a proximal end of the access device to the distal end.
US08430809B2	Capsule for use in small intestine Apparatus for use in a body lumen is provided including an introducer tube configured to be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a subject. A guide member is coupled to a distal end of the introducer tube and is configured to be mounted in a vicinity of a valve of the subject. The apparatus also includes a capsule removably coupled to a distal portion of the introducer tube, and configured to be decoupled from the introducer tube and propelled through a small intestine of the subject once the guide member has been mounted in the vicinity of the valve. The apparatus also includes a gas supply configured to propel the capsule distally through the small intestine by generating positive gas pressure proximal to the capsule. Other embodiments are also described.
US08430805B2	Method and apparatus for magnetic induction therapy An energy emitting apparatus for providing a medical therapy includes one or more energy generators, a logic controller electrically connected to the one or more energy generators, and one or more sensors for detecting electric conduction in a target nerve that are connected to the logic controller. The one or more energy generators produce energy focused on the target nerve upon receiving a signal from the logic controller, and the energy is varied by the logic controller according to an input provided by the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the energy emitting apparatus is an apparatus for magnetic induction therapy that includes one or more conductive coils disposed in an ergonomic housing that produce a magnetic field focused on the target nerve upon receiving an electric current from the logic controller based on an input provided by the one or more sensors.
US08430801B2	Lightweight conveyor roller A roller made lighter through the use of lightening elements. The inventive roller, with its lightening element(s), is lighter yet maintains its overall dimensions, is strong and durable enough to withstand the rigors of the transportation industry and/or is cost effective to produce and maintain. The lightweight roller may be part of a system having at least one operable roller unit, each roller unit having a roller, cylindrical in shape having a length and a diameter, and a center aperture extending through the length of the roller, an axel/shaft having a diameter sized to rotatably fit within the central aperture of the roller, the shaft further having a retention mechanism located upon the shaft ends and an elongate “U” shaped roller rack, the roller rack sized to extend the length of the roller and having a pair of upwardly extending arms located adjacent the ends of the roller, each arm end having an aperture sized to receive the respective shaft end and locate the shaft with the roller in a fixed location. The roller system has at least one roller, preferably more or all of the rollers, having internal and/or external lightening elements.
US08430800B2	Leg exercise machine The invention is directed to be a hand portable exercise and training machine to improve the user's initial linear quickness and speed from a stationary or set position. The machine consists of a horizontal beam mounted above the floor with a movable foot sled, a stationary spring retainer bracket and a removable handle bar post and assembly mounted on it. Springs are attached to the front of the foot sled and the opposite end of the springs are attached to the stationary retainer bracket adjacent to the vertical handle bar post. The invention is an exercise device that applies spring resistance to the full range of motion in the user's leg as it pertains to the initial drive phase (first 3-6 steps) of a sprint. The machine can be collapsed for transport and re-assembled without the use of tools.
US08430798B2	Compressible toy having micro electrical mechanical system pressure sensing module A MEMS pressure sensing module is respectively applied in a boxing target and compressible toy both having an output circuit for coupling with a terminal electronic device. The MEMS pressure sensing module is configured for sensing a pressure applied thereon, converting the pressure values into electronic signals, and calculating a value of the pressure according to the electronic signals. The MEMS pressure sensing module is connected with the output circuit such that a user is able to obtain the pressure value from the terminal electronic apparatus.
US08430797B2	Support for supporting a bicycle used as an exerciser A support for a bicycle includes a front unit, a rear adjust unit, a front roller unit, a rear roller unit and a connection unit. Different sizes of bicycles can be connected to the support. The rear adjust unit, the front roller unit and the rear roller unit are adjustable to obtain different operation modes. The support is equipped with sensing system to be cooperated with software and hardware so as to perform as a video game.
US08430796B1	Exercise devices and methods for exercising an ankle, foot, and/or leg An exercise device comprises at least one pedal pivotably mounted to a leg rest portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The pedal is configured to rotate about the pivot axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The exercise device further comprises a resistance mechanism configured to exert a torque on the pedal opposite to a direction of rotation of the pedal about the pivot axis and away from the neutral position. The device is adjustable to at least a first configuration wherein the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a sitting position, and a second configuration wherein the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a supine position.
US08430789B2	Vehicle control device A vehicle control device that includes an input member drive-coupled to an engine and a rotary electrical machine; an output member; and a transmission having a plurality of friction engagement elements, in which a plurality of shift speeds are switched by controlling engagement and release of the plurality of friction engagement elements, and a rotary driving force of the input member is shifted by a change gear ratio of one of the shift speeds and outputted to the output member.
US08430779B2	Power-dividing gear train assembly for motor vehicles A power-dividing gear train assembly for motor vehicles includes a differential that outputs torque to two output shafts. The output torque applied to the output shafts is changeable by using a superimposing gear train, which comprises a plurality of epicyclic gear trains and is drivingly connected indirectly or directly with the output shafts. A drive motor is drivingly coupled to the superimposing gear train and the transmission ratio of the superimposing gear train is set such that an output shaft of the drive motor is still when the output shafts are rotating synchronously. To achieve a more precise and quicker-reacting redistribution of the drive torques, at least one epicyclic gear train, which reduces torque and cooperates with the differential, is connected upstream of the superimposing gear train.
US08430778B2	Integrated gear constant velocity joint for all wheel drive A drive arrangement connects a drive gear of a vehicle transmission/transfer to a prop shaft that drives a set of wheels, and includes a driven gear journaled for rotation on a housing and having teeth meshing with teeth provided on the drive gear. The driven gear has an axially extending cylindrical central bore. A yoke attached to the prop shaft has a shaft extending into the central bore of the driven gear. An annular inner race has a central bore encircling the yoke and an outer surface. Matching splines provided on the central bore of the inner race and the yoke couple the inner race and the yoke for rotation. A plurality of balls are located between the outer surface of the inner race and the central bore of the driven gear, each of the balls is seated within a longitudinally extending first groove provided on the outer surface of the inner race and a longitudinally extending second groove provided on the central bore of the driven gear. The balls transmit rotary torque between the driven gear and the inner race and roll axially within the first and second grooves to permit movement of the yoke within the central bore during high speed rotation of the driven gear and prop shaft.
US08430777B2	Power transmission mechanism for parallel hybrid vehicle A proposition is to provide a power transmission mechanism for parallel hybrid vehicle that is capable of smoothly combining/separating input/output powers of a motor and an engine, and is applicable to a large hybrid vehicle by ensuring sufficient strength of a mechanism for combining and separating the input/output powers.It is characterized by including a motor output shaft of the motor/generator rotatable separately from an engine drive shaft system extending from a main clutch to a transmission, a motor-brake mounted on one end side of the motor output shaft to release/fix the motor output shaft, and a planetary gear mechanism mounted between another end side of the motor output shaft and the engine drive shaft system and including a sun gear provided on the other end side of the motor output shaft, an outer gear provided on the engine drive shaft system and having a gear ratio to the sun gear of 1:1, a plurality of planetary gears with which the sun gear and the outer gear are engaged, and a planetary carrier picking up orbital motions of the planetary gears, and a gear brake mounted on one end side of the planetary carrier to release/fix the planetary carrier.
US08430775B2	Multiple tension reducing sprockets in a chain and sprocket system In chain and sprocket systems with at least two resonance modes, two or more tension reducing sprockets are oriented to cancel each other at a first resonance mode and have no effect to increase tensions at such first resonance mode. The tension reduction sprockets, however, are oriented with each other so that tensions will be reduced at a second resonance mode. Hence, two or more tension reducing sprockets are used to reduce tensions at a second resonance mode from sources outside the chain and sprocket system while minimizing tension increases at first resonance mode.
US08430773B2	Guide or tensioning rail in a traction drive A guide or tensioning rail (1) for a traction drive is provided, with the guide or tensioning rail (1) having at least one bearing lug (4a, 4b) with a sleeve (5). In order to simplify the assembly of the rail (1) during installation of the traction drive, the sleeve (5) on one end has a radially protruding flange (10) having two opposing detent recesses (9), and two corresponding detent protrusions (13) are formed on the bearing lug (4).
US08430765B1	Reduced turf drag golf club head The present invention relates to a fairway wood type golf club head having a striking plate, a crown and a sole. The sole comprises a flat high strength region and dual regions with a low-friction, high release coating.
US08430763B2	Fairway wood center of gravity projection A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution.
US08430760B2	Waterslide with angled transition The present disclosure provides a waterslide comprising an upstream flume segment having a first cross-section, the upstream flume segment defining a first slide path, and a downstream flume segment having a second cross-section different than the first cross-section, the downstream flume segment defining a second slide path. The waterslide further comprises an angled transition linking the upstream flume segment to the downstream flume segment, wherein the angled transition defines a discontinuity between the upstream and downstream flume segments, thereby defining an inflection between the first and second slide paths.
US08430755B2	Interactive asynchronous game play architecture In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for serving a computer game, comprising: (a) providing two separate storage facilities accessible from a server, the first storage facility comprising fast response searchable memory for storage of recently produced game play data, and the second storage facility comprising a structured database for longer term storage of game play data, the first memory having a data search and data retrieval speed that is substantially faster than the second memory; (b) receiving, at the server, a game play request from a live gaming participant with a desired opponent attribute; (c) in response to the game play request, searching the first memory, based on the attribute, to identify prior game play data corresponding to an appropriate opponent; and (d) presenting a multi-player game environment where the live gaming participant can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent.
US08430754B1	Communication device The video game device comprising a game vibrator, a three-dimensional game space generator, a game object locator, and a game object entering detector, wherein multiple game objects are located in a three-dimensional game space, wherein the game vibrator is activated when the user controlled game object is identified to be located within a certain two-dimensional area, wherein when an incoming call is detected, the game vibrator is activated and generates a specific pattern of vibration, and wherein the multiple game objects are the digital data transferred from a host computer in a wireless fashion.
US08430753B2	Video game system with wireless modular handheld controller A home entertainment system for video games and other applications includes a main unit and handheld controllers. The handheld controllers sense their own motion by detecting illumination emitted by emitters positioned at either side of a display. The controllers can be plugged into expansion units that customize the overall control interface for particular applications including but not limited to legacy video games.
US08430751B2	Computer-readable storage medium having game program stored therein and game apparatus Action information for controlling a series of at least one action performed by a first object is stored. Then the at least one action of the first object is controlled in accordance with the action information. At this time, an action of a second object is controlled in accordance with an operation signal from a predetermined input device operated by a player. Furthermore, while the action of the second object is being controlled, the information about the at least one action of the first object is displayed on a screen.
US08430749B2	Dynamic casino tracking and optimization Gaming establishment patrons may be categorized and responsive services and features presented whether or not the patrons (or their companions) are known. Gaming and non-gaming activities of a patron may be identified and tracked. Information from various private and/or public databases accessible by a gaming establishment, may be used for patron ranking and to determine offers, goods and services that may be targeted to a patron.
US08430746B2	Mystery jackpot with restricted payout system and method therefor A mystery jackpot system having an restricted payout scheme allows a mystery jackpot to be incremented by player wagers in a rapid fashion while providing incentives to players to make larger wagers. The mystery jackpot system may have a primary jackpot pool and a secondary jackpot pool. The primary jackpot pool may be funded by eligible wagers, while the secondary jackpot pool may be funded by smaller ineligible wagers. The amount or value of the primary jackpot pool may be used to determine whether the mystery jackpot is active. For example, the mystery jackpot may be active and awardable only if the primary jackpot pool is to above a particular amount and below a maximum amount. A player winning the mystery jackpot may be awarded both the primary and secondary jackpot pools. Only players making eligible wagers may win the mystery jackpot.
US08430745B2	Mobile-phone-based wagering game account transactions In some embodiments a method includes receiving, from a mobile phone, a request to transfer a first fund amount from a player account to a wagering game machine. The method can also include determining that the player account does not include the first fund amount; receiving a second fund amount from a secondary funding source, and augmenting the player account by the second fund amount, wherein the augmenting results in the player account including the first fund amount. The method can also include transferring the first fund amount from the player account to the wagering game machine; debiting the player account by the first fund amount.
US08430741B2	Presenting wagering game content in multiple windows Described herein are processes and devices that present wagering game content in multiple windows. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can receive wagering game content and control information from more than one content provider. The wagering game system can present the content from the various content providers in one or more windows, such as by presenting content from one provider in a main window while presenting content from a second provider in one or more auxiliary windows. The wagering game system can also determine priority information for content displayed in the windows and control the appearance and actions of the windows, or content displayed within the windows, based on the priority information.
US08430740B2	Gaming machine and method for controlling the same In a gaming machine and a method for controlling the same, whether to start insurance is determined on a basis of a count value cumulatively incremented along with execution of unit games and counted by a counter, and an insurance start condition table defining a correspondence relationship between the count value and start of the insurance; and a first feature game and a second feature game are executed when it is determined to start the insurance. When it is determined to start the insurance, a first feature game may be executed; a condition of a second feature game may be determined on a basis of an outcome of the executed first feature game and a second feature game condition determination table defining a correspondence relationship between an outcome of the first feature game and a condition of the second feature game; and the second feature game may be executed under the determined condition.
US08430738B2	Multi-player bingo game with multiple cards per player The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a game-winning pattern, or one of a plurality of game-winning patterns, of game indicia on one or more game arrays having unique combinations of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game arrays to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. Each player matching a game-winning pattern may receive game-winning award, and may receive a game-winning award for each game array on which a game-winning pattern is matched. The method and gaming unit may further include an alternate outcome display wherein an outcome of a second wagering game may be displayed that corresponds to the outcome for the player on the one or more game arrays for the occurrence of the multi-player wagering game.
US08430735B2	Gaming system and method providing an interactive game with automatic wagers A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.
US08430731B2	Air flap for controlling flow within a conduit A device for controlling an airflow in a ventilation duct, comprising a pivotable air flap, which prevents an airflow in the duct when in the closed position. A housing of an actuator for the air flap, which may pivot freely about the relevant longitudinal mid plane, is mounted in the inner duct wall. The air flap, symmetrically or approximately symmetrically curved about the longitudinal mid plane of the ventilation duct and supported under load in a stable position on the duct wall, is rigidly fixed to the driveshaft of the actuator, by an angled lever arm, with a separation, in the region of the apex line thereof. The air flap rests roughly centrally, permanently on the points of contact with the inner duct wall, which move with the position of the flap, in a self-centering manner and, in the closed position, contacts the inner duct wall along a sealed, endless peripheral sealing surface.
US08430730B2	Mixing apparatus for an aircraft air-conditioning system The invention relates to a mixing apparatus for an aircraft air-conditioning system comprising a plurality of supply lines and a plurality of discharge lines. In accordance with the invention, the mixing apparatus consists of the flow cross-section of pockets which are arranged above one another, which have a free cross-section in part and which have a diagonal partition wall in part.
US08430729B2	Coin handling machine The present invention provides a coin handling machine the handling efficiency of which can be improved.On an operation unit 14, either a normal counting mode or a continuous counting mode is selected. Coins are counted by a count processing unit. A count abnormality in the count processing unit is detected by an abnormality detecting unit 68. In a case where a count abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 68 during count processing, when the normal counting mode is selected, a coin count value is cleared and a quantity error is prevented. In the case where a count abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 68 during count processing, when the continuous counting mode is selected, the coin count value is held, so that continuous processing is performed even if a count error occurs, so that the handling efficiency is improved.
US08430728B2	Special cut poultry wing cutter A poultry wing cutter is configured to receive poultry carcasses breast first, align the carcasses, and stretch the wings of the carcasses away from the body until the shoulder joints dislocate and separate. In the process, a portion of the breast meat is pulled outwardly with the wings and a pair of rotary knives slices off the wings. The blades begin their cuts part way into the breast meat of the bird so that a piece of breast meat remains attached to the severed wings to form a “new style” or “silver dollar” or “fast food style” wing depending upon how the wing cutter is adjusted. Feeding the birds breast first through the wing cutter results in wings with a consistent cut and weight from wing-to-wing, which is desired by consumers. Thus, the resulting wings are more in demand and therefore more valuable.
US08430727B2	Device for producing blown films A device for producing blown films, including an extrusion device generating a tubular film and a flattening device, associated with the tubular film, having two flattening elements, arranged on diametrically opposite zones of the tubular film and adjustable in relation to each other at an acute angle, for transforming a cross-section of the tubular film, which is first circular, then oval, to a double-layer film web. This invention has lateral guide elements for the areas of the tubular film that are not affected by the flattening elements and are arranged between the flattening elements and are associated with the tubular film and the lateral guide elements have an adjustable contour.
US08430726B2	Production line for the manufacture of sausage-shaped products A method for controlling a production line for manufacturing sausage-shaped products, a production line provided for this as well as a clip machine and a feeding machine for the manufacture of sausage-shaped products, with a flowable filling material such as sausage meat, a sealing material, granulate and the like being received in a tubular wrapper material and with the production line having at least: a clip machine, in which the wrapper material filled with filling material is divided into portions into individual sausage-shaped products by placing closing clips and is separated from the supply of the remaining wrapper material; with at least one flexible suspension element being applied to the sausage-shaped product during the placing of the closing clips, which is fed in a timed manner into the clip machine; and a feeding machine, which supplies the storage rods individually for further processing of the sausage-shaped products and which has conveyor elements, circulating continuously along a transport path, which is used to supply the storage rods with sausage-shaped products and which takes the sausage-shaped products proceeding out of the clip machine into a takeover area provided between the clip machine, and the feeding machine. In addition, at least the circulation rate of the conveyor elements of the feeding machine.
US08430723B2	Contour guide for ice skate sharpener A guide assembly for an ice skate sharpener cooperates with a template of a desired contour of a skate blade to control the relative disposition of a sharpening wheel and a skate blade. The guide assembly comprises a base and a carriage slidably mounted on the base so as to be moveable, relative to said base, along a predefined path. A support is provided for connection to a skateholder. The support is connected to the carriage to permit movement of a skateholder in a direction normal to the path. The support inhibits relative movement between the carriage and a skateholder in a direction parallel to said path. A follower connected between the skateholder and template, control movement of the skateholder in a direction normal to the path as the carriage is moved along said predefined path. The skateholder therefore follow the contour of the template.
US08430722B2	Device for processing or treating surface by means of a dry ice granulate The invention relates to an apparatus for surface processing or surface treatment by means of dry ice granulate, with a reservoir for receiving a dry ice medium, in particular dry ice pellets, an inlet for the feed of a propellant medium, an outlet for the supply of a mixture of propellant medium and dry ice granulate to a blast gun, and an outflow chamber lying therebetween, there being arranged in the path between the reservoir and the outflow chamber a grinding mechanism, which is formed so as to comminute the dry ice medium to dry ice granulate with a particle size in a prescribed range, and a transport roll (4) being arranged between the grinding mechanism (3) and the outflow chamber (59), the transport roll (4) being operable with a variable speed so as to vary the quantity of the particles of the dry ice granulate per unit time. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method and the use of the method.
US08430718B2	Deburring medium and process A vibratory finishing medium element having at least a portion comprising a devitrified material.
US08430717B2	Dynamic action abrasive lapping workholder A method and apparatus for quickly moving workpieces from having abrading contact with abrasive-surfaced rotatable platens using a dynamic-action workholder apparatus frame moving device that is activated by a sensor. Flat-surfaced workpieces are attached to flat-surfaced workholders to abrade one surface of the workpieces by abrasive coated platens. The force moving device can be a spring, an air cylinder, a screw-jack, an electric solenoid or a piezo-electric device. The sensor can be a vibration, shock, motion, force or sound sensor that can to sense abrading process events that could make it desirable to quickly activate moving of the workpieces away from the abrasive disk. The workpiece abrading event can be quickly interrupted by use of this device to avoid damage to workpieces, the abrasive disks or the platen or to quickly change an abrading process. After the workpieces are moved they can be returned to their original abrading position.
US08430715B2	Pre-encased underwire assembly An improved encasement for underwires for use in brassieres that allow for more efficient sewing, better durability, and improved wearer comfort is disclosed.
US08430714B2	Modular beehive construction with insulating cover plates A plastic modular beehive construction including cover plates to enhance insulation from cold temperatures. The construction comprises opposing side and end walls. Outwardly protruding ribs are provided across areas of the outer face of each wall for reinforcement. Pin receivers are also included in selected locations on each outer face. An outwardly facing recess is preferably included in each wall, to define a hand grip. Pronged connectors are provided on the end walls. Recesses are provided on the side walls for receiving the pronged connectors of the end walls. The walls are snapped together, providing a rigid four-sided hive, having an open top and an open bottom. The cover plates, including pins on an inner wall that correspond with the locations of the pin receivers on the walls, are installed over each wall. The plates include a cutout corresponding with the size, configuration, and location of the hand grip recess.
US08430710B2	Interactive toy vehicle and methods of use A toy vehicle set is provided having a toy automobile including an accessible compartment and defining an underside. A toy automobile component extends from the underside. A lift includes at least one post. The post engages the underside and a ground surface in a configuration to raise the toy automobile a predetermined distance from the ground surface such that the at least one toy automobile component is accessible for interaction during imaginative play.
US08430709B1	Detachable propeller for flying toys A flying toy has a propeller rotated by the first motor mounted on the body. A propeller holder mounts the propeller. An end cap is located to the front of the propeller holder, and there is a snap joint between the holder and the end cap. The end cap is removable by disengagement of holder and end cap at the snap joint, and the propeller is releasable from the holder by a human hand and without a tool. When the toy crashes, the propeller is forced relatively free from the drive force rotating the holder and back towards the body and is trapped against separation from the toy.
US08430708B1	Large spill-proof bubble creation apparatus The present invention is a large sized spill-proof bubble creation apparatus. The apparatus provides for the creation of significantly large sized bubbles without the otherwise attendant spillage of bubble solution and without the requirement of commensurately and impractically large quantities of bubble solution. By incorporating a separable bubble solution bottle as a portion of the container of the apparatus, storage of unused bubble solution is able to be performed quickly and easily.
US08430705B1	Self assembly of field emission tips by capillary bridge formations A first side has a first surface on which is located a material, at least a portion of which is to be formed into at least one tip. A second side has a second surface which is heated. At least one of the first and second surfaces being moved so material located on the first surface comes into physical contact with the second surface. Then at least one of the first side and the second side are moved, wherein the physical contact between the material and the second surface is maintained, causing the material to stretch between the second surface and the first surface, generating at least one capillary bridge. Movement is continued until the physical contact between the material and the second surface is broken resulting in the formation of at least one sharp conductive tip.
US08430701B2	Drive device for a watercraft The invention relates to a drive device (1) for a watercraft (2) comprising a U or Z-shaped drive train. The drive torque is preferably deflected in the operating position at least twice about the angle (b, g)>0 via at least two bevel gears (23, 24, 20) between a motor shaft of a drive machine formed, preferably, by an internal combustion engine and at least one propeller shaft (13a, 13b). In order to control said drive device in a simple manner and to obtain achieve high shifting convenience, the housing (G) of the drive device (1) consists of one first, one second and one third housing part (4, 5, 6). The three housing parts (4, 5, 6) are rotationally connected to one another and the first housing part (4) can be securely connected to the pre-fabricated wall (2a) of the watercraft (2). The second housing part (5) is pivotably connected to the first housing part (4) about a first rotational axis (14a) and the third housing part (6) is rotationally connected to the second housing part (5) about a second rotational axis (14b).
US08430699B2	Laser welding structure A laser welding structure includes a housing, a lower metal terminal, and an upper metal terminal. The upper metal terminal is positioned above the lower metal terminal and has a smaller width than the lower metal terminal. The housing includes a groove and a sidewall that extends from the groove to an upper surface of the housing, wherein the sidewall faces the upper metal terminal and is inclined at an angle θ.
US08430697B2	Plug-type connector and mating plug-type connector The plug-type connector with an insulating housing, with conductor insertion openings for inserting electrical conductors, which are aligned next to one another in a connection plane, extend in a plug-in direction and lead from a connection side into the interior of the insulating housing, with mating contact receiving openings for receiving mating contacts of a mating plug-type connector, which are aligned next to one another in a plug-in plane and extending from a plug-in side into the interior of the insulating housing, and with grooves in the insulating housing which extend in the plug-in direction. The grooves are arranged offset to the conductor insertion openings and the mating contact receiving openings and partially enter an interspace between adjacent conductor insertion openings. The grooves extend from the connection side to the plug-in side over the entire length of the plug-type connector.
US08430694B2	Electrical card connector with improved contacts arrangement An electrical card connector (100) for receiving a card (7) with conductive traces (711) formed on a top side thereof includes a first insulative housing (1) having a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion; a contact module (4) having an insulator (42) and a plurality of contacts (41) combined with an insulator; and a card receiving space (10) formed between the insulator and the tongue portion, with contacting portions (411) of the contacts extending into the card receiving space from an upper direction for mating with the conductive traces.
US08430690B2	USB application device and method for assembling USB application device The present invention discloses a USB application device including a body, a circuit board, a plurality of first electrical pins and a plurality of electrical elements. The circuit board is disposed in the body. The plurality of first electrical pins are disposed on the circuit board and expended to the body such that the plurality of first electrical pins are partly exposed to the body. A space is formed between the plurality of first electrical pins and circuit board such that the plurality of electrical elements can be disposed on the space. The length of the circuit board therefore becomes shorter, and the volume of the USB application device is reduced.
