最新美国发明专利第2013-07-16期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08486506B2	Protective film A protective film including at least one surface which serves as a protective barrier that releaseably covers at least a portion of an object.
US08486505B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet with release liner A release liner formed of a polypropylene resin sheet that can be highly recyclable and that can provide an excellent performance in a wide range of operating temperature is provided. A release-lined pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet constituted with the release liner is also provided. A release-lined PSA sheet 1 according to the present invention comprises a PSA sheet 20 having a support 22 and a PSA layer 24; and a release liner 10 placed on the PSA layer 24. The release liner 10 has a layered configuration formed of a layer A 12 formed of a polypropylene resin composition containing a nucleating agent; and a layer B 14 formed of a polypropylene resin composition containing no nucleating agent; wherein the two layers stacked to form the thickness of the liner.
US08486504B2	Multilayer masking tape A masking tape for use in applications where a coating material is applied to a surface for defining a sharp edge of the portion of the surface that is coated. A masking tape may include a reinforcing strip releasably attached to the non-adhesive side of conventional masking tape comprising a substrate with an adhesive layer on one side. The reinforcing strip extends longitudinally along the length of the substrate with one edge substantially aligned with, and preferably flush with, one longitudinal edge of the substrate and acts as a separate means to cut through a coating or film more efficiently than the masking tape alone, while subsequently leaving the masking tape in place until the preferred time of removal.
US08486502B2	PVDF/PVC alloys for plenum cable applications A cable jacket includes an extruded polymer made from PVDF, PVC and a compatibilizing agent, where a ratio of PVDF, PVC and a compatibilizing agent is substantially 7:3:1.
US08486501B2	Plastic ampule and colored plastic container An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic ampule capable of suppressing volatilization and scattering of a drug solution and elution of plastic compounding ingredients into the drug solution, as well as suppressing whisker formation and deformation and damage of an opening when the plastic ampule is opened. A plastic ampule 10 according to the present invention includes a drug solution storage part 11 for storing a drug solution, a drug solution discharge tube 12 in communication with the drug solution storage part 11 and extending toward one side, and a top part 13 closing an end at the one side of the drug solution discharge tube 12, and the drug solution discharge tube 12 includes a fragile part 14 formed to have a thin thickness along a circumferential direction. The drug solution storage part 11, the drug solution discharge tube 12, and the top part 13 are formed of a multilayer plastic material that includes an intermediate layer containing a cyclic olefin-based (co)polymer with a glass transition temperature of 60 to 80° C., an inner layer laminated to an inner side of the intermediate layer, an outer layer laminated to an outer side of the intermediate layer, and adhesive layers respectively disposed between the intermediate layer and the inner layer and between the outer layer and the intermediate layer.
US08486496B2	Method of preparing wear-resistant coating layer comprising metal matrix composite and coating layer prepared thereby The invention provides a method of preparing a wear-resistant coating layer comprising metal matrix composite and a coating layer prepared by using the same and more particularly, it provides a method of preparing a wear-resistant coating layer comprising metal matrix composite, which comprises the steps of providing a base material, preparing a mixture powder comprising a metal, alloy or mixture particle thereof having an average diameter of 50 to 100 um and a ceramic or mixture particle thereof having an average diameter of 25 to 50 um in a ratio of 1:1 to 3:1 by volume, injecting the mixture powder into a spray nozzle for coating, and coating the mixture powder on the surface of the base material by accelerating the mixture powder in the state of non-fusion at a rate of 300 to 1,200 m/s by the flow of transportation gas flowing in the nozzle and a coating layer prepared by using the same whereby the coating layer with high wear resistance and excellent resistance against fatigue crack on the surface of the base material without causing damages such as heat strain to the base material during the formation of the coating layer can be provided.
US08486493B2	Complex oxide film and method for producing same, composite body and method for producing same, dielectric material, piezoelectric material, capacitor and electronic device A complex oxide film is provided having a high relative dielectric constant and capacitance having low temperature-dependency. The film thickness can be arbitrarily controlled. A manufacturing method thereof, a composite body comprising the complex oxide film and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The complex oxide film containing titanium element and calcium element can be obtained by forming a metal oxide film containing titanium element on a substrate surface and then allowing a solution containing calcium ion to react with the metal oxide layer. A capacitor including the complex oxide film as dielectric material and a piezoelectric element including it as piezoelectric material can be produced.
US08486488B2	Method and device for coating a polymer film with an oxide layer A web of a polymer film (1) is coated with an oxide layer, in particular with an SiOx barrier layer, by transporting the web with the aid of a rotatable drum (12) through a plurality of flame bands, which are directed in a radial direction from above against the circumferential surface of the drum, which extend at a distance from each other across the width of the web being supported and transported on this circumferential surface, and which are fed with a gas mixture including a combustible gas, an oxidant, and a silicon containing compound. Therein the circumferential surface of the rotatable drum is cooled to a predetermined temperature and the web is transported through the area of the tip of the inner flame region. Polymer films with barrier layers produced in the named way have at small layer thicknesses of less than 10 nm very good barrier properties.
US08486486B2	Method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing device A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetically separated magnetic recording pattern is provided, in which the surface of a magnetic layer is not oxidized or halogenated, the surface is not contaminated with dust, and the manufacturing process is not complex. The method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetically separated magnetic recording pattern includes forming a magnetic layer on a nonmagnetic substrate, forming a mask layer made of carbon to form the magnetic recording pattern on the magnetic layer, forming cobalt carbide as a nonmagnetic material in the magnetic layer by irradiating a region of the magnetic layer not covered by the mask layer with ion beams including carbon hydride ions, and removing the mask layer in this order.
US08486481B2	Glycoalkaloid removal The invention relates to a process for the removal of glycoalkaloids, in particular from process streams such as those encountered during isolation of proteins from potatoes.
US08486477B2	Gas-effusing compositions and methods of making and using same Gas-effusing compositions, particularly, particulate compositions having pressurized gas held within open internal voids thereof, are provided as well as methods of making and using such compositions.
US08486473B2	Compositions and processes for improving phosphatation clarification of sugar liquors and syrups A process for improving phosphatation clarification of sugars can include adding to a sugar liquor a composition having at least one particulate sulfur reagent and at least one or more other particulate solids selected from, a particulate phosphorous reagent, a particulate carbonaceous reagent, a particulate aluminum reagent, a particulate filter aid, and a particulate ammonium reagent. The composition can be added to the phosphatation chemical reaction tank or prior to the phosphatation chemical reaction tank. Phosphatation chemicals, for example polymer decolorant, phosphoric acid, lime and a flocculent, can be added into the process at least five minutes after adding the composition. In using the process, the amount of phosphatation chemicals added is less than the amount of phosphatation chemicals required in the absence of addition of the composition or the purity of the sugar is improved as measured by one or more of color, turbidity and ash.
US08486469B2	Low-calorie food bar A low-calorie nutrition energy food bar with high fiber and reduced sugar alcohol contents, which have excellent flavor and multi-texture properties, is provided. The food bar has less than 110 Cal/28 g serving, and includes a core component comprising, as a unitary matrix, protein crisps, caramel, water-soluble dietary fiber, and a binder system; a caramel component; and the core component and caramel components are enrobed with a compound coating layer. The low-calorie food bar has a high protein core component and a caramel component formulated with high water-soluble dietary fiber content which is cohesive, crunchy yet soft/moist enough to be chewable, and flavorful throughout the product's shelf life.
US08486468B2	Porphyrin containing lactic acid bacterial cells and use thereof Culturally modified lactic acid bacterial cells containing a porphyrin compound and their use in a novel method of reducing the oxygen content in a food and feed product or starting material is provided and means of improving the shelf life and/or quality of such products by using the culturally modified bacterial cells. Such culturally modified cells are useful in the manufacturing of a food and a feed product and for the manufacturing of metabolites produced by modified cells.
US08486466B2	Compositions comprising Lilium siberia extracts and uses thereof Provided are compositions comprising an extract of Lilium siberia and a carrier. Also provided are methods of lightening the skin comprising the step of applying to skin in need of skin lightening treatment an extract of Lilium siberia.
US08486464B2	Herbal composition for angina pectoris, method to prepare same and uses thereof This invention provides compositions comprising extracts of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Radix Notoginseng and Borneol. Said compositions comprise notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rg1 which are active components for therapeutic applications. This invention also provides a method of preparation of the said compositions and a method of identification and determination of the amount of individual effective components of said compositions. Finally, this invention provides various uses of the compositions.
US08486457B2	Compositions that treat or inhibit pathological conditions associated with inflammatory response A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops. Other embodiments relate to combinations of components, including at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops, tryptanthrin and conjugates thereof, rosemary, an extract or compound derived from rosemary, a triterpene species, or a diterpene lactone or derivatives or conjugates thereof.
US08486455B2	Polymeric delivery formulations of leuprolide with improved efficacy The present invention is directed to a flowable composition that is suitable for use as a controlled release implant. The flowable composition includes a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester that is at least substantially insoluble in aqueous medium or body fluid. The flowable composition also includes a biocompatible polar aprotic solvent. The biocompatible polar aprotic solvent is miscible to dispersible in aqueous medium or body fluid. The flowable composition also includes leuprolide acetate.
US08486453B2	Controlled release compositions with reduced food effect The present invention provides a controlled release pharmaceutical composition which exhibits reduced food effect.
US08486446B2	Oral antimicrobial pharmaceutical compositions The present invention relates to oral pharmaceutical compositions with controlled and/or programmed release containing at least one active ingredient having antimicrobial and/or anti-infectious activity for the treatment of infections of the large intestine, in particular the colon.
US08486444B2	Nanobubbles useful as an ultrasonic contrast agent for the lymphatic system A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.
US08486443B2	UV stable transdermal therapeutic plaster with a UV absorbing adhesive layer separated from the drug matrix The invention relates to a UV stable transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) consisting of a back layer, at least one matrix containing an active substance and, optionally, a withdrawal film and an UV-radiation absorber. An adhesive layer containing said UV-radiation absorber is arranged between the back layer and the matrix containing an active substance which is distant as much as possible from a surface, a separation layer is arranged between the adhesive layer containing said UV-radiation absorber and the matrix containing an active substance, which is as remote as possible from the surface which is impermeable to the active substance and UV radiation absorber. The inventive transdermal therapeutic system exhibits a high stability and is devoid of inconveniences of existing TTS containing a light-sensitive substance.
US08486437B2	Multifunctional compounds for forming crosslinked biomaterials and methods of preparation and use Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a single component having at least three reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment. Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury.
US08486432B2	Method of treating animal's exterior for cleaning and/or insect repellency A method of treating animals to reduce the presence of annoying insects around the animal, help clean the animal's exterior, add luster and sheen to the animal's coat or hide, and provide stain repellency includes the application of a gelled composition to the exterior of an animal. The composition includes a nonionic primary surfactant comprising an ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, a nonionic secondary surfactant, and water. The nonionic secondary surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear ethoxylated secondary alcohols, polyoxyethylene ethers, ethoxylated sorbitan monolaurates, ethoxylated fatty acid amides and ethoxylated fatty acids that contain about 7 moles to about 26 moles of ethylene oxide and comprise from about 20 to about 36 weight percent of said composition. The water is in a sufficient amount so that the nonionic primary and secondary surfactants together with the water form a gel.
US08486430B2	Adjustable density, partially water-dispersible carrier for active agents A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium is provided that includes dense mineral granules, comparatively less dense cellulosic granules, and an active agent in simultaneous contact with the mineral granules and the cellulosic granules, the active agent present from 1×10−5 to 10 total weight percent of the medium. A formulation of an active agent is applied to one type of granule as a mixture thereof. Through control of the relative amounts of mineral and cellulosic granules, a controlled medium density is readily adjusted between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.
US08486425B1	Two-phase sunscreen composition The present invention is directed to two-phase sunscreen compositions containing (1) a water phase including an alcohol having five or fewer carbons and a polyol; and (2) an oil phase including at least one sunscreen active, a first emollient, and a second emollient, the first emollient having a first polarity, the second emollient having a second polarity, the first polarity differing from the second polarity. The present invention is also directed to a two-phase sunscreen product formed from the two-phase sunscreen composition and a method of protecting a keratinous substrate from UV radiation by applying onto a surface of the keratinous substrate the two-phase sunscreen product.
US08486423B2	Thermo-kinetic mixing for pharmaceutical applications Compositions and methods for making a pharmaceutical dosage form include making a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients by thermokinetic compounding into a composite. Compositions and methods of preprocessing a composite comprising one or more APIs with one or more excipients include thermokinetic compounding, comprising thermokinetic processing the APIs with the excipients into a composite, wherein the composite can be further processed by conventional methods known in the art, such as hot melt extrusion, melt granulation, compression molding, tablet compression, capsule filling, film-coating, or injection molding.
US08486416B2	Use of SDF-1 to improve ischemic myocardial function A method is provided for increasing trafficking of endothelial progenitor cells to an ischemic myocardium in a subject's heart comprising administering to the subject's heart an amount of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1).
US08486415B2	Use of L. undulata extract as therapeutics for allergic diseases The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and asthma, which comprises administering an extract of Laurencie undulata in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need thereof.
US08486414B2	Immunogenic compositions comprising Mycobacterium tuberculosis polypeptides and fusions thereof The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and polynucleotides encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The invention also relates to methods for their use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of tuberculosis infection.
US08486412B2	Immunity to folate receptors This document provides methods and materials related to assessing immunity to folate receptors. For example, methods and materials for assessing FRα immunity in a mammal are provided. This document also provides methods and materials related to stimulating immunity to folate receptors.
US08486410B2	RLIP76 liposomes for protection against irradiation Methods of preparing a proteoliposome comprise the step of contacting a liposome with an effective portion of RalBP1 to create a proteoliposome. RalBP1 is effective for the protection and treatment of mammals and the environment against the accumulation of toxic compounds and prevents accumulation of one or more toxic compounds, reduces the concentration of toxic compounds, and protects against further contamination with one or more toxic compounds.
US08486409B2	Alpha-emitting constructs and uses thereof The present invention discloses alpha particle emitting, radioactive constructs capable of killing large tumors (>1 mm in diameter), or other cells involved in human or animal diseases such as virus infected cells, autoimmune cells, or other pathological cells, including normal cells, that are targets for destruction, to achieve a therapeutic result. The alpha-emitting constructs have high specific activity.
US08486408B2	Methods for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease Methods are disclosed for treating or preventing graft versus host disease in a subject. The methods include selecting a subject in need of treatment for graft versus host disease; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR5 agonist such as a flagellin polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding the flagellin, thereby treating or preventing graft versus host disease in the subject. Methods are also disclosed for reducing susceptibility to an opportunistic infection in a subject who is a bone marrow transplant recipient. The methods include selecting a subject who has had a bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplant; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR5 agonist such as a flagellin polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, and administering to the subject an effective amount antigen of the opportunistic infection, thereby reducing the susceptibility to the opportunistic infection in the subject.
US08486401B2	Monoclonal antibodies binding to TrkA and acting as NGF-antagonist molecules and their use for treating pain induced by NGF Monoclonal antibodies, synthetic and biotechnological derivatives thereof (ScFv or others) are able to recognise the NGF high affinity receptor, TrkA, and act as NGF-antagonist molecules. Pharmacological compositions for therapy, gene therapy, diagnostics of neurological pathologies are also described. Transgenic animal models to study such pathologies are also described.
US08486397B2	Anti-VEGF-C antibodies and methods using same The invention provides VEGF-C antagonists, such as anti-VEGF-C antibodies, and their use in the prevention and treatment of tumor progression.
US08486390B2	Pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and method of diagnosing same A therapeutic agent for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and the method for preparing the therapeutic agent is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using of a biomarker, the presence of chymotrypsin in the gastrointestinal tract to determine the presence of symptoms of addiction, and the likelihood of relapsing into addiction is disclosed.
US08486388B2	Protein formulation An aqueous composition which comprises a protein or other biological molecule and also (i) optionally comprises one or more metal ions at a concentration of 0.01 to 20 mM; (ii) comprises excipients which are weak ligands; and (iii) is substantially free of excipients which are medium-strength ligands, and is substantially free of excipients which are strong ligands in free form.
US08486387B2	Modified two-component gelation systems, methods of use and methods of manufacture Compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment for post-myocardial infarction are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least two components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer and a substance having at least one cell adhesion site combined in a first buffer at a pH of approximately 6.5. A second component can include a second buffer in a pH of between about 7.5 and 9.0. A second functionalized polymer can be included in the first or second component. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual bore injection device to a treatment area, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.
US08486385B2	Methods for therapy of neurodegenerative disease of the brain A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives form 2.5 μl to 25 μl of neurotrophic composition delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upward of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 μm of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.
US08486382B2	Method for treating cervical cancer Use of Interleukin-20 for treating cervical cancer or cells infected with human papilloma virus. IL-20 can be administered alone or in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapeutic agents or surgical excision of the involved cells or lesions.
US08486376B2	Moisturizing foam containing lanolin The present invention provides a highly tolerable, hydrating lanolin containing foamable composition for administration to the skin, body surface, body cavity or mucosal surface, e.g., the mucosa of the nose, mouth, eye, ear, respiratory system, vagina or rectum. The foamable composition includes lanolin, a surface-active agent, about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric additive selected from the group consisting of a bioadhesive agent, a gelling agent, a film forming agent and a phase change agent, water, and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US08486366B2	Activation of reactive compound with catalyst Concentrated aqueous hydrogen peroxide or another reactive compound in a liquid carrier is activated by atomization and contact with a suitable catalyst that is concurrently atomized in a carrier liquid. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide and a hydrogen peroxide activation catalyst are atomized into a droplet spray for catalytic activation of the hydrogen peroxide in this invention, useful for treatment of a combustion flue gas containing contaminants such as NOχ and/or Hg.
US08486358B2	Carbon dioxide capture method, with optimized acid wash section The carbon dioxide contained in combustion fumes is absorbed by an aqueous amine solution in section B1. The decarbonated fumes are then washed with water in wash section B3. In order to prevent the discharge of amine degradation products with the decarbonated fumes, operation of the method is monitored and a fumes acid wash section U is used when required by the operating conditions of the carbon dioxide capture method.
US08486357B1	Desulfurization apparatus and method of using condensed water produced therein A method of using condensed water produced in a desulfurization apparatus includes the steps of: bringing a gas to be treated, containing a sulfur dioxide and a desulfurization absorption liquid, into contact with each other to absorb and eliminate the sulfur dioxide from the gas to be treated; cooling a desulfurized gas obtained by the elimination of the sulfur dioxide to produce condensed water from the desulfurized gas; and washing the desulfurization apparatus with the condensed water. In the step of washing the desulfurization apparatus, an inlet for introducing the gas to be treated into the desulfurization apparatus may be washed with the condensed water, and a mist eliminator for eliminating the desulfurization absorption liquid accompanying the desulfurized gas from the gas may be washed with the condensed water.
US08486354B2	Method for extracting rare earth material from monazite A method for extracting rare earth elements from monazite is disclosed. The method includes milling a mixture of monazite including phosphates and rare earth elements and sodium hydroxides inside a mill containing a plurality of balls to form powder by colliding the mixture into balls with each other, converting the mixture into rare earth hydroxides and sodium phosphates through the reaction occurring in the process of repeated collision, and extracting rare earth elements from the powder.
US08486353B2	Sample collection cup with integrated activatable sample analysis system Medical and environmental diagnostic devices are described and claimed. Preferred embodiments feature cup (1) within cup configurations wherein one cup is dedicated, for the most part, to sample collection and another cup (2) is dedicated, for the most part, to assay performance. Communication between the cups is afforded by what is believed to be a unique valve assembly (3) and lid (7) tandem.
US08486352B2	Micro-valve structure including polymer actuator and lab-on-a-chip module Provided are a micro-valve structure and a lab-on-a-chip module that include a polymer actuator. The micro-valve structure may include a flexible structure disposed on a substrate, and the polymer actuator inserted into the flexible structure. At this time, the flexible structure has a valve portion defining a microchannel and the polymer actuator is separated from the microchannel by the flexible structure. In addition, the polymer actuator is formed to change a width of the microchannel by controlling a displacement of the valve portion.
US08486350B2	Microchip, microchip liquid supply system, and microchip liquid supply method Provided is a microchip which is capable of determining the quantity of the liquid in the chip and dividing the liquid, and has a relatively simple flow passage structure. In the microchip liquid supply system, a portion of the liquid in an upstream passage among the liquid injected into a first flow passage is supplied from a liquid discharge passage by operating a suction pump connected to a liquid supply passage in such a state that an air vent hole is closed. Thereafter, the suction pump is operated with the air vent hole closed, whereby a portion of the liquid in a quantity determination passage among the liquid injected into the first flow passage is supplied from a liquid supply passage.
US08486348B2	Channel and method of forming channels A device is made by forming sacrificial fibers on a substrate mold. The fibers and mold are covered with a first material. The substrate mold is removed, and the covered fibers are then removed to form channels in the first material.
US08486344B2	Apparatus and methods for treating allograft products There are disclosed systems and methods of delivering sterile fluids aseptically to a sealed canister. In an embodiment, a includes a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet, a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, a bubbler in communication with the vent, and a fluid communicator from the drain outlet. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a canister having an inlet, a vent, and a drain outlet; selectively providing reagents to the canister from a reagent manifold in communication with the inlet, allowing excess gasses to leave the canister with a bubbler in communication with the vent, and selectively purging the reagents from the canister through the drain outlet. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08486340B2	Apparatus and method for continuously producing and pelletizing gas hydrates using dual cylinder Disclosed herein is an apparatus for continuously producing and pelletizing gas hydrates. The apparatus includes a gas supply unit, a water supply unit and a reactor. Gas and water are respectively supplied from the gas supply unit and the water supply unit into the reactor. The gas and water react with each other in the reactor. The reactor includes a dual cylinder unit which forms a gas hydrate in such a way as to squeeze a slurry of reaction water formed by the reaction between the gas and water. The dual cylinder unit includes an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder and a connection pipe which connects the upper cylinder to the lower cylinder. The connection pipe has passing holes through which the reaction water in the reactor flows into and out of the connection pipe.
US08486339B2	Hydrogen chloride gas ejecting nozzle, reaction apparatus for producing trichlorosilane and method for producing trichlorosilane There is provided a hydrogen chrolide gas ejecting nozzle 1 used in a reaction apparatus for producing trichlorosilane in which metal silicon powder is reacted with hydrogen chloride gas to generate trichlorosilane. The member is provided with a shaft portion extending in the longitudinal direction and a head portion that is provided on an end of the shaft portion and extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion. A supply hole extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the shaft portion, a plurality of ejection holes are formed in the head portion, and each of the ejection holes is communicatively connected to the supply hole and opened on the outer surface of the head portion toward a direction intersecting the direction to which the supply hole extends.
US08486336B2	Microchip A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.
US08486328B2	Bonding agent comprising spherical sintered metal oxide powder Powders of respective metal elements (Mn,Co) constituting a transition metal oxide (MnCo2O4) having a spinel type crystal structure are used as a starting material. A paste containing the mixture of the powders is interposed between an air electrode and an interconnector, and with this state, a sintering is performed, whereby a bonding agent according to the present invention can be obtained. This bonding agent has a “co-continuous structure”. In the “co-continuous structure”, a thickness of an arm portion that links many base portions to one another is 0.3 to 2.5 μm. The bonding agent includes a spherical particle in which plural crystal faces are exposed to the surface, the particle having a side with a length of 1 μm or more, among the plural sides constituting the outline of the crystal face. The diameter of the particle is 5 to 80 μm.
US08486322B2	Golf ball manufacturing method The invention provides a method of manufacturing golf balls having a core and least one cover layer which involves injecting a molten cover resin material around a core so as to form a cover layer. The cover resin material is a single resin composition made up of (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane, (B) a polyisocyanate compound and (C) a thermoplastic elastomer other than the thermoplastic polyurethane in a weight ratio (A):(B):(C)=100: {2-50}: {0-50}, and is injected with from 10 to 99% of the total number of isocyanate groups in component B remaining in an unreacted state within the cover resin material. The method of the invention provides a high manufacturability and a good amenability to mass production, and the manufactured gold balls thus obtained have a high rebound and excellent scuff resistance.
US08486320B2	Spindle motor tray adhesive dispensing method and supplementary apparatus A spindle motor tray adhesive dispensing method and supplementary apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base block and a pressure block. The base block supports the tray to be processed, having a blind hole for receiving one end of the center axle of the tray and three adhesive troughs around the blind hole. The pressure block pressed on the tray above the base block and axially movable relative to the base block, having a guide hole for receiving the other end of the center axle of the tray. An open space is defined above the base block around the pressure block within which an adhesive dispenser is movable to dispense a polymer adhesive to the through holes on the tray and the adhesive troughs of the base block to form rubber pads at the tray when cured.
US08486317B2	Apparatus and method for forming laminated and molded garments A method for forming a molded garment is provided. The method includes positioning an assembly of material between a first heated mold element and a second heated mold element, moving the first and second heated mold elements in relation to one another to laminate the assembly of material into a laminated assembly; moving a third heated mold element through the first heated mold element into contact with the laminated assembly so that the third heated mold element shapes a portion of the laminated assembly; and causing the first and second heated mold elements to trim fabric from the laminated to define the molded garment.
US08486315B2	Injection molding method and injection molding device An injection molding device comprises a mold-clamping device that operates in both of a mold-closing state in which a mold is closed under predetermined pressure and a micro mold-open state in which the mold is held in a state in which the mold is open from the mold-closing state by a predetermined amount, an injection device that molds a molded product by injecting a molding material into the mold set to the mold-closing state or the micro mold-open state and a controller that changes a stop position of the mold in the micro mold-open state in accordance with a change of a mold-closing position when the mold-closing position of the mold in the mold-closing state is changed.
US08486312B2	Photochromic naphthopyrans having a double-bridged terphenyl sub-unit The present invention relates to photochromic naphthopyrancs having a double-bridged terphenyl sub-unit, and to the use thereof in plastics of all types, particularly for ophthalmic purposes.
US08486309B2	Negative electrode material for Li-ion batteries An active material for a lithium battery electrode comprises a phase having the formula Li2+v−4cCcTi3−wFexMyM′zO7−α, in which M and M′ are metal ions of groups of 2 to 15 having an ionic radius between 0.5 and 0.8 Å in an octahedral environment, v, w, x, y, z and α being associated by the relationships: 2α=−v+4w−3x−ny−n′z, with n and n′ being the respective formal degrees of oxidation of M and M′; −0.5≦v≦0.5; y+z>0; x+y+z=w; and 0
US08486308B2	Conductive paste composition containing lithium, and articles made therefrom A lead-free paste composition contains an electrically conductive silver powder, one or more glass frits or fluxes, and a lithium compound dispersed in an organic medium. The paste is useful in forming an electrical contact on the front side of a solar cell device having an insulating layer. The lithium compound aids in establishing a low-resistance electrical contact between the front-side metallization and underlying semiconductor substrate during firing.
US08486305B2	Nanoparticle composition and methods of making the same A method of fabricating copper nanoparticles includes heating a copper salt solution that includes a copper salt, an N,N-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about 30° C. to about 50° C.; heating a reducing agent solution that includes a reducing agent, an N,N-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about 30° C. to about 50° C.; and adding the heated copper salt solution to the heated reducing agent solution, thereby producing copper nanoparticles. A composition includes copper nanoparticles, a C6-C18 alkylamine and an N,N′-dialkylethylenediamine ligand. Such copper nanoparticles in this composition have a fusion temperature between about 100° C. to about 200° C. A surfactant system for the stabilizing copper nanoparticles includes an N,N′-dialkylethylenediamine and a C6-C18 alkylamine.
US08486303B2	Granule mass An object of the present invention is to provide a granule mass containing an antioxidant as a main component, which is excellent in flowability, produces little dust from an additive, and can be prepared by a simple facility when an additive such as an antioxidant is added to a plastic such as polyolefin, and affords a plastic having thermal stability which is hardly ununiformized, and a process for producing the same. There is provided a granule mass comprising a granule containing a phenol-based antioxidant represented by the following formula (1) and a sulfur-based antioxidant represented by the following formula (2), wherein a content of the sulfur-based antioxidant (2) relative to a total of 100 parts by weight of phenol-based antioxidant (1) and the sulfur-based antioxidant (2) is 3 to 70 parts by weight.
US08486302B2	Process for manufacture of graphite oxide with purge of chlorine dioxide The present invention relates to a process for preparing a graphite oxide while purging chlorine dioxide. The invention process employs starting materials comprising a sulfuric acid, a nitric acid, a chlorate salt, and a graphite and further employs an inert purge gas.
US08486300B2	Lanthanide doped strontium barium mixed halide scintillators The present invention provides for a composition comprising an inorganic scintillator comprising a lanthanide-doped strontium barium mixed halide useful for detecting nuclear material.
US08486298B2	Liquid-crystalline medium The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising one or more compounds of the formula I in which R0 and X0 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof in electro-optical liquid-crystal displays.
US08486294B2	Hydrofluoroolefin compositions The present invention relates to compositions containing hydrofluoroolefins and to the uses thereof as heat transfer fluids, blowing agents, solvents and aerosols. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions having: 10 to 90% by weight, of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 5 to 85% by weight of HFC-134a and 2 to 20% by weight of HFC-152a.
US08486288B2	Pattern forming method A pattern forming method including: (a) forming a porous layer above an etching target layer; (b) forming an organic material with a transferred pattern on the porous layer; (c) forming, by use of the transferred pattern, a processed pattern in a transfer oxide film that is more resistant to etching than the porous layer; and (d) transferring the processed pattern to the etching target layer by use of the transfer oxide film as a mask.
US08486287B2	Methods for fabrication of positional and compositionally controlled nanostructures on substrate Fabrication methods disclosed herein provide for a nanoscale structure or a pattern comprising a plurality of nanostructures of specific predetermined position, shape and composition, including nanostructure arrays having large area at high throughput necessary for industrial production. The resultant nanostracture patterns are useful for nanostructure arrays, specifically sensor and catalytic arrays.
US08486286B1	Method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording writer having an integrated NFT, heat sink, and pole A method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer coupled with a laser are described. The laser provides energy. The EAMR transducer has an air-bearing surface (ABS) configured to reside in proximity to a media during use. The EAMR transducer includes a near field transducer (NFT) proximate to the ABS for focusing the energy onto the region of the media. The method and system include providing a heat sink having a bottom thermally coupled with the NFT and a top surface at an angle with respect to the ABS. The angle is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees. The method and system also include providing a write pole and at least one coil. The write pole is configured to write to a region of the media. The write pole has a bottom surface thermally coupled with the top surface of the heat sink. The at least one coil is for energizing 24.
