最新美国发明专利第2013-07-23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
US08492162B2	Electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be sterilized and associated method An electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.
US08492160B1	Biomarker sensors and method for multi-color imaging and processing of single-molecule life signatures The invention is a device including array of aciive regions for use in reacting one or more species in at least two of the active regions in a sequential process, e.g., sequential reactions. The device has a transparent substrate member, which has a surface region and a silane material overlying the surface region. A first active region overlies a first portion of the silane material. The first region has a first dimension of less than 1 micron in size and has first molecules capable of binding to the first portion of the silane material. A second active region overlies a second portion of the silane material. The second region has a second dimension of less than 1 micron in size, second molecules capable of binding to the second portion of the active region, and a spatial distance separates the first active region and the second active region.
US08492157B2	Microfluidic device and hemoglobin measurement method using the same A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.
US08492155B2	Automated immunoassay apparatus An automated immunoassay apparatus is disclosed comprising a single optical reading device (2a, 2b) for reading two microtitre plates (9, 14). A first microtitre plate (9) is loaded into an upper plate holder (8) which is linearly translated at a fixed height. A second microtitre plate (14) is loaded into a lower plate holder (13). The lower plate holder (13) runs along a contoured track which varies the vertical height of the second microtitre plate (14).
US08492154B1	Method for predicting fouling tendency of a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (d) correlating a measurement of feedstock fouling tendency for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes.
US08492149B2	Efficient generation of neural progenitors, neurons, and dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells The present invention relates to a method for inducing the differentiation of neural progenitors, neurons, and dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells with high efficiency, in which neural selection can be performed by the selected media and physical methods. The invention has advantages such as higher efficiency, the effect of lowering cost and time, and maintenance of neural progenitors for a longer period of time, as compared to the known methods for inducing the differentiation into neural progenitors, neurons, and dopaminergic neurons. Accordingly, the method can stably generate cells used for treating Parkinson's disease or other nervous system diseases.
US08492148B2	Method for amplification of endothelial progenitor cell in vitro The present invention provides a method for expanding an endothelial progenitor cell in vitro. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for culturing a hemangioblast comprising incubating a hemangioblast in a serum-free culture medium containing one or more factors selected from the group consisting of stem cell growth factor, interleukin-6, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 and thrombopoietin, and a vascular endothelial cell produced by the method; and a serum-free culture medium containing one or more factors selected from the group consisting of stem cell growth factor, interleukin-6, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and thrombopoietin, and a kit for the preparation of the serum-free culture medium and the like.
US08492131B2	Fungal laccases and uses thereof Novel laccases from Cerrena sp. WR1 and Lentinus sp. and uses thereof.
US08492128B2	Processing biomass Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US08492126B2	Isolated polypeptide for increasing activity of polysaccharide hydrolase and methods of use An isolated polypeptide is disclosed that improves the hydrolyzing capacity of a polysaccharide hydrolase such as cellulase, is capable of binding to a polysaccharide, is deficient in polysaccharide hydrolase activity, and includes a GH45 or a pollen-allergen domain. Methods of hydrolyzing polysaccharides using the isolated polypeptide are also disclosed.
US08492125B2	Method for dissolving cellulose and a cellulosic product obtained from a solution comprising dissolved cellulose The present invention relates to a method for dissolving cellulose. The method comprises—introducing cellulosic raw material,—treating the cellulosic raw material in an enzymatic treatment process,—mixing the cellulosic raw material after the enzymatic treatment in an aqueous solution in order to obtain an aqueous intermediate product containing the cellulosic raw material of at least 3.5 wt.-%, alkali metal hydroxide between 3.5 wt.-% and 7 wt.-% and zinc salt,—freezing the intermediate product to a solid state, and—melting the frozen intermediate product. The present invention also relates to a cellulosic product obtained from a solution comprising dissolved cellulose.
US08492121B2	Complexity management of genomic DNA The presently claimed invention provides for novel methods and kits for reducing the complexity of a nucleic acid sample by providing non-gel based methods for amplification of a subset of the sequences in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, amplification of a subset can be accomplished by digesting a sample with two or more restriction enzymes and ligating adaptors to the fragments so that only a subset of the fragments can be amplified. The invention further provides for analysis of the above amplified sample by hybridization to an array, which may be specifically designed to interrogate the desired fragments for particular characteristics, such as, for example, the presence or absence of a polymorphism.
US08492119B2	Antibody to human IL-3 receptor alpha chain The present invention provides an antibody to human IL-3Rα chain, which does not inhibit IL-3 signaling and binds to B domain of the human IL-3Rα chain but does not bind to C domain of the human IL-3Rα chain; a composition for preventing or treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood of a subject, which comprises the antibody to human IL-3Rα as an active ingredient; and a method for treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood, which comprises administering, to a subject, a composition comprising the IL-3Rα antibody as an active ingredient.
US08492116B2	Protein and production process and use thereof [PROBLEMS] To provide a polypeptide having a novel structure and showing an activity of inhibiting angiogenesis or an activity of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, and to provide a recombinant protein by constructing a method of purifying the above protein. To provide an ingredient useful in designing remedies for tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis deformans, malignant tumor, etc.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A novel soluble polypeptide protein.
US08492109B2	Methods for the delivery of toxins or enzymatically active portions thereof The present invention relates to methods, systems, and kits for intoxicating cells, neuronal and non-neuronal cells, with a toxin or fragment thereof. This is done by subjecting toxin substrate and a lipid or polymeric carrier (e.g., DNA uptake facilitating agent) to one or more cells for use in cell based assays. In an aspect, the methods of the present invention allow for high throughput assays and, as such, for the evaluation of drug candidates.
US08492108B2	Methods of treating anemia and red blood cell dysfunction with lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase Disclosed are methods for treating conditions characterized by anemia or red blood cells dysfunction by administering an agent that increases the level of endogenous LCAT or LCAT activity. Additionally disclosed are methods of treating conditions wherein red blood cells have reduced function in relation to deformability, oxygenation, increased adhesion and aggregability, reduced nitric oxide function, or decreased life-span, increased free cholesterol, or abnormal phospholipid content. Also disclosed are methods for treating conditions characterized by an abnormal concentration of free cholesterol in red blood cells and methods of normalizing the free cholesterol content of red blood cells.
US08492107B2	Neural proteins as biomarkers for nervous system injury and other neural disorders The present invention identifies biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.
US08492102B2	Molecular diagnosis and classification of malignant melanoma The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and providing a prognosis of melanoma using molecular markers that are overexpressed in melanoma cells. The invention provides kits for diagnosis and prognosis. Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of melanoma and melanoma progression.
US08492101B2	Chemiluminescent enzyme assay method and apparatus A chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay method for quantifying antigen or antibody using 1,1′-oxalyldiimidazole (ODI) derivative or 1,1′-oxalyldisodium benzoate (ODB) derivative chemiluminescence (CL) detection was developed. Also, various enzymes were quantified using ODI derivative or DOB derivative CL detection. Fluorescent compound formed from a substrate (non-fluorescent compound) through the enzyme assay methods emitted CL when the fluorescent compound received energy from high-energy intermediate formed in ODI derivative or ODB derivative CL reaction.
US08492093B2	Method for the identification and quantification of microorganisms useful in biomining processes The present invention discloses a method to identify and quantify environmental microorganisms useful in biomining processes. These microorganisms are basically 10, belonging to Bacteria: Acidiphilium sp., Leptospirillum sp., Sulfobacillus sp., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans; and Archaea: Acidianus sp., Ferroplasma sp., Metallosphaera sp., Sulfolobus sp. and Thermoplasma sp.The method comprises performing a PCR with specific primers designed in our laboratories for different taxons SEQ ID No. 4 to SEQ ID No.: 407. With qPCR results and other data obtained from the analyzed sample, the microorganism concentration of each analyzed taxon present in the sample is calculated using a mathematical formula.
US08492092B2	Assay for Chlamydia trachomatis by amplification and detection of Chlamydia trachomatis PMPA gene A region of the Chlamydia trachomatis pmpA gene has been identified which is useful for performing amplification assays to determine specifically whether C. trachomatis is present in the sample being tested. Oligonucleotides useful for performing thermal Strand Displacement Assay (tSDA) reactions on this gene are disclosed. The disclosed oligonucleotides can be used in an assay which is specific for multiple strains of C. trachomatis and which does not show cross reactivity with the genomes of other microorganisms or with human DNA.
US08492082B2	Method for obtaining oligonucleotide aptamers and uses thereof The present invention relates to a method for obtaining nucleic acid aptamers that bind to cancer cell-surface epitopes, to the aptamers generated using this method and their use for therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
US08492080B2	Embryo culture media containing thyroid hormone The disclosure relates to the use of culture media containing thyroid hormones or analogs thereof, and includes methods and uses thereof for embryo culture, embryo production, embryo maturation, improved survival of embryos and improved viability of embryos post cryopreservation.
US08492078B2	Patterning process A pattern is formed by coating a resist composition comprising a polymer comprising recurring units having an optionally acid labile group-substituted naphthol group, an acid generator, and an organic solvent onto a substrate, baking to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation, baking, and developing the exposed film with an organic solvent developer to form a negative pattern wherein the unexposed region of film is dissolved and the exposed region of film is not dissolved. In the process of image formation via positive/negative reversal by organic solvent development, the resist film has a high dissolution contrast and controlled acid diffusion. By subjecting the resist film to exposure through a mask having a lattice-like pattern and organic solvent development, a fine hole pattern can be formed at a high precision of dimensional control.
US08492077B2	Method for providing a conductive material structure on a carrier An exemplary method for providing a conductive material structure on a carrier generally includes applying a photo sensitive material on the carrier and applying a mask on the photo sensitive material. The mask defines a conductive material structure to be formed on the carrier. The method also includes irradiating the defined structure on the carrier in order to prepare for metallization, and metalizing the defined structure for forming the conductive material structure.
US08492073B2	Method for thermal development with a conformable support The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a printing form from a photosensitive element to form a relief pattern. The method and apparatus thermally develop the photosensitive element by heating a composition layer of the element to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy and providing a development medium to the element to remove the liquefied composition. A conformable layer is disposed between the photosensitive element and a base support, which improves the compressibility and the contact between the photosensitive element and the development medium. The method and apparatus improve the efficiency of the removal of liquefied portions from the photosensitive element and the uniformity of the relief pattern formed.
US08492071B2	Curable composition, color filter and process for production thereof, and solid-state imaging device A curable composition containing (A) a polymerizable compound having an alkyleneoxy group having two or more carbon atoms, (B) a polymerizable compound lacking an alkyleneoxy group having two or more carbon atoms, (C) an i-line absorber, (D) a photopolymerization initiator, (E) an alkali-soluble resin, and (F) a pigment, wherein a mass ratio [(A)/((A)+(B))] is from 0.5 to 0.9, and an i-line transmittance obtainable when the curable composition is formed into a coating film having a thickness of 0.7 μm, is 10% or less. The curable composition of the invention has enhanced adhesiveness upon forming a micro pattern, and can reduce development residues in unexposed non-cured areas. The curable composition of the invention is suitable for the use in color filters.
US08492067B2	Positive lift-off resist composition and patterning process A positive lift-off resist composition is provided comprising (A) an alkali-soluble novolac resin, (B) a quinonediazidosulfonate photosensitive agent, (C) an alkali-soluble cellulose resin, and (D) an aromatic hydroxy compound having a formula weight of 180-800. The composition has shelf stability, high sensitivity, and a film retention after development of at least 95% and is used to form a lift-off resist pattern of fully undercut profile.
US08492066B2	Toner compositions and processes Processes for producing toners are provided. The processes include emulsion aggregation processes, whereby a reactive coalescent is utilized in the coalescence step to coalesce aggregated particles, thereby forming toner particles. The resulting toners may be highly pigmented, and may possess low melt characteristics.
US08492058B2	Photolithography method including technique of determining distribution of energy of exposure light passing through slit of exposure apparatus The energy distribution of exposure light directed passing through the slit of an exposure apparatus is determined. A photoresist layer on a substrate is exposed over a plurality of shots while changing the intensity of the exposure light for each shot. Then the photoresist layer is developed to form a sample photoresist layer. An image of the developed sample photoresist layer is analyzed for color intensity. Values of the color intensity across a selected one of the shots are correlated with values of the intensity of the exposure light to produce an energy distribution of the exposure light along the length of the slit. The energy distribution is used to change the slit so that a more desirable energy distribution may be realized when the slit is used in a process of manufacturing a semiconductor device.
US08492055B2	Method and system for fracturing a pattern using lithography with multiple exposure passes In the field of semiconductor production using charged particle beam lithography, a method and system for fracturing or mask data preparation or proximity effect correction is disclosed. Base dosages for a plurality of exposure passes are set and a multiplicity of shots for the plurality of exposure passes is exposed. The multiplicity of shots comprises two groups: a first group of shots for at least two exposures passes, wherein the union of shots for each exposure pass covers the same area, and where shots within an exposure pass are disjoint; and a second group of shots, where each shot in the second group of shots overlaps a shot in the first group of shots. Each shot in the second group is in one of the plurality of exposure passes. A method for forming a set of patterns on a surface is also disclosed.
US08492054B2	Mechanisms for patterning fine features The embodiments described provide mechanisms for patterning features for advanced technology nodes with extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) tools. One or more EUV pre-masks are generated by using a mask writer to form an EUV mask with an EUV scanner. The wafers are then patterned by using the EUV mask. The demagnification factor of the EUV scanner(s) used in preparing the EUV mask by exposing the EUV pre-mask(s) enable the wafers prepared by such mechanisms to meet the requirements for the advanced technology nodes.
US08492051B2	Integrated valve system for fuel cell stack The present invention provides a novel integrated valve system for a fuel cell stack, in which an air shut-off valve for preventing the inflow of air when a fuel cell shuts down and a dry gas purge valve for improving cold startability are coaxially coupled to each other so that the air shut-off valve and the dry gas purge valve simultaneously open or close.
US08492049B2	Anion exchange polymer electrolytes Solid anion exchange polymer electrolytes and compositions comprising chemical compounds comprising a polymeric core, a spacer A, and a guanidine base, wherein said chemical compound is uniformly dispersed in a suitable solvent and has the structure: wherein: i) A is a spacer having the structure O, S, SO2, —NH—, —N(CH2)n, wherein n=1-10, —(CH2)n—CH3—, wherein n=1-10, SO2-Ph, CO-Ph, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 each are independently —H, —NH2, F, Cl, Br, CN, or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or any combination of thereof; ii) R9, R10, R11, R12, or R13 each independently are —H, —CH3, —NH2, —NO, —CHnCH3 where n=1-6, HC═O—, NH2C═O—, —CHnCOOH where n=1-6, —(CH2)n—C(NH2)—COOH where n=1-6, —CH—(COOH)—CH2—COOH, —CH2—CH(O—CH2CH3)2, —(C═S)—NH2, —(C═NH)—N—(CH2)nCH3, where n=0-6, —NH—(C═S)—SH, —CH2—(C═O)—O—C(CH3)3, —O—(CH2)n—CH—(NH2)—COOH, where n=1-6, —(CH2)n—CH═CH wherein n=1-6, —(CH2)n—CH—CN wherein n=1-6, an aromatic group such as a phenyl, benzyl, phenoxy, methylbenzyl, nitrogen-substituted benzyl or phenyl groups, a halide, or halide-substituted methyl groups; and iii) wherein the composition is suitable for use in a membrane electrode assembly.
US08492048B2	Fuel cells A redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a catholyte solution comprising a modified ferrocene species being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode.
US08492047B2	Hydrogen supply system for fuel cell and method for controlling the same The present invention provides a method for controlling a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell, the method comprising: a hydrogen filling step in which high pressure hydrogen is supplied to a high pressure line connecting first to Nth hydrogen tanks to be filled in the first to Nth hydrogen tanks; a hydrogen supply step in which only hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank provided adjacent to a fuel cell stack is supplied to the fuel cell stack during driving of a vehicle; and a hydrogen transfer step in which hydrogen is transferred from the second to Nth hydrogen tanks to the first hydrogen tank during parking or stopping of the vehicle.
US08492044B2	Systems and methods for starting and operating fuel cell systems in subfreezing temperatures Systems and methods for initiating use of, or starting up, fuel cell stacks in subfreezing temperatures. The fuel cell stacks include a thermal management system that is adapted to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with a fuel cell stack, such as to heat the stack during startup of the stack when the stack is at a subfreezing temperature or operated in a subfreezing environment. In some embodiments, the thermal management system includes a heat exchange circuit that is configured to provide delivery of the liquid heat exchange fluid to the fuel cell stack even when the conduits are at a subfreezing temperature. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is configured to deliver liquid heat exchange fluid from the fuel cell stack and heat exchange circuit when the thermal management system is not being utilized.
US08492041B2	Solid oxide fuel cell Provides a solid oxide fuel cell with which product life can be extended while a practical output power is maintained. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell, having a fuel cell module (2), a fuel supply device (38), an oxidant gas supply device (45), and a controller (110) for controlling the fuel supply amount; whereby the controller is furnished with a degradation determining circuit (110a) for determining degradation in a fuel cell module, and with a fuel correction circuit (110b) for correcting operating conditions based on a degradation determination; the fuel correction circuit can execute an increasing correction mode for increasing the fuel supply amount supplied to the fuel cell module so that rated output power is maintained, or can execute a decreasing correction mode for reducing rated output voltage so that the fuel supply amount is reduced; there is also a mode selection device (110c) for selecting correction modes.
US08492039B2	Fuel cell system and method of controlling the same A fuel cell system and a control method thereof are capable of preventing anode flooding due to a temperature difference between a stack and reformate upon starting a fuel cell system. The method of controlling a fuel cell system including steps of detecting a temperature of a fuel cell stack, detecting a temperature of reformate that is generated in a fuel reformer and then is supplied to the fuel cell stack through a heat exchanger, and setting the temperature of the reformate to be lower than the temperature of the fuel cell stack during a starting time of the fuel cell system.
US08492036B2	Electrochemical device comprising aliphatic nitrile compound The present invention provides a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound, as well as an electrochemical device comprising the cathode. Also, the present invention provides an electrochemical device comprising: (1) a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound; (2) an anode having a passivation layer formed by a compound selected from the group consisting of vinylene carbonate, its derivative and an ether compound; and (3) an electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt and a solvent.
US08492034B2	Electrolyte and battery A battery using an electrolyte with which favorable ion conductivity is able to be secured at low temperature is provided. A solid electrolyte is provided between a cathode in which a cathode active material layer is formed on a cathode current collector and an anode in which an anode active material layer is formed on an anode current collector. The electrolyte contains carbon cluster such as fullerene and an electrolyte salt such as a lithium salt. Thereby, compared to an electrolyte composed of a polymer compound such as polyethylene oxide and a lithium salt, lowering of ion conductivity is inhibited at low temperature.
US08492033B2	Fast cure gel polymer electrolytes Fast-cure gel polymer electrolytes are prepared by trapping an oligo(alkylene glycol)siloxane or silane in a three dimensional polymer matrix. An ion-conducting phase of the electrolyte contains a siloxane or silane compound and a lithium salt. Such siloxanes or silanes include a silicon or silicon oxide group having four or less substituents that is an oligo(alkylene glycol), or cyclic carbonate moiety.
US08492028B2	Positive electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte lithium ion battery and battery using the same A positive electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte lithium ion battery (31, 41) of the present invention has an oxide (11) containing lithium and nickel, and a lithium compound (13) which is deposited on a surface of the oxide (11) and covers nickel present on the surface of the oxide (11). By this structure, it is possible to suppress decomposition of an electrolysis solution as much as possible and drastically reduce swelling of the batteries (31, 41).
US08492027B2	Lithium secondary battery and anode therefor The present invention provides an anode of a lithium secondary battery comprising a current collector layer and an active material layer laminated on the current collector layer, wherein the current collector layer has a laminar structure without an opening, the active material layer has a network structure with an opening, and the shape of the opening in a planar view is a substantially regular polygon of pentagon or above and/or a substantial circle. The anode of the present invention can achieve charge-discharge-cycle property superior to that of the prior art.
US08492025B2	Pouch for battery and pouch type secondary battery A pouch for battery and a pouch type secondary battery, and more particularly, to a pouch for a battery having a space for containing an electrode assembly, the space being previously formed in a vessel form, and a pouch type secondary battery using the same. The pouch of the battery includes a vessel type bottom having a bottom surface and lateral surfaces; and a cover type top for covering an upper opening of the vessel type bottom, wherein a chamfer or step structure is formed at some of the adjoining portions of the bottom surface and the lateral surface, and the chamfer or step structure is viewed in cross section cut off along a plane which is perpendicularly to the bottom surface and approximately parallel to one surface of lateral surfaces. And the electrode assembly is contained by the pouch of battery to constitute a pouch type secondary battery according to the present invention.
US08492022B2	Rechargeable battery with buffer sheet between electrode assembly and battery case A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a battery case, and a buffer sheet between the electrode assembly and the battery case, the buffer sheet contacting the electrode assembly and the battery case.
US08492019B2	Extruded thermal fin for temperature control of battery cells A thermal management system for a battery pack includes a plurality of main bodies disposed in a stack, an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the plurality of main bodies, and a retention panel coupled to the plurality of main bodies. The main bodies include a thermal fin and conduit and are formed using an extrusion process, which minimizes a weight of the thermal fin and heat sink while minimizing a cost of the thermal management system.
US08492015B2	Battery fuse terminal cover with latch Disclosed herein are embodiments of a battery assembly and a cover for a battery fuse terminal. One embodiment of a battery fuse terminal cover comprises a base portion having a first end and a first hinge end opposite the first end, a movable portion having a second end and a second hinge end opposite the second end and a first hinge located between the first hinge end of the base portion and the second hinge end of the movable portion. The movable portion is configured to rotate relative to the base portion via the first hinge between a concealing position and an exposing position. A cover securing member is located on the base portion and configured to secure the cover to the battery fuse terminal.
US08492013B2	Protection circuit board for secondary battery and secondary battery using the same A protection circuit board for a secondary battery is constructed with an electrically insulating substrate, a printed circuit board pattern formed on the electrically insulating substrate, a protection circuit part electrically connected to the printed circuit board pattern, a charge-and-discharge terminal formed on the electrically insulating substrate and electrically connected to the printed circuit board pattern and the protection circuit part, and a test terminal formed on the electrically insulating substrate and electrically connected to the printed circuit board pattern and the protection circuit part. The test terminal is constructed with an electroless plated layer formed on the test terminal.
US08492007B2	Metal complex and organic electroluminescent device A metal complex which has a metal complex structure showing light emission from triplet excited state, and has a monovalent group derived from carbazole, and a light-emitting device using said metal complex.
US08492006B2	Germanium-containing red emitter materials for organic light emitting diode Organometallic compounds comprising a germanium-containing substituent are provided. The compounds may be used in organic light emitting devices to provide improved device efficiency, line shape and lifetime. In particular, the compounds comprise a phenylquinoline or phenylisoquinoline ligand having a germanium-containing substituent on the quinoline or isoquinoline portion of the ligand. These compounds may be advantageously used as red emitters in the emissive layer of organic light emitting devices.
US08492002B2	Titanium-based alloy An alloy having from about 5 to about 15 wt % Ta, from 0 to about 5 wt % Nb, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % Zr, and the balance Ti is disclosed. The alloy is particularly intended for medical devices, such as implants for the body.
US08492001B2	Self-stratifying coating A self-stratifying coating composition is provided. The self-stratifying coating can include a base layer having a telechelic resin with reactive end groups and an alkoxide oligomer. In addition, a top layer having an acrylate and/or methacrylate such as a fluorinated acrylate, a fluorinated methacrylate, a fluorinated hydrocarbon copolymerized with an acrylate, a fluorinated hydrocarbon copolymerized with a methacrylate and combinations thereof, and a crosslinking agent can be included. In addition, the base layer and the top layer can have an interfacial surface tension therebetween that is within a range of about 15 to 60 mJ/cm2.
US08492000B2	Vulcanized rubber laminate Disclosed is a vulcanized rubber laminate in which both an unvulcanized epichlorohydrin-based rubber composition layer containing a specific polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound and a specific vulcanizing agent and an unvulcanized fluororubber composition layer containing a specific vulcanizing agent are heated and bonded, whereby, both rubber layers are firmly bonded. A vulcanized rubber laminate in which (A) an unvulcanized epichlorohydrin-based rubber composition layer and (B) an unvulcanized fluororubber composition layer are heated and bonded, wherein the unvulcanized epichlorohydrin-based rubber composition (A) contains: (1) a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound having two or more (meth) acryloyl groups in the molecule, and (2) at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a triazine-based vulcanizing agent, a thiourea-based vulcanizing agent, a quinoxaline-based vulcanizing agent and a bisphenol-based vulcanizing agent, and the unvulcanized fluororubber composition (B) contains an organic peroxide-based vulcanizing agent.
US08491997B2	Conductive wire comprising a polysiloxane/polyimide copolymer blend Disclosed herein are polysiloxane/polyimide block copolymer blends and the application of these blends in conductive wires.
US08491996B2	Coated tool The invention concerns a cutting tool having a base body and a single-layer or multi-layer coating applied thereto. To provide cutting tools which are improved over the state of the art it is proposed according to the invention that the coating includes at least one two-phase or multi-phase layer which contains at least two different phases of metal oxide, wherein the at least one two-phase or multi-phase layer is electrically conductive.
US08491989B2	Coating system, coated workpiece and method for manufacturing the same The coating system comprises: at least one layer of type A, a layer of type A substantially consisting of (AlyCr1-y)X, wherein X depicts one of the group consisting of N, CN, BN, NO, CNO, CBN, BNO and CNBO, y describing the stoichiometric composition of the metallic phase fraction; and at least one layer of type B, a layer of type B substantially consisting of (AluCr1-u-v-wSivMew)X, wherein X depicts one of the group consisting of N, CN, BN, NO, CNO, CBN, BNO or CNBO, and wherein Me depicts one of the group consisting of W, Nb, Mo and Ta or a mixture of two or more of the constituents of that group, u, v and w describing the stoichiometric composition of the metallic phase fraction. A thickness ratio of said layer of type A to said layer of type B is higher than 1. The workpiece comprises such a coating system. Through this, an excellent wear-protection is provided, and the coating system and workpieces can be used for a broad range of different applications. The coating system can be deposited very efficiently in a PVD process using two types of targets, wherein targets of one type are active during depositing a layer of type A and during depositing a layer of type B.
US08491986B2	Panel module and manufacturing method thereof A panel module is provided, including a first substrate, a second substrate, a first optical glue, and a second optical glue. The first and second optical glues are disposed between the first and second substrates, wherein the first optical glue protrudes from the first substrate, and the second optical glue adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. Specifically, the viscosity of the second optical glue is smaller than the first optical glue before solidification.
US08491985B2	Coating compositions for roofing granules, dark colored roofing granules with increased solar heat reflectance, solar heat-reflective shingles, and process for producing the same Dark colored roofing granules include an inert base particle coated with a composition including a metal silicate, a non-clay latent heat reactant, and a dark colored but solar reflective prigment.
US08491975B2	Glossy medium for inkjet printing An inkjet print medium with a glossy ink-receiving surface, which includes a substrate, an undercoat layer containing acrylic-polyurethane hybrid polymer and polyoxazoline; and at least one ink-receiving layer containing inorganic pigment particles and a binder, wherein the undercoat is formed between the substrate and the at least one ink-receiving layer.
US08491968B2	Process for production of functional film A process for production of a functional film comprises a coating liquid preparation step (12) of preparing a coating liquid; an application step (14) of applying a monolayer of the prepared coating liquid onto a substrate (18); and a drying step (16) of drying the applied coated layer. At the coating liquid preparation step (12), a plurality of solute materials are contained in at least one solvent; and when D11 is a main diffusion coefficient of a solute material A having functionality of the plurality of solute materials A and B and D22 is a main diffusion coefficient of the other solute material B, the other solute material B is selected so that an inequality A D11
US08491967B2	In-situ chamber treatment and deposition process Embodiments of the invention provide a method for treating the inner surfaces of a processing chamber and depositing a material on a during a vapor deposition process, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) or by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In one embodiment, the inner surfaces of the processing chamber and the substrate may be exposed to a reagent, such as a hydrogenated ligand compound during a pretreatment process. The hydrogenated ligand compound may be the same ligand as a free ligand formed from the metal-organic precursor used during the subsequent deposition process. The free ligand is usually formed by hydrogenation or thermolysis during the deposition process. In one example, the processing chamber and substrate are exposed to an alkylamine compound (e.g., dimethylamine) during the pretreatment process prior to conducting the vapor deposition process which utilizes a metal-organic chemical precursor having alkylamino ligands, such as pentakis(dimethylamino) tantalum (PDMAT).
US08491961B2	Protective element and method for the production thereof A method for producing a protective element including the following steps is provided: mixing an aqueous, curable alkali silicate solution with silicon dioxide nanoparticles to form a filler having a first water content; performing thin-film evaporation of part of the water of the filler until the filler has a second water content that is less than the first water content, wherein the filler is flowable at the second water content; pouring the filler having the second water content into an intermediate space between two transparent substrate elements; and curing the filling mass in the intermediate space between the substrate elements while maintaining the second water content.
US08491960B2	Method for producing raised print using dimensional ink and thermographic powder A method for producing a printed product with raised print includes receiving a prepress format document containing a plurality of flat ink color separations and at least one raised print color separation, printing onto a substrate the flat ink color separations using flat ink and the at least one raised print color separation using dimensional ink, allowing the flat and dimensional ink to dry, heating the inked substrate to a temperature that causes the applied dimensional ink to become sticky, applying thermographic powder to the heated inked substrate such that the thermographic powder sticks to the sticky dimensional ink, removing the thermographic powder from regions of the substrate where the dimensional ink is not applied, reheating the sheet to melt the thermographic powder, and cooling the sheet to result in a print product having both flat and raised printed content.
US08491959B2	Methods of rejuvenating sputtering targets In various embodiments, a sputtering target initially formed by ingot metallurgy or powder metallurgy and comprising a sputtering-target material is provided, the sputtering-target material (i) comprising a refractory metal, (ii) defining a recessed furrow therein, and (iii) having a first grain size and a first crystalline microstructure. A powder is spray-deposited within the furrow to form a layer therein, the layer (i) comprising the metal, (ii) having a second grain size finer than the first grain size, and (iii) having a second crystalline microstructure more random than the first crystalline microstructure. Spray-depositing the powder within the furrow forms a distinct boundary line between the layer and the sputtering-target material.
US08491958B2	Avoidance of non-specific binding on an acoustic wave biosensor using linker and diluent molecules for device surface modification An acoustic wave biosensor comprising a surface of a mixed self-assembling monolayer for receiving a probe-biomolecule is described herein. The biosensor surface may comprise a piezoelectric quartz crystal,—for detection purposes with the electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS)—upon which a mixed self-assembling monolayer is formed, which includes at least one linker, such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl-13-trichlorosilyl-tridecanoate (TTTA); its oligoethylene glycol (OEG) analog OEGylated TTTA (OEG-TTTA); S-(2-(2-(2-(3-trichlorosilyl-propyloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-benzenethiosulfonate (OEG-TUBTS). Linker/diluent systems for attaching a functionalizing entity to the surface of a biosensor are described, as well as methods for preparing a biosensor surface with an oligoethylene glycol linker.
