最新美国发明专利第2013-06-04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
US08455341B2	Methods of forming features of integrated circuitry Methods of forming features such as word lines of memory circuitry are disclosed. One such method includes forming an initial pitch multiplied feature pattern extending from a target area into only one of a first or second periphery area received on opposing sides of the target area. Thereafter, a subsequent feature pattern is formed which extends from the target array area into the other of the first or second periphery area. The initial and subsequent feature patterns may be used in forming features in an underlying material which extend from the target area to the first and second periphery areas. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08455339B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device with side junction A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including etching a substrate to form a trench, forming a junction region in the substrate under the trench, etching the bottom of the trench to a certain depth to form a side junction, and forming a bit line coupled to the side junction.
US08455335B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device The present invention provides a method for removing a metal element effectively from a crystalline semiconductor film obtained with the use of the metal element, without increasing the number of processes. In the present invention, an amorphous semiconductor film is formed on an insulating surface, a metal element for promoting crystallization is added to the amorphous semiconductor film, the amorphous semiconductor film is heated to form a crystallized semiconductor film, a continuous wave laser beam is irradiated to the crystallized semiconductor film, and an upper portion of the crystallized semiconductor film is removed.
US08455334B2	Planar and nanowire field effect transistors A method for forming an integrated circuit, the method includes forming a first nanowire suspended above an insulator substrate, the first nanowire attached to a first silicon on insulator (SOI) pad region and a second SOI pad region that are disposed on the insulator substrate, a second nanowire disposed on the insulator substrate attached to a third SOI pad region and a fourth SOI pad region that are disposed on the insulator substrate, and a SOI slab region that is disposed on the insulator substrate, and forming a first gate surrounding a portion of the first nanowire, a second gate on a portion of the second nanowire, and a third gate on a portion of the SOI slab region.
US08455332B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing LED devices using laser scribing A method of manufacturing a light-emitting device using laser scribing to improve overall light output is disclosed. Upon placing a semiconductor wafer having light emitting diode (“LED”) devices separated by streets on a wafer chuck, the process arranges a first surface of semiconductor wafer containing front sides of the LED devices facing up and a second surface of semiconductor wafer containing back sides of the LED devices facing toward the wafer chuck. After aligning a laser device over the first surface of the semiconductor wafer above a street, the process is configured to focus a high intensity portion of a laser beam generated by the laser device at a location in a substrate closer to the back sides of the LED devices.
US08455331B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device To realize high performance and low power consumption of a semiconductor device by controlling electric characteristics of a transistor in accordance with a required function. Further, to manufacture such a semiconductor device with high yield and high productivity without complicating a manufacturing process. An impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added to a semiconductor substrate in order to control the threshold voltage of a transistor included in the semiconductor device, before separating a semiconductor layer of the transistor from the semiconductor substrate and transferring the semiconductor layer to a supporting substrate that is a substrate having an insulating surface.
US08455330B2	Devices with gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture Devices having gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of isolation structures in pad films and an underlying substrate. The method further includes forming a plurality of fins including the isolation structures and a second plurality of fins including the two pad films and a portion of the underlying substrate, each of which are separated by a trench. The method further includes removing portions of the second plurality of fins resulting in a height lower than a height of the plurality of fins including the isolation structures. The method further includes forming gate electrodes within each trench, burying the second plurality of fins and abutting sides of the plurality of fins including the isolation structures. The plurality of fins including the isolation structures electrically and physically isolate adjacent gate electrode of the gate electrodes.
US08455325B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes forming a gate insulating film and a gate electrode over a semiconductor substrate, forming a first recess in the first semiconductor substrate on both sides of the gate electrode by dry etching, forming a second recess by removing a bottom and sidewalls of the first recess by wet etching, and forming a semiconductor layer in the second recess.
US08455323B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor wafer There is provided a method for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, comprising: performing heating so that metals dissolve into semiconductors of the wafer to form a semiconductor-metal compound; and performing cooling so that the formed semiconductor-metal compound retrogradely melt to form a mixture of the metals and the semiconductors. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to achieve wafers of a high purity applicable to the semiconductor manufacture.
US08455321B2	Multiple-gate transistors with reverse T-shaped fins A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a first insulation region and a second insulation region in a semiconductor substrate and facing each other; and forming an epitaxial semiconductor region having a reversed T-shape. The epitaxial semiconductor region includes a horizontal plate including a bottom portion between and adjoining the first insulation region and the second insulation region, and a fin over and adjoining the horizontal plate. The bottom of the horizontal plate contacts the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes forming a gate dielectric on a top surface and at least top portions of sidewalls of the fin; and forming a gate electrode over the gate dielectric.
US08455316B2	Method of manufacturing vertical semiconductor device A vertical semiconductor device, a DRAM device, and associated methods, the vertical semiconductor device including single crystalline active bodies vertically disposed on an upper surface of a single crystalline substrate, each of the single crystalline active bodies having a first active portion on the substrate and a second active portion on the first active portion, and the first active portion having a first width smaller than a second width of the second active portion, a gate insulating layer on a sidewall of the first active portion and the upper surface of the substrate, a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer, the gate electrode having a linear shape surrounding the active bodies, a first impurity region in the upper surface of the substrate under the active bodies, and a second impurity region in the second active portion.
US08455312B2	Fabrication methods for T-gate and inverted L-gate structure for high frequency devices and circuits In high frequency circuits, the switching speed of devices is often limited by the series resistance and capacitance across the input terminals. To reduce the resistance and capacitance, the cross-section of input electrodes is made into a T-shape or inverted L-shape through lithography. The prior art method for the formation of cavities for T-gate or inverted L-gate is achieved through several steps using multiple photomasks. Often, two or even three different photoresists with different sensitivity are required. In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical lithography method for the formation of T-gate or inverted L-gate structures using only one photomask is disclosed. In another embodiment, the structure for the T-gate or inverted L-gate is formed using the same type of photoresist material.
US08455308B2	Fully-depleted SON A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer, a first semiconductor layer, a dielectric layer, a second semiconductor layer, a source and drain junction, a gate, and a spacer. The method includes the steps of forming a semiconductor substrate, forming a shallow trench isolation layer, growing a first epitaxial layer, growing a second epitaxial layer, forming a gate, forming a spacer, performing a reactive ion etching, removing a portion of the first epitaxial layer, filling the void with a dielectric, etching back a portion of the dielectric, growing a silicon layer, implanting a source and drain junction, and forming an extension.
US08455300B2	Integrated circuit package system with embedded die superstructure and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package system includes: providing a through-silicon-via die having conductive vias therethrough; forming a first redistribution layer on a bottom of the through-silicon-via die coupled to the conductive vias; forming a second redistribution layer on the top of the through-silicon-via die coupled to the conductive vias; fabricating an embedded die superstructure on the second redistribution layer including: mounting an integrated circuit die to the second redistribution layer, forming a core material layer on the second redistribution layer to be coplanar with the integrated circuit die, forming a first build-up layer, having contact links coupled to the integrated circuit die, on the core material layer, and coupling component interconnect pads to the contact links; and forming system interconnects on the first redistribution layer for coupling the through-silicon-via die, the integrated circuit die, the component interconnect pads, or a combination thereof.
US08455285B2	Laser liftoff structure and related methods Light-emitting devices, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided.
US08455283B2	Organic electronic element and its manufacturing method The present invention provides an organic electronic element manufacturing method which provides a low manufacturing cost and excellent performance stability, and specifically an organic electronic element manufacturing method which provides a low manufacturing cost, and minimizes emission unevenness, lowering of emission efficiency and shortening of lifetime due to deterioration of gas barrier property of sealing. The organic electronic element manufacturing method is featured in that it comprises the steps of forming an organic electronic structure composed of a first electrode, at least one organic layer and a second electrode on a flexible substrate, and applying a flexible sealing substrate to the organic electronic structure, followed by heating treatment, wherein a heating temperature, at which the heating treatment is carried out, is less than Tg (glass transition temperature) of the substrate and not less than Tg of the sealing substrate.
US08455282B2	Method of manufacturing vertical light emitting diode with dual surface pattern to improve light extraction A semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) includes: forming a light emission structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on a substrate with prominences and depressions; removing the substrate from the light emission structure to expose a first concavoconvex portion corresponding to the prominences and depressions; forming a protection layer on the first concavoconvex portion; removing a portion of the protection layer to expose a convex portion of the first concavoconvex portion; and forming a second concavoconvex portion on the convex portion of the first concavoconvex portion. The semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) includes: a light emission structure including a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer; a first concavoconvex portion formed on the light emission structure and having a second concavoconvex portion at a convex portion thereof; and a protection layer filling up a concave portion of the first concavoconvex portion.
US08455281B2	Optical semiconductor device and method of manufacturing optical semiconductor device A method of manufacturing an optical semiconductor device includes: forming a mesa structure having an n-type cladding layer, an active layer and a p-type cladding layer in this order on a substrate; forming a p-type semiconductor layer on a side face of the mesa structure and a plane area located at both sides of the mesa structure, the p-type semiconductor layer having a thickness of 5 nm to 45 nm on the plane area; and forming a current blocking semiconductor layer on the p-type semiconductor layer so as to bury the mesa structure, a product of the thickness of the p-type semiconductor layer and a concentration of p-type impurity of the p-type semiconductor layer on the plane area being 2.5×1019 nm/cm3 or less.
US08455278B2	Method of forming a waveguide in diamond N-V centers in diamond are created in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, a single crystal diamond is formed using a CVD process, and then annealed to remove N-V centers. A thin layer of single crystal diamond is then formed with a controlled number of N-V centers. The N-V centers form Qubits for use in electronic circuits. Masked and controlled ion implants, coupled with annealing are used in CVD formed diamond to create structures for both optical applications and nanoelectromechanical device formation. Waveguides may be formed optically coupled to the N-V centers and further coupled to sources and detectors of light to interact with the N-V centers.
US08455276B2	Light emitting element and a production method therefor Disclosed are a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The light emitting device includes a growth substrate, a first conductive semiconductor layer on the growth substrate, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer, and an ohmic contact layer having a concavo-convex structure on the second conductive semiconductor layer.
US08455257B2	System for automatically testing a fluid specimen A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system utilizes an assaying device having a collection cup and a cap that carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device operates in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device includes a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.
US08455249B2	Highly effective anti-cadherin antibody for induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in vivo It is an object of the present invention to provide an anti-cadherin antibody having high antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The present invention provides an anti-cadherin antibody, which recognizes any one of an upstream region of EC1, a cadherin domain 4 (EC4) and a cadherin domain 5 (EC5), wherein an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity at an antibody concentration of 1 μg/mL is 30% or more.
US08455248B2	Cells useful for immuno-based Botulinum toxin serotype A activity assays The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.
US08455241B2	Culture observation system There is provided a culture observation system by which even a culture other than an observation target culture can be cultured and observation can be properly performed by a microscope during culturing of the culture. A culture observation system S includes a culturing cabinet 2 for forming an environment suitable for culturing cells in a culturing room 13 and an image pick-up device 3 for photographing a microscopic image of the cells. The image pick-up device 3 includes a light source 47 which is provided in the culturing room 13 and a table 37 which is provided in the culturing room 13 to hold the culture as an image pick-up target, and a shelf 7 for accommodating the cells is provided in the culturing room 13 other than the light source 47 and the table 37.
US08455236B2	Compositions and methods of PGL for the increased production of isoprene Provided herein are improved compositions and methods for the increased production of isoprene. Also provided herein are improved compositions and methods for the increased production of heterologous polypeptides capable of biological activity.
US08455235B2	Protease variants for pharmaceutical use The invention relates to novel variants of a protease derived from Nocardiopsis sp. (SEQ ID NO: 1) and closely related proteases, as well as their pharmaceutical use. The variants show improved performance in the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). The variants may be combined with a lipase and/or an amylase. Other examples of medical indications are: Treatment of digestive disorders, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes type I, and/or diabetes type II.
US08455231B2	Cell-free system for synthesizing membrane proteins cell free method for synthesizing membrane proteins The invention provides an in vitro method for producing proteins, membrane proteins, membrane-associated proteins, and soluble proteins that interact with membrane-associated proteins for assembly into an oligomeric complex or that require association with a membrane for proper folding. The method comprises, supplying intracytoplasmic membranes from organisms; modifying protein composition of intracytoplasmic membranes from organism by modifying DNA to delete genes encoding functions of the organism not associated with the formation of the intracytoplasmic membranes; generating appropriate DNA or RNA templates that encode the target protein; and mixing the intracytoplasmic membranes with the template and a transcription/translation-competent cellular extract to cause simultaneous production of the membrane proteins and encapsulation of the membrane proteins within the intracytoplasmic membranes.
US08455230B2	Polynucleotides encoding engineered ketoreductase polypeptides The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme including the capability of stereospecifically reducing (R)-2-methylpentanal to (R)-2-methylpentanol. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to produce (R)-2-methylpentanol and related compounds.
US08455228B2	Method to facilitate directed delivery and electroporation using a charged stream A method for facilitating a delivery of a molecule into an interior space of a cell includes the steps of introducing a molecule into a biological structure comprising a cell and applying a substantially continuous low-level electric field, in the form of non-thermal plasma (ionized gas) generated by a direct current voltage applied to an electrode, to the molecule and biological structure. The field is applied for a duration sufficient to effect a change in porosity the cell of the biological structure sufficient to facilitate an entry of a desired molecule into an interior thereof.
US08455222B2	Biliverdin from a non-animal source Methods for producing biliverdin in a microorganism, methods for producing biliverdin from a non-animal source, cells for producing biliverdin and methods for producing cells for producing biliverdin are disclosed.
US08455221B2	Quantification of a minority nucleic acid species The technology relates in part to quantification of a minority nucleic acid species from a nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, methods for determining the amount of fetal nucleic acid (e.g. absolute amount, relative amount) in a maternal sample are provided.
US08455216B2	Compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages.
US08455215B2	Liquid tissue preparation from histopathologically processed biological samples, tissues and cells The current invention provides a method for directly converting histopathologically processed biological samples, tissues, and cells into a multi-use biomolecule lysate. This method allows for simultaneous extraction, isolation, solubilization, and storage of all biomolecules contained within the histopathologically processed biological sample, thereby forming a representative library of said sample. This multi-use biomolecule lysate is dilutable, soluble, capable of being fractionated, and used in any number of subsequent experiments.
US08455211B2	Anaplasma translocated substrate-1 (ATS-1) and sero-detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Disclosed is the use of isolated Ats-1 protein in Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the ELISA detection of Anaplasma pathogen. The recombinant expression of Ats-1 and its use as a kit for ELISA are also disclosed.
US08455210B2	Biochip, and method for the selective identification of Chlamydia trachomatis infections The present invention relates to a method for the selective identification of Chlamydia trachomatis infections wherein the antigens CT017, CT098, CT318-L1 P, CT431-TARP, CT603-TSAP, and CT664 are used for the specific identification of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in samples from mammals. The method according to the invention facilitates the selective identification method of identification of Chlamydia trachomatis infections, in which no false positive results are generated by other Chlamydia species such as, for example, Chlamydia pneumoniae. The invention further relates to a biochip which has the aforementioned Chlamydia trachomatis-specific antigens for the identification of antibodies. The biochip with antigens according to the invention is suitable for multiparameter identification methods in particular.
US08455209B2	Reagent and reagent kit for analysis of immature leukocyte The present invention provides a reagent for analysis of immature leukocytes comprising: a surfactant which can damage cell membranes of erythrocytes and mature leukocytes, a solubilizing agent which can shrink the damaged blood cells and a dye for staining nucleic acid, wherein the reagent has an osmotic pressure of not lower than 10 mOsm/kg and lower than 150 mOsm/kg.
US08455201B2	Diagnose of mycobacterial infections by determination of IFN-gamma The present invention provides a method for diagnosing a mycobacterial infection in a subject, involving the following steps: (i) collection of a sample from the subject; (ii) incubation of the sample from (i) with an antigen preparation for 12 hours or less; and (iii) analysis of γ-IFN in the sample from (ii). The invention also provides a diagnostic kit for use in such a method.
US08455197B2	Nucleic acid amplification Provided herein is a method for the selective amplification of a target nucleotide sequence located within a nucleic acid molecule, the method comprising contacting the nucleic acid molecule (“template” molecule) with (i) at least one facilitator oligonucleotide, wherein the facilitator oligonucleotide includes at least one modification at or near its 3′ terminus such that 3′ extension from the facilitator oligonucleotide is blocked, and (ii) two or more oligonucleotide primers, at least one of which is an initiator primer modified such that the presence of the modification prematurely terminates complementary strand synthesis, wherein the facilitator oligonucleotide and the initiator primer bind to substantially the same or adjacent regions of the template nucleic acid molecule and the facilitator oligonucleotide further comprises sequences complementary to the target sequence 3′ to the binding location of the initiator primer; and carrying out thermocyclic, enzymatic amplification such that the specific target sequence is selectively amplified.
US08455196B2	Biomarker for identifying subgroup of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients The preset invention relates to a biomarker for identifying the subgroup of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK), and a therapeutic target for lung cancer.
US08455195B2	Mutation within the connexin 26 gene responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness and method of detection A purified polynucleotide having a chain of nucleotides corresponding to a mutated sequence, which in a wild form encodes a polypeptide implicated in hereditary sensory defect, wherein said mutated purified polynucleotide presents a mutation responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness selected from the group consisting of a specific deletion of at least one nucleotide.
US08455192B2	Probes for detection of SULT1A1 gene, reagent containing the same, and the uses thereof A primer set for amplifying a region including sites to be detected of SULT1A12 and SULT1A13 in the SULT1A1 gene by a gene amplification method is provided, wherein the primer set can amplify the region specifically. A pair of primer set is used including a forward primer consisting of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 as well as a reverse primer consisting of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. The use of this primer set makes it possible to specifically and efficiently amplify a region including both sites where two types of polymorphisms (SULT1A12 and SULT1A13) of the SULT1A1 gene are generated.
US08455191B2	Cell transdifferentiation into brown adipocytes A method for converting animal cells into brown adipose tissue cells is provided that includes transforming the animal cells using an expression vector. The expression vector includes a nucleotide sequence encoding HB-EGF operatively linked to a promoter and a nucleotide sequence encoding ADAM 12 operatively linked to a promoter. Converting animal cells to brown adipose tissue cells can be used to treat obesity or to treat cancer by converting target cells to brown adipose tissue cells.
US08455190B2	Enrichment of a target sequence The present invention is directed to methods, compositions, software and devices for enriching low abundance alleles from a sample. The method is based in part on a modified nucleic acid amplification protocol that includes incubating the reaction mixture at a critical denaturing temperature or “Tc”. By employing the present invention the current detection limits of all PCR-based technologies are greatly improved.
US08455187B2	Method for isolating a polynucleotide of interest from the genome of a mycobacterium using a BAC-based DNA library: application to the detection of mycobacteria A method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis involves contacting a biological sample with the product of expression of at least one ORF contained in a polynucleotide present in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and absent in Mycabacterium bovis BCG; and detecting whether an immunological complex is formed between the product thereof and antibodies contained in the biological sample, wherein the presence of a complex indicates an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
US08455176B2	Coating composition Developable bottom antireflective coating compositions are provided.
US08455174B2	Polymers, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof Polymers, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary polymer, among others, includes, a photodefinable polymer having a sacrificial polymer and a photoinitiator.
US08455173B2	Photosensitive insulating resin composition, cured product of the composition, and method of producing insulating film A photosensitive insulating resin composition includes (A) an alkali-soluble resin that contains (a1) a structural unit derived from a crosslinkable monomer and (a2) a structural unit having a phenolic hydroxyl group, (B) a crosslinking agent, (C) a photosensitive compound, and (D) a solvent.
US08455172B2	Toner, method for producing the same, and developer A method for producing a toner, containing: dispersing, in an aqueous medium, an oil phase which contains an organic solvent, and a binder resin component contained in the organic solvent, where the binder resin component contains a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous polyester resin; and removing the organic solvent from the dispersion to obtain the toner, in which the dispersing further contains heating and dissolving the crystalline polyester and the amorphous polyester in the organic solvent to obtain a solution, cooling the solution so as to recrystallize the crystalline polyester resin, and mechanically pulverizing the recrystallized crystalline polyester resin so as to obtain a crystalline polyester dispersion.
US08455171B2	Toner compositions The present disclosure provides processes for reducing the particle size of latex resins and toners produced with such resins. In embodiments, a carboxylic acid may be added to materials utilized to produce a latex and reduce the particle size of the resulting latex particles and toner particles. In accordance with the present disclosure, one may be able to utilize materials for the production of latex resins and toners which may otherwise produce particles that are too large in the absence of the carboxylic acid.
US08455170B2	Method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member An electrophotographic photosensitive member is provided in which black spots on an output image are hardly caused by local charge injection from a support to a photosensitive layer. For this purpose, a conductive layer is formed using a coating liquid for a conductive layer prepared using a solvent, a binder material and a metal oxide particle that satisfies the following relation (i): 45≦A×ρ×D≦65 (i) wherein A denotes the surface area of the metal oxide particle per unit mass [m2/g], D denotes the number average particle diameter of the metal oxide particle [μm], and ρ denotes the density of the metal oxide particle [g/cm3]. The metal oxide particle is a titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with phosphorus.
US08455169B2	Toner, method for preparing the toner, and image forming method using the toner The toner includes a binder resin; a colorant; and a release agent. The first inter-particle force Fp(A) of the toner, which is measured under an environmental condition of 23° C. and 60% RH after the toner is pressed for 1 minute at 25° C. under a compression stress of 15 kg/cm2, is from 1.0×10−9 (N) to 1.0×10−6 (N). The difference (Fp(B)−Fp(A)) between the second inter-particle force Fp(B) of the toner, which is measured under the environmental condition of 23° C. and 60% RH after the toner is pressed for 1 minute at 50° C. under a compression stress of 15 kg/cm2, and the first inter-particle force Fp(A) is 0 (N) to 1.0×10−7 (N).
US08455159B2	Method for correcting critical dimension of phase shift mask and method for manufacturing the same A method for correcting the critical dimension (CD) of a phase shift mask includes calculating an intensity slope quantifying a slope of an intensity waveform of secondary electrons emitted by scanning an electron beam spot to a hard mask pattern on a phase shift mask on a substrate, extracting a delta critical dimension (CD) value, which is equal to a CD difference between the phase shift pattern and the hard mask pattern, as a delta CD value corresponding to the intensity slope, and correcting the CD of the phase shift mask by using the extracted delta CD value.
US08455151B2	Fuel cell with electrolyte strengthening substrate having a penetration portion A fuel cell 100 is characterized by including an electrolyte 30, and an electrolyte-strengthening member 10 that has a penetration portion 11 and strengthens the electrolyte. The electrolyte 30 has a high-electrical-current-density region of which electrical current density is higher than an average electrical current density of the electrolyte 30 and has a low-electrical-current-density region of which electrical current density is lower than the average electrical current density, at a face thereof on an opposite side of the electrolyte-strengthening substrate 100. An area where the penetration portion 11 faces with the high-electrical-current-density region is larger than that where the penetration portion 11 faces with the low-electrical-current-density region.
US08455150B2	Fuel cell stack having reactant carrier plates delivering both anode and cathode reactants A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of adjacently stacked fuel cell modules each of which includes a plurality of adjacently aligned fuel cells that are connected in electrical series. The current flow between adjacent fuel cells is achieved across diffusion media of said adjacent fuel cells. First and second reactant channels are formed in the reactant carrier plates for separately delivering two different reactants along each reactant carrier plate.
US08455149B2	Connecting structure to cell of voltage detecting connector and fuel cell A voltage detecting connecting structure and fuel cell has connectors which are in contact with terminals connected to the fuel cell. An embodiment of the fuel cell includes first cells which have the terminals at an anode and a cathode respectively, and second cells which have terminals in neither an anode plate nor a cathode, stacked alternately.
US08455143B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte solution for lithium ion secondary battery and lithium ion secondary battery having the same A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium ion secondary battery includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent. The organic solvent includes a carbonate compound, a linear ester compound and a linear ester decomposition inhibitor. This non-aqueous electrolyte solution restrains swelling while improving low temperature charging/discharging characteristics of the secondary battery in comparison to a conventional electrolyte since it contains the linear ester compound and the linear ester decomposition inhibitor. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution may be used in making a lithium ion secondary battery.
US08455141B2	Polymer electrolyte as well as polymer electrolyte membrane, membrane electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte that provides high proton conductivity and low fuel crossover at the same time, as well as a member using the same. The embodiments of the invention can achieve high output and high energy density in the form of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. A polymer electrolyte comprising a proton conductive polymer (A) and a polymer (B) which is different from (A) wherein a ratio of the amount of unfreezable water, represented by formula (S1), in said polymer electrolyte is no less than 40 wt % and no greater than 100 wt % is disclosed. The ratio of amount of unfreezable water (S1)=(amount of unfreezable water)/(amount of low melting point water+amount of unfreezable water)×100 (%).
US08455136B2	Electrochemical device An electrochemical device capable of being mounted by soldering includes a film package made of a film; an electrodes part encapsulated together with an electrolyte in said film package; a pair of terminals, one end of each terminal being connected to said electrodes part and another end of each terminal being exposed to an exterior of said film package; and an armor in contact with a substantially entire surface of said film package and in contact with partial surfaces of the exposed ends of said pair of terminals, respectively, to encapsulate said film package, said armor exposing remaining portions of said pair of terminals to an exterior of the armor.
US08455132B2	Lithium ion secondary battery and charge system therefor A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator includes a polyolefin layer and an oxidation-resistant layer. The oxidation-resistant layer includes an oxidation-resistant polymer. A main chain of the oxidation-resistant polymer does not include a —CH2— group and a —CH(CH3)— group. The oxidation-resistant layer faces the positive electrode.
US08455128B2	Battery system for electric motorcycle A battery system for an electric motor of an electric motorcycle is disclosed. The battery system includes a motorcycle frame defining an interior volume and a plurality of battery cells situated substantially within the interior volume of the frame, wherein each cell is individually enclosed and individually electrically coupled with the electric motor. The battery system further includes at least one housing member removably coupled with an exterior of the frame, wherein the housing member is perforated so as to allow airflow into the interior volume of the frame and wherein removal of the housing member provides unfettered access to the cells, which can be individually removed without requiring additional disassembly. The battery system further includes at least one fastener for fastening the housing member to the frame, wherein removal of the at least one fastener results in decoupling of the housing member from the frame.
US08455122B2	Voltage sensing assembly for battery module and battery module employed with the same Disclosed is a voltage sensing assembly for a battery module to sense voltage of battery cells having electrode terminals formed at the upper or lower end thereof in a state in which the voltage sensing assembly is mounted in the battery module, the voltage sensing assembly including (a) an upper and a lower block case to be coupled to each other in an assembled fashion, the upper block case and the lower block case being made of an electrically insulative material, the upper block case and the lower block case being mounted to a region (front or rear) of the battery module corresponding to electrode terminal connection parts of the battery cells, (b) upper-row and lower-row conductive sensors to be connected to the electrode terminal connection parts of the battery cells, respectively, and (c) a connector to transmit voltages sensed by the conductive sensors to a battery management system (BMS).
US08455111B2	Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device A light-emitting element having high emission efficiency and long lifetime is provided. By manufacturing a light-emitting device using the light-emitting element, the light-emitting device having low power consumption and long lifetime is provided. The light-emitting element is manufactured in which a light-emitting layer is included between a first electrode serving as an anode and a second electrode serving as a cathode. The light-emitting layer includes a first organic compound having a hole-transporting property, a second organic compound having an electron-transporting property, and an organometallic complex including a dibenzo[f,h]quinoxaline skeleton as a ligand. Further, a light-emitting device is manufactured using the light-emitting element.
US08455108B2	Microwave cooking tray with pop-up legs A microwave cooking tray includes pop-up legs. The microwave cooking tray is formed from a blank including a main panel, at least two leg portions, each leg portion having a first panel connected to the main panel by a first fold line, a second panel connected to the first panel by a second fold line, and a third panel connected to the second panel by a third fold line, and an aperture located on each of the first fold line between the main panel and each of the first panels. When assembled each of the third panels lies flat against an underside of the main panel, such that each of the third panels reinforces the main panel, and the first panel and second panel extend downward from the underside of the main panel to form triangular legs resting on an edge.
US08455106B2	Acrylic rubber-metal composite An acrylic rubber-metal composite, which comprises a metal, (a) an undercoat adhesive layer comprising phenol resin and epoxy resin, (b) an overcoat adhesive layer comprising phenol resin, halogenated polymer, and a metal oxide, and (c) an acrylic rubber layer, the layers (a), (b) and (c) being successively laid on the surface of the metal, having not only a distinguished initial adhesiveness, but also a good water resistance, where the acrylic rubber is bonded to the metal without surface treatment of the metal such as a chemical treatment, e.g. zinc phosphate treatment, etc., a blast treatment, or a primer treatment.
US08455105B2	Asymmetric multi-layer composites and processes for producing the same Multi-layer composites comprising: (a) a first scratch-resistant coating layer comprising a first coating (primer); (b) a thermoplastic layer; and (c) a second scratch-resistant coating layer comprising a second coating (primer); wherein the first scratch-resistant coating layer and the second scratch-resistant coating layer are disposed on opposing sides of the thermoplastic layer; wherein the first coating and the second coating are not the same; and wherein the first scratch-resistant coating layer and the second scratch-resistant coating layer are selected such that a multi-layer composite having the first scratch-resistant layer disposed on both sides of the thermoplastic layer has a lower critical impact speed for tough/brittle transition at −30° C. according to DIN EN ISO 6603-1 than a multi-layer composite having the second scratch-resistant layer disposed on both sides of the thermoplastic layer; processes for producing the same; and uses therefor.
US08455104B2	Flexible plasma polymer products, corresponding items and use thereof The present invention concerns items that contain or consist of a plasma polymer product, consisting of carbon, silicon, oxygen and hydrogen, wherein the ESCA spectrum of the plasma polymer product, with calibration to the aliphatic portion of the C 1s peak at 285.00 eV, in comparison with a trimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a kinematic viscosity of 350 mm2/s at 25° C. and a density of 0.97 g/ml at 25° C.,the Si 2p peak has a bond energy that is shifted by 0.44 eV, at most, to higher or lower bond energies, and the O 1s peak has a bond energy that is shifted by 0.50 eV, at most, to higher or lower bond energies.
US08455099B2	Urethane acrylic blends There is provided a polymeric film comprising one or more thermoplastic polyurethane and one or more acrylic polymer comprising, as polymerized units, one or more hydrogen-bondable monomer.