US08430689B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector has a housing that includes a carrier and a shield matable to define the housing. The carrier has terminal channels and terminal latches extending into the terminal channels. The shield having lead-in channels through a face of the shield. Terminals are received in corresponding terminal channels. The terminals are held in the terminal channels by the terminal latches. The carrier and the shield are molded as a single piece with a bridge connecting the carrier and the shield. The bridge is broken during assembly to allow coupling of the shield to the carrier. The lead-in channels are aligned with, and positioned forward of, the terminal channels when the shield is mated with the carrier. The lead-in channels guide mating contacts for mating with the terminals held in the terminal channels.
US08430682B2	Electrical connector having contact terminals with deflective arms facing each in twisted manner An electrical connector (100) adapted for electrically connecting an integrated circuit (IC) package comprises an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) received in the insulative housing (1), the contacts (2) each comprises a base portion (21), a pair of arms (22) extending upwardly from the top end of the base portion (21) and a solder portion (23) extending from the bottom end of the base portion (21), the base portion (21) defines a first plane (P1), said pair of arms (22) are located on opposite sides of the first plane (P1) and each comprises a contacting portion (223), the contacting portion (223) and the first plane form an acute angle.
US08430680B2	Connector with a dustproof cover A connector includes a connector body, a cover movably attached to the connector body, and a limiting mechanism retaining the cover to the connector body. The connector has a mating port for receiving a mating connector, a tongue with a number of contacts exposed to the mating port, and an optical module forwardly exposed to a rear side of the mating port. The cover has a base to cover a front end of the mating port, and an insertion portion extending into the mating port to cover the contacts along an up to down direction and the optical module along a front to back direction. The limiting mechanism can prevent the cover from detaching from the connector body when the cover is pulled out of the mating port.
US08430678B2	Socket using contact to hold solder ball and method of making the same A socket (100) comprises a base (1), a plurality of contacts (4, 3) respectively disposed therein and a plurality of solder balls (5) each connecting to the corresponding contacts (4, 3), the base comprises a central slot (1041) for receiving a module and a plurality of passageways (1031, 1022) at two sides of the central slot (4041) to receive the contacts (4, 3), respectively, the contact (4, 3) comprises a body portion (41, 31) positioned in the base (1), a contact portion (431, 331) extending from the body portion (41, 31) into the central slot (1041) and a tail (42, 32) extending from the body portion (41, 31), the solder balls (5) are positioned by the tails (421, 321) of the contacts (4, 3).
US08430677B2	Electrical connector incorporated with circuit board facilitating interconnection An electrical connector (1) comprises a frame (11) having a supporting base (111) and a flat circuit board (13) laid on the supporting base (111). The flat circuit board (13) has an array of conductive pads (131) on an upper surface thereof for electrically connecting with an electronic package (2) and a plurality of golden fingers (133) aligned on at least one end thereof. An electrical connector assembly (100) comprises the electrical connector (1) and an electronic package (2) assembled to the electrical connector (1).
US08430674B2	Connector with a blade, tool for actuating said connector, kit and fire detector comprising same The present invention relates to a connector with a blade comprising a housing. The housing comprises a lateral opening designed to receive an electric wire, a flexible blade and an opening opposite a free part of the blade. The flexible blade is designed to make contact with the electric wire and to retain the wire by applying pressure on it towards a wall of the housing. The opening has a shape designed to guide the head of a tool and make the head of the tool follow a helical motion. The opening may be threaded and cylindrical and the opening's thread may comprise only one helical groove formed in the wall of the opening.
US08430672B2	Method for assessing auditory attention and vigilance Provided are methods for assessing the attentional state of a subject by scoring the subject's response to auditory stimuli. The methods can be used to diagnose psychological and behavioral disorders, such as attention deficit disorder or hyperkinetic disorder.
US08430659B2	Corrugator device with a gripper A corrugator device for shaping thermoplastic corrugated pipes out of a molten plastic tube issuing from an extrusion device may include moving molding jaws which circulate in a linear molding section and are arranged in paired successive relationship in the molding section forming a molding passage. The pairs of molding jaws may be formed from left-hand and right-hand molding jaws and between them enclose a cylindrical mold cavity to form the molding passage. The device may include a gripper device for guiding the molding jaws from the end of the molding section back to the start of the molding section, and having grippers respectively for the left-hand and the right-hand molding jaws, each with a separate guide and drive device.
US08430654B2	Tubing misload detection mechanism for an infusion pump A an infusion tube misfitting detection device for an infusion pump, which can be implemented at a low cost while maintaining safety. When a door unit is to be closed with respect to a pump body in a misloaded state of an infusion tube, a mislead detection inner door is pressed by the infusion tube to operate on a handle lock part provided to a handle. Accordingly, a claw portion of the handle lock part is pushed up, so that the door unit cannot be locked with the pump body 10 by inserting the claw portion into a rectangular through-hole 11c of a base plate. Therefore, the misloaded state can be identified.
US08430649B2	Compensator assembly for submersible pump system A submersible pump system with a pump, motor and compensator assembly. In one embodiment, the compensator assembly is made up of multiple elastomeric compensators and a housing. The elastomeric compensators, which are made up of an engaging end, a floating end and a series of alternating crests and grooves, may contain motor cooling liquid. The crests and grooves extend along the compensator's longitudinal axis. The compensators possess a degree of elasticity sufficient for a width of at least one of the respective grooves to expand and contract along with the motor cooling liquid. The crests slide along an interior wall of the housing, while the floating end moves within the housing in cooperation with expansion and contraction of the width of at least one of the grooves.
US08430646B2	Variable volume clearance pocket for a reciprocating compressor cylinder A controllable variable volume clearance pocket for reciprocating compressor cylinders is disclosed. The invention includes a device for varying the clearance volume of a variable volume clearance pocket in a controlled manner. The device can be used repeatedly to change the compressor cylinder clearance volume as required to control compressor capacity and power required from the compressor driver. The device is typically mounted on the outer or head end of a reciprocating compressor cylinder, but can also be scaled and configured for use either in conjunction with a variable clearance volume unloader operating over a reciprocating compressor valve pocket or a special port in a reciprocating compressor body.
US08430642B2	Controlling apparatus for linear compressor The present invention discloses a controlling apparatus and method for a linear compressor which can provide an efficient control, by selectively performing an operation which is not affected by a capacitor and an operation which does not include a phase control according to a load. The controlling apparatus for the linear compressor includes an LC path (P1) composed of a coil winding portion (L) of the linear compressor and a capacitor (CP)1 a phase control path (P2) composed of the coil winding portion (L) and a phase control unit, and a switch means (62) for selectively applying power to one of the LC path (P1) and the phase control path (P2).
US08430641B2	Multiple switch float switch apparatus A float switch to control at least two pumps has a guide with two normally-closed micro-switches and a float rod slidably mounted thereto allowing reciprocating vertical movement. The float rod has one or more lower cam surfaces cooperating with the micro-switches to sequentially release them from their engaged positions to their normal positions during upward movement of the float rod. A float is slidably mounted to the float rod between upper and lower float stops. The shape of the lower cam surfaces is such that the weight of the float rod is insufficient to allow the float rod to move downwardly against resistance provided either by the first micro-switch or separately by the second micro-switch and the weight of the float rod combined with at least a portion of the weight of the float is sufficient to overcome either such resistance and to move the float rod downwardly.
US08430639B2	Pitch drive apparatus of wind generator and wind generator A pitch drive apparatus of a wind generator is made with a simple structure, and the wind generator is capable of preventing reliability of the pitch drive apparatus from being deteriorated. The wind generator includes a wind turbine rotor blade having a blade root mounted so as to be turnable around an axis center O with respect to a rotor head, and a pitch drive apparatus for turning and driving the wind turbine rotor blade around the axis center O to change a pitch angle thereof. The pitch drive apparatus has an electric cylinder functioning as a linear actuator.
US08430633B2	Blade extension for rotor blade in wind turbine A blade extension for a rotor blade and a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. At least one of the leading edge or the trailing edge has a modified aerodynamic contour. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension including a first panel and an opposed second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel includes an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the first panel and the second panel is spaced apart from the rotor blade in a generally chord-wise direction in a standard operation position.
US08430630B2	Rotary coupling A rotary coupling having a first element and a coaxial second element, the first and second elements being rotatable relative to each other and defining an annular passage between radially facing walls thereof. The coupling has a sealing ring at an end of the annular passage, the sealing ring being mounted to the wall of the first element and rotating relative to the second element, and having an active configuration in which the sealing ring is urged against the wall of the second element to seal the end of the annular passage, and a return configuration in which the sealing ring does not seal the end of the annular passage. A control system is used to apply a variable load to the sealing ring, wherein the sealing ring moves between the active and return configurations in response to variation in the applied load.
US08430626B1	Turbine vane with mate face seal A stator vane with a mate-face cooling and sealing arrangement, the vane end rails include an upper axial U-shaped seal slot and a lower axial U-shaped seal slot with an upper U-shaped riffle seal and a lower U-shaped riffle seal secured within the two axial U-shaped seal slots. The two U-shaped seals form a box-like arrangement with riffle teeth formed on the top sides of a horizontal plate for each of the U-shaped seals.
US08430624B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base. The base includes an outer casing, a silencing member housed within the outer casing, an impeller housing located within the outer casing, the impeller housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an impeller located within the impeller housing and a motor for driving the impeller about an axis to create an air flow through the impeller housing. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the air outlet of the impeller housing and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted from the fan assembly. The silencing member is located beneath the air inlet of the impeller housing and is spaced from the air inlet along said axis by a distance in the range from 5 to 60 mm.
US08430619B2	Concrete and masonry screw anchor A screw anchor includes a body having a head end that extends to a tip end through an intermediate portion defining an axis of the screw anchor, and a plurality of threads extending along the intermediate portion. Each of the plurality of threads includes a head side surface having a first angle relative to an axis perpendicular to the axis of the screw, and a tip side surface having a second angle relative to the axis perpendicular to the axis of the screw. The first angle is between about 30° and about 40°, and the second angle is between about 15° and about 25°.
US08430616B2	Press-set threaded screws and 2 stroke air tool for installation A press-set threaded screw assembly includes a first member having an aperture. A second member abutting the first member includes a threaded bore co-axially aligned with the aperture. A screw body includes a body flange, a neck portion, and a threaded member. The threaded member in a non-installed condition has first and second displacement portions separated by a tapered slot, each having a main thread portion. A pin is frictionally received in a bore created through the body flange and neck portion in a screw non-installed condition. The threaded member is inserted through the aperture and received in the threaded bore in an initial installation condition. The pin is axially aligned to slide into the tapered slot, whereby the pin oppositely displaces the first and second displacement portions away from each other to contact a plurality of female threads of the threaded bore, defining an installed condition.
US08430613B2	Blind rivet A mandrel has an anti-dropping-off portion that is formed between a head and a breakable portion thereof. In the anti-dropping-off portion, a plurality of latching ridges is formed which have peaks that protrude outwardly in the radial direction and frictionally engage with the inner wall surface of a sleeve. The latching ridges are formed in the outer surface of the portion of the mandrel that is between the head and breakable portion thereof, so as to be diagonal relative to the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the mandrel and to cross each other, with the peaks thereof formed in a twill pattern protruding out from the outer surface of that mandrel portion.
US08430611B2	Versatile hand router Versatile hand router comprising a base plate, a motor body attached to a frame and having a milling shaft, vertical supporting-guide means that support frame in a sliding manner, hand gripping means and vertical position locking means. Motor body is attached to frame by a pivoting link and can be locked in an inclined position. The router comprises a side guiding edge for resting against a trim and sliding there along. The router can be used as a surface router and also to route horizontal intersection corners between a worktop and trims and vertical intersection corners between two trims.
US08430608B2	Drill A drill is capable of forcibly aspirating and discharging chips to prevent environmental contamination as well as to simplify cleaning the chips. The drill has an intake hole and an opening formed therein so that the aspiration takes place through the intake hole and the chips generated in the cutting process can forcibly be aspirated from the opening. Because the chips can be discharged without using cutting fluid, the drill is useful for preventing environmental contamination. Moreover, as the chips are forcibly aspirated from the opening and discharged through the intake hole, the chips are not scattered around a workpiece under the cutting process and cleaning the chips can become simple and easy.
US08430604B2	Shield support assembly for underground mining and supporting surface element therefor A shield support assembly for underground mining includes a shield canopy and at least one floor runner as supporting surface elements. The shield canopy and at least one runner are connected in an articulated manner and can be pressed against rock at least one hydraulic cylinder which is supported in bearing pans on the shield canopy and floor runner. Each surface supporting element includes a welded construction of welded-together components. In order to be able to support higher forces without increasing the overall weight, at least one of the supporting surface elements includes at least one hollow metal box profile filled with a solid as a component of the welded construction.
US08430594B2	Electronic device and assembly structure thereof An electronic device includes a housing having a lens assembly and a feeding device. The lens assembly is movable between a first reference position and a second reference position with respect to the housing. The feeding device is coupled to the lens assembly. When the lens assembly is in the first reference position, the lens assembly is engaged with the housing. When the lens assembly is moved to the second reference position from the first reference position by the feeding device, the lens assembly situated in the second reference position is rotatable and movable.
US08430579B2	Camera module with molded tape flip chip imager mount and method of manufacture A novel design and method for manufacturing camera modules is disclosed. The camera module includes a flexible circuit substrate, an image capture device flip-chip mounted to the bottom surface of the flexible circuit substrate, a housing mounted over the top surface of the flexible circuit substrate, and a lens unit coupled to the housing. In an example embodiment, the camera module includes a stiffener formed directly over a plurality of electrical components mounted on the top surface of the flexible circuit substrate. In another example embodiment, the bottom surface of the flexible circuit substrate defines a recessed portion whereon the image capture device is flip-chip mounted. A disclosed method for manufacturing camera modules includes providing a flexible circuit tape having a plurality of discrete circuit regions, providing a plurality of image capture devices, flip-chip mounting each image capture device on an associate one of the discrete circuit regions, providing a plurality of housings, and mounting each housing on an associate one of the discrete circuit regions.
US08430574B2	Optical fiber connector with reference hole An optical fiber connector includes a mating portion defining a coupled direction and including pairs of lenses and a pair of guiding portions. The pair of guiding portions each defines a guiding hole through a front face thereof in the coupled direction. Each guiding hole has a cross section of a polygon shape in the coupled direction and is configured with an imaginary circle perpendicular to the coupled direction.
US08430569B2	Fluid dynamic bearing motor including molded plastic A fluid dynamic bearing motor and method are described, wherein motor components, including complex shaped motor components, are molded of plastic. The molding ensures form control and dimensional control thereby accomplishing design requirements, and eliminating or reducing component costs and component machining. The mold can be shaped to form various motor geometries, thereby eliminating the need for multiple component assembly and related assembly costs. In an aspect, a plastic integral motor hub is formed by injection molding. Alternatively, a plastic motor hub is affixed to a metal sleeve. In another aspect, fluid containment structures are molded into the motor component, reducing the number of components as compared with machined metal components. In a further aspect, bearing structures such as grooves are molded into the motor component, thereby eliminating processes such as electrochemical machining. In yet a further aspect, a plastic hub faces a thrustplate, reducing expensive sleeve machining.
US08430565B2	X-ray device having head stabilizing member An X-ray device includes a rotating unit that rotates an X-ray emitter and an opposing X-ray receiver about a patient's head. X-rays are emitted by the X-ray emitter and received by the X-ray receiver via the patient's head. An upper shelf supports the rotating unit. A head stabilizing member stabilizes the patient's head. The stabilizing member extends from a location adjacent to the rotating unit and above the X-ray emitter and X-ray receiver to a location wherein the patient's head is stabilized.
US08430562B2	Device and method for evaluating a temperature A method for evaluating temperature is disclosed. The method includes setting a configuration of a configurable delay line out of multiple possible configurations, and delaying a first input signal by a temperature sensitive delay line, delaying a second input signal by the configurable delay line. The configurable delay line is less sensitive to temperature than the temperature sensitive delay line. The method also includes detecting, by a phase detector, a delay difference between a delay introduced by the temperature sensitive delay line and a delay introduced by the configurable delay line, repeating the setting, delaying of the first input signal, delaying of the second input signal and detecting, until the delay difference is below a threshold, and evaluating the temperature of the temperature sensitive delay line in response to a configuration of the configurable delay line that results in the delay difference that is below the threshold.
US08430558B1	Microfluidic mixer having channel width variation for enhanced fluid mixing A micromixing apparatus includes a mixing microchannel formed in a top surface of a substrate having a channel length and a variable channel width defined by a first sidewall surface and an opposing second sidewall surface. The channel width varies from a minimum channel width h to a maximum channel width H in a ratio of H:h≧1.1:1.0. A first inlet is for injecting a first fluid into the mixing microchannel and a second inlet for injecting a second fluid into the mixing microchannel. The first and second fluid flow in a flow direction in the mixing microchannel along the channel length. The first sidewall surface includes first curved surface portions and the second sidewall surface includes a second curved surface portions. The plurality of first curved surface portions and plurality of second curved surface portions are non-overlapping to provide the variable channel width.
US08430556B2	Internal heat exchanger/mixer for process heaters A heat exchanger is presented that provides for mixing of a process fluid to prevent localized spikes in temperatures. The heat exchanger includes a mixing chamber within the exchanger, where a first process fluid passes from process tubes after being partially heated. The heat exchanger further includes an intermediate shell for passing a second process fluid into the fired heater and for exchanging heat with the first process fluid. The fluid flows from the mixing chamber to other process tubes for further heating.
US08430545B2	Lighting in the exterior mirror A lighting module for a vehicle is suggested, consisting of a housing and at least two light conductors or light conductor sections, which are arranged in the housing and extend along the external contour of the lighting module, with at least two LEDs, which are arranged on at least one circuit board in the housing. The light of at least two LEDs is coupled into the at least two light conductors, and a connection lens, which is adapted to the external contour of the light conductor, is installed between the light conductor sections.
US08430544B2	Headlight of motorcycle A headlight of motorcycle includes a dashboard, a connection member, a headlight, a bracket, and front support racks. The dashboard is coupled to the headlight by the connection member in a modularized manner. The headlight forms coupling holes for mounting to the front support racks. The bracket carries signal lights thereon. By coupling the headlight and the dashboard together in a modularized manner and mounting the bracket that carries the signal lights to the opposite sides of the headlight, and further fixing the front support racks to the opposite sides of the headlight, a headlight module is formed. The headlight module can be easily attached between upper and lower beams of a steering handlebar by using the front support racks so as to simplify the assembling operation and to conceal the front support racks between the bracket and the steering handlebar for improving the outside appearance of the headlight.
US08430541B2	Ceiling fan with illumination mechanism A ceiling fan with an illumination mechanism includes a motor, a motor rotary disc, blades, a wire collection case, an annular LED lid and a lampshade. The motor includes a switch control circuit board to control LEDs provided on the annular LED lid. The annular LED lid is connected to the wire collection case. The wire collection case has a wire collection hole at a top thereof. The wires extend out from the switch control circuit board are confined in the LED lid. The wire collection case further has a pair of first pin holes at a bottom thereof. The LEDs are disposed around a lower portion of the LED lid to illuminate downward. The LED lid has two threaded hole at two sides of a bottom thereof. The lampshade has two corresponding holes for connection of screws. The LED lid has at least one pair of second pin holes at the lower portion thereof. The second pin holes correspond in position to the first pin holes of the wire connection case for connection of a pin. Thereby, through the switch control circuit board, the motor and the LEDs are respectively and selectively controlled by a power switch and the brightness of the LEDs is selectively controlled.
US08430540B2	Vehicle lamp having a concealing portion A vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit. The first lamp unit includes a first light source, a reflector on which the first light source is mounted, and a first lamp body on which the reflector is supported. The reflector reflects light emitted from the first light source. The second lamp unit includes a second light source, and a second lamp body on which the second light source is mounted. The second lamp body is configured as a one-piece structure including a concealing portion. The concealing portion partially conceals the first lamp unit in a front view of the vehicle lamp.
US08430539B2	Sheet and light emitting device A light emitting device 107 includes a surface structure 113 in a surface of a transparent substrate 105 which is adjacent to a light emitting body. The surface of the transparent substrate 105 is divided into minute regions, without leaving any gap therebetween, such that the diameter of the largest one of the inscribed circles of the minute regions is from 0.2 μm to 1.5 μm. Each of the minute regions is in the form of a protrusion or recess. The proportion of the protrusions and the proportion of the recesses are P and 1−P, respectively, and P is in the range of 0.4 to 0.98. At least part of the minute regions has a micro periodic structure 114 that is formed by indentations and projections.
US08430537B2	Total internal reflection lens for color mixing A total-internal-reflection (TIR) lens for color mixing includes a body member having an outer surface and an interior open channel extending longitudinally through the body member. The body member and the interior open channel are substantially symmetric with respect to an optical axis, and the outer surface is shaped to provide total internal reflection. The body member has a first end surface region at a first end of the open channel for accommodating a light source and a second end surface region opposite the first end region. The second end surface region includes a plurality of refractive surface regions positioned around the second end region of the open channel. The lens is configured to provide projected light substantially centered with respect to the optical axis when the light source is positioned off the optical axis. In a specific embodiment, a lighting apparatus for providing centered white light includes such a lens and a plurality of light sources.
US08430534B2	LED lamp and method for producing the same The present invention relates to a method for making a global LED lamp (10) having a transparent globe (14) and a base (12) for connecting to a lamp socket. By wrapping the base (12) in expansive foam tape (38) of Compriband type or similar, prior to inserting it in a neck shaped portion (16) of the globe (14), automatic alignment of the base (12) in the globe neck (16) may be obtained. Further, soft metal strips (36) may be wrapped about the tape (38) prior to wrapping the tape (38) about the base (12). The tape (38) acts as an inflatable cushion, which presses the metal strips (36) towards the base (12) and the globe (14). Improved heat transfer between the globe (14) and the base (12) may thus be obtained.
US08430533B1	Devices and methods for replacing LED light sources for LED-based luminaires A LED holder includes a planar base member to releasably couple the holder to the heat sink of a luminaire. The LED holder also includes a substrate that is coupled to the planar base member and has one or more LEDs disposed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the substrate. The substrate can be a printed circuit board and the LEDs can be discrete LEDs or an LED package. A cover panel is removably coupled to the planar base member and is designed to prevent access to the substrate and the LEDs when the luminaire powered on. The LED holder can also include a LED cover positioned over the LEDs and within the cover panel to limit access to the top side of the LEDs while permitting light emitted by the LEDs to pass through the LED cover.
US08430528B2	LED bulb An LED bulb includes a connector, a heat sink disposed on the connector, an LED module, and an envelope secured to the heat sink and covering the LED module. The heat sink includes a tubular body defining a central through hole, a plurality of fins, and a supporting body located in the tubular body and interconnecting inner edges of the fins. The LED module is attached on the supporting body of the heat sink. A fan is received in the tubular body. When the LED bulb is at work, the fan generates an airflow which flows from an outer environment through the tubular body, the through hole, the LED module, the fins and finally the tubular body to return to the outer environment, thereby to effectively take away the heat generated by the LED module.
US08430525B2	Illumination assembly for shop illumination For illuminating an object and generating a light image, e.g. for presentation of the object, an illumination assembly comprises a reflective part for illumination and a diffractive part for generating the light image. A light source such as a LED light source is used for generating the light.
US08430521B2	Pool lighting assembly Disclosed herein is a pool light assembly having structure for providing cooling to pools having illumination elements. The light assembly includes a sub-assembly having one or more light elements, preferably high output LED elements. Additionally, the light assembly has a water channel. The LED sub-assembly is located proximate the water channel. In the several embodiments shown, the structure of a typical light assembly has been modified such that the distance between the LED sub-assembly and the water channel is minimized.
US08430520B2	Illumination device, display device, and television receiver In a lamp clip 30, a locking portion 32 locked from the rear side to the hole edge of a locking hole 41 formed in a chassis 22 through an insertion hole 43 formed in an optical sheet 27 is provided. In the chassis 22, a through-hole 42 having a hole area larger than that of the locking hole 41 is provided continuously from the locking hole 41. The locking portion 32 is allowed to move between a fixed position where the locking portion 32 is located in the locking hole 41 and an attaching and detaching position where the locking portion 32 is located in the through-hole 42. The insertion hole 43 of the optical sheet 27 has a hole area larger than that of the locking hole 41. The optical sheet 27 is allowed to slide from an initial position where the insertion hole 43 communicates with the through-hole 42 in a direction along a moving direction of the locking portion 32.
US08430518B2	Lighting control desk with encoders surrounded by color-coded visual indicators A lighting control desk includes a housing with a cavity provided within the housing and a control surface. The control surface includes digital displays, encoders, faders, pushbutton switches and a keyboard to assist in controlling different aspects of the light fixtures that are communicably coupled to the lighting control desk. A multitude of light-emitting visual indicators are positioned around one or more of the encoders. The visual indicators provide a visual indication of the color, hue, color saturation, or color intensity of the light fixtures being controlled by that particular encoder as well as the changes that will be effected to the color, hue, color saturation, or color intensity based on how the user may adjust the encoder. One or more light emitting diodes positioned in the cavity are optically coupled to each visual indicator to generate the color of light to be emitted through that particular visual indicator.