US08491955B2	Method of manufacturing electronic apparatus including plastic substrate, electronic apparatus manufactured using the method, and apparatus for use in the method A method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus including a plastic substrate, which can facilitate in separating the electronic apparatus including the plastic substrate from a stage, an electronic apparatus manufactured using the method, and an apparatus including the stage for use in the method. The method includes: preparing a stage on which a plurality of island-shaped separation lubricators are arranged; disposing the plastic substrate on the stage; forming a device on the plastic substrate; and separating the plastic substrate from the stage.
US08491954B2	Method of producing not-hardened rice cake and rice cake produced by using the same A method of producing a rice cake that becomes not hardened for a long time period, a rice cake produced by using the method, and a processed food produced by processing the rice cake are provided. The method includes: (a) immersing grains in water and removing the water therefrom; (b) grinding the grains from which water is removed, adding water thereto, and then grinding the grains to which water is added; (c) steaming the ground grains; and (d) cooling the steamed grains, adding flour thereto, and then punching the resultant product. The rice cake has a long storage time and is suitable for a long-term distribution. The rice cake preserves its soft texture for a long time period and is thus appropriate for consumers' acceptability.
US08491953B2	Food supplement containing fish oil A food supplement containing fish oil is disclosed having a stable fish oil emulsion for production of a stable, healthy and user-friendly product.
US08491952B2	Red pepper sauce and method of preparation thereof A red chili sauce formulation which does not contain fried roux is prepared from other traditional ingredients and rather than fried roux, comprises malted barley flour.
US08491951B2	Cooking oil antioxidant composition, method of preparation and use Frying processes utilizing cooking oil at elevated temperatures can cause various degradation effects in the oil including oxidation, hydrolysis and/or polymerization. In the absence of additives to protect the oil, the nutritional profile and cooking performance of degraded oil diminishes the quality of food cooked therein. The disclosed methods and compositions provide beneficial and cost effective improvements in the cooking performance of oil used at elevated temperatures, for example, in food frying equipment.
US08491950B2	Cat treat A pet treat having a sugar-based edible portion including a palatant material and a support portion. Incorporation of starch provides a hard-candy texture for the edible portion. The pet treat may be formed as a lollipop, a toy, or a lozenge using either a batch process or a continuous process. Features to interest a pet include a resilient mount, or a rotatable mount. An adhesive mount can attach the support to a variety of surfaces. A replaceable cover and rejuvenant container may be used.
US08491948B2	Capsule for the preparation of a beverage Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure containing one or more beverage ingredients, filtering means delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, beverage flow guiding means for guiding the beverage to a beverage outlet of the capsule, a shell and a protective cover that is attached to the shell in order to form a gas tight container for the beverage ingredients. The capsule further comprises an overflow wall that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering means and comprises at least one overflow aperture. The capsule further comprises opening means comprising an opening element configured to open the gas-tight container in order to create the beverage outlet. The beverage flow guiding means and the opening element are integrally housed in the gas-tight container.
US08491938B2	Potent inhibitory effect of zinc in combination with sulforaphane on cancer cell growth This invention relates to compositions comprising zinc and sulforaphane which can be used in the treatment or prevention of cancer. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer, including prostate cancer, which comprises the administration of zinc and sulforaphane to a patient in need thereof.
US08491934B2	Stabilised prostaglandin composition A pharmaceutical delivery device, such as a suppository or pessary, comprises a synthetic prostaglandin PGE1 analogue (e.g. misoprostol) in a solid polyurethane hydrogel. The polyurethane is either linear or cross-linked.
US08491933B2	Pharmaceutical compositions of semi-ordered drugs and polymers A solid composition of a low-solubility drug and a concentration-enhancing polymer has a portion of the drug in a semi-ordered state.
US08491932B2	Compositions for the oral delivery of corticosteroids An oral drug delivery composition includes a sustained release component which includes a corticosteroid drug and which is contained within a capsule that has been treated so that the sustained release component is predominately released from the capsule in the intestine following oral administration. A drug delivery composition for delivering a corticosteroid drug to the intestine also includes: (a) a sustained release component comprising a corticosteroid drug, an alkali-containing ethylcellulose material and an acid; and (b) a delayed release component which substantially prevents release of the sustained release component until the composition reaches the intestine following oral administration. The compositions of the invention are useful for treating inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and for treating glomerulonephritis.
US08491930B2	Pharmaceutical formulation containing ibuprofen and codeine The invention consists of a new formulation of ibuprofen and codeine in the form of a tablet, which comprises L-leucine in a concentration ranging between 4%-15% as a lubricant, in order to prevent the formulation mixture from adhering to the punches and to other elements of the compression machine during the compression process. The new formulation additionally comprises talc (0.5%-5.0%) and silicified microcrystalline cellulose (30%-80%). The formulation is preferably arranged in the form of a core that comprises the active principles and, amongst others, the L-leucine, part of the talc and the silicified microcrystalline cellulose; this core is coated with a composition that contains a copolymer of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate. The tablets of the invention do not exhibit flaking problems, have an adequate hardness with a convenient attrition to allow for subsequent coating, offer disintegration values of less than 5 minutes, with dissolution values for both active principles in accordance with those specified for rapid-release tablets.
US08491919B2	Prebiotic compositions for use with probiotics to increase probiotic growth rate and activity Naturally occurring lecithins and/or oleic acid stimulate the growth and lactic acid producing activity of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species of probiotic bacteria, and replace polysorbate 80 for those products. They can be used in naturally occurring form, or where they are to be combined with probiotics in a carrier, or they can be treated to yield a stable powdered form of these naturally oily compounds. They can be sold as combined prebiotic/probiotic formulations in the same carrier, or sold as separate dietary supplements, e.g., in capsule or tablet form, to be used with the probiotic formulation as desired.
US08491918B2	Polypeptides from Neisseria meningitidis Various specific meningococcal proteins are disclosed. The invention provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by meningococcus, such as bacterial meningitis.
US08491917B1	Treatment of migraine headache with diffusion of toxin in non-muscle related areas of the head A method for treating a patient with migraine headache in accordance with the present invention generally includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a Botulinum toxin in a pharmaceutically safe form with the administration being on the trigeminal cervical system, for enabling axonal transport of the neurotoxin from distal to central sites. More specifically, the administration includes extramuscular injection of the neurotoxin over the aponeurotic fascia of the scalp for enabling the neurotoxin to diffuse into distal sensory nerves, in order to enable concentration over the occipital-parietal-frontal head region.
US08491915B2	Heat treated bacterins, and emulsion vaccines prepared from such heat treated bacterins Heat treated bacterins, a method of producing heat treated bacterins, and emulsion vaccines prepared from such heat treated bacterins are disclosed.
US08491914B2	Dock-and-lock (DNL) complexes for delivery of interference RNA Described herein are compositions and methods of use of targeted delivery complexes for delivery of siRNA to a disease-associated cell, tissue or pathogen. The targeted delivery complex comprises a targeting molecule, such as an antibody or fragment thereof, conjugated to one or more siRNA carriers. In preferred embodiments the siRNA carrier is a dendrimer or protamine and the targeting molecule is an anti-cancer antibody, such as hRS7. More preferably, the antibody or fragment is rapidly internalized into the target cell to facilitate uptake of the siRNA. Most preferably, the targeted delivery complex is made by the DNL technique. The compositions and methods are of use to treat a variety of disease states, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, immune dysfunction, cardiac disease, neurologic disease, inflammatory disease or infectious disease.
US08491912B2	Methods of treating ocular and other diseases with Syn-134R polypeptide Disclosed herein TPV1 is a method of treating ocular and systemic conditions by administering IL-10 and TPV134R polypeptides.
US08491909B2	Methods and compositions for dosing of allergens The present invention comprises methods and compositions for immunotherapy. An aspect of the invention comprises administration of one or more allergens in compositions via oral and sublingual routes. Allergen compositions are administered in dosing intervals wherein the increase in the one or more allergens administered to the patient are provided in increasing volumes of a single concentration of at least one allergen.
US08491908B2	Composite particle, contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging, and method for producing the composite particle The present invention provides a composite particle having a high molar absorption coefficient for detection with higher detection sensitivity in photoacoustic imaging. In the present invention, a composite particle having a particle, a single-chain antibody which includes an antigen recognition region and a region other than the antigen recognition region and which is conjugated with the particle, and an organic dye conjugated with the single-chain antibody, in which the region other than the antigen recognition region of the single-chain antibody has thiol group, and a functional group of the particle is bound to the thiol group, is provided.
US08491902B2	Medicament comprising recombinant antibody against chemokine receptor CCR4 A medicament having a higher therapeutic effect than that provided by administration of a recombinant antibody against human CC chemokine receptor 4 or an antibody fragment thereof or an agent alone is provided.
US08491900B2	Antibodies to signal transduction protein TAB2 A novel signal transducer TAB2 which acts as an adapter molecule of TRAF6 and TAK1 and mediates the activation of TAK1 in the signal transduction of IL-1 was isolated. TAB2 induced the activation of NF-κB and JNK by IL-1. The signal transduction by IL-1 was inhibited by inhibiting the signal transduction of TAB2 with the use of a dominant negative mutant of TAB2. A compound inhibiting the signal transduction in TAB2 is useful as an anti-inflammatory drug.
US08491896B2	Anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies Described herein are compositions and methods of use of anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies or fragments thereof, such as murine, chimeric, humanized or human PAM4 antibodies. The subject antibodies show a number of novel and useful therapeutic characteristics, such as binding with high specificity to pancreatic and other cancers, but not to normal or benign pancreatic tissues and binding to a high percentage of early stage pancreatic cancers. In preferred embodiments, the antibodies bind to pancreatic cancer mucins. The antibodies and fragments are of use for the detection, diagnosis and/or treatment of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer. The antibodies, such as PAM4 antibodies, bind to a PAM4 antigen that shows unique cell and tissue distributions compared with other known antibodies such as CA19.9, DUPAN2, SPAN1, Nd2, B72.3, and Lea and Le(y) antibodies that bind to the Lewis antigens.
US08491895B2	Methods of treating cancer with human monoclonal antibodies to CTLA-4 In accordance with the present invention, there are provided fully human monoclonal antibodies against human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Nucleotide sequences encoding and amino acid sequences comprising heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), specifically from within FR1 and/or CDR1 through CDR3 and/or within FR4, are provided. Further provided are antibodies having similar binding properties and antibodies (or other antagonists) having similar functionality as antibodies disclosed herein.
US08491892B2	Activated carbon for medical use The invention relates to the use of a particulate active carbon, in particular in the form of active carbon particles, preferably active carbon beads, for the field of medicine and/or for the production of a medicament, wherein the active carbon employed has a large micropore volume content, based on the total pore volume of the active carbon. A microporous active carbon of this type if particularly suitable for medicinal use.
US08491887B2	Anticancer therapy by transplanting vascular endothelial progenitor cells An anticancer therapy using autologous cells or the like, which induces the regression of cancer or has favorable drug delivery effects and brings about reduction or withdrawal of a hypoxic region(s) in tumor is provided. Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells, via intravenously or other methods leads to tumor growth inhibition, an increase of the vascular density with an enlargement of the vascular diameter, and reduction of a hypoxic region(s) in the tumor. Allogeneic transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells may be achieved to secure the cells for the therapy, however, autologous transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells from cancer patients would be desirable to evade rejection. When autologous cells are used, mononuclear cells are separated from the peripheral blood or bone marrow of the patient and cultured using an endothelial differentiation medium containing cytokines such as VEGF to obtain adherent cells, which can then be collected and used as endothelial progenitor cells.
US08491886B2	Viruses for the treatment of cellular proliferative disorders Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering an immunosuppressive agent.
US08491885B2	Method for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells using mesenchymal stromal cells The present invention relates to a composition for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells, comprising β-catenin or notch ligand-overexpressed mesenchymal stromal cells. Further, the present invention relates to a method for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells by co-culturing adult stem cells with the mesenchymal stromal cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to β-catenin or notch ligand-overexpressed mesenchymal stromal cells for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells.
US08491882B2	Methods for reducing the risk of an unsuccessful pregnancy in a subject having an immune system abberation Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or miscarriage in a recipient of artificial insemination are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of artificial insemination in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).
US08491879B2	Ammonium-polyurethane- and/or polycarbonate compounds The invention relates to novel compounds, in particular ammonium-polyurethane and/or polycarbonate compounds, in particular ammonium-polyurethane-polydiorganosiloxane and/or polycarbonate-polydiorganosiloxane compounds, methods for their production as well as their use.
US08491872B2	Cinnamic acid-based oligomers and uses thereof Cinnamic acid-based oligomers and therapeutic uses thereof are provided. The oligomers are used as anti-inflammation agents, inhibitors of elastase and anti-oxidants, and in some cases (e.g. the treatment of lung disorders such as lung cancer) all three activities are simultaneously beneficial. Subsets of the oligomers (e.g. β-O4 and β-5 trimers and tetramers) are used as anticoagulants.
US08491869B2	Imaging agents for detecting neurological disorders Imaging agents of formula (I) and methods for detecting neurological disorders comprising administering ti a patient in need compounds of formula (I) capable of binding to tau proteins and β-amyloid peptides are presented herein. The invention also relates to methods of imaging Aβ and tau aggregates comprising introducing a detectable quantity of pharmaceutical formulation comprising a radiolabeled compound of formula (I) and detecting the labeled compound associated with amyloid deposits and/or tau proteins in a patient. These methods and compositions enable preclinical diagnosis and monitoring progression of AD and other neurological disorders.
US08491868B2	Ligands for imaging cardiac innervation Novel compounds that find use as imaging agents within nuclear medicine applications (PET imaging) for imaging of cardiac innervation are disclosed. These PET based radiotracers may exhibit increased stability, decreased NE release (thereby reducing side effects), improved quantitative data, and/or high affinity for VMAT over prior radiotracers. Methods of using the compounds to image cardiac innervation are also provided. In some instances the compounds are developed by derivatizing certain compounds with 18F in a variety of positions: aryl, alkyl, a keto, benzylic, beta-alkylethers, gamma-propylalkylethers and beta-proplylalkylethers. Alternatively or additionally, a methyl group a is added to the amine, and/or the catechol functionality is either eliminated or masked as a way of making these compounds more stable.
US08491865B2	Nanostructured sorbent materials for capturing environmental mercury vapor The present invention is a method and material for using a sorbent material to capture and stabilize mercury. The method for using sorbent material to capture and stabilize mercury contains the following steps. First, the sorbent material is provided. The sorbent material, in one embodiment, is nano-particles. In a preferred embodiment, the nano-particles are unstabilized nano-Se. Next, the sorbent material is exposed to mercury in an environment. As a result, the sorbent material captures and stabilizes mercury from the environment. In the preferred embodiment, the environment is an indoor space in which a fluorescent has broken.
US08491864B2	Manufacture of high-strength, low-salt sodium hypochlorite bleach A method for continuous manufacture of higher-strength, lower-salt, aqueous sodium hypochlorite bleach from lower-strength aqueous sodium hypochlorite bleach that has some sodium hydroxide and that is essentially free of sodium chloride (salt) crystals, aqueous sodium hydroxide solution having a concentration by weight within a range from about 45% to about 51%, chlorine in gas and/or liquid phase that may or may not include inerts, and a recycle solution. Slurry is withdrawn from the tank at a level below where the lower-strength bleach, the sodium hydroxide solution, the chlorine, and the recycle solution begin to mix with slurry already in the tank. A first portion of the slurry is withdrawn and used as the recycle solution. A second portion of the slurry is withdrawn and processed to separate substantially all salt crystals from residual liquid that is recovered as the higher-strength lower-salt, aqueous sodium hypochlorite bleach.
US08491863B2	Method for making carbon nanotube array A method for forming a carbon nanotube array is related. A substrate with a catalyst layer on a surface of the substrate is provided and placed into a reaction device. At least two kinds of carbon source gases including different kinds of single carbon isotope are introduced into the reaction device at the same time. The reaction device is heated to different reaction temperatures to react the carbon source gases under different temperatures to grow a carbon nanotube array on a surface of the catalyst layer.
US08491861B2	Synthetic process for preparation of high surface area electroactive compounds for battery applications A process is disclosed for the preparation of electroactive cathode compounds useful in lithium-ion batteries, comprising exothermic mixing of low-cost precursors and calcination under appropriate conditions. The exothermic step may be a spontaneous flameless combustion reaction. The disclosed process can be used to prepare any lithium metal phosphate or lithium mixed metal phosphate as a high surface area single phase compound.
US08491857B1	Processes and apparatus for small-scale in situ biodiesel production Processes and apparatus produce economically feasible biodiesel without subsidies. Toward that end, integrated small plants process materials containing lipids with anhydrous bioethanol as solvent and reactant, and sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide mainly as catalysts to produce up to 3 million gallons of biodiesel per plant per year. The product is predominantly fatty acids ethyl esters (FAEE) and a chemically-enhanced organic fertilizer as byproduct. The raw material may include a wide variety of non-edible solid matter that contains lipids, which normally have from 0.5% to 80% by weight of free fatty acids in total oils. Multiple apparatus makes this process feasible. In addition to not competing with food production, since they supply fertilizer for small scale farmers, the processes and apparatus allow sustainable liquid fuel production.
US08491853B2	Substrate and device for bioassay and method for making the substrate A substrate for bioassay comprises a substrate and a group of reaction regions serving as a field where interaction between substances proceeds and formed in the substrate, and a group of information pits used to obtain positional information of individual reaction regions and/or substance information used in the reaction regions. The group of reaction regions and the group of information pits are not formed in the same substrate surface. A bioassay apparatus using the substrate and a method for making the substrate are also provided.
US08491851B2	System and method for enabling and disabling a portable assay reader device A detection system in a portable assay reader device is enabled or activated after a user applies a manual force to a portion of the reader device, to an object supporting the assay test strip, or to the assay test strip itself. The movement moves a switch from an open state to a closed state. The closed state enables a detection system to monitor one or more test regions in the assay test strip for a reaction. The detection system can include one or more imagers, one or more electrical detectors, one or more magnetic detectors, or one or more optical detectors that monitor the one or more test regions for applicable visible, electrical, magnetic, or optical reactions, respectively. The one or more imagers or detectors transmit data to a processing device to determine the results of a test.
US08491850B2	Diagnostic test reader with locking mechanism A diagnostic test reader includes an assay interface, a locking mechanism, and a test unit. The assay interface is configured to receive a diagnostic assay. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a first push in a first direction toward the other of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader. The locking mechanism is also configured to unlock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to the one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a second push in the first direction. The test unit is configured to analyze the diagnostic assay.
US08491844B2	Scrubbing a gas containing nitrogen oxides The invention relates to a method for removing nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx with x>1) from a gas stream, implementing a device including a catalytic bed for converting a portion at least a part of the NO into NOx with x>1, and a unit for reducing the NOx with x>1, and in which the gas stream is placed into contact with the catalytic bed before entering the unit for reducing the NOx with x>1.
US08491837B2	Ni-based brazing composition, braze repair method, and braze-repair structure A Ni-based brazing composition at least containing, in mass %, 1.0% or more and 1.3% or less of B, 4.0% or more and 6.0% or less of Si, and the balance consisting of Ni and unavoidable impurities, wherein the brazing composition forms wherein the brazing composition forms dispersed phase containing B or Si in a metal texture after the brazing, and a maximum length of the dispersed phase is 30 μm or less.
US08491836B2	Method and furnace for melting steel scrap A melting furnace for smelting scrap includes a heating device extending through a wall of the furnace in order to supply melting energy, wherein the heating device including a tubular body, which encloses a flow channel. Further, the furnace includes a heating zone formed by a longitudinal section of the tubular body configured as an electrodeless plasma torch including an inductive heating coil which encloses the flow channel coaxially. An injection pipe is disposed in a central manner in the flow channel extending up or into to the heating zone, wherein the injection pipe is enclosed by a gas guiding pipe coaxially and at a radial distance. An annular channel is arranged between the injection pipe and the wall of the flow channel for supplying a cooling gas.
US08491832B2	Apparatus and method for forming a container having a receptacle and an integral cap and product formed thereby An apparatus for forming a container generally comprises a first mold part having an injection mold portion and a blow mold portion and a second mold part having a core pin. The core pin is configured to cooperate with the injection mold portion in a first position to define an injection mold cavity for forming a preform and an integral cap. The core pin is also configured to cooperate with the blow mold portion in a second position to define a blow mold cavity for forming a receptacle from the preform. The cap may be closed at the blow mold portion to seal the receptacle. One or more threads may be formed on a neck of the container.
US08491825B2	Process of making natural tourmaline fiber and filter The present invention provides to a method of producing fiber from tourmaline anion fiber; of which, polypropylene or polyethylene chip, TPE and submicrometer tourmaline particle are prepared and then rolled into submicrometer tourmaline agglomerate through granulation by double screw; then, take submicrometer tourmaline agglomerate and polypropylene or polyethylene chip, of which the content of tourmaline agglomerate accounts for 1˜10% of gross weight, and TPE for 1˜40% of gross weight; tourmaline agglomerate and polypropylene or polyethylene are melted into composite fiber or filter material via spinning, such that the fiber or filter material can yield anion and present outstanding gas permeability and mechanical property.
US08491823B2	Process for producing water-resistant polarizing film To obtain a water-resistant polarizing film free from deterioration in dichroic ratio caused by water-resistant treatment, it is critical that adjacent sulfonic acid groups or sulfonate groups in the organic dyes to be used for the polarizing film are spaced at moderate intervals. In a process for producing a water-resistant polarizing film of the present invention, the polarizing film before water-resistant treatment includes an organic dye which comprises an azo compound 20 represented by the following general formula (1) or (2)
US08491822B2	Tin oxide particles and process for producing the same A tin oxide particle having at least two diffraction peaks at 2θ (deg) of 9±1° and 28±1° in XRD measurement by Cu/Kα radiation. The tin oxide particle preferably shows diffraction peaks at 2θ (deg) of 19±1°, 48±1°, and 59±1°. The tin oxide particle preferably has electroconductivity. The tin oxide particle is preferably produced by mixing an aqueous solution containing tin (II) and a hydroxyl-containing organic compound in a heated condition with an alkali.
US08491821B2	Compositions comprising propylene-olefin-copolymer waxes and carbon nanotubes The invention relates to compositions comprising certain propylene-olefin-copolymer waxes, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the compositions being in the form of masterbatches, compounds or conductive polymers, and their use for producing conductive polymers and articles made of conductive polymers.
US08491820B2	Process for growing an electron injection layer to improve the efficiency of organic light emitting diodes An organic light emitting functional device with organic electron injection layer to improve the injection of electrons from the cathode in an organic light emitting diode. In particular, the device relates to the use of electron transport layer 4,7-di phenyl-1,10 phenanthroline (herein after called as BPhen) and another organic semiconductor Tetracyano quino dimethane (herein after called as TCNQ) and optimizing the thickness and doping percentage of the composition in an organic light emitting device. The main use of the composed injection layer is to balance the injection of holes from the anode side and the injection of electrons from cathode side and thus increase the efficiency of Organic light emitting diodes.
US08491819B2	High work-function and high conductivity compositions of electrically conducting polymers Provided are compositions having high conductivity and high work-function. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion or solution of an electrically conducting polymer and a perfluorinated polymeric acid. The conductive polymers may be made from conjugated monomers or comonomers and a non-fluorinated polymeric acid, and the perfluorinated polymeric acides may be derived from perfluoroolefins having perfluoro-ether-sulfonic acid side chains. Devices embodying such compositions are also provided.
US08491816B2	Semiconductor light emitting device, backlight, color image display device and phosphor to be used for them To provide a semiconductor light emitting device which is capable of accomplishing a broad color reproducibility for an entire image without losing brightness of the entire image.A light source provided on a backlight for a color image display device has a semiconductor light emitting device comprising a solid light emitting device to emit light in a blue or deep blue region or in an ultraviolet region and phosphors, in combination. The phosphors comprise a green emitting phosphor and a red emitting phosphor. The green emitting phosphor and the red emitting phosphor are ones, of which the rate of change of the emission peak intensity at 100° C. to the emission intensity at 25° C., when the wavelength of the excitation light is 400 nm or 455 nm, is at most 40%.
US08491815B1	Omnino nanocomposite crosslinked networks Disclosed are bulk, crosslinked nanocomposite networks that do not require a host polymer in the matrix. Bulk nanocomposites can be formed via derivatization of nanoparticles with functional ligands that directly or indirectly crosslink with one another or with nanostructures of the network to form a highly crosslinked network. Disclosed bulk nanocomposites can contain nanoscale materials at extremely high loading levels. Nanostructures incorporated in the networks can include optically active materials such as inorganic nanostructures doped with optically active rare earth ions.
US08491806B2	Chemical-mechanical polishing formulation and methods of use The invention is directed to a chemical-mechanical polishing formulation that includes: an abrasive particulate component; iodic acid; and water. The invention is also directed to a method for polishing a metal-containing substrate, the method including the steps of polishing the metal-containing substrate with a polishing pad at a suitable polishing pressure while the metal-containing substrate is in contact with the above polishing formulation.
US08491804B2	Substrate processing method A method of processing a substrate having a processing target layer and an organic film serving as a mask layer includes a mineralizing process of mineralizing the organic film. The mineralizing process includes an adsorption process for allowing a silicon-containing gas to be adsorbed onto a surface of the organic film; and an oxidation process for oxidizing the adsorbed silicon-containing gas to be converted into a silicon oxide film. A monovalent aminosilane is employed as the silicon-containing gas.
US08491803B2	Method of hydrophobizing and patterning frontside surface of integrated circuit A method of hydrophobizing a frontside surface of an integrated circuit. The method includes the steps of: (a) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the frontside surface; (b) depositing a protective metal film onto the hydrophobic polymeric layer; (c) depositing a sacrificial material onto the metal film; (d) patterning the sacrificial material; (e) etching through the metal film, the hydrophobic polymeric layer and the frontside surface; (f) performing MEMS processing steps on a backside of the integrated circuit; (g) subjecting the integrated circuit to an oxidizing plasma, wherein the metal film protects the hydrophobic polymeric layer from the oxidizing plasma; and (h) removing the protective metal film to provide an integrated circuit having a relatively hydrophobic patterned frontside surface.
US08491801B1	Method and system for providing an NFT using a sacrificial NFT structure A method and system provides a near-field transducer (NFT) for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer. The method and system include forming a sacrificial NFT structure having a shape a location corresponding to the NFT. A dielectric layer is deposited. A portion of the dielectric layer resides on the sacrificial NFT structure. At least this portion of the dielectric layer on the sacrificial structure is removed. The sacrificial NFT structure is removed, exposing an NFT trench in the dielectric layer. At least one conductive layer for the NFT is deposited. A first portion of the conductive layer(s) reside in the NFT trench. A second portion of the conductive layer(s) external to the NFT trench is removed to form the NFT.
US08491800B1	Manufacturing of hard masks for patterning magnetic media Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for designing and manufacturing hard masks used in the creation of patterned magnetic media and, more particularly, patterned magnetic recording media used in hard disk drives (e.g., bit patterned media (BPM)). In some embodiments, the hard mask incorporates at least one layer of Ta (tantalum) and at least one layer of C (carbon) and is used during ion implantation of a pattern onto magnetic media. The hard mask can be fabricated with a high aspect ratio to achieve small feature sizes while maintaining its effectiveness as a mask, is robust enough to withstand the ion implantation process, and can be removed after the ion implantation process with minimal damage to the magnetic media.
US08491798B2	Eliminating hydrogen sulfide from liquid ammonia Processes for selectively eliminating hydrogen sulfide from liquid ammonia, either anhydrous or aqueous, are described herein. The processes generally include contacting a first liquid stream, anhydrous or aqueous, comprising ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, with a solution comprising sulfur dioxide to convert the hydrogen sulfide to thiosulfate.
US08491796B2	Treatment of solid-stabilized emulsions An emulsion treating unit and process. A subcooled boiling zone in the unit comprises a heat transfer surface to contact an emulsion at a temperature in excess of the saturation temperature of an aqueous phase in the emulsion, wherein the boiling zone is atmospherically vented. The unit also provides means for recovering an oil-rich layer from adjacent a vapor-liquid interface; and means for recovering an aqueous-rich layer from below the oil-rich layer. The process provides operation of the treating unit to heat an emulsion in the subcooled boiling zone, wherein the boiling zone is atmospherically vented, recovering an oil-rich layer and recovering an aqueous-rich layer from below the oil-rich layer. In one embodiment the boiling zone comprises a heat transfer surface having a temperature in excess of the saturation temperature of the aqueous-rich layer, wherein the vapor-liquid interface is subcooled with respect to the saturation temperature of the aqueous layer.
US08491794B2	Process for enhanced total organic carbon removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.
US08491788B2	Process for enhanced total organic carbon removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance One embodiment of a method to system for enhancing TOC removal while maintaining membrane filter performance is the implementation of a dual pH control system. This embodiment will enhance the ability to maximize TOC removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. By adjusting pH, dosing a chemical coagulant and incorporating liquid-solids separation, a considerably higher degree of TOC removal is possible. By adjusting pH again after liquid-solids separation this embodiment can drastically increase the efficiency of the membrane microfiltration/ultrafiltration system.Thus pH control for soluble organic removal is critical. This pH level however may not be the ideal set point for minimizing membrane fouling which is the basis for this embodiment. An example: the pH set point for optimum soluble organic removal is designated to be 5.5. However, the optimum pH set point for optimum membrane performance is 7.0. This embodiment will show the reader that a two stage approach can accomplish the desired result. Stage 1 involves coagulant dosing, pH control, mixing and liquid-solids separation followed by Stage two which involves pH control, mixing and membrane filtration.
US08491784B2	Process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed is provided in which a hydrocarbon-containing feed comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a hydrocarbon-containing product. The catalyst is prepared by mixing a first salt and a second salt in an aqueous mixture under anaerobic conditions at a temperature of from 15° C. to 150° C., where the first salt comprises a cationic component in any non-zero oxidation state selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ag, Co, Mn, Ru, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Ni, Zn, Bi, Sn, Pb, and Sb, and where the second salt comprises an anionic component selected from the group consisting of MoS42−, WS42−, SnS44−, and SbS43.
US08491783B2	Process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed in which a hydrocarbon-containing feed comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and a catalyst to produce a hydrocarbon-containing product, where hydrogen sulfide is provided at a mole ratio relative to hydrogen of at least 0.5:9.5. The catalyst is comprised of a bimetallic tetrathiometallate material comprised of a first metal and a second metal, where the first metal is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Bi, Ag, Mn, Zn, Sn, Ru, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Ph, and Sb and the second metal is Mo, W, V, Sn, and Sb.
