最新美国发明专利第2013-06-11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
US08460742B2	Method of developing latent fingerprints Latent fingerprints on a porous substrate such as paper are developed for viewing and recordal by applying heat to cause the fingerprint to be clearly viewed under radiation to cause the fingerprint to fluorescence (e.g. a few seconds heating with hot air or client contact with a heated device at around 260° C.) and viewing under e.g. light of 200 nm to 550 nm with a filter in the yellow to orange wavelength region. Alternatively more extended heating can render the fingerprint assemble under ultraviolet light, and under yet more extended heating permits viewing under white light.
US08460734B2	Method of modifying gum arabic, modified gum arabic obtained by the method, and use thereof An object of the present invention is to provide a method for enhancing the emulsification ability of gum arabic.The present invention can provide a modified gum arabic having an excellent emulsification ability without coloration and/or unpleasant odor, by a method which has a step of making unheated gum arabic into an aqueous solution having a concentration of not higher than 50 mass %, and a step of maintaining the aqueous solution below 60° C. for at least 6 hours. The gum arabic modified by the method of the present invention can be used as an emulsifier for use with beverages, confectioneries, chewing gums, oil-soluble flavors, oil-soluble colors, oil-soluble vitamins, etc.
US08460732B2	Method of preparing a nutritional composition A method of preparing a single serving of a nutritional composition comprising introducing water into a disposable capsule (30) containing a unit dose of the composition in concentrated form so as to reconstitute the concentrated composition and operate opening means contained within the capsule to permit draining of the resulting liquid directly from the capsule (30) into a receiving vessel. The method allows individual servings of nutritional compositions such as infant formulas to be prepared with substantially reduced or even eliminated risk of cross contamination from previously prepared servings.
US08460730B2	Method for manufacturing wrapped food products, as well as conveyor system for carrying out said method A method for manufacturing food products, such as mousse products, includes the steps of: providing a transport conveyor having a transport surface, providing a molding conveyor having molding apertures therein, the molding apertures being positioned above the transport surface, making the transport surface of the transport conveyor and the molding apertures of the molding conveyor move in unison from an input end towards an output end, positioning a mold within a molding aperture of the molding conveyor and on top of the transport surface of the transport conveyor near the input end, applying a food substance within the mold, removing the products including the mold and the food substance from the molding apertures near the output end.
US08460723B2	Method of improving the properties of a flour dough, a flour dough improving composition and improved food products A method of improving the rheological properties of a flour dough and the quality of the finished product made from such a dough, comprising adding an effective amount of an oxido-reductase capable of oxidizing maltose, in particular a hexose oxidase, e.g. isolated from an algal species such as Iridophycus flaccidum, Chondrus crispus or Euthora cristata and a dough improving composition comprising the oxidoreductase.
US08460721B2	Active ingredient that stimulates the proliferation and/or activity of fibroblasts The invention relates to a novel active ingredient that stimulates the proliferation and/or the activity of fibroblasts and also to its applications in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical, in particular dermatological, field. In particular, the active ingredient according to the invention comprises a combination of at least one Hibiscus Abelmoschus extract and a soy extract containing at least peptides.
US08460718B2	Synergistic compositions and methods Pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a synergistic combination of lycopene and at least one phytosterol wherein the ratio of said lycopene to said phytosterol in said pharmaceutical composition is a maximum of about 5:1 and wherein said composition produces a synergistic inhibition of cell growth are disclosed.
US08460707B2	Stabilised prostaglandin composition A pharmaceutical delivery device, such as a suppository or pessary, comprises a synthetic prostaglandin PGE1 analogue (e.g. misoprostol) in a solid polyurethane hydrogel. The polyurethane is either linear or cross-linked.
US08460705B2	Threo-DOPS controlled release formulation The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations for the controlled delivery of threo-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)serine (threo-DOPS) and derivatives of it. Such formulations can contain an extended or slow release component that maintains therapeutic concentration of threo-DOPS in the blood plasma over a prolonged time period. They can be further combined with an immediate release formulation to produce a product that, when administered to a patient in need thereof, results in substantially steady levels of active drug, eliminating the sharp peaks and troughs in blood plasma drug levels experienced with the existing threo-DOPS formulations.
US08460703B2	Combination for an adhesive bonding of biological tissues A composition for the adhesive bonding and/or fixing of biological and/or synthetic tissues includes the components: a) a nitrogen-functionalized polysaccharide; and b) a terminally functionalized oligolactone.
US08460696B2	Polyamine derivatives Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for systemic and local delivery of biologically active molecules.
US08460695B2	Making a soft tissue prosthesis for repairing a defect of an abdominal wall or a pelvic cavity wall Surgical prostheses and methods of using and making surgical prostheses are disclosed.
US08460693B2	Intraluminal device with a coating containing synthetic fish oil and a therapeutic agent The invention relates to an intraluminal device, in particular an intraluminal prosthesis, shunt, catheter or local drug delivery device. In order to increase the bio-compatibility of this device, it is provided with at least one coating. The coating contains a therapeutic agent which is comprised in a matrix that sticks to the intraluminal device. Instead of being formed by a little bio-compatible polymer, the matrix is formed by a bio-compatible oil or fat, such as cod-liver oil or olive oil. Preferably, the bio-compatible oil or fat further comprises alfa-tocopherol.
US08460689B2	Oral care method and kit A method of moisturizing while decolonizing mammalian tissue, the method comprising applying a multi-valent cationic antiseptic composition to the tissue, and applying a moisturizer composition to at least a portion of the same tissue; wherein the mammalian tissue is oral tissue of a subject; wherein the multi-valent cationic antiseptic is other than a metal ion; and wherein the applied compositions essentially exclude any component which causes a precipitate when combined with a multi-valent cationic antiseptic contained in the multi-valent cationic antiseptic composition when tested according to Test Method F, and/or wherein the moisturizer composition is such that a log reduction in the number of viable bacterial cells of at least 2 is provided when 106 cfu of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are combined with a mixture 1.1 g of the moisturizer composition and 1.5 g of the multi-valent cationic antiseptic composition containing 0.12 weight percent of the multi-valent cationic antiseptic according to Test Method B; an oral care kit comprising a composition comprising the multi-valent cationic antiseptic and the moisturizer composition; and a method of moisturizing oral tissue of a patient requiring intubation using the moisturizer composition and an endotracheal tube coated or impregnated with a cationic antiseptic are provided.
US08460687B1	Peeling compositions The present invention discloses cosmetic compositions based on phytic acid and used for skin resurfacing, treating hyper pigmentation, control sebum production, for pore size reduction and combating acne and a method of application. The trichloroacetic acid can be added to the composition, containing phytic acid for more deep peels. The compositions and the methods of application of the composition containing phytic acid and the composition, containing trichloroacetic acid and phytic acid are claimed.
US08460685B2	Method of improving the osteoinductivity of calcium phosphate The invention relates to methods of improving the osteoinductivity of calcium phosphate materials, to calcium phosphate materials having improved osteoinductivity as well as bone (re)generation scaffolds produced therefrom and to the use of such materials and scaffolds in methods of treatment.
US08460684B2	Nuclease inhibitors and methods for their use A class of anionic oligomers and polymers that function for inhibition of nucleases, particularly RNase. Specific inhibitors include mixtures of oligomers of vinyl sulfate. Methods for inhibition or inactivation of one or more nucleases in vitro which comprises the step of contacting the one or more nucleases in a biological medium with one or more of the anionic oligomeric or polymeric inhibitors of this invention. Kits for carrying out a biological procedure, biological reaction and/or a biological assay containing one or more inhibitors of this invention. The use of oligomers and/or polymers of this invention as additives in buffers or reagents. The inhibitors of the invention can also be attached to surfaces to provide for removal of nucleases from media, solutions or other liquids in contact with the solid.
US08460679B2	Glycolipid adjuvant compositions This invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing stable adjuvant diluent stock solutions and final adjuvant solutions comprising glycolipids, weak acids, alcohols, nonionic surfactants and buffers.
US08460670B2	Fully human influenza M2 specific antibodies The present invention relates to human antibodies, preferably to fully human antibodies, which are specifically binding to influenza M2e antigen. The invention further relates to individual light- and/or heavy chains of such antibodies, to nucleic acids encoding said antibodies or their light- and/or heavy chain, and to expression vectors for the expression of said anti-bodies. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of said antibodies in the treatment and/or prevention of influenza A virus infection, preferably in humans.
US08460669B2	Compositions and methods for identifying response targets and treating flavivirus infection responses Cellular receptors are identified that induce plasma leakage and other negative effects when infected with flaviviruses, such as dengue virus or Japanese encephamyelitis virus. Using fusion proteins disclosed herein, the receptors to which a pathogen, such as flavivirus, binds via glycan binding are determined. Once the receptors are determined, the effect of binding to a particular receptor may be determined, wherein targeting of the receptors causing a particular symptom may be targeted by agents that interrupt binding of the pathogen to the receptor. Accordingly, in the case of dengue virus and Japanese encephamyelitis virus, TNF-α is released when the pathogen binds to the DLVR1/CLEC5A receptor. Interrupting the DLVR1/CLEC5A receptor with monoclonal antibodies reduced TNF-α secretion without affecting secretion of cytokines responsible for viral clearance thereby increasing survival rates in infected mice from nil to around 50%.
US08460667B2	EPHA2 receptor antagonist antibodies Antagonistic antibodies that specifically bind to and inhibit Class A Eph receptors are provided. Also provided are cytotoxic conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising these antibodies.
US08460666B2	Human binding molecules having killing activity against staphylococci and uses thereof Described are human binding molecules specifically binding to staphylococci and having killing activity against staphylococci, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of a condition resulting from Staphylococcus.
US08460665B2	Compositions and methods including a recombinant human MAB that promotes CNS remyelination Antibodies, and particularly human antibodies, are disclosed that demonstrate activity in the treatment of demyelinating diseases as well as other diseases of the central nervous system that are of viral, bacterial or idiopathic origin, including neural dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury. Neuromodulatory agents are set forth that include and comprise a material selected from the group consisting of an antibody capable of binding structures or cells in the central nervous system, a peptide analog, a hapten, active fragments thereof, agonists thereof, mimics thereof, monomers thereof and combinations thereof. Methods are described for treating demyelinating diseases, and diseases of the central nervous system of humans and domestic animals, using polyclonal IgM antibodies and human monoclonal antibodies sHIgm22(LYM 22), sHIgm46(LYM46) ebvHIgM MSI19D10, CB2bG8, AKJR4, CB2iE12, CB2iE7, MSI19E5 and MSI10E10, active fragments thereof and the like. The invention also extends to the use of human antibodies, fragments, peptide derivatives and like materials, and their use in above referenced therapeutic applications, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, that may be administered in desirably low doses to treat conditions involving demyelination and to promote remyelination.
US08460660B2	Anti-mesothelin antibodies The present invention provides monoclonal anti-mesothelin antibodies and antibody fragments and methods for their use. The antibodies can be completely human.
US08460658B2	Method of treating cancer and/or cellular proliferative conditions and agents targeting hyaluronan anabolism useful for same The present invention relates generally to the modulation of hyaluronan (HA) synthesis and degradation. The present invention further contemplates modulation of cellular proliferation, useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of inflammatory disorders including hyperproliferative conditions, such as but not limited to, cancer and psoriasis. The present invention is directed to compounds, agents, pharmaceutically active agents, medicaments, therapeutics, actives, drugs and the like which specifically target a portion of HAS which is accessible to the extracellular environment in malignant or inflammatory or proliferative cells but which portion is not accessible to the external environment in “normal” cells. A “normal” cell in this instance is a non-malignant, inflammatory or proliferative cell.
US08460655B2	Pharmacological vitreolysis A method of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD). TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
US08460650B2	Treatment of inflammatory diseases using placental stem cells Provided herein are methods of treatment of individuals having an immune-related disease, disorder or condition, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-versus-host disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, mycosis fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome), or scleroderma using placental stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.
US08460648B2	Probiotic recolonisation therapy The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E.Coli, Gemmiger, Desullomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathoenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.
US08460644B2	Synergistic mixed poloxamer systems for the solubilisation of drugs Drugs which are difficult to solubilize in water, and especially those which otherwise cause pain on injection, can be readily formulated and typically administered with substantially less pain when solubilized in synergistic, aqueous micellar preparations of poloxamers. Such preparations may also be prepared with less, or without, co-solvents.
US08460642B2	Boldline compounds for promoting bone growth The present invention provides a method of promoting bone growth in a subject in need thereof, by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of renal disease and cancer.
US08460641B2	Microemulsion process and composition An oil-in-water microemulsion or sub-micron emulsion composition for dermal delivery of at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, comprising: a first part including at least one occlusive agent and one or more lipophilic surfactants dispersed throughout a second part including water and at least one hydrophilic surfactant, and a non-surfactant amphiphilic type compound, pharmaceutically active ingredient, and water. It has been found that if a non-surfactant amphiphilic type compound is added together with the second part as would conventionally be the case, a microemulsion or sub-micron emulsion is not formed, by adding the so called third part, phase assembly occurs at a lower temperature than would be expected and moreover, this phase appears to assist in maintaining the microemulsion or sub-micron emulsion characteristics of the formulation during storage at normal temperatures.
US08460639B2	Probe for a hair cell, and labelling method for a hair cell using the probe for a hair cell Provided are a novel probe for a hair cell for clearly identifying various conditions of a hair cell, and a labelling method for a hair cell using the probe for a hair cell, more particularly, a probe for a hair cell containing, as an active agent, a staining compound represented by the general formula (I)
US08460635B2	Fenretinide derivatives and uses thereof as therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging agents Synthetic peptidomimetic derivatives and phenyl group derivatives of Fenretinide (4-HPR) are disclosed, as are their uses as therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging agents for cancer and other diseases.
US08460631B2	Processing of manganous sulphate/dithionate liquors derived from manganese resource material The process concerns hydrometallurgical processing of manganese sulphate and manganese dithionate containing liquors and recovery of water therefrom. Sodium sulphate and/or sodium dithionate containing liquors are derived from manganese sulphate and manganese dithionate containing liquids, which are then cooled to produce crystals of sodium sulphate decahydrate and sodium dithionate dehydrate. The sodium sulphate decahydrate and sodium dithionate dehydrate crystals are then heated to a temperature sufficient to decompose the sodium sulphate decahydrate crystals to form anhydrous sodium sulphate crystals, sodium dithionate hydrate crystals and water, after which water is removed from the sodium sulphate and sodium dithionate hydrate crystal. The sodium sulphate and sodium dithionate dehydrate crystals are then heated to form anhydrous sodium sulphate, sulfur dioxide and water or steam. The anhydrous sodium sulphate is then separated from the sulfur dioxide and water.
US08460629B2	Purification of materials non-electrically conductive in the solid state and electrically conductive in the molten state with electric induction power The present invention is apparatus for, and method of, heating, melting and purifying a material by electric induction heating in a susceptor furnace. Non-electrically conductive solid charge may initially be placed in the furnace. Output frequency from a power source supplying current to one or more induction coils surrounding the furnace is selected to maximize magnetic coupling with the susceptor material in the susceptor furnace to induce eddy current heating in the material. Heat transfers by conduction from the susceptor material to the non-electrically conductive charge placed in the susceptor furnace to melt the charge. Output frequency is reduced as the charge melts and becomes electrically conductive to enhance magnetic coupling with the melt in the furnace. Degassing of impurities from the melt can be achieved by bubbling a gas through the melt while the surface level of the melt is maintained at vacuum. Degassing is enhanced by creating an electromagnetic ripple/wave action that increases the surface area of the melt during the degassing process.
US08460628B2	Spiro compounds The invention relates to spiro compounds of the formula (I) and to monolithic materials prepared therefrom by twin ring-opening polymerization which consist of a porous metal oxide or semimetal oxide framework and are suitable for use as catalyst supports or as supports for active compounds.
US08460625B2	Exhaust gas purification apparatus and method for engine and filter regeneration system of the exhaust gas purification apparatus An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an engine is provided with a filter arranged in an exhaust passage of the engine, and a regeneration control unit for regenerating the filter by burning the particulate matters accumulated in the filter. The control unit may include an over-accumulation state determination unit and a switch. The over-accumulation state determination unit determines over-accumulation of the particulate filter in the filter when the particulate matter is over-accumulated in the filter. The switch switches a regeneration temperature for regenerating the filter between a first regeneration temperature at which a normal regeneration is performed and a second regeneration temperature which is lower than the first regeneration temperature. The control unit is connectable to a command unit when the particular matter is over-accumulated in the filter, so that the switch is forcibly operated toward the second regeneration temperature.
US08460624B2	Process and plant for producing metal oxide from metal salts A process for producing metal oxide from a metal salt includes supplying a first part of the metal salt to a hydrate drier so as to indirectly heat the first part of the metal salt in the hydrate drier using a heat transfer medium from a first stage of a multi-stage indirect cooler so as to dry the first part of the metal salt in the hydrate drier and so as to control a waste gas temperature of the process. A second part of the metal salt is guided as a partial stream past the hydrate drier. The metal salt is preheated in a first preheating stage and precalcined in a second preheating stage. The metal salt and a fluidizing gas having a temperature of 150° C. or less are supplied to a fluidized bed reactor so as to calcine the metal salt to form a metal oxide product. The metal oxide product is cooled in at least one suspension heat exchanger and then in the multi-stage indirect cooler.
US08460622B2	Pipette tip handling devices and methods Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.
US08460620B2	Specimen collection container assembly A specimen collection container includes inner and outer tubes. The inner tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior. The sidewall includes an inner surface and an outer surface having at least one annular protrusion extending therefrom. The inner tube includes at least one funnel portion adjacent the top end for directing a specimen into the inner tube interior, and an annular ring disposed about a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent the top end. The outer tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an annular recess adapted to receive a portion of the annular protrusion therein. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and a portion of the top end of the outer tube abuts the annular ring.
US08460615B2	Device for performing a chemical transformation in fluidic media A device is provided for performing chemical transformation in a fluid, with a flow distributor having at least one fluid medium inlet, at least one fluid medium outlet, and at least one confinement wherein the chemical transformation is performed; and a means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device. At least one confinement may be equipped with a provision for providing heat, cooling, sound, light or other types of radiation, such provision being contacted to an external source through an actuator shaft. The flow distributor may be provided with sectors connected with the centrally located fluid medium inlet and a designated peripheral fluid medium outlet. The means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device may be an element producing magnetic fields or a shaft mechanically connected to an external actuating device.
US08460614B2	Heat exchanger with radially arranged elements for isothermal chemical reactors An isothermal chemical reactor (1) comprising an array of radially arranged plate-like heat exchange elements (11) inside a reaction space, each element comprising feeding and collecting ducts and a bundle of parallel tubes (15) defining channels (12) for a heat exchange medium, the tubes (15) having an elongated cross section and being disposed with a variable orientation relative to the radial direction of the reactor, so that inner tubes near the axis of the reactor have the cross-section major axis aligned with said radial direction, and outer tubes have the same axis perpendicular to the radial direction. The preferred structure of a plate-like heat exchange element is also disclosed.
US08460606B2	Automatic reactor for catalytic microactivity studies The invention relates to a reaction device which is used to study the behavior of a catalyst in the presence of reactants. The inventive device includes: various different mass flow regulators, which are used to supply a known controlled stream of gases, a pump which supplies the system with liquid reactants from a container, a hot box, wherein there have been placed a supply current evaporator and preheater, a valve which can be used to select the process path, a reactor into which the catalyst is introduced inside a furnace, a system which can be used to separate the liquid and gaseous products by cold condensation under pressure and which controls the pressure in the line of output gases, and a system for controlling the level in the decantation operation, the system being automated and computerized.
US08460597B2	Method of producing color change in a substrate The present invention relates to a method of producing color change in a substrate. The substrate includes an activatable colorant and a region that is heated prior to activating the activatable colorant. The substrate is exposed to electromagnetic radiation producing a first activated color region in the heated region and a second activated color region in a non heated region. The first activated color region appears in a different shade than the second activated color region.
US08460594B2	Injection molding method An injection molding method includes: providing a mold core which defines a mold cavity, depositing a lubrication layer on an inner surface of the mold cavity, injecting plastic material into the mold cavity, and molding the plastic material into the plastic element.
US08460593B2	Article of footwear with mesh on outsole and insert An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.
US08460591B2	Porous membranes and methods of making the same The instant disclosure relates to porous membranes and methods of making the same. An example of the method includes exposing a polymeric film (including a polymer and i) a gel-forming polymer, ii) ceramic particles, or iii) combinations of i and ii) established on a carrier belt to a non-solvent or a slightly miscible solvent of a polymer in the polymeric film, thereby inducing formation of a porous structure in the polymeric film. The method further includes transporting the polymeric film on the carrier belt into a bath of a non-solvent or a slightly miscible solvent of the polymer for a predetermined time thereby finalizing the formation of the porous structure and forming the porous membrane. The porous membrane is removed from the non-solvent or slightly miscible solvent bath.
US08460587B2	Method for producing a foamed article A method for producing a foamed article including a supporting element, a foam layer, and an upholstery cover applied on said foam layer, comprising the steps of forming said upholstery cover by stitching together a plurality of lengths of upholstery cover, positioning the sewn upholstery cover on a convex positioning surface of a positioning member withholding the sewn upholstery cover on said positioning member by means of a first suction system, setting said positioning member with the sewn upholstery cover withheld thereon by suction in a bottom die of a foaming die, deactivating said first suction system and withholding the upholstery cover on a concave positioning surface of said bottom die by means of a second suction system, extracting said positioning member from said bottom die leaving said upholstery cover positioned and withheld by suction on said concave positioning surface, positioning a rigid supporting element on a plunger of said foaming die and closing the plunger on said bottom die so as to form a foaming cavity between an outer surface of said supporting element and said upholstery cover; and injecting foaming material in said foaming cavity and polymerizing the foaming material.
US08460584B2	Carboxylic acid stabilized silver nanoparticles and process for producing same Processes for producing carboxylic acid-stabilized silver nanoparticles are disclosed. The processes comprise (a) forming a suspension of silver salt particles in a carboxylic acid; (b) forming a solution of an organohydrazine and a first organic solvent; (c) heating the suspension; (d) adding the solution to the suspension to form a mixture; and (e) reacting the mixture to form carboxylic acid-stabilized silver nanoparticles.
US08460582B2	Arylsulfonic acid compound and use thereof as electron-acceptor material Disclosed is an arylsulfonic acid compound characterized by being represented by formula (1). By using this compound as an electron-acceptor material, highly uniform film formability can be achieved. By using a thin film containing the arylsulfonic acid compound in an OLED device or a PLED device, there can be obtained excellent EL device characteristics such as low driving voltage, high luminous efficiency and long life. (In the formula, X represents O, S or NH; Ar represents an aryl group; and n represents the number of sulfonic groups, which is an integer of 1-4.)
US08460581B2	Imidazole derivatives and their use of dopants for doping organic semiconductor matrix material The present invention relates to imidazole derivatives and their use as dopants for doping an organic semiconductor matrix material, organic semiconductor materials and electronic or optoelectronic structural elements.
US08460580B2	Alloy powder for raw material of inorganic functional material and phosphor The present invention relates to a phosphor comprising a nitride or an oxynitride, comprising an X-ray powder diffraction pattern comprising at least one Region having at least one peak with an intensity ratio I of 8% or less, the X-ray powder diffraction pattern measured in the 2θ range from 10° to 60° using a CuKα line (1.54184 {acute over (Å)}), wherein the Region is the 2θ range from 41.5° to 47°, the intensity of each peak is a value obtained after background correction, and the intensity ratio I is defined by the formula (Ip×100)/Imax (%), where Imax represents the height of the most intense peak present in the 2θ range from 34° to 37° and Ip represents the height of each peak.
US08460578B2	Rare earth oxysulfide scintillator and methods for producing same A method of producing a rare earth oxysulfide scintillating ceramic body includes heat treatment to form a consolidated body, followed by gas hot isostatic pressing (GHIPing). A powder is first provided having the general formula (M1-xLnx)2O2S, wherein M is a rare earth element, and Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Pr, Tb, Yb, Dy, Sm, and Ho, and 1×10−6
US08460575B2	Formulation for generating nitrogen gas The invention is directed to a solid, porous material, suitable for generating nitrogen gas, said material having a porosity of 20 to 75 vol. %, and a composition comprising, based on the weight of the material of 60 to 90 wt. % of sodium azide, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of an inert chemical coolant based on at least one inorganic salt having a heat capacity of at least 1400 J/K/kg, 0.1 to 20 wt. % of modifying agent selected from metal oxides and metal carbonates, and a binder, selected from the group consisting of at least one alkali metal silicate, preferably waterglass, or a poly-tetrazole, in an amount of between 3 and 15 wt. %.
US08460573B2	Method for producing cathode active material for lithium ion batteries, cathode active material for lithium ion batteries obtained by the production method, lithium ion battery electrode, and lithium ion battery A method for producing a cathode active material for lithium ion batteries includes a step of synthesizing LiFePO4 by carrying out a hydrothermal reaction using an Li salt, a Fe salt, and a phosphoric acid source as raw materials. Elements Li and Fe in the Li and Fe salts are added to the reaction system in amounts excessively larger than the theoretical amounts required for the hydrothermal reaction. The synthesized LiFePO4 has an average primary particle size of equal to or larger than 30 nm and equal to or smaller than 100 nm.
US08460563B2	Producing method of wired circuit board A producing method of a wired circuit board includes a laminating step of preparing a metal supporting board, forming an insulating base layer on the metal supporting board, forming a conductive layer including a terminal portion and a plating lead continued from the terminal portion on the insulating base layer, and forming an insulating cover layer on the insulating base layer so as to cover the conductive layer, a first etching step of etching the metal supporting board, and then etching the insulating base layer to expose the plating lead from the metal supporting board and the insulating base layer, and a second etching step of etching the exposed plating lead.
US08460557B2	Catalytic wet oxidation systems and methods A system and method for the treatment of process streams. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. A catalyst may be selected for its solubility at a detected pH level of the aqueous mixture. Alternatively, a pH level of the aqueous mixture may be adjusted to solubilize a selected catalyst and/or maintain the selected catalyst in a soluble form. A controller in communication with a pH sensor may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust the pH level of the aqueous mixture in response to the pH sensor registering a pH level outside a predetermined pH solubility range for a selected catalyst.
US08460552B2	Method and device for the detection of disruptions of the blood flow in an extracorporeal blood circuit A method and device that identify impairments of the blood flow in an extra-corporeal blood circuit during extracorporeal treatment of the blood using an extracorporeal haemodialysis device, where the phase angle of at least one harmonic oscillation of an oscillating pressure signal that propagates in the extracorporeal blood circuit is determined. Impairments of the blood flow are detected in the extracorporeal blood circuit based on a characteristic modification of the phase angle of at least one harmonic oscillation of the pressure signal. A temporal modification of the phase angle may be compared with a predefined threshold value and an impairment is detected if the value of the modification of the phase angle is greater than the predefined threshold value. The method and device permit an early identification of a coagulation of the blood that flows through the haemodialysis unit, so that countermeasures can be initiated promptly.
US08460551B2	Solar membrane distillation system and method of use A water distillation system includes a membrane distillation unit which produces desalinated water from feed water comprising salt water. The system also includes a primary water heater which raises a temperature of the feed water upstream of the feed water entering the membrane distillation unit. The system additionally includes an evaporative cooler which lowers a temperature of a coolant upstream of the coolant entering the membrane distillation unit.
US08460547B2	Hollow porous microspheres The present invention refers to a hollow microsphere having a porous circumferential wall comprised of nanofilaments.
US08460546B2	Systems, methods and devices relating to a cellularized nephron unit The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.
US08460545B2	Canister filter system with drain that cooperates with filter element A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.
US08460539B2	Hybrid strip A method of determining concentrations of a plurality of analytes from a single blood sample placed in a single opening. A portion of the single blood sample is absorbed by a test matrix that includes a plurality of layers and a chromogenic agent. A colored response is generated by the test matrix. The colored response is proportional to the concentration of a first analyte. A portion of the single blood sample is drawn into a capillary tube and placed in contact with an electrode and a counter-electrode. An electrical property of the single blood sample is analyzed through the electrode and counter-electrode. The electrical property is proportional to the concentration of a second analyte in the single blood sample.
US08460538B2	Method for detection of cyanide in water The method for detection of cyanide in water is a method for the detection of a highly toxic pollutant, cyanide, in water using ZnO2 nanoparticles synthesized locally by an elegant Pulsed Laser Ablation technique. ZnO2 nanoparticles having a median size of 4 nm are synthesized from pure zinc metal target under UV laser irradiation in a 1-10% H2O2 environment in deionized water. The synthesized ZnO2 nanoparticles are suspended in dimethyl formamide in the presence of Nafion, and then ultrasonicated to create a homogenous suspension, which is used to prepare a thin film of ZnO2 nanoparticles on a metal electrode. The electrode is used for cyanide detection.
US08460536B2	Diaphragm for electrolytic cell Describes a liquid-permeable diaphragm assembly for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlor-alkali electrolytic cells. The diaphragm assembly includes a foraminous cathode, a liquid permeable base mat comprising synthetic polymeric material that is at least partially resistant to the environment within the electrolytic cell on the foraminous cathode, and a topcoat of water-insoluble particulate material on the base mat. The topcoat is deposited on the base mat from an aqueous slurry comprising (i) at least one oxide, boride, carbide, nitride or silicate of a valve metal, (ii) clay mineral, (iii) hydrous metal oxide chosen from the hydrous oxides of magnesium, the hydrous oxides of zirconium, and mixtures of such hydrous metal oxides, and (iv) alkali metal polyphosphate.
US08460535B2	Primary production of elements Electrowinning methods and apparatus are suitable for producing elemental deposits of high quality, purity, and volume. Respective cathodes are used during electrowinning for bearing the elemental product, segregating impurities, dissolving morphologically undesirable material, and augmenting productivity. Silicon suitable for use in photovoltaic devices may be electrodeposited in solid form from silicon dioxide dissolved in a molten salt.
US08460532B2	Deionization and desalination using electrostatic ion pumping The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.
US08460527B2	Gas sensor A gas sensor contains a sensor element for detecting the concentration of a particular gas component in a measurement gas and a housing for supporting the sensor element inside, and the sensor element has a rectangular solid structure of a solid electrolyte body containing a ceramic material. In the gas sensor, four edges of the solid electrolyte body are beveled over the entire length thereof to form eleventh to fourteenth chamfered portions corresponding to the four edges.