US08455098B2	Encapsulated solid hydrophilic particles A process of forming a population of microcapsules is described comprising a solid hydrophilic core material and a wall material at least partially surrounding the core material. The microcapsule population is formed by providing an anionic, or optionally a cationic, solid hydrophilic core material; providing an oil continuous phase which is low boiling and preferably nonflammable, the oil continuous phase comprising one or more esters with chain length up to about 18 carbons. A mixture is formed by dispersing the solid hydrophilic material in the oil continuous phase. Either an oil soluble or dispersible amine acrylate or methacrylate, along with acid, or alternatively acid acrylate or methacrylate along with base is added. A multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer is provided and an initiator. Optionally a surfactant is also added to form the mixture. Emulsification is achieved by subjecting the mixture to high shear agitation and heating the mixture for a time sufficient to enable the acid or amine acrylate or methacrylate and the multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate to form a prepolymer which migrates to the anionic or cationic solid hydrophilic material, thereby forming prepolymers adhered to the hydrophilic core materials. Temperature is held or heating continued for a time sufficient to enable the prepolymer to flow onto and coalesce into a continuous film surface coating on the hydrophilic core material. Heating is carried out or light exposure or both for a time and temperature sufficient to cross link the prepolymers.
US08455093B2	Reactive silicon dioxide compound and optical protective film containing the same A reactive silicon dioxide compound, wherein the formula of the reactive silicon dioxide compound is shown as Formula (I): where each R is a reactive group shown as Formula (II) or Formula (III), independently: and where R1, R2 and R3 include H or CH3, independently, n1 is an integer of about 1-6 and n2 is an integer of about 0-4. An optical protective film containing the reactive silicon dioxide compound is also provided.
US08455088B2	Spun nanofiber, medical devices, and methods The present disclosure relates to compounds from which nanofibers can be produced, the resulting nanofibers produced from the compounds, and nanofiber reinforced polymers prepared using the nanofibers and a polymer. The compounds used in forming the nanofibers include chemical linkage moieties that are capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of the polymer so as to form the nanofiber reinforced polymers. The nanofiber reinforced polymers are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.
US08455086B2	Transparent laminate film and method for producing same A transparent laminate film which has visible light transmittance, sunlight blocking properties, radio wave transmittance and good appearance is provided. A transparent laminate film includes a laminate structure formed on at least one side of a transparent polymer film, in which a metal oxide layer and a metal layer are laminated, the metal oxide layer containing an organic component, wherein grooves having a width of 30 μm or less are formed in the laminate structure, and an overall surface resistance is 150 Ω/□ or more. Preferably, the grooves are numerous cracks, or are formed by laser processing. Further, preferably, the transparent polymer film has an easy adhesion layer formed on at least one side thereof, and the laminate structure is formed on top of the easy adhesion layer. Furthermore, preferably, the metal oxide layer containing the organic component is formed by a sol-gel method using optical energy during sol-gel curing.
US08455082B2	Polymer materials for formation of registered arrays of cylindrical pores Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale polymeric microstructures utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.
US08455080B2	Self-adhesive protective substrate A protective sleeve for covering a wire harness. The protective sleeve includes an outer layer of a woven fabric extending a first length and a first width and having inwardly-facing surface and outwardly-facing surface. The protective sleeve also includes an adhesive layer applied over the inner-facing surface of the outer layer. The protective sleeve also includes an inner layer of non-woven fabric extending a second length and a second width less than the first width. The inner layer has an outwardly-facing surface adhered to the adhesive layer. The inner layer is centered on the outer layer such that two portions of the adhesive layer extend exposed along the first length on opposite sides of the second width.
US08455079B2	Multi-layer optical disc The invention relates to three-dimensional optical memory devices and can be used in all areas of computing in which it is necessary to record large data files on compact carriers. The claimed device can also be used for recording, storing and playing back video and audio recordings. A multi-layer optical disc consists of a series of alternating layers of optically transparent materials arranged in groups that comprise a layer of a material with a refraction index n1 enclosed between a layer of a material with a refraction index n2, which satisfies the relationship n2
US08455073B2	Label sheet construction and method A label sheet construction including a liner sheet and a facestock sheet releasably adhered to the liner sheet. A plurality of labels and fold lines are die cut in the facestock sheet but not the liner sheet. The fold lines extend between the labels. After the sheet construction has been passed through a printer or copier and the desired indicia printed on the labels, the construction (an upper portion thereof) is bent back along one of the fold lines. This separates a(n) (upper) portion of the label from the underlying liner sheet. The user then easily grasps the upper portion and peels the label off of the liner sheet without tearing the label. When the label has a burst design, it is preferable to have a pair of fold lines for folding the liner sheet away from a portion of the label. The burst design preferably has alternating long and short points.
US08455071B2	Environment-friendly foamed container closure laminate with embossed tabs An environment-friendly foamed container closure laminate with embossed tabs is composed of, from top to bottom, a stiff polymer printing layer—the top surface of a half thereof is embossed, the bottom surface is printed; a stiff polymer reinforcement layer—its half bottom surface is embossed and the stiff polymer printing layer laminated with the stiff polymer reinforcement layer is used as a tab (if no printing is necessary, the stiff polymer printing layer and the stiff polymer reinforcement layer are combined to be a tab layer); a soft polymer foam layer—used as a sealing gasket; a high melting point polymer isolation layer—to insulate the heat transfer from the electromagnetic induction heated metal layer to the soft polymer foam layer; an electromagnetic induction heatable metal layer; and a peelable thermosensitive adhesive layer.
US08455068B2	Poultry box A repulpable moisture resistant poultry box having a composite structure with a fluted medium, a top backing board secured to one side of the fluted medium and a bottom backing board secured to the other side of the fluted medium. The backing boards and the fluted medium are impregnated with a hydrogenated triglyceride. The backing boards each have an outer surface coated with PET to provide moisture resistance repulpable and recyclable box.
US08455067B2	Compensation element for joining components The invention relates to a compensation element for joining components made of fusible plastics, designed as a hollow cylinder, at least some sections of which are conical and having at least one heating element which when supplied with energy heats at least some regions of the inner surface or the outer surface of the compensation element or of both surfaces to produce a welded connection between the components. Said compensation element is characterized in that cuts are provided, starting from each outer edge of the hollow body, at least one section of the cuts extending up to or beyond a plane of the compensation element that guarantees flexibility. The invention also relates to methods in which a sleeve consisting of an outer sheath and at least one compensation element is used.
US08455066B2	Low solar absorbing blue glass, solar reflecting coated blue glass, and insulating unit having a low solar heat gain An insulating unit having a neutral grey color and a solar heat gain coefficient less than 0.40 includes a clear glass sheet spaced from a coated glass sheet. The coated glass sheet includes a colored glass substrate having a solar infrared reflective coating. The composition of the coated substrate includes a base glass portion and a glass colorant portion, the glass colorant portion including total iron in the range of 0.04 to less than 0.28 weight percent; CoO in the range of 32 to 90 parts per million, and Se in the range of greater than 0 to less than 5.5 parts per million. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention the glass substrate at a thickness of 0.223 inches has a* chromaticity coordinates of −3.5 to +2.5 and b* chromaticity coordinates of −1 to −15, and a visible light transmittance of 40 to 80%.
US08455058B2	Resin composition and coating method using the same To provide a resin composition capable of forming a thin film layer so as to cause tenting over concave portions by conventional coating processes without depending on dry films, and also a coating method so as to cause tenting of the resin composition. A resin composition, which, by spin coating, causes tenting over concave portions formed on a substrate, the resin composition including a resin component (a) and a solvent (b) and has a viscosity of at least 200 cP, and tenting can be achieved by using the resin composition, allowing the resin composition to fall drop wise onto a substrate on which concave portions are formed, and spin coating the substrate at a rotating speed of 300 to 4000 rpm.
US08455057B2	Method for controlling surface contact area of a paper or board substrate Method for controlling contact area of a paper or board substrate or a product thereof, by depositing electrostatically a trace amount of particles comprising boundary lubricants to form one or more layers on the surface of the substrate. The boundary lubricants are deposited to the target surface solubilized or dispersed in a suitable solvent or carrier. The particles comprise an agent providing one or more effects selected from: lyophilicity, lyophobicity, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, lipophobicity, oleophobicity, oleophilicity, and boundary lubrication. Also, a paper or board substrate treated according to the foregoing method. The use of electrostatic deposition of coating materials described herein gives improved control on contact and surface characteristics.
US08455056B1	Rapidly-mixing high velocity flame torch and method A torch introduces oxidizer into a passage so as to swirl the oxidizer about a central axis, while fuel is introduced at a location spaced apart from the central axis, where the swirling action of the oxidizer is strong, resulting in rapid mixing of the fuel and oxidizer. In practicing the method, the length of a bore through which the fuel and oxidizer pass is maintained short enough that a sheath of unmixed oxidizer surrounds the combusting mixed fuel and oxidizer, eliminating any need for water cooling. The lengths of torches of the present invention can be significantly shorter than those of the prior art, making the torches well suited for use in confined spaces, and the torches have been found to allow spraying materials at a greater rate than torches of the prior art. The reduced length also facilitates introducing into the passage material to be spray-coated.
US08455054B2	Automated wing painting system A method and apparatus for spraying a liquid onto a surface. An apparatus comprises a nozzle and a number of disks. The nozzle is configured to generate a spray of a liquid towards a surface. The number of disks is positioned relative to the nozzle and configured to form a gap through which a portion of the spray of the liquid passes towards the surface.
US08455051B2	Apparatuses and methods for maskless mesoscale material deposition Apparatuses and processes for maskless deposition of electronic and biological materials. The process is capable of direct deposition of features with linewidths varying from the micron range up to a fraction of a millimeter, and may be used to deposit features on substrates with damage thresholds near 100° C. Deposition and subsequent processing may be carried out under ambient conditions, eliminating the need for a vacuum atmosphere. The process may also be performed in an inert gas environment. Deposition of and subsequent laser post processing produces linewidths as low as 1 micron, with sub-micron edge definition. The apparatus nozzle has a large working distance—the orifice to substrate distance may be several millimeters—and direct write onto non-planar surfaces is possible.
US08455048B1	Method for making nanomaterials A method of making a nanostructure by preparing a face centered cubic-ordered metal nanoparticle film from metal nanoparticles, such as gold and silver nanoparticles, exerting a hydrostatic pressure upon the film at pressures of several gigapascals, followed by applying a non-hydrostatic stress perpendicularly at a pressure greater than approximately 10 GPA to form an array of nanowires with individual nanowires having a relatively uniform length, average diameter and density.
US08455047B2	Method for growing carbon nanotubes on clay platelets A hybrid carbon nanotube and clay nanofiller is produced by a freeze-drying process performed on clay platelets, and carbon nanotubes grown on the clay platelets using a chemical vapor deposition process.
US08455043B2	Method of making transparent conductive film Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a transparent conductive film, including preparing a carbon nanotube composite composition by blending a carbon nanotube in a solvent; coating the carbon nanotube composite composition on a base substrate to form a carbon nanotube composite film, and acid-treating the carbon nanotube composite film by dipping the carbon nanotube composite film in an acid solution, followed by washing the carbon nanotube composite film with distilled water and drying the washed carbon nanotube composite film to form a transparent electrode on the base substrate. The transparent conductive film can have excellent conductivity, transparency and bending properties following acid treatment, so that it can be used in touch screens and transparent electrodes of foldable flat panel displays. Further, the carbon nanotube composite conductive film can have improved conductivity while maintaining transparency after acid treatment.
US08455041B2	Diffusion barrier coatings having graded compositions and devices incorporating the same A composite article comprises a substrate having at least a substrate surface and a graded-composition coating disposed on a substrate surface. The composition of the coating material varies substantially continuously across its thickness. The coating reduces the transmission rates of oxygen, water vapor, and other chemical species through the substrate such that the composite article can be used effectively as a diffusion barrier to protect chemically sensitive devices or materials. An organic light-emitting device incorporates such a composite article to provide an extended life thereto.
US08455038B2	Method for producing artificial bone and artificial bone produced by the method A method for producing an artificial bone capable of accurate molding at a joined part with appropriate strength, in which electromagnetic waves or electron beams are irradiated to a layer of at least type of powder selected from metal biomaterials, ceramics for the artificial bone and plastic resins for the artificial bone based on image data corresponding to a shape of the artificial bone, thereby effecting sintering or melting, and the thus sintered layer or melted and solidified layer is laminated, such that a surface finish step is adopted that inner faces and/or outer faces of both ends and their vicinities configuring the joined part to a human bone part are polished by a rotating tool based on the image data and also irradiation of electromagnetic waves or electron beams at both ends and their vicinities constituting the joined part is set greater than that at other regions.
US08455036B2	Production of stabilized whole grain wheat flour and products thereof A stabilized bran component and stabilized whole grain wheat flour containing the component are produced by subjecting a bran-enriched coarse fraction which contains bran, germ and starch to grinding or milling to reduce grittiness of the coarse fraction without substantially damaging the starch due to abrasion. The coarse fraction may be stabilized by heating to substantially reduce the lipase and lipoxygenase activity of the coarse fraction without substantial starch gelatinization. High levels of natural antioxidants and vitamins are retained while avoiding substantial acrylamide formation during the stabilization. The stabilized coarse fraction or stabilized bran component may be combined with a fine fraction which contains predominantly endosperm to obtain a stabilized whole grain wheat flour. The stabilized whole grain wheat flours and stabilized bran component exhibit extended shelf life and may be used for making baked goods, such as cookies, with desirable oven spread, and a non-gritty mouthfeel.
US08455033B2	Taste potentiator compositions and edible confectionery and chewing gum products containing same The present invention relates to compositions and edible orally delivered products, such as confectioneries and chewing gum, which include taste potentiators to enhance the perception of active substances contained therein. More specifically, some embodiments provide potentiator compositions, which include at least one active substance and at least one taste potentiator. The active substance and/or taste potentiator may be encapsulated in some embodiments to modify the release rate of the composition upon consumption.
US08455029B2	Method for reducing cancer stimulating compounds in cow's milk A decrease in the biological activity of the proteins and hormones present in milk, which have been implicated in certain cancers, is accomplished by exposing the hormones and proteins to ultraviolet irradiation of at least 5,000 joules/m2.
US08455025B2	Edible pet chew made from a single initially malleable sheet An edible pet chew has a single sheet of a hardened chewable material dimensioned large enough and thin enough to be initially malleable for flexing, folding or rolling into a final shape. The single sheet is shaped into a final shape by flexing, folding or rolling and then hardened.
US08455023B2	Composition for inhibiting melanogenesis and use thereof The present invention provides a Cinnamomum subavenium extract for inhibiting melanogenesis. The present invention also provides a composition for inhibiting melanogenesis including compounds inhibit tyrosinase activity.
US08455015B2	Compositions and methods for treating Demodex infestations Compositions containing about 0.6% to about 20% of tea tree oil are described. Some compositions are in the form of solutions, suspensions, spray, lotions, gels, pastes, medicated sticks, balms, cleansers (including shampoos and soaps), creams, or ointments. Also described are compositions and methods for use in treating ocular Demodex infestations and related conditions using such compositions.
US08455014B2	Composition comprising Trachelospermi caulis and Pyrola japonica extracts for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases comprising a mixture of herbal extracts of Trachelospermi caulis and Pyrola japonica as active ingredients. More particularly, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises a mixture of herbal extracts of Trachelospermi caulis and Pyrola japonica in a predetermined range thereby exhibiting superior on therapeutic effects for the treatment of pains, acute inflammation, secretion of enzymes associated with factors inducing inflammation, and production of NO, iNOS, etc., as compared to those prepared from single herbal drugs, thus being useful in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
US08455005B2	Method and compositions for improving animal health Products as well as methods for reducing plaque in a domestic animal are provided. The product comprises retorted milk.
US08455004B2	Primary composition comprising a lipophilic bioactive compound The invention relates to a primary composition in which at least one lipophilic bioactive compound is mixed with a whey protein, present in an amount effective to increase the bioavailability of the lipophilic bioactive compound. The invention also relates to an oral composition that contains the primary composition in a foodstuff, in a food supplement, or in a pharmaceutical preparation, and to a cosmetic preparation that contains the primary composition. Methods for increasing the bioavailability of the lipophilic bioactive compound and providing increased photostability and oxidation resistance are also provided.
US08455001B2	Cellulose derivative and method for production thereof The invention provides a cellulose derivative having a repeating unit of the formula below, a composition including the cellulose derivative and a phospholipid, a method for production thereof, and an adhesion barrier including the cellulose derivative or the composition. In the formula, R1, R2, and R3 are —H, —CH2—COOH, —CH2—COOX, or —CH2CO-phosphatidylethanolamine, and X is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal. The degree of substitution of —CH2—COOH and —CH2—COOX is 0.3 to 2.0 in total, and the degree of substitution of —CH2CO-phosphatidylethanolamine is 0.001 to 0.05.
US08454998B2	Controlled release formulations of levodopa and uses thereof The current invention provides a controlled release oral solid formulation of levodopa comprising levodopa, a decarboxylase inhibitor, and a carboxylic acid. Also provided by this invention is multiparticulate, controlled release oral solid formulations of levodopa comprising: i) a controlled release component comprising a mixture of levodopa, a decarboxylase inhibitor and a rate controlling excipient; ii) a carboxylic acid component; and iii) an immediate release component comprising a mixture of levodopa and a decarboxylase inhibitor.
US08454996B2	Pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of acute disorders A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of acute disorders is described. The composition comprises an essentially water-free, ordered mixture of at least one pharmaceutically active agent in the form of microparticles which are adhered to the surfaces of carrier particles which are substantially larger than the particles of the active agent or agents, and are essentially water-soluble, in combination with the bioadhesion and/or mucoadhesion promoting agent. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition and to the use of the composition for the treatment of acute disorders.
US08454995B2	Peroral tablet for bowel cleansing To provide a peroral tablet for bowel cleansing which leaves no remains in the intestinal tract after bowel cleansing, which exhibits a dissolution property equivalent to that of conventional sodium phosphate-containing tablets including crystalline cellulose, and which is a small-size agent readily taken by a subject.The peroral tablet for bowel cleansing containing the following ingredients (A) and (B): (A) 80 to 95 mass % of sodium phosphate, and (B) (B1) 7 to 11 mass % of hydroxypropyl cellulose which has such a particle size that ≧99% of the particles thereof pass through a mesh having an opening of 350 μm and whose 2-mass % aqueous solution has a viscosity of 2.0 to 10.0 mPa.s, (B2) 5 to 13 mass % of hydroxypropyl cellulose which has such a particle size that ≧99% of the particles thereof pass through a mesh having an opening of 150 μm and whose 2-mass % aqueous solution has a viscosity of 3.0 to 5.9 mPa.s, or (B3) 7 to 11 mass % of hydroxypropyl cellulose which has such a particle size that ≧99% of the particles thereof pass through a mesh having an opening of 150 μm and whose 2-mass % aqueous solution has a viscosity of 6.0 to 4,000 mPa.s, and having a water-insoluble ingredient content of 5 mass % or less.
US08454993B2	Controlled release pharmaceutical compositions of pregabalin A controlled release pharmaceutical composition which comprises therapeutically effective amount of pregabalin or salts thereof as active ingredient, a hydrophobic release controlling agent(s) and optionally other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients thereof.
US08454988B2	Osteoinductive bone material Osteogenic bone implant compositions that approximate the chemical composition of natural bone are provided. The organic component of these implant compositions is osteoinductive despite the presence of the inorganic component and, further, is present in an amount sufficient to maximize the regenerative capabilities of the implant without compromising its formability and mechanical strength. The composition may be an osteoinductive powder, including demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles, a calcium phosphate powder, and, optionally, a biocompatible cohesiveness agent. The powder may be combined with a physiologically-acceptable fluid to produce a formable, osteoinductive paste that self-hardens to form a poorly crystalline apatitic (PCA) calcium phosphate having significant compressive strength. The bone implant materials retain their cohesiveness when introduced at an implant site and are remodeled into bone in vivo. Methods for using these implant materials to repair damaged bone and a method of assaying the content of DBM particles, by weight, in a bone implant material are also provided.
US08454987B2	Biocompatible transparent sheet, method for producing the same, and cultured cell sheet used the same sheet The present invention provides a flexible, biocompatible transparent sheet (8) which has high biocompatibility and a high ability to adsorb a biologically relevant substance, which can be used as a novel biomaterial, and which can be used to observe the propagation, differentiation, and/or the like of living cells in real time. The biocompatible transparent sheet (8) is produced in such a manner that a biocompatible ceramic film (2) is formed on a substrate (1) soluble in a solvent (11) incapable of dissolving biocompatible ceramics by using exemplary a laser ablation process, the substrate (1) depositing the film (2) is dipped in the solvent (11) and dissolved off, and the isolated film (2) is then dried. The biocompatible transparent sheet (8) is utilizable of producing a flexible cultured cell sheet which can be directly transplanted to an affected area. The cell sheet can be prepared in such a manner that cells are seeded on the biocompatible transparent sheet (8) and then propagated.
US08454986B2	Silver nanoparticles with specific surface area and a method for producing them Silver nanoparticles associated with 20 to 80% by weight of a biocomponent of the genus Lactobacillus, said silver nanoparticles having a ratio of the average particle size to the specific surface area (BET) of from 0.015 to 0.15 nm/m2/g; a method for producing silver nanoparticles, comprising the step of incubating bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus with an aqueous solution comprising at least 4 mM of a silver salt in the presence of ammonia and an alkali metal hydroxide until a biomass of bacteria containing Ag0 silver nanoparticles is formed; and optionally a further step of extracting said Ag0 silver nanoparticles from said biomass by means of concentrated alkali metal hydroxide or concentrated inorganic acid or enzymes; an anti-microbial composition comprising an effective amount of said silver nanoparticles; use of said silver nanoparticles for the manufacturing of an article or a composition with anti-microbial activity; a method for manufacturing an article or a composition with anti-microbial activity, comprising dispersing or impregnating said silver nanoparticles into said article or composition; and an article with anti-microbial property having said silver nanoparticles dispersed therein.
US08454983B2	Formulation and delivery of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus in combination for broadspectrum activity and management of resistance to biological mosquito larvicides A method for controlling Dipteran larvae or a method for inhibiting the development of larvicidal resistance, controlling resistant populations and reducing resistance levels in Diptera by introducing a larvicidally-effective amount of a combination of a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis and a strain of Bacillus sphaericus into an environment containing Dipteran larvae; and a composition of the combination are disclosed. Preferably both strains are non-genetically modified.
US08454982B2	Stable S-(+)-abscisic acid liquid and soluble granule formulations The present invention generally relates to stable S-(+)-abscisic acid liquid and soluble granule formulations and methods of making and using such formulations.
US08454981B2	Cosmetic preparation for coloring the eyelids and eyebrows An aqueous cosmetic preparation for coloring the eyelids and eyebrows contains 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight of polyvinyl pyrrolidone; 4% by weight to 25% by weight of an alcohol from the group of ethanol and propanol; 2% by weight to 15% by weight of a dampening agent; 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight of polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester and/or polyether-modified polysiloxane; and a colorant. The cosmetic preparation has a viscosity of less than 50 mPas (Brookfield, 25° C.).
US08454980B2	Hydrogel bioscaffold and coating for bone and tooth repair Hydrogel compositions that include an albumin/N-acetyl cysteine solution and an aqueous suspension of calcium salts or mixture of calcium and magnesium salts are described. Also described are methods of producing and using the hydrogel compositions as a support scaffold for mineralizing connective tissue replacement and repair.
US08454978B2	Immunostimulating agent An immunostimulating agent, which can stimulate immunity effectively, is described. The immunostimulating agent contains an active ingredient including a calcium receptor activator such as γ-Glu-X-Gly [wherein X represents an amino acid or a derivative thereof other than Cys], γ-Glu-Val-Y [wherein Y represents an amino acid or a derivative thereof], γ-Glu-Ala, γ-Glu-Gly, γ-Glu-Met, γ-Glu-Thr, γ-Glu-Val, γ-Glu-Orn, Asp-Gly, Cys-Gly, Cys-Met, Glu-Cys, Gly-Cys, Leu-Asp, γ-Glu-Met(O), γ-Glu-γ-Glu-Val, γ-Glu-Val-NH2, γ-Glu-Val-ol, γ-Glu-Ser, γ-Glu-Tau, γ-Glu-Cys(S-Me)(O), γ-Glu-Leu, γ-Glu-Ile, γ-Glu-t-Leu, γ-Glu-Cys(S-Me), a cation having a valency of 2 or more, protamine, polylysine, spermine, spermidine, putrescine, cinacalcet, a cinacalcet analogue compound, and a salt of any one of the aforementioned components.
US08454977B2	Non-toxic biofilm inhibitor The present invention relates to a composition, device and method for preventing or inhibiting biofilm formation on biotic or abiotic surfaces. The composition comprises a peptide based on the C-terminal receptor binding domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type IV pilin, which binds to an abiotic surface (e.g., steel, plastic) with high affinity and prevents binding of a variety of P. aeruginosa strains to the surface. The inventive composition represents a non-toxic inhibitor for biofilm formation, particularly on an abiotic surface, which is responsible for a large number of problematic diseases and massive economic losses. The inventive method is useful as a safe and environmentally friendly means of modifying a surface of a variety of biomedical, nanotechnological, and biotechnological devices or articles.
US08454976B2	Recombinant toxin fragments A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.
US08454975B1	Method for enhancing skin appearance A method for treating skin by administration of a neurotoxin such as a botulinum toxin by means of a dry needle. The method can be used to accomplish what has generally been described as skin rejuvenation and also to treat skin disorders such as skin lines, crepiness, excess skin, wrinkles, platysmal bands, uneven skin tone and color, and hyperhidrosis.
US08454974B2	Adaptive mutations allow establishment of JFH1-based cell culture systems for hepatitis C virus genotype 4A The present inventors developed three 4a/2a intergenotypic recombinants in which the JFH1 structural genes (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and all of or part of NS2 were replaced by the corresponding genes of the genotype 4a reference strain ED43. The 4a/2a junction in NS2 was placed after the first transmembrane domain (α), in the cytoplasmic part (β) or at the NS2/NS3 cleavage site (y). Following transfection of Huh7.5 cells with RNA transcripts, infectious viruses were produced in the ED43/JFH1-β and -y cultures only. Compared to the 2a control virus, production of infectious viruses was significantly delayed. However, in subsequent passages efficient spread of infection and high HCV RNA titers were obtained. Infectivity titers were approximately 10-fold lower than for the 2a control virus. Sequence analysis of recovered 4a/2a recombinants from 3 serial passages and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed a vital dependence on a mutation in the NS2 4a part. ED43/JFH1-γ further depended on a second NS2 mutation. Infectivity of the 4a/2a viruses was CD81 dependent. Conclusion: The developed 4a/2a viruses provide a robust in vitro tool for research in HCV genotype 4, including vaccine studies and functional analyses of an increasingly important genotype in the Middle East and Europe.
US08454972B2	Method for inducing a multiclade immune response against HIV utilizing a multigene and multiclade immunogen The present disclosure provides compositions for eliciting an immune response, including a prophylactic immune response, against human immunodeficiency virus. The composition includes nucleic acid constructs encoding HIV antigenic polypeptides of multiple clades or strains. Methods for eliciting an immune response by administering the composition to a subject are also provided.
US08454968B2	Method for inducing immunity with a peptide fragment from human CAPRIN-1 The invention relates to an immunity-inducing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity that is selected from among polypeptides (a), (b), and (c): (a) a polypeptide of at least seven contiguous amino acids of the amino acid sequence shown by any even SEQ ID number selected from SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 30 listed in the Sequence Listing; (b) a polypeptide of at least seven amino acids having 90% or more sequence identity with the polypeptide (a); and (c) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide (a) or (b) as a partial sequence thereof, or a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide and capable of expressing said polypeptide in vivo.
US08454962B2	Alpha-4-beta-7 heterodimer specific antagonist antibody There are disclosed alpha4beta7 heterodimer-specific antigen binding proteins, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of making and using them.
US08454960B2	Multispecific antibody targeting and multivalency through modular recognition domains Antibodies containing one or more modular recognition domains (MRDs) that can be used to target the antibodies to specific sites are described. The use of antibodies containing one or more modular recognition domains to treat disease, and methods of making antibodies containing one or more modular recognition domains are also described.
US08454957B2	Methods for treating coagulation disorders The invention is directed to methods for treating coagulation disorders, in particular, hemophilia. Such methods utilize novel compositions including Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) alone or in combination with other agents and/or treatment modalities.
US08454955B2	Methods for treating allergic airway inflammation, airway hypersensitivity, and eosinophilia The invention provides a method of screening a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation and/or airway hypersensitivity, comprising using an IL-17RB positive NKT cell, as well as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation and/or airway hypersensitivity, containing a substance capable of inhibiting or eliminating the Th2 cell-like function of an IL-17RB positive NKT cell as an active ingredient.
US08454952B2	Augmentation of endothelial thromboresistance Stretch-induced increased hemodynamic load adversely affects endothelial cell function and is an important contributor to thromboembolus formation in heart failure, valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, venous insufficiency, and pulmonary hypertension, and in thrombus occluded vein grafts. Local thrombus formation and thromboenbolic events can be reduced by inhibiting the TGF-beta signaling pathway or TGF-beta per se. Inhibitors can be administered to patients or veins (prior to interposition) at risk for thromboembolic events or local thrombus formation. Inhibitors can be applied to harvested veins to be used as arterial grafts.
US08454949B2	Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-4095 and weight control The present invention generally relates to the field of obesity. In particular the present invention relates to the use of probiotics to support weight management and to treat or prevent obesity. One embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-4095 for the preparation of a composition to support weight management, promote weight loss and/or to treat obesity.
US08454947B1	PEG-interferon lambda 1 conjugates The present application discloses new PEG-interferon lambda 1 conjugates (PEG-IFNλ1), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and processes for making the same. These conjugates have increased blood half-lives and persistence time compared to IFNλ1 and are effective in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
US08454946B2	N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives The invention is directed to multi-functional N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives comprising a water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having a terminal carbon, such as a poly(alkylene glycol), the terminal carbon of the polymer backbone being directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of a N-maleimidyl moiety without a linking group therebetween. The invention also provides two methods of preparing such linkerless N-maleimidyl polymer derivatives.
US08454941B2	O/W-emulsifiers, O/W-emulsions and methods of manufacture thereof O/W-emulsifiers are described, comprising: (a) 30-50% by weight of hardened palm oil glycerides; (b) 15-35% by weight of potassium cetyl phosphates; (c) 20-30% by weight of cetyl alcohol, and (d) 5-15% by weight of potassium phosphate, in each case with respect to the total mass of the emulsifier. Further described are corresponding O/W-emulsions, comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase dispersed in the aqueous phase and between 0.25 and 15% by weight of the abovementioned O/W-emulsifier. Finally, also described are methods for manufacturing such an O/W-emulsion.