US08491782B2	Process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed is provided in which a hydrocarbon-containing feed comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a hydrocarbon-containing product. The catalyst is comprised of a material comprised of a first metal and a second metal, where the first metal is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Bi, Ag, Mn, Zn, Sn, Ru, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Pb, and Sb and the second metal is Mo, W, Sn, and Sb, wherein the material is comprised of at least three linked chain elements, the chain elements comprising a first chain element including the first metal and having a structure according to formula (I) and a second chain element including the second metal and having a structure according to formula (II) where M1 is the first metal where M2 is the second metal where the material contains at least one first chain element and at least one second chain element and where chain elements in the material are linked by bonds between the two sulfur atoms of a chain element and the metal of an adjacent chain.
US08491780B2	Hydroprocessing of biocomponent feedstocks with FCC off-gas A biocomponent feedstock can be hydroprocessed using an FCC off-gas as a hydrogen source. A relatively low cost catalyst, such as a water gas shift catalyst and/or spent hydrotreating catalyst, can be used as a hydrogenation catalyst for the process. The hydroprocessing can allow for olefin saturation and/or deoxygenation of the biocomponent feed by using a relatively low value refinery stream.
US08491778B2	High shear hydrogenation of wax and oil mixtures Embodiments disclosed herein describe method of producing hydrogenated products, the method that includes providing a wax and an oil; processing the wax and the oil with a gas under high shear conditions to form a high shear product; and hydrogenating the high shear product to produce hydrogenated products. The wax may be a petroleum wax comprising alkane hydrocarbons with formula CnH2n+2, wherein n=20-40.
US08491774B2	Whisker free tin plated layer Tin and tin alloy deposits which are substantially free of certain crystal planes or equivalents thereof inhibit or prevent whisker formation. The tin or tin alloy deposits which are free of these crystal planes and inhibit or prevent whisker formation may be deposited by electroplating. Tin alloys include tin/copper, tin/nickel, tin/silver, tin/bismuth, tin/zinc and tin/antimony. The tin and tin alloy baths used to deposit the tin and tin alloys may be acidic or alkaline.
US08491773B2	Method of replenishing indium ions in indium electroplating compositions Methods of replenishing indium ions in indium electroplating compositions are disclosed. Indium ions are replenished during electroplating using indium salts of certain weak acids. The method may be used with soluble and insoluble anodes.
US08491766B2	Gas sensor for determining hydrogen or hydrogen compounds The invention at hand concerns a novel class of gas sensors, in particular for hydrogen or hydrogen-containing fluids (gases or liquids), such as hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphides or more complex gas mixtures or gas compositions which contain hydrogen or hydrogen compounds.
US08491765B2	Diamond microelectrodes A microlectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.
US08491763B2	Oxygen recovery system and method for recovering oxygen in an electrochemical cell An oxygen recovery system configured to recover evolved oxygen from a regenerative electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an oxygen reduction cathode, a fuel electrode configured to be a fuel anode when the cell is operated to generate electricity and a cathode for reducing fuel thereon when the cell is operated to regenerate the fuel, and an oxygen evolution anode that is configured to evolve oxygen from an electrolyte solution when the cell is operated to regenerate the fuel. The oxygen recovery system includes an oxygen separator located downstream of the oxygen evolution anode in a recharge direction of flow. The oxygen separator is configured to separate the evolved oxygen from the electrolyte solution. An oxygen recovery path is disposed between the oxygen separator and the oxygen reduction cathode. The oxygen recovery path is configured to direct the evolved oxygen separated from the electrolyte solution to the oxygen reduction cathode.
US08491759B2	RF impedance matching network with secondary frequency and sub-harmonic variant Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a matching network for physical vapor deposition. The matching network may include a first RF generator coupled to a deposition chamber target through a first impedance matching network having a first tuning circuit. The first RF generator may be configured to introduce a first AC signal to the deposition chamber target. The matching network may also include a second RF generator coupled to a deposition chamber pedestal through a second impedance matching network. The second RF generator may be configured to introduce a second AC signal to the deposition chamber pedestal. The first tuning circuit may be configured to modify an effect of the second AC signal on plasma formed between the deposition chamber target and the deposition chamber pedestal.
US08491756B2	Device for determining the water content of a target A device is provided for determining the water content of a target (1), the device having at least one source of target radiation (2), at least one source of reference radiation (4) directed to a target surface (10), and at least one detecting element (3) for measuring the intensity of radiation reflected back by the target surface. During use the at least one source of target radiation (2), the at least one source of reference radiation (4), and the at least one detecting element (3) are arranged immediately opposite the target surface (10). A pressurizing device using air or gas is provided, by which an artificial movement of the air or gas atmosphere can be created in the area of the optical paths between the at least one source of target radiation (2) and the target surface (10), and/or between the at least one source of reference radiation (4) and the target surface (10), and/or between the target surface (10) and the at least one detecting element (3).
US08491755B2	Method for manufacturing paper and board The use of filler for the manufacture of paper and board products the air permeability of which does not substantially change as a function of the amount of filler, the filler being at least in part made up of cellulose or lignocellulose fibrils on which there have been deposited light-scattering material particles the proportion of which is 67-85%, preferably approx. 70-82%, of the weight of the filler.
US08491754B2	Web, stampable sheet and stampable sheet expanded product as well as method of producing the same There is disclosed an expansion molded product, and a web and stampable sheet suitable for use in the production thereof as well as a method of producing the same. A disclosed method of producing a web, stampable sheet and expansion molded product of a stampable sheet comprises uniformly dispersing reinforcing fibers, thermoplastic resin and thermal expandable particles in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant with fine foams to prepare a foamy solution, filtering the foamy solution to form a web, heating pressing and cooling the web to form a stampable sheet, heating the stampable sheet to expand the thermal expandable particles, and shaping and cooling the stampable sheet, wherein the expanded thermal expandable particles are eccentrically located toward one-side surface of the expansion molded product of the stampable sheet by removing foams by suction during the filtering and eccentrically locating the thermal expandable particles toward one-side surface of the web.
US08491746B2	Method to apply multiple coatings to a fiber web A method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto a fibrous substrate. More particularly, a method for applying multiple polymeric coatings onto fibrous substrates without regard to chemical or physical incompatibilities of the polymeric coating materials. A first polymeric material is applied onto at least one fibrous substrate, and a second polymeric material is applied onto a support. The fibrous substrate and support are joined, contacting the first polymeric material with the second polymeric material, followed by separating the support from the fibrous substrate, such that at least a portion of the second polymeric material remains on the first polymeric material on the fibrous substrate.
US08491742B2	Method for embossing an absorbent article using a segmented anvil A method for embossing an absorbent article using a segmented anvil and attaching a release paper to a backsheet having depressed regions.
US08491739B2	Implementing interleaved-dielectric joining of multi-layer laminates A method and apparatus are provided for implementing interleaved-dielectric joining of multi-layer laminates. First and second multi-layer laminates are provided, each having with a laminated portion and an unlaminated portion. The first and second multi-layer laminates are joined together at the unlaminated portions by interleaving a plurality of dielectric layers of the first and second multi-layer laminates. Respective conductors carried by adjacent dielectric layers are connected. The interleaved unlaminated portions are laminated together with heat and pressure, to create a larger laminate of the joined first and second multi-layer laminates.
US08491729B2	Cross linking thin organic coating resins to substrates through polyfunctional bridging molecules Disclosed is a method for providing an anti-corrosion protective coating to a metal substrate that uses a coating composition comprising a resin and a polyfunctional bridging molecule to both bind to the resin and to chelate the bound polymeric resin directly to the metal substrate. One category of polyfunctional bridging molecules preferably includes at least one amine function to bind to a resin and at least one carboxylate, thiol, silane, phenolate, acetoacetonate, imine, phosphate, or phosphonate function to chelate to a metal substrate. It is theorized that the amine function can bind to certain pendent chains in coating resins through a Michael addition reaction while the carboxylate, thiol, silane, phenolate, acetoacetonate, imine, phosphate, or phosphonate functions chelate to the metal substrate. These polyfunctional bridging molecules provide an organic binding of the resin to the metal substrates.
US08491727B2	Apparatus device for removing scale in a borehole installation There is described an apparatus device for mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone in a well, in which an actuator arranged in a housing includes an axially movable stem which extends through at least part of the housing and is provided with at least one cam, at least one cutting means is arranged radially movable in a recess in the housing, the cam bearing, by the axial movement of the actuator towards a first extreme position, against the cutting means, applying to it a push force directed radially outwards. There is also described a method of mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone by using the apparatus.
US08491724B2	Dishwasher control for dealing with large amounts of food residues by variable wash programs A method is provided enabling a dishwasher to be operated with variable wash programs, wherein the filter systems of the dishwasher do not become overloaded with protruding wash residues in the rinsing fluid. The method makes it possible to vary the pressure used to convey the rinsing fluid from the circulating pump to the at least one spray device. The advantage thereof is that protruding wash residues in the rinsing liquid can be reduced or flattened in order to prevent the filter systems in the dishwasher from becoming overloaded so that the cleaning effects of the filter system can remain functional.
US08491722B2	Pipeline pigs A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyzes the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.
US08491717B2	Multivariate management of entrained air and rheology in cementitious mixes The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.
US08491714B2	Ink composition An ink composition contains a water-soluble copper compound and an anthrapyridone dye represented by the following formula: wherein M1 represents a hydrogen atom, NH4, or Na; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substitutable alkyl group, a substitutable aryl group, or a substitutable benzoyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a substitutable alkyl group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a substitutable alkyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, NH4 which may be substituted, or a substitutable sulfo group; and R5 represents an acyl group or a group represented by the following formula: where X and Y independently represent a chlorine atom, hydroxy group, amino group, monoethanolamino group, diethanolamino group, morpholino group, anilino group, or phenol group in which hydrogen atoms may be substituted by one or more substituents.
US08491713B2	Solution and process for increasing the solderability and corrosion resistance of a metal or metal alloy surface Described is a new a solution comprising a phosphorous compound and optionally a solderability-enhancing compound and its use in a process for increasing the solderability and corrosion resistance of a metal or metal alloy surface.
US08491710B2	Method and system for improved-efficiency air-conditioning Systems and methods for circulating air in an enclosed environment are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an inlet to receive air from outside of the enclosed environment and an air handling unit coupled to the inlet and also configured to receive circulated air from the enclosed environment. The air handling unit can be configured to affect a temperature of at least one of the received outside air and the received circulated air. Based on the received outside air and the received circulated air, the air handling unit can be further configured to generate air for supplying to the enclosed environment.
US08491709B2	Active oxygen generating device, humidifier, and air purification system with humidifier To provide a small active oxygen generating device capable of efficiently continuously generating active oxygen while supplying oxygen in the air. In the active oxygen generating device in which water is made to exist between an anode and a cathode composed of a base material containing a conductive polymer and by turning on electricity between the anode and the cathode, the conductive polymer deoxidizes the oxygen dissolved in the water to generate active oxygen, the cathode is rotatably installed about a conductive horizontal axis with part of the surface being projected over the surface of the water.
US08491708B2	Nozzle arrangements and method for cleaning filter elements A method of cleaning a filter element includes directing a jet of pressurized gas from a nozzle onto a filter element, with the jet having a non-round cross-sectional shape that is a same general cross-sectional shape as the opening in a tube sheet holding the filter element. The nozzle has a channel for the pressurized gas that is obstruction-free.
US08491707B2	Fluid storage tank configured to remove entrained air from fluid A fluid storage tank including an entrained air removal mechanism is provided. The entrained air removal mechanism assists in consolidating small air bubbles entrained within the fluid into larger bubbles such that the air bubbles have sufficient buoyancy to escape the fluid flow. The entrained air removal mechanism may be in the form of a plurality of saw toothed slots communicating different chambers within the fluid storage tank. The fluid storage tank can also be configured to direct fluid flow towards the sidewalls of the fluid storage tank as the fluid transitions from one chamber to another to promote heat transfer out of the fluid storage tank and to avoid the fluid within the tank acting as a thermal insulator.
US08491704B2	Six bed pressure swing adsorption process operating in normal and turndown modes The present invention relates to a six bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system utilizing new and advanced cycles to obtain enhanced hydrogen recovery from a hydrogen containing feed gas (i.e., synthesis gas). In one such cycle each of the six beds has four pressure equalization steps, and at least one of the beds is receiving and processing said feed gas to obtain a hydrogen product gas (i.e., a 6-1-4 cycle).
US08491701B2	Methods and systems for leaching a metal-bearing ore for the recovery of a metal value A system and method for recovering a metal value from a metal-bearing ore material are provided. A metal-bearing ore can be mixed with certain substances and to form an agglomerated ore. In an intermediate state, between agglomeration and heap formation, bacteria can be added to the metal-bearing ore material to produce an augmented ore. The augmented ore can then be formed into a heap.
US08491699B2	Method for preparing silver nanoparticles by employing ethanolamine The present invention provides a method for producing silver nanoparticles by employing ethanolamine. The method of this invention can be easily operated and no organic solvent is required. Ethanolamine first reacts with a mixture of poly(oxyalkylene)-amine/epoxy or copolymers of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (abbreviated as SMA) to generate polymeric polymers. The polymeric polymers then reduce silver ions to silver atoms which are dispersed in the form of silver nanoparticles. Functional groups of the polymeric polymers can chelate with silver ions and be stably compatible with water or organic solvents, whereby the silver nanoparticles can be stably dispersed without aggregation and the produced silver nanoparticles.
US08491697B2	Method for producing electrocatalyst [Problem]To provide a method for producing an electrocatalyst having no compositional scatter, wherein nano-level alloy catalyst molecules with an ordered particle size are supported in a highly dispersed state. [Means of Solution]The method includes the steps of preparing a reverse micelle solution by mixing two or more catalyst precursors selected from among metal salts and/or metal complexes, a solvent having hydrophilic groups and a non-aqueous solvent, forming alloy particles in the reverse micelle by adding a non-aqueous solution having a reducing action to the reverse micelle and heating, and supporting the alloy particles on a carrier.
US08491694B2	Efficient phosphate group fertilizers An efficient phosphate fertilizer composition is provided, comprising organic material such as lignite treated with ammonia and phosphoric acid in various proportions to derive direct phosphate fertilizer or ammoniated phosphate.
US08491692B2	Dispersable potash granule A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes organic origin potash in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The organic origin potash and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces.A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of the potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.
US08491687B1	Hydraulic fracturing truck sand baghouse A frac truck is provided for the portable metering and dispensing of sand into a fractionation fluid system. Hopper vessels for powder, sand or other aggregate have a discharge vent for releasing air that is displaced during the filling of the hoppers. Venting is required to prevent over pressurization; conventionally, this vented gas entrains a significant amount of solids that would subsequently be released into the atmosphere. A dust collector is mounted for receiving the vented air displaced when powdered material is loaded into the hoppers. The dust collector is connected through a vent tube communicating between the hoppers and the dust collector. Air vented from the hoppers is drawn though the dust collector and past and through a filter media, where clean air is discharged and solids collected. A low profile rotary airlock is used to discharge solids from the bottom of the dust collector.
US08491686B2	Cyclonic dust collector with clamp-raised dust barrel A dust collector arrangement has a dust separator supported on a frame, with a lid for the dust collection barrel is mounted onto the frame below it. The lid is supported at a fixed elevation above the surface of the shop floor to create a space or clearance between the rim of the dust collection barrel and the lid. The barrel is supported on casters, and can be rolled into place under the rim, and can be rolled out for emptying. Over-center latches positioned at intervals around the upper part of the barrel side wall, engage corresponding structure on the lid. These pull the barrel upwards against the lid and with the barrel casters lifted off the floor surface. The latch members release to lower the barrel for emptying.
US08491681B2	Abrasive products including active fillers An abrasive product comprises an abrasive component and a bond component. In one embodiment, the bond component includes a binder and a filler component that includes a cryolite and at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4), sodium borate (Na2B4O7.10H2O), sodium polyphosphate, opal glass, a hexafluoroferrate, and a hexafluorozirconate. In another embodiment, the bond component includes a binder and a filler component that includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of a hexafluoroferrate, and a hexafluorozirconate. Alternatively, an abrasive product comprises an abrasive component and a filler component that includes at least one member selected from the group a hexafluoroferrate and a hexafluorozirconate. The abrasive component includes at least one of abrasive particles and agglomerates of abrasive particles.
US08491680B2	Gasification process A gasifier waste stream from a gasification process is directed to a solids separator. A portion of the suspended solids in the waste stream is removed in the solids separator, producing slag and fly ash and a grey water effluent. The grey water effluent is directed to one or more ceramic membranes which remove at least portions of the remaining suspended solids in the grey water. Permeate from the ceramic membrane is directed to an evaporator located downstream from the ceramic membrane for further concentration. Placing the ceramic membrane upstream from the evaporator reduces fouling and plugging in the evaporator that would otherwise occur due to the suspended solids in the grey water.
US08491678B1	Active gas flow heat exchanger and its associated method of operation A system and method of recovering some of the latent heat of vaporization in a system having a heated environment that adds heat to liquid material and converts the liquid material into gaseous material. The latent heat of vaporization is partially recovered using a unique heat exchanger. The heat exchanger preheats the liquid material entering the heated environment with heat energy from the gaseous material exiting the heated environment. The heat exchanger has a gas flow path. A volume of a gas medium fills the gas flow path. A pump causes the gas medium to flow through the gas flow path at a predetermined mass flow rate. The gas medium and its flow rate are selected to ensure that the specific heat of the gas medium surpasses that of the gaseous material exiting the heated environment.
US08491677B2	Pelletization and calcination of green coke A method of calcining green petroleum coke which includes separating the green coke having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 50 mm into undersized and oversized fractions, pelletizing the undersized fraction with a binder to form pelletized coke, combining the oversized fraction and the pelletized coke to form a feed mixture, and calcining the feed mixture to form calcined coke. The method includes the addition of a pulverization step wherein all the green coke is pulverized before pelletization and the pellets are then calcined to produce a pelletized calcined coke product.
US08491671B2	Mixture of dispersing agents The present invention relates to a mixture of at least two different dispersing agents, an aqueous dispersion containing a UV absorber selected from benzotriazoles, benzotriazines and benzophenones and a mixture of at least two different dispersing agents and a method for reducing the differential pressure in the static dyeing process.
US08491669B2	Cationic 4-aminopyridine, dye composition comprising a cationic 4-aminopyridine, processes therefor and uses thereof The present invention relates to a cationic aminopyridine of general formula (I), acid-addition salts thereof and solvates thereof: in which: R1 is a linear or branched, saturated C1-C20 alkyl radical, substituted and/or interrupted with a cationic radical. The present invention is also directed towards a process for synthesizing this cationic aminopyridine, compositions, uses, hair dyeing processes and devices using this cationic aminopyridine.
US08491667B2	Modular prosthesis system A modular prosthesis system that can be inexpensively manufactured using modern technology and advanced polymer materials. The modular prosthesis system will be immediately fit on the residual limb and aligned for optimal gait without specialized tools or labs, alleviating the many steps involved with conventional labor-intensive and costly prosthesis construction. The modular prosthesis system also accommodates the changing in size and shape of the limb, eliminating the need for multiple prostheses and adjustments to an existing prosthesis during the lifetime of an amputee.
US08491663B2	Prosthesis for part of a joint, with an anti-twist element The invention relates to a joint part prosthesis, particularly for a finger joint, consisting of either a proximal or a distal component, as well as a shaft that extends away from this component, to be mounted in a bone, which shaft is configured with a fin-like anti-twist device. According to the invention, it is provided that as an anti-twist device (7), at least two anti-twist elements (8) are disposed on the mantle surface (6) of the shaft (4), with rotation symmetry, and extend radially away from this mantle surface (6) and in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (4), whereby the distance of the anti-twist elements (8) from the mantle surface (6) decreases slightly in the direction toward the free end (5) of the shaft (4).
US08491661B2	Knee joint prosthesis A knee joint endoprosthesis is provided with a simplified construction. The knee joint endoprosthesis consists of a femur component and a tibia component which comprise cooperating joint surfaces that are in contact with one another. A rotation guide arrangement is provided for forcing the femur component and the tibia component to rotate relative to each other about a medial center of rotation upon a flexure of the knee joint endoprosthesis. The rotation guide arrangement comprises a first guide element having a first guidance surface and a second guide element having a second guidance surface which cooperates with the first guidance surface. The tibia component comprises the first guide element and the femur component comprises the second guide element. The first guidance surface defines a first radius of curvature and the second guidance surface defines a second radius of curvature. The first and second radii of curvature are identical.
US08491658B1	Interbody fusion implant and related methods An implant for performing interbody fusion within a human spine, inserters for such an implant, and associated methodology. The implant is preferably formed in situ from at least two separate but lockable members (a base member and a closure member). The base member may be implanted into an interbody space first, after which the end plates may be finally prepared and the base member packed with fusion promoting substances before engaging and locking the closure member. The closure member provides structural support for the adjacent vertebral bodies (along with the base member) and may be selected after implantation of the base member having a specific length, width, height, taper, etc. . . . to ensure an optimal sizing of the implant for desired restoration of disc height, coronal taper, sagittal taper, etc. . . . .
US08491657B2	Expanding cage for vertebral surgery The disclosure relates to an expanding device intended to be implanted between the vertebral end-plates of two adjacent vertebrae, in particular for a stabilization operation for intervertebral fusion. The inventive device comprises: a cage forming a peripheral part that surrounds a central cavity, said peripheral part being formed by a leading edge and a thicker manipulation edge which are connected by two lateral edges provided with lateral housings; and a retractor received in the lateral housings, which can be moved between an insertion position, in which it is located close to the manipulation edge, and a locking position, in which it is located at the leading edge, increasing the height of same. The invention is characterized in that the retractor is provided with abutment means designed to maintain the retractor in the locking position and to oppose the release of the retractor from the cage.
US08491656B2	Arthrodesis of vertebral bodies Spinal arthrodesis is accomplished by implanting an intervertebral spacer made of a biocompatible material that promotes tissue ingrowth and bony fusion. The spacer is implanted into a graft bed formed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacer includes a body portion having anterior and posterior end faces. Opposed flanges project outwardly from the body portion at axial locations adjacent the anterior and posterior end faces. The flanges taper radially outwardly to an outer edge that is sharp enough to penetrate vertebral end plates. After a graft bed has been formed, and after the vertebral bodies have been distracted, the spacer is inserted into the graft bed and positioned such that the flanges are adjacent the vertebral end plates. Upon release of the distraction, the vertebral bodies will move toward each other and the flanges will be pressed into the end plates. The effect of the pressing action is to secure the spacer tightly in place within the graft bed such that migration of the spacer is prevented.
US08491652B2	Apparatus and method for sequentially anchoring multiple graft ligaments in a bone tunnel An apparatus for anchoring at least two graft ligaments within a longitudinal bone tunnel includes a longitudinal sleeve having at least two radially spaced ligament-contacting surfaces located in lateral opposition to a sleeve inner lumen. The sleeve is configured for at least partial insertion into the bone tunnel with each graft ligament positioned laterally adjacent a different ligament-contacting surface. The graft ligaments are at least partially located between the bone tunnel and the sleeve. An actuating member has longitudinally separated proximal and distal actuating member ends. An asymmetrically offset profile is defined by at least one of the sleeve and the actuating member. The asymmetrically offset profile has a plurality of longitudinally spaced engagement thresholds. The actuating member is inserted longitudinally into the sleeve to cause frictional engagement of each graft ligament with both the bone tunnel and at least one ligament-contacting surface. The frictional engagement of each graft ligament is temporally spaced apart from the frictional engagement of at least one other graft ligament. The temporal spacing is provided by the plurality of engagement thresholds. A method of anchoring at least two longitudinally extending graft ligaments within a bone tunnel is also provided.
US08491651B2	Intraocular lenses with interlenticular opacification resistance The present invention is directed to an intraocular lens, an intraocular lens system and a method of producing and/or implanting the lens or system in an eye wherein at least one intraocular lens includes a coating that aids in resisting interlenticular opacification (ILO). The material of the coating is preferably hydrophilic or super-hydrophobic.
US08491643B2	Anterior bone plate system and method of use An anterior bone plate system is provided that promotes osseous fusion and allows subsidence while restricting extension. The bone plate system requires a minimum number of screws for securing the plate onto bone, thus reducing the amount of osseous tissue damage incurred by the bone structures to which they are attached. The system is also simple to use and provides for independent screw placement while incurring minimal soft tissue damage from lateral retraction. A method for implementing the system is also provided.
US08491642B2	Spinal transverse connector Disclosed is a spinal transconnector device for coupling longitudinal spinal rods on either side of the mid-sagittal plane. The device includes two interconnected rod engagement elements, a first rod engagement elements having a vaulted surface adapted to secure to a first longitudinal spinal rod via an interference fit comprising compression of the first longitudinal spinal rod against the generally vaulted surface; and an interference pin that advances into a bore of the first rod engagement element forming an interference fit between the interference pin and the rod engagement element. The interference fit can be associated with elastic deformation of the first rod engagement element occurring as a consequence of the interference pin being advanced through the bore in the engagement element and contacting a surface of the first longitudinal spinal rod.
US08491638B2	Dynamic spine stabilizers Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, dynamic spine stabilizers and systems that can be used to stabilize one or more motion segments in a patient's spine. Spine stabilization systems may comprise a first bone fastener configured to attach the spine stabilization system to a first vertebra. Spine stabilization systems further may comprise a second bone fastener configured to attach the spine stabilization system to a second vertebra. Spine stabilization systems further may comprise a dynamic spine stabilizer configured to connect the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener with at least some relative movement between the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener.
US08491636B2	Method and apparatus for inflating and deflating balloon catheters A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.
US08491633B2	Intervertebral spacer for cervical vertebrae Intervertebral spacer to be placed between two adjacent, upper and lower cervical vertebrae, the spacer comprising a spacer body and retention member for retaining the spacer body in position against said vertebrae. The retention member includes a strap and fastener member that are removable and self-blocking, enabling the ends of the strap to be secured to the spacer body. The spacer body including: a spacer part having two opposite ends, a portion of the first end configured to be inserted between the vertebrae; and top and bottom flanges connected via their bases to the second end of the spacer part and extending on either side thereof, each flange presenting an anterior face facing towards the spacer part and configured to bear against the posterior portion of the lamina of the upper or lower vertebra, respectively.
US08491632B2	Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation An anchor assembly for retaining a graft in an anatomy. The anchor assembly includes an anchor body, a flexible connector, and a graft holding member. The anchor body includes a first connector bore defined by the anchor body. The flexible connector extends through the first connector bore. The graft holding member is attached to the flexible connector and is configured to hold the graft.
US08491631B2	Tissue tack A tissue fixation device includes a tack having at least two flexible arms on a first end of said anchor. A deployment device for deploying a tissue fixation device, wherein the deployment device is a deployment gun.
US08491630B2	Post-biopsy cavity treatment implants and methods An implant for filling a cavity created by an excisional procedure includes first and second portions. The first portion may include a first collagenous matrix that defines a first selected crosslinking density and the second portion may include a second collagenous matrix that defines a second selected cross-linking density that is different than the first cross-linking density. The first and second cross-linking densities may be selected so as to cause the first and second portions to swell in such a manner that the implant swells into a size and a shape that is similar to the predetermined size and shape of the cavity when the implant is implanted. An aqueous solution may be added to the cavity if the cavity is not sufficiently aqueous to cause the implant to swell.
US08491629B2	Vascular hole closure delivery device A surgical delivery instrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having first and second flexible members and a first and second engagement members extending from the respective flexible member. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first and second longitudinally extending openings and first and second projecting surfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first opening for engagement by the first engagement member and the second projecting surface extending into the second opening for engagement by the second engagement member. The first engagement member is held by the first projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the first engagement member during placement of the closure device at a target site.
US08491627B2	Coupling system useful in the placement of implants A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.
US08491625B2	Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure An endoscopic forceps is provided. The endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. A rotatable sheath operably couples to the shaft and includes a camming member. A drive assembly includes a drive rod that operably couples to the rotatable sheath. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. Actuation of the drive assembly causes the drive rod to rotate within the shaft and rotate the rotatable sheath such that the movable jaw member moves from an initial position to a subsequent position.
US08491623B2	Atraumatic occlusion balloons and skirts, and methods of use thereof One aspect of the present invention relates to catheters that can be placed in or around bodily conduits to occlude or widen a biological lumen without imparting significant trauma to the lumen. In certain embodiments, the invention particularly relates to the use of a polymer composition which can be made to gel upon insertion into said balloon or skirt. In certain embodiments, the inflating viscous polymer composition is a liquid at room temperature and a gel at mammalian physiological temperature. In certain embodiments, the inflating viscous polymer composition comprises an optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer.
US08491617B2	Low profile cutting assembly with a return spring The present disclosure relates to a forceps that includes a housing, a cutting assembly, and an actuator. The housing has a shaft attached thereto that extends therefrom and is configured to support a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable to grasp tissue therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a spring element that has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the spring element is fixed to a boss disposed within the housing and the distal end of the spring element includes a cutting edge. The spring element is coiled at a proximal end thereof to create a spring bias against the boss. The actuator is operably coupled to the spring element and is configured to selectively advance the cutting edge of the spring element into the jaw members against the spring bias to sever tissue disposed therebetween.
US08491616B2	System and method for corneal astigmatic axis marking The present invention includes a corneal marker having an adjustable element providing for orientation of the marker to the astigmatic axis of a patient's eye under examination, a handle secured to the corneal marker and a stem secured to and extending below the handle. The stem is weighted to facilitate alignment of the corneal marker to the corneal surface of the patient's eye under examination during corrective eye surgery according to the corneal light reflex from the eye in response to an illumination source.
US08491615B2	Cutting balloon catheter A medical balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal portion of the catheter shaft. One or more cutting blades are secured to the inflatable balloon by a first polymeric adhesive material forming a mounting pad encasing a base portion of the cutting blade therein, and a second polymeric adhesive material adhesively bonding the mounting pad to a surface of the balloon. The first polymeric adhesive material has a first ductility and the second polymeric adhesive material has a second ductility greater than the first ductility.
US08491608B2	Endoscopic surgical clip applier with clip retention 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.
US08491606B2	Median lobe retraction apparatus and method A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for comprising, distracting and/or retracting the lobes of a prostate.
US08491602B2	Single-phase surgical procedure for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease A single-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In a single-phase technique the pleurodesis is formed at the same time as the pneumostoma and does not require a separate step. The thoracic cavity is accessed to visualize the lung, the pneumostomy catheter is inserted into the lung and then the lung is secured to the channel through the chest wall creating a sealed anastomosis which matures into a pleurodesis after the procedure.
US08491597B2	Surgical positioners Surgical positioners may include platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references as well as methods for using stabilizer platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references. Stabilizer platforms may include low profile platforms rigidly mounted to portions of an individual's anatomy. Various items may be secured and/or stabilized by the stabilizer platform, including support platforms as well as surgical references. Support platforms may stabilize and assist surgeons in using, navigating, aligning and positioning surgical items. Surgical references may include modular fiducial systems that may be secured to stabilizer platforms, support platforms, surgical items and/or directly to portions of an individual's anatomy.