US08460519B2	Protective offset sputtering Sputtering in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber may, in one embodiment, utilize a target laterally offset from and tilted with respect to the substrate. In another aspect, target power may be reduced to enhance film protection. In yet another aspect, magnetron magnets may be relatively strong and well balanced to enhance film protection. In another aspect, a shutter may be provided to protect the substrate in start up conditions. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08460515B2	Biocoke producing apparatus and process therefor A biocoke producing apparatus has a reaction vessel that has a preset temperature range and pressure range for, without carbonizing of the pulverized biomass, inducing a pyrolytic or thermal curing reaction of lignin and hemicellulose thereof. The reaction vessel has a pressurization device for pressurizing to the pressure range, a heating device for heating to the temperature range in the state of the pressurization and a cooling device for cooling after maintaining of the above state. Multiple reaction vessels are provided. A pulverization delivery conveyor is provided superior to these reaction vessels, and each of the multiple reaction vessels is connected via a connection tube to the conveyor. The connection tube is provided with a pulverizate charging device for charging a given amount of pulverized biomass in accordance with a timing of pulverizate charging to the reaction vessels.
US08460510B2	Use of a surface-reacted calcium carbonate in tissue paper, process to prepare a tissue paper product of improved softness, and resulting improved softness tissue paper products The present invention related to the use of a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate as filler in tissue paper products, to a process to prepare tissue paper products, and to a tissue paper product featuring an improved softness, wherein said surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate is the reaction product of a natural calcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally.
US08460508B2	Synchronous pulse plasma etching equipment and method of fabricating a semiconductor device Synchronous pulse plasma etching equipment includes a first electrode and one or more second electrodes configured to generate plasma in a plasma etching chamber. A first radio frequency power output unit is configured to apply a first radio frequency power having a first frequency and a first duty ratio to the first electrode, and to output a control signal including information about a phase of the first radio frequency power. At least one second radio frequency power output unit is configured to apply a second radio frequency power having a second frequency and a second duty ratio to a corresponding second electrode among the second electrodes. The second radio frequency power output unit is configured to control the second radio frequency power to be synchronized with the first radio frequency power or to have a phase difference from the first radio frequency power in response to the control signal.
US08460507B2	CMP sensor and control system Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) systems comprising apparatus and methods which allow the physical and chemical characteristics of a CMP slurry to be monitored during the polishing process, both on the pad and in the fresh slurry, are provided. The methods and apparatus of the invention also furnish the CMP operator with real-time information about the polishing process, which can provide insight into various chemical and physical mechanisms involved in chemical-mechanical polishing. The data provided by the sensors also make available valuable information about the stability and reproducibility of the particular CMP process being observed.
US08460500B2	Method for producing corrugated material This invention relates to a method for producing corrugated material and processing strip material which is removed from the edges of the corrugated material during the formation process. The strip material is cut away from the corrugated material and expelled at a variable line speed to a trim processing machine. The line speed is measured by a sensor which provides a signal representation of the speed to a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly cuts the strip material at a cutting speed which is sequenced to the line speed such that the strip material is cut into a plurality of pieces. The pieces are generally uniform in shape and size across variations in the line speed as the cutting speed is synchronized with the line speed.
US08460499B2	Device for dispensing labels, such as self-adhesive labels, on objects A labeling machine for the dispensing of labels, such as self-adhesive labels, on objects, such as containers or bottles. The labeling machine has an arrangement for the generation of a defined strip tension of the labeling material over its strip length between a looper and a dispensing edge, and for the generation of a defined strip tension of the backing material over at least a part of its strip length between the dispensing edge and a receptacle for the backing material.
US08460498B2	Method for sublimation coating A method and apparatus are provided for of applying a sublimation transfer to a coffee cup having a handle connected at two locations to the cup. A sublimation transfer is placed around the container with a dye image an outer surface of the cup and extending beneath the handle. An elastic clamp wraps around the cup and sublimation transfer and extends beneath the handle to press the dye layer against the cup beneath the handle. The clamp has an elongated opening near one end of the clamp and the opening is placed over the handle to fasten the clamp to the cup. The wrapped cup and sublimation transfer is placed on a conveyor oven for sublimation heating, with the clamp being removed for reuse after the sublimation transfer of the dye layer onto the cup is completed.
US08460491B1	Die bonder and bonding method The present invention provides die bonder and bonding method by which a bonding load from a high load to a low load is obtained or high-speed mounting is attained.In a die bonder or a bonding method in which a bonding head is ascended/descended by a first ascending/descending drive shaft unit, a die is picked up, the picked-up die is installed onto a workpiece, and after installed, a load is exerted on the die by the bonding head to bond the die to the workpiece, whether the load is higher/lower than a predetermined load is determined, and in bonding, when the load is higher than the predetermined load, the high load is exerted by the first ascending/descending drive shaft unit, and when the load is lower than the predetermined load, the low load is exerted by a second ascending/descending drive shaft unit.
US08460489B2	Flexible film application for decorative coatings A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.
US08460487B1	Method for desensitizing liquid explosives and detonable flammable liquids A method of desensitization of a sensitive liquid is provided, which includes the continuous stirring of the sensitive liquid with an inert liquid.
US08460485B2	Method of forming fine grains of Co-Cr-Mo alloy with nitrogen addition and Co-Cr-Mo alloy with nitrogen addition A Co—Cr—Mo alloy with nitrogen addition composed of 26 to 35% by weight of Cr, 2 to 8% by weight of Mo, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of N, and balance of Co is subjected to solution treatment and then subjected to isothermal aging treatment holding the alloy at 670 to 830° C. for a predetermined period of time to form a multi-phase structure composed of an ε-phase and a Cr nitride by means of an isothermal aging effect. After cooling, the alloy subjected to reverse transformation treatment in which the alloy is heated at a temperature range of 870 to 1100° C. for reverse transformation to a single γ-phase from the multi-phase structure composed of an ε-phase and a Cr nitride.
US08460484B2	Method of making a shaped object with regions of different ductility A shaped part with different microstructures is made by continuously conveying a succession of hardenable steel blanks having first and second regions through a furnace such that the blanks reach an outlet of the furnace each with both of the respective first and second regions heated to an austenitization temperature. Then the blanks are positioned with the second regions thereof in a chamber of a holding unit and the first regions outside the chamber, and, while holding the second regions in the chamber and the first regions outside the chamber the second regions are heated and maintained at the austenitization temperature and the first regions are cooled with air to a temperature at which their microstructures become ferritic-pearlitic. Thereafter the blanks are transferred from the holding unit to a press where they are hardened and finish shaped.
US08460480B2	Abrasive wire cleaning apparatus with stirring nozzles A stirring nozzle used in an apparatus for abrasive wire cleaning. The stirring nozzles can be used in series to create multiple cleaning steps wherein fresh cleaning compound contacts the wire to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus moves both the wire and an abrasive cleaning compound through the interior of the stirring nozzles. At the exit end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved outward from the wire path. At the inlet end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved inward toward the wire path. The sequential in-and-out movement mixes the cleaning compound.
US08460476B2	Apparatus for and method of processing substrate subjected to exposure process A method of processing a substrate subjected to an exposure process includes the steps of: transporting a substrate subjected to the exposure process to a cleaning processing part and performing a cleaning process in said cleaning processing part on said substrate subjected to the exposure process. The method also includes the steps of transporting said substrate subjected to the cleaning process from said cleaning processing part to a heating processing part and performing a heating process in said heating processing part on said substrate subjected to the cleaning process. A first interprocess time interval between the instant at which the exposure process of a substrate is completed and the instant at which the heating process of the substrate is started is made approximately constant, and a second interprocess time interval between the instant at which the cleaning process of the substrate is completed and the instant at which the heating process of the substrate is started is made approximately constant.
US08460469B2	Apparatus for etching substrate and method of etching substrate using the same An apparatus for etching a substrate includes: a chamber; a susceptor in the chamber, the susceptor including at least one loading portion corresponding to at least one substrate; a gas supply over the susceptor, the gas supply including a hollow and at least one through hole corresponding to the at least one loading portions; and at least one shielding means interposed into the at least one through holes, the at least one shielding means including a body part and a hanging part on the body part, the body part having a cross-sectional area smaller than the at least one through holes, and the hanging part outwardly protruding from the body part, wherein the at least one shielding means is suspended on the gas supply by the hanging part, and wherein the body part shields a central portion of the at least one substrate and exposes an edge portion of the at least one substrate.
US08460467B2	Vacuum processing apparatus A vacuum processing apparatus includes a transfer unit disposed at a center thereof, plural processing chambers, each processing chamber having a processing table for supporting an object to be processed and carrying out processing using a gas, and a mass flow controller unit interposed between two of the processing chambers for supplying gas to the chambers.
US08460466B2	Exhaust for CVD reactor A chemical vapor deposition reactor and a method of wafer processing are provided. The reactor includes a reaction chamber having an interior, a gas inlet manifold communicating with the interior of the chamber, an exhaust system including an exhaust manifold having a passage and one or more ports, and one or more cleaning elements mounted within the chamber. The gas inlet manifold can admit process gasses to form a deposit on substrates held within the interior. The passage can communicate with the interior of the chamber through the one or more ports. The one or more cleaning elements are movable between (i) a run position in which the cleaning elements are remote from the one or more ports and (ii) a cleaning position in which the one or more cleaning elements are engaged in the one or more ports.
US08460463B2	Silicon wafer and method for producing the same A silicon wafer is produced through the steps of forming a silicon ingot by a CZ method with an interstitial oxygen concentration of not more than 7.0×1017 atoms/cm3 and with a diameter of a COP occurring region not more than a diameter of a crystal, slicing a wafer from the silicon ingot after doping the silicon ingot with phosphorus, forming a polysilicon layer or a strained layer on one main surface of the wafer, and mirror polishing the other main surface of the wafer.
US08460457B2	Robust air-detraining for cement milling The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein air entrained in cementitious materials at least one air-entraining cement additive is detrained using an ethoxylated, propoxylated fatty alcohol or alkylphenol having robustness for withstanding the harsh temperature and mechanical shearing effects of cement grinding mills. Exemplary air-entraining cement additives include a tertiary alkanolamine, a lignosulfonic acid or salt thereof, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, melamine sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, a glycol, a glycerin, or mixtures thereof.
US08460456B2	Infrared reflecting black pigment, paint and resin composition The present invention relates to an infrared reflecting black pigment which comprises a composite oxide containing Fe, Co and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Zn, Sn, Zr, Si and Cu; has an average plate surface diameter of 0.02 to 5.0 μm, a blackness (L* value) of not more than 30, an average reflectance of not more than 10% in a visible light wavelength range of 250 to 780 nm and an average reflectance of not less than 35% in an infrared wavelength range of 780 to 2500 nm. There is provided an infrared reflecting black pigment which is capable of producing a heat-shielding paint containing no harmful elements and exhibiting an excellent infrared reflecting property.
US08460455B2	Air clay and method of manufacturing the same An air clay and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes i) selecting at least one raw material from a group consisting of sand powder, shell powder, crop powder and a mixture thereof, ii) finely grinding the raw material to prepare a base material having a particle diameter of about 0.02 mm to about 0.2 mm, iii) adding about 10 wt. parts to about 30 wt. parts of glycerin to about 100 wt. parts of the base material, iv) mixing and kneading these materials together to form a paste and v) adding about 0.1 wt. parts to about 9 wt. parts of a liquid coagulating agent for water treatment to the paste and mixing these materials together. According to one embodiment, the clay is useful for various types of play and learning for infants and young children.
US08460448B2	Printing ink dryer and printing ink using the same The present invention provides a printing ink dryer including a fatty acid manganese salt (A) and an aminoalcohol (B) represented by general formula (1) below. The printing ink dryer exhibits drying performance equivalent to or higher than the excellent drying performance possessed by cobalt metal carboxylates with using a smaller amount of a cobalt metal soap concerned about the influences on human bodies or without using the cobalt metal soap. In the formula, R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X1 and X2 each independently represent an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and Y represents —NR3—, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an oxygen atom.
US08460447B2	Substituted oxazoline compounds or substituted oxazoline derivatives Substituted oxazoline compounds and/or substituted oxazoline derivatives having amorphous, semi-crystalline, or crystalline properties and methods for producing such compounds and derivatives are presented. The substituted oxazoline compounds and/or substituted oxazoline derivatives are useful for various applications. For example, the substituted oxazoline compounds and/or substituted oxazoline derivatives may function as phase-change agents, a binder resins, rheology modifiers or plasticizers for ink compositions.
US08460441B2	Method and apparatus for operating ducted fumehoods with increased energy efficiency A method for operating a ducted fumehood with increased energy efficiency, wherein the method includes passing exhaust air from the ducted fumehood through a heat exchanger, and passing other air through the heat exchanger, so as transfer heat content from the exhaust air to the other air, or to transfer heat content from the other air to the exhaust air, so as to temperature-condition the other air.
US08460438B2	Choke assembly A choke assembly comprises an inlet (48) for a multiphase fluid stream, the stream comprising a first relatively heavy fluid phase and a second relatively light fluid phase; a first fluid outlet (116); a choke element (22) disposed between the inlet and the first fluid outlet operable to control the flow of fluid between the inlet and the first fluid outlet; a separation chamber (40, 114) disposed to provide separation of phases in the fluid stream upstream of the choke element; and a second outlet (118) for removing fluid from the separation cavity. The choke assembly is of particular use in the control of fluid streams produced from a subterranean well, in particular oil and gas produced from a subsea well.
US08460432B2	Cheap thin film oxygen membranes The present invention provides a membrane, comprising a porous support layer a gas tight electronically and ionically conducting membrane layer and a catalyst layer, characterized in that the electronically and ionically conducting membrane layer is formed from a material having a crystallite structure with a crystal size of about 1 to 100 nm, and a method for producing same.
US08460431B2	Method and system for regenerating an amine-containing scrubbing solution obtained during gas purification A method for regenerating an amine-containing scrubbing solution which is obtained during gas purification and in which CO2 and sulfur compounds are chemically bonded, as well as a system that is suitable for carrying out the method. The contaminated scrubbing solution is heated, compressed, and expanded in several stages such that CO2 and sulfur compounds are separated. The expanded scrubbing solution is subdivided into two partial streams, and one partial stream is recirculated into the process.
US08460429B2	Production of nickel A method of smelting a nickel intermediate product in a smelter that contains a molten bath of metal and slag to produce a nickel product, the method comprising supplying the nickel intermediate product and a solid reductant to the smelter and smelting the nickel intermediate product to produce molten nickel, and controlling the chemistry of the slag so that the slag has (a) a high solubility for elements and compounds in the nickel intermediate product that are regarded as contaminants in the nickel product and (b) a liquidus temperature in the range of 1300-1700 C.
US08460427B2	Method for manufacturing metal nano particles having hollow structure A method for manufacturing metal nano particles having a hollow structure is provided. First, a suitable reducing agent is added into a first metal salt solution, and first metal ions are reduced to form first metal nano particles. Next, after the reducing agent is decomposed, a second metal salt solution with a higher reduction potential than that of the first metal is added. Then, the first metal particles are oxidized to form first metal ions when the second metal ions are reduced on the surface of the first metal by electrochemical oxidation reduction reaction, and thus, second metal nano particles having a hollow structure and a larger surface area are obtained. The method is simple and the metal nano particles with uniform particle size are obtained by this method.
US08460424B2	Aerosol separator; and method Crankcase ventilation arrangements are shown. Preferred wet laid media materials, for use in such arrangements are described. Also described and shown are example crankcase ventilation components, parts for use with a preferred media described and characterized.
US08460416B2	Oil separating device, especially for crankcase venting in an internal combustion engine An oil separating device is provided with a first and a second separator element that are arranged parallel to one another and are positioned in a separate first and a second flow path, respectively. The oil/air stream to be cleaned is alternatingly introduced into the first flow path with the first separator element or into the second flow path provided with the second separator element.
US08460414B2	Polishing slurry and polishing material using same Disclosed is a polishing slurry which enables to suppress damages to an under layer while securing an adequate polishing rate. The polishing slurry contains a resin (A) having an amide group and an organic resin (B).
US08460407B2	Form of coal particles The invention provides a micronized form of coal particles with improved characteristics for porosity, hydration and preservation of pristine surfaces. The coal of the invention can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and also has improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.
US08460406B2	Process for preparing a feed containing biomass intended for subsequent gasification The process of the invention describes a set of steps for preparing a solid lignocellulosic biomass type feed, alone or mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon phase with a view to supplying a unit for gasification of said feed. The various steps include drying, torrefaction, milling and constituting a suspension of particles of biomass in a hydrocarbon cut.
US08460405B2	Ethanol compositions In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol.
US08460400B1	Hair coloring composition Methods for providing, at the discretion of the user, at least two different oxidative hair coloring compositions providing different level of lift based on a single tint component. The methods involve the use of a tint component, an oxidizing component and a third component comprising a non-ammonia alkalizing agent. The compositions may comprise little or no ammonia.
US08460396B1	Systems, devices, and/or methods for washing and drying a product Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, and/or device adapted for washing and drying a product via a continuous forward flow of product and a reverse flow of aqueous content. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an auger, a rotating paddle wheel, a spiral drum, a cylindrical drum, and/or a ram press.
US08460389B2	Allograft intervertebral implant and method of manufacturing the same The present invention is directed to an allograft intervertebral implant sized and configured for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spinal fusion surgery. The implant is preferably manufactured from two or more pieces of allograft bone joined together by a joint, more preferably a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint being sized and configured to substantially follow the exterior shape or surface of the intervertebral implant.
US08460385B1	Fusion member for insertion between vertebral bodies Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.
US08460383B2	Inflatable multi-chambered devices and methods of treatment using the same Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.
US08460382B2	Method and system for fusing a spinal region A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc and thereby create a cavity in the disc. A flowable substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowable substance to contain the flowable substance.
US08460381B2	Methods and devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs disorders Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, are specifically configured with an inert outer layer and an inner layer containing at least one chemonucleolysis agent so as to provide a delayed and controlled release of the chemonucleolysis agent from the inner layer into the disc. The implant can be an elongated solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end having at least one therapeutic agent in the inner layer of the implant surrounded by an outer layer of inert material.
US08460379B2	Adjustable suture button construct and methods of tissue reconstruction An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop.
US08460378B2	Biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane materials with controlled hydrophobic to hydrophilic ratio The biocompatible, biodegradable materials in the solid and/or liquid form are based on segmented linear polyurethanes and/or segmented crosslinked polyurethanes based on A) one or more biocompatible polyols susceptible to hydrolytic and/or enzymatic degradation having a molecular weight of 100 to 20,000 dalton and a number of active hydroxyl groups per molecule (functionality) of at least two or higher; B) one or more diisocyanates and/or triisocyanates; and C) one or more low molecular weight chain extenders having a molecular weight of 18 to 1000 dalton and the functionality of at least two or higher.
US08460376B2	Intraocular lens An intraocular lens (10) is configured so that it can be incorporated into the capsule of an eye and its refractive power can be modified by the application of electrical voltages.
US08460372B2	Prosthesis for reducing intra-cardiac pressure having an embolic filter The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for implanting a prosthesis into a heart of a mammal, such as a person. The disclosure includes a prosthesis that acts as a pressure vent between the left and right atria of the heart. The intracardiac pressure vents disclosed allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The devices also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombi or other embolic material from entering arterial circulation.
US08460369B2	Tools for removal and installation of exchangeable cardiovascular valves Tools for the removal and installation of exchangeable cardiovascular valves. The tools facilitate rapid exchange of a cardiovascular valve member mounted in the aortic position (retrograde exchange) or the mitral position (transapical exchange).
US08460366B2	Transcatheter heart valve with micro-anchors Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for treating defective heart valve are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a transcatheter heart valve is disclosed that includes an expandable shape memory stent and a valve member supported by the stent. A plurality of micro-anchors can be disposed along an outer surface of the stent for engaging native tissue. The transcatheter heart valve can be configured to be advanced into a dilated valve annulus via a balloon catheter. The balloon can be inflated to expand the transcatheter heart valve from a collapsed diameter to an over-expanded diameter such that the micro-anchors engage tissue along the surrounding valve annulus. After engaging the tissue, the balloon can be deflated and the shape memory stent can retract or recoil toward its predetermined recoil diameter. As the stent recoils, the surrounding tissue is pulled inward by the stent such that the diameter of the valve annulus is reduced.
US08460364B2	Bioabsorbable polymeric medical device In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.
US08460363B2	Axially-radially nested expandable device Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise an axially-radially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as translating and/or slide and lock. One advantage of the axially-radially nested stent is that it maintains the expanded size, without significant recoil.
US08460359B2	Exchangeable delivery system with distal protection Medical device delivery systems that include a distal protection feature are provided. A distal tip member that includes a distal protection device and a mounting region for a self-expandable, intraluminal medical device is slidably disposed within a passageway defined by a tubular member.
US08460355B2	Negative/positive pressure, thermal energy therapy device A negative/positive pressure, thermal energy therapy device is described in this application. The present invention uses a conventional negative pressure, thermal energy device and/or an alternative embodiment thereof and adds a significant modification. The modification is that positive pressure, not just ambient pressure, is at least occasionally applied to the patient's body contained in the negative pressure, thermal energy device.
US08460352B2	Site-specific pad with notch A temperature therapy pad for use with a person including a thermal unit for making the pad either hot or cold and a therapeutic slot extending from one side of the pad which substantially divides the pad into sections. An elastic member may extend across the slot. The therapy pad can include a strap or an adhesive for attaching the therapy pad to a user's body. The thermal unit can be an electric heating coil and include a controller. The thermal unit may also be a material which has a high specific heat capacity or a material which heats when exposed to oxygen. The thermal unit may also be in the form of two separate chemical substances which change temperature when mixed. Another embodiment is for a temperature therapy pad including a substance which presents a heating or cooling sensation to a user's skin.
US08460349B2	Bone screw A device for manipulating bone fragments includes a bone screw includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The shaft includes a first end having a first threaded portion with a first core diameter, a first external diameter and a first pitch. The shaft includes a second end having a second threaded portion with a second core diameter, a second external diameter and a second pitch. The second end further has a tool engaging surface, wherein the first external diameter is no greater than the second core diameter, the first and second pitches are substantially equal, and a non-threaded middle segment between the first and second threaded portions, an outer diameter of the middle segment being smaller than the first core diameter, and wherein the shaft includes a cannulation extending therethrough disposed coaxial with the screw longitudinal axis. An installation instrument includes first and second ends, a longitudinal axis, and a bore extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, the bore in communication with the first end of the instrument, wherein the bore has threads along at least a portion of a length thereof, the threads configured to mate with the second threaded portion of the bone screw so that rotating the installation instrument rotates the bone screw to drive the screw into a bone.
US08460348B2	Locking bone screw and spinal plate system A bone plate system including a bone plate and a bone screw with an integrated locking mechanism is disclosed. The bone screw includes an elongate member having a threaded shank and a bone screw head that is radially deformable. The integrated locking mechanism sits within the bone screw head and can rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When the bone screw head is seated within an aperture in the bone plate, rotating the integrated locking mechanism into the locked condition helps to prevent bone screw backout.
US08460347B2	Load carrier for a bone fixation system The subject matter of the invention is a load carrier for a bone fixation system, with a locally varying material strength with unchanging material elasticity, and a method for producing such a load carrier. The load carrier, matched in view of the load flow acting on the fixation system, can also be used in critical anatomical regions, e.g. for hand implants.
US08460346B2	Craniotomy closures Craniotomy closures comprising surgical fasteners are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips used in combination with the fasteners are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closures are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.
US08460345B2	Method and apparatus for bone fracture fixation A method according to the present disclosure may include determining a load to be supported across separated bone regions by a bridge region of a bone plate. The method may further include determining an acceptable cut force (CF) for the bridge region, determining a cross-sectional area (a) of the bridge region based on the determined load, and determining a height (h) and a width (w) of the bridge region. A bone plate may be provided including a bridge region having the height (h) and width (w) for securing the separated bone regions.
US08460344B2	Bone plate A bone plate for fixation of proximal humerus fractures comprises an elongated shaft portion having a first width and a head portion connected to the shaft portion having a second width greater than the first width. The head portion and the shaft portion define a common longitudinal axis. At least one first screw hole may be located in the head portion, and at least one second screw hole may be located in the shaft portion. At least one of the first and second holes is configured to engage a head of a bone screw to form an angularly stable connection with the bone screw.
US08460343B2	Intramedullary tubular bone fixation An intramedullary bone fixation device suitable for treatment of fractures of the tubular bones of the hand or feet. The implantable device can be used singly or introduced through both the radial and ulnar aspects. The device includes a stem having a tip portion at one end and a base member at the opposite end of the stem. The stem and tip portions are configured with a unique configuration and cross section to facilitate insertion into and through the canal and provide the necessary forces on the stem portion within the canal. The base is sized and configured to minimize tissue damage while as the same time providing a strong point of fixation.
US08460340B2	Knotless suture anchor A suture anchor comprises a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough and having one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole, such as threads. A lateral port passes through the body from the bore to the exterior surface. A length of suture for attaching soft tissue to bone passes down along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements, over a distal end of the body, up into the bore through and then back out of the bore and up along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements.
US08460339B2	Multi element biased suture clip A suture clamp comprising a plurality of elements positioned together in a row, each element of the plurality of elements having a lower portion separated from an upper portion by a flexible neck, each element of the plurality of elements including a slot having an outwardly facing opening, the slots from the plurality of elements configured to accept a suture element through the row of elements and secure the suture element. A method of clamping a suture, including applying a biasing force to at least one element into the first position to provide access to the outwardly facing opening of the slot, passing the suture through a tissue layer, receiving the suture into the slot through the outward facing opening, and removing the biasing force to form a tortuous path between adjacently positioned elements of the plurality of elements.
US08460337B2	Selectable handle biasing Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally relate to surgical devices provided for use in various surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the surgical devices can include a handle housing and an elongate shaft having opposed jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. The handle housing can have a handle portion and a trigger configured to pivot relative to the handle portion to open and close the opposed jaws. A biasing switch can generally be disposed in and/or on the handle housing and can be selectively movable between a first configuration in which the opposed jaws are biased to an open position, and a second configuration in which the opposed jaws are biased to a closed position.
US08460326B2	Ultrasonic surgical shears and method for sealing a blood vessel using same An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a tissue pad attached to the clamping arm. A method for sealing a blood vessel of a patient includes obtaining an ultrasonic surgical shears and positioning the blood vessel between the blade and the tissue pad. The clamping arm is operated to exert an average coaptation pressure on the blood vessel between and including 60 psi and 210 psi. The blade is ultrasonically vibrated to transect and seal the blood vessel.
US08460324B2	High speed pneumatic vitrectomy control A method and system for controlling the cutting speed of a cutting device employable in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a control module, a variable gas pressure regulator arrangement configured to receive gas from a gas pressure supply, wherein the variable pressure regulator arrangement is connected to the control module and the control module is configured to regulate gas received from the gas pressure supply, and an accumulator configured to store gas received from the variable gas regulator arrangement at a selected gas pressure. Gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the accumulator to the cutting device. The gas may be air, and the variable gas pressure arrangement may include a single variable pressure regulator or multiple pressure regulators which typically are not variable with respect to the pressure delivered.
US08460321B2	Devices, tools and methods for performing minimally invasive abdominal surgical procedures Methods, systems, devices and assemblies are provided for treating a patient by: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin over the abdominal cavity; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; advancing an instrument through the tract; contacting a distal end portion of the instrument against an inner surface of the abdominal cavity; driving at least one stitching needle through the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; continuing the driving until the at least one stitching needle exits the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; anchoring a suture carried by each of the at least one stitching needle to a suture anchor at an exit location, respectively; and applying tension to each of the sutures.
US08460320B2	Urethrovesical anastomosis suturing method using articulating laparoscopic device A suturing method for anastomosis of live bodies and training bodies joins a duct having perimeter positions defined according to clock hour positions to an opening in a bladder using an articulating laparoscopic device having a gripper at a distal end with open and closed positions for loading a suture needle in either a forehand or backhand direction. The gripper has a yaw motion including left and right positions and a roll motion either clockwise or counterclockwise. The open and closed positions, yaw motion, and roll motion are under manual control of a user through manual controls at a proximal end of the articulating laparoscopic device. The perimeter positions include a 12-o'clock position proximal to the user and a 6-o'clock position distal of the user. The method includes driving a suture at about the 6-o'clock position through the bladder and then the duct wherein the suture needle is loaded forehand, the yaw is in a left position, and the roll is clockwise. Orientations and directions are provided for other suturing positions.
US08460318B2	Suturing instrument and method for passing multiple sutures Apparatus and methods for passing multiple sutures in tissue repair and/or other mini-open procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a needle mounted on the hand assembly and passing through a cannulation of the shaft. The pair of jaws includes a lower jaw and an upper jaw, the lower jaw being provided with a slot configured to sequentially engage multiple sutures inserted into the instrument. The handle assembly has a cam mechanism and a finger lever with a ratchet and a releaser with a hook, the handle assembly being designed to move the needle from a first position to a second position, and to thereby sequentially capture, in the needle, each of the multiple sutures inserted in the instrument, for subsequent passing through tissue.
US08460317B2	Instrument handle for storing suture and needles An instrument handle for storing of suture which can be easily accessed by a surgeon. The handle is provided with a cavity for housing suture. The cavity is accessed by opening a cover. The suture is wrapped around a tie-down bar disposed within the cavity. If desired, a surgical needle may be attached to the suture and stored within the cavity with the suture.
US08460316B2	Systems and methods for endoluminal valve creation A method of manipulating tissue at a vessel includes advancing a device distally relative to an opening at an interior surface of the vessel, and into a first wall portion of a vessel until an entirety of the device is within the wall of the vessel, the device having a distal end, a proximal end, and a cutting element coupled to the proximal end, and using the cutting element to increase a size of the opening by retracting the device proximally.
US08460314B2	Application of procedure through natural orifice The application of the procedure through a natural orifice of the present invention includes the steps of: inserting a flexible endoscope through the natural orifice to the alimentary tract; incising the close-contact portion of the alimentary tract and the gall bladder under a guidance of a device for identifying the positional relationship from the alimentary tract side and forming an puncture; extracting stones in the gall bladder from the body; and removing the endoscope after completing the procedure.
