最新美国发明专利第2013-06-25期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08470571B2	Delta-8 desaturase and its use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding a delta-8 desaturase along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using this delta-8 desaturase in plants and oleaginous yeast are disclosed.
US08470569B2	Hydrometallurgical procedure for the production of ferric-sulfate from fayalite slag The present invention corresponds to a commercial production process of ferric sulfate whose plant can be installed scaled to the requirements of the process of application of the bio-produced ferric solution based on fayalite slag generated in copper smelting plants. No previous process has established as its method of industrial application the use of these smelter slags in the bio-production of ferric sulfate solutions at concentrations above 20 g/L, including a stage of acid-slag leaching in dynamic heaps with control of generated silica and subsequent precipitation of colloidal silica and other impurities in a stirred reactor in the invented process. The ferrous solution free of colloidal silica and other impurities is subjected to a process of bio-oxidization of the clean ferrous solution by microorganisms adapted to these metallurgical solutions.
US08470567B2	Apparatus and process for production of biogas A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of biogas and a solids fraction from an organic waste feedstock is provided. The process involves thermal hydrolysis of the organic waste feedstock at a temperature from about 100 to about 220° C., a pressure from about 5 to about 20 bars, for a period of time from about 15 minutes to 4 hours, to produce a hydrolysate. The hydrolysate undergoes anaerobic digestion at a temperature from about 25 to 60° C., for a period of time from about 1 to 35 days to produce a biogas stream, characterized as having a methane content from between 55 to 75% by volume and a digestate. The digestate is separated into a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, and a portion of the solids fraction is recycled for further anaerobic digestion.
US08470562B2	IRX-2 modified manufacturing process A highly efficient method of making a primary cell derived biologic by purifying mononuclear cells (MNCs) in a automated cell processor to remove contaminating cells by loading leukocytes onto lymphocyte separation medium (LSM) and centrifuging the medium to obtain purified MNCs, storing the MNCs overnight in a closed sterile bag system, stimulating an induction mixture of the MNCs with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or other mitogen and ciprofloxacin in a scalable cell culture device and producing a primary cell derived biologic from the MNCs, removing the mitogen from the induction mixture by filtering, incubating the induction mixture, clarifying the induction mixture by filtering to obtain a primary cell derived biologic supernatant, and clearing the primary cell derived biologic supernatant from adventitious agents by anion exchange chromatography, filtration. A closed system prevents contamination of the resulting primary cell derived biologic. An automated method of purifying cells. A method of scalably inducing cells.
US08470558B1	Use of mammalian expression vector including T7 promoter and N-terminal HA tag for overexpression of human genes in E. coli The present invention relates to a technique for the T7 promoter-driven expression of a foreign protein, preferably, a human protein in E. coli having no T7 RNA polymerase. More particularly, the present invention relates to use of a vector including a T7 promoter and an N-terminal HA tag sequence for overexpression of a foreign protein in E. coli having no T7 RNA polymerase, E. coli that includes the vector and is able to overexpress the foreign protein in the absence of T7 RNA polymerase, a method for expressing or producing the foreign protein using the E. coli, and a method for analyzing functions of the foreign protein. Further, the present invention relates to a simple, rapid method for evaluating the expression and cytotoxicity of a human protein in E. coli by using the vector.
US08470555B2	Protein substance having triple helix structure and manufacturing method therefor As a result of dedicated research, the present inventors have successfully invented a collagen gene construct which can be easily purified and maintains a triple helix structure equivalent to that of naturally-occurring collagen while having a low molecular weight. Specifically, one-step purification by affinity purification is enabled because CR-D (a signal peptide) has a carbohydrate recognition domain. By substituting a portion of a human collagen structural gene of the present invention with the collagen-like structural gene portion of MBL, a low-molecular-weight collagen which maintains a triple helix structure and is thermally stable can be obtained with high purity and in large quantities.
US08470549B2	Method for detecting an antigen The present invention relates to a method for detecting an antigen with use of an antibody and an enzyme. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for detecting an antigen without use of a labeled-antibody. the method comprises immersing particles in a first buffer solution which is predicted to contain the antigen; wherein an antibody and a multi-copper oxidase CueO are immobilized on each surface of the particles, and the antibody reacts specifically with the antigen. The method further comprises the following steps recovering the obtained particles; mixing the particles recovered, an oxidation-reduction indicator (reductant), and a second buffer solution so as to prepare a reaction solution; measuring an activity degree of the multi-copper oxidase CueO contained in the reaction solution; determining that the first buffer solution contains the antigen based on the above activity degree.
US08470544B2	Detection of dysplastic or neoplastic cells using anti-MCM3 antibodies Determination of cellular growth abnormality, particularly cancerous abnormality, by detection of target polypeptides or encoding mRNA, where the target polypeptides are members of the preinitiation complex of DNA replication in tissue, cells or fluid. Target polypeptides include CDC6, MCM2, MCM3, MCM4, MCM5, MCM6 and MCM7. Test samples include tissue of the cervix (both biopsy and smear samples), breast, colon, lung, bladder, skin, larynx, esophagus, bronchus, lymph nodes and urinary tract (both biopsy and cytology smear samples), in determination of cancerous and pre-cancerous cellular growth abnormality, and cells spun from urine, blood and serum, in determination of haematological malignancies and evidence of metastatic sarcoma and carcinoma.
US08470534B2	Methods of predicting resistance or sensitivity to therapies for cancer The present application is directed to methods of predicting the resistance of a tumor to molecularly targeted therapy and methods of predicting sensitivity of a tumor to DNA damaging therapy. The methods include: a) determining the level of expression of plurality of genes regulated by retinoblastoma tumor supressor (RB) in the individual, and b) comparing the level of expression of the plurality of genes regulated by RB in the individual with a level of expression of the plurality of genes regulated by RB in a control. The application is also directed to an RNA expression profile for the loss of RB.
US08470532B2	Aptamer-based colorimetric sensor systems The present invention provides an aptamer-based colorimetric sensor system for determining the presence and optionally the concentration of an analyte in a sample. Methods of utilizing the sensor system and kits that include the sensor also are provided. The sensor utilizes a linker and oligonucleotide functionalized particles to form an aggregate, which disaggregates in response to the analyte.
US08470528B2	Methods and compositions related to adenoassociated virus-phage particles Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to compositions and methods of delivering one or more transgene to a target cell, such as a tumor cell, in a site-specific manner to achieve enhanced expression and to constructs and compositions useful in such applications. In certain aspects, expression from a therapeutic nucleic acid may be assessed prior to administration of a treatment or diagnostic procedure to or on a subject.
US08470526B2	Method of suppressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in a subject by administering a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist The present invention provides novel methods for treating and preventing coronary artery disease in HIV-1-infected individuals by interfering with Nef-mediated effect on ABCA1. The invention further provides novel methods for suppressing HIV infection by stimulating cholesterol efflux from cells by stimulating expression of ABCA1 in HIV-1-infected individuals. These methods take advantage of the finding that Nef, a regulatory protein of HIV-1, (1) diminishes expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), the main transporter of cholesterol from cells to extracellular acceptors; and (2) impairs cholesterol efflux from HIV-1-infected macrophages leading to cholesterol accumulation and formation of foam cells, which is a characteristic feature of atherosclerosis.
US08470524B2	Reducing optical interference in a fluidic device This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.
US08470523B2	Method for detecting intracellular interaction between biomolecules The invention relates to a quantitative non-microscopic method of detecting intracellular interactions between biomolecules in living cells, in response to a biological or pharmacological stimulation, by a time-resolved proximate energy transfer effect between two members of a fluorescence donor/acceptor pair.
US08470522B2	Three-dimensional culture containing human articular chondrocytes with induced terminal differentiation changes and preparation process and uses of the same Disclosed herein is a three-dimensional culture containing human articular chondrocytes with induced terminal differentiation changes, as well as a process for preparing the same. The three-dimensional culture, which was found to mimic the biological characteristics of articular chondrocytes that undergo terminal differentiation in vivo, can be used as a tool in the studies of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of osteoarthritis, and in the screening of candidate drugs for use in treatment of a disorder associated with articular chondrocytes.
US08470520B2	Decellularization and recellularization of organs and tissues The invention provides for methods and materials to decellularize a solid organ and to recellularize such a decellularized organ to thereby generate a solid organ.
US08470511B2	Chemically amplified negative resist composition for EB or EUV lithography and patterning process A chemically amplified negative resist composition is provided comprising (A) an alkali-soluble polymer, (B) an acid generator, and (C) a nitrogen-containing compound as a basic component, the polymer (A) turning alkali insoluble under the catalysis of acid. A basic polymer having a secondary or tertiary amine structure on a side chain serves as components (A) and (C). Processing the negative resist composition by EB or EUV lithography process may form a fine size resist pattern with advantages including uniform diffusion of base, improved LER, controlled deactivation of acid at the substrate interface, and a reduced degree of undercut.
US08470505B2	Imaging members having improved imaging layers The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to imaging members used in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to electrophotographic imaging members which have imaging layer(s) formulated to comprise of a novel A-B diblock copolymer binder consisting of two segmental blocks of a bisphenol polycarbonate and a phthalic acid which provides chemical vapor contaminant resistive property. The present embodiments provide superior copy printout quality.
US08470501B2	Mask used for fabrication of microlens, and fabrication method for microlens using the mask A fabrication method is provided which makes it possible to obtain a microlens that is more tightly spaced (the space between individual microlenses is smaller) than in the related art, even when the same fabrication process as that in the related art is used. The present invention provides a mask used for fabrication of a microlens to irradiate a photosensitive microlens material on a substrate with a patterned light beam, including a main layout, and a sub-layout provided around the main layout, in which when the mask is irradiated with a light beam, a first beam pattern is obtained by the main layout at a position corresponding to a center portion of the microlens, and a second beam pattern separated (resolved) from the first beam pattern is obtained by the sub-layout around the first beam pattern.
US08470500B2	Reflective extreme ultraviolet mask According to example embodiments, a reflective EUV mask may include a mask substrate, a patterned structure and a non-patterned structure on the mask substrate. At least one of the patterned structure and the non-patterned structure may include a thermally treated region configured to reduce a reflectivity of the respective patterned and non-patterned structure.
US08470498B2	Manufacture of fuel cell A fuel cell is manufactured using a polymer electrolyte membrane (1). A catalyst layer (12) is formed at fixed intervals on the surface of the strip-form polymer electrolyte membrane (1) in the lengthwise direction thereof, and conveyance holes (10) are formed in series at fixed intervals on the two side portions thereof. By rotating a conveyance roller (32) comprising on its outer periphery projections which engage with the holes (10), the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) is fed from a reel (9). A GDL (6) and a separator (7) are adhered to the fed polymer electrolyte membrane (1) at a predetermined processing timing based on the rotation speed of the conveyance roller (32), and thus the fuel cell is manufactured efficiently while the GDL (6) and separator (7) are laminated onto the catalyst layer (12) accurately.
US08470496B2	Ion conductive material, conductive film for fuel cell, film electrode bonded body and fuel cell A novel ion conductive material is provided. The ion conductive material composed of an amorphous material is employed.
US08470487B2	Direct methanol fuel cell system A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system including: a separator receiving a gas-liquid mixture discharged from a stack and separating the mixture to gas and a liquid; a methanol cartridge storing high concentration methanol; and a fuel mixer for methanol dilution. The separator and the fuel mixer are separate structures, each including an agitator for stirring a liquid. The agitators can be on the same rotation axis.
US08470485B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system having an on-off valve, such as an injector, disposed in a fuel supply flow path restrains a pressure detection error of a fuel gas in the vicinity of the on-off valve to a small level. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel supply flow path for supplying a fuel gas, which is supplied from a fuel supply source, to the fuel cell, an on-off valve which adjusts the condition of a gas on an upstream side of the fuel supply flow path and then supplies the gas to a downstream side, and a control means which controls the drive of the on-off valve at a predetermined drive cycle, wherein the control means sets the upper limit value of a duty ratio at each drive cycle of the on-off valve.
US08470482B2	Fuel processor for a fuel cell arrangement and a method of operating a fuel processor for a fuel cell arrangement The fuel processor (10) comprises a desulphurisation reactor (12), a catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14), a combustor (16) and a pre-reformer (18), means (20) to supply a hydrocarbon fuel to the desulphurisation reactor (12), means (24) to supply air to the catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14) and means (24) to supply air to the combustor (16). A method of operating the fuel processor for a fuel cell arrangement includes (a) supplying safe gas to the fuel cell arrangement in a first mode of operation, (b) supplying synthesis gas to the fuel cell arrangement in a second mode of operation and (c) supplying processed hydrocarbon fuel to the fuel cell arrangement in a third mode of operation.
US08470477B2	Method of manufacturing positive electrode active material for lithium ion battery At least one of an aqueous solution A containing lithium, an aqueous solution B containing iron, manganese, cobalt, or nickel, and an aqueous solution C containing a phosphoric acid includes graphene oxide. The aqueous solution A is dripped into the aqueous solution C, so that a mixed solution E including a precipitate D is prepared. The mixed solution E is dripped into the aqueous solution B, so that a mixed solution G including a precipitate F is prepared. The mixed solution G is subjected to heat treatment in a pressurized atmosphere, so that a mixed solution H is prepared, and the mixed solution H is then filtered. Thus, particles of a compound containing lithium and oxygen which have a small size are obtained.
US08470476B2	Lithium ion battery A lithium ion battery includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode that includes a negative electrode active material layer that contains an alloy-formable active material; an ion permeable insulating layer that is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and an ion conductive polymer layer that is interposed between the negative electrode and the ion permeable insulating layer, in which the ion conductive polymer layer is configured to include a negative electrode-side portion and an ion permeable insulating layer-side portion that have different compositions, and the ion permeable insulating layer-side portion is configured to have higher ion conductivity than the negative electrode-side portion. With such a lithium ion battery, charge/discharge cycle characteristics and rate characteristics can be improved.
US08470473B2	Electrode and electrochemical device An electrode has a current collector, and an active material-containing layer provided on the current collector and containing active material particles and ceramic particles, and a weight concentration of the ceramic particles to the active material particles in a surface part in the active material-containing layer on the opposite side to the current collector is higher than a weight concentration of the ceramic particles to the active material particles in a lower part in the active material-containing layer on the current collector side. Furthermore, the thickness of the surface part is not less than 30% nor more than 60% of the total thickness of the surface part and the lower part.
US08470470B2	Battery pack manufacturing method, and battery pack Provided are a battery pack manufacturing method, which can prevent a drawback where some of the used secondary batteries constituting a battery pack prematurely come to an end and which can suppress the enlargement of the temporary voltage difference between a used secondary battery at a charging/discharging time (especially in a low-temperature circumstance), and a battery pack. The battery pack manufacturing method includes an acquiring step of acquiring the individual internal resistances of used secondary batteries collected from the market, a selection step of selecting a plurality of the used secondary batteries having the internal resistances close to each other from a group of the used secondary batteries whose internal resistances have been acquired, and an assembling step of combining the used secondary batteries selected, to constitute the battery pack.
US08470466B2	Battery cover latching mechanism and portable electronic device using same A battery cover latching mechanism and a portable electronic device using the same are provided. The battery cover latching mechanism detachably locks a battery cover to the housing and includes an assembly portion, a locking assembly and a lock portion. The locking assembly is mounted to the assembly portion of the housing and includes an elastic piece and a latching member. The elastic piece is assembled within the receiving slot. The latching member is elastically and releasably assembled within the receiving slot by the elastic piece for locking or releasing the battery cover. The locking portion is formed on the battery cover and locked by the latching member.
US08470464B2	Methods and apparatuses for electrochemical cell monitoring and control Battery sub-arrays are configured for electrical and mechanical coupling with each other to form a multi-cell battery. A sub-array may be an individual cell or a group of cells. Each sub-array includes a bypass switch to connect the sub-array within the multi-cell battery or bypass the sub-array. Monitor and control circuitry controls the bypass switch in response to voltage measurements, temperature measurements or a combination thereof for the sub-array. Each sub-array is contained in a holder including a housing and a thermal container encompassing a substantial portion of the housing. The housing includes a cell cavity, a sensor cavity, and a circuit cavity. Positive terminals and negative terminals are positioned on sides of the holder such that when holders are mechanically abutted in an array, various electrical connections can be made to connect the cells in series, parallel, or a combination thereof.
US08470462B2	Structure and method for enhancing interfacial perpendicular anisotropy in CoFe(B)/MgO/CoFe(B) magnetic tunnel junctions A STT-RAM MTJ is disclosed with a MgO tunnel barrier formed by natural oxidation process. A Co10Fe70B20/NCC/Co10Fe70B20, Co10Fe70B20/NCC/Co10Fe70B20/NCC, or Co10Fe70B20/NCC/Co10Fe70B20/NCC/Co10Fe70B20 free layer configuration where NCC is a nanocurrent channel layer made of Fe(20%)-SiO2 is used to minimize Jc0 while enabling higher thermal stability, write voltage, read voltage, Ho, and Hc values that satisfy 64 Mb design requirements. The NCC layer is about 10 Angstroms thick to match the minimum Fe(Si) grain diameter size. The MTJ is annealed with a temperature of about 330° C. to maintain a high magnetoresistive ratio while maximizing Hk⊥(interfacial) for the free layer thereby reducing Heff and lowering the switching current. The Co10Fe70B20 layers are sputter deposited with a low pressure process with a power of about 15 Watts and an Ar flow rate of 40 standard cubic centimeters per minute to lower Heff for the free layer.
US08470460B2	Multilayer thermal barrier coatings A multilayer thermal barrier coating (TBC) may include a plurality of layers selected to provide properties to the multilayer TBC. For example, a multilayer TBC may include a first layer deposited over a substrate, a second layer deposited over the first layer and a third layer deposited over the second layer. The first layer may be selected to provide thermal cycling resistance, the second layer may be selected to provide low thermal conductivity and the third layer may be selected to provide at least one of erosion resistance and CMAS degradation resistance. The multilayer TBC may also include two layers, or more than three layers.
US08470454B2	Material for organic photoelectric device and organic photoelectric device including the same A material for an organic photoelectric device and an organic photoelectric device including the same, the material including an asymmetric compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1: wherein, in Chemical Formula 1, Ar1 is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, provided that when Ar1 is a substituted aryl having a substituent, Ar2 is not the same as the substituent of Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted carbazolyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C30 heteroaryl, a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C30 arylamine, or a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C30 heteroarylamine, L1 and L2 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted naphthylene, or a substituted or unsubstituted anthracene, and m and n are each independently integers of 1 to 4.
US08470452B2	Wear resistant ceramic coated aluminum alloy article A wear resistant ceramic coated aluminum alloy article. The article is made by a method including the steps of: a) immersing the article in an aqueous electrolyte containing from about 1.5 to about 2.5 grams per liter of alkali metal hydroxide and from about 6.5 to about 9.5 grams per liter of alkali metal silicate. No more than 1 g per liter of alkali metal pyrophosphate is present and no more than about 0.05 percent of hydrogen peroxide is present, and b) applying an alternating current through the electrolyte using the article as one electrode where a second electrode includes at least one of an electrically conductive container or an immersed separate electrode, where applied EMF is selected to provide a current density of from about 15 to about 25 A/dm2, for a sufficient time to obtain a wear resistant ceramic coating having a thickness of from about 125 to about 150 μm.
US08470449B2	Propylene-based polymer composition It is an object of the present invention to provide a propylene-based polymer composition which is excellent in transparency and heat resistance (particularly, heat resistance at high heat deformation temperature) and is free from occurrence of stickiness even when it is used at a high temperature for a long period of time. The propylene-based polymer composition of the invention comprises (A) a propylene-based polymer (PP) satisfying the following requirements (1) and (2), in an amount of 1 to 99 parts by weight, and (B) a propylene/ethylene/α-olefin copolymer satisfying the following requirements (I) to (IV), in an amount of 99 to 1 part by weight, with the proviso that the total amount of the component (A) and the component (B) is 100 parts by weight; (1) the polymer (A) has a melting point (Tm), as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), of not lower than 110° C. but not higher than 170° C., (2) the polymer (A) has an isotactic pentad fraction (mmmm fraction) of not less than 90%, (I) the copolymer (B) contains constitutional units derived from propylene in amounts of 73.1 to 87.0% by mol, constitutional units derived from ethylene in amounts of 10.0 to 16.9% by mol and constitutional units derived from an α-olefin of 4 to 20 carbon atoms in amounts of 3.0 to 10.0% by mol, (II) the copolymer (B) has an isotactic triad fraction (mm), as calculated by 13C-NMR, of not less than 85%, and (III) the copolymer (B) has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn, Mw: weight-average molecular weight, Mn: number-average molecular weight, both being in terms of polystyrene), as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), of not more than 3.5.
US08470444B2	Water dispersible polyisocyanate compositions Non aqueous water dispersible compositions comprising: I) polyisocyanates, which are made hydrophilic by reaction with a 1,3- or 1,2-nonionic diol containing one alkoxy-terminated polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene chain, II) one or more ethoxylated alcohol phosphates having at least one phosphoric group in acid form, and optionally III) a water miscible organic solvent, the compositions being useful as crosslinker for polyurethane aqueous dispersions.
US08470438B2	Electrode-connecting structure, conductive adhesive used for the same, and electronic apparatus There is provided a connecting structure with high reliability produced at low cost through the production process simplified by connecting connection electrodes, each including an organic film as an oxidation preventing film, to each other using a conductive adhesive. An electrode-connecting structure in which a first connection electrode 2 and a second connection electrode 10 are connected to each other with a conductive adhesive layer 9 therebetween includes organic films 6 and 11 formed on at least the first connection electrode and conductive particles 8 contained so that major axes of the particles are oriented in a thickness direction of the conductive adhesive layer and the average length of the major axes is larger than the total thickness of at least the organic films and the conductive adhesive layer, wherein the conductive particles pierce the organic films and contact the first connection electrode and the second connection electrode.
US08470437B2	Porous cement road surface made from polymer modified cement and a construction method thereof A porous concrete road surface structure made from polymer modified cement and a construction method thereof are disclosed. The structure successively comprises a bottom layer, a bonding layer, a porous concrete layer and a surface treatment layer. The bonding layer is located on the bottom layer, and the porous concrete layer on the bonding layer is prepared through paving, leveling and jolting a composition mixed from broken stone, sand and a slurry mixture of polymer modified cement. The addition of polymer promotes bonding of granular materials with the slurry mixture tightly, the use of the bonding layer makes the road surface structure and the bottom layer form an integral body, and the road surface structure has high strength, good crack resistance, water resistance, ageing resistance and corrosion resistance; the use of an intermittent or single graded of particles results in large pores, makes the road surface water-penetrating, decreases noise and amount of the polymer; and, the surface treatment can improve markedly surface properties and its use according to the application can make the porous concrete layer has rigid or flexible characteristic. The porous concrete road surface can be paved, leveled and jolted by paving machine or manual labor.
US08470436B1	Roofing system including insulation and cover boards A roofing system includes a plurality of insulation boards adapted for overlying a roof deck to form a layer of insulation, and a plurality of cover boards adapted for overlying the layer of insulation. Each insulation board includes a polymer foam material having a first density. Each cover board includes a material including polyisocyanurate, the material having a second density greater than the first. The foam material of the insulation boards may include, for example, polystyrene, polyurethane, or a phenolic material. The insulation boards and cover boards may include facers on top or bottom surfaces.
US08470434B2	Glass substrate coated with layers having an improved mechanical strength The invention relates to a transparent glass substrate, associated with a transparent electro-conductive layer capable of constituting an electrode of a photovoltaic cell and composed of a doped oxide, characterized by the interposition, between the glass substrate and the transparent electroconductive layer, of a mixed layer of one or more first nitride(s) or oxynitride(s), or oxide(s) or oxycarbide(s) having good adhesive properties with glass, and one or more second nitride(s) or oxynitride(s) or oxide(s) or oxycarbide(s) capable of constituting, possibly in the doped state, a transparent electroconductive layer; a method for producing this substrate; a photovoltaic cell, a tempered and/or curved glass, a shaped heating glass, a plasma screen and a flat lamp electrode having this substrate.
US08470431B2	Product with embossments having a decreasing line weight Embossed sheet materials are disclosed. In accordance with the present disclosure, the embossing pattern includes at least one line element that has a gradually decreasing depth. The gradually decreasing depth has been found to alter the shadow characteristics of the embossing pattern thus creating a line in the embossing pattern that appears to decrease in line weight. The decrease in line weight is accomplished without having to change the width of the embossment, although the width can also be changed in conjunction with the depth. Being able to incorporate line weight variations into embossing patterns can dramatically improve the aesthetic appeal of the patterns.
US08470427B2	Manufacturing method of information recording medium and information recording medium A method for manufacturing an information recording medium including N information layers, (N−1) intermediate layers interposed between the information layers and a protective layer laminated on the Nth information layer placed on a substrate formed with a first reference point, including: forming the information layer on the substrate; repeating (N−1) times a process of applying radiation curable resin on the information layer, a process of affixing a transfer stamper formed with a second reference point to the radiation curable resin, a process of curing the radiation curable resin by irradiation, and a process of forming the intermediate layer by peeling the transfer stamper at an interface with the radiation curable resin, in order to form the (N−1) information layers and the (N−1) intermediate layers and thereafter form the Nth information layer; and forming the protective layer on the Nth information layer, wherein in the process of affixing the transfer stamper to the radiation curable resin, the transfer stamper is affixed so that the second reference point of the transfer stamper is each time at a different position with respect to the first reference point of the substrate.
US08470422B2	Nitrile rubber article having natural rubber characteristics An carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber latex formulation composed of a blend of a first acrylonitrile terpolymer and a second acrylonitrile terpolymer, wherein: the acrylonitrile content of the blended terpolymers is between 17 and 45% by weight, the methacrylic acid content of the blended termpolymers is less than 15% by weight, and the remaining balance of the terpolymers being butadiene. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber article made from the formulation.
US08470421B2	Biodegradable resin bottle and method of producing the same [Problem] To provide a polylactic acid bottle having a vacuum-evaporated film on the inner surface of the bottle wall, effectively preventing the thermal deformation of the bottle at the time of forming the film and exhibiting excellent barrier property against oxygen and water.[Means for Solution] A biodegradable resin bottle has a wall formed by a biodegradable resin and a vacuum-evaporated film on an inner surface of the wall by a plasma CVD method, and wherein said vapor-evaporated film exhibits hydrocarbon peaks stemming from CH, CH2 and CH3 in a region of a wave number of 3200 to 2600 cm−1 as measured by FT-IR, and per the sum of CH, CH2 and CH3 calculated from the hydrocarbon peaks, a CH2 ratio is not larger than 35% and a CH3 ratio is not smaller than 40%.
US08470419B2	Electronic device housing and method for making the same An electronic device housing includes a substrate and a nano titanium dioxide coating formed on the substrate is provided. The nano titanium dioxide coating has a thickness of about 10-100 nm. The nano titanium dioxide coating is formed of rutile crystals or composite crystals formed of rutile and anatase. A method for making the electronic device is also described there.
US08470415B2	Transparent ink-jet recording film Addition of a surfactant to either the under-layer, the image-receiving layer, or to both the under-layer and the image-receiving layer provides a quick-drying, transparent ink-jet recording film capable of achieving an optical density of at least 2.8 while still having a low haze and producing a number of grey levels.
US08470407B2	Method for producing a thiol functionalised coating A method is provided for applying a reactive thiol containing coating to a substrate. The method includes subjecting the substrate to a plasma discharge in the presence of a compound of formula (I) or formula (Ia): where X is an optionally substituted straight or branched alkylene chain(s) or aryl group(s); R1, R2 or R3 are optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or heterocyclic groups, and m is an integer greater than 0; Rn is a number of optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or heterocyclic groups, where n is 0-5.
US08470405B2	Method of forming multi-layer paint films To provide a method of forming a multi-layer paint film with which, even when applying three paint layers and baking the paint layer only once, it is possible to achieve a paint film appearance the same as that with the conventional baking twice method. [Means of Resolution] A method of forming a multi-layer paint film in which an aqueous first base-paint is painted on a base material on which an electro-deposition paint has been coated and a first base-paint layer is formed, an aqueous second base-paint is painted on said first base-paint layer as a wet-on-wet system and a second base-paint layer is formed and, moreover, a clear-paint is painted on the second base-paint layer as a wet-on-wet system and a clear-paint layer is formed and then the three paint layers are all baked at the same time which is characterized in that the aqueous first base-paint includes as essential components hydroxyl group containing non-ionic resin where ethylene oxide units and/or propylene oxide units are included in an amount of from 4 to 15 mass % in the resin and of which the resin acid value is less than 15 mgKOH/g and the hydroxyl group value is from 10 to 100 mgKOH/g, and crosslinking agent.
US08470403B2	Organic thin film deposition device, organic EL element manufacturing device, and organic thin film deposition method An organic thin film deposition device that is compact and high in processing capability is provided. Inside a vacuum chamber, first and second substrate arrangement devices that can be in a horizontal posture and a standing posture are provided; and when in the standing posture, substrates held by the respective substrate arrangement devices and first and second organic vapor discharging devices face each other. When one of the substrate arrangement devices is in the horizontal posture, masks and the substrates are lifted up by alignment pins and transfer pins and are replaced with a substrate not yet film formed, for position adjustment. With one organic thin film deposition device, two substrates can be processed at the same time.
US08470400B2	Graphene synthesis by chemical vapor deposition Processes for synthesizing graphene films. Graphene films may be synthesized by heating a metal or a dielectric on a substrate to a temperature between 400° C. and 1,400° C. The metal or dielectric is exposed to an organic compound thereby growing graphene from the organic compound on the metal or dielectric. The metal or dielectric is later cooled to room temperature. As a result of the above process, standalone graphene films may be synthesized with properties equivalent to exfoliated graphene from natural graphite that is scalable to size far greater than that available on silicon carbide, single crystal silicon substrates or from natural graphite.
US08470399B1	Bead processing system An enamel bead-making system involves a novel bead-pulling station and a mandrel (slender rod). The mandrel is for manually dipping a preheated metal bead core into a container of glass powder so that the powder melts and later solidifies on the core, thereby creating an enamel or glass coated bead. To safely remove the hot enamel bead from the mandrel, the mandrel is manually pulled through a V-notch in an upper edge of the bead-pulling station, which forces the bead off the end of the mandrel and into a collection area for cooling. A second V-notch allows a subsequent bead to be removed and cooled at a location spaced apart from the first one. If a bead sticks on the mandrel, the mandrel can be pushed through a small hole in the bead-pulling station, which helps break a glass bond that might develop between the mandrel and the enamel bead.
US08470398B2	Method for producing single-hole hollow polymer microparticles The present invention provides a method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles having extremely uniform outer diameters and inner diameters with no need for classification operation. Further, the present invention provides single-hole hollow polymer particles produced by the method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles.The present invention provides a method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles including the steps of preparing a dispersion of swollen particle droplets by mixing a seed particle dispersion obtained by dispersing seed particles containing a non-crosslinked polymer in a water-containing dispersion medium with an oil-soluble solvent and thereby making the seed particles absorb the oil-soluble solvent; preparing a mixed solution by mixing the dispersion of the swollen particle droplets with an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer; and precipitating the water-soluble polymer on the surfaces of the swollen particle droplets by carrying out operation for lowering the solubility of the water-soluble polymer in the mixed solution.
US08470396B2	Dynamic dehydriding of refractory metal powders Refractory metal powders are dehydrided in a device which includes a preheat chamber for retaining the metal powder fully heated in a hot zone to allow diffusion of hydrogen out of the powder. The powder is cooled in a cooling chamber for a residence time sufficiently short to prevent re-absorbtion of the hydrogen by the powder. The powder is consolidated by impact on a substrate at the exit of the cooling chamber to build a deposit in solid dense form on the substrate.
US08470394B2	Colorized retroreflective material and method A colorized retroreflective materials for use on clothing are colorized by including a substantially transparent colorizing overlayer composition applied to a retroreflective layer, the overlayer further comprising an amount of a suitable pigmented ink; an amount of at least one species of polyurethane material; and an amount of a silane material.