US08491592B2	Device for the application of bone substitute material An application device for bone substitute material is disclosed. A cylinder contains a piston rod having an elastically deformable piston. The cylinder is closed via an attachment, through which a wetting liquid phase can be inserted via an injection opening. After a period of time, the wetted bone substitute material is compressed, with excess liquid phase being pressed out through drainage openings. Thereafter, the attachment can be removed and if applicable discharging takes place through a curved discharge nozzle, with the piston being able to adapt itself to the curvature with the benefit of total emptying of the device.
US08491589B2	Dynamic knee balancer with pressure sensing A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.
US08491585B2	Methods and systems for minimally invasive lateral decompression A system for laterally decompressing one or more spinal nerves comprises an access sheath, a tool guide, and a bone removal tool. The access sheath is percutaneously placed adjacent a facet joint using needle dilation or a small incision. The tool guide is then placed through the access sheath adjacent an anterior surface of the superior articular process of the facet joint. The bone removal tool is advanced over the guide track to remove bone from the anterior surface. Optionally, after bone removal has been completed, the cutting tool may be advanced through the access sheath in order to partially cut the ligamentum flavum to further relieve compression of the spinal nerve(s).
US08491583B2	Intramedullary medical device and methods of use and manufacture Intramedullary medical devices (e.g., intramedullary nails) and methods for their use and manufacture are described herein. The intramedullary medical devices described herein may provide sustained compressive forces across a bone fusion site despite bone resorption processes. Through various embodiments, the intramedullary medical devices described herein may provide non-linear force curves relative to displacement. Intramedullary medical devices are described with multiple elements made of different materials. Examples of intramedullary medical devices are described with shape memory alloys.
US08491582B2	Bone compression and distraction system A bone compression and distraction system which has an apparatus and a plurality of pins. The apparatus includes a body, a worm screw and a pair of pin attachment members. The worm screw is placed in the body and the pin attachment members are coupled to the worm screw, and constrained from rotation relative to the worm screw, wherein the worm screw has opposing threads extending away from a central region. Upon rotation of the worm screw, the pin attachment members travel in opposite directions, either toward each other or away from each other to either decrease or increase the spacing therebetween. A pin may be coupled to each of the pin attachment members.
US08491579B2	Electrosurgical devices with choke shorted to biological tissue A device for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating portion electrically coupled to the feedline. The radiating portion includes a distal radiating section and a proximal radiating section. The feedline includes an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a first dielectric material disposed therebetween. The device also includes a choke disposed around at least a portion of the feedline. The choke includes a second dielectric material disposed around at least a portion of the outer conductor, wherein the second dielectric material includes at least one opening defined therein, and an electrically-conductive member disposed in the at least one opening electrically coupled to the outer conductor, wherein the electrically-conductive member is configured to contact tissue.
US08491574B2	Polarization and temperature insensitive surgical instrument force transducer A force sensor apparatus, operatively mounted in a surgical instrument includes the force transducer. The force transducer includes a transducer body having a coefficient of thermal expansion, and at least one optic fiber, fixedly attached to the transducer body, including a Bragg grating; and having a coefficient of thermal expansion matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the transducer body to mitigate polarization and calibration drift effects on the force transducer. The transducer body comprises a metal transducer body, and the metal transducer body is selected from a group of metal bodies including an aluminum alloy transducer body, a stainless steel alloy transducer body, a maraging steel alloy transducer body, and a titanium alloy transducer body. The at least one optic fiber comprises an optic fiber having a negative thermo-optic coefficient, such as a phosphate glass optic fiber reducing the thermal sensitivity of the transducer.
US08491568B2	Coupling arrangement for a telescopic device The invention concerns a telescopic device (1) comprising a first tubular element (3) and an extension member (2) displaceably arranged in an axial direction within the first tubular element (3), wherein a coupling member (16) is provided relatively displaceable to the extension member (2), between at least,—a first axial position wherein the extension member is displaceable within the first tubular element, and—a second axial position wherein the coupling member (16) engages between the extension member (2) and the first tubular element (3) limiting displacement in at least one longitudinal direction, where the coupling member (16) engages the interior of the first tubular element (3).
US08491564B2	Systems and methods for preparing autologous fibrin glue The invention provides a system for preparing an autologous solid-fibrin web suitable for regenerating tissue in a living organism. The system includes a sealed primary container containing a separation medium and a low-density high-viscosity liquid. The separation medium is capable of separating red blood cells from plasma when the container contains blood and is centrifuged, and the primary container has a first pressure. The system further includes a sealed secondary container containing a calcium-coagulation activator. The secondary container has a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The system also includes a transfer device having a cannula with a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are adapted to puncture the sealed primary and secondary containers in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second containers.
US08491552B2	External catheter with antiseptic agent An external catheter device is disclosed which prevents infection arising from bacterial and/or yeast growth within the external catheter. To achieve such result, the external catheter device is coated with an antiseptic agent that is able to effectively kill and prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast. Additionally, the external catheter device may have an adhesive agent coating on its inner surface to prevent the condom from shifting while on the patient's penis.
US08491549B2	Ophthalmic microsurgical system An ophthalmic microsurgical system is described for treatment of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The microsurgical system includes a thin walled outer sheath microcannula 1 slidably disposed about an inner member 4, which extends slightly beyond the distal end of the microcannula 1. The inner member 4 may be straight or curved and may optionally include a surgical instrument and/or a sensor or signaling beacon. The microsurgical system is used in a surgical procedure for opening Schlemm's Canal to provide drainage of aqueous fluid in order to relieve excess intraocular pressure that results from glaucoma and other diseases of the eye.
US08491548B2	Liquid streaming devices and method of using such devices for treating wounds A liquid streaming device and method of using same for treating a wound includes a body having a lower surface for application to skin region around the wound to be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and an upper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skin region; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configured to enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and to define a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound, and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one side of the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side of the chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess for outletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.
US08491543B2	Automatic safety occluder An automatic safety occluder provides an occluder for an infusion set that is biased in a closed position until an electrical signal is received that causes the occluder to open. Should the occluder fail to be installed correctly, or if power is removed, the occluder will return to its biased closed position, preventing free flow. The occluder may also be placed in an integrated unit such that the automatic safety occluder may attach to the tubing as a unit.
US08491541B2	Ball-valve actuation mechanism A valve assembly for use with a catheter assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for fluid engagement with a catheter assembly. The valve housing has an internal passageway for flow of fluids relative to the catheter assembly. A valve member is at least partially disposed within the valve housing and defines a valve passage. The valve member is adapted for movement within the valve housing between an open position wherein the valve passage is in general alignment with the internal passageway of the valve housing to permit flow of fluids through the valve housing, and a closed position to substantially occlude the internal passageway of the valve housing. An actuation mechanism is selectively movable in a general longitudinal direction to cause corresponding movement of the valve member between the open position and the closed position.
US08491538B2	Injection device comprising several coupling mechanisms An injection device including a drive unit, a delivery unit, a dosing unit, a trigger for triggering an injection, a first coupling mechanism between the drive unit and the delivery unit, and a second coupling mechanism between the dosing unit and the drive unit, wherein the drive unit is tensioned by a rotation of the dosing unit and when the drive unit is tensioned the first coupling mechanism is disengaged and the second coupling mechanism is engaged, and wherein when an injection is triggered first the first coupling mechanism is engaged and then the second coupling mechanism is disengaged. In some embodiments, the device may include a third coupling mechanism which only releases the delivery unit after the engagement and disengagement which follow a triggering.
US08491536B2	Medicament delivery device A dose setting mechanism for a medicament delivery device is presented having a pinion mounted to a locking member where the axis of rotation of the pinion is offset and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing containing the dose setting components. Primary and secondary dose members are engaged with the pinion to indicate a set dose of medicament.
US08491535B2	Safety pen needle assembly In one aspect, a safety pen needle assembly is provided which includes a hub, a needle fixed to the hub, and a shield formed to at least partially telescope over the hub. Thread elements permit relative rotation between the hub and the shield. Initially, the elements are in threaded engagement with the shield being positioned relative to the hub with a distal end of the shield sidewall being located distally of a distal end of the needle. Also, in the initial state, the shield and the hub are configured with a rotation-resistance arrangement which inhibits relative rotation between the hub and the shield. The rotation-resistance arrangement is surmountable to allow relative rotation between the hub and the shield with an at least threshold amount of torque being applied, the threshold amount of torque being greater than required to mount the pen needle assembly onto an injector body.
US08491533B2	Trocar assembly A trocar sleeve assembly including a cannula connected to a housing assembly to define a working channel, wherein the housing assembly includes a housing that defines an opening in fluid communication with the working channel, a sleeve slidably received over the housing to define an annular region between the sleeve and the housing, a first sealing member forming a first seal between the sleeve and the housing, and a second sealing member forming a second seal between the sleeve and the housing, the second sealing member being axially spaced from the first sealing member to define a chamber in the annular region, and an insufflation port in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the sleeve is slidable relative to the housing between a first position, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the opening, and a second position, wherein the chamber is fluidly decoupled from the opening.
US08491532B2	Trocar assembly with radially moveable housing A surgical access assembly includes a cannula, a housing mounted to the cannula, and a seal disposed within the cannula. The cannula is adapted for insertion through tissue to permit access to an underlying tissue site. The cannula defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object for positioning with respect to the tissue site. The housing is adapted for movement relative to the cannula in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The seal has a passage for reception of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The access assembly may further include a support member mounted to the cannula. The support member adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the housing and the tissue. The support member may be securely affixed to, or selectively positionable along, the cannula with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US08491530B2	Autoinjector with trigger positionable in active position by movement of a safety shield and indication of the active position The invention relates to an automatic injection device (1) for a product contained in a container (50), comprising: a housing (8, 19) receiving the container (50), the container being movable between an initial position and an insertion position, triggering means (23) for initiating the movement of said container (50) from its initial position to its insertion position, said triggering means (23) being in one of a passive state, in which application of a force on said triggering means does not initiate movement of said container (50), and an active state, in which application of said force on said triggering means does initiate said movement, and a safety shield (10) movable with respect to said housing (8, 19) between a first position and a second position, movement of said safety shield (10) from its first position to its second position placing said triggering means (23) in its active state, characterized in that said device comprises: an indicator (19c, 13) that provides an indication to a user of the device (1) that the safety shield (10) has reached its second position.
US08491528B2	Critical alignment of fluidics cassettes Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.
US08491527B2	Safety needle with positive flush A needle assembly including a positive flush mechanism for use with a vascular access port. The needle assembly is configured to supply fluid to the port and to provide a positive flush to overcome negative pressures in the port that can potentially occur during withdrawal of the needle from the port.
US08491523B2	Methods of conducting thrombectomy procedures and deploying a thrombectomy catheter Methods of conducting thrombectomy procedures and deploying a thrombectomy catheter are disclosed. A thrombectomy procedure is conducted with a thrombectomy catheter deployment system. A drive unit configured to operate an infusion pump is provided. The drive unit is operable according to one or more operating modes. A preconnected and consolidated pump and catheter assembly configured for loading in the drive unit is also provided. The assembly is separate from the drive unit prior to loading. The infusion pump and a catheter of the assembly are in communication prior to loading. The assembly provides one or more digital instructions to the drive unit. The drive unit is operable according to the one or more operating modes referenced by the one or more digital instructions. The assembly is loaded into the drive unit, and the drive unit is engaged to the infusion pump for operation of the infusion pump.
US08491522B2	Computer controlled electric syringe A computer controlled electric syringe includes: a piston unit including a piston being configured to press and move a rubber plug of a cartridge by a second end to discharge a medicinal solution from a cartridge through an injection needle; a ball screw having a screw shaft and a nut portion that is screwed into the screw shaft, the screw shaft being loosely inserted into the hollow portion of the piston through the opening, the nut portion being coupled to the piston; a screw shaft supporting portion rotatably supporting the screw shaft of the ball screw; a rotation preventing portion configured to prevent the nut portion of the ball screw from being rotated; and a piston supporting portion supporting the piston to be movable in an axial direction of the screw shaft along with the nut portion by the rotation of the screw shaft.
US08491518B2	Diaphragm pressure pod for medical fluids A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.
US08491515B2	Prosthetic sleeve The invention is a sleeve for application to a human extremity. The sleeve has a tubular structure with distal and proximal openings, a pre-flexed section between the openings, and distal and proximal contact zones on opposing sides of the pre-flexed section. At least the distal contact zone extends from the pre-flexed section in a conically tapering manner. A distal end zone is disposed between the distal contact zone and the distal end. The distal end zone may also be conically tapered toward the distal end, and in one embodiment has a different degree of taper that the distal contact zone.
US08491513B2	Apparatus and methods for preventing and/or healing pressure ulcers Protective devices, to protect a body part having a bony portion with a soft tissue layer between the bony portion and an outer skin layer, have an inner surface which conforms to the body part to be protected and are applied to the body part to reduce pressure exhibited at the interface between the bony portion and the soft tissue layer, across the soft tissue and outer skin layers and at the interface between the outer skin layer and a support surface. The protective devices may be made of any material suitable for distributing the weight of the body part over an extended area and volume so as to decrease the pressure about the bony portion.
US08491511B2	Orthotic joint having two function means for forming a resilient dorsal abutment and a resilient plantar abutment The invention relates to an orthotic joint, in particular ankle joint for a leg orthosis, comprising a joint part with a splint mounting and a stirrup which is connected to the joint part to be pivotable about an axis A and has a dorsal and a plantar abutment surface wherein on both sides of the axis A, on the joint part is formed a channel, in which one function means, each, for forming a dorsal or plantar abutment for the stirrup or its abutment surfaces is arranged, which is characterized in that each function means comprises a cup spring arrangement.
US08491505B2	Eyes-massage device An eyes-massage device includes a head strap and a hot or cold eyes-compressing mechanism mounted on the head strap. The hot or cold eyes-compressing mechanism includes a compressing bag, a transmitter, and a semiconductor. The compressing bag has a connecting hole defined therein for receiving the transmitter. The semiconductor is mounted on the transmitter. The compressing bag is heated or cooled by the semiconductor to control a temperature of the compressing bag for adapting to provide a heat or cool compressing effect on eyes.
US08491503B2	Intrauterine pressure catheter interface cable system An interface cable system for providing electrical interconnection between an intrauterine pressure catheter system and a monitoring system is provided. The interface cable system includes a first connector configured to provide electrical interconnection between the interface cable system and the intrauterine pressure catheter system and a second connector configured to provide electrical interconnection between the interface cable system and the monitoring system. The interface cable system also includes a plurality of conductors extending between said first connector and said second connector and a switching element for configuring the interface cable system to provide, upon operation of the switching element, a time period in which a zeroing operation of the intrauterine pressure catheter system may be performed. The interface cable system also includes an indicator for indicating that the switching element has been operated, thereby indicating that the zeroing operation may be performed during the time period.
US08491501B2	Fluid handling cassette A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.
US08491499B2	Biological fluid sampling and pretreating system and a method thereof Provided is a system for sampling and pretreating biological fluid. It comprises: a piercing unit having at a lower portion a capillary tip which is to be inserted into skin to a predetermined depth to take biological fluid therethrough; a dropper, connected to an upper portion of the piercing unit, having an injection tube at an upper portion thereof, the injection tube communicating with the capillary tip; and a reagent container, designed to accommodate the piercing unit therein in an airtight manner so as to seal an outer circumference of the piercing unit, functioning to contain a reagent for treating the biological fluid of the capillary tip of the piercing unit. The system allows even a novice to sample and pretreat biological fluid with high accuracy without the use of expensive precision devices. The system employs fewer expendable supplies, thus providing higher convenience for the user.
US08491497B2	Method and apparatus for morcellating tissue An apparatus for morcellating tissue specimens comprises a housing and a cutting member. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue specimens into morcellated or minced tissue pieces. The cutting member may include one or more screens. One of the screens may be rotatable or capable of reciprocating relative to the housing. One screen may cooperate with another screen to provide shearing of the tissue specimens. The cutting member may include a plurality of discs that are rotatable relative to the housing. The discs may include inwardly directed notches formed in their outer perimeter, with the notches cooperating with an interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The discs may include perimeters having ovular or elliptical shapes that cooperate with a cylindrical interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus or may be incorporated into a tissue harvesting apparatus.
US08491496B2	Biopsy device with sample storage A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining and storing multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in an end to end configuration. The device can include a sample tube having a sample lumen and a generally parallel vacuum lumen. A movable member, such as rod, can be advanced to uncover a predetermined number of fluid passageways between the sample lumen and the vacuum lumen as each sample is severed.
US08491494B2	Disposable hand-held device for collection of exhaled breath condensate A breath condensate collection apparatus comprising a central chamber, a breath input assembly, a plunger assembly and a breath condensate collection port. The central chamber has inner and outer side walls with a coolant material sealed in between. The breath input assembly is disposed on the side of the central chamber in fluid communication with the chamber interior. The plunger assembly has a piston, slidably disposed in the chamber, and a handle extending from a first end of the chamber. The collection port is disposed at the second end of the central chamber in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber. Obstructive structures may be arranged in the chamber interior for increasing the surface area on which condensate may form. The apparatus may also include an outlet assembly that may be removed and replaced with a sampling well into which the condensate may be washed with a buffer solution.
US08491491B2	Respiration measurements and dosimetry control in inhalation testing systems Inhalation measurement systems and methods enable, during inhalant exposure, substantially real-time respiratory measurements of a test subject using techniques that obtain measurements of respiration directly from that test subject, instead of from inhalation chamber parameter measurements. Direct test subject respiratory measurements may be, by way of example only, impedance measurements. These respiratory measurements taken directly from the test subject may be transmitted, wirelessly for example, for processing during the course of the test to a processing system to determine a cumulative volume of inhalant inspired by the test subject. From that, a cumulative amount of inhalant (or dose) inspired by the test subject may be determined during the course of the inhalation compound test. In addition, a calibration procedure may be performed before the inhalant exposure to provide correlation needed to translate chest and/or abdominal wall expansion measurements, made during the test, into lung volume measurements.
US08491490B2	Method and apparatus of analyzing respiratory signals corresponding to changes in subject's loads applied to bed An analyzing apparatus comprises a first counter part and a second counter part. The first counter part determines a significant respiratory disorder pattern based on the average of multiple amplitudes included in a respiratory signal, and counts the number of respiratory disorders. The second counter part that determines, when the number of respiratory disorders per unit time counted by the first counter part is greater than a predetermined number, a significant respiratory disorder pattern by the values of individual amplitudes included in the respiratory signal, and again counts the number of respiratory disorders. A more accurate apnea hypopnea index is obtained for serious patients, and accuracy as PSG screening examination can be increased.
US08491489B2	System, medium, and method to conduce a user's breathing A system, medium, and method conducing a user's breathing, in which a sound generated during a user's exhale and/or an ambient temperature change occurring during the exhale is sensed to measure a respiratory waveform of the user. Respiratory information of the user may then be produced from the respiratory waveform, and when the respiratory information of the user is different from normal respiratory information of the user, breathing information according to the normal respiratory information may be provided to the user so the user can use the same to modify their breathing.
US08491488B1	Method and system for identifying cardiopulmonary findings by using a heart and lung sounds builder A system is provided for creating a sound profile that matches sounds produced by a patient during a physical examination, such as a cardiac or pulmonary examination. A user selects multiple sounds from a library and combines them to form the profile which may then be modified by the addition of further sounds, adjustments to their relative timing, duration, loudness, and so forth. The refinement continues iteratively, and after each change the profile is provided by the system to the user, for example, as a phonocardiogram for comparison against the sounds observed during the examination.
US08491487B2	Detection of parameters in cardiac output related waveforms Methods for detecting parameters in cardiac output related waveforms are described. The methods include methods for detecting individual heart beat cycles in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting an error in an assigned starting point for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting a dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, and methods for detecting an error in an assigned dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform. The identification of these parameters is important for a clinician as these parameters form the basis for the calculation of many other cardiac output related parameters.
US08491486B2	Assessing a subject's circulatory system An apparatus including an input interface configured to provide signals from at least two sensors for at least two postures including: signals, dependent upon blood presence, from a first sensor when a subject is in a first posture; signals, dependent upon blood presence, from the first sensor when the subject is in a second posture; signals, dependent upon blood presence, from a second sensor when the subject is in the first posture; and signals, dependent upon blood presence, from the second sensor when the subject is in the second posture; and processing circuitry configured to determine and output a metric by combining, according to predefined calibration data the provided signals.
US08491483B2	Contrast agent imaging with agent specific ultrasound detection Highly specific measurements of flow in vessels, such as the coronary artery, can be obtained by processing cubic fundamental information. By showing flow in vessels with a high degree of contrast-to-tissue specificity, ultrasound based 3D contrast agent based coronary artery angiograms may be possible. Measurement and display of the velocity of agent from the cubic fundamental signal is provided simultaneously with display of cubic fundamental energy, such as providing a display map indexed by both energy and velocity. High pulse repetition frequency (PRF) for cubic fundamental detection in conjunction with long velocity measurement intervals may increase low velocity sensitivity and measurement precision. Pulsed wave (PW) Doppler may be improved by using a cubic fundamental sensitive pulse sequence. Using cubic fundamental sensitive techniques with other motion estimation techniques, such as two-dimensional velocity estimation or speckle tracking, may operate better than using other contrast agent detection techniques because of substantially reduced clutter.
US08491480B2	3D ultrasound system and method for operating 3D ultrasound system A 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating a 3D ultrasound system are provided. A 3D ultrasound system includes an extractor, a processor, and a controller. The extractor scans an image of an object in a human body, and extracts a region of interest (ROI) image in an inputted ROI with respect to a selected image. The processor detects edges from a plurality of side images of the object with respect to the ROI image. The controller measures the thickness of the image using the detected edges.
US08491477B2	Ultrasonic estimation of strain induced by in vivo compression An in vivo source of compression is used to cause a bodily structure of interest to expand and contract. Ultrasound signals are incident and their echoes are processed by a strain processor. Resulting strain images are freed from noise caused by external sources of compression. A tissue stiffness index is calculated to obtain quantitative measure of stiffness.
US08491473B2	Medical procedure mat and draping system A medical procedure mat for supporting a patient. A mat having a cushioned substrate and one or more physiological monitoring lines, the physiological monitoring lines having guided portions along the outer edge of the cushioned substrate, and flexible portions operatively coupled to the guided portions, the flexible portions being adapted to extend toward the patient. A draping system for use during medical procedures, including a top and/or bottom drape. A bottom drape including an absorbent material and/or a privacy shield. A top drape including a workbench surface. A mat and draping system in which a bottom and top drape mate to each other and/or to the mat. A draping system providing openings or holes to allow passage of one or more physiological monitoring lines when used in conjunction with the mat.
US08491472B2	Methods and systems for submucosal implantation of a device for diagnosis and treatment with a therapeutic agent Instruments, systems, implants, and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, and a mucosal resection device. A submucosal implant device for diagnosing and treating disorders of the body may be implanted. A passive submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery depot in which a therapeutic agent within the depot elutes from the depot according to a predetermined elution profile. An active submucosal implant device may take the form of a drug delivery device that incorporates a self-contained diagnostic system to determine the appropriate delivery time and dosage of a therapeutic agent to be administered.
US08491469B2	Biological measurement apparatus, biological observation apparatus and operation method for biological measurement apparatus A biological measurement apparatus includes: an endoscope including a treatment instrument insertion channel provided inside an insertion portion; a pump that delivers water into the treatment instrument insertion channel; an optical system, etc., that guide light from a light source that emits light in a predetermined wavelength band into the water delivered into the treatment instrument insertion channel; and a spectroscope that detects return light resulting from the light passing through the water, falling on and being reflected by an object and returning while passing through the water when the water is delivered from the pump.
US08491468B2	Suction syringe and endoscope apparatus A tubular body has a vent hole VA and a suction opening. The piston body is in a state in which the inside of the tubular body in an enclosed space is divided into a front chamber and a rear chamber. The piston body includes piston portion which reciprocate in a position on its front end side from the suction opening, a shaft portion which supports this piston portion on its front end side and whose external diameter is smaller than the internal diameter of the tubular body and a pressing portion provided on a rear end side of this shaft portion. A vent passage is formed in the shaft portion so as to couple a vent hole VB of this pressing portion and a vent hole VC on its front end side of the shaft portion. Further, a spring is provided to return the pressed pressing portion to its original position.
US08491465B2	Guide tube, guide tube apparatus, endoscope system, and method for self-propelling guide tube A guide tube includes a tube; a ciliary portion composed of many cilia inclined in a longitudinal direction of the tube, provided in an outer peripheral portion of the tube; and a bag as a press mechanism for pressing an insertion portion of an endoscope inserted inside the tube.
US08491460B1	Method and apparatus for treating vaginal prolapse A method and apparatus for restoring a prolapsed vagina within a patient pelvic cavity without insertion through the vaginal cavity and without attachment to the sacrum. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubular mesh grafts for insertion through a non-vaginal laparoscopic port wherein each tubular mesh graft has an internal end and an external end and installed surgical suture woven into the external end; and further wherein the internal end is attached to a vaginal apex and a surgical button for each tubular mesh graft, that is adapted to slide on installed surgical suture from a location external to the patient's body using one of a plurality of non-vaginal groin passageways until each surgical button can be secured adjacent the external end of each tubular mesh graft leaving the tubular mesh graft within the patient pelvic cavity supporting the prolapsed vagina.
US08491458B2	Medical device to deliver pelvic floor implant An apparatus includes a support member, a strap extending from the support member, and a sleeve releasably disposed over at least a portion of the strap. The support member is configured to support a portion of a body of a patient. The strap is configured to be inserted through at least a portion of a tissue of the patient. The sleeve is releasably coupled to the strap by a releasable joint. The sleeve is configured to be removed from the strap when at least a portion of the strap is disposed within the tissue of the patient.
US08491456B2	Method and apparatus providing a symbol sequence to a user, and wearable infrastructure providing the symbol sequence to the body A wearable infrastructure is used with a music/multimedia player to acoustically provide at last one symbol sequence to at least one biologically active zone on the user wearing the wearable infrastructure. The invention includes the symbol coding sequence as a program system comprising program steps residing in a memory accessibly coupled to a computer within the music/multimedia player, directing the music/multimedia player to deliver the symbol sequence to at least one of the possibly multiple transponders. The program steps are often coded in an intermediate language interpreted by the computer.
US08491454B2	Spinning force apparatus A spinning force system and methods of operation are provided for measuring a characteristic of a sample. The system includes a detection module having a light source for illuminating the sample and an objective being aligned to the light source to define a light path for producing an image of the sample. A rotor is mechanically coupled to the detection module and configured to rotate the light path for applying a force to the sample. The force may include a centrifugal force and other forms of force (such as a viscous drag force) resulted from the rotation. In some examples, the force is applied in a direction that is not parallel to a surface of the sample.
US08491453B2	Cushioning product and method and apparatus for making same The invention relates to a crumpled paper tube for use as a cushion in packing items, and to a method and apparatus for producing the same.
US08491450B2	Rotary, adjustable body exercise equipment Provision of bodily exercise equipment, including providing an upright frame and an assembly rotatable about a primary transverse axis while supported by the frame, the assembly including a body support platform, a leg support spaced from the platform, a linearly adjustable element to linearly adjust the position of the leg support, an angularly adjustable element or elements to angularly adjust the position of the leg support about a second transverse axis relative to the platform. The space between the platform and the leg support allows the standing user to position his body adjacent the platform and to position his legs adjacent the leg support.
US08491447B1	Hand exercising glove device The hand exercising glove device is a glove having a back side spaced apart from a palm side, a quintet of digits extended from the back side and the palm side, each digit comprising an open end disposed at an existing fingertip of a user, a pad disposed within the back side atop each base knuckle of a user, a wrist section extended from the back side and the palm side, an adjustable retaining strap encircling the wrist section, a digit reinforcement encircling each digit back side adjacent to each open end, a back side reinforcement embedded within the back side adjacent to the wrist section, a hook disposed on each digit reinforcement, a plurality of spaced apart hooks disposed on the back side reinforcement, and an elastic tensioned strand connecting each back side reinforcement hook to one of each of the digit hooks, the tensioned strands disposed over four of the pads.
US08491445B2	Automatic clutch control apparatus The clutch control apparatus includes a first reference value setting portion for setting a first engagement amount reference value of the first and the second clutches and to obtain a target transmitting torque by calculating a target inertia torque by multiplying a target rotation speed change rate of the engine at a speed change operation by an inertia of the engine and subtracting the target inertia torque from the current output torque of the engine to be the target transmitting torque of the first and the second clutches and a second reference value setting portion for setting a second engagement amount reference value by correcting the first engagement amount reference value based on the vehicle speed and the turning radius.
US08491442B2	Control apparatus and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle is taught herein in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator and disengagement of the clutch is controlled in a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A drive controller engages the clutch so that the vehicle coasts while dragging the engine at a time of coasting deceleration. While coasting, when the stepped transmission of the hybrid vehicle downshifts, the clutch is disengaged during the downshift.
US08491439B2	Selectively controlled rocker one-way clutch An overrunning clutch assembly includes a first ring having pockets spaced mutually about an axis, rockers each located in a pocket, springs each urging a rocker to pivot in a respective pocket, and first notches arranged around the axis. A second ring includes second pockets spaced mutually about the axis, second rockers each located in a second pocket such that at least one second rocker is engageable with a notch, second springs each urging a second rocker toward engagement with a notch, and second notches around the axis, at least one rocker being engageable with at least one second notch. A control member moves about the axis alternately to prevent the first rockers from engaging the second notches and to permit the first rockers to engage the second notches.
US08491438B2	Power train for hybrid vehicle An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle can achieve three or more fixed gear ratio modes where a vehicle is driven at a fixed gear ratio, such as shift stages of common transmission, only by the driving force of an engine without driving a motor generator, as well as an electric vehicle mode, which is the basic drive modes of a hybrid vehicle, and two or more power division modes including an input division mode and a composite mode, thereby driving the vehicle with high efficiency in accordance with traveling conditions of the vehicle and improving fuel efficiency.
US08491436B2	Uninterruptible oil supply in planetary system A planetary carrier includes a journal bearing for supporting a planetary gear. The journal bearing receives lubricant to produce a lubricant film to support gear loads. A torque frame is attached to the carrier housing to transmit torque and to prevent twisting of the carrier housing. The torque frame includes several lubricant communication passages to provide lubricant to each of the separate journal bearings. Each of the lubricant communication passages includes an accumulator for storing lubricant during normal operation. The accumulator stores a desired amount of lubricant to provide lubricant to the adjacent journal bearing for the interim period between primary system stoppage and reestablishment of lubricant flow by a secondary system.
US08491430B1	Roller chain assembly A roller chain assembly includes an attachment chain having links that carry bent leg plates extending over a frame. The leg plates each carry a number of roller pins supporting the plate against the frame at predetermined, multiple points on the plate. The chain links have connecting pins extending outwardly from the chain links that are received in grooves formed in the frame.