US08430517B2	Device for collimating, making uniform and extracting light for lighting a display device Lighting system for a data display device (56), said lighting system including a light guide (30) into which the light produced by a light source (38) is injected, said lighting system being characterized in that the light guide (30) includes a plane light injection and collimation zone (32) in the form of a parabola, said parabola including two branches (48a, 48b) connected to each other via an apex (40), the light source (38) being arranged opposite the apex (40), the branches (48a, 48b) of the parabola which delimit the contour of the plane injection and collimation zone (32) being extended by a plane extraction zone (36) for the light propagating inside the guide (30), said extraction zone (36) having a rectangular section and being provided with light extractors (54).
US08430516B2	Lighting device for photographing Disclosed is a simple lighting device for photographing, which makes it possible to take an artistic picture of a human, which is an object to be photographed, enhancing his or her facial expressions, without the need of troublesome light source adjustment. The lighting device comprises a reflecting plate (2) which has a concave shaped surface with respect to the object to be photographed and which has a transmission area (22) which permits light to pass therethrough, and a light emitter (1) which is provided on the convex surface side of the reflecting plate (2) and which emits light toward the transmission area (22). The light emitted from the light emitter (1) and transmitted through the transmission area (22) is irradiated onto the object to be photographed and is reflected by the reflecting plate (2) toward the object to be photographed.
US08430513B2	Projection system with extending depth of field and image processing method thereof A projection system comprises an image input element and an optical imaging element. The image input element is configured to input an original image or a processed image. The optical imaging element, an optical system with axisymmetrical structure and specific spherical aberration, is configured to generate an image with extended depth of field on an image projection surface in accordance with the original image or the processed image.
US08430507B2	Eyewear with touch-sensitive input surface In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.
US08430506B2	Eyeglasses with snap-fitted lenses The present invention provides eyeglasses with snap-fitted lenses, in which a hook of a fastener is snap-fitted into a locking notch of a corresponding lens. Thus, the removal and insertion of the lenses can be easily carried out to facilitate the repair and exchange of the lenses.
US08430502B2	Printing device and computer program product for use in printing device A printing device configured to operate selectively in one of a single-sided printing mode and a double-sided printing mode comprises a printing unit configured to eject ink, and a controller. When the printing device operates in the double-sided printing mode, the controller is configured to calculate a drying time for a front-side image printed by the printing unit on a front side of a sheet, and to determine whether the calculated drying time exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When the controller determines that the drying time dose not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the controller is configured to control the printing unit to print a back-side image on a back side of the sheet. When the controller determines that the drying time exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the controller is configured to control the printing unit not to print the back-side image on the back side of the sheet, and to print the back-side image on a front side of a next sheet.
US08430499B2	Printing apparatus and printing method An apparatus for printing an image on a transparent medium based on a selected mode, the apparatus includes: a head that ejects ink droplets from nozzles, wherein when a first mode is selected, the head prints a first image on the transparent medium, prints a background image on the first image, and prints a second image which is different from the first image on the background image, and wherein when a second mode is selected, the head prints a second image on the transparent medium, prints a background image on the second image, and prints a first image on the background image.
US08430495B2	Ink jet recording method and recorded matter An ink jet recording method for recording an image having metallic gloss on a textile product using an ink jet recording apparatus includes forming a base layer by letting droplets of a first ink composition containing a first thermoplastic resin adhere on the textile product; and forming a metallic gloss layer by letting droplets of a second ink composition containing a metallic pigment and a second thermoplastic resin adhere on the base layer. The glass transition temperature of the first thermoplastic resin is not higher than that of the second thermoplastic resin. The formation of the base layer is performed at a temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the first thermoplastic resin.
US08430492B2	Inkjet printing fluid An inkjet printing fluid composition including water and a water dispersible polyurethane additive of the general formula of (I) wherein Z is the central portion of a monomer unit that is the polymerization product of a diisocyanate; X1—Y1—X1 represents one or more soft segments wherein Y1 represents the central portion of a unit that is the polymerization product of a diamine or diol prepolymer having a molecular weight of greater than 300 Daltons; W is the central portion of one or more units containing an acid group; X2—Y2—X2 represents one or more hard segments wherein Y2 represents the central portion of a unit that is the polymerization product of a C2-C8 diol or diamine having a molecular weight of less than 250 Daltons; and X1, V and X2 can be the same or different and are an —O— or —N— atom; and further wherein the polyurethane additive has a weight average molecular weight of at least 6,000 Daltons and a sufficient number of acid groups to provide an acid number greater than 35, and the one or more X2—Y2—X2 hard segments are present at from 1 wt % to less than 13 wt % of the polyurethane additive. Also disclosed is a method for printing an inkjet image including I) providing an inkjet printing fluid according to the invention; and II) jetting the inkjet printing fluid in the form of ink drops onto a recording element to form a printed image.
US08430490B2	Ink jet printing apparatus An air pump is driven to supply air via an air supply tube to a sub tank, by which a predetermined quantity of the air is mixed inside the sub tank via a gas-liquid separation membrane. Next, a carriage is swayed to agitate the ink by using the air mixed inside the sub tank. Then, the air pump is driven to discharge the air inside the sub tank via the gas-liquid separation membrane. In the above-described agitating motions, since the air utilized for the agitation is discharged from an ink tank after agitation processing, it is possible to prevent the air from remaining inside the ink tank to inflate, thereby adversely influencing the pressure relationship with a printing head.
US08430487B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus includes a joint portion movable to a first position at which communication is established between a flexible tube connected to an ink tank and a recording head and a second position at which such communication is interrupted, a manipulating member rotatably provided on a carriage to take a first posture and a second posture with respect to the carriage, and a link mechanism that causes the manipulating member and the joint portion to operate in conjunction with each other such that the joint portion moves to either of the first position and the second position along with rotation of the manipulating member. The manipulating member is urged to be maintained in either of the first posture and the second posture by a restoration force of the tube.
US08430484B2	Nozzle covering for ejection chips in micro-fluid applications A micro-fluid ejection head conveys fluid to firing elements at differing heights in differing layers. The ejection head includes a base substrate. The firing elements are configured on the substrate to eject fluid upon activation. Individual elements are arrayed closer or farther to a common fluid via. A multiple-layer covering on the substrate defines nozzles openings corresponding to each firing element. A lower layer of the covering directs fluid to either the closer or farther elements while a higher layer directs fluid to the other elements. The lower and higher layers define channels to direct the fluid from the fluid via. The higher layer covers the channels in the lower layer, while a topmost layer covers the channels in the higher layer. Also, the topmost layer defines the nozzle openings in large and small opening sizes. Holes in the underlying layers register with the nozzle openings, but are oppositely sized.
US08430481B2	Head attachment member and liquid ejection device A plurality of liquid ejection heads is attached to a head attachment member with respect to a support drum for supporting an ejection-receiving medium and rotating about a rotation shaft. The head attachment member includes a plurality of attachment surfaces to which a plurality of head groups each including a plurality of liquid ejection heads is attached. Each of the attachment surfaces is arranged so as to be parallel to a tangent line which is tangent to a peripheral surface of the support drum at an intersection point of a line segment which connects the center of the support drum and the center on the first attachment surface between the head groups attached to the first attachment surface. The attachment surfaces are integrally and continuously formed.
US08430477B2	Liquid injection head, liquid injection recording apparatus, and method of filling liquid injection head with liquid A liquid injection head has a nozzle body having a row of nozzle holes and a nozzle guard that covers the row of nozzle holes. The nozzle guard has a top portion having formed therein a slit opposed to the row of nozzle holes, a sealing portion that seals an area between a peripheral edge of the top portion and the nozzle body, and a suction flow path having a suction port opening below the row of nozzle holes and communicating with a space on an inner side of the nozzle guard. A suction section connected to the suction flow path of the nozzle guard causes the space on the inner side of the nozzle guard to form a negative pressure chamber such that a liquid overflowing into the negative pressure chamber is sucked from the suction port of the suction flow path.
US08430476B2	Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head provided with a substrate which has a layer made of silicon nitride and with a discharge port forming member which is disposed above the layer made of silicon nitride and has a discharge port for discharging liquid. The method includes providing a photosensitive layer that is to be the discharge port forming member above the layer made of silicon nitride, and forming the discharge port by exposing the photosensitive layer to i-line. The layer made of silicon nitride has a refractive index of 2.05 or more to light of a wavelength of 633 nm and irradiation with the i-line is performed in the exposure.
US08430475B2	Inkjet ink and method of making the same An ink composition comprising a solvent system, a pigment dispersed in the solvent system; and a surfactant present in an amount sufficient to impart to the ink composition a dynamic viscosity greater than 100 centipoise at a shear rate of 1 s−1 and a dynamic viscosity from 1 to 10 centipoise at a shear rate of 10,000 s−1.
US08430474B2	Die mounting assembly formed of dissimilar materials A mounting assembly for a microelectronic device, the mounting assembly includes (a) a first member formed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the first member including i) a mounting surface for the microelectronic device; ii) a wall that adjoins the mounting surface and that is recessed from the mounting surface; and iii) an extension of the mounting surface that extends beyond an end of the wall; and (b) a second member formed of a plastic material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is larger than the first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein a first portion of the second member is attached to the extension.
US08430470B2	Printing apparatus to prevent color mixture of inks in mounted print heads There is provided a printing apparatus capable of mounting common print heads, and capable of preventing color mixture of inks in a configuration in which a plurality of ink supply mechanisms is provided. The same print heads can be mounted on the first head mounting unit and the second head mounting unit, and the print head has a storage region, in which color information of the head mounting unit is stored, when the print head is mounted on the first head mounting unit or the second head mounting unit.
US08430469B2	Liquid discharging appratus There is provided a liquid discharging apparatus including: a liquid discharging head; a cartridge attaching section in which a liquid cartridge is loaded detachably; a liquid channel; a filter provided in the middle of the liquid channel to capture a foreign substance in the liquid; a parameter deciding mechanism which, based on a cumulative use number of the liquid cartridge, decides a value of a predetermined parameter whose value becomes larger as the cumulative use number becomes larger; and a controller controlling the liquid discharging head so as to decrease an amount of the liquid discharged from the liquid discharging head per unit time as the value of the parameter becomes larger. This structure prevents the occurrence of a failure of the discharge of the liquid from nozzles.
US08430465B2	Print head control device in ink jet printer A print head control device 4 in an ink jet printer IJP includes a print head drive board 42c3, a PCIe, and an image processing computer 42c. The print head drive board 42c3 is configured by a circuit between the PCIe and the print head drive board 42c3,the circuit having an interface function and a print head drive function integrated therein. This circuit includes an FPGA configured to perform a rearrangement processing such that assigned page data is matched to alignment of print heads 50. Further, a device driver 42c7 which is control software for the print head drive board 42c3 performs an internal transfer processing of the assigned page data to the print head drive board 42c3.
US08430464B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head which ejects liquid from a nozzle orifice, a blowing mechanism disposed on the liquid ejecting head side, and a gap control unit which relatively controls a gap between the nozzle orifices and an ejection target medium, in which driving of the blowing mechanism is controlled depending on the gap between the nozzle orifices and the ejection target medium.
US08430462B2	Server rack A server rack includes a main body, a pair of rails, and a pair of air guiding members. The main body includes two opposite sidewalls, each of which include a first flange defining a number of first through holes and define an air hole. The rails define a channel communicating with the air holes in the main body. Each air guiding member covers the corresponding air hole and includes a second flange that contacts corresponding first flange and defines a number of second through holes. A portion of the second though holes in each second flange and the corresponding first through holes are inserted by fasteners and the other second through holes and the corresponding first through holes without the fasteners inserted are reserved for directing cooling air to the channel via the air guiding members and the air holes.
US08430460B2	Merchandising platform and handle apparatus for a merchandiser A merchandiser includes a case defining a product display area, and a lid disposed over the product display area and substantially enclosing at least a portion of the product display area. The lid is movable between an open position providing access to the product display area and a closed position limiting access to the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a handle assembly that has a handle coupled to and rotatable relative to the lid as the lid moves between the open position and the closed position.
US08430459B2	Hydraulic brake system Disclosed is a hydraulic brake system capable of reducing periodic pressure pulsation caused by operation of a piston. The hydraulic brake system includes a master cylinder generating braking hydraulic pressure by operation of a brake pedal, a wheel brake provided to each of front right and left wheels and rear right and left wheels of a vehicle to receive the braking hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to generate braking force, a solenoid valve provided to each of an inlet and an outlet of each of the wheel brakes to control flow of the braking hydraulic pressure, a low pressure accumulator temporarily storing oil, which is ejected from the wheel brakes during operation of the solenoid valves, a pump compressing the oil stored in the low pressure accumulator such that the oil is ejected towards the wheel brakes or the master cylinder as needed, and an orifice disposed near an outlet port of the pump. Further, a damper unit is disposed between the outlet port of the pump and the orifice to reduce pressure pulsation caused by operation of the piston, thereby improving product reliability through noise reduction during brake control.
US08430456B2	Stroller seat assembly with calf support A stroller seat assembly has a seat bottom with a forward end and a rear end. A calf support is pivotally connected to the seat bottom adjacent the forward end and is pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A lock mechanism can, in a locked arrangement, retain the calf support in a selected one of the raised and lowered positions. A release actuator is actuable between a locked position associated with the locked arrangement and a released position that reconfigures the lock mechanism to a released arrangement. The release actuator is gripped and released by one hand of a user whereby the calf support is selectively pivotable toward either of the raised and lowered positions by the same hand.
US08430455B2	Device for maintaining the hinge of an inclinable seat of a vehicle in an unlocked position A device for maintaining a hinge of a seat in an unlocked position, that includes a locking mechanism that can be declutched by rotation of an axis of the hinge, and a cam connected to a back of the seat and having a profile adapted to act on a forced-rotation driving mechanism of the hinge axis from a first inclination angle of the back of the seat towards the front, and to stop acting on the driving mechanism from a second inclination angle towards the front.
US08430454B2	Articulation system and vehicle seat having such an articulation system Articulation system having two articulations, each comprising two strength members that are able to pivot with respect to one another and are each controlled by a control member. The control members of the two articulations are able to move independently of one another between locking and unlocking positions and are elastically urged towards the locking position. A maneuvering member engages by pressing only in an actuating direction with first and second driving members connected to the respective control members of the first and second articulations and suitable for driving each corresponding control member from the locking position into the unlocking position.
US08430448B2	Hybrid reinforcement structure A structural reinforcement for insertion into a cavity of a vehicle structure including a base reinforcing portion, an expandable material and a localized reinforcement is disclosed. The localized reinforcement is placed within the structural reinforcement at a location of anticipated increased deformation during vehicle impact in an effort to reduce deformation and control the load distribution post-impact.
US08430446B2	Spindle drive A spindle drive for a movable component includes a threaded spindle, which can be driven in rotation about a rotational axis by a reversible drive. A spindle nut is mounted nonrotatably on the spindle. By means of the spindle nut, a transmission element connected to the movable component can be driven axially with respect to the spindle axis. The spindle nut can be connected to and disconnected from the transmission element by a connecting device. A nut position sensor detects the position of the spindle nut and a component sensor detects the axial position of the transmission element. If it is concluded that there is plausibility between the signals of the nut position sensor and the component sensor, the spindle nut can be connected to the transmission element by the connecting device.
US08430443B2	Stowable child seat for automotive vehicles A child seat mount assembly, a seat for mounting a child seat, and a passenger vehicle having a stowable child seat are provided. A seat back is connected to the body for closing an access opening to a storage compartment and seating an occupant in an upright position, and for opening the access opening in a collapsed position. A child seat mounting plate is connected to the seat back such that the mounting plate and child seat extend into the storage compartment in the upright position of the seat back, and such that the child seat is in a seating position in the collapsed position of the seat back. A method is provided for converting a vehicle seat for receiving and storing a child seat in the storage compartment, and for deploying a child seat in the collapsed position of the seat back.
US08430442B2	Tractor vehicle A tractor is disclosed as a four-wheel drive vehicle with a movable seat back, with a seat height adjustment and with a varying load capability. The tractor also has a speed control device.
US08430441B2	Truck bed liner Embodiments of the present invention provide a removable bed liner. In one embodiment, the bed liner is comprised of a flexible material, such as polyethylene, nylon, or canvas. These embodiments may be used as a supplement to a rigid bed liner. Side curtains prevent loose material from spilling over the edge of the truck tailgate.
US08430440B1	Console door that pivots and stows A storage assembly for use in conjunction with an interior vehicle console includes a housing, a storage compartment, and a cover. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position along a rotational axis of movement and also movable along a vertical axis of movement from the open position to a stowed position where the cover is concealed, allowing full access to the storage compartment. The movement of the door along the rotational axis of movement occurs substantially outside of the console. The movement of the door further actuates an ambient light feature and is dampened along the rotational axis of movement and the vertical axis of movement. The storage assembly further comprises latching mechanisms which are used to retain the door in the closed position as well as the stowed position.
US08430438B2	Skimmer basket cleaning rod The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod is a dual purpose tool for both removing the skimmer plate of a pool skimmer and removal of the skimmer basket to avoid the dangers of human contact with the contents of the skimmer basket and to alleviate any bending over and kneeling on a cement surface, ending the risk of injury to back and knees. The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod consists of a solid aluminum rod with a handle on one end and a universal catch on the other end. The catch is designed for removing the skimmer plate through insertion into the skimmer plate hole located at its center while the opposite end is an ergonomically designed handle for ease of retrieving the skimmer plate and the skimmer basket. The Skimmer Basket Cleaning Rod is a one piece extraction devise designed to accommodate all skimmer plates and skimmer baskets for above-ground and in-ground pool skimmers.
US08430436B2	Anti-ligative doorknob with tri-beveled latchbolt An antio-ligative ergonomic type door-knob primarily of the institutional type, essentially serving to defeat the effort of a temporarily mentally-depressed room occupant from succeeding in committing self-hanging via contrived ensnaring by which to secure a cord like hanging-noose. Generic-variant embodiments of my anti-ligative doorknob are set forth, including both a circular and semi-circular ecutcheon-plate for I-shaped V-shaped Y-shaped X-shaped fin-levers, and also a non-finned hemispherical iteration. The novel critical minimum approximate 40-degree anti-ligative principle of my LIFESTAR™ doorknobs reliably prevents a person ensnaring any heretofore problematically hazardous to portion of the door-knob assembly, while my optionally cooperating door latchbolt is formed to a matching critical minimum approximate 40-degree anti-ligative tri-beveled latchbolt as well. Further suicide-deterrence is achieved by effectively submerging the doorknob into the door escutcheon-plate, thereby leaving virtually no declivity by which a suicidal-person can secure any manner of self-inflicted hanging-cord.
US08430434B2	Mechanical-magnetic connecting structure A connecting structure includes a locking device having a spring locking element and a locking piece for locking the connecting modules, and a magnet/armature structure having a magnet and an armature. The locking device and the magnet/armature structure are functionally linked by in that the magnet and the armature are displaceable, the magnet or the armature is coupled to the locking piece via a coupling device so that the locking piece, when displaced between the magnet and the armature, can be brought into a non-locking position; The magnetic force is chosen so that the connecting modules are pulled towards each other during closing, thereby pushing the spring locking element against the locking piece until it snaps into engagement and the magnetic force is weakened during release after the non-engagement position between the locking piece and the spring locking element is reached to enable separation of the modules.
US08430430B2	High fatigue life fittings for high-pressure fluid systems A fitting for collecting or distributing high-pressure fluid via fluid transmission lines is provided. The fitting includes a body, and a plurality of apertures formed in the body in a common plane, intersecting inside the body such that all of the apertures are in mutual fluid communication. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a threaded coupling member of a respective high-pressure transmission line. The fitting also includes first and second compression members positioned on opposing sides of the body and coupled thereto so as to exert a compressing bias to the body in an axis perpendicular to the common plane. The compression members each comprise a raised contact surface corresponding to the region of the body where the plurality of apertures meet, and through which the compressing bias is exerted. The fitting may be an elbow-fitting, a tee fitting, a cross-fitting, or some other configuration.
US08430427B1	Counterweight apparatus for vehicles An improved counterweight apparatus for vehicles includes a counterweight support structure, a set of separately installable and removable counterweights and a retaining plate. Each counterweight is shaped to be received by the counterweight support structure and each counterweight has at least one retaining plate surface. The retaining plate is retained adjacent to the counterweight support structure and can be moved between a retracted position and an advanced position. The retaining plate has a first surface located to register with the retaining plate surface of each counterweight. When a counterweight is placed in the counterweight support structure and the retaining plate is moved to the advanced position, the first surface of the retaining plate engages the retaining plate surface of the counterweight to secure the counterweight support structure. A counterweight can be removed from the counterweight support structure if the retaining plate is moved to the retracted position.
US08430425B2	Airbag assembly An airbag assembly for a motor vehicle has an airbag 10 that is inflated by an inflator 12 when the airbag 10 is deployed in accordance with a control signal from an electronic controller 6. A portion of the airbag 10 in a region where an expected head impact with the airbag 10 will occur is formed by a soft panel portion 25 which provides a softer or more compliant structure that can expand or stretch to an increased surface area condition to thereby reduce the risk of injury to an occupant. The soft panel portion 25 is constructed so as to provide increased give or stretch relative to the other parts of the fabric bag 9 when a head of an occupant impacts against it.
US08430422B2	Airbag with external traction element and process for production thereof An airbag has an airbag envelope (10) having two side walls (12, 14) enclosing a gas chamber. The first side wall (12) constitutes herein the impact surface and the second side wall (14) constitutes the support surface. A traction element (20) furthermore extends from a first end to a second end, whose first end is connected to the outer side of the second side wall (14) in order to force the inflated airbag to assume a curved shape. In order to achieve an easy production and assembly, the second end of the traction element (20) is also connected to the outer side of the second side wall (14), wherein the operating length of the traction element (20) is smaller than the length of the section of the second side wall (14) that is spanned thereby.
US08430421B2	Fastener clip A fastener clip includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, a pair of detents formed in an exterior surface of the body, and a rigid retaining pin inserted through the opening, the rigid retaining pin having a pair of flexible fingers configured to engage the pair of detents, the flexible fingers configured to disengage from the pair of detents when an airbag is deployed. The fastener clip also includes a plurality of molding gates formed at an intersection between the body and the rigid retaining pin, the rigid retaining pin being subsequently movable with respect to the body after the molding gates are broken. The fastener clip further includes a pair of flexible retention legs adapted to secure the fastener clip to a vehicle chassis. An airbag retention system including the fastener clip is also described herein.
US08430412B2	Transport carriage for industrial plants A transport carriage for industrial plants comprises a bearing structure mounted on a plurality of wheel units pivoting around respective vertical axes. The wheel pivoting units are connected by means of kinematisms to a single control plate mounted articulated around a vertical axis. The control plate may be maneuvered by means of a steering unit including a steering plate which is mounted articulated around the same articulation axis of the control plate. The steering unit is provided with a vertical bar suitable to be engaged into a hole of the steering plate and into any one among the two holes of control plate (5) to join the plates integrally in the rotation around the articulation axis thereof. When the engagement member is inserted into the abovementioned first hole, the wheels of the carriage are prearranged for movement in the normal advancement direction, with the possibility of steering within a limited angular field. When the engagement bar is inserted into the second hole the steering unit may be maneuvered over a greater angular field, which allows directing the wheels of the pivoting units in an orthogonal direction with respect to direction A.
US08430403B1	Gaming token A chip member and method of constructing a chip member including an outer portion surrounding an inner portion. The outer portion has a first outer side. The inner portion forms a first cavity opening to the first outer side. The first outer side has a first lip overlying the first cavity. A first flexible tab is secured within the first cavity by the first lip.
US08430401B1	Paper deskew device for automatic document feeder A paper deskew device for an automatic document feeder includes a transport roller assembly, a deskew roller assembly, and a power transmission mechanism. The transport roller assembly includes a first gear. The deskew roller assembly includes a second gear. Before a front edge of a paper is contacted with the deskew roller assembly, the first gear links the power transmission mechanism and the second gear, so that the transport roller assembly and the deskew roller assembly are respectively rotated in a first direction and a second direction. Once the front edge of the paper is contacted with the deskew roller assembly, the deskew roller assembly is continuously rotated in a second direction for a second direction for correcting the skew phenomenon of the paper. Afterwards, the second gear and the deskew roller assembly are driven by the first gear to be rotated in the first direction to transport the paper.
US08430398B2	Sheet positioning device, sheet stacker, image forming apparatus, and image scanner A sheet positioning device includes a platen on which to place a sheet of recording media, a first and second regulation members disposed on the platen and movable along the platen, a drive source, a drive transmitter to transmit a drive force generated by the drive source to the first and second regulation members, and a sheet sensor unit. The sheet sensor unit includes a plurality of sheet detection levers, a biasing member, and a connecting member that connects the plurality of sheet detection levers so that the entire sheet sensor unit moves as a single unit between first and second positions reciprocally to detect the sheet on the platen according to the position of the sheet detection levers moving from the first position being biased by the biasing member to the second position in contact with the sheet placed on the platen.
US08430397B2	Sheet take-out device A sheet take-out device in which sheets are conveyed in an upright state and sheets having a low height can be stably taken out is provided.A sheet take-out device includes a main floor belt that conveys sheets that are placed in an upright state in a direction intersecting a conveying direction to a take-out portion, and a take-out unit that takes out the sheets conveyed by the main floor belt one by one in order from the frontmost sheet. The device includes a sub-floor belt that is capable of reverse conveyance, in which sheets are conveyed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the main floor belt, a tightness detection unit, and a height detection unit that detects the height of the sheets immediately prior to being taking out by the take-out unit, and performs sub-floor control.