US08470386B2	Rice flour compositions A rice flour composition having: from about 20% to about 95%, by weight, of a rice flour that has a WAI of from about 2.6 to about 9; and a Peak Viscosity from about 4 RVU to about 130 RVU; and from about 5% to about 80%, by weight, of rice starch materials that have a WAI of below about 2.2; a Peak Viscosity from about 100 RVU to about 900 RVU, and a soluble amylose content of less than 10%, by weight. The rice starch materials can be selected from the group consisting of waxy rice starch, acetylated rice starch, cross linked rice starch and mixtures thereof. The compositions can be used to produce food products such as fabricated sheeted snacks, extruded products, sauces, coatings for fried foods, dog foods, dog biscuits, baby foods and breads. The preferred dough formed from the inventive rice flour composition is sheetable and forms a cohesive dough. Fabricated snacks made from this dough has the desired taste and texture characteristics. A dry blend for a preferred fabricated snack comprises from about 2% to about 100%, preferably from about 20% to about 85%, most preferably from about 40% to about 75%, of the rice flour composition.
US08470385B2	Beverage having purified or isolate protein component A novel canola protein isolate including predominantly 2S canola protein and having equal to better solubility properties and improved clarity properties, has an increased proportion of 2S canola protein and a decreased proportion of 7S canola protein. The novel canola protein isolate is formed by heat treatment or isoelectric precipitation of aqueous supernatant from canola protein micelle formation and precipitation, to effect precipitation of 7S protein which is sedimented and removed. Alternatively, the novel canola protein isolate may be derived from a selective membrane procedure in which an aqueous canola protein solution containing 12S, 7S and 2S canola proteins is subjected to a first selective membrane technique to retain 12S and 7S canola proteins in a retentate, which is dried to provide a canola protein isolate including predominantly 7S canola protein, and to permit 2S canola protein to pass through the membrane. The permeate is subjected to a second selective membrane technique to retain 2S canola protein and to permit low molecular weight contaminants to pass through the membrane, and the retentate from the latter membrane technique is dried.
US08470381B2	Spinosyn antifouling compositions, methods of use thereof and articles protected from attachment of biofouling organisms Disclosed herein are antifouling compositions including at least one spinosyn active material. These compositions provide protection to surfaces coated or impregnated therewith from attachment of various biofouling organisms. Compositions include, for example, paint, varnish, and sealant formulations.
US08470380B2	Polyphenol extraction process The invention relates to a process for extracting one or more polyphenols from fruits such as apples and to uses of said extracts in the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and digestive health.
US08470374B2	Granular antimicrobial agent for water processing [Object] The object of the invention is to provide a granular antimicrobial agent for water processing which has sufficient water permeability and antimicrobial effect, and the effective duration of which can be readily ascertained when used as a water-processing antimicrobial agent in the home.[Means for Solving the Problems] A granular antimicrobial agent for water processing which has a solubility at 25° C. of preferably 0.1 mg/g·L·hour to 1 mg/g·L·hour, comprises 0.5 wt % to 4 wt % of Ag2O, 2 wt % to 10 wt % of K2O, 35 wt % to 50 wt % of SiO2, and 40 wt % to 55 wt % of B2O3, and has a semispherical or conical shape in part was found. In addition, the inventors found that the antimicrobial agent is highly suitable for use in various kinds of water processing, particularly, the antimicrobial treatment of water used for washing, and completed the invention.
US08470373B2	Composition containing ultra-micronized palmitoyl-ethanolamide The present invention relates to a composition for pharmaceutical or veterinary use, comprising palmitoylethanolamide. In particular, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for human or veterinary use, containing a therapeutically efficient amount of palmitoylethanolamide in the ultra-micronized form, wherein more than 90% by weight of palmitoylethanolamide has particle sizes lower than 6 microns, together with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
US08470371B2	Polymeric micellar clusters and their uses in formulating drugs Polymeric micellar clusters formed from amphiphilic carbohydrate polymers and their uses in formulating drugs is disclosed, and in particular the finding that amphiphilic carbohydrate polymers are capable of self assembling to form micellar clusters in which the carbohydrate amphiphiles aggregate into hierarchically organized micellar clusters of individual aggregates. The micellar clusters may be transformed into stable nanoparticles with drugs, especially hydrophobic drugs that have poor aqueous solubility, and may improve the transfer of hydrophobic drugs across biological barriers.
US08470370B2	Controlled release formulations The present invention provides stable, self-assembling, biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel formulations, into which one or more compounds may be incorporated allowing for delayed release or controlled release of the incorporated compounds as the hydrogel is degraded in the body.
US08470367B2	Oral drug delivery system An oral drug delivery system comprising a coated tablet having one or more surfaces. The coated tablet further comprises a core and a coating surrounding the core. The core comprises an active ingredient composition comprising at least one active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and a composition selected from a swellable composition and a reactive composition located in an immediate vicinity of one or more preselected surfaces. The coating comprising water insoluble polymer(s) and leachable component(s) is operable to be reliably removed fully from the one or more of the preselected surfaces of the tablet upon contact with an aqueous environment, but not removed from at least one of the surfaces.
US08470365B2	Process for preparation of anti-tubercular combination and pharmaceutical composition prepared therefrom This invention relates to a process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising four antitubercular drugs: rifampin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, isoniazid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, pyrazinamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and ethambutol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein rifampin and isoniazid are in separate layers. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition prepared therefrom having advantageous stability and bioavailability.
US08470363B2	Antihypertensive pharmaceutical composition An antihypertensive pharmaceutical composition is provided, which contains levamlodipine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and indapamide. In the present invention, levamlodipine and indapamide are administrated in combination for treating hypertension, a good synergistic antihypertensive effect is achieved, and the edema side effect due to sodium and water retention caused when levamlodipine is administrated alone and the side effect of glucose metabolism interference caused when indapamide is administrated alone are mitigated.
US08470359B2	Sustained release polymer A polymer and a method for its preparation are provided. The polymer comprises poly(lactide), poly(lactide/glycolide) or poly(lactic acid/glycolic acid) segments bonded by ester linkages to both ends of an alkanediol core unit. The polymer is for use in a controlled release formulation for a medicament, preferably leuprolide acetate. The controlled release formulation is administered to a patient as a subcutaneous depot of a flowable composition comprising the polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and the medicament. Controlled release formulations comprising the polymer release leuprolide for treatment of prostate cancer patients over periods of 3-6 months.
US08470358B2	Nitric oxide generating medical devices Medical devices having a catalyst capable of catalyzing the generation of nitric oxide in vivo and methods of treating a vascular condition using the devices are provided.
US08470356B2	Tissue augmentation devices and methods Tissue augmentation devices, as well as methods of manufacturing and using the same, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a tissue augmentation device comprises an elongate tissue penetrating member and an amount of remodelable material, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member is cannulated, and at least a portion of the amount of material is received within at least a portion of the cannulated portion of the elongate member. The elongate tissue penetrating member may provide at least one deformation that is configured to constrict portions of the amount of remodelable material received within the elongate member. In alternate embodiments, a flexible covering over an implantable biomaterial provides protection and allows an easier delivery of the biomaterial to a tissue tract.
US08470355B2	Mesh implant The present disclosure relates to implants including a porous substrate, a first hydrogel precursor, a second hydrogel precursor and a mesh. The first and second hydrogel precursors are applied to the porous substrate. The mesh has a first portion in contact with the porous substrate and a second portion exposed for tissue contact.
US08470354B2	Osteogenic implants with combined implant materials and methods for same Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.
US08470352B2	Magnesium compositions and uses thereof for metabolic disorders A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08470351B2	Embedding antibiotic compounds in solid polymers The present invention is directed to providing antimicrobial compositions consisting of a polymeric material and, embedded therein, an antimicrobial compound. The antimicrobial compound contains at least one quaternary ammonium group, at least one hydrocarbon chain comprising a minimum of 10 carbon atoms and a maximum of 24 carbon atoms, and one or more anions to balance the charge of the quaternary ammonium groups. The invention is also directed to a method of making antimicrobial compositions containing an antimicrobial compound embedded in a polymeric material.
US08470349B2	Cosmetic or dermatological preparations containing licochalcone A or an extract of radix glycyrrhizae inflatae, containing licochalcone A Cosmetic or dermatological preparations with a content of an aqueous extract of Radix Glycyrrhizae inflatae or licochalcone A, one or more ethoxylated or propoxylated raw materials, optionally one or more polyols.
US08470346B2	Anti-viral pharmaceutical compositions The present invention provides antiviral compositions that comprise one or more of an ionic multivalent metal component, a cationic polymer, and a cationic surfactant. The present invention also provides methods for making and using such antiviral compositions.
US08470345B2	Lipids containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids A lipid preparation including a glycerophospholipid or salt, conjugate and derivatives thereof, particularly phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl-inositol (PI), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidic acid (PA), and poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) acyl groups, particularly long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) acyl groups such as omega-3 and/or omega-6 acyl groups, wherein said PUFA is covalently bound to said glycerophospholipid. The preparation possesses an improved bioactivity, and is useful in the treatment of various cognitive and mental conditions and disorders and for maintenance of normal functions of brain-related systems and processes.
US08470343B2	Immunogenic compositions and uses thereof The present invention relates generally to a method of eliciting or otherwise inducing an effective immune response to a micro-organism and compositions for use therein. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response to a parasite utilising an immunogenic composition comprising a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (referred to herein as “GPI”) inositolglycan domain or its derivatives. Even more particularly, the present invention contemplates an immunogenic composition comprising the Plasmodium falciparum GPI inositolglycan domain or its derivatives. The present invention is useful, inter alia, as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment for disease conditions such as, for example, infection by parasites and in particular infection by Plasmodium species.
US08470339B2	Antigens for paratuberculosis diagnosis and vaccination The present invention discloses new antigens of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, antigenic compositions comprising at least two of said antigens, as well as epitopes, antibodies or hypervariable fragments thereof and nucleotide sequences coding for them. The present invention also concerns their use in diagnosis and/or vaccination against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, in mammals, and in particular in cattle, but also in sheep and caprines. The invention also concerns their potential application in diagnosis and/or vaccination against Crohn's disease in human.
US08470338B2	Method for preventing or treating M tuberculosis infection The present invention is directed to methods of preventing reactivation of active and latent M. tuberculosis infections by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid encoding a Mtb72f fusion protein, or a Mtb72f fusion protein or an immunogenic fragment thereof, for example together with an adjuvant. The Mtb72f nucleic acid or fusion protein can be administered with one or more chemotherapeutic agents effective against a M. tuberculosis infection. The methods also provide for shortening the time course of a chemotherapeutic regimen against a M. tuberculosis infection.
US08470334B2	Method of inducing an antiviral immune response against HIV-1 utilizing chimeric HIV Env proteins comprising CD4 mini-proteins or CD4 mimetics Env-CD4 polypeptide complexes and hybrids that expose cryptic epitopes important in virus neutralization are disclosed. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polypeptides are also provided.
US08470326B2	Monoclonal antibody therapy for pancreas cancer The present invention relates to the use of binding equivalents of monoclonal antibody 31.1, including chimerized and/or humanized versions thereof, antibody fragments as well as competitively binding and co-specific antibodies and antibody fragments, in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
US08470324B2	Fusion polypeptides capable of activating receptors A fusion polypeptide comprising (A)x-M-(A′)y, wherein A and A′ are each polypeptides capable of binding a target receptor. The fusion polypeptides of the invention form multimeric proteins which activate the target receptor. A and A′ may be each be an antibody or fragment derived from an antibody specific for a target receptor, such as the same or different scFv fragments, and/or a ligand or ligand fragment or derivative capable of binding the target protein, M is a multimerizing component, and X and Y are independently a number between 1-10.
US08470314B2	Modified toxins The present application relates to compositions of modified toxins exhibiting reduced immunogenicity and reduced binding to vascular endothelium or vascular endothelial cells, thereby reducing the incidence of Vascular Leak Syndrome. Also provided are polypeptide toxophores from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope. Another aspect relates to a polypeptide toxophore from a modified diphtheria toxin, where modifications are in at least one amino acid residue of at least one T-cell epitope and at least one amino acid residue of at least one VLS motif of an unmodified native diphtheria toxin. Another aspect relates to a fusion protein which comprises a modified diphtheria toxin and a non-diphtheria toxin fragment that is a cell binding portion. Another aspect relates to the use of a modified diphtheria toxin for the treatment of a malignant disease or a non-malignant disease.
US08470313B2	Ras mutation and compositions and methods related thereto Disclosed are newly discovered Ras mutations and combinations of mutations, proteins and peptides and fusion proteins containing these mutations, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, peptides, and fusion proteins, and a variety of tools and diagnostic, therapeutic, and screening methods associated with the use of such mutations.
US08470311B2	Therapeutic agent for anaerobic diseases The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for anaerobic diseases such as solid tumor, comprising in combination a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of an anaerobic disease containing the transformed anaerobic microorganism as an active component and a pharmaceutical composition containing as an active component an anaerobic microorganism colonization and growth enhancer for enhancing the specific colonization and proliferation of the anaerobic microorganism at an anaerobic disease site. Furthermore, the present invention provides to an anaerobic microorganism colonization and growth enhancer for enhancing colonization and growth of the transformed anaerobic microorganism at a disease site that is in an anaerobic environment.
US08470310B2	Simian adenoviruses SAdV-36, -42.1, -42.2, and -44 and uses thereof A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 36, simian adenovirus 42.1, simian adenovirus 42.2 and/or simian adenovirus 44 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses one or more simian adenovirus-36, -42.1, -42.2 or -44 gene(s) is also described. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.
US08470308B2	Enhanced medical implant comprising disrupted tooth pulp and tooth particles A medical implant comprising in components from a tooth and stem cells harvested from at least one tooth. Tooth stem cells may be harvested from the dental pulp of mammalian teeth, such as unerupted third molars in humans. After the stem cells are removed and isolated from the other teeth tissue, the hard tooth may be ground into a base material for the manufacture of a porous matrix into which the tooth stem cells can be added. Additionally, soft tissue from the harvested tooth may be used as a carrier scaffold for soft tissue applications such as meniscal or cartilage repair.
US08470301B2	Particulate materials Embodiments of the invention relate to particles of active substances, methods for preparing the particles, formulations containing the particles, and metered dose inhalers containing such particles or formulations. In one embodiment, a composition of an aerosol formulation is provided and contains a particulate active substance of non-micronized, solid particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm suspended in a hydrofluorocarbon fluid vehicle at a concentration within a range from about 0.2% w/v to about 5% w/v. The aerosol formulation exhibits a flocculation volume of about 85% or greater about 1 minute after mixing the particulate active substance and the hydrofluorocarbon fluid vehicle. The particulate active substance contains an alkaloid ergotamine, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, analogues thereof, or derivatives thereof. In some examples, the alkaloid ergotamine contains dihydroergotamine, such as dihydroergotamine mesylate and the hydrofluorocarbon fluid vehicle contains HFA 134a, HFA 227ea, or mixtures thereof.
US08470299B2	Biomarkers for psychosis The present invention relates generally to the diagnosis of psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, including psychotic bipolar disorder.
US08470298B2	Method of preparing a medium with bubbles formed therein for contemporaneous injection An apparatus, system or method enables microbubbles to be created on demand for use as the contrast agent within a contrast medium administrable to a patient for purposes of a medical procedure. The system comprises a reservoir, a pressurizing device, a microbubble generator, and a controller. The reservoir stores a liquid. The pressurizing device conveys the liquid, along with the medium formed therewith, through the system. The microbubble generator is used to create the microbubbles within the liquid to form the medium. The microbubble generator has an inlet for receiving the liquid and an outlet for communication of the medium to the patient. The controller controls the operation of the system so that the microbubbles created by the microbubble generator are generated according to the demands of the medical procedure and are administrable within the medium to the patient.
US08470294B2	Flexible and/or elastic brachytherapy seed or strand A flexible or elastic brachytherapy strand that includes an imaging marker and/or a therapeutic, diagnostic or prophylactic agent such as a drug in a biocompatible carrier that can be delivered to a subject upon implantation into the subject through the bore of a brachytherapy implantation needle has been developed. Strands can be formed as chains or continuous arrays of seeds up to 50 centimeters or more, with or without spacer material, flaccid, rigid, or flexible.
US08470293B2	Method of preparing a molecular sieve and its use in the conversion of oxygenates to olefins A method of preparing a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve which comprises the steps of combining a source of silica, a source of phosphorous, a source of alumina and water to form a primary mixture; adding a structure directing agent to said mixture and optional seeds to form a synthesis mixture. The synthesis mixture is synthesized by heating the mixture to a crystallization temperature to form the sieve. The molar ratio of the structure directing agent relative to the source of alumina may vary between 1.3 and 1.9 and the ratio of water to the source of alumina may vary between 20 to 34.
US08470292B2	Hydrogen production method from water by thermochemical cycles using germanium oxide The present invention relates to a hydrogen production method from water by using germanium oxide, more precisely a hydrogen and oxygen production method from water by thermochemical cycles using germanium oxide. The method of the present invention facilitates the production of hydrogen by multi-step thermochemical cycle using germanium oxide, so that it is characterized by that the thermochemical cycle is low temperature reaction and only water is consumed and other materials are not consumed but circulated.
US08470290B1	Methods and apparatus for industrial waste recovery This application concerns methods and apparatus for use in industrial waste recovery operations such as recovery of non-consumed chemicals in industrial processes, with recovery of quick lime in a wood pulp process being an example. In some embodiments, methods comprise baking lime sludge in a kiln and controlling a temperature in a calcining zone of the kiln to be above about 2250° F. to vaporize sodium contained in the lime sludge. Interaction of the vaporized sodium with SOx can deter accumulation of one or both of CaCO3 and CaSO4 on one or more inner surfaces of the kiln. In some embodiments, lime sludge can be rinsed to generate a filtrate comprising dissolved NaOH, and the filtrate can charge a scrubber for removing SOx from an exhaust from the kiln. Embodiments of co-fired burners for heating such kilns by burning petroleum coke and natural gas are also disclosed.
US08470289B2	Manganese oxides and their use in the oxidation of alkanes Catalytic structures are provided comprising octahedral tunnel lattice manganese oxides ion-exchanged with metal cations or mixtures thereof. The structures are useful as catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes and may be prepared by treating layered manganese oxide under highly acidic conditions, optionally drying the treated product, and subjecting it to ion exchange.
US08470286B2	Proton conductive material A proton conductive material in which hollow inorganic fine particles that have through holes on a surface of the hollow inorganic fine particles, that are filled with an electrolyte resin. In addition, a membrane-electrode assembly which has an anode electrode provided on one surface side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and including an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode electrode provided on the other surface side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and including a cathode catalyst layer, wherein at least the anode catalyst layer from among the pair of catalyst layers includes the proton conductive material.
US08470285B1	Method of liquid phase synthesis of carbon nanotubes in air A method of liquid phase synthesis of carbon nanotubes in air comprising the steps of making a first liquid phase metal salt catalyst solution of a first predetermined volume; making a carbon source liquid phase solution of a second predetermined volume; ultrasonicating the first metal salt catalyst and the carbon source solutions to de-agglomerate and uniformly disperse their powder form into the solutions; depositing predetermined volumes of droplets of the first metal salt catalyst and the carbon source solutions onto a substrate; drying the first metal salt catalyst and the carbon source solutions on the substrate in an air environment for a predetermined time to form a carbon and catalyst composite; and heating the carbon and catalyst mixture in the air environment for a predetermined temperature and time to form one or more carbon nanotubes.
US08470284B2	Methods and catalysts for the manufacture of carbon fibrils An improved catalyst for producing carbon fibrils is made by incorporating an effective yield-enhancing amount of a carboxylate into a fibril-forming catalyst. Alternatively, such a catalyst is made by coprecipitating a compound of a metal having fibril-forming catalytic properties and an aluminum and/or magnesium compound, optionally in the presence of carbon particles or carbon fibril aggregates. The catalyst may also be made by incorporating a compound of a fibril-forming metal onto magnesia particles in carbon particles or carbon fibril aggregates. The catalysts, methods of using them to form carbon fibrils and those carbon fibrils are also disclosed.
US08470280B2	Calcium carbonate microtablets and method for the preparation thereof The invention discloses a method of preparing monodisperse microtablets of calcium carbonate in aqueous solutions containing calcium, gelatin and urea. Calcium carbonate powders of a unique tablet-like morphology were produced by simply ageing the prerefrigerated (at 4° C. for at least 24 hours) CaCI2-gelatin-urea solutions at 70° C. for 24 h in ordinary glass media bottles. Thermal decomposition of dissolved urea was used to supply aqueous carbonate (CO32−) ions to the calcium (Ca2+) ion and gelatin-containing solutions. Monodisperse CaCO3 microtablets have the particle sizes from 1 to 8 microns. CaCO3 microtablets were biphasic in nature and consist of 93 to 98% vaterite and 2 to 7% calcite. Identical solutions used without prerefrigeration yielded only trigonal prismatic calcite crystals upon ageing at 70° C. for 24 h.
US08470278B2	Processes for production of phosphorus pentafluoride and hexafluorophosphates A method of manufacturing phosphorus pentafluoride and hexafluorophosphate can suppress the manufacturing cost and also can manufacture high-quality phosphorus pentafluoride from an inexpensive and low-quality raw material. The raw material for the method can include at least a phosphorus atom and a fluorine atom. These are brought into contact with a carrier gas, and a phosphorus pentafluoride is extracted and separated into the carrier gas. A method of manufacturing hexafluorophosphate includes reacting fluoride with the resulting phosphorus pentafluoride according to the following chemical reaction scheme: sPF5+AFs→A(PF6)s, in which s is in the range of 1≦s≦3, and A is at least one of the following: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4, Ag, Mg, Ca, Ba, Zn, Cu, Pb, Al and Fe.
US08470277B2	Selective catalytic NOx reduction process and control system A process and an apparatus enhance urea utilization for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx, by controlled preparation and feed of gasified urea during combustor load variation. The concentration of NOx in the combustion gases and a required total gas flow necessary to supply an SCR reactor with NOx reducing and carrier gases are determined. Urea is gasified by gasification gases in a thermal gasification reactor. The resulting urea gasification products are mixed with carrier gases to provide an injection grid supply stream. Heating is reduced and flue gas enthalpy is efficiently used by controls utilizing monitoring the temperatures of gases fed to the thermal gasification reactor and of the stream of carrier gases.
US08470274B2	Method for feeding reducing agent into an exhaust gas system and corresponding exhaust gas system and motor vehicle A method for feeding reducing agent or reducing agent precursor into exhaust systems of mobile internal combustion engines and an exhaust system are preferably used for internal combustion engines with high nitrogen oxide compound emissions. A feed time is established. An exhaust parameter and/or necessary quantity of reducing agent is determined and a feed state of the reducing agent is defined. The reducing agent is treated if the feed state does not correspond to a stored state. The reducing agent feed to the exhaust system takes place last. The steps are repeated multiple times. This permits reducing agent to be fed into an exhaust system in a state suitable for the exhaust temperature, so that complete conversion of reducing agent takes place and selectively catalytic reduction is also ensured. This reduces the quantity of electrical energy necessary for converting reducing agent. A motor vehicle having the system is also provided.
US08470272B2	Magnesium recycling and sulphur recovery in leaching of lateritic nickel ores The present invention resides in a process of recovering nickel and cobalt, regenerating the main raw materials, said process including the steps of: granulometric separation; leaching; neutralization; MHP production in only one stage and the pressure crystallization of magnesium sulphite.The process proposes a way to recovery nickel and cobalt from laterite ores through the atmospheric and heap leaching with staged addition of ore—by size separation—and H2SO4, decreasing the nickel losses and simplifying the neutralization circuit and producing a more purified MHP.The present process route is employed for nickel extraction, including the one from high magnesium containing lateritic ores.
US08470268B2	Oral fluid collector An apparatus for collecting oral fluid, comprising a vial formed with an inner specimen receptacle for receiving the oral fluid. The open top of the vial is cylindrical and formed with threads on a portion of its outer surface adjacent its open top. The specimen receptacle is disposed within the vial, spaced along its length from the inner surface of the vial and has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The entire periphery of the receptacle top end is sealingly secured to the inner surface of the vial proximal to but spaced from the vial's open threaded end. The bottom end of the vial can be open and flat and extend beyond the closed end of the specimen receptacle to enable the vial to be set on a horizontal surface. A funnel is removably placed in the open top end of the vial and narrows to an inner neck fits within the open top end of the vial. An outer neck depends from the funnel to surround the inner neck and extend beyond the inner neck and beyond the threaded portion of the outer surface of the vial to provide protection for the threaded portion of the vial from contamination from collected oral fluid. A cap for the vial is retained securely inside an enclosure on the underside of a lid that frictionally but removably fits to the top end of the funnel.
US08470263B2	Microfluidic device A microfluidic device has a body, multiple channels, multiple reservoirs and multiple capillary valves. The reservoirs are formed on the body. Each channel is formed on the body and connects to a corresponding reservoir. The channels include a main channel and at least one branch channel. The main channel is formed on the top of the body and extends in a direction from the center to a circumference of the body. Each capillary valve is mounted on a corresponding channel and at a distance substantially close to the center of the body so differences between the burst frequencies of the capillary valves are increased. The microfluidic device has an excellent flow control on sequentially releasing fluid through distinct burst frequencies of microcapillary valves.
US08470259B2	Method and device for particle removal and droplet preparation for qualitative and quantitative bioanalysis This disclosure provides a method and device for particle removal and droplet preparation for qualitative and quantitative bioanalysis. In one embodiment, the disclosed device includes a lateral flow filter through which the sample is filtered such that the filtrate fluid is collected in the distal end of the filter matrix. The filtered fluid is made to eject from the matrix to form a droplet by pressing/squeezing the distal end of the filter only, with the help of a suitably shaped plunger means.
US08470257B2	Optimized liquid-phase oxidation Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.
US08470254B2	Honeycomb filter and method for producing honeycomb filter There is provided a honeycomb filter wherein particles having an average particle diameter smaller that of the particles constituting partition walls are deposited at least in open pores formed by the particles constituting the partition walls and/or gaps between the particles in a surface layer portion of the partition walls on the exhaust gas inflow side, thereby forming a composite region. The average pore diameter of the partition walls is 5 to 40 μm, and the porosity of the partition wall is 35 to 75%. The particles to be deposited have an average particle diameter of 1 to 15 μm, and the height of the composite region is not more than 80 μm in the direction from the outermost contour line of the partition walls to the surface of the partition walls.
US08470252B2	Thermal treatment system for spent hydroprocessing catalyst A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via membrane filtration. Residual hydrocarbons, i.e., heavy oil and solvent employed in the filtration for the heavy oil extraction are removed from the catalyst particles in a drying zone which employs at least two drying apparatuses to volatize residual hydrocarbons in the catalyst. Valuable metals can be recovered from catalyst particles for subsequent re-use in a catalyst synthesis unit, generating a fresh slurry catalyst.
US08470236B2	Process of making a non-woven web A non-woven web, comprising one or more polymeric fibers, wherein the number-average fiber diameter distribution of said one or more polymeric fibers conforms to a Johnson unbounded distribution. Non-woven webs comprising such polymeric fibers are rendered with mean-flow pore size and porosity desirable for specific filtration applications such as hepafiltration.
US08470235B2	Process and equipment for manufacturing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories Process for manufacturing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories, based on a plastic parison, which is split or in at least two parts, in which process, the accessories are positioned on the parison while it is being molded, using a core (1) forming part of a mold which also comprises dies (2a, 2b), and in which process, the core is able to move in a controlled manner at a variable speed and/or between optional stop positions of variable duration.
US08470231B1	Three-dimensional printing process for producing a self-destructible temporary structure The invention relates to additive manufacturing (AM) and in particular to a degradable material for use in applications that require temporary structure stability, such as in investment casting or biomedical applications or as a temporary support material.
US08470229B2	Imprinting pattern mat A mat for creating patterns in concrete includes a center portion, a feathered border surrounding the center portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A design stamp is positioned in the center portion of the bottom surface.
US08470223B2	Thermoplastic resin film and method for manufacturing the same According to an aspect of the present invention, since there are a film formation step for forming a film by cooling and solidifying a thermoplastic resin sheet by sandwiching it between a cooling roller and a press roller; and a drawing step for drawing the resultant film uniaxially or biaxially, it is possible to obtain a thermoplastic resin film for optical use having good thickness accuracy and optical characteristics uniform in the width and length directions.
US08470219B2	Method for the production of a fibrous web from cellulose fibers in an air-laid process Method for producing a fibrous web exclusively from cellulose fibers of natural origin, comprising the following procedural steps: forming an essentially uniformly thick, dry fiber layer from loose fibers having a low moisture content, pressing and embossing the fiber layer to obtain a fibrous web and forming an embossed pattern, moistening the fibrous web with a water-latex mixture having a high water concentration (75 to 99% by weight of water) and precipitating the latex in a drying process while the fibers are bonded inside and outside the fiber bond zones.
US08470214B2	Method for fabrication of a detector component using laser technology A method for fabricating a detector or light guide using laser technology. The method yields a detector component such as a scintillator, light guide or optical sensor which provides for the internal manipulation of light waves via the strategic formation of micro-voids to enhance control and collection of scintillation light, allowing for accurate decoding of the impinging radiation. The method uses laser technology to create micro-voids within a target media to optically segment the media. The micro-voids are positioned to define optical boundaries of the optically-segmented portions forming virtual resolution elements within the scintillator. Each micro-void is formed at its selected location using a laser source. The laser source generates and focuses a beam of light into the target media sequentially to form the micro-voids. The laser beam ablates the media at the focal point, thereby yielding the micro-void.
US08470213B2	Method for extrusion-molding loose tube and apparatus therefor, and loose tube An extrusion-molding apparatus for a loose tube includes: an extrusion head that includes a tip and a die concentrically arranged therewithin and extrudes a tube between the tip and the die; a needle that feeds at least one optical fiber and filler to be filled around the optical fiber into the tube being extrusion-molded; and a cylindrical bundling member provided within the needle. The bundling member has a bundling hole being smaller than an inner diameter of the tube at a center thereof and into which the optical fiber can pass through, and a flow pass penetrating along a feeding direction of the filler between the bundling hole and an inner circumferential surface of the needle. In an extrusion molding method using the extrusion-molding apparatus, the optical fiber is passed through a bundling hole to be bundled at an almost center of the tube. In addition, filler is passed through a flow path to be filled around the optical fiber.
US08470209B2	Paste composition A paste composition comprises a dye containing a novel oligomeric compound with improved dispersion performance. The oligomeric compound comprises a tail structure consisting of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks and an amine or imidazole head structure. The paste composition can be used to prepare a semiconductor electrode of a solar cell. A semiconductor electrode produced using the paste composition and a solar cell fabricated using the semiconductor electrode exhibit greatly improved power conversion efficiency and superior processability.
US08470204B2	Phthalocyanine nanowires, ink composition and electronic element each containing same, and method for producing phthalocyanine nanowires The present invention provides phthalocyanine nanowires having a minor diameter of 100 nm or less and a ratio (length/minor diameter) of length to minor diameter of 10 or more, an ink composition characterized by containing, as essential components, the phthalocyanine nanowires and an organic solvent, a film including the phthalocyanine nanowires, and an electronic element including a film. Since by using an ink composition containing the phthalocyanine nanowires of the present invention a phthalocyanine film can be formed by a wet process such as coating or printing, a break-proof, lightweight, low-cost electronic element can be provided on a flexible plastic substrate.
US08470202B2	Metal passivation A method for passivating low-alloy steel surfaces in apparatus operating in the temperature range 350 to 580° C. and exposed to a carbon monoxide containing gas mixture comprises adding a passivating compound containing at least one phosphorus (P) atom to the gas mixture. The gas mixture is preferably a reformed gas and also described is a process for producing a synthesis gas wherein, prior to cooling a reformed gas mixture to a temperature between 350 and 580° C. in apparatus having low-alloy steel surfaces downstream of one or more reforming steps, a passivating compound containing at least one phosphorus (P) atom is combined with the gas mixture.
