最新美国发明专利第2013-09-24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
US08541109B2	Biodegradable polyester, preparation process thereof and products comprising said polyester The invention relates to a biodegradable polyester, particularly suitable for extrusion coating, comprising units deriving from at least a diacid and at least a diol, with long chain branches (isometric with respect to the main chains of the polyester) and essentially gel-free, characterized by optimum adhesion to paper, excellent sealability and processability in extrusion coating systems. Said biodegradable polyester is obtainable through a reactive extrusion process starting from a substantially linear polyester precursor with defined viscosity and concentration of reactive sites which allow transformation of a few chains of the polyester precursor into isometric branches of this polyester. A further object of the present invention is a laminate product composed of at least a backing, preferably paper, and of at least a first layer composed of polyester according to the invention.
US08541106B2	Glass article provided with photocatalyst film Provided is a glass article that improves the film strength of a photocatalyst film while maintaining the photocatalytic function and the reflection suppressing function of the photocatalyst film. The photocatalyst film on the glass sheet is formed to contain, in mass %, 50 to 82% of silicon oxide particles, 8 to 40% of titanium oxide particles, and 7 to 20% of a binder component composed of silicon oxide. The average particle diameter of the silicon oxide particles is set to at least 5 times the average particle diameter of the titanium oxide particles. The photocatalyst film is formed to have a structure such that some of the silicon oxide particles in the film serve as protruding silicon oxide particles that are not in contact with the glass sheet and that have their top portions protruding from the surrounding titanium oxide particles and being exposed on the surface of the film, while some of the titanium oxide particles are interposed between the glass sheet and the protruding silicon oxide particles.
US08541103B2	Silicone polymer particle and silicone composition containing same The present invention provides silicone polymer particles having excellent tensile properties and excellent transparency and also provides a silicone composition. The present invention relates to silicone polymer particles having a silicone core-alkoxysilane condensate shell structure in which silicone particles with a volume-average particle diameter of 0.001 μm to 1.0 μm are coated with an alkoxysilane condensate, and also relates to a silicone composition containing (A) the silicone polymer particles, (B) a polyorganosiloxane having at least one alkenyl group in its molecule, and (C) a curing agent. The present invention further relates to respective manufacturing methods of the silicone polymer particles and the silicone composition.
US08541098B2	Purification of metal nanostructures for improved haze in transparent conductors made from the same Provided are a method of isolating and purifying metal nanowires from a crude and complex reaction mixture that includes relatively high aspect ratio nanostructures as well as nanostructures of low aspect ratio shapes, and conductive films made of the purified nanostructures.
US08541094B2	Temperature controlled variable reflectivity coatings Coatings configured to change between a relatively higher reflectivity state and a relatively lower reflectivity state depending at least partially upon temperature are generally disclosed. Some example coatings may include a selectively reflective layer including a plurality of microcapsules, which may include an ionic liquid and/or a surfactant within a shell. The microcapsules may have a relatively higher reflectively when at temperatures above a cloud transition temperature and/or a relatively lower reflectivity when at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature. When at temperatures above the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a first fraction of the incident light. When at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a second fraction of the incident light. The first fraction of the incident light may be greater than the second fraction of the incident light.
US08541091B2	Composite leg for landing gear assembly A composite leg for a landing gear assembly includes a composite compression cap including reinforcing fibers that provide strength in compression, and a tension cap including reinforcing fibers that provide strength in tension. At least some of the fibers are oriented at +α and −α with respect to a longitudinal axis of the leg, where α is between 2 and 8 degrees.
US08541089B2	Fixing belt, base element for fixing belt, fixing device, image forming apparatus and method for producing base element A base element for a fixing belt are provided. The base element includes a sheet which is made of a heat resistant resin and has opposite end portions joined in an endless state. A conductive film layer of a thickness of 3 to 15 μm is provided over two third or more area of an inner surface of the endless belt.
US08541086B2	Optical information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same An optical information recording medium including a recording layer that can record a large amount of information is manufactured using a simple system. A single recording layer is formed by bonding two optically transparent substrates on which the first photosensitive polymer and the second photosensitive polymer are spread such that the layers of the photosensitive polymers face each other. Furthermore, since the absorptivity of light in the recording layer increases as the focal point of light for information recording moves in a depth direction, information can be recorded without decreasing the recording transfer rate of the information.
US08541085B2	Bamboo composite board and beam product New engineered wood products are provided by adding adhesives to alternating layers of bamboo and cork or other lignocellulostic or recycled materials and varied appearances are attained through the use of stains and the vertical or horizontal cuts applied to the products.
US08541083B2	Webs There are disclosed methods of making RFID transponder webs and intermediate webs such as RFID strap webs and antenna webs, as well as such webs per se.
US08541082B2	Laminated resin formed body, method for producing laminated resin formed body, and multilayer article It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminated resin molding which comprises a layer of a thermoplastic polymer such as a thermoplastic elastomer and a layer of a thermoplastic resin such as a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer, is excellent in liquid chemical impermeability, chemical resistance and bacteria resistance, among others, and can be molded by coextrusion without causing foaming or deterioration of the thermoplastic elastomer and, further, has good interlaminar adhesive strength.The invention provides a laminated resin molding comprising a thermoplastic polymer layer (A), a polyamide-based resin layer (B) and a thermoplastic resin layer (C), wherein said thermoplastic polymer layer (A), said polyamide-based resin layer (B) and said thermoplastic resin layer (C) are laminated in that order and firmly adhered to one another, said thermoplastic polymer is to adhere to the polyamide-based resin by thermal fusion bonding, said polyamide-based resin has an amine value of 10 to 60 (equivalents/106 g), said thermoplastic resin contains a functional group and is to thereby firmly adhere to said polyamide-based resin by thermal fusion bonding, said functional group contains carbonyl group.
US08541077B2	Oriented multi-layer shrink labels The present invention relates to a multi-layer oriented shrink film comprising at least one skin layer comprising a polystyrene material and at least one core layer comprising a polyolefin layer. The films are preferably primarily oriented in either the machine or the cross direction. These films are ideally suited for use as a shrink label which can be applied either as a CD shrink sleeve or applied using a continuous roll process. The films ideally have an overall density of less than 1.0 g/cm3, to facilitate recycling efforts.
US08541076B2	Stretchable high-loft flat-tube structure from continuous filaments Improved batts for sleeping bags, insulated apparel, bedding, and other uses are made from a tow of crimped continuous filaments by a machine and process which spreads, extends, and wraps the tow into an endless flat-tube structure with desired uniformity, balanced tensile strength, dimensional stability, stretchability, and high loft.
US08541069B2	Method of guided non-line of sight coating A method for applying a vapor deposition coating onto a substrate with a non line of sight or limited line of sight is disclosed. A vapor stream is provided in a chamber that is below atmospheric pressure. The vapor stream is impinged with a working gas that provides a flow that transports the vapor stream. The flow of the working gas is modified with a physical object that directs the flow to achieve a desired coating on the substrate.
US08541066B2	Light-induced directed self-assembly of periodic sub-wavelength nanostructures In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a system for the light-induced directed self-assembly (LIDSA) of periodic sub-wavelength nanostructures, including: a light source for delivering a beam of photons; a reaction chamber disposed adjacent to the light source; a gas including one or more precursor materials disposed within the reaction chamber; and a substrate disposed within the reaction chamber, wherein the substrate is positioned and configured to receive the beam of photons; wherein the beam of photons causes a periodic sub-wavelength nanostructure of one or more constituents of the one or more precursor materials to form on a surface of the substrate. In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention also provides an associated method.
US08541065B2	Method for coating surfaces with microparticles and nanoparticles with the aid of plasma methods The invention relates to a method for coating surfaces with micro- and nanoparticles, the micro- and nanoparticles being chemically bonded to the surface, comprising the steps of pre-treatment of the surface with a plasma method, simultaneous or subsequent application of the micro- and nanoparticles to the surface, and subsequent fixation of the micro and nanoparticles on the surface using a plasma method, characterized in that the fixation of the micro- and nanoparticles takes place with the aid of anisothermal plasmas, the median electrical energy of which lies in the range of the bond dissociation energy of the micro- and nanoparticles, thus allowing the strength of the chemical bond between the surface and the micro- and nanoparticles to be variably set.
US08541063B2	Undercoat solution, ink-jet recording method and ink-jet recording device The present invention provides an undercoat solution including a radical-polymerizable compound having a phosphoric acid group, an ink-jet recording method including applying an undercoat solution containing a radical-polymerizable compound having a phosphoric acid group; partially curing the applied undercoat solution; and discharging an ink, which is curable by irradiation with an active energy ray, onto the partially cured undercoat solution to record an image, and an ink-jet recording device including an undercoat solution application unit which applies an undercoat solution containing a radical-polymerizable compound having a phosphoric acid group; an undercoat solution curing unit which partially cures the undercoat solution; and an image recording unit which discharges an ink onto the partially cured undercoat solution to record an image.
US08541058B2	Palladium thiolate bonding of carbon nanotubes Carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays are attractive thermal interface materials with high compliance and conductance that can remain effective over a wide temperature range. Disclosed herein are CNT interface structures in which free CNT ends are bonded using palladium hexadecanethiolate Pd(SC16H35)2 to an opposing substrate (one-sided interface) or opposing CNT array (two-sided interface) to enhance contact conductance while maintaining a compliant joint. The palladium weld is mechanically stable at high temperatures. A transient photoacoustic (PA) method is used to measure the thermal resistance of the palladium bonded CNT interfaces. The interfaces were bonded at moderate pressures and then tested at 34 kPa using the PA technique. At an interface temperature of approximately 250° C., one-sided and two-sided palladium bonded interfaces achieved thermal resistances near 10 mm2 K/W and 5 mm2 K/W, respectively.
US08541056B2	Treated textile substrate and method for making a textile substrate Compositions and methods for treating textile substrates to obtain superior liquid repellent properties are disclosed. Durable microscopic surface structures imparted to the fibrous substrate allow liquids to bead up and roll off of its surface. Mechanical abrasion or sanding techniques may be used to create the microscopic surface structures on the surface of a fibrous textile substrate, without substantially breaking fibers, followed by a chemical treatment using, for example, fluorocarbon-containing repellent compositions. Particles may be employed in combination with repellent compositions to achieve superior repellent properties. A property of the roughened surface fibers, the Roughness Factor, is used to characterize the microscopic surface structures on the treated textile surface. Treated textile substrates are disclosed which achieve superior water and oil repellency, even after multiple abrasion or laundering cycles.
US08541049B2	Optical member, optical system using the optical member, and method of manufacturing an optical member Provided is an optical member capable of keeping a high performance antireflection effect over a long period of time with respect to an arbitrary substrate. The optical member has plural layers on a substrate, and includes at least one metal oxide layer having a void, and at least one layer containing an organic resin as a main component formed between the substrate and the metal oxide layer. The metal oxide layer is a plate crystal layer formed of a plate crystal containing aluminum oxide as a main component and a surface of the plate crystal layer has an uneven profile. The organic resin has an aromatic ring and/or a hetero ring in at least a part thereof.
US08541048B1	Formation of photovoltaic absorber layers on foil substrates An absorber layer of a photovoltaic device may be formed on an aluminum or metallized polymer foil substrate. A nascent absorber layer containing one or more elements of group IB and one or more elements of group IIIA is formed on the substrate. The nascent absorber layer and/or substrate is then rapidly heated from an ambient temperature to an average plateau temperature range of between about 200° C. and about 600° C. and maintained in the average plateau temperature range 1 to 30 minutes after which the temperature is reduced.