US08454933B2	Polycrystalline magnesium oxide (MgO) sintered body and MgO sputtering target The invention provides a polycrystal magnesium oxide (MgO) sintered body which is capable of having a sintered density close to a theoretical density thereof. The MgO sintered body exhibits excellent mechanical properties and heat conductivity, while reducing contamination of an atmosphere due to gas generation. The invention also provides a production method for the sintered body. The polycrystal MgO sintered body has a unique crystalline anisotropy in which (111) faces are oriented along a surface applied with a uniaxial pressure at a high rate. The polycrystalline MgO sintered body is obtained by a method which includes the steps of: sintering an MgO raw material powder, having a particle size of 1 μm or less, under a uniaxial pressure and then subjecting the sintered powder to a heat treatment under an atmosphere containing 0.05 volume % or more of oxygen, at a temperature of 1273 K or more for 1 minute or more.
US08454931B2	Tungstic acid powder consisting of spherical tungsten particles and method for producing same Process for the production of a powdered spherical tungstic acid by acidification of an aqueous alkaline tungstate solution with mineral acid at elevated temperature, preferably in a continuous stirred tank or a cascade of at least 2 continuous stirred tanks, and tungstic acid obtainable in this way, which is characterized by a high bulk density and spherical morphology.
US08454928B2	Tellurium precursors for GST deposition A process for depositing a tellurium-containing film on a substrate is disclosed, including (a) providing a substrate in a reactor; (b) introducing into the reactor at least one tellurium-containing precursor having the formula TeLn or cyclic LTe(-L-)2TeL, wherein at least one L contains a N bonded to one said Te, “n” is between 2-6, inclusive, and each “L,” is independently selected from certain alkyl and aryl groups. The process further includes (c) optionally, introducing at least one M-containing source, wherein M is Si, Ge, Sb, Sn, Pb, Bi, In, Ag or Se, or a combination of any of those; (d) optionally, introducing a hydrogen-containing fluid; (e) optionally, introducing an oxygen-containing fluid; (f) optionally, introducing a nitrogen-containing fluid; (g) reacting the precursor(s) and M-containing source(s), if any, in the reactor with the hydrogen-, oxygen- and/or nitrogen-containing fluid, if any; and (h) depositing a tellurium-containing film onto the substrate.
US08454923B2	Continuous extraction technique for the purification of carbon nanomaterials Systems and methods for the extraction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous and/or batch processing are disclosed. Generally, a carbon nanotube material including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), and carboxylated carbon (CC) is provided and agitated to produce a well-dispersed mixture. The well-dispersed mixture can be allowed to stand in a vessel having a lower end and an upper end. In some cases, the CNPs settle at the lower end. In some cases, at least some of the CNTs and CC are disposed at the upper end and can be removed in a dispersion, which can be pH adjusted and/or filtered to extract the CNTs from the CC.
US08454921B2	Storage materials for hydrogen and other small molecules This invention relates to adsorbents useful for storing hydrogen and other small molecules, and to methods for preparing such adsorbents. The adsorbents are produced by heating carbonaceous materials to a temperature of at least 900° C. in an atmosphere of hydrogen.
US08454918B2	Nanoporous materials and related methods Nanoporous sol-gel derived monoliths and methods for making nanoporous sol-gel derived monoliths are provided. The methods enable fine control over pore size and pore size distribution, e.g., so that pore sizes can be predetermined and precisely tuned over a range from 0.3 nm to about 30 nm, or over a range from about 0.3 nm to about 10 nm. The monoliths may be derived from any suitable sol-gel, but in some instances they are derived from silica sol-gels. The sol-gel derived monoliths with finely tunable pore sizes and narrow pore size distributions may be used for a variety of applications, e.g., as substrates or templates for high surface area electrodes, as substrates for high surface area sensor, or as a component in a filtration apparatus.
US08454917B2	Nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter for use in a motor vehicle in a close-coupled position A nitrogen oxide storage catalyst is provided, which has two catalytically active coatings on a support body. The lower coating applied directly to the support body has a nitrogen oxide storage function and includes platinum as a catalytically active component applied to a homogeneous magnesium-aluminum mixed oxide in combination with a nitrogen oxide storage material, in which a nitrogen oxide storage component is likewise present and applied to a homogeneous magnesium-aluminum mixed oxide. The second layer is notable for three-way catalytic activity, and includes palladium applied to aluminum oxide and barium oxide or strontium oxide, but no platinum.
US08454914B2	Method for recovering ruthenium An object of the present invention is to provide a process for recovering ruthenium at a sufficient recovery rate from a solid in which a ruthenium compound is supported on a carrier. The present invention relates to a process for recovering ruthenium, comprising the following steps (1) to (3): (1) bringing a solid in which a ruthenium compound is supported on a carrier, into contact with a reducing gas, to thereby reduce the ruthenium compound; (2) cooling the solid obtained in the step (1) to 250° C. or lower under an atmosphere of a non-oxidizing gas; and (3) mixing the solid obtained in the step (2) with an oxidizing solution, to thereby dissolve ruthenium in the solution.
US08454909B2	Device for loading reagent cards for clinical analysers The device comprises a support in the form of a tray or the like, which is at the top and provided inside with first grooves for guiding first cards arranged parallel to each other, forming a single level for the cards and is characterized in that it has sets of grooves interposed between the first grooves, allowing a second level of cards to be placed at a level higher than the first cards.
US08454901B1	Mobile apparatus and method to sterilize surgical trays A mobile apparatus and method to sterilize surgical trays. A cabinet has filtered cabinet roof vents, filtered cabinet floor vents, door(s) sealably covering a cabinet front aperture, shelves sized to support surgical trays, and wheels. Surgical trays are placed within the cabinet, the cabinet doors are closed, and the mobile apparatus is placed within an autoclave and sterilized. The cabinet doors are not unsealed until the cabinet is in the operating room, ready for use. During use in the operating room, doors are opened, trays removed, and their contents used. Wheels on the cabinet facilitate moving the cabinet from autoclave to storage or operating room. Chemical indicators and a locator card may be used to verify the sterilization status and autoclave history of the cabinet and its contents. Method steps include periodically replacing the filters and door gasket.
US08454900B2	Alkaline metal fuel pulse generator A method of dispensing small discrete quantities of fluidized alkaline metals fuels through a plurality of spindle shaft orifices into a hydrolyzation chamber at a high spindle shaft rotational speed.
US08454896B2	Radial mixing devices for rotating inclined reactors Disclosed in this specification is the design for an internal mixing device which increases the plug flow like behaviour of the rotating inclined reactor.
US08454892B1	Chemical agent detection system for fluid media A chemical agent detection system is provided that includes a fluid sampling collector suitable for the collecting, concentrating, filtering and storing of chemical agents. Preferably a solid phase extraction syringe is coupled to an adaptor via an injection port. The adaptor forms an outer surface of a sample containment reservoir that allows the fluid sampling collector to associate with a chemical agent detector such as the M256A2 chemical agent detector. The inventive chemical agent detection system allows rapid, low level on-site detection of chemical agents such as nerve agents in fluid media.
US08454888B2	Apparatus for injecting gas into a vessel An apparatus for injecting particulate and/or gaseous material into a metallurgical vessel for use in a metallurgical process includes a duct to inject the material. The duct includes a duct wall of concentric annular passages for inflow of cooling water from a rear end to a forward end of the duct along a first of the annular passages and for outflow of cooling water from the forward end to the rear end of the duct wall along a second of the annular passages. The concentric annular passages are provided by concentric sleeves that consist of an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and an intermediate sleeve. The apparatus also includes a duct tip at a forward end of the duct joining at least the inner and outer sleeves so as to provide a water flow connection between the first and second water flow passages.
US08454887B2	Method for pore size distribution control in a fired ceramic article A method for producing high porosity ceramic substrate articles including a fire-cycle or firing schedule that includes fast-heating rates, as defined herein.
US08454879B2	Optical shaping apparatus and optical shaping method An optical shaping apparatus includes: an exposing unit for turning on/off irradiation of light to a hardening resin surface for each predetermined unit area to irradiate light collectively on multiple the unit areas with irradiation of light being on; and a scanning unit for irradiating an optical beam with a predetermined diameter to scan the optical beam on the hardening resin surface; with the exposing unit irradiating the light in an area offset by a predetermined number of unit areas toward the inner side than the unit areas overlapped with the profile line of the cross-sectional-shaped data on the hardening resin surface; and with the scanning unit scanning an optical beam having a first diameter along a center line offset from the profile line of the cross-sectional-shaped data, and scanning an optical beam having a second diameter shorter than the first diameter along the inner side of the profile line.
US08454873B2	Floor mat with integrally molded carpeting, and associated injection mold A method for producing a carpet mat by injection molding, includes providing an injection mold including a cavity and a complementary core, each defining a portion of a mold recess for accommodating the finished carpet mat, providing the cavity with a surface having at least one vacuum opening bordered by a peripheral retaining barrier, applying vacuum to the core, inserting a sheet of carpet into the recess of the cavity and against the surface so that the carpet is in contact with the cavity, so that the carpet is held in the recess by the vacuum. Next, the cavity and core are closed together, thus sealing the recess, and a flowable supply of plastic is injected into the recess. Finally, the mold is opened after a specified period, allowing the plastic to at least partially solidify.
US08454872B2	Method of injection molding opening devices on sheet material for packaging pourable food products A method of injection molding an opening device on sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products; the packaging material has at least a first and a second layer, and an opening formed through the first layer and sealed by a cover portion of the second layer; the method includes the steps of injecting molten plastic material onto a first side of the cover portion of the second layer, feeding the molten plastic material along the cover portion to cover it on the first side, and feeding the molten plastic material through an annular peripheral portion of the cover portion to form a spout of the opening device projecting from a second side, opposite the first side, of the cover portion; the molten plastic material covers the cover portion to define, with the cover portion, a user-removable sealing portion of the spout.
US08454870B2	Manufacturing one-piece composite sections using outer mold line tooling A method for manufacturing composite parts. A temporary removal layer may be placed on an inner mold line tool. A composite material may be laid up on the inner mold line tool for a composite part. The inner mold line tool may be positioned with the composite part inside an outer mold line tool. The composite part and the temporary removal layer may be transferred from the inner mold line tool to the outer mold line tool. The inner mold line tool and the temporary removal layer may be removed from inside of the outer mold line tool after transferring the composite part and the temporary removal layer to the outer mold line tool.
US08454866B2	Process for the preparation of particles based on a thermoplastic polymer and powder thus obtained The invention relates to a process for the preparation of particles based on a thermoplastic polymer with a mean diameter of less than 1 mm. The process of the invention comprises more particularly a stage of preparation of a composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer and an additive, in the molten state, of cooling the composition and of disintegration of the thermoplastic polymer dispersion.
US08454863B2	Method of and apparatus for manufacturing multi-layer optical information recording medium A transfer layer on a surface of a mold has a thickness distribution along the radius direction that the layer is thick in an inner round portion but is gradually thinner toward an outer round portion. An adhesive layer is formed between a surface of a signal substrate which bears a signal recording film and the mold which seats the transfer layer. The adhesive layer has a thickness distribution that the layer is thin in an inner round portion but is gradually thicker toward an outer round portion. Since the thickness distributions along the radius direction of the transfer layer and the adhesive layer are opposite to each other, the thickness distribution of an isolation layer which comprises the two layers is uniform.
US08454858B2	Liquid crystalline medium The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy, which contains at least one compound of the formula I and at least one compound of the formula II in which R1, R2, R3, R4, ring A, Z1, Z2 and m are as defined in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display based on the ECB, VA, PS-VA, FFS, PALC or IPS effect.
US08454856B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal composition is provided that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. An AM device is provided that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life, and so forth. The liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase, wherein the first component contains a specific five rings compound having a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy, the second component contains a specific compound having a low viscosity. The liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase and the composition thereof.
US08454851B2	Manufacturing method of the flexible display device A method for manufacturing a flexible display device in which a flexible substrate is acquired by forming display devices on one side of the substrate and thinning the substrate by removing surface portions on an opposite side of the substrate. The thickness of the substrate is changed from a first thickness, which gives rigidity to the substrate to the second thickness, which gives flexibility to the substrate.
US08454850B2	Method for the removal of surface oxides by electron attachment Described herein are a method and an apparatus for removing metal oxides and/or forming solder joints on at least a portion of a substrate surface within a target area. In one particular embodiment, the method and apparatus form a solder joint within a substrate comprising a layer having a plurality of solder bumps by providing one or more energizing electrodes and exposing at least a portion of the layer and solder bumps to the energizing electrode.
US08454849B2	Imprint lithography An imprint lithography method is disclosed that includes, after imprinting an imprint lithography template into a layer of imprintable medium to form a pattern in that imprintable medium and fixing that pattern to form a patterned layer of imprintable medium, adding etch resistant material (i.e. a hard mask) to a part of the patterned layer of imprintable medium to reduce a difference between an intended topography and an actual topography of that part of the patterned layer of imprintable medium.
US08454848B2	Method of manufacturing plasmon generator A method of manufacturing the plasmon generator includes the steps of: forming a base part made of a dielectric material; forming a metal film that is to later become the plasmon generator; and forming a filler layer made of a dielectric material. The base part includes a base surface and a protruding part that protrudes from the base surface. The protruding part has a top surface that is different in level from the base surface, and a first sidewall connecting the top surface of the protruding part to the base surface. The metal film includes an adhesion part adhering to the first sidewall. The filler layer has a second sidewall disposed such that the adhesion part is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
US08454846B1	Method and system for providing a full wrap-around shield using a frame configured wet etch in a damascene process A method and system for fabricating magnetic recording transducer are described. The magnetic recording transducer has a main pole including a plurality of sides, an intermediate layer adjacent to the sides of the main pole, and a field region distal from the main pole. The method and system include providing at least one trench in the intermediate layer. The trench(es) are between the main pole and the field region. The method and system also include providing a stop layer. A portion of the stop layer resides in at least part of the trench(es) and on at least part of the field region. The method and system also include removing a portion of the intermediate layer using a wet etch. The stop layer is resistant to removal by the wet etch. The method and system also include depositing a full wrap-around shield layer on the main pole.
US08454841B2	Method of filtering water or wastewater A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.
US08454832B2	Supported ionic liquid membrane system and process for aromatic separation from hydrocarbon feeds A system and process for treating a hydrocarbon feed mixture containing aromatic compounds is provided to separate the at least one aromatic compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream is provided. A supported ionic liquid membrane, which is a microporous polymeric support containing ionic liquid in its pores, is used to selectively extract aromatics. The hydrocarbon feed mixture is directed to a retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. A permeate stream is drawn from the permeate, side of the supported ionic liquid membrane, which is an aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream. An aromatic-lean hydrocarbon stream, which is the retentate portion of the original hydrocarbon feed, remains on the retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane.
US08454830B2	Apparatus and methods for control of waste treatment processes Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.
US08454829B2	Spiral crossflow filter The present disclosure describes a spiral cross-flow filter. The spiral cross-flow filter includes a filter element having a continuous web of leaves formed by pleating a laminate filter element. The filter element may include a composite filter material including a first layer of a membrane material adjacent an outer shell, and a second layer of a permeate spacer material adjacent a permeate tube. The plurality of leaves wrap around the permeate tube in a uniform “spiral” configuration and may be separated by feed spacers.
US08454827B1	Filter for edible oil and fat A filter for edible oil and fat designed to increase the useful life of oil and fat used for frying foodstuff and to improve the quality thereof, having reduced shape and dimensions, thus allowing to be immersed in the oil to be filtered, thus eliminating the time spent for removing and conveying the hot oil compared to the traditional filtering methods and making the process safer; the shorter time reducing the loss of heat, thus keeping the oil hot and the viscosity low and thus facilitating the passage thereof through filtering element.
US08454824B2	Single vertical tower for treating a stream of rich caustic containing mercaptan compounds A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.
US08454822B2	Disposable tangential flow filtration liner with sensor mount Tangential flow filtration device is provided wherein liners are provided between the filtration element and the top and bottom holders or manifolds. The liners incorporate the flow channels and inlet and outlet ports, as well as a sensor mount. The liners are made of an inexpensive material and therefore are disposable after a single use, making it more cost effective to dispose of them than to clean the conventional manifolds. The sensor mount accommodates a removable sensor, and isolates it from the fluid path.
US08454819B2	Poly(aniline boronic acid) polymers and methods of use The present invention includes sensors and systems that include a sensor. A sensor includes a sensor polymer, where the polymer includes a repeating unit having an anilineboronic acid-phosphate complex or an anilineboronic acid complexed with an alcohol or diol. The sensor polymer may be a copolymer, such as a random copolymer, a block copolymer, or an alternate copolymer. The present invention also provides methods for using the sensors described herein, including methods for detecting the presence of an analyte, such as CO2, in a fluid.
US08454817B2	Mechanism for direct-water-splitting via piezoelectrochemical effect A mechanism of initiating a redox reaction, such as hydrogen gas production by direct-water-splitting, is provided in which a piezoelectric material is mechanically stressed by actively applying a mechanical stress to the material. The mechanical stress applied to the piezoelectric material causes an electrical potential build up on the surface of the material due to the piezoelectric properties of the material. When the piezoelectric material stressed in this manner is placed in direct contact with the redox reaction reactant(s), the potential on the polarized surface can be used as chemical driving energy to initiate the reaction, such as to split water and generate hydrogen gas. In this manner the mechanical energy applied to the piezoelectric material, such as vibration energy from natural or man-made sources, can be converted directly into chemical energy to initiate the reaction.
US08454815B2	Plating bath and method Copper plating baths containing a leveling agent that is a reaction product of one or more of certain pyridine compounds with one or more epoxide-containing compounds, that deposit copper on the surface of a conductive layer are provided. Such plating baths deposit a copper layer that is substantially planar on a substrate surface across a range of electrolyte concentrations. Methods of depositing copper layers using such copper plating baths are also disclosed.
US08454812B2	Capillary electrophoresis apparatus A capillary electrophoresis apparatus capable of efficiently using a polymer in a polymer container is provided. The present invention relates to a mechanism for efficiently using the polymer in the polymer container in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus for the electrophoresis with a separation medium filled in a capillary. According to the present invention, since the polymer in the polymer container is not contacted with the air, deterioration of the polymer by oxidation can be prevented.
US08454801B2	Apparatus and process for producing biocoke An apparatus and process for producing biocoke usable as a substitute fuel for coal coke from biomass as a raw material. The apparatus comprises pulverizing means for pulverizing a biomass raw material attributed to photosynthesis; heating means for heating to the temperature range in which the hemicellulose of the pulverized biomass raw material is pyrolyzed so as to exhibit bonding effects; pressurization means for, in the state of the heating, pressurizing to the pressure range in which the lignin of the pulverized biomass exhibits a thermal curing reaction and maintaining the pressure; and cooling means for cooling after maintaining the state of the pressurization. The apparatus further comprises temperature detecting means provided at the exit end of the region being heated by the heating means and regulation means for judging a reaction terminal point in accordance with the result of the temperature detection and regulating the timing for transfer from heating to cooling.
US08454796B2	Manufacture of filled paper A process of making filled paper comprising the steps of providing a thick stock cellulosic suspension that contains mechanical pulp and filler, diluting the thick stock suspension to form a thin stock suspension, in which the filler is present in the thin stock suspension in an amount of at least 10% by weight based on dry weight of thin stock suspension, flocculating the thick stock suspension and/or the thin stock using a polymeric retention/drainage system, draining the thin stock suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, in which the polymeric retention/drainage system comprises, i) a water-soluble branched anionic polymer and ii) a water-soluble cationic or amphoteric polymer. The process is particularly suitable for making filled mechanical grade paper, such as SC grade paper. The process enables the separation of retention and drainage parameters, especially useful for fast draining paper machines, such as Gapformers.
US08454793B2	Adhesive derived from dimeric fatty acid or dimeric fatty diol An adhesive containing polyisocyanate and a polyol containing at least one dimer fatty acid and/or dimer fatty diol. The adhesive is particularly suitable for use on wood.
US08454790B2	Method of manufacturing a hard wood strand product A method of manufacturing a hard wood strand product, comprising the steps of harvesting logs of eucalypts from plantation trees having an age between 8 years and 12 years, forming strands from the logs, adding a binder including a polymeric methane di-isocyanate resin and a wax to the strands, forming a mat with the strands, and pressing and heating the mat using a press to form the strand product.
US08454788B2	Method and apparatus for placing short courses of composite tape An automatic composite tape placement head includes a roller for compacting tape on a substrate, and a cutter adjacent the roller for cutting the tape at the roller.
US08454787B2	Method for making patterned conductive element A method for making a patterned conductive element includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A patterned adhesive layer is applied on a surface of the substrate. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on a surface of the patterned adhesive layer. The patterned adhesive layer is solidified to obtain a fixed part of the carbon nanotube layer and a non-fixed part of carbon nanotube layer. The non-fixed part of carbon nanotube layer is removed.
US08454776B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing tyres A green tire is built on a rigid toroidal support externally having a forming surface of a conformation corresponding to an inner conformation of the tire. The built tire is removed from the rigid toroidal support and engaged on an expandable toroidal support which includes a bladder. The green tire engaged on the expandable toroidal support is introduced into a vulcanization mold and submitted to a vulcanization cycle.
US08454774B2	Method of producing a stabilizer with a stabilizer bearing In a method of producing a stabilizer for a motor vehicle, a stabilizer bearing portion of a stabilizer is chemically pre-treated by applying an adhesive. The stabilizer and two vulcanized elastomer-metal bearing half-shells are then placed in a joining apparatus for subsequent bonding of the bearing half-shells with the stabilizer bearing portion.
US08454769B2	Non-toxic percussion primers and methods of preparing the same A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.
US08454765B2	Corrosion-resistant austenitic steel alloy An austenitic, substantially ferrite-free steel alloy and a process for producing components therefrom. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08454762B2	Dishwasher A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber and at least one dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has at least one spray arm located in the wash chamber and at least one nozzle located in the wash chamber and configured to provide a spray of liquid into the dish rack. A diverter valve controls the supply of liquid from a liquid supply to the at least one nozzle.
US08454760B2	Wafer cleaning with immersed stream or spray nozzle Several methods of removing contaminant particles from a surface of a substrate are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method includes directing an incompressible fluid spray onto a surface of a substrate to remove contaminant particles from the surface. In an embodiment, the surface of the substrate and the nozzle are both immersed in an incompressible fluid. The fluid can flow across the surface of the substrate to remove the contaminant particles from the area. The fluid spray can be positioned normal to the substrate surface, or can be positioned at an angle relative to the substrate surface.
US08454759B2	Screen wash machine Washing machine for screen that includes a closed washing chamber having internal nozzles for cleaning the screen. The nozzles are provided on a flushing frame enclosing the screen, and the flushing frame may be moved upwards and downwards within the chamber whereby the screen is flushed and cleaned. A method for cleaning the screen in the washing machine is also described.
US08454757B2	Phosphate and phosphonate-free automatic gel dishwashing detergent providing improved spotting and filming performance A phosphate and phosphonate-free gel automatic dishwashing detergent provides improved spotting and filming performance by including a spot reduction system that contains a combination of a polyacrylate and a carboxymethyl inulin. The gel detergent may also be free of a bleach ingredient (i.e., it does not contain either chlorine bleach or an oxygen bleach).
US08454756B2	Methods for extending the lifetime of pressure gauges coupled to substrate process chambers Methods of extending the lifetime of pressure gauges coupled to process chambers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the methods may include isolating the pressure gauge from a processing volume of the process chamber, increasing a moisture content of the processing volume to above a desired moisture level while the pressure gauge is isolated from the processing volume of the process chamber, reducing a moisture content of the processing volume to a desired moisture level, wherein the processing volume has a leak rate of about 2 mTorr/min or less at the desired moisture level, and exposing the pressure gauge to the processing volume after reaching the desired moisture level. In some embodiments, the moisture content of the process chamber may be increased by performing a cleaning process in the process chamber or by allowing air to enter the processing volume.
US08454754B2	Cleaning method and method for manufacturing electronic device A cleaning method includes: producing an oxidizing solution by electrolysis of sulfuric acid; and cleaning a workpiece with the oxidizing solution. The oxidizing solution is heated by heat of mixing to clean the workpiece. A method for manufacturing an electronic device includes: producing a workpiece; producing an oxidizing solution by electrolysis of sulfuric acid; and cleaning the workpiece with the oxidizing solution. The oxidizing solution is heated by heat of mixing to clean the workpiece.
US08454741B2	Bituminous paving composition and process for bituminous paving The invention provides a bituminous composition, a process for preparing a bituminous paving composition and process for bituminous paving having lower mixing, paving, and compaction temperatures than for conventional hot-mix paving while retaining sufficient performance characteristics of conventional hot-mix paving. The inventive paving process comprises the steps of injecting an aqueous solution comprising a lubricating substance into a heated, asphalt binder to provide a heated, foamed mixture; adding the heated, foamed mixture to a suitable, heated aggregate; further mixing the heated, foamed mixture and heated aggregate to coat the heated aggregate with the heated, foamed, asphalt binder to form a heated paving material; supplying the heated paving material to a paving machine; applying the heated paving material by the paving machine to a surface to be paved; and compacting the applied paving material to form a paved surface.
US08454740B2	Bituminous paving composition and process for bituminous paving The invention provides a bituminous composition, a process for preparing a bituminous paving composition and process for bituminous paving having lower mixing, paving, and compaction temperatures than for conventional hot-mix paving while retaining sufficient performance characteristics of conventional hot-mix paving. The inventive paving process comprises the steps of injecting a heated foamable solution comprising a lubricating substance into a heated, asphalt binder to provide a heated, foamed mixture; adding the heated, foamed mixture to a suitable, heated aggregate; further mixing the heated, foamed mixture and heated aggregate to coat the heated aggregate with the heated, foamed, asphalt binder to form a heated paving material; supplying the heated paving material to a paving machine; applying the heated paving material by the paving machine to a surface to be paved; and compacting the applied paving material to form a paved surface.
US08454739B2	Bituminous paving composition and process for bituminous paving The invention provides a bituminous composition, a process for preparing a bituminous paving composition and process for bituminous paving having lower mixing, paving, and compaction temperatures than for conventional hot-mix paving while retaining sufficient performance characteristics of conventional hot-mix paving. The inventive paving process comprises the steps of injecting a foamable solution comprising a lubricating substance into a heated, asphalt binder to provide a heated, foamed mixture; adding the heated, foamed mixture to a suitable, heated aggregate; further mixing the heated, foamed mixture and heated aggregate to coat the heated aggregate with the heated, foamed, asphalt binder to form a heated paving material; supplying the heated paving material to a paving machine; applying the heated paving material by the paving machine to a surface to be paved; and compacting the applied paving material to form a paved surface.
US08454733B2	Air handling device An air handling device (10) includes an air flow path (13) in which a charge section (20) for charging dust in an air to be handled, and a precipitator (30) for collecting the charged dust are placed. The charge section (20) includes a discharge electrode (25) and a counter electrode (26) to perform diffusion charging. A diffusion space (13a) is provided at a location between the charge section (20) and the precipitator (30).
US08454729B2	Micro-irrigation device, system, and method for plant-based cleaning of indoor air and filter bed bioregeneration A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.
US08454728B2	Method of recycling hydrogen A method is described for recycling hydrogen (H2) supplied to a chamber (10) in a gas stream comprising hydrogen and at least one other gas, such as silane. A gas comprising at least hydrogen is drawn from the chamber (10) using a first vacuum pump (32) that exhausts gas therefrom at a sub-atmospheric pressure. A portion of the gas exhausted from the first vacuum pump (32), for example between 70 and 95% of this gas, is diverted away from a second vacuum pump (34) backing the first vacuum pump (32). In one embodiment, the diverted portion of the sub-atmospheric pressure gas is treated to produce a purified gas comprising hydrogen, which is stored in a storage vessel (14). The composition of the purified gas is analysed, and, depending on the results of the analysis, at least one of hydrogen and silane is added to the stored gas so that the composition of the stored gas is similar to that of the gas initially supplied to the chamber (10). Gas is then supplied to the chamber (10) from the storage vessel (14).
US08454717B2	Foldable dust collector A foldable dust collector of the present invention includes a supporting portion, a case and an air pump. The supporting portion is foldable. The case is disposed on the supporting portion. The case is pivotable with respect to the supporting portion. The air pump is disposed on the case. The air pump is used for drawing air into the case.Therefore, the foldable dust collector of the present invention can be transformed. A width of the foldable dust collector is changeable. As such, the foldable dust collector is easier to be stored or be transported. Moreover, the foldable dust collector can be used in a small space.
US08454715B2	Device and a method for carrying out chemical and/or physical reactions between a solid material and a gas as well as a plant for cement manufacture The device according to the invention for carrying out chemical and/or physical reactions between a solid material and a gas, in particular for the preheating, cooling and/or calcining of fine-grain materials, essentially comprises at least one helical and/or spiral conduit, in which the gas-solid material suspension is separated by centrifugal forces into a solid material flow and a gas flow, and, connected to the end of the helical and/or spiral conduit, at least one separation region, to which a solid material conduit for discharging the solid material flow and a gas conduit for discharging the gas flow are connected. The separation region is here formed by a lower part of the gas conduit, the separation region in the region of the junction of the helical and/or spiral conduit and the part of the gas conduit above and adjoining it having the same diameter. To form a swirling flow, the helical and/or spiral conduit opens out tangentially and at an angle to the horizontal of at least 30° into the separation region.
US08454714B2	Diamond growth devices and methods Growth precursors to form discrete superabrasive particles including associated methods are disclosed. Such growth precursor may include a crystalline seed, an initiation material, and a feed material. The initiation material may substantially encompass the crystalline seed, and may include a catalyst and a raw material source. The raw material source makes up less than 50 wt % of the initiation material. The feed material may contact the initiation material and may also include raw material source and catalyst. The catalyst may be present in less than 50 wt % in the feed material. In one aspect, the growth precursor may be configured to form diamond particles.
US08454711B2	Optical brighteners and compositions comprising the same Novel compounds based on diaminostilbene are provided. The compounds conform to the general structures The compounds are useful as optical brighteners. Compositions, such as laundry compositions, containing such compounds are also provided.
US08454709B2	Cleaning compositions employing extended chain anionic surfactants The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
US08454708B2	Articulable anchor An implantable device for providing one-way flow of air through a lumen in a human lung to reduce the volume of air trapped in a diseased portion of the lung by occluding the lumen to prevent inhalation while permitting expiration out of the diseased portion. The implantable device is deployable in the lumen with a catheter. The device comprises an umbrella-shaped, one-way valve. The valve is collapsible for containment within a catheter and expandable in situ when deployed to occlude the lumen. The valve defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of metal struts, a resilient membrane, and a central post. The device further comprises an anchor for securing the implantable device within the lumen. The anchor comprises a tapered distal end for penetrating the wall of the lumen, and a planar member positioned to limit advancement of the anchor into the lumen. The implantable device further comprises a mechanism connecting the one-way valve to the anchor. The mechanism is disposed along the longitudinal axis when the device is collapsed. The mechanism is configured to permit the valve to be oriented at an angle to said anchor when deployed. Accordingly, the anchor can be positioned in a section of the lumen that is at an angle to a section of said lumen in which said one-way valve is positioned.