US08470197B2	Crosslinked polysulfide-containing cycloaliphatic compound, process for its preparation, filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer composition containing same and articles fabricated therefrom A crosslinked polysulfide-containing cycloaliphatic compound, useful as a crosslinker for filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer compositions, is represented by the general formula: [(CaH2a-)mG1(-CbH2bSx—)n−m]o[CcH2c-G2-CdH2dSy—]p[R]q wherein G1 is a saturated, monocyclic aliphatic group of valence n containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen or a saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]r group of valence n; G2 is a saturated, divalent cyclic aliphatic group of valence 2 containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen or a saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]r group of valence n; each R independently is a selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, monovalent hydrocarbon of up to 20 carbon atoms and a halogen atom; each occurrence of subscripts a, b, c, d, m, n, o, p, q, x and y independently is an integer wherein a is 2 to 6; b is 2 to 6; c is 1 to 6; d is 1 to 6; m is 1 or 2; n is 3 to 5; o is a positive integer, p is 0 or a positive integer; q is a positive integer; r is an integer of from 0 to 3; x is 1 to 10 and y is 1 to 10, with the provisos that, (i) at least one x is 2 to 10; (ii) the ratio of p to o is less than 1 to 5; and q is equal to the sum of unfilled valences of the (CaH2a-)mG1(-CbH2bSx—)n−m and CcH2c-G2-CdH2dSy— groups.
US08470196B2	Active material composition for the negative electrode of a lithium-ion accumulator An alloy comprising tin, silicon and carbon, and containing a crystalline M-Sn phase, M being an inert metal.An alloy comprising tin and silicon, comprising: a) a nanocrystalline phase containing at least 50 at. % of the element silicon Si°; b) a nanocrystalline phase containing a compound based on tin; c) a nanocrystalline phase constituted by the element tin Sn°. A manufacturing process for this alloy.
US08470186B2	Perpendicular write head with wrap around shield and conformal side gap A perpendicular write head having a wrap around shield and a conformal side gap. In fabricating the write head, the leading edge shield may be chemical mechanical polished down to a level that is substantially even with a chemical mechanical polishing stop layer. Because the leading edge shield and the chemical mechanical polishing stop layer are used as RIE stop for trench RIE, a fully conformal side shield may be formed with a LTE/LES.
US08470185B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording head and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic write head capable of precisely narrowing a side gap is provided. A tip portion having a cross sectional geometry of an inverted trapezoid is formed in an opening portion of a non-magnetic layer and thereafter, the non-magnetic layer is etched with the tip portion as a mask. Thereby, a portion adjacent to the tip portion in a writing track width direction remains and an outermost edge portion of the tip portion in that direction is located on a plane which coincides with an etching face (side face) of the non-magnetic layer. When a gap layer is formed with a vapor phase growth such as a sputtering method to cover the side face of the non-magnetic layer and thereafter a side shield layer is formed adjacently to the tip portion therethrough, a thickness of the gap layer becomes extremely thin and is reproduced precisely. Therefore, the side gap is narrowed with high precision.
US08470172B2	System for enhancing a wastewater treatment process A system for enhancing an activated sludge process including at least one biological reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is coupled to the biological reactor for mixing biological flocs and weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroducing the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
US08470171B2	Device and method for treating a medical fluid and medical cassette An apparatus for treating a medical liquid is provided which includes a treatment machine having a coupling surface, with a cassette made of a hard part having liquid-conducting passages which are covered by a flexible film being able to be coupled to the coupling surface of the treatment machine. A corresponding medical cassette is also provided. An air-free coupling of the flexible film of the cassette to the treatment machine is ensured in that air can be sucked out areally along a plane between the flexible film and the coupling surface during the coupling process and/or with a coupled cassette. A method for coupling the cassette and a method for checking the leaktightness of the cassette via the vacuum control of the air suction is also provided.
US08470170B2	Ozone-assisted fluid treatment system for a reservoir The invention is an apparatus and method for treating fluid in a pool, spa, or water tank, etc., using ozone and treated air. A fluid filter is placed in an auxiliary reservoir or a smaller fluid tank located in or next to the pool, spa, or main water tank. An ozone generator pumps a combination of ozone and air into the smaller fluid tank. Fluid in the smaller fluid tank passes through a filter and back into the main reservoir without the use of any fluid pump. More specifically, a vertical lift tube is placed beneath the smaller fluid tank so that the open top of the lift tube is within the smaller fluid tank. Fluid from the main reservoir is piped to the bottom of the lift tube. Ozone and air from the ozone generator is also piped into the lift tube near its bottom. The fluid flows through the filter due to the effect of ozone and air bubbles released by a diffuser at the bottom of the lift tube. The diffuser releases thousands of tiny bubbles into the lift tube, which cause the fluid in the tube to rise and mix with fluid already in the smaller fluid tank. This rising fluid also causes fluid to flow through the filter. The ozone treated fluid output from the filter is piped back into the main storage tank/pool.
US08470169B2	Apparatus for treatment of aqueous liquid Aqueous liquid having an oxygen demand flows into a treatment vessel where it is treated by suspended aerobic bacterial solids in the presence of dissolved oxygen. A pressurised flow of the treated liquid passes to a clarifying membrane separator effective to separate the flow into a discharge stream of clear liquid and a pressurised recycle stream concentrated in the aerobic bacterial solids. A first oxic gas is employed to scour the membranes and is conveyed away from the membrane separator in the pressurised recycle stream. The pressurised recycle stream is returned to under the surface of the liquid in the treatment vessel. A second oxic gas is introduced either into the pressurised recycle stream or into a further pressurised stream of aqueous liquid flowing into the same volume. The rate of introduction of the oxic gases is controlled with reference to the pH and dissolved oxygen concentration of the liquid in the vessel.
US08470166B2	Radiation processing of heavy oils The present invention is drawn to a method of processing heavy paraffinic oils or heavy aromatic oils using radiation chemistry of polyethylene under oxidizing conditions. The process of the invention will result in a chain reaction for oxidative scission as the basis for a radiation processing for heavy paraffinic or aromatic oils. The method of the invention will allow for the cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly processing of heavy oils into lighter petroleum products.
US08470164B2	Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.
US08470160B2	Methods, systems and apparatus relating to electrochemical machining A method of electrochemical machining that includes the steps of: positioning a workpiece and a tooling piece in a first position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece toward the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a second position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece away from the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a third position; and during at least a portion of the moving of the workpiece and/or the tooling piece from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, using a power supply to apply a voltage across a gap formed between the workpiece and the tooling piece.
US08470159B2	Surface treatment method and device thereof A surface treatment method is provided. A surface treatment method comprising steps of providing a first and a second conductors; applying an electrical field between the first and the second conductors; enclosing the first and the second conductors with a material whose viscosity is varied with an intensity of the electrical field; actuating the first and the second conductors such that the first and the second conductors are in a relative motion with respect to each other; and varying the intensity of the electrical field.
US08470158B2	Porous metal article and about method for manufacturing same A porous metal article includes a substrate; a metal layer formed on the substrate; and a porous metal layer formed on the metal layer. The metal layer is a noble metal layer doped with M that is at least one element selected from a group consisting of aluminum, magnesium and calcium, the content of M in the metal layer is between about 30 wt % and about 70 wt %.
US08470154B2	Heterogeneous LIGA method The method of fabricating metal microstructures includes the following steps: a) taking a substrate that has a conductive strike surface; b) to d) forming a first resin mould by UV photolithography, the apertures in the first resin mould revealing the conductive strike surface of the substrate; e) electroforming the first element by galvanic deposition of a first metal material in the apertures of the first resin mould, f) removing the first mould around the first element to expose the conductive strike surface of the substrate; g) to i) forming a new resin mould by UV photolithography, the apertures in the new resin mould revealing the first element, and the conductive strike surface of the substrate; j) electroforming the second element by galvanic deposition of a second metal material in the apertures of the new resin mould to form said metal microstructure; k) separating said metal microstructure from the substrate and from said new mould.
US08470151B2	Microfluidic pumping based on dielectrophoresis This paper presents a microfluidic pumping approach using traveling-wave dielectrophoresis (tw-DEP) of microparticles. Flow is generated directly in the microfluidic devices by inducing electromechanical effects in the fluid using microelectrodes. The fluidic driving mechanisms due to the particle-fluid and particle-particle interactions under twDEP are analyzed, and the induced flow field is obtained from numerical simulations. Experimental measurements of the flow velocity in a prototype DEP micropumping device show satisfactory agreement with the numerical predications.
US08470145B2	Cathode unit and sputtering apparatus provided with the same There is provided an inexpensive cathode unit which is simple in construction and is capable of forming a film at good coating characteristics relative to each of micropores of high aspect ratio throughout an entire surface of a substrate. There is also provided a sputtering apparatus provided with the cathode unit. The cathode unit of this invention has a holder formed with one or more recessed portions on one surface thereof. Inside the recessed portions there are mounted bottomed cylindrical target members from the bottom side thereof. Into a space inside each of the target members there are built magnetic field generating means for generating magnetic fields.
US08470143B2	Advanced chlorine generating system A chlorine-generating apparatus is herein disclosed which uses softened household water and salt. The apparatus includes a freestanding brine tank to hold salt and softened household water. The brine tank includes a submerged chlorine-generating cell, an improved chlorine-generating cell container, and a cell-cleaning reservoir. The brine tank also includes a precipitation tank to help remove minerals from the incoming household water. The chlorine-generating apparatus generates sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, as well as other sanitizing chemicals. The chlorine-generating apparatus also incorporates an improved method for controlling pH. A water-cooled power supply independently delivers power to the chlorine-generating cell.
US08470134B2	Process for treating coal by removing volatile components A process for treating coal includes introducing coal into a chamber and passing an oxygen deficient sweep gas into contact with the coal, the sweep gas being at a higher temperature than the temperature of the coal so that heat is supplied to the coal. The process further includes providing additional heat to the coal indirectly by heating the chamber, wherein the heating of the coal by the sweep gas and by the indirect heating from the chamber causes condensable volatile components to be released into the sweep gas. The proportion of heat supplied to the coal by the sweep gas is less than 40% of the total heat supplied to the coal. The sweep gas is then removed from the chamber and treated to remove condensable components of the coal.
US08470132B2	Near neutral chlorine dioxide bleaching of pulp Final chlorine dioxide bleaching of lignocellulosic materials is most effective at a near-neutral pH but present industrial practice typically targets a final pH of between 3.5 and 4.0 because of the difficulty in achieving and maintaining near-neutral pH cost effectively. The in situ formation of bicarbonate before the addition of chlorine dioxide provides a way of maintaining the required near-neutral pH. Near-neutral final chlorine dioxide bleaching also produces a bleached pulp that is in a state that responds more effectively to fluorescent whitening or optical brightening agents.
US08470128B2	Tray, tray support member, and vacuum processing apparatus A vacuum processing apparatus includes a tray configured to hold a substrate, a tray support member including an arm configured to support the tray, and a holder to which the tray support member is attached. The arm includes a support portion which abuts against a lower portion of the tray, and a counterbore portion formed into a recessed shape below an edge of the tray such that the counterbore portion does not abut against the tray. When the tray is supported by the tray support member, an edge of an outer side surface of the tray is positioned above the counterbore portion and does not contact the tray support member, and the tray support member is configured to support the tray while pushing the tray against the holder. The tray is configured to form a space with the holder when pushed against the holder while holding the substrate and includes, on a side of the holder, a substantially ring-like projection configured to abut against the holder. The tray also includes an outer tray to be held by the tray support member, and an inner tray to be held by the outer tray, and when the outer tray is pushed against the holder, the inner tray alone abuts against the holder.
US08470120B2	Silane-modified dispersion powders Water-redispersible polymer powder compositions are obtained by means of free-radical-initiated polymerization in aqueous medium of one or more monomers of vinyl esters of unbranched or branched alkylcarboxylic acids having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, methacrylic esters and acrylic esters of alcohols having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, vinylaromatics, olefins, dienes and vinyl halides and subsequent drying of the polymer dispersion, wherein one or more silanes of the general formula (RO)3−nR1nSiR2X (1) where X is an amino- or epoxy-containing radical are added before drying of the polymer dispersion. The powders are especially useful in tile adhesives for tiles having low water absorbtion capacity.
US08470118B2	Laser probe tip assembly In a method of assembling a laser probe tip, an optical fiber comprising an optical fiber core and silica glass cladding surrounding the core is provided. A fiber cap formed of silica glass is also provided. Silicone oil is applied to a surface of the cladding at a distal end of the optical fiber or an interior surface of the fiber cap. The distal end of the optical fiber is inserted into the interior cavity of the fiber cap. The silicone oil is then converted into silica glass, which bonds the fiber cap to the optical fiber.
US08470116B2	Heat transfer materials and methods of making and using the same Method of making a heat transfer materials are generally provided, along with the materials and the methods of using the materials. A splittable layer can be formed to overlie a base sheet, and an image-receptive coating can be formed to overlie the splittable layer. The image-receptive coating can include thermoplastic microparticles, a thermoplastic binder, and a humectant. The thermoplastic microparticles can be styrene particles having an average particle size of from about 5 microns to about 80 microns and melt at temperatures between about 90° C. and about 115° C. A second thermoplastic microparticle can also be included in the image-receptive coating. Alternatively, a combination of thermoplastic polyester microparticles and thermoplastic polyamide microparticles can be included in the image-receptive coating. The heat transfer material can then be dried. The humectant is configured to draw moisture back into the heat transfer sheet after drying.
US08470113B2	Method of manufacturing a contoured fluid-filled chamber with a tensile member A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered.
US08470112B1	Workflow for novel composite materials A method of making a composite material, the method comprising: providing a tile, wherein the tile comprises an inorganic material; and bonding the tile to a ductile backing material using heat-curable adhering material and catalyzed foamable exothermic material between the tile and the ductile backing material, wherein heat generated from the use of the catalyzed foamable exothermic material cures the heat-curable adhering material. In some embodiments, the exotherm from the foaming of the foamable exothermic material cures the heat-curable adhering material for a time sufficient to unite a solid foam body to the heat-curable adhering material of the tile and the ductile backing material. The method is particularly advantageous in bonding a tile composed of nano-particles to a ductile backing material, as it helps retain the nanoscale properties of the nano-particles in the tile.
US08470110B2	Sample chamber and method for the production thereof The invention relates to a sample chamber with a cover plate and a bottom plate which is joined thereto in a fixed manner, wherein a recess is provided in the cover plate so that a reservoir is formed by the bottom plate, wherein a planar element with holes is provided in the reservoir, wherein the holes have a predetermined arrangement and/or size.
US08470109B2	Analytic substrate coating method An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.
US08470108B2	Self-sealing electrical cable using rubber resins An electrical cable and a method for manufacturing the electrical cable are provided in which a plurality of insulated conductors have an inner protective layer extruded thereabout. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs or fins or exterior ribbed or finned surfaces are formed outward of the inner protective layer between which exist a plurality of voids. An outer insulation layer can be formed in the same operation as the fins or ribbed surface and the inner layer or in a subsequent operation. A self-sealing elastomeric material is applied to the conductor surface or is present between the fins and between the inner protective layer and the outer insulation layer.
US08470107B2	Non-toxic, heavy-metal free explosive percussion primers and methods of preparing the same A non-toxic, non-hydroscopic percussion primer composition and methods of preparing the same, including at least one explosive component that has been traditionally considered a moderately insensitive explosive or secondary explosive, and at least fuel particle component having a particle size of about 1.5 microns to about 12 microns, which allows the use of moderately active metal oxidizers. The sensitivity of the primer composition is created by the interaction between the moderately insensitive explosive and the fuel agent such that traditional primary explosives such as lead styphnate or DDNP are not needed. The primer composition also eliminates the risks and dangers associated with traditional nano-sized fuel particles.
US08470106B2	Method of heat treatment for desensitizing a nickel-based alloy relative to environmentally-assisted cracking, in particular for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly and for a nuclear reactor, and a part made of the alloy and subjected to the treatment A heat treatment method for desensitizing a nickel-based alloy with respect to environmentally-assisted cracking, the alloy having the following composition in percentages by weight: C≦0.10%; Mn≦0.5%; Si≦0.5%; P≦0.015%; S≦0.015%; Ni≧40%; Cr=12%-40%; Co≦10%; Al≦5%; Mo=0.1%-15%; Ti≦5%; B≦0.01%; Cu≦5%; W=0.1%-15%; Nb=0-10%; Ta≦10%; the balance being Fe, and inevitable impurities that result from processing, characterized in that the alloy is held at 950° C.-1160° C. in an atmosphere of pure hydrogen or containing at least 100 ppm of hydrogen mixed with an inert gas. A part made of a nickel-based alloy having the composition and that has been subjected to the heat treatment.
US08470105B2	Process for manufacturing a high carbon steel wire material having excellent wire drawability A high carbon steel wire material which is made of high carbon steel as a raw material for wire products such as steel cords, bead wires, PC steel wires and spring steel, allows for these wire products to be manufactured efficiently at a high wire drawing rate and has excellent wire drawability and a manufacturing process thereof.This high carbon steel wire material is made of a steel material having specific contents of C, Si, Mn, P, S, N, Al and O, and the Bcc-Fe crystal grains of its metal structure have an average crystal grain diameter (Dave) of 20 μm or less and a maximum crystal grain diameter (Dmax) of 120 μm or less, preferably an area ratio of crystal grains having a diameter of 80 μm or more of 40% or less, an average sub grain diameter (dave) of 10 μm or less, a maximum sub grain diameter (dmax) of 50 μm or less and a (Dave/dave) ratio of the average crystal grain diameter (Dave) to the average sub grain diameter (dave) of 4.5 or less.
US08470099B2	Wire rod, steel wire, and manufacturing method thereof The present invention provides a wire rod with a composition at least including: C: 0.95-1.30 mass %; Si: 0.1-1.5 mass %; Mn: 0.1-1.0 mass %; Al: 0-0.1 mass %; Ti: 0-0.1 mass %; P: 0-0.02 mass %; S: 0-0.02 mass %; N: 10-50 ppm; O: 10-40 ppm; and a balance including Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein 97% or more of an area in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire rod is occupied by a pearlite, and 0.5% or less of an area in a central area in the cross-section and 0.5% or less of an area in a first surface layer area in the cross-section are occupied by a pro-eutectoid cementite.
US08470090B2	AlN crystal and method for growing the same, and AlN crystal substrate Affords large-diametric-span AlN crystals, applicable to various types of semiconductor devices, with superior crystallinity, a method of growing the AlN crystals, and AlN crystal substrates. The AlN crystal growth method is a method in which an AlN crystal (4) is grown by vapor-phase epitaxy onto a seed crystal substrate (2) placed inside a crystal-growth compartment (24) within a crystal-growth vessel (12) provided within a reaction chamber, and is characterized in that during growth of the crystal, carbon-containing gas is supplied to the inside of the crystal-growth compartment (24).
US08470089B2	Annealing of single crystals The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a single crystal comprising a rare-earth halide, having improved machining or cleavage behavior, comprising heat treatment in a furnace, the atmosphere of which is brought, for at least 1 hour, to between 0.70 times Tm and 0.995 times Tm of a single crystal comprising a rare-earth halide, Tm representing the melting point of said single crystal, the temperature gradient at any point in the atmosphere of the furnace being less than 15 K/cm for said heat treatment. After carrying out the treatment according to the invention, the single crystals may be machined or cleaved without uncontrolled fracture. The single crystals may be used in a medical imaging device, especially a positron emission tomography system or a gamma camera or a CT scanner, for crude oil exploration, for detection and identification of fissile or radioactive materials, for nuclear and high-energy physics, for astrophysics or for industrial control.
US08470085B2	System and method for cleaning coal-burning power plant exhaust gases A system for cleaning particulates and CO2 from power plant exhaust gases is described. The system includes a particulate filter for exhaust gases, a CO2 decomposition component, and a filter for cleaning electrolyte solution from the decomposition component.
US08470081B2	Process for separating particulate solids from a gas stream One exemplary embodiment can be a process for separating particulate solids from a gas stream. The process can include regenerating a catalyst in a regenerator, separating particulate solids in first and second cyclone stages, passing the gas stream from the second cyclone stage to an external third stage separator, and passing the gas stream from the external third stage separator to a cyclone recirculator to obtain a clean gas stream.
US08470077B2	Low pressure stripping in a gas purification process and systems thereof Processes for operating an ammonia stripper at a low pressure in a gas purification system include providing a first side-draw stream from the ammonia stripper; heating the first side-draw stream with a second side-draw stream from a regenerator; providing a stripper offgas stream from the ammonia stripper to a stripper overhead condenser; and utilizing the stripper offgas stream as a heat source for a regenerating system fluidly coupled to the stripper overhead condenser. Also disclosed are systems for implementing the processes.
US08470076B2	Method and device for reducing polyhalogenated compounds in incineration plants The invention relates to a method for reducing polyhalogenated compounds in incineration plants comprising at least one combustion chamber. The aim of the invention is to provide a more efficient method. To achieve this, SO2 is separated from the flue gas in at least one gas washer and is recirculated to the combustion chamber.
US08470075B2	Tetratopic phenyl compounds, related metal-organic framework materials and post-assembly elaboration Disclosed are tetratopic carboxylic acid phenyl for use in metal-organic framework compounds. These compounds are useful in catalysis, gas storage, sensing, biological imaging, drug delivery and gas adsorption separation.
US08470073B2	Apparatus and process for separating hydrogen isotopes The apparatus and process for separating hydrogen isotopes is provided using dual columns, each column having an opposite hydrogen isotopic effect such that when a hydrogen isotope mixture feedstock is cycled between the two respective columns, two different hydrogen isotopes are separated from the feedstock.
US08470072B2	Method and apparatus for the control of gas pressure in gas chromatography columns The pressure of a carrier gas entering a gas chromatography (GC) column is controlled by increasing or decreasing the gas pressure over a pressure change cycle by which a desired gas pressure is obtained while avoiding pressure pulses in the column. The pressure change cycle may follow a function that dictates the rate of pressure change. A gas flow controller that controls the gas pressure at the inlet or head of the column may be operated to implement the pressure change cycle. The gas flow controller may be controlled by an electronic controller.
US08470069B2	Methods of using tires and scrap rubber in the manufacture and melting of steel and other metals A method of using scrap rubber and other scrap materials, such as tires or parts or pieces of tires, to manufacture or melt steel and other metals in a furnace is disclosed. The scrap rubber may be used as a carbon source for the manufacture of steel and other metals, and may be used as an energy source to melt the scrap metal used to make the steel and other metals. The net benefit of this method includes reducing the amount of scrap rubber, such as tires, to be sent to a waste disposal facility or landfill, thereby improving the environment. In addition, by increasing the use of scrap rubber as a source of energy for steel or metal production, less energy is required from other sources.
US08470064B2	Device, method, and system to separate liquid and particulate matter from the air stream of a centrifugal fan A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.
US08470060B2	Manufacture of thermally stable cutting elements A method of forming a thermally stable cutting element that includes disposing at least a portion of a polycrystalline abrasive body containing a catalyzing material to be leached into a leaching agent; and subjecting the polycrystalline abrasive object to an elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed. Thermally stable cutting elements and systems and other methods for forming thermally stable cutting elements are also disclosed.
US08470059B2	Process for producing a methane-rich gas A process for producing a methane-rich gas comprising the steps of: a) mixing a feed gas, comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and a recycled methane-rich gas, comprising methane, to produce a gas mixture, comprising carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane; b) reacting at least part of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gas mixture in the presence of a methanation catalyst to produce a methane-rich product gas comprising methane, carbon dioxide and water; c) treating at least part of the methane-rich product gas to remove carbon dioxide to produce a methane-rich carbon dioxide-lean gas; and d) recycling at least part of the methane-rich carbon dioxide-lean gas to mixing step a) as recycled methane-rich gas.
US08470049B2	Neck sparing total hip implant system A femoral prosthesis. The femoral prosthesis includes an implant body having a proximal end and a distal end and a shoulder at the proximal end, the shoulder being structured and dimensioned for a tight press fit into the neck of a femur. The implant body includes a trunk at the distal end, the trunk having a wedge formed by a tapered portion extending in the direction of the distal end of the implant body. The implant body also includes a medial column extending from the shoulder toward the distal end and a lateral column extending from the shoulder toward the distal end. The wedge, the medial column, and the lateral column to provide multi-planar stability for the implant body and surface area for fixation of the implant body.
US08470045B2	Endplate for an intervertebral prosthesis and prosthesis incorporating the same An endplate for an intervertebral disc prosthesis includes: a plate member having a generally planar rim for contacting the peripheral cortical rim of a vertebral body, and an elevated region within the rim having an anterior region and a posterior region, wherein the anterior region of the elevated region is preferably recessed with respect to the posterior region and is treated to promote bone ingrowth. The endplate may be provided with a medial fin extending partway from the anterior edge of the endplate toward the posterior edge of the endplate.
US08470044B2	Intervertebral prosthetic device An intervertebral prosthetic device has a medullary protection shield with a concave shape designed to be adapted to the anatomy of a medullary canal against which the medullary protection shield is able to be positioned, a spherical tough core inside a flexible integral assembly designed for an intervertebral space, and the flexible integral assembly has a truncated parallelepiped shape, wherein a front portion of the truncated parallelepiped shape is higher than a rear portion of the truncated parallelepiped shape, and wherein the rear portion is concave and corresponds to the concave shaped medullary protection shield.
US08470042B2	Composite implant A composite interbody vertebral implant for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first endplate of a porous metal material and a second endplate of a porous metal material which are configured to allow bone in-growth. The implant also includes a polymeric body positioned between and bonded to the first and second endplates such that polymeric material of the polymeric body is impregnated into pores of the first and second endplates to bond the components together. The implant may include a cavity extending through the composite implant configured to receive bone growth material to facilitate fusion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra.
US08470039B2	Flanged interbody fusion device with fastener insert and retaining ring Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.
US08470034B2	Hydrophobic acrylic polymer material for an intraocular lens having enhanced flexibility due to the use of a transfer agent The material of the invention is obtained by radical polymerization from a mixture of acrylic and/or methacrylic monomers. The mixture further contains at least one transfer agent, preferably from the thiol family, that substantially enhances the flexibility of the polymer material thus obtained, and reduces the tackiness thereof. The polymer material thus obtained is intended for making ophthalmologic implants, and more particularly, intraocular lenses.
US08470032B2	Intraocular lens insertion device There is provided an intraocular lens insertion device capable of more easily inserting an intraocular lens into an eye. An intraocular lens insertion device 1 comprises a main body 2, an operation portion 5 and a cartridge 4 attached to the main body 2. The operation portion 5 has a plunger 6 integrally provided thereon and serving as a transmitting member, and a rod 7 provided on a distal end of the plunger 6 and serving to push out the intraocular lens. The intraocular lens insertion device 1 further comprises a restraint portion 10, and thus allows the rod 7 to first push an intraocular lens 8 by a predetermined distance and then be temporarily stopped before the intraocular lens 8 is released from the cartridge 4 toward the outside.
US08470029B2	Medical tools for facilitating deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty and related methods Systems, devices and methods for performing small incision DLEK include providing a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft; then forming the tissue graft into an implantable configuration using the flexible substrate. Related medical kits and tools for forming a compact or rolled donor tissue graft are also described.
US08470024B2	Device for in situ positioning of cardiac valve prosthesis An instrument for positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis in a vessel includes a wire element to slidingly guide the valve prosthesis towards an implantation site and an expandable element coupled to the wire element. The expandable element is expandable in the vessel to position the wire element in association with the implantation site. A method for positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis includes securing a delivery instrument at an appropriate location at the implantation site and delivering the valve prosthesis to the implantation site using the delivery instrument.
US08470019B1	TiNxOy modified surface for an implantable device and a method of producing the same Implantable devices, such as stents, having a surface modified with TiNxOy or TiNxCy are disclosed.
US08470017B2	Balloon for use in placing stents in bifurcated vessels A balloon is used for placing stents in bifurcated vessels. The balloon is for expanding a primary balloon-expandable stent, where the balloon includes a tubular balloon having a proximal end and a distal end, the balloon being capable of receiving within its tubular structure a primary guidewire for deployment of the primary stent, the balloon further comprising a side opening closer to the distal end than the proximal end through which a secondary guidewire and a secondary stent may pass.
US08470016B2	Stent and other object removal from a body This disclosure contains methods, devices, and systems for object removal from a body, including removal of a stent from a body. Some methods of the present disclosure include inflating a balloon on a catheter, engaging a stent with a socket defined by a surface of the balloon, the surface inwardly sloped toward a lumen of the catheter, and retracting a portion of the stent through the socket and into the lumen. The present disclosure also includes methods for making a catheter, including forming a balloon, inverting a portion of the balloon, and attaching the balloon to a catheter such that a surface of the balloon defines a socket that is inwardly sloped toward a lumen of the catheter.
US08470011B2	Forced air warming unit Both the flow rate and the temperature of the air exiting a forced air warming unit are regulated in response to a single act or operation of a single element of control on a manually-operated remote control.
US08469999B2	Soft tissue attachment system and clip A suture attachment clip and method for assisting in the attachment or re-attachment of soft tissue to bone. The clip generally comprises a head having a shape suitable for allowing the passage of a suture during attachment of soft tissue to bone. One or more clips can be secured to a bone plate through a variety of means, including a snap configuration, a screw configuration, and a bendable prong configuration. The clip can also be continuous with an adjacent clip, thus forming a multi-clip assembly that can either be secured to a bone plate or secured directly to a bone without a bone plate.
US08469998B2	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 and is formed of a slot entering the body from its proximal end. 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.
US08469997B2	Wound closure product and method of closing a wound A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound.
US08469993B2	Endoscopic instruments Embodiments of the invention include a medical device with one or more of a variety of features. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to endoscopic devices that include one or more features that improve the use of the device. Examples of such features include chamfered edges and corners on, for example, the end effectors, a surface with a controlled finish also on, for example, the end effectors, a jaw with teeth and/or a tang having various configurations, a handle having soft-grip features, and/or an elongate member with varied rigidity.
US08469982B2	Curved clamp arm for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments The present invention relates to ultrasonic surgical clamping instruments and, more particularly, to a curved clamp arm for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments that have an ultrasonically actuated blade that, in one case, is ultrasonically actuated to have motion in substantially a single plane. The curved clamp arm opens and closes with respect to the blade and also has a plane of curvature that is parallel to the plane of motion of the blade when the clamp arm is in the closed position, and not parallel to the plane of motion of the blade when the clamp arm is in the open position.
US08469976B2	Methods of organ reconfiguration An endoluminal treatment device and method includes introducing an endoluminal device into a lumen of a patient and engaging a wall of the lumen with an end effector of the endoscopic device. A plication can be formed in the wall of the lumen such that an open pocket is formed in the wall of the lumen or such that an artificial biologic tube is formed.
US08469970B2	Apparatus for entrapping and extracting objects from body cavities A retrieval apparatus for entrapping and retaining an object located in a body for its extraction therefrom is described. The retrieval apparatus includes a snare and a snare control assembly. The snare has a proximal section and a distal section, and comprises a plurality of filaments extending from a proximal end of the proximal section towards the distal section, and then returning to the proximal end to form a plurality of loops. In the deployed state, the loops are interlaced to each other within the proximal section and are free and not interleaved within the distal section. Segments of the filaments of the distal section are bent with respect to segments of the filaments of the proximal section such that the retrieval snare in the contracted state forms a hollow cavity extending from the distal section towards the proximal section.
US08469969B2	Medical retrieval device A medical retrieval device has a multi-prong retrieval assembly. The multi-prong retrieval assembly has a first position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form an open ended grasping device, and a second position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form a substantially close ended basket-type retrieval device. When the retrieval assembly is used as a basket-type retrieval device, the distal ends of the prongs of the retrieval assembly that form the basket are not connected to each other. Thus, captured objects may be released by the operator, or by applying sufficient force to separate one or more of the prongs.
US08469967B2	Surgical cable tensioning system A cable tensioning system includes a reaction frame which contains a sliding platform arranged to move linearly within the frame, and a clam-type cleat attached to the sliding platform. The cleat features one or more grooves, each of which comprises two arrays of opposing ridges that converge to form a V-shape groove adapted to receive a length of cable. The ridges of each groove are tilted relative to an axis perpendicular to the groove's longitudinal axis, such that the cable is progressively captured between the ridges of the opposing arrays as it settles into the crotch of the groove when moved in a first direction, and can be disengaged from the cleat by relaxing the axial force on the cable and moving it in the opposite direction. A linear actuator mechanism may be coupled to the sliding platform to move the platform with respect to the reaction frame.