US08541044B1	No bake granola product and methods of preparation The invention generally provides novel no-bake grain products and methods of preparation of the same. Specifically a no-bake food product with a toasted appearance and flavor and a method of providing a toasted appearance and flavor to a no-bake food product. The no-bake food product includes granola bars, clusters, cereal, instant hot cereal and snacks.
US08541043B2	Fat containing edible emulsions with iron and zinc Edible emulsion comprising 5 to 85 wt % fat and between 0.003 wt % and 0.7 wt % of iron and between 0.002 wt % and 0.3 wt % of zinc.
US08541033B2	Production of human antibodies using NOD/SCID/γcnull mice The present invention provides an immunodeficient mouse (NOG mouse) suitable for engraftment, differentiation and proliferation of heterologous cells, and a method of producing such a mouse. This mouse is obtained by backcrossing a C.B-17-scid mouse with an NOD/Shi mouse, and further backcrossing an interleukin 2-receptor γ-chain gene-knockout mouse with the thus backcrossed mouse. It is usable for producing a human antibody and establishing a stem cell assay system, a tumor model and a virus-infection model.
US08541029B2	Article and method for focused delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic materials A microfiber extrudate and delivery process includes a bio-compatible polymer matrix forming a body of the microfiber extrudate, an exogenously excitable material arranged within the body, and an active load arranged within the body.
US08541028B2	Methods for manufacturing delivery devices and devices thereof Described herein are methods for reducing and achieving the desired release of an agent from a delivery system. The desired release kinetics are achieved by exposing the surface of the delivery system with a fluid for a desired period of time.
US08541026B2	Sustained release formulations of opioid and nonopioid analgesics The present invention relates to SRSR solid dosage forms for administering pharmaceutical agents, particularly Hydrocodone and acetaminophen, methods for preparing the dosage forms, and methods for providing therapeutic agents to patients in need of treatment.
US08541025B2	Co-crystals and pharmaceutical formulations comprising the same An immediate release formulation of an active ingredient.
US08541024B2	Film-coated scored tablet A film-coated scored tablet in which the forms of respective parts associated with a score line are optimized so as to more preferably divide the film along the score line is provided.
US08541022B2	Method of treating burns using avermectin compound A method of treating a superficial or partial thickness burn caused by heat, or by UV or laser radiation is disclosed. The method includes topically applying a topical composition containing an avermectin compound to an affected area immediately after a burn occurs. The method further includes cooling the affected area with ice or water prior to application of the topical composition. Additionally, the method includes topically applying a second topical composition containing fluocinonide and salicylic acid on the affected area to further enhance anti-inflammatory effect of the avermectin compound on the damaged skin.
US08541017B2	Use of alginate matrices to control cell growth Methods of inhibiting proliferation of a plurality of proliferating cells are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on compositions that are in an animal's body are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on a device that is in an animal's body are disclosed. Devices that have on their exterior surface an alginate matrix that comprises Strontium are disclosed. Compositions comprising an alginate body and alginate sheets that each comprise a single layer of cells coating the exterior surface of the alginate body are disclosed. Methods of preparing an artificial tissue are disclosed. Devices comprising cells encapsulated within an alginate matrix and/or maintained as a monolayer on an alginate body, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Methods of coating compositions and devices are disclosed.
US08541016B2	Cell-adhesive, enzymatically crosslinked flavonoid hydrogels and methods for making same There are provided methods for producing a hydrogel that is capable of adhesion of cells and which comprises enzymatically cross-linked conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid, formed from a reaction using peroxide and peroxidase. Hydrogels produced by such methods and methods of using the hydrogels are also provided.
US08541014B2	Gamma-tocopherol therapy for restenosis prevention The present invention is directed to a drug eluting stent system, including: a stent; a tocopherol agent coupled to the stent; wherein the stent is adapted to elute the tocopherol agent into a surrounding lumenal wall tissue when implanted along the lumen within a body of a patient.
US08541008B2	Pharmaceutical compositions and methods to vaccinate against candidiasis A Candida albicans bloodstream infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Filament formation and adherence to host cells are critical virulence factors of C. albicans. Multiple filamentation regulatory pathways have been discovered, however the downstream effectors of these regulatory pathways remain unknown. The cell surface proteins in the ALS group are downstream effectors of the filamentation regulatory pathway. Particularly, Als1p mediates adherence to endothelial cells in vitro and is required for virulence. The blocking of adherence by the organism is described resulting from the use of a composition and method disclosed herein. Specifically, a pharmaceutical composition comprised of a gene, gene product, or specific antibody to the ALS gene family is administered as a vaccine to generate an immune response capable of blocking adherence of the organism.
US08541006B2	Methods and devices for the detection of biofilm The present invention provides methods and kits for biofilm detection.
US08540999B2	Allergenic proteins and peptides from Japanese cedar pollen The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for the Cryptomeria japonica major pollen allergen Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments or peptides thereof. The present invention also provides purified Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and at least one fragment thereof produced in a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid sequence coding for Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I prepared synthetically. Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing, treating, and preventing Japanese cedar pollinosis. The present invention also provides isolated peptides of Cry j I and Cry j II. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprise at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of Cry j I or Cry j II. The invention also pertains to modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties as the corresponding naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof but having reduced side effects. Methods of treatment or of diagnosis of sensitivity to Japanese cedar pollens in an individual and therapeutic compositions, and multipeptide formulations comprising one or more peptides of the invention are also provided.
US08540997B2	Complement receptor 1 and 2 fusion proteins Modulation of the complement system represents a therapeutic modality for numerous pathologic conditions associated with complement activation. In a strategy to prepare complement inhibitors that are targeted to sites of complement activation and disease, compositions comprising a complement inhibitor linked to complement receptor (CR) 2 are disclosed. The disclosed are compositions can be used in methods of treating pathogenic diseases and inflammatory conditions by modulating the complement system.
US08540996B2	Monoclonal antibodies specific to hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from influenza virus H5-subtype or N1-subtype and uses thereof Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that bind specifically to the envelope glycoprotein of H5 subtypes or neuraminidase glycoprotein of N1 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) are provided. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins are useful for the detection of H5 and N1 subtypes of AIV, including H5N1 subtypes and provide means for the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of dangerous viral infections.
US08540986B2	Toll-like receptor 3 antagonists Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding TLR3 antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.
US08540985B2	Use of Hsp70 as a regulator of enzymatic activity The present invention concerns a method for modulating the enzymatic activity of an enzyme, wherein said enzyme interacts with BMP, said method comprising the step of administering or inducing Hsp70, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, in a form suitable for allowing interaction between BMP and Hsp70, or said functional fragment or variant thereof, and thereby modulating the enzymatic activity of an enzyme interacting with BMP.
US08540979B2	Methods of generating immune responses with compositions comprising an adenoviral expression vector comprising a CD40L fusion protein Provided are adenoviral vectors for generating an immune response to antigen. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal sequence upstream of a tumor antigen upstream of CD40 ligand, which is missing all or substantially all of the transmembrane domain rendering CD40L secretable. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a tumor antigen by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer expressing a tumor antigen in an individual by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Still further provided are methods of generating immunity to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV) by administering an effective amount of the invention vector which enocodes the E6 or E7 protein of HPV. The immunity generated is long term.
US08540978B2	Treatment composition comprising physically disrupted tooth pulp and non-cultured stem cells in a matrix A medical implant comprising in components from a tooth and stem cells harvested from at least one tooth. Tooth stem cells may be harvested from the dental pulp of mammalian teeth, such as unerupted third molars in humans. After the stem cells are removed and isolated from the other teeth tissue, the hard tooth may be ground into a base material for the manufacture of a porous matrix into which the tooth stem cells can be added. Additionally, soft tissue from the harvested tooth may be used as a carrier scaffold for soft tissue applications such as meniscal or cartilage repair.
US08540975B2	Hair styling method Provided is a method for styling mammalian hair that includes contacting the hair with a composition that includes a poly(vinylamine-vinylformamide) copolymer and a first carrier, contacting the hair with a composition that includes a citrate and a second carrier, and styling the hair. The method of the present invention promotes improved hair styling properties such as improved curl retention and straightness retention, e.g., under conditions of high relative humidity and temperature. The method can be used for semi-permanently straightening or curling the hair. Also provided is a method for controlling frizz by applying the copolymer and citrate compositions.
US08540971B2	Oral care composition with cross-linked polymer peroxide Oral care compositions comprising: (a) a peroxide complex comprising a peroxide component and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer (e.g., poly-N-vinyl polylactam, or poly-N-vinyl-polyimide); (b) a whitening agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide); and (c) an orally acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier comprises a film forming material. Methods are also provided for making an oral care composition comprising: (a) mixing a whitening agent, silicone adhesive and carrier fluid to form a homogenous mixture; (b) adding a peroxide complex to said homogenous mixture, wherein said complex comprises hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer; and (c) mixing under vacuum.
US08540966B2	Contrast agents endowed with high relaxivity The present invention relates to a novel class of paramagnetic ion-based contrast agents of formula (I), wherein a chelating backbone moiety is highly functionalized by the presence of one or more polyhydroxylated chain, that show a pharmacokinetic profile analogous to that of the commonly used T1-general extravascular agents (NSA) but are further characterized by a higher relaxivity.
US08540962B2	Method for producing hydrogen by means of thermochemical water-splitting, and device for producing hydrogen The disclosed method for producing hydrogen by means of thermochemical water-splitting can efficiently use solar energy obtained by means of a beam-down typed light collecting system. Further disclosed is a device for producing hydrogen. While circulating within a reactor (1) a fluidized bed (2) made of metal oxide particles, two reactions are simultaneously caused to proceed: a thermal reduction reaction, which is an oxygen evolution reaction wherein a portion of the fluidized bed (2) is heated by solar light (S) in a nitrogen atmosphere, which is a low oxygen partial pressure gas, releasing oxygen from the metal oxide; and a thermochemical water-splitting reaction, which is a hydrogen evolution reaction wherein water vapor is brought into contact with the metal oxide after oxygen has been released, generating hydrogen.
US08540961B2	Method of preparing material for lithium secondary battery of high performance Provided is a method for preparing a lithium mixed transition metal oxide, comprising subjecting Li2CO3 and a mixed transition metal precursor to a solid-state reaction under an oxygen-deficient atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 10 to 50% to thereby prepare a powdered lithium mixed transition metal oxide having a composition represented by Formula I of LixMyO2 wherein M, x and y are as defined in the specification. Therefore, since the high-Ni lithium mixed transition metal oxide having a given composition can be prepared by a simple solid-state reaction in air, using a raw material that is cheap and easy to handle, the present invention enables industrial-scale production of the lithium mixed transition metal oxide with significantly decreased production costs and high production efficiency. Further, the thus-produced lithium mixed transition metal oxide is substantially free of impurities, and therefore can exert a high capacity and excellent cycle stability, in conjunction with significantly improved storage stability and high-temperature stability.
US08540960B2	Method for producing of ultra-clean and high-purity electronic grade reagents A method for producing of ultra-clean and High-purity electronic grade reagents is disclosed. The industrial grade reagents are chemically pretreated and filtered, and the colature is rectified. Heating the steam during the rectification to overheated steam, and filtering the overheated steam used the microporous membrane to remove the solid particulates. Condensing the overheated steam and the secondarily filter to remove the dust in the product. Due to the adoption of the technical scheme, the ultra-clean and High-purity isopropanol produced is in conformity with standard SEMI-C12 and the hydrochloric acid to standard SEMI-C8. And the method is applicable for the large-scale continuous production.