US08430392B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus In order to provide a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of alleviating a bumping noise generated between a sheet and an inner guide member when the sheet passes through a curved sheet conveying path, a pair of intermediate conveying rollers is arranged in positions corresponding to both lateral sides in a width direction of the feeding roller and subsidiary feeding roller in a sheet conveyance direction. In addition, the subsidiary intermediate conveying roller abuts on the intermediate conveying roller with an inclination such that the sheet conveyance force is directed to the center of the sheet conveying path in a width direction. As a result, the sheet makes contact with the inner guide member of the facing guide member of the sheet conveying path by undulating the sheet in a width direction when the sheet is extracted and conveyed by the pair of intermediate conveying rollers.
US08430390B2	Gathering postal items Apparatus for gathering postal items having a postal item feeding path for feeding postal items at a speed of transport and a postal item gripper for gripping and subsequently releasing postal items. The gripper is circulatable in a sense of circulation along a circulation path downstream of the feeding path. Each time prior to gripping of one of the postal items by the gripper, at least the speed of transport of the gripper is temporarily reduced to a reduced speed of transport or the speed of transport of the postal item along the feeding path is temporarily increased to an increased speed of transport. A method for gathering postal items is also described.
US08430387B2	Leverage based cutting board systems A leverage based cutting board system having a rotatable tower and sliding knife holster is disclosed. Control of the height of the sliding knife holster and unique locking system facilitates cutting of foodstuffs of a variety of shapes and consistencies. The system further provides an advantage of using any traditional knife. It allows rapid switching between traditional cutting and leverage cutting. The system decreases the total scale of force required to cut foodstuffs and constrains the number of untoward knife motions. The tower with its unique property of rotating 180 degree makes it apt to use both the surfaces in a single preparation. The unique texture of the board helps it to grip slippery food items. The sleek and compact design helps keeping the tower intact as it lies horizontally adjacent to the board when not in use.
US08430379B2	Apparatus for dispensing fog An apparatus for dispensing fog by means of continually discharging water particles for humidification, sanitation, and dust suppression. The apparatus provides the user a device that utilizes pressurized gases for the de-correlation of water to generate and dispense water particles. The present invention makes use of a uniquely structured nozzle to dispense water particles that will not be attracted to one another.
US08430378B2	High flow proportional valve In one embodiment of the invention, a valve apparatus is provided to proportionally control fluid flow. The valve apparatus includes a housing having a valve body with an inlet port having a valve seat and an outlet port; a valve assembly including an armature, a movable fluid control member, and at least one spring biasing the valve assembly into a closed position, a diaphragm in contact with the valve seat of the inlet port when the valve is in the closed position, and a poppet plate backing the diaphragm, in contact with the fluid control member and extending beyond the valve seat on the inlet port. The valve apparatus also has a solenoid assembly including an electromagnetic coil and a pole piece, the solenoid moves the armature when energized to allow fluid to flow through the valve apparatus.
US08430373B2	Fluid-filled type vibration damping device A fluid-filled type vibration damping device including a resin bracket provided on an outside peripheral face of a second mounting member. The resin bracket includes a mating portion mated within a mating groove of the second mounting member opening in an outside peripheral face of the second mounting member, a mating tubular portion extending on the outside peripheral face of the second mounting member from the mating portion to one axial side, and a mounting portion which is formed at a distal end portion of the mating tubular portion on the one axial side and extends peripherally outward. A weight reducing space opens at a distal end face of the mating tubular portion on the one axial side while extending between an inside peripheral face of the mating tubular portion and the outside peripheral face of the second mounting member in a circumferential direction.
US08430368B2	Wall mounting bath accessory assembly A wall mounting bath accessory assembly contains a fixing member including a contacting fence with a recess and two engaging portions, and the engaging portion including a shoulder arranged on an upper end thereof; a retaining member including a body, an first hook, and two second hooks; the first hooks being inserted through an upper end of the fixing member to retain with the recess so as to limit the retaining member; the second hook including a hooking segment to retain with the first hook and the recess, and when a lower end of the retaining member is pushed inward, the engaging portions of the fixing member abutting against the retaining member to cause a resilient deformation so that the retaining member retains with the engaging portions, and a top end of the anchor being stopped by the shoulder so that an upward displacement of the retaining member is limited.
US08430362B2	Aircraft having a force transmission element between a cabin structural element and a primary structure The invention relates to an aircraft comprising a force transmission element which detachably connects a cabin structural segment to an aircraft primary structure and which comprises a cabin bearing element and a structure bearing element, the cabin bearing element being connected to the cabin structural segment and the structure bearing element being connected to the aircraft primary structure. The force transmission element is designed in such a manner that a force transmission can take place between the cabin structural segment and the aircraft primary structure with at least one degree of freedom of movement.
US08430360B2	Control unit and method for controlling the supply of a vehicle with multiple fuels A control unit for controlling the supply of a vehicle having at least one internal combustion engine with multiple fuels has at least one input means for supplying optimization parameters, fuel parameters, and operational data, at least one storage unit for storing the optimization parameters, the fuel parameters, and the operational data, and at least one computing unit. The control unit is adapted for being connected to at least one first supply apparatus for supplying a first fuel to the internal combustion engine and to at least one second supply apparatus for supplying a second fuel to the internal combustion engine, and of controlling a first mass flow of supplied first fuel and a second mass flow of supplied second fuel. The computing unit optimizes the ratio of first mass flow and second mass flow for all operational phases of the vehicle to fulfill the specified optimization parameters.
US08430359B2	Energy-efficient electro-thermal and electro-mechanical ice-protection method A region of an airfoil to be protected from accreted ice is heated to reduce the strength of the bond between the ice and the airfoil, and is mechanically deformed to shed the accreted ice after the bond has been sufficiently weakened. Heating ceases before substantial water runback is generated. The mechanical deformation and the cessation of heating occur approximately simultaneously.
US08430355B2	Amphibious aircraft Described are aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. As examples, each float may include a step that is forward of the location at which the bottom surface of the float intersects a line that passes through a center of gravity of the aircraft and is oriented at an angle of six degrees rearward from vertical. As further examples, each float may include a forward portion located forward of the step, the forward portion including a ski surface that is planar in a left to right horizontal direction, and an aft portion that is located rearward of the step.
US08430348B2	Garbage disposer A garbage disposer includes a casing, a garbage cup (103), a stirrer, an electrical heater (110), a deodorizing box (111) and a blower (113). An impeller (3) is arranged in the chamber surrounded by the mounting board (1) of the blower and the blower casing (2). An electromotor (4) is arranged at the other side of the mounting board. The output shaft of the electromotor drives the impeller (3) through the mounting board (1). The inlet (96) of the blower is provided on the blower casing in the axis direction of the impeller. The outlet (97) of the blower is provided on the circumference of the blower casing. The mounting board (1) includes a board body (81) and a mounding portion (82) formed integrally. The board body (81) and the mounding portion (82) are perpendicular to each other. Several recesses (85) are formed by punch on the outside of the right angle (83) formed by the board body (81) and the mounding portion (82). Then the stability of the blower can be improved and the vibration and the noises can be reduced.
US08430345B2	Swivel spout assembly A faucet assembly is disclosed having internal carrier tubes, where the faucet spout can swivel relative to a faucet base without stressing the tubes. One tube connects a mixing valve to a connector sleeve. Another tube connects a spout outlet to another connector sleeve. The connector sleeves telescope within each other, have a seal there between, and are provided with a clip structure to hold them axially together while permitting relative rotation there between.
US08430344B2	Swayable and retractable shower A swayable and retractable shower, includes a retractable assembly and a shower head. The retractable assembly includes a fixed portion, a retractable portion and a reset portion. The fixed portion has a through sliding hole. The retractable portion with a through water entry is hermetically and slidably connected in the through sliding hole. The reset portion is disposed between the fixed portion and the retractable portion. The water entry communicates with the through sliding hole. The shower head is swayably connected to the lower end of the retractable portion and can communicate with the water entry, so the shower head can swing left or right in optional directions when it is stretched out.
US08430340B2	Rotary atomizer component A rotary atomizer component, such as for a steering air ring or bell cup for a rotary atomizer with at least one steering air jet for delivering steering air (or controlled air) and a rotary bearing shaft where, in axial direction between the bell cup and the steering air jet, a circumferential annular gap is located. A shaft cover in form of a bushing covers the bearing shaft, when mounted, at least partially in the annular gap area between the bell cup and the steering air jet. In addition, the annular gap space between the front surface of the bearing unit and the internal surface facing it axially or any other front element of the atomizer is sealed in a radial way internally against the externally accessible area of the shaft. The sealing element provided for this purpose is located along the internal circumference of the air-steering rings or front element and able to be attached to the front surface of the bearing unit in a way that it is elastically deformable.
US08430337B2	Light-activated portable aerosol mist sprayer device A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a “dusk” or “dawn” light condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed for optional activation using a remote transmitter.
US08430335B2	Elastic tensioning clamp and rail fixation therefore An elastic tensioning clamp made of spring steel for rail fixation comprises a central loop (44) having two inner legs (46) connected by an arc-shaped central portion (48) as well as nooses (42) connected to the inner legs (46) of the central loop (44) and running towards the free ends (50) of the tensioning clamp (40). The nooses (42) are formed so as to have, in the unloaded state, a maximum height (H) of at least 20 mm above the upper plane (E2) of the central loop (44) in the region of the two inner legs (46).
US08430334B1	Railroad tie of non-homogeneous cross section useful in environments deleterious to timber The disclosure provides a railroad tie including a core, a first sleeve encapsulating the core and a second sleeve encapsulating the first sleeve. The first sleeve includes fingers running parallel to a long axis of the core along a top surface and fingers running perpendicular to a long axis of the tie along elongated sides of the first sleeve.
US08430333B2	Prefabricated module for the track of a self-guided urban transport vehicle on tyres A prefabricated module (1) to be used in constructing a track for an urban transport vehicle. The module comprises an integral carrier structure (2) made of concrete and comprising two side sills (4) having an upper surface (5), used as a driving pathway for the vehicle wheels, and connecting crossbars (8) which connect and retain the sills substantially parallel to each other. The lower surfaces (6, 39) of the sills and crossbars are ground-bearing surfaces. A guiding rail section (3), mounted on the carrier structure, is preferably symmetrical, has an I section and a lower portion coated with a liner material (13). The modules, whether rectilinear or curved, are to be placed on an existing road layout or in a trench with a compacted bottom, and are connected one after the other to form the driving track.
US08430324B2	RFID tag manufacturing method and RFID tag A method of manufacturing RFID tags. A base sheet member is formed by fixedly attaching unit base substrates to a belt-like first sheet member at predetermined space intervals. Each unit base substrate is formed with an antenna pattern and has a non-contact communication-type IC chip mounted thereon. An upper-layer sheet member is formed by arranging reinforcing members between elastic, belt-like second and third sheet members, and is laminated on a surface of the first sheet member toward the unit base substrates such that each IC chip and each reinforcing member overlap each other in plan view. Regions each containing one unit base substrate are sequentially cut out from a laminate of the upper-layer sheet member and the base sheet member, thereby making RFID units.
US08430323B2	Electronic device and associated method An electronic device that includes a first and second interfaces adapted to establish communication with an external electronic entity, an element for processing a secret value, that is adapted to react to reception of a message via either interface, and a control element adapted to update an indicator of use of the element for using a secret value via either interface, to apply a first inhibition to communication using the first interface as a function of the indicator, and to apply a second inhibition to communication using the second interface as a function of the indicator, wherein for at least one value of the indicator the second inhibition is different from the first.
US08430322B2	Smart card A smart card is constituted by a card body made of a first material that is integral with a support made of a second material. The body is overmoulded on the surface of the support such that the card is made integral therewith by local bonding of the first and second materials.
US08430320B2	Sterile implant tracking device and method An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.
US08430318B2	System and method for data reading with low profile arrangement A data reader, such as an optical code reader, including one or more imagers, the data reader having a generally horizontal central section with an upward extension on a first end and a depression on a second end opposite the upward extension, the depression being configured to provide a better angle of view of an object in the view volume above the central section from the second end from a position below the surface of the horizontal central section. In one configuration, an image from the view volume along and over the depression is directed by one or more fold mirrors and focused by a lens system onto an imager or sensor array, these optics components, along with the window through which they view, are all disposed below the surface of the central section. Preferably, where the horizontal central section is a weigh platter for a scanner-scale, the optics of the data reader such as the fold mirror(s), lens system and imager are unsupported by the weigh platter and thus are off the scale.
US08430314B1	Apparatus for and method of aligning non-rotationally symmetrical imaging lens aperture with an imaging sensor in an imaging reader An apparatus and method for imaging a target, includes a housing having a presentation area, a solid-state imaging sensor having an imaging array of image sensors looking at a field of view that extends through the presentation area to the target, and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light over the field of view from the target through the presentation area, and for projecting the captured return light onto the imaging array during imaging of the target. The assembly has a plurality of lenses, an aperture stop, and a holder for holding the lenses and the aperture stop in spaced relation along an optical axis. The aperture stop has a non-rotationally symmetrical aperture through which the optical axis extends. Alignment elements on the imaging lens assembly are used to align the non-rotationally symmetrical aperture with the imaging array.
US08430312B2	Cart inspection for suspicious items Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.
US08430310B1	Wireless directional identification and verification using wearable electronic devices Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for identifying a user associated with a wearable electronic device. First, a directed electromagnetic radiation comprising an identifier associated with a user of the wearable electronic device is transmitted to a first target device. In response, a challenge signal is received requesting a verification response verifying the authenticity of the identifier. The wearable electronic device than detects a predefined user input, and responsive to receiving the challenge signal and detecting the predefined user input, transmits a challenge response corresponding to the predefined user input to a second target device. The first and second target devices may be the same device. The predefined user input may be comprise one or more sensed head movements and/or detected user input operations.
US08430309B2	Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The card reader is operative to read and return card information read from the user card responsive. The automated banking machine may also include a check acceptor that is usable to determine a probability associated with the check being fraudulent.
US08430306B1	Automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read a user identifier from a magnetic stripe of the user's card. Financial transfers are carried out responsive to machine communication with a transaction host computer. The machine also sends the read user identifier to a remote marketing computer. The marketing computer uses the user identifier to determine the next marketing presentation in a marketing campaign that is to be presented to the user. Responsive to a message received from the marketing computer, the machine operates to display the determined next marketing presentation to the user. The marketing campaign includes a sequence of presentations to be output in a predetermined order to the user.
US08430302B2	Enabling interactive activities for content utilizing matrix codes An electronic device may generate a matrix code that includes information for performing an interactive activity related to content, combine the matrix code with the content, and transmit the combination of the matrix code and the content to a display device. Subsequently, the displayed matrix code may be captured by a matrix code reader in order to initiate performance of the interactive activity. In some implementations, the content may be a sporting event and capture of the matrix code may initiate performance of an activity corresponding to a fantasy sporting event league associated with the sporting event. In various implementations, the matrix code reader's initiation of performance of the interactive activity related to the content may utilize one or more other electronic devices located in a user location.
US08430301B2	Document authentication using hierarchical barcode stamps to detect alterations of barcode A method of generating a self-authenticating printed document and authenticating the printed document. The back side of the printed document contains 2d barcode which encode extracted features of the document content. The features are hashed into a hash code, converted to a barcode stamp element, and transformed into a hierarchical barcode stamp by repeating the stamp element. The hierarchical barcode stamp is printed as a gray background pattern on the front side of the same sheet of printed document. To authenticate the printed document, the barcodes on the back side are read to extract the document features. The features are hashed into a hash code and compared to the hash code extracted from the hierarchical barcode stamp on the front side of the document to detect any alterations of the back side barcodes. Further, the document features extracted from the front and back sides of the document are compared.
US08430295B2	Curable flux composition and method of soldering A curable flux composition is provided, comprising, as initial components: a resin component having at least two oxirane groups per molecule; a carboxylic acid; a fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; and wherein zero to three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is(are) a hydrogen; and, optionally, a curing agent. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the curable flux composition.
US08430292B2	Surgical fastening apparatus A surgical fastening apparatus including a fastener receiving frame including a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein and a fastener supporting member containing a plurality of surgical fasteners extending therefrom. The surgical fasteners are engagable with the plurality of openings to mate with the fastener receiving frame to fasten tissue therebetween. The fasteners are engageable with the openings in a plurality of positions dependent on a tissue thickness between the fastener receiving frame and the fastener supporting member.
US08430290B2	System and method for driving a fastener An apparatus for driving a fastener (1300) including a nose (1202) having a passageway including a first channel portion (1204) and a second channel portion (1214). The first channel portion is adapted to receive a first fastener body portion (1302) and the second channel portion adapted to receive a second fastener body portion (1304). The first and second fastener body portions are obliquely angled relative to one another. The apparatus also includes a driver blade (120) configured to apply a force to a first end of the fastener for driving the fastener at least partially from the passageway.
US08430284B2	Insulated carriers for bulk beverage containers having spigots, spouts or the like A carrier for a bulk beverage container having a spout includes a shell having walls forming a hollow interior space sized and shaped for receiving the bulk beverage container therein, an opening formed in one of the walls for passage of the spout therethrough, and a flap secured to the shell for selectively covering the opening. The flap hinges between a closed position wherein the flap covers the opening and an open position wherein the flap does not cover the opening. A gasket can be provided at the opening for closely receiving the spout to seal the opening about the spout. Fasteners, such as hook-and-loop type fasteners, can be provided for removably securing the flap in the closed and open positions.
US08430281B2	High-heat-retention ladle for carrying molten aluminum A high-heat-retention ladle for carrying molten aluminum includes a ladle body defining therein a storage space, which contains molten aluminum therein, the ladle body including a molten metal inlet and a molten metal outlet, which allow the storage space to communicate with outside, a cover opening and closing the inlet of the ladle body, and a stopper opening and closing the outlet of the ladle body. Each of the ladle body and the cover has an outer shell, which defines a contour thereof, and a multi-layer insulation structure inside the outer shell. The multi-layer insulation structure includes two or more refractory layers. The molten aluminum contained inside the storage space has a temperature drop rate of 5° C./min or less. It is possible to carry the molten aluminum for a long time in a heat-insulated state and cast a product by directly pouring the molten aluminum into a mold.
US08430280B2	Submerged nozzle A submerged nozzle has a lower part with a bottom and two outlet side channels above the bottom, and a skirt with a center fixed to the lower part of the nozzle above the outlet side channels. The skirt has two parallel flat surfaces each having side edges that are smoothly connected to each other by two respective cylindrical surfaces, the two outlet side channels being identical and lying along a common longitudinal axis making an acute angle with the parallel flat surfaces. A portion of the skirt is spaced apart from the nozzle to allow hot metal to flow in the space between the nozzle and the skirt.
US08430276B2	Cartridge for caulking compound, sealant and/or adhesives A cartridge for a flowable material, e.g. caulking compounds, sealants and adhesives, includes a tubular container, an end plate disposed at a first end to a tubular container, a nozzle extending from the end plate, a plunger received in the tubular container, and a barb extending inwardly from the tubular container. The end plate includes an opening. The nozzle is in communication with the opening. The barb is configured to limit movement of the plunger in a first axial direction. A method for packaging a flowable material includes introducing flowable material into a tubular container, inserting a plunger into the container, and deforming the tubular container at a location axially spaced from an end of the container at a location axially spaced from an end of the container to create a mechanical stop.
US08430269B2	Tablet cassette of automatic tablet packing apparatus The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.
US08430268B2	Lid having a circumferential rim with a plurality of annular ribs A lid for securing to the brim of a container, the lid including a container closure having a disk shaped member with a periphery for mating with the brim of the container. The periphery includes annular inner and outer side walls with at least one annular rib disposed on each of the inner and outer side walls. The ribs of the annular walls form a gripping area to secure the lid to the container for preventing leaks and accidental spillage. A top wall interconnects the inner and outer side walls and includes visual cues for viewing the brim of the container when the lid is affixed to the brim. The lid additionally includes a pronounced wedge shaped sipping spout projecting upwards from the container closure. The container closure includes a circular indented channel for stacking one lid covered cup over another with additional stability provided by the sipping spout.
US08430266B2	Flexible container with integral dispensing tube A package for containing a viscous substance in a transport configuration and for dispensing the viscous substance in a dispensing configuration is disclosed. The package includes first and second sheets disposed in opposing relation that are sealed together around a perimeter. The package has a compartment that defines a space for holding the viscous substance. The package further includes an integral tube having a first end in fluid communication with the compartment, and a second end that is closed in the transport configuration. The second end can be opened such that the viscous substance contained in the package can flow from the container, through the integral tube, and exit the package via the opening. The second end of the integral tube is positionable independent of the compartment for depositing the substance at multiple, spaced apart target locations without moving the compartment.
US08430264B2	Method for packaging thermal interface materials A package for delivery of a tacky product includes a carrier with a plurality of cavities separately disposed along a length and width thereof. Each of the cavities in the carrier tape includes a base that is sized to operably receive and support the product within the cavity. The base of each cavity includes a surface profile which defines a contact surface area that is sufficiently low so as to facilitate removal of the product from the cavity without damage to the product. In some cases, the contact surface area is less than about 50% of a base surface area of the base. The carrier may be configured to stack with other carriers without risk of damage to the tacky product.
US08430261B2	Closure cover for tanks under internal pressure, with a safety function, and closure cover for a fuel tank A closure cover for tanks under internal pressure, with a cover body (6) which can be fixed in a tank neck by rotation, and with a cover (14) which is provided with a handle (15) and is operatively connected to the cover body (6), and with a pressure control valve (40). A coupling device (22-28) is arranged between the cover body (6) and the cover (14) and, during the positive pressure which prevails in the fuel tank during normal operation, releases the rotational connection between the cover body (6) and the cover (14) such that the fuel tank cannot be opened, and in that a pressure control valve (40) is provided which opens when the positive pressure prevailing during normal operation is exceeded.
US08430260B2	Closure for a vessel A closure 10 is provided for retaining fluid pressure within a vessel, and comprises a hub 12 having an access opening to the vessel, with the hub having a circumferential stop 17 and one or more recesses 50 each extending radially outward from an adjacent inner surface 26 of the hub. A door 22 is positioned between the stop surface and the vessel, and a latch member 30 brings the door into sealing engagement with the stop member. One or more lugs 24 each extend radially outward from an exterior surface of the door, which may be tilted from a closed position to an open position then back to the closed position by a pair of cables extending from the door to outside the hub.
US08430258B2	Synthetic resin hollow body A synthetic resin hollow body which includes a hollow molding body made of a resin, the hollow molding body capable of holding a liquid material, and a resin sheathing body formed outside the hollow molding body in an integrating manner with the hollow molding body, wherein the resin sheathing body is made of a highly transparent synthetic resin having a total ray transmittance of at least 80%. The synthetic resin hollow body can exhibit a satisfactory decorating property and a satisfactory recycle property and is hardly damaged. In addition, the product cost and operation cost can be suppressed.
US08430257B2	Dissolution test vessel with integral verticality control A vessel includes a cylindrical section coaxially disposed about a central axis of the vessel. The cylindrical section includes an inside vessel surface, an outside vessel surface opposing the inside vessel surface, an upper end region circumscribing a vessel opening, and a lower end region axially spaced from the upper end region. A bottom section is disposed at the lower end region. A flange is coaxially disposed about the central axis and extends radially outward from the outside vessel surface at the upper end region. The flange includes a bottom surface facing generally toward the lower end region and perpendicular to the inside vessel surface. A ring may be coaxially disposed about the central axis and provide the bottom surface. An annular shoulder may protrude from the outside vessel surface, and may be spaced from or integrally adjoined to the flange.
US08430253B1	Attachable, adjustable retainer for shelves An attachable, adjustable railing device for shelves comprises a plurality of horizontal rails, a plurality of vertical braces, and a structure to fasten to a shelf. The rails are “L”-shaped being joined along a front edge portion by a telescoping insertable connection for adjusting an overall width of the device. The rails further comprise fasteners affixed to side portions which attach to corresponding fasteners attached to adjacent surfaces of cabinets, cupboards, walls, or other adjacent structures.
US08430250B2	Friction-lock adaptable spacer A friction lock adaptable spacer configured to provide suitable separation between two or more objects. The spacer may be used during the storage, transport, display, and/or use of the objects to separate them and protect them from their surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the spacer is designed to maintain a suitable separation between two or more beverage containers. The spacer has a single piece construction, which reduces assembly and disassembly labor, and also reduces materials required for construction and disposal. The spacer may be constructed from a single piece of material, such as corrugated cardboard.
US08430249B2	De-inking screen Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.
US08430246B2	Apparatus and method for sifting feedstock The invention relates to an apparatus for sifting feedstock, comprising: a. a static sifter that has a ventilated bottom which is oriented at an angle to the vertical and is penetrated by sifting gas; b. an inlet for feeding the feedstock to the ventilated bottom; c. an outlet for the coarse material; d. a dynamic sifter that is mounted downstream and encompasses at least one rotor with rotor blades and a horizontal rotor axis; e. at least one outlet for the sifting gas loaded with fine material; and f. a housing inside which the static and the dynamic sifter are arranged. The housing area surrounding the dynamic sifter is designed as a housing spiral such that the sifting gas flows against the rotor in a substantially tangential direction. The rotor rotates counter to the direction of flow of the sifting gas in the housing spiral.