US08486285B2	Damascene write poles produced via full film plating A method for forming a write pole comprises forming a stop layer over a substrate layer of a wafer, the stop layer having an opening above a damascene trench in the substrate layer, and forming a buffer layer over the stop layer, the buffer layer having an opening above the opening of the stop layer. The method further comprises plating a layer of magnetic material over the wafer, disposing a first sacrificial material over a region of the magnetic material above the damascene trench, performing a milling or etching operation over the wafer to remove the magnetic material not covered by the first sacrificial material and to remove the first sacrificial material, disposing a second sacrificial material over the wafer, and performing a polishing operation over the wafer to remove the region of the magnetic material above the damascene trench, the second sacrificial material, and the buffer layer.
US08486283B2	Method of making fusible links Methods of fabricating the fusible link are directed to processing a multi-layer clad foil having a first layer suitable for forming a fusible link and a second layer suitable for forming one or more welding pads. In some embodiments, the first layer is an aluminum layer and the second layer is a nickel layer. A two-step etching process or a single step etching process is performed on the clad foil to form an etched clad foil having multiple tabs made of the second layer used as current collector conductor pads and battery cell conductor pads, and one or more tabs made of the first layer that form aluminum conductors. The aluminum conductors are shaped and sized to form aluminum fusible conductors during either the etching process or a subsequent stamping process. A single fusible link or an array of fusible links can be formed.
US08486282B2	Acid chemistries and methodologies for texturing transparent conductive oxide materials Surface texturing of the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) front contact of a thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell is needed to enhance the light-trapping capability of the TFPV solar cells and thus improving the solar cell efficiency. Embodiments of the current invention describe chemical formulations and methods for the wet etching of the TCO. The formulations and methods may be optimized to tune the surface texturing of the TCO as desired.
US08486280B2	Method of forming nanostructured surface on polymer electrolyte membrane of membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell The present invention provides a method of forming a nanostructured surface (NSS) on a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, in which a nanostructured surface is suitably formed on a polymer electrolyte membrane by plasma treatment during plasma assisted etching in a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) chamber, where catalyst particles or a catalyst layer are directly deposited on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane having the nanostructured surface.
US08486278B2	Drug-delivery pumps and methods of manufacture Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.
US08486273B2	Water deflection silt collection system A device for removing silt from flowing water by temporarily slowing the water enough to permit silt to settle naturally to the bottom is disclosed. The water may be slowed by a combination of increased depth and obstructions in the form of rough rocks and chain link fencing.
US08486271B2	Environmentally-friendly cementitious articles, formulations, methods of making and uses Described herein is a cementitious article and a method of making using a water-based manufacturing system that incorporates a closed-loop or partially closed loop water recycling system and an alkali removal process. The system, as such is environmentally friendly, saves resources, such as water and other raw materials, and reduces waste disposal. The system further provides for a cementitious article having a low alkali content. Articles prepared by one or more processes described herein have characteristics that include a low apparent density, high strength and high freeze-thaw performance as compared with an article of the same general formulation but made from a comparative manufacturing system that does not include an alkali removal process. Articles described herein are suitable for use as building products, such as siding, the underlayment panel, board, trim, fascia, roofing, decking, and fence.
US08486269B2	Method for generating softened injection water A method for generating softened injection water (A) (i) introducing source water having a dissolved solids content of up to 15,000 mg/liter and a multivalent cation content of greater than 40 mg/liter to a bed of cation exchange resin in monovalent cation form, (ii) passing the water through the bed so that at least a portion of the multivalent cations in the water are replaced by monovalent cations from the resin, and (iii) withdrawing the softened injection water having a multivalent cation content of up to 40 mg/liter; (B) regenerating the cation exchange resin by (i) introducing a regenerating brine to the vessel, (ii) passing the brine through the bed and (iii) withdrawing a brine containing displaced multivalent cations, wherein the brine is a naturally occurring high salinity water having a concentration of cations such that the Softening Limit for the source water is up to 40 mg/liter of multivalent cations.
US08486265B2	Stackable modular ultra pure water machine A stackable modular ultra pure water machine has at least one water tank module, at least one terminal processing module, at least one purification module, at least one water outlet module and a control module that connected together in a stack. The control module has an LED display and a faceplate. Therefore, it is convenient to add or remove modules with different functions to form a customizable ultra pure water machine.
US08486258B2	Gasoline hydrodesulfurization and membrane unit to reduce mercaptan type sulfur A process for the hydrodesulfurization of gasoline is disclosed, the process including: feeding (1) a cracked naphtha containing mercaptans and other organic sulfur compounds and (2) hydrogen to a first hydrodesulfurization reactor containing one or more beds of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst; contacting sulfur compounds comprising the other organic sulfur compounds in the cracked naphtha with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst to convert a portion of the other organic sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide; withdrawing from the hydrodesulfurization reactor an effluent comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide. The effluent from the hydrodesulfurization reactor is fed to a membrane separation system containing a membrane for partitioning the hydrocarbons from the hydrogen sulfide. For example, the membrane may be selective to hydrogen sulfide, to separate a permeate fraction comprising hydrogen sulfide from a residue fraction comprising the hydrocarbons.
US08486256B2	Electrochemical technique to measure concentration of multivalent cations simultaneously Methods and systems for simultaneously measuring concentration of two or more different cations in solution. The methods include the steps of applying a steady state polarization technique to a solution comprising two or more different cations; measuring the limiting currents of the solution; and correlating the limiting currents with the concentration of the different cations. The system includes a working electrode; a potentiostat; a counter electrode; a reference electrode; a solution comprising different cations to be analyzed; and a model for correlating the limiting currents with the concentration of the pair cations. The working electrode may be any electrode compatible with the media, including noble metals, carbon, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the working electrode is a rotating disk electrode (RDE).
US08486255B2	System, apparatus, and method for measuring an ion concentration of a measured fluid A primary pump current is directed through a primary electrochemical cell system between first and second constant primary pump currents to direct a first ion flow into and out from a shared measuring chamber. A first output signal generated by the primary electrochemical cell system in accordance with a first ion concentration within the shared measuring chamber is detected. A second output signal generated by a secondary electrochemical cell system in accordance with a second ion concentration within the shared measuring chamber is also detected. Based on a relationship between the first and second output signals, a secondary pump current is directed through the secondary electrochemical cell system between first and second constant secondary pump currents to direct a second ion flow into and out from the shared measuring chamber.
US08486249B2	Cold spray and anodization repair process for restoring worn aluminum parts A method for repairing an aluminum part having a worn portion is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (i) producing a first substantially non-porous coating over the worn portion utilizing a cold spray process wherein a powder mixture is propelled against the worn portion of the aluminum part, and (ii) anodizing the aluminum part to grow an aluminum oxide layer overlaying the first substantially non-porous coating. The powder mixture includes aluminum and an alloy media.
US08486247B2	Use of microfluidic systems in the electrochemical detection of target analytes The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.
US08486240B2	Ceramic electrode material and manufacturing method thereof A corrosion-resistant ceramic electrode material includes ceramic particles and, present between them, a three-dimensional network electroconducting path composed of a reductively fired product of a carbon-containing polymeric compound. This material is manufactured by a method in which a polymerization reaction of a polymerizable monomer previously contained in a ceramic slurry is performed to gel the ceramic slurry to thereby give a green body; and after drying and degreasing, the green body is fired in a reducing atmosphere.
US08486234B2	Plating apparatus and plating method A plating apparatus can form a bump having a flat top or can form a metal film having a good in-plane uniformity even when the plating of a plating object (substrate) is carried out under high-current density conditions. The plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution; an anode to be immersed in the plating solution in the plating tank; a holder for holding a plating object and disposing the plating object at a position opposite the anode; a paddle, disposed between the anode and the plating object held by the holder, which reciprocates parallel to the plating object to stir the plating solution; and a control section for controlling a paddle drive section which drives the paddle. The control section controls the paddle drive section so that the paddle moves at a velocity whose average absolute value is 70 cm/sec to 100 cm/sec.
US08486231B2	Pryolytic energy recovery system Provided is a pyrolytic energy recovery system for pyrolyzing wastes to obtain oil, the system including: a recovery furnace; a heat plate for dividing an inner space of the recovery furnace; a heating chamber disposed under the heat plate; a pyrolysis chamber disposed over the heat plate; a heating pipe line installed inside the front and rear surfaces of the recovery furnace; a rotary means constituted by a plurality of rotaries installed in the pyrolysis chamber to evenly distribute recyclable materials introduced through the recyclable material inlet port; a residual discharge means having primary residual conveyance screws longitudinally installed along the valley of the heat plate, a residual hopper installed at a separate space in the heating chamber such that the residual conveyed to a center part of the heat plate through the primary conveyance screws is lowered to be gathered, and a secondary residual conveyance screw installed from the residual hopper to the exterior of the recovery furnace and discharging the residual accumulated in the residual hopper to the exterior of the recovery furnace; and a condensing means separately installed at the exterior of the recovery furnace and receiving vaporized extracts generated through pyrolysis of the recyclable material in the pyrolysis chamber to exchange heat with the extracts to extract liquefied recovery oil.
US08486226B1	Low hygroexpansivity paper sheet A paper sheet is providing having a basis weight of 50 to 80 g/m2, and having a top surface and a bottom surface, said paper sheet comprising 10%-80% by weight of hardwood kraft pulp; and 10%-70% by weight of sulfite pulp; wherein the paper sheet has an MD/CD TSI ratio of 1.25 to 2.15, and a fiber hygroexpansion stress transfer parameter (ω) of less than 0.1.
US08486221B2	Focus ring heating method, plasma etching apparatus, and plasma etching method There are provided a method of heating a focus ring and a plasma etching apparatus, capable of simplifying a structure of a heating mechanism without a dummy substrate. The plasma etching apparatus includes a vacuum processing chamber; a lower electrode serving as a mounting table for mounting a substrate thereon; an upper electrode provided to face the lower electrode; a gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas; a high frequency power supply for supplying a high frequency power to the lower electrode to generate a plasma of the processing gas; and a focus ring provided on the lower electrode to surround a periphery of the substrate. In the plasma etching apparatus, the focus ring is heated by irradiating a heating light thereto from a light source provided outside the vacuum processing chamber.
US08486218B2	Method of manufacturing a part of a MEMS system A method of manufacturing a bonded body of a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor device to be mounted on the semiconductor substrate are provided. The method includes: preparing a first base member and a second base member; imparting liquid repellency for a liquid material to at least a part of a bonding film non-formation region of the first base member to form a liquid repellent region thereon; supplying the liquid material onto the first base member to selectively form a liquid coating on a bonding film formation region of the first base member; drying the liquid coating to obtain a bonding film on the bonding film formation region; and bonding the first base member and the second base member together through the bonding film due to a bonding property developed in a vicinity of a surface of the bonding film to thereby obtain the bonded body.
US08486215B2	Two-piece washing tank for a dishwasher and a method for manufacturing a two-piece washing tank for dishwashers A two-piece washing tank for a dishwasher and a method for manufacturing the two-piece washing tank for a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a washing container and an assembly base made from plastic. The washing container has a base formed from a substantial portion of the top side of the plastic assembly base and side and rear walls formed substantially of stainless steel.
US08486213B2	Method of making composite laminated product A method of making a composite light diffusing panel including at least spaced apart lites with a fabric layer applied to an inner surface of at least one of said lites, involves applying a transparent adhesive to the layer of fabric or the lite(s), firmly applying the layer of fabric onto the lite(s) to avoid wrinkling fabric, curing the adhesive to bond the fabric to the lite(s), and assembling the lites to form the light diffusing panel. In this way, a functionally useful product can be obtained that does not suffer from wrinkling and other distracting effects.
US08486212B2	Method and apparatus for mounting electric component An electronic component mounting apparatus is capable of significantly reducing a warpage amount of an electronic component warped in a case of thermocompression bonding using a conductive adhesive agent having conductive particles and a low minimum melt viscosity where a thin electronic component having a thickness smaller than or equal to 200 μm is mounted on a wiring board. In the mounting apparatus, an anisotropic conductive adhesive film having the minimum melt viscosity lower than or equal to 1.0×103 Pa·s is placed on a wiring board placed on a base, and an IC chip having a thickness smaller than or equal to 200 μm is placed on the anisotropic conductive adhesive film. In the mounting apparatus, the IC chip is pressurized by a thermocompression bonding head having a compression bonding portion made of elastomer having a rubber hardness lower than or equal to 60, so that the IC chip is bonded onto the wiring board by thermocompression.
US08486211B2	Methods for manufacturing a paint roller and component parts thereof having a composite cover formed of compounded material Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process. Also described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight, and methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight.
US08486210B2	Apparatus for producing elastomeric nonwoven laminates An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.
US08486209B2	Method for the production of a breathable multilayer synthetic leather, and breathable multilayer synthetic leather A method for the production of a breathable multilayer synthetic leather with a backing layer of a textile sheet, at least one intermediate layer applied to the backing layer and based on an at least to some extent open-cell whipped polyurethane foam and, applied full-surface to the at least one intermediate layer, an outer layer based on a polyurethane.
US08486208B2	Cold crack additive on paving advertising and related methods A paving advertisement has an elongated flexible tape body with a base substrate layer. The base substrate layer has front and rear faces, the front face having at least one text message that conveys information. The base substrate layer is treated with a cold crack additive, thereby increasing strength and flexibility.
US08486207B2	Low-smoke pyrotechnic composition for producing colored flames The present invention provides a chlorine-containing pyrotechnic composition which is substantially free of per-chlorate which composition comprises a nitrocellulose which is derived from a fibrous nitrocellulose starting material that has at least partially been dissolved during the process of preparing the pyrotechnic composition, and a colorant. The invention further provides a firework article comprising said pyrotechnic composition, and a method for preparing the same.
US08486206B2	Method for warm swaging Al-Mg alloy parts A method for the production of swaged aluminum alloy parts, by production of a 0.5 mm-5 mm thick alloy strip made of 1-6 wt. % Mg, <1.2 wt. % Mn, <1 wt. % Cu, <1 wt. % Zn, <3 wt. % Si, <2 wt. % Fe, <0.4 wt. % Cr, Zr<0.3, other elements <0.1 each, total of <0.5, the remainder being Al, cutting a blank from the strip, locally or totally heating the blank at a temperature of 150-350° C. for <30 secs, and swaging the heated blank with the aid of heated tools, at least partially, at a temperature of 150-350° C. in the presence of a lubricant which is compatible with later operations. The swaged parts are automotive body work parts.
US08486205B2	High strength hot rolled steel sheet excellent in bore expanding workability and method for production thereof A high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet containing C: 0.05 to 0.15%, Si: no more than 1.50% (excluding 0%), Mn: 0.5 to 2.5%, P: no more than 0.035% (excluding 0%), S: no more than 0.01% (including 0%), Al: 0.02 to 0.15%, and Ti: 0.05 to 0.2%, which is characterized in that its metallographic structure is composed of 60 to 95 vol % of bainite and solid solution-hardened or precipitation-hardened ferrite (or ferrite and martensite) and its fracture appearance transition temperature (vTrs) is no higher than 0° C. as obtained by impact tests (% in terms of % by weight).
US08486203B2	Conversion coating and anodizing sealer with no chromium Aqueous acidic coating solutions containing a water soluble divalent zinc compound, a complex fluoride compound, and an organic inhibitor for improving the corrosion resistance and adhesive bonding characteristics of aluminum, aluminum alloys, anodic coatings and sacrificial coatings, are disclosed. Suitable organic inhibitors include oximes, such as salicylaldoxime, and/or quinolines, particularly 8-hydroxyquinoline, and mixtures thereof.
US08486199B2	Ultrasonic cleaning method and apparatus A device and method for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer provides a treatment fluid in the form of a dispersion of gas bubbles in a treatment liquid generated at acoustic pressures less than those required to induce cavitation in the treatment liquid. A resonator supplies ultrasonic or megasonic energy to the treatment fluid and is configured to create an interference pattern in the treatment fluid comprising regions of pressure amplitude minima and maxima at an interface of the treatment fluid and the semiconductor wafer.
US08486198B2	Method of processing substrates This invention relates to a method of processing substrates including: (a) etching, in a chamber, a generally vertical structure in a substrate using a cyclic process including an etch step using a reactive etch gas and a deposition step for depositing a protective polymer on to the side walls of that part of the structure which has already been etched by a preceding etch step or steps; and (b) cleaning, in the absence of any substrate, the chamber of material deposited thereon by the performance of the deposition step in step (a) characterized in that following the cleaning of the deposition derived material, the chamber is cleaned of material derived from the etchant gas by exposing the chamber to a plasma containing a mixture of O2 and at least the active element of elements of the etchant gas.
US08486197B2	Method of saccharification and separation for plant fiber materials A method of saccharification and separation for plant fiber materials is provided. The method includes hydrolyzing cellulose contained in the plant fiber materials using a cluster acid catalyst in a pseudo-molten state to produce saccharide. The method further includes a first separation step of separating a mixture containing an aqueous saccharide solution in which at least a portion of the saccharide produced is dissolved, a cluster acid organic solvent solution, and residues into a solid content containing the residues and a liquid content containing the aqueous saccharide solution and the cluster acid catalyst solvent solution. The method further includes a second separation step of dehydrating the liquid content by a dehydration means capable of absorbing water through chemical absorption to deposit the saccharide in the aqueous saccharide solution, and separating a solid content containing the saccharide from a liquid content containing the cluster acid catalyst and the organic solvent.
US08486196B2	Vaporizing apparatus and film forming apparatus provided with vaporizing apparatus Because an evaporating apparatus for use in an MOCVD film deposition system has a structure in which a plurality of gas passages brings in a gas from the upper direction, the apparatus has a difficulty to position a jet nozzle, and the apparatus is incapable of accurately controlling the pressure and flow rate of a carrier gas mixed with a raw material solution to be issued into an evaporating unit, and it is thus difficult to highly accurately control the composition of MOCVD films. A plurality of gas passages is arranged on a flat, disk-shaped plate. With this configuration, the accurate positioning of the jet nozzle can be made easier, and the composition of MOCVD films can be controlled highly accurately.
US08486193B2	Systems for forming semiconductor materials by atomic layer deposition Methods of depositing a III-V semiconductor material on a substrate include sequentially introducing a gaseous precursor of a group III element and a gaseous precursor of a group V element to the substrate by altering spatial positioning of the substrate with respect to a plurality of gas columns. For example, the substrate may be moved relative to a plurality of substantially aligned gas columns, each disposing a different precursor. Thermalizing gas injectors for generating the precursors may include an inlet, a thermalizing conduit, a liquid container configured to hold a liquid reagent therein, and an outlet. Deposition systems for forming one or more III-V semiconductor materials on a surface of the substrate may include one or more such thermalizing gas injectors configured to direct the precursor to the substrate via the plurality of gas columns.
US08486189B2	Cosmetic comprising multi-colored lustrous pearlescent pigments A cosmetic containing a pearlescent pigment comprising a substrate and a first layer, wherein the first layer comprises iron oxide, wherein the iron has from about 1% to about 30% Fe(II) and from about 70% to about 99% Fe(III).
US08486178B2	Cross-pleated membrane cartridges, and method and apparatus for making cross-pleated membrane cartridges A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.
US08486173B2	Collapsible underhood container A collapsible underhood container for mounting under a vehicle hood with a portion of the collapsible underhood container extending into an area between the hood and an underhood safety plane when in an extended position, the container comprising: a lower housing, an upper container portion and a locking feature. The lower housing is fixed relative to the vehicle and has a bottom and side walls. The upper container portion has walls adjacent to and telescopically slidable on the side walls of the lower housing and a top, with the top located in the area between the hood and the safety plane. The locking feature maintains the upper container relative to the lower housing when in the extended position and releases the upper container portion to slide downward relative to the lower housing to a collapsed position when the hood contacts the upper container.
US08486163B2	Micro reforming reactor for fuel cell and method of preparing the same A micro reforming reactor includes a first substrate with a micro channel having a width of less than 1,000 μm bonded to a second substrate to form a micro tunnel. An adhesive layer is formed on the internal walls of the micro tunnel using a flow coating method. A catalyst may then be optionally formed on the adhesive coated internal walls of the micro tunnel, also using a flow coating method.
US08486162B2	Reformer for fuel cell system and fuel cell system having the same A reformer of a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system including a reformer are disclosed. The reformer includes a reformation unit comprising a pipe through which fuel passes. The pipe is formed from a material adapted to induce a catalytic reformation reaction in the pipe. The reformer includes a heat source unit for heating and evaporating the fuel by heating the pipe. The fuel cell system includes such a reformer, a stack for generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, a fuel supply unit, and an air supply unit.
US08486160B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery comprises: an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of positive electrode plates, a plurality of negative electrode plates, and a plurality of separators; and a case enclosing the electrode assembly; wherein each separator in the plurality of separators comprises a central portion facing at least one of the positive and negative electrode plates, and an extended portion that extends past the positive and negative electrode plates, and wherein each of the extended portion comprises an adhered portion that is adhered to adjacent extended portions.
US08486159B2	Method for producing positive electrode active material and positive electrode active material The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing simply a positive electrode active material which can further increase charge-discharge capacity of secondary batteries when the positive electrode active material is used for positive electrode of secondary batteries, particularly non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. A method for producing a positive electrode active material includes the step of heat-treating a lithium mixed metal oxide represented by the formula Li2MO3 in the presence of a hydride wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni.
US08486156B2	Prosthetic foot with a curved split Prosthetic feet having a split feature are described. The prosthetic feet can include a plate-like upper element and a plate-like lower element connected to the upper element. The plate-like upper element can include a split that separates the upper element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. A portion of the split can curve in a medial or lateral direction. Portions of the split can also be straight, but askew, from a longitudinal axis of the upper element. The plate-like lower element can also include a similar curved split that separates the lower element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. These features, among others, are designed to provide multi-axial movement capabilities of a natural human foot and enhance roll-over properties while in use.
US08486153B2	Anti-obesity devices Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
US08486150B2	Patient-modified implant An orthopedic implant includes a first portion including at least one feature modified to be patient-specific and match the anatomy of a specific patient from a three-dimensional digital image of a patient's joint using computer modeling. The orthopedic implant includes a non-custom inner bone-engaging surface including a plurality of planar surfaces configured for engagement with non-custom bone cuts.
US08486148B2	Hinged spinal fusion cages A spinal interbody fusion cage has a body whose anterior/posterior profile may be varied through angular positioning of one or more articulating segments of the body without changing the superior/inferior height of the body. The present spinal interbody fusion cage has N segments or sections wherein at least one segment is articulated relative to another segment via a connection point, pivot or pivot structure such that the anterior/posterior profile is variable through angular positioning of one or more of the segments. The pivot structure may be configured so as to allow unidirectional movement between the connecting segments thereby allowing articulation in one plane or to allow omni-directional movement between the connecting segments thereby allowing articulation in multiple planes. The various forms of the present interbody fusion cage include superior and inferior sides or bone abutment surfaces that have serrations, teeth or similar functioning structures (teeth). The teeth extend between the anterior end and the posterior end. The teeth may take different shapes but are configured to allow insertion of the spinal interbody fusion cage in an anterior-first manner while preventing and/or inhibiting the spinal interbody fusion cage from backing out posteriorly.
US08486146B2	Orthopedic device assembly with elements coupled by a retaining structure The present invention provides an orthopedic device assembly comprising a first assembly element, a second assembly element, and a retaining mechanism. The first assembly element has a recess that receives the second assembly element, and the retaining mechanism holds the second element in an assembled state with the first assembly element. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining member with an angular cross-section defined by a base portion and a lateral flange portion projecting from the base portion. The retaining member is inserted through an aperture of the first assembly element into a groove in a wall of the recess of the first assembly element, with the flange portion projecting laterally of the groove and overhanging a shoulder portion of the second assembly element so as to retain the second assembly element in the assembled state with the first assembly element.
US08486142B2	Accommodating intraocular lenses An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. Certain haptic features improve the accommodative performance of the haptic, such that compressive/tensile forces may be more efficiently transferred from the haptic to optic. Furthermore, certain aspects also provide enhanced bag-sizing capability so that the IOL better fits within the capsular bag.
US08486140B2	Refractive intraocular implant lens and method A refractive intraocular lens (104) and method of locating the lens within the eye and attaching the lens to the iris. The refractive intraocular lens (104) may be attached via a staple (230), a fastener (312), anchor (412) or by the tip of the haptic (118). The intraocular lens (104) works in combination with the human crystalline lens to treat conditions selected from the group consisting of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
US08486138B2	Method and apparatus for prosthetic valve removal A method and apparatus for facilitating transapical removal of a prosthetic heart valve, i.e., percutaneously implantable valve (PIV), without open-heart surgery. The apparatus includes a holding tool for holding the PIV, a cutting tool for separating the PrV from fibrotic tissue accumulating around the PIV, and a removal tool for extracting the PIV from the heart.
US08486128B2	Delivery system for a medical device The invention is directed to a delivery system for delivering a medical device. The delivery system includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner member defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A tip is formed at the distal end of the inner member. A bumper is freely disposed on the inner member. The bumper has a proximal end and a distal end. A seat is defined between the tip and the distal end of the bumper. Additionally, a sheath is disposed about the inner member, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. The sheath is movable from a first sheath position substantially covering the seat, and a second sheath position axially offset to expose the seat. The invention also includes a handle in contact with the proximal end of the inner member.
US08486127B2	High temperature thermal therapy of breast cancer A method is described for preventing breast cancer recurrence after surgical removal of a breast cancer mass. Specifically, the method is thermal treatment of breast tissue surrounding a cavity after lumpectomy for breast cancer. Delivery of a heated fluid is through a balloon catheter to the cavity generated after lumpectomy with the goal of ablating the surrounding tissue, including transformed cells that were not removed through surgery. A balloon and controller were designed for this application.
US08486125B2	Diabetes symptom relief through a laser based medical device Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing diabetic symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a first medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a body. The method also includes reducing elevated blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin levels caused by one or more metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The method further includes providing a relief from the secondary complications of elevated blood glucose levels such as blurred vision, etc., when the treatment is complete.
US08486124B2	Controlled protocol timer A phototherapy treatment dispensing device provides therapeutic light emissions treatments. The device provides additional means for controlling a patient's exposure to those treatments through a controlled protocol timer. The controlled protocol timer can provide for incremental exposure increases; monitors patient compliance with a treatment regimen; and reminds the patient when a treatment will soon be overdue.
US08486122B2	Device for removal of intermaxillary fixation There is provided an intermaxillary fixation releasing device in which intermaxillary fixation can be released without a special tool, and the labor of the practitioner and the burden on the patient are reduced. The intermaxillary fixation releasing device comprises a maxillary joint composed of a first synthetic resin; a mandibular joint composed of a second synthetic resin; and a connector composed of an elastomer, wherein the maxillary joint is provided with an upper-side interlocking part and an upper-side support part; the mandibular joint is provided with a lower-side interlocking part and a lower-side support part; the elastomer forming the connector is incompatible or substantially incompatible with the first synthetic resin and the second synthetic resin; and the maxillary joint and the mandibular joint are joined with the connector in a state in which the upper-side support part and the lower-side support part are embedded in the connector.
US08486119B2	Implant comprising one or more electrodes and corresponding insertion instrument An implant for placement in an anatomical structure includes at least two electrodes separated by an insulator, the electrodes being flush with the surface of the implant to allow the implant to be followed up and guided during insertion in the anatomical structure.
US08486118B2	Device for osteosynthesis A bone plate system includes (a) Bone Plate having a bottom surface for contacting bone, an upper surface and at least one through hole extending from the bottom surface to the upper surface, the through hole having a central axis and a cross-section that extends orthogonally to the central axis and is one of at least partially polygonal, at least partially prismatic, and at least partially elliptical; (b) Bushing within the through hole, Bushing including a central bore designed to receive a bone fixation element, a cross-section of Bushing orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of Bushing is shaped substantially the same as the cross-section of the through hole so that Bushing is secured against rotation about its longitudinal axis; and (c) at least one Bone Fixation Element having a portion for anchoring within bone, Bone Fixation Element configured and dimensioned for insertion into the central bore of Bushing.
US08486115B2	Spinal plate assemblies with backout protection cap and methods A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bone screw, and at least one cap member. The screw extends into a through hole of the plate and a head of the screw seats in the through hole. The plate includes an undercut slot adjacent to the through hole. The cap includes at least one tab member that extends radially outward. The cap is mounted in the through hole with the tab member positioned in the undercut slot to inhibit the screw from backing out of the plate. In some arrangements, the tab member is rotatable within the undercut slot from an unlocked position to a locked position.
US08486113B2	Spinal stabilization systems Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.
US08486112B2	Modular multi-level spine stabilization system and method A multi-level spine stabilization system comprises a plurality of securing members configured for attachment to a plurality of vertebrae. A plurality of adjustable rods segments extend between the plurality of securing members. The adjustable rod comprises a first rod segment that engages a second rod segment in an adjustable relationship. The length of the rod may be adjusted by moving the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment. For example, the first rod segment may be in a slideable relationship with the second rod segment such that sliding the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment results in a change in the length of the rod. In one embodiment, portions of both the first rod segment and the second rod segment are positioned within and secured to the securing member. Advantageously, the multi-level spine stabilization system described herein may be used to center dynamic portions of the rod between securing members.
US08486109B2	Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing such devices A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.
US08486108B2	Closure device and methods for making and using them A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08486104B2	Mechanical clot treatment device with distal filter This is a surgical device usually delivered through an intravascular catheter. It may be used in several ways. It may, for instance, be used to open a clear passageway adjacent thrombus to allow both blood and medication to bypass the clot. It may be used to pierce and to remove thrombus. These thrombus are often found in tortuous vasculature. The device includes several sections. The device has a core element, typically a core wire. Placed around the distal end of the core element is a collapsible but preferably self expanding proximal cage assembly and a distal filter, preferably a self-expanding cage assembly or other filter component. The various portions of those components are preferably radio-opaque. The proximal end of the proximal cage is typically is affixed to an actuator in such a way as to allow expansion of the cage after deployment. The proximal cage assembly may be used for collecting emboli or for displacing them to allow blood flow to resume, either with or without concurrent clot-dissolving drug treatment. The distal sector, whether a self-expanding cage or fan, is placed distally of the thrombus to collect portions of the thrombus which may loosen during the treatment or removal procedure.
US08486093B2	Systems and methods for securing a graft member to tissue using one or more tacking devices The present embodiments provide systems and methods for repairing tissue using one or more tacking devices. In one embodiment, the system comprises a graft member and at least one protective member configured to enclose at least a portion of a tacking device. The protective member may include, without limitation, a pocket having an enclosure forming an interior space, a plug of material or a barrier layer. When at least one tacking device is deployed to couple the graft member to the tissue, at least a portion of the tacking device is enclosed by the protective member to reduce the exposure of the tacking device.