US08469966B2	Systems, methods, and apparatuses for tensioning an orthopedic surgical cable Systems, methods, and apparatuses for tensioning an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. At least one device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention includes a handheld body handheld body capable of receiving a portion of the orthopedic surgical cable. The handheld body includes a clamping body adapted to restrain a first portion of the orthopedic surgical cable with an adjustable gripping force, wherein a tension is placed on the orthopedic surgical cable. The handheld body also includes an adjusting mechanism adapted to cooperate with the clamping body to change the gripping force on the orthopedic surgical cable. In addition, the handheld body includes a slide adapted to change the position of the clamping body relative to the handheld body. Furthermore, the handheld body includes a force application member operably connected to the slide, wherein the slide is adapted to be manipulated in order to change the position of the clamping body in a manner whereby the tension is subject to gradual control by manipulation of the slide and force application member, and whereby the handheld body and orthopedic surgical cable are adapted to allow the orthopedic surgical cable to be tensioned by the clamping body at a first tension, and further adapted to allow the orthopedic surgical cable to be subsequently tensioned by the slide and force application member at a second tension without loss of tension.
US08469956B2	Variable resistor jaw A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end. A first electrically conductive surface having two or more conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer is operably coupled to the first jaw member. Each sealing plate is connected to a reactive element and positioned along the first electrically conductive surface from the proximal end to the distal end. The reactive elements of the sealing plates have different impedances. A second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate is operably coupled to the second jaw member. Each electrically conductive surface on the jaw members connects to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the sealing plates are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.
US08469954B2	Radiofrequency ablation device A RF ablation device includes a probe assembly that has an elongate cannula having a lumen disposed interiorly of an external wall of the cannula. The elongate cannula includes a plurality of slots formed within the external wall that provide access to the lumen. The probe assembly includes an electrode member that is slidably disposed within the elongate cannula, the electrode member including a plurality of tines configured for passage through the plurality of slots. The slots are disposed in a staggered arrangement or pattern about the external wall of the cannula. The staggered arrangement of slots may be used in a monopolar or bipolar arrangement of the electrodes on the cannula. A bipolar arrangement of electrodes using the staggered configuration produces larger ablation areas in a shorter period of time as compared to prior designs.
US08469951B2	Applicator and tissue interface module for dermatological device An tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.
US08469948B2	Methods and devices for forming corneal channels Instruments for creating a corneal channel and methods of use.
US08469942B2	Occlusion detection for a fluid infusion device A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
US08469935B2	Abdominal treatment systems, delivery devices, and methods A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment device is presented that has a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers with a foam spacer between two of the liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers have a coextensive area A1. The foam spacer has a plan-view area A2. A2 is less than 80% of A1 (i.e., A2<0.8A1). The foam spacer is configured such that, under reduced pressure, a target fluid removal zone experiences reduced-pressure vectors over an angle theta (θ) that is typically 360 degrees for a majority of locations in the target fluid removal zone. Applying 360 degrees of reduced pressure helps avoid blockage. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers may be bonded for various effects. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08469933B2	Pump activated pinch clamp A system for controlling flow of a fluid in a tube with a controlling device includes a pinch clamp. The pinch clamp has a first leg, a second leg, a connecting region there between, a pinching region, and a first part of a quick release connector. The first leg and the second leg are both connected to the connecting region. Whether the pinching region is in an open position or in a closed position is determined by spacing between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg includes the first part of the quick release connector. The first part of the quick release connector includes an element for quickly mounting the pinch clamp to the controlling device and for quickly dismounting the pinch clamp from the controlling device.
US08469932B2	Liquid infusion apparatus An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling infusion of liquid into a patient using a peristaltic pump. The liquid infusion apparatus includes a liquid conduit having a proximal segment, a distal segment and an intermediate segment. The liquid infusion apparatus also includes a flow valve in fluid communication with the intermediate and distal segments. The flow valve includes a shuttle member slidably disposed within a housing about the distal segment, the shuttle member being configured for lateral movement relative to an elongated axis of the distal segment. The shuttle member is configured to operate in a first configuration to impede fluid flow through the liquid conduit and in a second configuration for which fluid flow through the liquid conduit is unimpeded. The shuttle member includes a resilient grasper for selectively engaging and disengaging a mating actuator resiliently received by the grasper.
US08469931B2	Medical product, and a method of handling a medical system A medical product configured for use in a medical system and a method of handling a medical system comprising a first subsystem and a second subsystem containing a medical fluid are provided. A connector connects the first and second subsystems for transport of the medical fluid from one of the subsystems to the other subsystem. The connector comprises a valve device, a first connection pipe connectable to the first subsystem, and a second connection pipe connectable to the second subsystem. The valve device comprises a first part and a second part, which are movable in relation to each other to permit an opening movement from a closed position, preventing a fluid communication between the first and second connection pipes, and an open position permitting the fluid communication. The medical product comprises a blocking member preventing, in a blocking state, the opening movement, and permitting changing of the blocking state to a non-blocking state permitting the opening movement.
US08469922B2	Pen-type injector having an electronic control unit An injection device for injection of a dose of a medicament from a medicament cartridge is disclosed. The injection device of the present invention comprises a main housing 4 having an electronic control unit, a cover detection switch 28, and a display panel 10 operative selectively to indicate to the user information relevant to the user. The display panel 10 has an active state in which information is provided to the user and an inactive state in which no information is provided. A cap or cover 6 adapted to cover one end of the main housing 4 of the injection device is provided. When the presence of the cap 6 is detected, the electronic control unit switches the display panel 10 to an active state for a predetermined period of time.
US08469921B2	Body-associated receiver and method Receivers, which may be external or implantable, are provided. Aspects of receivers of the invention include the presence of one or more of: a high power-low power module; an intermediary module; a power supply module configured to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to a high power processing block; a serial peripheral interface bus connecting master and slave blocks; and a multi-purpose connector. Receivers of the invention may be configured to receive a conductively transmitted signal. Also provided are systems that include the receivers, as well as methods of using the same. Additionally systems and methods are disclosed for using a receiver for coordinating with dosage delivery systems.
US08469920B2	Wearable insulin dispensing device, and a combination of such a device and a programming controller A disposable, wearable, self-contained insulin dispensing device includes a housing and an insulin source in the housing that is connected to a catheter for injecting insulin into a user.
US08469918B2	Method and apparatus for performing injections while vibrating the skin An apparatus is provided for performing an injection, the apparatus including a front end, a vibrator mechanism selectively vibrating the front end during an injection and a syringe holder holding a syringe during an injection through the front end while the front end is vibrated.
US08469916B2	Systems and methods for single needle continuous plasma processing Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
US08469907B2	Slider A slider configured to reduce the wear of rotating bodies and an arc-shaped rail. The slider 32 includes: an insertion portion 321 inserted into the arc-shaped rail 31 through the slit 314; a first rotating body 342 which rolls on the outer peripheral wall 312, and a second rotating body 341 which rolls on the inner peripheral wall 311, wherein the second rotating body 341 includes a pair of lateral rotating bodies 411 disposed in both ends in the width direction and a central rotating body 412 disposed in the central portion in the width direction so as to be displaced in the sliding direction from the lateral rotating bodies 411 and wherein the lateral rotating bodies 411 and the central rotating body 412 are pivotally supported by a pivot member 51 provided so as to be swingable in the sliding direction in an insertion portion 321.
US08469902B2	Determining a joint orientation for an implantation A method for determining an orientation of an artificial joint, in particular for planning an implantation of at least one artificial joint in a human or animal body, wherein a first part of the artificial joint and a second part of the artificial joint are designed to be able to form an artificial joint connection with each other, wherein the first part is provided for implantation in a first body structure of the human or animal body, and the second part is provided for implantation in a second body structure of the human or animal body, in order to replace an anatomical joint which connects or connected the first body structure to the second body structure, wherein the method comprises the following steps: body structure data are provided which describe a mobility of the first body structure relative to the second body structure; an orientation which is suitable for implanting the artificial joint is determined on the basis of the body structure data.
US08469897B2	Method and system for tracking quality of life in patients with angina A method and system for tracking quality of life in a patient with angina includes obtaining activity data and cardiac data, determining a level of physical activity of the patient and identifying an ischemic episode based on the cardiac data obtained during the physical activity. The method also provides for recording an activity level at the time the ischemic episode occurs. Furthermore, the method also provides for presenting activity level trends related to activity levels at the onset of ischemia to a user.
US08469896B2	Method for segmenting a cardiovascular signal This invention describes a method for dividing a substantial cycli cardiovascular signal into segments by determining the characteristics of said cyclic signal, wherein each cycle in said signal comprises at least two characteristic segments and wherein the method comprises the steps o identifying segments in a cycle based on prior knowledge of said segment characteristics and the step of verifying said identified segments based on a number of statistical parameters obtained from prior knowledge relating to said cyclic signal. Furthermore, the invention describes a system adapted to perform the above-described method.
US08469892B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of displaying ultrasonic image Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that constructs and displays a 3-dimensional elastic image showing the hardness or softness of a biological tissue in an object to be examined, and a method of displaying an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with an RF signal frame data storing unit (20) that stores a predetermined range of RF signal frame data based on the reflected echo signals received by the reception unit (4), an RF signal frame data selecting unit (21) that selects the RF signal frame data in the predetermined range stored in the RF signal frame data storing unit (20), an elasticity information calculating unit (23) that calculates strain or elastic modulus from the RF signal frame data in the predetermined range, and a 3-dimensional elastic image constructing unit (28) that constructs a 3-dimensional elastic image on the basis of the calculated strain or elasticity modulus.
US08469891B2	Viscoelasticity measurement using amplitude-phase modulated ultrasound wave A viscoelastic property of tissue is measured in vivo. To collect more information and/or estimate viscosity, shear modulus, and/or other shear characteristics, an amplitude and phase modulated waveform is transmitted to the tissue. The displacement caused by the waveform over time includes displacements associated with response to different frequencies. By examining the displacement in the frequency domain, one or more viscoelastic properties may be calculated for different frequencies. The frequency response may indicate the health of the tissue.
US08469887B2	Method and apparatus for flow parameter imaging A method and an apparatus for performing pulsed-wave spectral Doppler imaging at every color flow range gate location in a two-dimensional (or three-dimensional) region of interest. Spectral processing is necessary to determine the flow parameters. Performing this processing at every color flow range gate location creates the two-dimensional image. The method generates two-dimensional images of flow parameters such as peak velocity, pulsatility index, resistance index, etc. With the two-dimensional image, the user immediately observes where the most critical value of the flow parameter occurs and what that value is.
US08469885B2	Identifier circuits for generating unique identifiable indicators and techniques for producing same The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.
US08469881B2	Pressure reduction mechanism, puncture device, blood analysis device, and sensor mounting mechanism Provided are a decompression mechanism capable of performing a desired pressure reduction by simple operation and having improved operability, a puncture device, a blood analysis device, and a sensor mounting mechanism. A needle puncturing device (100) is provided with: a piston (121) having at one end thereof an end part (121a) for forming a part of a sensor mounting mechanism (130) and at the other end an end part (121b) for slidably supporting a rod (112) of a lancet section (111); a cylinder (122) for slidably containing therein the end section (121b) of the piston (121); and packing (125) mounted to the inner periphery of the end part (121b) of the piston (121) and maintaining the air-tightness of the outer periphery of the rod (112). When the piston (121) is moved in the direction toward the cylinder (122) with a skin contact part (131) in contact with the skin, the volumes of an internal space (140) and a pressure reduction chamber (150) which are sealed by packing (123, 124) are increased to produce a reduced pressure.
US08469880B2	Tube assembly for an endoscope The invention relates to a tube assembly for an endoscope comprising a disposable tube that surrounds a working channel and preferably also a flushing channel and fixing means for fixing the disposable tube to the endoscope. Said fixing means have a fixing unit which is used to fix the disposable tube on the distal end of the endoscope in a rotationally and axially fixed manner. The endoscope fixing means also have a guide device which is used to displaceably fix the disposable tube on respective sections of the endoscope that are at a distance from the distal end of said endoscope.
US08469875B2	Method and device for treating urinary incontinence A method for treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision in a region adjacent to the urethra, and positioning a tape under the urethra through the incision such that one portion of the tape extends from under the urethra through one obturator foramen and another portion of the tape extends from under urethra through the other obturator foramen.
US08469873B2	Blood vessel wrap A wrap (20) for securing about a blood vessel (36) by encasing a section of the vessel. The wrap (20) being of thin flexible construction having two ends (22, 24) and two sides (26, 28). The wrap (20) is more elastic or stretchable at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its centre, to provide strain relief from wrapped to unwrapped aorta. The wrap (20) is not inelastic, so that loss of aortic compliance is minimised or enhanced. The wrap (20) is adapted to apply, in use, less compressive force at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its centre.
US08469868B2	Method and system for bleed control on packaging layout Methods and systems are provided for bleed control in a packaging layout having a plurality of packaging decoration patterns for making a plurality of packaging boxes. The method includes obtaining bleed lines based on a bleed width from cutting lines of each packaging decoration pattern for each packaging box. The method also includes irradiating light beams toward the packaging layout in four directions substantially perpendicular to each side of the packaging layout to form irradiated bleed line segments. The method further includes calculating a ratio of the projection length of each of irradiated bleed line segments to a respective projection length of a respective bleed line for each packaging decoration pattern in a respective irradiating direction. The method also includes excluding the irradiated bleed line segments for releasing bleed limit if the ratio is less than the threshold, and otherwise releasing bleed limit for the irradiated bleed line facing the four directions.
US08469867B2	Charging member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus A charging member that achieves a high level of compatibility between the suppression of the bleeding of a low-molecular weight component from its elastic layer to its surface and charging performance for an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The charging member has a substrate, an elastic layer, and a surface layer. The surface layer contains a polymer having a Si-O-Ti bond, and the polymer has a constitutional unit represented by the following general formula (1) and a constitutional unit represented by the following general formula (2).
US08469865B2	Exercise device with suspended inertial core An inertial exercise device includes a hollow outer ball and a weighted inner ball elastically suspended inside the outer ball by at least two opposing suspension members. The weighted innerball may contain a fluid mass. The hollow outer ball, the weighted inner ball and the at least two opposing suspension members may all be integrally formed with each other. In one embodiment, the outer ball, the inner ball, and the suspension members are all formed from integral segments of a pliant tube. The hollow outer ball is formed by everting first and second end segments of the tube over the middle segment of the tube and joining the first and second end segments of the tube together at their openings. The weighted inner ball is formed from the middle segment of the tube which, in one embodiment, is a bulge in the tube.
US08469862B2	Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to the carrier. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality.
US08469861B1	Pushable exercise apparatus for resistance training A pushable exercise apparatus configured to be pushed along a surface by a user and to provide user-selected variation in resistance to rotation applied to wheels of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a frame, a handle, a wheel shaft rotatably supported by the frame, one or more wheels fixedly attached to the wheel shaft, and an electrical braking system, such as a generator braking system. The electrical braking system may have a motor driven by rotation of the wheel shaft and variable electrical resistance such that an amount of torque and/or effort required to rotate at least one of the wheels is dependant on the amount of electrical resistance provided to the motor.
US08469860B1	Method and apparatus to remediate a clutch fault in a powertrain system A multi-mode transmission includes a plurality of torque transfer clutches fluidly coupled to a hydraulic circuit fluidly coupled to an independently controllable hydraulic pump. Upon detecting an un-commanded activation of one of the torque transfer clutches, operation of the hydraulic pump is disabled, allowable transmission states are identified, and the one of the torque transfer clutches is synchronized. The hydraulic pump is subsequently enabled and the transmission is operated in one of the allowable transmission states.
US08469856B2	Continuously variable transmission Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a control system adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In one embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT.
US08469855B2	Two-speed transmission module with passive automatic shifting A multi-speed transmission module is provided that can passively and automatically upshift and downshift between two speed ratios, even if the speed of the output member does not decrease. The transmission module includes a planetary gear set. A torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to connect the two members of the planetary gear set for common rotation. A centripetal member is configured to apply a first axial force urging engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism. The first axial force increases as the speed of the output member increases. A torque-to-thrust actuator, such as a ball screw actuator, is connected for rotation with the input member and is configured to apply a second axial force opposing engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism.
US08469852B2	Transmission system A transmission system includes a housing having a sump. A crown wheel and pinion are positioned within the housing. The transmission system further includes a reservoir having an inlet system and an outlet system. Rotation of the crown wheel causes the oil to be transferred from the sump to the reservoir via the inlet system, and the outlet system allows oil to pass from the reservoir to the sump.
US08469839B2	Method and apparatus for analyzing a golf swing This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method.
US08469836B2	Multi-layer core golf ball Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a thermoset composition other than diene rubber.
US08469831B2	Cycloid ramp for gravity race cars This invention relates to gravity-driven car racing, specifically an improved ramp, such as used in the popular Pinewood Derby race, which is cycloid shaped. The present invention eliminates excessive centripetal force and related problems such as car oscillation caused by prior art ramps which are curved too much or curved in the wrong places. The present invention comprises a ramp shaped as a section of a cycloid curve with the ramp bottom tangent to the horizontal coasting run. It can be shown mathematically that such a curve will produce the least possible centripetal force and associated friction increase in the car wheels as it accelerates toward the coasting run. The present invention causes a ramp to assume the cycloid shape by applying appropriate bending forces to the underside of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, a hinged brace automatically applies the key bending force as the main support legs are lowered.
US08469824B1	Device and method for an electronic tag game A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications and augmented reality with one or more players is provided. The device includes infrared transmitters and infrared receivers to facilitate omni-directional two-way communication between two or more devices and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger and a barrel portion. A mobile electronic device is used as an accessory to provide single player and multiplayer augmented reality game play and a user-interface including a display and a touch screen for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions.
US08469821B2	Video game which facilitates players assisting other players According to an embodiment, various features in an online video game permit characters to provide assistance to other characters, and to advertise offers to help other characters. In an embodiment, the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character and permits rewards to be received based on the amount of helpfulness provided.
US08469820B2	Communication device and method between an audiovisual information playback system and an electronic game machine The invention relates to a communication device between an audiovisual information playback system (1) and at least one electronic game machine (2), each electronic game machine comprising a viewing means (200), a means (210) for interacting with the user and a means of payment (220), characterized in that each electronic game machine (2) is connected to the playback system (2) via a network interface (21) and an associated LAN (3), and comprises specific means (20, 21, 22) for managing a means of payment, a viewing means and an interactive means, in order to enable, on the electronic game machine (2), the selection and payment of at least one selection stored on the playback system (2), with a view to playback thereof on the playback system, the specific means (22) of managing payment means and the specific means (21) of managing viewing means and the interactive means being triggered by the activation means of the electronic game machine (2).
US08469818B2	Game system, game apparatus, storage medium storing game program and game data exchange method A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
US08469817B2	Game machine having wireless communication capability A video game machine is provided with wireless functionality. The wireless functionality may be built-into the video game machine or may be provided by a device that is removably attachable to the video game machine. The wireless functionality enables, among other things, enhanced multi-player capabilities, the ability to receive video game updates, new game levels and new games.
US08469816B2	Device linking Device linking is described. In one or more implementations, data is maintained at a network service that describes characteristics of a plurality of devices that are associated with a user account of the network service. A communication is formed to be received by one of the plurality of devices that includes a portion of the data that pertains to another one of the plurality of devices and that is suitable by the receiving device to discover the other one of the plurality of devices to initiate a local network connection between the devices.
US08469813B2	Storing and using casino content A wagering game system and operations are described herein. The operations can include presenting selectable casino content on a casino display device and determining a selection of the casino content (e.g., by a wagering game player account, by a casino patron, etc.). The operations can further include determining data from the selectable casino content, such as viewable portions of the casino content or metadata associated with casino content. The operations can further include sending the data to be saved in a user accessible storage, such as to a user accessible storage device or a web account associated with a casino user or social contact. In some embodiments, the operations can also include analyzing the selected casino content to generate analytics that can be used to determine targeted content (e.g., targeted advertisements, targeted wagering games, etc.) that can be presented or suggested to a wagering game player.
US08469806B2	System and method for providing complex haptic stimulation during input of control gestures, and relating to control of virtual equipment A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user.
US08469801B2	Apparatuses, methods and systems for a multi-level in-game currency platform The APPARATUSES and METHODS FOR dynamic conversion of a transaction includes receiving a transaction request from a user, wherein the transaction request includes data related to a transaction and user characteristics of the user. The data associated with the transaction and the user is analyzed to determine if the user is eligible to request the transaction. When it is determined that the user is eligible for requesting the transaction, identifying a payment currency for the requested transaction, computing dynamic conversion rate for converting the payment currency to the requested virtual currency, and calculating a purchase price in terms of the payment currency for the requested virtual currency of the transaction request using the dynamic conversion rate, the purchase price is used in completing the transaction request.
US08469800B2	Mobile device interfaces at an electronic gaming machine A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, is described. In particular, an electronic gaming machine (EGM) can be configured with a power interface that allows portable electronic device carried by the patron to receive power. To prevent patrons from monopolizing an EGM for the purposes of solely charging their portable electronic device, the EGM can be configured with power interface control logic that controls the flow of power to the power interface including cutting off power to the power interface. The EGM can include an object detection capability that allows objects, such as a portable electronic device located on or near the EGM to be detected. In one embodiment, when the EGM detects an object has been abandoned, i.e., left at the EGM by a patron, the EGM can be configured to take actions that allow the object to be recovered.
US08469799B2	Gaming machine accounting system with game-stored ticket information A gaming system includes multiple gaming machines and one or more cashier stations. The gaming machines are configured to issue value tickets, such upon cash-out. The tickets may be presented at the same gaming machine that issued the ticket or at other of the gaming machines or the cashier station. In particular, each gaming machine generates its own tickets, including associated ticket records. The ticket records generated at each gaming machine, however, are transmitted to other gaming machines and the cashier stations so that when a ticket is presented at any of the gaming machines or cashier stations, any of the gaming machines can directly validate the ticket and credit the associated value.
US08469798B2	Method and system for converting landbased players to on-line players There is provided a computerized gaming system operable in a landbased gaming mode controlled by a landbased gaming control unit and in an on-line gaming mode controlled by an on-line gaming control unit operating independently of the landbased gaming control unit, and a method of operating thereof. The method comprises obtaining by the landbased gaming control unit an information related to a player, the information indicative, at least, of said player's balance with regard to the landbased gaming mode. The method further comprises, responsive to the player's switching from the landbased gaming mode to on-line gaming mode, electronically communicating the most updated information indicative, at least, of said player's balance with regard to the landbased gaming mode from the landbased control unit to the on-line control unit controlling the on-line gaming mode, thereby enabling said player to participate in the on-line playing mode.
US08469797B2	Wagering game with multiple overlying reel strips for triggering events or outcomes A method for enabling a portal game on a wagering game device includes the acts of using a processor operatively associated with the wagering game device to conducting a wagering game on the wagering game device in accord with a first math model and using a portal game controller, which may be the processor operatively associated with the wagering game device or a separate controller, operatively associated with both the portal game and the wagering game device, to overlay a portal game over the wagering game. The portal game includes a second math model that is mathematically independent from the first math model of the wagering game.
US08469795B2	Method of gaming and a gaming system A method of gaming comprising: conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conducting at least one second game round in response to a trigger event occurring, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols.
US08469783B2	Supply air terminal device and method for regulating the airflow rate The invention concerns a supply air terminal device (10) and a method for regulating the airflow rate. The supply air terminal device (10) comprises a heat exchanger (11), with which a circulated airflow (L2) conducted from a room can be either cooled or heated. The supply air terminal device (10) comprises a mixing chamber (12), into which mixing chamber (12) the air chamber's (15) nozzles (16a1, 16a2 . . . 16an) or a flow gap (16) open to conduct a primary airflow (L1) into the mixing chamber (12), whereby the primary airflow (L1) from the nozzles (16a1, 16a2 . . . 16an) or through the flow gap (16) as a flow (Qs) will induce a circulated airflow (L2) from the room (H) to flow through the heat exchanger (11) into the mixing chamber (12). The combined airflow (L1+L2) is conducted into the room (H). The supply air terminal device (10) comprises a regulator (100) bypassing the nozzles (16a1, 16a2 . . . 16an) or the flow gap (16) to regulate an airflow (Q3) passing through the regulator (100), with which, depending on the purpose of use of the room, it is possible to regulate the total airflow (ΣQ) of the fresh primary air (Q3+Qs) supplied from outside the supply air terminal device.
US08469780B2	Reverse oblique air curtain exhaust cabinet A reverse oblique air curtain exhaust cabinet comprises a cabinet that has a bottom plate and an elongate air blow slot is provided in front of the bottom plate. Through the elongate air blow slot, air is blown upward at an oblique angle toward the rear plate of the cabinet. An air-extraction hood is provided in a space defined above the bottom plate in a way of being vertically movable relative to the cabinet. The air-extraction hood has an elongate air-extraction part that is parallel to the elongate air blow slot in a way that the elongate air-extraction part is above and spaced from the elongate air blow slot toward the rear plate of the cabinet. Thereby, an oblique air curtain that flows upward is formed to remove the pollutants between the oblique air curtain and rear plate and left and right lateral plates in a more energy-saving way.
US08469777B2	Linear abrasive brush member, method for preparing linear abrasive brush member, and abrasive brush To provide a linear abrasive brush member, in which filament parts are hardly broken, a substrate part is excellent in deformability, and also, abrasion ability is excellent. A linear abrasive brush member comprising: an embedded core material (9); a rod-shaped substrate part (7) having opposite long-narrow upper and bottom faces; and a plurality of filament parts (8) present on the upper surface along the longitudinal direction; and the substrate part and the filament parts being integrally molded from a resin composition.
US08469776B2	Flexible membrane for carrier head A carrier head that has a base assembly, a retaining ring assembly, a carrier ring, and a flexible membrane is described. The flexible membrane has a main portion and an outer annular portion, wherein a junction between the main portion and the outer annular portion comprises a peripheral edge hinge and an annular recess above the hinge along the outer wall of the outer annular portion.
US08469774B2	Amorphous alloy component and surface treating method for making same The present invention relates to a surface treating method for making an amorphous alloy component. The surface treatment method includes the following steps: an amorphous alloy sheet is provided; the amorphous alloy sheet is fixed into a dry blast machine; and the surface of the amorphous alloy sheet is treated by sandblasting. In the sandblasting step, air pressure is controlled to be in a range from about 1.5 gf/cm2 to 6.0 kgf/cm2 and blasting time is in a range from about 1 second to 60 seconds; the sand used in sandblasting is preferably selected from a group consisting of aluminium oxide, zirconium dioxide and silicon dioxide, and a grain size of the sand is in a range from about 100 μm to 250 μm.
US08469770B2	Multifunction brassiere cup A brassiere includes a multifunction brassiere cup that includes multiple layers partially overlapping one another. A first layer, second layer, and third layer each have unattached edges. The unattached edges of the first and second layers cross to define a nook, which nook is covered by the overlapping third layer. The multifunction brassiere cup is configured to selectively receive a funnel of a breast pump behind the third layer of the cup and within the nook such that the funnel is supported against a nipple by the unattached edges of the first, second, and third layers.
US08469769B2	Nursing garment and method of making A nursing garment and method manufacture thereof includes, detachable portions of nursing clips to connect a built-in bra to shoulder straps, wherein the built-in bra is detachable from either one of the shoulder straps in preparation for nursing and is without openings for nursing. In further embodiments: the shoulder straps include sling supports behind the built-in bra; a garment bottom portion either unlined or lined with a stretchable lining; a knitted bottom portion joined at a junction with a knitted outer bodice and its knitted inner panel; and another embodiment includes, first clasps and second clasps of hermaphroditic mating construction, wherein the second clasps on the shoulder straps connect with either of the first clasps on the outer bodice, or alternatively, connect with each other.
US08469763B2	Plasma crucible sealing A plasma crucible has a through bore and two tubes butt scaled on to the end faces of the crucible. One of the tubes is closed prior to the filling of the crucible. The tube is tipped off and worked in a glass lathe to form it to have a flat end. After evacuation, dosing and gas fill, the other tube is tipped off in the similar manner.
US08469761B1	Apparatus and method for rapid sealing of a flat panel display A method and apparatus is disclosed for rapidly joining a first glass substrate to a second glass substrate. The first glass substrate and second glass substrates are separated by a peripheral glass spacer or frame. The glass frame is sandwiched between the first and second substrates. A layer of glass frit is placed on the top and bottom surfaces of the frame or about the top and bottom peripheral edges of the substrates in contact with the frame. Heat is then applied substantially solely to the periphery of the substrates about the frame to cause the frit to melt thereby securing the top substrate to the bottom substrate.
US08469758B2	Insulator for spark plug, and method for manufacturing spark plug A method for manufacturing an insulator includes: preparing a press pin and a forming die having a cavity, the press pin including a pin-side spiral portion formed on a first position; filling a raw powder into the cavity; arranging the press pin within the cavity; pressing the raw powder within the cavity along with the press pin, and obtaining a green body formed with a green body-side spiral portion; releasing the green body along with the press pin from the cavity; retreating the press pin with respect to the green body while rotating the press pin relative to the green body around an axis, and extracting the press pin from the green body; and removing an unnecessary portion from the green body. The first position is positioned such that the green body-side spiral portion is located in the unnecessary portion of the green body.
US08469748B2	Coupler with universal adaptors for electricity, compressed air, fluids, and data This invention provides a coupler having universal adaptors for compressed air, fluid, electricity, and/or data that enable a user to connect existing hoses or cords to the coupler, which is attached to a door base and/or window sash, thus allowing the door and/or window to be fully opened and closed. The body of the coupler is a U shaped clamp. The body has a thin base plate that is positioned under the door and/or window and two walls that contain electrical/pneumatic/data connectors. In one embodiment, the body is made of a durable plastic. The clamp is tightened via a tension screw with an adjustment knob or by a screwdriver. Embedded within the body are channels that allow passage of electricity, air, fluid, and/or data packets.
US08469746B2	Computer adapter with power outlet and replaceable and rechargeable battery, wireless card, and transceiver The present invention is directed to an electronic adapter that has a receptacle capable of receiving power cords and power a device, such as a computer. The present invention may have a rechargeable and replaceable battery. In addition to allowing access to a power receptacle from a single power source, the present invention eliminates the need to carry an extra extension cord to allow multiple users to power their accessories, i.e. notebook computers from a single power source. The present invention may also have a wireless card allowing devices connected to the USB port to gain access to a WIFI network. A transceiver may allow the adapter to be turned off remotely.
US08469739B2	Cable connector with biasing element A coaxial cable connector for coupling a coaxial cable to a mating connector is disclosed. The coaxial cable connector may include a connector body having a forward end and a rearward cable receiving end for receiving a cable. The connector may include a nut rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector body and an annular post disposed within the connector body for providing an electrical path between the mating connector and the coaxial cable. The connector may include a biasing element, wherein the biasing element is configured to provide a force to maintain the electrical path between the mating connector and the coaxial cable. In one embodiment, the biasing element is external to the nut and the connector body. In one embodiment, the biasing element surrounds a portion of the nut and/or the connector body.
US08469734B2	Retainer system for electric cable couplers Male and female couplers which are complementally formed to attach together are fitted with a retainer system including prongs on one of the couplers and a gap on the other of the couplers which can engage the prongs. The prong or gap is configured as either fixed or pivoting so that the pivoting portion can pivot to engage the fixed portion. When the male coupler is inserted into the female coupler, the prongs and gaps engage each other. To remove the male coupler from the female coupler, a pivoting portion must be pivoted to move the gap and prongs away from each other. The gap is configured as an at least partial recess into which the prong is received. The prongs and loop or slit are coupled to the male and female coupler ends through removably attachable male and female retainers or built directly into the female and male coupler.
US08469726B2	Connectors with brushes and pins which slide along electrical guides for home, business or industrial installations Female connectors which slide along some guides in home, business or industrial installations and allow electricity to be transported from one point to another without the need for extension cables. The connector slides along the guide which includes, in the interior thereof, some electrical brushes connected to some brass connectors which transport the electricity towards the poles of a male connector from some tracks which, in turn, are connected to the mains or the general electrical installation. Alternatively, the connector slides along some guides having electrical pins which are connected to the general electrical installation via the tracks.