US08540959B2	Bulk cutting of carbon nanotubes using electron beam irradiation According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for attaining short carbon nanotubes utilizing electron beam irradiation, for example, of a carbon nanotube sample. The sample may be pretreated, for example by oxonation. The pretreatment may introduce defects to the sidewalls of the nanotubes. The method is shown to produces nanotubes with a distribution of lengths, with the majority of lengths shorter than 100 tun. Further, the median length of the nanotubes is between about 20 nm and about 100 nm.
US08540958B2	Cascading purification The present invention provides a method of purifying a material using a cascading dissolution and washing process. The dissolution and washing processes can contain single or multiple stages. Water and dissolving chemicals are recycled through the process towards the beginning of the process.
US08540956B2	Method for preparing titanium-silicalite molecular sieve and method for preparing cyclohexanone oxime using titanium-silicalite molecular sieve The present invention provides a method for preparing large particles of titanium-silicalite molecular sieves. The method of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a dispersion solution of a primary crystalline molecular sieve; forming an aggregated particle solution by adding a flocculating agent and a coagulating agent into the dispersion solution; mixing the aggregated particle solution with a synthesis gel to form a mixture; and heat-treating the mixture. The average diameter of the titanium-silicalite molecular sieves in the present invention is more than 5 μm. In the preparation of cyclohexanone oxime using the molecular sieve of the present invention as the catalyst, the selectivity and conversion rate of cyclohexanone oxime are high, the usage of hydrogen peroxide is enhanced, and the catalyst is easy to be recovered.
US08540951B2	Process for extracting metals from aluminoferrous titanoferrous ores and residues A process for extracting metal values from ores or residues is disclosed. The process mentioned above is mainly suitable for aluminoferrous ores such as bauxite, titanoferrous ores such as ilmenite, or residues such as red mud waste. The process involves pulverizing the ore and/or residue and mixing with a carbonaceous material, followed by smelting the iron values and slag in the mixture to yield molten iron and oxides of aluminum and titanium. The process is simple, cost-effective, and provides effective extraction of high purity metal values.
US08540950B2	Method for the removal of chloride from zinc sulphate solution The invention relates to a method for removing chloride from zinc sulphate solution in conjunction with zinc production. According to the method, the chloride is removed from solution by means of monovalent copper, which is produced in a separate copper(I) oxide formation stage, in which the pH is regulated to the region of 4.5-5.
US08540945B2	Water absorbing material and manufacturing method therefor Provided is a water absorbing material having a granular core portion and a coating layer portion coating the granular core portion, which does not produce color before use and with which a test result can be determined only after use. In the water absorbing material, the coating layer portion is composed of 90 wt % to 96 wt % of a substrate and 10 wt % to 4 wt % of an excretion test material, the excretion test material contains a porous adsorbent having an adsorbance of 25 wt % or greater and including micropores, and an excretion test indicator adsorbed on the micropores of the porous adsorbent, and the excretion test indicator is added in an amount in the range of 0.015 wt % to 0.10 wt % relative to the total amount of the coating layer portion.
US08540943B2	Portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquid A portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquids includes a container having an opening for receiving a liquid and a treatment cap. The treatment cap is preferably detachably mounted to the container at the opening. Preferably, the treatment cap includes a main body portion having provided therein an electricity generating device and an ozone generating device. With this arrangement, un-purified liquid, such as water, is introduced into the container. The container is then inverted to bring the un-purified liquid into contact with the ozone generating device. At this point, the electricity generating device is activated to deliver an electrical current to the ozone generating device. Once powered, the ozone generating device produces ozone which is introduced into the liquid container. The ozone gas transforms un-purified liquid into a purified liquid suitable for consumption.
US08540935B2	System and method for coding information on a biosensor test strip The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.
US08540933B2	Stainless austenitic low Ni steel alloy An austenitic stainless steel alloy having the following composition in percent of weight (wt %): 0.02≦C≦0.06; Si<1.0; 2.0≦Mn≦6.0; 2.0≦Ni≦4.5; 17≦Cr≦19; 2.0≦Cu≦4.0; 0.15≦N≦0.25; 0≦Mo≦1.0; 0≦W≦0.3; 0≦V≦0.3; 0≦Ti≦0.5; 0≦Al≦1.0; 0≦Nb≦0.5; 0≦Co≦1.0; the balance Fe and normally occurring impurities, wherein the contents of the alloying elements are balanced so that the following conditions are fulfilled: Nieqv−1.42Creqv≦−13.42; and Nieqv+0.85Creqv≧29.00 wherein Creqv=[% Cr]+2[% Si]+1.5[% Mo]+5[% V]+5.5[% Al]+1.75[% Nb]+1.5[% Ti]+0.75[% W] Nieqv[% Ni]+[% Co]+0.5[% Mn]+0.3[% Cu]+25[% N]+30*[% C]; and −70° C.
US08540932B2	Ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron Ferritic spheroidal graphite cast iron includes: 3.1 to 3.5 percent by mass of carbon; 4.1 to 4.5 percent by mass of silicon; 0.8 percent by mass or below of manganese; 0.1 to 0.6 percent by mass of molybdenum; 0.1 to 1.0 percent by mass of chromium; 0.03 to 0.1 percent by mass of phosphorus; 0.03 percent by mass or below of sulfur; 0.02 to 0.15 percent by mass of magnesium; and iron.
US08540930B2	Reducing furnace and apparatus for manufacturing molten iron comprising the same An apparatus for manufacturing molten iron includes a reduction furnace having a charging device that is capable of preventing segregation. The reduction furnace for reducing an iron-containing material used for manufacturing molten iron may include a charging hole where the iron-containing material is charged, a first guide plate sloped toward a first direction in the reduction furnace to guide the iron-containing material to the inside of the reduction furnace, and a second guide plate fixed and sloped toward a second direction intersecting the first direction in the reduction furnace to guide the iron-containing material dropped and guided by the first guide plate. A dropping direction of the iron-containing material dropped and guided by the first guide plate is changed when the iron-containing material is guided by the second guide plate.
US08540924B2	Method and device for preheating a pressed material mat during manufacture of wood material boards The invention relates to a method for preheating a pressed material mat (14) spread on an endlessly and continuously circulating molding band (6) during manufacture of wood material boards, wherein microwaves from one or both press surface sides are beamed into the pressed material mat (14) to preheat the pressed material mat (14) and the pressed material mat (14) is compacted and hardened by application of pressure and heat after transfer to a continuously operating press (1). The invention consists of microwaves in a frequency range of 2400-2500 MHz being used to heat the pressed material mat (14), wherein the microwaves for each press surface side are generated from 20 to 300 microwave generators (26) with magnetrons (20) of a respective output of 3 to 50 kW. A device for preheating pressed material mats (14) is also provided, in which 20 to 300 microwave generators (26) with magnetrons (20) with an output of 3 to 50 kW and with a frequency range of 2400-2500 MHz are arranged in a conveyor furnace (4) per area side.
US08540923B2	Method for curing resin with ultrasound A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.
US08540921B2	Method of forming a reinforced foam-filled composite stringer A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite stringer. A composite material and foam are laid up onto a tool in the form of a stringer. The foam has a plurality of structural members within the foam. The plurality of structural members has a number of orientations to resist a number of loads. The composite material, the foam in the form of the stringer, and the plurality of structural members are cured to form the composite stringer.
US08540920B2	Methods of making an article of semiconducting material on a mold comprising particles of a semiconducting material The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as articles of semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells.
US08540915B2	Concrete block and method of making same Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.
US08540914B2	Textured surfaces One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a textured surface may include providing a first thermally stable sheet, printing a pattern of material on the first sheet to form a three-dimensional textured surface, and curing the material, then using said first sheet to impart negative texture into Tedlar faced epoxy composite blanket, which is in turn used to impart texture into a decorative laminate.
US08540909B2	Method of reworking an area of a composite structure containing an inconsistency A patch for reworking an inconsistent area in a composite structure includes a composite laminate patch adapted to cover the inconsistent area and bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive. The patch includes a plurality of composite plies having a tapered cross section, and at least first and second regions respectively having differing fracture toughnesses.
US08540903B2	Electrically conductive paste, and electrical and electronic device comprising the same Disclosed is an electrically conductive paste which enables to reduce the level of void growth in a conducting pathway formed in a joint part produced after curing the electrically conductive paste in the implementation of an electronic component on a circuit board by using the electrically conductive paste, and which contains a reduced amount of a viscosity-adjusting/thixotropy-imparting additive. Two Sn-containing low-melting-point alloy particles having different melting points and different average particle diameters are selected as electrically conductive filler components to be used in an electrically conductive paste, and the two alloy particles are mixed at a predetermined ratio for use.
US08540899B2	Liquid composite compositions using non-volatile liquids and nanoparticles and uses thereof A solvent composition comprising an organic solvent; dispersed nanoparticles; and a non-volatile electrolyte.
US08540893B2	Chemical mechanical polishing composition and methods relating thereto A chemical mechanical polishing composition useful for chemical mechanical polishing of a patterned semiconductor wafer containing a nonferrous metal. The chemical mechanical polishing composition comprises an inhibitor for the nonferrous metal; a copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether (meth)acrylate and 1-vinylimidazole; and water.
US08540892B1	Ion etching of growing InP nanocrystals using microwave High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction.
US08540890B2	Protective treatment for porous materials A method for treating a surface of a porous material in an environment is provided, comprising setting the temperature of the surface to a value T1 and setting the pressure of the environment to a value P1, contacting the surface with a fluid having a solidifying temperature at the pressure value P1 above the value T1 and having a vaporizing temperature at the pressure value P1 below 80° C., thereby solidifying the fluid in pores of the material, thereby sealing the pores, treating the surface, wherein the treatment is preferably an etching or a modification of the surface, and setting the temperature of the surface to a value T2 and setting the pressure of the environment to a value P2 in such a way as to vaporize the fluid.
US08540889B1	Methods of generating liquidphobic surfaces The present invention relates to methods of generating liquidphobic surfaces, and surfaces prepared by these methods. The methods include generating sub-micron-structured surfaces and coating these surfaces with a liquidphobic coating, such as a hydrophobic coating.
US08540888B1	Methods of patterning layered-material and forming imprinting mold Disclosed is a method of patterning a layered material. A layered material is provided, and a photoresist layer is formed thereon. The photoresist layer is patterned by a focused laser beam to expose a part of the layered material. The exposed layered material is etched to pattern the layered material.
US08540885B2	Use of alkoxylated polyalkanolamines for splitting oil-water emulsions The use of alkoxylated polyalkanolamines as demulsifiers for splitting oil-water emulsions, especially for splitting crude oil emulsions.
US08540882B2	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.
US08540880B1	Pretreatment of biodiesel feedstock Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
US08540875B2	System for use in a dialysis apparatus An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
US08540872B1	Portable water treatment plant A portable water treatment plant includes a membrane filter, a booster pump and a pressurized water tank. The membrane filter preferably receives water through a pump in a screen filter, but could receive water from other sources. The booster pump pumps water from an output of the membrane filter into the pressurized water tank. The water from the membrane filter is preferably pumped through at least one carbon filter for additional filtering. An air compressor is used to inject air into a backwash solution. An auxiliary inlet and an auxiliary outlet are created to receive a removable reverse osmosis filter. An electronic controller includes a touch screen monitor, which provides control of and displays various information concerning the portable water treatment plant. The electronic controller senses the insertion of the reverse osmosis filter into the portable water treatment plant. Chemicals in the cleaning solutions are neutralized before discharge.