US08486092B2	Closure device and methods for making and using them A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08486091B2	Endoscopic surgical clip applier An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.
US08486087B2	System and method for removing excised tissue A method and system for removing tissue from a body cavity is provided. The system includes a retrieval bag that is insertable through a first incision in tissue and includes open and closed ends. A surgical instrument is insertable into the body cavity and configured to grasp and excise a sample/specimen from within the body cavity and selectively substantially seal the retrieval bag. A fluid circulator in fluid communication with the surgical instrument and the open end of the retrieval bag is configured to evacuate gaseous matter from within the body cavity and into the open end of the retrieval bag such that the retrieval bag substantially encircles the excised tissue specimen.
US08486085B2	Surgical microscopy system and method for performing eye surgery A surgical microscopy system comprises microscopy optics for generating an image of an eye under surgery. A pattern generator generates a pattern to be superimposed with the image. An eye-tracker is provided for tracking a position of the superimposed pattern with respect to the image in case of a movement of the eye. The superimposed pattern comprises pattern elements that are equally distributed on first and second circles of different sizes, in order to give assistance when placing a suture during a corneal transplant. The superimposed pattern may also provide an assistance for orientating a toric intra-ocular lens.
US08486078B2	Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement methods related thereto The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.
US08486077B1	Percutaneous posterolateral spine fusion A method, tools, and system for performing a percutaneous or minimally invasive spine fusion procedure are provided. A trocar and then dilator are used to create a channel for a hollow and longitudinally slit delivery tube. The method includes inserting a decorticator, such as a rasp, via a delivery tube, decorticating a first region of a first bone associated with a spine, and pushing a bone fusion substance via the delivery tube to the region to fuse the first region with a second region of a second bone associated with the spine. The spine fusion may be a posterolateral fusion and the first region may be a transverse process region of a lumber spine. The bone fusion substance may be pushed using a pusher instrument inserted into the delivery tube, and the delivery tube may be removed while the pusher instrument is held in place to direct the bone fusion substance.
US08486070B2	Telemetric orthopaedic implant An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.
US08486068B2	System, kit and apparatus for attachment of external fixators for bone realignment The present invention includes a system, kit and apparatus to aid in the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The present invention provides a substantially rigid orthopedic stabilization scaffold for attachment of one or more external fixators for the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The orthopedic stabilization scaffold includes a first anchorable frame and a second anchorable frame that are removably attachable to an operating table and connected adjustably by one or more crossbars.
US08486066B2	Spacer The relationship between first and second portions of a bone in a patient's body is changed by moving a wedge member into a slot formed in the bone. Force is applied against hard cortical bone by the wedge member. This force pivots the first portion of the bone relative to the second portion of the bone about an axis extending through bone interconnecting the first and second portions of the bone. As the wedge member moves into the bone, a side surface of the wedge member is moved into alignment with an outer side surface of the bone. The wedge member is fixedly connected with the bone. The wedge member is rigid so that the bone can immediately be load bearing. One or more openings may be provided in the wedge member to enable bone to grow through the wedge member. The wedge member may contain a material which promotes growth of bone through the wedge member.
US08486062B2	Curved ablation catheter A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.
US08486061B2	Imaginary impedance process monitoring and intelligent shut-off An electrosurgical generator for supplying electrosurgical energy to tissue is disclosed. The generator includes sensor circuitry configured to measure an imaginary impedance and/or a rate of change of the imaginary impedance of tissue. The generator also includes a controller configured to regulate output of the electrosurgical generator based on the measured imaginary impedance and/or the rate of change of the imaginary impedance.
US08486055B2	Method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues A method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues. The method comprises irradiating select regions of ocular tissue with a visible or near-IR laser. The irradiation results in the formation of structures in the ocular tissue, characterized by a change in refractive index, and which exhibit little or no scattering loss.
US08486053B2	Friction compensation in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range.
US08486045B2	Surgical access device with adjustable cannula A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.
US08486044B2	Port assembly for use with needleless connector A port assembly includes a housing with an opening and a bore therethrough, a slit septum disposed in the opening to control access through the opening, a base joined to the housing and having a membrane attached thereto, a perforator having a first end abutting the slit septum and a second end aligned with the membrane, and a resilient member disposed between the perforator and the base. The perforator has first and second lumens, the first lumen extending between the first and second ends of the perforator and the second lumen extending between a point between the first and second ends and the second end. The perforator also has a seal disposed about the first lumen at the first end of the perforator, and a valve associated with the second lumen to limit flow of fluid through the second lumen in the direction of the second end.
US08486043B2	Inhalation drug delivery Described here are unit dose containers, methods, and kits for treating asthma and other pulmonary conditions by nebulization. The unit doses of active agents are provided in a low volume formulation, which results in faster nebulization of the unit doses. The containers are also formed to minimize internal surface area so that effective re-dispersion of the active agents can be achieved while reducing adsorption to the walls of the containers.
US08486041B2	Refastenable absorbent article and a method of applying thereof Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric flaps and a fastening system that provides the user with options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08486040B2	Wearing article A wearing article includes front and rear waist regions joined together. A joint strength of joint arrays along the front and rear waist regions is generally uniformed. A chassis is formed along front waist region's side edges and rear waist region's side edges with the joint arrays. A liquid-absorbent structure includes front and rear ends opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction and extending in a transverse direction. The front end is covered with a front waist sheet and the rear end is covered with a rear waist sheet. Along the respective joint arrays, the front and rear waist sheets are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction.
US08486039B2	Disposable diaper The present invention provides a disposable diaper which prevents body waste from leaking sideways without sacrificing a bodily fluid absorbing capacity of a liquid-absorbent structure and to assure a high retention for urine and discharged feces. The waist elastic members includes first and second waist elastic members wherein elastic members extend in the transverse direction across opposite lateral regions so as not to present in central zones of front and rear waist regions. The second waist elastic members in the front waist region extend from transverse opposite side edges of the front waist region in the transverse direction beyond transverse opposite side edges of a liquid-absorbent core while the second elastic members in the rear waist region extend from transverse opposite side edges in the transverse direction and terminate short of the side edges of the core.
US08486038B2	Disposable pull-on garment A disposable pull-on garment to be contained in a package is disclosed. The pull-on garment has a waist opening and leg openings, and has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The pull-on garment comprises a main portion and side portions extending transversely outwardly from the main portion. The pull-on garment has longitudinal side contour lines to define a transverse width of the pull-on garment. The pull-on garment has a first transverse width between the longitudinal side contour lines at the waist opening and a second transverse width between the longitudinal side contour lines at the side portions. The second transverse width is greater than the first transverse width and is the greatest transverse width at the side portions in a flat contracted and unfolded condition of the pull-on garment. The side portions are folded along a folding line toward the longitudinal centerline when the pull-on garment is contained in a package such that the second transverse width decreases and the difference between the first transverse width and the second transverse width decreases when the side portions are folded compared with when the side portions are unfolded.
US08486036B2	Absorbent article The present invention aims to provide an absorbent article incorporated with a functional sheet without any anxiety that the wearer's skin might be contaminated even though the article is partially colored.In an absorbent article 1a comprising a sheet assembly 10, a functional sheet 51 having a size smaller than that of the sheet assembly 10, and a bodily fluid-absorbent structure 30 wherein the functional sheet 51 and the bodily fluid-absorbent structure 30 are attached to the sheet assembly 10, the functional sheet 51 is put flat with and bonded to the sheet assembly 10 so as to be kept in contact with the wearer's skin and an externally visible colored zone 4 is provided between the functional sheet 51 and the sheet assembly 10.
US08486034B2	Method and device for extracting and/or collecting blood from placenta and/or umbilical cord A device for extracting and collecting blood from a delivered placenta comprising a compartment to contain and support a delivered placenta and umbilical cord. The compartment includes a flexible membrane which can be displaced (preferably under the influence of a fluid (preferably gas) pressure differential between the compartment side and non compartment side of the membrane) to impart onto the placenta a pressure to encourage the displacement of fluid carried by the placenta towards the umbilical cord. The compartment includes at least one outlet opening via which the umbilical cord can extend (preferably in a sealed manner) to allow the flexible membrane pressure induced flow of fluid carried by the placenta to displace from the compartment for external to the compartment collection of the fluid.
US08486029B2	Pot for sinus cavity rinse A vessel for use in rinsing a user's nasal cavities includes a main body, a spout extending from the main body, a nozzle attached to the spout, and a handle forming an aperture in communication with the main body. The aperture is sealable by a user to control a flow of a fluid held in the main body out of the nozzle. The nozzle defines an outer skirt deflectable upon engagement with the walls of the user's nasal cavity. A lid is removably engageable with the main body, provides fluid ingress when removed, and creates a watertight seal between the lid and the main body when engaged with the main body. An annular raised periphery may surround the aperture for facilitating sealing of the aperture with the user's finger.
US08486027B2	Bone-penetrating member for intraosseous infusion and aspiration devices Apparatus are disclosed for intraosseous fluid infusion or aspiration of bone marrow of a subject. Particular apparatus include a bone portal (bone-penetrating member) comprising axially-aligned distal and proximal sections. The proximal section extends in a distal direction from a proximate end of the bone portal and the distal section extends in the distal direction from the proximate section to the distal end of the bone portal. The bone portal also comprises a fluid-transport bore extending between a proximal opening in the proximal section and a distal opening in the distal section. At least a portion of the distal section has a cross-sectional area, perimeter, diameter and/or dimension greater than that of the proximal section.
US08486021B2	Syringe drive unit Provided is a syringe drive unit (1) which is capable of imparting a fine moving amount to a plunger pressing member (6) when a plunger is pushed into a syringe body using a feed screw mechanism, to thereby eject liquid medicine from the syringe body with high accuracy. The syringe drive unit (1) includes: a syringe holder (3) which is fixed to a front surface side of a base plate (2) and holds the syringe body; a guide rail (4) which is provided on a rear surface side of the base plate (2) along an axial-line direction of the syringe body; a slider (5) which is assembled to the guide rail (4) through intermediation of rolling elements; a plunger pressing member (6) which is fixed to the slider (5) and includes an arm portion (61) projecting from the rear surface side of the base plate (2) to the front surface side of the base plate (2), the arm portion (61) holding the plunger housed in the syringe body; a screw shaft (7) which is provided parallel to the guide rail (4) and has predetermined rotation imparted by a motor (9); and a nut member (8) for imparting a moving amount corresponding to a rotation amount of the screw shaft (7) to the plunger pressing member (6).
US08486020B2	Pressure sensor and method of use A sensor and method of use provides for detection of an occlusion (or sudden pressure increase) in tubing during the administration of solutions to a patient. The occlusion sensor may be attached to an infusion pump using a biasing mechanism. The tubing may be positioned in contact with the occlusion sensor using a cassette. Detection of an occlusion in the tubing is accomplished by measuring the compression and expansion of the tubing. When the tubing becomes occluded pressure within the tube will increase, resulting in expansion of the tubing. Expansion of the tubing exerts a force on the sensor to trigger an alarm to alert medical personnel of the occluded tube.
US08486019B2	Patient medication IV delivery pump with wireless communication to a hospital information management system A wireless communication system from an IV medication infusion pump to a hospital information management system (HIMS) is disclosed. The system includes an IV pump having pump operation circuitry for monitoring pre-selected characteristics of pump operation indicative of IV administration of medication to a patient. A transmitter or transceiver is connected to the pump operation circuitry for receiving a wireless pump signal representing instructional data to the IV pump and for transmitting a wireless pump signal representing the pre-selected pump operation characteristics. The wireless pump transmitter or transceiver communicates with a hospital information management system (HIMS). The HIMS includes a receiver or transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving the pump signal representing the pump operation characteristics and also includes a computer processor capable of storing and displaying the pump operation characteristics that are represented by the received wireless pump signal. In one embodiment, is a medication order transmitter capable of receiving doctor order input and transmitting a signal representing a pumping operation to the HIMS for comparison to pump operation characteristics represented by the pump signal.
US08486017B2	Liquid injector for injecting contrast medium at variable rate into a subject who is to be imaged by imaging diagnostic apparatus A liquid injector registers the data of a variable pattern in which an injection rate of a contrast medium varies with time. The injection rate of the contrast medium varies with time according to the variable pattern for maintaining a state in which the image contrast achieved by the contrast medium approximates an optimum level.
US08486016B2	Apparatus and method for shielding a hypodermic needle after use An apparatus for shielding a hypodermic needle after use may include a device adapted to accommodate a needle extending from an end thereof, a guard element coupled to the device, a lock element, and an indicator element. The guard element may slide axially with respect to the device and may include a slider portion and a shield portion. The shield portion may include an open slot to accommodate the needle. Upon sliding the guard element to a designated position, the lock element may automatically secure a position of the guard element relative to the device, such that the shield portion obstructs access to the needle tip. The indicator element may provide visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback to indicate that the lock element has been actuated to shield the needle tip.
US08486015B2	Safety needle shield apparatus A safety shield apparatus is provided that includes a housing that defines a cavity. A distal end of the housing includes a cover having a movable tab. A hub is disposed for movement within the housing and includes a needle having a distal end and a movable projection. The hub is biased between an extended position, such that the distal end of the needle is exposed and the movable projection is releasably disposed with the cavity, and a retracted position whereby the distal end of the needle is disposed within the housing. The movable tab is engageable with the movable projection to release the movable projection from the cavity to facilitate movement of the hub. The distal end of the housing may define a lip that is configured to capture the distal end of the needle. The hub can define an angled distal surface to orient the needle out of axial alignment with the housing and into capture with the lip.
US08486008B2	Medical fluid injector having a thermo-mechanical drive A medical fluid injector and methods for operation thereof. In certain embodiments, the medical fluid injector includes a medium that is expandable and contractible in response to a thermal gradient, a thermal device coupled to the medium, and a syringe interface coupled to the medium. The thermal device may include a heater, a cooler, or a combination thereof.
US08485999B2	Blood treatment apparatus and method A blood treatment apparatus includes: a blood treatment unit, a pair of fluid pumps and a pair of blood pumps. The blood treatment unit is configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid. The fluid pumps are configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit. The blood pumps are configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel. Flow measurement device which determines at least one blood flow parameter reflecting an average flow in relation to the blood treatment unit during a well-defined period of operation of the apparatus, for example while completing one operation cycle. The at least one blood flow parameter is determined based on a difference between (i) a first amount of fresh blood treatment fluid received into the blood treatment unit, and (ii) a second amount of used blood treatment fluid emitted from the blood treatment unit during another well-defined period.
US08485997B2	Vibrating massager An improved vibrating massager is disclosed. The massager includes an inner shell, at least one vibrating unit, at least one power-supply unit, a control circuit board, at least two conductive strips having a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip, a switch, a first outer shell, a waterproof o-ring, and a second outer shell. Particularly the switch and the control circuit board are integrated and a program for memorizing previously-used vibrating frequency is installed in the control circuit board. As a result, the previously-used vibrating frequency can be re-applied in next use without extensive control (e.g., number of times for pushing button is decreased).
US08485987B2	Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure A tissue handling system includes a biopsy device having an invasive unit with tissue-receiving and tissue-severing components being capable of harvesting and bringing at least one tissue sample to a point outside the body of a patient. The tissue handling system further includes a tissue collecting device adapted to be brought in detachable operative engagement with the tissue-receiving components of the biopsy device to remove the at least one tissue sample. Additionally, the tissue handling device comprises a tissue storage container configured to receive the at least one tissue sample, the entire tissue collecting device, or the part of the collecting device that contains the at least one tissue sample. The tissue storage container further is configured to receive a volume of preserving agent. The tissue handling system also comprises a vessel including the preserving agent adapted to be gas-tightly mated or coupled to the tissue storage container.
US08485986B2	Biopsy collection device and related methods A biopsy collection device may include a filter located distally of an aspiration device to collect a biological sample aspirated from a patient. The biological sample may be accessible to a clinician without the need to expel the sample from the aspiration device. The filter may be disposed in a filter housing that is in fluid communication with the aspiration device and the vasculature of a patient.
US08485983B2	Selective nanoprobe for olfactory medicine An apparatus is for detecting the presence of selected gaseous compounds indicative of a medical condition includes a probe having one or more sensor elements having a conductivity which is responsive to the presence of selected gaseous compounds, at least one sensor element containing a transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of WO3, beta-MoO3 and UO2; and means for measuring the conductivity of each said sensor element.
US08485981B2	Medical therapy device A system and a method for synchronizing operation between a patient monitoring device and a patient treatment device are disclosed. The patient monitoring device and the patient treatment device are operatively connected via a network, for example, a patient area network (PAN) or a local area network (LAN). A controller with a display is configured to accept user input via a graphic user interface (GUI) and display a patient's physiological data and operating parameters of both the patient monitoring device and the patient treatment device. The operation is synchronized by starting to operate the patient monitoring device at a predetermined operating state of the patient treatment device, and delaying changes in the operating state of the patient treatment device, until the operation of the monitoring device is concluded or the operating state of the patient treatment device indicates an abort condition.
US08485980B2	Electrode positioning In a method and device for positioning a linear array of electrodes mounted on a distal end section of an elongated flexible member in a patient's respiratory airways at the level of the patient's diaphragm, a length of the elongated flexible member pre-determined to position the linear array of electrodes at the level of the patient's diaphragm is inserted through the patient's respiratory airways. Signals representative of an electrical activity of the patient's diaphragm (EAdi) are detected through the electrodes of the linear array, a presence or absence of ECG signal components is detected in the EAdi signals, and the position of the linear array of electrodes in the patient's respiratory airways is detected in response to the presence or absence of the ECG signal components in the EAdi signals. Also, lower esophageal sphincter activity may be detected in the EAdi signals, and the position of the linear array of electrodes in the patient's respiratory airways determined in response to the detected lower esophageal sphincter. Finally, an end-expiratory occlusion of the patient's respiratory airways may be performed to verify that the electrical activity of the diaphragm coincides with a negative deflection of the patient's respiratory airways pressure again in view of determining adequate positioning of the linear array of electrodes.
US08485977B2	Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus that can acquire ultrasound image data having excellent spatial resolution and contrast resolution by electrically controlling focusing points of transmission/reception waves so as to form transmitting beams and receiving beams having substantially uniform thin beam width along an elevation direction. Ultrasounds emitted from a prescribed number of transducers are focused at a hypothetical point sound source. Wave-fronts reflect at a plurality of observing points. Ultrasounds reflected at the observing points are received through a prescribed number of transducers generating a plurality of channels of receiving signals, which are focused by performing phase compensation and summation so that the observing point becomes a reception focusing point. The receiving signals are focused to correct transmitting delays due to propagation distances between the transmitting focusing point and the observing points.
US08485972B2	Structured illumination probe and method A structured illumination probe is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an optical fiber, to receive and transmit a light beam; a handpiece, coupled to the optical fiber; an optical element, comprising a distal optical fiber and a distal light guide, wherein the proximal ends of the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide can be selectably optically coupled to the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, and wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the distal light guide is greater than the surface area of the distal end of the optical fiber; an actuator, coupled to the handpiece, for selectably coupling the optical fiber to the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide; and a cannula, coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.
US08485966B2	Endoscope with distal tip having encased optical components and display orientation capabilities An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source.
US08485958B2	Systems and methods for separating constituents of biologic liquid mixtures Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other factors. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
US08485957B2	Securing mechanism, particularly for blood separation centrifuges and the like A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain.
US08485954B2	Box folding apparatus A box folding apparatus operable to close the top of a box having four flaps is provided. The boxing folding apparatus includes a worktable, a feeding assembly for transporting the box from an upstream position of the worktable to a downstream position of the worktable. A first folding assembly includes a rotatable folding arm, a second folding assembly includes a stationary resisting bar inclined toward the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported, and a third folding assembly includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface intersecting with the first inclined surface. The first and second inclined surfaces extend toward and gradually close to the feeding assembly in the direction in which the box is transported.
US08485953B2	Exerciser An exerciser includes a board, a frame, a swing rod, an upper foot rest, a lower foot rest and a resilient rope. An upper end of the swing rod is articulated to an upper end of the vertical support and a lower end of the swing rod is fixed to a central portion of the lower foot rest. The resilient rope is connected between the swing rod and the vertical support. The board is fixed on the lengthwise beam of the frame. The lengthwise beam and the vertical support of the present invention form a triangular support. The board installed on the lengthwise beam is arranged obliquely.
US08485952B2	Leg elevator system A leg elevator is disclosed. The leg elevator includes a base having a lower leg end and an upper leg end, a portion of the base having at least one support retaining device. A lower leg support is provided. A height adjustment mechanism is also provided having a support leg pivotally attached at a first end to the lower leg support. The support leg has a second end attached to a support bar extending perpendicular to the support leg. The support bar is removably engaged with the at least one support retaining device such that a height of the lower leg support above the base may be adjusted. An upper leg adjustment mechanism is operably connected to the upper leg end of the base for adjusting a distance between the upper leg end of the base and the lower leg support. An upper leg support is operably attached to the upper leg adjustment mechanism. An angle adjustment mechanism is provided between the upper leg adjustment mechanism and the lower leg support for adjusting a relative angular orientation of the upper leg support relative to the lower leg support. Additional leg elevator systems are also disclosed.
US08485949B2	Elastic exercising bar assembly that is operated in a swinging manner An exercising bar assembly includes a holding unit and two opposite swinging units each removably mounted on the holding unit. Thus, each of the two swinging units can be removed from the holding unit when not in use to reduce the whole volume of the exercising bar assembly and to facilitate storage, packaging, carrying and transportation of the exercising bar assembly.
US08485943B2	Vehicle fluid pressure control A vehicle includes a pump configured to output fluid at a commanded pressure when driven by a motor. A first hydraulic device is operably connected to the pump and configured to operate in response to receiving fluid at a first pressure. A second hydraulic device is operably connected to the pump and configured to execute a shift command in response to receiving fluid at a second pressure. A control processor is configured to control the commanded pressure in accordance with a priority scheme. That is, the control processor is configured to direct at least a portion of the commanded pressure from the first hydraulic device to the second hydraulic device for a duration of a shift command based on the priority scheme and redirect at least a portion of the commanded pressure to the first hydraulic device upon completion of the shift action.
US08485935B2	Switchable gear in a handheld power tool A switchable gear in a handheld power tool has at least two gear stages which are to be engaged via an adjustable switching member, the switching member being in a latched position via a retaining element fixedly held against a housing in a first gear stage. Furthermore, a spindle for receiving a tool may be driven via an axially spring-loaded gear wheel, the gear wheel being axially supported on the retaining element on the side opposite the switching member.
US08485933B2	Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) for river turbines Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
US08485932B2	Axle system An axle system is provided that included an axle assembly having an axle member, a gear coupled with the axle member, and a housing encasing a lubrication fluid and at least a portion of the axle member and the gear therein. A device may selectively heat and/or cool the lubrication fluid at one or more regions of the axle system.
US08485931B1	Multiplexed fluid control circuit A vehicle includes one or more electric traction motors, an engine, a damper bypass clutch (DBC) assembly, a transmission, a fluid pump, a multiplexed fluid control circuit, and a controller. Two clutches and the DBC assembly are selectively engaged to select between eight transmission operating states. The DBC assembly selectively connects the engine to the transmission. The pump circulates fluid for cooling the motor(s) and actuating the clutches. The circuit has a variable force solenoid (VFS) and only three on/off solenoid valves. The solenoids are multiplexed together to control flow to the DBC assembly and to the clutches. The VFS valve controls line pressure to the on/off solenoids. The controller transmits signals to the VFS and to the on/off solenoid valves to select between the eight different transmission operating states. The multiplexed fluid control circuit is also disclosed herein.
US08485928B2	Silent chain In a chain transmission incorporating a silent chain engaged with a sprocket, the plates of the chain are connected by sets of rocker pins extending through pin holes in the plates. The pin holes are elongated toward the center of each plate, and the elongation of each pin hole is greater than the maximum amount by which the distance between points on the respective rocker pins of each set increases when said chain is inflected to the maximum extent permitted by the sprocket in a portion of the chain in seating engagement with said sprocket.
US08485923B2	Apparatus and method for attaching vane to shaft A method for attaching a vane with respect to a shaft of an arrow or a crossbow bolt. The vane is attached to a tube or sleeve that is positionable over an outer surface of the shaft. The sleeve has an inner surface and the shaft has an outer surface. In an attached position of the vane with respect to the shaft, an adhesive is sprayed onto the inner surface or is otherwise positioned between and contacts at least a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve and at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft.
US08485922B2	Ball holder and base plate fixing structure of batting practice apparatus A ball holder and base plate fixing structure for batting practice apparatus is provided, including a sheath tube and a base plate. The sheath tube includes a first segment and a second segment, connected to each other. The first segment has a round tube shape for providing placing said ball holder. The second segment has a trumpet shape, said sheath tube having compressible resilience. The base plate has an installation hole. When assembled, the second segment of the sheath tube is compressed into the installation hole for tight engagement so as to fix the sheath tube to the base plate. In this manner, the ball holder is sheathed into the sheath tube and fixed to base plate. During batting practice, the resilience of sheath tube allows the ball holder to swing and twist on impact to absorb and annihilate some of the impact. After batting, the resilience of sheath tube can restore the ball holder to original position.
US08485917B2	Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole and between the toe and the heel. The club head includes a drag-reducing structure that may include one or both of a continuous groove extending from a front portion to a rear edge of the toe, and along an entire length of the skirt, and a substantially V-shaped recess formed in the sole and having a vertex positioned proximate the ball striking face and the heel and away from the skirt and the toe, and a pair of legs extending to a point proximate the toe and away from the ball striking face, and curving toward the skirt and away from the ball striking face.
US08485913B2	Enhanced wearable swing training apparatus A swing training apparatus includes a rotation mechanism and a wearable shoe attachment device. The rotation mechanism includes a first plate connected to a second plate so that the first plate rotates with respect to the second plate about a shared plate axis of rotation. The wearable shoe attachment device is connected to the first plate. The wearable shoe attachment device positions a shoe of an athlete so that as the athlete rotates a foot and the shoe enclosing the foot with respect to a part of the foot and about a foot axis of rotation, the foot axis of rotation and the plate axis of rotation coincide. The wearable shoe attachment device connects to the first plate so that the swing training apparatus moves with the foot while walking or running. The wearable shoe attachment device includes three straps that secure a shoe snuggly to the rotation mechanism.
US08485912B2	Powerless automatic tee up machine The present invention relates to a powerless automatic tee up machine, which repeats the transporting of the golf balls onto a golf tee through potential energy, a cam curve, a principle of balancer and a link system without using power, and which has a maximally simplified structure to significantly reduce manufacturing costs as compared to conventional machines. For this purpose, the powerless automatic tee up machine of the present invention comprises a main body unit which receives a golf ball and feeds the gold ball through an outlet, an outlet block unit for opening/shutting the outlet, a rotating unit which determines the opening/shutting operation of the outlet block unit, and which rotates in accordance with the presence or absence of the golf ball, and a rotation control unit which controls the motion of the rotating unit in accordance with whether or not the golf ball has been transferred to a golf tee by the rotating unit, thereby enabling the repeated tee up of golf balls without using power and also increasing effectiveness in terms of manufacturing costs due to the simplified structure.
US08485902B2	Storage medium storing object controlling program, object controlling apparatus and object controlling method A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the second LCD, a touch panel is provided. On the first LCD, an enemy object is displayed. On the second LCD, a drawn object generated according to a touch operation is displayed. When the drawn object is generated, the drawn object is moved according to a moving course based on a locus of the touch operation. When the drawn object hits the enemy object, the enemy object is damaged.
US08485901B2	Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game with rotating symbols A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided.
US08485898B2	Game device, method for controlling game device, program, and information storage medium To provide a game device capable of allowing a user, when selecting any selected image candidate, to experience a real feeling of the relationship with another selected image candidate. A determination unit (70a) determines whether or not the designated area designated by a user is included in the determination area for a selected image candidate. When the designated area is included in the determination area, the designation unit (72a) designates the selected image candidate corresponding to the determination area as a selected image. A determination area control unit (68) changes the size of a determination area for another selection candidate image, based on a parameter stored so as to be correlated to a combination of the selected image candidate designated as a selected image and the other selected image candidate. A designated area control unit (82) changes the size of the designated area, based on a parameter stored so as to be correlated to a combination of the selected image candidate designated as the selected image and a selected image candidate located closest to the designated area.
US08485896B2	Configurable and stand-alone verification module Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for verifying a player's eligibility for participation in on-line gaming. A method for verifying a player's eligibility to participate in on-line gaming includes performing one or more verification checks for the player. The method includes, for each verification check, requesting data about the player from one or more data source providers. The method includes receiving the data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes, for each verification check, calculating a check score based on received data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes calculating a verification score that is based on the check scores.
US08485895B2	Game server, game machine under control of the server, and game control method executing return on judgment that cumulative credit consumption reaches upper limit A game server controls plural game machine groups including a collection of game machines, each of which is brought into a status enabling to start a game based on a thrown coin or a given credit number and is given a payout according to a result of the game. The game server includes a processing unit that judges whether a cumulative credit consumption of a predetermined game machine group reaches a predetermined upper limit, based on information about credit consumptions of the plural game machine groups. The game server also includes a communication interface that sends, when the processing unit judges that the cumulative credit consumption of the predetermined game machine group reaches the predetermined upper limit, a return signal for executing a return based on a predetermined return rate, to one game machine of the predetermined game machine group. The return is executed regardless of a game result.
US08485894B2	Second player bonus game In one embodiment, a method includes determining an event at a gaming device during game play for a first player. One or more bonus event symbols are determined in response to the event. The method sends the one or more bonus event symbols for a bonus game to a second player. When one or more of the bonus event symbols match a predetermined outcome, the second player is awarded a bonus award. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a bonus event symbol from a second gaming device during game play on a first gaming device for a first player. It is determined if the bonus event symbol provides a match to a predetermined outcome. The second player is awarded a bonus award if the match is determined.
US08485892B2	Tournament game system and tournament method In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.
US08485887B2	Gaming machine executing free game and control method thereof According to a gaming machine of the present invention, a specific number of free games are generated when three or more trigger symbols have been stop-displayed in a normal game. Further, when one or two trigger symbols have been stop-displayed in a free game, numeric values in number equivalent to the number of stop-displayed trigger symbols are selected, and then the number of times obtained by summing up the selected numeric values is added to the number of free games.
US08485886B2	Gaming device having dynamic paylines A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols associated with each symbol generator. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the gaming device forms a supplemental payline in association with the generated designated symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with any of the symbols or symbol combinations generated on the supplemental payline and provides any determined award to the player.
US08485885B2	Video slot gaming machine A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a first instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, video slot game is split and second and third instances of the video slot game are displayed and played.