US08469725B2	Adapter for electric dryers An adapter for use in combination with an electric dryer to electrically connect the dryer to an outlet when the pattern of the prongs on the power cord plug do not correspond to the pattern of the prong-receiving receptacle openings at the outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises an adapter body having a plurality of prong-receiving openings on its outward face and a plurality of adapter prongs on its rearward face. The prong-receiving openings are in a first prong pattern that corresponds to the number and/or configuration of the prongs on the plug and the adapter prongs are in a second prong pattern that corresponds to the number and/or configuration of the receptacle openings on the outlet to electrically interconnect the plug and the outlet. In one embodiment, the adapter also includes a connecting wire inside the adapter body and a ground wire to ground the dryer.
US08469722B2	Plug connector, receptacle connector and electrical connector assembly A plug connector, a receptacle connector and an electrical connector assembly are provided. The plug connector includes a plug housing and a plurality of plug terminals located in the plug housing. Each plug terminal includes a first, second and third contact portions. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing and a plurality of receptacle terminals mounted in the receptacle housing. Each receptacle terminal includes a first, second and third side portions. When the plug connector and the receptacle connector are combined together to form the electrical connector assembly, the first, second and third contact portions respectively contact with the first, second and third side portions so that realizing a three-position contact between the plug and receptacle terminals for providing a stable signal transmission.
US08469718B2	Sensor apparatus having a sensor connected to a circuit board connected to external terminals A sensor apparatus (10) including a sensor (20), a cable (80), a circuit board (50) and a housing (30) accommodating the circuit board. The housing (30) includes a first member (100) and a second member (200). The first member (100) supports the circuit board (50) in such a condition that the circuit board (50) is electrically connected to an external terminal (40). The second member (200) receives the cable (80) inserted thereinto and is engaged with the first member (100), thereby accommodating the circuit board (50) in cooperation with the first member (100). As a result of engagement between the first member (100) and the second member (200), the housing (30) establishes an electric connection of the circuit board (50) to the cable (80).
US08469717B2	Blood vessel model for medical training and method for manufacturing same A blood vessel model for medical training not deforming with time and approximated to a real blood vessel without using any other tool when the blood vessel wall of the simulated blood vessel is incised or cut off. The blood vessel model 10 includes a simulated blood vessel 11 simulating a blood vessel and artificially fabricated and a base 12 supporting the simulated blood vessel 11. The simulated blood vessel 11 has a circumferentially exposed part and the other part buried in the base 12. The base 12 has a jointed part 24 disposed in a position below the simulated blood vessel 11 and formed by joining forming edges 26A, 26A of a cutout 26 extending along the simulated blood vessel 11 to impart a tensile stress in the diameter-increasing direction to the simulated blood vessel 11.
US08469714B2	Abdominal breathing training apparatus, abdominal breathing training system and method thereof An abdominal breathing training apparatus, an abdominal breathing training system and the method thereof are provided. The abdominal breathing training apparatus is adapted for training a trainee how to perform an abdominal breathing and includes a trainer unit, a sensor unit, a data acquisition and conversion unit and a display unit. The trainer unit generates training waveforms and indications. The sensor unit directly measures abdominal movement signals from the trainee, and is positioned adjacent to the abdominal portion of the trainee. The data acquisition and conversion unit is coupled to the sensor unit and generates a trainee abdominal movement waveform according to the measured abdominal movement signals of the trainee. The display unit is coupled to the trainer unit, and displays the training waveforms and the indications to the trainee, who follows the training waveforms on the display unit to perform the abdominal breathing.
US08469710B2	Dental implant system and method A dental implant system has an implant member, an abutment member and a transfer key with cooperatively engaging structures for aligning and orienting an abutment assembled on the implant member and for preparing a dental impression and mold which represents the implantation site and its relationship to adjacent teeth structures. The dental implant system includes an O-ring type abutment assembly with a reduced footprint, a surgical screw and bone screw insertion tool, a healing abutment that need not be removed during an impression taking procedure, and an implant coding system for selecting and identifying dental implants and implant analogs.
US08469707B2	Hand-held device for dispensing a pasty filling material A hand-held device, particularly for dental purposes, comprising a dispenser for dispensing a pasty filling material as well a device for emitting a radiation that causes the filling material to cure.
US08469703B2	Vertical boat for heat treatment and heat treatment method of semiconductor wafer using thereof A vertical boat for heat treatment includes a plurality of supporting columns, a pair of plate members coupled to both ends of each supporting column. In each of the supporting columns a plurality of supporting parts for horizontally supporting substrates to be treated are formed and an auxiliary supporting member to place each of the substrates to be treated is removably attached to each of the plurality of supporting parts. The auxiliary supporting member is adjusted for each supporting part with respect to the inclination of a surface for placing the substrates to be treated depending on the shape of each supporting part by processing a surface for attaching to the supporting part, or by interposing a spacer between the supporting part and the auxiliary supporting member is provided.
US08469701B2	Candle holder and extinguisher Apparatus and method for extinguishing a candle by selecting a predetermined time for which the candle will burn and as a predetermined time is reached an exterior wall rises, engulfs, and covers the candle and flame. Upon coverage of the candle and flame the candle is extinguished, in a safe, secure, protective manner. Upon reaching a final predetermined time of the preset time selected by the user for the candle to burn an alarm sounds notifying the user the apparatus is closing.
US08469699B2	Staged combustion method for producing asymmetric flames The invention concerns a method for burning a fuel by means of at least one a burner, each burner comprising two half-assemblies (1, 1′) comprising each at least one fuel injecting means (2) associated with a primary oxidant injecting means (3), and at least one secondary oxidant injecting means (4), a first oxidant jet being injected at a first distance from the fuel by the primary injecting means so as to generate a first incomplete combustion, and a second oxidant jet being injected at a second distance (L1), greater than the first distance, from the fuel injecting means so as to generate a second combustion with the remaining fuel of the first incomplete combustion. Said method is characterized in that each half-assembly delivers a combustion power different from the one delivered by the other half-assembly.
US08469697B2	Rotary mold system for molding food products A rotary molding system for molding food products, mold cavities formed when a mold shell rotates mold shapes disposed along the mold shell into a fill position between a fill plate and a wear plate. Molded food products are removed from mold cavities using knock-out cups, the use of air pressure, or the use of a vacuum source disposed below the mold cavity, without the need to slow the rotation of the mold shell. Knock-out cups may be used with a heating system to reduce accumulation of unwanted materials on the knock-out cups. The rotary molding system can also be used to form products with contoured surfaces. A smart tagging system can be used to ensure that compatible sets of mold shells and knock out cups are being used. A vacuum region may be disposed upstream of the fill position to remove air within the mold cavity prior to filling.
US08469692B2	Rapid prototyping apparatus Apparatus for producing an object by sequentially forming thin layers of a construction material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the object, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of printing heads each having a surface formed with a plurality of output orifices and controllable to dispense the construction material through each orifice independently of the other orifices; a shuttle to which the printing heads are mounted; a support surface; and a controller adapted to control the shuttle to move back and forth over the support surface and as the shuttle moves to control the printing heads to dispense the construction material through each of their respective orifices responsive to the data to form a first layer on the support surface and thereafter, sequentially the other layers; wherein each printing head is dismountable from the shuttle and replaceable independently of the other printing heads.
US08469691B2	Apparatus for producing three-dimensional shaped product An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product installs on a surface of a table a base plate which loads powder and a shaped article, with a vertical space being formed. A frame body is installed upright on the table. The base plate is placed on a support horizontally projecting from the frame body and/or a step portion which provides an inner direction part of the table of the frame body. The base plate is supported so the center of gravity of the base plate is inside a triangle formed by three locations or a quadruple formed by four locations inside a region of the support or the step portion on which the base plate is placed, and the part projecting above the support and/or an inner wall of the frame body are contacted with a horizontally surrounding part of the base plate at three or more locations.
US08469690B2	Apparatus for severing and collecting IV tubing tips Mandrel supported IV tubing is inserted within a mold of a mold assembly to heat the IV tubing and form a tapered end of the tubing. The tip of the tubing extending beyond the tapered end of the tubing is severed by the mandrel bearing against the mold to lodge the tip in an outlet of the mold. Cooling air is introduced to the mold assembly to cool the mold and to create a flow of turbulent air about the outlet of the mold to extract the severed tips. The turbulent air is exhausted through a channel, pipe and fitting into a collection chamber and causes translation of the severed tip to and into the collection chamber. Sensors may be incorporated to sense the translation of the severed tips.
US08469688B2	RF generator with multiplexed programmed molds Each platform mounted mold assembly for plastic tubing includes a circuit board containing parameters defining elements of the forming, molding, tipping or welding operation to be undertaken on the tubing. A control unit includes an RF generator for providing the RF energy to effect the forming, molding, tipping or welding process, a source of air under pressure to operate the mechanical elements attendant each mold assembly, various sensors and a multiplex unit. In operation, the control unit serially addresses each of the mold assemblies, senses the parameters attendant the mold and applies the appropriate power level of RF energy for a specific duration and temperature while activating the mechanical aspects of the mold assembly. The mold assemblies may be serially activated through a multiplex unit or in a particular sequence that may be operator controlled.
US08469686B2	Apparatus for treating a multifilament thread The invention relates to an apparatus for treating a multifilament thread in a melt-spinning process, wherein a treatment channel is formed between a housing plate and an impact plate. The housing plate has a nozzle bore which opens into the treatment channel and is connected to a compressed-air connection. Together with the housing plate, the impact plate forms an inlet opening and an outlet opening at both ends of the treatment channel. In order to check the swirling effects which are produced on the thread by the eddying within the treatment channel, according to the invention the impact plate has a thread guiding element in the part piece of the treatment channel between the nozzle bore and the inlet opening, which thread guiding element is configured so as to protrude into the treatment channel in order to deflect the thread.
US08469685B2	Apparatus for refurbishing cylindrical members The present invention provides an apparatus for allowing the resurfacing of a cylindrical member in a printer having a fuser member that is externally heated by a heater roller. The apparatus includes providing a cylindrical member having an outer surface of a high temperature fluorothermoplastic. When it is determined that the outer surface is in need of resurfacing, the fuser member is removed from the printer, and the cylindrical member is mounted in the place of the fuser member. The cylindrical member is rotated at a speed of at least 1 rpm while engaging the outer surface of the fuser member with the heater roller normally used to heat the fuser member at a pressure of at least 5 psi at a temperature of at least 10° C. below the fluorothermoplastic melting temperature for a time sufficient to resurface the outer surface of the cylindrical member.
US08469684B2	Rotary vacuum pump with a discharge compensating channel A rotary vacuum pump includes a suction chamber (12) in a housing (10). A rotor (14) is eccentrically mounted in the suction chamber (12). Sliding vanes (18) are connected to the rotor (14). Further, a discharge channel (30) is connected to the suction chamber (12) and to an oil chamber (32). A valve (38) is disposed between the discharge channel (30) and the oil chamber (32) in order to prevent the medium from flowing back from the oil chamber (32) into the suction chamber (12). At least one compensating channel (50) is connected to the discharge channel (30) and to the oil chamber (32).
US08469681B2	Double-diaphragm pumps A double-diaphragm pump includes a pair of axially spaced apart pumping chambers, each chamber having a pumping diaphragm which divides each chamber into an inner and outer compartment. Inner ends of both pumping chambers are closed by a central element, and fluid is supplied to the outer compartments to cause the diaphragms to oscillate and vary the capacities of the inner compartments. I Each of the inner compartments having an inlet and an outlet port leading to unidirectional valves to allow fluid to be drawn into one of the compartments when the appropriate diaphragm moves outwardly and expelled from that compartment when the diaphragm moves inwardly. The unidirectional valves are located in inlet and outlet manifolds in the central element and are accessed and fitted through the inlet and outlet ports in the inner compartments.
US08469673B2	Electric compressor There is provided an electric compressor capable of being actuated rapidly. During the time when the operation of an automotive air conditioner is stopping, by heating a motor 12, a refrigerant on the outlet side 11b of a compressor body 11 is heated. Thereby, the temperature of refrigerant on the outlet side 11b is raised, and the refrigerant is prevented from being liquefied on the outlet side 11b of the compressor body 11, by which the automotive air conditioner can be actuated rapidly. Besides, by rotating the motor 12 at the number of revolutions lower than that at the time of normal operation, the refrigerant liquefied on the outlet side 11b of the compressor body 11 may be pushed out.
US08469664B2	Yaw bearing assembly and tower for wind turbine A tower for a wind turbine is disclosed. The tower includes an outer shell defining a yaw axis and a main frame for a nacelle. The tower further includes a first yaw bearing and a second yaw bearing each connecting the outer shell and the main frame. The first yaw bearing and the second yaw bearing are spaced apart from each other along the yaw axis and each rotatable about the yaw axis.
US08469662B2	Guide vane architecture Guide vane stage of a turbine engine comprising a series of fixed blades connecting an inner collar to an outer collar, characterized in that said fixed blades comprise attachment platforms with flat surfaces that co-operate with a plurality of juxtaposed flat facets, the flat facets being located on the inner face of the outer collar in order to ensure attachment with a contact of a flat/flat type between the fixed blades and the outer collar.
US08469661B2	Fabricated gas turbine vane ring A static vane ring for gas turbine engines includes a plurality of radial struts extending between and interconnecting outer and inner duct walls which define an annular duct therebetween. A load transfer apparatus is attached to at least one of the outer and inner duct walls to transfer load from vane to ring, and between vanes.
US08469655B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly for creating an air current includes an air outlet mounted on a stand. The stand includes a base and a body tiltable relative to the base. The fan assembly has a center of gravity located so that when the base is located on a substantially horizontal support surface, the projection of the center of gravity on the support surface is within the footprint of the base when the body is in a fully tilted position.
US08469651B2	Conveyance device using carriage A conveyance device suitable for an automobile final assembly facility has an elevating table for supporting an object to be conveyed in a conveyance carriage which travels along a conveyance path. The elevating table has a table bearing base removably mounted on a table main body for supporting a bottom portion of the object to be conveyed. The table main body has a top surface flush with a flat work floor on the conveyance carriage when the table main body is at a lowering limit position. On the conveyance carriage, a strut bearing base formed of a pair of left and right strut members located on left and right sides of the object to be conveyed, when viewed in plan, and a bearing portion, provided for the strut member, for supporting left and right edges of the object to be conveyed is mounted removably in a state in which the pair of left and right strut members are positioned at both left and right sides of the elevating table.
US08469649B2	Piler rake and grab arrangement for sugar cane harvesting A wholestalk sugar cane loader includes a piler for accumulating wholestalk sugar cane into piles, and a grab assembly mounted to the end of a boom assembly carried by the loader frame and having opposed tines operable for encircling a mass of piled wholestale sugar cane, with the boom assembly then being operated for lifting the mass of wholestalk cane and depositing it into a container of a haul vehicle. The piler and the grab assembly have respective surface structures which cooperate, when the grab assembly is being loaded with the mass of wholestalk sugar cane, so as to aid the operator in keeping the tines of the grab assembly out of soil contact so that no soil is carried into the mass of wholestalk cane by the tines.
US08469648B2	Apparatus and method for pre-loading of a main rotating structural member An apparatus for a pipe handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member rotating about a pivot axis relative to a skid and moving from a first position to a second position. A tensioning mechanism is affixed to the main rotating structural member. The tensioning mechanism applies a tension to the main rotating structural member when the main rotating structural member is in the second position. The tensioning mechanism has a first cable having an end attached adjacent a top of the main rotating structural member, and a second cable having an end attached adjacent the top of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables have opposite ends attached to a fixed surface. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from a front of the main rotating structural member. The first and second cables extend angularly outwardly from the sides of the main rotating structural member.
US08469645B2	Pneumatic fastener for metal studs and related method A pneumatically drivable fastener secures drywall or other construction material to a metal stud. Each fastener comprises a driving head; and a one piece shank component, secured at one end to the driving head. Each shank component has an axial length extending perpendicularly and longitudinally from the driving head and is divided into two or three sections: (a) an optional, solid section closest to the driving head; (b) an intermediate section with grooves that define stud cutting edges; and (c) two or more forked ends opposite the driving head. A method for fastening drywall to a plurality of metal studs is also disclosed.
US08469636B2	Commodity splitter for an air delivery system A commodity splitter for granular agricultural material includes a chamber having a central section located between an input port and multiple output ports. The central chamber section includes upper and lower planar walls joined by parallel, vertical side walls. First individual upright diverting fins are joined to and extend towards the bottom wall from the upper wall and have respective lower longitudinally extending edges spaced above upper longitudinal edges of second individual upright diverting fins joined to and extend toward the upper wall from the lower wall. The first and second upright fins, respectively, together with the top and bottom walls and opposite side walls form upper and lower vertically spaced material directing channels for directing material from the input port to the outlet ports. The space between the upper and lower channels defines a blockage preventing and pressure-equalizing open area.
US08469632B2	Vessel for laying a pipeline and comprising an A and R means A vessel (1) for laying a pipeline, the vessel comprising a hull structure (3) comprising one or more floaters (4), a tower (5) defining a firing line (6) when positioned in a pipelaying position, the tower (5) being pivotable relative to the hull structure (3) about a tower pivot axis (7), and an A & R means (8) for abandoning and/or recovering the pipeline, wherein the tower (5) is pivotable about said tower pivot axis (7) substantially independent from the A & R means (8) and the A & R means (8) is configured to operate while the tower (5) is pivoted about said tower pivot axis (7).
US08469629B2	Dust suppression agent A composition for dust suppression including an acrylic polymer, a polyvinyl acetate polymer, glycerin, and water is herein disclosed.
US08469624B2	Device for fixing accessories in a motorcycle, in particular for a windshield A device (10) for fixing accessories in a motorcycle, in particular for a windshield (14), having at least one shaft (12) insertable in a sleeve element (18) constrainable to a fixed component (16) of the motorcycle. A portion of the shaft (12) has at least one elastic spacer element (20) insertable into the sleeve element (18) and actuable by a reversible junction element (30) between an expanded position, in engagement within the sleeve element (18), and a rest position, extractable from the sleeve element (18). At least one axial locking element (34) is integrally applied on shaft (12) which engages with a corresponding axial locking element (38) constrained to the sleeve element (18).
US08469620B1	Dispenser and applicator device A spreadable material dispenser and applicator device, comprising: a longitudinally extending handle comprising an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity holds a spreadable material; and a body comprising an interior cavity enveloped by a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface comprises a plurality of perforations, and wherein the handle is disposed on the top surface, and further wherein the body terminates in a first flange and a second flange. The device may further comprise a container for storing the spreadable material, wherein the container may be fixedly connected to the handle to assist in the dispersion of the spreadable material.
US08469617B2	Printer platen support mechanism and roll paper printer A platen support mechanism of a printer moves a platen unit of the printer. When moving the platen unit from a closed position to an open position, the platen support mechanism of the printer first moves the platen unit along a straight first path, and then moves the platen unit along a curved second path. A posture of the platen unit is held constant during this time by a six joint linkage mechanism.
US08469614B2	Substrate treatment method, computer storage medium and substrate treatment apparatus The present disclosure is a substrate treatment method of supplying a surface treatment liquid onto a surface of a substrate having a film with high water repellency formed thereon, the method including: a liquid puddle forming step of forming a liquid puddle of the surface treatment liquid by supplying the surface treatment liquid from a nozzle to one location of a peripheral portion of the substrate; and a liquid puddle moving step of then moving the liquid puddle formed at the peripheral portion of the substrate to a central portion of the substrate by moving the nozzle from a position above the peripheral portion of the substrate to a position above the central portion of the substrate while continuing the supply of the surface treatment liquid.
US08469608B2	Optical transceiver with enhanced EMI tolerance An optical transceiver with an enhanced EMI shielding is disclosed. The optical transceiver of the invention provides an optical receptacle made of metal and an optical subassembly with a metal cover assembled with the optical receptacle. The metal cover electro-magnetically divides the inside from the outside of the transceiver. The metal cover provides a plate portion and an edge portion, where the former portion forms an opening through which the sleeve passes without coming in contact with the metal cover, while, the latter of which comes in contact with the receptacle.
US08469605B2	Optical connector with ferrule interference fit An optical connector having a front and back orientation and suitable for operating with a temperature range, the connector comprising: (a) a ferrule comprising a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (COE), and having no greater than a first diameter below a transition temperature with the temperature range, and no less than a second diameter above the transition temperature; (b) a spring disposed behind the ferrule and in contact with the ferrule to apply a forward urging force to the ferrule; and (c) a housing comprising a second material having a second COE, the housing defining a bore hole having a diameter greater than the second diameter, and an interface portion having a restricted bore hole having no greater than a third diameter below the transition temperature, and no less than a fourth diameter above the transition temperature.
US08469604B2	Optical fiber, tape-like optical fiber and optical module using the same An optical fiber has a single-layer coated optical fiber having an optical bare fiber including a core and a clad formed around the core, and a single coating layer provided around an outer periphery of the optical bare fiber, an inner coating layer provided around an outer periphery of the single-layer coated optical fiber, which contacts with the single coating layer, and an outer coating layer formed as a collective coating layer around an outer side of the inner coating layer. The inner coating layer has a Young modulus lower than a Young modulus of the single coating layer and a Young modulus of the outer coating layer.
US08469602B2	Optical fiber connecting part and optical module using the same An optical fiber connecting part has a ferrule, and a guide bore penetrating through the ferrule and configured to guide an optical fiber to be inserted. The guide bore has a first bore provided at one end of the ferrule, through which the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule, a second bore provided at another end of the ferrule, the second bore having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first bore, and an intermediate bore provided between the first bore and the second bore to directly connect between the first bore and the second bore. A center axis of the second bore is shifted from a center axis of the first bore.
US08469600B2	Comb side plate cage for guiding rolling bodies in a rolling body bearing and rolling body bearing A roller bearing cage for guiding rolling bodies in a rolling body bearing, which has multiple rolling bodies, two cage side elements, between which the rolling bodies are arranged, and which have multiple web appendages to guide the rolling bodies, and multiple connection elements that connect the two cage side elements. The azimuthal position of the connection elements defines a connection area. Exactly one connection element and at least one web appendage are arranged in a connection. The connection element and web appendage are arranged in sections inside a radial interior of the respective cage side elements, the border of which is defined by the positions of the rotation axes of the rolling bodies.
US08469596B2	Electroformed bearing and method of manufacturing same Fine particles (6) are retained by an electroformed portion (4) in a dispersed state, and the fine particles (6) exposed from an outer peripheral surface (4a2) of the electroformed portion (4) are molten so as to form micro projections (60) integrated with a resin portion (5). The micro projections (60) enters into fine-particle traces (4c) formed in the electroformed portion (4) to exert an anchor effect, to thereby increase a fixation force between the resin portion (5) and the electroformed portion (4).
US08469595B2	Motion device and moving device A motion device includes an orbital element, and a moving element into which the orbital element is inserted, the moving element guided so as to be able to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction of the orbital element, wherein at ends of the moving element, cylindrical protrusions into which the orbital element is inserted are formed and protrude in the longitudinal direction of the orbital element so as to be pivotally supportable on bearings, and total size around the orbital element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusions is smaller than that of the moving element.
US08469594B2	Closure strip for a bag and associated bag A closure strip for a bag. Two supporting webs are provided, on their internal surfaces facing each other and at a distance from their longitudinal edges, with at least one longitudinal closure assembly. Each web has an upper portion, extending longitudinally in an upper portion thereof, and a lower portion, extending longitudinally in a lower portion of these. At least one of the webs includes internal faces which correspond to the faces of the upper and lower portions made in materials having different melting temperatures. The melting temperature of the material of the upper portion is less than the melting temperature of the material of the lower portion. The closure strip also includes a line of weakening which extends longitudinally in an intermediate area of each web. The intermediate areas are made of a third material having a lower tensile strength than the upper and lower portions.
US08469591B2	Seal for zippered bag The present invention provides a recloseable bag, the bag having a mouth and including a closure at the mouth, the closure having a first end and a second end. The recloseable bag also includes a first crushed section at the first end of the closure, the closure further including an intact portion. It also includes a first transition area between the first crushed section and the intact portion, and a sealing material in the first transition area.
US08469590B2	Special handstrap for casual open-bags This product is an invented Handstrap (loop) for Casual Open-Bag. As the present invention is not composed by the two separated handstraps (loop), but by a single strap that goes through all four punctures forming the bag straps, firstly 1) in the production process of shopping bags, the current 2 strap×2 knots=4 knots formation can be reduced to 1 strap×2 knots=2 knots not only allowing for decrease in labor costs, but the ends are processed through a mechanized treatment instead of manual labor, productivity can also be increased, 2) for the convenience of the transporting person, the straps may be adjusted to be longer or shorter, furthermore, 3) as the opening of the carrying bag is closed, not only cosmetically is it aesthetically improved, but the risk of losing the contents decrease. 4) Both endings of the strap are knotted like an coat string for good aesthetics, 5) pulling both (or one of the) sides will automatically function fastening device such as a hook-button on one or both sides, playing the role of theft prevention, 6) depending on the transporter's needs, the bag can be worn on the shoulders with one handstrap instead of two, and it is the new special handstrap for casual open bags applicable to all carrying bags (shopping bags included).
US08469589B2	Rotation mechanism for X-ray wallstand housing, X-ray wallstand housing and radiography system using the same A rotation mechanism for use with an x-ray wallstand housing includes a rotating shaft, a gas spring, a connecting rod, a ball screw nut seat, a ball screw base, a brake, a clutch, a motor, a conveyor belt, a ball screw and a damper disposed between said ball screw base and said ball screw nut seat.
US08469587B2	Apparatus and method for measuring convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids, which can realize a small-sized structure and can accurately control the movement velocity of a hot wire sensor within a fluid. The apparatus for measuring the convective heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids according to the present invention includes a sensor unit, a transfer unit and a liquid container. The transfer unit is formed on the sensor unit and is configured to allow the sensor unit to longitudinally reciprocate in a direction parallel to a ground surface with the sensor unit spaced apart from the ground surface. The liquid container is arranged below and spaced apart from the sensor unit, and is configured to allow a nanofluid or a base fluid, a convective heat transfer coefficient of which needs to be measured, to be put therein.
US08469586B2	Device with swivel mounting feature for processing food A kitchen appliance (10) for processing food, and in particular for producing blended beverages is provided. The kitchen appliance (10) includes a drive unit (12), and is swivel-mounted in a support unit (14). In addition the kitchen appliance (10) includes an attachment section (18) that is designed to accommodate a mixing container (30) in such a way that the attachment section (18) and the mixing container (30) define a hermetically sealed mixing space in which the cutting and/or stirring unit (20) is located. Food located in the mixing container (30) is fed to the cutting and/or stirring unit (20) on account of gravity. Preferably the attachment section (18) is composed of a cylindrical recess in the drive unit (12). Alternatively, the attachment section (18), preferably in the form of a cylindrical dish, and the cutting and/or stirring unit (20) can be designed as an insert that can be removed from and replaced back in the drive unit.
US08469584B2	Mixing system A liquid transport system including a bag adapted to hold fluids, the bag being constructed of a flexible fabric. The bag has a top portion, a bottom portion and a sidewall portion forming an interior and exterior. The system includes a discharge port, a fill port and a series of injector ports on the bag providing fluid access to the interior of the bag from the exterior, where each of the ports are sealingly closable. The discharge port and the fill port are adapted to allow product to flow into and out of the bag, and the injector ports are adapted to accommodate an injector probe.
US08469583B1	Radial flow pulse jet mixer The disclosure provides a pulse jet mixing vessel for mixing a plurality of solid particles. The pulse jet mixing vessel is comprised of a sludge basin, a flow surface surrounding the sludge basin, and a downcoming flow annulus between the flow surface and an inner shroud. The pulse jet mixing vessel is additionally comprised of an upper vessel pressurization volume in fluid communication with the downcoming flow annulus, and an inner shroud surge volume separated from the downcoming flow annulus by the inner shroud. When the solid particles are resting on the sludge basin and a fluid such as water is atop the particles and extending into the downcoming flow annulus and the inner shroud surge volume, mixing occurs by pressurization of the upper vessel pressurization volume, generating an inward radial flow over the flow surface and an upwash jet at the center of the sludge basin.
US08469579B2	Optical plate with micro-structures and backlight module using same An exemplary optical plate includes a base and an array of micro-structures. The base includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The micro-structures are provided at the first surface. Each micro-structure includes a base surface substantially coplanar with the first surface of the base and two side surfaces. The base surface has an approximately olive-shaped profile enclosed by two arc-outlines. The two side surfaces extend obliquely from the two arc-outlines and intersect at a ridge of the micro-structure.
US08469577B2	Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same A display apparatus with at least two light guide plates, each including a light incident surface and a light exiting surface, the light guide plates being spaced apart from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The display apparatus also has a light source disposed adjacent to at least one side portion of the light guide plates to emit light to the light incident surface, a display panel positioned to receive light from the light exiting surfaces to facilitate display of an image, and a diffusion member. The diffusion member covers the gap, so as to diffuse light directed toward the display panel.
US08469575B2	Backlight and display system using same A backlight that includes a front reflector and a back reflector that form a hollow light recycling cavity including an output surface is disclosed. The backlight further includes one or more light sources disposed to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The front reflector includes an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 90% for visible light polarized in a first plane, and an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 25% but less than 90% for visible light polarized in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.
US08469572B2	Flat panel light source for a transillumination device of a microscope A flat panel light source (100) for a transillumination device of a microscope comprises a plate-shaped light guide (110) having a lower and an upper boundary surface and at least one lateral surface (113 to 116), and at least one light-emitting means (120, 122) arranged to radiate light (130) into the light guide (110) from at least two different directions, via at least one lateral surface serving as a light entrance surface, such that light propagates in the light guide (110) by total reflection, the total reflection being disrupted in defined fashion by an element (140) abutting against a contact surface at the lower boundary surface of the light guide (110) so an outcoupling of light occurs on the upper boundary surface, the planar area of the contact surface being smaller than that of the lower boundary surface, the element (140) producing a directed reflection of the light (130).
US08469569B1	Illuminated sports board utilizing a battery or self-powered internal light source that is transmitted through the clear interior of the board in order to illuminate the board and any light altering elements contained in, or applied to, the board A clear, frosted, or colored, transparent and/or translucent, plastic, or composite skateboard, snowboard, or any sports board material, that is illuminated with replaceable, rechargeable, or self-charging battery powered light emitting diodes which are placed inside the board within an inexpensive, drop-in, modular housing, which serves as a light engine and provides light that is transmitted through the interior of the board itself in order to illuminate light altering elements which are embedded inside the board and/or etched, printed or applied to the surface of the board. This glowing light creates unique artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the board.
US08469568B2	Vehicle light A vehicle light having a plurality of optical units utilizing a semiconductor light emitting device as a light source can effectively prevent or suppress illuminance unevenness. One example of such a vehicle light can be a vehicle headlamp that includes four optical units each having a semiconductor light emitting device as a light source. The optical units can be arranged in line in the vehicle width direction so as to prevent the luminance unevenness, which can otherwise be generated due to a gap between optical units disposed in a vertical two-stage arrangement.
US08469562B2	Back-lit aesthetic/decorative interior finishing element for passenger compartments of vehicles, in particular cabs of lorries An interior aesthetic/decorative element for passenger compartments of vehicles, in particular, for the cab of a lorry, having a visible semitransparent surface with a metallic appearance, associated to the back of which are backlighting means that can be activated for providing emission of suffused light through the semitransparent surface.
US08469560B2	Light with alignment feature A light (10) includes a mounting bracket (17) including a top plate (18), a pair of arms (19), and an inner cap (20). The inner cap has a central D-shaped mounting hole (21) and an offset pull chain passage hole (22). A hollow D-shaped nipple (25) is positioned within the D-shaped mounting hole. The light also includes a light diffusor (34) and an outer cap having a central D-shaped mounting hole (37) journalled upon the D-shaped nipple and an offset pull chain passage hole (38). The ceiling fan includes a motor having a pull chain which passes through the pull chain passage holes. Lastly, a hollow finial (40) is threaded onto the nipple to a position abutting the bottom of the outer cap so as to lock the position of the light diffusor and outer cap. The D-shape of the nipple and surrounding mounting holes prevent the nipple from rotating relative to the inner and outer caps.
US08469558B2	Multi-function light source A light source assembly (10) includes a light source (12) and a base (14) to which the light source is detachably attachable. The base is adapted to orient the light source to a plurality of positions when the light source is mounted thereon. The light source comprises a battery mounted therein for providing power thereto, at least when the light source is disconnected therefrom. The base is also adapted for being powered by the battery and/or by an alternative power source. The light source is adapted to be operational both when mounted on the base and when disconnected therefrom. The light source assembly may further comprise a mounting plate for attachment thereof, for example, to a building or an external surface of a vehicle.