US08430241B1	Hair-appliance holder A hair-appliance holder for retaining a hair-styling appliance, such as a hot hair iron, a hair dryer or the like, in hanging relationship from an upper edge portion of a pedestal sink basin, or alternatively from a countertop or a towel rod, and which, while retaining the hair appliance, reduces the likelihood of burning contact by the appliance with adjacent objects and a user thereof, the hair-appliance holder comprising a strap member, or other retaining means such as a counterweight, a sticky silicone underside to the strap member, or one or more suction cups on the underside of the strap member for attaching to a counter top, adjacent a countertop edge, or a sink basin, and a preferably heat-resistant retaining member attached to the strap member and having at least one open end for inserting a hair-styling appliance, each named member preferably being made of semi-rigid silicone.
US08430238B2	Hanging, telescoping garment organizer This invention is related to a hanging, telescoping garment organizer for storing, displaying and dispensing rolled pair of socks or other small garments, comprising an upper and a lower container of elongated, tubular shape. The lower container can be telescoping inside the upper container to reduce the organizer's space when not in use. The lower container is held attached to the upper container by a plurality of snap hooks that snap locked with the corresponding locking edges at the bottom of the upper container. The front sides of both the upper and lower containers have vertical openings sufficiently wide to allow easy manual insertion and retrieval of rolled pairs of socks or other small garments. The upper container, which is holding the lower container, can be hanged to an hanging bar using the incorporated, unobtrusive hanging system, that allow the top part of the upper container to slide over the hanging bar until the hanging bar is held in place by a round-shaped hanging slot preventing involuntary sliding backward of the upper container. The organizer provides a plurality of clips that can be mounted on the lateral outside walls of the upper container to suspend loose socks to facilitate their matching.
US08430236B2	Chain transporter system A chain transporter system has a plurality of adapter elements mounted on spaced apart chain links with a separate mounting part received in each adapter element. Each adapter element includes a groove-type recess having a pair of opposed walls, each of which has an undercut. Each mounting part is received in the recess of an adapter element with extensions matingly received in the undercuts of the adapter element.
US08430228B2	Diverter arm and method A system for aligning items, such as bottles, includes a rotating plate and a diverter arm that extends outward over a top surface of the plate towards the plate edge. A rotating channel may surround the plate. In operation, bottles are dropped onto the plate and rotated by the plate against the arm. The distance between the top surface of the arm and the plate surface is such that the arm generally diverts the bottles outward and guides them into free gaps within the channel. The distance is also configured such that as bottles back-up, waiting for free channel gaps, the arm allows any buckling bottles to pass over and back onto the plate, rather than into the channel. The distance may also be configured such that the arm acts like a scoop. As bottles back-up behind the arm, the arm presses under the bottles along the arm and passes them over, relieving the pressure.
US08430227B2	Conveyer device A production device includes a plurality of processing units (41 to 45) arranged so as to consecutively perform a plurality of types of processing with respect to workpieces, a transport unit (30) that successively transports the workpieces toward processing units, a plurality of monitor operation panels (80, 90) capable of monitoring the processing in the plurality of processing units and performing an adjustment operation regarding the processing or performing an operation regarding the overall operation and stop, and a plurality of movable holding mechanisms (60, 70) that movably hold the respective monitor operation panels.
US08430224B2	Dual recycling-type coin changer A compact recycling coin changer device for simultaneously serving a plurality of users includes a housing with a plurality of coin inlet and outlet slots. Individual coin lift units deliver coins for sorting and distributing to common coin denomination hoppers are arranged in parallel rows. A common duct, centrally located in the housing, can receive released coins from the hoppers and deposit them on a common coin-distributing device that operatively interconnects with the respective coin outlets, for example on opposite exterior housing walls. The coin changer device can be operatively associated with the dispensing of products, for example at a gas station or other retail outlets.
US08430220B2	Wet dual clutch transmission control system Pairs of variable feed solenoid valves provide fluid to a pair of input clutch actuators and a pair of inlet ports of a first or logic valve. The position of the first logic valve spool is controlled by a solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a first piston which selects two speed ratios. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second logic valve. The position of the second logic valve spool is controlled by fluid from the input clutch circuits. A first pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a second piston which selects two other speed ratios and a second pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a third piston which selects two additional speed ratios.
US08430219B2	Power acquisition equipment for a gantry crane A power acquisition equipment, including at least: a power supplying portion, including at least: a pair of first posts, multiple second posts, multiple upper brackets, multiple lower brackets, multiple tightening devices, a cathode slide line, and an anode slide line, a power acquisition portion, including at least: a slide plate, a driving device, an adjusting device, a first base, and a linkage mechanism, and a control portion, including at least: a pair of front laser range sensors, a pair of back laser range sensors, multiple photoelectric detecting plates, a PLC controller, and an inverter driving system. The equipment features simple operation and high efficiency, and is retractable, stable, safe, cost-effective, and environmental friendly.
US08430218B2	Lifting column preferably for height adjustable tables and method for manufacturing thereof In lifting columns (1) for tables and similar articles of furniture and consisting of pipe profiles (2a, 2b) with intermediate slides (8), it is a problem that the profiles (2a, 2b) have relatively great dimensional tolerances. This means that the gap between two successive sections may vary relatively much, which causes a great play in the column. This is solved in that at least one of these sections (2a) at one of the slides (8) is formed with a local deformation of the wall inwards toward the slide to press the slide inwards against the following section (2b). The dimensional tolerances may be neutralized by suitable arrangement and selection of deformations as well as the force with which the deformation is made.
US08430217B2	Damper The invention relates to a damper having a damper cylinder, in which a piston plunger is guided via a piston rod. For the adjustment of characteristic damper values, the flow of a damper fluid can be controlled via control mechanism disposed inside the damper cylinder, which controls the flow of the damper fluid in a first flow direction using a first adjusting element and in a second flow direction using a second adjusting element. According to the invention, the first and second adjusting elements are provided with at least one spring element. The spring rate of at least one of the spring elements can be adjusted for defining a damping behavior using corresponding defining or predetermining elements.
US08430214B2	Hand controlled stopping device for a camera dolly A braking system allows for smooth and accurate stopping of a camera dolly operating on tracks. A pair of caliper brake modules attached to the dolly frame are sized so that they fit over and at least partially surrounds the track. When the caliper brakes are activated, brake pads are moved towards the surrounded track squeezing it and providing a significant braking force. This permits the dolly to be smoothly brought to a stop with no possibility of the dolly wheel locking and skidding. The braking system can be temporarily attached to the dolly by a removable fastener system, or it can be permanently built into the dolly. A master hydraulic cylinder with a conveniently placed actuating lever is connected to the brake caliper modules by hydraulic lines so that slave hydraulic cylinders can apply the brakes in response to the actuating lever.
US08430212B2	Safety control device for an elevator apparatus and operating method thereof An elevator apparatus includes a safety circuit section including a plurality of abnormality detection units, a safety control device, failure detection unit, and circuit changeover unit. The safety control device controls electric power supply to a driving device and a brake device in accordance with a content of an abnormality detected by the abnormality detection units. The failure detection unit detects a failure of the safety control device. When the failure of the safety control device is detected, the circuit changeover unit forms a failure-time circuit in which the electric power supply to the driving device and the brake device is interrupted directly by the abnormality detection unit.
US08430207B2	Preassembled and pretorqued friction brake and method of making a safety device containing such a friction brake Herein is disclosed a preassembled and pretorqued friction brake comprising at least a pressure plate, a ratchet ring, a friction ring, and a backing plate. Further disclosed is a centrifugally-operated safety device comprising the preassembled and pretorqued friction brake, and methods of making.
US08430205B2	Pool ladder safety system A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.
US08430204B1	Rapid rescue apparatus A rescue harness used to extricate a body from a hazardous position. The harness is quickly and easily donned by a rescuer or wearer and can be stored between a jacket and liner. The apparatus comprises two linked arm loops that are wrapped around the wearer's shoulders. Alternatively, an additional loop comprises a lower torso strap that wraps around the wearer's lower torso and is connected to the upper torso harness with a carabiner. Two smaller continuous loops linked to the arm loops allow the potential rescuer to easily grasp the harness with gloved hands or attach a lifting cable.
US08430201B1	Speaker enclosure The present invention relates to speaker enclosures utilizing the golden ratio geometrically throughout the design to reduce reflections, resonance and phase shifting, and to improve the transient response. Enclosures can be box-shaped, trapezoidal, suspended or otherwise configured. The enclosure has a driver wall, a baffle and a rear wall. The driver wall and baffle define a front chamber, and the baffle and rear wall define a rear chamber. The volumetric ratio between the rear chamber and front chamber can be approximately 0.6. The rear chamber also can have braces or dividers that segment the chamber into a central portion and two side portions. The volumetric ratio between the side portions and the central portion can be approximately 0.6. Ports of various configurations are provided. Braces can be used in conjunction with the ports to diffuse the incoming air. The baffle can have a plurality of radiused holes there through.
US08430200B2	Speaker apparatus A speaker apparatus according to the present invention includes a phase inversion-type enclosure in which a speaker unit and a bass reflex port are installed, the bass reflex port having a tubular body whose hollow cross-sectional area gradually becomes smaller from one opening side toward an inside of the bass reflex port in an axial direction of the bass reflex port, and a length in one direction of the hollow cross section of the tubular body not changing and constant along the axial direction.
US08430198B2	Muffler mounting structure of vehicle and straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle provided with the same A muffler mounting structure of a vehicle, particularly a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle. The muffler mounting structure is provided with a muffler, at least one muffler mounting portion provided in a body frame and having a mounting hole, and at least one mounted bracket provided in an upper part of the muffler and disposed on an upper surface of the muffler mounting portion. The mounted bracket having a fixing member insertion hole passing in the up and down direction, and at least one fixing member inserted into the fixing member insertion hole from the upper side and fixed to the mounting hole.
US08430196B2	Deformable armored land vehicle An armored land vehicle comprising a first hull portion and an engine compartment which form a central chassis (CC) adapted to receive second hull portions on both sides and the rear of the CC. The CC and hull portions have generally V-shaped undersides with slanted, upwardly extending sides to create multiple blast venting paths to deflect blast energy away from the vehicle occupants. These blast paths comprise one or more blast vents through the vehicle for further reducing occupant exposure to blast energy. The engine compartment and front and rear tractive units can comprise an open framework, allowing significant under vehicle blast venting between the hull portions, through the engine compartment, and around the hull portions, thereby increasing survivability of the crew. The hull portions can be designed to rotate and/or be frangible to increase the blast-venting through the vehicle.
US08430183B2	Auxiliary handle, and hand power tool provided therewith An auxiliary handle for a motor-driven hand tool has a mounting device which forms an upper region and provides a force-transmitting and/or form-locking connection to a hand tool; a handle forming a lower region, a damping element forming an intermediate region and located at least locally between the mounting device and the handle, the damping element having a damping material with which, during an operation of a hand tool, it dampens vibration transmitted through the mounting device to the handle, the damping element in its damping region acting for damping having at least one reinforcing region that has a lower deformability than a remaining part of the damping region and during deviations of the handle in at least two different directions relative to the mounting device causes differently great elastic counter forces.
US08430180B2	Control mechanism for a power tool A speed adjustment mechanism for a power tool is disclosed. The mechanism includes a support, a first toothed gear for rotation by means of an adjustment dial, and a second toothed gear rotatable by means of the first toothed gear and connected to a potentiometer which is connected to a speed control circuit. Limited movement of the first and second toothed gears relative to each other is possible to reduce transmission of impacts from the adjustment dial to the speed control circuit.
US08430179B2	Soil tilling and planting implement The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.
US08430178B2	Implement flotation and suspension system Embodiments of the present invention relate to implement flotation and suspension systems typically utilized with agricultural equipment wherein an “implement” can be a brush, rake, broom, or any tool utilized to contact the ground surface; “flotation” refers to the ability of the systems to maintain a substantially consistent force applied by the implement on the ground surface it contacts and thus maintain a substantially consistent spacing between the ground surface being traversed (regardless of the regularity of the surface) and the implement section not in contact with the ground surface; and “suspension” refers to the suspension of some or all of the weight of the implement in relation to the surface being traversed.
US08430176B2	Zero backlash downhole setting tool and method A zero backlash downhole setting tool includes a mandrel having a number of recesses therein. A subassembly having a number of fingers is at least partially receivable in the recesses. The subassembly is in force transmissive communication with a device to be set. A lock wedge is in radially deflecting communication with the fingers and a setting sleeve is in operable communication with the device to be set and the lock wedge. Also included is a method for setting a device with zero backlash.
US08430175B2	Equipment for intercepting and diverting a liquid circulation flow Equipment for intercepting and diverting liquid circulation flow includes three chambers and a series of valves. The chambers are equipped with a connection device with arrival or supply lines, communicating with each other, of which only a first chamber communicates with second and third chambers. Communication between the first and second chambers and between the first and third chambers each is obtained by at least two valves, one is a flow-rate valve and at least one is an equalizer valve. An upstream or downstream of each equalizer valve is coupled with a fixed or adjustable flow-blocking device. The second and third chambers do not communicate and include a three-way valve in common with each other, or include two one-way valves in counterposition. One one-way valve is open when the other is closed and vice versa, and the three-way valve or the two one-way valves are coupled with a discharge valve.
US08430174B2	Anhydrous boron-based timed delay plugs A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include an elongated passageway and a plug which prevents fluid communication through the passageway for a predetermined period of time. The plug can including an anhydrous boron compound, whereby the predetermined period of time is determined by a length of the anhydrous boron compound. A method of operating a well tool in conjunction with a subterranean well can include exposing an anhydrous boron compound to an aqueous fluid, with the anhydrous boron compound being included in a plug which prevents fluid communication through a passageway of the well tool. The well tool can be operated in response to fluid communication being permitted through the passageway a predetermined period of time after the exposing step.
US08430171B2	Method and arrangement for sealing a subsea oil wellhead Several, preferably three, deflection elements are placed and fixed around the wellhead, preferably in equal circumferential distances around the wellhead. For each deflection element a guiding cable is lowered with its head end from one or several, preferably three workspaces in the direction of the wellhead. Each guiding cable is looped with its head end through the corresponding deflection element, wherein each deflection element forms a point of reversal. Each guiding cable is pulled back with its head end side to the corresponding workspace while in return additional guiding cable is supplied and passed through the corresponding deflection element. A sealing element which is fastened to each guiding cable is lowered in the direction of the wellhead by pulling the guiding cables at their head end sides upwards and, in return, supplying the guiding cables in the direction of the wellhead on the lowering side. Later, the guiding cables are attached at a distance from each other around the sealing element, preferably attached at equal circumferential distances around the sealing element.
US08430167B2	Arcuate control line encapsulation Control lines on the outer surface of a tubular disposed within a drilling riser casing may be encapsulated to facilitate formation of a seal in an annular space defined by an inner surface of the drilling riser casing and an outer surface of the tubular. More specifically, an encapsulation body may be configured to at least partially encase control lines. The encapsulation body may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may have an arcuate shape that corresponds to the outer surface of the tubular to facilitate formation of a seal between the first surface of the encapsulation body and the outer surface of the tubular when the first surface of the encapsulation body abuts the outer surface of the tubular. The second surface may be shaped to provide a geometrically continuous periphery about the tubular and the encapsulation body when the first surface of the encapsulation body abuts the outer surface of the tubular.
US08430162B2	Continuous downhole scale monitoring and inhibition system A technique facilitates monitoring of conditions which are prone to cause scale precipitation around downhole equipment. The technique also enables a local, downhole reaction to the potential for precipitation of scale. A downhole scale monitoring and inhibition system may be provided with a measurement module and injection module. The measurement module monitors at least one downhole parameter indicative of the potential for scale formation. In response to data output from the measurement module, the injection module is operated to provide downhole, local injections of an inhibitor chemical.
US08430161B2	Mitigation of elemental sulfur deposition during production of hydrocarbon gases Methods of producing a sour hydrocarbon gas via production tubing intersecting a reservoir, are described, one method including contacting an underground reservoir with an aqueous composition optionally comprising an additive, the reservoir comprising hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds; displacing the composition into the reservoir by forcing a fluid (which may be a non-hydrocarbon gas, or inert gas, or nitrogen, or argon, or mixture thereof), into the reservoir, or into the production tubing; and producing at least some of the hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds from the reservoir through the production tubing, the composition wetting the production tubing and preventing substantial deposition of elemental sulfur thereon.
US08430153B2	Heat dissipation device having heat sink enclosing conductive member therein A heat dissipation device includes a base, a first heat sink mounted over the base and connected to the base via two first heat pipes, and a second heat sink located at a lateral side of the first heat sink and thermally connected to the base via a second heat pipe. The first heat sink includes two fin groups. One of the fin groups is stacked on the other fin group. Each of the fin groups includes a plurality of fins spreading radially from a center of the fin group to a periphery of the fin group along horizontal directions.
US08430151B2	Integrated hybrid heat exchanger using water head difference An integrated hybrid heat exchanger may include a first radiator and a second radiator disposed up and down in parallel, a first radiator tank connected to both first end portions of the first and second radiators in common, a first baffle installed in the first radiator tank and separating an inner space of the first radiator tank into an upper space and a lower space, wherein the upper and lower spaces of the first radiator tank include a coolant inlet respectively and a first air bypass member having a passage therein, the first air bypass member installed on the first baffle and extending upwards with a predetermined length and configured to remove bubbles collected in the lower space of the first radiator tank through the passage of the first air bypass member by pressure difference between the upper and lower spaces of the first radiator tank.
US08430147B2	Machine and methods for the manufacture of air-filled cushions A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.
US08430142B2	Environmentally resistant assembly containing an electronic device for use in a tire An assembly for use in or on a tire. The assembly comprises an electronic device having a body and an adhesive coating on at least the body of the electronic device. The body is at least partially made of a plastic material or a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The adhesive coating comprises an imide-based adhesive. The adhesive coating may have a polymer bonding group comprising at least one of natural rubber, butyl rubber, a chlorinated elastomer, polybutadiene, synthetic polyisoprene, or styrene-butadiene rubber or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a first elastomeric layer and a second elastomeric layer. The adhesive coating secures the body to the first and the second elastomeric layers. The first and second elastomeric layers may comprise a butyl-containing compound or natural rubber compound. In one embodiment, the electronic device is a radio frequency identification tag having the body and an antenna.
US08430138B2	Funnel A funnel (1) comprising a funnel body (2) defining an upper inlet opening and a lower discharge opening, the inlet being of greater diameter or width than the discharge opening, at least a portion of the funnel body being define by or having mounted thereon an attachment means (16) permitting the funnel to be attached to a substantially vertically arranged body panel of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment said attachment means comprises one or more regions or portions of a magnetic material (16) for attachment to steel body panels of the vehicule or other ferromagnetic objects. In an alternative embodiment said attachment means may comprise one more suction cups. Preferably at least a portion of the funnel body is formed from a flexible or callapsible material whereby the funnel can be manipulated between an in use configuration and a collapsed or folded configuration to enable the funnel to stored in a compact form.
US08430135B2	Dispensing apparatus and weighing process with control unit A dispensing apparatus is provided having a platform for receipt of a container such as a wine glass. The platform is connected to a transducer which is sensitive to weight on the platform and which produces an electrical signal dependant on the magnitude of that weight. Electrical outputs from the transducer are connected to a control unit over connections. The control unit includes a keypad and a display. Control signals from control unit are supplied over electrical connections to a solenoid valve. The control unit controls the flow of material by opening and closing solenoid valve.
US08430134B2	Universal adapter for liquid transfer A universal adapter device facilitates transfer of liquid from a neck of a liquid dispenser to a receiving container. The device includes a hollow body. The hollow body includes a flexible liquid inlet with an inwardly sloping flexible collar, a liquid outlet, and a one-way valve for allowing air into the hollow body when a pressure within the hollow body is less than ambient pressure.
US08430130B2	Series configured variable flow restrictors for use in a subterranean well A variable flow resistance system can include a vortex device, with resistance to flow of a fluid composition through the vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at an inlet to the vortex device. Another system can include a second vortex device which receives a fluid composition from an outlet of a first vortex device, a resistance to flow of the fluid composition through the second vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. Another system can include a first vortex device which causes increased rotation of a fluid composition at an outlet thereof in response to an increase the fluid composition velocity, and a second vortex device which receives the fluid composition from the outlet, a flow resistance through the second vortex device being dependent on the rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet.
US08430127B2	Electrohydraulic control module Disclosed is an electrohydraulic control module capable of being reduced in the number of components. A control valve 6 includes a concave portion 51 that serves as an oil pathway. An electronic control device 4 controls a solenoid 33 and the like. An electrical interconnect plate 2 includes an interconnect member 21 such as a bus bar. A separate plate 5 is disposed between the interconnect plate 2 and the control valve 6. The interconnect plate 2 also includes a concave portion 24 at its surface side that abuts the separate plate 5, the concave portion 24 being formed at a position corresponding to a concave portion 63 of the control valve 6. The separate plate 5 includes a communication portion 51 that communicates between the concave portion 63 of the control valve 6 and the concave portion 24 of the interconnect plate 2.
US08430126B2	Rotary distribution apparatus incorporating interstage pumps The invention concerns a rotary distribution apparatus (30) for distributing process liquids, typically in ion exchange and chromatographic separation in the processing of sugar juice. The apparatus includes a core (2) into which fixed process liquid supply pipes (3) extend and annular fluid distribution chambers defined between the core and an outer shell (4) which rotates around the core. Rotating pipes (5) are provided which rotate with the shell and which are connected between selected distribution chambers and selected ports in a rotating indexing disc (6) which rotates, with the shell, relative to a stationary indexing disc (7). The arrangement is such that as the rotating disc rotates, different streams of process liquid streams fed to the rotating disc through the rotating pipes are introduced to fixed ports in the stationary disc. The latter ports are arranged to feed the streams selectively to selected destinations. According to the invention interstage pumps operating to pump the process liquids are mounted to rotate about the core with the rotating pipes and the rotating indexing disc. This leads to a particularly simple design compared to conventional simulated moving bed configurations with fixed pumps.
US08430122B2	Fluid tank with contamination containment system A hydraulic storage tank is provided. The hydraulic storage tank includes a storage tank, a return flow filtration chamber, a contaminant containment chamber (CCC) and a tube connecting the return flow filtration chamber with the CCC. The storage tank defines a reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid. The return flow filtration chamber is configured to house a return flow filter. The CCC includes a boundary wall bounding a cavity and a CCC outlet fluidly communicating the cavity with the reservoir. The CCC outlet is radially inward from the boundary wall. The tube defines a discharge passage fluidly connecting the filtration chamber with the cavity of the CCC and includes an inlet in fluid communication with the filtration chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with the CCC. The outlet of the tube directs fluid in angular direction about an axis defined by the contaminant containment chamber outlet.
US08430115B2	Leak detection system for humidifier An electronic leak detection system for home humidifier using the duct air conditioning system. The leak detection system uses a simple sensor in a water collection tray under the humidifier to detect if leakage has occurred. An auxiliary solenoid valve is connected in line with the water supply to the humidifier. When leakage is detected, power to the humidifier system is shut down and an auxiliary solenoid valve is powered.
US08430111B2	Efficient liquid processing system A fluid processing system has a plurality of segments configured to receive flow of a fluid product. Each of the plurality of segments has a line input, a line output, a cleaning input valve, and a cleaning discharge valve. The cleaning input valve connects to the line input and the cleaning discharge valve connects to the line output. A cleaning medium is provided wherein the cleaning medium is injected into a respective cleaning input valve and drained through a respective cleaning discharge valve, such that each segment can be cleaned independently of each other.
US08430109B2	Unit of washing for machine of cleaning of ophthalmic glasses or other substrates A washing unit for machines that clean ophthalmic glass (1) or other substrates. It includes, on one hand, two washing lines (22, 23), each able to issue a high-pressure jet of washing liquid in a flared shape of a width substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the glass to be cleaned, said lines (22, 23) being parallel and mounted opposite each other on each side of the glass (1) to be cleaned so that the two streams of liquid (30) are located at the same level and come into contact on the concave (10) and convex (11) surfaces respectively of said glass (1); and, on the other hand, supports (4) intended to hold the glass (1) in a stable position during the washing operation and the means (2′) to allow movement of said lines (22, 23) or the glass (1) in order to perform simultaneous bathing of the concave (10) and convex (11) surfaces of the glass by the respective streams of washing liquid (30).
US08430107B2	Foam output device easy to produce foam A foam output device easy to produce foam is composed of a nozzle seat, a one-way air intake valve, a nozzle and a filter. When conducting assembly, the filter is firstly set into the housing aperture of the nozzle seat. In turn, an through hole of the one-way air intake valve is engaged with sleeve of the nozzle seat, then the nozzle is assembled on the nozzle seat in such a manner that a clamping pieces of the nozzle clamp the coupling tabs on the nozzle seat, and that a hook on the clamping piece is in hooking engagement with a hook on the coupling tabs so as to fix together. The assembly of the present invention is thus completed in simple manner. In this way, a foam output device having simple element constitution, easy assembly and low manufacturing cost is thus provided.