US08485884B2	Reverse gaming systems and methods Generally, the systems and methods presented herein (the “utility”) provide for reverse gaming. This utility allows players to vote for the next number to be chosen, in essence, shifting the odds of winning to the card that the players are holding. To illustrate, each player in a game may be given a card with a random selection of numbers. Instead of the House drawing certain numbers or balls, the players of the game vote on numbers to be selected. The number with the most votes, for example, may be selected and the players with that number may accordingly mark their cards. Players may also conspire together to hopefully increase the chances of their winning. For example, two players may compare cards to ascertain any common numbers between the two cards such that the two players may vote as one for a particular number.
US08485882B2	Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of BEJEWELED.
US08485878B2	Geocaching games having virtual prizes awarded in an associated video game and related methods and computer program products Methods of implementing geocaching games are provided in which information is provided regarding a location of a waypoint. Thereafter, it is confirmed that a player of the game physically arrived at the waypoint. After such confirmation has been obtained, the player may be awarded a virtual prize. Related geocaching games and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08485876B2	Monitoring a sports draft based on a need of a sports team and the best available player to meet that need A capability for monitoring the progress of a sports draft is provided that automatically determines, during the sports draft, the best available player(s) for the personnel needs of a sports team having a current selection in the draft. The capability may automatically update the draft order to take into account any trades that occur during the sports draft.
US08485875B1	Novelty hand-held fan and object holder A hand-held fan and object holder generally comprises a housing; a fan that rotates with respect to the housing; and a coupling member for securing an object, such as a candy item. The housing encloses the internal components that operate the fan, including a motor and a battery. At the lower end of the housing, the coupling member secures the object, such as a candy item, to the housing.
US08485873B2	Steel anchored reinforced mine seal A reinforced mine ventilation seal anchored with steel dowels into the strata of a mine passageway. The seal has a pair of metal mats formed of vertical and horizontal elongated reinforcing members which are sandwiched between a row of dowels set into the floor and ceiling of the passageway and extending into the passageway. The metal mats and the dowels are encased in a structural material such as concrete to form a seal which is capable of bidirectionally withstanding an overpressure due to an explosion. The dowels provide shear reinforcement and the metal mats provide flexural strength.
US08485870B2	Method and device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry A method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, the carcass part including bone parts with at least a part of the rib cage and a part of the spine, at least a part of the back meat that is naturally present on the rib cage and the spine, and at least a part of the abdominal muscle tissue, the method includes making a first incision through the back meat near the abdominal muscle tissue at least up to the underlying bone parts of the carcass part, and detaching the back meat from the bone parts of the carcass part. A device is provided to perform the method.
US08485869B2	Polishing material having polishing particles and method for making the same The present invention relates to a polishing material having polishing particles and a method for making the same. The polishing material having polishing particles includes a base material, a plurality of polishing particles and a polymer elastic body. The base material has a plurality of fibers for defining a plurality of grid-spaces. The polishing particles are distributed in the grid-spaces. The polymer elastic body covers the base material and the polishing particles. Whereby, the polishing particles are uniformly distributed on a surface of a polishing workpiece during the polishing process. Furthermore, the base material prevents the polishing particles from contacting the polishing workpiece so as to avoid the scratch of the polishing workpiece. Also, the base material provides effects for sweeping the small grinded pieces.
US08485868B2	Floor treatment apparatus with solitary drive pulley A floor treatment apparatus includes a frame, a housing which is rotatable with respect to the frame according to a main axis, at least three head pulleys which are rotatable with respect to the housing according to respective head axes which are regularly spaced around, and which are parallel to, the main axis, a motor supported by the frame and a main belt drivable by the motor and being slung around the drive pulley and the driven head pulleys. Furthermore, the main belt is slung around a first auxiliary pulley and a second auxiliary pulley. The second auxiliary pulley is driven by the first auxiliary pulley. An auxiliary belt is slung around a fixed pulley connected to the frame and around the second auxiliary pulley for rotating the housing with respect to the frame.
US08485865B2	Grinding wheel and method A grinding wheel for grinding features into a work-piece and a corresponding method for grinding the features into the work-piece are disclosed herein. The grinding wheel includes an outer periphery with a first axial end having a first diameter. The grinding wheel also includes a second axial end spaced from the first axial end along a centerline axis. The grinding wheel also includes a plurality of discrete grinding projections for removing material from the work-piece. Each of the plurality of discrete grinding projections extends radially outward from the outer periphery and is positioned along the centerline axis in spaced relation to one another. The plurality of grinding projections have working heights that vary relative to one another. In the inventive method, a grinding wheel is rotated about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is arranged transverse to and spaced from a centerline axis of an arcuate surface of a work-piece. The grinding wheel and the arcuate surface are moved relative to one another and a plurality of grooves having variable depth are concurrently formed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the arcuate surface with the grinding wheel during at least part of the moving step.
US08485860B2	Abrasive products with splice marks and automated splice detection A coated abrasive product, comprising a first section and a second section, the first and the second sections being continuously joined together by a splice. The first section includes at least one first splice mark adjacent to the splice, wherein the first splice mark is a marking or a cluster of markings. A method of processing an article with such a coated abrasive product, and a method of acquiring information of such a coated abrasive product, respectively, includes detecting at least one characteristic of at least one first splice mark of the first section of the abrasive product, and comparing the detected characteristic to a database, wherein the detected characteristic of the first splice mark conveys approach of the splice and the end of the first section. The method of processing an article further includes providing a signal to skip the splice to thereby prevent the article being processed with splice area of the abrasive product. A method of preparing such a coated abrasive product includes forming the first and the second sections of the abrasive product.
US08485853B2	Electrical contact having knurl pattern with recessed rhombic elements that each have an axial minor distance An electrical contact includes a knurl pattern disposed along at least a portion of an interior surface of the electrical contact. The portion receives a lead of a wire cable along a longitudinal axis and is attached thereto to form a crimp connection. The knurl pattern includes a plurality of recessed elements and each recessed element has a rhombus shape that includes inner corners. An orientation of a first pair of opposing, generally axial inner corners define an axial minor distance therebetween and an orientation of a second pair of opposing, inner corners define a major distance therebetween. The axial minor distance is less than the major distance. The recessed elements of the knurl pattern are especially suitable for engagement with an aluminum wire cable to form the crimp connection. A wire assembly that includes the crimp connection is associated with a cable harness disposed in a motorized vehicle.
US08485852B2	Wire locking structure A wire locking structure includes a base, at least one conductive terminal lug and at least one screw. The base has at least one hole and at least one through-hole which communicate with each other and communicate with the outside of the base. The at least one conductive terminal lug is disposed at the at least one hole, includes a locking portion and a terminal portion, and has an aperture. The locking portion has an internal thread. The terminal portion extends from the at least one hole to the outside of the base. The aperture communicates with the at least one through-hole and opens to the internal thread. The at least one screw penetrates the at least one hole so as to be engaged with the internal thread and screwed into the aperture. The wire locking structure saves materials, cuts costs, and enhances the wire locking conforming rate.
US08485849B2	USB connector A Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector with a connector housing is provided with at least one soldering part and at least one reinforcement part around its circumference. The USB connector includes: a connector housing; one or more soldering parts formed by cutting and unfolding predetermined areas around the circumference of the connector housing; and one or more reinforcement parts, each of which is formed by bending an end of the connector housing. The reinforcement parts being engaged with the soldering parts to support and reinforce the soldering parts, respectively.
US08485848B2	Electrical connector and method of manufacture An apparatus and method are disclosed for manufacturing an electrical connector. A mold is presented having a pair of opposing dies that each define a mold pocket. The mold pockets of each die can be joined to form a mold cavity. Plastic can be injection molded into the mold cavity to form an electrical connector housing.
US08485846B2	Integral moveable sealing member for feed-through coaxial cable connectors A coaxial cable connector, comprising a post having a first end and a second end, the post configured to receive a coaxial cable having a protruding center conductor, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling member operably attached to the post, and a moveable sealing member disposed within the post, the moveable sealing member configured to move through the post to create a seal proximate the first end of the post is provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08485845B2	Continuity maintaining biasing member A post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the second end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling element attached to the post, the coupling element having a first end a second end, and a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post is provided. Moreover, a connector body having a biasing element, wherein the biasing element biases the coupling element against the post, is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08485843B2	Assembling type terminal device with RJ45 female terminal An assembling type terminal device with RJ45 female terminal is disclosed for controlling the power or data connection status of a connector terminal unit by controlling the switch of a relay unit via detecting if a RJ45 female terminal unit receives the power or data.
US08485834B2	Mitigating electromagnetic interference using dummy plugs A system and method for mitigating EMI in an electronic device rely on a set of foam dummy plugs specially configured for insertion into socket connectors according to connector type. The foam plugs have no electrical terminals or wiring, but are made from a foam composite material that attenuates electromagnetic radiation by absorption. The foam composite material includes a foam matrix and electrically conductive particles impregnated within the foam matrix. A handle may be unitarily formed with the foam plug. The handle may include a stamped through-hole, forming a ring, to facilitate insertion and removal of the dummy plugs by hand.
US08485833B2	Connector and terminal arrangement member A substrate connection part (4) of each of a plurality of press-fit terminals (3) pulled out of a housing (1) is inserted into a positioning hole (12) of a terminal arrangement member (11) to adjust alignment of the press-fit terminals (3) with respect to through-holes (7) of a substrate (6). The terminal arrangement member (11) is made of a thin resin sheet material. Each positioning hole (12) is sized so that the press-fit terminal (3) is placed in position by inserting a guide portion (9) of the press-fit terminal (3) therein. Slits (13) extend radially out from an opening edge of the positioning hole (12). When a press-fit portion (8) passes through the positioning hole (12), both slits (13) and the positioning hole (12) expand so that the press-fit portion (8) passes smoothly through the positioning hole (12).
US08485832B2	Electrical connector Upon plug and receptacle connectors of an electrical connector being fitted with each other, positioning recesses of a block of the plug connector engage positioning protrusions of a housing of the receptacle connector to achieve positioning of the two connectors in their width directions. Inclined portions of receptacle contacts of the receptacle connector are commensurate with inclined portions of inserting holes of the housing so that a backup function of the housing for the receptacle contacts is adjusted to obtain a stable connection between the plug and receptacle connectors. First chamfered portions of the receptacle contacts engage recesses of the plug contacts to generate tactile clicks and to achieve the positioning and contacting between the plug and receptacle contacts. The plug contacts are embraced between contact portions and elastic portions of the receptacle contacts to obtain a stable connection between the both contacts.
US08485829B2	System and a method for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user in a medical procedure The present invention deals with a system (1) for simulating a manual interventional operation by a user (2) on a simulated body with at least two real instruments (3, 4, 5), comprising a longitudinal track (8), a plurality of carriages (9, 10, 11) moveable along said track, each carriage having clamping means (25), and means for rotating and moving longitudinally said real instrument. It also comprises feed back means (18) for receiving and transmitting to the user hand (19) a feed back force from said real instrument with respect t simulation characteristic, means (17) for recognizing a real instrument to be fit within said clamping means, said clamping means (25) comprising first electromagnetic means (26) with an hollow part for receiving the real instrument to be secured therein, second electro-magnetic means (27) with a protruding part for pressing at least a part of said real instrument within said hollow part while said electromagnetic means are actuated and electric means for supplying or not electric current to the first and second magnetic means to be actuated accordingly, whereby said real instrument can be secured within said clamping means to be moved longitudinally and rotated by the user.
US08485828B2	Methods and systems for blood collection operator training Certain examples provide systems/apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for blood collection/processing instrument operator training and troubleshooting. Certain examples provide a system for platelet resuspension training. The system includes an interactive training application, provided via a mobile device, to train a user to resuspend platelets in a liquid medium prior to its storage and/or transfusion to a patient. The training application is to instruct the user regarding an appropriate motion and vigor for resuspension of platelets in a blood container associated with a blood processing instrument. The system includes a sensor to detect the user's motion of the mobile device. The system includes a processor to compare the user's motion of the mobile device to the appropriate motion and vigor for resuspension of platelets in a blood container and provide feedback to the user regarding the comparison.
US08485827B1	Surgical error prevention system A system for preventing surgical site errors includes a ferromagnetic, dry-erase whiteboard having a pair of anatomical figures imprinted thereon. Adjacent to the anatomical figures is a text space for writing a description of a planned surgical procedure. The system further includes a plurality of color-coded magnets for securing to representative locations on the anatomical figures. Each magnet has a specific color according to the area of the body requiring surgery. A medical worker places a color-coded magnet on one of the whiteboard anatomical figures at a location corresponding to the planned surgical site. The worker writes a description of the surgical procedure on the text space using a colored marker(s) that matches the magnet color(s) and then covers the patient with an identically-colored surgical drape. A surgeon first examines the whiteboard to identify the magnet location and color, then examines the written description and color and finally examines the drape color. If all colors agree and correlate with the written description, surgery may safely begin; otherwise, the surgeon is alerted to investigate the discrepancy.
US08485822B2	Simulation system implementing historical machine data A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.
US08485817B2	Orthodontic device An orthodontic device includes a generally U-shaped metal wire whose two ends are at different vertical heights and which therefore has a 3-dimensional recumbent S shape in front view. The U-shaped metal wire is secured, by an elastic band or a cover, to each of a plurality of orthodontic brackets cemented respectively to a patient's teeth, and due to the difference of height between the two ends of the U-shaped metal wire, a resilient restoring force is generated to individually adjust the row of teeth on the upper or lower jaw to the normal heights and thereby correct the occlusal cant and craniofacial anomalies.
US08485816B2	Orthodontic bracket having an archwire channel and archwire retaining mechanism An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Each of the side channels has an archwire retaining ridge extending gingivally-occlusally along the adjacent side of the bracket base between the two retaining regions of the channel. For each channel, its retaining ridge exerts a force on a portion of an archwire facing away from the archwire portion residing in the recesses of the retaining regions of the channel. The force on the archwire is directed toward the interiors of the recesses of the retaining regions for assisting in seating the archwire in the recesses.
US08485813B2	Three stage low NOx burner system with controlled stage air separation A low NOx burner system is disclosed that reduces the emission of CO and HC during cold furnace startups, minimizes NOx formation with preheated air, and provides a flat stable flame due to burner design improvements including three stage combustion. The burner system is designed to operate in either a low or high temperature mode by controlling the amount of combustion air provided to stage 1 and stage 2 combustion. The burner system is designed to heat the interior of a furnace for high-temperature combustion/furnace processes, such as aluminum melting and steel processes. The burner system can also be used for low temperature processes at temperatures below the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel and still produce very low CO, HC and NOx emissions.
US08485810B2	Blow molding apparatus The invention is directed a rotary molding machine having a wheel mounted for rotation on a pair of shafts positioned along the rotational axis of the wheel. A first shaft cooperates with a first turntable of the wheel and a second shaft cooperates with a second turntable. The first and second turntables extend transversely to the rotational axis. A plurality of modular mold clamp assemblies are positioned on the wheel, with each modular mold clamp assembly being moveable between an open and a closed position. Each modular mold clamp assembly has mounting areas which are mounted with respective mounting locations each turntable. The modular mold clamp assemblies provide the structure and rigidity between the turntables to help maintain the turntables in position relative to each other.
US08485809B2	Device for attaching a mould base on a medium A removable device (3) for attaching with fluidic connection a mold base (1) on a support (4), said device (3) comprising a male part (6) and a female part (7), said male part (6) having a truncated-cone-shaped surface (10), said female part (7) comprising a locking mechanism (26) including balls (33) suitable for engaging with said surface (10), a device wherein the female part (7) comprises a peripheral cage (27) provided with holes (2) where the balls (33) are seated, and a lock (34) provided with an annular ramp (41), mounted around said cage (27), that can be manually accessed and moved between a locking position wherein the ramp (41) is arranged in line with the balls (33), and a release position wherein the ramp (41) is separated from the balls (33).
US08485806B2	Tire vulcanizing device A tire vulcanizing device includes a plurality of opening/closing cylinders for respectively independently moving a plurality of mold holding members, which respectively hold a plurality of segmented molds arranged in a circumference direction, forward and backward in radial directions, a plurality of positioning blocks arranged in respective spaces in the circumferential direction between the plurality of segmented molds, respective pairs of engaging members respectively provided at opposite sides of the respective mold holding members, and respective pairs of stopper members each pair of which are provided on the adjoining positioning blocks, for restricting the advanced end positions of the segmented molds in engagements with the respective pairs of engaging members.
US08485805B2	Rotary compressor A rotary compressor is provided. A suction hole is formed through a middle plate of the compressor to distribute refrigerant into both upper and lower cylinders. Coupling bolts having an appropriate length couple the cylinders to the middle plate. The length of the coupling bolts may be defined such that deformation of vane slots of the cylinders due to coupling of the cylinders may be minimized or eliminated, and friction loss and leakage loss between the vane and the vane slot may be reduced, thus improving compressor function.
US08485795B2	Diesel pump with cylinder and outlet joint arrangement A diesel pump having enhanced durability in a high pressure environment, capable of being produced at high productivity, and at low cost. The diesel pump is provided with a cylinder formed in a pump housing, a plunger reciprocatably provided in the cylinder, and a drive mechanism for driving the plunger. The cylinder is a separate part from the pump housing and is mounted in the pump housing. The cylinder consists of sulfur-less alloy steel, is a tubular part and may be press-fitted in the pump housing. The front end of an outlet joint reaches the cylinder, and a fuel discharge route directly connects to the outlet joint from the cylinder without passing through the pump housing.
US08485791B2	Ceramic element A heating element can comprise a ceramic material doped with various elements. The heating element can be heated by forcing a fuel to flow through the ceramic material, where the fuel interacts with the dopants. The interaction can produce energy in the form of heat. Inventive aspects of the present material include apparatus and methods for modulation of the heat energy, physical features providing for an increase in the rate of heat release, optimization of materials and material morphology for quantity and efficiency of heat release and provision for fueling and maintenance.
US08485788B2	Rotor for steam turbine and method of manufacturing the same A steam turbine rotor shaft and method of manufacturing the same are provided wherein the sliding characteristics of a journal are improved, and the journal is free from welding cracks and does not need a post heat treatment. The low alloy steel coating layer having better sliding characteristics than 9 to 13% Cr heat resisting steel and an area rate of defects including pores and oxides in a range of 3 to 15% is formed by a high velocity flame spray coating method on a sliding surface of the journal.
US08485784B2	Turbine bucket lockwire rotation prevention A retention system for a plurality of turbine buckets located in respective mating slots in a turbine rotor wheel includes a plurality of first retention slots formed in outer peripheral portions of the turbine wheel, and a plurality of second retention slots formed in wheel mounting portions of the buckets. The first and second retention slots are aligned to form an annular retention slot extending about a peripheral portion of the rotor wheel. A lockwire is located within the annular retention slot, the lockwire having engaged free ends. A plurality of axially-oriented retaining pins are fixed in the rotor wheel to hold the lockwire in the annular retention slot, and various techniques are employed for at least limiting or substantially preventing circumferential rotation of the lockwire within the annular slot.
US08485782B2	Variable-diameter rotor with centrifugal forces compensation mechanism A variable-diameter rotor comprises a hub with a shaft and rotor blades, wherein each of the rotor blades comprises a radially internal blade part and a radially external blade part. In each of the rotor blades, a jackscrew mechanism is arranged therein and includes a jackscrew arranged in the radially internal blade part and a nut connected with the radially external blade part, the nut cooperating with the jackscrew for radially moving the radially external blade part with respect to the radially internal blade part. The rotor further comprises an energy storage system, including a compressed-gas accumulator. The compressed-gas accumulator comprises a volume of gas and a piston for compressing and expanding the volume of pressurized gas. The energy storage system also includes a means for converting a radial motion of the radially external blade part into a motion of the piston of the compressed-gas accumulator and vice-versa.
US08485781B2	Axial flow fan An axial flow fan includes an impeller rotatable about a central axis with a plurality of rotor vanes, a motor that drives the impeller, a base portion that supports the motor, a housing that includes an intake vent, an exhaust vent, and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the impeller and the motor, and a plurality of stator vanes that respectively connects the base portion and the housing, wherein the inner peripheral surface includes a first inner peripheral surface arranged to increase a distance from the central axis toward the intake vent or the exhaust vent in an axial direction, and a recess provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a stator vane included in the plurality of stator vanes and facing the first inner peripheral surface. Thus, airflow is allowed to smoothly pass through the housing, resulting in a decrease in noise generated in the fan.
US08485780B2	Pump assembly as well as method for the modular construction of a pump assembly A pump assembly is provided with a pump (6) having one or more pump stages (10), wherein at least one of the components (12, 14) of the pump assembly, whose axial length depends on the number of pump stages (10). On at least one of its axial ends, the component has no connection configuration which is formed in the component (12, 14) itself and which is limited to the axial end. Instead, it is connected at this axial end with a friction fit and/or a positive fit to a connection element (20) which is coupled and/or connected to adjacent parts of the pump assembly, or is provided for coupling to adjacent parts of the pump assembly.
US08485776B2	Wind energy system A wind energy system 10 comprises a wind tunnel module 12 having openings 14a and 14b at opposite ends. The openings have substantially the same cross-sectional area although the cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel module 12 decreases from the openings 14a and 14b in a direction toward an intermediate portion 16 of the tunnel module. The intermediate portion 16 has a substantially constant cross-sectional area. One or more wind turbines with equal or different number of blades may be mounted in the wind tunnel in or adjacent to the intermediate portion 16. The intermediate portion 16 is bendable to enable the module 12 to conform to a roof 20 of any pitch.
US08485775B2	Rotor and nozzle assembly for a radial turbine and method of operation A rotor for a radial flow turbine has an impulse chamber (51) having an inlet defined in a circumferential surface of the rotor and a reaction chamber (62) having an outlet defined in the circumferential surface of the rotor. The impulse chamber is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber outlet is axially displaced from the impulse chamber inlet.
US08485766B2	Router lift assembly with lift wheel A rotary cutter lifting apparatus comprising a table plate having an opening and an upper surface, a carriage disposed beneath the table plate and adapted for supporting the rotary cutter, and an adjustment mechanism positioned entirely below the table plate upper surface and operable through the opening. A method of operating a rotary cutter lifting apparatus comprising the steps of positioning the rotary cutter lifting apparatus having a carriage and an adjustment mechanism entirely below a table plate upper surface having an opening, and operating the adjustment mechanism through the opening.
US08485759B2	Method for stabilising and securing rivers, slopes and embankments The invention relates to a method for stabilizing and securing banks, hillsides and slopes, and structures present at least partly in moving waters, such as supporting and construction elements, by composite materials comprising mineral particles, preferably stones, in particular crushed rock, and an epoxy resin.
US08485757B2	Shape-retention-type hoisting rectangular parallelepiped bag A shape-retention hoisting including a rectangular parallelepiped bag. Base bands are provided along diagonal lines of the rectangular parallelepiped bag. A quadrangular-prism-shaped lift band is secured to a point of intersection of the base bands. One end of a truss band is secured by a fixing band surrounding the quadrangular-prism-shaped lift band, and the other end thereof is secured to the base band at a point spaced apart by a given distance from the center of the lift band. In this way, a plurality of truss bands can be disposed on the lift band in the vertical direction, thereby resolving a weight applied to a single truss band and maintaining the shape of the shape-retention hoisting bag.
US08485755B2	Ground working machine, as well as method for milling soils or traffic areas In a ground working machine (1) for milling soils (2) or traffic areas, it is provided that a controller (18) for terminating the milling process controls the milling depth of a milling device (8) along a specified trajectory (24) in conjunction with simultaneous forward and reverse travel (5,7), thus enabling the milling device (8) to be raised into the upper position (9) disengaged from the ground without a depression (22) resulting from raising the milling device (8) remaining in the worked ground surface (3).
US08485754B2	No-gap winching ends for a rig mat A rig mat implements opposing winching ends having a surface extension that is co-planar with the working surface of the rig mat. Such a co-planar surface can be a rectangular hollow tubing, the top surface of which forms the co-planar surface and a sidewall which forms a depending abutting member. The co-planar surface and the depending member enable the winching ends to form a substantially continuous planar interface between abutting winching ends of adjacent rig mats to minimize discontinuity therebetween. Fabrication is simplified and savings in weight are realized.
US08485751B2	Latching device for insertion into a tube for latching movement of the tube relative to an external element A latching device for insertion into a tube provides two large flat buttons one on each side to lock the tube relative to an outer tube or to two parallel plates. A tubular housing with open ends slides into the tube between the side walls of the tube with the ends of the housing substantially butting inside surfaces of the side walls. The buttons are mounted on respective slide members mounted in the housing spring biased apart so that the buttons can be depressed. One or two set screws acting as stop members can be inserted after the housing is moved to the required location in the tube to prevent depression of the buttons to a position inward of the inner surface of the tube so that the housing is held in place.
US08485750B2	File binder and document organizer Disclosed herein is an organizer comprising a unique structural configuration to house and store both non-perforated documents and perforated documents. The organizer comprises a ring binder that is associated with an expandable compartment that is arranged peripheral to the ring binder.
US08485749B2	Ink delivery systems Ink delivery systems to provide ink from a reservoir to an applicator pad for marking a surface. Ink is stored in a reservoir within a marker body. A valve system controls the flow of ink to the applicator pad to prevent puddling of ink on the marking surface. The reservoir is a hollow body with free flowing ink or may contain a fiber reservoir at least partially saturated with ink. The reservoir may also contain capillary channels and ribs to aid in transporting ink to the valve system. The valve system includes a plug and a spring to bias the plug in a closed position. The plug includes at least one contact surface to contact a housing, and thereby control the flow of ink from the reservoir to the applicator pad. The spring may be a coil spring or a compressible foam-like spring.
US08485748B2	Leak-proof art instrument Art instrument having a self-contained reservoir for storing and dispensing application liquid includes a reservoir body for containing the application liquid and a dispensing assembly that dispenses the application liquid from the reservoir. The dispensing assembly includes an applicator, a primary orifice restrictor including a channel, a movable actuating assembly that retains the applicator and the primary orifice restrictor and is movably connected to the reservoir body, and a secondary orifice restrictor arranged in an opening of the reservoir body and includes an initially closed channel. The instrument also includes a partly movable control mechanism that controls movement of the actuating assembly relative to the reservoir body. The control mechanism having a configuration in which it prevents opening of the closed channel and thereby prevents leakage of application liquid from the reservoir prior to manual activation by a user.
US08485745B2	Thermal printer and drive control method of thermal head A thermal printer includes a first thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with one side of a paper, a second thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with the other side of the paper, and a controller. The first thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on one side of the paper. The second thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on the other side of the paper. The controller is configured to shift the energization times between the first thermal head and second thermal head.
US08485739B2	Optical transceiver module having a deformable heat sink structure A heat dissipation solution is provided that includes a heat sink structure that has a very high thermal conductivity and includes elements or features that can be deformed to increase the contact surface areas between the heat sink structure and the module casing, thereby decreasing thermal resistance. By increasing the thermal conductivity and the sizes of the surface areas that are used for transferring heat, the temperature difference between the temperature of the light source and the temperature of the module casing can be decreased to enable the light source to be operated at higher data rates. Furthermore, deformation of the deformable features also removes space between the optical subassembly and the module body caused by mechanical tolerance differences that occur during manufacturing.
US08485738B2	Optical fiber connector An optical fiber connector is disclosed. The optical fiber connector comprises a form having a curved surface with a first end near the bottom surface of the form. The curved surface is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the form at the first end. A first plurality of active optical fibers are positioned along the curved surface of the form in a side-by side arrangement with the tips of each of the first plurality of optical fibers adjacent to the first end of the curved surface. The ends of each of the first plurality of active optical fibers have been striped down to cladding and the cladding of each optical fiber contacts the cladding of the adjacent optical fibers. An inner cover is attached to the form thereby capturing the first plurality of active optical fibers between the curved surface of the form and an inside curved surface in the inner cover.
US08485731B2	Bearing support A bearing support is configured to retain at least two bearings disposed closely adjacent to each other in a parallel relationship. Each bearing includes a bearing outer ring having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The bearing support comprises at least first and second portions that are connected together. The first portion is formed as a component that has cylindrical openings configured to receive or seat the respective bearing outer rings and to surround the entire circumference of the respective bearing outer ring. The second portion is formed as a support plate. A bearing assembly includes the bearing support with a bearing seated in each of the respective cylindrical openings.
US08485730B2	Rolling bearing An outer ring and an inner ring of a rolling bearing are constituted of steel containing 0.77 to 0.85% of carbon, 0.01 to 0.25% of silicon, 0.01 to 0.35% of manganese, 0.01 to 0.15% of nickel, 3.75 to 4.25% of chromium, 4 to 4.5% of molybdenum and 0.9 to 1.1% of vanadium with the rest consisting of iron and impurities, a nitrogen-enriched layer having a nitrogen concentration of at least 0.05 mass % is formed on a region including a rolling surface, and the total of a carbon concentration and the nitrogen concentration in the nitrogen-enriched layer is at least 0.82 mass % and not more than 1.9 mass %. A DLC coating layer is arranged on a region including an outer ring contact surface.
US08485724B2	Thermocouple electromotive force voltage to temperature converter with integrated cold-junction compensation and linearization A mixed-signal integrated circuit comprises: 1) an analog front end having differential inputs adapted for directly connecting to at least one thermocouple, 2) an analog-to-digital (ADC) for converting the thermocouple voltages to digital representations thereof, 3) a linearization circuit capable of performing the multi-order polynomial equations for converting the thermocouple electromotive voltages (the digital representations) to linear temperature measurement units by using coefficients unique to each type of thermocouple from a coefficients table based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 4) a integrated temperature sensor for measuring cold junction temperature, 5) optionally, an input multiplexer for selecting each of a plurality of thermocouples for measurement thereof, 6) optionally, registers for storing measured temperature values, high and low set points, alarm limits, etc., and 7) a communications interface for setting parameters and receiving temperature information.
US08485721B2	Ex-reactor two-phase transient nuclear calorimeter A device to measure the residual power of a charge, comprising: means delimiting a first vessel to receive and contain a charge to be measured; means delimiting a second vessel around the first vessel; means to apply a layer of liquid or wet layer around the first vessel; and means to maintain constant the temperature and/or pressure of a vapor outside the first vessel or in the second vessel.
US08485720B2	Measurement method of distinguishing dew and frost point using quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in low temperature The present invention relates to a measurement method of dew-point in low temperature, and more specifically to a measurement method of accurately distinguishing dew-point and frost-point using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in a low temperature of 0° C. or less. To this end, the present invention provides a measurement method of distinguishing dew and frost point using a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor in low temperature, comprising the steps of: measuring a resonant frequency of a quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor while slowly dropping temperature; observing shock waves of the resonant frequency; and determining dew point or frost point through the observation of the resonant frequency and shock waves of the quartz crystal microbalance dew-point sensor.