US08469557B2	Method and apparatus for coupling a door to a lighting device chassis An apparatus and method according to which a door is coupled to a lighting device chassis.
US08469556B2	Extending emergency light with a recessed, covered storage cavity A safety unit for mounting in a wall defining a part of a building space has a tubular housing containing an emergency load such as a light sized to fit within the housing, said emergency load including a base and a light-emitting element. An actuator mechanism such as a motor carried on the housing provides force to the base responsive to electrical power to translate the base to deploy the emergency load within the building space. A preferred embodiment includes a cover and a cover-operating mechanism receiving force from the actuator to remove the cover as the load deploys.
US08469548B2	Flash light with adjustable light arrangement A flash light includes a housing having a front end and a rear end to define a fixed length from the front to rear end. The housing further has a light cavity and a power cavity for receiving power source. The light arrangement includes a lens disposed at the front end of the housing, a light source disposed within the light cavity, and a light adjustor movably coupling with the housing to selectively adjust a distance between the lens and the light source along a longitudinal axis direction of the housing for adjusting the illumination angles of the light beam without altering the fixed length of the housing. The flash light is adapted for selectively adjusting illumination angles to provide variety of light patterns.
US08469545B2	Peritoneal dialysis connection system and method for using ultraviolet light emitting diodes Peritoneal dialysis systems are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler, a disposable cassette operable with the cycler, a supply bag connected to the disposable cassette, a supply connector, a supply line extending from the disposable cassette, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, a device to connect the supply connector to the patient connector, and a housing around the device. The housing includes a plurality of ultraviolet (“UV”) light-emitting diodes (“LED's”) for directing energy towards at least one of the supply or patient connectors. The LED's are configured to deliver about 200 milliJoules in a period of about a minute.
US08469542B2	Collimating and controlling light produced by light emitting diodes A light source channel is described. The light source channel includes an extrusion forming a channel having an open length and a light source positioned within the channel. A light transfer medium is positioned above the light source and covers the open length of the channel. The light transfer medium has a cross section. A method embodiment according to the present invention produces a light source channel by installing a light engine within a channel of an extrusion and covering the channel length with a light transfer medium above the light engine. The light transfer medium has a cross-section.
US08469534B2	PDT magnifier camera illumination A device that enlarges text and images to enable a low vision person to see the text and images includes a hollow structure including a top housing and a bottom housing that are connected to one another. A camera aperture is formed in the bottom housing and a transparent light guide lens is disposed in closing relation to the camera aperture so that all light entering the camera aperture must first pass through the light guide lens. A cavity formed in the light guide lens is bounded by walls that are positioned at a critical angle. Light-emitting diodes are positioned at critical locations about the periphery of the light guide lens to illuminate the object being viewed.
US08469528B2	Imaging optical system and range finder An imaging optical system includes three reflecting mirrors having first to third reflection surfaces and is configured, such that in an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system using an optical axis at the center of the field of view as Z-axis, the optical axis at the center of the field of view and an optical axis of an image plane are in parallel to each other Assuming that along the path of the beam traveling along the optical axis at the center of the field of view a distance between the second reflection surface and the third reflection surface is L2, a distance between the third reflection surface and the image plane is L3 and fy1 and an equivalent F-number of the imaging optical system is represented as Fno, the relational expression 0.5
US08469527B2	Bimorph optical element The invention relates to a bimorph optical device comprising a deformable optical element and active elements made of piezoelectric ceramic provided with electrodes, said elements being controlled in pairs and in opposition so as to produce a compression movement for a first element of a pair and an extension movement for the second element of a pair, the device being characterized in that the optical element (1) presents an optically active first main surface (6) and a second main surface (7) opposite to the first main surface, together with at least first and second opposite lateral faces (2, 3), and in that the ceramic active elements comprise at least two pairs of bars (21, 22; 31, 32) of piezoelectric ceramic placed facing each other on said first and second lateral faces (2, 3), each pair comprising two bars (21, 22; 31, 32) placed on one of the first and second lateral faces (2, 3) on either side of a middle surface of the optical element (1) that constitutes the neutral axis thereof.
US08469526B1	Kaleidoscope and object cell thereof A kaleidoscope has a main body, a tubular cover and an object cell. The tubular cover is rotatably connected with an end of the main body. The object cell is securely mounted in the tubular cover and has a scrap box, a background box, multiple scraps, multiple colored beads, a strip unit and a background. The scraps and the colored beads are movably mounted or disposed in the scrap box. The strip unit is mounted in the scrap box. The background is mounted in the background box. Movements of and between the moveable scraps and colored beads create color combinations and patterns.
US08469525B2	Projection-type display apparatus A projection-type display apparatus that projects an image on a screen and performs image display includes at least one laser source that emits a coherent light beam, an illuminating optics that propagates the light beam emitted from the laser source into a predetermined optical path to guide the light beam to the screen, a reflective optical modulator that forms the image to be displayed on the screen on an illuminated surface illuminated by the light beam guided by the illuminating optics, and a projection optics that magnifies and projects the image formed on the illuminated surface of the reflective optical modulator on the screen. The illuminating optics includes a diffusion device, which diffuses the propagated light beam, and is arranged on a light propagation path near a conjugated position with the reflective optical modulator.
US08469523B2	Illumination apparatus and projector having the same An illumination apparatus includes: first and second lamps; and a combining mirror configured to combine emitted lights from the first and second lamps The combining mirror includes first and second reflection surfaces opposing the first and second lamps respectively, being abutted vertically with respect to each other, whereby forming an edge. Since optical axes of the first and second lamp are respectively inclined with respect to a reference axis being orthogonal to a system optical axis of the illumination apparatus, central axes of the lights from the first and second lamps are incident on a downstream optical system in a state of being slightly inclined with respect to the system optical axis after being reflected on the first and second reflection surfaces respectively.
US08469520B2	Light source device and projection display apparatus A light source device includes: a reference light source that emits reference color component light of a plurality of colors; an excitation light source that emits excitation light for supplemental color component light; a luminous body member including a luminous body that emits the supplemental color component light in response to the excitation light; and a combining unit that combines the reference color component light of the plurality colors and the supplemental color component light in such a way as to superimpose the supplemental color component light on light paths of the reference color component light of the plurality of colors.
US08469518B2	Image projection device, control method therefor, and information storage medium An image projection device includes: an imaging section for capturing an image; and a projection section for projecting an image. The image projection device detects a color in a captured image which is captured by the imaging section, and controls, based on the detected color in the captured image, contents of the image which is projected by the projection section at a position at which the captured image has been captured.
US08469516B2	Illumination apparatus and projection display apparatus An illumination apparatus includes: a polarization conversion element configured to align polarization directions of light emitted from a light source in one polarization direction; a color separation unit configured to separate the light whose polarization directions are aligned in the one polarization direction by the polarization conversion element; and a polarization adjustment element configured to adjust a polarization state of light in a predetermined wavelength band within a wavelength range of the light emitted from the light source. The polarization adjustment element is provided between the polarization conversion element and the color separation unit on an optical path of the light emitted from the light source.
US08469514B2	Image sensing apparatus using optical coherence tomography and control method therefor Tomographic images of a plurality of planes at a disease site of a fundus are taken exactly within a short period of time, and the tomographic images are respectively displayed so that the positional relationship thereof becomes clear. A low coherent optical tomographic image sensing apparatus for imaging a fundus includes a sensing unit which takes tomographic images of a plurality of planes intersecting each other in time division, a display unit which displays the taken tomographic images at separate sites on the identical screen, and a position indication unit which displays, in each tomographic image, an intersection position of the tomographic image and another tomographic image intersecting one another.
US08469510B2	Eyewear with enhanced ballistic resistance Eyewear is provided that can comprise a frame, a lens, and at least one retention component that can secure the lens relative to the frame. The frame can be configured to support at least one lens in a field of view of a wearer. The retention component can be supported by the frame and/or the lens and can be movable or fixed relative to the frame and/or the lens. In some embodiments, the retention component can slidably engage an engagement portion of the frame and/or the lens for preventing the lens from separating from the frame in response to a ballistic event. In some embodiments, the eyewear can comprise a faceplate and a pair of straps that attach to the frame of the eyewear in a manner that evenly distributes compressive stresses across the surface of the faceplate.
US08469508B2	Decorative selectable arms with bayonet clip attachment of arms to eyeglass frames An eyeglass frame system, comprising an eyeglass securing front frame portion; a pair of temple-contacting side members, each member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each secured by a pivotal connection to a respective outermost portion of said front frame portion, said at least one of said side members having inner and outer vertical surfaces thereof, said pivotal connection effected at a first end of a male element of a bayonet clip, a second end thereof defining a plurality of projecting prongs. The system also includes female elements complemental to said male elements. Female elements are formed integrally with an inner surface at each proximal end of said temple-contacting side members. Said male and female members may be selectably engaged or disengaged from each other through the application of pressure on the male elements transversely to the axis of said temple-contacting members.
US08469505B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and thermal insulation method An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an image formation unit including an inkjet head which forms an image on a recording medium, and an image formation drum which rotates while supporting the recording medium on a circumferential surface and thereby moves the recording medium relatively to the inkjet head; a drying process unit including a drying process device which performs a drying process on the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the inkjet head, and a drying drum which rotates while supporting the recording medium on a circumferential surface and thereby moves the recording medium in a process region of the drying process unit; and an air curtain generation unit which generates an air flow in a downward direction between the image formation unit and the drying process unit, and thereby generates an air curtain for thermal insulation between the image formation unit and the drying process unit.
US08469499B2	Zone venting in a fluid cartridge In one embodiment, a cartridge includes: a housing having a chamber therein for holding a fluid; a vent at a first part of the chamber; a porous fluid holding material in the chamber; an outlet from the chamber; and a hole extending through the fluid holding material from the first part of the chamber to a second part of the chamber at a location away from the outlet such that the second part of the chamber is vented through the hole but the outlet is not vented through the hole.
US08469497B2	Heated ink delivery system A liquid ink transport assembly mitigates the migration of ink dye from one conduit in a plurality of conduits to another conduit in the plurality of conduits. The liquid ink transport assembly includes a plurality of conduits, each conduit in the plurality having a first end and a second end, the conduits in the plurality being arranged in a parallel configuration with at least one conduit being spatially separated from an adjacent conduit by a first distance that is greater than a second distance spatially separating other conduits in the plurality of conduits, and a heater, the plurality of conduits being positioned proximate to a first side of the heater to enable the heater to heat ink being carried between the first and the second ends of the plurality of conduits.
US08469487B2	Inkjet printing apparatus and method for printing a plurality of pixels In a method for printing a plurality of pixels, each pixel of a plurality of pixels is printed by controlling an inkjet print head to provide for each pixel at least two ink drops at different positions in a print head movement direction, the print head having a plurality of trenches supplying ink to a plurality of sets of nozzles. The at least two ink drops forming first pixels of said plurality of pixels are fired from the same trench.
US08469483B2	Method for adjusting a sensor response A method for determining a variance of a sensor in inkjet printers comprising maintaining a printer carriage at a stationary position; illuminating a media patch of known characteristics with a light source that varies an intensity of the light between at least a first and second intensity, in which the second intensity is different from the first intensity; obtaining an amount of light transmitted through the media patch by measuring a signal from a photo-detector during the illumination; and comparing the amount of received light to stored target values to determine a variation of the sensor response for forming a correction factor; and using the correction factor to calibrate at least a first signal of the inkjet printer.
US08469480B2	Adjustment of a print array and a substrate in a printing device A method for adjusting a recording substrate and at least one array relative to each other, the array being part of a printing device having a carrying structure for mounting the array. The array has nozzles arranged in a row substantially parallel to a direction for forming second test marks on a recording substrate, the substrate being pre-printed with first test marks. The array and the recording substrate are in an attainable relative position. The method comprises forming a test pattern having the first and second test marks and detecting the locations of the first and second test marks; determining a plurality of deviation factors for a plurality of attainable relative positions based on said detected locations, wherein each one of said deviation factors is an attribute of a distinct attainable relative position and is indicative of an amount by which distances between neighboring first and second marks deviate from a nominal distance; and selecting an attainable relative position among the plurality of attainable relative positions which satisfies a selection criterion applied to the plurality of deviation factors.
US08469474B2	Printing apparatus and printing method Each of four areas of 2×2 in one pixel has four sub areas and the four sub areas correspond to four nozzle arrays A to D. In the sub area of each area, information showing what nozzle array is used for a print of the area is defined. The sub area filled in black shows performing therein a print of a dot using nozzles in the nozzle array corresponding to the sub area. In this way, the dot arrangement pattern has information showing the nozzle array to which nozzles used for printing an area belong, for each area. Therefore, without executing the particular data allocation processing such as mask processing, the allocation of the dot data to the plurality of nozzle arrays can be carried out with a simple arrangement.
US08469467B2	Rail device and server A rail device and a server are provided. The server includes a rack, at least one chassis, and a rail device. The rail device includes a first rail and a bracket. The first rail is installed in the chassis. The bracket includes a second rail and a supporter, and the second rail is mounted onto the rack. The supporter has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the second rail, and the second end is slidably disposed at the first rail, so that the chassis moves between a first position and a second position relative to the rack. When the chassis is located at the second position, the first end leans against the second rail, and the second end leans against the first rail, so that the supporter supports the chassis on the rack.
US08469461B2	Universal wheel hub A hybrid wheel hub for trucks is configured to accept interchangeably a threaded screw-on hubcap or a bolt-on hubcap. The hybrid wheel hub comprises a barrel with an axial bore for receiving an axle along a longitudinal axis of the axial bore and a radial flange for attaching a wheel, the barrel having an inboard end and an outboard end including an outboard bearing cup for retaining an outboard bearing assembly within an inner surface of the axial bore. An annular perimeter of the outboard end includes a plurality of bolt holes positioned to receive cap bolts to retain a bolt-on hub cap over the outboard end. A threaded track protrudes radially inward towards the longitudinal axis of the axial bore and is internally threaded circumferentially around the longitudinal axis in position longitudinally to receive a screw-on hub cap having external threads.
US08469460B2	Spindle nut assembly A spindle nut assembly includes inner and outer nuts having corresponding beveled surfaces. The inner nut is tightly threaded onto an end of a spindle and is positioned to achieve a desired endplay setting. The outer nut contacts the inner nut at an oblique angle via the beveled surfaces, which squeezes the inner nut more tightly onto the spindle while still maintaining the desired endplay setting.
US08469458B2	Roller drill or roller bit A roller drill for removing material, such as in particular rock, minerals or the like, according to the undercutting principle, comprising a cutting face which is formed concentrically around a central axis and widens conically toward an end face of the roller drill, and includes a supporting body which is arranged on the inner side of the cutting face and extends up to the end face of the tool. In order to provide a roller drill or a roller bit of which the tool life or service life is improved compared with the prior art, the cutting face is made of a harder material than the supporting body and the supporting body forms an annular web which is conical at least at an outer circumferential wall and which defines with its inner circumferential wall a free space at the end face of the tool. The tool can resharpen itself automatically due to the free space and the dissimilar material combination.
US08469457B1	Pavement cutting apparatus and method A pavement cutting method and apparatus for cutting a concrete or asphalt pavement utilizes one or more cutter-mounting frames having one or more cutter assemblies mounted thereon for making a cut in a pavement. The leading end of each frame has a coupling for pivotally mounting the leading end of the frame to a towing vehicle for towing the frame so that the frame pivots about a vertical or substantially vertical pivot-axis passing through the coupling. Each of the one or more cutter assemblies has a driven rotary saw blade that is located in a common vertical or substantially vertical plane that contains the vertical or substantially vertical pivot-axis of the coupling whereby the saw blade of each of the one or more cutter assemblies follows the pivot-axis of the coupling when the frame is being towed in the cutting direction of travel for the pavement cutting apparatus.
US08469454B2	Back construction A seating structure includes a central spine and an upper back structure having a pair of arms extending upwardly and outwardly from the central spine. The upper back structure is pivotally connected to the central spine about a first horizontal axis. A back support structure is pivotally connected to the spine about a second horizontal axis and is pivotally connected to the ends of each of the arms about a third horizontal axis.
US08469449B2	Automatically adjustable chair structure An automatically adjustable chair structure essentially includes a chair body, a base, an extension bar, at least one first cushion mechanism, and at least one second cushion mechanism. When a user sits on the chair body, the user's body weight is cushioned by the first and second cushion mechanisms. In addition, the two sled runner-shaped supports lying on the floor and the pivotable design of the extension bar allow the extension bar to move backward. Thus, the tilt angle of the chair body can be automatically changed to suit the user's sitting posture.
US08469447B2	Vehicle seat and subwoofer enclosure seat support structure A vehicle seat includes a subwoofer enclosure seat support structure and a seat cushion supported on the subwoofer enclosure seat support structure. The subwoofer enclosure seat support structure includes a shell including a base, a seat cushion support wall connected to the base, and an internal space defining a subwoofer enclosure volume. The seat cushion is supported on the seat cushion support wall. A subwoofer speaker is connected to the shell. The seat cushion support wall of the shell includes at least one concave submarine protection layout recess adapted to accommodate compression of the seat cushion when the seat cushion is compressed by a seat occupant supported thereon during a collision. The seat comprises one or more cushion mounting brackets connected to the base of the shell by bracket support channels connected to or defined as part of the shell adjacent a front of the base. Alternatively, the cushion mounting brackets are defined as part of the shell by a polymeric or other structure.
US08469443B2	Removable cab floor access panel A machine including a chassis, in which an engine is supported on the chassis. The engine includes serviceable components which require servicing. A cab is mounted on the chassis, such that the cab is disposed over the engine. The cab includes a roof and a floor, interconnected through the side-walls to define an enclosure. The floor is disposed above the engine. Further, the cab includes a floor opening defined in the floor. An access panel is removably coupled to the floor opening. The floor opening provides an access to the serviceable components by removing the access panel.
US08469439B2	Vehicle body rear structure A vehicle body rear structure has a back door for opening and closing a rear opening of a vehicle body, and a latch engageable with and disengageable from a striker fixed in a lower portion of the rear opening, the back door being pivotally connected to an upper portion of the rear opening via two hinges provided so as to be spaced in the vehicle width direction, and the latch being provided in a lower end portion of the back door, the latch and the striker are offset from the center to the side in the vehicle width direction.
US08469438B2	Door trim fastener A fastener for securing a trim panel to a substrate of a door includes a clip portion configured for slideable insertion over an edge of the substrate, and a latch configured for passing through a slot defined by the trim panel from a direction approximately perpendicular relative to a first wall plane. The latch includes at least one finger configured for biasing against the trim panel to limit movement of the trim panel relative to the fastener.
US08469434B2	Front structure for saddle-type vehicle In a saddle-type vehicle having a structure for guiding a flow of air toward the rear side of a screen, to provide a technology by which thermal influences on the rider can be alleviated. A screen stay is integrally provided at its lower portion with a bridge-like section spaced upward from a front cover, and has left and right connection sections extending in the vehicle width direction from the bridge-like section and connected to the side of a body frame at positions on outer sides relative to a fork member in the vehicle width direction. This ensures that the flow of air guided in via a flow of air guide section is permitted to flow between an upper edge of the front cover and the bridge-like section toward the vehicle rear side. A meter for indicating operating conditions of the vehicle is supported on the screen stay.
US08469432B2	Sliding rail for vehicle seat and vehicle seat comprising such a rail A sliding rail for a vehicle seat, comprising a fixed section and a mobile section assembled to slide on the fixed section and controlled by a screw-nut system comprising a longitudinal adjusting screw. The adjusting screw is integral with a support which comprises a base pressing against the bottom of the fixed section. The base and the bottom of the fixed section are traversed by an attaching screw screwed into the floor of the vehicle. The base of the support is held against the bottom of the fixed section by a retaining tab which passes above the base and which is integral with the bottom.
US08469425B1	Extension tool An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin is coupled to the first pole and is slidably positioned into a protruded position for engaging into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin is slidably positioned into a retracted position for disengaging with the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second end of the second pole.
US08469424B2	Fluid pressure transmission device and robot hand device A fluid pressure transmission device is equipped with a plurality of driving fluid pressure cylinders 371, 372, a plurality of driven fluid pressure cylinders 23, 24 with cylinder chambers 23a, 24a thereof being communicated with cylinder chambers 3711, 3712 of the main driving fluid pressure cylinders 371, 372 via fluid pressure transmission pipes 381, 382, and a sub driving fluid pressure cylinder 41 which is divided into two cylinder chambers 41a, 41b by a piston 412, and the fluid pressure generated by the main driving fluid pressure cylinders 371, 372 is transmitted to the driven fluid pressure cylinders 23, 24. Pistons 3711, 3712 are driven by the main motor 40, and the piston 412 is driven by the assistant motor 43. The fluid pressure transmission pipes 381, 382 and the cylinder chambers 41a, 41b of the sub driving fluid pressure cylinder are connected via connecting pipes 421, 422.
US08469414B2	Adjustable cylindrical lock set This invention relates to a cylindrical lock assembly and the combination of the cylindrical lock assembly and bolt assembly. The lock assembly includes a chassis housing an actuator that is rotatable about an axis xx to move a shuttle relative to the chassis. The shuttle operatively engages the bolt assembly to retract the latch bolt. The lock set also includes outer furniture which is adjustable in its position relative to the shuttle to accommodate doors of a range of thickness.
US08469412B2	Door handle device A door handle device is provided with: a door handle 9 by which the door of a vehicle can be opened and closed; a mounting bracket 11 for supporting the door handle 9 through a supporting shaft 15 so that the door handle can be swung in the back-and-forth direction with respect to the door 3 of the vehicle; and a switch unit 13, which is arranged between the door handle 9 and the mounting bracket 11, which generates an electric signal for locking and unlocking a door lock provided in the door of the vehicle. A contact portion (an engaging groove 27), with which the supporting shaft 15 comes into contact, is formed in the switch unit 13. When the supporting shaft 15 is inserted into a handle shaft insertion hole 9b and a bracket shaft insertion hole 11a so that the supporting shaft 15 can be engaged with the holes by an engaging grove 27, the switch unit is fixed to the mounting bracket.
US08469411B2	Door handle and latch assembly An apparatus for operating an automotive vehicle door includes a pivoting door handle, a stop located exterior to the door and engageable by the handle to limit pivoting of the handle, a moveable door latch having an open state and a closed state, and a cable secured to the handle for transmitting movement of the handle to the latch.
US08469408B2	Cover mechanism for covering an opening of a housing A cover mechanism includes a covering whereon a circular hole is formed, and a button installed inside the circular hole. At least one track is formed on the button. The cover mechanism further includes at least one locking component. A first end of the locking component is disposed on the track in a movable manner, and a second end of the locking component is for inserting into a slot of a housing so as to lock the covering on the housing. When the button rotates in a first direction, the track drives the first end to move away from a center of the button so that the second end inserts into the slot. On the other hand, when the button rotates in a second direction, the track drives the first end to move close to the center of the button so that the second end separates from the slot.
US08469406B2	Socket for pipe joint and pipe joint A socket that receives and locks a plug includes a cylindrical socket body having a plug-receiving part, a first through-hole, and a second through-hole rearward of the first through-hole, a plug-locking element movable in the first through-hole between a locking position for preventing the plug from being pulled out and an unlocking position for allowing the plug to be pulled out, a sleeve-operating element movable in the second through-hole, a sleeve provided around the socket body and urged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, and a collar urged in the socket body. The socket body has a guide portion located forward of the collar and adjacent to the forward end edge of the collar to prevent the forward end of the plug as inserted into the socket from engaging with the forward end surface of the collar and to guide the forward end of the plug into the collar.
US08469401B2	Seat harness pretensioner Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to sudden movement. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Sudden movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness.
US08469399B2	Interlocking seal An interlocking seal assembly includes a panel having a first side and a second side and defining a hole. The seal assembly also includes an outer seal and an inner seal. A shaft extends through the outer seal, the inner seal, and the hole. The outer seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the outer seal contacts the first side of the panel and thereby forms a first face seal around the hole. The inner seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the inner seal contacts the outer seal and thereby forms a second face seal around the hole. The inner seal contacts the second side of the panel and thereby forms a third face seal around the hole.
US08469398B2	Gas generator A gas generator includes, a tubular housing including, on a circumferential surface thereof, first and second gas discharge port groups, the second gas discharge port group being separated axially from the first gas discharge port group, both being closed by a seal member, a first closing member having an ignition device and a second closing member, closing one end and the other end of the tubular housing, respectively, opening pressures P1 and P2 for opening the first and second gas discharge port groups, satisfying a relationship P1
US08469396B2	Restraint system with belt tensioner and airbag A restraint system for occupants of a vehicle includes a belt (2, 2′) and a belt-tensioning means as well as an airbag (3, 4) arranged on the belt (2, 2′), wherein at least a certain part of the belt (2, 2′) is at least temporarily tensioned when the belt-tensioning means is activated, wherein the airbag (3, 4) serves as the belt-tensioning means.
US08469395B2	Vehicle seat with a side airbag device A safety device for a vehicle seat is disclosed. The vehicle seat has a backrest that extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the backrest having at least one lateral region and an upper region from which a headrest extends. Arranged on the backrest is a side airbag device with at least one inflator and a side airbag. The side airbag has a thorax section (22). The head section (26) emerges from the upper region of the backrest (12) beside the headrest (14) when the inflator is actuated, and the inner wall (26a) of the head section (26) is toward the interior of the vehicle relative to the inner wall (22a) of the thorax section (22). The inner wall (22a) of the thorax section (22) and the outer wall (26b) of the head section (26) are connected via overflow openings (31, 34).
US08469390B2	Baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat A baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat, and comprising a front, head area and a rear, feet area, the head area being higher than the feet area; a right and left pair of front and rear legs, and a handle. The legs of each pair have distal ends associated with wheels and proximal ends articulated to the seat at corresponding leg attachment area. Both legs are rotatable relative to each other and to the seat between a storage position to be taken in a safety car seat mode of the seat, and an operational position to be taken in a rolling-carrier mode of the seat. The legs can have an intermediate position between the storage and operational position, and can be rotatable between the intermediate and operational positions, at least partially under the influence of gravity force.
US08469389B2	Baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat A baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat, and comprising a front, head area and a rear, feet area, the head area being higher than the feet area; a right and left pair of front and rear legs, and a handle. The legs of each pair have distal ends associated with wheels and proximal ends articulated to the seat at corresponding leg attachment area. Both legs are rotatable relative to each other and to the seat between a storage position to be taken in a safety car seat mode of the seat, and an operational position to be taken in a rolling-carrier mode of the seat. The legs can have an intermediate position between the storage and operational position, and can be rotatable between the intermediate and operational positions, at least partially under the influence of gravity force.
US08469388B2	Detachable tray accessory for stroller A detachable tray accessory for a stroller secured by a left and right side member or lock housing member each containing a detachable attaching means that attaches to and releases from a corresponding lock receiver on the stroller assembly or stroller seat. The detachable tray accessory of the present invention preferably includes a support bar for supporting the shape and weight of a flat surface tray removably attachable to the support bar. Alternatively, the detachable tray accessory is utilized with a removable carry handle of the stroller.
US08469385B2	Rotary pivot hitch extension system Generally, a hitch having a retractably extendable member reciprocally driven by a rotatable member having a first end configured for coupling to a hitchable object.
US08469380B2	Extending and retracting device and vehicle step apparatus having the same An extending and retracting device for a vehicle-step apparatus includes a mounting bracket and step bracket. A first arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A second arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end. A third arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A trajectory-control assembly is configured to connect the first arm to the second arm and/or third arm to control a “motion” trajectory of the step bracket. A vehicle-step apparatus includes a step member, the extending and retracting device, and a driving device driving the first arm and/or second arm to move the extending and retracting device between an extended position and a retracted position.
US08469377B2	Truck assembly A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vehicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger.
US08469375B2	Adjustment bolt for adjusting camber angle An adjustment bolt for adjusting the camber angle in a vehicle. The adjustment bolt includes a head, a neck, a lobe, and a threaded portion. The head is configured to provide a gripping surface for a tightening tool (e.g., pliers, wrench). The head has a first diameter and a first centerline. The neck extends eccentrically from the bottom surface of the head and the neck has a second diameter and a second centerline. The lobe extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the neck and the lobe has a third diameter and a centerline that is the same as the first centerline. The threaded portion extends eccentrically outward from a bottom surface of the lobe and has a third centerline. The first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are different from one another.
US08469372B2	Splitboard binding apparatus The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.
US08469370B2	Suspension device A suspension device (S) of the present invention includes: a member (11) coupled to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle axle; an outer cylinder (3) coupled to the other one of the vehicle body and the vehicle axle and disposed at the outer circumference of the member (11); and a bearing (4) that is interposed between the member (11) and the outer cylinder (3), the bearing (4) having balls (4a) that rollably contact at least one of the member (11) and the outer cylinder (3), and a ball case (4b) that retains the balls (4a) rollably.
US08469369B1	Combined seat with compression device and methods thereof A combined seat with compression device for interactively actuating a sound effects unit incorporated into a ride on toy vehicle as a user bounces up and down on the combined seat with compression device. The toy includes a frame for a ride-on toy vehicle, a sound effects unit having a housing secured to the frame, a seat secured to the frame and movable between first and second positions, an actuating mechanism attached at the seat for engagement with the sound effects unit, and a deformable compression device positioned at the seat capable of depressing as the seat is moved from the first the position to the second position to interactively activate the sound effects unit.
US08469368B2	Edge rings for electrostatic chucks A disclosed device for use with an electrostatic chuck configured to hold a substrate in a plasma environment comprises an edge ring configured to be placed either in contact with portions of only a ceramic top piece, a base plate, or coupled to the base plate through a plurality of pins and pin slots. The edge ring is further configured to be concentric with the ceramic top piece. In one embodiment, the edge ring includes an inner edge having an edge step arranged to provide mechanical coupling between the edge ring and the outer periphery of the ceramic top piece. The edge ring further includes an outer edge and a flat portion located between the inner edge and the outer edge. The flat portion is arranged to be both horizontal when the edge ring is placed around the outer periphery of the ceramic top piece and parallel to the substrate.
US08469367B2	Chucking device for use in machining exhaust gas purifying system A chucking device for use when an outer peripheral end part of a semi-finished product having a pillar-shaped catalyst wrapped in a mat and housed in a cylinder is spin-processed using a plurality of spinning rollers. An outer peripheral surface of the semi-finished product is chucked using a plurality of pressing pieces. Each of the pressing pieces has a contact surface for touching the cylinder of the semi-finished product, and a pair of chamfers extending radially outward from either end of the contact surface.
US08469363B2	Underwater target game A target for use in an underwater target game and a method of the underwater target game are described. The target comprises a body for capturing a volume of gas; and one or more target surfaces positioned to release gas from an impacting vortex ring for capture by the body. A method comprises transitioning a target positioned within a body of water to a hit indication state in response to impact on the target by a vortex ring.
US08469357B2	Image forming apparatus with moving first and second regulating members A trailing end of a sheet stored in a cassette body is regulated by a first trailing end regulating member and a second trailing end regulating member. The first trailing end regulating member is provided to be slid in a cassette case where the sheet is stored, and the second trailing end regulating member is provided in the first trailing end regulating member to be slid. In addition, at positions according to a size of the sheet that is stored in the cassette case, the first trailing end regulating member is held by a first holding portion and the second trailing end regulating member is held by a second holding portion. In addition, holding of the first trailing end regulating member by the first holding portion and holding of the second trailing end regulating member by the second holding portion are released by the operation of a trailing end regulating lever.
US08469353B2	Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, program, and storage medium A printing apparatus performs printing with the use of sheets of paper set in any of a plurality of paper-feeding units. The print apparatus is controlled by a method including: determining whether the amount of sheets of paper remaining in a first paper-feeding unit has reached a predetermined amount; and if so switching from the first paper-feeding unit to a second paper-feeding unit. If it is determined that the amount of sheets of paper that remain in the first paper-feeding unit has reached the predetermined amount, control is performed so that the paper-feeding unit that is used for printing should be changed after the ejection of the last one of a plurality of sheets of paper that are included in one set thereof set in the first paper-feeding unit.