US08540871B2	Denitrification of a hydrocarbon feed A denitrification method is disclosed for removing nitrogen compounds from a hydrocarbon feed in which the feed is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a porous support. Additionally, a method for hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feed which includes a hydroprocessing step is disclosed, wherein prior to hydroprocessing, the feed is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a support. Additionally, a method for producing a lube oil which includes isomerization dewaxing of a base oil fraction is disclosed, wherein prior to the isomerization dewaxing step, the base oil fraction is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a support.
US08540862B2	Method of manufacturing laterally graded porous silicon optical filter through diffusion-limited etching and filter structure manufactured thereby Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a laterally graded porous silicon optical filter through diffusion-limited etching. The change in resonance frequency of the porous silicon layer in a taper axis direction is adjusted using the diffusion of reactive ions in an etchant under conditions of use of a related etch mask pattern. It is possible to manufacture an optical band-pass filter having a resonance frequency that linearly changes using a tapered etch window opening.
US08540859B2	Technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.
US08540858B2	Interdigitated microelectrode and a process for producing the interdigitated microelectrode An interdigitated microelectrode (2) comprising a substrate (4), a first layer (6) of a first metal on the substrate (4), and a second layer (8) of a second metal on the substrate (4), the first layer (6) comprising a plurality of line microelectrodes (10) which are connected at a first end (12) and are not connected at a second end (14), the second layer (8) comprising a plurality of line microelectrodes (16) which are connected at a first end (18) and are not connected at a second end (20), the line microelectrodes (10) of the first layer (6) and the line microelectrodes (16) of the second layer (8) being such that they extend into each other but do not touch each other thereby to form an interdigititated microelectrode array (22), and the first metal being different from the second metal. A process for producing the interdigitated microelectrode (2) is also disclosed.
US08540857B1	Plating method and apparatus with multiple internally irrigated chambers An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal onto a work piece surface includes a membrane separating the chamber of the apparatus into a catholyte chamber and an anolyte chamber. In the catholyte chamber is a catholyte manifold region that includes a catholyte manifold and at least one flow distribution tube. The catholyte manifold and at least one flow distribution tube serve to mix and direct catholyte flow in the catholyte chamber. The provided configuration effectively reduces failure and improves the operational ranges of the apparatus.
US08540851B2	Physical vapor deposition with impedance matching network A method of physical vapor deposition includes applying a radio frequency signal to a cathode in a physical vapor deposition apparatus, wherein the cathode includes a sputtering target, electrically connecting a chuck in the physical vapor deposition apparatus to an impedance matching network, wherein the chuck supports a substrate, and wherein the impedance matching network includes at least one capacitor, and depositing material from the sputtering target onto the substrate.
US08540849B2	Press felt for papermaking Press felts for papermaking include a batt fiber layer and a base fabric. The batt fiber layer is integrated into the base fabric. The base fabric includes a ground warp yarn, a ground weft yarn, and an additional warp yarn. The ground warp yarn and the ground weft yarn include monofilament yarns, and the additional warp yarn includes a material different from a material forming the ground warp yarn. The additional warp yarn is arranged so that, when the base fabric is viewed in cross-section in a warp yarn direction, the additional warp yarn ascends toward a wet paper web-side surface of the base fabric and descends toward a roll-side surface of the base fabric, relative to the at least one ground warp yarn.
US08540848B2	Method and device for a de-acidifying paper For decades books and other paper documents have been deteriorating in archives and libraries around the world because the acidity of the paper is increasing so much (wherein the pH decreases) that the paper cellulose is decomposing so that the paper loses its cohesion and thereby degenerates in terms of quality. The invention relates to an improved method for de-acidifying paper. The invention also relates to a device for applying such a method.
US08540847B2	Methods and apparatus for processing cellulosic biomass Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for the substantially continuous processing of cellulosic biomasses with a supercritical, critical or near critical fluid to produce ethanol, bio-fuels and high value end products.
US08540845B2	Method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips to be fed to a chip refining process A method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips from several sources feeding a chip processing stage upstream of a chip refining process, perform on-line estimation of a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips, including light reflection-related property, moisture content and dry-based density, which are used by a reference model capable of comparing the estimated dry-based density with a predetermined target to produce error data, and selectively modifying discharge rate set points of one or more of the wood chip sources to minimize the error data within fluctuation limits around the target. The discharge rate of the wood chip sources is controlled in accordance with the set points to substantially stabilize the dry-based density of the wood chips.
US08540843B2	Plasma chamber top piece assembly A plasma processing system for processing a substrate is described. The plasma processing system includes a bottom piece including a chuck configured for holding the substrate. The plasma processing system also includes an induction coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field in order to create a plasma for processing the substrate. The plasma processing system also includes a cover covering at least the induction coil and a heating and cooling system. The top piece coupled to the bottom piece and at least partially covered by the cover, the top piece comprising a first shelf, a second shelf, and a wall; the wall being disposed between the first shelf and the second shelf; a cavity being formed between the first shelf and the second shelf, and between the wall and a portion of the cover; the heating and cooling system being disposed inside the cavity; Wherein, the heating and cooling system is substantially shielded from the electromagnetic field by the top piece, and the top piece substantially complies with a set of SEMI ergonomic safety standards for a part handled by a single person.
US08540840B2	Method of making high temperature resistant models or tools A method of making High Temperature Resistant Models and Tools is provided. An assembly of substrates can be formed with intermediate adhesive layer of curable paste and same curable paste can be used as topcoat or sealer. The curable paste can be machine dispensed from a mixer mixing 2 components composition. The composition can contain a resin, a filler, a chemical thixotropy agent, a latent hardener and another hardener. The method provides easy and cost-effective manufacture of models or tools.
US08540835B2	Method for manufacturing tubes by welding The invention concerns a method of welding a laminate for the production of flexible tubular plastic bodies. The method comprises the following operations: a laminate is shaped around a welding tool, the ends of the laminate to be welded are heated, the ends are pressed together and at least partly cooled, the welded zone is deformed so as to increase its area, and the weld zone is cooled. The invention also concerns a device that is suitable for using the method mentioned above.
US08540831B1	Method of manufacturing a cell tag A method of manufacturing a cell tag incorporating a call sign visible under low light and dark conditions, includes steps of providing a first sheet having peripheral edge portions defining at least one aperture comprising all or part of one or more symbols or characters of the call sign, providing a second sheet having a photoluminescence material or a thermal reflective material, and fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet using a non-heat activated adhesive closely about the peripheral edge portions. The second sheet can have peripheral edge portions defining the at least one aperture therethrough marginally smaller than the aperture or apertures through the first sheet, to be visible through the aperture or apertures of the first sheet, and a third sheet can be attached to be visible through the aperture or apertures of the second sheet, and can include a photoluminescence or thermal reflective material.
US08540830B2	Method of producing a thermoplastically moldable fiber-reinforced semifinished product A continuous method for producing a thermoplastically moldable semifinished product of a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers, comprises blending thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers together to form a nonwoven blend, consolidating the nonwoven blend by needling or by a thermal treatment, heating the consolidated nonwoven blend to a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic, compressing the consolidated nonwoven blend successively in a heated compression mold and in a cooled compression mold at a pressure of less than 0.8 bar for at least 3 seconds, and optionally applying functional layers to the semifinished product. The preferred product is a thermoplastically moldable semifinished product of a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers with an average length of 20 to 60 mm and an air pore content of 35 to 65 vol %.
US08540829B2	Electrically initiated device and system incorporating same An electrically initiated security device includes a first energetic sheet, a second energetic sheet, and a corrugated energetic sheet disposed between the first energetic sheet and the second energetic sheet. A first surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel and a second surface of the corrugated energetic sheet defines at least one channel. The electrically initiated security device further includes a first constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the first surface and a second constituent portion disposed in the at least one channel defined by the second surface. The first constituent portion and the second constituent portion, when mixed, comprise an energetic material.
US08540825B2	Low-temperature stainless steel carburization method A low-temperature stainless steel carburization method comprises steps: providing a stainless steel material; placing the stainless steel material in a halogen-free reducing environment and maintaining the stainless steel at a first temperature ranging 1,050 to 1,400° C.; and placing the stainless steel material in a carbon-bearing atmosphere and maintaining the stainless steel material at a second temperature lower than 600° C. to implant carbon atoms into the stainless steel material to form a carburized layer on the surface of the stainless steel material. A halide-bearing gas or solution is not to be applied to activate the passivation layer, so the fabrication cost would be reduced and the safety of carburization process would be enhanced. Besides, the environment can be prevented from halide pollution.
US08540824B2	Substrate processing method The transporting process from cleaning and drying processing of a substrate in a cleaning/drying processing unit in a cleaning/drying processing group to post-exposure bake (PEB) of the substrate in a thermal processing group for post-exposure bake in a cleaning/drying processing block is described below. First, after the substrate after exposure processing is subjected to the cleaning and drying processing in the cleaning/drying processing group, a sixth central robot takes out the substrate from the cleaning/drying processing group and carries that substrate into the thermal processing group for post-exposure bake in the cleaning/drying processing block.
US08540823B2	Liquid cleaning compositions with films A cleaning composition that contains film flakes with beneficial ingredients. The composition with the film flakes releases the beneficial ingredients when it is delivered to the target surface.
US08540820B2	Rinse aid release detection method A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.
US08540811B2	Scrubber A scrubber for the cleaning of gases containing several scrubber stages (1-4), where the scrubber stages are arranged in a scrubber tower with the different stages at different levels above each other in the scrubber tower. At least one of the scrubber stages (2-4) above the lowest scrubber stage (1) comprises, according to the invention, a ring-shaped tank (10, 15, 20) arranged inside the scrubber tower, which ring shaped tank (10, 15, 20) is arranged surrounding a central channel (9, 14, 19) through which the gas that is to be cleaned can pass upwards.
US08540810B2	Regenerable adsorption unit An adsorption unit comprising an adsorbent hollow fiber in which the fiber includes an active component and means for transmitting heat.
US08540808B2	Venting and filtration systems with gas permeable membrane Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
US08540801B2	Microporous membrane and method for forming The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.
US08540799B2	Method and device for degassing the transport chamber of a metering pump A method is provided for degassing a transport chamber (1) of a metering pump. The method is based on performing impulse generation, wherein gas bubbles arising from the gas-forming fluid and adhering to the inner surfaces in the transport chamber (1) are released from the surfaces, wherein the gas bubbles (4.4′, 8.8′) present in the transport chamber (1) accumulate, perform a motion (c) in the direction of the pressure valve (6), and form an accumulated gas bubble (7) on the transport chamber side of the pressure valve (6). An increase in pressure causes the accumulated gas bubble present at the pressure valve (6) to escape from the transport chamber (1) as discharged gas bubbles (7′) into the pressure line. A metering pump having a device present in the transport chamber for performing the impulse generation is also provided.
US08540791B2	Canister air filter and method for fabricating the same Embodiments for a filter and method for fabricating the same are provide herein. In one embodiment, a filter is provided that includes a first end cap, a second end cap, at least a first filtration media element and at least a first brace. The first end cap has an air flow aperture formed therethrough. The first and second end caps define a central axis. The first filtration media element is coupled to the first and second end caps and has an orientation curved around the central axis. The brace separates a first closed edge of the filtration media element from a second closed edge of the filtration media element.
US08540790B2	Filter element A filter element, and filter apparatus, include a filter pack, a seal member, and a seal support frame operatively connecting the seal member to the filter pack. The seal support frame includes an annular extension, which is preferably canted at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis, for supporting the seal member. The seal support frame also preferably includes a first end thereof including the annular extension, and a second end thereof spaced from the first end thereof along the longitudinal axis, with the first and second ends of the seal support frame joined by a hub of the outer peripheral sidewall of the seal support frame to define a cavity within the seal support frame for receiving the filter pack. The first and second ends of the seal support frame, and the filter pack are preferably joined and sealed to one another by a single bead of adhesive.