US08460312B2	System and method for treating ischemic stroke A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator.
US08460309B2	Suture anchor inserter An inserter for inserting a suture anchor into bone. The inserter has external markings that uniquely identify the orientations and the relative longitudinal positions of at least two suture passages through a suture anchor releasably engaged with the inserter. The markings assist a surgeon in determining a preferred placement and orientation of the anchor at an operative site during a surgical procedure.
US08460308B2	Insertion and reduction tool for pedicle screw assembly Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for manipulating a pedicle screw assembly and for inserting and reducing a rod relative to the pedicle screw assembly. The system can include a cannula assembly having a reduction cannula with an internal bore extending between a proximal region and a distal region and an insertion cannula co-axially positioned within the internal bore of the reduction cannula. The insertion cannula includes a pair of opposed prongs extending distally from a distal region of the insertion cannula, wherein each prong is interposed between a pair of flexible projecting elements. The pair of opposed prongs of the insertion cannula and the distal region of the reduction cannula are aligned to collectively define an opening that is sized and shaped for receiving a spinal rod. The device also can include an annular collar mounted on the proximal region of the reduction cannula and rotatably coupled to a proximal region of the insertion cannula. The cannula assembly can also be a pivoting cannula assembly.
US08460306B2	Surgical screw retention clip and method of using the same A clip for retaining a screw on a tip of a screwdriver shaft. The clip comprises a housing that has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The housing includes a longitudinal bore that is accessible from both the first and second ends of the housing. A pair of jaw members is provided on the housing proximate the first end thereof. The jaw members surround a first portion of the bore and are configured to capture and retain a length of the screwdriver shaft therebetween. A pair of clamping members is formed on the housing proximate the second end thereof. The clamping members surround a second portion of the bore and are configured to capture a head of the surgical screw therebetween. During use, the screwdriver shaft is pushed downwardly and twisted slightly within the bore to engage the head of the screw. The screw is threadably engaged in a pre-drilled hole in the patient's bone. When the screw is sufficiently engaged to prevent it from accidently being dislodged, the clip is disengaged from the screw. The retaining clip prevents the screw from accidentally dropping off the screwdriver and allows the surgeon to use a single hand to install the screw.
US08460304B2	Joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08460299B2	Surgical instrument for removing bone, cartilage or similar tissue A surgical instrument for removing bone, cartilage, or similar tissue is described. The surgical instrument has a shaft that extends in a longitudinal direction and supports a cutting plate which is inclined perpendicular or relative to the longitudinal direction, and a cutting element which is movably mounted on the shaft and supports a blade at the distal end in which the blade is pointing in the direction of the cutting plate and being advanced to the cutting plate in order to cut tissue.
US08460298B2	Surgical bur with unequally spaced flutes, flutes with different rake angles and flutes with alternating reliefs A surgical bur including a shaft with a head on the distal end of the shaft. A number of flutes extend outwardly from the head, each flute having a rake surface and a clearance surface. On some flutes the rake and clearance surfaces meet to form the flute cutting edges. Other flutes have relief surfaces between the rake and cutting surfaces. On these flutes, the cutting edges are the edges where the rake and relief surfaces meet. The flutes are further designed to have rake angles that are less negative, than the flutes without the relief surfaces. The flutes are radially spaced apart around the head such that between any three adjacent flutes, the first and second flutes are spaced apart a first angle; the second and third flutes are spaced apart a second angle different from the first angle.
US08460296B2	Minimally invasive instruments and methods for preparing vertebral endplates Instruments and methods for treating vertebral endplates are disclosed. The instrument includes one or more treatment members movable from a reduced profile position for insertion to the operative site to a deployed position for providing treatment to the vertebral endplates.
US08460295B2	Systems and methods for sternum repair The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of bands and buckles, such that a band extends from the central body and is received by a buckle component. The band may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.
US08460293B2	Intramedullary nail with shape memory elements for elongated bones An intramedullary nail for a fractured elongated bone, comprising a cannulated rod having proximal and distal ends; an outside tubular sleeve for coaxially hosting and guiding the rod; and at least a pair of shape memory elements hosted in corresponding seats at the distal end of the rod. Each shape memory element can be retractably housed in its seat in a first configuration, allowing insertion of the nail into the bone, and can project from a sleeve opening in another configuration. Pairs of transversal holes are provided in proximal portions of the rod and the sleeve. The distal pair of shape memory elements lie on an offset plane to the plane of the proximal holes and are kept in their corresponding seats by a distal cover fixed to the rod. This improves the stability of the nail in the medullary canal.
US08460290B2	Tissue coagulation method and device using inert gas A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.
US08460282B2	Occlusion apparatus Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a left atrial appendage are provided. One embodiment includes an elongate body having a tissue apposition member extendably positioned within a lumen of the elongate body to appose tissue of the LAA. An energy emitting device coupled to the elongate body can be used for emitting high intensity focused ultrasound to the tissues to fuse the tissues.
US08460280B2	Localized flashlamp skin treatments A flashlamp device having a small diameter waveguide is disclosed for use in localized dermatological applications. A preferred waveguide has a curvilinear wall surface. The waveguide is supported by a plurality of spaced apart thermally-conductive elements in contact with the curvilinear wall surface allowing sufficient cooling of the waveguide while minimizing the amount of high angle light stripped from the waveguide at points of contact with the contact elements.
US08460279B2	Ophthalmic laser apparatus An ophthalmic laser apparatus includes components for providing a first pulsed laser beam (140) having beam properties matched to the ablation of corneal material and for providing a second pulsed laser beam (290) having beam properties matched to the making of an incision in the ocular tissue. The components include separate laser-sources (110, 130) for generating the two laser beams and also a plurality of optical elements which guide the two laser beams on separate beam paths to a respective beam exit location and focus them to a focal point situated outside the beam exit location. In accordance with the invention, the optical elements include an optical waveguide (250) serving for guidance of the second laser beam, at least the two laser-sources being accommodated in a common housing (340) and the optical waveguide extending within the housing at least over a part of its length.
US08460278B2	Eye therapy system A system includes a conducting element that conducts energy from an energy source to apply therapy to an eye. The system includes a covering configured to be removably attached to the conducting element. The covering has an interface surface that is positionable at an eye. At least a portion of the interface surface includes one or more dielectric materials. Energy is deliverable to the eye through the interface surface. In one aspect, the covering provides an electrical insulator to minimize the concentration of electrical current in the area of contact with the eye. In another aspect, the covering allows the eye to be cooled during the application of energy without directly applying coolant to the eye. In another aspect, the covering includes a dielectric layer that may provide varying impedances that allow different patterns for energy delivery. In another aspect, the sheath promotes hygienic use of the conducting element.
US08460274B2	Long term drug delivery devices with polyurethane-based polymers and their manufacture This invention is related to the use of polyurethane-based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs.
US08460272B2	Method and apparatus for extensible intravenous drip line The extensible intravenous (“i.v.”) drip line tubing uses a helical accordion support structure on which the i.v. tubing is attached. The helical accordion backbone has some tendency to spring back, but this is not relied upon to extend and return the i.v. tubing it carries. The carrier structure keeps the i.v. tubing from getting tangle or kinked. A centrally located retractable line, which is located within the center of the helical accordion structure, acts as the retracting mechanism, as it tends to allow the accordion structure to be pulled into an extended position, while upon rewinding the central cord, the helical accordion support structure can be pushed toward a collapsed position without the i.v. drip line tubing becoming tanked, kinked, and thereby blocked. As a safety feature, so the i.v. line does not encounter and strain between it and the point of entry of the i.v. line into the patient, is one or more wrist and or armbands to which the i.v. carrier is attached by a short, strong line.
US08460271B2	Laparoscopic instrument and cannula assembly and related surgical method A laparoscopic port assembly includes a cannula unit including three cannulas each extending at an acute angle relative to a base. The cannulas are flexible for receiving respective angulated laparoscopic instruments. The cannula unit is rotatingly received in a port holder for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the holder, the holder being disposable in an opening in a patient's skin.
US08460267B2	Blood bag system and cassette In a blood bag system mounted in a centrifugation and separation apparatus, a filter is settable in different appropriate orientations at storage time and usage time, and first and second tubes and a filter are arranged respectively in appropriate orientations during use. The blood bag system includes a BC pooling bag for centrifugation of buffy coat, the filter for removing white blood cells from a supernatant liquid transferred from the BC pooling bag, a platelet preserving bag for reserving the supernatant liquid that has passed through the filter, the first tube connecting the BC pooling bag and an inlet of the filter, the second tube connecting the platelet preserving bag and an outlet of the filter, a cassette fixable in the centrifugation and separation apparatus, an attachment for holding the filter, and a hinge section tiltable relative to the cassette with reference to an axis in the circumferential direction.
US08460263B2	Stretch laminate, method of making, and absorbent article A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the stretch laminate is within about 2.5 N/cm of the tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the film at an engineering strain of about 1.5, and exists independent of mechanical activation. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.
US08460260B2	Individually packaged absorbent article assembly An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch being structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment-facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
US08460259B2	Controlled discharge ostomy appliance and moldable adhesive wafer A controlled discharge ostomy appliance is described for use with an adhesive body fitment. The body fitment comprises an adhesive wafer having a stomal aperture that is manually shapeable by folding or rolling back a rim portion of the adhesive around the stomal aperture.
US08460257B2	Reduced-pressure, wound-treatment dressings and systems A wound-closing dressing, which is suitable for use as part of a reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system, may include a sealing drape, one or more contracting elements, and a gripping member. The contracting element may be coupled to the sealing drape and is configured to contract when activated and to generate a closing force. A gripping member is coupled to the sealing drape and is configured to transmit the closing force to a patient's epidermis. Other dressings, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
US08460256B2	Collapsible fluid collection and disposal system and related methods A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.
US08460255B2	Device and method for wound therapy A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.
US08460253B2	Magnetically sealed intravenous access valve The magnetically sealed intravenous access valve is an implantable port and valve for vascular access. The magnetically sealed intravenous access valve includes a housing and a pair of hollow tubes provided for interconnection and communication with the patient's blood vessel. Each tube is partially slidably received within a lower portion of the housing. A hollow key is used to selectively open and close the valve and also to inject medication into the patient's blood vessel. The hollow key is removably received within channels formed through a retainer and a rotatable obturator so that the lower end of the hollow key releasably engages the obturator. Selective rotation thereof allows eccentric spout formed in the obturator to align with an eccentric aperture formed in a valve plate. Fluids flow through the hollow key, the aligned spout and plate opening, the lower portion of the housing, and the opposing tubes for fluid transfer.
US08460252B2	Devices, assemblies, and methods for controlling fluid flow Connector assemblies are provided for controlling flow in a fluid line that include an outer shell, an inner housing, and a tubular member. The inner housing is disposed within the outer shell and includes a boss disposed adjacent a first end of the outer shell. The inner housing is movable axially within the outer shell between first and second positions when a device is connected to the first end. The tubular member is carried by the inner housing and includes a fluid passage extending between a second end of the outer shell. The tubular member moves axially as the inner housing moves between the first and second positions, and cam features on the outer shell and the tubular member cause the tubular member to rotate as the inner housing moves between the first and second positions, thereby opening a fluid path between the fluid passage and the first end.
US08460250B2	Medical container A medical container including a gasket. Before liquid is injected and discharged (first state), sufficient air-tightness and liquid-tightness are maintained by strong force of fitting of an elastic ring member, fitted on a large diameter part of a gasket body member, relative to a circular tube body. When liquid is injected and discharged (second state), which is a state in which the elastic ring member has been slid from the large diameter part of the gasket body member to a position where the elastic ring member is fitted on the small diameter part of the gasket body member, the fitting force of the elastic ring member, fitted on the small diameter part of the gasket body member, relative to the circular tube body is smaller than the fitting force before liquid is injected and discharged (first state). The construction reduces sliding resistance of the gasket against the circular tube body.
US08460245B2	Device for delivering a medicament A device for delivery of medicament, which device comprises an elongated housing; a container (4) mounted within said housing and adapted to contain liquid medicament; a stopper slidably arranged within said container; and actuating means comprising a resilient member (60), a driving means (50) having one end connected to the stopper and a second end being operably connected to the resilient member, retaining means (40) for releasably retaining said driving means in a first position where said resilient member has an accumulated energy, and activating means operably connected to said retaining means for releasing said driving means to a second position, upon actively operation by an user, such that said accumulated energy is transferred to the driving means for driving the stopper a predetermined distance within the container whereby the medicament within said container i delivered characterized in that the resilient member is a variable force spring adapted for generating a predetermined sequence of at least two different force profiles during the medicament delivery.
US08460240B2	Inflatable toroidal-shaped balloons An inflatable toroidal-shaped balloon for medical use is provided with a central opening traversing the balloon in an inflated state. The balloon is useful to achieve larger outer diameters than conventional balloons.
US08460239B2	Rapid exchange enteral stent delivery system Devices for palliating gastrointestinal strictures using rapid exchange type enteral stent placement catheters. The catheter may include an inner member and an outer member, with the two members being slidable with respect to one another. In various device embodiments, a ramp for directing a guidewire out from within the catheter is provided using portions of the outer member or a shaped mandrel. The inner member may take a number of forms, including a tubular distal portion, a skived or integrally attached elongate midsection, and a proximal portion. A mandrel can be used in a portion proximal of the guidewire ramp, with the mandrel taking one of several disclosed forms.
US08460238B2	Drug delivery catheter with soluble balloon coating containing releasable microspheres and delivery method A drug delivery catheter and method for delivering microcapsules or microspheres containing a drug, pharmacological or other bioactive agent includes a balloon catheter having a coating on the balloon of a soluble biocompatible polymer containing a plurality of microcapsules or microspheres containing a drug or other agent. The balloon is porous to allow it to be inflated with a solvent fluid that passes through the porous wall of the balloon and dissolves the polymer, releasing the microspheres.
US08460235B2	Dispensing assembly for two components with double syringe and mixer A dispensing assembly for two components including a double syringe, a mixer, and a transfer device interposed between the double syringe and the mixer. The transfer device (3) includes a transfer unit with a transfer tube having a mixer at one end and a coupling area with an inlet portion at the other end. The coupling area is provided with coupling means which cooperate with coupling means on the double syringe. At least around the coupling area of the transfer unit, a support is arranged which is attachable to the double syringe.
US08460230B2	Lacrimal drainage manometer and method of use A lacrimal drainage manometer includes a syringe, a pressure sensor operably coupled to the syringe, a flow sensor operably coupled to the syringe, and a user feedback unit. The syringe includes a syringe body and a piston. The syringe body defines a fluid cavity in fluid communication with a cannula, which is configured for insertion into at least a portion of a lacrimal drainage system. The piston is for dispensing a fluid from the fluid cavity through the cannula. The user feedback unit is in electrical communication with each of the pressure sensor and the flow sensor. The user feedback unit is operably coupled to the syringe and configured to provide user feedback based on data from the pressure sensor and/or the flow sensor.
US08460229B2	Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having components that are actively controllable between transmissive and reflective states Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
US08460226B2	Orthotic device and method of use An orthotic apparatus positioned on the top of the forefoot that aligns and locks the first metatarsal in a plantarflexed position. A compressible orthotic pad positioned on the forefoot directly over the first metatarsal. When pressure is applied to the orthotic pad, the first metatarsal is forced down, unlocking the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and eliminating functional hallux limitus.
US08460223B2	High frequency chest wall oscillation system An therapy system is operable to deliver a plurality of respiratory therapies to the patient and has an assessment system operable to assess the efficacy of at least one of the respiratory therapies. The therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The assessment system may comprise any one or more of the following devices: a flow meter, a spirometer, an electronic stethoscope, a tympanic thermometer, a pulse oximeter, a respiration rate monitor, and the like.
US08460222B2	Forearm rotation mechanism and orthesis which includes such a mechanism Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.
US08460221B2	Ultra-sonic and vibratory treatment devices and methods An exemplary embodiment provides a hand-held apparatus for treatment of conditions requiring ultra-sonic or vibratory treatment. The apparatus includes a transducer, an electronic tuning circuit and a power source for powering the apparatus. The transducer has a first section axially aligned with the second section. The second section has an outer wall of predetermined thickness surrounding an annular cavity that contains a piezoelectric stack. The electronic tuning circuit is in communication with the piezoelectric stack. The circuit is configured to tune the transducer to a target output frequency. The transducer, electronic tuning circuit and power source are at least partially contained within a common housing that is configured to be grasped by a human hand to administer treatment.
US08460219B2	Walking aid system An object of the present invention is to realize mutual adaptation for mutual synchronizing in a man-machine system and make it applicable to the site of walking aid. A walking aid system of the present invention comprises: a sensor section (2) for sensing the motion rhythm of a walker, a recording section (33) for recording values of measurements of the motion rhythm sensed with the sensor section 2, a target setting section (34) for setting a target value for the motion rhythm of the walker, a timing generating section (36) for generating a timing signal according to the difference between the measurement and the target value, and a stimulus generating section (4) for generating rhythm stimulus that is recognizable by the walker, according to the timing signal generated with the timing generating section (36).
US08460216B2	Systems and methods of analyzing vibrations imparted to tissues and teeth Systems and methods are disclosed for performing dental diagnostics by inducing vibrations in a first dental object using a vibratory transducer; picking up at a receiver vibrations transmitted by the vibratory transducers; capturing vibrations from an second dental object and comparing the captured vibrations against a database of known dental characteristics; and generating a dental diagnostic.
US08460206B2	Multi-orientation targeting set for MRI biopsy device A biopsy device targeting set includes a vertical member, a carriage that is vertically movable along the vertical member, and a cradle coupled with the carriage. The cradle has a pair of substantially perpendicular mounting arms. Each mounting arm has a recess that may receive a rail of the carriage, such that the cradle may be mounted to the same rail in different orientations. Each mounting arm also has a biopsy device mounting feature, which may be a recess or a rail. The biopsy device mounting feature is configured to engage with a complementary feature of a biopsy device, such that a biopsy device may be mounted to either mounting arm. A z-stop feature is operable to selectively restrict longitudinal motion along either or both of the biopsy device mounting features. The targeting set may be used with a biopsy device in an MRI environment.
US08460199B2	Monitoring device with an accelerometer, method and system A monitoring device for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device is preferably comprises an article, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed with a filtered accelerometer output signal from the accelerometer to create a filtered vital sign signal used to generate a real-time vital sign for a user.
US08460192B2	Ultrasound imaging apparatus, medical image processing apparatus, display apparatus, and display method An imaging part scans a predetermined site of a subject to which a contrast agent has been administered, with ultrasound waves, and thereby acquires plural frames of ultrasound image data. A contrast agent inflow detector detects the inflow of the contrast agent into each region based on the signal intensity in each region represented in the plural frames of ultrasound image data. A reference time determining part determines, as a reference time, a time point when the contrast agent inflow detector detects the inflow of the contrast agent into a first region of interest. A color coding part obtains a relative time of the inflow of the contrast agent into each region with reference to the reference time, and generates image data representing the color of each region with a hue corresponding to the relative time. An image based on the image data representing the hue is displayed.
US08460190B2	Automated image interpretation with transducer position or orientation sensing for medical ultrasound Automated image interpretation is provided with transducer position and/or orientation sensing. The current position of a transducer is used to determine the anatomy being imaged. Other reference information, such as (1) the previous position of the transducer and the known anatomy being imaged at that time or (2) a reference device at a known location, is used in the determination. The anatomy is determined based on position sensing or determined based on position sensing and other anatomy features, such as image analysis.
US08460182B2	Method and apparatus for hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.
US08460181B2	Epicardial access and treatment systems Epicardial access and treatment systems are described herein where such devices may utilize multiple expanding frame members coupled to a flexible or rigid deployment catheter shaft. The multiple frame members may extend distally to collapse into a low-profile configuration and may further expand or open radially to create a working or surgical field under direct visualization and defined by the frame members and surrounding membrane while retracting any surrounding tissue. Moreover, the distal ends of each frame member may be tapered such that the frame members may close tightly relative to one another forming an atraumatic end. Any number of therapeutic tools can be passed through the catheter for performing any number of procedures on the tissue.
US08460179B2	Balloon unit for endoscope apparatus The present invention provides a balloon unit for an endoscope apparatus comprising: a balloon for an endoscope apparatus having an opening formed in a cylindrical shape in which an insert part of an endoscope or an insert supporter having the insert part inserted therein is inserted and fixed; and a cylinder body having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the insert part or the insert supporter; wherein the opening of the balloon is fitted over and fixed to the cylinder body to form a unit and the unit is attached to the insert part or the insert supporter or detached from the insert part or the insert supporter.
US08460175B2	Endoscope manipulator for minimally invasive surgery According to endoscope manipulator for MIS capable of overcoming disadvantages of multiaxial endoscope manipulator including conventional robot arm and providing compact and light-weight structure to obtain maximum activity space for medical staff, multi-joint arm is configured so that movement of all joints from base link to tip link is manually locked-unlocked by user and not controlled by motors. Endoscope mounted on end of multi-joint arm is manipulated using motors to enable movement of three-degrees of freedom, thereby accomplishing compact and light-weight endoscope manipulator. Tube of endoscope can be press-fitted onto tip of multi-joint arm, and three-axis movement function for vertical, lateral and forward/backward conveyance of endoscope is implemented in tip of multi-joint arm. Since external manual joints are not moved during operation, disturbance or restriction to activities of medical staff can be minimized. One-click button function of readily and rapidly attaching/detaching endoscope to/from endoscope manipulator can increase convenience of use.
US08460172B2	Tissue stabilizing device and methods including a self-expandable head-link assembly A tissue stabilizer including an elongated arm, a collet, and a head-link assembly. The collet is disposed at a distal end of the arm. The head-link assembly includes a tube and a spreading mechanism. The tube forms an intermediate section and opposing arms each terminating at a tip. The spreading mechanism can adjust a lateral distance between the tips, and includes first and second articulating members each having a leg and a collet interface body. The first member further includes a female hinge feature, whereas the second member includes a male hinge feature differing from the female hinge feature. The legs of are mounted to discrete regions of the tube, and the male hinge feature is pivotably coupled to the female hinge feature. Automatic spreading of a lateral distance between the tips occurs in response to a compressive force applied to the collet interface bodies.
US08460170B2	Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapses in female patients An anterior implant adapted to treat central and lateral cystoceles present in a female patient includes laterally extending stabilizing straps for supporting the implant between the patient's bladder and vagina independently of the patient's arcus tendineous fascia pelvis. Rectocele and hysterocele repairs can be carried out using a single posterior implant which, like the anterior implant, is provided with laterally extending stabilizing straps for supporting the implant between the patient's rectum and vagina.
US08460169B2	Adjustable tension incontinence sling assemblies Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling having a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus and first and second sling end portions extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism is attached to and extends through an adjustment spacing between sling intermediate ends within at least one sling end portion. The adjustment spacing is lengthened to decrease sling tension and shortened to increase sling tension.
US08460164B2	Exercise apparatus and method of use An exercise apparatus configured to be readily stowed and transported. The apparatus includes a lifting bar and a pair of frames. Each of the frames includes a support member and base. Each support member has a distal end opposite its base and a series of adjustment holes therethrough for receiving one end of the lifting bar. The support member of one frame has a cavity that is sufficiently large to slidably receive the support member of the other frame. Each base has a stowage hole adapted to receive one end of the lifting bar. The apparatus includes fasteners by which the ends of the lifting bar can be secured within a pair of the adjustment holes in the support members to define a deployed configuration of the apparatus, as well as secured within the stowage holes in the bases to define a stowed configuration.
US08460163B2	Calf enhancer for the lower extremity An ingenious calf, shin and ankle rehabilitation and exerciser apparatus for engagement with the lower leg muscles and ankle comprising of a rigid sole plate member having a sole plate protective pad and affixed fastening sole straps for securing foot to sole plate member, an attachable fulcrum heel ball member for attaching to the bottom of heel section. Sole plate member is pivotally attached to a rigid cross brace member which is comprised of a fastening shin straps affixed to a shin protective pad member to secure the lower leg to a rigid pivoting back support member that is pivotally engaged to cross brace member. Cross brace engages the toe section of sole plate member via an engaging biasing resistance means that provides posterior and anterior resistance not limited to isotonic and isometric for the flexing of the foot and ankle not limited to dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, inversion or eversion.
US08460161B2	Proprioception training and exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus includes a substantially flat, rigid platform for supporting a user during exercise. An inflatable tubular support having an upper portion with a first radial outside diameter, and a lower portion with a second radial outside diameter that is greater than the first radial outside diameter, is coupled to the platform by a fastener. The tubular support defines a central opening that communicates between the platform and a support surface. The platform includes a venting structure for releasing air from the central opening during use. The inflatable support includes an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the tubular support, the intermediate portion including a support feature to restrain the intermediate portion from radial expansion induced by an air pressure internal to the integral inflatable support.
US08460154B2	Frictional drive device and inverted pendulum type vehicle using the same In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks (48) rotatably supported by a frame (10) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, a pair of motors (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk at a regular interval and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (84, 110) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86, 111) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, a resiliency is incorporated either in the main wheel or in the drive rollers so that a relatively large number of driven rollers can be simultaneously engaged by the drive rollers and, hence, a relative high drive efficiency can be maintained even when the axial center of the annular member and the axial center of the drive disks are offset from each other.
US08460151B2	Multi-speed transmission having automatic and manual modes A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch.
US08460148B2	Gear set for differential A differential includes a side gear comprising a helical face gear; a helical pinion configured for meshing engagement with the side gear; a pinion housing configured to house the helical pinion; and a first support member configured to support the helical pinion. The side gear rotates around a differential axis. The helical pinion has a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The pinion housing comprises a generally annular ring and includes an outer radial surface; an inner radial surface; and an aperture extending radially inwardly from the outer radial surface. The first support member is disposed radially inwardly relative to the inner radial surface of the pinion housing. In some embodiments, the differential further includes a second support member configured to support the helical pinion. The second support member is disposed radially outwardly relative to the outer radial surface of the pinion housing.
US08460146B2	Roller type transmission device In a roller type transmission device 1, an array 11 of transmission pin rollers is press fit circularly into an inner side surface 10a of a stationary ring 10, and an array 18 of controllable pin rollers is press fit circularly into an inner side surface 13c of a rotational ring 13. To pin rollers 11a, 18a, employed are high precision cylindrical rollers or needle rollers which are usually used for a roller bearing or the like. Such is the structure that the array 11 of transmission pin rollers and the array 18 of controllable pin rollers work as inner teeth to make a backlash phenomenon minimum, rendering a pitch distance precise between the pin rollers, maintaining a uniform tooth profile with a high precision, equalizing a surface roughness and improving a meshing precision between the pin rollers 11a, 18a and the teeth 7a, 8a.
US08460145B2	Rotation mechanism Each of reclining devices is formed so as to have a different size. An external gear wheel of each of the reclining devices has a diameter smaller than an internal gear wheel thereof and has a teeth number different from the internal gear wheel. The internal gear wheels and the external gear wheels of the connection devices respectively have the same teeth number as each other. The internal gear wheels and the external gear wheels of the connection devices are formed such that distances between centers thereof are equal to each other. Further, a meshing line of the internal gear wheel and the external gear wheel of each of the connection devices is formed between two curves defining a meshing range and is drawn as a line that extends from a side of a radially inwardly positioned curve in a circumferential direction in which the two curves are gradually spaced from each other and reaches to a side of a radially outwardly positioned curve.
US08460144B2	Arrangement comprising at least one dog clutch An arrangement which comprises at least one claw clutch for the shiftable coupling and decoupling of a shaft (1), in an automatic transmission of a planetary design, with at least one component. The shaft can be connected to a component of the planetary gearset (4) and the claw clutch is arranged centrally, substantially inside a sun gear (3) of the planetary gearset (4).
US08460136B2	Game ball having optimally positioned grooves and/or ridges A basketball having an outer surface and including a first set of channels formed into the outer surface of the basketball. The basketball further includes a bladder, a carcass and at least one cover panel. The carcass covers the bladder and has an outer surface that defines a second set of channels. The cover panel(s) is positioned over the carcass and over at least one of the channels of the second set of channels. The cover panel(s) generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the carcass such that the cover panel defines at least one groove in the outer surface of the basketball corresponding to the channels of the second set of channels. The depth of the groove is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
US08460129B2	Backstop retrieving devices and methods thereof A back stop device suitable for coupling to a backboard assembly in a sporting activity is disclosed. The device includes a central member. The central member couples to one or more clamps which couple to the backboard assembly. The central member may be coupled to a portion of one or more pivot members. One or more arm members may be coupled to a portion of each of the pivot members. The arm members may be selectively repositionable when used in conjunction with the pivot members. One or more netting members may be coupled to a portion of at least one of the central member and one or more of the arm members or a portion of the backboard assembly. The netting members may be configured to deflect a ball in a direction determined by the position of the members with weights coupled to a bottom portion of the netting members.
US08460128B2	Multi sports net with rebounder A ball sports practice device is disclosed having a forward facing ball capture enclosure and a rear facing rebound structure. The angle between the ball capture enclosure and the rebound structure may be adjusted to support the device to a plurality of use positions on a support surface. An optional support arm may be included to maintain or limit the angle between the capture enclosure and the rebound structure.
US08460127B2	Methods and systems for biomechanic characterization An apparatus for characterizing a golf swing includes a shank, an articulated joint, and a base. The apparatus may also include a motion control device. An implement is responsive to a co-action with another object. The apparatus may bend or deform in a way that provides information as to the dynamics of a co-action between a golf club and a golf ball.
US08460123B1	Golf club head with a compression-molded, thin-walled aft-body A multiple-material golf club and a method for forming said golf club is disclosed herein. The multiple-material golf club preferably is a driver that has a metal face cup and a thin-walled, compression molded, composite aft body with precise IML and OML geometry. The molding composite used to form the compression molded aft body preferably comprises a plurality of randomly oriented carbon fiber bundles and a thermoset matrix material.
US08460117B2	Power transmission device A power transmission device that includes an electromagnetic wave-shielding wall partitioning a space and a space, a rotating shaft penetrating through the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall to transmit rotating drive force, and a bearing supporting the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft includes a first shaft member supported by the bearing, a shaft joint part provided on an end of the first shaft member, and a second shaft member rotating together with the first shaft member. The first shaft member and the second shaft member are formed of a conductive material, and the shaft joint part has an insulating part formed of an insulating material. An outer race component part of the bearing has an annular close-contact surface formed of a conductive material.