US08469352B2	Image forming apparatus with rotatable sheet feed unit An image forming apparatus includes a body, a sheet feed unit, a regulator, an image forming device, and a sheet output unit. The sheet feed unit is removably mounted to the body to store a recording medium. The regulator has a locking portion and is disposed in the sheet feed unit to regulate a position of the medium in a width direction of the medium. The image forming device forms an image on the medium conveyed from the sheet feed unit. The sheet output unit is disposed above the sheet feed unit to stack the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming device. When the sheet feed unit is drawn from the body to a predetermined position, the sheet feed unit is rotatable downward by weight of the sheet feed unit and the sheet output unit rotates upward with rotation of the sheet feed unit.
US08469350B1	Office machine An office machine includes a pedestal having an image-handling unit disposed in a top thereof and a passage guider, and an automatic document feeder capable of rotating between an open position exposing the image-handling unit and a closed position covering the image-handling unit. The automatic document feeder defines a passage for transmitting a document from upstream to downstream therethrough. A substantial middle part of the passage is opened to cooperate with the image-handling unit. A magnetic component is mounted to the automatic document feeder. The passage guider is pivoted to the top of the pedestal and near to a downstream side of the image-handling unit. The passage guider will rotate upward by the magnetic component to make a free end thereof for guiding the document when the cover is at the closed position.
US08469349B2	Apparatus which executes a job for inserting a second sheet into a plurality of first sheets A method for controlling an apparatus which inserts a second sheet fed from a second sheet feeding unit into a plurality of first sheets that are fed from a first sheet feeding unit and discharged to a sheet stacking unit after an image is formed. The method includes setting a number of a plurality of sheets to be fed from the second sheet feeding unit as one set of second sheets, outputting the second sheets to the sheet stacking unit, receiving a confirmation request of the second sheets, and performing control to output a predetermined number of second sheets which corresponds to the set number from the second sheet feeding unit, when the confirmation request is received.
US08469347B2	Sheet perforation apparatus including an aligning device and post-processing apparatus and image forming system including perforation apparatus A perforation apparatus, having: a perforation device to perforate a sheet by a punch; a pair of aligning members to align the sheet in a sheet width direction; and a contact member to contact with an trailing edge of the sheet, capable of being inserted and retracted with respect to a conveyance path of the sheet, disposed at an upstream side of the punch in the sheet conveyance direction; wherein the sheet is moved and aligned to a sheet aligning position while being grasped by the aligning members, the aligning device is retracted from the sheet aligning position after the aligning operation is completed, subsequently the contact member pushes the trailing edge of the sheet and conveys the sheet to a predetermined position, then the sheet is perforated by the perforation device.
US08469346B2	Substrate mounting mechanism and substrate processing apparatus using same A substrate mounting mechanism includes a substrate mounting table for mounting a substrate thereon; a heat source for supplying a heat or a cold heat to the substrate via the substrate mounting table; a substrate elevating member movable, having a substrate-supporting portion for supporting an end portion of the substrate, the substrate elevating member being upwardly and downwardly between a first position at which the substrate is mounted on the substrate mounting table and a second position that is located above the first position; and an elevating unit for upwardly and downwardly moving the substrate elevating member. The substrate elevating member serves as a part of the substrate mounting table at the first position.
US08469341B2	Desuperheater seat-ring apparatus The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of deploying a desuperheater with a Seat-Ring designed to provide coolant injection at high temperature differential. The present invention's robust design provides for a high level of flexibility that allows operating at high temperature differentials between the coolant and the superheated fluid. The desuperheater Seat-Ring is made as a split hollow ring with a perpendicular slit traversing the ring's circumference. The opened slit design provides a high level of flexibility, which allows the seat ring to sustain severe temperature extremes by reducing thermal stress. The coolant is supplied to the seat ring through a specially designed coolant nipple liner connected to the seat-ring.
US08469339B2	Push/pull tag line A push/pull tag line includes an elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. A flexible member is coupled to the elongated rigid member and extends from the first end of the elongated rigid member. A load connector is coupled to the second end of the elongated rigid member. The tag line may be coupled to a load using the load connector. A pushing force may then be applied to the rigid member that is directed towards the load, and the rigid member will transmit the pushing force to the load to allow precise positioned of the load.
US08469336B2	Valve assembly A valve assembly in which, even if a housing corrodes, application of a radially inward compression force to a heat-resistant filter can be suppressed. The valve assembly includes the housing having a gas path and a valve shaft hole, a valve having a valve shaft movably inserted in the valve shaft hole and also having a valve element connected to the valve shaft, and tubular heat-resistant filters installed between the inner peripheral surface of the valve shaft hole and the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft and capturing dust in exhaust gas. The housing is made of cast iron. The valve assembly further has reinforcement collars installed between the inner peripheral surface of the valve shaft hole and the outer peripheral surfaces of the heat-resistant filters. The reinforcement collars have higher rigidity than the heat-resistant filters. At least the surfaces of the reinforcement collars are made of a high corrosion resistant material having higher corrosion resistance than the cast iron.
US08469332B2	Valve for fuel cell, and fuel cell vehicle A valve-closing pressure chamber and a valve-opening pressure chamber are arranged on both sides of a main diaphragm inside an outlet shutoff valve. An upper supply/discharge tube and a lower supply/discharge tube are connected to a housing forming the outlet shutoff valve. The upper and lower supply/discharge tube supply and discharge air to and from the valve-closing pressure chamber and the valve-opening pressure chamber, respectively. An opening end, which is on the pressure chamber side, of each supply/discharge tube is obliquely cut relative to the direction of axis of the supply/discharge tube, which increases the opening area of the opening end. This prevents water present in the pressure chamber from adhering to the opening end of each supply/discharge tube and prevents the adhered water from freezing. This in turn prevents the opening end of the supply/discharge tube from being closed or the opening area from being reduced. As a result, operation performance of the outlet shutoff valve is enhanced.
US08469331B2	Filtration system for preparation of fluids for medical applications Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described.
US08469326B1	Telescoping support stand apparatus A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.
US08469321B2	Masonry unit wall pipe support system A masonry unit wall support system and method for supporting one or more pipes within a masonry unit wall includes a compressible support structure containing one or more holes for one or more pipes. The compressible support structure is compressively inserted into a hollow core cavity of a masonry unit to create a relatively immovable support for one or more pipes inserted through one or more holes that may be formed in the support structure either before or after the support structure is compressively inserted into the hollow core cavity.
US08469320B2	Vital solid state controller A vital programmable logic device (VPD) is provided having at least two microprocessors. The VPD is configured to provide failsafe operation of a vital control system while operating in a closed circuit environment. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, railroad grade crossing signals are controlled by the VPD.
US08469317B2	Line replaceable, fly-by-wire control columns with push-pull interconnect rods A control input system is provided. The system includes a pair of control columns that are selectively interconnected such that manipulation of one of the control columns is translated to the other one of the control columns. The system includes a disconnect arrangement for each of the degrees of freedom (pitch and roll) of the system that operably disconnects the two control columns such that the two control columns can operate independently such as in the event of failure of one of the control columns. The system may also include a discontinuous force profile for a restoring force mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the pilots simulating resistance provided by control surfaces of the aircraft. The system may also include an autopilot lockout mechanism that increases the force profile experienced by the pilots when autopilot mode is entered.
US08469316B2	High-lift device, wing, and noise reduction structure for high-lift device A high-lift device suppresses the occurrence of aerodynamic noise while minimizing an increase in airframe weight. The device includes a slat main body disposed to be able to extend from and retract into a main wing, and a concave part formed on the slat main body at a location facing the main wing and able to accommodate at least a part of a leading edge of the main wing. The device also includes an airflow control part disposed at an area in the concave part facing an upper surface of the main wing, that is accommodated between the main wing and the concave part when the slat main body is refracted into the main wing, and that suppresses turbulence colliding against the area in the concave part facing the upper surface of the main wing when the slat main body is extended from the main wing.
US08469315B2	Deployable flap edge fence A method and systems are disclosed for reducing fluid flow noise. The method and systems use a thermal mechanism to deploy a flap edge fence during landing and/or other operating conditions, and stow the flap edge fence during other operational conditions such as cruise. The flap edge fence is controlled passively by ambient temperature or actively by a controller based on temperature changes corresponding to various operating conditions.
US08469314B2	Technique for de-orbiting small debris from the near-earth space environment System and method for inducing rapid reentry of orbital debris including determining a spatial extent of the orbital debris, and deploying dust to the orbital debris to enhance the drag on the orbital debris.
US08469313B2	Aerodynamic structure having a ridged solar panel and an associated method Air vehicles and associated aerodynamic structures are provided which include ridged solar panels to both reduce the drag and increase the solar energy harvested by the solar panel. The air vehicle may include an airframe and a solar panel carried by the airframe and defining an exterior surface thereof. The solar panel may include a plurality of ridged structures extending in a lengthwise direction. The ridged structures may be arranged such that a majority of the airflow over the exterior surface flows in the lengthwise direction. The plurality of ridged structures may include a plurality of lengthwise extending projections spaced about by respective valleys.
US08469306B2	Purebred and hybrid electric VTOL tilt rotor aircraft Electrically powered Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft are presented. Contemplated VTOL aircraft can include one or more electrical energy stores capable of delivering electrical power to one or more electric motors disposed within one or more rotor housings, where the motors can drive the rotors. The VTOL aircraft can also include one or more sustainer energy/power sources (e.g., batteries, engines, generators, fuel-cells, semi-cells, etc.) capable of driving the motors should the energy stores fail or deplete. Various VTOL configurations are presented including an all-battery purebred design, a light hybrid design, and a heavy hybrid design. The contemplated configurations address safety, noise, and outwash concerns to allow such designs to operate in built-up areas while retaining competitive performance relative to existing aircraft.
US08469304B2	System for storing multiple cable retractors A system for storing multiple cord retractors comprises at least one cord retractor. Each retractor includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cable is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cable section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The system further includes a bracket and a pin.
US08469303B2	Cable cord retractor A mechanism for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame and has one end of the stored section fixed to the frame, with the other end extending from the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal. The mechanism further includes a solenoid that is activated locally or remotely by a switch.
US08469302B2	Seatbelt retractor This is the current invention of the components or their construction for the seat belt retractor. The invention enables the fitting angle of the seat belt to be adjustable to the specified range of the vehicle stabilization, deceleration/acceleration sensor. The bracket holder is constructed on the holder sensor, and contains the formation of the No. 1 hole, and the No. 2 hole that locks onto the No. 1 or 2 cylinders selectively. The retractor is adjustable to the biased angle to maintain its horizontality according to the vehicle's dynamic slope and rapid deceleration/acceleration.
US08469299B2	Cooked meat shredding apparatus A cooked meat shredding apparatus for use with a hand held power drill. The apparatus has cooked meat shredding pins attached to a rotating plate with an elongated shaft, adapted to engage a drill chuck.
US08469298B2	Crushing machines A crushing machine including a crushing means, a feed conveyor for feeding material to the crushing means, a detector for detecting metal in the material on the feed conveyor, and a bypass chute for the crushing means, the feed conveyor being movable between a normal operating position in which the material is fed to the crushing means and a bypass position in which the material is fed to the bypass chute, the arrangement being such that on detection of metal in the material, the feed conveyor is stopped and moved from the normal operating position to the bypass position so that the material with the metal is discharged into the bypass chute.
US08469295B2	Trace chemical particle release nozzle An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, it is necessary to first dislodge or release them from the surface, next to transport them to the detection instrument, and last to accumulate them on or in a particle collection device associated with the instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. A nozzle to release particles of narcotics and explosives employs a coaxial configuration that permits particle release at an increased distance from the nozzle compared to existing devices.
US08469291B2	Low cost trigger sprayer A trigger sprayer has a housing, a piston bore within the housing, and a piston reciprocally mounted with the piston bore. The housing further includes a flow passage through which liquid passes from a passage inlet to a passage outlet. An actuator is operable to reciprocate the piston within the piston bore between a vacuum stroke creating reduced pressure in the piston bore and a compression stroke creating increased pressure in the piston bore. A valve unit within the flow passage controls the flow of liquid through the flow passage upon operation of the actuator. The valve unit further comprises a check valve and priming valve. The check valve is shaped in a frusto-conical manner and is assembled into the check valve seat which is not part of the housing but is a separate component. The sprayer has a free spinning threaded type closure for mounting the sprayer to a container, the closure formed separately from and secured to said housing.
US08469290B2	Integral miniaturised nebuliser for elastically deformable bottle An integral miniaturized nebulizer for an elastically deformable bottle (1), provided with a rotatable closing cap (5), with discharge orifice, and with a suction tube (16) immersed in the liquid to be nebulized, includes a head (3) in a single piece with a body (4) connectable to an elastically deformable bottle (1). The head (3) internally has an elbow conduit (13) for the liquid to be sprayed, extending in a longitudinal segment (14) able to engage the suction tube (16), and in a transverse segment (15) able to end in the discharge orifice of the rotatable closing cap (5) when the cap (5) is in the nebulization position. The transverse segment (15) is coaxial inside a conduit (18) of the air inside the bottle (1) and in communication therewith via a plurality of radial channels (25) drilled in the terminal end of the same transverse segment (15).
US08469288B1	Reversing mechanism for an irrigation sprinkler with a reversing planetary gear drive A sprinkler includes a turbine, a nozzle, a planetary gear drive and a reversing mechanism. The planetary gear drive and the reversing mechanism rotatably couple the turbine and the nozzle. The planetary gear drive includes a control shaft that is axially movable to shift a direction of rotation of an output stage that is coupled to the reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism includes a shift member secured to an upper end of the control shaft. The reversing mechanism further includes a pivotable shift fork with a first cam and a second cam spaced from the first cam. The first cam is configured to engage the shift member and raise the control shaft when the shift fork is pivoted to engage the first cam with the shift member. The second cam is configured to engage the shift member and lower the control shaft when the shift fork is pivoted to engage the second cam with the shift member.
US08469287B1	Sprinkler assembly adapted for use with existing irrigation systems A sprinkler assembly for use with existing irrigation systems adapted to be an integral component controlled and operated by the system. The sprinkler assembly includes at least one sprinkler head having a removable top coupled thereto by an attachment means. A female inlet removably couples the sprinkler head to a swing joint, which is buried below the sprinkler head and connects the sprinkler head to the irrigation feed. The removable top has a plurality of openings for exporting water from the irrigation feed outwardly therefrom. A top surface of the sprinkler head includes crushed stone for stabilizing the sprinkler assembly. Additional stabilizing means include pointed flanges driven into the ground.
US08469279B2	Network and method for data input, storage and retrieval A personal electronic carrier device (PECD) comprising means for receiving PECD data; means for storing PECD data; means for transmitting PECD data directly or indirectly PECD; and operating software means to effect the receiving, storing and transmitting the PECD data. The PECD is part of a network having a plurality of data stations and preferably a main data base. The PECD data is selected from the group consisting of medical, educational and identification data. The networks provide for the efficacious and convenient handling of data.
US08469278B2	Information storage medium An information storage medium is formed of a card main body having a module embedded therein, and the module includes communicating unit for receiving a command from an external device, storing unit for storing a data processing routine including a plurality of check points, and data processing unit for executing processing corresponding to the command in accordance with the data processing routine, storing a plurality of check flags having the same value that varies in accordance with use of the plurality of check points included in the data processing routine, and confirming validity of data processing based on the plurality of stored check flags.
US08469274B2	Method for fast locating decipherable pattern A method for fast locating a decipherable pattern in an input image, which is characterized in utilizing an overly downscaled binary image to not only reduce computation time but also facilitate extraction of skeletons for fast and accurately locating pattern, is disclosed. First, a pre-process is applied to an input image to acquire a binary image downscaled n times, from which at least one skeleton corresponding to a decipherable pattern is extracted. Coordinate values of at least one pixel of each skeleton are respectively enlarged n1/2 times and used as the central points on the original image plane for establishing a plurality of detecting blocks with the identical size. Subsequently, a grading mechanism is employed to determine the corresponding detecting blocks of the decipherable pattern.
US08469272B2	Hybrid-type bioptical laser scanning and imaging system supporting digital-imaging based bar code symbol reading at the surface of a laser scanning window A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system having a vertical housing section having a vertical scanning window and a horizontal housing section having a horizontal scanning window, from which laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within a 3D scanning volume defined between the vertical and horizontal scanning windows. A digital imaging module is supported within the vertical section of the system housing and automatically projects a field of view (FOV) within the 3D scanning volume when an object is detected in close proximity to the vertical scanning window of the system, providing an automatically-triggered digital imaging region in close proximity to the vertical scanning window.
US08469267B2	Method for implementing a wireless personal communication protocol for an IC card A method is for implementing a wireless personal communication protocol between an integrated circuit (IC) card and a reader device. The IC card is hosted in and in communication with a handset through a corresponding handset-IC card communication protocol. The method includes the handset transmitting an Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) command to the IC card, according to the handset-IC card communication protocol, the IC card detecting an association between the APDU command and an applet stored inside the IC card, the IC card executing the APDU command, and the IC card executing the applet if an association between the APDU command and the applet is detected. The IC card detects data associated to a wireless personal communication with the reader device after the processing of the APDU command.
US08469265B2	Method and system for implementing a card product with multiple customized relationships According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for implementing a card product or access mechanism with multiple relationships with an issuing entity (e.g., bank, etc.) where each relationship may be defined by one or more sets of rules that are customized for a particular customer. A computer implemented method and system for implementing a mechanism with multiple customized relationships may involve identifying one or more customized rules for an access mechanism associated with a customer; establishing a plurality of accounts for the customer wherein the plurality of accounts comprise different accounts with different account characteristics; and invoking one of the plurality of accounts for a transaction through the access mechanism, based at least in part on the one or more customized rules; wherein the plurality of accounts share at least one funding account.
US08469261B2	System and method for product identification A system and method for identifying an object includes a plurality of object sensors, each object sensor configured and arranged to determine at least one parameter describing objects as they are relatively moved with respect to a sensing volume and having a known position and attitude with respect to the sensing volume. A location sensor is configured and arranged to produce position information relating to the relative movement. Outputs from the object and location sensors are passed to a processor and the parameters are associated with respective ones of the objects on the basis of the position information and on the basis of the known positions and attitudes of the sensors. For each object having associated parameters, the processor compares the parameters to known item parameters to assign item identification to the object.
US08469260B2	System and method for assisted maintenance in a gaming machine using a mobile device Described is a method for enabling a technician to open a door of a gaming machine without needing a physical key using a gaming system having a biometric controlled door lock. The method includes: enabling the technician to scan a barcode on the gaming machine using a camera on a mobile device; sending the image of the barcode via a network to a server; determining a gaming machine ID using the barcode decoding module, wherein the gaming machine ID is used by a gaming machine ID database to determine which gaming machine has been scanned; enabling a picture to be taken of a technician that has presented itself to the camera of the mobile device; transmitting the picture of the technician; using facial recognition software to identify the technician and authorize the technician's corresponding employee ID; receiving a mobile device identifier that is transmitted from the mobile device to the biometric lock component; enabling receipt of a technician's personal identification number that is transmitted from the mobile device to the biometric lock component; after the gaming machine receives an unlock signal, causing the door solenoid to unlock the door; wherein four credentials are passed to the biometric lock component to unlock the door solenoid, the four credentials including the employee ID, the mobile device identifier, the gaming machine ID, and the technician's personal identification number.
US08469259B2	Packaging for bar-like foodstuffs The invention relates to a packaging (1) for bar-like or bar-shaped foodstuffs, in particular for bars of chocolate, with a rectangular base (2), two side elements (3) which are arranged on opposite sides of the rectangular base (2), are separated from the base (2) via folding lines (5) and can be folded inwards along the folding lines (5), and a first and a second cover element (4.1, 4.2) which are arranged on the two other opposite sides of the rectangular base (2), separated from the latter via folding lines (5), and which partially overlap with the two side elements in the folded state. The first cover element (4.1) has a perforation (6) by means of which a flap (7) can be separated from a fixing region (9), and the second cover element (4.2) can be inserted into an opening (10) for re-closing of the packaging.
US08469256B2	Method for using a non-linear control parameter ramp profile to approach a temperature set point of a tool or weld that prevents temperature overshoot during friction stir welding A control parameter ramp profile that enables control parameters to be modified in a non-linear manner, such that as a temperature set point of a tool or a weld is approached, the control parameter ramp profile enables the temperature set point to be approached in a manner that prevents temperature overshoot and therefore creating a better weld along the length thereof, wherein the control parameter ramp profile includes but is not limited to proportional, exponential or an S-curve waveform.
US08469248B2	Fastening device for bicycle A fastening device for a bicycle includes a fixed assembly and a fastening assembly. The fixed assembly is fixedly mounted to the frame of the bicycle, and the fastening assembly is used for supporting an article. The first moveable socket and the second moveable socket of the fastening assembly are snapped into the first fixed holder and the second fixed holder of the fixed assembly correspondingly, so that the fastening assembly and the supported article are detachedly mounted to the frame of the bicycle. The fastening device for a bicycle can facilitate the disengaging and engaging of the article, prevent wear of the surface of the article, and enhance the fixing strength of the fastening assembly.
US08469246B2	Cup holder for vehicle A cup holder apparatus for a vehicle may include an accommodating tray provided inside a vehicle compartment and having an accommodation space for accommodating a cup therein, a cup support member rotatably provided around a rotating shaft (Z axis) against the accommodating tray and including a bottom portion for safe-placing the cup in the accommodation space and a support portion formed in a stand from the bottom portion to support an outer periphery of the cup, and a release prevention member prepared separately from the cup support member and connected to the bottom portion of the cup support member, while being rotatably coupled to the accommodating tray, to prevent release of the cup support member from the accommodating tray, wherein the release of the release prevention member from the accommodating tray is hindered by an upper stopper formed on the accommodating tray while the cup support member is rotatably coupled to the upper stopper and is rotated around the rotating shaft.
US08469245B2	Rotatable platform A platform with a platform body having a plate attachment portion. The plate attachment portion includes a platform opening and the platform opening includes a projection that extends into a portion of the platform opening. A platform plate portion is coupled to an accessory plate portion, through the platform opening, such that the platform plate portion and the accessory plate portion are rotatable relative to the platform body. A portion of the platform plate portion is rotatably slidable along a surface of the internal projection, and a portion of the accessory plate portion is rotatably slidable along a surface of the internal projection. A release lever is pivotably attached to the platform body and the release lever is pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The release lever is capable of releasably interacting with a primary notch of the platform plate portion.
US08469243B2	Molten metal discharge nozzle Provided is a molten metal discharge nozzle capable of suppressing turbulence in a molten metal stream passing through an inner bore thereof, with a simple structure. A cross-sectional shape of a wall surface of the inner bore, taken along an axis of the inner bore, comprises a part or an entirety of a curved line expressed by the following formula: log(r(z))=(1/n)×log((Hc+L)/(Hc+z))+log(r(L)) (1), where: 6≧n≧1.5; L is a length of the nozzle; Hc is a calculative hydrostatic head; and r(z) is a radius of the inner bore at a position located a distance z downward from an upper end of the nozzle, wherein, in a graph where the distance z is plotted with respect to a horizontal axis (X-axis) thereof, and a pressure of molten metal at a center of the inner bore in horizontal cross-section at a position located the distance z is plotted with respect to a vertical axis (Y-axis) thereof, an approximation formula of a line on the graph is established without simultaneously including two or more coefficients having opposite signs, and wherein, on an assumption that the line is derived from an approximation formula based on a linear regression, an absolute value of a correlation coefficient of the line is 0.95 or more.
US08469237B2	Dispensing device for dosage of powdered material A dispensing device for dosage of powdered material comprises a closed housing containing the powdered material and provided with a laterally displaced outlet for the dosed powdered material. An external manually operated sledge is arranged between the housing and the outlet. The sledge has a through-going pocket for containing the desired dose of the powdered material. When operating the sledge, the through-going pocket is moved from a position in the housing to a position in the outlet so as to effect dispensing of the dose of the powdered material through the action of gravity. The sledge also has an agitator including two posts and a bracket that extends between the posts for agitating the powdered material within the housing. The bracket is slightly arched and the leading edge inclines obliquely downwardly so as to press the powdered material towards the pocket when operating the sledge.
US08469234B1	Toy water gun apparatus A toy water gun apparatus includes a gun housing having a water chamber and a pressurized air chamber in fluid communication with the water chamber. The water chamber preferably includes an expandable bladder for filling with a quantity of water and has a first end and a second end, the first end connected to a water inlet for releasable connection to source of pressurized water such as a municipal water supply, and the second end connected to a nozzle valve. A trigger mechanism is connected to the nozzle valve to selectively open the valve to dispense a stream of water during play. The apparatus utilizes the naturally high pressure of a common faucet tap while the eliminating the necessity of constant pumping in order to maintain a desirable water stream. Pressure in the air chamber is never lost because it is entirely separate from the water-delivery mechanism.
US08469230B2	Product delivery and discharge system for a vending machine A vending machine includes a cabinet having a product storage zone and a product delivery mechanism that transports a selected product to a consumer. The vending machine includes a door assembly pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet for selectively providing access to the product storage zone. The door assembly includes an outer, exposed surface and an inner surface that are spaced to define an inner door zone including a vertical drop zone that terminates in a delivery area. A portal is formed in the inner surface of the door assembly and leads from the product storage zone into the door zone. A discharge element is provided on the inner surface of the door assembly and cooperates with the product delivery mechanism to dispense the selected product through the portal as the product delivery mechanism moves past the portal.
US08469229B2	Product vending machine A product vending machine having a locking device, wherein a column of rollers, fitted along a guide with sufficient play to roll along the guide, is selectively engaged by one of a number of wedge members to eliminate the play and move the rollers into a compact configuration preventing insertion of the other wedge members; each wedge member being movable with a relative movable part, e.g. a tray or a door, of the machine.
US08469228B2	Self-serve kiosk with rotatable container carousel A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.
US08469226B2	Drink containers Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.
US08469219B1	Steam ventilation system The present invention is directed to a steam ventilation system for providing an easy way to release steam from a container.
US08469216B2	Device for unlocking foldable side walls of boxes and containers The invention relates to a device for unlocking foldable side walls (2 to 5) hinged on the floor (6) of boxes and containers (1), the two opposite end walls (4, 5) thereof being lockable to the adjacent side walls (2, 3) and the unlocking taking place by a lifting motion of a yoke-like adjusting member (13) disposed under spring pretension and guided in recesses of stiffening ribs (11, 12) in the outer surfaces of the end walls (4, 5). The adjusting member (13; 130) is designed having motion-diverting means (16, 17) on the two outside ends thereof, said means diverting vertical motion into a horizontal motion unlocking the side walls when the adjusting member (13) is raised, wherein the unlocking bars (19) of the adjusting member act on spring tab-like locking means (10) of the side walls (4, 5) engaged in the end walls (2, 3) and press them out of engaged seating thereof surrounding the end walls (2, 3).
US08469213B2	Synthetic resin container closure [Problems to be Solved] In a synthetic resin container closure of a type which includes a body and a tamper evident bottom portion connected to the body via a plurality of breakable bridge portions arranged with spacing in a circumferential direction, and in which the body continues to be connected via unbroken connecting pieces to the tamper evident bottom portion continuously mounted on a mouth-and-neck portion of a container even after the bridge portions are broken to remove the body from the mouth-and-neck portion of the container, an improvement is made so that the container closure can be applied, without posing problems, even when the ascent distance of the body when removed is relatively long.[Means to Solve the Problems] Each of the unbroken connecting pieces is in such a form as to include two tilting portions whose tilting directions are opposite to each other.
US08469211B2	Coupler draft gear, double-side operating coupler and lower lockpin rotation shaft assembly A lower lockpin rotation shaft assembly includes a lower lockpin rotation shaft body, an outer end portion thereof having a first coupler lifting bar hole, an intermediate portion thereof having a connecting key; and a lower lockpin rotation shaft bush, an outer end portion of the lower lockpin rotation shaft bush having a second coupler lifting bar hole, and an inner end portion of the lower lockpin rotation shaft bush being operatively connected to an inner end portion of the lower lockpin rotation shaft body. Further, the present invention further provides a double-side operating coupler and a coupler draft gear having the above lower lockpin rotation shaft assembly. The coupler draft gear further includes two coupler lifting bars and two coupler lifting bar seats. Each of the coupler lifting bars is inserted in a keyhole-shaped through hole of corresponding coupler lifting bar seat, and the coupler lifting bar has a restrained segment at a fitted portion of the coupler lifting bar with the coupler lifting bar seat. Coupler heads of the two coupler lifting bar are inserted through the keyhole-shaped through holes of the two coupler lifting bar seats and then coupled with the first coupler lifting bar hole and the second coupler lifting bar hole of the double-side operating coupler. There is a gap between the restrained segment of each coupler lifting bar and walls of the rectangular hole of the keyhole-shaped through hole.
US08469209B2	Removal apparatus for a torque converter and a starting motor from an auxiliary compartment on a gas turbine A lifting fixture for attachment to a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is provided. The lifting fixture generally includes a frame configured to attach to a hoisting support, a pair of lifting lugs attached to the frame and positioned above the frame, and a plurality of lifting hooks attached to the frame and positioned such that each lifting hook has a bend extending below the frame. A removal apparatus for moving a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is also generally provided.
US08469208B2	Display unit A display unit for displaying materials, such as flooring materials, is provided. The display unit includes a frame having a plurality of spaced apart legs arranged in a common vertical plane, each of the legs having a plurality of vertically spaced slots. The frame also includes a plurality of walls, each having two opposite end portions attached to two adjacent legs and arranged parallel to the common vertical plane. A plurality of horizontal rails having knife brackets affixed to opposite ends thereof is included. The knife brackets each include a plurality of engagement tabs that engage with the slots, and a movable locking device. A plurality of display pages are mounted for pivoting movement between an upper rail and a lower rail of the plurality of horizontal rails.
US08469203B2	Cable connection interface for rack mount apparatus, and rack mount apparatus A rack mount apparatus is provided in an optical transmission apparatus. The rack mount apparatus includes a rack, a shelf mounted in the rack and a cross-sectional L-shaped Panel installed in the rack under a device to be rotatable so as to take an opened position and a closed position. This enables not only an easy and reliable connection of an interface cable in the rack mount apparatus without imposing a stress thereon but also a flexible determination or change of a connection position of the interface cable and even considerable improvement of the working efficiency.
US08469201B2	Image forming system An image forming system includes an SSP unit (sorting guide portion and envelope chuck portion) that functions as an enclosing unit or an enclosing device to enclose, in envelopes, paper on which an image is formed by a copy machine functioning as an image forming device, a weight measuring device that includes a load cell to measure the weight of the paper-enclosed envelopes, and a sorting device that sorts the paper-enclosed envelopes, on the basis of weight data of each of the paper-enclosed envelopes of which the weight is measured by the weight measuring device.
US08469200B2	Device and method for linearly sorting articles of varying size A device for sorting a plurality of articles which vary in size by linearly translating the articles over a plurality of apertures that also vary in size. An article may be accepted into a guide that releasably retains the article while the guide and the article are linearly translated across a sorting surface by an actuator until the article falls through an aperture for which the article was intended. The article is supported from below by a support surface. The sorting surface may be angled relative to the horizontal plane to facilitate passage of the articles through the apertures. The base portion of the article may slide along the support surface as the guide translates the article across the sorting surface.
US08469199B2	Screen and screen element A screen element (2) of a screen (1) has longitudinal sides adapted to be arranged in a longitudinal direction of a screen frame (4) and transverse sides adapted to be arranged in a transverse direction of the screen frame (4). The transverse sides of the screen element (2) are provided with at least one projection (6) and/or at least one recess (7) for locking engagement, in a direction transversely to the plane of the screen element (2), with a corresponding projection (6) and/or recess (7) on neighboring screen elements arranged in the screen frame (4). A screen (1) with a screen element (2) arranged in a screen frame (4) is also disclosed.
US08469196B2	Method and apparatus for separating metal values Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles. The reactant includes sulfur, sulfur compounds, halogens, or halogen compounds.
US08469193B2	Vacuum activated shipping container A shipping container and method of use. The shipping container is intended to contain bulky, compressible objects under vacuum in order to reduce the bulk size of these contents during shipping. The shipping container is configured as a plastic body sized to receive and envelop the bulky, compressible contents and includes a top, a bottom, each of which is characterized as having a periphery, and side walls, the latter of which are compressible. A stem is provided passing through the plastic body for passage of air and for selective sealing after the air has passed therethrough. The top, bottom and side walls are preferably transparent and are of the sufficient thickness and durability to enable the shipping container to be shipped between remote locations without any protective packaging being applied thereto while substantially resisting damage to the shipping container and its contents.