US08540786B2	Method for producing PVD coatings The present invention relates to a method of producing coatings of metal oxide, nitride or carbide or mixtures thereof, whereby operating a High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering, HIPIMS, discharged on one or more target (s) (3), in an argon and reactive gas mixture (5, 6), at peak pulse power higher than 200 Wcm−2, in which the deposition rate is improved and in the need for partial reactive gas pressure feedback systems is eliminated.
US08540782B2	Emulsion dyeing composition containing at least one quarternary amine, at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one carboxylic acid and method of using the same The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for coloring keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty quaternary amine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one compound chosen from an alkyl ether carboxylic acid, an alkyl ether carboxylate, a fatty acid having from about 6 to about 40 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof; d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.
US08540781B2	Foot prosthesis Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, wherein the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other via an elastic damping element arranged in the heel area, and the upper part and the lower part, forming a spring, extend one above the other and spaced apart from each other into the area of the forefoot, wherein at least one filling piece (15) is inserted between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) in the area between the damping element (9) and the forefoot (5), which filling piece (15) increases the flexural stiffness of the upper and lower part coupled via the filling piece during walking.
US08540777B2	Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a hole extending therethrough; a fixation screw for extending through the hole and securing the wedge-shaped implant to the tibia; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the fixation screw to the wedge-shaped implant. The fixation screw comprises: a shaft having a distal threaded portion and a proximal threaded portion, wherein the distal threaded portion and the proximal threaded portion are characterized by different thread pitches.
US08540773B2	Prosthetic facet joint ligament A facet joint prosthesis for replacing a facet joint comprising superior and inferior facets, the prosthesis comprising: a) a superior facet joint component forming a superior endplate having a superior outer surface adapted to attach to the superior facet and an inner surface, b) an inferior facet joint component forming an inferior endplate having an inferior outer surface adapted to attach to the inferior facet and an inner surface, and c) a ligament adapted to constrain relative movement between the facets, wherein the ligament comprises an elastic core having a superior surface adapted to attach to the inner surface of the superior facet joint component and an inferior surface adapted to attach to the inner surface of the inferior facet joint component.
US08540771B2	Prostheses for spine discs having fusion capability The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element.
US08540769B2	Device for securing an implant to tissue An implant device is provided for implantation within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae comprising an implant body, a rotatable portion and a piercing portion configured to pierce the adjacent vertebra.
US08540766B2	Biofilm formation inhibitor and treatment device thereof A treatment device such as a biliary stent, capable of effectively and continuously inhibiting biofilm formation, and a biofilm formation inhibitor suitable for coating on the treatment device by killing all bacteria including E. coli and by suppressing the growth of these bacteria, are provided. A biofilm formation inhibitor having an effective amount of catechin for inhibiting biofilm formation and a carrier that is suitable for adhesion of said catechin to a treatment device to be placed in the living body, are provided.
US08540765B2	Medical implant Disclosed is a self-expanding medical implant for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implant comprises a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and is designed to be low-profile such that it is deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implant has a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.
US08540764B2	Mobile external coupling for branch vessel connection An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto, a forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling extends outwardly from the tubular body. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top, wherein the coupling lumen is in flow communication with the body lumen. The coupling graft material is a woven fabric with warp yarn which run generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mobile external coupling including a shape memory material.
US08540763B2	Detachable self-expanding aneurysm cover device A self-expanding aneurysm cover device which takes the form of an outwardly biased cylindrical skeletal frame in which the proximal end of the cylindrical skeletal frame forms a loop which extends at an oblique angle to the axis of the cylindrical skeletal frame. A positioning tab extends from the proximal end of the skeletal frame which when pulled causes the cylindrical skeletal frame to collapse to a reduced diameter for removal of the device from a vessel.
US08540762B2	Circumferentially nested expandable device Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. Some embodiments of these implants comprise a circumferentially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as rotating, translating, and/or slide and lock.
US08540757B2	Phototherapy apparatus using excimer radiation A phototherapy device using excimer radiation in which, by skillful use of the individual peak wavelength of 308 nm and of the emission range of shorter wavelengths than 308 nm, the therapy effect is enhanced, and in which, at the same time, harm can be reduced is achieved using a XeCl excimer lamp and in which diseased sites of skin disorders are irradiated with UV-B radiation with an optical filter being used for changing the spectral shape of the UV-B radiation with which the diseased sites are irradiated.
US08540755B2	Self-drilling self-tapping bone screw A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess is formed in the head for receiving an end of an insertion tool. A dual lead thread extends outwardly from the body in a spiral path from the cutting end towards the head. The dual lead thread pitch is tapered towards the cutting end, and transitions to a straight or slightly tapered thread towards the head.
US08540752B2	Interspinous mesh In accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention, a flexible mesh bag including a catenoidal central portion (106) and two bulbous end portions (104, 108) may be employed as a spinal spacer. The mesh may be percutaneously implanted between adjacent spinous processes (202, 204) to correct the position and orientation of a spine and thereby relieve any discomfort associated with spinal stenosis. Additionally, the mesh may be filled with a bone graft material to permit bone fusion for long-term stability.
US08540749B2	Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure A forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.
US08540745B2	Balloon dissector with cannula There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assembly. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly may also include a scope support for insertion through the balloon dissector assembly and dissection balloon and for receipt of an endoscope to view the procedure from within the balloon. Various combinations of valve ports and sub-assemblies are disclosed for providing inflation fluid to the balloon tip cannula assembly, insufflation fluid for the abdominal cavity and inflation fluid for the dissection balloon.
US08540744B2	Tissue penetrating surgical device Devices and methods are provided for penetrating tissue and/or effecting movement of devices relative to tissue. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having an at least partially fabric-covered distal tip that be used to at least partially penetrate tissue by contacting the tissue with the fabric and rotating the fabric to “drill” into the tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured for delivery proximate to tissue through a working channel of a delivery device and can include an elongate shaft having in its distal portion an end effector at least partially covered in fabric. The fabric, the end effector, and/or the shaft can rotate, thereby allowing at least the fabric to penetrate the tissue and, if sufficiently rotated, causing an opening to form in the tissue. The surgical instrument and/or the delivery device can be advanced through the opening.
US08540741B2	Weasand-ligating clip A weasand-ligating clip (10) made as a one-piece molding, the clip comprising two portions (11) hinged together at one end by a film hinge (13), and including a closure system (15, 16) at the other end, the portions (11) having teeth that clamp against the weasand when the clip is closed, the clip being characterized by the fact that a major longitudinal dimension (L) of the clip measured from the film hinge to the closure system is less than 45 mm, or indeed less than 42 mm, and better less than 40 mm.
US08540737B2	Method of arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair using an insertional guide for delivering a suture pin A method is disclosed for arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair by advancing a suture pin and a suture which the pin carries through a humerus, rotator cuff and adjacent soft tissue and skin using an insertional guide and thereafter tensioning and securing the suture.
US08540736B2	Spool configured to retain suture for a suture system A suture system spool is configured to retain suture having a suture diameter and tension the suture between a distal and proximal end portions of a suturing tool. The spool includes a monolithically formed disc defining a central opening that provides the disc with an inside diameter. The disc includes a base and a flap joined with the base at the inside diameter, and the flap extends from the inside diameter to an outer periphery of the disc to define a cavity between the flap and the base. The flap is spaced away from the base at a location between the inside diameter and the outer periphery of the disc by a factor of at least two times the suture diameter, and the flap is spaced away from the base at the outer periphery of the disc by a distance that is approximately equal to the suture diameter.
US08540735B2	Endoscopic suture cinch system A two-part suture cinch includes a collar and a plug. A cinch applicator is also provided, and includes an elongate tubular member, a plunger engaged within the distal end of the tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member and plunger, and a proximal handle for moving the shaft longitudinally relative to the tubular member. The plunger includes a distal housing for the collar of the cinch, and the plug is coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The suture is thread through the collar and a portion of the applicator. Operation of the applicator draws the plug into the collar and clamps the suture between the plug and collar. In addition, once the plug is coupled in to the collar, the plunger is displaced proximally to release the two-part cinch form the applicator. A method for applying the cinch is also provided.
US08540734B2	Suture management and tensioning devices and methods for soft tissue reconstruction or bone-to-bone fixation An adjustable, stand-alone tensioning system requires no additional fixturing, weights, or bone surface modification, and allows a single practitioner to provide an adjustable and repeatable tension to a soft tissue graft, and to install the final fixation implant. Its design facilitates introduction of the suture component of the graft into the tensioning process by simplifying retention of the suture. An even, regulated and reproducible tension is easily achieved without requiring the practitioner to manually pull on the suture strands to maintain graft tension.
US08540733B2	Surgical method and device having a first jaw and a second jaw in opposed correspondence for clamping, cutting, and stapling tissue A surgical device including a first jaw and a second jaw is presented. The surgical device also includes a biasing element that biases the distal end of the first jaw towards the distal end of the second jaw. The device also includes a first driver disposed in the second jaw and coupled to the first jaw. The first driver is configured to cause separation of the first jaw and the second jaw. The device further includes at least one of a cutting element and a stapling element disposed within the second jaw, preferably a blade rotatably mounted on a wedge. A second driver is configured to move the cutting element and/or the stapling element proximally from a distal end toward the proximal end of the second jaw to at least one of cut and staple a section of tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.
US08540732B2	Suturing apparatus and method A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.
US08540723B2	Medical system and method of use A medical system and method can used to treat a bone. The system and method can include the preparation of bone cement to be used in the treatment. A non-liquid component and a liquid component can be combined to form a bone cement. A vacuum system can be used to saturate the non-liquid component with the liquid component. The bone cement and/or components can be heated and/or cooled.
US08540722B2	Methods, materials and apparatus for treating bone and other tissue A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.
US08540720B2	System, instrumentation and method for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techniques A cable threader device for passing a guide cable between pedicle screws during minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device comprising a handle with a trigger mechanism, the handle mounted onto an elongated shaft having a curved free end with a detachable curved lead member retained in telescoping manner on the end of the body. The guide cable is affixed to the lead member, the instrument is inserted into a first screw tower, the trigger mechanism is activated to advance the lead member into the adjacent tower, and the lead member and guide cable are retrieved through the second tower. Alternatively, the lead member is a hollow sleeve and the guide cable is pushed through the lead member.
US08540718B2	Rod persuader A rod persuader assembly includes a tubular body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a gripping end and a handle end. The outer shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a rod reducing end. In one embodiment, the handle end is rotatable relative to the gripping end. In another embodiment, the gripping end includes a cylindrical socket. In yet another embodiment, the rod persuader assembly is operable in two separate and independent stages to secure the instrument to an implant, and advance a rod into the implant.
US08540716B2	Disposable reamer shaft or modular spherical or tapered hollow reamer assembly for medical applications A low cost disposable reamer shaft is made from a rod or tube stock of stainless steel, Nitinol or fiber reinforced polymer having a precise outer diameter in the range of 4 to 14 millimeter and is cut to a shaft length of 250 to 400 millimeters. An attachment piece with male or female thread matching a spherical hollow or tapered hollow reamer is machined and glued with epoxy on one end of the rod of tube stock using a precision centerline aligning jig. An attachment piece for connecting to a drive power unit is machined and glued with epoxy to the other end of the rod or tube stock thus forming a low cost disposable reamer shaft that aligns the centerline of the shaft with that of the reamer. The shaft contacts the reamer at two attachment locations that are displaced from each other, providing precise centerline alignment.