US08430106B2	Volatilization device A device for delivering volatilized material to a user comprises a heat delivery component (11), which includes a heat sink (14) in heat transfer relationship with a heat transfer device such a s a heat pipe (36), and a volatilization component (20), which includes a source (22) of volatilizable material, such as tobacco, a flavour material or a therapeutic substance. The volatilization component (20) is detachably mounted on the heat delivery component (11) with the source of volatilizable material (22) in heat transfer communication with the heat transfer device (36) of the heat delivery component. The heat delivery component (11) may therefore be reused with a series of disposable volatilization components (20).
US08430103B2	Fixing/releasing mechanism and the base using such mechanism The present invention provides a base for placement of a medical apparatus, comprising: a base body provided with a platform for carrying said medical apparatus, and a fixing/releasing mechanism for fixing and releasing said medical apparatus, the fixing/releasing mechanism comprising a lock hook for fixing/releasing the medical apparatus; the fixing/releasing mechanism further comprising: a press-fit button including an operation key exposed above the base body; the operation key is protrudably and retractably received in a key through hole in the base body, the operation key moving in the direction of the force when being subjected to a pressure to be received in the key through hole; when the applied force disappears, the operation key automatically returns to the original position and protrudes out of the key through hole; a snap catch mechanism comprising said lock hook protrudably and retractably received in a lock hook receiving portion in the base body; a transmission mechanism connected to said press-fit button and transmitting the pressure applied to the press-fit button to said snap catch mechanism so that the lock hook of the snap catch mechanism generates a protrudable and retractable movement and protrudes out of the lock hook receiving portion to lock said medical apparatus or retract in the lock hook receiving portion and release said medical apparatus.
US08430100B2	Universal fit face mask A face mask has upper and lower portions made of mask material. The upper and lower portions are joined together at side portions and a front portion. The side portions converge as the side portions extend from a face edge to the front portion. The mask has sections between the face edge and the front portion, with each section having a head retainer, a nose strip or both. The sections are divisible from each other along separation zones or bands that extend between the side edges. The size of the mask can be reduced by removing one or more sections, leaving one or more sections that incorporate the front edge and the shortened side edges.
US08430099B2	Apparatus, systems and method for collecting and reclaiming anaesthetic agents and for removing nitrous oxide from exhaust gases A system for collecting an anaesthetic agent, having at least one anaesthetic gas scavenging system (AGSS) for receiving exhaust gas from a plurality of sources, the exhaust gas including the anaesthetic agent to be collected, each AGSS comprising at least one power source for providing suction of the exhaust gas from the plurality of sources under negative pressure, and a central collection system for receiving the exhaust gas, the central collection system comprising at least one collector for collecting the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas, wherein the at least one collector is configured to adsorb the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas. The central collection system may be configured to received the exhaust gases from the at least one AGSS, with the central collection system being located downstream of the at least one AGSS.
US08430096B2	Self rescuer including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and breathing air monitor (BAM) A self-rescuer comprising a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); and a smart light; wherein the smart light comprises a battery; a light bulb; circuitry connecting the battery to the light bulb; a detector for detecting the presence of a hazardous atmospheric condition; and alert apparatus connected to the detector for alerting a user when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected by the detector, and further wherein the alert apparatus is connected to the circuitry and configured so as to flash the light bulb when a hazardous atmospheric condition is detected.
US08430095B2	Bite block A bite block includes: a first wall defining a hole into which a conduit pipe is to be inserted; a second wall surrounding the first wall to define a flow path with the first wall; and a sample port communicating with the flow path.
US08430094B2	Flexible pneumostoma management system and methods for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma.
US08430091B2	Solar heating blocks A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.
US08430088B1	Rotating grill top accessory The rotating grill top accessory involves a circular grill grate that is rotatably mounted atop a base that is placed atop an existing grill grate of an existing grill. The circular grill grate has a lip along a periphery of said grill grate so as to prevent items from rolling off of the circular grill grate either from rotating of said circular grill or otherwise. The circular grill grate rotates atop the base, which includes securing means to secure the accessory onto an existing grill grate. At least one handle extends vertically and is provided to aid in rotation of the circular grill grate.
US08430085B2	Air powered belt-fed gun A less-than-lethal pellet gun is provided. The gun includes a plurality of links each holding a pellet. A feed cylinder is configured to advance the links to a firing position and eject each link after its pellet has been fired. The feed cylinder includes a slot portion and a gear portion. The slot portion includes a first slot region, a second slot region, a first angled slot region, and a second angled slot region. A linkage arm is configured to engage the slot portion of the feed cylinder such that linear movement of the linkage arm rotates the feed cylinder to move the pellet to a firing position.
US08430084B2	Method for operating a multi-spark ignition system, and multi-spark ignition system A method for operating a multi-spark ignition system in an engine system includes: receiving time information regarding a multi-spark phase; cyclical charging of an ignition coil of an ignition device, and discharging of the ignition coil via a spark plug of the ignition device during the multi-spark phase; the charging and/or discharging of the ignition coil taking place as a function of a current flow in the ignition coil.
US08430072B2	Device and method for controlling valves An apparatus for controlling valve displacement of an internal combustion engine comprises a rocker arm having a first arm portion and a second arm portion, said rocker arm being pivotable about a pivot interposed between said first and second arm portions. The apparatus further comprises an actuation arrangement adapted to actuate said first arm portion of said rocker arm and a valve arrangement adapted to be actuated by said second arm portion of said rocker arm. A damper arrangement is pivotably connected to said first arm portion and adapted for damping movement of said rocker arm around said pivot.
US08430067B2	Engine starting for engine having adjustable valve operation A method is provided for controlling an engine having two cylinders, one of which having an adjustable valve. The method comprising performing a combustion in two cylinders having pistons, the combustions for said cylinders occurring during a common stroke of the pistons; increasing a number of strokes in a cycle of one of the two cylinders; and returning operation of the one of the two cylinders to four strokes, so that combustion of the one of the two cylinders occurs sequentially from the other of the two cylinders.
US08430065B2	Bail element for animal bail apparatus, an animal bail apparatus comprising a plurality of the bail elements, and a method for providing animal bail apparatus Bail apparatus (1) includes an overhead support member (3) which is suspended from an overhead support framework (14) by a linkage mechanism (11) from an operating member (12), so that the bail apparatus is operable in a lower operative state for separating animals and an upper release state for releasing the animals from a milking parlor (2). A plurality of bail elements (8) are mounted at spaced apart locations along the overhead support member (3), and each bail element includes a partition element (22) which extends substantially transversely of the overhead support member (3) at an angle α of approximately 78.5°. A coupling bracket (17) couples each bail element (8) to the overhead support member (3). A mounting plate member (18) extending downwardly from the coupling bracket (17) is bent along a bend axis (50) which defines first and second forward abutment faces (51,52) and first and second rearward abutment faces (55,56) for facilitating engagement of the corresponding partition element (22) in a selected one of first and second selectable orientations with the partition element (22) extending in respective different directions from the overhead support member (3) at the respective angles α, α′ of 78.5°.
US08430060B2	Rolling and folding pet bed A folding pet bed includes a frame with a top face and a bottom face and includes: a spine; a first and second frame plates coupled to the spine to form rotating joints; the first and second frame plates including flexible arms, where each of the flexible arms includes a first end fixably coupled to the corresponding frame plate and a second end not fixably coupled to the corresponding frame plate; and a plurality of casters coupled to the second ends of the flexible arms at the bottom face of the frame. The pet bed further includes trays coupled to the frame plates at the top face of the frame upon which a pet may rest. The trays may be rotated toward each other to place the pet bed in a folded position for easy movement and storage.
US08430058B2	Electrostatic coating apparatus with insulation enlarging portions Provided is an electrostatic coating apparatus capable of insulating an electric motor electrically from a member, to which an electrostatic high voltage is applied, and reducing the size and weight of the electrostatic coating apparatus. This electrostatic coating apparatus comprises a rotary atomizing head, to which high voltage is electrostatically applied, an electrostatically grounded AC servomotor, and a spindle and a fixed insulating member for insulating the AC servomotor electrically from the rotary atomizing head and a speed-increasing device to be set at the same potential as that of the former. The spindle and the fixed insulating member have insulation distance enlarging portions and of the mode, in which the creepage insulation distances from the speed-increasing device to the AC servomotor are enlarged.
US08430054B1	Portable fingerprint development system A portable fingerprint development system having a container and a base plate. The container includes a plurality of joined walls that present an opening and a rim surrounding the opening. The base plate has opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface mounts a heater that is operable to heat a fingerprint development material. The base plate is moveable between a transport position, in which the first surface is adjacent the container's rim and the heater is positioned within the container, and an operation position, in which the second surface is adjacent the container's rim to enclose an interior volume defined by the container's walls and the base plate. Preferably, an exhaust system is mounted on the first surface of the base plate for removing and/or filtering fumes within the container.
US08430053B2	Color-changing emulsions for freeze indicators A color-changing emulsion for use in a freeze indicator can employ a dispersion medium, for example, an aqueous liquid, a first reactant phase and a second reactant phase, which two reactant phases can both be dispersed in the dispersion medium. The first reactant phase includes a hydrophobic liquid and a first reactant, for example, a color precursor such as a leuco dye. The second reactant phase can include a hydrophobic liquid, and includes, or can be, a second reactant, for example, a color developer such as a leuco dye developer. The first and second reactant phases can be essentially unmixed, and can be co-reactable to provide a color change. In response to a freezing temperature, the color-changing emulsion can coagulate and change color irreversibly. An intense color change can be obtained by using, for example, a suitable leuco dye precursor and developer.
US08430048B2	Line guard apparatus An apparatus designed to be mounted on a surface of a watercraft and including a line guard adapted to provide protection against damage to the painted surface and cosmetic trim of the watercraft from lines, such as one used for anchoring. The apparatus is designed in one embodiment to accept a line-holding member such as a cleat, clamp or the like.
US08430047B1	Personal watercraft stabilizer An apparatus that attaches to a small boat designed to stabilize a first end of the boat against the wind while a trolling motor stabilizes a second end is herein disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises a clamp that attaches it to the side of the hull and a moveable shaft that holds a large piece of plastic which is partially submerged under the water. The apparatus is positioned such that it is perpendicular to the direction in which the wind is blowing. As such, as wind pushes against the side of the boat, resistance will be offered by the device as the wind must push it against the water as well. It can be quickly raised and lowered as required by the needs of the boat occupants. These features provide in effect, an “anchor” which stabilizes the boat against the wind.
US08430043B2	Methods and devices for controlling a tufting machine for forming tufted carpet The invention relates to a control system for a tufting machine configured for forming tufted carpet. The tufting machine can have a system controller in communication with the tufting machine and with a plurality of yarn feed controllers for controlling operation of yarn feed motors that are configured to supply yarn from a source of yarn to the tufting machine. The system controller is programmable to enable input of a plurality of predetermined yarn feed profiles for selected stitches of a programmed pattern to be tufted such that, although at least two of the predetermined yarn feed profiles can be different, substantially the same feed length of yarn is used from each of the plurality of yarns.
US08430039B2	Magnetic levitation vehicle and method for lifting and/or lowering the vehicle The invention relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to a method for lifting said magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to lowering said magnetic levitation vehicle onto a roadway. According to the invention, the carrier magnetic units (38) of the magnetic levitation vehicle (11) are not all activated or deactivated at the same time but at different times in order to keep the current energy requirement from an external energy supply or main power supply to a minimum.
US08430028B2	Shock dampened explosive initiator assembly and method for dampening shock within a delivery vehicle Some embodiments pertain to an initiator support assembly that includes a casing and one or more initiator leads extending from the casing. The transmission of current through the initiator leads detonates an explosive charge within the casing. The casing includes a flange and a dampening member attached to the flange. The dampening member is between the flange and a structure where the initiator support assembly is mounted. The dampening member dampens shock that would otherwise be transferred from the structure to the initiator support assembly. In another example embodiment, at least a portion of the casing is formed of an interior wall, a dampening layer covering at least a portion of the interior wall and an exterior wall. The dampening layer dampens shock to the initiator support assembly that would otherwise be transferred from a structure to the initiator support assembly when the exterior wall is mounted to the structure.
US08430025B2	Engineered tall grass biomass baling system A biomass baler having a baling chamber adapted to receive tall grass biomass material, a compression system adapted to compact the material into a rectangular bale in the chamber, and an ejection system adapted to move the bale from the chamber, wherein the baling chamber has a front wall consisting of a reciprocating compression platen corresponding in dimensions to the width W and height H of the bale, opposing upper and lower walls corresponding in dimensions to the length L and either of the W and H of the bale, and opposing sidewalls corresponding in dimensions to the L and the other of the W and H of the bale, wherein each chamber wall selected from among the upper wall, the lower wall, and the sidewalls can withstand a minimum distributed force perpendicular to the selected wall of at least (0.22×Pp×Aw) pounds, wherein Pp is the maximum pressure that the compression platen can apply to the material and Aw is the area of the selected wall expressed in square inches.
US08430023B2	Adjustable wine aerator An aerator for fluids, such as wine, includes an upper bowl portion with a set of openings in the base, a restrictor plate with, in the preferred embodiment, three sets of apertures. Each of the restrictor plate aperture sets can be aligned with the bowl openings to provide three different flow rates. A collar portion selects the aperture set to be aligned and includes vents to permit air into a central flow path wherein the wine is aerated as it flows through the collar portion.
US08430021B2	Grinding members for a coffee-grinder device, and coffee machine comprising said device A grinding member for a device for grinding coffee includes a grinder with a grinding surface. A single co-molded block is formed including the grinding member with a support made of plastic material.
US08430020B2	Method for surface treatment of a skirt portion of a piston for an internal combustion engine and a piston for an internal combustion engine A piston allowing a lubrication layer of a resin coating with a low friction coefficient to be tightly adhered to a skirt portion of a piston for an internal combustion engine, with low friction, superior wear resistance, and superior anti-seizing properties and that can reduce wear of a cylinder inner wall even if the lubrication layer is peeled off or abraded, is provided. Metal or ceramic fine particles having an average particle diameter of 20 μm to 400 μm are injected with compressed air or compressed nitrogen as a mixture fluid onto the skirt portion of the piston, made of an aluminum alloy and produced by a method such as casting or forging, at an injection speed of 80 m/s or more or an injection pressure of 0.2 MPa or more to be collided with the skirt portion, thereby uniformly making a microstructure of a piston base material fine-grained in a depth range of 1 μm to 15 μm from a surface of the skirt portion and forming a modified layer with an activated surface. A lubrication layer is formed on the modified layer, for example, by applying a resin with a low friction coefficient, while a surface of the modified layer is being activated.
US08430018B2	Device for coupling a piston to an annular disk A device for coupling a piston to an annular disc, in particular to a captive C-washer/swash plate or to a pivot ring of the working unit of a reciprocating-piston machine, preferably of a compressor of the air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having a piston bridge which is assigned to the piston and sliding shoes which are assigned to the annular disc, wherein the piston bridge engages at least partially around or over the annular disc and is in sliding engagement with the annular disc by means of the sliding shoes, is characterized in that the piston bridge is of two-layer design at least on the side facing towards the piston. The invention also relates to a reciprocating-piston machine having a device according to the invention.
US08430017B2	Control device for a hydraulic motor A control device for controlling a speed of a hydraulic motor includes a housing defining a first void. A speed valve is disposed within the first void and is moveable between a first speed valve position and a second speed valve position. The first void includes a speed valve pressure chamber disposed at one end of the speed valve. A speed valve spring is disposed at another end of the speed valve. The housing further defines a speed change port and a speed change passage interconnecting the speed change port and the speed change pressure chamber for directing a pressurized fluid directly into the speed valve pressure chamber to exert a pressure force on the speed valve and bias against the speed valve spring to move the speed valve between the first speed valve position and the second speed valve position.
US08430016B2	Control valve assembly with a workport pressure regulating device A hydraulic system has several valve sections, each having a directional valve that controls fluid flow from a pump to a hydraulic actuator. A mechanism senses a greatest pressure among the hydraulic actuators to provide a load sense pressure. One valve sections has a pressure compensation apparatus includes a pressure compensation valve that reduces fluid flow between a given directional valve and an associated hydraulic actuator in response to pressure at a control port, and a pressure regulating valve that responds to the load sense pressure and pressure in the associated hydraulic actuator by selectively applying output pressure from the pump and the load sense pressure to the control port.
US08430011B1	Method and apparatus for disabling a blasting cap A system for disabling or degrading electrically initiated explosive devices includes an apparatus for inducing waveforms of varying power and duration into the leads of a bridgewire based blasting cap, thus raising the resistance to render the blasting cap inoperable without requiring detonation, and for polling or confirming electrical performance and operational status of the blasting cap. An operational methodology for neutralizing an explosive device is included.
US08430005B2	Miter saw with improved safety system Miter saws are disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating, to create an impulse against movement of the blade into the cutting zone, or to cause the blade to move away from the cutting zone. The reaction system may include a brake member coupled to a housing.
US08430004B2	Tool holder A tool holder includes a hollow taper shank chucking device having a center axis, a chucking device, a tension rod which cooperates with the chucking device and an actuating unit by means of which the tension rod may be actuated, i.e., displaced. The actuating unit has an actuating element which is movable at an angle relative to the center axis and which includes at least one actuating part. The angle may be 90°. The tension rod is provided with at least one engagement part. The actuating part and engagement part form a wedge mechanism which is used to convert a radial motion of the actuating element, i.e., a displacement perpendicular to the center axis, into an axial displacement of the tension rod in the direction of the center axis.
US08430003B1	High density tool and locking system A compact folding hand tool system wherein the storage of replaceable tool driver bits in a multi-chambered tool bit cartridge and/or extended tools are contained within the confines of the tool handle in high density organized multiple rows along stepped planes defined by an X, Y and Z axis. The storage of driver bits and/or extended tools does not exceed beyond the physical width, height and length or contour design of the tool handle and can be accessed from one or two sides of the tool handle. The use of compact multi-chambered tool bit fixed or pivoting cartridge and/or pivoting extended tools equipped with multiple locations including a home position with semi secure positioning features or positive locking position features. Folding hand tool driver(s) either equipped with a singular or multiple locations including a home position with semi secure positioning features or positive locking position features. This system allows for a greater number of tools to be grouped together within the tool handle and minimize the need for additional tool containers such as tool boxes or pouches.
US08430002B2	Fastening apparatus with plunging member A fastening apparatus includes a fixed body with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end defines a groove for receiving a pin, and a movable body having a coupling end and a receiving end, the coupling end coupled to the second end of the fixed body. The fastening apparatus further includes a socket disposed on the receiving end of the movable body, the socket capable of receiving a fastener, wherein an edge of the socket defines an aperture to align with a pin. The fastening apparatus further includes a plunging member disposed with in the movable body, the plunging member coupled to the fixed body, wherein the plunging member is utilized to apply pressure to the fastener.
US08430001B2	Frangible collar fastener and nut retrieval socket A socket is disclosed for securing frangible collar fasteners to bolts, and collecting the separated nut portions of the fasteners to avoid introducing debris into the work area. The socket comprises the socket housing having a first end formed to receive and engage the frangible nut portions, and the second end to receive and engage a ratchet. At least one retention member is disposed within the socket housing, proximate the housing first end. The retention member is resiliently displaceable to allow each nut portion to enter into the socket housing during fastening, and to retain a plurality of nut portions within the socket housing after the nut portions have been separated from the frangible collar fasteners. Nut ejection apparatus is provided having a first portion disposed exterior to the socket housing and a second portion disposed interior to the socket housing. The nut ejection apparatus is translatable along at least a portion of the socket length, to store a plurality of separate nut portions within the housing. The nut ejection apparatus further being manually translatable to urge the stored nut portions past the retention member and out of the socket first end.
US08429999B2	Fatigue relieving support for steering wheels and the like A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a deformable second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The deformable second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms.
US08429990B2	Top cover screw floating checker system for hard disk A system for cover screw float detection. The system includes a drive cradle coupled to a structure. The system also includes a moveable portion coupled to the structure. The system further includes a sensor coupled to said structure. The system additionally includes another sensor coupled to the moveable portion. Spatial separation between the another sensor and the sensor when the moveable portion is oriented in a screw float check position indicates presence of cover screw float in a disk drive disposed in the drive cradle.
US08429985B2	Apparatus for use in determining a plurality of characteristics of a multiphase flow within a pipe An apparatus for use in determining a plurality of characteristics of a multiphase flow within a pipe is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second constrictions, a sheltered zone between the first and second constrictions, a sensing device coupled to an interior wall of the pipe, and a sheltered device coupled to the interior wall of the pipe and located within the sheltered zone. A first characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is determinable from data generated by the sensing device. A second characteristic of the plurality of characteristics is determinable from data generated by the sheltered device. In one exemplary embodiment, the first characteristic is a gas fraction, and the sensing device is a plurality of pressure sensors. In another exemplary embodiment, the second characteristic is a phase fraction, and the sheltered device is a plurality of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) electrodes.
US08429984B2	Flow sensor and analysis device provided with same The present invention relates to a flow rate sensor 52 which causes a gas 80 included in a liquid 81 to travel in a piping 56, and which measures a flow speed of a sample by detecting the gas 80. The flow rate sensor 52 is configured to maintain a contact area of the gas with respect to the piping 56 at constant or at substantially constant.
US08429983B2	Insertion type flow measuring device for measuring characteristics of a flow within a pipe A device for measuring the physical characteristics of a flow within a pipe is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a hollow ring having an outer wall fixably attached to a meter flange that is inserted between two sections of pipe, and an inner wall on which a sensor is mounted to facilitate accurate flow measurements.
US08429982B2	Displacement measurement method and apparatus, strain measurement method and apparatus, elasticity and visco-elasticity constants measurement apparatus, and the elasticity and visco-elasticity constants measurement apparatus-based treatment apparatus The present invention provides elastic constant and visco elastic constant measurement apparatus etc. for measuring in the ROI in living tissues elastic constants such as shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, Lame constants, etc., visco elastic constants such as visco shear modulus, visco Poisson's ratio, visco Lame constants, etc. and density even if there exist another mechanical sources and uncontrollable mechanical sources in the object. The elastic constant and visco elastic constant measurement apparatus is equipped with storage of deformation data measured in the ROI, a calculation of elastic and visco elastic constants by calculating the shear modulus etc. at arbitrary point in the ROI from measured strain tensor data etc., wherein the calculation of the elastic and visco elastic constants numerically determines elastic constants etc. from the first order partial differential equations relating elastic constants etc. and strain tensor etc.
US08429977B2	Micromechanical pressure-sensor element and method for its production A very robust sensor element for an absolute-pressure measurement is described, which is suitable for high temperatures and able to be miniaturized to a large extent. The micromechanical pressure-sensor element includes a sensor diaphragm having a rear-side pressure connection and at least one dielectrically insulated piezo resistor for signal acquisition. Furthermore, the pressure-sensor element has a front-side reference volume, which is sealed by a cap structure spanning the sensor diaphragm. The cap structure is realized as thin-film structure.
US08429972B2	Ultrasonic imaging apparatus There is provided an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of efficiently generating an image both by using a transmission ultrasonic wave with a wide angle of beam spread and by using a transmission ultrasonic wave with a narrow angle of beam spread. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a transmission control part controlling transmission timings of a plurality of first piezoelectric elements so as to make a synthesized wave of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the plural first piezoelectric elements match an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a predetermined virtual transmission point; a signal detecting circuit detecting an electric signal corresponding to an ultrasonic echo transmitted from the plural first piezoelectric elements, reflected by an inspection target, and received by a plurality of second piezoelectric elements; and a generating part generating an image corresponding to the inspection target based on the electric signal.
US08429968B2	Balance test indexing tool for balance-testing a rotor A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount that is temporarily affixed to the rotor being tested. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount and the rotor in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.
US08429956B2	Pressure-measuring plug for a combustion engine A piezoresistive pressure-measuring plug for a combustion engine. The pressure-measuring plug includes a plug body having a threaded plug body part with an external thread for screwing the plug body into a cylinder of the combustion engine, and a sealing plug body part forming a tip of the plug for providing a seal between the plug body and the combustion engine. The plug body further includes a sensing body part positioned between the threaded plug body part and the sealing plug body part. The sensing body part includes a cylindrical body part, a moving part, and a sensing structure that form a single integral piece. The sensing structure forms a connection between the cylindrical body part and the moving part, and allows the moving part to move relatively to the cylindrical body part along a cylinder axis of the cylindrical body part.
US08429954B2	Monolithic comb drive system and method for large-deflection multi-DOF microtransduction A scanning probe microscope includes a plate moveable in an x-axis direction, a y-axis direction, and a z-axis direction, and a probe tip coupled to the plate. A plurality of actuators cooperate to move the probe tip with three degrees of freedom of movement.
US08429953B2	Molecular conformation biosensing Disclosed is a method of investigating the conformation of biomolecules or changes in the conformation of biomolecules as a result of an interaction, in which biomolecules from a sample of biomolecules are adhered discretely to the sensing surface of an acoustic wave sensor operating in a liquid, and a conformation parameter which is related to the conformation of the biomolecules from the said sample which are adhered discretely to the sensing surface, but substantially independent of the resulting change in mass loading of the sensing surface, is calculated from the resulting change in the output signals of the acoustic wave sensor. The conformation parameter may the acoustic ratio or a parameter which is directly related to the acoustic ratio. There is also disclosed a method of investigating changes in the conformation of biomolecules which are adhered discretely to the sensing surface of an acoustic wave sensor operating in a liquid, in response to an interaction with an agent, by calculating a conformation parameter which is related to the change in conformation of biomolecules adhered discretely to the sensing surface as a result of an interaction with the agent, but which is substantially independent of any resulting change in mass loading of the sensing surface.