US08485719B2	Pivot organ A pivot organ (5a, 5b) designed to allow the rotation of a piece (3) of a clockwork movement around an axis of rotation, includes two elements: a pivot (7a, 7b) and a bearing (6a, 6b) receiving the pivot (7a, 7b), one being integral with the piece (3) and the other being integral with the frame (1) of the movement. The elements (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) have shapes at their opposite surfaces such that the section of one of the elements along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation is circular, the section of the other element along the plane being non-circular, so as to reduce the contact surface between the pivot (7a, 7b) and the bearing (6a, 6b). At least the contact surfaces of the two elements against each other are made from at least one material intrinsically having a low coefficient of friction and a low wear coefficient.
US08485717B2	Stirrers for minimizing erosion of refractory metal vessels in a glass making system Stirring apparatuses for stirring molten glass are disclosed. The method includes stirring a molten glass with a stirrer comprising a layer containing at least about 50% iridium. An apparatus comprising an iridium-containing layer is also presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus for stirring molten glass includes a cylinder comprising a bore. A stirrer may be disposed in the bore. The stirrer may include a platinum or platinum alloy shaft coaxial with the cylinder. A plurality of impellers may project radially from the shaft into close proximity of a wall of the cylinder. Each impeller may include an arcuate distal end portion farthest from the shaft. The distal end portion of each impeller consists of iridium or an iridium alloy and the remainder of the impeller consists of platinum or a platinum alloy. The stirring apparatuses reduce metal loss from the refractory metal of the stirring apparatus.
US08485707B2	Headlamp for vehicle Disclosed is a headlamp assembly for a vehicle. The headlamp assembly may include an LED module arranged in a housing of the headlamp, a reflector disposed in the housing and receiving a light from the LED module, wherein the reflector has uneven parts to disperse and reflect the light in a forward direction of the reflector, and a lens arranged in the front of the reflector.
US08485699B2	Self-righting light fixture A self-positioning light fixture having an elongated body with a bottom self-righting segment. The elongated body comprises a pair of elongated body portions mateable along a vertical parting plane with components of the light fixture, such as the shock mount for the lamp assembly, an air circulating fan, and counterweights, being retained and supported within the body portions as an incident to assembly and securement of the body portions. The self-righting segment and counterweights are designed for optimally uprighting the fixture from tipped positions with minimum counterweighting and without excessive force or rocking movement of the fixture. Further features of the light fixture include air vent openings in the body that prevent or minimize entry of rain water and contaminants, an easily accessible gripping handle for facilitating movement of the light fixture, and a reflector shield adapted for easy selective positioning about the lamp assembly for the desired light direction.
US08485698B2	Heat pipe, heat dissipating module and illumination device A heat dissipating module includes a first heat conducting plate, a second heat conducting plate and at least one heat pipe. The second heat conducting plate is disposed opposite to the first heat conducting plate. Each of the at least one heat pipe includes a first fixing portion, a first curved portion, a second fixing portion, a second curved portion and a connecting portion. The first fixing portion is positioned on the first heat conducting plate and the second fixing portion is positioned on the second heat conducting plate. The first curved portion is curved and extended from the first fixing portion. The second curved portion is curved and extended from the second fixing portion. The connecting portion is connected between the first curved portion and the second curved portion. At least parts of the first curved portion and at least parts of the second curved portion are not coplanar.
US08485696B2	Lighting and ventilating system and method Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing. The main housing can include an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A fan wheel can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. A grille can be coupled to the main housing and the grille can include louvers. The system further can include a lamp housing coupled to the grille, the lamp housing can include a first set of illumination devices and a second set of illumination devices. The second set of illumination devices can be capable of emitting a dynamic illumination event.
US08485695B2	Backlight system The present invention provides a backlight system, which includes a reflector plate, a light guide plate, and a back frame. The reflector plate and the light guide plate are stacked on the back frame and the back frame carries the light guide plate and the reflector plate. The back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; and lifting adhesive spots are formed between the reflector plate and the light guide plate. The backlight system of the present invention has a back frame having a simple structure, saves material for the back frame, and reduces the cost of the back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device. Further, the present invention arranges lifting adhesive spots between the reflector plate and the light guide plate so as to provide a lifting effect on the reflector plate and bond the reflector plate to the light guide plate, thereby alleviating the problem that easy collapse of the reflector plate occurring after assembling leads to poor quality of reflection and causes poor backlighting.
US08485691B2	High powered light emitting diode lighting unit A light emitting diode (LED) lighting unit including power supply housing accommodating a power supply and an LED array housing defining an internal compartment and a lens sealing the internal compartment. An LED array and an LED control circuit are mounted on a printed circuit board, which is accommodated within the compartment. The rear surface of the LED array housing includes a heat transfer element. At least one of the LED array and power supply housings has a chimney extending therethrough from a front to rear surface. The rear surface of the LED array housing is spaced from the front surface of the power supply housing to define and airflow space therebetween. During operation of the LED lighting unit, air flows into the airflow space and toward a central axis of the LED lighting unit before flowing out through the chimney to facilitate removing heat from the LED lighting unit.
US08485690B1	Decorative light string clip device A decorative light string clip device is provided for holding a string of lights in a desired configuration on a tree branch or other elongated support structure. The device includes an arcuate member having a pair of spaced free ends. The arcuate member has an outer perimeter edge extending between the free ends. A plurality of notches is provided in the member. Each of the notches extends inwardly from the outer perimeter edge of the member. The notches are radially positioned in spaced relationship around the member.
US08485686B2	Multi-spectrum lighting device with plurality of switches and tactile feedback A multi-spectrum emitting device including one or more emitters configured to emit in a first non-visible light spectrum and a second visible light spectrum, and a switching mechanism with at least two switching elements. The switching mechanism is configured to require simultaneous activation of the at least two switching elements in order to change emissions from the first spectrum to the second spectrum. A tactile feedback mechanism is included to provide different tactile feedback for different emission modes of the device.
US08485685B2	Backlight module and lamp fastener thereof The present invention provides a backlight module and a lamp fastener thereof. The lamp fastener has at least two support rods, two movable levers and at least two retaining bars, all of which constructs a movable mechanism for providing at least one closed movable space to stably clamp and position at least one backlight lamp. Thus, it can efficiently prevent the backlight lamp from being separated from the lamp fastener, so that the installation reliability of the backlight lamp and the yield of the impact test thereof can be efficiently enhanced.
US08485681B2	Smart safety glove, wristband and method A smart safety glove, wristband, method and kit is shown and described. In one embodiment, the glove or wristband includes an enclosing shell, a printed circuit board and a light configured to indicate intentions to traffic. In particular embodiments, the glove is in a sleep mode in a substantially horizontal position and the light is illuminated in a substantially vertical position. A method of hand signaling using a smart safety glove includes positioning the smart glove from the substantially horizontal sleep position to a predefined substantially vertical signaling position.
US08485679B2	Flat panel display device and stereoscopic display device The present invention provides a flat panel display device, which includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes an LED light source, a back frame, and a PCB. The LED light source comprises an LED lamp and an LED substrate. The LED substrate includes, sequentially stacked, a first conductor wiring layer, a first insulation layer, an aluminum substrate, a second insulation layer, and a second conductor wiring layer and the LED lamp is mounted on the first conductor wiring layer. The back frame carries the LED light source and includes at least two primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame. The PCB is disposed on the second conductor wiring layer of the LED substrate. The present invention also provides a stereoscopic display device. The flat panel display device and the stereoscopic display device of the present invention can reduce the cost of back frame mold and save the material and space of the back frame, so as to lower down the cost of the flat panel display device and the stereoscopic display device.
US08485670B2	Projector apparatus A projector apparatus for projecting an image to a projected surface by illuminating an image forming element using light from a light source is provided. The projector apparatus includes an apparatus casing containing the light source and the image forming element, and an air filter receiving portion provided in the apparatus casing and having an air intake through which air is drawn. The projector apparatus also includes a plurality of air filters having substantially the same size as an air intake opening area, a cooling fan causing air to flow into the projector apparatus through the air intake and causing the air to pass through the plurality of air filters, a first air channel directing a portion of the air to a front air filter, and a second air channel directing the remaining portion of the air to a rear air filter.
US08485665B2	Method and system for three-dimensional (3D) projection A method and system are described for projecting stereoscopic images using circularly polarized light with at least one polarizer for limiting the amount of light or radiant energy reaching a projection lens system and associated optical elements, and system configurations are discussed with respect to desired performance characteristics.
US08485663B2	Ophthalmic apparatus An ophthalmic apparatus includes an imaging optical system for imaging an anterior segment image including a pupil of an examinee's eye, a pupil detection unit for detecting a size of the pupil of the examinee's eye based on the imaged result by the imaging optical system, and an output unit configured to obtain size information of a far vision zone and a near vision zone for a multifocal intraocular lens and output the obtained size information and the size of the pupil detected by the pupil detection unit to be comparable. Accordingly, applicability of the multifocal intraocular lens can be determined accurately and easily.
US08485658B2	Thermal conditioning buoyant eyewear retainers An eyewear retainer includes a flexible elongated arm and a flexible leg extending downwardly from the posterior end of the arm. Elastic bands on the arm receive and engage a wide range of temple arms of eyewear. The leg extends behind a wearer's ear when the temple arm of the eyewear is engaged by the elastic bands. The retainer is buoyant and may include a bulbous buoyancy cell containing a buoyant object on the lateral side of the leg. Thermal medium compartments are attached to the medial side of the retainer arm and retainer leg. Each thermal medium compartment removably contains a thermal medium, such as a cooling medium or a heating medium. A pressure sensitive skin-contacting adhesive is provided on the outer skin-contacting side (i.e., the medial side) of the thermal medium compartment located on the retainer leg. The retainer leg and arm may be comprised of a material including a thermochromic additive and/or a hydrochromic additive configured to change color when the retainer is submerged in water.
US08485657B2	Sublimation printing processes and fabric pretreatment compositions for ink jet printing onto arbitrary fabrics An ink jet printing process for sublimation printing of arbitrary textile fiber substrates, wherein the fiber materials are pretreated with an aqueous coating composition, enabling ink jet printing of natural and regenerated cellulosic fibers and blends thereof with synthetic fibers, by direct sublimation or sublimation transfer printing, applying to said fibers a novel textile coating or fabric pretreatment composition, wherein said textile coating or fabric pretreatment includes: an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer particles and a non-fluoropolymer binder.
US08485655B2	Inkjet-printing mechanism calibration An ink patch is printed on a swath of media, by an inkjet-printing mechanism of an inkjet-printing device. Printing the ink patch takes a first length of time. The ink patch printed on the swath is heated at a first temperature less than a second temperature specified for the first length of time the inkjet-printing mechanism takes to print the ink patch. A second length of time is waited. A total length of time the swath is heated is at least substantially equal to the first length of time plus the second length of time.
US08485649B2	Liquid jetting apparatus A liquid jetting apparatus includes a liquid jetting head which reciprocates in a first direction on a predetermined plane and which jets the liquid from a nozzle; a liquid supply source which stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid jetting head; a flexible tube which is fixed to the liquid jetting apparatus at a predetermined fixed portion different from a connecting portion of the tube at which the tube is connected to the liquid jetting head, and which is arranged in a state that the tube is bent at a portion between the fixed portion and the connecting portion; and a regulating member which is arranged to regulate a movement of the tube caused by the bending of the tube, and the regulating member has an accommodating portion which extends in the first direction and accommodates the tube.
US08485646B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head includes: a piezoelectric actuator having a first electrode, a piezoelectric body formed on the upper side of the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the upper side of the piezoelectric body; and an electrostatic actuator having the second electrode and a third electrode arranged to face the second electrode with a space therebetween.
US08485645B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus which can reduce transportation failure, enhance device safety, and consume lower power in an apparatus including a liquid electing head, an absorbing member, an electrode, and a potential difference creating unit, by controlling the duration of a high voltage application period by controlling the voltage from the potential difference creating unit using a liquid collection control unit.
US08485643B2	Inkjet printhead assembly with printhead segment cradle member An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink supply body defining a plurality of ink supply channels; an elongate cradle member defining a plurality of rows of apertures, the elongate cradle member being fastened to the elongate ink supply body to communicate ink within the ink supply channels through respective ones of said rows of apertures; and a plurality of printhead segments each having a carrier defining a plurality of rows of ink supply passages arranged in alignment with respective apertures of the cradle member, each printhead segment further having an elongate ink ejection printhead mounted to the carrier in fluid communication with the ink supply passages. Each carrier defines a complementary formation for mating serially with the cradle member.
US08485642B2	Ink tank and ink supply system An ink tank is attachable to the attachment section by positioning first engagement sections at first fitting sections on the attachment section and then locking a second engagement section to a second fitting section of the attachment section by rotating the tank. The multiple supply ports are arranged on a bottom face of the tank such that the supply ports are on both sides of a center line in a width direction of the tank, and that distances between each of abutting centers configured to abut ink receiving parts of the attachment section, and the first engagement section side in a direction along a center line are mutually different. It is possible to avoid reception of a reactive force to the ink receiving parts at one time when rotating and attaching the tank, and to achieve stable attachment while suppressing excessive inclination of the tank at the time of attachment.
US08485641B2	Nozzle plate and method of manufacturing the same Provided is a nozzle plate and methods of manufacturing the nozzle plate. The nozzle plate may include a substrate having a nozzle. The nozzle plate may also include a permittivity reducing area in an upper portion of the substrate around the nozzle, wherein the permittivity reducing area includes a plurality of porosities and a plurality of walls between the plurality of porosities. Additionally, the nozzle plate may include a protection layer on the substrate, wherein the protection layer covers the plurality of porosities and the plurality of walls.
US08485638B2	Inkjet printhead having common conductive track on nozzle plate An inkjet printhead includes: a substrate having a drive circuitry layer; a plurality of nozzle assemblies disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and arranged in one or more nozzle rows extending longitudinally along the printhead; a nozzle plate extending across the printhead; and a conductive track disposed on the nozzle plate which extends longitudinally along the printhead and parallel with the nozzle rows. The conductive track is connected to a common reference plane in the drive circuitry layer via a plurality of conductor posts extending between the drive circuitry layer and the conductive track.
US08485635B2	Method to refresh the ink in nozzles of an inkjet print head in an inkjet printing apparatus In a method to regenerate during operation ink in nozzles of at least one inkjet print head operating according to drop on demand in an inkjet print apparatus, nozzles of the print head that generate print dots on a printing substrate are activated such that the nozzles output first ink droplets of a predetermined volume in a direction towards the printing substrate. Nozzles that are not being currently used to generate print dots on the printing substrate are activated such that they output at least one second ink droplet of a smaller volume in comparison to the first ink droplets volume. During at least the outputting of the second ink droplet, a suction flow is generated between the inkjet print head and the printing substrate of such strength that the second ink droplet is deflected so it does not arrive at the printing substrate.
US08485630B2	Recording-medium-conveying device and recording apparatus A device includes a conveying roller configured to convey a recording medium, a follower roller configured to press the recording medium against the conveying roller, a detector configured to detect a direction of skew of the conveyed recording medium, and a changer configured to change a state of contact between the recording medium and the conveying roller in accordance with a result of the detection by the detector such that a length of a portion of the conveying roller that is in contact with the recording medium in a conveyance direction is larger on a side toward which the recording medium is skewed than on an opposite side.
US08485624B2	Droplet dispensing control method, droplet dispensing control device, and method of manufacturing semiconductor devices According to one embodiment, a droplet dispensing control method includes detecting an amount of positional deviation between a stage on which a substrate is mounted and a template as a template positional deviation amount and detecting an amount of positional deviation between a movement direction of the stage and a nozzle array direction as a nozzle positional deviation amount. The method further includes calculating a stage movement direction correction value and an ejection timing correction value of the imprint material as correction values for eliminating the positional deviation of the landing position of the imprint material. The method further includes controlling the movement direction of the stage using the stage movement direction correction value and controlling the ejection timing of the imprint material using the ejection timing correction value.
US08485622B2	Printing system and program If an ink amount supplied from an ink tank to an ejection head reaches a predetermined limit value, ink ejection is not permitted. If initialization data are input and the input initialization data are appropriate, a count value of the ink amount is initialized, and the ink ejection is started again. In addition, the initialization data which is input once and determined to be appropriate is determined to be inappropriate thereafter. By doing so, although ink of which the property and state are inappropriate is used for the refilling, since appropriate initialization data may not be input, it is possible to avoid the inappropriate ink from being used for the refilling.
US08485617B2	Refrigerator Disclosed is a refrigerator including a main body provided with a storage chamber; a door to respectively open and close the storage chamber; a control unit installed the door to select an operation; a reception part provided in the door to receive the control unit; and an installation hole provided on a side end of the door to cause the control unit to be inserted into the reception part. The control unit is installed through the side end of the door, which is deviated from a user's line of sight.
US08485609B2	Impact tool An impact tool for use with a driving mechanism, the impact tool including an impact tip formed from a super hard material and having an apex and an attachment end, with the attachment end being bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded in turn to the front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is securable against an outer surface of a driving mechanism through a press fit.
US08485608B2	Heading or extraction machine In a heading or extraction machine (1) including extraction tools that are movable over the working face, and track walling devices such as anchor drilling and setting devices (9), the machine (1) comprises a platform (6) that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the machine and carries at least two track walling devices each mounted to be separately displaceable relative to the platform (6).
US08485601B2	Multi-use seat liner Embodiments of the invention provide a seat liner and methods associated with the seat liner. The seat liner may include a fabric having an outer periphery, an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side, and a right side. The seat liner may also include a pair of apertures in the upper portion that are configured to receive a pair of restraint belts and an additional aperture in the lower portion configured to receive a buckle. The restraint belts and buckle may couple together to secure a child placed in the seat. The seat liner may further include a chamber disposed at the outer periphery of one of the sides and a padding member removably held within the chamber to cushion the child placed in the seat.
US08485599B2	Arrangement for a vehicle seat An arrangement for a vehicle seat includes an inner element (11c, 11d), an outer element (9, 16a), which has an opening (16b) having an edge (9c, 16c) and receives the inner element (11c, 11d), and a weld seam (20) which connects the outer element (9, 16a) to the inner element (11c, 11d). The edge (16c) of the opening of the outer element (9, 16a) is interspaced from the inner element (11c, 11d) over the largest part of its circumference and defines a radial gap (G) having a defined maximum width, the weld seam (20) being introduced into the gap (G).
US08485598B2	Pitch adjusting mechanism for bicycle saddle A pitch adjusting mechanism for a bicycle saddle is arranged between a saddle and a seat post of the bicycle and includes: a base beneath the saddle; a connecting member being fixed to the seat post; a washer being removably assembled to a top or a bottom of the connecting member; and a fastener combining the connecting member, the washer and the base as a whole. When the washer is arranged on the top and beneath the bottom of the connecting member, a pitch of the saddle with respect to the seat post is different.
US08485596B1	Stadium blanket with seat A blanket is featured with a stadium built-in seat. The blanket can optionally further comprise, a hood, air-activated warmer pockets, a fleece interior and an exterior sports (e.g., football field) design. The blanket can be worn while attending outdoor sports events in cold weather, and it is easy to fold and transport.
US08485593B2	Drain plug A drain plug includes a head part arranged on a peripheral edge of a drain hole from a front side, and an engaging leg engaged with the peripheral edge of the drain hole from a back side. The engaging leg includes a frame wall extending in a direction in which a space between a pair of panels forming a body panel is widened; an opening part facing the a connecting part of the pair of panels of the body panel; engaging parts formed on both side walls of the frame wall, to be engaged with the peripheral edge of the drain hole from the back side; and a guide surface formed on a front wall of the frame wall, to guide the engaging parts to pass through the drain hole.
US08485590B2	Cockpit support structure of a motor vehicle A cockpit support structure of a motor vehicle has a cross member (11) with brackets (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) for connecting the cross member (11) to a body structure of the motor vehicle, and having brackets (18, 19, 20) for connecting functional components to the cross member (11). The cross member (11) and the brackets (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) all are produced from a magnesium alloy material.
US08485583B2	Stowable seat arrangement for a vehicle A stowable seat arrangement can include a seat having a seat back coupled to a seat bottom. A pair of front and rear legs can be pivotably coupled to the seat bottom. A floor panel can be fixed to the seat back. A stowage recess cover can be pivotably coupled to the vehicle and the front legs. The seat can be configured to selectively articulate from a deployed position to a stowed position where the seat can be received in a vehicle stowage recess. Pivotably raising the cover can automatically begin articulation of the seat from the deployed position to the stowed position. The floor panel can be in spaced relation to the floor when the seat is in the deployed position and can automatically move to a position in engagement with the floor to provide a flat load floor configuration when the seat is in the stowed position.
US08485581B2	Active material based holding fixtures A holding fixture operable to secure differing pluralities of positioned objects having differing geometric shapes, sizes, and/or dimensions, including an active material element configured to selectively enable, cause, or retain the securing engagement and/or return the fixture to a ready state when not in use.
US08485579B2	Vacuum pickup assemblies for picking up articles and minimizing contamination thereof Vacuum pickup assemblies for picking up articles and minimizing contamination of the articles are described. One such vacuum pick up assembly includes an end effector configured to contact the article, the end effector coupled to a vacuum section and a purge section, the vacuum section including a vacuum filter pneumatically coupled to the end effector, and a vacuum source pneumatically coupled to the first filter and, in a pick up mode, configured to generate vacuum pressure at the end effector at a preselected vacuum pressure to pick up and retain the article, the purge section including a purge filter pneumatically coupled to the end effector, and a purge source pneumatically coupled to the second filter and, in a release mode, configured to expel a purge gas at the end effector at a preselected purge pressure to release the article.
US08485577B2	Gripping for lifting material web rolls, particularly paper-and paperboard rolls A gripper having contact members arranged to be positioned against the sides of a roll to be lifted. A gripping force is provided on the contact members at substantially gripping height against the roll to be lifted by tensioning a binder connecting the contact members.
US08485575B2	Gripper for door of vehicle A gripper for a door of a vehicle is provided which may be applied to various types of vehicles. In particular, a gripper for a door of a vehicle as provided may include frames mounted to an end of an arm of a robot, moving units which are disposed on the frames and are configured for reciprocating toward a clamping point of a door panel, angle adjusting units disposed to an end of the moving unit and configured for reciprocating forward and backward with respect to the frame and adjustable according to an angle difference of the door panel, and clamping units which are disposed on each angle adjusting unit and configured for clamping the clamping points of the door panel.
US08485572B2	Security seal A security seal has an outer body, a locking insert, and a shackle. The locking insert and shackle are received within a cavity of the outer body to be locked therein. Once the locking insert is engaged with the outer body, they cannot be disengaged without showing evidence of the disengagement. The evidence of the disengagement can be in the form of damage to any component of the security seal, in the form of mismatching of marked components of the security seal, or in any other suitable form showing evidence of the disengagement.
US08485569B2	Lock assembly A lock assembly (1) comprises a rotary latch member (3) rotatable between a first, locking, position and a second, released, position, an actuator (23) for effecting rotation of the rotary latch member, and a rotary-drive mechanism between the actuator (23) and the rotary latch member (3) for transmitting a rotary drive to the rotary latch member. The rotary drive mechanism includes first and second members (3, 5) mounted for rotation about substantially parallel axes and having overlapping peripheral portions with sets of interengaging formations (19A, 20A and 19B, 20B), each set of interengaging formations comprising a recess (19A, 19B) extending radially inwardly from a peripheral portion of one of the first and second members and a post (20A, 20B) projecting in a direction generally parallel to the axes of rotation of the members and engagable in the recess. A first set of interengaging formations is arranged to interengage over a first part of the movement of the rotary latch member (3) from the first, locking, position to the second, released, position and a second set of interengaging formations is arranged to interengage over a second part of the movement of the rotary latch member (3) from the first, locking, position to the second, released, position. The first and second parts of the movement of the rotary latch member (3) are different from one another and continuous or overlapping.
US08485567B1	Sterilization cassette A sterilization cassette has a slide latch system to secure the lid of the cassette to the body of the cassette. A finger tab on the outside of the cassette moves a latch arm on the inside of the cassette along a slot. A tension spring secures the position of latch components whether the latch is open or closed. Spacers between the cassette and latch parts facilitate smooth gliding action. The latch arm engages an angled bracket on the lid of the cassette. Alternating notch depths on instrument rails within the cassette work with opposing rails that likewise have alternating depths of notches to capture and hold instruments. This notch configuration causes the handles of adjacent instruments stowed in the cassette to stagger in height so that a clinician can access the handles of the stowed instruments.
US08485565B2	Brunnian link making device and kit A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The base and pin bars may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Additional bases and pin bars can be to further expand possible completed article creation.
US08485563B2	Sealed tubular connection used in the oil industry A sealed threaded connection with a male end and a female end, the male end having a sealing surface and finishing in a terminal surface orientated transversely to the axis of the connection. The female end has a threaded zones inclined in accordance with a conical generatrix forming an angle of taper alpha; with the axis of the connection, sealing surface being cooperating with the sealing surface of the male end along a radially interfering contact zone, and finishing in a terminal surface which is transversely orientated, the tangent at the contact zone of the sealing surface being inclined along a line forming an angle beta; with the axis of the threaded connection, wherein the inclination defined by the conical generatrix relative to the threaded zones is in a direction opposite to the inclination defined by the tangent at the contact zone of the sealing surface.
US08485561B2	Combined structure used for air-conditioning ventilation A combined structure for air-conditioning ventilation comprises a tee connector (1), an easy connector (40), and a caliber adapter (30). The tee connector (1) comprises a tubular adjustable part (10) at its cylindrical tube (3) for outflow ventilation. The caliber adapter (30) may be installed at the inflow cylindrical tube (14) of the tee connector (1). By clamping the snap-fit points of the easy connector (40) into the snap-fit points (7) that is located on a first cylindrical tube (3) of the tee connector (1), the easy connector (40) may be installed at the first cylindrical tube (3). The resulting combined structure can be easily installed and used, and can have its parts easily switched.
US08485560B2	Welding spacer A welding spacer includes a spacer body having a first pipe-engaging face and a second socket-engaging face. The spacer may be formed from any suitable material, including a liquid-degradable or heat-degradable composition. A spacer thickness separates the first face and the second face. The spacer thickness may comprise solid material or it may have one or more hollow portions. A peripheral edge is provided on the spacer body. One or more deformable members may be provided on the peripheral edge for retaining the spacer in a structure. The welding spacer may be incorporated in a pipe assembly that includes a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment. The first pipe segment has a socket at a first pipe end with an interior shoulder to seat the welding spacer. The second pipe segment has a second pipe end that is received in the socket and seated against the welding spacer.
US08485556B2	Accessory system for a glide board A snowboard or other glide board has a receptacle and plug accessory system for quickly incorporating additional and interchangeable functionality to the board. A user can readily switch functionality in and out of the board by way of the plug and receptacle system. Various plugs contain different features. The receptacle can be incorporated during manufacturing, such as in a manner compatible with existing manufacturing practices, as a retrofit to existing boards. The receptacle is a plate embedded into the board, in line with the core and sandwiched between the strength layers that are typically comprised of fiberglass. The receptacle sidewall has a one side of a latch mechanism in its interior walls. In one implementation, the plug accessory can latch fit into the receptacle. The plug can be disengaged with one hand without tools. The plug accessory can incorporate a camera, a light, a flag, and a rooster tail duct.
US08485550B2	Airbag In an airbag, an external wall composed of a flexible woven cloth is adhered and configured by extending a thick thread base cloth and a fine thread base cloth with threads of different thicknesses while performing heat pressing with a coating layer interposed between the thick thread base cloth and the fine thread base cloth. The coating layer is formed by applying a coating agent that forms the coating layer on the thick thread base cloth side in advance.
US08485547B2	Stroller having shock-absorbing function A stroller includes a frame unit, two folding devices, and a wheel unit. The frame unit includes a rear support frame, an upper support frame and a lower support frame. Each of the folding devices includes a first shell, a second shell, a gear set, and a pulling mechanism. The gear set includes at least two first toothed members, a connecting rod, a second toothed member, and a fixing rod. The pulling mechanism includes a locking member, a locking rod, a tension spring, a pull member, a drive wire and a fastening member. The wheel unit includes a main shaft, a mounting seat, an elastic plate, a wheel bracket, a buffering spring, and two front wheels. The buffering spring is biased between the mounting seat and the wheel bracket to provide a shock-absorbing function to the front wheels.
US08485543B2	Independent suspension and steering assembly An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.
US08485541B2	Suspension for a tricycle A suspension for use on two front/rear wheels of a tricycle includes a linking assembly comprising two H-shaped lower supports, two H-shaped upper supports, two coupling members each secured to a hub of the front/rear wheel, and a plurality of internally threaded linkages for pivotably securing the upper supports together, pivotably securing the lower supports together, and pivotably fastening each coupling member between the upper support and the lower support at the same side together; and an elongated shock absorber having both ends secured the upper supports.
US08485539B2	Enclosed decoupling stabilizer A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system includes a fixed housing having a canister and end caps forming an enclosure. A rod moves axially relative to the housing. Abutment members on the rod are separated by a spring and confront or telescope into end stops in the housing, depending upon a rotated position of the end stops relative to the abutment members.
US08485538B1	Auxiliary axle suspension system An auxiliary axle suspension system for a motor vehicle is disclosed wherein a pair of hydraulically operated actuators position and force the auxiliary axle to help support the vehicle. And gas springs are provided that allow the actuators to extend and retract over a wide range of hydraulic operating pressure and thereby allow the auxiliary axle to adjust to a wide range of road grade differences between the auxiliary axle wheels and the wheels of the axles that normally support the vehicle without incurring significant gas and hydraulic pressure fluctuation and while isolating shock forces on the auxiliary axle wheels from the vehicle.
US08485537B2	Portable X-ray grid cabinet A radiographic grid cabinet for holding x-ray grids and/or cassettes that can have a vertical structure attached to a flat base with wheels that engage when the device is tilted backward like a handcart so that the cabinet can be easily transported from place to place. Wheels can fold out when needed. The device also can have a support plate that can move vertically on a set of rails or other structure attached to the cart. A thumb controlled pin on a clamp or other locking device can select one of a number of holes in the rails to lock the cabinet into a fixed vertical position. The device can also have a rotating bearing that allows the grid holder to be rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position, or through a vertical position from either of two horizontal positions.
US08485535B2	Sealing gland for ribbon-shaped probe A sealing gland for accommodating a ribbon-shaped element is provided to include a fitting, a bore, an alignment assembly and a cap portion. The bore extends along an axis through the fitting. The alignment assembly is configured to be mounted within the bore and includes an element slot such that the ribbon-shaped element can extend through the alignment assembly. The element slot is cuboidal in shape and is defined by a length, a height and a width. The alignment assembly is arranged so that the length is parallel with the axis. The cap portion is configured to be mounted on the fitting to retain the alignment assembly.