US08491429B2	Combined chain ring protector and chain guide A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
US08491426B2	Transmission with convex pulley sheaves and a drive belt A continuously variable transmission for motor vehicles is provided with a driving pulley (1) and with a driven pulley (2) around which is arranged a drive belt (3) which, at least when the transmission is operating, is clamped between two substantially conical pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the two pulleys (1, 2). The cone surface (10) of the pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the driving pulley (1) in a cross-section including the central pulley axis (9) is provided with a convex curvature having a radius of curvature (R10) that decreases in radially outward direction and the cone surface (10) of the pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the driven pulley (2) in a cross-section including the central pulley axis (9) is provided with a convex curvature having a radius of curvature (R10) that increases in radially outward direction.
US08491425B2	Transparent play ball containing shapes which temporarily stick to interior wall of ball A transparent polyurethane ball contains polyvinylchloride decorative shapes which cling temporarily to the interior surface of the ball.
US08491424B2	Folding assembly of table tennis table The present invention relates to a folding assembly of a table tennis table formed by a tabletop and inner and outer support stands, and mainly using a buckle mechanism to fold the tabletop and the inner and outer support stands in an upright position to facilitate the packaging, transportation, storage and moving of the table tennis table. The buckle mechanism includes a lever, two positioning covers, two buckle plates and two torsion springs, and the lever is provided for snapping a protruding pellet into a buckle notch of the buckle plate to achieve the effect of fixing and releasing the buckle between the tabletop and the outer support stand.
US08491422B2	Swing exercising apparatus A swing exercising apparatus which can be used for improving a swing movement performed when practicing a sport or for other exercising purposes. The swing exercising apparatus comprises: a handle portion for grasping by the user; an elongated member having a distal end; a movable weight component for moving along the elongated member between a first position and a second position when the user swings the swing exercising apparatus, the movable weight component being closer to the distal end in the second position than in the first position; and a biasing mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a force biasing the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component is located away from the first position along the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may comprise an attachment portion to attach the at least one elastic element, the attachment portion allowing the user to detach any of the at least one elastic element to adjust the force. The swing exercising apparatus may comprise a return mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a second force contributing to return the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component compresses the at least one elastic element of the return mechanism.
US08491418B2	Multi-color golf ball The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
US08491417B2	Golf ball Golf ball 2 has spherical main body 4, mark layer 6 and paint layer 8. The main body 4 has spherical core 10, and cover 12 provided to cover this core 10. The cover 12 does not include titanium oxide. The cover 12 includes a fluorescent colorant. The main body 4 has a chroma saturation of equal to or greater than 25. The paint layer 8 is constituted with a resin composition. This resin composition includes composite particles. The composite particle has a nucleus, and a coat layer provided to coat this nucleus. The nucleus is constituted with mica, while the coat layer is constituted with titanium oxide. The amount of the composite particles is 2 parts by weight or greater and 30 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the base resin of the paint layer 8.
US08491416B1	Golf club head A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying sole and crown design is disclosed herein. The face component, which may be composed of a metal material, (60) has a striking area portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61), which may be composed of a non-metal material such as composite or thermoplastic material, is composed of a crown portion (62) and a sole portion (64). The sound modifying design, which may include deep pockets or pillars extending from the sole portion (64) to the crown portion (62), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
US08491414B2	Wedge type golf club head A wedge type golf club head is disclosed herein where the wedge type golf club head has enhanced performance characteristics such as improved backspin, ball speed, and launch angle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge type golf club head having an adjustable center of gravity, where the center of gravity may be adjusted based on different backing profiles that comprises at least one hollow chamber.
US08491412B2	Multi-material golf club head A golf club head formed of multiple materials is disclosed. Those portions of the club head that are subject to high stresses during normal use of the golf club head are formed of a metallic material. Most of the material beyond what is required to maintain structural integrity, however, is removed and replaced with a lightweight material. This freed-up mass that can be redistributed to other, more beneficial locations of the club head. The lightweight material also damps vibrations generated during use of the golf club. This vibration damper may be retained in a state of compression to enhance the vibration damping. One or more weight members may be included to obtain desired center of gravity position, moments of inertia, and other club head attributes.
US08491408B2	Golf club shaft An adjustable length golf club shaft having a grip portion with an end point is disclosed. A locking element is located within the grip portion and a lower shaft having an inner surface that is in frictional contact with the locking element is also disclosed. The locking element is configured to engage the inner surface of the lower shaft. A total length of the golf club shaft is adjustable by a distance of at least one inch and a total weight of the golf club shaft in a weight zone is less than 110 g. The weight zone is defined as a region of the golf club shaft extending from the end point of the grip portion up to 11″ along a central axis of the golf club shaft toward a tip portion of the shaft.
US08491405B2	Modular golf club The present invention is directed to a modular golf club. In particular, a golf club includes a plurality of components that are removably coupled so that the physical attributes of the golf club head may be tuned. The inventive golf club head includes a body member and at least one of a removable sole member and a removable face member.
US08491403B2	Amusement ride system An amusement ride system combines about six or more different ride elements from different types of amusement rides available to the public today into a single design. The amusement ride system may bring customers back time and time again for a new ride experience on the same ride design. This may allow amusement ride operators to provide varying ride experiences without requiring a completely different ride, thus saving cost and space. The amusement ride system may include a plurality of pods adapted to house riders. The pods may be adapted to move up and down, spin about a central tower, and spin and swivel about the pod's axes.
US08491401B2	Infant swing with seat locking mechanism An infant support structure includes a frame, a seat portion rotatably coupled to the frame so that the seat portion is movably coupled to the frame, an engagement member coupled to the seat portion, and a lock bar pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the frame, the lock bar movable between a first position disengaged from the engagement member thereby permitting swinging motion of the seat portion, and a second position engaging the engagement member and inhibiting swinging motion of the seat portion.
US08491395B2	Game-based incentives for location-based actions In a method and system of providing in-game assets for location-based actions, an indication of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game is received. A virtual item is provided based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game, the virtual item being usable within the computer-implemented game.
US08491392B2	Gaming system and method having promotions based on player selected gaming environment preferences A gaming system and method including a tracking system or a player tracking system and plurality of gaming machines. The gaming machines include at least one display device and a plurality of player preferences selections. These player preference selections enable a player to choose one or more elements of the background or an entertainment setting of the gaming machine while they are playing a game at the gaming machine. The gaming machine enables the player to enter identification information at the gaming machine and choose at least one preference. The gaming machine tracks all of the preference selections made by the player. Upon meeting certain promotional criteria, the gaming machine determines a promotion to provide the player based on the preferences of that player. That is, the player does not directly select any promotions. The gaming system determines personalized promotions for the player based on the preference selections made by that player.
US08491388B2	Game system and game controller A controller includes at least one vibrator and a vibration control unit which converts an operation input signal which is input to a predetermined operation button into a vibration control signal so as to be supplied to a vibrator. A motion sensor in a sensor unit detects vibration caused by the drive of the vibrator. Sensor output signal value obtained as a result of the detection by the sensor unit is transmitted from a wireless communication module to a game device. A game device achieves a function of automatically firing in succession in a game, based on the sensor output signal value.
US08491387B2	Apparatus and method for classifying groups of users An apparatus and method to group users based on bio-information of the users. A two-dimensional bio-information space is generated from first and second dimensions which represent, respectively, first and second characteristics of the bio-information of the users. The users are arranged in the bio-information space based on the bio-information, and users are grouped based on the arrangement of the users in the bio-information space. Continuously acquired bio-information is used to re-group users.
US08491386B2	Systems and methods for remotely mixing multiple audio signals Methods and Systems for providing multiple audio streams, such as a Game Audio stream and Network Chat audio stream, to a headset of a user of a game console are described. The methods and systems include receiving, by a game console controller in communication with a game console and a portable audio mixing module, Network Chat from a game console; receiving, by a portable audio mixing module in communication with a game console controller, Network Chat; receiving, by a base station in communication with the game console and the portable audio mixing module, the Game Audio; receiving, by the portable audio mixing module, the Game Audio; mixing, by the portable audio mixing module, the Network Chat and Game Audio to produce a blended audio output stream; and transmitting, by the portable audio mixing module, the blended audio output stream to a headset in communication with the portable audio mixing module.
US08491384B2	Multi-user discovery In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for enhancing full-app content playing on a first device, the method comprising: receiving a first selection of a first item from a first micro-app; receiving a second selection of a second item from a second micro-app, wherein the second micro-app is different than the first micro-app and the second selection is in a different format than the first selection; retrieving item context information regarding the first item; retrieving item context information regarding the second item; issuing a query to a micro-app partner based upon both the item context information regarding the first item and the item context information regarding the second item; receiving results from the micro-app partner; and causing at least a portion of the results to be displayed or played.
US08491383B2	Storage medium, game apparatus, game system and game controlling method A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and game screens are displayed on the two LCDs. On the lower screen displayed on the second LCD, a first player object is moved according to a touch operation. In response thereto, on the upper screen displayed on the first LCD, the second player object is moved to be in symmetric relation to the first player object with respect to a point. Furthermore, when an upward flipping operation is performed, the two objects are interchanged. Thereupon, the second player object is moved in accordance with a touch operation, and according thereto, the first player object is moved so as to be a symmetric relation to the second player object with respect to a point.
US08491381B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered.
US08491378B1	Real time parimutuel wagering system and method A wagering server system provides pari-mutuel wagering on a large number of entrants. The wagering server system has a wagering application which is configured for administration of pari-mutuel wagering. The application has a first tournament object which is configured to initialize into at least one first tournament component. The first tournament component represents in one embodiment a real world contested event which may have a large number of entrants. A sensory application interoperates with sensors located at the event. The sensors generate readable data digital signals when interoperating with readable data components. The wagering application also has a game play component which is configured to receive readable data digital signals, where real-time wagering may occur on the first real world contested event.
US08491372B2	Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating multi-round lottery play Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for facilitating play of multi-round lottery games. In one embodiment, a player may be allowed to change one or more of various aspects of a wager in a multi-round lottery game.
US08491369B2	Method and apparatus for playing a skill game A skill game rewards a player after a round of play only upon the entry of a “correct play” that is based on the rules of the game being played. A “correct play” is determined under the rules of the particular game being played and is one that gives the player a better chance to obtain the outcome desired by the player. In some games, the “correct play” is defined mathematically. In other games, the “correct play” is determined by knowing the rules of the game being played. A combination of both methods is typical. The execution by the player of a correct play is a skill. If the player enters the correct play, the player is rewarded. The reward may be to continue the play of the game and to reward a prize to the player based on the outcome of the game.
US08491366B2	Bets regarding ranges of times at intermediate points in a race A system for betting on fractional times comprises a memory coupled to a processor. The memory stores a first betting option comprising a bet that a particular participant in a race will finish a predetermined length of the race in a first range of fractional times. The memory further stores a second betting option comprising a bet that the particular participant in the race will finish the predetermined length of the race in a second range of fractional times. The processor receives a plurality of bets on at least one of the first betting option and the second betting option and determines an actual time for the particular participant to finish the predetermined length of the race. The processor then determines which of the plurality of bets are winning bets based at least in part upon the determination of the actual time and the corresponding betting options.
US08491362B2	Method and device for deboning bone-in leg In an automated deboning device for deboning a bone-in leg of livestock carcass, a clamp unit 12 suspending the work w includes a servomotor 104, a threaded shaft 106 connected to an output shaft of the servomotor 104 and a lifting and lowering block 108 threadably mounted on the threaded shaft 106. A lifting and lowering roller 92 mounted on a lifting and lowering shaft 70 travels in a traveling path 94 to lower and transfer the work w to a next work station. By bring a swinging roller 84 mounted on the lifting and lowering shaft 70 in contact with the cam plate 170, 180, 182, the lifting and lowering shaft 70 is rotated by a setting angle so that the work w faces round cutter blades 22, 64. Thus, the pathway of the round cutter blades 22, 64 can be approximately straight, thereby simplifying and reducing the cost of the moving mechanism.
US08491358B2	Thin film brazing of superabrasive tools Methods for orienting superabrasive particles in a superabrasive tool are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for orienting superabrasive particles in a tool is provided. Such a method can include providing a plurality of superabrasive particles having a preselected average size, preselecting a thickness for an amorphous braze layer to be applied to a substrate, wherein the thickness is based on the average size of the plurality of superabrasive particles, and applying an amorphous braze layer to the substrate at the preselected thickness. The method can further include dispersing the plurality of superabrasive particles onto the amorphous braze layer, and melting the amorphous braze layer to cause the plurality of superabrasive particles to rotate and sink into the amorphous braze layer, wherein the thickness of the amorphous braze layer is such that the rotation and sinking of the plurality of superabrasive particles is halted by the substrate in an attitude whereby substantially all working ends of the plurality of superabrasive particles are sharp portions. The amorphous braze layer can then be cooled to fix the plurality of superabrasive particles into the tool.
US08491357B2	Method and apparatus for machining crankshafts A crankshaft is machined by first securing it in first and second radially displaceable grippers of first and second holders rotatable about a common grinding axis and orienting the workpiece axis coaxial with the grinding axis. Then the crankshaft is released from the first gripper, and the second holder is rotated to align the first crankpin radially with the grinding axis. Subsequently the crankshaft is regripped by the first gripper and released by the second gripper and the second holder is rotated relative to the crankshaft until the second holder is aligned with its displacement direction lying in a common plane with the grinding axis and the displacement direction of the first gripper. Finally, both the grippers are shifted parallel to each other in their displacement directions to center the first crankpin on the grinding axis, and the crankshaft is about the grinding axis while machining the first crankpin.
US08491355B2	Fluid/abrasive jet cutting arrangement A high pressure cutting arrangement is formed by combining a liquid stream, such as water, and a slurry stream, the slurry comprising abrasive particles suspended in a liquid. Energy is supplied to the liquid stream by a first energising means, such as a constant pressure pump. Energy is supplied to the slurry stream by a second energising means, such as by a piston powered by a constant volume pump. The liquid stream and the slurry stream are combined in a cutting tool, in which the supplied energy is converted to kinetic energy to produce a combined liquid and abrasive stream at high velocity.
US08491349B2	Adjustable paddle for watercrafts This disclosure is directed to a paddle for a watercraft having an adjustable shaft with upper and lower telescoping shaft portions. A lever in the palm grip applies tension to a cable to compress a plug at the end of the upper shaft portion to frictionally engage the lower shaft portion.
US08491344B2	Connector A connector (10) has a housing (11) with a cavity (13) and a terminal fitting (30) accommodated inside the cavity (13). A locking strip (37B) projects out on the terminal fitting (30). An inner surface of the cavity (13) has an erroneous insertion prevention part (22A) that engages the locking strip (37B) when the terminal fitting (30) is inserted into the cavity (13) in a posture erroneous in an orientation about an axis thereof, thus preventing erroneous insertion of the terminal fitting (30) into the cavity (13).
US08491339B2	Card adapter A card adapter (10) is configured to receive a first card (20) and to be inserted into a card connector (1) into which a second card may be mated. The card adapter includes a housing having first (120) and second (110) intermateable insulative plate members and a circuit member (130) arranged in the housing. The circuit member includes a plurality of adapter side contact pads (136), each being configured to contact a terminal of the card connector, and a plurality of conductive leads (133), each lead extending between one of the adapter side contact pads and a termination end (134, 135). A plurality of connection terminals (150) are provided with each being interconnected to one of the termination ends of the conductive leads and configured to engage a contact pad (251) of the first card. The first plate member may include a plurality of deformable projections (127) configured to engage a first surface of the circuit member and press the circuit member against the second plate member. The circuit member may have a plurality of through-holes with the terminals having solder tails that extend into the through holes.
US08491338B1	Battery connector A battery connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of contact terminals, conductive terminals and elastic elements which are disposed to the insulating housing. Each elastic element is restricted between the contact terminal and the conductive terminal. The insulating housing defines a plurality of terminal cavities and two inserting slots. Each contact terminal has two resisting arms slidably located in the inserting slots. Each resisting arm protrudes downward to form an abutting arm located in the terminal cavity. Each conductive terminal has two connecting slices inserted in the inserting slots, and a holding slice stretching in the terminal cavity. An electrical connection is realized between the contact terminal and the corresponding conductive terminal by means of the resisting arms electrically abutting against the corresponding connecting slices and the abutting arms electrically clamping the holding slice therebetween under the bias of the connecting slices acting on the resisting arms.
US08491336B2	Waterproof electrical connector and system In one possible embodiment, a waterproof connector is provided having pins secured to a bendable board. The bendable board and a portion of each of the pins are encased in a compressible material capable of providing a biasing force on the plurality of pins upon mating with a mating surface. The compressible material also provides a deformable sealing surface for mating with the mating surface.
US08491335B2	Waterproof connector There is provided a waterproof connector in which swing of electric wires inside a rear holder can be prevented, and insertion of the rear holder into a connector body can be easily performed with a small force. The waterproof connector includes a connector body 2 having a terminal containing room 21 in which a terminal metal fitting 9 of an electric wire 7 is contained, a waterproof plug 3 which is fitted to the electric wire 7 at a wire withdrawing side 23 of the connector body 2 and assembled to the wire withdrawing side 23 of the connector body 2, and a rear holder 5 which is mounted on the wire withdrawing side 23 of the connector body 2 thereby to prevent drop of the waterproof plug 3 from the connector body 2. The rear holder includes a pair of half bodies which are separated as a first holder body 51 and a second holder body 52, wire containing recesses 53, 54 which contain respective semi-circular portions of the electric wire are respectively formed in the first holder body 51 and the second holder body 52, and the first holder body 51 and the second holder body 52 are individually mounted on the wire withdrawing side 23 of the connector body 2 to be combined together.
US08491334B2	Connector with deformable compression sleeve A connector for a coaxial cable that includes a connector body and a deformable sleeve. The deformable sleeve and the connector body have cooperative structure for engaging the deformable sleeve with the receiving end of the connector body for securing a cable in the connector body. The deformable sleeve has a front section connected to a rear section by a web. The deformable sleeve is movable from a first position, wherein the front end of the deformable sleeve is separably attached to the receiving end of the connector, to a second position, wherein the cable is compressively secured in the connector body. The web stretches and/or breaks when the deformable sleeve moves into the second position.
US08491332B1	Slim C5/C6 coupler Embodiments relate to a C5/C6 coupler having a substantially equivalent shape and size as a C7/C8 coupler. Embodiments relate to a power supply cord that provides an earth connection to the cord. Still more particularly, embodiments relate to a slim inlet that provides a make-first-and-break-last earth connection and prevents incompatible cords, different type of connectors, from being connected to the slim inlet.
US08491330B2	Portable universal serial bus (USB) cable keychain assembly with carabiner clip A cable assembly for connecting a portable electronic device to a host device includes an upstream connector section comprising a upstream connector housing, an upstream connector secured to the upstream connector housing, and a downstream connector section comprising a downstream connector housing, a first downstream connector secured to the downstream connector housing, and a second downstream connector secured to the downstream connector housing. The cable assembly further includes a main body section having an attachment mechanism comprising a through hole formed in the main body, the through hole including on one side a carabiner clip comprising a spring-loaded hinged inwardly movable outer portion completing the through hole.
US08491326B2	Electrical connection box There is provided a downsized electrical connection box in which the reliability of the mechanical connection between blocks provided in the electrical connection box is improved. The electrical connection box 1 includes a plurality of electric components, a first block 3 mounted with the electric components and a second block mounted with the electric components. The first block 3 includes a tubular-shaped first member 32, 33 projecting towards the second block 5. The second block 5 includes a second member 52, 53 arranged to be slidably inserted into the first member. The first and the second blocks 3, 5 are coupled to each other by slidably inserting the second member 52, 53 into the first member 32, 33. At least one electric component 8 of the plurality of electric components is received inside the first and the second members 32, 52, 33, 53.
US08491325B2	Connector and electronic device thereof A connector includes a first body, and a second body movably disposed on the first body. The first body includes a first plate, and a second plate connected to the first plate. The second body is located between the first plate and the second plate for clamping a reversible cable with the first body. The connector further includes a first connecting terminal disposed on the first body for contacting a first transmission terminal of the reversible cable, a second connecting terminal disposed on the second body for contacting a second transmission terminal of the reversible cable, and a buckling structure. The buckling structure includes a first buckling portion disposed on the first body, and a second buckling portion disposed on the second body. The second buckling portion is clamped with the first buckling portion in a loose fit manner.
US08491321B2	Plug-in connector for DC wiring An objective is to produce the plug-in-connector for DC-wiring with safety by preventing degradation of contact points by shortening of period when arc is caused due to detaching and attaching the plug. An electrical outlet comprises an inversion-spring electrically connected to the plug's blade inserted from the insertion-hole. Both the ends of the inversion-spring are fixed to the inversion-spring's body, whereby the inversion-spring's intermediate-portion is moved between the contact position of making an elastically contact with the blade and the non-contact position of making a space having a predetermined distance or more for cutting the arc. The blade pushes the intermediate-portion to move it to the non-contact position by twisting the plug having a contact condition between the intermediate-portion and the blade. The intermediate-portion is inverted to have an elastic contact to the blade by pushing the push button to move the intermediate-portion, with non-contact position, by the driving member.
US08491318B2	Thin socket A thin socket allowing reception of a power source through a power source input interface, said thin socket comprising a first case, a second case, a plurality of metal clamping parts and a movable part. The second case and the first case conjunctively form a first accommodating space and the movable part is movably embedded into the first accommodating space or protrudes out of the first accommodating space. The first case has a plurality of holes used for insertion of a plurality of conductive terminals in a plug. The second case has an opening whose position on the second case corresponds to the positions of the plurality of holes on the first case. The movable part movably passes through the opening on the second case and has a second accommodating space.
US08491314B2	Connecting tab and secondary battery having the same A connecting tab connected between an electrode terminal of a cap plate and an electrode terminal of a protection circuit module (PCM) in a secondary battery. The connecting tab includes a PCM mounting portion, a bent portion and a terminal connecting portion. The PCM mounting portion is connected to the electrode terminal of the PCM. The bent portion is extended from the PCM mounting portion and makes a predetermined angle with the PCM mounting portion, and has at least one cut-away portion formed therein. The terminal connecting portion is formed bent portion on the same plane with the bent portion, and extended in a lateral direction from an upper portion of the bent portion. Accordingly, an electrical connection between a secondary battery cell and the PCM can be performed only through a simple process by using the connecting tab provided with the bent portion.
US08491313B2	Mezzanine connector A two-piece mezzanine connector for high speed, high density signals. One piece of the connector may have conductive elements with beam-shaped mating contacts. The beams may include openings to control mechanical properties while allowing edge to edge spacing between adjacent beams to be selected to provide desired electrical properties. The openings may be teardrop shaped, with a larger width at a distal end of the beams. Beams associated with signal conductors may have openings that are shaped differently from openings of beams associated with ground conductors. For a first connector piece, mating contact regions of signal conductors may be wider than mating contact regions of ground conductors. For a second connector piece adapted to mate with the first connector piece, mating contact regions of signal conductors may be narrower than mating contact regions of ground conductors. These contact shapes may provide float while maintaining a high contact density.
US08491303B2	Oral appliance activation devices and methods Oral appliance activation devices and methods which are used to facilitate the securement, adjustment, or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Energy may be applied to the elements via the activation devices directly over or adjacent to the oral appliance to actuate the elements and thereby either secure or loosen the oral appliance relative to the abutment.
US08491302B2	Dental implant A dental implant with a coarsely threaded portion suitable for nesting within the cortical bone, and a finely threaded portion suitable for nesting within the cancellous bone. A primary thread with a constant pitch and a constant major diameter, runs along both the finely threaded portion and the coarsely threaded portion, and has a large thread height in the coarsely threaded portion, and a small thread height in the finely threaded portion. At least one secondary thread, having the constant pitch and the small thread height, runs along the finely threaded portion at an offset from the primary thread.
US08491300B2	Ultrasonic dental tool having a light source An ultrasonic dental insert having at least one light source. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. A second transducer is disposed substantially proximate to the connecting body for generating a voltage signal in response to movement of a portion of the connecting body according to the ultrasonic vibrations. A magnetic material including a source of a magnetic field is present in close proximity to the insert. At least one light source substantially proximate to the tip is connected to and receives the voltage signal from the second transducer to generate light. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations.
US08491299B2	Seal hardening furnace of liquid crystal display device having rack bar A seal hardening furnace is presented in which seal lines in a liquid crystal display panel are hardened. The seal hardening furnace includes a cassette having a rack bar structure. The rack bar structure has rack bars for supporting the substrate along one direction and rack bar supports at ends of the rack bars that support the rack bars. The rack bars have air discharge openings therein. An air injecting passage is connected to the rack bar supports. An air supply unit supplies air through the air injecting passage and through the discharge openings to support the substrate thereon.
US08491298B2	Apparatus for sealing a pharmaceutically acceptable hard shell capsule A method is disclosed for the sealing of hard shell capsules having coaxial body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described is an apparatus to seal the capsules.The method comprises the steps of holding the capsule in a precise and upright position and injecting a known quantity of sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sealing clamp (1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61) to hold the capsule in an upright position and means (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65) to inject the sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.
US08491295B2	Die assembly and method of extruding cellular ceramic substrates with a skin An extrusion apparatus including a die and a mask are provided such that no slots feed directly into the longitudinal skin forming gap between the mask and the die. In a method of forming a die adapted to improve skin uniformity of extruded cellular ceramic substrates a slotted block of die material is provided including central slots adapted to form a cellular matrix of the substrate and peripheral slots located outwardly of the central slots designed to be covered by a skin former mask and adapted to extrude peripheral batch material. An arcuate skin former is cut corresponding to a target shrinkage so as to intersect the slotted block such that skin flow from tangent slots at 90 degree positions of the die is limited to the peripheral batch material.
US08491293B2	Magazine apparatus for the storage of blow moulds and methods of storing blow moulds A magazine apparatus including a plurality of receiving elements that are constructed and arranged to separately receive individual blow molds each having a plurality of parts and each configured to shape plastic-material pre-forms into plastic-material containers. The magazine apparatus being constructed and arranged to store a plurality of blow molds outside the working operational area of a blow molding machine.
US08491292B1	Aligning nanomaterial in a nanomaterial composite Processing a composite material includes combining a nanomaterial with a matrix to yield a composite material. The nanomaterial comprises nanotubes. An electric current is applied to the composite material to align and disperse the nanotubes in the matrix.
US08491290B2	Apparatus for producing non-symmetric multiple layer injection molded products A mold for molding an injection molded article comprises a mold cavity with a non-symmetrical portion. At least one flow leader in the non-symmetrical portion of the cavity produces a symmetrical flow boundary in a multilayer flow downstream of the non-symmetrical portion of the mold cavity. The at least one flow leader may be a variable thickness flow leader or may alternatively be a plurality of flow leaders having a flow path length that differs from the flow path length of an adjacent flow leader by no more than about 15%. The multilayer flow comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an interior layer. Co-injection molding apparatus and methods that may use the foregoing mold are disclosed. Similarly, co-injection molded articles and containers that may result from the foregoing mold, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.
US08491288B2	Geroller hydraulic motor with anti-cogging structure A hydraulic motor receives pressurized fluid from a source controlled by a human operator to convert the energy in the hydraulic fluid to a rotational output to propel a drive wheel of a machine. The hydraulic motor includes an end cover, a manifold, a drive assembly, a wear plate, a housing, and an output assembly. The drive assembly includes a rotor with external teeth and a stator with internal teeth formed by rollers having end faces. The pressurized fluid from the source flows through the manifold to the drive assembly and causes rotational and orbital movement of the rotor relative to the stator. The rotational movement of the rotor is transmitted to the drive wheel by the output assembly. A first set of anti-cogging passages and a second set of anti-cogging passages communicate fluid pressure to the end faces in timed relationship to reduce cogging or detenting of the rotational output of the motor.
US08491283B2	Micropump A micropump including a tube unit and a control unit. The control unit has a plurality of fingers. A cam sequentially presses the plurality of fingers from an inlet side to an outlet side of the tube. A drive unit gives rotation force to the cam, a control circuit unit controls operation of the drive unit, and a device frame holds the plurality of fingers, the cam, the drive unit, and the control circuit unit. A reservoir communicates with an inlet port of the tube; and a power source supplies power to the control circuit unit, wherein the tube unit is detachably attached to the control unit substantially in the horizontal direction with respect to the rotation surface of the cam and attached to the inside of a space produced by the device frame.
US08491282B2	Pressure mitigating dielectric debris seal for a pothead interface A connector for connecting electrical power to a well pump motor has cable and motor connector portions that mate with each other in a connected position. The connector portions have insulating members, each of which has a number of passages and an end face. Electrical contact members are mounted in each of the passages. Contact members in the cable connector portion protrude past the end face of the insulating member. A debris seal insulates the electrical contact members in the cable connector and includes expansion slots so that when the material of the debris seal thermally expands, the expansion slots contract in response to the expansion without the debris seal impinging against either connector.
US08491281B2	Long life seal and alignment system for small cryocoolers In one embodiment, a compressor includes a motor assembly configured to compress a gas within a compression volume, the motor assembly including: a stationary coil assembly; a moving assembly having at least one magnet, and a gap located between the stationary coil assembly and the moving assembly; wherein the moving assembly is configured to reciprocate axially with respect to the stationary coil assembly when electrical current is applied to the stationary coil assembly, and to change the width of the gap between the stationary coil assembly and the moving assembly so as to provide magnetic axial stiffness against motion of the moving assembly. One or more embodiments may be used in a cryocooler assembly.
US08491279B2	Electric pump for hydrogen circulation An electric pump for supplying a hydrogen gas to a fuel cell includes a rotary shaft rotatably inserted through an electric motor, a transmitting member provided on one of an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the electric motor so as to be rotatable therewith, and a groove formed in the other of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the electric motor for the transmitting member to be inserted therein. The groove transmits a rotary torque of the electric motor to the rotary shaft by contacting an inner surface of the groove and the transmitting member and has an opening width along a rotary direction of the rotary shaft which is larger than the width of the transmitting member. The groove and the transmitting member produce an impact torque when the electric pump is started.
US08491278B2	Auxiliary braking device for wellhead having progressive cavity pump An auxiliary braking device can be used for wellhead applications having a progressive cavity pump. A housing of the device independently mounts on the pump's existing drive using a mounting member, and an adapter on the housing connects to a rotatable drive shaft of the pump. A hydraulic motor on the housing has a motor shaft mechanically coupled to the adapter by a plurality of gears or the like. A control valve couples to the hydraulic motor and operates to control communication of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic motor, thereby controlling rotation of the rotatable shaft. A controller and electric sensors can operated the control valve in response to the sensed rotation of the shaft. Alternatively, mechanical mechanisms can operate the control valve in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.
US08491276B2	Pump A pump includes: a branch pipe extending from a pump body for branching a part of raw water introduced from outside through a raw water inlet; a first tank having an exhaust pipe of an engine accommodated therein, the raw water supplied via the branch pipe being evaporated by heat of the exhaust pipe; a second tank provided over the first tank and having the branch pipe accommodated therein, vapor produced by evaporation of the raw water in the first tank being condensed into water droplets in the second tank; and a communication pipe interconnecting the first and second tanks in communication with each other.