US08429952B1	Sensor with antifouling control A probe with antifouling components. The probe includes a sensor for measuring attributes of a fluid such as liquid or gas. The probe includes antifouling components to prevent or inhibit fouling. The antifouling components include material components, antifoulant components such as biocide, scaling inhibitors, etc., and wiper/shutter components that are arranged to collectively prevent or inhibit fouling of the probe or of the sensor included in the probe.
US08429943B2	Process and device for intentionally influencing the geometry of roughed-down strips in a roughing-down stand When rolling hot-rolled strips, different draughts per pass might occur during the rolling operation over the length of the roll gap, due to changes in the hardness of the rolling stock, to the roll gap itself or to the geometry of the incoming rolling stock. These different draughts per pass lead to lateral deviations and shifts of the rolling stock in the roll stand and to a lateral bending of the outgoing hot-rolled strip. In order to avoid these defects by intentionally influencing the geometry of the rough-rolled strip, it is proposed to interconnect in at least one roughing-down stand a dynamic positioning in the roughing-down stock (1) with fast and powerful lateral guides (8,9) arranged before and after the roughing-down stand (1), by corresponding regulation operations, in such a way that a grainy or tapering bloom (4) is shaped into a straight and taper-free roughed-down strip (5) in one or more passes, in continuous or reciprocating operation.
US08429939B2	Static basket washing machine A washing machine appliance, such as a consumer washing machine, includes a casing, and a tub disposed within the casing. A wash basket is received within the tub and is configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A diffuser plate defines a continuous bottom of the wash basket and includes a plurality of passages defined therethrough. An impeller system is operably configured within the tub below the diffuser plate and includes at least one impeller that is rotationally driven during a wash cycle to direct high velocity wash water through the passages with sufficient energy to move and wash articles within the wash basket.
US08429938B2	Drum-type washing machine and bearing housing structure thereof A drum type washing machine including a tub installed in a cabinet is disclosed. The drum type washing machine includes a drum performing washing, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings having bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and the cabinet to mitigate vibration generated during rotation of the drum, a bracket installed to the bearing housings to form the rear side of the tub, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub to seal the tub and to prevent vibration from being transmitted from the bracket to the tub. Volumes of the tub and the drum can be easily increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet. Even when the volume of the washing machine is changed, only one of the tub and the bearing housings, which is not applicable to the drum type washing machine having the changed washing capacity, is selectively replaced. Thus parts can commonly used in various drum type washing machine having different volume.
US08429935B2	Bonding method of base materials, and manufacturing method of image display apparatus It arranges a bonding material between a pair of base materials having different heat capacities and in which a difference between thermal expansion coefficients thereof is within 10×10−7/° C.; and bonds the pair of the base materials by the bonding material, by irradiating electromagnetic wave to the bonding material to melt and then harden it, wherein a thermal expansion coefficient at part of the bonding material facing one of the pair of the base materials of which the heat capacity is smaller is smaller than a thermal expansion coefficient at part of the bonding material facing the other of the pair of the base materials of which the heat capacity is larger by a difference within 10×10−7/° C., thereby bonding the base materials of which a difference of thermal expansion coefficients is relatively small, as preventing breakage and crack from occurring and further suppressing a degree of warp.
US08429933B2	Method for varying liquid production in an air separation plant with use of a variable speed turboexpander A method of producing a liquid product stream, for example, a liquid nitrogen product stream, at a production rate that is selectively varied. This variation is produced in either a waste expansion or air expansion process by increasing the pressure and flow rate of the feed stream during periods in which a high rate of liquid production is desired without substantially increasing the pressure of the exhaust stream produced by a variable speed turboexpander. This increases the expansion ratio across the turboexpander and therefore the refrigeration supplied to increase liquid production. At the same time, the increase in flow rate prevents a decrease in the performance of the variable speed turboexpander.
US08429932B2	Method for selective extraction of natural gas liquids from “rich” natural gas A method for selective extraction of natural gas liquids from “rich” natural gas. The method involves interacting a rich natural gas stream with Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) by mixing Liquid Natural Gas into the rich natural gas stream to lower the temperature of the rich natural gas stream to a selected hydrocarbon dew point, whereby a selected hydrocarbon liquid carried in the rich natural gas stream is condensed.
US08429929B2	Flexible door panel cold storage door system A flexible door panel cold storage door system incorporates a flexible movable door panel having an internal support frame assembly and the door panel has a plurality of gasket sections removably attached to a cold space surface of a door panel jacket with each gasket section having at least one ferrous gasket target and the gasket sections are aligned and cooperate with a plurality of electromagnets that are mounted in a doorframe assembly when the door panel is in a closed position. The electromagnets are mounted in wells in the doorframe assembly and are powered on when the door panel is in the closed position and the wells are interconnected by a ventilation channel that conducts air heated by operation of the electromagnets through the ventilation channel and into and through a bottom sweep assembly of the door panel in a closed loop. The heated air reduces or eliminates problems of icing in the immediate vicinity of the periphery of the door panel and reduces or eliminates problems of freezing of the door panel in a closed position. The gasket sections are easily replaced if worn or damaged during use.
US08429928B2	Refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit The invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit comprising an assembly carrier on which one or more components of the unit serving cold production are arranged, with the assembly carrier being made such that it can be received in different installation positions in the unit, preferably in the unit base.
US08429924B2	Fuel management system for public service vehicles The present invention includes a novel fuel management and auxiliary power system and apparatus having a control module in control of auxiliary equipment and accessories and climate control functions of a vehicle, while the vehicle's engine is not running. The system of this invention is capable of detecting warning states and providing status indicators to an operator on a graphical user interface. At the graphical user interface, the operator is capable of initiating start up of the system and accessing status and historical technical data of the system.
US08429920B2	Magnetic refrigeration device and refrigeration method A magnetic refrigeration device for cooling a thermal load including a magnetic screening cage containing means for generating at least one magnetic field, first and second elements made from magnetocaloric material placed fixedly in said magnetic field, thermal conductors connecting one of said elements made from magnetocaloric material to a cold source, and means for suspending elements made from magnetocaloric material. The second element made from magnetocaloric material is housed in a cavity delineated internally by the first element made from magnetocaloric material.
US08429919B2	Expansion hula seals The present invention provides a hula seal for use with a combustor. The hula seal includes a number of legs that define a number of slots. The slots may include a number of expansion slots.
US08429914B2	Fuel injection system A fuel injection system is provided for a gas turbine, comprising a mains airblast fuel injector having an annular shape, and inner and outer mains swirlers for swirling air past the mains airblast fuel injector. The inner and outer mains swirlers are concentric with the mains airblast fuel injector and are located radially inwardly and radially outwardly of the mains airblast fuel injector, respectively. The mains airblast fuel injector and the inner and outer mains swirlers are so arranged as to produce a fuel spray stream which expands from the mains airblast fuel injector and has a double flame front. The double flame front comprises flame fronts on both the radially inner and radially outer surfaces of the fuel spray stream.
US08429913B2	Liquid displacer engine A fluid-displacer engine which utilizes the thermodynamic Stirling cycle to extract energy from an external thermal gradient is disclosed. A working gas is disposed in each of two adjacent cylinders and is cycled from a hot region to a cold region of the respective cylinders by movement of a hot displacer fluid and a cold displacer fluid. Alternate heating and cooling of the working gas in each chamber causes the displacer fluid to flow from one cylinder to the other which, in turn allows one of the working gasses to expand and compresses the other. The flow of displacer fluids can be optimally controlled by the use of control valves. Energy can be extracted from the flow of the displacer fluids by the use of turbines in the displacer fluid flow paths.
US08429907B2	Active hydraulic regeneration for motion control A hydraulic system including a hydraulic power source (102) having an output and a directional control valve (106) coupled to the output of the hydraulic power source. The system also includes a hydraulic cylinder (108) coupled to the directional control valve that receives hydraulic fluid at a first port and expels it at a second port as it moves a load (114) at a movement rate, a fixed displacement motor (150) coupled the directional control valve and receiving hydraulic fluid expelled by the hydraulic cylinder and a variable displacement pump (154) attached to a drive arm (152) of the motor.
US08429905B2	Vehicle exhaust treatment systems A vehicle engine exhaust gas treatment system (10) for use on a tractor comprising storage means (11) for storing urea, injector means (13) for injecting urea into a catalytic converter (21) located in an exhaust (22) of an engine (23), an air duct (29;30) via which air is drawn into the engine, and cooling means for cooling the urea on its passage from the storage means to the injector means, the cooling means comprising a heat exchanger which includes an inner pipe (15; 17) through which the urea flows on its way to the injector means, the inner pipe extending within the air duct (29;30) to cool the urea.
US08429904B2	Working machine Disclosed is a working machine capable of preventing damage to a filter due to excessive accumulation of particulate matter (PM), even under a situation that requires, prior to compulsory regeneration of the filter, moving the machine to a place in which to perform the regeneration work. The working machine that includes an exhaust treatment device 4 having a filter 6 to trap the PM, a regeneration control section 31 for compulsorily regenerating the filter, and a regeneration instruction device 23 for instructing the regeneration control section 31 to start the compulsory regeneration. Further, when a deposition quantity estimating element determines that an actual PM deposition quantity has reached a deposition alarm level, an alarm device 12 notifies an operator that the time has come to start the movement of the working machine to the place of regeneration.
US08429902B2	Secondary air supply system and secondary air supplying method of internal combustion engine A secondary air supply system includes a secondary air supply device that supplies secondary air to the upstream side of an exhaust emission control device installed in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, and an ECU that estimates the secondary air temperature, and estimates the exhaust gas temperature after supply of secondary air, based on the result of estimation. The ECU starts or inhibits supply of secondary air by the secondary air supply device, depending on the result of estimation of the exhaust gas temperature. It is thus possible to prevent discharge of unburned fuel components, by estimating the exhaust gas temperature after supply of secondary air in view of the secondary air temperature.
US08429900B2	Liquid container for motor vehicles A liquid container for motor vehicles, especially for an aqueous urea solution, is provided. The container has an interior space into which the liquid can be fed, and also has an upwardly disposed wall to close off the interior space of the container in a fluid type manner. Provided between a maximum liquid level at a maximum filling state in the interior space of the container, and an inner side of the upwardly disposed container wall, is a free space that corresponds to an increase in volume, including the “blooming”, of the liquid that has frozen in the interior space of the container.
US08429899B2	Target particulate matter filter regeneration and temperature control system A regeneration system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter loading module that determines a current soot loading level of a PM filter. A PM filter temperature module determines a temperature of the PM filter. An exhaust flow rate module determines an exhaust flow rate of the PM filter. A control module deactivates an air pump of an air pump circuit and operates an engine within a predetermined range of stoichiometry based on the current soot loading, the temperature and the exhaust flow rate.
US08429897B2	Method for operating an internal combustion engine In a method for operating an air-compressing fuel-injection internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas post-treatment system with a particle filter and a nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter, a plurality of internal combustion engine operating settings are provided, each having respective predefined values for predefined internal combustion engine operating parameters. A heating operating setting is set when the internal combustion engine is warming up, while a basic operating setting is set in the warmed-up state. When the temperature in the exhaust gas system exceeds a predefinable first value, the heating operating setting is changed over to the basic operating setting. In the warmed-up state, at least one further (third) operating setting, with an exhaust gas recirculation rate that is reduced compared to the basic operating setting, is provided in addition to the basic operating setting.
US08429896B2	Engine exhaust systems with secondary air injection systems A variety of embodiments of exhaust systems for engines including small off-road engines, and related methods of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the exhaust system includes a first conduit that receives exhaust emissions from a first engine cylinder, and a second conduit that communicates air to a first port on the first conduit. The air mixes with the exhaust emissions within the first conduit so as to produce a chemical reaction, and a level of at least one undesirable component of the exhaust emissions is reduced. Further, the exhaust system does not include any catalytic converter. In some embodiments, the exhaust system further comprises a crankcase ventilation system.
US08429894B2	Nano-grained aluminum alloy bellows A bellows includes a flexible section including a series of convolutions extending between a first end and a second end. The convolutions are formed of a nano-grained aluminum alloy.
US08429881B2	Baler starter roll In one embodiment, a starter roll for a baler includes a continuous chevron-shaped rib provided on a contact surface of the starter roll. The rib may include a center portion arranged generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the starter roll and outwardly and rearwardly extending wings. A plurality of ribs may be provided to form guide channels for guiding wrapping material that is provided to the bale and engaged by the starter roll outward to cover the edges of a bale and distribute the wrapping material over the lateral surface of the bale.
US08429878B1	System and method for aligning and leveling tile A tile aligning and leveling system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.
US08429870B2	Connecting system for surface coverings A plank, and system and method for joining surface-covering planks, which includes a disengageable connector(s) for detachably connecting multiple planks simultaneously are described. A plank can include a tongue-profiled edge and an opposite rib-profiled edge, and a disengageable connector can have a groove that can be mated with the tongue on one side edge of the plank, and also has a rib-receiving portion that alternatively can be mated with a downward extending rib on the opposite side edge of the plank. The plank can have a variety of designs on the other edges of the plank.
US08429869B2	Locking system and flooring board A locking system for mechanical joining of rectangular floorboards having a body and long and short edges. Said locking system including a tongue and a groove for vertical locking of two joint short edges and for horizontal joining a locking groove formed in the underside of a first one of the short joint edges, and a portion projecting from the second short joint edge having a locking element cooperating with the locking groove. The tongue is arranged on the second short edge. The groove is arranged on the first short edge. The projecting portion is integrally formed with the board, by working of the body of the board.
US08429868B2	Lateral displacement preventing member for exterior wall board and exterior wall installation structure using the same A lateral displacement preventing member is provided with a back-side locking piece that extends from a lower end of an upper fixing plate of the lateral displacement preventing member downward and parallel to a lower fixing plate. Thus, during disposition of the lateral displacement preventing member in a horizontal joint portion of exterior wall boards, the lateral displacement preventing member can be attached in a state in which an upper end portion of an upper horizontal portion of a first fastening member disposed in a vertical joint portion of the exterior wall boards is inserted in an inverted U-shaped groove formed by the back-side locking piece, an extended portion, and the lower fixing plate of the lateral displacement preventing member.
US08429866B2	Modular system for cladding exterior walls of a structure and insulating the structure walls A modular system for cladding exterior walls of a structure and insulating the structure walls provides thermally isolated vertical girders secured to a structural wall. The thermally isolated vertical girders positionally maintain insulation adjacent the structure and provide a means for mounting exterior wall cladding to the structure. Planar wall panels carrying exterior wall cladding elements mount directly or indirectly to the vertical girders. Corner elements, carrying exterior corner cladding elements interconnect with the underlying system and visually appear to interconnect with adjacent edge portions of the planar wall panels.
US08429864B2	Drywall corner or a transition corner A transition corner or drywall corner which transitions from a rounded exterior corner to a right angle corner at the trim. The transition corner has an exterior side with depressions which receive mud, an elevated longitudinal bead along an apex of an acute angle of the exterior side which facilitates the receipt of mud. The interior side is shaped to be received by the shape of an exterior corner, which is generally rounded, and is coated with an adhesive means to allow fixing and adjustment of the transition corner at the trim to be in vertical alignment with the exterior corner.
US08429863B2	Prefabricated frame support A support frame for supporting an intersection between a first wall section and a second wall section. The support frame including a first support panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, which are configured to be positioned between respective upper and lower plates of the first wall section. Moreover, the support frame has a pair of second support panels affixed to the first panel, and each second support panel has a top edge and a bottom edge configured to be positioned between respective upper and lower plates of the second wall section.
US08429859B2	Apparatus for supporting a cemetery headstone and method of fabricating same A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.
US08429855B2	Window weatherseal with molded weatherstrip The invention concerns the field of window seals to be encased in a frame, in general a motor vehicle door frame. The seal is intended to be in contact with part of the perimeter of a window and comprises a guide slot strip consisting of two upward segments and an upper segment, and a sealing strip extending between a low part of one of said upward segments and a high part of the other of said upward segments. The sealing strip is molded in a single piece and comprises an upward curved part, and is attached at least at its upper end to one of the upward segments of the guide slot strip.
US08429854B1	Hurricane-resistant storm door assembly A hurricane storm resistant door assembly with a door having a frame; closed cell foam disposed within the frame; a front skin of a first fiber reinforced polymer substrate; a back skin, a top coat that covers the first and second fiber reinforced polymer substrates; at least one port door fixedly formed and secured in the foam; an opening in the port door; a double welded impact resistant grill over the opening with a leg extending from and intersecting center grid; a foot secured to each leg; a fastening hole centrally formed in each foot; a plurality of securing rings encircling a center grid member and two support barrier connections; a connection hole per foot disposed through the door, penetrating the skin and foam for fastening the double weld impact resistant grill to the door enabling the hurricane storm resistant door assembly to sustain 37 mph flying projectiles.
US08429853B2	Pocket door for a boat A boat has an outside pocket door that opens to provide a passageway large enough for a person to pass. Of particular interest are sliding doors that utilize a traveler and a guide, each positioned on one of the door and the housing, having tolerances that severely restrict side to side movement of a distal edge of the door under normal operating conditions. The guide can advantageously comprise a track and rollers, and the traveler can comprises a foot disposed to travel between opposing ones of the rollers. In such embodiments the rollers can advantageously be mounted in spaced apart opposing pairs on a guide, using off-set centers to adjust the tolerances. Sliding doors can be operated in any suitable manner, manually or otherwise, and it is especially contemplated that sliding doors can be operated using a pneumatic ram.
US08429852B1	Foldable planter The present invention relates to a foldable planter. The planter of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.
US08429850B2	Method and device for growing a plant Method and device for growing a plant. In particular, a device intended for accommodating the quick-growing stem of tomato, cucumber and sweet pepper plants. It is proposed to wind up the stem from the bottom in such a manner that the plant continuously extends in the cultivation space at the same height. Winding up of the stem in a simple manner is possible, as a result of which the latter extends about the winding point in a coiled manner. The end of the stem is arranged in a substrate carrier, such as a gutter, which also rotates. According to another variant, the stem is pressed into substrate material during winding up, resulting in the plant forming roots, so that the part of the stem which is already developed can be cut off.
US08429845B1	Modular integrated rail system including a dampening device A modular integrated rail system for a firearm includes a dampening device for absorbing shock waves and dissipating harmonic vibration generated by a firearm. The modular integrated rail system includes an upper hand guard, a clamping assembly configured to releasably clamp the hand guard to the firearm, and a dampening structure disposed within a cavity formed in the hand guard. The cavity has opposing fixed end walls, and the dampening structure is captivated between the opposing fixed end walls of the cavity.
US08429843B2	Foregrip A grip is disclosed. The grip comprises a base portion; a grip portion pivotably connected to the base portion for arrangement in one of: a deployed orientation, a stowed orientation and an intermediate orientation, wherein the grip portion includes a first, inner body, and a second, outer body, wherein the second, outer body is movably- and telescopingly-connected to the first, inner body; and a locking assembly arranged within and at least partially contained by the grip portion, wherein a portion of the locking assembly is selectively-extendable in one of an orientation within the grip portion and beyond an outer surface of the grip portion for selective coupling of the portion of the locking assembly with the base portion. A method for operating a grip is also disclosed. An assembly is also disclosed.
US08429841B1	Traffic safety system A portable and solar powered traffic safety system functioning like a decoy police car. The system features a display panel with a picture of a police car and a light component with red and blue lights. The display panel is mounted on a solar panel frame atop a base and is held in place by a securing means. The base features legs each with a ballast to help support the base and prevent the system from tipping due to high winds. The system of the present invention can be used in a variety of locations, for example in rural or urban settings, residential areas, hospitals, schools, and construction zones.
US08429839B2	Systems and methods for an informational attachment on a container Embodiments described herein include a single-use beverage container assembly having a beverage container which includes an inner surface defining a chamber capable of receiving a liquid, an opening configured to provide access to the chamber and an outer surface comprising a receiving cavity. In certain embodiments, the beverage container further includes an informational attachment including promotional information. The receiving cavity can be configured to receive the informational attachment such that the informational attachment can be stowed in the receiving cavity. The beverage container assembly can also be configured to permit the informational attachment to be at least partially removed from the receiving cavity such that the informational attachment can be separated from the beverage container.
US08429837B1	Boot accessory for limiting foot movement in stirrups A boot accessory for limiting how far a user can push his/her boot into a stirrup comprises an arch for hugging a front edge of the boot; a first hook disposed on the first end of the arch and a second hook disposed on the second end of the arch. The first hook curves outwardly from the first end of the arch and further a first end of the first hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. The second hook curves outwardly from the second end of the arch and further a first end of the second hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. A gap exists between the first end of the first hook and the arch and between the first end of the second hook and the arch, wherein the gaps are for engaging sides of the stirrup.
US08429836B1	Collapsible athletic shoe A collapsible athletic shoe featuring an athletic shoe having a foot portion with an inner cavity, the foot portion can move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first strap extending out of a first side of the sole area of the athletic shoe and a second strap extending out of a second side of the sole area of the athletic shoe, wherein the first and second straps function to secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position, the first and second straps can be temporarily secured together via a first attachment means; and a heel strap disposed on the heel portion of the shoe, the heel strap functions to further secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position.
US08429832B2	Utilization of waste heat in the dryer section of paper machines A process and a device for utilization of waste heat from a high-temperature hood in the dryer section of a paper machine. The waste heat from the high-temperature hood is applied to the waste steam and the condensate, respectively, from a steam system by means of a heat exchanger, thus improving utilization of the energy contained in the exhaust air from a high temperature hood.
US08429822B2	Fabricated vehicle wheel, wheel rim for use in such a vehicle wheel and method for producing same A method for producing a fabricated vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rim blank; (b) providing a first tooling fixture for subjecting the rim blank to a preforming operation wherein the cylindrical shape is reshaped to produce a rim preform; (c) providing a second tooling fixture defining a sealed internal chamber and having a tooling member having a predetermined inner surface contour, the sealed internal chamber in fluid communication with a source of high pressurize hydraulic fluid; (d) positioning the rim preform in the internal chamber with an outer surface thereof adjacent the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (e) supplying the high pressure hydraulic fluid to the internal chamber whereby the rim preform is pressed against the adjacent inner surface contour of the tooling member so as to produce a wheel rim having a contour which matches that of the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (f) removing the wheel rim from the second tooling fixture; and (g) securing the wheel rim to a wheel disc to produce the fabricated vehicle wheel.
US08429821B2	Method of fabricating valve unit in a microfluidic device Provided are a valve unit, a microfluidic device including the same, and a method of fabricating the valve unit. The method includes: forming a lower substrate including a channel including a first region and a second region which is deeper than the first region and is adjacent to one side of the first region; forming an upper substrate comprising a valve material chamber which extends only partially through the upper substrate; filling the valve material chamber with a valve material and curing the valve material in the valve material chamber; attaching a surface of the upper substrate in which the valve material chamber is formed to a surface of the lower substrate in which the channel is formed, so that the valve material chamber overlaps an overlapped portion of the first region, and does not overlap a non-overlapped portion of the first region; melting the valve material accommodated in the valve material chamber to flow the valve material into the non-overlapped portion of the first region; and curing the valve material flowed into the non-overlapped portion to close the first region.
US08429820B2	Method of manufacturing liquid discharge head The present invention is a method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head, which includes providing a substrate on which a solid member is disposed to surround a region that becomes the flow path, and a metal layer made of a metal or a metal compound is disposed inside of the region, forming a mold made of a metal or a metal compound inside of the region, disposing a cover layer made of a resin to cover the solid member and the mold in contact with the solid member and the mold wherein the solid member and the metal are formed with a distance therebetween, and removing the mold to form the flow path.
US08429818B2	Rod holder for the assembly of heat exchangers One aspect of this disclosure provides an expansion rod holder for the assembly of fin and tube heat exchangers. The expansion rod holder includes a first plate having a first aperture therethrough and a ring located in the first aperture and that has a second aperture therethrough. The first and second apertures are configured to receive a tapered end of an expansion rod having an annular groove proximate the tapered end. A biasing member is located in the first aperture between the ring and a wall of the first aperture. The biasing member is configured to bias the ring in a first direction toward an opposite wall of the first aperture and into the annular groove. A method of manufacturing the expansion rod holder is also disclosed, as well as a tube expander system used to manufacture heat exchangers.
US08429813B2	Process to allow electrical and mechanical connection of an electrical device with a face equipped with contact pads A method of manufacturing an electrical device that is electrically and mechanically connectable to another electrical device is presented. The electrical device includes a face equipped with contact pads. The method includes applying an adhesive layer on the face equipped with contact pads. The adhesive layer is composed of a substance with adhesive properties. The method further includes creating a plurality of openings through the adhesive layer over each contact pad, and growing, electrolessly or electrochemically, small metal sticks in the areas where the openings have been created to form a plurality of conductive paths over each contact pad, the volume of which is defined by the openings.
US08429809B2	Method of manufacturing a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device A method for manufacturing a mirror device is presented. The method includes forming a mirror from a first substrate and forming a hinge/support structure from a second substrate. The hinge/support structure is formed with a recessed region and a torsional hinge region. The mirror is attached to the hinge/support structure at the recessed region. Further, a driver system is employed to cause the mirror to pivot about the torsional hinge region.