US08460116B1	Slip joint and method for assembling the same A slip joint comprising, a female portion comprised of four axially extending segments. The segments together create an outer perimeter. Each of the combined segments together form an inner surface of the female portion and each has its own ball tracks extending substantially the length of the female portion. A unitary male portion has an outer surface defined by a plurality of axially extending ball tracks. A unitary cage is located radially outward from the male portion and radially inward from the female portion. The cage has a plurality of ball apertures with balls located in the ball apertures. The balls are in contact with both the ball tracks in the male and female portions for selective movement of the male portion with respect to the female portion. A tube member is in direct radial outer contact substantially entirely along the outer perimeter of the female portion.
US08460112B2	Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method A game apparatus constantly broadcasts beacons at predetermined intervals by means of a local communication module during game processing being executed. The beacons include various pieces of information such as information relating to the player, information indicating a game status, and messages. The game apparatus receives beacons from one or more other game apparatuses present in an area near the game apparatus, and displays profiles of the players of the other game apparatuses, the game statuses of the other game apparatuses, or the like, based on the various pieces of information included in the beacons.
US08460110B2	Fantasy football system A fantasy football game which is carried out as a tournament play over the Internet. The fantasy football game can be played between different computers. The hosting computer maintains information indicative of the teams performance as well as their strength of schedule. Winners who play in the playoffs are selected based on both information such as the win loss record, but also the strength of schedule. In addition to the win loss record, total points scored by teams, total numbers of losses and other information may be maintained in order to find more information about the win loss record.
US08460109B2	Gaming community management and personalization The present invention involves methods and devices for controlling many aspects of a player's gaming experience, including game themes presented, game denomination, pay models, content and promotions. Some implementations of the invention provide a casino operator the necessary tools to create subsets of customers, often referred to herein as “communities,” and to control the gaming experiences of players in these communities. In some such implementations, communities may be created and/or modified according to various criteria, some of which may be weighted more heavily than others. Specific marketing messages, promotions, etc., may be provided to attract and retain players having similar characteristics and preferences.
US08460105B2	Game controller that pivots to alternative form An electronic game controller includes a front body, a rear body, a plurality of function keys and a rotating mechanism. The front body includes a second end surface non-orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. The rear body includes a third end surface parallel to the second end surface and non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the rear body. The function keys are disposed on the front and the rear bodies. The rotating mechanism is connected with the second and the third end surfaces, that is, the front and the rear bodies are pivotally connected with each other via the rotating mechanism. Accordingly, since the rear body can rotate relative to the front body and be positioned via the rotating mechanism, the present invention can provide more than two ways of being held to enhance users' enjoyment of playing electronic games.
US08460104B1	Yoga ball game controller system and method A yoga ball controller communicates motion signals to a game console and a video game executing on the game console to progress play of a game in response to the motion signals. An individual positions himself on the yoga ball and begins to move his body. The controller detects the motion of the individual and communicates signals to the console. The game console recognizes the motion and advances the game play. Motion may be detected using various devices such as a stress ball, a motion sensing mat, and a controller attached to the yoga ball using a harness. The video game may be a well-known, entertaining video game such as one involving car racing, combat, exploration, or puzzle solving. By using a subject other than exercise, game play may be seen as more fun by participants thereby encouraging physical activity.
US08460102B2	Hand-held interactive game A game apparatus has a plurality of actuation devices in which at least two of the actuation devices require different mechanical actions for actuation. The apparatus further includes a speaker, a display screen, and a processor coupled to each of the actuation devices and to the display screen and the speaker. The processor outputs a first command signal to the speaker relating to a first actuation device, then outputs a second command signal to the speaker when the first actuation device is actuated, with the second command signal relating to a second actuation device. The processor outputs image signals to the display screen that are representative of the mechanical actions being taken.
US08460101B2	Game program, game device, and game method A game program is provided which provides a video game with reality and improves a sense of realism of in the video game in a game program. In Step S21, it is determined whether a given game condition is satisfied. In Step S22, in the case where a stadium type is determined as a dome stadium and the stadium arrangement is determined that the right stand is the home team side, the song playing location is determined as the “Right-Field Side”. In Step S23, a song playing volume is determined. In Step S24, a song playing tempo is determined. In Steps S25 and S26, a basic song and a basic voice are respectively read. In Steps S27 and S28, the data of the basic song and the basic voice are respectively altered to achieve the song playing location on “Right-Field Side”, the song playing volume, the song playing tempo that are determined in Steps S22, S23, and S24.
US08460099B2	Integrating chat and wagering games A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account logged on to a wagering game network, determining a chat session initiated by the player account via the wagering game network; and determining wagering game news events to present via a gaming chat console for the chat session. The operations can also include automatically adjusting presentation requirements for the wagering game news events based on quantifiable player factors. In some embodiments, the operations can also include presenting an interactive game bot via the gaming chat console as a social contact, receiving textual chat game commands communicated to the interactive game bot, and controlling a wagering game via the textual chat game commands. In some embodiments, the operations can also include following chat activity for the selected chat social-contact groups and integrating chat activity with client applications and devices.
US08460093B2	Single outcome game of chance with differing wagers varying among multiple paytables A method of playing a wagering game that comprises the player making multiple wagers to play a single-outcome game, the multiple wagers being made on multiple predetermined paytables for said game. One single-outcome game and at least two differing paytables for said game are offered to the player. The paytables may be for different game versions or for a single game version with differing risk levels. The payback percentage of each of the said differing paytables may vary according to the amount of the wager. The player makes one wager for each predetermined paytable to be utilized in the resolve of the wagers. Multiple same paytables, multiple differing paytables or combinations thereof may be wagered for the play of a single game having a single outcome. The said single outcome is then compared to each wagered predetermined paytable, and each wager is resolved according to that same wagered predetermined paytable.
US08460092B1	System and method of a gaming machine with connected tiles A system and method for implementing a gaming machine with connected tiles is presented. In an embodiment, a wager is received. A game with a playfield having a tile base and a plurality of tile locations is executed. The tile locations of the playfield are populated with tiles having (i) differing subsets of symbols thereon and (ii) a connection path to the tile base. Some initially-hidden symbols are presented, and a selection of one of them is received and revealed. Any tiles in the playfield having a symbol matching the selected symbol are removed, along with any remaining tiles that no longer have a connection path to the tile base. These selection and removal steps are repeated according to a game methodology. The playfield is evaluated for an outcome. An award is presented in the event that the outcome in the game merits an award according to the game methodology.
US08460091B2	Remote power reset feature on a gaming machine A gaming device for a gaming machine is described. The gaming device can be configured to implement commands related to performing maintenance operations on the gaming machine. The commands can be initiated from a remote device, such as mobile device, separate from the gaming machine and the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming peripheral can be coupled to a power switching device on the gaming machine. A number of devices on the gaming machine, such as game controller, can be configured to receive power that is routed through the power switching device. The gaming device can be configured to receive a command from a remote device to cycle power on the gaming machine using the power switching device. In one example, the power can be cycled on the gaming machine to clear an error condition.
US08460088B1	Game processing server apparatus A game processing server apparatus connected to a terminal device via a network and controlling a game in which a reward is given by completing a collection of predetermined items, includes a parameter updating unit which receives an instruction to send an item from a first player to a second player, and calculates and updates a bonding parameter indicating intimacy from the first player toward the second player; and a display unit which displays in a screen for a target player a value of a first bonding parameter indicating intimacy from the target player toward another player and a value of a second bonding parameter indicating intimacy from the other player toward the target player.
US08460085B2	System and method for providing a roulette game based on financial market indicators A system comprises a client operable to communicate a bet regarding a spin of a virtual roulette wheel. The system further comprises a controller communicably coupled to the client and operable to determine a result of the spin of the virtual roulette wheel, the result based at least in part upon one or more digits of at least one financial market indicator at a configurable point in time. The system is further operable to determine an outcome of the bet based at least in part on the determined result.
US08460083B2	Gaming terminal with multi-level progressive jackpot A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game and having a special payout. The gaming terminal includes a basic game having a randomly selected outcome. The gaming terminal includes a side-wager option. In response to a player not choosing the side-wager option, the gaming terminal provides the player with a first probability greater than zero of achieving a special-payout outcome. In response to the player choosing the side-wager option, the gaming terminal provides the player with a second probability of achieving the special-payout outcome. The second probability is greater than the first probability.
US08460080B2	Method and apparatus for an instant online lottery ticket A process provides a first price category and a second price category in which an instant online lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant online lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the second price category. In addition, the process randomly generates an assortment of the set of instant online game numbers in an instant online matrix of numbers. The process also determines a linear subset of the set of instant online game numbers such that each number in the linear subset is matched with corresponding numbers in the instant online matrix of numbers.
US08460078B2	Fantasy game system and method for player selection and scoring A fantasy sports game device includes a memory configured to store a set of instructions and a processor configured to execute the set of instructions. The set of instructions cause the processor to receive a first fantasy lineup for a fantasy team. The fantasy lineup includes one or more players. The instructions further cause the processor to receive statistical information relating to each one of the players whereby the processor calculates a player point total for each player based at least in part on the received statistics. A fantasy team score for the first fantasy lineup may then be calculated by adding together the player point total for each player. The instructions further cause the processor to receive a subsequent fantasy lineup for a fantasy team where the subsequent lineup comprises one or more players, wherein none of the players of the first lineup are included in the subsequent lineup.
US08460077B2	Two-player game of skill where each player tries to press while the other player is pressing A two-Player game comprising the steps of first determining whether or not a Player is Pressing his or her Actuator, and if so, changing the state of the Indicator(s) to show the first Player is Pressing. Second determining whether or not the opposing Player presses while the first Player is pressing, and, if so, awarding a point to the opposing Player and adding it to Memory. Third, after a point is scored, comparing the scoring Player's cumulative score stored in Memory with a predetermined number of points necessary to win. If the scoring Player has not reached the predetermined number of points necessary to win, Indicating a point scored and resuming the game. If the scoring Player has reached the predetermined number of points necessary to win, Indicating that the scoring Player has won.
US08460073B2	Air conditioner for vehicle In an air conditioning case of an air conditioner, an air mixing chamber, a warm-air bypass passage, a first warm-air passage and a second warm-air passage are provided. The warm-air bypass passage is located in a part of space, in which the air mixing chamber is provided, and the second warm-air passage is located at an opposite side of the first warm-air passage with respect to the air mixing chamber. The warm air flowing in the warm-air bypass passage makes a U-turn at the second warm-air passage and flows toward the air mixing chamber. Therefore, in the air mixing chamber, the cool air is inserted between the warm air from the first warm-air bypass passage and the warm air from the second warm-air passage, from two sides of the cool air.
US08460071B2	Hand held sharpening device This invention is a manual sharpening device for knife blades that creates a micro-serrated edge on the cutting edge of a knife (microscopic saw). There are two types of knife blades on the world market: plain (flat cutting surface) and serrated (undulated cutting surface, also known as saw knives). Each has a wide range of shapes and sizes for various applications. This sharpening tool allows the user to create a cutting edge on any knife that combines the effects of the plain and serrated edge and thereby expands the potential applications of any knife.
US08460069B2	Lens holder A lens holder (8) includes a metal holder main body (12) and an elastic member (14) which holds the processing center portion (13) of a processing target lens (7). The holder main body (12) has a fitting hole (20) formed at a front surface center. The elastic member (14) includes a fitting shaft portion (14A) to be slidably fitted in the fitting hole (20), and a lens holding portion (14B) integrally provided to the fitting shaft portion (14A). The front surface of the lens holding portion (14B) forms a lens holding surface (24) which holds the processing target lens (7). Before holding the processing target lens (7), a suitable gap (g) is formed between the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12) and the lens holding surface (24). When the lens holding surface (24) is urged against the processing target lens (7), the lens holding portion (14B) elastically deforms toward the rear surface and is urged against the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12).
US08460066B2	Grinding machine A grinding machine includes a pair of workpiece support devices (12, 13), which clamp and rotate a workpiece (W), on a bed (11). A pair of saddles (14) is provided on the bed (11) in such a way as to be movable along the rotational axis of the workpiece (W). Grindstone heads (16) provided with rotating grindstones (16c) and drive mechanisms (16d) are supported on the saddles (14) in such a way as to be movable in a direction that perpendicularly intersects the movement direction of the saddles (14). There is provided a partition structure (20) which consists of a fixed cover (21) and a extendable cover (22), and serves to partition a machining region (T) for the purpose of sealing off the same so that the clamping portions (12a, 13a) and the rotating grindstones (16c) of both of the workpiece support devices (12, 13) will be located inside the machining region (T), and that bearing sections (12b, 13b) and driving sections (12c, 13c) of both of the workpiece support devices (12, 13), as well as bearing sections (16b) and driving sections (16d) of both of the grindstone heads (16), will be located outside the machining region (T).
US08460065B2	Sandblasting apparatus A sandblasting apparatus for cutting a plate-shaped workpiece into a plurality of separate tablets includes a chamber defining a cavity, a support assembly received in the cavity, a sandblasting assembly for spraying sand toward the workpiece, a first mask located between the sandblasting assembly and the support assembly, a second mask located between the sandblasting assembly and the support assembly, and a mask switching member for selectively placing the first mask or the second mask over the workpiece. The support assembly is configured for supporting the workpiece and the tablets. The first mask cooperates with the sandblasting assembly to remove unwanted portions of the workpiece thus obtaining a tablet network consisting of a plurality of tablets and a plurality of connecting portions interconnected between the tablets. The second mask cooperates with the sandblasting assembly to remove the connecting portions of the tablet network thus obtaining a plurality of separated tablets.
US08460064B2	Method of dressing barrel worm-shaped tool, dressing apparatus, and internal-gear grinding machine In a method of dressing a barrel worm-shaped tool, a disc-shaped disc dresser (13) meshes with a barrel worm-shaped grinding wheel (12) having its diameter gradually increasing from the two end portions in the axial direction thereof towards the middle portion thereof and used to grind an internal gear (11). The barrel worm-shaped grinding wheel (12) rotates around a tool-rotating shaft (B) disposed at a predetermined shaft angle (A1) with a vertical work-rotating shaft (C1) for the internal gear (11). The disc dresser (13) rotates around a dresser-rotating shaft (D), the disc dresser (13) being disposed at an angle equal to a helix angle of the internal gear (11). While the barrel worm-shaped grinding wheel (12) and the disc dresser (13) mesh with each other and are rotating, the barrel worm-shaped grinding wheel (12) and the disc dresser (13) revolve relative to each other within a horizontal plane.
US08460060B2	Method for creating a complex surface on a substrate of glass A method for creating a concave section of glass from a glass substrate having flat surfaces includes the use of a grinding wheel and a turntable. The method includes the steps of securing the glass substrates to the turntable. The turntable is then spun to create a turntable axis of rotation. The grinding wheel is rotated about a wheel axis of rotation such that the wheel axis of rotation is perpendicular to the turntable axis of rotation. The grinding wheel and the turntable move relative to each other along the turntable axis of rotation. The glass substrate is ground by the grinding wheel contacting the glass substrate to create the concave section of glass while the glass substrate is rotating about the wheel axis of rotation and moving relative to the turntable.
US08460053B2	Toy attachment systems and methods Systems and methods enable attaching toys or other items to child care equipment such as a play gyms, swings, bouncers, changing pads, and the like. Attachment is accomplished by passing a compressible portion of the item to be attached through an opening in the child care equipment. The opening may be provided by a hole in the equipment, or by a hole in a clip engaged with a rod embedded in or attached to the equipment. The clip may slide along the rod to adjust the position of the item. In one application, rods embedded in a play gym provide a structural support for a canopy of the play gym, and also may receive clips for attaching toys or other items to the play gym.
US08460045B2	High intensity discharge lamp with enhanced dimming characteristcs A high intensity discharge lamp comprises a discharge vessel and two electrode rods having substantially flat ends facing to each other in opposite positions within the discharge vessel. A spiral coil of wire is wound at least on a part of the surface of at least one of the electrode rods. The spiral coil protrudes over said end of the corresponding electrode rod and thus forms a hollow cavity for extending dimmable wattage range of the lamp.
US08460043B2	Mimetic gear Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.
US08460036B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an electrically insulative holder member, a signal module formed of a circuit board with recessed holes, circuit lines, electrical contacts and via-holes and metal contact terminals and metal mounting terminals, and a metal shield. The metal contact terminals have rear soldering end portions thereof respectively soldered to respective circuit lines, front contact portions thereof positioned in front ends of the recessed holes of the circuit board and middle suspension arms thereof connected between the rear soldering end portions and the front contact portions below the recessed holes and elastically deformable to prevent damage. The circuit lines electrically connect the 5 pcs of electrical contacts and the 4 pcs of metal contact terminals to the 9 pcs of via-holes. The surface area of each circuit line may be modified to adjust impedance for reducing interference.
US08460028B2	Self powered electric vehicle charging connector locking system A self powered electric vehicle charging connector locking system for locking and unlocking a charging connector of an electric vehicle charging cord includes an electric vehicle charging station and an electric vehicle charging connector locking holster. The charging station includes an electricity control device to energize and de-energize the charging cord to control a supply of electricity available to flow through the charging cord. Current does not flow through the charging cord when it is de-energized and some amount of current is capable of flowing through the charging cord when it is energized. The locking holster includes a charging connector locking holster inlet to receive the charging connector of the charging cord and a locking unit to lock the charging connector in the locking holster when it is inserted into the locking holster inlet and unlock the charging connector from the locking holster responsive to the charging cord becoming energized.
US08460026B2	Circuit element coupling devices and methods for flexible and other circuits Embodiments relate to coupling and/or holding devices for electrically and/or mechanically contacting circuit elements, such as power sources, sensors, transducers and other devices. In one embodiment, a coupling device comprises a substrate having at least one printed conductive element and at least one fold, flap, slit, slot, perforation or other alteration configured to encourage contact between a circuit element, such as a battery, sensor, transducer or other element, and the at least one printed conductive element.
US08460024B2	Contact assembly for electrical connector A contact assembly includes a contact organizer having a central axis. A plurality contacts are secured to the contact organizer. The contacts are arranged as differential pairs. The contacts have mating segments and termination segments extending from the mating segments. The mating segments extend along the central axis. The termination segments are configured to terminate to corresponding wires. The mating segments of each differential pair of contacts are radially offset from the central axis of the contact organizer. Wire holders are coupled to the contact organizer. The wire holders have openings extending therethrough and are configured to receive wires. The wire holders are configured to terminate the wires to the termination segments of the contacts when the wire holders are coupled to the contact organizer.
US08460023B2	Waterproof structure for a cable connector, and a plug connector, socket connector and cable connector utilizing the same In the case where the cable CA is passed through the hole of the sealing tube and connected to the plug contact terminal and the socket contact terminal, when the female threaded portions and of the stepped pressure nut members and are respectively screwed onto the male threaded portions and of the plug housing and the socket housing, the outer periphery of the cable CA inside the plug housing and the socket housing is sealed by way of the pressing pieces and the sealing tube being pressed.
US08460021B1	Card insert/eject mechanism having a position-limiting plate engaging a sliding block The present invention is to provide a card insert/eject mechanism, which includes an insulating seat formed with a receiving space and a track groove; a metal housing covering the receiving space and track groove and having a position-limiting resilient plate at a bottom surface thereof; a sliding block slidable along the track groove and laterally provided with a pushing portion that extends into the receiving space thereby, when an electronic card pushes the pushing portion, the sliding block is moved against rear end of the insulating seat; a resilient element provided in the track groove for applying a force to rear end of the sliding block; and a release bar disposed in the track groove for releasing the position-limiting resilient plate and enabling the sliding block to push the electronic card out of the receiving space, so as to effectively solve the insecure card engagement problem in conventional push-push connectors.
US08460020B2	Thin card connector adapted for thin card A thin card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) with a hollow (15) accommodating a thin card, a bottom wall of the insulative housing defining a card supporting surface (111) disposed under the hollow; a group of first terminals (21) having contacting portions (213) extending into the hollow, a group of second terminals (22) having contacting portions (223) extending into the hollow, the contacting portions of the first contacts located in front of contacting portions of the second terminals; and at least one guiding groove (113) defined in a front segment of the card supporting surface and disposed under the hollow, the guiding groove passing through a front end of the bottom wall to ventilate an exterior.
US08460013B2	Detection of improperly seated electronic component A system comprises a circuit board, a pair of electrically-conductive board contacts mounted on the circuit board, and a connector assembly coupled to the board and adapted to receive an electrical component. The connector assembly has a pair of deflectable arms. Each deflectable arm comprises a conductive arm contact. Inserting the electrical component into the connector causes the deflectable arms to be deflected from a resting position and away from said electrical component thereby preventing the board contacts from electrically contacting the arm contacts. When the electrical component is fully seated in the connector, the deflectable arms revert back to the resting positioning thereby causing the arm contacts to electrically contact the board contacts.
US08460012B2	Socket protection device and circuit board assembly A socket protection device includes a fixing member, a cover, a limiting member, and an operation member. The fixing member is secured to a circuit board. The fixing member includes a pair of first connecting blocks. The cover includes a second connecting block, a first latching portion, and a second latching portion. The limiting member is secured to the circuit board. The operation member includes a shaft and an operation rod secured to the shaft. The shaft rotatably connects the cover to the fixing member via the first and second connecting blocks. When the operation rod is pressed to drive the shaft to rotate, the cover is rotated toward the socket. When the cover covers the socket, the first latching portion latches the limiting member, and the second latching portion latches the operation rod.
US08460008B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of probe pins assembled in the insulating housing, a magnetic block, a metal shell and a piece of mylar. The insulating housing has a base and a tongue extending frontward from a front of the base. The magnetic block is of a unitary block and has an inserting hole penetrating longitudinally therethrough and matching with the tongue. The metal shell is assembled rearward through the tongue to enclose the base, and the magnetic block sheathes the tongue in the inserting hole and abuts against the metal shell. A front end of the tongue further stretches beyond a front surface of the magnetic block. The mylar is sticked on the front surface of the magnetic block and defines a positioning window for positioning the front end of the tongue therein.
US08460004B2	Moon gazers' wheel chart An educational field chart used for observing the Moon. The two-piece chart has an indicator wheel joined with a background chart that depicts the Sun, Earth and the Moon in orbit. The pieces rotate to locate a moon phase illustration that matches the Moon in the sky. Once set, a user can automatically determine facts and aspects about the Moon during this phase. Information aligns on both pieces to tell the following about the Moon: a) the moon phase name, b) the position of the Moon in orbit going around Earth, c) the rise & set time of the phase, and when it is visible in the sky, and d) the approximate day of the phase in the lunar month. The illustrations on the chart also visually correlate the relationship of the Sun, Earth and Moon during each moon phase.
US08460002B2	Laparoscopic trainer and method of training A surgical training device for the practice of surgical techniques comprises a base and a face wall extending from a side of said base such to block direct visualization of the operation area from the normal external position of the eyes of the trainee using the device. The face wall comprises a front wall and an upper wall. The front wall is extended upwardly from the base; the upper wall is then extended upwardly and inwardly from the front wall. A flexible membrane is stretched on upper wall and has at least two portals such that adaptors can be inserted on flexible membrane. The adaptors are further fitted with stoppers to prevent adaptors been pulled out from the membrane during training. The surgical instruments can pass through the openings of adaptors to manipulate simulated tissue or another operable structure on the base. A plain spherical bearing set, including a bearing seat and a plain spherical bearing, is also installed on said upper wall. The bearing seat has a bearing hole to interference fit with plain spherical hearing and two bolt holes to hold bearing seat on upper wall such that a camera handle can pass through plain spherical bearing to catch the image on base.
US08460000B2	Computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed business operations In a computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed business operations, software operable with a computer having a display associated therewith includes a training module and an instruction module, each accessible by a user. The training module includes at least one training session selectable by the user, and the instruction module includes at least one instruction set selectable by the user. Upon selection of one of the training sessions step-by-step training instructions are displayed for performing one or more tasks. The software is operable to record and store information relevant to the selected training sessions in a database. Upon selection of one of the instruction sets, the software is operable to display step-by-step instructions for performing one or more tasks. The software is remotely changeable and remotely updatable.
US08459996B2	Training device for grenade launchers A laser-based system is useful for training soldiers in the operation and use of a grenade launcher. The system comprises a training assembly rotatably attached to the body of a grenade launcher and at least one sensor to detect laser energy at a target site. The training assembly comprises a housing; a variable output laser; a shaft extending through the housing to the body of the grenade launcher; a motor within the housing that engages the shaft and is capable of causing the housing to rotate about the shaft; at least one sensor to detect rotation of the housing, trigger pull, and/or gravitational direction; and a control unit operationally connected to the laser, the at least one sensor, and the motor. The training assembly rotates from the elevation of the launcher barrel to the elevation of the target site to generate a burst of laser energy at sensors at the target site.
US08459995B1	Pinless dental articulator and method of using same A pinless dental articulator includes a work tray, a retention pocket, and a monorail formed by a plurality of upwardly tapering cylinders which allow jelly or stone to slide out of the retention pocket when the work tray is turned upside down. The work tray has a ledge which stabilizes a rotatable arm that retains the jelly or stone in the retention pocket. A method of using the articulator includes the steps of installing the locking arm onto the stabilizing ledge of the work tray, rotating the locking arm into a closed position on the stabilizing ledge, pouring jelly into the retention pocket, installing a height-adjusting post in the work tray, tightening a fastener against the post in order to keep the post in an upright position, and placing a small tray with at least one negative tooth impression on top of the jelly.
US08459993B2	Cover and holdback element for permitting disturbance-free dental operations to be performed on teeth A cover and holdback element for permitting disturbance-free dental operations to be performed on a patient's teeth includes an expandable sheet operable to cover at least a portion of the mouth volume of a patient and an intra-oral spanner and an extra-oral spanner. The sheet is turned around the at least one of the spanners and is displaceable relative thereto.
US08459986B2	Oxygen to expand burner combustion capability A burner at which fuel cannot be combusted with air as the only source of oxygen for combustion in a stable flame at the burner when the feed rate of the fuel is too low, when the fuel is fed at too high an air-to-fuel mass ratio, when the fuel contains too high an amount of inert matter, or when the specific energy content of the fuel is too low, is modified by supplying oxidant containing more than 21 vol. % oxygen into the base of a flame at the burner, whereupon such fuels can be combusted at the burner.
US08459980B2	Annexed pinning system A dough molder 16 including two or more first sheeting rollers 1, 5, which define a dough path to a conveyor 3, two or more second sheeting rollers 6, 7, and an inlet 18 for receiving dough from an operator. A diverter 13 is moveable between a position to allow dough to be fed to the second sheeting rollers or exclusively to the first pair of sheeting rollers.
US08459979B2	Apparatus for molding optical fiber connector An apparatus is provided for molding an optical fiber connector. The optical fiber connector includes a main body and a lens portion. The apparatus includes a molding cavity, an insert and a block in the molding cavity. The insert forms a blind hole of the main body. The block forms a recess of the main body. The molding cavity includes a central portion for forming the main body, a lens-forming portion for forming the lens portion, and two lateral portions for forming corresponding lateral surfaces of the main body. The molding cavity includes a gate for introducing molding material into the molding cavity therethrough. The gate is connected to an end of one of the lateral portions distal from the lens-forming portion. The block is positioned in the other end of said one of the lateral portions distal from the gate.
US08459975B2	Structural surface design device A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.
US08459967B2	Axial flow fan, in particular for a motor vehicle An axial flow fan is provided that is arranged in a rotatable manner around an axis in a stationary shroud ring, with fan blades. The shroud ring has an essentially cylindrical annular surface with an axial extension from a leading edge to a trailing edge and the fan blades have an axial depth from an inflow edge to an outflow edge. The outflow edges of the fan blades in an axial direction project beyond the trailing edge of the annular surface and form a blade overhang and flow guidance elements are arranged radially outside the fan blades as well as in the axial region of the blade overhang.
US08459966B2	Ram air fan motor cooling A ram air fan assembly includes a ram air fan disposed at a fan inlet and a ram air fan motor operably connected to the ram air fan. A blower is operably connected to the ram air fan and is configured to redirect a cooling flow across the ram air fan motor from a substantially axially directed flow to a substantially radially directed flow thereby increasing the cooling flow across the ram air fan motor. A method of cooling a ram air fan assembly includes urging a cooling flow toward the ram air fan motor and is directed across the ram air fan motor thus removing thermal energy from the ram air fan motor. The cooling flow proceeds across a blower operably connected to the ram air fan motor, thus directing the cooling flow substantially radially outwardly toward the fan inlet.
US08459965B2	Production tubing member with auxiliary conduit A tubing member for use in well operations comprises a solid core extruded casing surrounding a production tubing passage arranged to receive produced fluids from a well therethrough and one or more auxiliary conduits arranged for communicate with well equipment. The casing is rectangular in cross section having a pair of opposed flat sides which can be wound onto a spool such that the flat sides are parallel to an axis of rotation of the spool. A longitudinal extending central axis of the production tubing and of each auxiliary conduit are situated spaced apart from one another along a common diametrical axis arranged to be parallel to the flat sides of the casing and the spool axis. The unitary casing provides good protection for electrical lines, hydraulic lines and other communication lines in the conduits alongside production tubing in a low cost and easy to manufacture tubing member.
US08459963B2	Screw compressor pulsation damper A slide valve for use in a screw compressor comprises a main body portion configured for sliding in a pressure pocket of a screw compressor to regulate output of a working matter through screw rotors of the compressor. The main body of the slide valve includes a plurality of walls that define an enclosed interior cavity. The slide valve also includes a bore extending into a wall of the main body such that working matter discharged from the screw rotors has access to the enclosed interior cavity. The bore is sized to dampen pressure pulsations in the discharged working matter as the discharged working matter flows through the bore.
US08459962B2	Variable displacement swash plate type compressor Provided is a variable displacement swash plate type compressor including a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the cylinder block, a lug plate fixedly installed at the drive shaft, a swash plate rotated by the lug plate to vary its inclination angle, and pistons reciprocally accommodated in the cylinder bores depending on rotation of the swash plate, the compressor including a projection projecting from the lug plate toward the swash plate and disposed only behind the rotational direction of the drive shaft, a slope formed on the rear part of the lug plate at one side of the projection, an arm projecting from the swash plate toward the lug plate, a first guide coupled to the arm in front of the rotational direction of the drive shaft to move along the slope in a contact manner, and a second guide coupled to the arm adjacent to the projection to move along the slope in a contact manner.