US08485534B2	Metal gasket A metal gasket includes an outer ring that is formed in a substantially C-shaped cross-section having an opening in a circumferential direction and an inner ring that is disposed inside the outer ring, wherein the inner ring is configured in a polygonal shape of a cross section, and a pair of corner portions opposing to each other in the inner ring are disposed on inner circumferential faces on the both sides of the opening in the outer ring.
US08485532B2	Composition for gasket and gasket A composition for a gasket, including about 100 parts by weight of a hydrogenated styrene-based block copolymer, about 70 to 99 parts by weight of a petroleum-based softener, about 10 to 25 parts by weight of a polyolefin-based resin; about 10 to 25 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and about 10 to 25 parts by weight of a heat-resistant polymer, based on 100 parts by weight of the hydrogenated styrene-based block copolymer. The thermoplastic elastomer composition has superior physical properties, such as tensile strength, heat resistance, high-temperature restoring force and chemical resistance, while being applicable to injection-molding and recyclable, like general thermoplastic resins.
US08485531B2	Oil seal assembly The invention concerns an oil seal assembly 12, especially for a gas turbine engine, for use in situations, for example, where a shaft passes 2 through the wall of a bearing chamber 10, so that one side of the seal is in a “wet” zone 8 and the other side in a “dry” zone 14. The seal comprises two parts, a relatively stationary annular seal member 32 which runs against the surface 34 of a seal runner 36 carried by the rotatable shaft 2. Both parts of seals of this kind are designed to be a demountable service items. Usually the seal runner 36 is bolted to a flange 16 on the shaft 2. However, problems may arise with oil leakage through the bolt holes formed in the flange 16 and along the bolt threads. In order to solve these problems the invention proposes a double flange arrangement 42, 44, 46 (FIG. 3) in which the seal runner 36 spans both flanges 42, 44 and is secured to the flange 42 in the dry zone 14.
US08485528B2	Wagering game A wagering game is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wagering game is a poker-style game in which players may designate their hands as predicted winning hands according to a predetermined standard and players may alternatively designate their hands as qualifying hands entitled to at least a portion of the wagers at stake according to an alternative standard, in which a qualifying hand is awarded at least a portion of the wagers at stake unless the winning hand is a predicted winning hand. In another embodiment, the wagering game is a poker-style game in combination with a lottery-style game in which players may win the poker-style game according to a predetermined standard and players may also win the lottery-style game according to a jackpot standard.
US08485523B2	Sheet sorter and image forming apparatus A sheet sorter includes a sheet discharge tray, a sheet conveyance unit, and a sheet pressing guide. The sheet conveyance unit is configured to convey sheets in a conveyance direction and configured to be shifted in a shift direction along a sheet plane and in a shift direction that intersects the conveyance direction, so as to sort the sheets loaded onto the sheet discharge tray from the sheet conveyance unit. The sheet pressing guide is configured to contact and press the sheets, configured to move together with the sheet conveyance unit in conjunction with the sheet conveyance unit moving in the shift direction, and configured to contact a topmost sheet among the sheets loaded on the sheet discharge tray only at a downstream edge of the topmost sheet in the conveyance direction.
US08485521B2	Automatic document conveying device and image forming apparatus including the same Provided is an automatic document conveying device, including: a document feeding portion that feeds a document from a document stacking tray; a conveying portion that conveys the document which is fed, to a document reading portion; a discharge portion that discharges the document after being read to a discharge tray; a branching guide that switches a conveying path so that a second surface is read after a first surface of the document is read; and a switchback portion including a switchback roller pair for sending the document to the conveying portion again after the conveying path is switched by the branching guide, in which a switch of the conveying path by the branching guide and open/close of a nip of the switchback roller pair are performed in one drive portion.
US08485520B2	Sheet stacking apparatus with skew value sensor for sheet stack designation According to one embodiment, a sheet stacking apparatus comprises a conveyance path, a plurality of stackers, a plurality of gates, a skew sensor, and a control unit. The gates are arranged in a number corresponding to the number of stackers, and guide the sheets from the conveyance path into the stackers, respectively. The skew sensor detects the skew of the sheet conveyed along the conveyance path. The control unit drives a gate corresponding to a stacker, in which the sheet is to be stacked, in accordance with the skew value of the sheet detected by the skew sensor upstream of the gate corresponding to the stacker, in which the sheet is to be stacked, in the direction in which the sheet is conveyed along the conveyance path.
US08485517B2	Method and apparatus for feeding sheets of media from a media stack in an image production device A method and apparatus for feeding sheets of media from a media stack in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include fluffing a stack of media with a predetermined amount of air flow, sensing a number of fluffed media sheets in the media stack, determining if the number of fluffed media sheets equals or exceeds a predetermined value, wherein if it is determined that the number of fluffed media sheets equals or exceeds the predetermined value, feeding the fluffed media sheets to an image production section of the image production device.
US08485516B2	Sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus including same A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first sheet conveying path, a second sheet conveying path, a third conveying path, and a belt-type sheet conveying unit. The first sheet conveying path has a curved portion, and feeds and conveys a sheet therethrough. The second sheet conveying path has a curved portion and different from the first sheet conveying path, and feeds and conveys the sheet therethrough. The third sheet conveying path is provided from a confluence of the first sheet conveying path and the second sheet conveying path. The belt-type sheet conveying unit is disposed on one side of the third sheet conveying path corresponding to an outer side of the curved portion of the first sheet conveying path and an inner side of the curved portion of the second sheet conveying path.
US08485501B1	Wireless controlled apparatus for pulling wire through conduit A wirelessly controlled apparatus for pulling a free end of wire into the mouth of a conduit and out of the destination end of the conduit. The apparatus includes a wireless spooling controller having an RF transceiver in cooperating communication with a spooling machine having an RF transceiver, for transmitting signaling activating or deactivating the motor-drive of the spooling machine, and for receiving wire-pull completion signaling from the spooling machine. The spooling machine includes a chock pivot-mounted at a mounted end to a frame anchoring the spooling machine near the destination end of the conduit, the chock engageable with a motor-driven gear-wheel engageable with a cogged spool-wheel driven by the motor-drive. Pivotal movement of the chock to the gear-wheel facilitates the fulcrumatic disengagement of the gear-wheel from the spool-wheel cogs, to ready the spooling machine in a starting configuration; activation of the motor-driven gear-wheel essentially causes unchocking of the gear-wheel. The spooling machine also includes an extension spring having one end affixed to the motor-drive proximal to the gear-wheel, and another end affixed to the anchoring frame, spring biasing the unchocked gear-wheel into engagement with the spool-wheel cogs.
US08485500B2	Curtain door installation system A cradle for supporting and installing a rolled curtain door comprises rollers configured to support, and permit rolling, of a rolled curtain door thereon. Extensions with rollers permit the cradle to support rolled curtain doors of varying length. A motor may be connected to the rollers to assist in rotating the door. The cradle may be mounted on the tines of a fork on a lifting device. A lift assembly having a tower and base may be attached to the cradle for manually positioning, and mechanically elevating the cradle and door when installing the door. The tower is extended by a piston-and-cylinder unit. A winch motor and cable, or a boom hoist attached to the tower may be used to load a door onto the cradle.
US08485499B2	Drive device A driving device for adjusting an activating element of a throttle, of a valve, of a connecting device, of a metering device or the like in particular in the field of oil and gas exploration with at least one rotary gear movably connected to the activating element and a gear arranged between the rotary gear and at least one motor. To improve such a drive device in that the structure is simple and compact and efficiency is increased wherein simultaneously high axial forces are avoided and only a small number of assembly parts are necessary, the gear unit comprises a reduction gear assigned to the rotary gear in particular the so called harmonic drive gear, and a spare gear assigned to the motor which is in particular self locking.
US08485492B2	Domestic appliance with friction foot and method of forming A domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, having at least one height-adjustable foot. According to an embodiment the invention, the foot comprises sections with essentially different coefficients of static friction.
US08485491B2	Movement limiting anti-vibration mount Anti-vibration mount comprising first and second mounting members connected to each other by an elastomer body. The first mounting member comprises a head integral with the elastomer body and a connector rigidly fixed to the head by a connection permitting a degree of relative positioning tolerance between the head and the connector in a first direction. The head comprises a deformable stop that is interposed between the second mounting member and the connector, the deformable stop being capable of not obstructing the relative positioning tolerance between the head and the connector, and of abutting against the second mounting member by pressing against the connector in the first direction.
US08485488B2	Latch assembly for adjustable legs An adjustable leg for a device includes first and second legs telescopically received relative to one another. The second leg has multiple adjustment holes. An externally located lever is supported relative to the first leg. The lever cooperates with a detent received in one of the adjustment holes in a latched position in which the first and second legs are fixed relative to one another. The lever includes an area spaced from the detent that is rotatable about a pivot from the latch position to an unlatched position in which the detent is disposed outside one of the adjustment holes. In the unlatched position, movement of the first and second legs in an axial direction relative to one another is permitted.
US08485484B2	Instrument assembly support apparatus An instrument assembly support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly may include an instrument support arm. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument assembly on the arm assembly.
US08485478B2	System and method for servicing a breakaway gate Some methods include rotating a crossing gate actuator around a vertical swing pivot of a crossing gate mount, along a vertical swing path and into a down position to block a path such that a crossing gate coupled to the crossing gate actuator blocks the path, with a spring biased crossing gate release mechanism maintaining the crossing gate in a center position blocking the path and decoupling a bar segment from the crossing gate to decouple a spring from biasing the crossing gate into the center position such that the crossing gate is free to swing around a horizontal swing pivot, perpendicular to the vertical pivot, and out of the path.
US08485476B2	Discrete co-flow jet (DCFJ) airfoil The present invention provides an aircraft having one or more fixed wings in a flying wing configuration, where the aircraft further includes a high performance co-flow jet (CFJ) circulating about at least a portion of an aircraft surface to produce both lift and thrust.
US08485475B2	Debris removal management system and method of operation thereof A debris removal management system and a method of removing space debris. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of net sections coupled to the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles coupled to the plurality of net sections and configured to be ejected relative to the frame to deploy the plurality of net sections, the plurality of net sections cooperating to form a net configured to capture space debris.
US08485468B2	Ground-based apparatus for the take-off, landing and taxiing of aircraft An apparatus for the take-off, landing and taxiing of an aircraft without undercarriage system or with retracted undercarriage, wherein the apparatus comprises a ground-based undercarriage, the speed of which can be matched to the speed of the aircraft when landing, the ground-based undercarriage (10) is releasably connected to a slide system, which can be driven in a direction of movement, the ground-based undercarriage (10) has at least two coupling means, which enable interfaces of the aircraft (4) on the ground-based undercarriage (10) to be coupled, the ground-based undercarriage (10) can be moved along the slide system transversally to the direction of movement of the slide system to match the ground-based undercarriage (10) to the position of the aircraft (4).
US08485466B2	Compact electric taxi assembly for installation on an aircraft A electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive units mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft and dedicated motor control units for the drive units. The motor control units may be operable independently of one another so that a first one of the drive units can be operated at a speed different from an operating speed of a second one of the drive units. Independent operability of the drive units may provide enhanced maneuverability of the aircraft during taxiing.
US08485462B2	Method of controlling paper transportation in an apparatus, and an apparatus using the method A paper transportation control method for an apparatus enables conveying paper with appropriate tension on the paper by appropriately controlling a paper delivery operation of a delivery roller. When paper is conveyed by a paper feed roller pair of a roll paper printer, and tension on the paper is detected to exceed an upper tension limit based on displacement of a damping mechanism (a first time), a paper delivery operation of a delivery roller pair starts at a second time after a start operation delay time corresponding to a feed rate passes after the first time. When the tension returns to or below the upper tension limit, the paper delivery operation stops at a third time after a stop operation delay time similarly corresponding to the feed rate passes.
US08485461B2	Spinning reel spool coupling structure A spinning reel spool coupling structure has a pin insertion portion, an anti-rotation pin, a retainer, and an anti-rotation groove. The pin insertion portion has a through hole passing through the spool shaft. The anti-rotation pin includes a first anti-rotation portion, a fitting portion, and a second anti-rotation portion. The fitting portion adjoins the first anti-rotation portion, and fits into the pin insertion portion. The second anti-rotation portion extends from the fitting portion and has a diameter greater than that of the pin insertion portion. The retainer member prevents the anti-rotation pin from being detached from the spool shaft, is disposed on an outer peripheral side of the first anti-rotation portion, and has an axial length such that the retainer member contacts the spool shaft. The anti-rotation groove is formed to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a length of the spool shaft, and engages the second anti-rotation portion.
US08485457B2	Method, device and use of a device for producing fuel from moist biomass The invention relates to a method and to devices, and to the use of the same, for producing fuel pellets from moist biomass of all kinds, wherein the biomass is comminuted, mechanically dehydrated, dried, and then processed into pellets, wherein the comminution is a fine comminution and/or the biomass is washed before or after the comminution—optionally with the water developing during the mechanical dehydration—and is optionally pre-dehydrated and/or heated before the mechanical dehydration step, and is optionally comminuted again after the mechanical dehydration for easier drying.
US08485453B2	Drinking straw The straw designed for the intake of water based drink from a container. In the lower part of the flexible straw there are holes that are connected to the main tube of the straw. Above the holes and attached to the straw, there is a floating device which allows for the intake of the drink from the container only from fixed depth ranges, preferably from 5-15 mm from the surface of the water. The straw allows for the protection of the organism of the user from negative effects of the drink on the body's cells.
US08485452B2	Guard rail apparatus for guiding derailed wheels The first object of the present invention is to provide a derailment prevention guard which can be easily shunted outside the range of the ballast tamping work, the rail grinding work and the rail maintenance work, and has no problem on safety.A derailment prevention guard comprises a guard member installed within a gauge and a support member fixed to a sleeper or a concrete slab track, and the guard member is held by a hold member which can turn around a central axis supported by the support member as turning center between a main rail and the inside of the gauge on the sleeper or the concrete slab track, and the support member is engaged with the hold member by means of a bolt through turning the hold member toward the main rail around the central axis as turning center on the sleeper or the concrete slab track, and the guard member can be shunted inward within the gauge by turning the hold member toward the inside of the gauge around the central axis as turning center on the sleeper or the concrete slab track after loosening the bolt.
US08485449B2	Method, system and smart card reader for management of access to a smart card The described embodiments relate generally to devices, methods and systems for managing access to a memory card, such as a smart card, by a plurality of accessing devices. Certain embodiments relate to a smart card reader (SCR) for managing concurrent access to a smart card by a plurality of accessing devices, the SCR comprising: a processor; a channel manager responsive to the processor for interfacing with the smart card; a communication interface responsive to the channel manager for communicating with the plurality of accessing devices; and wherein, when a session is open on a first channel between a first accessing device and the smart card and the channel manager is configured to issue an open channel command to the smart card to cause the smart card to open a second channel between the smart card and the second accessing device in response to the session request.
US08485447B1	Thin gage open loop system cards and method of manufacture An improved card design and manufacturing method to produce thin gage, open loop system cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, financial cards, and payroll cards. The thin gage card structure may vary between 5-15 mils in thickness (0.005″ inches to 0.015″ inches) on a one ply plastic material such as PVC or polyester. The majority of manufacturing steps can be performed on a rotary press in a single operation. Card personalization will be accomplished on a high-speed machine using ink jet for all variable information imaged on both the front and back, and accompanied by high speed encoding of magnetic stripe or activation of integrated circuit elements utilized in the electronic payment process.
US08485445B2	Method and apparatus for accessing electronic data via a familiar printed medium The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.
US08485442B2	Electronic transaction verification system with biometric authentication An electronic transaction verification system for use with transaction tokens such as checks, credit cards, debit cards, and smart cards that gathers and transmits information about the transaction token and biometric data. The system preferably has the ability to read or scan transaction and account information printed or encoded on the transaction token, digitally encode biometric data, scan drivers' licenses or other identification cards, and take a signature of a customer, all at a transaction location for purposes of account verification. The electronic transaction verification system preferably digitizes various indicia of the token, such as the magnetic ink (MICR) line on a presented check or the magnetic strip on a credit card or debit card, and transmits the transaction information data to a central processing system, at which the central processing system compares the inputted data with an existing database of information to determine if the customer at the point of the transaction is in fact authorized to use the account, and if the account is in satisfactory condition for approval of the transaction. The electronic verification system includes a biometric data device for recording and/or transmitting biometric data taken at the transaction location. The electronic transaction verification system can be used in conjunction with a transaction processing system to determine if the transaction instrument presented for payment is associated with an account established for an authorized user.
US08485435B2	System and method of financial instrument processing with duplicate item detection A method and system for processing financial instruments to detect the presence of duplicate instruments. The method may include the steps of receiving items of information for a plurality of financial instruments, grouping the items into cycles and appending cycle and time dependent information to the items to form coded items, storing the coded items in a database, comparing the items to find items having duplicate identifying information, marking duplicate items for subsequent deletion and printing a report listing the duplicate items. The system may include a mainframe, data repository, item processing applications, and a module that filters items from incoming strings to remove false positives. The remaining duplicate items may be viewed on a graphical user interface that allows a user to review attributes of each item and manually mark duplicates for subsequent deletion.
US08485434B2	M-commerce virtual cash system, method, and apparatus A virtual cash system, method, and apparatus has an account record containing a record of money amounts associated with a wireless device and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting to the wireless device predetermined information from the account record. Cash amounts can be spent from the account record directly from the wireless device via information derived from the wireless device via a bar code on the display, a short range radio signal, a light beam, or the like. A different security code is generated for each account transaction for verification.
US08485431B2	Methods for filling prescriptions to fulfill a customer order Methods for filling prescriptions in a customer order. Each of the products is marked with a product barcode containing information relating to a contained pharmaceutical. Prior to loading into a machine, each of the products is free of markings relating to patient prescriptions in the customer order. The method includes using the machine to read the product barcode on each of the products loaded into the machine. In response to reading the product barcode on each of the products, at least some of the products are labeled with information relating to a respective one of the prescriptions.
US08485428B1	Systems and methods for providing security information about quick response codes A computer-implemented method for providing security information about quick response codes may include (1) identifying an image captured by a mobile device including a matrix barcode, (2) determining that the matrix barcode includes a link to an Internet resource, (3) determining the trustworthiness of the Internet resource referenced by the matrix barcode, and then (4) augmenting the image with a visual augmentation that is based at least in part on the trustworthiness of the Internet resource. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08485426B2	Bendable electronic device status information system and method A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining and sending one or more bendable electronic device physical status related information portions to the bendable electronic device based upon the obtaining of the first information. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08485425B2	Inline mail validation Each respective mail item in a received batch of items is read to acquire information, which enables a plurality of verifications with regard to authenticity of the respective mail item. In a vote-by-mail example, one or more features are validated for authenticity in relation to the election, and one or more features are validated for authenticity in relation to a voter. The verifications in relation to a voter may involve detection of a signature and verification of the authenticity of the signature. The items are sorted according to the verification results and may be sorted based on other criteria. The methods, systems and software disclosed herein enable such verifications and sorting, in a single pass through a sorting system.
US08485418B2	Method of wirebonding that utilizes a gas flow within a capillary from which a wire is played out Contact structures exhibiting resilience or compliance for a variety of electronic components are formed. A variety of materials for the wire stem (which serves as a falsework) and for the overcoat (which serves as a superstructure over the falsework) are disclosed. Various techniques are described for mounting the contact structures to a variety of electronic components (e.g., semiconductor wafers and dies, semiconductor packages, interposers, interconnect substrates, etc.), and various process sequences are described. The resilient contact structures described herein are ideal for making a “temporary” (probe) connections to an electronic component such as a semiconductor die, for burn-in and functional testing.
US08485416B2	Bonding process and bonded structures A sealing and bonding material structure for joining semiconductor wafers having monolithically integrated components. The sealing and bonding material are provided in strips forming closed loops. There are provided at least two concentric sealing strips on one wafer. The strips are laid out so as to surround the component(s) on the wafers to be sealed off when wafers are bonded together. The material in the strips is a material bonding the semiconductor wafers together and sealing off the monolithically integrated components when subjected to force and optionally heating. A monolithically integrated electrical and/or mechanical and/or fluidic and/or optical device including a first substrate and a second substrate, bonded together with the sealing and bonding structure, and a method of providing a sealing and bonding material structure on at least one of two wafers and applying a force and optionally heat to the wafers to join them are described.
US08485415B2	Method for manufacturing panel structure A method for manufacturing a panel structure in which a reference position of a first frame in an axial direction is first welded to one face of a face plate, a not-yet-welded position closest to the reference position in the axial direction is second welded to the one face, and welding is performed discontinuously to the one face from the not-yet-welded position closest to the reference position at portions on both sides in the axial direction on the basis of the reference position.
US08485414B2	Surgical apparatus and structure for applying sprayable wound treatment material According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.
US08485412B2	Surgical staples having attached drivers and stapling instruments for deploying the same A surgical stapling system including a driver and a staple where the driver is connected to the staple. In previous surgical stapling systems, the driver and the staple were not connected. A surgical stapling system in accordance with the present invention may have fewer components, less assembly and manufacturing time, and may accommodate larger staples which are at least partially embedded in the driver. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling system comprises a staple, the staple including a deformable member, and a stapler, the stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge for removably storing the staple, and a cam movable between a first position and a second position. In these embodiments, the surgical stapling system further comprises a driver attached to the staple, the driver being operatively engaged with the cam to move the staple toward the anvil when the cam is moved between the first position and the second position.
US08485410B1	Nail gun magazine for stacked fasteners A magazine for a stack of fasteners in which the mean surface area overlap between adjacent fastener heads is substantial, has a chute, a constantly-urged follower pushing the stack in the chute, a slideway that intersects the chute at a separation station for the lead fastener, and a slide for pushing the lead fastener to an expulsion station and then retracting to get behind the next fastener to dispense from the chute and accede to the separation station, it being the new lead fastener.
US08485406B2	Belt hanger for helmets Disclosed is a plate-shaped heating panel having connecting members fastened to each other by means of resin. The heating panel comprises upper and lower plates integrally formed to face each other so as to form an inner fluid pathway in which heating water flows, a plurality of connecting members, The holes are filled with a melted plastic resin, and the melted plastic resin is integrated with the connecting members by pressing.
US08485402B2	Hands free archery bow support Apparatus and methods are provided for holding an archery bow in a ready, near shooting position. A harness is worn around a hunter's chest. A sling also attaches to the hunter for holding a lower cam/pulley or lower limb of a compound archery bow. A bow string holder is carried by the harness. The bow string holder attaches to a string portion of the compound archery bow and allows the archery bow to hang therefrom to maintain tension on the bow string holder. The tension prevents the bow string holder from releasing the string until the tension is released upon the hunter's lifting of the archery bow from the sling for shooting an arrow.
US08485394B2	Beverage dispenser To provide a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a carbonated beverage as a supercooled beverage. According to the present invention, there is disclosed a beverage dispenser including a carbonator 51 for manufacturing carbonated water; a beverage supply circuit 7 for supplying a carbonated beverage manufactured by the carbonator 51 to the outside; a heat exchanger 16 for supercooling; and a primary cooling device 13, the carbonator 51 mixes a carbonic acid gas supplied from a gas regulator 54 which supplies a pressurized carbonic acid gas, syrup and diluting water to manufacture the carbonated beverage, and the heat exchanger 16 for supercooling cools the carbonated beverage flowing through the beverage supply circuit 7 into a supercooled state at a temperature of a solidifying point or less to release the supercooled state in the outside.
US08485389B2	Assembly with vapor vent valve and liquid trap for static leak prevention in vapor control system An assembly mountable to a fuel tank and connectable to a carbon canister includes a housing defining an internal cavity. A vapor vent valve is configured to permit fluid communication from the fuel tank through the vapor vent valve from an inlet to an outlet, and in all cases is isolated from the internal cavity so that fluid flows through the vapor vent valve from the inlet to the outlet without fluid communication with the internal cavity. A first vent line connects the outlet of the vapor vent valve with a first port of the housing. A second vent line connects a second port of the housing with the carbon canister. At least a portion of the first vent line is above a predetermined liquid fuel level within the tank when the assembly is mounted to the fuel tank and tilted at up to a predetermined angle.
US08485387B2	Storage container including multi-layer insulation composite material having bandgap material In one embodiment, a storage container includes a container structure defining at least one storage chamber. The container structure includes multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material having at least one thermally-reflective layer. The at least one thermally-reflective layer includes bandgap material that is transmissive to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation.
US08485384B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator with a refrigerated goods container on its back accommodates a vertical partition, which is connected via at least one holder in the vicinity of its upper edge and with the refrigerated goods container. At least one receiving portion is molded in the refrigerated goods container, in which the at least one holder of the partition can be hooked in.
US08485383B2	Container for holding food and drinks A container includes multiple compartments for holding drinks and food. In an exemplary embodiment, a first compartment holds a drink of choice, such as soda, water or juice, and a second compartment holds a food of choice, such as popcorn, pretzels or chips. A third compartment may also be provided for holding a second food of choice, such as candy.
US08485382B2	Refuse container A refuse container has a lid rotatably coupled to a bin. A locking mechanism for the lid includes a latch including a handle and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. A detent acts between the bin and the lid and cooperates with the latch so as to effect locking of the lid to the bin when the latch is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid, relative to the bin, from the closed position to the open position when the latch is in the unlocked lid position.
US08485376B2	Folding container A folding container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions, and first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions. The folding container including locking tabs in the base portion for engaging notches in the lower side wall portions when the container is in a folded configuration.
US08485372B2	Lotion bottle A lotion bottle in which different lotions are received for separate use or mixed use is provided. The lotion bottle includes an outer bottle and an inner bottle. Different lotions are received in the outer bottle and the inner bottle respectively. By pushing out a rotating assembly, a lotion received in the inner bottle moves towards a feeding head so as to be mixed with the other lotion received in the outer bottle.
US08485371B2	Use of no-bake mold process to manufacture railroad couplers A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process.
US08485370B2	Corrugated shelving display system with two-piece shelves A shelving display system formed from a single blank of corrugated material. The display system including a plurality of shelves formed from a first shelf component and a second shelf component.
US08485365B2	Fluid filter An internal combustion engine liquid filter, comprising: a filter housing and housing cover a ring filter element; at least one intermediate piece arranged below the filter housing cover and above the housing; an inlet channel arranged on the housing side, communicating with a crude side of the ring filter element, and an outlet channel arranged on the housing side, communicating with a pure side of the ring filter element; a drainage channel on the housing side, wherein the housing space drains through the drainage channel when removing the filter housing cover; and a closure mechanism arranged in the intermediate piece and the closure mechanism is rotatable about a filter axis, wherein the closure mechanism has a closure element for closing the drainage channel.
US08485363B2	Device for and method of separating solid materials on the basis of a mutual difference in density The present invention relates to a device for separating solid materials on the basis of a mutual difference in density, wherein the materials to be separated are brought into contact with a magnetic fluid across which fluid a density gradient is generated by means of a magnetic field such that fractions of solid materials of different densities are obtained, said device being provided with a magnet, an inflow chamber, a separation chamber, and means for discharging fractions of solid materials of different densities in separation, wherein the magnetic fluid flows from the inflow chamber to the separation chamber, wherein the magnet is arranged above the separation chamber, and wherein at least one duct for the supply of the solid materials to be separated is located below the inflow chamber and the separation chamber and encloses an angle with the inflow chamber and the separation chamber.
US08485361B2	Large container for handling and transporting high-purity and ultra high purity chemicals The invention relates to an empty container (1) for receiving air- and/or moisture-sensitive compounds, comprising a connecting unit (2) and an inner volume of at least 300 liters and adapters for connecting the empty container, and to the use thereof.
US08485359B2	Seal absorbent pad-RFID-bar code device for a dosing cap A dosing cap for use with or without a separate container for combining two different ingredients at time of use by dispensing ingredient one from the dosing cap into a container with ingredient two. The dosing cap includes a moisture and waterproof seal to prevent the ingredients from receiving any moisture during storage, an absorbent material (desiccant) included with the seal to absorb any residual moisture in the container or that might be received into the container during storage to ensure a moisture free environment for the ingredient and a tracking device such as a radio frequency identifying chip (RFID) that is attached to the dosing cap for product identification and tracking purposes.
US08485357B2	Tray for positioning elongated objects, in particular syringe bodies or syringes A tray for positioning elongated objects each having a body and a flange. The tray includes a plate with openings and bearing surfaces. At least one first bearing surface is near a first opening and located at a first distance from the plate of the tray, and at least one second bearing surface is near a second opening adjacent the first opening and located at a second distance from the plate of the tray. The second distance is different from the first distance. The first and second openings are located at a distance with respect to one another such that the flange of a first elongated object engaged in one of these openings is able to partially overlap the flange of a second elongated object engaged in the other of these openings without contact between the flange of the first elongated object and the flange of the second elongated object.
US08485356B2	Methods for exposing and using a swab A method for remotely applying a force to a tether affixed to a sterilizing swab package to open the package for use of a swab disposed therein. The method may be applied to sterilizing a septum of a vial disposed within a bag.
US08485355B2	Pack for smoking articles A pack for smoking articles such as cigarettes having front and rear panels connected by opposite side panels, a bottom panel and a lid. At least one of the panels in the pack includes a plurality of transverse rigidifying bands. These bands are greater in thickness than a region between the bands. The bands may be formed by an embossing method.
US08485352B1	Yad including mezuzah casement A yad-mezuzah casement includes a yad, at least a portion of which serves as a mezuzah casement. A mezuzah may be contained within the mezuzah casement. The mezuzah casement may be contained within the yad, attached to an outer surface of the yad or interposed between the yad and a bracket that includes an attachment fixture used for mounting the yad-mezuzah casement to a doorpost of a building or a room. The yad-mezuzah casement, which itself includes no attachment fixture, provides an opportunity for continuous display of a yad that may be received by a Jewish youth participant at a B'nai Mitzvah ceremony. Together, the yad-mezuzah casement and the mounting bracket provide a yad-mezuzah casement kit.
US08485347B2	Apparatus and method for receiving and transferring solid material An apparatus and an associated method comprise a receiving zone, for receiving solid material, a transferring zone, for transferring said solid material and optionally a releasing zone for releasing said solid material, e.g. to another moving surface and with a moving endless surface moving in and through said zones, said a moving endless surface has thereto a multitude of primary cavities and secondary cavities receiving said solid material, wherein said primary cavities are connectable and/or connected to said vacuum system of said transferring zone, and said secondary cavities are not connectable/connected to said vacuum system of said transferring zone, and wherein thus only said primary cavities transfer said solid material e.g. to said further moving surface; and wherein typically both primary and secondary cavities are connectable/connected to a vacuum system in said receiving zone.