US08454705B2	Prosthetic element and relative method to make it Prosthetic element including a metal cap having inside an acetabular seating and method to make it. At least part of the cap is a lattice having open and intercommunicating cavities. At least part of the lattice is formed, without a continuity break, by geometric meshes of polygonal shape repeated in space over all or part of the body, having a cellular geometry with elementary cells open and contiguous, to define a plurality of polygons with spatial development delimiting the cavities. Each geometric mesh has a first polygonal part with four sides, each of the sides being an angled segment, and a second part being an angled segment and a third part being an angled segment. Each angled segment has first and second consecutive rectilinear segments forming an angle at an intersection of each pair of its first and the second consecutive segments. The first polygonal part has non co-planar vertexes.
US08454703B2	Shoulder implant with first and second composite sub-assemblies and improved mounting anchors for establishing a secure joint The present invention discloses an improved shoulder joint implant assembly including a plastic ball secured to a first joint defining bone end face and a plastic receiver secured to a second joint defining bone end face. Each of the ball and receiver implants are constructed of a composite hardened plastic with a softened cartilage wear surface plastic. A fastener is secured to the first joint defining bone end face and over which is mounted the plastic ball. Anchoring of the receiver is established by a pair of integrally formed and inwardly extending mounting tabs, these further extending into further recess machined cavities in the first bone.
US08454702B2	Reverse shoulder prosthetic A reverse modular humeral implant for implantation into a humerus that includes a natural humeral shaft and a natural humeral head. The implant includes a humeral stem implantable into the natural humeral shaft, and an adapter couplable to the humeral stem, the adapter including an anchoring projection configured to be coupled to a convex bearing.
US08454693B2	Percutaneous spinal implants and methods A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited, and radially extending a distal portion of the spinal implant on a second side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the first side such that movement of the distal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited.
US08454689B2	Brush copolymers Brush copolymers containing (a) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing one or more boronic acid moieties and; and (b) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing hydrophilic macromonomer are disclosed.
US08454683B2	Annuloplasty device having a helical anchor and methods for its use A system for modifying a heart valve annulus includes a helically helical anchored annuloplasty device delivered to the annulus via an elongated delivery member. The helical anchors of the devices disclosed herein are rotated into the valve annulus along an anchor guide by using a driver that is movably disposed in the delivery member. A tether is disposed within an inner channel of the helical anchor and a locking device is used to secure the annuloplasty device after the valve annulus has been modified. The annuloplasty device can be delivered to the annulus using, traditional surgical approach or a minimally invasive or catheter based methods.
US08454681B2	Bifurcation delivery systems and methods A catheter assembly including a side branch locator that is moveable between a retracted position within a main vessel of a vessel bifurcation, and an extended position wherein a distal end of the side branch locator extends into a branch vessel of the vessel bifurcation. The side branch locator includes a first end fixed relative to a portion of the catheter assembly that remains in the main vessel. A second end of the side branch locator is moveable between the retracted and extended positions. The catheter assembly can include a moveable sheath that holds the side branch locator in the retracted position. The catheter assembly can further include a stent having a lateral branch opening through which the side branch locator extends.
US08454677B2	Stent with optimal strength and radiopacity characteristics A stent in the form of a thin-walled, multi-cellular tubular structure is provided. The tubular structure has a longitudinal axis and the stent includes a plurality of circumferential sets of strut members. Each set of the strut members is longitudinally displaced from each other and connected to each other by longitudinally extending links. Each set of the strut members forms a closed and cylindrical portion of the stent. Further, each set of the strut members includes a plurality of connected curve sections and diagonal sections. The sets of the strut members further include end sets of strut members located at each end of the stent and central sets of strut members located between the end sets of the strut members. The diagonal sections of the end sets of the strut members have a center portion and two ends.
US08454669B2	Device for UV photo-therapy Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.
US08454668B2	Anchoring element Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to an anchoring element comprising a screw shaped central part, a flange which functions as a stop when the anchoring element is installed into the skull bone, and a tubular peripheral part which is connected to the central part via said flange, wherein the peripheral part together with the central part is arranged to cut into the bone tissue when the anchoring element is installed into the bone tissue.
US08454664B2	Method for fixing a connecting rod to a thoracic spine A method of attaching a curved rod to a plurality of pedicle screws in the thoracic region of the spine is disclosed. Preferably, the method is practiced in a procedure for percutaneously fixing the rod to the pedicle screws through slots formed through a plurality of screw extensions releasably attached respectively to the pedicle screws. The method includes the steps of releasably and pivotally attaching the curved rod to a rod introducer having a handle and holding the rod initially in a fixed position. The rod is introduced in the fixed position through the slots in the extensions with the rod curvature defining a lordotic angle relative to the spine. The rod is released from the fixed position without separating the rod from the introducer. While the rod is in the released position the handle is rotated 180° thereby rotating the rod to a kyphotic angle relative to the thoracic region of the spine.
US08454659B2	Interspinous process implants and methods of use Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
US08454657B2	Medical systems for the spine and related methods Systems, methods, and kits for treating vertebras of a spine are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implantable medical system for treating vertebras of a spine includes a bone anchor configured to be secured to a vertebra, a wire, and a first elongated member configured to be attached to the bone anchor and the wire. The systems, methods, and kits can be used, for example, to treat C1 and C2 vertebras.
US08454656B2	Self-suturing anchors Apparatus and methods are provided, including a plurality of anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being an elongate element that is curved to define an opening. A housing holds each of the anchoring elements. A mandrel is reversibly disposable through the openings defined by the anchoring elements. The anchoring elements are configured such that, in response to removal of the mandrel from the openings, ends of the anchoring elements automatically move outwardly, and diameters of the openings decrease, due to elastic loading of the anchoring elements. Other embodiments are also described.
US08454654B2	Anchoring system The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity and an insertion member including a body having a proximal end portion and a flat distal end portion, and a head coupled to the proximal end portion of the body. The insertion member is configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity. A method of tissue repair and other anchor assemblies are also disclosed.
US08454650B2	Closure device and methods for making and using them A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08454644B2	Switching stick dilation method and apparatus A method of dilating an incision to provide access to a surgical site. Such method may include the steps of making an incision in the skin of a patient near a predetermined surgical site, inserting into the incision a dilator, inserting at least one shoe horn in juxtaposition or in direct apposition with the dilator, removing the dilator from the incision, inserting a blunt dissector adjacent the at least one shoe horn, removing the at least one shoe horn, inserting a retractor or a tube over the blunt dissector and into the incision such that the retractor or tube is at or adjacent the predetermined surgical site, removing the blunt dissector from the incision, and performing a surgical procedure at the predetermined surgical site through the retractor or tube.
US08454642B2	Disposable/single-use blade lancet device and method Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end. A triggering mechanism has a blade tip opening and is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable at least between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08454641B2	Lancet device A lancet device is configured for performing a puncture by mounting a lancet including a puncture needle to the tip of a puncture body holder. The lancet device has a simple configuration that makes it possible to strengthen the retaining force for retaining the lancet when the lancet is used. In the lancet device, an insertion portion of a puncture body that is inserted into a mounting portion of the puncture body holder is retained by means of the frictional force. A fastening member provided in a main body side makes contact with the outer peripheral portion of the mounting portion of the puncture body holder and inwardly fastens the mounting portion when the fastening member is moved in the puncture direction relative to the puncture body holder.
US08454633B2	Percutaneous catheter directed intravascular occlusion devices The present invention provides an improved vascular occlusion device having improved flexibility and retention of the type fabricated from braided tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and shaped to create an occlusion of an abnormal opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained. The device further including at least one disk portion adjacent a body cylindrical portion formed from the fabric and having a transition diameter between the disk and cylindrical portion, significantly smaller than the diameter of the disk and the diameter of the cylindrical portion.
US08454632B2	Tissue anchor for securing tissue layers Tissue anchors comprise a woven filament braid body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration where proximal and distal ends of the body expand radially into double-walled flange structures while leaving a cylindrical saddle region therebetween. The tissue anchors are deployed through penetrations between adjacent tissue layers, where the flanges engage the outer surfaces of the tissue layers and the saddle region resides within the tissue penetrations.
US08454628B2	Surgical fastener aligning instrument particularly for transoral treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a clevis and first and second jaws mutually rotatable between open and closed positions. The jaws are proximally directed and laterally displaced relative to an axis of a control shaft of the instrument. The jaws hold first and second parts of a fastener, respectively. The first part includes a base having tissue-piercing posts, and the second part includes a second base defining apertures receiving the posts and a portion movable relative thereto between first and second orientations. When the posts are inserted into the apertures, the movable portion can be moved from the first unlocked orientation into the second configuration to lock the fastener parts together in an implanting position determined by various alignment measures, including markings or flags on the jaws or at the housing. The instrument is adapted to move the second part into the second configuration.
US08454627B2	Systems and methods for harvesting and implanting hair using image-generated topological skin models Systems and methods are provided for determining the need to change and/or changing orientation of a tool relative to an object on a body in at least partially automated procedure. Also, systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on pre-determined insertion angle. The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skin models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.
US08454623B2	Instrument for insertion and deployment of features on an implant A surgical instrument for inserting an implant includes a first shaft having an axial bore and including a distal end configured to actuate a first feature of a spinal implant and a second shaft extending through the axial bore of the first shaft and including a distal end configured to actuate a second feature of the spinal implant. Rotation of the first shaft in a first direction actuates the first feature and causes rotation of the second shaft in a second direction to actuate the second feature.
US08454619B1	Prosthetic socket alignment Methods, systems and devices for properly positioning and aligning a prosthetic socket and/or prosthetic ball into host bone structure of a patient using one or more guide are shown. Guides implemented according to embodiments may provide reference guidance (e.g., baseline or relative positioning), physical guidance (e.g., restricted movement or physically direct positioning), visual guidance (e.g., visual indication of proper or improper positioning), and combinations thereof. Embodiments comprise placing a guide piece, in bone that is close to the bone cavity, according to the position and alignment of a trial prosthetic socket previously fitted in a desired position and alignment in the bone cavity and then, after removing the trial, positioning and aligning the prosthetic socket in the bone cavity using the guide piece's position and alignment for guidance.
US08454618B2	Sacroiliac joint immobilization Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.
US08454614B2	Hybrid fusion/arthroplasty apparatus and methods The present embodiments relate to a joint treatment device for improved treatment of a diseased joint. The joint treatment device comprises first and second components, which are coupled to first and second bone portions, respectively, at the joint. The first component and the second component are configured to be coupled together in a first configuration to promote fusion of the joint, and further are configured to be coupled together in a second configuration to promote arthroplasty of the joint. Additionally, a screwdriver is disclosed that may advance the first and second component simultaneously or independently. Further, a joint distraction device is disclosed, which may be used to vary spacing between the first bone portion and the second bone portion at the joint.
US08454610B2	Orthopedic surgical device An osteotome may include a handle; a shaft coupled to the handle; a cutting member coupled to the shaft, wherein the cutting member comprises a first cutting surface positioned perpendicular to a second cutting surface, and wherein said first and second cutting surfaces extend downward relative to the shaft; and a stop means configured to control the depth of cut by the cutting member.
US08454609B2	Acetabular reamer An acetabular reamer comprising: a body defining a rotation axis about which the acetabular reamer is rotatable; a reaming element movable between a reaming element inner position and a reaming element outer position relative to the body; an actuator for moving the reaming element between the reaming element inner and outer positions; and a reaming element lock configurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the reaming element is freely movable by the actuator between the reaming element inner and outer positions. In the locked configuration, the reaming element lock prevents the reaming element from moving relative to the body. In use, when the reaming element lock is in the locked configuration and reaction forces are exerted onto the reaming element, a larger portion of the reaction forces is transmitted to the body than to the actuator.
US08454606B2	Device for the treatment of fractures of the femur A device for treating fractures of the femur and includes an intra-medullary pin (1) with a central longitudinal axis (2), a front piece (3), which is introduced into the medullary channel of the femur, a rear piece (4) and a hole (5) going through the rear piece (4) at an angle to the longitudinal axis (2) with a non-circular cross-section (6). A sliding sleeve (10) that is introduced through the hole (5) with non-circular cross-section, has a front end (11), a rear end (12), a central longitudinal drilling (13), an outer sleeve surface (14), an inner sleeve surface (15) and a longitudinal axis (16). A longitudinal bone fixation element (20) with a longitudinal axis (21), a head piece (22) with fixation element (23), which is brought into engagement with the femur head on use and a shaft (24), which is introduced co-axially into the sliding sleeve (10), whereby the outer sleeve surface (14) of the sliding sleeve (10) has a non-circular cross-section (17), at least in a partial region. The inner sleeve surface (5) of the sliding sleeve (10) has a round cross-section (18) and fixation elements (30) are provided for the selective blocking of the rotation of the longitudinal bone fixation element (20) in the sliding sleeve (10).
US08454604B2	Orthopedic external fixation device A telescopically adjustable strut for use with orthopedic external fixators has a first end and a second end and includes a universal-hinged connector provided at each of the first and second ends for connecting the strut to orthopedic external fixator base members. The universal-hinged connector is configured and adapted for pivoting the strut relative to the base members and to lock the universal-hinged connector at a desired angle.
US08454603B2	External fixation assembly and method of use An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone.
US08454596B2	Electrophysiology ablation device An electrophysiology ablation device includes a catheter sleeve (1), an electrode sleeve (2), a steering ball sleeve (4), a central rod (6), an ablation electrode (3) and a steering ball (5). The catheter sleeve (1), the electrode sleeve (2), the steering ball sleeve (4) and the central rod (6) are muff-coupled together, and the steering ball (5) can be deployed radially to define a meshed spherical shape, in order to steer the positioning of the ablation electrode (3) which can be deployed to define a meshed disk shape, so the ablation electrode (3) can be positioned at the ostium of the pulmonary vein accurately.
US08454595B2	Sphincter treatment apparatus A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.
US08454594B2	Apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
US08454590B2	Enhanced lossless current sense circuit A switched inductor system is provided that includes a switching regulator configured to receive an input signal and provide a voltage output, the switching regulator having one or more switches and one or more inductors. The system also includes a sensing circuit in parallel with the inductor. The sensing circuit includes a first RC circuit configured to detect an alternating current component of the voltage output and a second RC circuit configured to detect a direct current component of the voltage output.
US08454584B2	Medical anchor device An endoscopically-deployable tissue-manipulation device including an elongate, generally tubular outer body having a proximal portion and a distal end portion that may be configured as sufficiently flexible to traverse the working channel of a flexible endoscope (e.g., side-viewing duodenoscope). The outer body may include an outer body lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions. An anchoring structure of the device will include an elongate inner body that may extend through the outer body lumen and be configured to include a first linkage member attached to the inner body, a second linkage member that is pivotably attached to the first linkage member and to the outer body.
US08454578B2	Apparatus and methods for making coated liners and tubular devices including such liners A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.
US08454576B2	Device and method for therapy calibration and safety response A closed loop/semi-closed loop infusion system provides therapy modification and safeguards against the over-delivery or under-delivery of insulin. A glucose sensor system is configured to obtain a measured blood glucose value. A controller is operationally connected with the glucose sensor system and configured to trigger an alarm based on a measured blood glucose value or amount of insulin delivered, selectively perform calibration of the glucose sensor system when the alarm is triggered, and adjust a therapy delivery parameter when the alarm is triggered, wherein the adjusted therapy delivery parameter is limited to be within a boundary. Thereafter, a delivery system delivers therapy at the adjusted therapy delivery parameter.
US08454575B2	Illumination instrument for an infusion pump Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof.
US08454572B2	Absorbent article with improved garment-like character A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis, an absorbent core, a pair of elastically elongatable ears and a pair of fastening tabs. The elastically elongatable ears and the fastening tabs have a transverse axis. The ears are connected to the chassis such that the transverse axis of the fastening tabs is located in specific portions of the article. The absorbent core is free of cellulosic fibers.
US08454570B2	System comprising thong-shaped holder and absorbent article A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.
US08454564B2	Applicator and method for applying lock solution in a catheter A device for applying a lock solution in a catheter or other access system comprises a syringe (302) having an expulsion arrangement (305, 311) for expelling the lock solution from the device, said expulsion arrangement including a plunger (305) arranged in a housing (304), further comprising a sterile connector (303) for connecting the syringe (302) to the catheter. The connector (303) is arranged to engage a tip (307) of the expulsion arrangement (305, 311) tightly when the syringe (302) is inserted in the connector (303). The connector (303) is arranged to prevent the tip (307) of the expulsion arrangement (305, 311) from entering the catheter. The tip (307) is frangible. A method of applying a lock solution in a catheter or other access system is also disclosed.
US08454550B2	Apparatus for detecting moisture for an apparatus for monitoring the access to a patient, in particular for monitoring the vascular access during extracorporeal blood treatment An apparatus is disclosed for detecting moisture, which is intended for the use in an apparatus for monitoring an access to a patient for a device by means of which a fluid is conducted to and/or removed from a patient via a hose line, in particular for monitoring the vascular access during an extracorporeal blood treatment, wherein blood of a patient is removed from the patient via an arterial hose line, which has an arterial puncture cannula, and is conducted back to the patient via a venous hose line, which has a venous puncture cannula. The apparatus for detecting moisture is designed as a pad which is made of a flexible material and is to be applied onto the patient's skin and which comprises an upper side facing away from the patient's skin and a lower side facing the patient's skin. The pad comprises an opening for the passage of fluid, in particular blood, and a moisture sensor having contact elements for the connection of the same. The moisture sensor is capable of detecting blood flowing through the opening to the surface of the pad. The apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the lower side of the pad is impervious to fluid.
US08454545B1	Rear entry ankle brace with medial and lateral access An ankle brace includes a foot and ankle holder made from a flexible fabric having a foot portion transitioning to an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides. The upper ankle portion has an open front and back. A rear portion is attached to partially enclose the open back. The rear portion has opposite first and second panels that removably attach to the first and second sides of the upper ankle portion, respectively. An optional tongue is located at the open front and laces overlie the tongue. A rigid heel support is disposed inside the foot portion, and the heel support may include pivoting joints. Elongated support straps extend under the foot portion and wrap around the ankle holder. Retention straps extend around the ankle holder.
US08454536B2	Guide wire advancer assembly and methods for advancing a guide wire A guide wire advancer (102) for advancing a guide wire (107) into a patient and including a body having a longitudinal axis. The body includes a first portion (110) adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire along the longitudinal axis using a finger and a thumb, and a second portion (108) connected to the first portion. The second portion (108) is adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire (107) along the longitudinal axis using only one finger or the thumb to bias the guide wire against a platform (164) of the second portion when advancing the guide wire (107). Multiple methods of advancing a guide wire using the advancer are also disclosed.
US08454530B2	Biopsy apparatus and biopsy method A biopsy apparatus has a biopsy needle, which faces a radiation reception surface of a radiation detector and is held obliquely to the radiation reception surface by a biopsy needle holding mechanism. The biopsy apparatus includes a radiographic image capturing apparatus for capturing two radiographic images. One of the two radiographic images is produced according to a scout image capturing mode or a stereographic image capturing mode, and the other is produced according to the stereographic image capturing mode.
US08454527B2	Minimally invasive determination of collateral ventilation in lungs Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation.
US08454526B2	Carbon dioxide-sensing airway products and technique for using the same An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.
US08454516B1	System and method for three dimensional harmonic ultrasound imaging An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described which produce tissue harmonic images containing both fundamental and harmonic frequency components. Such a blended image takes advantage of the performance possible with the two types of ultrasonic echo information and can advantageously reduce near field clutter while improving signal to noise performance in the far field of the image.
US08454501B2	Protection for endoscope, and corresponding endoscope This protection for an endoscope includes a sheath with a rigid cylindrical tubular part (8), and an associated flexible sleeve. The rigid cylindrical tubular part (8) is made of a material permitting transport of light. The rigid cylindrical tubular part (8) is treated in such a way as to guide the light from a light source at its proximal end (10) to its distal end (12). The distal end (12) of the cylindrical tubular part (8) has elements (14, 16) for diffusing and/or orienting the light guided via the cylindrical tubular part (8). The endoscope is designed to use a protection in order to illuminate the cavity to be examined in the patient's body.
US08454500B2	Light source device and endoscope system An endoscope system of the present invention has a video processor and a light source device, and an endoscope can be connected thereto. And a control portion of the light source device detects connection with the endoscope and the video processor, detects connection with the video processor and the light source device and detects the type of the endoscope by an endoscope detection portion. And when non-connection of the endoscope and the video processor is detected, or non-connection of the video processor and the light source device is detected, the control portion controls so that the light amount of illumination light supplied from the light source device to the endoscope becomes a predetermined light amount according the detected type of the endoscope.
US08454497B2	Endoscope apparatus and bending drive control method An endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion portion including a bending portion provided on a distal end side thereof; a bending drive section that drives bending of the bending portion; an insertion shape detection section that detects an insertion shape of the distal end side of the insertion portion as insertion shape information; a curved state detection section that detects a curved state based on the insertion shape information as curve information; a plane calculation section that performs a calculation to estimate a plane for driving bending of the bending portion from the detected curve information; and a bending control section that drives bending of the bending drive section along the estimated plane.
US08454496B2	Capsule endoscope with flexible printed circuit board The present invention involves a new type of capsule pattern endoscope intended to greatly reduce the effective internal volume of the capsule pattern endoscope through reasonable structure arrangement. The technical proposal to implement the above invention is: a kind of capsule pattern endoscope comprises an intelligent capsule and an image-receiving device. The intelligent capsule includes a shell with an electronic circuit printed thereon, and an image information pick-up device including an image sensor and a lens optical system, an image signal processing and transmitting device, a light source, and a power supply, which are arranged inside the shell.
US08454493B2	Conception device and related methods A conception device includes a dome having a collapsible sidewall, an annular rim, and three or more gripping flanges along the inner surface of the rim. The gripping flanges may effectively position and secure the device over the cervix for the concentration of semen on the cervical os to effect fertilization independently or with the aid of biologically active agents. The device may additionally include a handle extending from the annular rim at an angle.
US08454490B2	Biological rhythm adjustment method, biological rhythm adjustment device, biological rhythm adjustment system A biological rhythm is adjusted based on a time difference as well while individually dealing with moving subjects that move in accordance with moving schedules. In step S1, information including the moving schedule and biological information on the moving subject is input. In step S2, a sleeping schedule is set based on the information obtained in step S1. Step S2 is roughly divided into two steps. In the first step, parameters for setting the sleeping schedule are set based on the moving schedule and the biological information. In the next step, the sleeping schedule is set with the parameters obtained in the first step.
US08454488B2	Shielded high dose radiation catheters An apparatus and method for tailoring the radiation intensity about a radiation source, enabling affected zones of a cancerous tissue mass to receive full radiation dosage while limiting the exposure of unaffected regions where radiation exposure is not desired. The assembly includes a radiation attenuator partially covering the outer periphery of a delivery portion of a high dosage radiation catheter, thereby altering the radiation profile that exits the assembly. A method for treating a cancer affected tissue mass includes inserting a plurality of said catheters into a tissue mass about the center of mass and orienting said catheter so that said the maximum radiation intensity is facing substantially toward the center of mass. The radiation source is allowed to dwell in the catheter for a prescribed period of time to deliver the desired dosage of radiation. The radiation source is then removed from the catheter.
US08454486B2	Tool-changing system for an industrial robot Tool-changing system, storage device for this purpose and method for coupling a tool to a robot arm.The invention relates to a tool-changing system for an industrial robot, with a robot-side coupling device (100) provided in a robot arm, with at least one tool (70a, 70b) couplable to the robot-side coupling device (100) and having a tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b), and with a storage device (10) for receiving the at least one tool (76a, 76b) in the non-coupled state. The invention relates, furthermore, to a storage device suitable for this purpose and to a coupling method which can be carried out by means of the tool-changing system.According to the invention, the storage device comprises a base (12), securing means (32a, 32b) for securing the robot-side coupling device (100) and feeding means (50a, 50b) which are designed for generating a relative movement of the robot-side coupling device (100) and of the tool-side coupling device (76a, 76b) with respect to one another in a coupling direction (2).Use for the coupling and uncoupling of tools to and from industrial robots.
US08454485B1	Weighted exercise device providing multiple grips Weighted and stackable exercise device includes a body defining a hollow cavity opening at a first edge thereof. The body has a side wall having at least one cut-out. An outwardly projecting rim is on the tubular portion of the body. A handle is in the cavity. The rim provides a first grip for a user during use of the exercise device and the handle provides a second grip for the user. By providing two different grips on the same weighted exercise device, a user can safely and efficiently perform a larger variety of exercises in comparison to using conventional exercise devices that include a single type of grip. The user can pass their fingers and hand from an exterior of the device through each cut-out and over the rim to grip the device in another manner and perform more and different exercises.
US08454481B2	Throwing hammers Throwing hammers including a handle, a cable having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the cable being coupled to the handle at the first end, a swivel fastener coupled to the elongate tension bearing member at the second end, and an elongate tension bearing member of predetermined mass coupled to the swivel fastener at a plurality of intermediate points along the elongate tension bearing member to define a plurality of loops extending from the swivel fastener.
US08454480B2	Treadmill deck support To support a deck of an exercise treadmill one or more arcuate leaf springs are used in a deck support structure. The leaf springs can be made of a single member of elastomeric material. An adjustment mechanism can be used to changed the radius of the leaf springs in order to vary spring rates of the leaf springs. Where a number of different leaf springs are used, the adjustment mechanism can be used to adjust the spring rates of different springs independently.
US08454479B2	Exercise treadmill for simulating a pushing action and exercise method therefor An exercise treadmill having an endless exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, a resistance mechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to a specific resistance setting. A movable pushing handle or handles is or are operatively attached to the resistance mechanism to transfer the load to the user. The resistance mechanism applies a constant and static force to the pushing handle(s) only in the same direction the endless movable surface moves and opposite a pushing direction such that operating the treadmill simulates the pushing of a load by a combination of gripping and pushing the pushing handle(s) forward while walking or running forward.
US08454474B2	Manipulator arm mechanism A manipulator arm mechanism includes a pedestal, a driving member, a speed reducer, and an output rocker arm. The driving member is mounted on the pedestal and has an output shaft. The speed reducer is assembled to the pedestal and connects with the output shaft of the driving member. The speed reducer includes a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly, and a third transmission assembly engaging each other in turn. The third transmission assembly is a planetary gear set and includes a sun gear rotated by the second transmission assembly, a ring gear, and a plurality of planetary gears. The ring gear is coaxially sleeved on the sun gear. The planetary gears are assembled between and rotatably mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. The output rocker arm is fixed with the plurality of planetary gears.
US08454471B2	Electronic locking differential A differential mechanism includes a case, a gear rotatable about an axis, a lock ring held against rotation relative to the case, a lever contacting the lock ring, and an electromagnetic coil that is displaced axially when energized, pivoting the lever, engaging the lock ring with the side gear, and preventing the gear from rotating relative to the case.
US08454463B2	Engine powered device having accessory drive and reversing motor for selectively starting engine and powering accessory drive A power transmitting system that is configured to have BAS and IS functionality. The power transmitting system can be operated in a first mode in which an engine provides rotary power for driving an accessory assembly and a motor/generator. The device can be operated in a second mode for starting the engine and driving the accessory in which rotary power is output from the motor/starter in a first rotational direction. The device can also be operated in a third mode in which the motor/generator outputs rotary power in a second, opposite rotational direction for driving the accessory while the engine is not operating. A kit for a power transmitting system is also provided.
US08454462B2	Chain guide mechanism In a chain guide mechanism, fixed and movable guides are attached to a guide bridge by cooperation of bosses on the guides with boss-receiving holes formed in spaced-apart elements of arms of the bridge. A fixed guide is held against rotation by cooperation of a projection on its mounting boss with a notch in a boss-receiving hole in a guide bridge arm element. A base, extending from an intermediate location at which the arms come together has a pressing structure that engages bosses on a driving sprocket, and a groove for receiving teeth of the driving sprocket.
US08454461B2	Motion transmission system of a bicycle A sprocket assembly mounted to a hub has at least eleven sprockets. The hub is able to rotate about a rotation axis and has a plurality of spoke attachment seats and a fastening portion to a frame of the bicycle. On the hub a predetermined axial distance is defined between a plane, substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis, comprising the points of the spoke attachment seats closest to the freewheel body and a plane, substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and defined in the fastening portion to the frame, comprising the attachment points to the frame closest to the freewheel body. All of the sprockets of the sprocket assembly, when associated with the freewheel body, have an overall axial width that is lower than or equal to the predetermined axial distance. The chain has a maximum thickness between 4.6 mm and 5.8 mm.
US08454459B1	Pitching game system and associated method A pitching game system may include a multi-direction course having a plurality of tossing sections juxtaposed side-by-side and a plurality of flexible projectiles. A plurality of targets may be placed at an ending point of each of the tossing sections. Each of the targets has a numerical point value imprinted on its top surface. The targets may further be positioned at the ending point of each of the tossing sections respectively. A plurality of marker cones spaced from the targets may be positioned at a starting point of each of the tossing sections. Such marker cones may designate a standing location of the player at each of the tossing sections respectively. The player may throw the projectiles along a trajectory having a linear distance of at least fifty feet beginning from a corresponding one of the marker cones and ending at a corresponding group of the targets respectively.
US08454458B2	Golf putting practice device and methods of practicing putting thereof A golf putting practice device/simulator and ball return with no moving parts, and method for a golfer to practice putting a golf ball in which the device is located in close proximity to the golfer and the intended target can be of any normal putting distance allowing one to practice golf putts indoors of greater length than indoor spaces normally allow. The device is programmed and configured in such a way to accurately approximate the distance and to display the direction the golf ball would have traveled had the path of the ball not be interrupted by device. The practice device can be configured to account for a coefficient of resistance commonly know as the Stimp of the green in its calculations.
US08454453B2	Multi-material iron type golf club head A golf club that utilizes multiple materials to achieve improved performance is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club that utilizes different materials to construct different portions of the iron type golf club head allowing weight to be removed from portions of the golf club head that doesn't require such weighting. The current invention utilizes a lightweight material to form a blade portion of the golf club head while utilizing a standard steel material to form the hosel portion of the golf club head to allow the malleability characteristics of a golf club head to be maintained. The weight saved from the lightweight material used to create the blade portion can then be used to create a sole insert that is made out of a dense and heavy material to improve the CG and MOI characteristics of the golf club head to dramatically improve the performance of the golf club head. The current invention's usage of the multiple materials allows the performance of the golf club head to be increased without sacrificing the feel characteristics of the golf club head.