US08491271B2	Exhaust gas turbo-charger In an exhaust-gas turbocharger with a shaft axially arranged between a compressor wheel and a turbine wheel and connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the compressor wheel as well as to the turbine wheel, said shaft being rotationally mounted with a turbine-side shaft part in a turbine-side bearing, a connecting region with minimal heat conductivity is axially arranged or configured between the turbine-side shaft part and the turbine wheel in such a manner that the heat flow emanating from the turbine wheel is choked.
US08491269B2	Hydraulic machine including means for injecting a flow drawn from a main flow The invention relates to a machine through which a main flow (E) of water passes, including a turbine wheel (4), with at least a turbulent zone, reduced-pressure zone or cavitation zone (8, 10, 33) being formed close to said wheel. The wheel includes blades (6) disposed between a ceiling (28) and a belt (30). The machine also includes means for injecting a flow (E2) drawn from the main flow into the aforementioned zone (8, 10, 33) such as to alter the main flow (E) locally or increase the pressure in said zone (8, 10, 33). Said injection means inject the drawn flow (E2) from the ceiling (28) or from the belt (30) through holes (31, 32) provided in the ceiling (28) or belt (30).
US08491265B2	Rotor imbalance load limiting system and method Methods and apparatus are provided for limiting the load on a rotor support structure when a rotationally mounted rotor becomes imbalanced. The rotor is rotationally mounted within a plurality of circumferentially spaced variable volume hydraulic fluid receptacles that at least engage the rotor and have hydraulic fluid disposed therein. Each of the variable volume hydraulic fluid receptacles is fluidly connected to a substantially fixed volume hydraulic fluid receptacle that has hydraulic fluid disposed therein and is coupled to the rotor support structure. When the rotor becomes imbalanced, the hydraulic fluid is continuously moved between the variable volume hydraulic fluid receptacles and the substantially fixed volume hydraulic fluid receptacle.
US08491264B1	Turbine blade with trailing edge cooling A trailing edge cooling circuit for a turbine rotor blade, which includes a radial flow cooling channel that supplies cooling air for the T/E region of the blade. Three radial flow cooling channels are located adjacent to one another and connected to the radial flow cooling supply channel, each discharging through an opening along the T/E just underneath the blade tip. The radial flow cooling channels in the T/E region are connected together by rows of metering holes in the middle spanwise height of the blade that produce mixing of the cooling air flowing upward toward the blade tip and improve the cooling effectiveness of the cooling air. A row of exit holes along the T/E discharge cooling air from the third radial flow cooling channel.
US08491260B2	Airfoil shape for a compressor vane An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08491252B2	Transport method for disk-shaped workpieces A transport method for disk-shaped semiconductor wafer workpieces has a horizontally movable transport arm with two elongated carrying elements at one end, for receiving the workpiece. A cassette which includes a comb structure at each side for receiving several workpieces, is inserted free of contact between two adjacent combs with workpieces therein for vertically lifting a workpiece. The carrying elements are disposed such that during a cassette engagement they are each positioned substantially adjacent and parallel to the comb structure along a comb, and in this region along and between two adjacent comb planes on one side of the cassette, a scanning beam is provided for workpiece acquisition. The scanning beam is relatively height-positionable with respect to the cassette and is tilted about a small angle with respect to the horizontal workpiece plane.
US08491235B2	Rail drilling machine In a state where a rail drilling machine is attached to a rail, a drive source, a cutter support mechanism, and a support base are arranged on one side of the rail. A support plate having an upper support surface and a lower support surface is provided on either end of the support base in the longitudinal direction. The upper support surface and the lower support surface of each support plate contact a lower surface of the rail head and an upper surface of the rail foot, respectively, so that the support base is prevented from moving vertically with respect to the rail. The support base has a magnetic sticking portion located between the support plates. The magnetic sticking portion has a sticking surface that is stuck to a side surface of the rail web. In a state where the sticking surface of the magnetic sticking portion is stuck to the side surface of the web, the cutter attaching portion of the cutter support mechanism is arranged in such a manner that a rotation axis of the cutter attaching portion extends, on the outer side of the support base, toward the web.
US08491232B2	Holder for a chip-removing tool insert The present invention relates to a holder for a machining tool insert, in particular a lancing or cutting insert, having an approximately beam-shaped cutter holder, a cavity formed inside the end thereof, which serves as a receiving pocket for the tool insert and is bounded by clamping jaws that define the clearance width of the receiving pocket, a slot extending with a first end to within the proximity of the inner edge of the receiving pocket so as to permit elastic pivotability of one of the clamping jaws, and having a clamping arrangement comprising an actuation member for producing a clamping force that acts within the region of the slot upon the pivotable clamping jaw. In order to attain improved absorption of transverse force components acting upon the pivotable clamping jaw, it is furthermore provided in said holder that the second end of the slot extends within the proximity of the lateral edge of the cutter holder, with an elastic connecting web that bridges the second end of the slot being disposed between the pivotable clamping jaw and the cutter holder.
US08491231B2	Tool for chip removing machining as well as a solid indexable cutting insert and a solid basic body therefor Tool for chip removing machining includes a basic body having an insert seat, and an indexable cutting insert fixed in the seat. The insert includes two cutting edges and at least two heads spaced-apart via an intermediate part and individually include a front portion having at least one cutting edge and a rear portion along which a pair of side contact surfaces are formed. The insert seat includes a front cavity including a pair of side support surfaces against which side contact surfaces of the cutting insert are pressed. The basic body is formed integrally of steel material and the seat is countersunk in the basic body so side support surfaces are integrated in the steel material. The cutting insert is formed integrally from a second, hard-wearing material having at least the same hardness as cemented carbide, the side contact surfaces of the insert being integrated in the second material.
US08491230B2	Clamping device for a cutting insert An insert clamp secures a cutting insert having a central hole to a tool holder. The clamp includes a forward protrusion to be received in the central hole of the insert, a central body portion provided with a pressing part to press down the upper surface of the insert and a screw hole for a clamping screw to pass through, and a rear protrusion having a rear contact surface to come in contact with a rearward slanting surface of the tool holder. The forward protrusion is formed on the forward end of the insert clamp, an inside surface of the forward protrusion extends downward in a spaced state apart from the inner wall of the central hole of the insert, and a distal portion of the inside surface the forward protrusion is provided with a protuberance of convex curved surface to come in tangential contact with the inner wall of the insert. The pressing part is formed on the bottom surface of the central body portion of the insert clamp, and has convex curved surfaces to come in tangential contact with the upper surface of the insert on both regions of the bottom surface of the central body portion which is bisected by a central line passing through the forward protrusion and the screw hole.
US08491223B2	Watering device, method for manufacturing said device, and means therefor A device for watering purposes, a method for the manufacture thereof, as well as means for the manufacture thereof are disclosed. The device includes a water-collecting container extending along the intended desired area to be watered. Internally in the container, there is a transverse double partition wall, which extends from the base portion of the container up to at least half the effective height of the container. Along the outside of the container, a liquid-sucking wick extends that is connected to the internal liquid-receiving spaces of the container at a mutual distance from each other, as seen along the length extension of the container.
US08491222B2	Vibration tamper for compacting subsoil A vibration tamper for compacting subsoil comprises a superstructure and a substructure, with the superstructure comprising a motor and an eccentric disk which is driven by the same. A connecting rod is eccentrically mounted on the eccentric disk, which connecting rod converts the rotational movement into a linear movement. The substructure comprises a tamper foot with a tamper plate which is driven by the linear movement of the connecting rod into a tamper movement along a tamper axis. As a result of the bent portion of the connecting rod, the tamper axis is disposed in a plane which is disposed parallel to a plane opened up by the bearing of the connecting rod on the eccentric disk against a direction opposite of the advancing direction of the vibration tamper.
US08491219B2	Cutting unit for producing a road marking, and road marking A road marking has multiple depressions introduced into the road surface, the depressions comprising two lateral longitudinal walls, extending in the longitudinal direction of the road, that transition, proceeding from the road surface, continuously into a bottom region; and the depression being delimited by two transverse walls extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the road. The road markings have improved utilization properties if provision is made that the longitudinal walls comprise a region convexly curved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the road. The invention further relates to a cutting unit for producing such road markings.
US08491215B2	Connector for coupling adjacent members The present invention discloses a connector for selectively coupling a first member and a second member that are configured to move relative to each other. Each of the first member and the second member includes an opening. A connector that includes a flexible body that has a projection may be inserted within one of the members. The projection is configured to extend through the openings of the members to couple the first member to the second member. The connector also includes a mechanism that selectively couples the connector relative to the first member.
US08491212B2	Multi-functional applicator A multifunctional multi-compartment applicator for the stable storage of solid ascorbic acid and topical application of ascorbic acid in solution to the skin, the applicator having an absorbent end and an abrasive end.
US08491208B2	Printer A printer includes a conveying path for conveying a printing medium therealong. The printer also includes a thickness detecting unit configured to detect change in thickness of the printing medium along the conveying direction, which is conveyed along the conveying path. The printer also includes a first print unit configured to print information on one surface of the printing medium whose thickness change is detected by the thickness detecting unit, and a second print unit configured to print information on another surface of the printing medium. The printer also includes a pressure mechanism configured to press the print head against the platen of each of the first and second print units, and a control unit configured to reduce pressure applied to the print head by the pressure mechanism if the thickness of the printing medium detected by the thickness detecting unit is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
US08491204B2	Shutter device A shutter base plate is formed with a first shaft parallel to an optical axis of a photographic light flux, and a drive lever rotates around the first shaft to drive a first blade and a second blade. A mirror lever rotates around a second shaft parallel to the first shaft to drive a main mirror. A second cam gear rotates around a third shaft parallel to the first shaft to charge a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring.
US08491203B2	Shutter device A shutter base plate is formed with a first shaft parallel to an optical axis of a photographic light flux, and a blade lever rotates about the first shaft to drive a first blade and a second blade. A drive lever rotates about the first shaft to drive the blade lever. A second cam gear rotates about a second shaft formed on the shutter base plate in parallel to the first shaft to charge a mirror drive spring. A first cam gear rotates about a third shaft formed on the shutter base plate in parallel to the first shaft to switch between a state in which the blade lever is held so that the first blade and the second blade close the aperture and a state in which holding of the blade lever is released.
US08491197B2	Optical connector module There is provided an optical connector module in which an adhesive is interposed between a lens and a distal surface of an optical fiber, wherein the module includes a transparent positioning device and an optical fiber fixed in the positioning device. The positioning device has a lens provided to an end surface, a concave insertion portion into which the optical fiber is inserted and which is disposed so that the bottom surface in contact with the distal surface of the optical fiber is positioned opposite the lens, and a debris receiving portion that extends from the bottom surface in a radial direction of the optical fiber and has a surface continuous with the bottom surface.
US08491196B2	Bearing upgrade and kit A journal bearing assembly includes a journal shaft configured to be mounted in a pulverizer. The journal shaft has a lower bearing receiving surface proximate a lower end thereof, and an upper bearing receiving surface spaced apart from the lower bearing receiving surface axially. A lower journal bearing is mounted on the lower bearing receiving surface of the journal shaft. An upper journal bearing is mounted on the upper bearing receiving surface of the journal shaft. An upper journal housing is mounted on the upper journal bearing for rotational movement relative to the journal shaft. A lower journal housing is mounted on the lower journal bearing for rotational movement relative to the journal shaft. The lower journal housing is mounted to the upper journal housing for common rotation about the journal shaft. The journal bearing assembly has a loading point defined between the upper and lower journal bearings.
US08491195B2	Rolling bearing device A rolling bearing device includes a rolling bearing unit having rolling elements retained by an annular retainer and intervening between raceways of inner and outer rings, and a nozzle member provided proximate to the outer ring. The nozzle member is provided with an annular collar portion inserted in a bearing space delimited between the inner ring and the outer ring and having a nozzle hole. This collar portion has an outer diametric surface in the form of a retainer guide surface, and an inner diametric surface of the retainer is guided by this retainer guide surface.
US08491194B2	Bearings In some embodiments, a bearing includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion thicker than the first portion, the second portion having a curved outer contour. The bearing can further include a first layer on the outer contour of the substrate and/or a second layer on an inner contour of the substrate. The first layer can include a thermally conductive material, and the second layer can include a lubricious material.
US08491191B2	Pouch with connectors and system of such pouches A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided by connecting the male and female connectors of a plurality of pouches. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors.
US08491189B2	Radiation source apparatus The present application is directed to a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source. A detector array having a first configuration and a second configuration is connected to a housing and at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is capable of being transported to a site by a vehicle and of being positioned separate from the housing. The radiation source is housed in a radiation source box and movable within the radiation source box using an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to the radiation source and provides a translational energy that moves the radiation source between an operational position and a stowed position.
US08491188B2	High-resolution quasi-static setup for X-ray imaging with distributed sources A method for acquiring X-ray image data of an imaging volume is disclosed, the method using a detector and a distributed X-ray source structure having a plurality of single source elements, which are uniformly distributed with a common pitch to each other, the method comprises moving the distributed X-ray source structure and/or the detector with respect to the imaging volume, importantly, the maximum moving distance dmax of the distributed X-ray source structure during the acquisition of the X-ray image data is limited to the length lp of the pitch. Emitting of X-rays from the distributed X-ray source structure and generating a plurality of signals in response to the X-rays incident upon the detector are executed during the movement.
US08491187B2	Temperature detection apparatus A temperature detection apparatus includes a transformer, a thermostat attached directly to an electrically conductive site of the heating element and has contacts that become short-circuited or come into an open-circuit condition depending on whether or not the temperature of the heating element is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the contacts being connected to a secondary coil in the transformer, a DC voltage source and a transistor configured to supply required AC power to a primary coil in the transformer, a current detection resistor configured to detect a current flowing through the primary coil in the transformer, and a comparison circuit detecting a voltage generated across the current detection resistor when a current flows through the current detection resistor, the comparison circuit outputting an alarm signal when the current flowing through the primary coil in the transformer exceeds a preset threshold current.
US08491186B2	Currency fitness and wear detection using temperature modulated infrared detection In part, the invention relates to methods, systems, and devices that use thermal transients to diagnose wear or other damage in a document such as a banknote. In one embodiment, the invention performs various steps including applying a transient heating or cooling stimulus to the document, wherein the document includes a substrate and a plurality of elements thermally dissimilar to the substrate; detecting a differential thermal emission signature for the substrate and each thermally dissimilar element using a sensor; and determining a wear status of the document based on the detected differential thermal emission signatures.
US08491185B2	Method for monitoring the thermal coupling of a measuring cell A method for checking the quality of thermal coupling between a measuring cell and a thermostatted element of an analyzer, where the measuring cell can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer to measure at least one parameter of a sample, and is provided with at least one sensor element in a measuring channel.
US08491183B2	Detent escapement for timepiece and mechanical timepiece A detent escapement for a timepiece capable of decreasing energy loss with respect to a free oscillation of a balance and improving a timekeeping accuracy is provided. In addition, a detent escapement of a timepiece capable of realizing miniaturization and suppressing variations in the accuracy of a finished product due to assembly errors is provided. A one-side actuating spring of a detent 7 is formed so that a maximum stress portion, which is generated at the time of operating due to the contact of an unlocking stone 4 when a balance 5 is return-rotated, is present to be perpendicular to a first straight line L1 which connects the center of the balance staff 9 and a fulcrum 23a of the blade 23, and to be the side opposite to the balance by a second straight line L2 which passes through the fulcrum 23a.
US08491180B2	Static mixing element A static mixing element for installation in a hollow body (10) includes a plurality of bar elements, with a first arrangement (21) including at least one first bar element (3) and being arranged cross-wise with respect to a second arrangement (31) which includes at least one second bar element (4). The first arrangement (21) and the second arrangement (31) include an angle different from 0° to the main direction of flow. The first arrangement includes an angle larger than 0° with the second arrangement. On projection of the first arrangement (21) and of the second arrangement (31) onto a projection plane which is disposed normal to the main direction of flow, intermediate spaces are disposed at least partly between mutually adjacent bar elements.
US08491176B2	Light guide plate and light source apparatus A light guide plate (LGP) includes a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of light incident surfaces. The first surface is a light-emitting surface. The light incident surfaces connect the first surface and the second surface. The second surface has a plurality of ring-shaped grooves. Depths of the ring-shaped grooves are gradually decreased from a place close to a center of the LGP towards places close to the light incident surfaces. Each of the ring-shaped grooves has a first ring-shaped side wall surface and a second ring-shaped side wall surface. The second ring-shaped side wall surface is opposite to the first ring-shaped side wall surface and located between a geometry center of the ring-shaped groove and the first ring-shaped side wall surface. The first ring-shaped side wall surface is a tilted surface. In addition, a light source apparatus is also provided.
US08491175B2	Light guide plate with micro-dots A light guide plate includes an incident surface, an emergent surface substantially perpendicular to the incident surface, a bottom surface opposite to the emergent surface, and a number of micro-dots positioned on the bottom surface. The micro-dots have similar shape and size. A density of the micro-dots gradually increases from a near-end to a far-end of the incident surface.
US08491174B2	Light emitting assembly A light emitting assembly comprises first and second segmented light guide structures. The first segmented light guide structure comprises first light guide elements physically connected at one end to a first common backbone member. The second segmented light guide structure comprises second light guide elements physically connected at one end to a second common backbone member. The common backbone members define a fixed separation between adjacent ones of the light guide elements. LED light sources are positioned adjacent the common backbone members such that each of the light guide elements receives light from at least one of the LED light sources. The first segmented light guide structure and the second segmented light guide structure are arranged with the first light guide elements interdigitated with the second light guide elements, with sufficient separation between the first light guide elements and between the second light guide elements to provide air gap boundaries between adjacent first and second light guide elements to reduce the amount of light cross talk therebetween and to form a substantially contiguous light emitting surface.
US08491163B2	Lighting apparatus According to one embodiment, a lighting apparatus includes a main body including a flat thermal conduction surface. The thermal conduction surface contacts a back surface of a board. Light-emitting devices are mounted on a front surface of the board. An optical member is opposed to a peripheral part of the board on the front surface side of the board. The optical member is fastened to the main body by fastening members, to push the peripheral part of the board against the heat conduction surface of the main body.
US08491161B2	Lighting device The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a light source (31) which is mounted on a heat sink (32) having an outer contour (34). Furthermore, it comprises a cooling device (35) for dynamically cooling the light source via cooling of the heat sink by means of a fluid flowing alongside the contour of the heat sink, the cooling device having one or a plurality of cooling openings (36, 43). The cooling device is a vibrating membrane cooling system for generating a sequence of fluid pulses (39). The cooling openings are arranged alongside the heat sink. The light source comprises optical means (33) for collimating and directing light originating from the light source during operation, while the contour of the heat sink has a shape similar to that of the optical means.
US08491159B2	Wireless emergency lighting system In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that provide for a power outage lighting management within an environment, comprising a power outage detection device adapted to detect a power outage condition and to wirelessly transmit power outage indication data to a plurality of lighting systems within the environment, where at least one of the plurality of lighting systems include an LED light source that is powered by an internal power source.
US08491158B1	Shielded droplight and associated method A shielded droplight may include a rotatable external shield having a cylindrical shape with an open top end. A semi-circular shaped directional reflector may be statically mated to the external shield and spaced inwardly from a circumference of the external shield. A stationary internal shield having a cylindrical shape may be dynamically mated to the external shield and spaced inwardly from a circumference of the directional reflector. A light emitting source may be housed within the internal shield. A light emitting source holder may be coupled to the external shield and extending downwardly therefrom. The external shield and directional reflector may contemporaneously rotate along a curvilinear path spaced about the circumference of the internal shield. The external shield may include a tab protruding outwardly from its circumference and a base. The apparatus may further include a hanging arm statically mated directly to the light emitting source holder.
US08491157B2	Illuminating device and method for manufacturing thereof To provide a method for manufacturing a plurality of types of illuminating devices having different specifications while reducing cost. A substrate includes a common flexible portion and a plurality of units bendable with respect to the common portion, where the common portion includes a pad that is extended in the horizontal direction in the plane of the drawing and that is arranged for every predefined interval. In the present manufacturing method, a substrate piece is created by cutting the substrate mounted with the light emitting element in a first direction, the common portion in the substrate piece is formed according to the illuminating device to be manufactured, the relative position of the individual portion with respect to the formed common portion is respectively positioned, and the wiring for supplying power to the pad in the substrate piece is formed.
US08491150B2	Solar light assembly with adjustable light housing A solar light assembly includes a plurality of housings each having a light, a frame receiving the plurality of housings, and a solar panel substantially positioned over the frame. Each housing including a face, sides and a lip, such that the face and lip lie in intersecting planes. Each housing is removable from the frame to be rotated and repositioned within the frame. A pole could be used to support the frame.
US08491149B2	Battery powered decorative light with timer A decorative light in the form of a candelabrum, chandelier, or sphere, the candelabrum and chandelier having a plurality of artificial flower blossoms, each with an LED. A control circuit is electronically connected to each LED and has electronic circuitry to cause each LED to illuminate at a preselected time each day, remain illuminated for a predetermined interval, and then extinguish.
US08491147B1	Method of presenting a Christmas star decoration A method of presenting a lighted decorative star as a holiday decoration is accomplished by forming holes in a plurality of rigid strips of a defined length and then arranging the rigid strips in a star pattern of substantially equal arced radials such that a first end of each rigid strip is proximate to a common center and a second end is radially distant from the common center. A light string having a plurality of interconnected decorative lights is placed proximate to one side of the star pattern. An empty light socket of one of the a decorative lights is placed at each hole and a decorative light bulb is affixed in each light socket such that the portion of the rigid strip defining the hole through which the decorative light bulb is inserted is held captive between the respective light socket and decorative light bulb.
US08491144B2	Light emitting device and display device using the same A light emitting device includes: a light guide unit; a light source; a light control member having a light incidence face on a back face, a light outgoing face on a surface and a light dispersion structure, and disposed so as to cover the gap on the neighboring two light guide plates; and a diffusion member disposed above the light guide unit and the light control member. The light dispersion structure includes a plurality of grooves extending in a direction along the side end face of the light guide plate and having curved wall faces, and emits leakage light from the gap in outgoing light of the light emitting element to a region wider than a region opposed to the gap, in the diffusion member.
US08491141B2	Photoluminescent material containing silver ion The present invention provides a silver ion-containing faujasite type zeolite which is a photoluminescent material that emits a visible light by irradiation of ultraviolet ray.
US08491139B2	Display apparatus A member configured to absorb a predetermined wavelength range for light having an incident angle is located on the first electrode side of a light emitting device and settings are made so that the hue of light emitted in a direction having an angle with respect to the front becomes yellow when the light emitting device emits white light.
US08491138B2	Condensing system of solar light for natural lighting The present invention relates to a solar light condensing system for realization of natural lighting, and more particularly, to a vertical solar light condensing system which is formed on an outer wall of a building using a reflective member and a light condensing member so as to secure large light condensing area and to increase light condensing efficiency.
US08491137B2	Vehicle mirror assembly with wide angle element A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element and an auxiliary wide angle element. The reflective element has a front surface and a rear surface and a first reflector portion and a second reflector portion, with the first reflector portion having a first reflective coating disposed thereat. The auxiliary wide angle element is disposed at a rear surface of the glass mirror substrate of the reflective element and at the second reflector portion. The auxiliary wide angle element has a glass element having a curved rear surface with a second reflective coating disposed at the curved rear surface. An optical coupling element may be disposed between a front surface of the auxiliary wide angle element and the rear surface of the reflective element, the optical coupling element may be a substantially optically clear and flexible elastomer.
US08491131B2	Projector A projector includes a first light source section a second light source section, a light combining section adapted to combine the first light beam and the second light beam, an adjustment device adapted to adjust a light path of the first light beam and a light path of the second light beam, respectively, in two steps, an homogenizing optical system adapted to equalize the first light beam and the second light beam processed by the light combining section, a light modulation section adapted to modulate the light beam from the homogenizing optical system in accordance with image information, and a projection optical system adapted to project an image beam processed by the light modulation section.
US08491123B2	Method and apparatus for determining ocular motor function A method and an apparatus are presented for determining ocular motor function in a patient. The patient is instructed to wear a pair of test glasses comprising a first lens having a first color and a second lens having a second color, where the first color and the second color differ. (N) light-emitting devices disposed in a screen are then activated in seriatim, where the (N) light-emitting devices can emit a light comprising the first color and where (N) is greater than 1. (N) images of the screen are synchronously captured upon receiving a signal from the patient indicating an activated light-emitting device is illuminated by a light comprising the second color. Finally, the (N) images are transformed into an ocular motor functioning map.
US08491122B2	Arrangement for attaining high-precision measurements of an eye A solution for attaining high-precision and reproducible measurements during opthalmological biometry and imaging includes an illumination unit for producing a fixation marker, a device for transmitting the light of the produced fixation marker into the eye, a measurement device and a control unit. The illumination unit includes a device for the targeted change of the beam direction of the produced fixation marker. A camera for the detection of the line of vision of the eye is connected to the control unit. The control unit determines the sufficient congruity between detected line of vision and displayed beam direction of the produced fixation marker and, in dependence of the degree of probability of the congruity, triggers a measurement. The suggested arrangement is applicable for opthalmological diagnostic devices, which exhibit a camera and a measuring system, whereby measurements can be taken in all areas of the eye.
US08491121B2	Pupil scan apparatus An apparatus and method by which an image is projected to pupils of a viewer. Preferably, the image covers only areas occupied by the pupils and tracks the areas occupied by the pupils such as to provide continuous display of the imagery to a viewer. The method is to dynamically control the direction of light into sub-apertures selected by a tracking device. By imaging selectively into the sub-apertures where the pupils are temporally located instead of imaging into a generally large area, the disclosed apparatus is power efficient and exclusive because the projected images are covert. This method is applicable to most biocular displays, for instance, but not limited to “see through” systems, which overlay imagery over real world scenes and where geometrically precise projection is critical. In one embodiment, the pupil scan apparatus is combined with a retinal scan apparatus to provide security. In this manner, only an authorized user of the apparatus can operate it.
US08491117B2	Armless spectacles The present invention describes spectacles of the type that remain securely in place without the need for a frame that has arms, providing the corresponding optical features required in each case and being able to be formed by a single, continuous element in the preferred embodiment thereof, or by a number of pieces, the securing thereof being achieved by means of a system for adaptation to the users anatomy based on the clip effect.
US08491105B2	Production method of piezoelectric element, piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A production method of a piezoelectric element which includes an insulating film, a first electrode provided on the insulating film, a piezoelectric layer that is provided on the first electrode and is made of a composite oxide having a perovskite structure containing lead, zirconium, and titanium, and a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer on the opposite side to the first electrode, includes: forming and patterning the first electrode on the insulating film; forming island-shaped lanthanum nickel oxide portions over the insulating film and the first electrode; and forming a piezoelectric precursor film over the insulating film and the first electrode, and forming the piezoelectric layer having a piezoelectric film that is crystallized by baking the piezoelectric precursor film.
US08491102B2	Droplet-ejecting head, method for manufacturing droplet-ejecting head, and droplet-ejecting apparatus Provided are a droplet-ejecting head having good displacement and a droplet-ejecting apparatus. The droplet-ejecting head includes a pressure chamber; a piezoelectric element which includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the piezoelectric layer being made of a lead zirconate titanate; and a nozzle plate having a nozzle orifice communicating with the pressure chamber. The first electrode includes at least one lanthanum nickelate layer which is located on the piezoelectric layer side. The piezoelectric layer has a distribution in which the concentration of lanthanum and nickel decrease from the interface between the lanthanum nickelate layer and the piezoelectric layer toward the second electrode. Lanthanum is locally distributed in the piezoelectric layer. Nickel is globally distributed in the piezoelectric layer so as to have a plurality of peaks. At least one of the peaks is split.
US08491101B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element comprising a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer which contains lead, zirconium, and titanium, and which is formed above the first electrode, and a second electrode formed above the piezoelectric layer. A groove which exists between grains in the second electrode side surface of the piezoelectric layer, satisfies 0≦d/ρ≦0.900 (where d: depth of groove, w: width of groove, ρ: radius of curvature (d2+w2/4)/2d).
US08491098B2	Thermal bend actuator with conduction pad at bend region A thermal bend actuator includes: a first active cantilever beam for connection to drive circuitry, the first beam having a bent planar beam element; a second passive cantilever beam fused to the first beam; a conduction pad sandwiched between the first and second beams; and first and second adjacent electrode contacts positioned at one side of the actuator. A first end of the beam element is connected to the first contact and a second end of the beam element is connected to the second contact. The conduction pad is positioned at a bend region of the planar beam element so as to facilitate electrical conduction around the bend region.
US08491096B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head unit, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method of manufacturing liquid ejecting head A liquid ejecting head includes: a head main body including a nozzle opening that ejects a liquid; and a fixed plate fixed to a liquid ejecting surface of the head main body, and including an exposure opening, the nozzle opening of the head main body being formed in the liquid ejecting surface of the head main body, the nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting surface being exposed to the exposure opening. A positioning hole open to the liquid ejecting surface and positioned with respect to the nozzle opening is provided in the head main body. The fixed plate is fixed to the liquid ejecting surface so as to close the positioning hole. The fixed plate includes an extension portion protruding from the liquid ejecting surface. At least two head positioning holes are provided in the extension portion.
US08491089B2	Liquid-droplet jetting apparatus A liquid-droplet jetting apparatus which jets a liquid droplet of a liquid, includes: a liquid-droplet jetting head which has a nozzle for jetting the liquid droplet of the liquid; a maintenance mechanism which includes: a suction cap which comes into contact with and separates from the liquid-droplet jetting head and which faces the nozzle; a suction pump which sucks a fluid in a space defined by the suction cap and the liquid-droplet jetting head in a state that the suction cap comes into contact with the liquid-droplet jetting head; and a discharge tube which is connected to the suction pump and discharges the fluid flowing through the suction pump; and a maintenance controller which controls the maintenance mechanism.
US08491088B2	Maintenance apparatus, liquid ejecting apparatus, and maintenance method A maintenance apparatus that removes bubbles from a nozzle is provided in a printer that includes a recording head having a nozzle capable of ejecting ink from a nozzle opening formed in a nozzle formation surface. The maintenance apparatus includes: a pressurizing pump that pressurizes the ink in the nozzle in a direction in which the ink is discharged from the nozzle opening; and a contact member having an upper surface that makes contact with the nozzle formation surface so as to cover the nozzle opening, and that has, formed therein, a flow channel whose pressure loss is greater than that of the nozzle and that allows air to pass through from the side of the upper surface. The ink within the nozzle is pressurized by the pressurizing pump in a state in which the contact member is in contact with the nozzle formation surface.
US08491087B2	Circuit board for ink jet head, ink jet head having the same, method for cleaning the head and ink jet printing apparatus using the head In an ink jet head using a thermal energy for ejecting ink, this invention aims to reliably and uniformly remove kogations deposited on a heat application portion in contact with the ink. To realize this objective, the upper protective layer is arranged in an area including the heat application portion so that it can be electrically connected to serve as an electrode which causes an electrochemical reaction with the ink. The upper protective layer is formed of a material containing a metal which is dissolved by the electrochemical reaction and which does not form, on heating, an oxide film which hinders the dissolution. With this arrangement, a reliable electrochemical reaction can be produced to dissolve a surface layer of the upper protective layer, thereby removing kogations on the heat application portion reliably and uniformly.