US08485345B2	Device for scattering bulk material The invention relates to an apparatus for scattering poured goods, comprising a distributor chute (1) having a feed area (12) and having an ejection area, wherein the distributor chute (1) can be rotated about a center axis, which runs vertically in the installed position in the gravity direction of the poured goods and is mounted inclined at an angle with respect to this center axis, wherein the distributor chute (1) has a first guiding longitudinal face, which forms the front face in the rotation direction, and a second longitudinal face, which trails with respect to the rotation direction, and wherein at least the second longitudinal face forms the ejection face of the distributor chute (1). The ejection face forms an ejection edge (7), which is curved in an S-shape. The distributor chute (1) can be moved transversely with respect to the vertical center axis, such that the feed point can be shifted in the feed area (12) such that the brown coal particles of the material flow which slides over the distributor chute (1) can be influenced in a targeted manner.
US08485344B1	Torsional tensioning device A device for applying a torsional bias force to a shaft is provided. In a preferred embodiment the device is used in combination with a tube supporting a cleaning blade for a conveyor belt cleaner, thereby enabling the force of the cleaning blade against the conveyor belt to be precisely set to a desired value.
US08485343B2	Conveying system having endless drive medium and conveying method In a transport system, a plurality of carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. At a station, a hand, a driver configured to move the hand in a rotation direction and a vertical direction, a first carrier sensor configured to detect the carriers at a predetermined position upstream of the hand along the rotation direction of the endless driving medium, and a second carrier sensor configured to detect the carriers at a position downstream of the first carrier sensor are provided. When the carriers pass through the second carrier sensor, it is checked whether the moving distance of the belt matches the distance between the two carrier sensors. In this manner, before starting loading or unloading, for example, whether the encoder is operated normally or not can be confirmed.
US08485339B2	Banknote depositing and dispensing machine When depositing processing is performed, a banknote guide section and a bill press are separated from each other such that a banknote accommodation space formed between the banknote guide section and the bill press is positioned below a banknote depositing and dispensing port, a upper guide section is moved towards a pickup roller side and a input port shutter is opened. After the input port shutter has been closed, the upper guide section is moved towards a bill press side, and by moving the banknote guide section and the bill press towards the pickup roller side, the pickup roller, which is projected out into the accommodation space through a cutout in the banknote guide section, and which makes contact with the banknote, feeds the banknote out towards a conveying path.
US08485338B2	Paper money processor A paper money processor according to the present invention includes a transaction slot where paper money is at least either inserted or dispensed with an orientation such that one of lengthwise ends of the paper money is positioned at a side of a first lengthwise end of the transaction slot. The transaction slot includes a main opening which opens on a second lengthwise end of the transaction slot, and a lateral opening which is continuous with the main opening, and opens on a first widthwise end of the transaction slot.
US08485336B2	Composite chute liners Chutes and other components may include composite liners to improve performance. Composite liners generally comprise a base metal having a ceramic material embedded therein. The composite liners exhibit improved resistance to wear and, therefore, have a longer usable life than liners formed of the base metal alone.
US08485335B2	Torque coupling assembly A torque coupling assembly including: a driving assembly with a driving axle and a rotatable driving shell; a driven assembly with a driven axle and a rotatable driven shell; and a frame element. The driving and driven shells each include an axial projection. In an assembled position, the driving and driven assemblies are both connected to the frame and their respective axial projections are aligned to transmit rotational torque between the driving shell and the driven shell. In a removed position, one of the driving assembly and the driven assembly may be removed in a generally radial direction relative to the frame and the other of the driving assembly and the driven assembly. The driving and/or driven assembly may include ramped lead-in geometry. The driving and/or driven assembly may include shielding geometry to axially overlap at least a portion of the axial projection.
US08485331B2	Driven accessory with low-power clutch for activating or de-activating same A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.
US08485329B1	Luggage bag having a handle incorporating a scale for weighing the bag A luggage bag includes a handle fastened to a carrying case by an attachment member at each end. Each of the attachment members is held against a motion limiting surface within the handle by a compression spring, at a position in which the attachment member can be latched for carrying the bag or released to measure the weight of the bag. The weight of the bag is determined by the position of an indicator moving with one of the attachment members on a scale moving with the other attachment member.
US08485325B2	Stop damper A stop damper including a damper member with a cylinder. A piston is moveably guided inside a receiving space of the cylinder. The cylinder has a sliding surface against which the piston rests with a sealing element. A braking force that acts upon the piston can be applied using the air pressure generated in the receiving space because the piston is displaced, the receiving space being connected to the environment via an air-conducting connection to reduce the air pressure. In order to improve the braking effect of the sliding element, the sealing element of the piston and the sliding surface of the cylinder can contact each other in at least some areas via a defined rubbing surface geometry, the peak-to-valley height of the sliding surface being <1 μm and the peak-to-valley height of the facing surface of the sealing element being =4.5 μm in at least some areas.
US08485321B2	Electronic brake assembly for a bicycle An electronic brake device for use with a wheel of a bicycle provides, among other features, wireless, remote disengagement of a wheel brake. A brake coupled to a housing is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The housing includes a receiver configured to receive a command signal, and a processor operative to identify the received command signal. If the command signal is identified as a first command signal, the processor outputs a first control signal. An electric motor is operatively coupled to the brake to selectively move the brake from the engaged position in which the wheel of the bicycle is being braked to the disengaged position in which the wheel of the bicycle is free of any brake contact in response to the first control signal. Measured movement of the brakes between fully braked or fully disengaged positions are possible in the disclosed arrangement.
US08485315B2	Acoustic energy reflector The present invention relates to an acoustic energy reflector comprising a microcellular rubber as inner liner and a fiber reinforced composite as outer casing, in a core-shell assembly, wherein the said microcellular rubber is selected from the group of natural and synthetic rubbers having glass transition temperature below 0° C. and the resin for the fiber reinforced composite is selected from a group having a glass transition temperature at least 50° C.
US08485313B2	Muffler and engine system A muffler for a combustion engine includes walls forming a chamber, a first inlet, a first outlet, and a conduit. The first inlet is designed to receive exhaust gases from an exhaust duct of the engine. The exhaust gases pass through the chamber when moving from the first inlet to the first outlet. The exhaust gases then exit the muffler through the first outlet. The conduit extends between a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet is configured to receive fresh air entering the muffler. The fresh air then exits the conduit and is introduced into the exhaust gases through the second outlet.
US08485304B2	Brake operation structure and brake/differential-lock operation structure The present invention provides a brake operation structure capable of realizing facilitation of adjustment work of a brake operation mechanism for operating a brake mechanism based on manual operation. The brake operation structure includes a brake operation mechanism that rotates a brake pressing member of the brake mechanism about a rotational axis line into a brake actuation direction in accordance with manual operation, and a brake adjustment mechanism that adjusts an initial position of the brake pressing member around the rotational axis line at a time when the brake operation mechanism is not in operation. The brake adjustment mechanism is inserted in the brake operation mechanism at a position allowing the brake adjustment mechanism to be accessed from above a fender trough an opening that is provided at the fender for allowing a driver's seat support frame to be mounted.
US08485302B2	Holding device A holding device, for the holding of a component part of an exhaust system on a peripheral structure, more preferably of a vehicle equipped with the exhaust system, has a first connecting point for fastening the holding device to the component part of the exhaust system and a second connecting point for fastening the holding device to the structure. A coupling device is arranged between the connecting points which makes possible reversible relative movements between the connecting points. For improved holding function, the coupling device is configured such that in at least in one active direction the coupling device has a speed-dependent or frequency-dependent stiffness. The coupling device has a lower stiffness with slower or low-frequency relative movements than with faster or high-frequency relative movements.
US08485301B2	Operator monitoring system for a vehicle A vehicle has an operator monitoring system that includes an operator sensor configured to sense whether the operator is in a proper operating position within the operator cab and a control module connected to the operator sensor wherein when the vehicle is running and the operator sensor senses that the operator is not in the proper operating position, the control module activates safety features to stop the truck, including any one or a combination of activating the main brake, activating the parking brake, and/or shifting the transmission to a different setting.
US08485300B2	Sports type, saddle type electric vehicle A drive wheel is intermediation driven by an additional element, while achieving a reduction in cost by making use of a plurality of existing motors. A drive motor as a drive source includes a plurality of motor bodies arranged coaxially with and adjacently to each other in the vehicle width direction to permit integral driving thereof, and is disposed forwardly of a pivot for a swing arm supporting the driving wheel. One end in the vehicle width direction of a drive shaft of the drive motor is made to be an output end for output to the driving wheel, and a drive sprocket for power transmission to the driving wheel is provided at the output end. The center of the drive motor in the vehicle width direction is disposed with an offset to the side opposite to the side of the drive sprocket with reference to the vehicle body center.
US08485298B2	Distributed power generation system for surface transport A power generation system for a surface transport vehicle having at least two wheels. The power generation system includes a primary power generation device and a secondary power generation device. A connector attaches the secondary power generation device to at least two wheels of the surface transport vehicle. The power generation system also includes a power storage unit capable of storing energy received from either the primary or secondary power generation devices. Furthermore, the power generation system includes a torque converter which is capable of transferring power from the secondary power generation device to the power storage unit.
US08485293B2	Hybrid drive having emergency start capability A method is provided for starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle having a hybrid drive which includes at least one electric drive to which a high-voltage battery is assigned. If the high-voltage battery is discharged, an on-board electrical system battery of the vehicle is connected to a pulse-controlled inverter which activates the at least one electric drive; the at least one electric drive is accelerated load-free to a maximum rotational speed achievable at the applied voltage; the pulse-controlled inverter is disconnected from the on-board electrical system battery; and a clutch is engaged between the at least one electric drive and the internal combustion engine.
US08485292B2	Hybrid vehicle cooling apparatus In cooling apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having driving apparatus including a generator driven by an engine and an electric motor (12) for driving the vehicle, the driving apparatus, a radiator arranged in a front portion of an engine compartment and an inverter (41) are coupled by a cooling circuit for the motor equipment. An electric water pump (45) for circulating cooling water is arranged in the cooling circuit. Mounting apparatus (15) for supporting the driving apparatus to the vehicle body is arranged laterally in the vehicle width direction of the driving apparatus. The electric water pump (45) is arranged under the mounting apparatus (15). By the use of such a structure, a situation in which the electric water pump (45) gets sandwiched between the engine radiator which has been shifted backwardly in the presence of an external force acting from the front of the vehicle, and the driving apparatus and gets damaged can be prevented.
US08485285B2	Mobile product retail system and methods thereof A vehicle for transporting or vending refrigerated product having a peripheral body extending vertically from the supporting surface, the peripheral body having a driver area, retail area, and cooling area, a bulk head for dividing the retail area from the cooling area, an auxiliary power system for powering at least one electrical component, having a battery bank and a charging mechanism, the charging mechanism having a vehicle charging system, shore power charging system, and solar array charging system, the charging mechanism imparting electrical charge to the battery bank, where the electrical component is a temperature control system for maintaining the temperature of the cooling area within a desired temperature range.
US08485284B2	Method for producing a PCD compact A method of producing a composite diamond compact comprising a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) compact bonded to a cemented carbide substrate is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a PCD table, preferably a PCD table with diamond-to-diamond bonding and a porous microstructure in which the pores are empty of second phase material bringing together the PCD table and a cemented carbide substrate in the presence of a bonding agent to form an unbonded assembly; subjecting the unbonded assembly to an initial compaction at a pressure of at least 4.5 GPa and a temperature below the melting point of the bonding agent for a period of at least 150 seconds; and thereafter subjecting the unbonded assembly to a temperature above the melting point of the bonding agent and a pressure of at least 4.5 GPa for a time sufficient for the bonding agent to become molten and bond the PCD table to the substrate to form a composite diamond compact.
US08485276B2	Auto hammer An auto hammer includes a housing having a grip, a head assembly arranged on one end of the housing, a motor mounted within the housing, a switch arranged on the housing for controlling the motor. There are at least two hand-holding positions on the housing where the switch can be triggered. The auto hammer may therefore be held by hands at a plurality of positions and will thereby be suitable for use in various circumstances.
US08485275B2	Power tool A technique that increases operability in changing the rotational speed of a spindle in a power tool. The rotational speed can be changed in three levels by utilizing a planetary gear mechanism. The third gear position is located in an intermediate position in the sliding direction of the speed changing part. The first speed change position is located on one side of the third speed change position. The second speed change position is located on the other side of the third speed change position. During operation, shifting between the first and third speeds can be done without going through the second speed each time. Further, shifting between the second and third speeds can be done without going through the first speed. Therefore, speed change shifting can be facilitated.
US08485262B1	Modular, stackable wellhead system A modular wellhead system having the capability for single or dual annulus via interchangeable heads, a unique capping system, and other features. A unique wellhead manual positive lock system incorporating an energizable inner bite ring for engaging the casing tubing, a compressible slip hanger for the tubing, as well as a hydraulic jack for lifting the tubing from the well to reintroduce tension are provided, the system being particularly suitable for use in conjunction with repair or low pressure plug and abandon (P&A) operations. Components of the system are designed for assembly via locking pins for diver friendly operation, While the present system is designed principally for use in subsea environments, the system can likewise be utilized on land or platforms.
US08485261B2	Apparatuses and methods for closing and reopening a pipe An apparatus which includes a housing defining a chamber, the chamber being sealed from an exterior of the housing, wherein the housing further defines an opening in fluid communication with the chamber and the exterior of the housing. The apparatus further includes a valve in fluid communication with the opening and positioned between the chamber and the exterior of the housing and a member at least partially positioned within the chamber and moveable relative to the housing such that opening of the valve allows fluid to enter the chamber from the exterior of the housing and move the member. A method to operate the same is provided.
US08485260B2	Modular backup fluid supply system A system and method to allow backup or alternate fluid flow routes around malfunctioning components using removable, modular component sets. In one exemplary embodiment, an ROV establishes a backup hydraulic flow to a BOP function by attaching one end of a hose to a modular valve block and the other end to an intervention shuttle valve, thus circumventing and isolating malfunctioning components. A compound intervention shuttle valve is provided that comprises first and second primary inlets, first and second secondary inlets, and an outlet. A modular valve block is provided that comprises a directional control valve, a pilot valve, a manifold pressure regulator, a pilot pressure regulator, stab type hydraulic connections and an electrical wet-make connection.
US08485259B2	Structurally stand-alone FRAC liner system and method of use thereof A stand-alone frac liner that allows for fracturing of multiple lateral legs of a multilateral well on a single call out and rig-up of fracturing equipment. Tools and techniques are provided that include setting multiple stand-alone frac liners in multiple lateral legs of the multilateral well. The liners may rest in the legs physically untethered to surface equipment. Thus, a single call out of a frac string tubular and associated equipment may be used to frac the lateral legs in sequence from one leg to the next. This may be achieved without the requirement of removal of the tubular from the well or disconnect of surface fracturing equipment between the lateral fracture applications. Thus, a considerable amount of expenses associated with time and manpower may be saved.
US08485254B2	Method and apparatus for in situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil A method for the in situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil from oil sand deposits close to the surface, where thermal energy is introduced into the deposit to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen or very heavy oil is provided. Condensed water is used that is introduced into the deposit via an injection pipe and is horizontally conducted inside the pipe within the deposit such that the water can evaporate in situ and the heat can be applied to the deposit. An apparatus including an injection pipe, an extraction pipe, a converter and electrical conductors are also provided.
US08485250B1	Sealed well cellar A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.
US08485247B2	Heat exchangers for microstructures A multiple-layered microfluidic device includes at least a first fluid path and at least a second fluid path, wherein the first fluid path includes a layer or portion of a layer of the microfluidic device. The first path has multiple rows of serpentine wall segments positioned there along. The wall segments extend in a direction along the first path. The rows extend along a direction cross-ways to the first path. Adjacent ones of wall segments within a row are arranged such that concave portions face concave portions of adjacent ones of segments, while convex portions face convex portions of adjacent ones of segments.
US08485244B2	Continuous casting device and molten metal pouring nozzle A continuous casting device capable of giving lubricating property to a molten metal pouring nozzle without increasing lubricating oil and performing casting with high casting surface quality for a long period of time is provided. In a continuous casting device 1 in which a molten metal pouring nozzle 20 is arranged between a molten metal receiving portion 10 and a mold 40, the molten metal pouring nozzle 20 is equipped with a cylindrical main body portion 22 made of a fire-resistant substance and having a molten metal passage 21, and an annular member 30 having self-lubricating property is arranged on a mold-side end face 23 of the main body portion 22 so as to surround the molten metal passage 21.
US08485239B2	Machine for labeling by means of pre-pasted labels printed on a ribbon A machine for labeling by way of pre-pasted labels printed on a ribbon, comprising a rotating carousel provided with pans for supporting containers to be labeled, and a drum for cutting and transferring each individual label onto the containers which, in the motion of the carousel, progressively face the drum, the machine further comprising a rotating roller, which is adapted to receive from the drum each label designed to be applied to a container that is not present on the corresponding pan of the carousel.
US08485235B2	Receiver with valves An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as an anesthetic, from the outlet port of a reservoir to a machine while effectively and conveniently minimizing the release of anesthetic. In one embodiment, the apparatus and system can include a first valve movable between a first position and a second position; a first housing surrounding the first valve; a second valve slidably connected to the first valve and movable between a third position and a fourth position; and a second housing which surrounds the second valve; wherein the apparatus defines a first opening, a second opening, and a receiver passage between the first and second openings. In another embodiment, a movable plunger can be slidably connected to the second valve.
US08485232B1	Apparatus for filling containers A method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container is described herein. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a device for filling a container with a material including a conduit comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, and a tamper integrally coupled to the conduit, wherein the tamper is configured to move laterally in a straight path horizontally, wherein a tamping face is configured to tamp in a vertical direction.
US08485231B2	Method and apparatus for dispensing liquid medicine Disclosed in this specification is a medicine container with a flexible flap covering the opening of the container. The opening is closed by the flexible flap when the flexible flap is in a resting position and the opening is opened when the flexible flap is in a flexed position. A hand-operated plunger is equipped with an end configured to mate with the opening such that a seal is established between the plunger and the opening. The plunger is shaped to apply a force to the flexible flap, thereby operating the flexible flap.
US08485226B2	Three-way valve integrated with radiator The present invention relates to a three-way valve that is integrally formed with an outlet of a radiator for use in a fuel cell vehicle that advantageously improves thermal management of a fuel cell stack by eliminating the need for the bypass loop of a conventional system.
US08485225B2	Flow control screen assembly having remotely disabled reverse flow control capability A flow control screen having a flow path between the interior of a base pipe and a filter medium. A valve assembly, including a valve plug, a ball retainer, and a piston body with a collet assembly is disposed within the flow path in an opening of a housing disposed about the base pipe. The collet assembly is radially outwardly constrained by a radially reduced section of the opening in a first position preventing entry of the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained by the radially reduced section in a second position. Reverse flow is initially prevented as internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on a seat of the opening and causes the piston body to shift to the second position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, external differential pressure causes the valve plug to enter the piston body and contact the ball retainer, thereby allowing reverse flow.
US08485224B2	Adjustable damping valve device An adjustable damping valve device, for a vibration damper, includes a first valve and emergency operation valve, both of which are actuated by a shared solenoid. The emergency operation valve carries out a relative movement relative to the first valve when passing from the emergency operation position into normal operation. A magnetic flux guiding element is arranged in the magnetic flux between the first valve and the emergency operation valve and determines the magnetic flux for the emergency operation valve and for the first valve.
US08485219B2	Flow rate control using mass flow rate control device It is possible to respecify the product (mass flow controller) corresponding to multiple types of actual process gases and multiple flow rate ranges, even after the mass flow controller has been shipped. With the mass flow rate control device in an initial state, calibration gas characteristic data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal using a calibration gas, and this calibration gas characteristic data is then saved to control unit. Meanwhile, actual gas characteristic data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal for each of a plurality of types of actual gas, and this actual gas characteristic data is then saved to a storage medium. Subsequently, prior to operating the mass flow rate control device, the actual gas characteristic data for an actual process gas is read from the storage medium via a computer, and the calibration gas characteristic data that was saved to the control unit is read out. The calibration gas characteristic data is then converted to controlled flow rate correction data based on the actual gas characteristic data, and the controlled flow rate correction data is saved to the control unit. Actual gas flow rate is corrected based on this controlled flow rate correction data.
US08485217B2	Plug valve for gas stove A plug valve for a gas stove, consisting at least of a natural-gas nozzle, a propane-gas nozzle, a valve body, a cock, an adjusting rod, an O-shaped ring, a stop ring, a spring, a stop plate, a cover, a pair of screws, and a valve rod. The adjusting rod, the O-shaped ring, and the stop ring are disposed in the cock, the cock, the spring, the stop plate, the cover, and the valve rod are disposed in the valve body via the screws, the natural-gas nozzle or the propane-gas nozzle is disposed in the valve body. Switching between natural gas and propane gas, flow adjustment thereof are convenient, and no special tool is required, which make the invention suitable for a wide range of users. The plug of he invention is safe and reliable.
US08485216B2	Flow trap with compartment separator and baffle for use in a water-free urinal In a urine cartridge or wastewater trap, equalized pressures and increased flow rate between its inlet and outlet compartments increases the life of the cartridge. The pressure equalizing is effected by placement of a separator between the two compartments to provide them with substantially equal volumes. The increased flow rate is created by a uniquely configured baffle positioned adjacent a pan at the bottom of the cartridge. The baffle configuration is shaped to provide a constriction that increases the flow velocity of the urine so that the fluid flow effects a channel along the bottom pan and through any solids deposited on the bottom pan. A diverter may be placed above the centrally located entry to the inlet compartment to create a circuitous path for preventing a disturbing impingement of the urine onto the sealant contained in the inlet compartment. To accommodate the centrally placed entry and its placement vis-a-vis the inlet compartment, the separator is bowed at its location adjacent the entry and towards the outlet compartment. To fit the configuration of the baffle, the separator is curved generally in a likewise manner.
US08485215B2	Liquid tank venting system Liquid tank venting system comprising a chamber that is inside the tank and that is equipped with a drainage device that comprises at least one opening made in the chamber and an elastomer-based non-return valve capable of sealing/freeing this opening, according to which this non-return valve is forced into a position for leaktight closure of the opening via a specific device starting from a certain liquid level in the tank.
US08485211B2	Subsea valve The present invention regards a subsea valve system comprising a valve, a fluid supply line connectable to a remote fluid supply and in connection with an inlet of the valve, an outlet of the valve connectable to an outlet fluid line and a fluid tight housing at least partly enclosing the valve. According to the invention the fluid supply line comprises an outlet within the housing, establishing a pressure within the housing mainly equal to the pressure of the supply fluid at the inlet of the valve. The invention also regards a method for protecting a subsea valve system.
US08485209B2	Mosquito spring net A collapsible mosquito spring net assembly includes a support structure having a front support ring, a back support ring, and a spring coil support. A mosquito net covers the support structure. The collapsible mosquito spring net assembly further includes closure elements and a net cover assembly including a net, an elastic element, and an elastic pull for opening and closing the spring net assembly. The collapsible mosquito spring net optionally comprises an outer lower cover. A method for protecting users from exposure to insects includes: providing a collapsible mosquito spring net assembly; setting up the mosquito spring net assembly on the floor, ground, or other surface by releasing the closure elements; and securing the net cover assembly from inside the mosquito spring net assembly by pulling taut the elastic pull.
US08485208B2	Canopy tent The present invention relates to a connection device installed on a top of a canopy tent, comprising: a main body having a hollow interior, a sliding member having an interior with a downwardly protruding cylinder, support poles each having one end hinged to the main body, and the other end connected to a tent pole for standing the tent fabric upright, a joint bar having one end hinged to the sliding member, and the other end having one side hinged to a first connection bar hinged to the support pole and the other side hinged to a second connection bar hinged to the main body; The hollow interior of the main body is equipped with a compression spring and a spring holder. The cylinder of the sliding member is fitted into the hollow interior of the main body from the top of the hollow interior to be movable in the upward and downward directions to set up or taken of the tent canopy.
US08485204B2	Closed chamber with fluid separation feature Selective recovery of excess process fluid from within a closed process chamber is achieved by providing a magnetically drive ring chuck and at least one process fluid collector within the closed process chamber, with the ring chuck and the fluid collector being vertically movable relative to each other.
US08485200B1	Combination light and cigar cutting blade A combination light and cigar cutting blade that includes a housing having a first housing piece and a second housing piece that mates with the first housing piece when the housing pieces are assembled; a light source disposed in said first housing piece; at least one battery coupled with the light source; a switch mounted on the first housing piece coupled with the light source and battery, and having opposed positions for either activating the light source or turning the light source off; a cutting blade having an annular cutting blade surface; and an activating button mounted on the second housing piece for operating the cutting blade between a nested position in which the cutting blade is disposed within the second housing piece, and an extended position in which the cutting blade is extended from the second housing piece.
US08485196B2	Female condom An improved female condom apparatus includes a pouch that has a wall, an open end, a closed end and a frame. The frame is positioned proximate the open end of the pouch and extends around a perimeter of the open end. An anchoring device is located within the pouch proximate the closed end to secure the condom in position during use. A harness includes a center strap and may include side straps. One end of each strap is secured to the open end of the pouch. Further, one or more of the straps may be detachable from the pouch. At least the center strap may be constructed of a resilient and/or pliable material. As such, during use the center strap extends between a user's legs and resiliently engages the user's back in a clamping or tensioning action. This clamping action assists in securing the condom in position during use.
US08485195B2	Dynamic cradle, especially for treating head and neck pain The present invention discloses an apparatus for treating patient body or an organ thereof, especially his/her head and neck, by controllably maneuvering said treated organ, comprising; cradle adapted for holding said treated organ stably and comfortably; and, a maneuverable platform upon which said cradle rests, comprising maneuvering means adapted for rotating the platform in the Sagittal, Coronal, Horizontal planes or in any combination of the planes thereof for a predetermined duration; wherein said maneuver of said organ is characterized by parameters selected from the Allowed Movements. It is especially in the scope of the invention wherein the treated organ is maneuvered in a lobular three dimensional manner. The invention also discloses methods for treating patient body or an organ thereof by this apparatus; methods for decreasing HIT, MIDAS, VAS/NRS, NDI and EPS, and a method for increasing (S)MFA.
US08485192B2	Cushion for patient interface A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.
US08485180B2	Dry powder drug delivery system A pulmonary drug delivery system is disclosed, including a breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, and a cartridge for delivering a dry powder formulation. The inhaler and cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, peptides and proteins such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of endocrine disease, for example, diabetes and/or obesity.
US08485175B1	Heater with catalyst and combustion zone A forced air heater is described having a plurality of combustion zones and an interceding cooling zone with active cooling devices. Catalytic oxidation may be implemented in the combustion zone whereby efficiency is increased by cooling the combustion products and outflow to more efficient temperatures. The catalytic bed of the combustion zone may be placed downstream of the cooling and primary combustion zone to remove noxious combustion by-products and an afterburner may also be included.
US08485174B2	Ball launcher The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.
US08485167B2	Abnormality detection apparatus and abnormality detection method for air/fuel ratio sensor An abnormality detection apparatus includes: an air/fuel ratio control portion that performs a control of fluctuating the air/fuel ratio between rich and lean states; a data acquisition portion that acquires, as data for detecting abnormality, a parameter that corresponds to responsiveness during change of output of the A/F sensor between rich and lean peaks during the control; a straight line setting portion that sets a straight line that represents a tendency of change of the parameter relative to change in intake air amount of the engine based on the data acquired by performing acquisition of the data a plurality of times; and an abnormality determination portion that determines the presence/absence of abnormality of the A/F sensor based on comparison between the gradient of the set straight line and an abnormality criterion value.
US08485165B2	Fuel control system and associated method A fuel control system for controlling the purging of alternate fuel in an internal combustion engine at shutdown includes: at least one valve device configured to deliver a fuel supply to the engine; a first fuel source configured to provide a primary fuel to the valve device; a second fuel source configured to provide an alternate fuel to the valve device; and a controller connected to the valve device and adapted to be connected to an ignition system. The controller is configured to control the valve device responsive to a status of one of the engine and the ignition system.
US08485164B2	Oil mist separator A crankcase ventilation oil mist separator system, comprising: a first separator unit, which has at least one filter body arranged in a blow-by gas path such that blow-by gas flows through the body; a second separator unit which is arranged in a bypass path that bypasses the first separator unit; and a bypass valve which opens the bypass path when a differential pressure in the first separator unit exceeds a predefined value, wherein the second separator unit is an impactor separator.
US08485163B2	Apparatus for improving efficiency and emissions of combustion An apparatus improves the efficiency and emissions of a combustion process by producing sufficient amounts of ozone in the air flow to the combustion chamber to enable more complete and cleaner combustion of the fuel. The apparatus may include a plurality of cell elements disposed within a housing that is in placed in the air intake to a combustion chamber such as a diesel engine. The cell elements create an electrical plasma field that produces ozone. The apparatus may also include a scrubber in the housing to cause the air flow to have a vortex action to increase the amount of ozone that flows into the combustion chamber.
US08485162B2	Plasma apparatus using a valve Provided is a plasma apparatus using a valve, which comprises a discharge device with an electrode exposed to the combustion chamber installed in a cylinder head, an antenna installed on the valve face of a valve head, an electromagnetic wave transmission line installed in a valve stem with one end connected to the antenna and the other end covered with an insulator or dielectric and extending to a power-receiving portion positioned at a location fitting into the guide hole in the valve stem, and an electromagnetic wave generator for feeding an electromagnetic waves to the power-receiving portion. At the compression stroke when the combustion chamber side opening of an intake port or an exhaust port is closed with the valve head, discharge is generated with the electrode of the discharge device and the electromagnetic waves fed from the electromagnetic wave generator through the electromagnetic wave transmission line are radiated from the antenna.
US08485161B2	Opposed piston, compression ignition engine with single-side mounted crankshafts and crossheads In an opposed piston, compression ignition engine two crankshafts are single-side mounted with respect to a row of cylinders, which is to say that the crankshafts are mounted so that their axes of rotation lie in a plane that is spaced apart from and parallel to a plane in which the axes of the cylinders lie. Each piston of the engine is coupled to one of the crankshafts by a single linkage guided by a crosshead. The piston has a piston rod affixed at one end to the piston. The other end of the piston rod is affixed to the crosshead pin. One end of a connecting rod swings on the pin and the other end is coupled to a throw on a crankshaft. Each crosshead is constrained to reciprocate between fixed guides, in alignment with the piston rod to which it is coupled.