US08454452B2	Golf club head A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a strike face, a rear wall behind the strike face, and a perimeter-weighting element at least partially surrounding the rear wall. The club head may further include a preload spacer associated with the rear wall and a resilient component associated with the perimeter-weighting element. The preload spacer engages the resilient component to provide positive reinforcement of the coupling between the resilient component and the perimeter-weighting element.
US08454449B2	Drive shaft with array tuned absorber A vehicle driveline includes a tubular member (62) having an inside surface (64) and an axis, a mounting base (72) coupled to the tubular member (62), and a plurality of resonator members (74) each having a first end (80), a second end (82), and a center portion (84) interposed therebetween coupled to the mounting base and extending therefrom.
US08454447B2	Torque transfer device of a motor vehicle A torque transmission device of a motor vehicle which transmits torque from an internal combustion engine to a torque converter, wherein the torque transmission device includes transmission part connected to the torque converter in a first radius region having a quantity of fastening elements lying on a first radius and connected to the internal combustion engine in a second radius region having a quantity of fastening elements lying on a second radius. To reduce loading of the fastening elements, the transmission part is provided with recesses in the first radius region and/or in the second radius region that extend at least partially over the first or second radius region and lessen the axial rigidity of the transmission part.
US08454446B2	Damper mechanism A damper mechanism for a clutch includes a first rotary body, a second rotary body, and an elastic member. The first rotary member includes a first member, a second member, and first and second connecting sections. The second rotary body is configured between the first and second members in an axial direction and rotatably configured relative to the first rotary body. The elastic member is rotatably configured between the first and second connecting sections to connect the first and second rotary bodies elastically. The second rotary body includes first and second protruding sections being arranged between the first and second connecting sections such that the first and second protruding sections contact the connecting sections. The first member includes a pair of first holes being configured with the rotational axis between the first holes for positioning pins being inserted in the first holes during an assembly.
US08454443B2	Game achievements system Systems and method for providing a game achievements system where players are rewarded with game achievements based on mastering certain in-game facets of the games they play. Each game achievement may be conveyed in a profile as a badge or trophy, title, description, date, etc. Players may also accumulate points based on game achievements. A display interface may be made available such that a player may see his achievements and total points, as well as those of others.
US08454441B2	Game-based incentives for location-based actions The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for providing game-based incentives to users of online games as a reward for performing actions at physical locations.
US08454439B2	Game device, game device control method, program, and information storage medium Provided is a game device, which is capable of preventing a subject to be operated from performing an action that is not intended by a player. A game device (10) executes a game configured so that at least one of a subject to be operated by a player and an object or a character moves within a game space. Numerical value information acquiring means (51) acquires numerical value information corresponding to a motion of the player. Control means (52) causes the subject to be operated to perform an action corresponding to a case where a positional relationship between the subject to be operated and the object or the character is a first positional relationship in a case where the numerical value information satisfies a condition. Condition changing means (55) changes the above-mentioned condition based on the positional relationship between the subject to be operated and the object or the character. The condition changing means (55) makes a setting so that the numerical value information is less likely to satisfy the above-mentioned condition for a case where the positional relationship between the subject to be operated and the object or the character is a second positional relationship than to satisfy the above-mentioned condition for the case where the positional relationship between the subject to be operated and the object or the character is the first positional relationship.
US08454436B2	Gaming machine with movable display screen A method, implemented by an electronic gaming machine (EGM), includes providing an electronic display mounted to the cabinet of the EGM and disposed in a normal operational position to portray a wagering game to a user, the display in the normal operational position having an orientation of one of landscape or portrait. The display is moved from the normal operational position to a maintenance position in order to permit access for a technician to components in a space in the cabinet behind the display when the latter is in the normal operational position, the display in the maintenance position having an orientation of the other of landscape or portrait, the display in the maintenance position displaying information to the technician.
US08454432B2	Method for providing network gaming system A method for providing a network gaming system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request at a server from a user for credits, wherein the credits are usable within the network gaming system; depositing the credits into an account of the user; receiving a second request for an object available within the network gaming system; and debiting the account of the user by an amount equal to a value assigned to the object.
US08454429B2	Gaming system having re-awarding of stored awards A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, at least one display for displaying the wagering game, and at least one controller. The controller is operative to display a first outcome of the wagering game and award a first award associated with the first outcome, store the first award in a stored awards group, cause the at least one display to display the stored awards group, and re-award one or more awards in the stored awards group upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
US08454420B1	Casino wagering game with bonus suits A casino wagering game based on the card game of thirty-one. Each player is dealt three cards and the goal is to get as high of a hand as possible. Each player is allowed the option to replace one selected card. A bonus suit can be determined randomly, and if the player's hand is formed using the bonus suit then the player is entitled to playing benefits. The player benefits can include the ability to win on ties as well as receiving bonus payouts on hands.
US08454416B1	Concave with an array of longitudinally notched spaced apart threshing elements A concave includes a frame and an array of threshing elements supported by the frame, the threshing elements being spaced apart and extending generally parallel to one another. The threshing elements are configured in the form of round bars each having formed on an upper portion thereof disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the frame a longitudinally-extending notch respectively defining an aggressive threshing edge. The spaced apart relationship and round configuration of the threshing elements reduce plugging of the concave. The threshing edges facing in a direction opposite to the direction of crop material flow restrict crop material flow and thereby enable more effective threshing.
US08454414B1	Dual pelvic snip and method to use it The invention is a tool designed for dressing a deer in the field and safely, easily, and quickly removing the animal's intestines including a generally rectangular cuboid base, with attached on its right and left sides a set of blades parallely secured and having their sharp cutting edges extended downwardly with respect to the body of the cuboid; a handle located on the opposite face of the rectangular cuboid with respect of said sharp cutting edges of the side blades where said handle is pivotally connected, via a plurality of pins holding rigid bars, to an extendeable generally tubular rod designed to open the anus of a dead deer with an convex opening head and engage the internal surface of the anal cavity of the dead deer with at least rough grasping surface.
US08454413B2	Multi-chamber carrier head with a textured membrane A flexible membrane for use in a carrier head has a generally circular main portion with a lower surface, an annular outer portion for connection to a base assembly, and an annular flap extending from the main portion on a side opposite the lower surface for connection to the base assembly. At least one surface of the flap has a surface texture to prevent adhesion.
US08454409B2	CO2 nozzles A nozzle and method of providing CO2 for cleaning includes providing a CO2 flow; phase transferring the CO2 flow into gaseous CO2 and CO2 pellets; interrupting the CO2 flow with a screen member; retaining the CO2 pellets of a select larger size upstream of the screen member; permitting the CO2 pellets of a select smaller size to pass through the screen member for cleaning.
US08454408B2	Load cup substrate sensing Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a load cup used in the transfer of substrates in a chemical mechanical polishing system. The load cup includes an improved substrate edge sensing mechanism to ensure a substrate is present and correctly positioned in the load cup for transfer to a polishing head. In one embodiment, a lever actuated edge sensing mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, the edge of a substrate contacts a lever, which contacts a sensor to detect that the substrate is present and correctly positioned for exchange with a polishing head. Embodiments of the present invention provide reliable detection, while reducing contact with the feature side of the substrate during substrate transfer.
US08454400B1	Outboard motor compression transom attachment assembly An attachment assembly quickly and securely mounts an outboard motor on a boat transom. Side frame members are disposed in a laterally spaced-apart relationship by two interconnected lateral frame members. A laterally extending cam member is rotatably connected to the side frame members and laterally extends the length between the side frame members. A cam rotating mechanism is connected to the cam member to selectively impart its rotational displacement and a lateral inverted-U-shaped transom channel is formed in the side frame members and is disposed adjacent to the cam member. The rotational displacement of the cam member effects an outward displacement of an outer surface of the cam member into the inverted-U-shaped transom channel to compressively engage and secure a transom by the cam member across the entire width of the motor.
US08454398B2	Amphibious vehicle power trains An amphibious vehicle power train having an engine (2) with an output shaft (4), driving an input member (6) of a variable speed change transmission (11). The speed change transmission, which may be a continuously variable transmission is arranged to drive road wheels through an output member (8). The engine also drives a marine propulsion unit (24). The axis of the output member (8) is above the axis of the input member (6). Four wheel drive may be provided (FIG. 2).
US08454387B2	Electrical connector assembly with an improved metallic shell An electrical connector assembly (100) comprises an insulative housing (1) having a pair of protrusions (102) on both sides thereof, a plurality of contacts (2) received in the insulative housing and a metallic shell (4) enclosing the insulative housing. The metallic shell has a pair of elastic portions (401) on lateral sides thereof, and the elastic portions are bent inwards and adjacent to corresponding back surfaces of the protrusions.
US08454386B1	Eletronic device having a tray for placing digital card A tray includes a first slot and a second slot. The first slot is for placing a first digital card including contacts. The second slot is for placing a second digital card including contacts. The second slot is defined in the bottom of the first slot and is smaller than the first slot. An opening is defined on the bottom of the second slot. When the first digital card or the second digital card is placed into the tray, the contacts of the first digital card or the second digital card are exposed through the opening. When the tray is received in a connector of an electronic device, the exposed contacts of the first digital card or the second digital card are electrically connected to the connector of the electronic device.
US08454384B2	Slip ring contact coaxial connector A coaxial connector with a connector body is provided with a connector body bore. An annular coupling groove is provided in the connector body bore open to a cable end of the connector body. A clamp sidewall of the coupling grove is angled inward from a bottom of the coupling groove. A slip ring seated within the coupling body bore is provided with a grip surface. An annular compression body is positioned between the slip ring and a compression surface of the coupling body. The connector body and the coupling body are coupled together via threads. The slip ring is dimensioned for axial advancement of the coupling body along the threads to exert a compression force against the compression body to clamp a leading edge of the outer conductor between the slip ring and the clamp sidewall.
US08454382B2	Electrical connector having grounding shield An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2) defining a port (102, 103) and a contact module (5) inserted into the port. The contact module includes a set of contacts (540, 542) received in the port, a ground component (5323) for grounding and a horizontal PCB (541, 543). The horizontal PCB having a first conductive trace (5410, 5430) disposed at the upper side of the horizontal PCB, a second conductive trace (5411, 5431) disposed at the lower side of the horizontal PCB and a shielding layer positioned between the first and second conductive traces. The first and second conductive traces electrically connect with the set of contacts, respectively. The horizontal PCB has a ground section (5414, 5434) electrically connecting with shielding layer to the ground component for grounding. The shield layer is provided to shield the crosstalk between the contacts that are provided as differential signal pairs.
US08454379B2	Connector, electric connecting device and medical device Disclosed is a connector to connect an electric element and a power source to each other. The connector includes a first contact provided on a first body and electrically connected to the electric element, and a second contact provided on a second body and electrically connected to the power source, wherein the first contact and the second contact come into contact with or are separated from each other upon receiving pressure caused by relative movement between the first body in the second body.
US08454374B2	Apparatus and method for mounting audio-visual components A bracket or support bar system is for installing one or more audio-visual (“A/V”) components or modules and generally overcomes the need for external cables and wiring connections. Every A/V component of the A/V system is attached to a wall bracket or support bar that enables the transfer of power signals or control signals (including media data) or both to each of the A/V components.
US08454368B2	Medical training methods and devices The present subject matter relates to medical training methods and models. In one embodiment, the invention provides for devices and methods of training paracentesis procedures. In another embodiment, the subject matter provides for devices and methods of training thoracentesis procedures. In yet another embodiment, the present subject matter provides for a training methods and model for performing lumbar punctures.
US08454363B2	Dental implant system The dental implant system includes implants having integral abutments therewith for the removable or fixed attachment of plural or single prosthetic teeth, as appropriate. The system for removable dental prostheses includes a metal housing permanently installed in the removable prosthesis, and a rubber retentive insert installed in the housing. The insert is removably installed over the abutment of the implant to secure the dental prosthesis thereto. The system includes transfer copings for transferring an impression to the lab for manufacture of the prosthesis, and lab processing copings and analogs for handling and forming the prosthesis during manufacture. The system may be assembled as a kit having some or all of the above components.
US08454362B2	Customized dental prosthesis for periodontal- or osseointegration, and related systems and methods A customized dental prosthesis for periodontal or osseointegration is disclosed having a manufactured implant portion shaped to substantially conform to the three-dimensional surface of a root of a tooth to be replaced. Furthermore a CAD/CAM based method of and a system for manufacturing a customized dental prosthesis replacing an extracted tooth is disclosed, where the extracted tooth is scanned regarding its three-dimensional shape and substantially copied using (a) an imaging system in-vitro like a 3D scanner or in-vivo like a cone beam CT system, (b) CNC machinery and (c) biocompatible material that is suitable to be integrated into the extraction socket and at least partially adopted by the existing tissue forming the socket.
US08454357B2	Hotplate with lifting elements The hotplate for a workpiece comprises a heatable plate which on a first side comprises a support surface for the workpiece, several lifting elements for the lifting of the workpiece relative to the support surface, wherein each lifting element is moveably arranged in such a manner that the respective lifting element can be retracted with respect to the support surface and/or extended with respect to the support surface and means for heating the plate. The means for heating comprise at least one heating channel which extends on a second side of the plate located opposite the support surface and is filled with a heating fluid. The heating fluid is in contact with the plate. The lifting elements are loaded with the heating fluid in such a manner that the lifting elements are extendable through a predetermined change of the hydrostatic pressure of the heating fluid.
US08454354B2	Highly radiative burner and combustion process An oxy-fuel burner that co-fires liquid fuel and gaseous fuel to create a more luminous flame. The characteristics of a liquid fuel spray and the gaseous fuel and primary oxidant gas flows, as well as the geometry of the burner is adapted to shroud the liquid fuel from the primary oxidant until it exits a precombustor and to prevent the liquid fuel from contacting the walls of the precombustor.
US08454350B2	Diluent shroud for combustor Disclosed is a combustor including a baffle plate having at least one through baffle hole and at least one fuel nozzle extending through the at least one through baffle hole. At least one diluent shroud is affixed to the at least one baffle plate and is configured to guide a diluent flow toward a mixing chamber of the at least one fuel nozzle. Further disclosed is a method for introducing a diluent flow into a mixing chamber of a fuel nozzle including urging the diluent flow from a plenum through a baffle plate gap between a baffle plate and an outer surface of the fuel nozzle. The diluent flow is directed via at least one diluent shroud extending from the baffle plate toward a plurality of air swirler holes extending through a fuel nozzle tip. The diluent flow is flowed through the plurality of air swirler holes into the mixing chamber.
US08454348B2	Elastomeric ball and method of manufacturing same The present invention is directed to a ball including an outer shell formed from a first thermoplastic material and having an inner surface defining a cavity, outer details formed from a second thermoplastic material and disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the outer shell, and a core formed from a foamable polymeric material and disposed within the cavity of the outer shell. The ball may be produced by forming a pair of half shells having inner surfaces defining corresponding portions of the cavity of the outer shell, forming the outer details on the outer surface of at least one of the half shells, and foaming a polymeric material to form the core.
US08454347B2	Sprue device for use in an injection mold A sprue device for an injection mold includes a first part and a second part. The sprue device is sealed and water-cooled so as to reduce overall molding time. The connecting section defines spiral grooves. The second part includes a chassis and an extension from the chassis. The chassis is defined with a through hole, and two gates communicated with the through hole respectively. The spiral grooves mate with the wall of the mounting hole to form a spiral runner. The gates, the through hole, and the spiral runner communicate with each other. An injection mold using the sprue device is also described.
US08454344B2	Magnetic clamp for underwater pelletizer An underwater pelletizer is presented having an electromagnetic clamp that includes an electromagnetic ring body having a series of electromagnets disposed along a contact surface of the electromagnetic ring body. A clamping ring body has a series of mild steel inserts disposed along a contact surface of the clamping ring body, where each mild steel insert is disposed in a position complementary to at least one of the series of electromagnets. The electromagnetic clamp ring has a contact face with a series of electromagnets disposed therein and providing a clamping ring having a contact face with a series of mild steel inserts disposed therein, where the contact face of the clamping ring is configured to engage the contact face of the electromagnetic ring to form a seal and the mild steel inserts are positioned such that each one of the series of electromagnets is adjacent to one of the mild steel inserts when the contact faces of the electromagnetic and clamping rings are engaged. The method involves disposing the electromagnetic ring and the clamping ring between the water chamber and a die face, activating the series of electromagnets to clamp the electromagnetic ring to the clamping ring, and deactivating the series of electromagnets to gain access to the water chamber.
US08454341B2	Mold for molding optical fiber connectors A mold for molding an optical fiber connector having a number of lens portions with a flat surface or a curved surface, is provided. The mold includes an upper molding portion, a lower molding portion, a first insert, a number of second inserts and a fixing portion. The first insert includes a number of curved molding portions and a flat molding portion. The upper molding portion, the lower molding portion, the first insert and the fixing portion cooperatively define a molding space. A distal end of each second insert is inserted into the molding space. The first insert is moveable relative to the second insert such that the curved molding portions or the flat molding portion is selectively exposed in the molding space and is opposite to the distal ends of the second inserts.
US08454339B2	Eraser moulding toy and method of forming an eraser To provide an eraser molding toy with which it is possible to mold an eraser having a colored pattern or design, a plurality of thermofusible eraser members 1 of differing colors are placed in succession inside a molding container 2 so as to form a required pattern or design etc., and the molding container 2 is heated in order to fuse the surfaces of the eraser members 1 together to mold an eraser P having a colored pattern or design in the mold shape of the container.
US08454334B2	Lubricant control valve for a screw compressor A compressor system includes a lubricant reservoir, a screw compressor, and a valve. The screw compressor includes a housing defining a compression chamber having a suction port, a discharge port, a first lubricant feed port located between the suction port and the discharge port, and a second lubricant feed port located between the discharge port and the first lubricant feed port. The valve is in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir, the first lubricant feed port via a first lubricant feed passageway, and the second lubricant feed port via a second lubricant feed passageway. The valve is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the valve fluidly connects the lubricant reservoir to the first lubricant feed passageway to direct lubricant to the first lubricant feed port. In the second position, the valve fluidly connects the lubricant reservoir to the second lubricant feed passageway to direct lubricant to the second lubricant feed port.
US08454333B2	Rotary fluid machine having outer and inner cylinder chambers with different heights A rotary fluid machine includes a cylinder with an annular cylinder chamber, an annular piston and a blade. The annular piston is disposed in the cylinder chamber so as to be eccentric to the cylinder. The annular piston divides the cylinder chamber into an outer cylinder chamber and an inner cylinder chamber. The blade is arranged in the cylinder chambers to divide each of the outer and inner cylinder chambers into a high-pressure chamber and a low-pressure chamber. The cylinder and the piston are arranged to eccentrically move relative to each other. A height of the outer cylinder chamber is different from a height of the inner cylinder chamber as measured in a direction of a rotational axis of the rotary fluid machine.
US08454329B2	Sealed terminal device for motor-driven compressor A sealed terminal device for a motor-driven compressor has an electrically insulating terminal holder (12) to be attached to the housing wall (2a) of the motor-driven compressor, a plurality of sealed terminals (18) held in the terminal holder (12), for penetrating the housing wall (2a) with play to the housing wall (2a), and a groove (40) or cavity (38) formed in the terminal holder (12) to increase a creepage distance for insulation between the sealed terminals.
US08454326B2	Idler gear and journal bearing assembly for a generator A generator includes an aluminum housing having an end plate secured to a housing portion. The housing portion and the end plate respectively include first and second bores. The end plate includes a wall with a boss providing a bore. The wall provides a lubrication passage in fluid communication with the bore. An idler gear includes a shaft having opposing first and second ends respectively supported in the first and second bores. A generator is arranged within the housing and is rotationally coupled to the idler gear. First and second impregnated carbon journal bearings respectively include a first inner and outer bearing diameter and a second inner and outer bearing diameter. The first and second outer bearing diameters are in press fit relationship with the first and second bores respectively. The inner diameters are fixed relative to their respective outer diameter.
US08454316B2	Radial blade wheel This invention relates to a radial blade wheel comprising a first (1,1′) and a second (2,2′) end plate arranged at a mutual distance from each other, the first end plate having an opening (6) which allows inflow to the radial blade wheel, and blades (3) arranged between the first and the second end plate. To achieve optimal efficiency for the radial blade wheel, the radial blade wheel comprises an inner part with blades, in which curvature (R1) of the blades (3) is shaped to bring motion energy to the flowing particles while the radial blade wheel is rotating, and an outer part with blades, in which curvature (R2) of the blades (3) is shaped not to bring motion energy to the flowing particles while the radial blade wheel is rotating.
US08454314B2	Sectional vane for vertical axis wind power generator A sectional vane for vertical axis wind power generator includes a frame unit and a plurality of vane units. The frame unit is fixedly mounted to a main shaft of the wind power generator, and includes an upper frame member and at least one lower frame member. The upper and lower frame members are provided on inner side with an upper and a lower guide rail, respectively. The vane unit includes a vane body having an upper and a lower guide channel provided on a top and a bottom, respectively, corresponding to the upper and the lower guide rail. The vane units are assembled to the frame unit between the upper and the lower frame member through engagement of the guide channels with the guide rails. The sectional vane can be varied in height and area by providing different numbers of lower frame members and vane units.
US08454312B2	Wind power generator apparatus A wind power generator apparatus includes a housing (10) having a chamber (11), a wind generator set (20) in the chamber (11) and a wind collector (30) coupled to the wind generator set (20). The wind generator set (20) includes a base (21) fixed in the housing (10), a generator (22) mounted on the base (21) and a blade wheel (23) coupled to the generator (22). The wind generator set (20) can be installed in a vehicle (50) for generating electric power during driving. The power generated by the wind generator set (20) can be stored or used to charge the vehicle (50).
US08454309B2	Wind turbine/generator set and method of making same A wind turbine comprising an electrical generator that includes a rotor assembly. A wind rotor that includes a wind rotor hub is directly coupled to the rotor assembly via a simplified connection. The wind rotor and generator rotor assembly are rotatably mounted on a central spindle via a bearing assembly. The wind rotor hub includes an opening having a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the central spindle adjacent the bearing assembly so as to allow access to the bearing assembly from a cavity inside the wind rotor hub. The spindle is attached to a turret supported by a tower. Each of the spindle, turret and tower has an interior cavity that permits personnel to traverse therethrough to the cavity of the wind rotor hub. The wind turbine further includes a frictional braking system for slowing, stopping or keeping stopped the rotation of the wind rotor and rotor assembly.
US08454308B2	Horizontally split flow machine housing A horizontally split flow machine housing, particularly for a radial compressor, has a top housing part and a bottom housing part and a top stator part which is received in the top housing part and is prevented from falling out in that the top stator part is supported from the top by stator stops on housing stops. At least one housing stop is fastened to the top housing part in such a way that it can be adjusted toward a stator stop during assembly and is supported at the top housing part below a point of contact between the stator stop and housing stop.
US08454306B2	Steam turbine A steam turbine (10), especially for the high-pressure range or intermediate-pressure range, includes a rotor (11) which is rotatably mounted around an axis and concentrically enclosed at a distance by an inner casing (12), wherein between the rotor (11) and the inner casing (12) a flow passage (13) is formed, which on the inlet side is axially delimited by a balance piston (18) which is arranged on the rotor (11), and into which flow passage rotor blades (15) and stator blades (17), alternating in the direction of flow, radially project, and wherein, at the entry of the flow passage (13), an inlet scroll (14), through which steam is guided from the outside radially inwards and deflected in a deflection region (27) in the axial direction to the inlet of the flow passage (13), is formed on the inner casing (12). A reduction of the thermal loads and stresses is achieved by a stress-relief slot (20) in the deflection region (27) upstream of the first rotor blade row (15) for reducing stresses in the fastening slot (16) of the first rotor blade row (15) in the rotor (11), and by a heat shield (21) arranged in the region of the stress-relief slot (20) for protecting the rotor (11) against high temperatures.
US08454301B1	Turbine blade with serpentine cooling A turbine rotor blade with an aft flowing 5-pass serpentine flow cooling circuit in which a first metering hole connect a first root turn formed between the second and third legs to a core support cavity and a second metering hole connects the core support cavity to a second root turn formed between the fourth and fifth legs so that cooling air from the second leg can be discharged directly into the fifth leg while bypassing the third and fourth legs. A seal pin can be secured within the core support cavity to block the bypass cooling flow.
US08454299B2	Radial compressor A radial compressor includes an impeller which is rotatively driven, axially introduces air taken in through an air inlet passage formed in a housing, pressurizes the introduced air, and discharges the pressurized air in a radial direction, wherein an annular concave groove is formed in a peripheral wall of the air inlet passage of the housing, a rear end portion of an opening of the annular concave groove, which rear end portion meets the housing peripheral wall, is provided in the vicinity of a blade front end surface of the impeller, and the rear end portion of the opening of the annular concave groove is formed such that an axial projecting amount X thereof relative to the blade front end surface of the impeller is set to −1T≦X≦1.5T (where T denotes the thickness of the distal portion of a blade).
US08454294B2	Minimum contact area wafer clamping with gas flow for rapid wafer cooling Apparatuses and methods for cooling and transferring wafers from low pressure environment to high pressure environment are provided. An apparatus may include a cooling pedestal and a set of supports for holding the wafer above the cooling pedestal. The average gap between the wafer and the cooling pedestal may be no greater than about 0.010 inches. Venting gases may be used to increase the pressure inside the apparatus during the transfer. In certain embodiment, venting gases comprise nitrogen.
US08454292B2	Method of forming a can end having a moveable portion Methods for producing a can end having a moveable portion disposed beneath a tab are disclosed. In one embodiment, a can end having a center panel may be formed. A moveable portion may be formed in the center panel. The moveable portion may be in a downward position after it is formed. The can end may then be restrained such that a portion of the center panel that is adjacent to the moveable portion is unrestrained. While the can end is restrained, the moveable portion may be moved into an upward position.
US08454289B2	Staple holding prong A staple with a breakaway staple holding prong enables a person to more easily observe, hold, position, prepare and/or steady the staple for driving and embedding into a structure. The person can hold the breakaway staple holding prong with two or more fingers of one hand and drive and embed the staple into the structure with the other hand, while minimizing or eliminating the possibility that the incoming blows of the other hand will come into contact with and harm the fingers of the hand holding the staple. The staple includes a first nail prong and a second nail prong connected by a member, creating a substantially U-shaped body, the staple further including a breakaway staple holding prong coupled to the substantially U-shaped body.
US08454285B2	Load securing system A load securing system comprises a tensioning member (18), and a securing member (22) on the tensioning member. First and second containers (12) can be arranged adjacent each other in an array of containers. Each of said first and second containers has a cooperating formation (28) to cooperate with the securing member. The tensioning member can extend across the containers to the aforesaid cooperating formations, and the securing member can be secured to the cooperating formations. The tensioning member can be tensioned to secure the first and second containers to each other.
US08454280B2	Formation of a pattern of holes in a structure A drill template includes a vacuum housing with a skirt having a CAD-formed contact surface formed to an exact fit with a mold line surface of a structure. The drill template includes at least one drill guide bushing extending through the vacuum housing from a top surface to an interior surface of the vacuum housing; a vacuum port integral to the vacuum housing; and at least one index hole for positioning and aligning the vacuum housing on the structure. Index holes extend from the top surface through to the CAD-formed contact surface of the vacuum housing. A CAD-formed edge of part locator is formed according to a CAD solid model of the aircraft fuselage and fits to a precise location of the structure for precisely positioning the template on the structure. A vacuum port provides vacuum to the interior of the vacuum housing for removing drilling debris and dust.
US08454279B2	Cutting tool system, cutting insert, and tool holder An improved design of a cutting insert system includes a plurality of indexable peripheral milling cutting inserts adapted to be mounted on a peripheral milling tool holder. Each of the cutting inserts includes an insert width that is the same for each cutting insert. Each of the cutting inserts also includes a corner nose having a corner nose radius dimension that is different for each cutting insert, and an axial alignment clearance face that defines an equivalent face location and an equivalent clearance angle for each of the plurality of cutting inserts when the insert is detachably mounted on the tool holder.
US08454266B2	Method for controlling the process when producing a paving mat and road finisher A method for controlling the process laying a layer in a selectable paving thickness with a road finisher in which the laying process is automatically controlled in that a target value for the paving thickness is entered into an automatic closed-loop control system and communicates the actuating signals to such members and the signals. A road finisher has a computerized, either fully automatic or operator aided closed-loop control system for the direct control of the laying process with control of the paving thickness to a predetermined target value and for the optimization of the operating point of the pre-compaction system, which is connected to sensors at least for the acquisition of the setting angle of the screed, of the paving thickness and of the laying rate.
US08454264B2	Expansion joint system A cover plate system for a gap (15) between two structural members (10, 20) is provided. The system includes an elongated cover (30) that extends across the gap (15) from a first structural member (10) to a second, spaced-apart structural member (20). The cover plate system further includes damped spring anchors (40) for engaging the cover plate (30) to an underlying structural member (10) and dampers (50, 60) for absorbing energy imparted to the cover plate (30) by vehicular traffic. The cover plate system minimizes the strain energy that is absorbed by the cover plate (30), which results in less cover plate slapping and bouncing during operation.
US08454261B2	Snap-and-click hatrack fastener The invention relates to a fastening device for installing a hatrack on a substructure of a means of locomotion, wherein the fastening device comprises a pre-locking device and a main locking device. In this arrangement the pre-locking device is designed for automatic provisional affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device when the hatrack during an installation movement of the hatrack is moved in the direction to the fastening device. The main locking device is designed for final affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device.
US08454259B2	Connection assembly for interconnecting to a frame A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.
US08454258B2	Swivel joint A swivel joint that is placed between a working device and a forwardly/reversely rotatable wrist section provided on a body section of an industrial robot and has a fluid transmission route for interconnecting the wrist section side and the working device side. The fluid transmission route is a hose, and between the wrist section and the working device, the hose is loosely spirally wound with a margin around a shaft section that rotates together with the wrist section. One end of the hose is non-rotatably fixed to the shaft section, and the other end is fixed so as to be movable with movement of the shaft section.
US08454257B2	Hand-writing input device and hand-writing input system A hand-writing input device includes a penholder, a writing head and an infrared light source. The penholder includes a writing end and an opposite top end. The writing head is arranged on the writing end. The writing head is capable of leaving color distinguishable traces on an object. The infrared light source is positioned on the writing end of the penholder adjacent to the writing head. The present invention also relates to a hand-writing input system using the hand-writing input device.
US08454256B2	Card printing apparatus A card printing apparatus for sequentially printing a plurality of colors on a card has a card supply unit for supplying a card; a card conveyance path provided linearly from the card supply unit for conveying the card; a conveyance device provided on the card conveyance path for conveying the card; a printing unit provided on the card conveyance path; a card cleaning member disposed between the card supplying unit and the printing unit provided within the returning range of the card while printing the card conveyed in reverse; and a card cleaning member moving device for moving the card cleaning member to a retreated position separated from the card cleaning member and the card conveyance path, and an operating position. The card cleaning member is moved to the retreated position when the card is conveyed in reverse while printing.