US08540715B2	Locking rod fusion device A locking rod fusion device and method uses internal locking rods and screws that will lock together. In particular, the device allows the insertion of multiple locking rods in combination with a plate, which requires less dissection and disruption of soft tissues and vasculature. The device also provides a more stable internal construct for fusions that prevent non-unions, hardware failure and reoccurrence of deformities, such as Charcot foot. The device combines the strength of locking technology and the utility and ease of an internal rod system to provide a single stable construct in multiple planes as apposed to using multiple plates or screws separately.
US08540707B2	Template system and methods Template systems and methods for various procedures (e.g., tissue ablation procedures) are disclosed. An exemplary template system comprises a track having at least one suction port. The at least one suction port anchors the track to a tissue after the track is positioned adjacent a target area. The template system may further comprise a transducer operatively associated with the track. Exemplary transducers include imaging transducers and ablating transducers. The transducer is guided by the track adjacent the target area while the transducer is moved along the track for a procedure. One or more umbilical may provide a conduit to the track and/or transducer so that the template system may be positioned in a patient's body (e.g., for a procedure on the patient's heart) and operated remotely by a physician or other user from outside of the patient's body.
US08540706B2	Organ incision method A method of making an incision in an organ includes piercing, by a puncture needle having a proximal end and a distal end, an abdominal wall and an organ that is to be incised, disposing, via the puncture needle, an electrode, to which a first end of a cable is electrically connected, inside the organ, and disposing a second end of the cable outside a body, performing insufflation using a conduit so as to form a space between the abdominal wall and the organ, pulling the cable farther from the second end so that the electrode is placed in contact with an incision position of the organ, and the incision position of the organ is pulled into the space, and supplying power to the cable so that an incision is made by the electrode at the incision position of the organ.
US08540705B2	Devices and methods for percutaneous energy delivery The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
US08540703B2	Methods for treating skin conditions using laser Methods of treating a portion of skin are disclosed. A carbon lotion is applied to a portion of skin comprising one or more enlarged pores or one or more indicators of aging. The carbon lotion is allowed to remain on the portion of skin for a period of time, and, upon expiration of the period of time, excess carbon lotion is removed from the portion of skin. The portion of skin is irradiated with one or more first laser pulses and one or more second laser pulses. A laser producing the first and second laser pulses has an oscillation wavelength of 1064 nm.
US08540702B2	Enhancing the brightness of optical radiation used in light-based dermatologic treatment systems Facilitating a dermatologic treatment by providing a light source emitting optical radiation and having a plurality of wavelengths, reflecting some of the emitted optical radiation back to the light source to enhance the brightness of the optical radiation, and applying at least some of the enhanced optical radiation to a skin surface to facilitate a dermatologic treatment.
US08540700B2	Disposable tip assembly for laser surgical device A multi-component sterile, disposable tip apparatus for laser surgical devices is provided and features assembly for alignment of a self-contained optical fiber to the surgical device and releasably locking assembly between the tip and device.
US08540698B2	Fluid delivery system including a fluid path set and a check valve connector A fluid path for use in a fluid delivery system is described. The fluid path may have a connecter member having a lumen, a luer member connected to the lumen, and an annular member around the luer member. The fluid path may further have a check valve in the lumen to limit fluid flow in one direction. The check valve may have a deformable stopper element and a retaining sleeve disposed in the lumen of the connecter member. The retaining sleeve may have a central bore and a distal end against which the stopper element sits to prevent fluid flow through the lumen until a sufficient fluid pressure is present to deform the stopper element and unseat the stopper from the retaining sleeve. One or more grooves may be present in the receiving cavity. The fluid path may further have a drip chamber, a second tubing section, and a spike.
US08540696B2	Deflectable catheter with a high modulus fiber puller element A deflectable catheter includes a catheter body, an intermediate section, a tip electrode and a control handle for deflecting the catheter by manipulation of a puller element that is made of a high modulus fiber material and extends through the catheter body and the intermediate section. The proximal end of the puller element is housed in the control handle and the distal end of the puller element is in a wrapped configuration and engages with a distal tip member or the intermediate section.
US08540692B2	Adaptors for removing medicinal fluids from vials In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
US08540689B2	NuChain NuPurposing container conditioning method and apparatus NuChain supply chain and disposal chain apparatus are created by NuPurposing containers, conditioning and transforming such containers from fluent material delivery containers into waste collection containers. Novel structural features of the waste collection systems allows bottle docking for the ingress of collection material into fluent material distribution containers as well as operation as a canister waste ingress collection system. The application of counter opposing forces on a canister and a lid operates in sealing and the unsealing and assembly and disassembly. A reduced pressure configured to be drawn away from said container inducing ingress of air into said container by a source of reduced pressure.
US08540688B2	Vacuum generation device for vacuum treatment of wounds A portable device (2) to generate a vacuum for the medical treatment of wounds on the bodies of humans or animals has a vacuum-producing suction pump (90) in a first housing part (4) of the device and a vessel (10) for receiving body liquids. Vacuum is applied for vacuum communication between the suction pump (90), the vessel (10) and a suction tube (82) leading to the body. A pressure sensor (94) measures the pressure in a tube section (88) and a programmable electronic control unit (100) controls the suction pump (90) in dependence on pressure values measured by the pressure sensor (94). The electronic control unit (100) deactivates the suction pump (90) if a rate of change in pressure (Δp/Δt) detected by the pressure sensor (94) exceeds a defined threshold value toward decreasing vacuum.
US08540687B2	Wound treatment apparatus A wound treatment apparatus comprises: a fluid drainage tube configured to be coupled to a fluid drainage passageway of a wound bandage; first and second fluid drainage receptacles coupled to the drainage tube; and first and second valves coupled between the fluid drainage tube and the first and second fluid drainage receptacles, respectively.
US08540685B2	Valved catheters including high flow rate catheters A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.
US08540677B2	Vascular access device chamber venting A vascular access device within an external environment may include a body and a septum at least partially housed within the body, a gas chamber housed within the body and the septum, and a vent adjacent the body capable of facilitating gas transfer between the gas chamber and the external environment. A method of venting a gas chamber within a medical device includes transferring gas between the gas chamber and an external environment of the device through a vent that is adjacent the body of the device.
US08540670B2	Passive reuse prevention syringe that uses a retaining ring lock A syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber and an outlet. A plunger assembly is disposed within the syringe barrel and includes an elongate plunger rod having a distal end surface, a plunger head having a distal sealing surface and a proximal end surface having a continuous perimeter, and a breakable neck portion integrally connecting the plunger rod and the plunger head. A retaining ring lock is disposed on the inside surface of the barrel and defines an engagement surface about a perimeter of the chamber. The retaining ring lock is adapted to engage and retain the plunger head in a locked position within the chamber. The engagement surface of the retaining ring lock engages the continuous perimeter of the proximal end surface of the plunger head in a perimetrical engagement when the plunger head is in the locked position.
US08540669B2	Catheter system providing step reduction for postconditioning A pre-assembled kit for administering ischemic postconditioning comprising a catheter and a handle having a fluid circuit to control and modulate flow of inflation fluid to and from a balloon wherein the catheter is free from additional assembly and preparation procedures such that it is ready-to-use within a variety of vessel sizes.
US08540663B2	High flow rate dialysis catheters and related methods High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.
US08540658B2	Bone-regeneration material The invention relates to a process for producing a bone-regeneration material. According to the method, a bio-compatible, open-pored body is exposed to a vacuum and osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances are absorbed into the pores of the body, for example by means of a vacuum generated therein. It is thus possible to produce a bone-regeneration material, which contains osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances in the pores of the bio-compatible body, said substances acting as a network structure for new somatic cells that are to grow into the porous body.
US08540656B1	Apparatus and method for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius An apparatus and method for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius having a means for applying traction to a fractured forearm using a resilient cantilever spring digit gripping device to assist in the manipulative reduction of the fracture, and a means for maintaining the reduced fracture of the distal forearm in a determinable position of flexion, ulnar deviation and pronation enabling the application of a closely fitting, well molded immobilization means such as a cast.
US08540653B2	Apparatus for mechanically ventilating a patient An apparatus for mechanically ventilating a patient is provided to have two separate components movably arranged with respect to one another within a flexible, air-tight covering fit about the torso of a patient. When the components move away from one another within the air-tight covering, negative pressure is generated which causes the patient to draw air into the lungs. Conversely, when the components stop moving away from one another within the air-tight covering, the patient's natural exhalation recoil takes over to allow the patient to expel the air from within the patient's lungs. A ventilator for helping a patient such as a premature infant breathe when placed in a chamber, is also provided.
US08540652B2	Robotic training system with multi-orientation module The present invention relates a system and method to allow users to train different joints of a limb in different planes. The rotation of the system can be driven by a motor to assist or resist the motion for training purpose. By the present invention, the user can use the device to switch training between the vertical and horizontal planes, without changing the device and any module. The system is also adjustable to meet different users' body sizes.
US08540648B2	Guide wire with marking pattern A guide wire for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, has a marking pattern, which extends at least across part of the axial length of the guide wire and includes markings of different marking types that can be sensed. On the guide wire, markings of first and second marking types are formed by marking surfaces, of which the marking surfaces of at least the first marking type each extend across only part of the circumferential surface of the guide wire and across only part of the axial length of the marking pattern, and in the axial direction of the guide wire follow each other at a distance by at least one interposed marking surface of the second marking type. At least one longitudinal marking strip is formed as a marking of a third marking type, which extends continuously across the axial length of the marking pattern.
US08540646B2	Biopsy and sutureless device A dermal punch device for automatically extracting a sample of tissue of a predetermined size and shape from a body comprising a retractable cutter and a sutureless biopsy closure mechanism that includes a wound closure fastener member adapted to be disposed over a biopsy region after the performance of the biopsy, wherein wound closure fastener member is applied without the need of several instruments to seal the wound. The wound closure fastener member is dispensed by a sutureless biopsy closure dispenser located at the same distal end of the biopsy punch device surrounding the biopsy punch cutter assembly avoiding the need of separates instruments, reducing the wound closing steps and surgical procedure time.
US08540645B2	Needle biopsy device and related method A needle biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy device includes a housing, a needle set and an actuator assembly. The needle set includes a needle having a tissue receiving opening and a cutting element adapted to pass over or through the tissue receiving opening to sever tissue extending therein. The actuator assembly includes a first magnetic member fixed in a stationary position in the housing and a second magnetic member arranged in the housing so that the second magnetic member is either magnetically attracted toward or repelled from the first magnetic member. The second member is coupled to a respective one of the needle and cutting member so that movement of the second magnetic member effectuates movement of one of the needle and cutting element.
US08540642B2	Implantable medical device and method for physiological event monitoring An implantable medical device uses a method for dynamically managing physiological signal monitoring. A physiological signal is sensed for detecting physiological events in response a first threshold. A determination is made whether a second threshold has been met in response to detecting physiological events. If the second threshold has been met, detailed monitoring of the physiological events is enabled.
US08540641B2	Personalized activity monitor and weight management system A weight management system comprised of a body worn device which interfaces periodically with a computer. The established weight goals of the user are translated by the computer into daily activity targets and downloaded into the device. The device monitors the user's activity, offering progress status toward the daily activity target. Further, the device alerts the user of excessive sedentary periods which depress metabolic indicators. The activity targets, allowed length of sedentary periods and suggested activities to reach goal are specific to the individual based on their biometrics and living environment. The computer provides historical tracking of activity for motivational and coaching purposes.