US08491086B2	Hard imaging devices and hard imaging method Hard imaging devices and methods are described. According to one arrangement, a hard imaging device includes a media transport system configured to move media along a media path and a print device adjacent to the media path and configured to eject a plurality of droplets of a liquid marking agent in a direction towards the media moving along the media path to form hard images using the media. The ejection of the droplets of the liquid marking agent by the print device creates satellites of the liquid marking agent suspended in air in a region adjacent to the print device and the media. The device also includes a satellite removal system in one arrangement to remove the satellites from the air in the region adjacent to the print device and the media.
US08491085B2	Image forming apparatus Disclosed is an image forming apparatus that includes plural recording heads that eject liquid droplets and plural maintenance units that correspond to the plural recording heads. The plural maintenance units are capable of separately moving between opposed positions opposed to the plural recording heads and retracted positions not opposed to the plural recording heads, and the plural maintenance units are retracted into the retracted positions in postures different from postures at the opposed positions.
US08491084B2	Ink jet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus efficiently recovers defective discharge while reducing the amount of waste ink, acquires position information of a defective discharge nozzle and, based on the position information, determines whether the defective discharge has been caused by a bubble or a dust particle, and selects an ink circulation mode or a wiping mode.
US08491077B2	Printing device and printing method A printing device includes one or more engines that are attachable to and detachable from the printing device and print an image on a recording medium. Each engine includes a plurality of head modules each having a plurality of heads that eject ink, one or more data transfer control units that control an image data, pixel by pixel, the image data being subjected to print and being transferred from an upper level device, and an output control unit that requests the data transfer control unit to transfer the image data in a pixel order in accordance with an ink ejection order determined by the engine mounted on the printing device, transfers the image data having been transferred in the pixel order to the head module, in the same pixel order, that is subjected to eject ink, and make the head module eject the ink onto the recording medium.
US08491071B2	Droplet discharge device, method for discharging droplets, and method for manufacturing color filter A droplet discharge device includes a droplet discharge head, a feed reel, a drying chamber, a drying-gas-introducing device, a take-up reel, an imaging device, an analyzing unit and a control unit. The imaging device captures an image of functional liquid discharged from nozzles of the droplet discharge head onto a sheet member between the feed reel and the take-up reel with the sheet member having been dried in the drying chamber filled with a drying gas to achieve a predetermined humidity. The analyzing unit measures an area over which the functional liquid is deposited on the sheet member from each of the nozzles, and calculates a distribution of a discharge amount of the functional liquid. The control unit adjusts a voltage applied to the drive elements so that the discharge amount of the functional liquid from each of the nozzles approximates a predetermined optimum amount.
US08491066B2	Computer case A computer case includes a housing, a first dust screen and a second dust screen. The housing defines two openings at opposite ends of the housing. The first dust screen and the second dust screen each include a piece of nonwoven fabric and a bracket, and are respectively covered on the two openings. The nonwoven fabric is covered on the bracket. The bracket includes a rim and a plurality of reinforcement ribs connected to an inner side surface of the rim.
US08491056B2	Cushion A six-sided box-type cushion is described that has characteristics that not only offer targeted support for the user, but also allow the cushion to be reversible in that the user's perceived firmness is the same no matter which seating surface is facing up. In particular, the cushion has a first, second, third, and fourth faces, and a first and second seating surface. The cushion comprises a plurality of substantially coplanar firmness zones, each zone having a uniform firmness throughout, and the positioning of the firmness zones relative to each other creates a firmness gradient from the first face end to the second face end of the cushion. The first firmness zone at the first face end of the cushion is the most firm, the third firmness zone at the second face end of the cushion is the least firm, and the second one or more firmness zones are of intermediate firmness. The cushion is at least partially enveloped by a cushion cover layer, and may additionally include a seating surface cover layer on each of the first and second seating surfaces.
US08491055B2	Cycle armrest An armrest for a motorcycle passenger, which permits one or both armrests to swing out to a side thereby accommodating a boarding passenger. Optionally, the armrests can be pivoted to rearward-facing orientation in order to form a rack behind a sissy bar of a motorcycle.
US08491053B2	Cocoon hunting hammock A camouflage hunting blind system comprising a hanger with a distal and a proximate end, the proximate end of the hanger comprises an S-hook for suspending a hammock chair which is then cloaked within a camouflaged covering. The distal end of the hanger is positioned against tree with the proximate end pointing upward and away from the tree at a 45 degree angle wherein both ends are secured using a tether. The camouflage hunting blind system is positioned so a user's feet may touch the ground to rotate hammock chair for (through) 360 degrees of view. The hammock chair may be reversible, having a first side with natural (nature camouflage) colorings and a second side with hunter orange or other suitable coloring (dark or other.) Camouflage hunting blind system may have a camouflage coloring on the outside and a dark coloring on the inside, and weigh less that 10 lbs, and sets up in a very short time. Camouflaged covering encapsulates hammock chair, concealing scent and providing warmth for its user(s).
US08491046B2	Vehicle side body structure A center pillar section formed of a high-tensile steel plate is fixed to a side panel frame section including a roof rail section formed of an ordinary-tensile steel plate. A reinforcing member formed of a high-tensile steel plate is provided inside the roof rail section, and the center pillar section is fixed at its upper end portion to the outer surface of the reinforcing member and at its lower end portion to the side sill section. A door beam provided within a front door overlaps the center pillar section and lower portion of a front pillar section. Front and rear end portions of the door beam are opposed to respective increased-width portions of the front pillar section and center pillar section.
US08491045B2	Vehicle body side structure A vehicle body side structure includes an outer side panel and an inner side panel. The outer side panel has an outer window area and a window sash formed adjacent to and surrounding the outer window area. The outer window area includes a removable portion that spans the outer window area. The inner side panel has an inner window area and an attachment flange formed adjacent to and surrounding the inner window area. The attachment flange is rigidly attached to the window sash along a connection area to prevent movement of the inner side panel relative to the outer side panel. The removable portion of the outer window area is located adjacent to the connection area.
US08491043B2	Vehicle body structure Disclosed is a vehicle body structure provided with an attachment structure of a front fender and a side cowl top. The front fender (15) is provided with a first attachment bearing surface (123) that is formed at the end of a terminal flange (122) formed on the side of the side cowl top, and that is formed along the direction that the terminal flange (122) extends; and a second attachment bearing surface (124) formed so as to be perpendicular to the direction that the terminal flange (122) extends. The side cowl top (28) is provided with a plurality of hooking sections (143-145) that engage the terminal flange (122); a first interlocking section (147) that engages the first attachment bearing surface (123); and a second interlocking section (148) that engages the second attachment bearing surface (124).
US08491042B2	Energy-absorbing cowl structure An energy-absorbing cowl structure for a vehicle is provided. The structure includes a first portion and a curved second portion extending from the first portion. A length of the first portion varies along a dimension of the cowl structure.
US08491041B2	Vehicle with cabin A vehicle with a cabin comprises a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; an elastic member for supporting the cabin, disposed between the cabin and the cabin bracket; and a weight member attached to a plate-shaped member of the cabin.
US08491040B2	Passenger car with a transverse element that is associated with a vehicle seat A passenger car with a transverse element that is associated with a vehicle seat and that has a non-deformable center region and deformable outer regions, is supported on respective ends thereof on associated body regions in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The transverse element is supported on respective ends thereof on associated side skirts. The vehicle seat is arranged in a vehicle center and is movable along with the center region following a crash-induced length reduction of an outer region facing a side impact force which causes a length reduction of the outer region facing away from the side impact force.
US08491039B2	Vehicular rear impact sensor mounting structure A vehicular rear impact sensor mounting structure includes a pair of rear side members which are parallel to one another in a vehicle width direction; a rear bumper reinforcement that is connected to rear end portions of the rear side members; a lower back panel that is fitted to the rear side members at a predetermined distance from the rear bumper reinforcement, and that is forward of the rear bumper reinforcement in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A rear impact sensor for detecting a rear, impact to a vehicle is provided on the inside surface of the lower back panel.
US08491032B1	Retractable tarp system with automated closing mechanism A retractable tarp system having automated closing mechanisms used in conjunction with the front and rear of a truck or vehicle-pulled trailer. The automated system of closing the tarping system may include air cylinders, hydraulics or electric motor with closing mechanisms for the dual closing system. The rear system may include linear actuators on each side adapted to pull a cable with a distal hook that may selectively engage the tarp structure. For redundancy, the front system may be air-operated while the rear system is electric. The truck driver operates a switch or button to open and close the closing mechanisms of the retractable tarp system, and may connect and disconnect a hook on a rear closing mechanism that pulls the tarp tightly closed.
US08491030B2	Combination trailer A combination trailer is provided that includes a rear self-discharge trailer having a bottom surface, a front portion, a back portion, and two opposing side panels. The side panels of the combination trailer have a height that is less than the height of the front portion. An enclosure system is also included in the combination trailer and selectively covers an open top of the rear self-discharge trailer. One or more one locking pin assemblies are also included in the combination trailer and are attached to at least one of the side panels of the rear self-discharge trailer such that the locking pin assemblies can be used to secure the enclosure system in a desired position.
US08491028B2	Console sliding lid locator Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicle storage compartments having closure panel assemblies that can comprise a first lid portion having a first lid surface on which a locating channel having opposing side walls is formed and a second lid portion on which first and second locating projections are formed. At least a portion of each of the first and second locating projections is received within the locating channel when the first and second lid portions are engaged. One of the first and second lid portions is moveable relative the other of the first and second lid portions between extended and retracted positions. The first and second locating projections are spaced apart in a direction of travel of the one of the first and second lid portions. The locating channel includes first and second reduced-width sections that contact the first and second locating projections, respectively, in the retracted position.
US08491027B2	Releasable handle for use with tarpaulins and other flexible sheet materials The invention provides a removable device for securing and handling tarpaulins and other flexible sheet materials. The device can be attached to the tarpaulin anywhere along its edge but it is most conveniently employed at one or more available grommets. The device includes a base member a closure member and a hinge positioned there between to move the closure member from open to closed positions to secure the device to the tarpaulin. The base member includes a integral handle region for ease of carrying and securing the contents of the tarpaulin.
US08491025B2	Magnet controller for controlling a lifting magnet A method for operating an electric crane, comprises the steps of activating a magnet controller to cause a current to flow through a magnet for creating a magnetic field about the magnet for securing a load to the magnet, receiving a feedback input value at a logic controller from a device associated with the electric crane, in response to the received feedback input value at the logic controller, receiving a command value at the magnet controller from the logic controller, and in response to the received command value at the magnet controller, modifying the current flow from the magnet controller to the magnet to change the magnetic field about the magnet. A system is also disclosed.
US08491023B2	Door lock assembly A lock assembly for use with a latch movable from an extended position to a retracted position, and the lock assembly includes an interior assembly and an exterior assembly. The interior assembly includes an interior handle manually movable to retract the latch and a locking member manually operable such that the locking member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior handle manually operable to retract the latch when the locking member is in the unlocked position and inoperable to retract the latch when the locking member is in the locked position. The exterior assembly further includes a biasing member that biases the locking member toward the unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, movement of the interior handle to retract the latch causes the biasing member to move the locking member to the unlocked position.
US08491021B2	Apparatus for opening a door of a climatic test cabinet, an incubator, an environmental simulation chamber or a freezer or the like An apparatus for opening a door of a climatic test cabinet, an incubator, an environmental simulation chamber or a freezer is suitable for unlocking the door when the door is closed and locked and for transferring it to an open position. The force for opening the door need no longer be applied by the user himself operating lever mechanisms and transferring the door to an open position, but instead the force for opening the door may be applied by the apparatus.
US08491020B2	Tongue latch with protection A tongue latch with a protection comprising a metal part folded to form a first longitudinal extension and a second longitudinal extension, the longitudinal extension terminates with a circular form having a squared hole, wherein the second extension has a lowered edge with special cuttings to lock the protection is provided. The protection comprises a hollow part made from a plastic material with low coefficient of friction and a mouthpiece with thin walls to better adjust to the dimensions of the tongue.
US08491017B2	Fitting structure including a pair of connection pipes and a clamp ring An engagement section of a holder is engaged with a metal gasket, the gasket is received in a tubular section, and the tubular section is fitted in a step of a connection pipe. Another connection pipe is placed close to and facing the connection pipe that holds the gasket through the holder, and a center ring is installed surrounding the outer peripheries of the flanges. While a trapezoidal section having slopes which define both sides is inserted into a groove, center ring segments are closed to form a ring shape. A bolt which penetrates through a cutout of a segment is screwed into a threaded hole of the segment. The screwing of the bolt causes the amount of insertion of the trapezoidal section, which has slopes which define both sides, into the groove to be increased. As a result, the distance between flanges is reduced and the contact pressure of projections against both sides of the gasket is increased.
US08491014B2	End connector of a corrugated tube, produced by co-moulding An end connector of a corrugated tube made of plastic material has a tubular elastomeric body produced by co-molding onto an end of the corrugated tube. The elastomeric body includes a connection portion arranged outside the corrugated tube and shaped for connection to an external component, and by an anchorage portion arranged inside the corrugated tube so as to fill grooves of the corrugated wall. A tubular insert which is made of plastic material and is partially incorporated in the elastomeric body and has a stem portion extending inside the corrugated tube and a flange portion which is in abutment with the end of the corrugated tube. The stem portion includes an anchorage zone provided with lateral ducts, in the region of the anchorage zone the stem portion of the insert is attached to the corrugated tube by the anchorage portion of the elastomeric body.
US08491012B2	Quick-connect fluid coupling A tube coupling including a body having a bore and an open end, a slidably movable jaw ring received in the bore, a bushing fitted into the body open end having a surface facing the movable jaw and defining a stationary jaw, and a resiliently expandable grab ring disposed in the bore between the movable and stationary jaw. With a tube end being inserted into the bore and through the grab ring, and with the tube being grabbed by the grab ring to retain the tube end in the bore, the movable jaw is responsive to fluid pressure received within the tube to slidably move towards the stationary jaw face such that a portion of the grab ring is clamped therebetween.
US08491009B2	Anti-theft system for a camper The present invention relates to an anti-theft system for a camper. The camper is supported at its front end by a pair of spaced-apart jacks. The system includes a barrier having a first end operatively connecting to a first one of the jacks and a second end opposite thereof. The second end of the barrier operatively connects to a second one of the jacks. The barrier extends in a horizontal direction and is positioned and configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from passing underneath the camper and mounting of the camper onto the vehicle.
US08490997B2	Adjustable supporter for fastening to a hub axle A supporter fastening to a hub axle of bicycle for supporting a fender or light is disclosed. The supporter includes a mount, two clipping pieces, a bolt and a connecting rod. The mount has a fixing hole for being penetrated by the hub axle and a first long hole for being penetrated by a screw to fasten to a rear fork end of the bicycle. The two clipping pieces are separately located on two opposite sides of the mount. The bolt is formed with a ring and a threaded rod. The bolt penetrates through the clipping pieces and the mount to fasten. One end of the connecting rod penetrates through and is fastened in the ring. The connecting rod is capable of being rotated at a desired angle by axially rotating the bolt.
US08490994B2	Wheelchair frame and wheelchair with cross-brace A wheelchair frame includes left and right first frame members, each having a first leg for supporting a seat. The first legs are arranged on opposite sides of a central axis of the wheelchair. At least one cross-brace is connected, by the ends, to the first legs of the left and right frame members. The cross-brace has a non-circular cross-section along a section between the ends. The wheelchair frame includes left and right second frame members that are pivotally connected to the left and right first frame members. The second frame members are foldable and may be fixed in a position in that is generally parallel to the first legs of the left and right first frame members. A cross-brace is connected, by the ends, to the left and right second frame members. The cross-brace has a non-circular cross-section along a section between the ends.
US08490993B2	Self-tracking cart A self-tracking cart is provided and includes a body defining an enclosure into and from which a secondary cart is receivable and removable, selectively rotatable first and second hitch assemblies, first and second motive elements, first and second steering assemblies to turn the first and second motive elements in opposite directions responsive to rotations of the first and second hitch assemblies and a linkage, which is coupled to the first and second hitch assemblies to cause the first and second hitch assemblies to rotate jointly in opposing directions, the linkage being disposed for non-interference with the secondary cart during reception and removal thereof into and from the enclosure.
US08490988B2	Lower structure of automotive vehicle A suspension cross member comprises a middle-portion attaching member which extends upwardly from a suspension cross member body, and a pipe-shaped attaching member which is supported at a support portion provided at an upper portion of the middle-portion attaching member. A side portion, in a vehicle width direction, a front portion and a rear portion, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of a side face portion of the attaching member are supported at the support portion. A lower portion of the attaching member is supported at the support portion with a specified support rigidity, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, which is lower than that of the supporting of the side portion, the front portion or the rear portion of the side face portion of the attaching member.
US08490987B2	Stabilizer bar There is provided a stabilizer bar in which through holes are not positionally offset even if the attachment portions are bent after the through holes are formed therein.A stabilizer bar is composed of a steel pipe material bent to an approximate U-shape and has attachment portions formed by deforming the free ends of the steel material in a flat plate shape. Through holes are formed in the attachment portions to fix them to a vehicle body, and each of the attachment portions has a cross section configured as a three-layer structure that is partitioned by first and second overlapping surfaces of a folded hollow portion. That is, the three-layered structure is composed of an upper layer portion positioned on the first overlapping surfaces, an intermediate layer portion positioned between the first and second overlapping surfaces, and a lower layer portion positioned under the first overlapping surfaces. Here, the first and second overlapping surfaces are disposed such that the cross section thereof is formed in an X-shape.
US08490983B2	Wheel suspension for a motor vehicle A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a support element on the wheel-side rotatably mounting a vehicle wheel and a carrier element on the axle-side, wherein the carrier element on the wheel-side can be adjusted for setting a toe and/or camber angle relative to the support element on the axle-side, wherein the carrier elements on the axle-side and on the wheel-side are coupled to a universal joint in which webs of the carrier elements on the wheel-side and on the axle-side are articulated on a gimbal ring element by means of bearing points. The webs of the support elements are articulated on the gimbal ring element at the bearing points by means of ball joints.
US08490977B2	Game broker In some embodiments, a broker pools funds from multiple clients and uses the funds to place bets in casinos.
US08490976B2	Double-sided jigsaw puzzle and method of making the same A double-sided transparent plastic tessellated jigsaw puzzle and a method of making the same are disclosed. The puzzle is formed of a pair of clear acrylic sheets having a thickness of about 0.060 inches. Images are subsurface printed on one side of each sheet and the sheets are laminated together with a pressure-sensitive adhesive with the images in confronting relation. The laminated sheet is laser cut to form a puzzle that has a plurality of tessellations. The tessellations or sets of tessellations are formed as identically shaped pieces that can be located in the puzzle in several different ways.
US08490969B2	Conveyance device and image forming apparatus A conveyance device includes: a rotary member that rotates; a driven member that rotates in accordance with the rotary member and conveys a conveyed material while holding the conveyed material between the driven member and the rotary member; a guide part provided on an upstream side from a rotary shaft of the driven member in a conveyance direction of the conveyed material, that guides the driven member toward the rotary member; and a support member that brings the rotary shaft of the driven member into contact with the guide part, and along with the guide part, supports the rotary shaft.
US08490968B2	Image forming apparatus with conveyance interval adjustment for recording paper When a trailing edge detection sensor is affected by toner, dust, etc. adhered on an optical path thereof or when the sensor fails, malfunction of the apparatus is prevented from happening by measuring the size of a record material only with a unit for detecting a leading edge. The image forming apparatus has a unit for leading edge detection adapted to detect the leading edge of the record material and a unit for trailing edge detection adapted to detect the trailing edge of the record material, and is configured to, when the unit for trailing edge detection falls in detection capability or fails, form an image and measure the size of the record material only with the unit for leading edge detection.
US08490960B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a conveying path forming member that forms a sheet conveying path having a curved portion through which a front edge of the sheet passes, a sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheet along the sheet conveying path, a sheet folding unit that folds the sheet along the folding line in the sheet conveying path, and then conveys the sheet toward a discharge direction with the folding line discharged first as a front edge, and a sheet position defining unit that defines a position of the front edge of the sheet in the curved portion of the sheet conveying path so that a target position of the folding line on the sheet coincides with a folding position of the sheet folding unit. The sheet position defining unit can adjust an inclination of the front edge of the sheet.
US08490957B2	Creasing apparatus and image forming system A creasing apparatus that performs a creasing process on a sheet, the creasing apparatus including a first conveying path on which a creasing unit is located, the creasing unit performing a creasing process on a sheet conveyed therein; a second conveying path that conveys a sheet conveyed therein to a downstream side without any process being performed on the sheet; and a control unit that, while the first conveying path conveys a sheet so that the creasing unit performs the creasing process on the sheet, causes a subsequent sheet to be conveyed to the downstream side from the second conveying path.
US08490956B2	Fixture for compressor stator chord restoration repair A fixture assembly for retaining a workpiece during a coining process includes a mounting block. The workpiece includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and feet extending from the platform opposite the airfoil portion configured to engage a retention slot in a gas turbine engine, each foot defining a substantially arcuate engagement surface. The mounting block includes a first portion having a slot defined therein between opposite first and second lateral edges and having an exposed front face, first and second retaining structures positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral edges, respectively. Each of the first and second retaining structures overhangs the slot and defines an engagement surface facing the slot, such that during engagement of the workpiece the substantially arcuate engagement surfaces of the feet contact the engagement surfaces of the first and second retaining structures to provide a pivotable engagement.
US08490947B2	Presettable gas valve with retainer A presettable gas valve is disclosed herein. The gas valve may have a maximum gas flow that can be adjusted to the particular requirements of the fireplace in which the gas valve is used. By way of example and not limitation, for real biomass/fuel burning fireplaces, the gas valve may be opened to its maximum level with a quarter turn of a handle. In contrast, for fake fireplaces, which require more gas flow compared to real fireplaces, the gas valve may be opened to its maximum level with a half turn of the handle. The maximum gas flow through the gas valve may be set during installation such that the user does not need to manually determine the appropriate amount of gas during use.
US08490945B2	Valve sealing arrangements and methods A valve includes a valve body, a valve element to selectively control flow through the valve, and a seal member and seat member together providing a fluid-tight seal between a valve cavity and a fluid passage in the valve body. A live-loaded biasing member is adapted to apply a live-loaded sealing force to the seat member to bias the seat member toward sealing engagement with the valve element. When the pressure in the fluid passage exceeds the pressure in the valve cavity, an unbalanced passage pressure load biases the seat member toward sealing engagement with the valve element. When the pressure in the valve cavity exceeds the pressure in the fluid passage, an unbalanced cavity pressure load biases the seat member toward sealing engagement with the valve element. The live-loaded sealing force is in parallel with each of the unbalanced passage pressure load and the unbalanced cavity pressure load.
US08490942B1	Apparatus and methods for securing a musical instrument Apparatus and methods for securely storing a musical instrument. A support member supports the musical instrument at first portion of the musical instrument, the first portion is proximal to a base of the musical instrument. A grip member secures the musical instrument at a second portion of the musical instrument, the second portion is distal from the base of the musical instrument, the securing comprises the grip member changing from an opened position to a closed position in response to the musical instrument being placed onto the support member.
US08490938B2	In-ceiling, in-wall one button installer An installer is installed in a hole in a ceiling or a wall and includes a speaker frame and two connective units. The speaker frame may fix down a speaker and has a circumferential edge. The two connective units are provided on the speaker frame and either connective unit has a connective flexible strip, which may contract or expand laterally by moving in the longitudinal direction. First, as the two connective flexible strips contract inwardly in the radial direction, the speaker may be allowed to pass and then be placed in the hole. Then, as the two connective flexible strips expand outwardly in the radial direction, the diameter formed by the two connective units is larger than that of the hole. Now, the outer layer of a wall or a ceiling is sandwiched in between the circumferential edge and the two connective flexible strips.
US08490937B2	Mount system for handheld electrical device A cradle for a handheld electrical device comprises a base constructed to support the device such that the device can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least one arm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to the base and the device. An actuator moves the arm between a release position wherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm engages and holds the device in the cradle. The cradle is adapted for attachment to an object in a first orientation on a right-hand side of the object and in a second orientation on a left-hand side of the object. The cradle is arranged to hold the device in an upright position in both orientations.
US08490929B2	Beam clamp connector A universal beam clamp connector accommodates either a fixed attachment or a swivel attachment of a threaded rod to a support beam clamp. The beam clamp connector includes a connector portion and a threaded rod extender. A threaded rod extender has a cylindrical shape and an exterior surface with threading thereon. The connector portion includes a topside, a tool engaging portion and a central body extending therebetween. The threaded rod extender protrudes from the top side and the tool engaging portion protrudes from the central body. The central body includes an opening therethrough. The opening is defined by a top inner surface, a bottom inner surface and two opposing side inner surfaces. A nut is used to secure a threaded rod of a device to the beam clamp connector.
US08490928B2	Grommet A grommet is disclosed which couples with a component under a hood of an automobile. The grommet has an insertion end with four wipers, a body, and a retaining loop opposite the insertion end. The wipers are generally triangular in cross-section with a distal tip of the triangle sweeping toward the body so that when the grommet couples with an orifice in the component by pressing the insertion end into the orifice, the wipers deform, but resist insertion. Due to the angle of the wipers, the wipers resist decoupling of the grommet from the component. The retaining loop defines an opening through which a tube, pipe, and/or wires are placed and secured with a bolt that engages threads of a bolt hole in the body.
US08490927B2	Support assembly A support assembly (1) for guiding a flap (42) on an aircraft wing (41) during deployment of the flap is disclosed. The assembly comprises a guide track (2) defining a two-dimensional path, a cylindrical bearing follower (12) having a longitudinal axis constrained so as to follow said path during flap deployment, a shaft (23) extending from the bearing follower and, a spherical bearing coupling an end of the shaft to the bearing follower such that the bearing follower is rotatable relative to the shaft about the longitudinal axis of the bearing follower as it travels along the track. The spherical bearing also enabling rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis relative to the bearing follower and rotation of the shaft about a center point of the spherical bearing such that the flap is fret to move in multiple directions.
US08490926B2	Multi-stage flow control actuation Concepts and technologies described herein provide for the creation of an actuating fluid flow utilizing a multi-stage actuator. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a fluid actuation system includes at least two stages, each stage having a plenum and one or two diaphragms acting on the plenum to create an actuating fluid flow. The diaphragms of each stage may be substantially aligned along an axis. The actuating flow is aggregated between stages and expelled into a fluid flow to be controlled. According to various aspects, the diaphragms may include piezoelectric discs.
US08490911B2	Method of winding sheets with preapplied seam tape Provided is a method of rolling two single-ply membrane sheets having seam tape applied along one edge, for easy transport. The method comprises placing a first sheet on top of a second sheet, with the seam tape edge of each of said sheets being at the same end. The sheets are placed so that the seam tape of the first sheet does not overlay the seam tape of the other sheet. The two sheets can then be easily and quickly rolled for transport to a job site.
US08490907B2	Fishing reel A fishing reel can include a reel frame and a spool shaft extending through the reel frame and rotatably supported about the reel frame. A crankable handle can be mechanically coupled to the spool shaft such that a rotation of the handle causes a rotation of the spool shaft. A non-rotating pivotable bail can be coupled to the reel frame. A spool can be mechanically coupled to the spool shaft and configured to rotate with the rotation of the spool shaft relative to the bail.
US08490905B2	Horizontal shaft impact crusher A horizontal shaft impact crusher includes a crusher housing having an inlet for material to be crushed and an outlet for material that has been crushed. An impeller is mounted in the crusher housing for rotation about a horizontal axis. A curtain disposed in the crusher housing is arranged so material accelerated by the impeller is crushed thereagainst. An adjustment device, which adjusts the position of the curtain relative to the impeller, is slidable connected to guide rods. The adjustment device includes a locking device positionable selectively in either a holding state in which the locking device is de-energized and arranged to apply a holding force for holding the adjustment device in a crusher operation position relative to the guide rods, or an adjustment state in which the locking device is energized and arranged to release the holding force, thereby enabling displacement of the adjustment device relative to the guide rods.
US08490904B2	System and method for recovering minerals One aspect is a method of recovering minerals. The method includes heating aggregated minerals with microwave energy. The aggregated minerals consists of at least a first and a second mineral bound together, the first and second minerals each having different differential thermal expansion rates such that fractures occur between the minerals of the aggregated minerals. The fractured minerals are subjected to microwave heating to induce fractures between and separation of the at least first and second minerals, and also to ultrasound energy causing further size reduction. The fractured and size-reduced minerals are heated with microwave energy. The fractured and size-reduced minerals consist of metal-containing materials, such that metal-containing materials are heated to at least the melting temperature of one of the metals in the metal-containing materials.
US08490902B2	Method of detecting the absence of coffee beans in a coffee grinder of a coffee machine and coffee maker for performing the method In order to detect a lack of coffee beans in a grinder unit of a coffee maker, a method is suggested in which the level and/or the spectrum of an oscillation generated by the grinder unit during its operation is measured. The level of the oscillation and/or the nature of the spectrum are used to decide whether or not coffee beans are present in the grinder unit. Preferably, the level of oscillation of the housing of the coffee grinder unit is monitored. If the level changes by more than a preset value and/or falls below a reference value, it is decided that coffee beans are lacking.
US08490898B2	Spray electrode An electrostatic spraying device comprises a capillary spray electrode having a spraying end, a reference electrode, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the spray electrode. In use, the electrodes are connected across a generator in order to establish an electric field between the electrodes and cause fluid in the reservoir to be sprayed from the spray electrode. The spray electrode has a focus that defines a point at which the electric field is focussed on the spraying end.
US08490895B2	Showerhead for emergency fixture An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid in an emergency fixture includes a body; and a control element at least partially located in the body and configured to impart rotation into the fluid flow. The control element includes a first substantially cylindrical member defining a first outlet portion, the first outlet portion configured to guide a first portion of the fluid flow out of the control element as an axial flow; a second substantially cylindrical member coupled to the first member; and a plurality of radially extending members extending between the first member and the second member, each of the plurality of members comprising a deflection surface angled relative to a second portion of flow and configured to cause rotation of the second portion of flow.
US08490893B2	Pump-less toner dispenser Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and value assembly including: a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open; an air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly and a second regulated air supply coupled to the toner container; and a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.
US08490887B2	Railroad rail having thermal insulation below the railhead either coated in the field or at the rail production facility A railroad rail having superior thermal expansion characteristics. Such railroad rail comprising a rail having a predetermined weight and a predetermined length and a ceramic based insulating type paint having a predetermined capability of resisting heat buildup in such rail adhered to predetermined areas of such rail.
US08490886B2	Modulating boiler system A modulating boiler system for heating a structure including a controller, a boiler operatively connected to the controller, and a thermostat operatively connected to the controller and boiler. The controller assesses a level of thermostat activity over a predetermined measuring period and adjusts the boiler in response to the level of activity to increase the boiler's efficiency.