US08454254B2	Support accessory for split keyboard An adjustable keyboard assembly and support mounts and keying layout are provided allowing a user to orient keying modules of the assembly in a variety of desired configurations. In one embodiment, the assembly includes pivoting support plates that allow the flexible adjustments. In another embodiment, at least one lift module is utilized to allow achieving multiple tenting angles expediently. In yet another embodiment, a modular support mount assembly is provided to allow the user to mount keying modules to a structure such as a chair using modular mounts that allow for easy and effective peripheral device supports and reconfiguration of the modular support mount assembly to support keying modules and peripheral devices of various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, a keying layout and assembly is provided to improve efficiency and intuitiveness of using a keying module and for programming the keying modules without use of a separate computer.
US08454252B2	Cassette for a printer An integrated ink-and-paper cassette (1) mountable to a thermal transfer printer (40) includes an ink-sheet supply unit housing (20) between an opening (30) for ejecting the recording sheet (13) and an ink-sheet take-up unit housing (21). Also, an upper case (10) mainly defining a recording sheet housing (22) is welded to a lower case (11) defining ink-sheet housings when assembled with the upper case (10), in the vicinity of a conveyance path of the ink sheet (12) at which a load is likely applied.
US08454250B2	Lens device A camera-attached lens device includes a lens barrel, a mount ring, pins, through holes, a positioning ring, and a fixing member. The lens barrel holds a lens system. The mount ring, attached to the lens barrel, has a tubular fitted portion coupling with the camera and a flange portion around the fitted portion. The pins are on the lens barrel and position a central axis of the mount ring with respect to an optical axis. The through holes are on the flange portion. The positioning ring outer diameter is smaller than a hole diameter of the through holes and has an opening where the pins are fitted. The fixing member fixes the positioning ring inside the through holes. The pins are restricted by the opening of the positioning ring fixed by the fixing member when the mount ring is positioned, positioning the lens barrel with respect to the mount ring.
US08454249B2	Focal plane shutter for cameras and digital camera provided with the same A second blade-driving mechanism includes second blade-driving first member and second blade-driving second member, only the second blade-driving second member is rotated against elastic force of a blade-driving spring while the second blade-driving first member engages and is locked by a locking member at start of cocking operation of the cocking member to keep a second blade covering an exposure aperture, and the second blade-driving first member is disengaged from locking member at final stage of cocking operation, so the second blade-driving first member can be rotated by elastic force of a second blade-cocking spring and the second blade is made to open the exposure aperture. Staring cocking operation of a focal plane shutter is possible irrespective of the length of time during which imaging information can be transferred from an image sensor to storage via an information-processing circuit.
US08454248B2	Focal plane shutter for cameras In a first blade unit-driving unit which is rotated by elastic force of a first blade unit-driving spring in shooting, its driving pin rotates a first brake member counterclockwise and a second brake member clockwise against the elastic force of a coil spring fitted to a fitting shaft and against friction resistance force of a friction-providing part including a plate spring or the like at the final stage of the rotation of the first blade unit-driving unit, the plate spring being fitted to the fitting shaft, so that the first blade unit-driving unit is braked, and, at this point, one end part of the first blade unit-driving spring contacts a part to be pushed of the first brake member and controls the counterclockwise rotation of the first brake member, so that braking force to the first blade unit-driving unit acts on the first blade unit-driving unit larger and more surely.
US08454245B2	System for controlled application of herbicides Camera for use in a system and system for detection of weeds and controlled application of herbicides, where the camera lens is protected from dust and mist by a generated air flow.
US08454244B2	Method for installing a communication cable assembly Disclosed is a modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly that facilitates installation of an optical fiber communication cable through narrow cable guides having sharp bends. The pre-ferrulized cable assembly includes a communication cable having a free, front end, a semi-finished communication connector, and a suction plug. The invention further relates to efficient methods for installing the modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly through a cable guide.
US08454243B2	Optical fiber coupling connector A fiber coupling connector includes a receptacle and a plug for insertion into the receptacle. The plug includes a first lens portion and a first sleeve receiving and surrounding the first lens portion. The receptacle includes a second lens portion and a second sleeve receiving and surrounding the second lens portion. The second sleeve is engagingly received in the first sleeve such that the first lens portion is optically coupled with the second lens portion.
US08454242B2	Retention of ball bearing cartridge for turbomachinery An assembly for a turbocharger includes a ball bearing cartridge, a center housing with a bore, a turbine end counterbore and a compressor end surface that includes a recess, and a compressor backplate with an axial extension configured to fit into the recess where the counterbore and the backplate define, at least in part, an axial length of a bearing cartridge chamber. Various other devices, assemblies, etc., are also disclosed.
US08454239B2	Fluid dynamic bearing device and assembling method thereof A first axial gap (L1) is formed between a seal portion (9) and a sleeve portion (8). With this, it is possible to set a moving amount of a shaft member (2) in an axial direction with high accuracy irrespective of accuracy of members such as the sleeve portion (8).
US08454237B2	Spindle motor The spindle motor includes a rotating shaft and a sleeve. The rotating shaft has a stepped portion in a fluid dynamic pressure shafting system. The sleeve is fitted over the circumferential outer surface of the rotating shaft. A sleeve recess is formed in the inner surface of the sleeve so that the edges of the stepped portion are spaced apart from the sleeve.
US08454234B2	Thickness measurer for metal sheet and relative measuring method Thickness measurer for metal elements (11), comprising a source device (20), able to emit a bundle (F) of ionizing radiations, at a predetermined or predeterminable intensity, a receiver device (24), disposed on an opposite side with respect to the metal element (11) and suitable to detect the residual intensity of the bundle (F) of ionizing radiations. The measurer comprises a cooling device, associated with the source device (20). The cooling device comprises a heat pump element (30), to remove heat from the source device (20) so as to keep the source device (20) at a predetermined and controlled temperature. The thickness measurer also comprises detection means (46, 124) for the direct or indirect detection of the intensity, or the variation in intensity, of the bundle (F) emitted by the source device (20). The detection means (46, 124) is associated with the heat pump element (30), in order to keep the emission of the bundle (F) of ionizing radiations stable.
US08454233B2	Device and method for the non-destructive testing of objects A device for non-destructive testing of objects, particularly pipes in oil refineries, having a first positioning device for positioning a collimator including a radioactive radiation source near an object to be tested, and a second positioning device for positioning a film carrier near the object to be tested. The first positioning device may be anchored or placed with a lower end on a substantially flat base surface, wherein the collimator is attached to the opposite, upper end of the first positioning device. Before the exposure, the radiation source may be guided towards the collimator via a delivery tube such that no radiation is able to be emitted from the device during the placement of the first positioning device.
US08454227B2	Internal blocking device for push buttons of a timepiece In a watchcase of a time-piece an internal blocking device for simultaneously blocking the push-buttons (10, 20) of the timepiece comprises an internal collar (11, 21) for each push-button pressing a gasket (12, 22) thereof against the watchcase (30) and at least one sliding element (40) providing blocking members (41, 42) for blocking the movement of the push buttons (10, 20). The sliding elements (40) are operated from outside the timepiece through the wind/set crown (50), a specific screw down button, the bezel (60) or other external members of the timepiece. The internal push buttons blocking device of the invention improves watertightness of the timepiece by a simple and reliable mechanism which is very easy and rapid to use.
US08454226B2	Watch comprising an outer frame and an inner frame comprising a clockwork A watch includes an outer frame and an inner frame having a clockwork. The frames are connected by at least two substantially radially extending, spaced-apart elastic elements. The elastic elements absorb forces that act on the outer frame. The outer frame is provided with at least two openings, in each of which openings an elastic element can be positioned from outside. The opening and the elastic element are configured to effect a detachable connection therebetween.
US08454225B2	Device for electromechanical watch for determining the moment at which and the direction in which a time indication has to be corrected Device for electromechanical watch (1) allowing an electronic control circuit of the watch (1) movement to determine the moment at which and the direction in which an indication showing a magnitude of time has to be corrected, said device including a wheel (68), which is driven by the watch (1) movement and carries means (70, 72) for actuating first and second detection means (46a, 46b) connected to the electronic control circuit, said electronic control circuit deducing, from the moment at which and the order in which the first and second detection means (46a, 46b) are actuated by the means actuating the wheel (68) driven by the watch (1) movement, the direction in which the wheel (68) is being driven by the movement at the moment when the magnitude of time has to be respectively incremented or decremented.
US08454222B2	Illumination system and method A system and a method are disclosed here for illumination of illumination of objects to produce visual displays. The object has internal transmissive surfaces and a proximal end and a tapering distal end, the proximal end has an aperture for receiving light, and the distal end terminates with at least one transmissive ornamental portion. The method comprises the step of providing at least one light source with a large surface area, reflecting the light rays, collecting the light rays at the distal end, and producing a visual ornamental display. The system comprises at least one light source, the light source is spaced apart from the proximal end, and at least one transmissive ornamental portion disposed at the distal end for collecting and focusing light to produce visual displays.
US08454215B2	Method and LED apparatus for billboard lighting A high efficiency LED billboard lighting system with four LED modules replacing existing lighting modules. Each module has six heat sink assemblies arranged in two rows. The heat sink assemblies comprise an LED package mounted on a heat sink reflector. The LED package has a flat fine diffusing lens positioned over the diode. A diffusing lens is spaced apart from the heat sink assemblies. An LED controller is provided for each module, with power factor corrected, switch mode Power Supply, where the secondary side can be connected directly to a battery to monitor and charge one or more battery, and can run directly from the battery.
US08454214B2	Vehicular lamp LED-lit curved light guide lens An LED light source is mounted to a base end of a light guide lens including a distal end curving toward the rear of a vehicle and a functional light distribution portion including light diffusion steps, so that light from the LED light source is diffused toward a side of the vehicle. A design light distribution portion is provided between the LED light source and the functional light distribution portion, having a linear optical step on a rear surface of the light guide lens so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lens.
US08454213B2	Decorative lighting device attached onto wheel rim of vehicle A decorative lighting device, adapted to be installed onto wheel rim of vehicle, includes a telescopically fixing mechanism and a light-emitting assembly connected thereon. The light-emitting assembly includes a lid plate and a plurality of light-emitting units fixed thereto. The telescopically fixing mechanism includes a support seat, a clipping-and-abutting plate connected fixedly to the support seat, a plurality of telescopic links, one end of each of which is accommodated between and pivoted to the support seat and the clipping-and-abutting plate, and another end of each of which is wedged by being fixed in a central hole of the wheel ring when extended outwardly, and a rotating wheel pivoted to the support seat and capable of driving the telescopic links to make actions of shrinking inwardly or extending outwardly. Thereby, it is possible to simplify the manner of installing a decorative lighting device or a light-emitting assembly onto a wheel rim, without doing any machining process thereto.
US08454212B2	Anti-collision light for aircraft An anti-collision light for aircraft comprising two illuminating modules each comprising a number of LEDs disposed along a ring and coplanar to a plane, a first reflector facing the LEDS and a second reflector surrounding the LEDS; the first and the second reflector are so configured as to reflect the light emitted by LEDs toward angles between 0 and 75° above or below said plane. An additional module providing infra-red radiation is may be provided; the additional module comprising number of infra red LEDs disposed along a ring and coplanar to a plane and a reflector facing the infra red LEDs.
US08454211B2	Vehicle headlamp A vehicle headlamp to project light forward from a vehicle includes a headlamp housing supported by a vehicle body and supporting a lens. A headlamp mounting portion is disposed on an upper portion of the headlamp housing. An extending contact portion is continuous with the headlamp mounting portion. A headlamp pressing portion is disposed below the headlamp mounting portion. A first bracket has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is attached to a body mount of the vehicle body together with the headlamp mounting portion. The second end portion is attached to the headlamp pressing portion. A second bracket has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is attached to the body mount together with the headlamp mounting portion and the first end portion. The second portion is close to the extending contact portion.
US08454209B2	Solar light with centering hook A hanging basket lighting system is disclosed. The system may include a light source and a clip device attachable to the light source providing a manner to hang the light source over a basket so as to shine unobstructed light on the contents of the basket. Additionally, the light source may be solar powered providing an energy conserving mechanism for illuminating the contents of hanging baskets at night.
US08454207B2	Multi-lamp fluorescent lighting fixture apparatus and wiring method A fluorescent lamp fixture apparatus (100) and wiring method (200) are described in which a ballast (B) is located near the fixture center (110c) and high frequency high potential wires (HFW1-HFW4) extending from the ballast are directly connected to inner lampholders (LH1a, LH2a, LH3a, LH4a), with low frequency low potential wiring runs (E1LFRUN, E2LFRUN) extending toward the fixture ends (FE1, FE2) for connection to outer lampholders (LH1b-LH4b) to mitigate capacitive and inductive coupling effects in the fixture.
US08454201B2	Solar powered illuminator for plants and decorative articles A system for illuminating a potted plant, statuary or other decorative articles comprises a base having a plurality of lighting units disposed around the periphery thereof to illuminate the article from below. The base may be circular, having a diameter in the range of 10 to 24 inches. A solar panel generates electricity from sunlight to charge a battery, and switching circuitry interconnects the battery to the lighting units when ambient light falls to a predetermined level. Each lighting unit may be integrally formed with the base, permanently or removably attached to the base, or coupled to the periphery of the base through one or more articulating joints and/or telescoping arms. The base may include a peripheral lip, thereby forming a water-holding tray to support a potted plant. The solar panel, battery and photodetector may be disposed in a remote housing and interconnected to the lights through electrical wiring.
US08454200B2	Ring light apparatus with variable projection angle A ring light apparatus capable of varying projection angle includes an inner barrel passed through an axis, a support base arranged at an end of the inner barrel, a plurality of variable projection angle light emitting modules arranged on the support base, and a drive mechanism arranged outside the inner barrel and used for driving the variable projection angle light emitting modules to vary the projection angle, so as to provide a uniform light beam for a near object.
US08454199B2	LED module A LED module has a LED chip, LED packaging materials, a metal base circuit board, a power connection cable, a heat sink that also functions as a metal case; and an optional potting material. The LED chip is fixed to the metal base close to the surface of the board. The LED packaging materials forms a package. A power connection line has a continuous uninterrupted power supply line. A continuous power cord from the power connection line is mounted on the metal injection molded parts corresponding fixed location. Self-tapping screws are mounted to the metal base circuit board. The self-tapping screws are formed of metal. A plastic end connector cap is for the power cord. The power connection cable passes through the plastic end connector cap and joins together with the metal case to form a fixed electrical connection by connecting to the power connection cable.
US08454197B2	LED operating room light A light for operating rooms includes a light housing (2), several LED illumination modules that are adjustable for focusing purposes, and a unit for focusing the illumination modules. In order to prevent the light from being accidentally moved from the center of gravity on a gimbal mount, the illumination modules encompass a swivel plate (32), which is pivotally mounted on the light housing (2) and is provided with an LED array (34) that is arranged thereon.
US08454196B2	Outdoor illumination lamp An illumination lamp in which a lamp fitting is attached to a support is installed outdoors. Light-emitting portions of the lamp fitting are easily attached, with a small number of components, to such a position as to illuminate a wide area. In order to prevent the attached components from being damaged, the lamp fitting (1) includes the light-emitting portions (2), a casing (10) to which the light-emitting portions are attached and a protective cover (3) which is arranged on the front side of the light-emitting portions and which protects the light-emitting portions. The casing (10) is shaped to have a plurality of attachment surfaces (11A) and (11B) to which the light-emitting portions can be attached to face in a plurality of predetermined directions. In the illumination lamp (ST), the light-emitting portions are easily attached to a predetermined position with a small number of components.
US08454184B2	Back lighting unit having phosphor film structure A back lighting unit is disclosed in which lower and upper surfaces of a light transmitting plate function as incident and exit surfaces of light, respectively, and a phosphor film structure for wavelength-converting the light is provided at a position which the light is incident on or exits from. The disclosed back lighting unit includes a light emitting means including a light emitting diode disposed to emit light upwards; a light transmitting plate disposed over the light emitting diode, the light transmitting plate having a lower surface allowing light to be incident thereon and an upper surface allowing light to exit therefrom; and a phosphor film structure including a particulate phosphor and formed on at least one of the lower and upper surfaces of the light transmitting plate.
US08454183B2	Light source holder, lighting device, display device and television receiver A lamp clip 20 holds at least one of a plurality of cold cathode tubes 18 that are arranged parallel to each other. The lamp clip 20 includes a pair of arms 30, 31 configured so as to extend along a parallel arrangement direction of the cold cathode tubes 18. The parallel arrangement direction extends from one cold cathode tube 18 to another. The arms 30, 31 have distal ends separated from each other to from an opening 33. The opening 33 allows insertion and removal of the cold cathode tube 18 therethrough, and the arms 30, 31 hold the cold cathode tube 18 therebetween. A plurality of light source receiving surfaces 32 that receive the cold cathode tube 18 are provided so as to be along the parallel arrangement direction on at least one of surfaces of the arms 30, 31 facing the cold cathode tube 18.
US08454182B2	Moving headlight for stage lighting A moving head light for stage lighting includes a light sources group having a plurality of light sources, a reflector group slantwise arranged at a circumference of the light sources group; and an angle-adjusting device for adjusting the relative angles between the reflectors and the light sources. Each reflector corresponds to each light source one by one, and the reflector group includes a plurality of reflectors. The moving head light for stage lighting uses the angle-adjusting device to adjust the relative angles between the reflectors and the light sources so that lights sent out from the light sources generate a special effect of scaling in a space after being reflected by the reflectors.
US08454181B2	Light bar proximity switch A light bar proximity switch is provided that includes a light pipe having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first and second surface define an area. The light bar proximity sensor further includes an at least partially reflective surface adjacent the second surface, at least one circuit board spaced from the light pipe and the at least partially reflective surface, at least one proximity sensor electrically connected to the at least one circuit board, and at least one light source configured to project light along the area, wherein the emitted light is reflected by the at least partially reflective surface and viewed through the first surface.
US08454179B2	Video image appreciation system A video image appreciation system 10 of the present invention comprises: a self-luminous display 30; and a circularly-polarized light source 11, wherein the self-luminous display 30 comprises in order: (a) a first wavelength plate 13 having functions to convert circularly-polarized light into linearly-polarized light and vice versa; (b) a polarizing film 15; (c) a linearly-polarized separation film 20; (d) a second wavelength plate 18 having functions to convert circularly-polarized light into linearly-polarized light and vice versa; and (e) a self-luminous panel 16.
US08454177B2	Low cost parabolic solar concentrator and method to develop the same A low cost parabolic solar concentrator can be formed by deforming a hybrid plate. Force can be placed on an edge portion of the hybrid plate and/or a middle portion of the hybrid plate. The selective application of the force deforms the hybrid plate into a parabolic solar concentrator, instead of a sinusoidal shape. The hybrid plate can be formed from a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate attached to each other. The characteristics of the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate, can be chosen to allow the hybrid plate to be deformed into the parabolic shape with the selective application of forces.
US08454176B2	Mount for an optical structure and method of mounting an optical structure using such mount An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided. The mount has a protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element having a mounting structure for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the protruding member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism received through the second opening can be received into the third opening. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the protruding member.
US08454174B2	Projector suspension device including a suspension position adjustment mechanism A projector suspension device including a projection optical device having a reflecting mirror, and a suspension position adjustment mechanism, the suspension position adjustment mechanism includes: a pressing member which presses a first member and a second member; a screw member which, being fixed in the first member, passes through the second member; and a turning member which, by turning and engaging with the screw member passing through the second member, against the pressing force of the pressing member, adjusts the angle formed by the first member and second member, with a turning pivot set perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw member as the center.
US08454173B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: a first projector that scans light on a first display section to thereby display an image; a second projector that scans the light on a second display section, which is set in a position different from a position of the first display section, to thereby display an image; and a switching section that switches plural states including a first state in which the first projector displays the image on the first display section and a second state in which the second projector displays an image on the second display section.
US08454172B2	Projector device A projector device includes: an image generation unit that generates an image; an irradiation unit that irradiates light for projecting the image generated by the image generation unit upon a projection surface; and a change unit that changes luminance of the light irradiated from the irradiation unit.
US08454170B2	Projector and method for cooling lamps installed in projector A projector includes a plurality of lamps serving as light sources, the lamps being arranged next to each other, and a single exhaust fan disposed adjacent to the lamps, the exhaust fan discharging air around the lamps.
US08454168B2	Stereo display apparatus A stereo display apparatus includes a support member, at least one projector, a screen, first reflectors, and an actuator. The projector is connected to the support member, and includes a battery and an image memory module. The projector is capable of emitting an image beam. The screen is connected to the support member. The first reflectors surround the support member. The actuator is connected to the support member and is capable of driving the support member to rotate. The support member is capable of driving the projector and the screen to rotate. When the projector and the screen rotate, the image beam is projected onto the first reflectors in sequence, and the first reflectors reflect the image beam onto the screen in sequence.
US08454164B2	Fast wave front measurement Device for measuring wave fronts generated by a lens (4) for an eye, with a radiation source (14) for emitting test radiation (12) to be directed at the lens (4) and a sensor device (26) for detecting wave fronts of incident test radiation after interaction with the lens, wherein the sensor device scans the test radiation (20) after interaction with the lens (4) at a scanning frequency which is at least equal in size to the frequency at which changes in wave fronts occur in the test radiation (20) after interaction with the lens (4).
US08454163B2	Ophthalmic imaging apparatus and imaging method using ophthalmic imaging apparatus An ophthalmic imaging apparatus includes an illumination unit configured to illuminate a fundus of an eye to be examined; an imaging unit configured to obtain a fundus image by capturing the illuminated fundus; a detection unit configured to detect flare in an edge portion of the fundus image based on a photometric value of light from the fundus; a control unit configured to control correction processing for the fundus image for adjustment of a light amount at the edge portion of the fundus image in accordance with a flare detection result obtained by the detection unit; and a correction unit configured to perform the correction processing for the fundus image in accordance with the control.
US08454159B1	Method and devices for treatment of macular degeneration visual impairment A method and device for improving the perceived vision of a person having macular degeneration wherein, a plurality of means is employed to selectively block the reception of a distorted image caused by the impaired eye whereby overall vision is improved.
US08454156B2	Eyeglass support A device for enhancing support of eyeglasses on the head of a person. The device is in the form of an independent support member or an adjustable strap having a support member to enhance support of eyeglasses. The strap may include a cushion to provide comfort. The support member includes a hook for supporting the eyeglasses. The device is useful for supporting eyeglasses from the bridge of the nose of a person who has undergone rhinoplasty surgery or for supporting heavy equipment associated with eyeglasses used for surgical applications. The independent support member is easily attached to a head-engaging device and eyeglasses to enhance support of the eyeglasses.
US08454153B2	Inkjet printer An inkjet printer with a printing bed for displacing a print medium in a forward feed direction and a print head carriage disposed above the printing bed for displacing at least one print head unit in a transverse feed direction, a print head unit with at least one print head being provided for every color to be printed, each print head having at least one nozzle row oriented in the forward feed direction of the print medium. The nozzles of the at least one nozzle row of the print head unit are disposed offset from one another by a nozzle distance D by reference to the forward feed direction. Another print head unit is provided, which has nozzles in at least one nozzle row disposed offset from one another by a second nozzle distance d by reference to the forward feed direction of the print medium, the ratio derived from the nozzle distance D and the second nozzle distance d being a rational number and greater than 1.
US08454152B2	Ink jet recording device and ink jet recording method Provided are an inkjet recording device and an inkjet recording method for providing an image wherein concentration nonuniformity is reduced with less ink bleed between inks of different colors, in high speed multicolor printing of single path system. In the device and the method, a conditional expression of 0.6≦R/R0≦0.9 is satisfied, where, R is a dot radius of a second ink jetted on a first ink which is jetted on the recording medium and semi-cured by a beam applied, and R0 is a dot radius of the second ink directly jetted on the recording medium.
US08454143B2	Liquid container, methods of assembling or disassembling liquid container, and image forming apparatus A liquid container includes a case and a liquid containing bag contained in the case. The case includes an integrally formed hollow body having a front opening portion, a rear opening portion, and a supply-opening fixing portion. The supply-opening fixing portion is disposed on a front end of the hollow body and to which a supply opening portion of the liquid containing bag is fixedly attached. The case includes a front cover covering the front opening portion, and a rear cover covering the rear opening portion. The front opening portion is sized such that the liquid containing bag after use can be pulled out of the hollow body via the front opening portion. The rear opening portion is sized such that the liquid containing bag filled with ink can be inserted into the hollow body via the rear opening portion.
US08454139B2	Liquid accommodating container, tank unit, and liquid ejecting system A liquid accommodating container in which in a use position, a port opened to the air is provided at a position that is closer to an air chamber uppermost surface and is included in a first corner portion, an air-side opening is provided at a position that is closer to an air chamber lowermost surface and is included in a second corner portion which is at a diagonal position to the first corner portion, and a liquid-side opening is provided at a position satisfying the following conditions (a) and (b), (a) a position closer to a liquid chamber lowermost surface with respect to the vertical direction in the use position and (b) a position which is included in the second corner portion that is at a position equivalent to a diagonal position to the first corner portion.
US08454138B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid-ejecting head for ejecting a liquid, a tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid-ejecting head, and a liquid supply portion configured to supply the liquid from the tank to the liquid-ejecting head, wherein the tank includes an inner wall structure which is enclosed within an outer wall of the tank and which defines therein an inner liquid flow space which communicates with the liquid supply portion and through which the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply portion to the liquid-ejecting head.
US08454137B2	Biased wall ink tank with capillary breather An ink tank including a reservoir for holding ink, the reservoir including a flexible wall for adjusting an internal volume of the reservoir; a biasing element for applying a force to the flexible wall that tends to increase the internal volume of the reservoir; an ink supply port for delivering ink from the reservoir to a printhead; and a breather element, at least a portion of which is disposed inside the reservoir, including a capillary material in contact with ink in the reservoir, wherein the breather element is configured to allow air to enter the reservoir in response to an internal pressure of the reservoir being less than atmospheric pressure outside the ink tank by an amount that is related to a property of the biasing element and a capillary pressure of the breather element.
US08454135B2	Air bubble removal in an ink jet printer An ink jet printer including a carriage which is movable relative to a sheet of paper, a recording head which is mounted on the carriage and records an image on the sheet by ejecting a droplet of ink toward the sheet, one or more ink tanks which store the ink or inks to be supplied to the recording head, a buffer tank which is mounted on the carriage, and one or more ink flow passages in which the inks are supplied from the ink tanks to the recording head via the buffer tank. The buffer tank has, at a height position higher than a height position where the recording head is provided, one or more air buffer chambers which accommodate respective amounts of the inks, and collect air bubbles produced in the ink flow passages.
US08454132B2	Moisture protection of fluid ejector A fluid ejection apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid passages for fluid flow and a plurality of nozzles fluidically connected to the fluid passages, a plurality of actuators positioned on top of the substrate to cause fluid in the plurality of fluid passages to be ejected from the plurality of nozzles, and a protective layer formed over at least a portion of the plurality of actuators, the protective layer having an intrinsic permeability to moisture less than 2.5×10−3 g/m·day.
US08454131B2	Ink jet print head An ink jet print head is provided which, during a suction-based recovery operation, can effectively remove air bubbles from the common ink path by producing an ink flow in the common ink path. In each of a plurality of bubble forming chambers where an element is installed to generate a thermal energy, there are provided a first ink path for leading ink directly from the ink supply port and a second ink path for leading ink from the common ink path formed on a far side of the array of the bubble forming chambers with respect to the ink supply port. The plurality of the first ink paths include those ink paths with less flow resistance than that of the second ink paths and those ink paths with higher flow resistance than that of the second ink paths.
US08454129B2	Liquid ejection recording head A liquid ejection recording head includes a recording element substrate including an ejection energy generation element and a plurality of electrode pads, the ejection energy generation element being configured to generate ejection energy by which to eject a liquid, the liquid ejection recording head also includes an electric wiring substrate including a plurality of lead electrodes connected to corresponding electrode pads to apply an electric signal to the ejection energy generation element, wherein one or more of the plurality of electrode pads are not connected to any lead electrode, and each lead electrode connected to an electrode pad adjacent to any of the one or more of the plurality of electrode pads not connected to any lead electrode has a wide part whose width is greater than the width of the other lead electrodes.
US08454113B2	Ink discharge device of inkjet head and control method thereof Example embodiments are directed to an ink discharge device that discharges uniform amounts of ink droplets from an inkjet head, and a control method thereof. Voltages applied to plural nozzles of the ink-head are changed based on different characteristics of the respective nozzles to discharge uniform amounts of ink droplets from the nozzles. Voltage increments are calculated using a fixed target color value so as to set color value dispersion and voltage increments are calculated using different target color values according to the nozzles so as to satisfy color value differences between the neighboring pixels and thus time required for a DPN process is shortened, and excessive changes of the applied voltages are prevented and thus a preparatory period required to mass-produce an LCD panel is shortened and yield of the LCD panel is increased.
US08454107B2	Printer having printer head adjustment assembly A printer includes a hanger, a printer head, a carriage, and an adjustment assembly. The hanger includes a base and a board above the base. The carriage includes a body, a rod, and an actuator. The body is rotatably connected to the rod. The actuator is rotatably connected to the body. The actuator includes a projection and a resisting member. The adjustment assembly includes a protruding post. When the body moves in a first direction, the projection applies a push force to the protruding post, the protruding post rotates downward. When the body moves in a reverse, second direction, the protruding post applies a push force to the projection, which causes the actuator to rotate, the lateral surface of the resisting member stays in contact with the board during the rotation of the actuator, causing the carriage to rotate, the distance between the printer head and the base is changed.
US08454104B2	Split-bodied insulated cavity for a file cabinet A file cabinet is provided and comprises an outer housing defining an opening, at least one file drawer assembly slidably disposed within the opening, the at least one file drawer assembly including an open-ended storage box, and a split-bodied fire-resistant cavity including first and second cavity portions. The first cavity portion is mounted within the outer housing, and the second cavity portion is mounted to the file drawer assembly and is configured to surround a portion of the open-ended storage box. A mating interface is provided between the first and second cavity portions. The open-ended storage box is accessible when the at least one file drawer assembly is in an open position. The first and second cavity portions are configured to join together at the mating interface to entirely surround the open-ended storage box when the at least one file drawer assembly is in a closed position.