US08540639B2	Ultrasonographic identification of a sentinel lymph node A method of detecting at least one axillary sentinel lymph node using ultrasonography is described. The method comprises injecting an iron hydroxide compound into a patient at or near a suspected tumor site in the breast and waiting an amount of time required for the iron hydroxide compound to enter cells of the sentinel lymph node. The axillary area near the injection site may then be analyzed using ultrasonography to identify at least one sentinel lymph node. Once identified, a small sample of tissue from the identified sentinel lymph node may be taken for pathological analysis to aid in determination of the stage or extent of breast cancer.
US08540637B2	Biological information acquisition apparatus and biological information acquisition method When a subject is pressed by a plate and an acoustic wave is received by a probe via the plate, the acoustic wave is refracted because of the difference between a sound velocity in the subject and a sound velocity in the plate. When the refraction is not considered, a reduction in resolution occurs. Weights for signals or virtual wavefronts corresponding to the signals to be added to one another are determined using a thickness of the plate, the sound velocity in the plate, the sound velocity in the subject, positions of image elements (pixels or voxels) for image information, and arrival times of the acoustic wave from an object that is a sound source. The signals or the virtual wavefronts corresponding to the signals are added to one another, thereby acquiring the image information.
US08540636B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and medical image processing apparatus In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image generating unit configured to generate medical images from a multislice which covers an area including the heart of an object. Each slice is almost perpendicular to the long axis of the heart. Each medical image is a short-axis image of the heart. A series of medical images captured at different times correspond to each slice. The embodiment generates a polar map associated with myocardial motion indices from a plurality of medical images. A polar map is segmented into segments. The embodiment calculates the average value of motion indices for each segment. The utility of an average value depends on the range covered by each segment. This embodiment matches the boundary of a segment with the position of a vein. This prevents a deterioration in the utility of average values due to the influences of veins.
US08540633B2	Identifier circuits for generating unique identifiable indicators and techniques for producing same The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.
US08540632B2	Low profile antenna for in body device Low profile antennas for ingestible devices, such as ingestible event markers, are provided. Aspects of the ingestible devices of the invention include low profile signal transmission antennas configured such that they are flexible or degrade after use, allowing the antenna and attached components to pass easily through the body. Embodiments of the low profile antennas are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.
US08540627B2	OCT using spectrally resolved bandwidth The embodiments disclosed herein is related to a system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid (i.e., scattering) materials utilizing multiple channels of information. The multiple channels of information may be comprised and encompass spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein is related to methods and apparatus for utilizing optical sources, systems or receivers capable of providing (source), processing (system) or recording (receiver) a multiplicity of channels of spectral information for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials. In these methods and apparatus the multiplicity of channels of spectral information that can be provided by the source, processed by the system, or recorded by the receiver are used to convey simultaneously spatial, spectral or polarimetric information relating to the turbid material being imaged tomographically. The multichannel optical coherence tomographic methods can be incorporated into an endoscopic probe for imaging a patient. The endoscope comprises an optical fiber array and can comprise a plurality of optical fibers adapted to be disposed in the patient. The optical fiber array transmits the light from the light source into the patient, and transmits the light reflected by the patient out of the patient. The plurality of optical fibers in the array is in optical communication with the light source. The multichannel optical coherence tomography system comprises a detector for receiving the light from the array and analyzing the light. The methods and apparatus may be applied for imaging a vessel, biliary, GU and/or GI tract of a patient.
US08540626B2	Endoscope beam source apparatus and endoscope system The endoscope beam source apparatus includes a beam source for emitting a radiation beam to be supplied to the endoscope, and a beam source control unit for controlling the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input therein. The beam source control unit specifies the emission beam intensity corresponding to the beam quantity specified value based on at least three of control amounts. The control amounts include a control amount corresponding to pulse number modulation (PNM) control for changing lighting time of the beam source, a control amount corresponding to pulse width modulation (PWM) control for changing a plus width which indicates the lighting or lighting-out time within a control cycle, a control amount corresponding to pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) control for changing the lighting intensity, and a control amount corresponding to pulse density modulation (PDM) control for changing a lighting interval.
US08540624B2	Instrument for endoscopic surgery An instrument for endoscopic surgery, with a housing having a grip element and a shaft-receiving element, the grip element having a fixed grip part and a pivotable grip part, and the shaft-receiving element being intended to receive and lock the proximal end of a tubular shaft, with a tool at the distal end of the shaft, and with an actuation member extending through the shaft and being longitudinally movable therein, or with a slide piece acting on the actuation member. The actuation member engages in the shaft-receiving element of the housing and is coupled to the grip part mounted pivotably on the housing, so that a pivoting of the grip part causes a longitudinal movement of the actuation member and an actuation of the tool. The grip element of the housing is rotatable relative to the shaft-receiving element of the housing about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the shaft.
US08540622B2	Endoscope An endoscope includes: a distal end opening of a treatment instrument insertion channel opened at a side surface of a distal end portion; a treatment instrument elevator base that is provided at a position facing the distal end opening in the treatment instrument insertion channel and leads a distal end of a treatment instrument protruding from the distal end opening, to a desired position; a first wall portion along the insertion direction of the distal end opening; and a second wall portion at a proximal end side of the insertion direction of the distal end opening and provided with a groove in which a part of the treatment instrument elevator base is fitted when the treatment instrument elevator base is raised, and as the treatment instrument elevator base is raised, a guide wire protruding from the distal end opening is releasably engaged by contacting the treatment instrument elevator base, the first wall portion, and a surface constituting the groove of the second wall portion.
US08540619B2	Fabric cutting system and method A fabric cutting system and/or method can include a mandrel having a body and first and second legs, a centered chuck, and an offset chuck, each chuck configured to receive either one of the legs or body to rotatingly support the mandrel between the chucks. When one of the legs is inserted into the centered chuck and the mandrel body is inserted into the offset chuck, the mandrel can be rotated and the fabric mounted on the mandrel can be cut about the leg at a location beyond the end of the other leg. One of the legs can include a leg extension removable from a leg base that when removed allows the other leg to be cut beyond the end of the leg base. The fabric can be cut with a cutting laser, which may be a multi-axis laser, and/or have low power.
US08540617B2	Extracorporeal pumping methods An extracorporeal pumping method includes receiving an inlet fluid into a compressible-expandable bladder sealably mounted within a housing and moving an actuating member mounted within a fluid chamber of a hydraulic actuating sub-assembly. A pressure transmissive fluid is displaced from the fluid chamber into the housing. The method includes compressing a volume of the bladder in the housing using the transmissive fluid displaced into the housing, the compressed bladder ejecting the inlet fluid from the bladder to provide an outlet fluid under pulsatile pressure. The actuating member is moved within the fluid chamber and the displaced transmissive fluid is returned from the housing into the fluid chamber. The method includes expanding the compressed bladder in the housing and receiving additional inlet fluid into the bladder. The movement of the actuating member is controlled such that the outlet fluid exhibits a predetermined pulse rate, stroke volume, and upstroke rise time.
US08540616B2	Ventricular assist device and related methods A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with one or more anastomosis devices and pumping such oxygenated blood directly to the aorta adjacent to the right atrium or left atrium via a VAD system. In one embodiment, a VAD system can be implanted with open surgery.
US08540615B2	Left and right side heart support A cannulation system for cardiac support uses an inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula. The outer cannula includes a fluid inlet for placement within the right atrium of a heart. The inner cannula includes a fluid inlet extending through the fluid inlet of the outer cannula and the atrial septum for placement within at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The cannulation system also employs a pumping assembly coupled to the inner and outer cannulas to withdraw blood from the right atrium for delivery to the pulmonary artery to provide right heart support, or to withdraw blood from at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle for delivery into the aorta to provide left heart support, or both.
US08540612B2	Process for producing web sections from a flexible web material as well as for producing packing containers A process produces web sections from a flexible web material. The flexible web material is provided with tear-off lines at the distance of the length (L) of the web sections to be formed, which tear-off lines weaken the web material but do not bring about a complete separation of the web sections from the web material. The web sections are separated from the web material along the tear-off lines by tearing. The web material comprises a fabric made of small stretched plastic bands, and the tear-off lines are produced by laser beam processing.
US08540610B2	Exercise machine An exercise machine includes a frame, a body support assembly in pivotable engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein, in operation, the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user in a prone position against the body support assembly as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. The counter balance assembly may include a reaction arm extending from a rear portion of the body support assembly and pivotable about the frame, and may include a weight bearing end opposite the body support assembly. A method of using an exercise machine includes positioning a user body prone against a body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotally engaged with an exercise machine frame and counterbalancing the user's bodyweight.
US08540609B2	Climber appliance An exercise apparatus to simulate climbing is described that includes such features as arm handles that move in synchronism with the motion of foot pedals to provide a total body workout; side handrails; a mounting step; linear foot movement at a simulated climbing angle; a three point support structure using a vertical support column; pedal track covers; a mechanism to provide constant resistance to pedal motion; and pedal impact absorption.
US08540608B2	Training program and music playlist generation for athletic training Systems and techniques for generating an athletic training program and selecting music for playing during the training program are described. Based on specified parameters, a training program module may generate a customized training program intended to help an athlete reach a goal. In conjunction therewith or independently thereof, a music selection module may generate a music playlist for playing during a training program. Music selection parameters may include training intensity, user speed, user location, user mood, a user's currently performance (e.g., as compared to an expected performance) and the like. The music selection module may select songs from a personal library or a public database of music. Music selection may be made to maximize user motivation/inspiration.
US08540607B2	Variable resistance system A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses vertically oriented weight plates that rare in a side-by-side arrangement and are selected by selectors in a selector assembly. A set of actuators are controlled by a computer processor and force the selectors into positions that engage and disengage with a corresponding set of weights. The computer is connected to a user interface that accepts input from a user and instructs the computer to adjust the amount of weight using the actuators and the corresponding selectors. The computer is also in communication with sensors that indicate whether the weights have been lifted successfully and automatically select a lower weight when the weights are not lifted successfully.
US08540606B2	System and method for controlling engine torque An engine control system for a vehicle includes a power request determination module, a desired speed determination module, and a torque control module. The power request determination module determines a power request for an engine based on a request from a driver of the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle. The desired speed determination module determines a desired speed of the engine based on a speed of a turbine in a torque converter of the engine, a state of a clutch in the torque converter, and one of the power request, a first amount of clutch slip, and a second amount of clutch slip. The torque control module determines a desired engine torque based on the desired engine speed and the power request and controls torque output of the engine based on the desired engine torque.
US08540604B1	Transmission control during regenerative braking A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle during regenerative braking is provided. The system and method include a brake controller adapted to cause, for a selected transmission gear, a first torque ratio to be applied to a regenerative brake system during regenerative braking and a second torque ratio, different from the first torque ratio, to be applied when the vehicle is not regenerative braking. The first torque ratio results in an increased braking torque generated by the regenerative brake system compared with application of the second torque ratio.
US08540603B2	Vehicle power transmission control device In a state in which a vehicle travels while an internal-combustion-engine driving torque (Te) is transmitted to drive wheels, the internal-combustion-engine driving torque (Te) and a clutch torque (Tc) are decreased and an electric-motor driving torque (Tm) is increased based on the satisfaction of a shift-up condition (t1). During the time period from the satisfaction of the shift-up condition to time at which the clutch torque (Tc) becomes zero (t1 to t2), a load torque (Ts) of a power generator rotationally driven by an output shaft of the internal combustion engine is generated. In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an AMT, power consumption with the driving of an electric motor when a shift-up action is carried out using the assist of the electric-motor torque can be reduced.