US08459961B2	Multistage compressor unit with cooling device A multistage compressor unit consisting of a low-pressure charging device having a low-pressure compressor housing, a high-pressure charging device having a high-pressure compressor housing and a cooling device, characterised in that the cooling device comprises a cooling device housing and the cooling device housing of the cooling device is indirectly connected to the low-pressure compressor housing of the low-pressure charging device and the high-pressure compressor housing of the high-pressure charging device.
US08459957B2	Water-injected compressor A water-injected compressor, which injects the water inside the separator 3 into the compressor and discharges the water along with compressed air into the separator and then gains condensed and separated water, has the compressor stopping and then, if staying at a stop for a predetermined duration of time without activating, becoming activated and operating for a set duration of time.
US08459956B2	Curved platform turbine blade A turbine blade includes an airfoil and integral platform at the root thereof. The platform is contoured in elevation from a ridge to a trough, and is curved axially to complement the next adjacent curved platform.
US08459955B2	Aerofoil Composite aerofoils for gas turbine engines are commonly provided with a metal protection strip along the leading edge, to prevent erosion of the leading edge in use and to protect against impacts from foreign bodies. A problem with such strips is that they can cause serious damage to other parts of the engine if they become detached from the aerofoil. The invention provides an aerofoil having such a protection strip, characterized in that the protection strip includes one or more weakening features to reduce the ability of the protection member to withstand a compressive force applied along its length. The weakening features encourage the protection member to break up under impact, or if it becomes detached from the aerofoil, so that damage to other parts of the engine is minimized.
US08459954B2	Torsional flexing energy absorbing blade lock A lock for constraining blades in a hub includes a flexible ring for constraining the blades from moving axially in the hub, a finger attached to the hub for preventing the ring from rotating relative to the hub and whereby the ring flexes about at least a partial circumference thereof if urged axially by the blades.
US08459953B2	Seal plate and bucket retention pin assembly A disk for a machine rotor includes a disk body having an outer periphery formed with a plurality of axially-oriented slots; a plurality of buckets, each bucket having an airfoil portion and an attachment portion, the attachment portion loaded axially into a respective one of the plurality of axially-oriented slots. A plurality of arcuate seal plate segments arranged about the outer periphery of the disk body, each covering at least two of the plurality of axially-oriented slots and respective attachment portions of the plurality of buckets. A retention pin extends axially through each of the plurality of arcuate seal plate segments and into an axially oriented bore in the disk body. The retention pin has an inner end engageable with a locking key and adapted to move the locking key into a locking position which prevents axial movement of a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of buckets.
US08459952B2	Device and method for connecting a blade to a rotor shaft of a continuous flow machine A device for connecting a blade to a rotor shaft of a continuous flow machine, includes a first fork foot which has a quantity of first foot lugs with first bore holes, a second fork foot which has a quantity of second foot lugs with second bore holes, and at least one connection bolt which passes through first and second bore holes to connect the first fork foot to the second fork foot. The device has a first area with a predetermined first diameter difference between a first inner diameter of one of the bore holes and a first outer diameter of the connection bolt, and a second area with a predetermined second diameter difference between a second inner diameter of one of the bore holes and a second outer diameter of the connection bolt, wherein the first diameter difference and the second diameter difference differ from one another.
US08459951B2	Rotor for an axial flow turbomachine A rotor for an axial flow turbomachine is provided. The rotor includes a plurality of rotor discs that are arranged in stacks and clamped together with at least one tie rod. At least one of the rotor discs of the rotor comprises a smaller outer diameter than one of the neighboring rotor discs and that the difference in diameter is compensated by a drum surrounding the rotor disc with the smaller outer diameter as a ring. The drum may be made of a heat resistant material. The rotor discs surrounded by the drum may be made of a less expensive material. Furthermore, the drum may include at least one more blade ring than the rotor discs that are surrounded by the drum.
US08459950B2	Contra-rotating propeller unit, method for assembly thereof, method for transportation thereof, and method for mounting thereof on mother ship The object is to facilitate the installation of a contra-rotating propeller on a mother ship. Disclosed is a contra-rotating propeller unit in which a predetermined part on the rear side of an inner shaft (12) is supported by a contra-rotating rear bearing (36) provided in a boss (13a) of a front propeller (13), and which includes an inner fixing tool (50) detachably attached to a tip of an outer shaft (11) to temporarily support a predetermined part on the front side of the inner shaft (12), and a contra-rotating thrust bearing (40) provided in the boss (13a) of the front propeller (13) to receive the thrust load from the outer shaft (11) to transmit the thrust load to the inner shaft (12).
US08459949B2	Wind power generation having variable windmill wings A wind power generator with variable windmill wings, which has an installation mount; a vertical rotating shaft; a bearing; inner wing installation units; support rods; outer wing installation units; support rings; vertical support rods; windmill wings; support units installed on the vertical rotating shaft between the groups of the windmill wings made in the up/down multi-stage fashion, and connected to holders through wires; a power generator installed on the bottom surface of the central portion of the installation mount; windmill wing moving units installed on the vertical rotating shaft above the inner wing installation units to be movable in the up/down direction and fixing displacements of the windmill wings; and a driving device with a worm wheel installed on the bottom end side of the vertical rotating shaft.
US08459948B2	Retractable composite rotor blade assembly A retractable rotor blade for a flying vehicle includes an interlink assembly having interconnected link base subassemblies, a helical ribbon assembly reinforcing the interlink assembly, and a flexible and elastic sleeve that covers the interlink and helical ribbon assemblies in extended and retracted states of the rotor blade. Each link base subassembly has a damper for dampening movement of the interlink assembly during extension and retraction of the rotor blade, a pair of retractable links by which the link base subassembly is interconnected with another of the link base subassemblies, a link hub, and a pair of locking arms housed in the link hub for locking the rotor blade in the extended state. The helical ribbon assembly has sequentially overlapped ribbons helically wound around the interlink assembly. The flexible and elastic sleeve has a flexible and elastic skin and elastic ribs for imparting rigidity to the flexible and elastic skin.
US08459945B2	Underwater structures An underwater structure includes a power generation apparatus and a supporting structure. A coupling is provided that allows attachment of the power generating device to the submerged support structure. The coupling incorporates the function of a yaw bearing allowing rotation of the power generating apparatus about a substantially vertical axis.
US08459944B2	Stator blade ring and axial flow compressor using the same A stator blade ring is provided with which the possibilities of thermal deformation and a decrease in strength can be reduced, the shape flexibility can be ensured, and the compression performance can be improved. It includes stator blade segments (21) in each of which an inner shroud portion (31) and an outer shroud portion (29) divided corresponding to one stator blade (27) are provided at both ends of the stator blade (27) so as to be formed as a single part, and connecting members (23) that are formed of arch-shaped plates and are disposed on at least one of the inner shroud portions (31) and the outer shroud portions (29) of the stator blade segments (21) adjoining in a circumferential direction, on a side opposite to the stator blades (27). The stator blade segments (21) are welded to the connecting members (23) at a portion of the length thereof in the circumferential direction.
US08459941B2	Mechanical joint for a gas turbine engine A mechanical joint for a gas turbine engine includes:(a) an annular first component having an annular, radially-extending first flange; (b) an annular second component having an annular, radially-extending second flange abutting the first flange; (c) a plurality of generally radially-extending radial channels passing through at least one of the first and second flanges; (d) a plurality of generally axially-extending channels extending through the first flange and communicating with respective ones of the radial channels; and (e) a plurality of fasteners clamping the first and second flanges together.
US08459936B2	Flexible seal for gas turbine engine system A system includes a gas turbine engine, a nozzle structure located adjacent to the gas turbine engine, a flexible annular seal linking the gas turbine engine and the nozzle structure, the flexible annular seal having a plurality of corrugate sections arranged about a centerline, and a connection device secured to the gas turbine engine and to the nozzle structure. The connection device is adjustable to select a length of the flexible annular seal measured along the centerline.
US08459934B2	Varying cross-sectional area guide blade A guide blade for a gas turbine includes an inner and an outer platform, an airfoil extending in a radial direction between the inner and the outer platforms and having a height in the radial direction, and at least one cooling channel disposed in an interior of the airfoil and configured to receive a cooling medium flowing through the at least one cooling channel configured to cool the guide blade, wherein a cross-sectional area of a blade material of the airfoil varies over the height.
US08459933B1	Turbine vane with endwall cooling A stator vane assembly with a mate face gap and a seal slot to receive a seal pin. The seal pin includes a row of axial cooling air channels opening on a top side of the seal pin and extending toward a forward end of the seal pin, and a row of metering holes that supply cooling air from the gap below the seal pin to each of the axial cooling channels. Cooling air flows through the metering holes and along the axial cooling channels to provide cooling for the endwall mate face surfaces and the top of the seal pin exposed to a hot gas flow in the gap. Vortex chambers are formed on the forward ends of the seal pin mate face slots, and cooling air holes discharge cooling air from the vortex chambers downward from the vane leading edge corner.
US08459932B2	Bearing device of gas turbine power generation equipment and gas turbine power generation equipment A bearing device of a gas turbine power generation equipment provides damping vibration of a shaft and lubricates and cools the bearing main body. The bearing devices have sleeves provided on the outer circumference sides of the bearing main bodies and bearing housings holding the respective sleeves via O-rings while each forming an annular clearance passage between each of the outer circumferences of the sleeves and a corresponding one of the bearing housings. The bearing housing has a feed-water hole communicating with the clearance passage and adapted to feed water thereto. The sleeve has a lead water hole communicating with the clearance passage and is adapted to lead water to the bearing main body, and a discharge hole which communicates with the clearance passage and is adapted to discharge water therefrom.
US08459929B2	High-capacity automatic loader device A mailpiece loader device comprising a storage tower for receiving mailpieces and whose mailpieces are separated into a plurality of independent stacks that are superposed one above another and that are held by a plurality of paddles, control means being provided for successively releasing, by gravity, each of said independent stacks separated in this way, it being possible for each paddle to retract horizontally from a support position to a retracted position under the action of rotation of a toothed wheel to which said paddle is connected via a mechanism of the crank and connecting rod type, said retracted position making it possible for said stack of mailpieces to be released by gravity.
US08459924B1	Gondola carriage assembly The device pertains to a carriage which may be separate or integrated with a mobile, powered loading vehicle to load or unload railroad track materials to or from a gondola and a method thereof.
US08459918B2	Cage nut for mounting server to server rack A cage nut includes a substantially rectangular base portion, two sidewalls, two stopper portions, two arm portions, two clamping portions, and a nut. The sidewalls extend from two opposite edges of the base portion. Each stopper portion extends from an end of a corresponding sidewall away from the base portion. The two stopper portions extend toward each other. Each arm portion extends outwardly from an end of a corresponding stopper portion. Each clamping portion extends from an end of a corresponding arm portion and includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are arranged in an angle. The angle is equal to or less than about degrees. The clamping portions extend away from each other. The base portion, the two sidewalls and the two stopper portions define a receiving space. The nut is received in the receiving space.
US08459917B2	Fastener and methods thereof A fastener for joining a first member and a second member. In one implementation the fastener includes an elastic hollow body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial hole. An elongate rod extends through the elastic hollow body and has a washer positioned at the proximal end of the elastic hollow body. A first head is located at a proximal end of the rod and abuts the washer while a second head is positioned on the rod so that it resides at a distal end of the elastic hollow body. The rod also includes an elongate body that extends distally to the distal end of the elastic hollow body, the rod and elastic hollow body being in non-threaded engagement with one another. The first head has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the washer has a third diameter greater than the second diameter, the second head has a fourth diameter greater than the second diameter and smaller than the third diameter. The elastic hollow body is axially compressible between the washer and the second head upon an axial force applied to the elongate body in a direction toward the elastic hollow body.
US08459913B2	Method and system of securing cargo A method and system of securing cargo for preventing access to cargo during transportation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises a security net adapted for covering the cargo, the net comprising a panel with a periphery. The panel is made from a net with holes of sufficiently small size to prevent objects from readily being inserted therethrough without causing a tear thereto. The periphery contains a plurality of openings. The system also comprises a plurality of security locks adapted for locking onto a pallet beneath the cargo and coupling onto one of the plurality of openings. Each security lock has a first identifier for identifying whether the plurality of security locks belong to a predetermined set.
US08459912B2	Tie-down hook A hook for a tie-down strap to secure a load on a trailer having a rail engaged by the hook. The hook has first and second panel portions, the first panel portion being secured to the strap. A transition connects the first and second panel portions, and a distal end portion of the second panel portion forms a return segment extending into the space between the panel portions. In use, the first and second panels are disposed along opposite surfaces of the rail. The transition spans one edge of the rail and the return spans an opposite edge of the rail.
US08459909B2	Motorcycle transportation restraint system A restraint system that supports a motorcycle during transportation comprises a base (20), a rear frame (202) positioned on the base and operable to receive a rear wheel of the motorcycle, and a front frame (102) positioned on said base and operable to receive a front wheel of the motorcycle. The front frame has a linear range of movement relative to the base (20) to accommodate movement due to the suspension of the motorcycle. A first restraint assembly (150), in use, passes over the rear wheel and cooperates with said rear frame (202) to restrain the rear wheel in a vertical orientation relative to the base; and a second restraint assembly, in use, passes over the front wheel and restrains the front wheel relative to the front frame (102).
US08459908B2	Tool holder damping system A tool holder for use in a rotating spindle of a milling machine. The tool holder comprises a conically tapered shank portion for insertion into the spindle and a cutting tool mounting portion. Disposed between the shank and mounting portions is a flange portion. The flange portion includes a continuous channel formed therein which circumvents the shank portion and is adapted to accommodate a dampening member. The dampening member is compressible between the flange portion and the spindle when the tool holder is inserted into the spindle, and is adapted to eliminate harmonic resonance attributable to the use of the tool holder with a cutting tool.
US08459907B2	Chip-removing tool A cutting insert has the geometry of a tetrahedron with triangle base areas wherein each triangle base area has a tetrahedral frustum as a clamping body for fixing the cutting insert in a tool seat of a carrier tool. Additionally, a tool seat for the cutting insert includes clamping jaws to secure the cutting insert.
US08459905B2	Tool chuck with sleeve and clutch mechanism to remove operator variability A tool chuck may include a chuck body defining a longitudinal axis. A sleeve may be mounted on the chuck body for movement between a first axial position and a second axial position. A clutch part provided on the sleeve. The clutch part may engage with a cooperating clutch part when the sleeve is in the second axial position. The clutch part may have a working surface that faces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US08459901B2	Jacking system A jacking system for jacking a structure, includes a leg having a longitudinal axis and including first engagement parts along the leg, and a guiding frame displaceable along the leg. The guiding frame includes at least a first, second, third and fourth actuator, the actuators each having a first and second actuator part which in operation can displace with respect to one another along the leg, the first actuator part of the actuators coupled to the guiding frame, the second actuator parts of the actuators each coupled to first engagement parts for engaging and disengaging the first engagement parts of the leg for providing abutment in the longitudinal direction of the leg, the second actuator parts of the actuators displaceable along the leg past one another, and the actuators being arranged in pairs opposite one another with respect to a longitudinal plane of the leg.
US08459897B1	Fragmented slab lifting apparatus and method A slab jack assembly for raising a fragmented slab from between sections of a concrete slab from which the fragmented slab is cut comprises a planar support positionable on top of the fragmented slab. Jacks are mounted on opposite sides of the planar support to engage an upper surface of the concrete slab. Securement pins mounted on the planar support are insertable into holes bored in the plurality of fragments in the fragmented slab and expandable within the holes to secure the fragments to the planar support. The first and second jacks are then operable to lift the planar support and fragments upward relative to the concrete slab.
US08459896B2	Permeable paving system A systems for a permeable pavement system is described. The permeable pavement system includes blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The blocks may be unified together with the use of a cable inserted through each block to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The paving units may be moved with loops on the ends of the cables. Multiple paving units may be linked together with lock blocks.
US08459895B2	Power transmission device and assembling method thereof An impact absorber is arranged between a first rotation member and a second rotation member that are coaxially arranged to rotate in a circumference direction around a rotation axis. The first rotation member has a recess continuously extending in a direction inclined to the rotation axis from a first end to a second end, and a lock part extending in the circumference direction from the second end of the recess. The second rotation member has a projection configured to be engaged with the recess continuously from the first end of the recess to the second end of the recess. The projection of the second rotation member is locked with the lock part of the first rotation member when the projection moves to the lock part from the second end of the recess.
US08459890B2	Cylindrical cosmetic container A tubular cosmetic container has a cap (10) fit outside a container body (1), a cap body (11), an inner cap (12) fit inside the cap (10), and a to-be-covered portion. The inner cap (12) is formed with a first protrusion (12b) located at a halfway covering posture during the course of covering the container body (1) from the halfway covering posture through an immediately preceding covering posture to a fully covering posture and applying a first slide resistance by being pressed into sliding contact with the container body (1), and a second protrusion (12c) located at the immediately preceding covering posture of covering the container body (1) and applying a second slide resistance larger than the first slide resistance by being pressed into sliding contact with the upper end of the container body.
US08459887B2	Cutter device and printing apparatus A cutter device includes a cutter configured to cut a material to be cut; a carriage having a cutter and moving in a widthwise direction with respect to a feeding direction of the material to be cut; and a guide unit configured to guide the carriage in the widthwise direction and, assuming that the movement of the carriage when the cutter cuts the material to be cut is an outward route, a homeward route of the cutter of the carriage is different from the outward route of the cutter, and is shifted from the outward route toward one material to be cut which moves first in the direction away from the other material to be cut in the feeding direction immediately after the cutting from between the materials to be cut divided into two parts.
US08459886B2	Printing method and device having first and second printing units A first cutter 130 (cutting unit) is provided between a color recording unit 120 (the first printing unit) and an overcoat recording unit 140 (the second printing unit). A portion whereon color printing is completed by the color recording unit 120 of a recording paper 200 (printing medium) is cut off by the first cutter 130 and detached. An overcoat recording unit 140 performs an overcoat process on the detached recording paper (printing medium strip). In parallel with this, the color recording unit 120 performs next color printing on the recording paper 200. This makes it possible to reduce a printing time in a printing device including a plurality of printing processes without deteriorating printing quality. Further, an useless paper feeding is eliminated by optimally arranging the color recording unit 120, the first cutter 130, the overcoat recording unit 140, and the second cutter 160, etc. in accordance with a size of a printing area.
US08459884B2	Interchangeable lens An interchangeable lens to be removably attached to a camera body, includes: a receiving device that receives predetermined control data from the camera body through a first transmission path; a control device that executes predetermined control processing based upon the control data upon reception of the control data by the receiving device; a generation device that executes at predetermined intervals generation processing for generating predetermined lens data which indicates an operating state of the interchangeable lens; a transmission device that transmits the lens data to the camera body through a second transmission path, which is different from the first transmission path, upon generation of the lens data by the generation device; and a prioritizing device that gives priority to the generation processing by the generation device over the control processing by the control device.
US08459877B2	Optical fiber handler for a fiber optic connection termination system An optical fiber handler for optical connector termination systems and other devices are disclosed herein. The optical fiber handler attaches to the optical fiber or cable and cooperates with other components for preparing the optical fiber and/or making the optical connection, thereby providing a simple, reliable, and easy termination for the optical fiber. For instance, the handler may cooperate with one or more of the following a strip tool, strip/clean tool, cleave tool for preparing the end of the optical fiber(s), and/or a mechanical splice connector for making the optical connection. Additionally, after the optical fiber handler is attached to the mechanical splice connector it may be easily removed by the craft if necessary to reposition and reterminated the mechanical splice.
US08459872B2	Bearing with alternative load path for extreme loads A bearing is provided having a first race, a second race and one or more rolling elements. The bearing includes an alternate load path for extreme loads, and the alternate load path is formed between the first race and the second race. At least a portion of the extreme loads is diverted away from the rolling elements.
US08459865B1	Tracking heat flux sensors for concentrating solar applications Innovative tracking heat flux sensors located at or near the solar collector's focus for centering the concentrated image on a receiver assembly. With flux sensors mounted near a receiver's aperture, the flux gradient near the focus of a dish or trough collector can be used to precisely position the focused solar flux on the receiver. The heat flux sensors comprise two closely-coupled thermocouple junctions with opposing electrical polarity that are separated by a thermal resistor. This arrangement creates an electrical signal proportional to heat flux intensity, and largely independent of temperature. The sensors are thermally grounded to allow a temperature difference to develop across the thermal resistor, and are cooled by a heat sink to maintain an acceptable operating temperature.
US08459862B2	Stirring device, microbe testing device, and microbe testing method A microbe testing device includes a measurement cell for holding a sample liquid, and a rotor that is rotated, by magnetic force imparted from outside the measurement cell, along a bottom face in the sample liquid held in the measurement cell. The sample liquid is stirred by rotating the rotor so that only its end portions are in contact with the bottom face of the measurement cell.
US08459861B2	Method and apparatus for use of mixing elements in wastewater / recycle water UV disinfection system An apparatus and method for mixing at least one fluid flowing through a fluid system using ultraviolet light to control organisms. Ultraviolet lamps are positioned in the fluid flow and arrays of triangularly shaped mixing elements are arranged at spaced intervals along the length of each lamp, wherein the plurality of arrays of triangularly shaped mixing elements create four vortices surrounding each elongated member forming a square array of vortices.
US08459860B2	Light flux controlling member, light-emitting device and lighting device A light flux controlling member capable of uniformly illuminating an illumination-target surface arranged approximately in parallel with an optical axis of a light-emitting device and reducing the weight of an lighting device is provided. An light flux controlling member is arranged on an edge side of an illumination-target member together with a light-emitting device (10) to emit light from the light-emitting device (10) from an output surface (14) after causing the light to enter from an input surface (15). The input surface (14) includes a first input surface (18) arranged to be positioned on an optical axis L1 of the light-emitting device (10) approximately parallel to the illumination-target surface and a second input surface (20) positioned to enclose the first input surface (18). The input surface (14) and the output surface (15) are formed in such a way that the light emitted from the output surface (15) via the first input surface (18) with the maximum angle from the optical axis L1 has a larger angle from the optical axis L1 than the light emitted from the output surface (15) via the second input surface (20) with the maximum angle from the optical axis L1.
US08459854B2	Lighting device comprising a light guide and a support A lighting device (30) comprises a side-light light guide 1′ located in a support (2) that has an elongate opening for the passage of light emitted by the light guide. The support (20) is shaped to provide contact edges (24) and the only physical engagement between the support and the light guide is along those contact edges. The support also has planar surfaces internal positioned adjacent, and parallel to, planar surfaces (15) in the light guide to retain the light guide in the required orientation in the support. To enhance the flexibility of the support, in some embodiments only part of the support is continuous along the whole length of the support.
US08459853B2	Light source apparatus having light distribution correction optical element and endoscope system including such apparatus A light source apparatus includes: a light source section that emits a luminous flux whose quantity of light is larger in a central region than in a peripheral region; a condensing optical system that condenses an incoming luminous flux; and a light distribution correction optical element arranged between the light source section and the condensing optical section, in which a central portion has a negative power that is more intense than that of a peripheral region.
US08459849B2	Optical device for a motor vehicle An optical device having an optical axis (y-y) and comprising a source of light; a reflector which is associated with the source of light in order to form a light beam; and a rotary assembly which is designed to intercept the light beam, and can be rotated around an axis of rotation between first and second distinctive lighting positions. The rotary assembly comprises at least first and second shields associated respectively with the first and second lighting positions, in order to create a cut-off of the light beam. The first and second shields each comprise at least one ridge. The rotary assembly additionally is designed to permit progressive transition of the lighting between the first and second distinctive lighting positions.
US08459848B2	Headlamp assembly for removing water based contamination A headlamp assembly having a mechanism for reducing water based contamination is disclosed. The mechanism includes a lens assembly having an outer lens and an inner lens. A heating element may be disposed between the inner and outer lenses. Alternatively, inner and outer lenses may be spaced apart having a passage formed therebetween thorough which fluid may travel. Heat from light emitting diodes and a circuit board may be directed toward the outer lens through passages formed in the headlamp assembly.
US08459844B2	Replacement light assembly A light assembly for a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument. The light assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source mounted to the top surface, and the bottom surface having first and second electrical terminals. The light assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inclined to the substrate, the circuit board having first and second electrical terminals, a first connector mounting and electrically connecting the first electrical terminal of the substrate to the first electrical terminal of the circuit board, a second connector mounting and electrically connecting the second electrical terminal of the substrate to the second electrical terminal of the circuit board, a heat sink, and a thermal conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink.
US08459842B2	Light source device with microwave power source and projection type display apparatus having the same A light source device includes: a microwave power source which generates microwaves; a central conductor which radiates the microwaves; and a light emitter which emits light by receiving the microwaves, wherein the central conductor and the light emitter are spaced from each other.
US08459841B2	Lamp assembly A lamp assembly is provided, including a light source, a thermal module, a connecting member, and an adapter electrically connected to the light source. The thermal module includes a first thermal member and a second thermal member. The first and second thermal members respectively have a plurality of first and second fins which are arranged in a staggered manner. The second thermal member forms a plurality of through holes for heat dissipation. The light source is disposed on the second thermal member, and the connecting member connects the thermal module with the adapter.
US08459838B2	Traffic light A traffic light assembly includes at least one light module, at least one lens located in front of the at least one light module, a transparent housing located in front of the at least one lens, and a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes a wiper located on an outer surface of the transparent housing, and a driver which drives the wiper to brush the transparent housing.
US08459830B2	Light output device with partly transparent mirror A light output device includes first and second light sources, and a partly transparent mirror arranged between the light sources. The partly transparent mirror, during operation, receives substantially all light emitted by the first and second light sources, and reflects part of the light emitted by the first light source and transmits part of the light emitted by the second light source, and vice versa, such that the light from the first light source is superimposed onto the light from the second light source following reflection/transmission at the partly transparent mirror.
US08459829B2	Illuminating system,universal lamp holder and LED lamp An illuminating system includes a universal lamp holder. The universal lamp holder includes a switch unit, a starter, a ballast, a first socket and a second socket. The ballast is connected to the voltage-input terminal and the first socket. The starter is connected to the first socket and the switch unit. The second socket is connected to the switch unit and the voltage-output terminal, and the switch unit is configured for selectively connecting the second socket to the voltage-input terminal or connecting the second socket to the starter. When the second socket is switched to connect to the voltage-input terminal, the illuminating system is switched to an LED lamp mode, and when the second socket is switched to be connected to the starter, the illuminating system is switched to a fluorescent lamp mode.
US08459824B1	Lighting fixture A ceiling mounted lighting fixture for insertion in a ceiling grid wherein the source of artificial light is a plurality of light emitting diodes.
US08459823B1	Screen enclosure lighting system A screen enclosure lighting system includes a housing mounted to the framework of the enclosure. The housing has a base for supporting a light source. The housing also includes a back portion attached to the base and supporting a top cover above the base. A curved window interconnects the base, the back portion and the top covering for projecting light from the light source through of an angle of approximately 180°. Exterior electrical wiring interconnects the light fixtures to an alternating current source.
US08459822B1	Multiple laser sighting and illumination systems for firearms Laser sighting systems for firearms are disclosed. The laser sighting systems are configured to project a peripheral pattern on a target the area of which is substantially representative of the spread of projectile(s) fired from the firearm.
US08459818B2	Refrigeration appliance body comprising internal lighting A refrigeration appliance includes a body having walls to define an interior with an open front side. One of the walls extends from the front side of the body in a depth direction and is formed with at least one recess. A translucent pane seals the at least one recess and is at least locally clear. At least one light-emitting diode module is accommodated in the at least one recess and produces a light cone which lies completely within the interior.
US08459817B2	Food refrigeration appliance with illuminated shelves, and method of producing the illuminated shelves There is described a food refrigeration appliance (1) having a casing (2); a food refrigeration chamber (3) housed inside the casing (2); a food-supporting shelf (5) located inside the refrigeration chamber (3); and a lighting system (7), in turn having a number of spot light sources (7a) fixed stably to the shelf (5), and a power line (8) for electrically powering the spot light sources (7a); the lighting system (7) having a number of straight tracks (14) made of electrically conducting material and fixed stably to the shelf (5) to define an electric circuit (9) connecting the spot light sources (7a) to the power line (8).
US08459811B2	Method and apparatus for illumination In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a light source capable of illuminating a target scene and an adjustable light filter coupled with the light source, the adjustable light filter adapted to display a filter image, the filter image created to spatially filter the illumination based at least in part on at least one parameter.
US08459809B2	Exterior mirror element with auxiliary reflector portion An exterior mirror reflective element includes a glass substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The mirror reflective element has a principal reflector portion and an auxiliary reflector portion, with the auxiliary reflector portion having a curved recess established at the second surface of the glass substrate. The curved recess has a cross-dimension size that may be less than about 80 millimeters and a radius of curvature that may be less than about 1,000 millimeters and a maximum recess depth that may be in the range from about 0.11 millimeters to about 2.26 millimeters. A metallic reflector is established at the curved recess and a principal mirror reflector is established at the principal reflector portion. The mirror reflective element may be an electrochromic mirror reflective element, or may be a fixed reflectance non-electro-optic mirror reflective element.
US08459804B2	Projection display device having specified internal optical path angles A projection display device is discussed, which includes an optical system having an improved arrangement, thereby being capable of reducing the size of the projection display device.
US08459799B2	Optical scanning projector with raster scanning unit and vector scanning unit An optical scanning projector includes: a raster scanning unit that draws an image in a drawing area on a display surface by scanning beams in a first direction on the display surface while scanning beams in a second direction on the display surface that is orthogonal to the first direction; and a vector scanning unit that draws an image by irradiating beams so as to sequentially form segments each connecting two different points positioned on the display surface.