US08454102B2	Refrigerator The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment includes: a cabinet that includes at least one storage compartment; a plurality of doors that open and close the at least one storage compartment; a plurality of operating units that are provided at each door; and a door opening apparatus that is positioned at the cabinet and opens one of the plurality of doors corresponding to the operation of the plurality of operating units, wherein the door opening apparatus includes a driving motor, a power transfer unit that transfers power of the driving motor, and a plurality of push members each of which corresponds to the plurality of doors and are connected to the power transfer unit, and when the driving motor is operated, one of the plurality of push members pushes one of the plurality of doors.
US08454097B2	Applicator, a packaging and applicator device including such an applicator, a method of manufacturing such an applicator, and a machine for manufacturing such an applicator An applicator for applying a cosmetic or a skin care product may include a stem including at least one stamped portion forming a joint, and an applicator member disposed at a first end of the stem.
US08454096B2	High-impact resistant tool A high impact resistant tool comprises a steel shank. The steel shank has a hollow portion, and first and second ends. The shank is adapted for insertion into a holder and connection to a driving mechanism. A carbide cap is joined at a brazed joint to the first end of the shank.
US08454092B2	Locking device, in particular for a vehicle seat A locking device, in particular for a vehicle seat, includes a latch (24) and a counter element that interacts for locking. A bearing bush (30), a release element (32) that is rotationally mounted inside the bearing bush (30) and a catch element (34) for reinforcing the latch (24) in the event of a crash are provided with the catch element (34) being mounted in a rotationally secure manner on the release element (32) or being embodied as one piece with the release element. A tightening element (36), for securing the locked latch (24) during normal operation, is arranged in an axial manner adjacent to said catch element (34) and is mounted in a pivotable manner and is prestressed in such a manner that it is pivotably mounted on the outside on the bearing bush (30).
US08454090B2	Pelvic and lumbar support system A pelvic support apparatus for a seat having a seat back and a seat pan includes a frame positioned within the seat back and a pelvic support member coupled with the frame adjacent a bottom of the seat back and a rear of the seat pan. The pelvic support member is movable between a first, retracted position, and a second, extended position that provides support to a pelvic area of a person seated in the seat. The pelvic support member has first and second lateral support portions operable to provide support to the pelvic area, each lateral support portion spaced from a central axis of the seat back.
US08454088B2	Modular stackable furniture systems Modular stackable furniture systems comprising chairs with modular removable seats, chair-leg covers, and/or chair-back covers. The chair frames are stackable and are structurally reinforced for heavy rental use, with specially reinforced frame, legs, and front feet. Methods of doing event-furniture rental and related business based on the space-saving and modular nature of the furniture are disclosed.
US08454085B1	Vehicle seats having upwardly extending side guards A seat or seat cover having an integral or detachable upwardly extending wall subassembly particularly advantageous for use on a vehicle seat to prevent items from falling into the gap defined by the seat and console of a vehicle and the gap defined by the seat and door of the vehicle. The seat preferably has a flap installed thereon to which the wall assembly may be attached and detached. In another embodiment, the flap may conceal an area on the seat adapted to secure to the wall assembly. A seat cover may have an integral wall subassembly on one or both sides secured to its seams. In another embodiment, a conversion kit for seats which do not have flaps is provided wherein a securement means may be attached to one or both sides of a vehicle seat and said wall assembly attached thereto.
US08454084B2	Portable chair The portable chair of the disclosure includes: hubs respectively installed at both left and right sides of the chair; a central support frame connecting both left and right hubs; front and rear leg frames respectively having base ends separably coupled to the lower front and rear outer peripheral surfaces of the respective hubs and respectively having free ends disposed in a manner of radially extending toward the ground surface; front and rear pole frames respectively having base ends separably coupled to the upper front and rear outer peripheral surfaces of the respective hubs and respectively having free ends disposed in a manner of radially extending toward the sky; and a fabric sheet coupled to the free ends of the front and rear pole frames. The structural rigidity is excellent, and the chair may land on the ground surface in a stable posture.
US08454081B2	Sliding door safety device for heavy construction equipment A sliding door safety device for heavy construction equipment is provided, which includes an outer side wall having a doorway formed thereon, an upper rail and a lower rail formed on an upper part and a lower part of the outer side wall, respectively, a sliding door sliding to move to a front or rear side of a cab by an upper roller and a lower roller engaged with the upper rail and the lower rail, respectively, to open or close the doorway, and first and second door position sensing switches mounted on one side of the outer side wall to sense a door position when the door is in its open position where the door is fully opened or in its closed position where the door is fully closed.
US08454080B2	Bumper beam with load transferring section A motor vehicle includes a frame with energy-absorbing zones at outboard corners of the vehicle and a bumper beam mounted to the energy-absorbing zones to transfer force to at least one of the energy-absorbing zones during a collision. The bumper beam includes a center section extending generally laterally across the vehicle between the energy-absorbing zones, and left and right load transfer sections attached to outboard ends of the center section. Each load transfer section extends outboard and rearward such that the free end of each load transfer section is disposed outboard of the frame adjacent a rear end of its respective energy-absorbing zone. In a small-overlap collision, the load transfer section on the side of the impact bends rearward as the energy-absorbing zone deforms, and the free end of the load transfer section contacts the frame to transfer crash loads to the frame.
US08454079B2	Strength member for an automobile body, front side member, and side structure for an automobile body A front side member having a single body formed from a tubular body having a closed cross section has a front portion which extends in the fore and aft direction of a vehicle body, a sloping portion which is continuous with the front portion and slopes downwards along a dash panel, and a rear portion continuous with the sloping portion and extending along the bottom surface of a floor panel joined to the dash panel. A portion of the front portion is an unquenched portion which has not undergone quenching treatment and the remainder is a high frequency quenched portion which has undergone high frequency quenching. The sloping portion is a high frequency quenched portion. A portion of the rear portion is an unquenched portion which has not undergone quenching and the remainder other than that portion is a high frequency quenched portion which has undergone high frequency quenching.
US08454078B2	Automotive vehicle door construction One embodiment includes a lightweight automotive vehicle door construction including an inner panel partially formed from a lightweight metal casting. The casting provides a toe pan, hinge pillar and beltline. A lightweight stamping connected with the casting provides a remainder of the inner skin. The stamping provides an opposite pillar and latch mount. A header connected to the casting along a first end and with the beltline at a second end provides a window frame. A side intrusion beam extends between the hinge pillar and the opposite pillar. An outer panel is connected with the inner panel.
US08454074B2	Structure of instrument panel parts A structure of instrument panel parts is proposed that is capable of increasing the support strength of a striker and the rigidity of an opening portion, and with which an enlarged storage volume can be achieved. The structure of an instrument panel has a storage portion arranged above a glove box. The structure includes an opening portion for a tray provided above the glove box; a tray constituting the storage portion, the tray being provided as a separate member from the instrument panel and being attached to the opening portion for the tray; a striker engaging a lock of the glove box; and a substantially flat plate-shaped striker reinforcement member supporting the striker. The lower side of the tray and the striker reinforcement member are fastened together to the instrument panel.
US08454067B2	Adjustable gripper head assembly A gripper head assembly for a product processing machine includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support. A product processing machine includes a grid assembly for guiding product to a destination and a gripper head assembly for gripping product and guiding the product into the grid assembly. The gripper head assembly includes a gripper support and a plurality of grippers secured to the gripper support to grip a plurality of product routed through the product processing machine. The gripper head assembly is configured such that a spacing of the plurality of grippers is changeable relative to the gripper support.
US08454066B2	Grip extension linkage to provide gripping tool with improved operational range, and method of use of the same A grip extension linkage to provide a gripping tool having radial gripping elements with an improved operational range. The grip extension linkage includes at least one annular body having a central internal bore and an peripheral external surface. There is provided rigid elongated spokes. Spoke guides are provided on the annular body. The spoke guides are in close fitting relation with the spokes to constrain the spokes while allowing them to move radially from a retracted position to an engaged position.
US08454061B2	Latch system A latch system includes a latch bolt, a pawl for releasably retaining the latch bolt in a closed position, a first release member, a first transmission path connecting the first release member to the pawl, a second release member, and a second transmission path connecting the second release member to the pawl. A portion of the first transmission path and a portion of the second transmission path have a common portion, the common portion including a lock link having a first position at which the lock link completes the first transmission path and the second transmission path such that operation of either the first release member or the second release member opens a latch, and the lock link having a second position at which the lock link breaks the first transmission path and the second transmission path such that a single operation of either the first release member or the second release member does not open the latch. The latch system includes a first device capable of holding the lock link in the second position, a second device capable of holding the lock link in the second position, and a third device capable of holding the lock link in the second position.
US08454058B2	High pressure fitting for hydrogen applications High pressure hydrogen fittings and methods of sealing a pipe to a valve body. In one embodiment, the high pressure hydrogen fitting includes a pipe having flange near one end; a nut surrounding the pipe on a low pressure side of the flange, the nut having threads mating with threads on a valve body; a lip seal surrounding the pipe on a high pressure side of the flange, the flange supporting the lip seal, the lip seal pointing toward the valve body, the lip seal having a cylindrical sealing surface, the cylindrical seal surface engaging the valve body; wherein when the pipe containing hydrogen is connected to a valve body, a seal is maintained at a pressure of up to about 87.5 MPa.
US08454056B2	Double strap coupling apparatus A clamp apparatus for holding together two abutting pipe ends, in which the pipe ends have radial flanges to facilitate the exerting of axial compressive forces on the pipe ends. The clamp includes a first strap structure and a fastening mechanism for providing circumferential compressive force on retainer segments configured to transfer the compressive force onto the flanges of the pipe ends. The clamp apparatus also includes a secondary strap structure for providing independent redundancy, relative to the primary strap, to supply back-up circumferential force onto the primary strap structure, should a failure occur in either of the fastening mechanism or the primary strap structure, to enable the clamp to maintain clamping force on the abutting pipe ends.
US08454055B2	Travel guide booklet with removable cards A booklet with removable cards, together with a variety of systems, methods, and applications associated therewith. Embodiments can be incorporated into books, booklets, maps, catalogs, travel guides, schedules, and other printed information and materials. In one embodiment, the booklet comprises a travel guide having a plurality of information cards as pages. Each information card can provide information about a travel destination, language translation, cultural pointers, or other information. The cards are bound using a first ring fastener that can be opened by the reader so that one or more cards can be removed from the booklet, and carried in a wallet, on a second ring fastener, or as a second booklet, distinct from the main booklet.
US08454053B2	Energy absorbing structure for vehicle knee bolster cover An energy absorbing panel assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The energy absorbing panel assembly, typically the knee bolster panel adjacent the steering wheel, includes an energy absorbing structure integrally molded to the panel. The energy absorbing structure includes three outer side walls and a top wall. The outer side walls extend from the same side of the top wall to the panel. Extending from the top wall to the panel is at least one top wall supporting rib. The rib is positioned between the outer side walls. At least one of the outer walls is at an obtuse angle relative to the plane of the top wall. All three of the outer walls may be at an obtuse angle relative to the plane of the top wall. Lateral supports may be provided between the outer side walls and the panel.
US08454047B1	Speed hitch pin An improved hitch pin system for improving the speed and safety of attaching a receiver insert into a receiver on a tow vehicle.
US08454045B2	Tricycle with variable position foot boards A tricycle has a frame, a front wheel with drive pedals, a seat, and a footboard. The footboard of the novel tricycle can optionally be mounted on the frame in a first orientation and in at least one second orientation.
US08454042B2	Wheel suspension of a motor vehicle A wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a transverse leaf spring arranged along a transverse axis of the motor vehicle. The transverse leaf spring is connected via two bearings with a body of the vehicle and is connected in an articulated manner at its two mutually opposite ends with a stub axle or suspension arm. The bearings are arranged such that the transverse leaf spring is stiffly fixed in a direction of a vertical axis of the vehicle and is movable in a translatory manner in a direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle and is rotationally movable around an axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
US08454041B2	Suspension arm unit for vehicle A suspension arm unit for vehicle includes: a pair of profile beams each having a U-shaped cross section with an opening oriented in a horizontal direction and including: a base end part formed on one end side of the profile beam and vertically swingably supported on a vehicle body side about an axis extending in a front-rear direction; and a distal end part formed on the other end side, to which a knuckle arm unit of a wheel is attached. The pair of the profile beams are arranged in the front-rear direction so that the openings face each other in the front-rear direction and a gap between the profile beams becomes larger from the distal end part to the base end part, and the pair of the profile beams are connected to each other at the distal end part and to the knuckle arm unit through a rotary joint.
US08454036B2	Tool kit mounting system A tool cart assembly including a tool cart having a horizontal surface defining a mounting aperture, a first rail including a bottom wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls, a front edge of each sidewall defining a catch, and at least one projection depending downwardly from the bottom wall, the projection being configured to be received in the mounting aperture such that the first rail is secured to the horizontal surface. A tool kit includes a sidewall and a first elongated rib, the elongated rib is configured to be slidably received by the first rail. The tool kit is removably secured to the tool cart by positioning the elongated first rib in the first rail and sliding the tool kit rearwardly such that the catches defined by the first rail engage a first portion of the tool kit.
US08454031B2	Combination scooter/backpack The combination scooter/backpack is an article carrying device with the capacity to be converted into a wheeled land vehicle, and therefore has two modes of usage. The article carrying device resembles a conventional backpack with two straps positioned to be placed over the user's shoulders, entitled backpack mode. The wheeled land vehicle functions as a popular collapsible scooter, two wheels mounted upon a board member with propulsion means provided by user's contact with the ground, entitled scooter mode. A horizontal handlebar is positioned at the top of the combination and serves to steer the front wheel during scooter mode. Conversion between backpack mode and scooter mode is accomplished with the raising and lowering of said handlebar and the manipulation of releasable fasteners and latches. In both backpack and scooter modes, a cover circumferentially surrounds the combination scooter/backpack to secure and protect components that are not in use.
US08454027B2	Adjustable thermal contact between an electrostatic chuck and a hot edge ring by clocking a coupling ring A clockable device for use with an electrostatic chuck configured to hold a substrate in a plasma environment is disclosed. The clockable device comprises a first portion of the electrostatic chuck having at least one face with variable thermal contact areas located thereon. A second portion of the electrostatic chuck has at least one face with variable thermal contact areas located thereon. The at least one face of the second portion is configured to be placed in thermal contact with the at least one face of the first portion to control a thermal gradient across a face of the substrate.
US08454025B2	Seal with spiral grooves and mid-lip band A dynamic seal advantageously utilizes a plurality of grooves on the active side or surface of the seal to capture a leaked lubricant and hydrodynamically pump the lubricant back into the lubricated side of the seal. The grooves are interrupted at an intermediate location by a continuous circumferential band that aids in preventing leakage past the band when the shaft is not rotating and the grooves on both sides of the band pump contaminants away from the sealing lip.
US08454019B1	American conspiracy board game An educational board game that is comprised of authentic American government and newspaper article conspiracies involving the American people and culture. Play money, drug and oil stocks and gold, silver and platinum gold coin tokens are distributed and traded to acquire conspiracy files.
US08454015B2	Paper inputting apparatus A paper inputting apparatus comprises a release soft roller shaft comprising an elastic member; a first soft roller shaft rotatably attached to the release soft roller shaft, the first soft roller shaft comprising an idler sleeve; wherein the elastic member abuts the first soft roller shaft; a second soft roller shaft comprising a soft roller; and a driving device attached to the release soft roller shaft; wherein the driving device rotates the release soft roller shaft and the first soft roller shaft between a first and a second positions relative to the second soft roller shaft; when in the first position, the idler sleeve abuts the soft roller, and the paper inputting apparatus grips a sheet of paper; when in the second position, a gap is defined between the idler sleeve and the soft roller, and the paper inputting apparatus releases the sheet of paper.
US08454014B2	Image forming apparatus and junction unit An image forming apparatus has a main body for performing an image forming process on a sheet. An internal discharge stores a sheet after the image forming process and a discharge opening discharges a sheet to the internal discharge. A post-processing unit can be attached to the apparatus main body to apply a specified post processing to a received sheet. A junction can be assembled into the internal discharge to convey a sheet from the discharge opening to a receiving opening of the post-processing unit. The junction includes a first guide having a first guide surface for guiding a sheet, a second guide having a second guide surface facing the first guide at a predetermined distance and a support for supporting the second guide by a rotatable supporting portion. The support has a facing surface facing the first guide surface and has the supporting portion arranged on the facing surface.
US08454013B2	Sheet take-out apparatus with third sensor A sheet take-out apparatus includes a first separation unit, a second separation unit, a drawing roller for drawing sheets from a nip of the second separation unit, and a pinch roller rotating in contact with it. Overlapping sheets which pass the first and second separation units and are not separated are detected to be overlapped in a state that they are clamped by the nip of the drawing roller and pinch roller. When overlapping is detected, in a state that the rear ends of the overlapping sheets in the conveying direction are restricted by the nip, the drawing roller and pinch roller are stopped and the overlapping sheets are re-separated.
US08453997B2	Supersonic nozzle A method of conversion of a single-phase stream into a supersonic homogenous two phase medium includes flowing the stream into an inlet section of a nozzle at an initial pressure, boiling a portion of the liquid medium by accelerating a velocity of the stream through a multistage draw-down of an inner diameter of the inlet of the nozzle to form a mixture of liquid and boiled fluid; and accelerating the mixture to a second velocity by flowing the mixture through an outlet section that diverges along the flow direction. The outlet section includes a concave portion, a convex portion, and a transition between the concave portion and the convex portion in which the concave profile smoothly transitions to the convex profile. A velocity of the stream is equal to a velocity of sound in the stream at a critical section located in the outlet section.
US08453995B2	Control barrier A barrier includes a housing having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the interior surface bounding a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast. A coupler is rigidly connected to the first end of the housing, the housing and the coupler being separate discrete members that are connected together after formation. A structure, such as an opening or a post, is formed on the coupler for removably connecting a separate barrier to the coupler.
US08453991B2	Damped product with insert and method of making the same One embodiment includes a method including providing a first portion of a product, the first portion of the product having a body and a flange extending therefrom; and casting a material around at least a portion of the flange to enclose the same and to provide a second portion of the product and wherein the at least the portion of the flange is constructed and arranged to provide frictional damping of the product.
US08453986B2	Solar panel mount The invention relates to a solar module attachment, comprising a Z-support (2), the one Z-side (2.1) of which is used directly as a roof attachment or can be connected to roof hooks or support posts in the case of a mounting system, while clamps (5) can be displaced over the other Z-side (2.2), the attachment means engaging in said clamps in order to fix solar module frames (1).
US08453976B2	Detector for cold movement detection of a railway vehicle, and method for its operation An inventive detector detects movement of a railway vehicle in a powerless time interval. At its beginning, indicator items or first magnetic antagonists of detection cells are lifted by actuators to a switching device, which provides at least one holding section or second magnetic antagonist for a part of the indicator items which then stick to or near to the switching device by magnetic force. The switching device, though, is movably mounted and coupled to the railway vehicle's movement, so the holding section moves relative the detection cells if the railway vehicle moves. As a result, detection cells from which the holding section moves away experience a drop of the indicator item due to gravity. By means of sensors, such a drop is detected at the end of the time interval and used for cold movement indication.
US08453975B2	Coupling device for coupling fuselage sections; combination of a coupling device and at least one fuselage section; and method for producing the coupling device A coupling device for connecting fuselage sections, in each case forming a transverse abutting region for creating an aircraft fuselage comprising fuselage sections with a fuselage skin, a multitude of annular frame elements and stringers, wherein the coupling device has a rib-like design and includes: a strip-shaped transverse splicing plate for coupling the fuselage skins, a rib, which extends in the middle on the transverse splicing plate, for coupling an annular frame element, and a multitude of rib-like stringer coupling parts that extend on both sides of the transverse splicing plate, for coupling the stringers, as well as a method for producing the coupling device from a solid, rectangular, material trip of suitable thickness and length.
US08453970B2	Under-floor system for an aircraft The present invention relates to an under-floor system for providing a functional space for an aircraft. The under-floor system comprises a support-member structure and a cover element. The support-member structure is designed such that the support-member structure can be fastened to an aircraft structure element. The cover element can be fastened to the support-member structure such that the cover element is spaced apart from, for example, the aircraft floor. By means of spacing the cover element apart from the aircraft floor, the functional space can be provided.
US08453967B2	Mobile aircraft recovery system An apparatus for the recovery of an aircraft includes a capture device and first and second pole pairs. The first pole pair includes first top and bottom poles respectively placed near first top and bottom portions of the capture device. The first pole pair is configured to move from a first position, in which the pole pair holds the capture device in an open position to capture the aircraft, to a second position, in which the pole pair holds the capture device in a closed position to contain the captured aircraft after impact of the aircraft on the capture device. The second pole pair includes second top and bottom poles respectively placed near second top and bottom portions of the capture device. The second pole pair is also configured to move from the first position to the second position. Further, energy elements are coupled on one end to a respective top or bottom portion of the capture device and on another end to a respective top or bottom pole. The energy elements are disposed to absorb the force of the impact of the aircraft.
US08453964B2	Wind tunnel aircraft model with truncated wing An aircraft model for testing in a wind tunnel of width W including a fuselage, a truncated wing whose length L1 is less than the length L of a full scaled wing and additional components in the rear of the aircraft as, in particular, a horizontal tail plane, that produces the same downwash that arrives to the additional components as in a full scaled model. The shape of the truncated wing may be designed for having a similar lift distribution to the lift distribution of a full scaled wing along at least the maximum length L2 in the Y-axis of any component in the rear of the aircraft. The invention also relates to a method for designing the truncated wing.
US08453962B2	Modular flying vehicle The invention is a modular vehicle having an air vehicle that can be coupled to cargo containers, land vehicles, sea vehicles, medical transport modules, etc. In one embodiment the air vehicle has a plurality of propellers positioned around a main airframe, which can provide vertical thrust and/or horizontal thrust. One or more of the propellers may be configured to tilt forward, backward, and/or side-to-side with respect to the airframe.
US08453959B2	Rewinder web chop with early detection and web diversion to eliminate equipment damage Generally, the present disclosure is directed to, in one embodiment, a process for controlling a converting line web. More specifically, a sheet material is provided on the converting line. A loss of control is detected in the sheet material web and the sheet material web is broken at a location upstream from the converting line web rewinder. The broken sheet material web is redirected.
US08453957B2	Yarn package halter A yarn package halter comprises a frame for supporting a series of contact members that are used to maintain slight contact with the base or back portion of a yarn package during an unwinding operation as part of a textile manufacturing process. In a preferred embodiment, the contact members are elastic cords, which serve to hold the yarn package together in order to prevent the yarn package from unraveling, which can lead to entanglements and other processing problems. The frame member is structured so that the contact members form a cone shape or a partial cone shape, and this arrangement allows the contact members to maintain slight contact throughout the manufacturing process, even as the size of the yarn package is reduced during the unwinding operation.
US08453956B2	Slurry return system for grinding mills A sand wheel seal for a grinding mill, which in use is internally disposed within said mill. Preferably the sand wheel seal is integrally formed with a mill throat liner wheel and may be releasably secured to a feed end of said mill. The grinding mill may be any one of a Sag, Ag, Ball or Rod mill.
US08453955B2	Mixing machine having improved pulverizing efficiency Disclosed herein is a mixing machine having improved pulverizing efficiency. The mixing machine includes a main body having a motor therein, a container having a pulverizing blade therein, and a cover which covers the container and has an inlet hole. The mixing machine further includes an introducing unit which is coupled to the inlet hole of the cover, an inclined material-supply means which is provided in the introducing unit, and a discharge unit which is coupled to the container. The inclined material-supply means prevents material pulverized in the container from back flowing upwards. The discharge controls in multi-stages a rate at which pulverized product is discharged from the container. Therefore, a supply rate of material and the discharge rate of the pulverized product can be maintained constant so that the efficiency with which the material is pulverized is increased.
US08453954B2	Method for aligning a cutter spindle of a granulator and a granulator for producing plastic granulate A method for aligning a cutter spindle of a granulator, particularly an underwater granulator, relative to a cutting plate includes rotationally driving the cutter spindle with a drive motor, measuring a force acting on the cutter spindle, generating a corresponding signal, and adjusting especially the angular alignment of the cutter spindle relative to the cutting plate as a function of the signal by pivoting the cutter spindle about at least two pivot axes which enclose an angle with each other A granulator, particularly an underwater granulator, for producing plastic granulate, has a cutting box and a cutter spindle, a cutter holder rotatably received in the cutting box, and a drive motor connected to the cutter spindle, and is configured to perform the aforedescribed method.
US08453950B2	Hose sprayer with integral dip tube Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein connecting at a landing below the top of the bottle neck, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a hose sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism at a landing below the bottle opening. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
US08453942B2	Thermostatic single-unit faucet and method for making such a single-unit faucet The invention relates to a single-unit faucet that comprises a tubular faucet body (2) and a thermostatic cartridge (3) defining a pre-assembled assembly provided inside the faucet body and including a hollow shell (4) made of a plastic material, in which is provided a thermostatic means (5) for adjusting the temperature of a cold-fluid and hot-fluid mixture. In order to firmly and simply secure the shell in the faucet body, a rigid part (6) is provided between them, and is capable of movement along a movement axis (Z-Z) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the faucet body, while being kinematically connected to the shell both in the direction of the axis of the faucet body and in rotation about said axis. The rigid part includes a bore (63) centred on the movement axis and opening on a face (62B) of the rigid part oriented towards the faucet body, in order to interact by screwing with the threaded rod (71) of a screw (7) for moving the rigid part until a bearing portion of said face is pressed against the lower face (2A) of the faucet body when the screw is inserted from outside the faucet body into a transverse through hole (21) of the faucet body, which is smaller than the head (72) of the screw.
US08453941B2	Security campaign and method of creating the same A method for creating a security campaign includes generating, via a first source, a first security deterrent for at least one non-security purpose; and generating, via a second source, a second security deterrent for a security purpose. The first and second deterrents are incorporated into a single security campaign.
US08453940B2	Wireless mobile communicator for contactless payment on account read from removable card A wireless mobile communications apparatus reads removable cards and can communicate an account corresponding to the removable card in order to conduct a wireless transaction with a merchant on the account with the wireless mobile communications apparatus. A total currency amount for the transaction, and remaining balance in the account after the transaction, can be displayed on a display screen of the wireless mobile communications apparatus. The removable card can be a gift card bearing a magnetic strip having an identifier for the account encoded thereto that will be read when inserted into the wireless mobile communications apparatus which can be a cellular telephone or Web enabled portable device. The magnetic strip gift card can be substantially composed of paper so as to be intended for disposable after use.
US08453937B2	Security hang tag with swivel head Disclosed herein is a security hang tag that includes a body, a head and a strap. The body includes a head-receiving compartment defining a circumferentially-extending flange. The head includes a circumferentially-extending lip to engage the flange, capturing the lip within the compartment such that the head is rotatably secured to the body. The head has a first strap-receiving channel including a first locking shoulder and a second strap-receiving channel including a second locking shoulder. The strap has first and second ends and includes a first cavity at the first end and a second cavity at the second end. The first end is configured for insertion within the first strap-receiving channel until the first cavity engages the first locking shoulder and the second end is configured for insertion within the second strap-receiving channel until the second cavity engages the second locking shoulder.
US08453933B1	Apparatus for and method of distinguishing among successive products entering a point-of-transaction workstation by detecting their exit therefrom Successive products associated with targets to be electro-optically read are swiped or presented, in their respective turns, to a window in a point-of-transaction workstation. A proximity system detects entry of each product into a zone outside the window. The products are distinguished from one another in response to detection by the proximity system of the exit of each product from the zone, preferably by sensing a change in magnitude over time of return infrared light returned by each product.
US08453930B2	Reading device A reader device (1) includes a mounting surface (5) on which a passport (7) with a page to be read (9) is placed, a light source (21, 31) for illuminating the page to be read (9), and a camera (13) for picking up an image of the page to be read (9). The light source (21, 31) is arranged outside a front area of the page to be read. The page to be read (9) contains a near-edge code positioned close to an edge of the page to be read (9). The light source (21, 31) includes an infrared LED array (23) and a white LED array (33). An infrared LED (25e) and a white LED (35f) included in the infrared LED array (23) and the white LED array (33), respectively, and located at a near-edge code position corresponding to the near-edge code are arranged closer to the page to be read than the other infrared LEDs (25a to 25d) and white LEDs (35a to 35e) in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (5). Thus, a reader device is provided which allows a good image to be obtained even if a relevant page of an object to be read is deformed.
US08453928B2	Ultrasonic imaging apparatus for reading and decoding machine-readable matrix symbols There is provided an apparatus and method for reading matrix codes comprising an ultrasound transducer 20 which comprises transmitter and receiver electrodes, a receiver unit 24 connected to the receiver electrodes for processing the signals received by the receiver electrodes, and a transmitter module 21 connected to the transmitter electrodes, the transmitter module transferring an electronic signal to the transducer, where the signal shape is selected between a number of signal shapes according to the characteristics of the matrix code to be read.
US08453923B2	Method and apparatus for money transfer A method of performing a money transfer transaction involves receiving information at an automated kiosk from a user for a money transfer transaction, including a transaction type selection and, responsive to the information from the user received at the kiosk, building a staging record for the transaction. The staging record includes at least a retrieval key to identify the staging record and a transaction type identifier. The method provides to the sender from the kiosk a machine readable staged transaction token with staging information stored thereon, including the retrieval key for use in transaction fulfillment.
US08453921B2	Data transfers with bar codes Data transfer with of bar codes including presenting a plurality of bar codes making up the data transfer, displaying a unique sequence identification for each bar code and the total number of bar codes making up the data transfer; reading a plurality of bar codes; reading, for each bar code read, the unique sequence identification of the bar code and the total number of bar codes making up the data transfer; determining, in dependence upon the number of bar codes read and the total number of bar codes making up the data transfer whether all of the bar codes making up the data transfer have been read; and providing to a user a positive notification if all of the bar codes have been read; or providing to the user a negative notification if all of the bar codes making up the data transfer have not been read.
US08453919B2	Container carrier from foldable flat material A container carrier for bottles having a blank made of cardboard for wrapping around a group of bottles, a grip portion is stabilized between the two handle openings and the further handle opening by at least three layers of cardboard, a first layer is formed by the web defined by the handle openings in the top wall.
US08453918B2	Hand-held package box and developed plate thereof A hand-held package box and a developed plate thereof are provided. The package box includes a box body, a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The third plate is connected to the box body, and the second plate connects the first plate and the third plate. The first plate has a first folded sheet, and the second plate has a second folded sheet. A position of the first folded sheet and a position of the second folded sheet are symmetrical with respect to a folding line between the first plate and the second plate. When the first plate is folded to a position between the second plate and the third plate, a folding line of the first folded sheet corresponds to a folding line of the second folded sheet, so that the first folded sheet and the second folded sheet, after being folded, form a handle.