US08469190B1	Tool box A tool box includes a main body, a mounting seat pivotally mounted on the main body for mounting a hand tool, a positioning member movably mounted in the main body and releasably locked onto the mounting seat, and at least one tool holder pivotally mounted on the main body for mounting a plurality of tool heads. The main body includes an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell has a mounting hole for mounting a control knob. The tool holder has a mounting sleeve for mounting a push button. Thus, the user only needs to press the control knob and the push button to pivot the mounting seat and the tool holder respectively so that the mounting seat and the tool holder can be opened easily and quickly.
US08469183B2	Contact lens, method for producing same, and pack for storage and maintenance of a contact lens A contact lens (4) comprises a solid component capable of imparting shape and structure to said lens, and a liquid component, at least partially contained in the solid component, capable of favoring the compatibility between said lens and the eye of a user of said lens, wherein the liquid component comprises a solution capable of being used as a lachrymal substitute.
US08469178B2	Conveyor system and method of laterally displacing articles A conveyor system and method of laterally displacing articles includes a conveyor defining a conveying surface and conveying articles in a longitudinal direction with the conveying surface. A diverting assembly is positioned diagonally at least partially across the conveying surface. The diverting assembly travels generally vertically between a non-actuated position below the conveying surface and an actuated position extending above the conveying surface. The diverting assembly has a diverting surface that is adapted to laterally displace articles on the conveying surface when in the actuated position.
US08469173B2	Coin handling system There is provided a coin handling system including: a reception unit, a recognition unit, a storing unit having a plurality of cassettes configured to store the coin that has been recognized by the recognition unit, a coin guiding unit configured to guide to any of the cassettes the coin that has been recognized by the recognition unit, a storage unit for storing a plurality of storing patterns of the coin into the plurality of cassettes, a selecting unit for selecting a specific storing pattern among the plurality of storing patterns, and a control unit configured to control the coin guiding unit in such a manner that the coin that has been recognized by the recognition unit is stored in a corresponding cassette, in accordance with the selected storing pattern, when a specific storing pattern is selected among the plurality of storing patterns.
US08469171B2	Spring-loaded brake for an actuator for driving a household screen and actuator equipped with such a brake A spring loaded brake for an actuator for driving a household screen includes a helical spring having radially extending end lugs, a friction piece including a friction surface against which the spring presses, an input piece which drives the spring in rotation in one direction to reduce a force of contact between the spring and the surface, an output piece which drives the spring in rotation in a direction to increase the force of contact between the spring and the surface and wherein the brake also includes two end stops which always rotate as one about an axis of the spring and each of which forms a stop to limit axial movement of the spring in opposite directions.
US08469166B2	Ground-based power supply system for a transportation vehicle and associated methods The ground-based electric power supply system (1) for a transportation vehicle (T), includes: a transportation vehicle (T), a plurality of elements (4) emitting an electromagnetic field in order to power the transportation vehicle (T) by induction, the emitting elements (4) being positioned and spaced apart from each other along the circulation track of the transportation vehicle (T), a device (5) for receiving the energy emitted by the plurality of emitting elements (4), borne by the transport vehicle (T), means (6) for electrically powering the plurality of emitting elements (4) selectively, the means (6) being laid out so as to electrically power at least one emitting element (4) when the vehicle (T) is located above said at least one emitting element (4), characterized in that the length (L) of the receiving device (5) measured in the direction of circulation of the vehicle, is greater than the distance (D) which separates two consecutive emitting elements (4) along the circulation track.
US08469165B2	Interconnecting strut for arranging between adjacent landing flaps of an aircraft An interconnecting strut includes two coaxially arranged strut elements which may be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the interconnecting strut, two end stops defining the mutual displaceability of the two strut elements, as well as damping elements, which when a specific permissible displacement is exceeded, damp the displacement movement of the strut elements before reaching the end stops, in which the damping elements consist of a material which is plastically deformable in the occurring force range, the damping elements being compressed for damping the displacement movement in the longitudinal direction and, at the same time, being subjected to a cross-sectional enlargement transversely to the longitudinal direction, due to the compression.
US08469164B2	Damper A damper (D1) comprising an actuator A connected to a sprung member (B) side of a vehicle, the actuator having a motion converting mechanism (T) for converting a linear motion into a rotational motion and a motor (M) to which the rotational motion resulting from the conversion by the motion converting mechanism (T) is transmitted; a hydraulic damper (E), the hydraulic damper (E) having a cylinder (C), a piston (P) inserted slidably into the cylinder (C) and defining two pressure chambers within the cylinder (C), and a rod (R) connected at one end thereof to the piston (P), the linear motion of the actuator (A) being transmitted to one of the rod (R) and the cylinder (C), the other of the rod (R) and the cylinder (C) being connected to an unsprung member (W) side of the vehicle; a spring (1) accommodated within one of the two pressure chambers and biasing the hydraulic damper (E) in a damper compressing direction; and a spring (2) accommodated within the other pressure chamber and biasing the hydraulic damper (E) in a damper extending direction.
US08469163B2	Rotary damper The present invention provides a rotary damper in which both yields and braking characteristics can be enhanced. The rotary damper of the invention includes a valve mechanism which comprises an operating chamber 7 through which fluid can pass, a valve body 8 which forwardly moves from a natural state position when the valve body 8 receives fluid pressure and which can forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7, and a first spring 9 capable of giving a resistance to the forward movement of the valve body 8. The valve mechanism can reduce a flow rate of fluid which passes through the operating chamber 7 by a flow path 14 formed between the valve body 8 and a peripheral wall 7a of the operating chamber 7. A reducing amount of fluid can be increased as a moving distance of the valve body 8 which forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7 is increased.
US08469158B2	Operating system for a parking brake An operating system for a parking brake, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes an operating element which is manually brought from a release position to a brake position for engaging the parking brake and which can be removed from the brake position without disengaging the parking brake. The operating system includes a follower element which is connected to the operating element such that the follower element follows any movement of the operating element. Further, the operating system includes a releasable locking mechanism with a locking element to lock the follower element in the brake position and a separating element which allows to separate the connection between the operating element and the follower element independently from the releasable locking mechanism.
US08469157B2	Brake assembly for a utility vehicle A brake assembly is provided for a utility vehicle. After a brake operation, a clearance between a control member and an intermediate part and/or between a brake element and an intermediate part is adjusted by means of a displacement or restoring unit arranged in an intermediate part. Wear, and the associated change of clearance, can be compensated for by means of friction gripping devices, located respectively in the control member and in the brake element.
US08469156B2	Sequential brake control device for a cycle A sequential brake control device for a cycle has a sliding connector and a front delaying and anti-lock spring set to serve to sequentially actuate a brake. A left lever cable and a right lever cable are commonly connected to the sliding connector. A front brake cable passes through the sliding connector and the front delaying and anti-lock spring set and is mounted in a front brake cable block abutting against the front delaying and anti-lock spring set. A rear brake cable may alternatively pass through the sliding connector and a rear suspension spring and is mounted in a rear brake cable block abutting against the rear suspension spring. When one or both brake levers are squeezed, a rear wheel is stopped before the front wheel does. The front and rear wheels are slowed down in speed first when a brake is applied and fully stopped at a lower speed of the cycle.
US08469155B2	Elevator life safety gate A gate below an elevator car which prevents access to an elevator hoistway. The gate slidably mounts behind a toe guard and retracts upwardly if the bottom of the gate encounters a person, object or the floor of the elevator pit during downward travel of the elevator. The gate latches when fully retracted so that it may be out of the way during maintenance. A microswitch is wired into the emergency stop circuit that engages when the gate is latched. A trip wire defining the bottom edge of the gate is also wired into the emergency stop circuit, so that the elevator will stop its downward travel if it encounters an obstruction. Rubber bumpers on the bottom edge of the gate cushion impact to people or objects who happen to be below the elevator car and are struck by the gate during downward elevator movement.
US08469151B1	Bypass apparatus for automatic transmission fluid cooler and method of use An aftermarket ATF cooler bypass apparatus for replacement of an original equipment ATF cooler for VW/AUDI and other similar vehicles. The present cooler bypass apparatus is provided in a service kit comprising a pair of cylindrical ATF chambers, which are mounted on the transmission case in fluid communication with integrated hydraulic pressure and return circuits. The present ATF chambers are provided with hose fittings for attachment of hydraulic lines that deliver ATF to an aftermarket cooler, which is remotely mounted on the vehicle at a suitable location. Conventional hose clamps and a hose coupling are provided in the present kit to interconnect the engine coolant hoses, which are disconnected from the original equipment cooler in a method of the present invention. The present kit also includes new O-ring seals for installation on the original equipment cooler retaining bolts to ensure the hydraulic integrity of the present ATF cooler bypass apparatus.
US08469144B2	Inflatable sound attenuation system An inflatable, noise attenuating panel or barrier, comprised of an inflatable air chamber coated with (wrapped in or attached thereto) an acoustic barrier material, with which to construct a variety of structures that benefit from a degree of soundproofing.
US08469141B2	Acoustic damping device for use in gas turbine engine An acoustic dampener comprises a first wall, orifice plate, and second wall. The first wall separates a first fluid source from a second fluid source. The first wall has a hole for allowing fluid communication between the first fluid source and a first cavity of the acoustic dampener. The office plate separates the first cavity of the acoustic dampener from a second cavity of the acoustic dampener. The second wall has a hole for allowing fluid communication between the first cavity of the acoustic dampener in the second cavity of the acoustic dampener. The second wall separates the second cavity of the acoustic dampener from the second fluid source. The second wall has a hole for allowing fluid communication between the second cavity of the acoustic dampener and the second fluid source. In one embodiment, the acoustic dampener is formed in a combustion chamber liner of a gas turbine engine.
US08469138B1	Pedal control system for a vehicle A vehicle including a plurality of ground engaging propulsion devices and two foot actuated controls. The plurality of ground engaging propulsion devices include a first and a second ground engaging propulsion device. The first ground engaging propulsion device is associated with one side of the vehicle and the second ground engaging propulsion device is associated with an opposite side of the vehicle. The two foot actuated controls include a first and a second foot actuated control. The first foot actuated control is controlingly connected to the first ground engaging propulsion device. The second foot actuated control is controlingly connected to the second ground engaging propulsion device. The first foot actuated control includes a pedal, a footrest and a peg. The pedal is pivotally connected to the vehicle. The footrest extends from a side of the foot actuated control. The peg extends from the side of the pedal.
US08469135B2	Alcohol immobilizer having an emergency drive option A device for preventing the start-up or initial operation of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, by a vehicle driver who is under the influence of alcohol, as well as a vehicle equipped with such a device. The device includes a device for determining the alcohol content in the breath, blood, tissue, sweat of the skin, or in the interstitial tissue fluid of the vehicle driver, as well as an immobilizer which prevents the start-up or the initial operation of the vehicle when the alcohol content in the vehicle driver's breath, blood, tissue, sweat of the skin, or interstitial tissue fluid, that is ascertained by the device, exceeds a specified threshold value. Means are provided for bypassing or disabling the immobilizer.
US08469126B2	Equipment with hydraulically driven electrical over hydraulic control Motorized vehicles having hydraulic tools as attachments are well known. Examples includes road graders, excavators, snow ploughs (and nursery equipment such as tree spades, tree movers and tree handling equipment), tractors, front loaders, and skid steers.A single hydraulic tool may be controlled by a simple manually operated hydraulic control system if the operation of the hydraulic tool is not complex. The use of “Electric over Hydraulic control” is more commonly used for hydraulic attachments with more complex functionality. A typical electric over hydraulic control system uses a bundle of wires; in which each wire in the bundle is dedicated to a particular operational feature of the attachment. These wires are prone to failure as a result of the wear and tear they are exposed to during normal use of the equipment. This, in turn, has led to proposals for the use of a wireless control system. The power for a wireless control system may be provided by a battery, however, a battery operated system may also not be robust enough to stand up to the wear and tear caused by operation of the equipment. These problems are mitigated by the present wireless, electric over hydraulic control system in which the electric power to operate the wireless control system is provided by an electrical generator that is driven by hydraulic fluid.The present invention is especially advantageous for the operation of nursery equipment in which several different hydraulic attachments are used with a single motorized vehicle and where the different attachments must be disconnected and re-connected to allow use thereof.
US08469124B2	Endless belt tensioner system and method of use thereof An endless belt tensioner system adapted to dynamically apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration when the suspension is actuated. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.
US08469122B2	System and method for powering vehicle using radio frequency signals and feedback A system and method are described for powering a vehicle using radio frequency (“RF”) signals. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: positioning an antenna array beneath or on the road surface of a roadway, the antenna array configured to transmit RF signals responsive to RF processing logic and/or circuitry; coupling a rectenna array to a vehicle, the rectenna array configured to receive the RF signals transmitted from the antenna array and to generate power from the RF signals; providing feedback signals from the vehicle to the RF processing logic and/or circuitry, the feedback signals including channel state information (CSI) defining a current state of the channels between the antenna array and the rectenna array, the RF processing logic and/or circuitry using the channel state information to adjust the RF signal transmissions from the antenna array to improve the efficiency of the power generated by the rectenna array; and using the power generated by the rectenna array to power the vehicle.
US08469117B2	Drill bits and methods of drilling curved boreholes The invention provides drill bits and methods of drilling curved boreholes. One aspect of the invention provides a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for drilling a curved borehole. The method includes: providing a drill string including a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths; rotating the drill string; and selectively actuating the one or more blades to a plurality of cut depths; thereby drilling a curved borehole.
US08469114B1	Towed implement with a steering system having both wheel assemblies and coulters An implement, adapted to be towed by a vehicle, has a frame and a plurality of ground engaging tools carried by the frame. Support wheel assemblies carried by the frame are moveable relative the frame to raise and lower the frame between working and non-working positions in which in the working position, the tools engage the ground, and in the non-working position, the tools do not engage the ground. Each wheel assembly is mounted for rotation about a respective wheel steering axis. Coulters are also mounted to the frame and are engagable with the ground only in the working position of the frame. Each coulter is mounted to the frame for rotation about a respective coulter steering axis. Finally, a steering mechanism is operable to turn the wheel assemblies and the coulters each about their respective steering axes to steer the implement.
US08469109B2	Deformable dart and method An apparatus and method for plugging a wellbore completion. The apparatus includes a body and a variable diameter ring. The body includes a first portion having a first diameter, and a second portion having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The variable diameter ring is disposed around the body and slidable on the first and second portions. The ring is configured to engage a flow path reduction device when located on the first portion, and to move past the flow path reduction device when located on the second portion.
US08469108B2	Adjustable support system for manifold to minimize vibration The disclosure provides an adjustable modular skid system with a plurality of skid modules to support oil field fluid components, such as manifolds, mixing blocks, collection blocks, fracturing pumps, piping and connections, and other devices used to transport water, sand slurries, gas, oil, or other fluids in oil field applications. The skid system has vibration adjusting features. The skid modules can be coupled together through piping and relevant connections at the well site. If appropriate, the skid modules can be supported on pilings or other foundational supports. The system can be assembled remotely, started and tested, partially disassembled into the skid modules, and then installed at the well site with minimal additional effort by generally providing lines and connections between the modules. Excessive vibrations in the system can be reduced by adjusting an overall stiffness of the system to change a natural frequency of the system.
US08469104B2	Valves, bottom hole assemblies, and method of selectively actuating a motor A system and methodology provide valves, bottom hole assemblies, and methods of selectively actuating a motor. One aspect provides a valve including: a barrel having an interior having a circular cross-section, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a by-pass port; a first disc rotatably received within the barrel; and a second disc rotatably received within the barrel and pressed against the first disc to selectively form a seal. The first disc and the second each have an orifice.
US08469103B2	Plunger lift with chemical injection A method and system operates a well having an outer casing, a tubing positioned inside the outer casing, and a plunger moveable within the tubing to periodically draw out a liquid slug. A chemical to slug size ratio is set by the operator. Thereafter, the gas flow rate is monitored and the well is shut-in when the gas flow rate drops below a predetermined threshold. After well shut-in, a calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is injected. The size of the liquid slug is calculated and then the well is opened, drawing the plunger and liquid slug up to the surface. The calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is calculated based on one or more previous liquid slug size determinations and the set chemical to slug size ratio.
US08469089B2	Process and apparatus to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations An anchor tool having a housing, a one-way restrictor device in fluid communication with the housing, and a stabilizer affixed to the housing. The one-way restrictor device is configured to allow restricted flow in a first direction, and to allow flow in a second direction.
US08469086B2	Apparatus and method for recovering fluids from a well and/or injecting fluids into a well Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
US08469085B2	Pipe stand An active, smartpipe stand (apparatus and method) for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus has a first pipe-lifting mechanism, a second pipe-lifting mechanism, and a pipe-rotating mechanism positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms. The bottom of the first pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the second pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the pipe-rotating mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. Individual tubulars are unloaded, prepared, staged and sequenced, assembled and presented for delivery from horizontal to vertical. The pipe stand is positioned under the boom of the pipe handling apparatus when the apparatus is in the first position. The pipe stand extends within the skid structure.
US08469072B1	Tape dispenser with paper cutter A tape dispenser with paper cutting tool is disclosed. The tape dispenser with paper cutter includes a blade and paper guide tine integrally formed with a tape dispenser housing. Additional capabilities can be added such as a ribbon curler and a glue stick. The tool can be used for multiple purposes when wrapping gifts, craft projects, or performing other office or home tasks.
US08469065B2	System for loading particulate matter into a transport container A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.
US08469064B2	Funnel accessory and drainage assembly for faceting machine A drainage assembly for a faceting machine splash pan including a drain for draining slurry, a funnel for capturing the slurry including a basin mounted upon a tubular neck, the basin defining a rim having a sealing member circumferentially disposed thereon, the funnel further including a hose fitting positioned within the neck, and a drain hose received within the neck and removably attached to the hose fitting and in fluid communication with the basin, wherein a mechanical disconnect is provided between the drain and the drain hose.
US08469058B2	Work vehicle having hydraulic apparatus Disclosed is a work vehicle having a hydraulic apparatus which can reliably prevent erroneous operation of the valve of the hydraulic apparatus even when the operating lever is moved inadvertently. With this hydraulic apparatus, with operations of a single operating lever in two directions, two valves are operated respectively. Two valve operating links for operating the two valves respectively are pivotally supported to a support shaft provided to a pair of frame plates and a lock pin is provided to the frame plates. The two valve operating links form pin holes. When the two valves are at the neutral positions, the lock pin is inserted into the pin holes with a locking operation of a lock operating tool, thus fixing the valve operating links and locking the valves.
US08469051B2	Valve for limiting the tank pressure in a motor vehicle A valve for limiting the tank pressure in a motor vehicle, comprising a first line (1) and a second line (2) which may establish a flow connection in which at least one body (3, 4) may be moved relative to another body (4, 3), whereby the movable body (3, 4) lifts up from a sealing seat (5), with regard to the object of adjusting the tank pressure using a compact design is characterized in that a first body (3), a second body (4), and the sealing seat (5) as a whole form a movable unit (6).
US08469049B2	Termination valve extension A discharge extension assembly includes a main tube having at least first and second ends. The discharge extension assembly further includes at least one extension tube configured to telescope from within the main tube. The main tube and the at least one extension tube may include a plurality of collars that are configured to limit overextension of the at least one extension tube from the main tube. A first bracket is configured to mount to the first end of the main tube. A hinge assembly is configured to pivot the main tube and the at least one extension tube. The hinge assembly may include a stop and a sleeve slidably engaged with a shaft. The stop, the sleeve, and the shaft may be configured to limit movement of the sleeve. A second bracket may be configured to mount to the second end of the main tube.
US08469047B2	System to control pressure in a test device Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward pressure controllers and calibrators for setting or measuring pressures in test devices. In one embodiment, the pressure controller contains a dual reference pressure controller. The dual reference pressure controller is operable to maintain two different pressures relative to a reference pressure. The first pressure being a relatively fixed amount greater than the reference pressure and the second pressure being a relatively fixed amount less than the reference pressure.
US08469041B2	Applicator system The present invention generally relates to an applicator system and in particular, relates to an applicator system capable of moving the applicator head in an irregular motion. The applicator system is provided with a mechanism that gives the applicator an irregular motion during usage thereby resulting in better application. The applicator system of the present invention is configured to move in an irregular motion that has no obvious pattern and may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, scrubbing of lips, cleaning of nails, etc.
US08469034B2	Stem cell targeting and activation using magnetic particles The present invention provides a method of selectively activating and/or targeting stem cells which enables the cells to then be manipulated mechanically in a remote manner wherein the method comprises magnetically manipulating a stem cell in vivo or in vitro by the association of a magnetisable particle within the stem cell.
US08469031B2	Exhalation valve assembly with integrated filter An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap.
US08469025B2	Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas The invention concerns an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas, a humidifying apparatus, a respiratory gas tube and a connecting apparatus therefor. The apparatus of the invention includes a blowing device for delivering the respiratory gas, a housing device which has a bottom region, a top surface region and a side region extending upwardly between the top surface region and the cover region, as well as a connecting device for connecting a humidifying apparatus for humidifying the respiratory gas, wherein the connecting device is arranged in the side region of the apparatus in such a way that the humidifying apparatus can be laterally coupled thereto. The humidifying apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by a partial amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid pre-stored in a liquid storage space into a humidifying region. The respiration tube according to the invention includes a connecting plug structure which has both a respiratory gas connecting portion and also a pressure measuring tube connecting portion.
US08469023B2	Radiation collector Disclosed is a radiation collector comprising a pressure cell which is subdivided into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber by means of the concentrator. The small pressure difference between the pressure chambers keeps the concentrator operational in a beam-concentrating form and reduces the wear on the reflective layer of the concentrator. The radiation collector further comprises adequately designed means for establishing the desired pressure in the respective pressure chamber, said means making it possible to compensate changes of the pressure chamber volume resulting from wind load, for example.
US08469021B2	Fireplace assembly with integrated burn control system A fireplace assembly with an integrated burn control system includes a variety of features that provide an elegant, revolutionary, and highly-efficient way to heat a residence or other environment. The fireplace assembly may be used in combination with gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. The fireplace assembly includes, but is not limited to: a control panel; a concealment door that conceals the control panel when the concealment door is closed; automatic control panel lighting that is activated when the concealment door is open; a split flow or dual burner assembly that simulates a natural wood burning fire; and an intermittent pilot ignition system that allows a pilot flame to run continuously or intermittently. The fireplace assembly can be manually controlled via the control panel or automatically and/or remotely controlled via a remote control device.
US08469014B2	Bullet loader for toy gun A bullet loader for inserting toy bullets into a magazine is disclosed to include a housing having a bullet chamber, opposing inlet and outlet and a bullet passage in communication between the bullet chamber and the outlet, a press-control device having a press knob and a plunger extended from the press knob and inserted into the bullet chamber and terminating in a repeatedly curved lower plunger portion for pushing toy bullets out of the bullet passage into the outlet, a movable block coupled to the plunger in and horizontally reciprocatable by the repeatedly curved lower plunger portion to turn over storage toy bullets upon a vertical reciprocating motion of the plunger relative to the housing.
US08469012B2	Narrow crossbow with large power stroke A crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.
US08469008B2	Return fuel diffusion device and fuel guide A fuel pump module mounted to a fuel tank may employ a flange on a top surface of the fuel tank, a fuel inlet pipe that passes through the flange, a fuel reservoir situated near a bottom interior surface of the fuel tank, and a fuel diffuser, which may be attached to the fuel inlet pipe, that protrudes away from the flange into an interior volume of the reservoir. A fuel cylinder may surround at least part of a longitudinal length of the fuel diffuser to control passage of fuel and bubbles and may have a first end that is open and a second end that is attached to a top surface of a bottom wall of the reservoir. Alternatively, the fuel cylinder may be attached at a first end to the fuel inlet pipe and define a second end that is open such that the fuel cylinder and a reservoir bottom define a gap therebetween.
US08469007B2	Controlling apparatus of variable capacity type fuel pump and fuel supply system A controlling apparatus of a variable capacity type fuel pump, for avoiding noises caused due to drive of the fuel pump and noises caused due to drive of injectors from overlapping or duplicating with each other in the timing thereof, wherein signals for driving the pump reduced, or the timing thereof is shifted forward/backward, within a specific timing where the o overlapping can be prospected, or a specific timing where they are determined to overlap or duplicate with each other.
US08469003B2	Fuel injector clamp A method of forming a fuel injector clamp utilizing powder metal techniques is provided. A powder metal charge comprising in percent by weight, 0.6-0.9 carbon, 1.5-3.9 copper, 93.2-97.9 iron with the balance other elements, is die compacted to a density of 7.0-7.1 grams per cubic centimeter pre-sintered at 1500-1600 degrees Fahrenheit to form a powder metal blank. The powder metal blank is then lubricated and re-compacted to at least 7.3 grams per cubic centimeter and sintered at 2050 degrees Fahrenheit to form a final powder metal blank. The fuel injector clamp itself is comprised of a unitary structure of powder metal having a generally cylindrical center portion, with a first wing portion extending laterally there from and a second wing portion extending laterally there from at a 180 degree angle from the first wing portion.
US08469001B2	Work apparatus with internal combustion engine Problems:For enhanced safety of a work apparatus with an internal combustion engine, a cutting element is prevented from an accidental run due to an accidental increase of the engine revolution while a throttle control trigger is in a released state.Solution:In an engine start period, a throttle valve (10) is in a first idling position. The engine 2 at its initial run phase does not increase in revolution because of instability of its running condition. When the running condition begins to stabilize, the revolution rapidly increases. When the engine revolution (Ne) reaches 4,000 rpm or higher, a non-firing control mode is set up. In the non-firing control mode, when the engine revolution reaches or exceeds 4,500 rpm, a non-firing processing is executed (S4). A centrifugal clutch (6) is designed to engage at 5,000 rpm.
US08469000B2	Supercharger with continuously variable drive system An engine system includes a throttle valve configured to variably open and close to selectively restrict a volume of air flow. The engine system also includes a supercharger comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, a rotatable drive shaft and rotors associated with the drive shaft, wherein the supercharger is sized to have a flow rate that substantially prevents backwards leaking of air flow. The engine system further includes a combustion engine comprising combustion chambers and an associated rotatable crank shaft and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) configured to variably transfer rotational energy between the drive shaft and the crank shaft.
US08468998B2	Engine having fuel injection induced combustion chamber mixing An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a piston, and a direct injection fuel system. The engine structure may define a cylinder bore and an intake port in communication with the cylinder bore and adapted to mitigate intake air swirl within the cylinder bore. The piston may be disposed within the cylinder bore for a reciprocal stroke between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position. The piston may define an annular recess portion in an axial end surface thereof. The direct injection fuel system may include a fuel injector that provides a fuel spray to a combustion chamber defined by the piston and the cylinder bore. The fuel spray may define an annular plume intersecting the annular recess portion in the piston when the piston is in an injection position within twenty percent of the reciprocal stroke from the top dead center position.
US08468995B2	Compact second order balance shaft arrangement with low inertia driven shaft A balancer assembly for an engine includes a first balance shaft and a second balance shaft parallel with and laterally spaced from the first balance shaft. The first balance shaft includes a first counterweight portion and a second counterweight portion axially spaced from each other, with each defining a first radius. The second balance shaft includes a central counterweight defining a second radius. The central counterweight is axially disposed between the first counterweight portion and the second counterweight portion to allow a radial overlap with the first counterweight portion and the second counterweight portion, with the first radius being greater than the second radius.
US08468990B2	Continuously variable valve timing apparatus Power consumption for maintaining a target valve timing and noise in operation is reduced by a continuously variable valve timing apparatus including a camshaft holder fixed to a camshaft, a cam sprocket, a leadscrew screw-coupled with the camshaft holder and the cam sprocket and is movable so as to rotate the camshaft holder and the cam sprocket in opposite directions, and an operating unit operated by a motor and moves the leadscrew.
US08468989B2	Method for operating a camshaft phaser A method for operating a camshaft phaser in an internal combustion engine is provided. The camshaft phaser is used to control the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining that the internal combustion engine will be placed in an automatic stop mode. The camshaft phaser is then controlled to establish a predetermined phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The internal combustion engine is then placed in automatic stop mode and the predetermined phase relationship is maintained by substantially blocking oil flow between the camshaft phaser and the internal combustion engine.
US08468986B2	Engine fuel injection control apparatus An engine fuel injection control apparatus includes a variable valve device that at least varies an intake valve open timing of an intake valve. A controller adjusts the variable valve device and a fuel injection timing of a fuel injection valve. The controller controls a fuel injection end timing in accordance with an overlap amount of the intake valve and an exhaust valve. The controller adjusts the fuel injection timing such that the fuel injection end timing is more advanced than the intake valve open timing and such that as an amount by which the overlap amount exceeds a prescribed overlap amount becomes larger, a time interval between the fuel injection end timing and the intake valve open timing is set to become increasingly larger, upon determining that the engine is being cold started and the overlap amount is larger than the prescribed overlap amount.
US08468980B2	Direct contact rotating steam generator using low quality water with zero liquid discharge The present invention is a system for generating a mixture of steam and combustion gas in a direct contact rotating steam generator, using high solids content water and without waste liquid discharge. The invention includes a longitudinally pressurized rotatable drum, being mounted at a slope and having an energy injection section, a steam producing section, a water injection section and a discharge section. The discharge section is placed at an opposite end of the steam producing section and opposite the water injection section. There is an inlet in the combustion section of the rotatable drum, an outlet at an end of the rotatable drum, an injector for water at the highest point of the rotatable drum. There is also a discharge located at an end opposite said end of the rotatable drum. There are also pluralities of chains hanging within the rotatable drum.
US08468979B2	Collar for an animal A collar (1000) for an animal comprising an elongate strap member (1001) and at least a first and second housings (1011, 1013) at each end of said elongate strap member (1001), each of said first and second housings (1011, 1013) comprising interlocking means (1021, 1023) such that said first housing (1011) releasably engages said second housing (1013) in the proximity of the underside of an animal's neck when the collar (1000) is fitted around said animal's neck.
US08468978B1	Paw covers A paw cover for pets include a base sheet having a plurality of protective shield sets adhesively attached thereto. Each shield set is formed of a plurality of panels, each of which is dimensioned and configured to overlay a designated digital or metacarpal pad on a pet's paw. Each panel includes a strong adhesive on an upper surface that is exposed by removing an overlying protective sheet. To protect a pet's paws, a pet owner removes the protective sheet and positions each paw pad upon a designated panel. When the paw is lifted, the panels are separated from the base sheet and adhere to the paw pads to protect the paw from hot or potentially-injurious surfaces.
US08468975B2	Wireless monitoring of laboratory animals Systems and methods for monitoring laboratory animals includes a tag comprising an inductive element and a capacitive element attached to a portion of a laboratory animal. The position of the portion is detected by monitoring the effect of the tag on a time-varying magnetic field having different frequencies, one near tag resonance, and one away from tag resonance.
US08468971B2	Safety switch device for rotary milking parlor Safety switching device for a milking carousel, with a rotatably driven milking platform with a multiple number of milking stations, whereby preferably a milking machine is arranged at each milking station, and with at least one stationary, non-rotating animal passageway, as well as a gap arranged between the rotatable milking platform and the animal passageway, whereby the safety switching device has a movable switching paddle, as well as signaling device arranged or formed on the switching paddle, for triggering an alarm function, and whereby the switching paddle is designed and mounted in such a way that the distance to the outside peripheral edge (U) increases toward a free end.
US08468970B2	Method and arrangement for controlling the milking by a milking machine A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine includes, during an initial phase of the milking, increasing a milking vacuum and/or a maximum pulsation vacuum for the milking gradually from a first selected vacuum level (1L) towards a second selected vacuum level (2L) to thereby improve teat stimulation and decreasing the risk of a second milk letdown. When a second milk letdown (2ML) is detected, the maximum pulsation vacuum is preferably immediately lowered to a third selected vacuum level (3L), and is kept at that third selected vacuum level until a certain milk flow has been established, whereupon the pulsation vacuum level is then again increased gradually until the second selected vacuum level is reached.

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