US08459797B2	Image viewing systems with an integrated screen lens This disclosure is directed to rear projection and front projection image viewing systems. In one aspect, an image viewing system includes a screen composed of a lens and a reflective diffuser with a microstructured surface. The system also includes an array of projectors. Each projector is to project an image onto the screen with a particular angle of incidence such that each image is to pass through the lens and is to be reflected back though the lens by the reflective diffuser with a horizontal scattering angle determined by the microstructured surface. The lens is to direct each reflected image to a particular viewing area so that a viewer located in at least one viewing area receives a reflected image that enters one or both of the viewer's eyes when the viewer looks at the screen.
US08459793B2	Conformable therapeutic shield for vision and pain A conformable covering comprises an outer portion with rigidity to resist movement on the cornea and an inner portion to contact the cornea and provide an environment for epithelial regeneration. The inner portion of the covering can be configured in many ways so as to conform at least partially to an ablated stromal surface so as to correct vision. The conformable inner portion may have at least some rigidity so as to smooth the epithelium such that the epithelium regenerates rapidly and is guided with the covering so as to form a smooth layer for vision. The inner portion may comprise an amount of rigidity within a range from about 1×10-4 Pam3 to about 5×10-4 Pam3 so as to deflect and conform at least partially to the ablated cornea and smooth an inner portion of the ablation with an amount of pressure when deflected.
US08459788B2	Curable solid ink compositions comprising novel curable wax Curable solid ink compositions, which include a curable wax having a melting point under 40° C. as part of the ink vehicle, and are suitable for ink jet printing in applications that require high and/or variable levels of gloss. In particular, there is provided a novel high gloss, ultraviolet (UV) curable, phase change ink composition that includes a colorant and an ink vehicle that further includes a gellant, a reactive diluent, a photoinitiator package, and a curable acrylate wax.
US08459786B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus for eliminating and suppressing generation of air bubbles There is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus that is used for ejecting a liquid. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head unit that ejects the liquid, a liquid supply path that is used for directing the liquid to the head unit, a decompression defoaming unit that eliminates air bubbles from the liquid by decompressing at least a part of the liquid supply path, and a pressurizing unit that pressurizes at least a part of the liquid supply path.
US08459779B2	Heater chips with silicon die bonded on silicon substrate, including offset wire bonding A heater chip has a substrate and at least one die, made of silicon, and a bond non-adhesively attaching them. The substrate, thick enough to resist bowing, has ink supply vias from back to front surfaces. The die has ink flow vias from back to front surfaces and circuitry including heater elements adjacent the front surface interspersed with ink flow vias. A metal through the die connects a conductor on a front of the substrate to a heater element on a front of the die. A wire bond connects to the front of the substrate, but is offset from die.
US08459777B2	Feed mechanism for wide format printer A feed mechanism for a wide format printer is provided having a supply spool for supplying media web to a printhead, a take-up spool for receiving the web after printing, a take-up motor connected to the take-up spool, a take-up control system for controlling the take-up motor torque, a drive roller system positioned between the supply and take-up spools, a drive motor connected to the drive roller system, and a braking motor connected to the supply spool for generating tension in the web between the supply spool and the drive roller system. The take-up, drive and braking motors are separate motors and are separately connected to the take-up spool, drive roller system and supply spool, respectively. The web fed from the drive roller system to the take-up spool is maintained under substantially constant tension by regulating the torque of the take-up motor using the take-up control system.
US08459776B2	Multicolor electronic devices and processes of forming the same by printing There is provided a method of printing a regular array of rows of subpixels on a workpiece. The subpixels have c different colors and have a subpixel pitch s. A printing head has z nozzles arranged in a row with a spacing p, where z=n1(c) and p=(c−1)(s), the printhead being at a first position relative to the workpiece. There are c different printing inks, one for each of the c colors, and each of the printing inks is supplied to the nozzles in a regular alternating pattern. The method includes steps of printing a first set of z rows of subpixels with the printing head; moving the workpiece laterally relative to the printing head by a distance d1, where d1=z(s); printing a second set of z rows of subpixels with the printing head; repeating the printing steps n2 times for a total of n2+2 sets of z rows of subpixels. Variables include: c, an integer greater than 1; n1, an integer greater than 0, with the proviso that when c is an odd number, then n1 is an odd number; and n2, an integer greater than 0.
US08459770B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and recording method by the same usable with recycled paper In general, according to one embodiment, an inkjet recording apparatus includes an inkjet head, a conveyance motor, a discharge motor, a printing medium surface sensor and a controller. The inkjet head ejects ink on a printing medium. The discharge motor causes discharge of the printing medium. The printing medium surface sensor, locates at the upper-stream side of the inkjet head apart from the inkjet head in a printing medium conveyance direction, senses a foreign substance representing an image printed on the printing medium beforehand. The controller drives the discharge motor to discharge a printing medium without ejecting ink from the inkjet head if an after-printing mode in which printing is made on the printing medium on which the image is printed beforehand is not set if the foreign substance is detected on the printing medium through the printing medium surface sensor.
US08459766B2	Print apparatus and control method thereof A first rotator is provided on an upstream side of the carriage that holds a print head and a second rotator is provided on a downstream side of the carriage. The print head is allowed to move to a maintenance unit in a first state in which a sheet is in contact with both the first rotator and the second rotator during printing. The print head is not allowed to move to the maintenance unit in a second state in which the sheet is in contact with either one of the first rotator and the second rotator and the sheet is not in contact with the other rotator during printing.
US08459765B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid containing a sedimentary component from an ejection nozzle provided in an ejection head includes: a liquid channel that conducts the liquid to the ejection head; a liquid discharge unit that discharges the liquid from the ejection nozzle. The liquid channel is provided with a first channel region and a second channel region; and the liquid discharge unit discharge a predetermined amount of the liquid from the ejection nozzle in the case where the amount of time that has elapsed a predetermined threshold time.
US08459756B2	Adjustable blanking panel Adjustable blanking panels for use with equipment racks and enclosures to cover or fill in vacant sections of the rack or enclosure, to prevent the circular flow and reentry of high temperature air into the intake of electrical and computer equipment. The adjustable blanking panels include a generally rectangular base frame that defines opposing left and right side channels, and a generally rectangular shield that is adapted to be inserted into the side channels and slide relative to the base frame, to adjust the height of the panel to the size of the vacant section. The adjustable blanking panel may further include a lip that may be used to raise or lower the shield.
US08459753B2	Electromechanical brake force booster The invention relates to an electromechanical brake force booster for a hydraulic vehicle brake system. The invention proposes that the brake force booster be formed with two restoring springs, one of which acts on an electromechanical actuator and the other of which restoring springs acts on a pedal rod. In the event of failure of the electromechanical actuator, only the other spring, which preferably has a relatively low spring force, must be compressed using muscle force. The force loss in the event of actuation exclusively by muscle force is reduced.
US08459752B2	System for wheel cladding affixment A system for permanently securing wheel cladding to a wheel having a rim with a rim flange is provided. An annular affixment ring includes an outer periphery which seats within an undercut formed in the rim flange. A plurality of arcuate flanges extend from the inner face of the cladding and abut the inner periphery of the ring to maintain the outer periphery of the ring within the undercut. The ring includes axial apertures and the inner face of the cladding includes retention tabs having enlarged fluked ends which extend into the apertures to anchor the cladding to the ring. The ring can be constructed of one piece or formed of interfitting arcuate segments which are interlocked in end to end relationship.
US08459751B2	Percussion tool for a demolishing hammer or the like A percussion tool for a demolishing hammer or the like, comprises an elongated body that has a first portion aimed to be connected with the demolishing hammer and a second portion, opposite to the first portion, that includes a working bit. The two portions are made of mutually different materials and are rigidly connected by means of a connection member that can be applied outside the portions. Both portions of the tool have formations that can be engaged by corresponding formations of the connection member.
US08459744B2	Headrest and vehicle seat provided with the same There are provided a headrest that prevents looseness, abnormal sounds, and noise caused by a frame urging element or elements and regulating with certainty the rotating of the headrest in a condition where vibrations occur, and a vehicle seat provided with the headrest. A headrest that tilts from a head support state in which the headrest is raised to a storage state includes a pillar mounted in the upper part of a seat back, a headrest frame rotatably engaged with the pillar, a headrest frame urging element or elements for urging the headrest frame to one side, and a locking element or elements that hinder the rotating of the headrest frame and the pillar. The headrest frame urging element or elements includes a shaft disposed on a member constituting the locking element or elements, and a damper and a spring that are disposed on the shaft.
US08459739B2	Child car seat There is provided a child car seat that can be stably mounted on a seat of a vehicle by means of a simple mounting operation. A child car seat includes: a pedestal to be mounted on a seat of a vehicle, the pedestal including a base part having a front surface and side surfaces, and a standing part standing from the base part; and a seat body supported on the pedestal. The pedestal includes a waist-belt guide part for guiding a waist belt. The waist-belt guide part includes a front guide part extending on the front surface of the base part, and side guide parts continuous to the front guide part and extending on the side surfaces of the base part. The pedestal includes a lateral guide member having a laterally projecting part laterally projecting from the side surface of the base part, and an upwardly extending part extending upwardly from the laterally projecting part. The laterally projecting part forms at least a portion of a lower edge defining a side guide part.
US08459738B2	Portable backrest for a person seated sideways on a sofa A portable backrest gives upper body support to a person sitting sideways on a sofa or like furniture, the portable backrest placed and retained on the sofa through a cushion of the sofa on which the person eventually sits. A lower, support or base portion of the portable backrest forming a bracket that is received under and around a part of the cushion that is adjacent an armrest of the sofa while an upper portion of the portable backrest extends upwardly and outwardly from the lower portion and armrest to support the upper body, neck and head of a sitting person. In one form, a back portion of the backrest is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the backrest while in another form, the back portion is integral with the lower portion. The upper portion may have back, neck and head cushioning.
US08459736B1	Poolside chair and associated use thereof An adjustable poolside chair comprises a chair assembly, a height-adjustable support mechanism, and a weighted base. The chair assembly comprises an outdoor padded chair with a tilting back portion and is constructed of lightweight, waterproof materials. The weighted base comprises a pair of horizontally adjustable hooks which are extended around a lip of a pool. The base also comprises a pair of rollers for transportation of the chair. The adjustable support mechanism comprises a height adjustable pneumatic cylinder and also provides a swivel function. In use, the base is placed in a desired location and the hooks are extended around the lip of the pool and secured in place using tightening knobs, thereby providing additional stabilization of the chair in a poolside position.
US08459731B2	Head restraint and seat stow flat handle A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion. The seat back is pivotally movable between a first seating position and a second folded position. A head restraint is operatively coupled to the seat back for pivotal movement between a use position and a stowed position. A handle assembly includes a handling having a first slot operatively coupled to the head restraint and a second slot operatively coupled to the seat back. Operating the handle actuates the head restraint to move from the use position to the stowed position prior to actuating the seat back to move from the first seating position to the second folded position.
US08459730B2	Roof apparatus A roof apparatus includes a functional bracket supporting a movable panel, a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a drive shoe moving along the guide rail, a front link connected to the functional bracket to move in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the movement of the drive shoe, a front guide portion guiding the functional bracket and the front link in the longitudinal direction, a check member engaged with the drive shoe to move rearward with the drive shoe when a distance of the rearward movement of the drive shoe is shorter than a predetermined distance, the check member disengaged from the drive shoe when the distance of the rearward movement of the drive shoe is equal to or longer than the predetermined distance, a rear link engaged with the check member, and a rear guide portion guiding the rear link in the longitudinal direction.
US08459728B2	Vehicle front portion structure Left and right front side frames are disposed on left and right side of vehicle front portion, respectively, and extend in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle body. The left and right front side frames each include a lower branching frame having an inclined part inclined downward from a front part of a motor room toward a vehicle floor, and an upper branching frame branching from the lower branching frame, disposed above the inclined part of the lower branching frame, and including a bent part. The upper branching frame is supported by a plurality of support columns connected to frames disposed around the motor room.
US08459722B2	Double-opening door device for vehicles A long door, particularly for a four-passenger cope vehicle, is provided to allow passengers in the back seat to get in or out while the passengers in the front seat remain seated. An intermediate member stands between a door and a car body. A first connection member in which the door and the intermediate member are connected to enable rotational or horizontal motion, and a second connection member in which the intermediate member and the car body are detachably connected are provided. A control drives the second connection member located at the front or back end of the door when the front or back part of the door is opened, so that the connection between the intermediate member and the car body is released and the remaining second connection member, the intermediate member connected to that member, and the first connection member cooperate to support the weight of the door.
US08459718B2	Carpet system A carpet assembly having a piece of carpet with a backside, the backside having a plurality of contours and a generally rigid backside reinforcement panel attached to the backside of the piece of carpet. The backside reinforcement panel can have a shape conforming to and covering at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of contours and provides for the piece carpet to maintain its contoured shape for extended periods of time.
US08459715B2	Box support structure for instrument panel An engaging portion 11 provided at an article storage box 10 pivotally engages with an axle portion 7 provided at a peripheral edge portion 4S of an opening 4 of an instrument panel 1 so that the article storage box 10 can swing so as to be switchable between a closed state and an opened state. The article storage box 10 includes a box body 20 and a lid 30. The engaging portion 11 is provided at one of the box body 20 and the lid 30, and a support portion 27 receiving and supporting the engaging portion 11 on a side of the engaging portion 11 opposite to a side of the engaging portion 11 on which a force applied from the axle portion 7 to the engaging portion 11 is exerted is provided at the other of the box body 20 and the lid 30.
US08459711B2	Five-fingered hand device A five-fingered hand device suitably applicable to a humanoid robot is provided. The device includes a hand body (2) which has a base (4) and five finger mechanisms (5) to (9), a drive unit (3) which drives the finger mechanisms, and a control unit (36) which controls bending and stretching of the finger mechanisms. The drive unit (3) has driven fluid pressure cylinders provided inside the hand body (2) and driving fluid pressure cylinders (37) provided outside the hand body (2), the driven fluid pressure cylinders being connected to the driving fluid pressure cylinders via fluid pressure transmission pipes (45).
US08459709B2	Gripper mechanism with two drive shafts per gripping finger A gripper mechanism for machines, robots and manipulation devices comprises at least one moving gripping finger, operated by coupling to an operating mechanism by two drive shafts. As a result of operating the gripping finger by two connecting bars, in turn each driven by the drive shafts, it is possible to move the gripping finger through a rotation over 180° through the path or range thereof and hence securely transmit forces and torques without tipping or getting in an unstable position. The drive shafts are divided axially into at least two parts in order to be housed completely in an enclosed and unitary gripper housing, protected from dust and dirt and hermetically sealed. The different parts of the drive shafts are centered on one another and positively connected by means of axial toothing, in the form of pinion gears and pins, and have a carrier support bearing.
US08459708B1	Telescoping grilling tong A cooking device is provided with a pair of length adjustable grilling tongs. One of the pair of tongs is pivotably mounted for outward and inward movement in relation to an opposing tong. The pivotably mounted tong includes an outwardly biasing spring for separating the opposing tongs. Each tong is slidably connected within a hollow channeled handle which allows a gripping end of the tongs to extend and retract in relation to the handles while remaining rigid. The pivotable movement of the handle and tong may be locked to allow a user to selectively close the tongs for storage.
US08459706B2	Door handle apparatus for vehicle A door handle apparatus for a vehicle, includes a frame, a handle, a rotational movement connecting portion integrally formed at one of the frame and the handle, a contact wall portion integrally formed at the other one of the frame and the handle and restricting a displacement of the handle towards one end portion thereof in a longitudinal direction thereof when contacting the rotational movement connecting portion, and a protruding portion integrally formed at the other one of the frame and the handle, being elastically deformable when press-contacting the rotational movement connecting portion to allow the handle to be slidably displaced towards the one end portion, elastically returning to an initial position where the slide displacement of the handle towards the other end portion in the longitudinal direction is restricted when the press-contact is cancelled, and rotatably supporting the rotational movement connecting portion in conjunction with the contact wall portion.
US08459699B1	Coupling system including a safety fastener device A coupling system including a coupling for fastening to one end of a pipe via a fastening connection; and a sleeve surrounding the fastening connection is disclosed. The sleeve includes a first end for welding to the pipe, and a hook-forming second end for co-operating with the coupling in such a manner that the hook is suitable for providing fastening between the coupling and the pipe in the event of the fastening connection being damaged.
US08459696B2	Deployable protection system for vehicles with overhead glass An active material-enabled overhead protection system (24) for protecting the occupants of vehicles (20) with overhead glass (22), such as sunroofs or panoramic windshields, during rollover events. The system (24) includes a protective structure (26) and a deployment device (28). The protective structure (26) has a stowed condition in which it does not obstruct the overhead glass (22), and a deployed condition in which it is interposed between the overhead glass (22) and the heads of the occupants of the vehicle (20). The deployment device (28) moves the protective structure (26) from the stowed condition to the deployed condition. The deployment device (28) includes a trigger (30) operable to initiate movement of the protective structure (26), and the trigger (30) includes an active material which can change shape in response to an actuation signal, and the change in shape initiates deployment of the protective structure (26).
US08459694B2	Gas generating device A gas generating device includes a housing and a squib. The housing includes a housing body which accommodates a gas generating agent, a holder which holds a squib, and a connector which connects the housing and the holder to each other. A housing body is connected to the holder so that an annular contact portion is pressed toward the holder. The holder includes a holder body and a resinous molding portion which is interposed between the holder body and the squib. The resinous molding portion includes a flange portion with which the annular contact portion comes into contact. The holder body includes a support portion capable of supporting the flange portion when the housing body and the holder are connected to each other by the connector.
US08459693B1	Gas generator with supported sealing membrane An apparatus is provided for releasably blocking a flow of pressurized fluid through a housing. The apparatus includes a seal member having a rupturable portion, and a support structure configured for supporting the seal member along the rupturable portion so as to substantially prevent outward bulging of the rupturable portion.
US08459692B2	Gas generator and method for assembling same The present application provides a gas generator including: a cylindrical housing with a gas discharge port, one end of the tubular housing being closed by a closing member including a disk-shaped main body portion, an annular projection portion and the peripheral surface of the annular projection portion, a transfer charge chamber housing defining a transfer charge chamber charged with a transfer charge and being attached to the closing member, the transfer charge chamber housing having a cup-like shape including a flame-transferring hole at a bottom surface, a flange portion and a annular wall surface extending in the axial direction of the housing from the flange portion, being mounted such that the annular wall surface thereof is fitted into an annular groove, and being fixed by the flange portion pressed in the axial direction by a supporting member and a sealing member disposed in a remaining space of the annular groove and sealing between the tubular housing and the closing member.
US08459685B2	Detachable gooseneck for heavy haul trailers A removable gooseneck hitch assembly transitions between an afterward position for hitching to a low bed trailer deck and a forward position by a pivoting arm that moves the forward end of the gooseneck an arcuate path. The invention minimizes the opportunity for debris to interfere with the sliding track assemblies known in the prior art. The assembly provides three degrees of freedom for the gooseneck in low bed mode and restricts the degrees of freedom in vehicle towing mode. A locking member for securing a low bed trailer hitch is also disclosed.
US08459684B1	Fifth wheel switching apparatus Two fifth wheels of different throat diameters are mounted facing each other 180 degrees apart on a turntable member that can be rotated on an underlying support member. The underlying support member may be a permanent part on a towing or tractor vehicle, or a detachable part such as a fifth wheel support body. This enables a single towing vehicle to tow semitrailers having kingpins of different sizes without changing the kingpins.
US08459680B2	Bicycle frame A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
US08459679B2	Pivot mechanism for scooters, tricycles and the like A pivot mechanism includes a base member configured to be coupled to a first element and a generally cylindrical rotating member configured to be coupled to a second element. An elongate pin extends through the base member and rotating member and defines a pivot axis. The rotating member is capable of rotating relative to the base member about the pivot axis. The elongate pin is movable in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis between a secured position and a release position. In the secured position, the rotating member is prevented from rotating relative to the base member, and in the release position, the rotating member is permitted to rotate relative to the base member. The pivot mechanism may be incorporated into a scooter or a tricycle to provide different configurations thereof.
US08459676B2	Bearing device of a transverse leaf spring that can be mounted in the region of a vehicle axle of a vehicle A bearing mechanism (4) for a transverse leaf spring (1) for mounting in the region of a vehicle axle of a vehicle. The bearing mechanism (4) has two outer bearing shells (6, 7) that can be connected together and insertion devices (9, 10) with at least some regions of which are encompassed by the outer bearing shells (6, 7) and which each comprise at least two layer elements (9A, 9B, 9C and 10A, 10B, 10C) with different stiffnesses. In the assembled state, the insertion devices (9, 10) are each disposed between the outer bearing shells (6, 7) and the transverse leaf spring (1). The insertion devices (9, 10) can be connected to the outer bearing shells (6, 7) and the transverse leaf spring (1), via a bolt device (8) which connects the outer bearing shells (6, 7) together and to a vehicle chassis at least in a force locking manner.
US08459674B2	Control arm for a motor vehicle A control arm for a motor vehicle includes a single-shell base body having a flat bottom and lateral legs which are formed by bending the bottom. Attached to the base body are plural bearings, with at least one of the lateral legs having a recess provided between two of the bearings.
US08459673B2	Track rod A track rod for laterally locating an axle assembly with respect to a vehicle frame. The disclosed track rod is especially useful for large off highway vehicles. The track rod includes a first end piece pivotally connected to a vehicle structure such as a frame and a second end piece pivotally connected to a vehicle axle, one of the end pieces includes a housing having a fixed, force-receiving member The housing is adapted to receive a first elastomenc member located in a juxtaposed position with respect to one side of the fixed member A floating plate slidably received in the housing is located in a juxtaposed position with respect to the first elastomenc member The other end piece includes a portion receivable by the housing. A second elastomenc member is positioned between the end piece portion and the fixed member.
US08459672B1	Cable steering linkage A steering cable arrangement wherein front wheel steering drums turn at different rates to keep the axes of the front wheels intersecting with the axis of the rear wheels at a single point. The cable path between the two drums is altered by the steering cables being threaded around sheaves on an arm whose position is controlled by a cam follower following a cam slot in at least one of the drums.
US08459671B2	All terrain vehicle A tie rod supporting part is provided in an area θ2 between a lateral line passing an inner side of a wheel and a king pin axis in a front view of the vehicle in a non-steering state. More specifically, the tie rod supporting part is arranged on the central side of the vehicle off the side of the wheel. The tie rod supporting part never interferes with the wheel and can be arranged near the central center of the wheel. As a result, a dimension in the height of the tie rod supporting part extending from the knuckle can be reduced and the knuckle can be miniaturized and lightened.
US08459666B2	Side-beam lift assembly for heavy-duty vehicles A lift assembly for a suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system is located generally adjacent to and beside the suspension assembly. The lift assembly includes an air chamber, a support member assembly, a pivot arm assembly and a beam support assembly. The support member assembly attaches to the hanger of the suspension assembly, to the air chamber, and pivotally attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The air chamber also attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The pivot arm assembly pivotally attaches to the beam support assembly which in turn attaches to the beam of the suspension assembly, for raising and/or lowering the suspension assembly during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.
US08459662B2	Mowing apparatus A mowing apparatus having a center of gravity having a frame member, at least one front ground engaging wheel rotatably connected proximate the front end of the frame member and at least two rear ground engaging wheels rotatably connected proximate the back end of the frame member so as to substantially prevent the mowing apparatus from rolling over as it traverses along an inclined surface.
US08459659B2	Hybrid lathe chuck A system, in certain embodiments, includes a cutting tool, a drive, and a chuck rotatable by the drive. The chuck includes a body having a core disposed in a shell, wherein the shell is made of a metal and the core is made of a composite material. The chuck also includes a set of jaws coupled to the body, wherein the jaws are configured to hold a work piece adjacent the cutting tool.
US08459658B2	Hand-held power tool with a chuck and an associated working tool A hand-held power tool for at least percussively driving a working tool (2) along a percussion axis (A) and including a chuck (4) for receiving the working tool (2) and including a receiving sleeve (6, 6′) fixedly connected with the chuck (4) for joint rotation therewith and for limited axial displacement relative thereto, at least one locking member (7) radially displaceably supported in the receiving sleeve (6, 6′) for axially securing therein a shank (3, 3′) of the working tool (2) insertable in to the receiving sleeve (6, 6′), and an axially extending anvil (8) securable in the receiving sleeve (6, 6′) for closing a power tool side end of the receiving sleeve (6, 6′).
US08459657B2	Metallic gasket A metallic gasket including a base plate having a convex metal bead formed, by bending the base plate, between a combustion chamber opening and on the outer periphery portion of the base plate, and a first thickness-increased portion formed thicker than the remaining portions of the base plate to provide a difference in thickness, by which a surface pressure is made to concentrate on the first thickness-increased portion to seal a joint between a cylinder head and a cylinder block when the metallic gasket is disposed between the joint surfaces of the cylinder head and the cylinder block and fastened by clamping bolts. An elastic sealing material is fixed to the convex portion of the metal bead and filled in a concave portion on the reverse side of the base plate to form a rubber bead, and the sealing material is deformed under compression in the through-thickness direction in cooperation with the deformation of the metal bead when the gasket is fastened with clamping bolts. This gasket reduces production cost and preserves a stable sealing performance for extended periods of time.
US08459652B2	Brush seal for a turbo-machine A brush seal for a turbo-machine for sealing a gap between a rotating and a stationary component is disclosed. Elastically flexible bristles are arranged in a plurality of rows that are adjacent to each other. A film or a disk is arranged between at least two rows of bristles, the film or the disk extending in the longitudinal direction of said bristles.
US08459651B1	Open throat projectile trap and shooting range A shooting range including at least one shooting station and a projectile trap. The projectile trap includes at least two projectile trap subassemblies each having at least one end plate and joined together along adjacent end plates and a trap chamber in each of the projectile trap subassemblies, wherein a portion of the front edge of the joint between the projectile trap subassemblies is transposed into the trap chambers substantially out of view from the shooting station. In a preferred embodiment, the shooting range further includes at least one range auxiliary system.
US08459647B2	Game having adversarial figure releasably holding a player figure A game includes an adversarial figure with at least two portions that cooperatively present a figure-holding chamber. A captured figure is removably positioned in the chamber and operable to enter and exit the chamber. The holding figure also has a latch assembly that holds the portions in a closed condition where figure ingress and egress is restricted. The latch assembly can be shifted to open the portions and permit figure ingress and egress to and from the chamber. The game has an objective of freeing the captured figure from within the chamber by having a player position a rescuing figure in a game area, and releasing the captured figure from control of the holding figure as a result of a releasing act of the rescuing figure.
US08459645B2	Media actuated media diverter for an imaging device A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a guide member positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a first plate having a media contact surface, a biasing member for biasing the first plate, and a second plate having a media guiding surface. First plate and second plate are movable in a slot through the guide member and are biased in first positions where media contact surface extends into the duplex path and media guiding surface extends into the simplex path while second plate remains movable from its first position to a second position. A media sheet fed into the duplex path moves first plate to its second position blocking movement of second plate from its first position allowing a following media sheet in the simplex path to the exit of the imaging device.
US08459637B2	Sheet ejecting device with strengthener and bender A sheet ejecting device for ejecting printed sheets to a stacker one by one, the sheet ejecting device including a pair of ejection rollers; a strengthener, located in a sheet ejection route, for providing a force for a sheet; a bender, arranged to be capable of advancing into and retreating from the sheet ejection route, for canceling out the force provided for the sheet by the strengthener; a driver for moving the bender to advance into and retreat from the sheet ejection route, a sensor for detecting a currently ejected sheet, and a controller for controlling the driver based on a signal sent from the sensor so that the bender can cancel out the force provided for the sheet by the strengthener.
US08459636B2	Device for stacking flat articles on edge and a postal sorting machine equipped with at least one such device This device has an arrival corridor via which the articles arrive, an article-receiving zone on which a stack (P) of said articles is formed, and a rotary actuator (22) suitable for pushing said articles away against a retaining element (32) for retaining the stack. The actuator (22) has at least one protective member (281, 282) for protecting the last article (N) in the stack (P) being formed, said protective member being suitable for being interposed between said last article and a current article (N+1) coming from the arrival corridor.
US08459635B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus A sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus which can stably separate sheets even when the position of a pressing portion is changed are provided. A guide portion supports sheets from below and guides the sheets to a pressing portion between a sheet feeding roller which is biased in the direction pressing the sheet feeding roller onto the sheets stacked on a sheet stacking portion and a separating member which separates the sheets fed from the sheet feeding roller one by one. The guide portion is linearly lowered together with the separating member with the downward movement of the sheet feeding roller biased by a roller biasing member.
US08459634B2	Paper sheet pickup device A paper sheet pickup device includes a pickup belt configured to run along one of accumulated paper sheets, which is positioned at the most downstream side with respect to a direction of accumulation, and a negative pressure chamber provided inside the pickup belt. The negative pressure chamber is connected to a pump, and a valve unit is interposed therebetween. Further, an air inlet tube is connected to the negative pressure chamber for supplying air therein.
US08459633B2	Financial device and medium processing apparatus Provided is a medium processing apparatus, which comprises a transfer roller unit and a guide roller unit. The transfer roller unit comprises a first rotation shaft and one or more transfer rollers coupled to the first rotation shaft. The guide roller unit receives power from the transfer roller unit, and comprises a second rotation shaft, a one-way clutch connected to the second rotation shaft, and a guide roller connected to the one-way clutch.
US08459632B2	Method and apparatus for processing mail to obtain image data of contents A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. Mail is placed into an input bin having a conveyor that conveys the mail towards a feeder. The feeder serially feeds the envelopes by engaging the lead envelope in the stack of mail and displacing the lead envelope transverse the stack of mail. The mail is then cut on a side edge and the top edge to cut open each envelope. A transport conveys the cut envelopes to an extractor. The extractor opens the edge-severed mail and presents the contents of the envelopes to an operator who manually extracts the contents. The operator drops the extracted contents onto a conveyor that conveys the contents to an imaging station. The contents are automatically separated and imaged to obtain image data for the contents. The contents are then sorted into a plurality of output bins.
US08459630B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided which can stabilize the shape of the spine after a squaring process. To square a spine Sb of a sheet bundle S, a spine processing apparatus 400 which squares the spine Sb performs squaring of the spine by moving the spine Sb which projects from a pair of first nipping rollers 405 and 406 while pressing the spine Sb by means of a pressing roller 411 in a state where the spine Sb is nipped by a pair of second nipping rollers 403 and 404.