US08453913B2	Anvil for surgical stapler An anvil assembly for use therewith a surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil plate and an anvil head configured and dimensioned to support the anvil plate. The anvil plate and the anvil head may be formed from different materials. The anvil plate can include a tapered outer side wall allowing the anvil assembly to realize a substantially uniform proximal-most surface upon assembly.
US08453912B2	Surgical stapler A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.
US08453908B2	Surgical stapling instrument with improved firing trigger arrangement A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.
US08453906B2	Surgical instruments with electrodes An end-effector assembly configured to be attached to a surgical instrument. The end-effector assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw comprising a staple cavity. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other jaw. The end-effector assembly comprises a staple removably positioned within the staple cavity and an electrically-conductive driver configured to move the staple between a first stored position in which the staple is at least partially positioned within the staple cavity and a second position in which the staple is at least partially deployed from the staple cavity into tissue positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple comprises an electrode.
US08453905B2	Surgical fastener for applying a large staple through a small delivery port A surgical fastener applying device having a handle with a trigger pivotably attached thereto and movable within a trigger plane. The trigger has a bottom portion extending from the handle and a top portion disposed within a housing of the handle. The device has a staple housing with a proximal end attached to the handle, a distal end extending therefrom and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The housing has a firing bar disposed within, and the trigger is coupled to the firing bar. The device has a link member with a first end pivotably attached to the top portion of trigger, the link member has a second end comprising a slidable pin. The pin engages a three dimensional cam path disposed within the housing. The link member follows distal and proximal movement of the top portion of the trigger, and the pin slides perpendicular to the trigger plane to follow the three dimensional cam path.
US08453900B1	Rolling staple gun A wheeled stapling apparatus which automatically staples various materials such as felt paper and rolled roofing as it is rolled across a surface is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises an adjustable handle allowing the user to walk behind as the apparatus is rolled upon a horizontal or sloped surface. The stapling action is activated by a trigger located at the upper portion of the handle. The apparatus drives the staples into the surface at user selected distance intervals, set using a selector knob on the top of the apparatus body. The apparatus is powered by an easily replaceable rechargeable battery.
US08453899B1	Quick-release strap attachment system Disclosed is are quick-release strap attachment features for releasably securing an article to a support surface. The system includes securement straps, which may be PALS webbing, and includes an elongate and flexible connector strap with a pull end that, when pulled away from an endmost securement strap of the article, causes the connector strap to be withdrawn from a loop channel to release the article from the support surface.
US08453895B2	Rear-mounted bike rack for supporting grocery bags and similar items The rear-mounted bike rack has a platform on which an upright post is pivotable to a stored position. The handles of grocery bags can be engaged on the post. The bike rack has skirts which hang down outside the wheel to prevent the grocery bags from engaging on the rear wheel of the bicycle. The skirts can be folded up onto the platform when not needed. An optional carrier box can be mounted on the platform.
US08453893B2	Hydration belt A wearable hydration belt comprising: a belt; at least one flexible liquid container coupled to the belt, wherein at least one flexible liquid container is substantially flat and belt shaped, the at least one flexible liquid container being more than half the length of the wearable hydration belt; a port located on the liquid container; an extendible drinking tube configured to couple to the port at one end and a spout in communication with a second end of the extendible drinking tube to allow liquid contained in the flexible liquid container to flow through the port, the extendible drinking tube and the spout.
US08453889B2	Spout cap having two steps type straw part A spout cap having a two steps type straw part comprises a coupling part fixedly coupling with the pouring hole of the metal container; a first straw part extending at a predetermined length on the interior face of the coupling part; a cap coupling part having a pouring outlet through which contents in the metal container flow out, wherein the cap coupling part is selectively positioned in an overlapped disposition or an unfolded disposition with respect to the first straw part; an extension part between the first straw part and the cap coupling part, wherein the extension part is capable of extending the unfolded length when the cap coupling part is unfolded with respect to the first straw part; a second straw part extended from the upper inner face of the extension member at a predetermined length and coupled with the lower end of the cap coupling part.
US08453885B2	Hand held peristaltic pump for dispensing fluid from a rigid container A fluid dispensing apparatus includes an operable peristaltic pump. The pump supports a rigid container which includes an aggressive fluid which is to be dispensed from the container. A vent tube and a dispensing tube extends from the container through the pump. Operation of the pump causes fluid to be pumped out from the container through the dispensing tube while air is pumped into the container through the vent tube. This equalizes pressure in the container and allows fluid to be dispensed from a rigid container.
US08453876B2	Colorant recirculation and dispense valve A combination dispense and recirculation valve assembly is disclosed for viscous fluids. The assembly easily moves between a dispense and a recirculation position. Therefore, a pump linked to the canister of fluid being dispensed can be run continuously, intermittently or on demand. After the dispense, the actuator moves the valve stem downward to block any further dispense and the pump recirculates fluid upward past an upper valve element and upper valve seat into a recirculation outlet and back into the canister. In the closed position, the valve chamber is sealed to prevent air from causing any remaining colorant to dry. When a dispense is desired, the actuator simply raises the valve stem upward so the upper valve element engages the upper valve seat thereby preventing fluid from being recycled and directing all fluid downward past the lower valve element and out through the nozzle. The combination dispense and recycle valve assembly is particularly useful for multiple fluid dispensers including, but not limited to paint dispensers.
US08453874B2	Pill dispensing apparatus A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).
US08453873B2	Closure A closure configured to be engaged with a container, wherein the closure includes a cap and a twist ring. According to aspects of the disclosure, the cap may include: a generally cylindrical main body, a lid, a sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the lid, a hinge which allows the lid to pivot between a closed position and an open position, and a lift tab configured to protrude outwardly from the cap. According to aspects of the disclosure, the twist ring may be configured to extend around the cap. Further the twist ring may include: a generally cylindrical main body, a rim extending in a substantially horizontal plane and a sidewall extending substantially vertically from the rim. According to aspects of the disclosure, the twist ring may be configured to be rotated in order to be positioned to selectively prevent the lid of the cap from being pivoted from the closed position to the open position.
US08453869B2	Pressure vessel including ceramifying polymer for improved heat resistance A vessel for holding a pressurized fluid is disclosed, the vessel having a hollow inner shell formed from a moldable material and forming a cavity therein, an intermediate shell formed over the inner vessel, and an outer shell formed over said intermediate shell, said outer shell having a ceramic layer formed on an outer surface thereof.
US08453868B2	Gas cylinder A gas cylinder (1) internally defining a gas storage space (2) able to be closed by a stop valve (3) comprises a rigid wall (4) made from composite material having a reinforcing layer (5) containing reinforcing fibres and an inner surface (6) and a flexible sealing wall (13) connected to the rigid wall (4) through a mouth (9) and suitable for adhering in pressing contact against the inner surface (6) of the rigid wall (4).
US08453863B2	Reducing agent container structure A liquid reducing agent container structure adapted for an exhaust emission purifying system that is capable of reductively purifying NOx in the exhaust gas using a liquid reducing agent, and provided with a configuration such that a lock (42, 60, 70) is detachably disposed on the outer face of an inlet port (34) disposed on a container body (24A) of a reducing agent container (24), and an engagement portion (36a, 50, 54, 56, 58) with which a locking member (42d, 60d, 70b) of the lock (42, 60, 70) can be engaged is disposed on the side of a cap member (36) which is configured to be screwed on the inlet port (34) to seal the inlet port (34), thereby engaging the locking member (42d, 60d, 70b) with the engagement portion (36a, 50, 54, 56, 58) with a locking operation by the lock (42, 60, 70) to block and prevent a rotation of the cap member (36).
US08453862B2	Foldable storage box A foldable storage box comprises a soft walled body open at its top end and closed at the opposing end, a top frame being mounted with the walled body and contiguous to the open top end, and a bottom frame being mounted with the walled body and contiguous to the closed opposing end; wherein the top frame are provided with attachment elements respectively on its bottom and side surfaces, the bottom frame are provided with attachment elements respectively on its top and side surfaces, such that separate boxes can be held in stacks or side by side with the attachment elements. A plurality of supporting bars are provided within the walled body to each serve as a support between the top and bottom frames to form a container. The supporting bars can be detached from the both frames to enable the walled body to be folded into a flat pack.
US08453857B2	Tamper evident closure for containers provided with a threaded neck The present invention relates to a closure preferably for containers which have a standard threaded neck, which comprises a metal cap to prevent liquid from escaping from the container, a metal sleeve and a polymer ring which are coaxial relative to the latter, wherein the polymer ring comprises a first portion which has a diameter D1 and a second portion which has a diameter D2
US08453856B2	Tamper-evident closure A tamper evident closure for a container is provided. The closure comprises a first portion including inner and outer parts, and a second portion. The outer part is movable relative to the inner part from a first position in which at least part of the first and second portions are adjacent each other to a second position in which there is a gap therebetween. The closure comprises locking means for locking it in the second position upon first opening so that the gap cannot easily be closed. The closure further comprises indicator means for providing a visual indication if the locking means is overridden to close the gap.
US08453853B1	Storage rack for multiple skateboards and associated method A multi-skateboard storage rack may include a rigid frame and a plurality of vertical rods statically connected to the frame. A plurality of horizontal peg extensions may be attached to the rods. A plurality of locking jaws may be pivotally connected to corresponding ones of the peg extensions such that associated pairs of the locking jaws may be selectively articulated between a closed locked position and an open unlocked position respectively. Each pair of locking jaws includes a top and a bottom hook which may be independently articulated along mutually exclusive arcuate paths oriented about the corresponding peg extensions. A plurality of locks may be removably fastened to the associated pairs of locking jaws for prohibiting the pairs of locking jaws from being articulated. The multi-skateboard storage rack may further include a plurality of non-linear guide tracks attached to the frame. The multi-skateboard storage rack may further include an optional flexible fenced closure formed from a mesh screen.
US08453852B2	Drying rack The present invention relates to a clothes drying rack consisting of two separate rectangular racks which are mounted against the wall to form a mountain fold configuration, but can be folded flat against the wall for storage when not in use.
US08453851B2	Telescoping display rack A display rack comprises a display rack comprises a base adapted to be mounted to a wall, wherein the base defines an elongate slot having a retracted end, an extended end opposite the retracted end, a first groove and a second groove, wherein the first groove is positioned between the retracted position and the second groove, and a tray having a fin movable with respect to the slot as the tray slides along the base between a retracted position wherein the fin is generally adjacent the retracted end and remote from the first groove, and an extended position wherein the fin is at the second groove of the elongate slot. The fin preferably extends perpendicular to the elongate slot and the tray is movable to an initial position where the fin is positioned in the first groove. The fin is preferably provided with a first flange with a first width and a second flange with a second width narrower than the first width. The first groove is large enough to allow the fin to pass through, and the second groove is large enough to allow the second flange but not the first flange to pass through.
US08453849B2	Anti-microbial matrix and filtration system Provided are an anti-microbial matrix and filtration systems containing the same. The matrix comprises a surface-modified inorganic component and a polymeric binder comprising particles having an irregular, convoluted surface. The surface-modified inorganic component comprises a reaction product of an anti-microbial component and an inorganic component. The anti-microbial component comprises a quaternary ammonium salt containing an epoxide group. A covalent bond is, for example, between the quaternary ammonium cation and a hydroxyl group of the inorganic component. The quaternary ammonium salt can be poly(methyldiallylamine epichlorohydrin). Further, the quaternary ammonium salt can have the formula according to I: (Formula I), wherein n is in the range of 5 to 24. The inorganic component can be diatomaceous earth. The polymeric binder can comprise ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE). Methods of making and using the same are also provided.
US08453848B2	Filter cartridge for liquid filtration; assembly; and, methods A liquid filter cartridge is provided. Preferred seal arrangements are provided, to provide for preferred axial load conditions, with respect to one or more of the end caps of the cartridge. Some cartridge configurations provided include no core structure or outer liner structure therein, to support axial load. Assemblies using the cartridge, and methods of assembly and use, are provided. The liquid filter cartridge can be a serviceable cartridge, or it can be retained permanently in a housing.
US08453847B2	Filter cartridge unit with adhesive interconnecting filter cartridge and end plates A filter cartridge unit including a first end plate, at least one second end plate, and a filter cartridge that is arranged between the end plates. The filter cartridge is connected, in a form-fitting and fluid-tight manner, to its adjacent end plates in a circumferential subarea of contact surfaces thereof using an adhesive.
US08453846B2	Method for classifying a ground material-fluid mixture and mill classifier A method for classifying a ground material-fluid mixture and a mill classifier improve the grinding and classification process, wherein a fine material-fluid flow leaving a dynamic classifier part with angular momentum is subjected to a swirl reduction or swirl elimination, with the aid of a guiding apparatus and a displacement body and is made uniform in a classifier outlet housing and deflected into a virtually linear flow. The fixed guiding apparatus arranged coaxially with the classifier axis in the classifier outlet housing and the displacement body may be formed as one unit, and the guide elements of the guiding apparatus may be arranged on the displacement body and extending into the vicinity of the inner wall of the classifier outlet housing.
US08453843B1	Tray for transporting semiconductor devices of a BGA type The present invention relates to a tray for storing a semiconductor device of a ball grid array type. More specifically, a tray structure is provided, which includes a pocket formed in the tray for holding the semiconductor device, the pocket includes sidewalls having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a shelf portion located between the upper and lower portions of the sidewalls. The shelf portion extends horizontally inwardly from the upper portion of the sidewalls to support a portion of peripheral edges of the semiconductor device. The plurality of solder balls along the peripheral edges are spaced apart from the lower portion of the sidewalls of the pocket and an inner edge of the shelf portion when one of the opposing sides of the semiconductor device abuts the upper portion of the pocket.
US08453841B1	Disk placement and storage assembly with disk cassette and disk slotter A disk placement and storage assembly for storage of disks includes a disk cassette and a disk slotter. The disk cassette includes a pair of side wall portions spanning between a pair of end portions, defining a disk receiving region. The side wall portions include a plurality of vertical slots for holding the disks. The disk slotter includes a top plate having a plurality of horizontal slots spanning across top surfaces of the disk cassette when the disk slotter is releasably coupled to the disk cassette, each one of the horizontal slots arranged and dimensioned to receive a disk as the disk is inserted through a horizontal slot in the disk slotter and into a pair of laterally opposing vertical slots of the disk cassette, each one of the plurality of horizontal slots located above and aligned with a pair of laterally opposing vertical slots in the disk cassette.
US08453835B2	Protective cover for communication device A water-proof container for holding a mobile device includes a base adapted to support a mobile device, a cover, a hinge for interconnecting the base and cover to one another, and a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the base. A groove is formed in an interior wall of the cover in circumscribing relation to the cover. A thin, transparent sheet of plastic has a bead formed in its peripheral edge and the bead is press fit into the groove so that the thin sheet of plastic closely overlies the operative face of the mobile device when the cover is latched to the base. A hollow lock housing is pivotally mounted about a pivot pin. A one hundred eighty degree (180°) rotation of the lock housing positions the opening on an opposite side of the container 10, capturing the latch.
US08453831B1	Conveyor roller using expandable foam A roller includes an inner core assembly surrounded by a rigid expanded foam roller body, preferably having closed-cell foam with a density of 2 pcf or denser. The foam roller body may be formed by injecting or pouring expandable foam into a mold, or by spraying expandable foam over the inner core assembly, allowing it to cure, and machining it to desired specifications. The use of expanded foam cuts the costs of raw materials, production, labor, etc. To provide abrasion resistance and/or traction, a protective outer layer is provided over the foam roller body, preferably having a thickness of 0.5 inches or less, and a run-out of 0.1 inches or less. The outer layer helps make the foam roller body strong and durable enough for conveyor, pulley, and other industrial applications.
US08453830B2	Slide and wear pad for endless belt conveyor A wear pad for use on a slide of an endless track conveyor belt comprising an elongated body having a flat top surface for slidably supporting a conveyor belt during travel of the belt over the top surface between leading and trailing edges of the top surface, and a plurality of grooves having V-shaped cross-sections in said top surface extending between the leading and trailing edges of the body for discharging liquid falling onto the top surface, whereby drag between the wear pad and the belt is reduced.
US08453829B1	High performance washing inducing transfer unit using wire connected roller Disclosed is a high performance washing inducing transfer unit. The transfer unit includes support structures spaced apart from each other, bottom rotary transfer structures including a bottom shaft rotatably mounted odd number mounts of the support structures, bottom transfer rollers coupled to the bottom shaft and wires radially arranged and connected to the bottom transfer rollers, a top rotary transfer structure including a top shaft located above the bottom shaft and top transfer rollers coupled to the top shaft, a drive device to rotate the bottom and top shafts for transfer of an object, an intermediary rotary transfer structure including an intermediary shaft mounted to even number mounts, intermediary transfer rollers coupled to the intermediary shaft and wires radially arranged and connected to the intermediary transfer rollers, and a linkage device to transmit power of the drive device to the intermediary shaft of the intermediary rotary transfer structure.
US08453822B2	Apparatus and method for loading food articles A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
US08453820B2	Currency handling system having multiple output receptacles interfaced with one or more cash processing devices A currency processing system comprises a first currency bill processing device having a plurality of output receptacles and a second currency bill processing device having at least one output receptacle. The second currency bill processing device is communicatively interfaced with the first currency bill processing device.
US08453818B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes first and second clutches disposed adjacent, wherein each of the first and second clutches includes a friction plate; a clutch drum in spline engagement with the friction plate; a piston that with the clutch drum forms a hydraulic oil chamber therebetween; a return spring that biases the piston toward the hydraulic oil chamber side; and a cancel plate that is disposed on a side opposite the hydraulic oil chamber of the piston to form a cancel oil chamber that cancels outs a centrifugal hydraulic pressure that acts on the hydraulic oil chamber, and that receives a reaction force of the return spring.
US08453812B2	Folding sport luggage A folding sport luggage including a main luggage case and wheels equipped at the bottom of the case. The main luggage case includes a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion of the main luggage case has a frame composed of side, back, and bottom panels and coated with a coating. The front portion of the main luggage case has a soft bag case extending from the frame of the main luggage case. The bottom panel can be folded and includes a folding front portion supporting the bottom of the soft bag case and a rear portion supporting the bosom of the frame of the main luggage case. With no items inside, the front portion of the luggage can be folded inwards to greatly reduce the space occupied by the sport luggage. Thus it is convenient to place and transport, with low cost.
US08453811B2	Spherical braking system A spherical braking system mounted on a drive shaft of a vehicle comprising a brake sphere pad positioned just above and below a brake sphere and resting on an at least one segment of a brake housing wherein, the brake housing includes a top segment and bottom segment coupled to mounting dogs by using screws. A hydraulic cap installed on a threaded portion of a hydraulic shaft which is encircled by bushing and coupled near a brake sphere. A plurality of hydraulic lines connected from at least one hydraulic splitter are coupled to the hydraulic cap. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, pistons are forced into fluid chambers in the master cylinder. The resulting hydraulic pressure is transmitted through the hydraulic splitter and hydraulic lines to hydraulic caps which results the vertical movement of the brake pads causes a braking torque to be generated, slowing the rotation of the drive shaft and driven shaft simultaneously, which therefore decreases the speed of the vehicle.
US08453810B2	Damper device A damper device is provided with a cylinder body and a piston body, and provides braking for movement or relative movement of an object to be braked by attaching at least either the cylinder body or the piston body to the object to be braked. The piston body is provided with a seal ring for sealing between the piston body and the cylinder body. When a pressure difference between an inner space, located between the piston body and a deep inner section of the cylinder body, and the outside becomes a predetermined volume or above due to the movement or the relative movement of the piston body, one part of the seal ring is deflected and deformed so as to open a path for interconnecting the inner space and the outside.
US08453808B2	Bicycle damping enhancement system A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.
US08453807B2	Hydraulic damper device for retarding movement of a movable member toward a stationary member A hydraulic damper device for retarding movement of a movable member toward a stationary member, includes a cylinder, an axially shiftable plug disposed in the cylinder to partition a receiving chamber into liquid and air compartments, a piston axially movable in the liquid compartment to divide the same into plug-side and end-side sub-compartments and having a passage, a piston rod secured to the piston and extending along the axis through the axially shiftable plug to permit axial movement of the piston. When the piston proceeds with a final stage of retarding movement, the axially shiftable plug is urged to move by virtue of an increased pressure in the plug-side sub-compartment for generating an increased counteracting force in the air compartment against the increased pressure, thereby further slowing down the retarding movement of the piston.
US08453800B2	Elevator and stop block arrangement for an elevator An elevator, comprising an elevator car (1), car guide rails (3) on one side of the elevator car (1), an elevator shaft or equivalent (5), at least one stop block (9) attached to the car guide rails (3) or to the elevator shaft or equivalent (5), at least two movable stop blocks (7) attached to the elevator car (1), the latter stop blocks (7) being arranged to be moved transversely relative to the elevator shaft direction into a position aligned with at least one stop block (9) attached to the car guide rails (3) or elevator shaft or equivalent (5) and away from said position aligned with said stop block (9). The aforesaid at least two movable stop blocks (7) attached to the elevator car are connected to each other by a horizontal shaft (10) oriented substantially in a direction parallel with the wall of the elevator car (1) on the side of the car guide rails (3) to synchronize the motion of the movable stop blocks (7).
US08453799B2	Actuator for a speed governor of an elevator system An actuator for a speed governor of an elevator system includes a governor wheel equipped with at least two flyweights. The governor wheel can be driven by a governor cable looped around it. An actuator wheel is stationary in a basic position. A coupler engages the actuator wheel when the governor wheel attains an actuation speed and thus couples with the governor wheel so that the actuator wheel is caused to rotate. An elastic material, preferably transmitting a high degree of friction, is provided between the coupler and the actuator wheel. The actuator wheel has a lining or tire of the elastic material and/or the coupler is equipped with the elastic material.
US08453798B2	Tilting mechanism for a lifting structure of an industrial truck, and method for transporting an industrial truck The invention relates to a tilting mechanism for a lifting structure (14) of an industrial truck (10), the lifting structure (14) being mounted so as to be able to pivot about a hinge pin (D) between an at least approximately vertical operating position and a position, inclined with respect to the vertical, of abutment against the frame (12) of the industrial truck (10), characterized in that the tilting mechanism (22) is linked (36, 38) to the lifting structure (14) and to the frame (12, 54) of the industrial truck (10) and is embodied in such a way that the lifting structure (14) can be fixed in any desired pivoting positions between the operating position and the abutment position. Furthermore, the invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a tilting mechanism of this type and to a method for transporting an industrial truck of this type.
US08453790B1	Fan coil ceiling unit with closely coupled silencers A low-profile, compact fan coil ceiling unit with closely coupled silencers includes a heating and cooling section, a closely coupled inlet silencer, and a closely coupled outlet silencer. The inlet silencer has a rectangular housing with a downwardly facing entry opening and a side facing exit opening attached to the inlet end opening of the heating and cooling section. The outlet silencer has a rectangular housing with a downwardly facing exit opening and a side facing entry opening attached to the outlet end opening of the heating and cooling section. Baffles to control the flow of air and reduce noise in the inlet silencer and the outlet silencer are provided.
US08453789B1	Firearm sound suppressor with flanged back end In one example, a firearm sound suppressor includes a housing including a front end and a rear end. The rear end includes a flange that partially encloses the rear end and defines a rear aperture. The firearm sound suppressor also includes a back end member disposed substantially within the rear end of the housing and including a rear surface disposed in abutment with an inner surface of the flange to prevent the back end member from passing through the rear aperture. Other embodiments are also contemplated.
US08453788B2	Implementing dynamic noise elimination with acoustic frame design A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing dynamic noise elimination. A system frame includes a plurality of acoustical sensory devices monitoring the system for problem frequencies. The system frame includes a plurality of tubes. When the tube is open, airflow is allowed. When identified tubes are closed, quarter-wavelength attenuation is provided for a frequency in a range of frequencies, based upon a length of the tube when closed. Each of the plurality of tubes is selectively controlled to be operable open or closed at a particular length, responsive to identified problem frequencies.
US08453781B2	Motorcycle with a rear frame portion having a reduced-width portion In a vehicle body frame including a front frame portion extending rearward from a head pipe, and a rear frame portion extending downward or rearward from a rear end of the front frame portion, a forward portion of the rear frame portion, for example, a lumbar frame, includes a reduced-width portion overlapping with a vehicle body center line extending in a forward and rearward direction when viewed from above, and having a shape in which a width in a rightward and leftward direction is smaller than a length in an upward and downward direction. Devices incorporated into the motorcycle, such as a canister, a battery, an ABS unit, and a suspension unit, are laid out in spaces lateral relative to the reduced-width portion. Thus, the devices can be mounted to the vehicle body frame easily and efficiently.
US08453779B2	Snowmobile frame A snowmobile frame (106) is described, with a tunnel (108) having an inverted U-shape. An engine cradle (110) is attached to a forward portion of the tunnel. A suspension assembly (112) is disposed forwardly of the engine cradle. At least one support member (142) supports the suspension assembly on the engine cradle. The at least one support member forms a crumple zone between the suspension assembly and the engine cradle. The at least one support member resists plastic deformation in response to the first predetermined force exerted on the suspension assembly. The at least one support member undergoes plastic deformation in response to a second predetermined force being exerted on the suspension assembly. The second predetermined force is greater in magnitude than the first predetermined force. The tunnel resists plastic deformation in response to the second predetermined force.
US08453771B1	Beach wagon A beach wagon is disclosed which is convertible from a beach-wagon to a table. The wagon is used for transporting goods and contains a large cargo container with an open top. The beach wagon is easily converted from motorized to manual and back again, through the disengagement and re-engagement of the drivetrain. When motorized, a d-c battery-driven motor drives the rear wheels, and the rechargeable battery thereof is optionally aided by a solar panel. Forward gearing includes low-speed for pavement and hard sand and high-speed for soft sand. A rectangular deck has a pair of table leaves hingedly attached thereto and operable between an open and closed position. The leaves form opposite sides of a cargo container and in the closed position form a table. A pair of container panels attach to the table leaves and deck to form the cargo container.
US08453770B2	Dual motor drive and control system for an electric vehicle A method and apparatus for optimizing the torque applied by each motor of a dual motor drive system of an all-electric vehicle is provided, the torque adjustments taking into account wheel slip as well as other vehicular operating conditions.
US08453766B2	Hydrocarbon formation core protection and transportation apparatus An apparatus for transporting core samples includes an outer tube having an open end and a cover removably mounted to the open end; a core tube slidable into and out of the outer tube when the cover is removed from the outer tube; and a supporting structure between the core tube and the outer tube. The supporting structure supports the core tube within the outer tube with the core tube spaced from contact with an inner wall of the outer tube.
US08453765B2	Apparatus for directional control of a drilling tool A directional-control apparatus for a drilling tool, in which the direction of the drilling tool during the drilling of a borehole is controlled by means of at least one steering body which is moved radially against the wall of the borehole, the movement of the at least one steering body relative to the center axis of the directional-control apparatus being adjustable in order to steer the drilling tool in a desired direction and at a desired deflection, and at least one electrically operated actuator being connected via at least one set of transmission elements to the at least one steering body and arranged to move the at least one steering body into a position relative to the center axis of the directional-control apparatus, the relative position having the effect that the drilling tool is steered in the desired direction and at the desired deflection.
US08453763B2	Expandable earth-boring wellbore reamers and related methods Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the tools may include a formation-engaging surface comprising a gage area. In other embodiments, the tools may include a radially recessed area extending from a back edge of the formation-engaging surface. Methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.
US08453759B2	Method of directing drilling pattern in curved tunnels, rock drilling rig, and software product Method of determining a direction of a drilling pattern in a tunnel curve calculation to be executed in a control unit of a rock drilling rig, a storage device including software product implementing the method and a rock drilling rig. Tunnel line of a tunnel to be excavated is determined. Location of a drilling site on the tunnel line is communicated to the control unit and a navigation plane of the drilling pattern is positioned on the tunnel line. Start point of a round is positioned on the tunnel line and length of the round is provided. End point of the round is positioned at a distance corresponding with the length of the round from the start point and a coordinate system of the drilling pattern is directed so one of its axes points from the start point to the end point. Finally, different coordinate systems are transformed.
US08453758B2	Dual density mud return system Systems and methods for lifting drilling fluid from a well bore in a subsea formation are disclosed. Some system embodiments include a drill string suspended within a drilling riser to form the well bore, and a drilling fluid source for supplying drilling fluid through the drill string during drilling. A diverter is coupled between the drilling riser and a return line, while a power riser coupled to the return line at an interface. A lift fluid source supplies lift fluid through the power riser into the return line. The lift fluid is intermittently injected from the power riser through the interface into the return line to form one or more slugs of lift fluid positioned between slugs of drilling fluid, such that the combined density of lift fluid and drilling fluid in the return line is less than the density of the drilling fluid alone.
US08453756B2	Rock drilling equipment and a method in association with same A rock drilling machine with a first control means (21, 22) within a second piston (6) and acting on a first piston (13) such that it counteracts displacement of the relative positions of a first and a second control device at the moment of contact of the second piston onto the drill rod or onto a part (9) connected to this. Furthermore, a rock drill rig comprising such a rock drilling machine and a method for counteracting the said displacement. Significant improvements in reproducibility for impact mechanism stability over long manufacturing series are achieved through the invention. In the same way, the lifetime of rock drilling devices manufactured according to the invention is extended through the impact mechanism acting in a more stable manner despite wear of component parts. It is furthermore possible to dimension for higher rates of impact without risking the impact mechanism stability.
US08453754B2	Agricultural implement skew detection and correction A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.
US08453749B2	Control system for an annulus balanced subsurface safety valve A control system for an annulus balanced subsurface safety valve. A system for operating a safety valve in a well includes a piston of the safety valve being responsive to displace due to a pressure differential between chambers exposed to the piston; and a valve controller which alternately exposes at least one of the chambers to pressure in an annulus surrounding the safety valve, and to pressure greater than that in the annulus. A method of operating a safety valve in a well includes the steps of: opening the safety valve by biasing a piston of the safety valve to displace in response to a pressure differential between a chamber exposed to pressure greater than well pressure, and another chamber exposed to well pressure; and closing the safety valve by exposing both of the chambers to the well pressure.
US08453747B2	Method for liquid control in multiphase fluid pipelines A method for control of liquid or liquid slugs in multi phase fluid pipelines, including a multiphase pipeline for the transportation of a fluid, consisting of mainly gas and some liquid such as water an/or gas condensate. The gas is evacuated via a gas separation unit connected to the multiphase pipeline to a second gas transport pipe, and the liquid is fed to a dedicated pipeline section acting as a buffer volume pipeline. The separation unit includes one or several vertical pipes connected at a distance from one another along the multiphase pipeline, whereby the gas is transported separately to a downstream processing facility on a platform or onshore or the like, and whereby the liquid proceeds to the loop which may preferably be an extension of the multiphase pipeline, or the liquid and gas may be re-combined and led in a common transport pipeline to the desired destination.

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