US08429806B2	Flexible seam joint for use in robotic skin A method for fabricating a product, such as an animatronic character, with artificial skin. The method includes providing a mold assembly with an exterior mold and a core. In the mold assembly, a cavity is formed between inner surfaces of the exterior mold and exterior surfaces of the core that defines the skin system. The mold assembly includes a seam-forming wall extending between the inner and exterior surfaces. The method includes inserting an elongate, tubular guide through holes in the seam-forming wall and pouring an elastomeric material into the mold to occupy the cavity between the exterior mold and the interior core. The method includes, after the material has hardened to form the skin system, cutting a seam in the skin system by cutting the material along the seam-forming wall. The tubular guide is separated into guide segments and a staggered joint is formed at the cut seam.
US08429802B2	Keyless arbor device and method of using A keyless arbor device for securing a tool, such as a drill bit, to a driver. At least one drive key is pivotally combined with the arbor. A threaded member and an outer sleeve are combined with an arbor. Rotation of the outer sleeve in a first direction causes the threaded member to move in a first direction and rotation of the outer sleeve in a second direction causes the threaded member to move in a second direction. The drive key is positioned so that as the threaded member is moved in its second direction, the threaded member makes contact with the drive key which forces the drive key to pivot from its first position to its second position thereby engaging the shank of the tool to secure the tool with the arbor.
US08429801B2	Mobile extendable boom refurbishment trailer A trailer and method for servicing an extendable boom loading apparatus. The trailer includes an end, a support structure, and a plurality of tools. The end opens and receives the extendable boom loading apparatus when extended. The support structure is coupled to the trailer and supports at least a part of the extendable boom loading apparatus at a convenient working height for a technician in the trailer. The tools are coupled to the trailer and are operable to service the extendable boom loading apparatus.
US08429794B2	Adjustable door hinge An adjustable door hinge includes a receptor base and a panel leaf adjustably secured to the receptor base and at least partially defining a vertical adjustment opening and a horizontal adjustment opening. An adjustment transfer element is at least partially contained within the vertical adjustment opening and a vertical adjustment element is rotatably connected to the adjustment transfer element. Rotation of the vertical adjustment element adjusts a position of the panel leaf to any position between a first position and a second position. A horizontal adjustment element is rotatably connected to the horizontal adjustment opening. Rotation of the horizontal adjustment element adjusts a position of the panel leaf to any position between a third position and a fourth position. Vertical and horizontal adjustment of the hinge may be performed independently.
US08429784B2	Compact fiber optic component cleaning device and method A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a folder having a base, a cover and a separator. The cover and the separator are opposite one another relative to the base. The folder has a width. The base and cover have a fold therebetween such that the cover folds onto the base and the base and separator have a fold therebetween such that the separator folds onto the base. The base and cover have about an equal length and the separator has a length less than the length of the base and cover. A plurality of cleaner sheets are disposed in the folder. The cleaner sheets have a width that is about equal to or less than the width of the folder and have a length that is about equal to or less than the length of the base and cover. A top-most fresh cleaner sheet is separated from the plurality of cleaner sheets and is positioned on the separator sheet for cleaning the connector. When soiled, the soiled cleaner sheet is removed and discarded. A method for cleaning a fiber optic connector is also disclosed.
US08429782B2	Polishing system, sub-system and pads Polishing systems, subsystems and pads adapted for use in conjunction with a polisher. A relatively incompressible backing pad is configured to be attached to a drive system of the polisher. The backing pad includes at least one substantially straight backing pad edge along a perimeter thereof. A relatively compressible polishing pad is configured to be attached to the backing pad, to be driven in contact with a surface to be polished. The polishing pad includes at least one substantially straight polishing pad edge along a perimeter thereof corresponding to the at least one substantially straight backing pad edge when the polishing pad is attached to the backing pad.
US08429773B2	Sheet suspenders Suspender-type strap members for securing sheets and bedding to mattress and the like. The ends of the strap members have fasteners for securing the strap members to the sheet or bedding. The strap members can also be adjustable.
US08429768B2	Toilet seat connector A toilet seat connection for a toilet having a top bowl surface and side surfaces includes an elongate mounting bracket mounted to the bowl portion, the mounting bracket being connected to either side of the toilet, the mounting bracket being elevated above the top bowl surface and defining a space between a top bowl surface and the mounting bracket, and a toilet seat pivotally mounted to the elongate mounting bracket.
US08429767B2	Dispenser device in particular a WC rinser with fixing means A release device, such as a toilet freshener that releases at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl, comprises a dispenser, at least one container connected to the dispenser for storing at least one preparation, a release element for releasing preparation, a line connecting the release element and the container in communicating manner, a sensor unit capable of detecting vibrations, and a fastening means for detachably fixing the dispenser to the rim of a toilet bowl. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means rests at least in part on the toilet bowl and is configured to pick up vibrations, such as structure-borne noise, from the toilet bowl and transmit them to the sensor unit.
US08429764B2	Composite fabric material and apparel made therefrom A composite fabric comprises perforated expanded low density polyethylene foam that is mechanically attached to two opposing facing layers, at least one of which outer facing layers is a non-woven material. The mechanical attachment of the perforated expanded low density polyethylene foam layer to the outer facing layers may be through stitching or quilting; through adhesive; or through thermal bonding. The composite fabric provides a textile with exceptional buoyancy, cold-resistant and water-resistant properties and which can be easily handled by conventional textile manufacturing processes.
US08429763B2	Compressible and storable items of apparel Compressible and storable items of apparel are disclosed. In one embodiment, an item of apparel has a generally circular channel substantially centered on a panel. A flexible, elongate member or drawstring extends through the channel and protrudes from an opening in it. The item of apparel can be compressed by folding toward the area defined by the channel and pulling the drawstring, causing the area defined by the channel to be drawn up and around the folded item of apparel, thereby compressing and encapsulating it. The item of apparel may be, for example, a sweatshirt or jacket, in which case the generally circular channel may be disposed on a rear panel of the torso portion.
US08434161B1	Cantilevered probe detector with piezoelectric element A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
US08434157B1	Data exchange between applications of an electronic device An electronic device includes a requesting application and a hosting application. When the requesting application requests permission from the hosting application to access a category of data, the device identifies the requesting application and the permission request. The device awaits a user input to determine whether the user will permit the requesting application's request to be granted.
US08434155B2	Pre-boot protected memory channel Machine readable media, methods, and computing devices are disclosed which establish a protected memory channel between an operating system loader of a user partition and services of a management partition. One computing device includes protected storage, read only memory, firmware, a storage device and a processor. The storage device is to store the virtual machine monitor and an operating system having an operating system loader. The virtual machine monitor is to establish a protected memory channel between the one or more integrity services of a management partition and the operating system loader of a user partition in response to measuring and verifying the operating system loader based upon the manifest. The processor is to execute the code of the read only memory, the firmware, the virtual machine monitor, the operating system, the operating system loader, the management partition, and the user partition.
US08434154B1	Method and apparatus for distributing content across platforms in a regulated manner It is possible to control access to content by means such as a method which comprises steps including receiving, at a content management platform, a set of data from a content creator. The set of data could comprise content and one or more restrictions on accessing the content. A key could then be generated for that content, as could a record associating the content with the one or more restrictions. Data comprising that key could then be sent over a network, and a content access request message comprising the key could be received from a remotely located host platform. The content access request message could be compared with the one or more restrictions, and, based on that comparison, the content access request message could be responded to with a page providing the content or an error page.
US08434150B2	Using social graphs to combat malicious attacks Detection of user accounts associated with spammer attacks may be performed by constructing a social graph of email users. Biggest connected components (BCC) of the social graph may be used to identify legitimate user accounts, as the majority of the users in the biggest connected components are legitimate users. BCC users may be used to identify more legitimate users. Using degree-based detection techniques and PageRank based detection techniques, the hijacked user accounts and spammer user accounts may be identified. The users' email sending and receiving behaviors may also be examined, and the subgraph structure may be used to detect stealthy attackers. From the social graph analysis, legitimate user accounts, malicious user accounts, and compromised user accounts can be identified.
US08434147B2	Method, system and program product for remotely verifying integrity of a system The present invention provides a computer-implemented method system and program product for remotely verifying (e.g., analytic) integrity of a system. Specifically, at startup of the system an access control policy that sets forth information flows within the system is read and a set of trusted subjects that interact with a target application in the system is determined. Based on the access information flows and the set of trusted subjects, an information flow graph of the system is constructed. At runtime of the target application, runtime information and program code loaded into the set of trusted subjects are measured. Measuring the program code that is loaded allows the remote party to verify that the program code is “expected” program code for the set of trusted subjects.
US08434142B2	Method for mitigating on-path attacks in mobile IP network In one aspect of the invention, a mobile node (MN) participates in a first return routability procedure with a home agent (HA) and a correspondent node (CN), including generating a first binding management key (Kbm). A first proof of knowledge (PoK) is generated by hashing the first Kbm. The MN participates in a second return routability procedure, including generating a second Kbm. A first binding update and binding acknowledgement (BU/BA) key is generated by hashing the second Kbm and the first PoK. A first binding update (BU) message is transmitted to the CN, where the second BU message is transmitted with the first BU/BA key. In response to a first binding acknowledgement (BA) message received from the CN, the MN authenticates the first BA message using the first BU/BA key.
US08434141B2	System for preventing normal user being blocked in network address translation (NAT) based web service and method for controlling the same A system for preventing normal user from being in network address translation(nat)-based web service and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The system discriminates between an attacker PC and a normal user PC that use the same public IP address in the NAT network, blocks a Web-page request generated from the attacker PC, processes a Web-page request of a normal user PC, and makes an Internet service of the normal user PC possible.
US08434140B2	Port hopping and seek you peer to peer traffic control method and system A network apparatus, system, and method for operating a server to identify and subsequently control suspected peer-to-peer (P2P) sources transmitting traffic from a first network to a second network. Identifying a peer-to-peer source by a characteristic of destination port profile. Identifying a peer-to-peer source by a characteristic of destination host IP address profile. Determining when hopping ports usage comprise a data stream. Determining when destination IP address usage represent “Seek You” (CQ) like call behavior analogous to a radio invitation for any operators listening to respond.
US08434131B2	Managing connections in a data storage system Described in detail herein are systems and methods for managing connections in a data storage system. For example, the systems and methods may be used to manage connections between two or more computing devices for purposes of performing storage operations on the data of one of the computing devices. The data storage system includes at least two computing devices. A first computing device includes an unauthorized connection data structure and a connection manager component. The connection manager component receives a connection request from a second computing device. If the second computing device is not identified on the unauthorized connection data structure, the connection manager component can request that an authentication manager authenticate the second computing device and/or determine whether the second computing device is properly authorized. If so, the connection manager component can allow the second computing device to connect to the first computing device.
US08434130B2	Authentication system, server apparatus and authentication method An authentication system includes: a server apparatus; a terminal device; and an authentication device connected to the terminal device and used for authentication when establishing a session between the terminal device and the server apparatus. The server apparatus has an authentication request data creating unit configured to create authentication request data to authenticate the terminal device, and a sending unit configured to send authentication request data. The terminal device has a receiving unit configured to receive authentication request data, an authentication reply data creation requesting unit configured to request the authentication device to create authentication reply data, and a sending unit configured to send the authentication reply data. The server apparatus further has: an authentication processing unit configured to authenticate the terminal device based on the authentication reply data, and as a result of authentication, data is sent to the terminal device when the terminal device is authenticated.
US08434127B2	Access control system, access control method, electronic device and control program Provided is the access control system for controlling an access on a task basis without modifying a device side to be accessed and without applying a task ID at each access to a device.The access filter system for controlling an access between devices mounted on an electronic device, which comprises the access control unit for applying a unique device key set for each device as a right to access the device on a basis of a task operable on the electronic device and determining whether to allow an access to the device according to whether an access request task which requests an access to the device has the device key.
US08434123B2	Sharing a streaming video A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network. The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video segment, and communicates the identification tag to another computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video segment to a destination computer on the network.
US08434119B2	Communication apparatus and communication method A communication apparatus for receiving video data transmitted by streaming from a transmission apparatus via a transmission path includes a video data reception unit configured to receive the video data, a reception data monitoring unit configured to monitor a processing status of the video data received by the video data reception unit, and a control request transmission unit configured to transmit a playback control request for the video data to the transmission apparatus, wherein, when the video data is played back at a playback speed, if the reception data monitoring unit determines that the playback speed exceeds a transmission capacity of the transmission path or a processing capacity of the communication apparatus, the control request transmission unit transmits to the transmission apparatus a playback control request to request only intra-picture coded video data.
US08434118B2	Playlist menu navigation In one embodiment, a method of operating a communications system is disclosed comprising receiving a request for establishment of a session from a terminal, establishing the session with the terminal, and providing at least one navigation video segment to the terminal, via the session. The communications system may be a source of programming, such as a cable system, and the terminal may be a set-top terminal coupled to a display device. The navigation video segment may be used by the terminal to create selection menus to be displayed for user navigation. The video segments may be rich media video segments. A playlist may be generated comprising an indexed listing of a plurality of available video segments. The playlist may facilitate retrieval of video segments requested by a terminal. Communications systems, terminals and methods of operating a terminal are disclosed, as well.
US08434115B1	Multi-component ONT power supply An optical network terminal (ONT) is powered via a remote power supply. The remote power supply is connected to a standard customer premises electrical power outlet, providing a power source for power at a first format (e.g., 110 VAC). The remote power supply performs a power transformation to convert the power in the first power format to a second format (e.g., 48 VDC). This allows the powering of the ONT from farther distances, and thus allows for the easier installation of ONTs at customer premises which may not have optimally placed power outlets. A battery backup may also be used (either in parallel or serially), in order to provide availability of communications signals during a public power outage. When the battery backup used serially with the remote power supply, additional distance between the power outlet and the ONT may be accommodated.
US08434114B2	Electronic device, display system, display method, and program An electronic device comprising: a content acquiring means capable of acquiring content acquired via a network or from inside of the electronic device, or generated inside of the electronic device; a first displaying means capable of displaying the acquired first content; a second displaying means arranged as a touch panel which is capable of accepting an input operation of a user, and capable of displaying the acquired second content; a display controlling means which, based on a predetermined condition, when the content acquiring means acquired third content in a state where the first and second content are displayed in the first and second displaying means, respectively, performs one of: (1) displaying in the second displaying means the third content clearing the second content, (2) presenting a split view by splitting the screen of the first display means into parts for the first and second content, and displaying in the second displaying means the third content, and (3) presenting a split view by splitting the screen of the second displaying means into parts for the second and third content.
US08434113B1	Electronic commerce using streaming media The invention provides a method and system for electronic commerce using streaming media, such as used in conjunction with a broadcast or internetworking environment. (1) E-commerce opportunities are combined with incentives for participation by recipients, enhancing the likelihood of responses from recipients and the value of distribution of the promotional information. Incentives can be random or pseudo-random, skill-based, or responsive to aggregate buying. (2) Techniques are applied to reduce load on an e-commerce server associated with the e-commerce opportunities, so that relatively large numbers of recipients can respond to e-commerce opportunities without unduly burdening that server. An applet conducts the interactive process with the recipient and presents results to the server. The applet can implement the incentives, can conduct all or part of the e-commerce transaction with the recipient, and can operate in conjunction or in parallel with the server to select one or more recipients for an incentive reward. (3) The promotional material is associated with individual elements of the streaming media being presented to the recipient, such as a selected actor or actress, or a selected object. Presentation of the promotional material at the receiving device can be responsive to personalized information about the recipient, gleaned from one or more of: demographic information, stated preferences, fuzzy searching, or collaborative filtering.
US08434111B2	Controller for providing user-tailored entertainment experience at entertainment device and method thereof A controller of an entertainment device includes a network connection for coupling the controller to a user-profile server via a network. The controller configured for determining a user identifier corresponding to a user associated with the entertainment device; automatically retrieving a user profile corresponding to the user identifier from the user-profile server, the user profile including an electronic bookmark pertaining to content that was not finished by the user at a different entertainment device; and controlling the entertainment device to allow the user to initiate playing the content at the entertainment device, and to play the content automatically starting from a position in the content corresponding to a position indicated by the electronic bookmark.
US08434109B2	Method and apparatus for image processing, program, and recording medium An information processing apparatus includes a managing unit that manages a scale calculated based on descriptions of an operation performed on a predetermined item and a series to which the item belongs in association with each other, a first extracting unit that extracts items belonging to the same series as top N series, obtained by sorting the scales, from among a plurality of items, a taste managing unit that manages taste of a user, a second extracting unit that calculates the degree of similarity between the taste managed by the taste managing unit and each item to extract items with higher degrees of similarity, and a recommending unit that recommends a predetermined number of items among the items extracted by the first extracting unit and the items extracted by the second extracting unit to the user.
US08434108B2	Host computer with TV module and TV program displaying method A host computer includes a first virtual machine, a second virtual machine, a host display, and a virtual machine monitor. The first virtual machine includes a television module and a first display window. The second virtual machine includes a browser module and a second display window. The host display is used for displaying the first display window and the second display window. The virtual machine monitor is used for displaying a television program by virtue of the television module in the first display window when the television module is activated, and displaying a forum page of a forum website corresponding to the television program by means of the browser module in the second display window. The forum page includes a plurality of relevant comments.
US08434106B2	Information processing system, server device, information processing method, and program Provided is a server device including a storage unit that stores, for each content, facet data composed of a plurality of facet items and facet values hierarchically arranged in a lower level of each of the plurality of facet items, priorities being assigned to the plurality of facet items, a receiving unit that receives content identifying information for identifying one content from a client terminal, a selection unit that selects one or more than one facet item of the one content and any facet value belonging to each of the one or more than one facet item, an acquisition unit that acquires relevant information of the one content based on a selected facet item and a selected facet value selected by the selection unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the relevant information acquired by the acquisition unit to the client terminal.
US08434102B2	Television receiver and digital broadcast system Broadcast points in a broadcaster's sole region are turned into package information by processing the contents transmitted from a broadcaster, and the package information is stored in the receiver common information region of a television broadcast receiver, and thereby, it becomes possible even for a communication browser that is an application of the television broadcast receiver to refer to and use the information of broadcast points. It is possible by using a communication browser to receive a service provided in a home page of a company other than the broadcasting company.
US08434101B2	Processing applications with multiple privilege levels The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution.
US08434099B2	Efficient linking and loading for late binding and platform retargeting A method of producing an executable image from an object file without shared library support from the operating system, wherein the executable image requires a shared library file in order to resolve at least one of the symbols called for in the object file. A method of optimizing the loading of a previously linked file into working memory in a computer for executing in a single address space of the working memory, the file containing an instruction to make an indirect jump to a location in a shared library through an import section of the file. A method for optimizing the loading of a previously linked file into working memory in a computer for executing in a single address space of the working memory, the file containing plural sections with number-filled padding between the end of each section and a succeeding page boundary. A method of optimizing the loading of a previously linked file into working memory in a computer for executing in a memory sharable with other executables. This method includes selecting a portion of code in the previously linked file, removing the portion of code from the previously linked file, and constructing a dynamically linked library file containing the portion of the code, the dynamically linked library file being available to plural files including the previously linked-file. A method of converting an image which has been previously linked for executing in an unshared memory into an image optimized for use with virtual memory.
US08434092B2	Techniques for allocating computing resources to applications in an embedded system Techniques for allocating computing resources to tasks include receiving first data and second data. The first data indicates a limit for unblocked execution by a processor of a set of at least one task that includes instructions for the processor. The second data indicates a maximum use of the processor by the set. It is determined whether a particular set of at least one task has exceeded the limit for unblocked execution based on the first data. If it is determined that the particular set has exceeded the limit, then execution of the particular set by the processor is blocked for a yield time interval based on the second data. These techniques can guarantee that no time-critical tasks of an embedded system on a specific-purpose device are starved for processor time by tasks of foreign applications also executed by the processor.
US08434091B2	System and method for data synchronization for a computer architecture for broadband networks A computer architecture and programming model for high speed processing over broadband networks are provided. The architecture employs a consistent modular structure, a common computing module and uniform software cells. The common computing module includes a control processor, a plurality of processing units, a plurality of local memories from which the processing units process programs, a direct memory access controller and a shared main memory. A synchronized system and method for the coordinated reading and writing of data to and from the shared main memory by the processing units also are provided. A processing system for processing tasks is also provided. The processing system includes processing devices and an absolute timer. The absolute timer defines a time budget. The time budget provides a time period for the completion of tasks by selected processing devices independent of clock frequencies employed by the processing devices for processing the tasks.
US08434089B2	Method and system for loading of image resource Disclosed are image resource loading method comprising the steps of: identifying source data associated with a particular cell from a predetermined basic recording space, in case that a rendering event for the cell occurs; sequentially moving (5) unit source data constituting the identified source data to a first loading queue by a predetermined period; determining loading fitness with respect to the unit source data positioned at the first loading queue in accordance with a predetermined determination standard, in which the loading fitness is divided into a pass or non-pass; moving the unit source data to a second loading queue in case that it is determined that the loading (10) fitness is non-pass; loading the unit source data positioned at the first loading queue to a predetermined graphic memory at the processor unit, in case that it is determined that the loading fitness is a pass; and rendering the unit source data loaded to the graphic memory at a predetermined video processor unit; wherein, in the step of determining the loading fitness, the loading fitness is determined by considering the loading capacity of (15) the processor unit or the rendering capacity of the video processor unit, and a system thereof.
US08434087B2	Distributed acceleration devices management for streams processing A method for managing distributed computer data stream acceleration devices is provided that utilizes distributed acceleration devices on nodes within the computing system to process inquiries by programs executing on the computing system. The available nodes and available acceleration devices in the computing system are identified. In addition, a plurality of virtual acceleration device definitions is created. Each virtual acceleration device definition includes attributes used to configure at least one of the plurality of identified acceleration devices. When an inquiry containing an identification of computing system resources to be used in processing the inquiry is received, at least one virtual acceleration device definition that is capable of configuring an acceleration device in accordance with the computing system resources identified by the inquiry is identified. That acceleration device is configured in accordance with the identified virtual acceleration device definition and is used to process the inquiry.
US08434086B2	Process scheduler employing adaptive partitioning of process threads A system is set forth comprising a processor and memory storage units storing software code. The software code comprises code for a scheduling system and for generating a plurality of adaptive partitions that are each associated with one or more software threads and that each have a corresponding processor budget. The code also is executable to generate at least one sending thread and at least one receiving thread which responds to communications from the sending thread to execute one or more tasks corresponding to the communications. In operation, the scheduling system selectively allocates the processor to each sending and receiving thread based on the processor budget of the adaptive partition associated with the respective thread. The scheduling system bills the processor budget of the adaptive partition associated with the sending thread for processor allocation used by the receiving thread to respond to communications sent by the sending thread.
US08434085B2	Scalable scheduling of tasks in heterogeneous systems Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, a data processing system and a computer program product for scalable scheduling of tasks in heterogeneous systems is provided. According to one embodiment, the computer implemented method comprises fetching a set of tasks to form a received input, estimating run times of tasks, calculating average estimated completion times of tasks, producing a set of ordered tasks from the received input to form a task list, identifying a machine to be assigned, and assigning an identified task from the task list to an identified machine.
US08434081B2	Storage manager for virtual machines with virtual storage A storage manager connects containers of virtual machine (VM) images and virtual storage device data within hosts. The storage management provides a set of northbound application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow configuration of images associated with VM images and virtual storage devices provided to the operating systems and applications within virtual machine images. The northbound APIs, include methods for creating a virtual storage container that contains storage for the VM instance and also at least one virtual storage device to be provided to an operating system executed by the VM, a method for causing an attach of the virtual storage container to the host and a method for causing a deployment of the virtual storage device within the host. A set of southbound APIs are provided by the host, including at least a method that creates virtual storage devices and a method that attaches virtual storage devices to the host.
US08434078B2	Quick deployment method Provided is a deployment method for a server system that includes a storage system having logical disks where disk images are stored and plural servers connected to the storage system via a storage network, the method including the step of causing a deploy management module to copy the logical disks which store the disk images to a free area of the storage system before a deployment command is received. According to this invention, disk images are quickly deployed to servers.
US08434073B1	Systems and methods for preventing exploitation of byte sequences that violate compiler-generated alignment An exemplary method for preventing exploitation of byte sequences that violate compiler-generated instruction alignment may comprise: 1) identifying instantiation of a process, 2) identifying an address space associated with the process, 3) identifying, within the address space associated with the process, at least one control-transfer instruction, 4) determining that at least one byte preceding the control-transfer instruction is capable of resulting in an out-of-alignment instruction, and then 5) preventing the control-transfer instruction from being executed. In one example, the system may prevent the control-transfer instruction from being executed by inserting a hook in place of the intended instruction that executes the intended instruction and then returns control flow back to the instantiated process. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08434072B2	Automatic retrieval of translated messages for interacting with legacy systems A translation system and method is described that may automatically translate strings of a legacy application for use in creating an interfacing application that can interface with the legacy application. The translation system and method receive a plurality of input strings from a string list and use an initial language library to associate an identifier with the input strings. The identifier is used to determine the translated version of the input string from additional language libraries. The determined translated strings are associated with the input strings.

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