US08459628B2	Non-slip bench support block A work piece support device that includes a body and at least two portions of high-grip material on opposite sides of the body is provided. The body may have a flowable media stored therein to provide a lowered center of gravity depending on the orientation of the work piece support device. The work piece support device may include mating projections and recesses for coupling a plurality of work piece support devices together. Further, the projection can be in the form of a cone such that the work piece support device may function as a support cone.
US08459625B1	Device for securing vehicle body to conveyor carrier A vehicle body clamping device including a clamping linkage unit adapted for mounting to a conveyor carrier at a location beneath a vehicle body while said vehicle body is carried on a conveyor carrier. A clamping actuation assembly is located below the conveyor carriers and along their path of travel, and includes a pair of actuator units for operating the clamping linkage. Activation of a first actuator unit cause the clamping linkage to place a clamping bar thereof in an unclamped position, such that a vehicle body can be loaded to or removed from the conveyor carrier. Activation of the second actuator unit cause the clamping linkage to place the clamping bar in a clamped position, such that a vehicle body is securely clamped to the conveyor carrier.
US08459624B2	Clamp head The present invention provides clamp head comprising an arched body having upper and lower faces, a vertex and opposing unequal length arms. The body is further provided with a through aperture for a bolt or like threaded fastener which extends between the upper and lower faces in the region of the vertex. The aperture in the upper face is oval and tapers outwardly through the body in the direction of the lower face. The arms comprise a reaction arm having at its distal end a reaction face and a clamping arm having at its distal end a clamping face, the reaction and clamping faces being provided with respective formations. The formations of the reaction arm extend in a direction which is substantially transverse to the direction of the formations of the clamping arm.
US08459622B2	Noncontact positioning of a workpiece An apparatus and associated method for orienting a workpiece during processing. A fixture supports the workpiece adjacent a noncontacting biaser. At least one of the fixture and the biaser are selectively movable in a first direction with respect to the other. The biaser directs a first magnetic force capable of moving the workpiece relative to the fixture in a different second direction without physical contact between the biaser and the workpiece during a travel path segment of movement between the fixture and the biaser. The biaser further directs a second magnetic force capable of moving the workpiece relative to the fixture in a third direction, that is different than the second direction, without physical contact between the biaser and the workpiece during a subportion of the travel path segment of movement between the fixture and the biaser.
US08459621B2	Bonded micro cellular urethane suspension component The present invention provides a method of bonding suspension components which creates strong and durable bonding layer by using a chemical coating compatible with MCU. The bonding material uses coating materials to form an intermediated property bonding layer. This bonding layer prevents corrosion on the metal suspension components. The coating has the correct chemical activity to chemically bond MCU at the molecular level during the standard curing reaction. The coating provides an intermediated property layer to improve cyclic fatigue bonding performance, and bond effectively during molding and manufacturing operations.
US08459618B2	Humidity conditioning air system for pneumatically driven device An air system in which the supply air from a compressed air source is supplied to a pneumatically driven device through a pneumatic line, including humidity conditioning tubes used for the whole or a part of the pneumatic line. This humidity conditioning tube includes a polymer material having moisture selective permeability in both inward and outward directions according to steam partial pressure in and outside thereof, and the supply air supplied to the pneumatically driven device through the tube is dehumidified or humidified by this humidity conditioning tube. An air system can suppress generation of mist or the like in supply air without shortening a life of a device caused by supply of low dew-point air to the pneumatically driven device.
US08459617B2	Disc assembly of air cleaning humidifier A disc assembly of an air cleaning humidifier includes a disc member provided with assembly parts formed by cutting parts of the disc member; first and second plate members respectively disposed at both sides of the disc member; at least one fixing member inserted into a corresponding one of the assembly parts between the first and second plate members to fix the disc member; and water storage parts formed in the at least one fixing member.
US08459615B2	Winch assembly The present invention is directed to apparatus for a winch assembly. The winch assembly may be secured to a towing trailer and arranged to assist in loading and unloading cargo from the trailer. The winch assembly may include mechanisms, systems, and features to make the winch assembly easy to assemble and use, increase the service life of the winch assembly, and improve the consistency of the performance of the winch assembly. Embodiments of a winch assembly disclosed include novel drive systems, novel ratchet and pawl systems, novel systems for guiding a winch strap, novel systems for securing the winch assembly to a towing trailer, and a novel frame member for a winch assembly.
US08459610B2	Assistance mechanism for assisting patients to stand up An assistance mechanism includes a base, a rotatable link, a lifting unit and a power unit which provides power to the lifting unit so that the lifting unit drives the rotatable link. A seat is connected to the rotatable link so that when the rotatable link is activated, the user sitting on the seat is transformed from a sit status into a stand status. This effectively assists the user who does not have sufficient muscle forces to stand up by the assistance mechanism.
US08459609B2	Butterfly valve assembly incorporating a unitary shaft and butterfly plate valve element A butterfly valve assembly includes a unitary flow body and a unitary valve element. The unitary valve element is rotationally mounted within the flow body and includes a rotationally mounted shaft and a butterfly plate that is formed integral to the shaft. The butterfly valve assembly can withstand the maximum drive torque supplied from an associated actuator, while at the same time meeting a desired level of flow performance, and allows the unitary valve element to be installed up through the pilot bore.
US08459608B2	Seat and valve systems for use in delayed coker system The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter in a delayed coker unit operation. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to various seat systems used in valves for delayed coking operations.
US08459607B2	Control device and control method for control valve A control device includes an opening detector that detects the opening of a control valve driven by an electric actuator. A control element sets the target opening of the control valve, thereby to control the electric actuator in accordance with a deviation between the target opening and the detected opening. In the case where a predetermined necessary condition containing at least a condition for the absolute value of the deviation to be smaller than a predetermined value is satisfied, power to the electric actuator is interrupted to prevent the electric actuator from generating a driving force. This reduces situations where the driving force to be applied from the electric actuator to the control valve fluctuates finely to suppress the progress of the wear or deterioration of the components of the electric actuator.
US08459603B2	On board screen device A motor vehicle screen device having a screen that can be driven by a driving mechanism between an inactive position within a cavity of a dashboard and an approximately vertical active position outside the cavity and from the active position into the inactive position. The screen is provided with spaced-apart guiding elements which are guided within guides that run nearly horizontal, perpendicular to the movement path of the screen. The monitor can be driven such that the guiding elements thereof are movable within the guides. At least one of the guiding elements is locked at the active position end of the guide by a locking mechanism.
US08459602B2	Clamping device A clamping device for attaching a piece of first moveable equipment to a piece of second moveable equipment comprising a body, a mounting portion, and an attachment portion. The attachment portion comprising an attachment recess disposed within the body for receiving the piece of first movable equipment, and a latch plate rotatably attached to the body at a pivot disposed on one side of said attachment recess, wherein the latch plate may be pivotally disposed between an open position and a closed position. The latch plate further having an attachment lock disposed within the latch plate. The attachment lock is configured to produce a force against the piece of first moveable equipment when the latch plate is in the closed position.
US08459601B2	Trophy mount A trophy mount for displaying the skull and horn or antler of game animals comprising; a base with one or more holes in the base for attaching the base to a vertical surface, a wing that attaches to the base by means of an upper and lower hinge socket on the base that are able to receive an upper and lower wing joint from the wing with the sockets and joints sized to allow the wing to pivot with respect to the base which is secured to the vertical surface, a bracket that has one or more adjustment holes and a pivot hole, means for securing the bracket to the wing such that the bracket can be positioned at various angles with respect to the base, a center prong on the bracket that is sized to fit within a Foramen magnum of a vertebrate game animal, and a right and left side arm that are spaced, sized and positioned below and slightly in front of the center prong such that the right and left side arms fit into the condyloid fossa of a game animal's skull.
US08459600B2	Trestle stabilizing device A trestle stabilizing device is provided for a model track assembly having support apparatuses or trestles for elevating track sections. The device includes a base including a first end section and a second end section. A first fastening member is connected to the first end section. A second fastening member is connected to the second end section. The first and second fastening members releasably secure the device to the track support apparatuses.
US08459599B2	Support stand for supporting electronic device A support stand includes a base; two support rods rotatably mounted to the base; a positioning rod retained on the base, the positioning rod can remain in a bent state after being bent by itself; and a support board removably positioned above the base by the corporation of the support rods and the positioning rod.
US08459598B2	Pipe hanger A pipe hanger may include a suspending portion with a body and two flanges that extend outwardly from the body and are positional onto projections of a support structure to suspend the pipe hanger from the support structure without the use of fasteners.
US08459597B2	Integral suction device with acoustic panel An inlet flow control system disposed within a nacelle includes a panel on an inner surface of that nacelle. The panel includes a noise attenuation layer that dissipates noise energy. A vacuum source generates a pressure differential across the noise attenuation layer for drawing airflow through the panel and away from an inner surface of the nacelle.
US08459594B2	Emergency evacuation system, in particular for a tailless aeroplane A device for selective emergency evacuation of persons from a first level to a second level situated above the first level, or to a third level situated below the first level. For evacuation to the second level a stair arrangement is provided. One end of the device is connected to the first level while the other end is displaceable between the second level and the third level or vice versa. For evacuation to the third level, the device is changeable to a slide. The device may provide for emergency evacuation of persons from a first level deck, or passenger deck of a blended wing-body aircraft, selectively to the top, second level of the aircraft, or to the bottom third level of the aircraft.
US08459590B2	Landing gear strut extender A mechanism for increasing the ride height of aircraft by selectively increasing the hydraulic fluid content within landing gear struts. By increasing the hydraulic fluid volume within a strut, the strut is lengthened without adversely affecting its spring rate while the ability to withdraw fluid from a strut maintains the ability of the strut to absorb the impact of landing. The mechanism is readily retrofitable to existing landing gear systems to accommodate more efficient under the wing intake designs and to reduce the likelihood of FOD during taxiing at minimal cost and with very a minimal increase in the aircraft weight.
US08459586B2	Process for rewinding a web material The present invention provides for a method for rewinding a web material. The method comprises the steps of: (1) Disposing the web material on a winding spindle, the winding spindle being operatively associated with a winding turret; (2) Cooperatively engaging a contact roll with the winding spindle when the web material is disposed therebetween, the contact roll being operatively associated with the winding turret; and, (3) Adjusting the position of the contact roll upon said winding turret relative to the winding spindle as the web material is being disposed upon the winding spindle.
US08459581B2	Systems and methods for processing a heterogeneous waste stream Systems and methods for processing and sorting a municipal solid waste stream are described herein. A system can include a processing sub-system configured to receive a municipal solid waste stream and to remove the non-processable waste, a processing apparatus configured and disposed to receive constituents of the municipal solid waste stream from the processing sub-system and reduce the size of the constituents of the waste stream to an average particle size of less than about ¾ inch, and separators configured to sort the waste stream into constituents based on density.
US08459580B2	Grinder-dispenser apparatus for frozen material A grinding apparatus for dispensing a dose of ground frozen material starting from a frozen block includes a grinding unit for grinding the frozen block in order to provide an amount of ground frozen material and a feeding unit for feeding the frozen block to the grinding unit. In particular, the feeding unit includes a feeding member that is adapted for moving frozen block for a desired predetermined grinding stroke against grinding unit such that a grinding length of block is ground. A grinding unit provides at least one grater and one motor for causing the grater to rotate. In order to obtain a desired weight of the dose, a volume of frozen material is calculated that corresponds to said weight, since the density of the frozen material is known.
US08459579B2	Method of making hydrophilic fluoropolymer material A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill.
US08459578B1	Prescription label identity peeler A prescription label identity peeler includes a box-shaped housing. A lid extends over the box-shaped housing. A sanding member is adjustably carried within the box-shaped housing. A pair of linkage arms is pivotally extend between the lid and the sanding member. The motorized linkage arms will move the sanding member simultaneously and horizontally against the empty pill bottle in an inverted position, while the wheel on the swing arm assembly will contact a bottom end of the empty pill bottle via compression of the springs, thereby removing the label from the empty pill bottle when the inverted empty pill bottle rotates.
US08459577B2	Decoupled valve assembly and fuel injector using same A valve assembly including an armature and a valve member that are coupled when the solenoid coil is de-energized but are decoupled after the solenoid coil is energized. A first spring biases the armature and the valve member to a closed valve seat position while a second spring having a smaller preload than the first spring biases the valve member to an open valve seat position. When the solenoid coil is energized, the magnetic force of the coil overcomes the force exerted by the first spring pulling the armature away from the valve member. The valve member moves to the open valve seat position by the force exerted by the second spring. When the coil is de-energized, the magnetic force decays, thereby allowing the armature and the valve member to re-couple.
US08459573B2	Selectable and twisting nozzle for fluid effects platform A fluid effects apparatus for producing a water display or show. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal mechanism and a fluid outlet manifold with an inlet for receiving fluid. The fluid outlet manifold is pivotally supported upon the center point gimbal mechanism and includes a nozzle manifold with a pivotally mounted nozzle for dispersing the received fluid and a nozzle drive assembly coupled to the nozzle that selectively rotates the nozzle about its rotation axis. The drive assembly includes a motor mounted to pivot with the fluid outlet manifold upon the center point gimbal. The drive assembly includes an output drive element of the motor that is coupled to the nozzle to selectively rotate the nozzle. The nozzle manifold includes a second nozzle and switching means for selectively directing the received fluid to one of the two nozzles.
US08459571B2	Method and device for operating an injection valve, computer program and injection valve An injection valve has a valve body and a valve pin. The valve body has a metering orifice. In a closed position of the valve pin, the flow of fluid through the metering orifice is disabled and otherwise released. A control signal (ANS_SIG) for metering fluid with the injection valve is generated for a first valve pin actuator which is coupled to the valve pin to drive the valve pin. At least one first atomization signal (ZER_SIG—1) for the first and/or the second valve pin actuator is generated at least during a predetermined interval during the control of the first valve pin actuator with the control signal (AN_SIG) in such a manner that the valve pin is oscillatingly displaced relative to a position of the valve pin in response to the first atomization signal (ZER_SIG—1), the valve pin having said position in response to the control signal (ANS_SIG).
US08459570B2	Supporting arrangement Supporting arrangement intended to be arranged in a shoring zone of railway lines (17), where at least first longitudinal metal beams (12) are arranged parallel to a line of the track on the outer side of each track line (17) so that they are braced by at least one second perpendicular metal beam (14) with a length less than that of the first longitudinal beams (12) and the joining of each longitudinal beam (12) to one end of the perpendicular beam (14) is performed by means of a mechanical fixing means (15).
US08459564B2	Apparatuses for executing wireless transmission using a magnetic field, wireless transmission apparatuses, and wireless receiver apparatuses An integrated circuit, a non-contact IC card, a reader/writer, a wireless communications method, and a computer program are provided to improve communication. The integrated circuit configured to execute wireless communication by means of magnetic field. The integrated circuit has a resonance circuit having resonance frequencies of a plurality of levels, a confirmation block configured to confirm whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a switching block configured to change the resonance frequencies if the predetermined condition is found satisfied as a result of the confirmation.
US08459563B2	Circuit board with integrated RFID microchip The present disclosure relates to a circuit board including a supporting material and having conductive tracks on a top surface, wherein the circuit board has a recess in the supporting material, which opens into a lateral surface adjoining the top surface and into which an RFID microchip is inserted.
US08459560B1	Converting digital wallet credential from displayed code into audio code A method to submit a payment using a mobile device, including receiving, from a user of the mobile device, input to change a first code to a second code, where the first code includes a payment account number stored in the mobile device, obtaining, in response to the input of the user, the first code from a first output buffer storing data for transmission in a first transmission mode, converting the first code stored in the first output buffer into the second code, storing the second code in a second output buffer for transmission in a second transmission mode, and transmitting the second code to the POS device in the second transmission mode, wherein the payment account number is extracted from the second code by the POS device for completing the payment.
US08459555B2	XML system An XML system is configured to generate encoding information for an RFID device, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system having a memory subsystem, a communication interface operatively coupled to a network, an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, and an extensible stylesheet language transformation (XSLT) processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream or obtain the stylesheet from a repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also included is an extensible stylesheet language formatting object (XSLFO) processor configured to format the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet, and a rendering subsystem configured to receive the formatted XML data and generate encoding information for an RFID device.
US08459552B2	System and method for the display of a ballestic trajectory adjusted reticule This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that calculates a real-time, accurate, firing solution for man carried weapon system; specifically a transparent display to be located in-line with a weapon mounted optic and a device to adjust the aim point through real-time data collection, analysis and real-time visual feedback to the operator. A firing solution system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A Sensor and CPU Unit (SCU) and a Sight Adjusted Reticule (SAR) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the SCU and a personal computer (PC), or similar computing device, enabling management of the SCU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values.
US08459550B2	Method for transferring data, a computer program product, a data provision and a data receiving device and a communication system The present application relates to a method for transferring data, a computer program product, a data provision device, a data receiving device and a communication system, in particular to authentication/verification of data provided between one or more radio frequency identification reader(s) and one or more radio frequency identification transponder(s). In some embodiments, the method includes an initializing step and a data provisioning step.
US08459549B2	Magnetic interference coil encircling an identification card input slot A self-service device (1), specifically an automated teller machine, account statement printer, and/or information or transaction terminal, with a base housing (2), an operator interface (3), an input device for identification cards (9), a magnetic interference unit (8) and one or more additional components (4, 5, 6) where the magnetic interference unit (8) is configured as a coil enclosing the input and/or output device for identification cards (9).
US08459543B2	Fluid processing medical apparatus and method for setting-up a fluid processing medical apparatus The invention relates to a method for setting up a fluid treatment apparatus using a single, and always accessible, reader of information relating to replaceable components which are to be mounted on the apparatus to perform the fluid treatment. It is also disclosed a fluid treatment apparatus having the always accessible reader. The reader can also be relied on to enter information other that those relating to the replaceable components, such as commands for the apparatus, patients' related information, etcetera.
US08459541B2	Method of protecting an individual's privacy when providing service based on electronic tag A technology for providing a service based on an electronic tag. A personalized service provider issues a new code that replaces a code recorded on an electronic tag which is attached to a product purchased by a purchaser, sets a privacy policy of the purchaser, authenticates the new code and purchaser information, and provides a service associated with the product in a limited manner according to the set privacy policy when a person who accesses the personalized service provider is not the purchaser of the product.
US08459538B2	Corrugated box with an improved opening system An opening system for a container includes an end flap for extending over an opening of the container, and a sealing flap overlying the end flap. The end flap includes an open area and the sealing flap includes a perforation pattern. The perforation pattern includes a first perforation line including a central section extending over the open area, and a second perforation line extending from the first perforation line to one edge of the sealing flap. The first perforation line is configured to tear at a lower force than the second perforation line.
US08459537B2	Easy reclosing system for a container for dry foodstuffs and related container Easy reclosing system for a container (1) of dry foodstuffs comprising a first flap (2) and a second flap (3) designed to overlap at least partially to obtain the closure of the container (1), where the first flap (2) has a first hooking edge (2a) extending longitudinally and having a substantially rectilinear external profile, while the second flap (3) has a second hooking edge (3a) whereon a tongue (4) is formed along the external profile by means of two lateral notches (5) at the sides of the tongue, defining a respective lateral portion (6); the profile of the tongue (4), of the notches (5) and of the lateral portions (6) lying along the external perimeter profile of the hooking edge (3a) of the same second flap (3), said tongue (4) being configured in such a way as to overlay a corresponding portion of the first hooking edge (2a) of the first flap (2) with said lateral portions (6) arranged below said first edge (2a), when the two flaps (2,3) lie substantially on the same plane, so as to obtain a reusable closure of the container.
US08459536B2	Nesting catering tray container A container formed from a foldable blank into a box-like configuration for transport of a tray or container storing food items therein, such as a catering tray. The container includes a bottom portion defined by a bottom wall, front and rear walls, and spaced-apart side walls, all of which project upwardly from bottom wall. A top portion is provided which is swingably movable relative to the bottom portion to provide open and closed configurations of the container. The container provides an added insulative layer so as to maintain food items stored within the catering tray at the desired temperature, and also improves handling thereof.
US08459534B2	Carton with reinforced top panel A carton for containing a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a reinforcement panel foldably connected to the second side panel. The reinforcement panel is in face-to-face contact with the top panel.
US08459531B2	Container and blank for the production thereof A container (1) for storing and removing food comprises a first and a second container half (2, 3) which are connected to each other by means of a pivotable connection in order to pivot between an open position (4) and a closed position (5). To improve such a container to the effect that it is also suited for the consumption of the food and can be simultaneously produced more stably and economically while it is easy to assemble, each container half (2, 3) comprises an upper and lower polygonal container wall (7, 8; 9, 10), when seen from above, and a lateral wall (11, 12) which connects the walls at a distance in relation to each other, wherein the pivotable connection is embodied by a pivotable line embodied between facing first ends (13, 14) of the lateral walls (11, 12), and the second ends (15, 16) of the lateral walls (11, 12) are in the closed position (5) detachably connected to each other, wherein the pivotable axis (17) associated to the pivotable line (6) extends essentially perpendicular to the upper and lower container walls (7, 9; 8, 10). Moreover, a single-pieced blank (60) is provided for producing such a container (1).
US08459526B2	Method and apparatus for fabricating vertical deposition mask A method and apparatus for fabricating a vertical deposition mask capable of welding a mask sheet and a mask frame for preventing a large area mask from drooping due to the weight of the mask. The apparatus includes a tensioning device for tensioning a mask sheet and a welder for attaching a mask frame to a circumference of the mask sheet. The tensioning device includes clamps for supporting the mask sheet and tensioners coupled to the clamps for applying tensile force to the clamps and to evenly fix in place the mask sheet by the clamps.
US08459525B2	Motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a magnetic drive train torque limiting device A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft connected to the end effector. The shaft comprises a drive train for powering the end effector. The instrument also comprises an electric, DC motor connected to the drive train for powering the drive train. The instrument also comprises a torque-limiting device connected between to an output pole of the motor and an input pole of the drive train.
US08459524B2	Tissue fastening system for a medical device A surgical fastening device includes a handle assembly having a stationary handle and a movable handle and an elongated member extending distally from the handle portion. The elongated member includes a distal end portion. The device also includes a pair of firing rods operably coupled with the movable handle and movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A tool assembly has a plurality of helical fasteners supported therein and includes a pair of opposing jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable in relation to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The jaw members are configured to form a pair of radial channels when the jaw members are in the approximated position. The firing rods are configured to advance helical fasteners through at least one radial channel and into tissue upon movement from the proximal position to the distal position.
US08459522B2	Powered surgical stapling device A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces.
US08459521B2	Powered surgical stapling device platform The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis.
US08459517B2	Motorcycle passenger backrest A motorcycle passenger backrest has a generally U-shaped or V-shaped backrest frame that is configured for connection to a mounting bracket on the motorcycle. The inner surface of the backrest frame is configured with a recessed space having a base surface and a side surface that extends from the base surface at an angle. A carrier frame configured to fit within the recessed space is pivotally mounted to each leg of the backrest frame. The carrier frame is movable between an up, stored position, with the carrier frame in contact with the base surface of the recessed space, and a down, carrier position, with the carrier frame pivoted away from the backrest frame.
US08459515B1	Systems and accessory kits for dolly carts A kit for use with a dolly cart comprising a worktable; a garbage receptacle holder comprising a ring component; a wagon; and a V-shaped support bar for rigidly attaching the worktable, the wagon, or the garbage receptacle holder to a frame of the dolly cart, the V-shaped support bar comprises a generally V-shaped bar having a first half, a second half, and a vertex, wherein mounting holes are disposed in the first half and the second half, the holes accommodate a bolt and a wing nut for tightening.
US08459514B2	Collapsible adjustable garment hanging device An adjustable, collapsible garment hanging device, consisting of a body, a crossbar and two hanging arms. The arms may be telescopically extended to allow for hanging larger or multiple garments. The crossbar has a plurality of hooks for additional garment hanging. Further, the center body of the hanging device is equipped with a cedar ball for garment freshness and an upper and lower hook for hanging the assembly.
US08459513B2	Bottle fitments A fitment (10) for a bottle (90) is provided. The fitment (10) comprises retaining means (60) for retaining it in a bottle closure (70). The retaining means is movable from a first position in which it engages the closure and a second position in which it does not.
US08459507B1	Device for dispensing hot milk A heated beverage, such as hot chocolate milk is dispensed by providing a refrigerated insulated cabinet having a plurality of beverage storage bags therein for storing refrigerated chocolate milk. Compressed CO2 draws the milk through a pump and pushes it through a flat plate heat exchanger and out to a spigot. The CO2 regulates the flow rate of the milk being dispensed. A heat exchange fluid, e.g., glycol is heated by a heating element and circulated through the flat plate heat exchanger to heat the milk as it passes through the flat plate heat exchanger. A thermostat maintains the heat exchange fluid and heated beverage at a desired temperature.
US08459496B2	Pneumatic vending machine A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).
US08459495B2	Portable container A portable container (1) is proposed, with a container body (2) which has a top (4), facing upwards in a first container alignment. A movable carrying handle (5) provided on the container body (2) may be moved from a not-in-use position close to the container body (2) into a position of use, so that it may be used to carry the container in the first container alignment. Also formed on the top (4) is an immovable additional carrying handle (6) formed by a side wall of a recess (38) which has an engaging recess (54) in which the fingers of one hand may engage in order to carry the container (1) in a second container alignment with its top (4) oriented to the side.
US08459492B2	Ice trap for straw This invention improves the cooling effect of ice in a drinking cup and economizes on the amount of ice used. The invention comprises a truncated cone with the widest base at the bottom, and with a hole at its apex, the hole being large enough to allow a straw to pass through. It also comprises a mechanism located at the apex of the cone, which holds the straw in place. This cone structure prevents ice cubes, which are normally buoyant, from floating up to the surface of the liquid. Instead, the cone forces the ice to congregate near the straw inlet thereby cooling the liquid entering the straw.
US08459491B2	Hot beverage container assembly and insert An insert assembly is outfitted upon a lidded beverage container for enabling the user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to prevent scalding prior to consumption. The insert assembly comprises a damming structure and a rim-engaging structure. The damming structure is formed from a semi-rigid material and is sized and shaped for receipt within the upper rim perimeter of a container structure. The rim-engaging structure is formed from a flexible material and extends outwardly from the beverage-damming structure. The rim-engaging structure is received intermediate the upper container rim and a lid for defining beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The insert structure comprises first and second apertures for outletting beverage and inletting air intermediate the beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The beverage-cooling compartment receives heat from the beverage received therewithin and thereby enables the beverage to cool before being outlet via a primary outlet of a lid.
US08459490B1	Easy grip mixing bowls A baking and mixing bowl includes: a bowl, having a depression in the bowl, adapted to allow the user's fingers to grip the bottom of the bowl.
US08459485B2	Two-piece container lid assembly A two-piece lid is provided and includes a base portion defining at least two openings of differing sizes and a single cover portion connected to the base for covering the openings. At least one opening is constructed as to maximize the size of the opening. A confectionery container comprising the two-piece lid is also provided.
US08459480B2	Case structure and method for pre-forming the same A case structure and a method for pre-forming the same are described. The pre-forming method includes the following steps. A first case body and a second case body are supplied. Two side plates of the second case body are bent, such that the two side plates respectively form an initial angle with the bottom plate. The second case body is disposed in the first case body. The two side plates are pulled to respectively come close to two side walls of the first case body, such that the bottom plate forms a curved surface in the first case body. When having an object disposed therein, the case structure overcomes a downward pressure generated by the object through the curved surface, thereby preventing the first case body and the second case body from sagging out of the case structure.
US08459477B2	Hoisting crane and vessel with such a crane A hoisting crane with a substantially hollow vertical column with a foot which is or can be fixed to a support, and with a top, an annular bearing structure, which extends around the vertical column and guides and carries a jib connection member, so that the jib connection member can rotate around the column, a jib connected to the jib connection member, the jib connection member forming a substantially horizontal pivot axis so that the jib can be pivoted up and down, a column top cable guide having a topping cable and hoisting cable pulley assembly, a topping winch and an associated topping cable for pivoting the jib up and down, a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting cable for hoisting a load; wherein the column top cable guide is mounted via an associated rotary bearing structure at the top of the column.
US08459476B2	Audio / video isolation rack An apparatus and system for video and audio components. According to one embodiment, the present invention generally comprises carbon fiber composite shelves separated by carbon fiber posts and supported by carbon fiber legs. The posts and legs are secured by studs. Adjacent to at least the bottom surface of each of the shelves at each opening where a stud passes through is a polyurethane ring.
US08459473B2	Linking style hanging closet A hanging closet includes closet body having horizontal partition panels connected between two opposing sidewalls thereof at different elevations to divide the holding space of the closet body into vertically spaced storage spaces, first sleeves located on each sidewall of the closet body at different elevations, suspension flaps each having a fixed end affixed to one sidewall of the closet body between two first sleeves and a free end provided two second sleeves that are spaced at a distance equal to the length of the first sleeves, and rod members insertable into the first sleeves and the second sleeves to secure the free end of each suspension flap to one associating sidewall of the closet body so that each suspension flap defines with the associating sidewall of the closet body a storage space.
US08459472B2	Keyed twist-lock hook assembly for aperture board An aperture board assembly includes a panel having an array of apertures, a modular array of receivers attached to the panel, and hook assemblies for detachably engaging the receivers. The modular array is attached to the panel so that each receiver is substantially aligned with a corresponding aperture in the panel. Each hook assembly passes at least partially through an aperture in the panel and into a receiver aligned with the aperture. Each receiver in the modular array includes spring clips that are equally spaced apart around a perimeter of the receiver. Each spring clip includes a pair of opposing spring fingers disposed in a spring clip aperture. Each pair of opposing spring fingers detachably engage the hook assembly as the hook assembly is rotated with respect to the receiver.
US08459462B2	System and method for sorting specimen Methods and apparatuses for efficient sorting of specimen include specimen containers, such as vials, positioned in container carriers, such as pucks. The specimen containers contain a specimen that is to be processed through, for example, one or more tests. The specimen containers contain an identifier for the specimen and the container carriers include an identifier, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The identifier of the specimen is associated with the identifier of the container carrier. The container carriers with the specimen containers are then sorted based on the identifier of the container carrier according to the desired processing of the specimen containers.