US08485158B2	Method to control a gas engine system thereof A method to control a gas engine system is disclosed, whereby the engine can be operated with an air-fuel-ratio controlled with high precision, even in using a low calorific fuel-gas that is prone to vary in calorific value; the engine system includes: a first gas line toward each cylinder via a first gas valve from a gas supply source line, the first gas valve regulating flow rates of the fuel-gas through a gas compressor on the line; a second gas line toward suction air, the line being branched from the gas supply source line and the line being provided with a gas air mixer and a second gas valve on the line. In the case when the fuel-gas is of a low calorific value or where the output of the engine is high, a part of the fuel-gas is supplied to the engine through the first and second lines. The mixer forms a mixture of a prescribed mixing ratio that is leaner than a lower limit of flammability of the fuel-gas, while the remaining fuel-gas through the first line is supplied to the mixture just before each cylinder so that a final prescribed air fuel ratio is formed.In the case when the calorific value of the fuel-gas is high, or of high engine output, the whole fuel-gas can be supplied only through the first gas line.
US08485148B2	Method and device for controlling a hydraulic actuator A method, device, and control unit for controlling an actuator in open loop, particularly for a valve, preferably for a gas-exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, having at least one control valve for opening the valve and one control valve for closing the valve, each of the control valves being capable of being driven by at least one drive pulse whose duration determines a position on the positioning travel of the valve. The valve is opened/closed in one lift and/or a plurality of partial lifts and at least one drive pulse is assigned to each lift and/or each partial lift, and the valve is assigned at least one transducer which generates a signal that discloses values of a discrete positioning travel of the valve and of an assigned time and/or of a discrete instant and of an assigned positioning travel. The method for controlling the actuator includes: a. Starting of a drive pulse having a setpoint duration of the drive pulse for opening and/or closing the valve, b. Generating at least one signal, and c. Correcting the setpoint duration of the drive pulse and/or of a following drive pulse assigned to the lift and/or to a partial lift, in accordance with the signal.
US08485142B2	Internal combustion engine cooling system and method for determining failure therein An internal combustion engine cooling system includes: an internal combustion engine; a water pump for circulating a fluid; a flow path for the fluid circulated at least between the internal combustion engine and the water pump; a first sensor disposed on the flow path through which the fluid flows from the internal combustion engine to the water pump; a first flow path provided with a fluid cooling means; a second flow path provided with a heat exchange means; a first valve provided on the flow path and configured to control inflow amounts of the fluid into the first flow path and the second flow path; a second valve provided on the second flow path and configured to control inflow of the fluid into the second flow path; and a controller for performing failure determination of the second valve based on a detection result of the first sensor.
US08485140B2	Fuel combustion method and system A method and system for treating a combustible fluid and operating a combustion system, where the combustible fluid is introduced into an electrolysis cell, electrochemically activated in the electrolysis cell, and combusted in a combustion-based engine.
US08485135B2	Livestock brushing devices A brushing device for brushing livestock has an oblong brush (2) that can be set in motion by a motor (6). A carrying means for carrying the brush comprises at least one flexible element (10a, 10b). In the absence of a force acting externally upon the brush (2), the brush (2) has a substantially vertical orientation. The at least one flexible element (10a, 10b) of the carrying means permits a swivelling of the brush (2), through a force acting externally upon it, to a substantially horizontal orientation of the brush (2). The at least one flexible element (10a, 10b) is oblong and tubular.
US08485129B2	Teat rubber and milking cup with a ventilation nozzle To improve the transportation away of the milk within an arrangement comprising a teat rubber and a milk hose which has a curved section, wherein the arrangement has a flow path for conducting away milked milk, which flow path is connected to the surrounding atmosphere via a channel, it is proposed that the channel is designed in such a manner that the flow direction of the air flowing through the channel into the flow path of the milk corresponds essentially to the flow direction of the milk, and the channel is formed in one of the walls of the curved section.
US08485128B2	Movable ground ring for a plasma processing chamber A movable ground ring of a movable substrate support assembly is described. The movable ground ring is configured to fit around and provide an RF return path to a fixed ground ring of the movable substrate support assembly in an adjustable gap capacitively-coupled plasma processing chamber wherein a semiconductor substrate supported in the substrate support assembly undergoes plasma processing.
US08485125B2	Electrostatic spraying arrangement A transformer arrangement is disclosed for an electrostatic sprayer or in an adjacent moving element of a coating machine. A transformer provides a galvanic isolation between the line arrangement provided for supplying power to the sprayer arrangement, and consumers at high voltage in the sprayer or possibly in the robot arm. This isolation may be provided with an isolating transformer which has a sufficient isolation distance or other isolation device between the primary and secondary circuits.
US08485122B2	Gluing unit and method of applying adhesive to opening devices for gluing to sealed packages of pourable food products There is described a gluing unit (1) for applying adhesive to a succession of opening devices (3) to be fitted to respective sealed packages of pourable food products, the unit (1) having: conveying means (20) for feeding the opening devices (3) along a path (A); and adhesive dispensing means (21) located along the path (A) and interacting with each opening device (3) on the conveying means (20) to apply the adhesive to a portion (10) of the opening device (3); and the unit (1) being characterized in that the dispensing means (21) are movable parallel to the path (A), so as to increase output of the unit (1).
US08485121B2	Coating tool for applying a fluid film onto a substrate The invention relates to a coating tool for applying a fluid film onto a substrate, wherein disposed upstream of a slot nozzle (1) for producing a fluid film, said nozzle extending substantially across the entirety of a first width (B1) of the coating tool in unbroken fashion, is a distribution space (7) for distributing the fluid over a second width (B2) of the slot nozzle (1), wherein at least one channel (6) for feeding fluid is provided upstream of the distribution space (7), said channel having a third width (B3), and wherein the third width (B3) is smaller than the second width (B2). To avoid an uneven throughput of material across the width of the slot, it is proposed according to the invention that a plurality of feed channels (9) be disposed in the distribution space (7), said channels having a cross sectional area that increases in the direction of flow (S).
US08485120B2	Method and apparatus for wafer electroless plating A semiconductor wafer electroless plating apparatus includes a platen and a fluid bowl. The platen has a top surface defined to support a wafer, and an outer surface extending downward from a periphery of the top surface to a lower surface of the platen. The fluid bowl has an inner volume defined by an interior surface so as to receive the platen, and wafer to be supported thereon, within the inner volume. A seal is disposed around the interior surface of the fluid bowl so as to form a liquid tight barrier when engaged between the interior surface of the fluid bowl and the outer surface of the platen. A number of fluid dispense nozzles are positioned to dispense electroplating solution within the fluid bowl above the seal so as to rise up and flow over the platen, thereby flowing over the wafer when present on the platen.
US08485118B2	Submarine with a propulsion drive with an electric motor ring In one aspect, a submarine with a boat hull and a propulsion drive for the submarine the propulsion drive is arranged outside the boat hull and comprises a housing and a first electric motor, with the housing embodying a channel for a flow of water through the channel in a main direction of flow from an inlet to an outlet of the channel, and with the first electric motor featuring a rotor which is arranged in the channel and is supported rotatably around an axis of rotation in the housing, with the rotor being embodied in the shape of a ring with a ring inner side and a ring outer side, and with blades for propelling the submarine being arranged on the ring inner side of the rotor.
US08485117B2	Anchor retrieval device, system and method A method, system and device for facilitating the retrieval of a marine anchor from an underwater obstruction, the device being configured to actuate when subjected to a force load of a predetermined peak force threshold to effect a change in the point of retrieval that an anchor rode makes with the anchor. The obstructed anchor may be retrieved from another direction, such as a direction opposite from which the anchor was set.
US08485114B2	Needle plate and sewing machine A needle plate includes a first needle plate secured on a bed and a second needle plate detachably attached to the first needle plate. An engagement mechanism includes an engagement member formed at the first needle plate and an engagement subject member formed at the second needle plate, and retains the second needle plate with the first needle plate through engagement of the engagement member and the engagement subject member. A switching element switches positioning of the second needle plate relative to the first needle plate, wherein when in a first position, the second needle plate is secured in contact with the first needle plate with the engagement mechanism engaged, and when in a second position, the second needle plate is distanced from the first needle plate.
US08485111B2	Table and table system A table is used in combination with another table having a circular top plate in a top view. The table comprises a top plate on a top surface of which an article can be placed and a support portion that supports the top plate from a lower surface side of the top plate. At least a part of a peripheral edge of the top plate is provided with a contact portion which is formed into a shape so as to contact a peripheral edge of the circular top plate of another table along a circumferential direction of the circular top plate.
US08485110B2	Apparatus for controlling discharge of material from a railroad hopper car An apparatus for controlling the discharge of materials from a railcar having a hopper carried on a mobile frame. The hopper defines a longitudinally disposed discharge opening. The railcar has a door pivotally mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position relative to the discharge opening. The apparatus for controlling the discharge of materials from the railcar includes an operating shaft and a drive operably coupled between the door and the operating shaft for causing the door to move from the closed position toward the open position in response to rotation of the operating shaft. The drive also includes a lost motion connection for protecting the operating shaft as the door freely pivots toward the open position during collapsing movement of the lost motion connection and after the operating shaft has been rotated a predetermined amount to open the door.
US08485109B2	Method for minimizing tread damage and profile wear of wheels of a railway vehicle A method for minimizing tread damage and profile wear of wheels of a railway vehicle is provided. The railway vehicle includes two sets of wheels, or a bogie of a railway vehicle with two sets of wheels, wherein setpoint values for parameters characterizing the position of a wheel relative to the track are determined based on measured values of a variable parameter relevant for the creation of tread damage and profile wear during the movement of the railway vehicle, on condition that the tread damage and profile wear on the wheels of the railway vehicle are minimized, wherein the position of one set of wheels is adjusted according to the setpoint values by means of actuation, control, or a combination of both.
US08485105B2	Devices and systems for stopping travel of a railcar Devices and systems for stopping travel of a railcar along rails is provided, the railcar having wheel treads that ride on the rails. A railcar stop is configured to engage at least one wheel tread of the railcar to stop travel of the railcar along the rails. The railcar stop extends above the rails at a first height prior to engagement with a wheel tread and extends above the rails at a second, greater height after engagement with the wheel tread.
US08485100B2	Ammunition Provided is ammunition capable of increasing the movement velocity and shooting range of a bullet and enhancing the target hitting rate. The ammunition includes a case having a propellant chamber and a front mouth, a propellant charged into the propellant chamber of the case, a primer installed in the case for exploding the propellant when a physical or electrical impact is applied thereto, a bullet arranged in the front mouth of the case, the bullet having a streamlined tail portion for reduction of air resistance when the bullet is shot, and a wad fitted to the front mouth of the case for removably holding the bullet and closing the front mouth, the wad being separable from the bullet during explosion of the propellant.
US08485099B2	Mine defeat system and pyrotechnic dart for same The invention provides a method and a system for defeating a target containing a flammable or explosive fill and an incendiary penetrating projectile for use in the method and the system. The incendiary penetrating projectile contains a non-detonating incendiary composition that is ignited prior to penetrating a target.
US08485095B2	Device and method for measuring and setting the web tension between inking stations of a multicolor press A device for measuring and setting the web tension on a printing press with several inking units (Dn) has measuring means (Mm,n) for measuring the web tension and setting means (Fn) for setting the web tension, using which the web tension can be set actively in the case of unsteady web tension conditions.The measuring means (Mm,n) and the setting means (Fn) are disposed in such a manner that the web tension can be measured and set between the print areas of two inking units. A control device is provided, which controls the setting means based on the measured values of the measuring means (Mm,n).
US08485088B2	Cooling channel piston for an internal combustion engine and method for the production thereof A method for producing a one-piece, lightweight piston consisting of steel and having a small compression depth (S) forms piston with at least one cavity in a shaft aperture region. A piston blank is produced in a first step using a forging or casting method. To form a cooling channel between an annular region and a combustion chamber recess an annular section is formed in one piece onto the wall of a cooling channel in the vicinity of the piston base. The joint produced between the annular section and an outer wall of the cooling channel is sealed by welding.
US08485084B1	Multi-axial explosive, laterally-shearing, reactive mechanism Reactive armor that includes a casing having a plurality of walls, a back, and a cavity formed therebetween; a cover that closes the cavity and forms a strike face; a filler placed within the cavity, the filler comprising a disruptive material; and an explosive. To defeat projectile or projectile related threats, the reactive armor substantially, but not necessarily wholly, implements laterally oriented force mechanisms, erosion mechanisms, and bulking mechanisms, e.g., explosive forces, with respect to the strike face.
US08485080B2	Cutting unit for cutting sheet material A cutting unit (1) for cutting sheet material (13), the cutting unit comprising a sheet support (2) and at least one roll cutting device (4) associated with a sheet support (2), the roll cutting device comprising a support rail (5), at which a cutting carriage (6) is movably supported, the cutting carriage comprising a blade support (20), which is rotatably supported about an axis parallel to the support rail (5) and rotatable by hand, and at which blade support at least two disk blades (36, 37, 38) are supported freely rotatable about blade axes. The support rail has two support bars (56, 57) and the blade support has at least two support grooves (45, 46, 47). The two support bars engage the two support grooves to lock one of the at least two disk blades in a cutting position.
US08485075B1	Electronic torque wrench A torque wrench for use in driving fasteners is provided. The wrench includes an electronics unit disposed within a body of the wrench that is capable of sensing and measuring the torque applied to a fastener by the wrench and providing an output of the level of torque to the user. The electronics unit is also disposed within a barrier in the body that isolates the unit from the exterior environment around the wrench. The data sensed by the electronics unit can be utilized to provide feedback to the user regarding the operation of the wrench, and to monitor the overall operation of the wrench for calibration purposes, among other functions. During use, the wrench can provide the user with visual, audible and tactile feedback regarding the operation of the device relative to stored maximum torque values stored in the electronics unit.
US08485073B1	Viper crescent wrench device A viper crescent wrench device for holding a work piece is provided. Upon squeezing a second handle toward a first handle, a first pawl and a second pawl move an adjusting bar toward the first handle thereby moving a second jaw portion toward a first jaw portion. Upon releasing the second handle, the first pawl and the second pawl releasably lock into place and the second handle readjusts relative to the first pawl thereby repositioning to do the same action again when the second handle is squeezed again until the work piece is secured between the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion. Upon rotation of a release mechanism, toothed notches are rotated out of contact with the first pawl and the second pawl such that the second jaw portion moves away from the first jaw portion under bias of a first spring thereby releasing the work piece.
US08485071B2	Self-clamping wrench with push-button latch release A wrench has an elongated handle pivotally connected to a first clamping jaw which is pivotally connected to a second clamping jaw, The wrench has a spring-loaded latch that locks the second clamping jaw to the first clamping jaw. The spring-loaded latch is disengaged by actuating a push-button release mechanism disposed within the handle that causes the spring-loaded latch to pivot to release the second clamping jaw. This press-button release mechanism enables single-handed operation of the wrench. Accordingly, a user can hold and operate two wrenches simultaneously which is not possible with the prior-art wrenches. In other words, the user may clamp a first self-clamping wrench to a tube, pipe, or other such object and then, with only one hand, clamp a second self-clamping wrench to the same tube, pipe, or object.
US08485070B2	T-handle wrench The present invention generally relates to a T-Handle wrench. In one aspect, a wrench is provided that includes a shaped handle. The wrench further includes a plurality of jaws operatively attached to the handle. The wrench also includes a sleeve member disposed around the jaws. Additionally, the wrench includes a push button assembly configured to move the sleeve member relative to the jaws, wherein the movement of the sleeve member causes the jaws to move between a retracted position and an extended position. In another aspect, a method of operating a wrench is provided.
US08485068B2	Ratcheting wrench A wrench having a handle and ratchet assembly and a socket wheel. The handle and ratchet assembly has a handle and a first drive member that is rotatable relative to the handle. The socket wheel has a plurality of tool members, a plurality of first lugs and a plurality of second lugs. Each tool member is fixedly coupled to a pair of the first lugs and a pair of the second lugs. An adjacent pair of the tool members share a single one of the second lugs and no adjacent pair of the tool members shares any of the first lugs.
US08485064B2	Composite wave gear drive In a composite wave gear drive, a flexspline (having a number of teeth Nf) is disposed on the inner side of first and second circular splines (numbers of teeth Nc1 and Nc2, respectively). One side of the flexspline is bent into an elliptical shape by a first wave generator, the other side of the flexspline is bent into an elliptical shape by a second wave generator, and the flexspline meshes with the first and second circular splines. The first wave generator is a rotational input component, the second wave generator is a reduced-speed rotational output component, and the first and second circular splines are kept from rotating. The number of teeth is set such that Nc2=Nc1+2 and Nc1=Nf+2. A backlash-free gear drive having a low reduction ratio can be obtained.
US08485063B2	Device for assembling/disassembling bicycle pedals and assembly for controlling assembling/disassembling by one step A device for disassembling and assembling bicycle pedals comprises a bicycle crank (1), detachable pedals (17) connected with the crank (1), a fixing seat (11) arranged at an end of the crank (1), a control device arranged at the fixing seat (11) and a connection assembly between a pedal (17) and the control device. The control device also comprises an unlocking mechanism, a pushing mechanism and a rotating mechanism, wherein the pushing mechanism and the rotating mechanism are controlled by a gear mechanism. The device can conveniently and quickly disassembling and assembling bicycle pedals by one step without touching the pedals with hands.
US08485057B1	Push-pull control utilizing linear and rotational input Push-pull controls utilizing linear and rotational inputs to create linear output are disclosed. One control includes an elongate push rod and a roller pin. The rod has an outer surface, a generally circular cross-section perimeter, a center axis, a proximal end with a user input, and a distal end configured to directly or indirectly interact with an apparatus to be controlled. The rod is rotatable and slidable along the rod axis. The roller pin has a center axis and an outer surface that contacts the push rod outer surface. The roller pin center axis is angularly offset from and non-intersecting with the push rod center axis. The amount of angular offset is greater than zero degrees.
US08485056B2	Dual clutch multi-speed transmission A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, a countershaft or layshaft, a reverse shaft member, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output transfer gear.
US08485054B2	Electrically driven linear actuator An electrically driven linear actuator has an actuator body with a ball screw to convert a rotational motion to a linear motion. An electric motor provides the rotational motion. A gear mechanism transmits rotational motion of the electric motor to the ball screw of the actuator body. A position holding mechanism holds the position of the ball screw of the actuator body by engaging teeth, specifically a space between adjacent teeth, of a gear forming the gear mechanism.
US08485053B2	Inertial stabilizer system The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for stabilizing an electronic rack structure. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an enclosure with a user interface panel. The apparatus also comprises a gyroscope, sensor system and controller attached within an enclosure. A sensor system associated with the gyroscope is capable of detecting a tilt of an electronic rack structure. A controller is also located within the enclosure and is capable of detecting the tilt of the electronic rack structure and controlling an orientation of the gyroscope to counter the tilt of the electronic rack structure in response to detecting the tilt. In another illustrative embodiment, a method for stabilizing an electronic rack structure is provided.
US08485051B2	Apparatus and method for testing an aircraft pedal system An apparatus (10) for testing an aircraft pedal system (12) comprises a pedal actuation device (14) for actuating an aircraft pedal (12′, 12″), a force sensor (26) for sensing an actuation force applied to the aircraft pedal (12′, 12″) upon actuation of the aircraft pedal (12′, 12″) and for providing a signal indicative of the actuation force, a deflection sensing device (28, 30) for sensing an angular deflection of a device (12′, 12″; 13) deflected in response to the actuation of the aircraft pedal (12′, 12″), and a control unit (32) adapted to process the signals of the force sensor (26) and the deflection sensing device (28, 30) so as to generate an output indicating the angular deflection of the device (12′, 12″; 13) deflected in response to the actuation of the aircraft pedal (12′, 12″) in dependence on the actuation force applied to the aircraft pedal (12′, 12″).
US08485047B2	Apparatus and method for measuring a quantity of milk yielded by an animal during a milking process An apparatus for measuring a quantity of milk yielded by an animal during a milking process comprises a container, a supply unit, a discharge unit, a filling level measuring device, a control unit and an evaluation unit. The supply unit is configured to feed milk into the container and can be connected to the milking unit of a milking machine. The discharge unit is configured to discharge milk from the container and can be connected to the milking line of the milking machine, which is adapted to have applied thereto a milking vacuum. The discharge unit comprises the means for changing the size of a discharge opening through which the milk flows when it is being discharged from the container. The discharge opening allowing milk to flow through the discharge opening can be adjusted to at least two sizes. The filling level measuring device is configured to measure a filling level of the milk in the container. The control unit is configured to control the means for changing the size of the discharge opening in dependence on the milk level in the container determined by the filling level measuring device, in order to adjust a size of the discharge opening such that the filling level remains within a predetermined range. The evaluation unit is configured to calculate a milk flow into the container on the basis of the set size of the discharge opening and of the filling level measured by the filling level measuring device.
US08485041B2	Sensor system, method for operating a sensor system, and method for manufacturing a sensor system A sensor system, e.g., a pressure sensor system, includes a substrate having at least one trench on a first side. The trench is provided for forming a first diaphragm region on a second side opposite from the first side. In addition, a second diaphragm region and a cavern are integrated into the material of the first diaphragm region.
US08485034B2	Acoustic confocal interferometry microscope A Confocal Interferometry microscope for use with a suitably selected acoustic emitter and acoustic detector for providing three-dimensional information on the state of an object is presented. The microscope has a coherent wavelength source for producing a coherent beam, scanning means for moving said coherent beam in a suitably selected pattern, and means for producing and focusing an object beam and an interference beam to an object focal point and an interference focal point, respectively. The object beam has a transmission path of essentially the same length of the transmission path of the interference beam. The object beam intercepts an object at the object focal point while the interference beam passes by the object. There are also means for defining the object beam and the interference beam based on the position of the object focal point and the geometry of the convergence angles and means for producing an interference pattern between the object focal point and the interference focal point.
US08485026B2	Microfluidic method for measuring thermo-physical properties of a reservoir fluid A method of measuring thermo-physical properties of a reservoir fluid includes introducing the fluid under pressure into a microchannel, establishing a stabilized flow of the fluid through the microchannel, inducing bubble formation in the fluid disposed in the microchannel, and determining the thermo-physical properties of the fluid based upon the bubbles formed as the fluid flows through the microchannel.
US08485024B2	Device and methods for use of a dynamic cone penetrometer for evaluating soil compaction The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.
US08485020B2	Semivolatile organic chemical sampling and extraction transfer method and apparati One way of practicing the method of the invention is to follow these steps, not necessarily in the disclosed sequence: (1) providing a hot gas spike apparatus to load one or more diffusion denuders with a compound selected from the group consisting of a calibration standard, an internal standard, and a surrogate standard compound in a solvent carrier; (2) pulling one or more samples of ambient atmosphere through at least one of the diffusion denuders in a multicapillary collection device; (3) extracting analytes from at least one of the diffusion denuders in an analyte transfer apparatus or from a filter using an extraction device; (4) optionally cleaning up gaseous extracts or extracts of filters using chromatography, and transferring the collected analytes into an analytical device. To practice the method, an apparatus is disclosed that has a hot gas spike component, a high-flow multicapillary collection device and an analyte transfer apparatus.
US08485018B2	Method of determining falling state of falling body for viscometer of falling body type, falling-body velocity measuring sensor, and viscometer of falling body type including same A technique used to determine a falling state of a falling body, such as whether the falling body reaches a falling termination speed and falls uniformly or falls with a change in the speed is provided. In particular, a method of determining a falling state of a falling body passing through a measured substance inserted into a measuring container is provided, the method including: measuring a first elapsed time which is a time interval between extreme values of two potentials generated in a first coil pair when the falling body passes through the first coil pair and a second elapsed time which is a time interval between extreme values of two potentials generated in a second coil pair when the falling body passes through the second coil pair; and determining the falling state of the falling body by comparing the first elapsed time with the second elapsed time.
US08485016B2	Method of calibrating a biometric device A method of calibrating a biometric device useful to measure a target dimension of a physiological tissue is provided comprising the steps of: measuring the target dimension of at least two samples of a reference material with the device to provide an actual output, wherein the reference material possesses at least one property of the tissue required for the function of the device and wherein each of the samples has a known target dimension; calculating a calibration equation based on the actual output of the device and the known target dimensions of the samples; and adjusting the actual output of the device according to the calibration equation to yield a corrected output. The calibration method provides a means of obtaining accurate tissue measurements. Also provided is a method of using a biometric device to measure a target dimension of a physiological tissue which incorporates calibration.
US08485012B2	Cold rolling method for manufacturing a profile A cold rolling method for manufacturing a profile (16) from a one-piece rolling stock in form of initial material (6; 56) with a plurality of rolls (26, 36, 46; 6, 76, 86) each having a deforming region (28, 38, 48; 68, 78, 88) for deforming the initial material (6; 56) includes bending the initial material (6; 56) with formation at least one folded section (8) extending in a rolling direction of the initial material (6; 56), and deforming the initial material (6; 56) in its width direction with reduction of its thickness at least in one region.
US08485007B2	Key organizing device An organizing device including housing, cover, and sliding mechanism. The housing includes a cavity, at least one open end and at least one sliding mechanism opening extending in the longitudinal direction along the housing for receiving and retaining at least part of the sliding mechanism within the housing. The cover is removeably attached over the open end of the housing. Sliding mechanism includes an actuation portion or thumb actuator and mounting portion for mounting a key or other user device. The mounting portion of the sliding mechanism is positioned inside cavity of the housing and the actuation portion of the sliding mechanism extends though the sliding mechanism opening in the housing. In one implementation, the mounting mechanism may be permanently or removeably fixed to the user device. In the case of a key, the mounting mechanism may be mounted to the key blade to form the modified key. The sliding mechanism is movable longitudinally along the housing to retract and extend the user device in and out of one end of the housing.
US08485006B2	Disc tumbler cylinder lock and key combination A combination includes a disc tumbler cylinder lock and key. The disc tumbler cylinder lock of the combination comprises a rotation limiter of the key, and the key comprises guidance surfaces for the rotation limiter. The rotation limiter comprises a frame, which comprises a key profile opening, and a casing, which at least partially surrounds the frame. The frame comprises a limiting mechanism and a locking mechanism, which are disposed in a line such that the limiting mechanism is on the other side of the key profile opening and the locking mechanism is on the opposite side of the key profile opening.
US08485005B2	Computer lock The present invention discloses a computer lock including a lock body, a guide seat, a lock tongue seat, a spring, a hook cylinder, and a cable rope set. The hook cylinder has a hook part extending outwards from the front end thereof. The hook part is arranged at inner wall of a slot of a computer; by lock actuation of a key, the guide seat is actuated to guide the lock tongue of the lock tongue seat to outstretch forward and enter the slot along the guide groove on the front end of the hook cylinder. By the foregoing mechanism, the computer lock is of being easy operation and can be locked and unlocked conveniently to prevent the computer from being stolen.
US08485003B2	Ironing appliance comprising a steam cord provided with a rotary connector Steam wrinkle-removing appliance including a steam-producing base in which the steam can freely flow out through a hose to a wrinkle-removing tool such as a steam brush, characterized in that the hose is connected to the base by a swivel connector fitted into an adapted housing of the base and in that the steam tightness of the swivel connector is ensured by at least one circular rib (122A, 124) borne by the housing or by the connector, the circular rib (122A, 124) being fitted into a corresponding circular groove (80, 81), respectively provided in the connector or the housing, the width of the groove (80, 81) being slightly greater than the width of the rib so as to result in a gap allowing the connector to rotate freely in the housing.
US08484999B2	Water-conducting domestic appliance comprising an expansion opening A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a handling process by the water-conducting domestic appliance; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser, the detergent dispenser being configured to receive at least one cartridge that is configured to hold a dosing agent, the detergent dosing system being configured to communicate the washing compartment and an area surrounding the water-conducting domestic appliance with one another in the manner of an expansion opening via which a fluid under pressure in the washing compartment can be released to the area surrounding the water-conducting domestic appliance.
US08484997B2	Method for producing a cylinder of quartz glass using a holding device and appropriate holding device for performing the method A known method for producing a cylinder of quartz glass comprises a method step in which a porous SiO2 body comprising a central inner bore, a lower end and an upper end is sintered in a sintering furnace zone by zone, starting from the upper end, to obtain the quartz glass cylinder, a holding device being used by means of which the SiO2 body is held standing in vertical orientation during a first sintering phase and suspended in a second sintering phase. Starting therefrom, to indicate a method by means of which even heavy bodies of porous SiO2 can be reliably held during sintering, it is suggested according to the invention that the holding device comprises a fusion body of quartz glass which is arranged in the area of the upper end in the inner bore and which in the course of the first sintering phase fuses with the quartz glass of the SiO2 body and which during the second sintering phase is in operative interaction with a holding element of the holding device and together with said element contributes to a suspended holding of the SiO2 body to be sintered.
US08484995B2	Glass manufacturing apparatuses with particulate removal devices and methods of using the same Glass manufacturing apparatuses with particulate removal devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fusion draw machine for forming a glass web from molten glass includes an enclosure and a first pull roll and a second pull roll rotatably positioned in an interior of an enclosure. The first pull roll and the second pull roll cooperate to draw a glass web in a draw direction. A particulate removal device for removing particulate matter from the interior of the enclosure is fluidly coupled to the enclosure and includes a vacuum nozzle disposed in the interior of the enclosure and fluidly coupled to a vacuum source with a vacuum line. A particulate filter is fluidly coupled to the vacuum nozzle and the vacuum source and traps particulate matter exhausted from the interior of the enclosure through the vacuum nozzle.
US08484990B2	Optimization of air cooled chiller system operation A method is provided for operating a refrigerant vapor compression system, for example an air-cooled chiller or air-cooled condensing unit, at optimal energy efficiency rating. The method includes the steps of: determining the instantaneous values of a plurality of selected operating parameters of the system's refrigeration unit, calculating a desired control parameter set point indicative of an optimal energy efficiency rating for the refrigeration unit as a function of the selected operating parameters, sensing the instantaneous value of the control parameter, comparing the sensed instantaneous value of the control parameter to the calculated control parameter set point, and adjusting the operating speed of the condenser fans associated with the air-cooled condenser of the refrigeration unit in response to that comparison.
US08484982B2	Bleed structure for a bleed passage in a gas turbine engine A bleed structure for a bleed passage in a gas turbine engine includes a first wall portion defining a first side of an opening for the passage, and a second wall portion defining a second side, opposite the first side of the opening. The first and second wall portions end at different positions in an extension direction of the opening.
US08484974B1	Dual-phase thermal electricity generator This disclosure relates to a device and system capable of producing electricity by using a temperature gradient and a dual-phase fluid to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The system relies on a sealed enclosed volume that utilizes a thermal gradient to vaporize and condense a dual-phase fluid. The cycle of the fluid transforming between the two phases is used to turn a turbine to create electricity. The thermal gradient can be enhanced using energy input from the sun.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10