US08490881B2	Apparatuses and methods relating to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags An apparatus comprising: an assembly of components; a battery that is not part of the assembly of components and is configured for assembly by a user of the apparatus with the assembly of components; and a radio frequency identification tag arranged to have operational characteristics automatically dependent upon whether the battery is assembled with the assembly of components, wherein the apparatus has a first configuration in which the battery is not assembled with the assembly of components and the radio frequency identification tag is fully operational and the apparatus has a second configuration in which the battery is assembled with the assembly of components and the radio frequency identification tag is not fully operational.
US08490878B2	Portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization and related methods A portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization may include a portable housing, a display carried by the housing, an order entry input device carried by the housing, a transaction card input device carried by the housing for reading user sensitive information from a transaction card, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and connected to the display, order entry input device, transaction card input device and wireless transceiver. The processor may be for wirelessly sending input order information, and encrypting and wirelessly sending the user sensitive information from the transaction card without storing and without displaying. The processor may also be for wirelessly receiving and displaying payment authorization information based upon real time authorization from a transaction card issuing entity.
US08490876B2	Method and apparatus for testing the performance of radio frequency identification system An apparatus for testing the performance of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, comprising: a drive motor, that is driven according to a preset speed; a turntable, that is fixed on to a plane of drive motor, said turntable including a gadget to fasten the label, the gadget makes the under-test label perpendicular to the plane and rotates with the turntable; a reader antenna, that is set to a fixed position around the turntable and connected to the under-test reader, wherein direction of main lobe axes of the reader antenna and direction of the main lobe axes of antenna built in the under-test label are in the same plane. The present invention utilizes circular motion in the lab to simulate rectilinear motion in the practical application. The present invention reduces the volume of RFID test device and the space in the lab, and improves the flexibility of the test.
US08490875B2	Universal credit card apparatus and method The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.
US08490873B2	Vending machine for selected blends of perfumes A vending machine for dispensing a selected blend of perfumes in response to the deposit of a pre-selected sum of money includes a plurality of containers and a plurality of distinctive scents with one of the scents disposed in each of the containers. A mechanism for selecting one or more of the scents and an amount of one or more of the scents is provided. Further, the vending machine includes a mechanism for blending the selected scents in the selected percentages and providing a sample to a perspective customer. Further, the mechanism includes a slot receiving payment for a quantity of the selected blend together with a delivery process for providing a bottle of the selected perfume to the customer.
US08490872B2	Light-powered smart card for on-line transaction processing In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a light-powered smart card and associated methods for automated information (static and dynamic) exchange pursuant to a commercial transaction. In a typical embodiment, the card (e.g., a credit card, a debit card and/or a smart card) comprises (among other things) an energy component for providing power to the card. Upon powering up via a light source, including light from the interfacing terminal's backlight, a terminal (e.g., a point of sale terminal) will scan/read card information shared between the card and the card company (e.g., upon swiping or placing of the card), and generate a corresponding source validation code (SVC). An optional imager/image array positioned on the back of the card will scan/read the SVC, and card validation code (CVC) logic on the card will generate a CVC based on the SVC (e.g., based on a validation result of the SVC).
US08490871B1	Method and system for product restocking using machine-readable codes The present disclosure provides a number of systems and associated processes for using machine-readable codes to perform a transaction. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for consolidating and replacing various forms of payment (e.g. credit cards, debit cards, and cash) with a single payment system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for reordering a product provided by a product provider. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for accepting a gift, or gift transaction, associated with a gift card. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for performing an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transaction using a machine-readable code.
US08490862B1	Transformation system for nutritional substances Disclosed herein is a transformation system for at least one component of a single or multi-component nutritional substance. The transformation system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be transformed, the desired transformation, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the transformed nutritional substance, and dynamically modifies the transformation in response to this information.
US08490861B1	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 a matrix barcode embedded in a web page, (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 matrix barcode 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.
US08490858B2	Reinforced cross-laminated bulk container A reinforced cross laminated corrugated paperboard bulk container has an outer component with corrugations running in a first direction, and an inner liner laminated to the outer component, with the liner having corrugations extending perpendicular to the corrugations in the outer component. Reinforcing strands are in both the liner and the outer component, extending perpendicular to the respective corrugations thereof. Interlocking top flanges are on the top edges of the outer component, and interlocking bottom flanges are on the bottom edges thereof. The interlocking bottom flanges include a chevron shaped locking slot in one flange and a locking tab on an opposed bottom flange. Folds extend across the bottom flanges to enable them to deflect and slide relative to one another during set up of the container. Vertical scores in the liner are pre-broken prior to laminating it to the outer component.
US08490854B2	Wire end processing method A wire end processing method includes tree steps. In a core wire portion exposing step, a sheath of a wire is stripped so as to expose a core wire portion composed of a plurality of element wires. In a core wire portion unifying step, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the exposed core wire portion while applying a pressure thereto, thereby causing the plurality of the element wires to rub against one another so as to unify the core wire portion. In a terminal connecting step, the unified core wire portion is press-contacted or press-fitted to the terminal.
US08490851B2	Surgical stapling apparatus A surgical device includes a loading unit having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the loading unit is configured to be attached to an actuation apparatus. The surgical device further includes a flexible shaft interconnecting the proximal portion and the distal portion of the loading unit. Additionally, the surgical device has a tool assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the distal portion of the loading unit. The tool assembly is configured to articulate upon activation of the actuation apparatus. In a further embodiment, the surgical device includes a guiding member operatively connected to the tool assembly. The guiding member has a body and a bore extending through the body. The bore slidably receives a suture.
US08490848B2	Method and device for breaking separation of bearing caps A device for breaking separation of at least one bearing cap of a corresponding thrust block in the bearing assembly of engine cases provided with bearing bores which are arranged in-line, in particular crankshaft cases for alternative piston engines is provided. The device includes an extension mandrel comprising two half-mandrels insertable into at least one of the bearing bores. The half-mandrels being distant from each other in order to produce breaking separation force between the thrust block and the bearing cap. The bearing cap is clamped in such a way that it is non-rotatable except in a limited manner in the direction of breaking separation between a corresponding half-mandrel and a fixing device.
US08490846B1	Frictional holding pad with inclined grip A frictional pad has a pair of inclined slots in a pair of sidewalls to hold a handheld electronic device at an incline with respect to the pad. The pad can also have a squat dome.
US08490842B2	Automatic shoe cover dispenser An automatic shoe cover dispenser includes a shoe cover feeding arrangement holding a plurality of shoe covers each having a shoe opening; and a shoe cover pulling mechanism for pulling one of the shoe covers into an open-up condition as a standby shoe cover and being ready for putting on a user's shoe, wherein after the standby shoe cover is dispensed for being worn at the shoe of the user, the shoe cover at a subsequent position is pulled into the open-up condition.
US08490839B2	Filtering dispenser container In a filtering dispenser container which includes a plug attached to a mouth portion of a bottle thereof and having a liquid discharge passage, and a filter and a check valve provided in the discharge passage, air lock is prevented, even if the container contains a highly percolative liquid, by preventing a very small amount of liquid percolating the check valve from reaching the filter. In the filtering dispenser container, a dam (14) is provided between the check valve (23) and the filter (25) for retaining a very small amount of the liquid percolating the check valve (23) when the check valve is closed. Thus, the filter (25) is prevented from being wetted with the liquid percolating the closed check valve (23) during storage or delivery of the container before the first use of the container.
US08490838B2	Liquid dispenser A cocktail ingredient dispenser can include engaging devices for creating a seal around an opening of a carbonated liquid container and for providing an openable and closeable opening which can retain the carbonation within the carbonated liquid when closed. Some embodiments of the dispenser are configured to maintain a gas tight seal with a top portion of the container. Certain embodiments of the dispenser are configured to allow a cooled fluid to flow into thermal communication with the container.
US08490835B2	Container cover assembly A container cover assembly that has at least two states. In the first, closed state, the removal of the contents of the container through the opening of the container is prevented. In the second, open state, the removal of the contents of the container through the opening of the container is possible. The cover assembly comprises a mechanism for preventing the transfer of the cover assembly from the first state to the second state, unless at least a predetermined number of shaking motions is applied to the container and cover assembly.
US08490832B2	Wine extraction and preservation device and method Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
US08490829B2	Personalized beverage dispensing device Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
US08490822B1	Combination drink dispenser A combination beverage mixer and strainer is disclosed, comprising a first container and a second container, each container having a closed end, an open end, a peripheral wall defining an interior space therein. The area of each open end is greater than the area of each closed end. The first container includes a straining edge of the peripheral wall proximate the periphery of the open end and having a plurality of apertures traversing therethrough. The area of the open end of the second container is greater than the area of the closed end thereof but smaller than the area of the open end of the first container. The open end of the second container may be inserted fully into the open end of the first container such that the peripheral wall of the second container contacts the peripheral wall of the first container below the straining edge so that the internal spaces of each container are sealed and the contents of the containers shaken and mixed. The open end of the second container may then be partially pulled away from the first container to expose the straining edge of the first container, such that the internal spaces of each container are unsealed at the plurality of apertures and the contents of the containers may be strained thereby.
US08490821B2	Apparatus for separately containing different fluids An apparatus for separately containing fuel and an exhaust gas treatment fluid on a vehicle, such as an SCR reductant, includes a fuel tank having a perimeter wall and at least one end wall defining an internal space for containing fuel, a portion of the perimeter wall extending beyond the at least one end wall to form a rim defining with the at least one end wall a recess, and, a second vessel for containing the reductant or other treatment fluid having a shape conforming to the recess, the second vessel being supported in the recess.
US08490817B2	Container sealing device The present invention generally relates to a device for sealing a container, and serves to alleviate disadvantages commonly associated with use of plastic wrap, cling wrap, and similar products. The device generally comprises a flexible sheet and sometimes a perimeter support member connected to the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is positioned over and seals the opening of the container. The perimeter support member is then removed from the flexible sheet so that the support member does not interfere with use of the container. The flexible sheet may be comprised of more than one material, permitting the flexible sheet to adhere to the container while being compatible with the contents of the container. The device may also comprise a mechanical sealing mechanism, as well as an internal support structure. The device may be folded for storage and other purposes. The invention also includes methods of using and manufacturing the device.
US08490816B1	Apparatus for inspecting discarded articles prior to disposal An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal has a receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container, a tray pivotally mounted in the inner opening of the receptacle so as to be movable between a generally horizontal first position and an angularly disposed second position, a handle connected to the tray and extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a latch cooperative with the handle for fixing the tray in the first position and for releasing the tray from the first position when a lifting force is applied to the handle. The second position is suitable for allowing discarded articles to pass into the container.
US08490815B2	Method and system of a reversible nose faceplate Reversible nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a faceplate and a nose member. The nose member includes: an extension portion; a nose portion; a first abutting surface; a second abutting surface; a first set of ears coupled to the extension portion adjacent the nose portion; and a second set of ears coupled to the extension portion opposite the first set of ears. The nose member is configured to couple to the faceplate in multiple configurations, including: a first configuration in which the nose portion protrudes through a nose aperture of the faceplate in the direction of the front side of the faceplate, the first abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the first set of ears; and a second configured in which the nose portion protrudes in the direction of the back side of the faceplate, the second abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the second set of ears.
US08490811B2	Foldable pool accessory storage and organizing container A compactly foldable storage pouch includes a pair of resilient wire loops, a front fabric panel disposed over and covering the interior portion of the first wire loop, a rear fabric panel disposed over and covering the interior portion of the second wire loop, at least one sidewall fabric panel joining the wire loops, the side fabric panel circumscribing at least a portion of the periphery of the wire loops and defining an opening between the front and rear fabric panels and the opposing lateral ends of the sidewall fabric panel and a plurality of removeable lateral cross-members are positionable between the pair of wire loops to maintain the foldable pouch in an expanded configuration. Upon removal of the cross-members, adjacent wire loops can be twisted into a figure-8 configuration and folded over on itself to assume a compact, generally circular flat configuration for packaging, shipment and eventual storage by the user.
US08490789B2	Device for retaining a portable electronic component A device capable of retaining a portable electronic component includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface and a handle coupled to the rear surface of the frame, wherein the handle is movable between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions with respect to the rear surface of the frame along an axis of rotation that is horizontally offset from a vertical centerline of the frame. The rear surface of the frame may include a recessed handle receiving well having a depth capable of housing a portion of the handle in its retracted position. The handle may have a depth dimension approximately equal to the handle receiving well of the rear surface of the frame such that the handle in its retracted position is generally flush with the rear surface of the frame.
US08490788B2	Tactical equipment carrier A carrier for weapons and/or other tactical equipment can include a main body and an extension sleeve. The extension sleeve can be withdrawn so as to lengthen an internal storage region to, e.g., accommodate longer weapons.
US08490785B2	Carrier for containers A carrier for containing a plurality of articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around the interior of the carrier. The panels comprise a front panel, a back panel positioned opposite to the front panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to at least one of the front and back panels, at least one top panel foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel, and a divider flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel.
US08490784B2	Article for smokers An article for smokers comprises a main body (1) of elongate form exhibiting a first end (11) and a second end (12). The main body (1) has a cavity (4) accessible from outside at the second end (12) adapted for receiving the lit end portion of a cigarette. An element (5), which is associated to the second end (12), is provided with a base (51) and with a cutting profile (52) for cutting the cigarette. The element (5) is translatable with respect to the second end (12) of the main body (1) between an open position (A) of the cavity (4) of the main body (1) and a closed position (C) of the cavity (4), with the displacement of the element (5) from the open position (A) to the closed position (C) determining the cutting of the cigarette by means of the cutting profile (52).
US08490781B2	Transport container system for prescription spectacle lens production and method for transporting spectacle lenses and/or spectacle lens blanks A transport container system for spectacle lenses includes a base container having first and second insert receptacles. A first pair of identical inserts for the first and second insert receptacles are provided and each insert has a spectacle lens receptacle for receiving a spectacle lens in a positionally oriented manner. The inserts are insertable into the first and second insert receptacles so that the geometrical centers of the spectacle lenses are arranged at a first distance from one another. A second pair of identical inserts differing from the first pair is provided for the first and second insert receptacles. The inserts each have a spectacle lens receptacle for receiving a spectacle lens in a positionally oriented manner and are insertable into the first and second insert receptacles so that the geometrical centers of the spectacle lenses received therein are arranged at a second distance different from the first distance.
US08490777B2	Rotary positioning fence Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatuses for positioning boards and other wood pieces in preparation for sawing/trimming. In embodiments, a continuous track loop conveys board stops slideably mounted to board stop guides positioned perpendicular to the direction of flow. A horizontal frame member provides a series of positioning guides through which a cam follower coupled to a board stop is diverted, thus adjusting the position of board stops in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow without the use of braking devices or other added sources of mass, friction or vibration.
US08490774B2	Loading station for transport bags transported in an overhead conveyor system A loading station for transport bags transported in an overhead conveyor system comprises an upper supply rail for the transport bags, a vertical conveyor which adjoins the supply rail for moving the transport bags into a lower loading position, a device for opening the transport bags in the loading position and a lower discharge rail which adjoins the vertical conveyor for discharging the transport bags from the loading position.
US08490773B2	Tablet flow Tablet flow for the conveying away of tablets pressed in a tablet press, with a main flow channel, which has at least one branching into at least one first flow channel and at least one second flow channel separated from the first flow channel by at least one separating wall, wherein a separator is provided at the branching, which can be actuated such that tablets are directed out of the main flow channel alternatively into the first flow channel or into the second flow channel, characterized in that the separator has a guide channel for the tablets and in that a guide gear drive is provided, with which the guide channel is moveable between a first position connecting the main flow channel with the first flow channel and a second position connecting the main flow channel with the second flow channel.
US08490770B2	Parking brake assembly with emergency unlocking mechanism A parking brake assembly for the driveline of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The parking brake assembly comprises a locking mechanism, an actuator and an unlocking mechanism. The locking mechanism is able to inhibit and release the rotational movement of a shaft in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The actuator actuates the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking element which is linearly movable by the actuator, and a latching element which cooperates with the locking element. The locking element can be transferred into a first axial position in which the latching element assumes a releasing position in which the shaft is rotatable, and wherein the locking element can be transferred into a second axial position in which the latching element assumes a closing position in which the latching element inhibits a rotational movement of the shaft. The unlocking mechanism forcibly unlocks the locking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism comprises an unlocking element for rotating the locking element, wherein, in the second axial position, the locking element can be transferred into a first rotational position in which the locking element holds the latching element in the closing position, and wherein the locking element can be transferred into a second rotational position in which the latching element can assume a releasing position.
US08490766B2	Hydrodynamic torque converter The hydrodynamic torque converter having a torque converter lockup clutch and a converter housing connected at the drive side, and a pump wheel non-rotatably connected thereto, as well as a turbine wheel non-rotatably connected at the output side to an output hub, and a torsional vibration damper actively arranged between the clutch output of the torque converter lockup clutch and the output hub, and including a centrifugal pendulum device arranged within the converter housing and having a pendulum flange with slightly swiveling pendulum masses thereupon, where the pendulum flange is arranged axially between the torsional vibration damper and the turbine wheel and is non-rotatably connected to a damper output part of the torsional vibration damper, and the damper output part and/or the pendulum flange are directly connectable via an interlocking connection to the drive hub.
US08490765B2	Luggage A wheeled luggage case having a luggage receptacle (56), the receptacle (56) having two opposing major walls and having end walls forming a luggage compartment, whereof a major wall of the receptacle is adapted to serve as a bottom wall (60) that faces the ground during a wheeled mode of travel of the luggage case, wherein said luggage case further comprises: (i) a plurality of support wheels; (ii) a retractable steering wheel assembly (58); and (iË) a handle (59) for steering, pushing and/or pulling purposes; wherein the luggage case is configured to be selectively deployable in a first mode of wheeled travel with the retractable steering wheel assembly (58) and support wheels in ground engagement whereby the said bottom wall (60) is facing the ground or in a second mode of wheeled travel with an alternative ground-engaging wheel arrangement whereby an end wall (62) is facing the ground.
US08490764B2	Portable storage and changing station A portable wardrobe storage and changing device for transporting uniforms and costumes to a performance site and then convert into a private changing station. The device includes a rigid internal frame with a lower frame and a perpendicularly aligned upward extending frame member. Attached to the lower frame are two wheels. Extending around the frame is a four-sided elongated bag with an adjustable upper lid. The elongated bag also includes a first vertical slide connector and a second horizontal slide connector that allows the bag to selectively opened or closed around the internal frame. Disposed between the lid and the elongated bag is a third slide connector that allows three edges of the lid to be selectively detached from the bag. When the three slide connectors are detached, the lid may be lifted and the two side panels and the two front panel sections maybe opened and extended to form a changing station.
US08490763B2	Delay return gas spring A delay return gas spring including a piston at least partially received in a cylinder for reciprocation between extended and compressed positions over a cycle including a compression stroke and a return stroke. A seal disposed between the cylinder and the piston separates a primary chamber on one side of the seal from a secondary chamber on another side of the seal during a portion of the cycle. A passage communicates with the secondary chamber and with the primary chamber. The seal is relatively movable between an open position permitting free flow of gas through the passage to a closed position at least partially restricting gas flow through the passage so as to permit gas in the secondary chamber to be compressed in response to movement of the piston toward its extended position, thereby reducing a net return force on the piston and decreasing a velocity of the piston.
US08490762B2	Magnetorheological (MR) piston ring and MR damper having same A magnetorheological (MR) piston ring includes an MR-piston-ring body disposable within a cylinder of an MR damper along a central longitudinal axis. The MR-piston-ring body has a radially inner surface defining a boundary of a longitudinally-extending MR passageway. The MR-piston-ring body includes a surface portion which is slidingly engagable with the cylinder and which has first and second longitudinal ends. The surface portion includes at least one surface groove each defining a secondary MR passageway and extending between the first and the second longitudinal ends. The surface groove is substantially straight and tilted with respect to a line drawn on the surface portion parallel to the central longitudinal axis. An MR damper including the MR piston ring is also described.
US08490761B2	Suspension device A suspension device (S) comprises: an actuator (A) including a motion conversion mechanism (T) for converting a linear motion to a rotational motion and a motor (M) connected to a rotary member (1) which performs the rotational motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); a fluid pressure damper (D) connected to a linear motion member (2) which performs the linear motion in the motion conversion mechanism (T); an outer cylinder (27) connected to the actuator (A); and a bearing (34) attached to a rod (31) or a cylinder (32) connected to the linear motion member (2) of the fluid pressure damper (D) and slidably contacting with the inner circumference of the outer cylinder (27). This suspension device can improve reliability and vehicle ride quality.
US08490760B2	Brake cooling fluid diverter for an off-highway machine The disclosure relates, in one aspect, to a friction brake cooling system for a machine. The cooling system includes at least one pump connected to at least one reservoir containing cooling fluid. A controller is configured to divert a cooling fluid flow through a valve to a first friction brake system and to a second friction brake system based on the use of the systems. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of cooling a first friction brake system and a second friction brake system including diverting a flow of brake cooling fluid to the systems based on the use of the systems.
US08490753B2	Elevator control apparatus with speed control to alleviate passenger ear block discomfort To alleviate the ear block discomfort of passengers without causing any undue reduction in the operational efficiency of an elevator. A travel distance calculating section 13 calculates a travel distance of a car room 1 based on destination floor information 12a and a car position command signal 3a, and output travel distance information 13a to a speed pattern generating section 14. The speed pattern generating section 14 compares the travel distance with a predetermined distance, generates a speed pattern 14a of a normal operation if the travel distance is short, and generates the speed pattern 14a of a partially low speed operation if the travel distance is long. The predetermined distance indicates a difference in height corresponding to a difference in air pressure that causes the Eustachian tube to open against ear block discomfort by a passenger. A speed control section 24 makes the car room 1 move up and down based on the speed pattern 14a. This allows the car room 1 to move at low speed after the first opening of the Eustachian tube, and therefore an interval in time when the car room 1 moves of a distance of the difference in height causing another ear block discomfort is made long. The ear block discomfort of passengers may thus be alleviated.
US08490749B2	Device for enabling access to a structure above ground level A device for enabling access to a structure above ground or sea level, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, by lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, the device including a frame structure,—means for supporting the device in relation to the structure, and—means for lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, where at least part of the frame structure includes a track portion, the track portion being adapted to guide an, in relation to the track portion, movable object along the track portion, where the means for supporting the device in relation to the structure are configured for positioning the device in relation to the structure, and the means for supporting the device in relation to the structure are configured for facilitating a movement of the device essentially in the longitudinal direction of the structure.
US08490748B2	Step stool and method A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool. There is the step of compressing a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar. There is the step of exerting a force with the linkage assembly to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position.
US08490747B2	Telescoping project tray A scaffold includes a frame assembly. The scaffold includes planks that are disposed on the frame assembly. The scaffold includes wheels attached to the frame assembly on which the frame assembly rolls. The scaffold includes a project tray which extends from the frame assembly. The scaffold includes a telescoping tube assembly that is mounted to the frame assembly and on which the tray is mounted. A method for using a scaffold. The method includes the steps of placing a telescoping tray assembly at a desired height relative to a frame assembly having planks disposed on it by moving the tray assembly which extends from the frame assembly. There is the step of locking the tray assembly at the desired height to the frame assembly.
US08490746B2	Aerial lift with safety device A safety device for an aerial lift (10) having a basket (20) with controls (23) which permit an operator to manoeuvre the basket (20), and a foot operable safety switch (24) which activates the controls (23), the safety device comprising an auxiliary safety switch (24) operated by a trip cord (27) arranged proximate to the controls (23) and which is connected in series with the foot safety switch (24) so that in the event that the cord is distorted the auxiliary switch (26) prevents activation of the control panel (23) and may additionally operate an alarm.
US08490745B2	Exhaust system component An exhaust system component (1) of an exhaust system (2) for an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle has an inner pipe (3) made of metal, which is exposed to exhaust gas during the operation of the exhaust system (2), a housing (4) made of plastic, which encloses a working space (6), and an outer pipe (5) made of metal. The outer pipe (5) is fastened at a first end area (7) to the inner pipe (3) and is rigidly connected at a second end area (9) to the housing (4) and encloses between these end areas (7, 9) an annular space (10) formed radially between the inner pipe (3) and outer pipe (5).
US08490744B2	Combustor and gas turbine having the same An object is to provide a combustor that requires a small mounting space for an acoustic damper, that can achieve size reduction, and that can improve the ease of maintenance. A combustor (5) of the present invention includes a combustion cylinder (19) that defines a combustion area (23) therein and an acoustic damper (31) that has a damper cover having an acoustic-damper resonance space communicating with the combustion area (23). The damper cover is provided along the combustion cylinder (19) so as to extend in a direction intersecting an axial direction (L) of the combustion cylinder (19).
US08490741B2	Straight motion assisting device for a work machine A straight motion assisting device for a work machine is adapted for receiving an input indicative of a steering angle from a position of a moveable member and adapted for applying a restoring force for affecting the work machine towards a straight motion when the steering angle input indicates that the work machine deviates from the straight motion. The device includes a hydraulic system adapted to be effected by the displacement of the moveable member and adapted to apply the restoring force.
US08490738B2	Compressed air engine and motor vehicle A compressed air engine comprises a housing and an impeller body fixed on a primary power output shaft and located within the housing. An ejecting inlet ejects air to the impeller body in the housing. Working chambers are provided on the impeller body. The inner surface of the housing closes the working chambers so that the compressed air ejected to the working chambers pushes the impeller body to rotate and is temporarily stored in the working chamber, and an ejecting outlet is provided on the housing so that the compressed air temporarily stored in the working chamber expands outwards when the compressed air is rotated to the gas ejecting outlet and do work to further push the impeller body to rotate.
US08490737B2	Floor and pavement treatment and cleaning vehicle A vehicle which includes an accelerometer to detect its lateral acceleration while in operation, a motor, and an input device activated by the operator of the vehicle and suitable to actuate in a controllable mode the mechanical power delivered by the motor so as to adjust the speed of the vehicle. Further, there is a processor including algorithms to compare the lateral acceleration signal detected by the accelerometer with a preset value corresponding to a preset lateral acceleration.
US08490736B2	Active hood system for vehicle An active hood system for a vehicle allows a user to easily restore the positions of an actuator and a hood with little force after a pedestrian collision. The active hood system includes: a hinge assembly mounted at rear sides of a hood; and an actuator for supporting the hinge assembly and lifting the hinge assembly as well as lifting the hood through the hinge assembly. The active hood system further includes a restoration link, wherein its top and bottom ends are hinged to a hinge arm of the hinge assembly fixed to the hood, and to a fixing point of the actuator, respectively, so the restoration link is rotated in cooperation with the hood, and wherein when the hood is pressed downward to restore the actuator and the hood, the restoration link is rotated such that the restoration link reduces the force required for restoring the actuator and hood.
US08490727B2	Hybrid drive train for a motor vehicle A hybrid drive train for a motor vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, and electric machine, with a stator and rotor, and a transmission. A disk clutch is located in the force flow, between the combustion engine and the transmission input shaft, and an outer disk carrier of the disk clutch is fixed to a transmission input stage and an inner disk carrier of the disk clutch is connected to the combustion engine. The rotor of the electric machine drives another element of the transmission input stage, and the disk carriers of the clutch are mounted and centered by two roller bearings which center the inner and outer disk carriers relative to one another and bring them into axial alignment, and axial tolerances within the unit which comprises the electric machine, the separator clutch and the transmission input stage are compensated by displacing and aligning the disk packet of the clutch in the drive gearing of the inner disk carrier.
US08490725B2	Motor insulation protecting device, and vehicle having the device There is provided a motor insulation protecting device 200 comprising a motor 40 installed in a motor chamber 14; an inverter 16 that supplies an inverter voltage for driving the motor 40; and pressurizing means for monitoring an internal pressure in the motor chamber 14 and the inverter voltage of the inverter 16, and increasing the pressure in the motor chamber when an occurrence of discharge of the motor is predicted, wherein the pressurizing means comprises a pressure detection unit 50 that detects the internal pressure in the motor chamber 14; a voltage detection unit that is provided in a control unit 60, and detects the inverter voltage of the inverter 16; and a pressurizing mechanism 70 that increases the pressure in the motor chamber 14 in accordance with the output from the control unit 60 when the detected internal pressure is lower than a preset discharge occurrence prediction internal pressure, and the detected inverter voltage is higher than a preset discharge occurrence prediction inverter voltage.
US08490722B2	Riding-type ground working vehicle A riding-type ground working vehicle includes left and right wheels, a command value calculating section, a yaw rate detecting section that detects a yaw rate of the vehicle, a target yaw rate calculating section, a correction coefficient acquiring section, and a control section. The left and right wheels are independently driven to travel by two respective traction motors. The command value calculating section calculates target rotational speed command values for the two traction motors based on an acceleration instruction and a turn instruction input by a driver. The target yaw rate calculating section calculates a target yaw rate based on the acceleration instruction and the turn instruction. The correction coefficient acquiring section acquires two correction coefficients respectively relating to the two traction motors based on a deviation between the target yaw rate and a yaw rate detection value. The control section corrects the two target rotational speed command values by the two correction coefficients, and controls drive of the two traction motors based on the corrected two target rotational speed command values.
US08490710B2	In-computer fire suppression In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher.
US08490706B2	Casing head connector A wellhead connection to casing is formed from an upper head housing, a slip bowl housing and slip segments. First compression spring extending vertically between slip segment and the a slip bowl housing, and second compression springs extending generally horizontally between adjacent slip segments maintain the slip segments out of gripping engagement with the casing until the slip bowl housing and the upper head housing are fully connected together. On disconnecting the housings, the first compression springs push the slip segments apart from the slip bowl housing, and the second compression springs push the slip segments radially apart from the casing.
US08490704B2	Technique of fracturing with selective stream injection A technique facilitates enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through selective stream injection. The technique employs a system and methodology for combining a fracturing technique and application of selective injection streams. The selective injection streams are delivered to select, individual subterranean layers until a plurality of unique subterranean layers are fractured to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
US08490702B2	Downhole tool assembly with debris relief, and method for using same A tool assembly and method for completing a well are provided. The tool includes debris relief features that enable use in solids-laden environments, for example in the presence of sand. Forward and reverse circulation pathways to the isolated interval are present to allow clearing of debris from the wellbore annulus while the sealing device remains set against the wellbore.
US08490701B2	Methods of releasing at least one tubing string below a blow-out preventer A method of controlling a blowout comprises: releasing at least a first tubing string into a portion of a well system, wherein the step of releasing comprises activating a release table; and causing or allowing a blowout preventer to close. The methods further comprise: compressing at least a portion of a second tubing string and a third tubing string together, wherein the step of compressing comprises activating a crimping device; cutting through the wall of at least a third tubing string, wherein the step of cutting comprises activating a cutting device, and wherein the step of cutting is performed after the step of compressing; and releasing at least the second tubing string and the third tubing string into a portion of a well system, wherein the step of releasing comprises activating a release table.

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