US08459457B2	Package of folded disposable absorbent pants The package includes a housing portion having a transparent window region. A plurality of disposable absorbent pants is disposed within the housing portion. Each pant defines a waistband region which abuts a waist end. Each waistband region comprises a front waistband portion and a back waistband portion. Each pant further defines a crotch region which abuts a crotch end. At least a first pant is folded and positioned such that at least a portion of the waistband region of the first pant is visible through the transparent window region. Specified portions of the first pant may be obscured by an opaque border region. The first pant may include a back-label indicator that is visible through the transparent window region. A second pant may also be visible through the transparent window region.
US08459456B2	Sanitary candle covers for cakes and cupcakes A sanitary cake cover with a removable candle deck, which protects the contents of the cake from contamination during blowing out of celebratory candles. The transparent cake covers with a removable candle deck, which does not pierce the cake being decorated by lighted celebratory candles. The cake cover can be used without the candle deck. The sanitary cake cover is impervious to assault by normal airborne contaminants, such as dust and dirt as well from contaminated expelled breath during the act of blowing out candles. A separate removable candle deck which can be attached to or nestled securely atop the cover is removable to enable the container to be used for other food items without the obstruction of candle recesses. The flat top of either a round, rectangular or other shaped cover has a peripheral top ridge forming a flat central recess of dimensions to fit the flat candle deck.
US08459453B2	Carrying case for display apparatus A carrying case for a display apparatus which includes a frame for receiving the display device and a folding stand mechanism secured to the frame for supporting the frame on a support surface. The folding stand mechanism includes a folding stand base, a major folding support rotatably mounted on the folding stand base, with the major folding support being movable between a closed position adjacent the folding stand base and at least one open position. A minor folding support is rotatably mounted on the major support, with the minor folding support being moveable between a closed position near the major folding support and at least one open position. When the major support is moved to it's at least one open position, the minor support is movable to it's at least one minor open position where the minor support is disposed between the major folding support and the folding stand base. The display apparatus is supported on a surface by any one of four edges of the display apparatus along with the opened folding stand mechanism.
US08459452B1	Disposable tattoo ink container A single use, disposable container for tattoo ink has a generally cylindrical body defining a reservoir for retaining tattoo ink, a base and a cap. The base has a bottom surface. At least one member extends radially from the bottom surface of the base. A layer of adhesive is provided on the bottom surface of the base, but not on the under surface of the radially extending member. A removable protective layer is situated over the adhesive layer. The protective layer has a radially extending portion aligned with the member radially extending from the base. The radially extending base member increases the stability of the container, facilitates removal of the cap from the container body and provides for easy removal of the protective sticker from the adhesive layer.
US08459443B2	Recirculation bin for drill tailings having deflector means, and a drill tailings handling apparatus A recirculation bin, a drill tailings handling apparatus, and a method of handling drill tailings is disclosed. The recirculation bin has a moveable plate member, which advantageously may be positioned, when excess tailings are being delivered to the recirculation bin, to deflect such excess tailings into a second containment bin, for subsequent re-delivery to the recirculation bin when capacity to process such drill tailings is then available. The handling apparatus contemplates a second container, which is disposed immediately adjacent the recirculation bin, to receive deflected tailings, and is open at one end thereof to permit entry of a front-end loader therein, and thereby permit excess tailings deflected into the second container to be scooped up and delivered to the recirculation bin, when the moveable plate member is positioned to then allow the recirculation bin to accept such delivery, at a time when processing capability for such drill tailings is available. A method for handling drill tailings is further disclosed.
US08459437B2	Financial self-help service device for preventing plugging by foreign objects and damage by mucilage glue A financial self-help service device for preventing plugging by foreign objects and damage by mucilage glue is provided. It has a panel, and a cash inlet-outlet (1) is set on the panel. The financial self-help service device further includes a gate (2) for opening or closing the cash inlet-outlet (1). POM (polyoxymethylene) plastic convex points (9) are provided at the edge of the gate (2) matched with the cash inlet-outlet (1), so as to form a flow guide gap between the gate (2) and the panel when the gate (2) closes the cash inlet-outlet (I).
US08459435B2	Operation platform for loading and unloading workpieces An operation platform disposed on a substrate includes two guiding rail, two first driving devices, a carrying board and a second driving device. Each of the guiding rails includes a fixed bracket, a movable bracket and a plurality of rollers. The movable bracket received in the fixed bracket includes a pair of second sidewalls. Each second sidewall includes a plurality of bevels having a top portion and a bottom portion. The rollers positioned to the fixed bracket engage with the bevels to move perpendicularly to the substrate. The carrying board disposed on the guiding rails to support workpieces includes a plurality of supporting blocks. The first and second driving devices are used to drive the movable brackets and the carrying board respectively.
US08459433B2	Parking lock system for an automatic transmission A parking lock for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the automatic transmission has an actuator which can disengage a locking element in the automatic transmission, the locking element is held in a locked position by spring force, and a locking assembly (1) is provided which is connected via an actuating element (2) to the locking element and which has a knee lever (3) which can fix the actuating element (2) so as to prevent engagement of the locking element in the automatic transmission. The invention is characterized in that the knee lever (3) fixes the actuating element (2) in an overextended position, wherein a fixed counter support (4) is attached at the overextended side of the knee lever (3).
US08459430B2	Automatic clutch employing expanding friction disk and an adjustable pressure plate An apparatus and system are disclosed for automatic centrifugal engagement of a clutch incorporating a friction disk that expands when rotated above a threshold speed. The apparatus may include a clutch basket, a clutch pack capable of coupling the clutch basket with a center clutch, a pressure plate that may be easily adjusted to create a gap between the pressure plate and the clutch pack and an expanding friction disk assembly that may take the place of one or more friction disks. The assembly expands under centrifugal force to provide automatic engagement of the clutch. A mechanism is provided to manually override the automatic engagement of the clutch with a clutch lever and with improved operational performance of the clutch lever versus previous automatic clutch systems.
US08459429B2	Power transmission device for a water pump The present invention relates to a power transmission device for a water pump, including a pulley, a magnetic flux generator, a disk assembly, and a hub assembly, wherein the disk assembly has a disk, a friction ring for providing a frictional contact with the hub assembly, and a resilient ring adapted to pressurize the friction ring toward the hub assembly, so that when the attracting magnetic flux of the magnetic flux generator is not applied, the friction ring makes a frictional contact with the hub assembly through the resilient pressurization of the resilient ring, whereas, when it is applied, the disk moves toward the pulley to allow the frictional contact between the friction ring and the hub assembly to be released.
US08459427B2	Positive clutch plate separator system A torque transmitting apparatus may include a cover portion generally defined by a first axis, and a flywheel coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. A pressure plate may be coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith and be axially moveable relative to the cover portion. An intermediate plate may be coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. The intermediate plate is axially moveable relative to the cover portion and the pressure plate. A first clutch disk may be at least partially interposed between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a second clutch disk may be at least partially interposed between the flywheel and the intermediate plate. The apparatus may include an axially acting biasing element for exerting an axial force between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a support member extending through the biasing element.
US08459422B1	Luggage with integrated vacuum bags The luggage with integrated vacuum bags includes a standard piece of luggage that includes at least one vacuum bag within said piece of luggage. The vacuum bags are vacuumed via a vacuuming means integrated on a side of said luggage, which engages a male valve located on an exterior surface of said luggage and of which engages a female valve located on a vacuum bag. The vacuum bags are filled with items typically associated with luggage (garments, etc.) in anticipation of vacuuming, which increases the packing efficiency of the luggage such that more items may be packed into said luggage than when compared with luggage excluding said vacuum bags. The vacuuming means includes a hose, motor, and powering means and vacuums the vacuum bag(s) from outside of said luggage.
US08459421B2	Disk brake and sliding member There is provided a disk brake comprising: a piston that presses a brake pad to a disk rotor; and a caliper at which the piston is slidably provided through a piston seal, the caliper making the piston moved forward by hydraulic pressure, wherein the piston has that an anodized film layer formed by an anodized treatment is formed on a surface of a piston base body made of aluminum alloy, and a chromium plating layer is directly laminated on a surface of the anodized film layer.
US08459417B2	Shock-absorber for aircraft landing gear The invention relates to a shock-absorber for aircraft landing gear, the shock-absorber having two elements mounted to slide telescopically one in the other and defining an internal volume that is filled with hydraulic fluid and with gas, the internal volume being separated into at least two chambers by a separation including at least one throttling orifice through which the hydraulic fluid passes from one chamber to the other while the shock-absorber is being compressed. According to the invention, the separation includes at least one degassing orifice to enable gas to be transferred from one chamber to the other when the landing gear is in the deployed position, the degassing orifice being offset vertically relative to the throttling orifice so as to be located above it when the landing gear is in the deployed position.
US08459415B2	Elevator motion profile control including non-instantaneous transition between jerk values An exemplary device for controlling an elevator car motion profile includes a controller (64) that is programmed to cause an associated elevator car (62) to move with a motion profile that includes a plurality of jerk values (78, 82, 86, 90, 96, 100). The controller (64) is programmed to cause at least one transition (84, 88, 94, 98) between two of the jerk values to be at a non-instantaneous transition rate.
US08459410B2	System and method for a modular step stool A modular step stool system according to various embodiments can include a plurality of stepping blocks comprising a first stepping block and a second stepping block configured to support a user's body weight. A plurality of interlocking elements is interposed between the first stepping block and the second stepping block for horizontally and vertically interconnecting and interlocking at least the first and second stepping blocks to form a raised step platform. Some of the plurality of interlocking elements include sub-couplings which are configured to provide simultaneous horizontal and vertical interconnections. Some embodiments of the device include raised walls configured within the side walls and corner tabs inserted within the corners of the stepping blocks and configured having a profiled selected based upon the shape of the sub-couplings to facilitate stacking and interconnections in at least one of a horizontal, a vertical, a perpendicular, and an offset configuration.
US08459408B2	Radiated sound reducing structure A radiated sound reducing structure that reduces radiated sound generated in a pipe through which gas passes includes a first pipe and a second pipe that is arranged inside the first pipe and has, on an outer peripheral surface, a linear contact portion that is in linear contact with a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the first pipe. Also, a radiated sound reducing structure in a pipe through which gas passes includes a first pipe and a second pipe formed in a pseudo-cylindrical concave polyhedral shell that is arranged inside the first pipe and has, on an outer peripheral surface, a point contact portion, that is in point contact with a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe.
US08459407B2	Sound attenuation systems and methods Methods and devices for increasing the sound attenuation properties of a noise suppression device are provided. Various embodiments include sound-attenuating cavities with improved sound capturing openings. In some embodiments, the sound capturing openings include holes surrounded by projections. In other embodiments, the sound capturing openings include angled slats. Embodiments also include sound capturing devices that include the improved sound capturing openings, such as silencers, vent hoods, barrier walls, air exchanges, and air intake and exhaust ducts.
US08459405B1	Firearm sound suppressor with front plate having a tapered bore In one example, a firearm sound suppressor includes a housing and an end plate disposed at a front end of the housing and comprising a bore extending therethrough. The bore includes a tapered portion that opens toward a front surface of the end plate. The tapered portion has an included angle in a range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 25 degrees. The bore is adapted to pass a first round and first associated gases to reduce a size of a first muzzle flash caused by a firing of the first round by a firearm when the firearm sound suppressor is substantially at thermal equilibrium with a surrounding environment. Other embodiments are also contemplated.
US08459401B2	Steering apparatus A steering apparatus includes: a steering wheel, a shaft that transfers a rotational force from the steering wheel, a steering column that supports the shaft, a fitting bracket with which the steering column is fitted to a vehicle body-side member, a rotational force assist mechanism that applies a rotational force to the shaft, and a tilt mechanism that changes a tilt angle of the steering column. The fitting bracket includes a support portion that tiltably supports the steering column, and a secured portion secured to the vehicle body-side member. The fitting bracket is structured in such a manner that the secured portion and the support portion lie in the same plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the shaft when the steering column is at a predetermined tilt angle that is within a range of tilt angle achievable by using the tilt mechanism.
US08459395B2	Switching device of a driving power transmission system and an off-road vehicle A switching device of a driving power transmission system equipped in an off-road vehicle, including a switching lever configured to switch driving power transmission of the driving power transmission system, and a negative-pressure actuator module that is coupled to the switching lever and is configured to operate the switching lever.
US08459393B2	Rear fender structure for motorcycle and motorcycle A rear rear-fender bracket integrally coupled to an upper portion and a lower portion of a rear rear-fender that is mounted to a rear portion of a vehicle body of a motorcycle, extending rearward and downward, and covering a rear wheel from upward and rearward, is provided to the rear rear-fender, and forms, with an internal surface of the rear rear-fender, a closed space having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from a vehicle side in which a space is gradually narrowed from an upper portion to a lower portion. Further, at the time of mounting, the rear rear-fender and the rear rear-fender bracket are coupled by being screwed together by rear winkers on sides of the vehicle (long holes). Further, a lower portion of the rear rear-fender and a lower portion of the rear rear-fender bracket are coupled by being screwed together by a license plate mounting bracket.
US08459391B2	Air start steam engine A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an engine to cause it to do mechanical work. The engine is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the engine. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the engine, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas form. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the engine to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the engine, the working fluids are is exhausted from the engine, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use. Control circuitry controls the admission of the first and second working fluids responsive to monitoring the load on the engine.
US08459390B2	Vehicle having drive train The invention relates to a vehicle having a drive train, which comprises at least one first engine and a wheel, wherein a torque can be transmitted from the first engine to the wheel by the drive train, and wherein at least one first unit of the drive train is connected to an interface, by which rapid and simple replaceability of said unit is possible, wherein the interface is designed to be connected to a second unit, which is different from the first unit, wherein both units are designed to store electricity, to convert chemically bound energy into energy of rotation and/or to convert electricity into energy of rotation and/or to convert rotation energy of rotation into electricity.
US08459388B2	Evaporation cycle heat exchange system for vehicle An evaporation cycle heat exchange system for a vehicle is provided. The evaporation cycle heat exchange system is a new type of cooling system that cools vehicle electronic components, a fuel cell stack, an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission, a turbocharger, etc. using an evaporative heat exchanger, thus improving cooling efficiency and reducing the size of components such as a radiator. The evaporation cycle heat exchange system cools coolant circulating through a vehicle cooling system by employing an evaporative heat exchanger in which a working fluid flows by a pressure difference caused by volume expansion and capillary phenomenon. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the entire cooling system, reduce the size of components to comply with pedestrian protection regulations, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure the stability of the system. Moreover, the present invention provides an evaporation cycle heat exchange system for a vehicle, in which a product-integrated or line-integrated evaporative heat exchanger capable of being mounted in various vehicle components such as an inverter, a fuel cell stack, an oil fan of an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger, an automatic transmission oil fan, etc. is employed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily apply the evaporative heat exchanger to various vehicle components and various vehicle models, and thus it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the design of the cooling system.
US08459384B2	Climbing robot for travelling over adhesive surfaces A climbing robot for travelling over adhesive surfaces with endless traction mechanisms (14) and, fastened to them at a distance, controllable adhesive feet (21) that circulate with the endless traction mechanisms (14) along guides (17) in the travel plane, by means of which the adhesive sides of their adhesive elements (15) always point towards the travel surface and wherein the adhesive elements (15) that support and move the climbing robot are switched “ON” and lowered onto the adhesive surface and all of the other adhesive elements (15) are switched “OFF” and raised from the adhesive surface, wherein the climbing robot has square running gear (11), one foot plate (13) each with a guide (17) running around the edges for a multitude of adhesive feet (21) driven by traction mechanisms is arranged in two diagonally opposite corner areas (18) of the running gear (11), wherein the foot plates (13) are attached to a support bar (12) of the running gear (11) and the adhesive feet (21) and therefore their adhesive elements (15) are routed through the guide (17) in such a way that they run in each case at a right angle around their corner area (18) of the square running gear (11) and along an arc (19) connecting the ends of this corner area (18), wherein both of the arcs (19) are on an inner circle enclosed by the square of the running gear (11).
US08459382B2	Rotary drill bits including bearing blocks A bearing block is provided that may be used with a drag bit body or frame to limit depth of cut of cutters on a bit. The bearing block is designed so that it may be interchangeably replaced or repaired without necessitating alteration to a standardized bit frame. The interchangeable bearing block may be used to provide a target depth of cut (TDOC) and/or a selected contact or rubbing area to support weight on bit and limit depth of cut (DOC) for improving drilling performance of a bit. The interchangeable bearing block brings manufacturing selectability by providing a customizable product in terms of depth of cut selection and cutter penetration control for different formations, which is suitable for use with a common bit frame. A rotary drill bit assembly, a unitary cone insert bearing block for a drill bit, and a bit frame are also provided.
US08459381B2	Drill bits with axially-tapered waterways Implementations of the present invention include drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the waterways can be radially tapered in addition to being axially tapered. The axially-tapered waterways can include notches extending into the cutting face of the drilling tools and/or slots enclosed within the crown of the drilling tools. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways, and methods of forming drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways.
US08459379B2	Bearing contact pressure reduction in well tools A method of reducing contact pressure between bearing surfaces of a well tool can include constructing a structure which supports one bearing surface in contact with the other bearing surface, and reducing contact pressure between the bearing surfaces by relieving strain energy in the structure. A well tool can include one bearing surface which contacts another bearing surface. There is a transition between contact and lack of contact between the bearing surfaces. A structure supporting one of the bearing surfaces can have a reduced stiffness, whereby a contact pressure between the bearing surfaces is reduced at the transition. The bearing surfaces can be formed on a thrust bearing, plain bearing, or other type of bearing between components of the well tool.
US08459372B1	Voltage sensing drill with automatic shut-off A hand-held power drill incorporates an electronic voltage sensor having a sensing input conductively connected to the drill chuck so that a drill bit held by the chuck serves as a voltage sensing element. The electronic voltage sensor can operate an audible or visible warning device, and can also disable the drill motor, when the drill bit is in close proximity to a live wire. A two pole switch with successively closed sets of contacts allows the drill to be used as a voltage probe without operating the drill motor. An auxiliary by-pass switch gives the operator the option to operate the drill even when it is in proximity to a live wire.
US08459370B2	Sprinkler assembly for attachment to a piping system A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
US08459367B2	Swellable packer having a cable conduit An apparatus and assembly create a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface of the body which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. The insert may partly or fully enclose or encapsulate the cable or line. a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body.
US08459363B2	Control mechanism for subsurface safety valve A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.
US08459361B2	Multipart sliding joint for floating rig A system for interconnecting a floating rig and a riser assembly includes a rotating control device permitting pressurization of the riser assembly; and a sliding joint connected to the rotating control device, the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized. Another system includes a sliding joint including more than two telescoping sleeves, and the sliding joint being longitudinally extendable and compressible while the riser assembly is pressurized at the surface. An apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple sets of telescoping sleeves, each set including at least two of the sleeves. Another apparatus includes a sliding joint with multiple radially overlapping seal assemblies.
US08459359B2	Treating nahcolite containing formations and saline zones A method for treating a nahcolite containing subsurface formation includes removing water from a saline zone in or near the formation. The removed water is heated using a steam and electricity cogeneration facility. The heated water is provided to the nahcolite containing formation. A fluid is produced from the nahcolite containing formation. The fluid includes at least some dissolved nahcolite. At least some of the fluid is provided to the saline zone.
US08459358B2	Cutting dart and method of using the cutting dart The present disclosure is directed to a cutting dart. The cutting dart comprises a dart body including a first pathway. The first pathway is configured to redirect cutting fluid flowing through a coiled tubing so that the cutting fluid flows radially to impinge against an inner surface of the coiled tubing. A seal is positioned around an outer circumference of the dart body. The present disclosure is also directed to an anchor dart. The anchor dart comprises a dart body and a swellable elastomer positioned around an outer circumference of the dart body. Methods of employing the cutting dart and anchor dart are also disclosed.
US08459355B2	Radiation-induced triggering for set-on-command compositions and methods of use Methods of isolating a portion of a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition into a subterranean formation after drilling of the wellbore therein and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation wherein subjecting the sealant composition to the ionizing radiation alters the set modifier. The sealant composition comprises a set modifier selected from the group consisting of an accelerator, an oxidizing agent, a set retarder, and combinations thereof. And the sealant composition comprises a polymeric component.
US08459351B2	Method and apparatus for producing shock waves in the borehole of wells filled by liquid The method and apparatus for producing shock waves in a well wherein a device connected to the bottom of the tubing string in the borehole of the well filled by liquid and containing the upper and lower plungers movably arranged within corresponding cylinders for compressing a liquid inside the compression chamber and discharging the liquid into the borehole on upstroke thereby generating a shock wave. In addition, providing an exit of the lower plunger out of the lower cylinder at the top of upstroke of pumping unit on the distance λ determined by the following formulae: λ ≥ ( D 1 2 - D 2 2 ) ⁢ A sw ⁢ H Ed r 2 , where D1 and D2 are the outside diameters of the lower and upper plungers, Asw is the amplitude of generated shock wave, H is a depth of the lower plunger at the top of upstroke, E is modulus of elasticity of the sucker rod's material, dr is the diameter of sucker rods.
US08459348B2	Downhole line tool assembly and method for use thereof A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).
US08459347B2	Subterranean well ultra-short slip and packing element system A subterranean well tool seals along a section of a wall of the well and is carried on a conduit into the well. A plurality of anchoring elements and seals are provided for respective anchoring and sealing engagement along the wall of the well in concert and substantially concurrently with one another when the tool is shifted to the set position. When the well tool moves to the set position, a portion of the mandrel separates and is retrieved from the well bore, allowing the well tool to be reduced in overall length. The anchoring elements are sandwiched in between first and second, or upper and lower, sets of seals.
US08459342B2	Heat exchanger tube with integral restricting and turbulating structure A heat exchanger tube having an integral restricting and turbulating structure consisting of dimples formed by confronting indentations pressed into the sides of the heat exchanger tube. The dimples are comprised of indentations disposed in pairs which extend into the tube to such a depth as is necessary to significantly reduce the cross sectional area of the heat exchanger tube. The dimples of a pair are staggered or offset, longitudinally with respect to each other such that a restrictive passage is defined between each pair of offset dimples. The turbulence characteristics of the tube can be controlled by varying the depth to which the dimples project into the tube and the longitudinal spacing between the dimples that comprise the pair. Adjacent pairs of dimples may be rotated 90° with respect to each other or alternately can be arranged in a helix pattern.
US08459340B2	Flat heat pipe with vapor channel An exemplary flat heat pipe with an evaporator section and a condenser section includes a hollow casing, and a first wick structure and a second wick structure in the casing. The second structure contacts an inner surface of the casing at the evaporator section. The first structure at the evaporator section includes a first contact portion contacting an inner surface of the second structure, and a first isolated portion from the inner surface of the second structure. The first isolated portion and the inner surface of the second structure define a first channel therebetween. The first structure at the condenser section includes a second contact portion contacting the inner surface of the casing, and a second isolated portion from the inner surface of the casing. The second isolated portion and the inner surface of the casing define therebetween a second channel communicating with the first channel.
US08459336B2	Heat dissipation device with guiding line and soldered heat pipe A heat dissipation device with guiding line and soldered heat pipe includes a heat pipe and a heat sink. The heat pipe includes a condenser section and an evaporator section. The condenser section has a planar outer surface. The heat sink includes a supporting surface contacting the outer surface of the condenser section. A guiding line is defined in the supporting surface for spreading solder therealong. The guiding line has a width smaller than a width of the outer surface of the condenser section. The condenser section of the heat pipe is mounted on the supporting surface of the heat sink along the guiding line and firmly connected to the heat sink by the solder.
US08459333B2	Method for producing rolling stock rolled in a rolling train of a rolling mill, control and/or regulation device for rolling mill for producing rolled rolling stock, rolling mill for producing rolled rolling stock, machine readable program code and storage medium A rolling mill for producing rolled rolling stock is operated in a continuous manner by integrally forming the rolling stock during scheduled operation from a supply device which supplies the stock to the rolling mill to one finishing rolling train arranged downstream of the rolling stock supply device by guiding the stock into the finishing rolling train continuously and rolling it to form a first outflow product. The operation is monitored for a deviation from the scheduled operation that influences the rolling process, wherein in case of a deviation measures are taken to examine whether a second outflow product, which is different from the first outflow product, can still be produced. If the second outflow product cannot be produced, the operation of the rolling mill is altered from a continuous operation to a discontinuous operation, whereby production failures caused by undesired process deviations in a rolling mill can be reduced.
US08459330B2	Method for the production of pigs, and pigs Methods for producing pigs made of a metal alloy, wherein initially a melt is formed in which a basic material and one or several alloy components are present in the liquid state, from which the pigs are formed. In the course of cooling, energy in the form of a variable field, which increases the formation of mixed crystals, is briefly introduced into the melt prior to the formation of the pigs. A pig thereby produced is a cast piece formed from a basic material and one or several alloy components and has been formed from a melt into which energy had been briefly introduced by a variable physical field in order to increase mixed crystal formation.
US08459324B2	Intermittent cutting transferring device An intermittent cutting transferring device configured to cut a first web into individual sheets and to intermittently transfer the individual sheets onto a second web being continuously fed includes an upper blade roll with a blade and a lower blade roll with an anvil element. Each of the individual sheets cut from the first web is arranged to be guided and transferred onto the second web while the first web is being sucked onto an outer peripheral surface of the lower blade roll by the suction through suction holes formed in a first region on an outer peripheral surface of the lower blade roll. The first region defined as a suction region includes a plurality of the suction holes and a non-suction region does not include the suction holes. The suction region and the non-suction region are provided alternately in a roll rotating direction.
US08459323B2	Flat bed embossing machine comprising a foil web guiding device The flat bed embossing machine with a foil web guiding device (2) for a plurality of foil webs (6), which are conducted over a tool plate (3), for every foil web ahead of the tool plate comprises an individual, adjustable web guide (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) as foil tensioning devices. The web guides comprise suction openings (14), connected with controllable negative pressure sources (13.1, 13.2, 13.3) for the independent setting of negative pressure (pi) on each individual web guide. To every foil web (6i) a print mark sensor (15i) and settable lateral guiding elements (30) on low-friction deflecting elements (31, 32) are assigned. So that every foil web (6i) can be optimally set for the print marks in drawing direction X and in transverse direction Y.
US08459318B2	Dado guide An apparatus for cutting dado cuts in a board includes a first base member that includes an adjustment for surrounding a fence. A pair of rods extend away from the first base member and are attached to a first rail. A second base member includes a pair of spaced apart holes through which each of the pair of rods passes. A locking lever is used to secure the second base member in position relative to the pair of rods. The second base member is mounted over the rods in either of two ways. Each side of the second base member provides an indication as to where and edge of the dado cut will occur in a board. The width of the dado cut is readily adjustable by urging the second member into the desired position and by actuating the locking lever.
US08459314B2	Battery spill containment trays, battery spill containment systems, and methods of battery spill containment Battery spill containment trays, battery spill containment systems, and methods of battery spill containment are provided. A spill containment system includes a tray mountable on a rack and including a support surface for supporting a device thereon; and an absorbent member removably installed on the tray below the support surface and configured to absorb a spilled substance of the device.
US08459311B2	Multi-valve delivery system A storage and dispensing system for viscous fluids using a single aerosol container having a multi-valve body wherein the valves are activated by a single actuator and viscous materials are kept separate until used. The system may use multiple collapsible bags, a barrier liner, a dip tube, and an omnidirectional valve. Novel mounting cups lacking conventional central pedestal portions are disclosed. New domes for containers are disclosed which eliminate the need for mounting cups. New static mixing devices are disclosed. The devices are made up of static mixing components and static dispensing components. New filling machines for aerosol containers are disclosed. The filling machines contain a plurality of conduits for the separate viscous materials. Filling heads having nozzles depress the actuators of the containers and fill the containers.
US08459309B2	Sailcloth with high 1% warp and high warp efficiency and method of making same There is provided herein a woven sailcloth having a weight of at least about 6 and comprising warp yarns and fill yarns and having a 1% warp of at least about 80 and/or a warp efficiency of at least about 13, wherein the fill yarns are pre-crimped, and wherein the warp yarns and the fill yarns are weaved in a plain weave in which the ratio of fill yarn count to warp yarn count is about 1.1:1 to about 1.8:1 and the ratio of warp yarn density to fill yarn density is about 1.2:1 to about 1.9:1. There is also provided herein sails made from the sailcloth and a method for making the sail.
US08459308B2	Cylindrical shaft, transport roller, transport unit, and printing apparatus A cylindrical shaft is provided of which a pair of ends are formed in a cylindrical shape by a press work so as to form a joining portion therebetween. Here, the joining portion includes: a central linear section which is provided on a center portion in an axis direction of the cylindrical shaft and is formed in a linear shape to be parallel to the axis direction of the cylindrical shaft; and a folded section which includes a plurality of intersections which are provided on both ends of the center portion and are disposed so as to be extended in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the cylindrical shaft, and a connection linear section which connects ends of a pair of the adjacent intersections.
US08459307B2	Duct fastseam A seam for ductwork has a male end portion integrally formed at a distal end of a duct wall and a female end portion integrally formed at another distal end of the duct wall. The female end portion includes a first fold and a second fold, which define a female groove for accommodating the male portion. A distal end of the second fold is bent transverse to the female groove prior to the male portion being inserted into the female groove.
US08459306B2	Flexible pipe having pressure armour layer A flexible pipe body and a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body and a tape used during the manufacturing are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes at least one layer of helically wound tape, adjacent windings in the layer of tape being interlocked by a hooked region of a winding nested in a valley region of an adjacent winding wherein the tape has a cross-sectional profile comprising a first contact surface and parallel spaced apart side walls substantially perpendicular to the contact surface.
US08459305B2	Dual chamber orifice fitting A dual chamber orifice fitting including a first chamber maintained in fluid communication with a pipeline and a second chamber maintained in fluid communication with the first chamber. The fitting includes sealing member formed as an eccentric plug member that is selectively rotatable from a first position wherein the sealing member seals the first chamber from the second chamber, and a second position wherein the sealing member permits the first chamber to be placed in fluid communication with the second chamber. The sealing member includes a curved sealing surface having a pocket recessed therein for containing a non-metallic insert seat. The non-metallic insert seat sealingly engages a seat plate when the sealing member is in the first position. A retainer plate retains the insert seat in the recessed pocket.

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