US08540601B2	Hybrid power output system The present invention discloses a hybrid power output system for outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a battery, a first clutch, a second clutch and a constant-mesh fixed ratio reduction unit, wherein the first motor and the second motor are connected electrically with the battery; the engine is connected to the first motor via the first clutch; the first motor is connected to the second motor via the second clutch; the second motor is connected to the wheel driving shaft via the constant-mesh fixed ratio reduction unit. This hybrid power output system can enhance the comfort of the vehicle, save the space and reduce the cost, moreover, it can realize multiple drive modes to improve the power efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption.
US08540598B2	Speed change gear and manufacturing method therefor A speed change gear includes: an internal gear member; an eccentric member; an oscillating member; a pair of first and second rotating members; and a pin that is supported at both ends by insertion holes of the first and second rotating members. The insertion hole and the insertion hole have the same diameter. The outside diameter of the other side end portion of the pin is smaller than the outside diameter of one side end portion of the pin such that the one side end portion is press-fitted in the corresponding insertion hole and the other side end portion is supported by the corresponding insertion hole.
US08540593B1	Baseball training device The baseball training device provides a framed net for capturing thrown balls, especially baseballs. The frame is sturdily supported by stanchions that include upwardly extended sections for additional support. The fasteners are fastened to the frame sides. The device includes a substantially centrally disposed target box. The target box is supported by spaced apart uprights. The uprights feature orifices and the target box, ears, whereby keepers may be passed from the ears into a given set of upright orifices to thereby adjust the vertical positioning of the target box. The device provides padded horizontal members that are fitted as desired, one atop another, in order to effectively shorten the box height and thereby establish a smaller target for a thrower.
US08540590B2	Hollow golf club head There is provided a Ti alloy hollow club head which is more lightweight yet capable of realizing a better repulsion force by adjusting weight and thickness of a club head plate, with its strength ensured. Ribs are formed by chemically polishing the inner surface of a material of a crown plate to a 0.3 to 0.9 mm thickness, and a 0.3 to 4 mm width, and then first concave portions are formed to a 0.2 to 0.5 mm thickness. Thus, strength of the crown plate can be ensured by the ribs, while making the thickness thereof as thin as possible.
US08540588B2	Golf club head with composite weight port A golf club head having a face component, a crown, and a composite sole or a composite body patch with one or more weight ports for receiving one or more weight inserts is disclosed herein. At least part of each of the weight ports is integrally formed in the composite sole or composite body patch, and each of the weight ports include a weight receiving region for receiving a weight and a screw receiving region for receiving a screw that secures the weight in the weight port.
US08540586B1	High volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region A high volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The post apex attachment promoting region is on the surface of the crown section at an elevation above a maximum face height and begins at the crown apex and extends toward the back of the club head. The post apex attachment promoting region is a relatively flat portion of the crown section that is behind the crown apex, yet above the maximum top edge plane, and aides in keeping airflow attached to the club head once it flows past the crown apex.
US08540584B1	Swing speed trainer An athletic swing trainer permits an athlete to swing a trainer at speeds far in excess of the athlete's conventional swing speeds and to confirm to the athlete that the practice swings made with the trainer at these extremely high speeds have been technically properly executed. Armed with this experience, the athlete is then able to swing the athlete's own conventional club, bat or racquet at speeds which, though lower than the athlete's trainer swing speeds, are significantly higher than the athlete's conventional club swing speeds. After six or seven trainer swings, an athlete's swing speed at point of contact of a conventional golf club, bat or racquet with a corresponding ball is typically increased in a range of 5 to 15%.
US08540583B2	System for tracking a golf ball and displaying an enhanced image of the golf ball A system for tracking a golf ball and displaying an enhanced image of the golf ball is disclosed. The system may display an enhanced image of the golf ball on a display such that the enhanced image is imposed upon a user's real world view. Displaying an enhanced image of the golf ball may help a user view the trajectory of the golf ball and find the golf ball after the golf ball lands. The system may display an enhanced image of the golf ball on a heads-up display configured to be worn on a person's head such that the user may view the enhanced image while remaining hands-free. The enhanced image may enable a user to compare the golf ball's trajectory with an ideal trajectory. The system may display other information, such as launch and flight information about the ball, on the heads-up display.
US08540575B2	Method and system for increased realism in video games A system and method for updating parameters of a video game is provided. As events occur in the real world that may influence a game attribute, a parameter is recorded on a server. A video game player may connect to the server and download the parameter. The parameter is stored by the video game and changes an attribute of the video game. Thus, for example, the new performance characteristics of the rising star may be recorded on the server as improved performance parameters. When these parameters are downloaded by the video game player, the video game incorporates the star-like qualities of the rising star.
US08540574B1	Navigation aware news service A mobile terminal simultaneously receives an interactive service, such as a betting service, and a web-based news service operating in conjunction with the interactive service across a wireless connection. Both services are simultaneously displayed in different windows on the same display of the mobile terminal. The user's selections, navigation of pages and other input in the interactive service are monitored and used to select related news items for a scrolling news frame.
US08540573B2	Game object control using pointing inputs to rotate a displayed virtual object control device A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
US08540571B2	System and method for providing haptic stimulus based on position Haptic stimulus associated with other sensory content is generated for conveyance to one or more users with the other sensory content. This may enhance the experience provided to the one or more users by the content. The sensory content may include video content, video game content, audio content, and/or other content. The haptic stimulus may be varied based on position information. Such position information may include information related to the position of the one or more users, the position of a controller (e.g., a game controller), the position of an actuator delivering the haptic stimulus, and/or other position information.
US08540564B2	Slot machine gaming device and method of play A method of playing a slot machine game in which a two level or stage play is conducted, the first level providing winnings in the normal stage of slots, but where the losers are automatically entered into a second stage of play as a bonus play in which there is a possibility of a large payout as well as the guarantee that there will be at least a small payout.
US08540562B2	Advantage bingo bonus One or more instances of a bonus game (e.g., Class II games such as Bingo games) may be provided to players of another wagering game (e.g., a Class III game such as a slot game, a poker game, etc.). Some implementations of the invention allow players to exchange indicia of credit (e.g., money, game credits, or player loyalty points) for bonus opportunities. For example, players may be able to purchase one or more Bingo cards for Bingo bonus games. Some implementations award bonus opportunities to players based on wager levels, game results, a player's level in a player loyalty program and/or other criteria.
US08540558B2	Cooling auxiliary unit and cooling system A cooling auxiliary unit used for an accommodation room configured to accommodate an electronic apparatus includes a duct member that stands upon an ventilation hole provided on a raised floor, and has an air passage connected to the ventilation hole, and an opening connected to the air passage, and a fan that moves air along the air passage.
US08540555B2	Supply device for hanging elements A feeding device for suspension elements, for feeding flexible suspension elements into a packaging machine, in particular into a clipping machine, wherein the suspension elements are detachably disposed in the form of loops by an adhesive on a carrier strip transversely to the feeding direction and may be conveyed of said carrier strip to a delivery point at which a suspension element may be removed from the carrier strip. In the region of the delivery point for the suspension elements, a holding-down device is provided above the carrier strip.
US08540554B2	Meat processing assembly An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor.
US08540550B2	Glass substrate polishing method, package manufacturing method, piezoelectric vibrator, oscillator, electronic device and radio timepiece A glass substrate polishing method having polishing processes for polishing a glass substrate surface while supplying a polishing agent. The glass substrate polishing method is characterized in that the polishing processes include a first polishing process in which the surface of the glass substrate is polished using a first polishing pad made from a polishing cloth and a second polishing process in which the surface of the glass substrate is polished using a second polishing pad made from urethane foam.
US08540549B2	Brassieres A brassiere having at least one breast supporting cup where at least one breast-supporting cup has a frontal opening to expose the breast is disclosed. The breast-supporting cup includes a panel/flap that covers the opening and a part of which is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap of the brassiere when closing the opening so that on release the opening may be uncovered. The panel/flap is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap by a clasp on the shoulder strap that is movable up and down the shoulder strap to a selected position and has a clamping part so that it may be clamped at the selected position, thereby providing adjustment of the breast-supporting cup. The clasp incorporates a co-operative engagement device thereon for the releasable attachment of the panel/flap.
US08540545B2	Interconnectible building elements for intellectual challenge games Embodiments may including multiple building elements that may include connector building elements and basic building elements for the construction of three-dimensional puzzles. Connector building elements may include a connector portion that may insert into a receiving portion of a basic building element. Connector building elements and basic building elements may rotate with respect to each other to a fixed point where respective faces of the connector building element and the basic building element are aligned; the alignment may be to pre-determined angles. Connector building elements and/or basic building elements may include blocking and/or locking structures that may resist and/or arrest the rotation of the elements with respect to each other and to aid in maintaining the alignment of the elements.
US08540543B2	Method for continuously manufacturing liquid crystal display panel and inspection method The invention is a method for continuously manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel. In the method, the manufacturing step and the inspection step are performed on a continuous feeder. The inspection step includes applying a line-shaped light beam from one side with respect to the feeder to the liquid crystal display panel being fed; and imaging a region irradiated with the line-shaped light beam in the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the imaging is continuously performed in a line pattern parallel to a width direction of the feeder and performed at a position that is on another side with respect to the feeder and tilted at a predetermined angle to a feed direction of the feeder or a direction opposite thereto with respect to a direction in which the line-shaped light beam is applied.
US08540541B2	Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same In a top emission structure, there has been a problem in that a wiring, a TFT, or the like is provided in regions other than a light emitting region so that light reflected by the wiring reaches eyes of an observer. The present invention prevents light that is reflected by a wire from reaching eyes of an observer by providing a light-absorbing multilayer film (61) in regions other than a light emitting region. Specifically, the light-absorbing multilayer film (61) is used as an upper layer of a partition wall (also called as a bank or a barrier) that covers ends of a first electrode (66b) whereas an organic resin film (67) is used as a lower layer of the partition wall. The partition wall in the present invention is characterized by being a laminate of three or more layers formed of different materials.
US08540539B2	Buoyancy aid with residual buoyancy A buoyancy aid for assisting in swimming lessons and for placing onto an arm, comprising: a) an element which is ring-shaped or which can be connected into a ring, and which can be arranged on an arm; b) an inflatable chamber which is attached to the ring-shaped element; wherein c) the chamber and/or the element which is ring-shaped or which can be connected into a ring comprise(s) a material having a density lower than the density of water.
US08540536B1	Systems and methods for cooling marine engines A cooling system for a marine engine has an elongated exhaust conduit comprising a first end receiving hot exhaust gas from the marine engine and a second end discharging the exhaust gas; and an elongated cooling water jacket extending adjacent to the exhaust conduit. The cooling water jacket receives raw cooling water at a location proximate to the second end of the exhaust conduit, conveys raw cooling water adjacent to the exhaust conduit to thereby cool the exhaust conduit and warm the raw cooling water, and thereafter discharges the warmed cooling water to cool the internal combustion engine.
US08540534B2	Connector A connector having a housing and terminals, mates with a mating connector having mating terminals. The housing has a side wall, a facing wall and a receiving depression between the side wall and the facing wall. Each terminal is installed in the receiving depression and has an attached portion attached to the housing, a first spring portion extending from the attached portion, an upward-extending portion extending from the first spring portion, an elastic support portion extending from the upward-extending portion, and a contact portion supported by the elastic support portion. The upward-extending portion has an abutting portion opposite the facing wall. The elastic support portion is bendable more easily than a spring formed with the first spring portion and the upward-extending portion. The contact portion contacts the mating terminal when the connector is mated with the mating connector and the abutting portion is pressed against the facing wall.
US08540526B2	Adjustable electrical busway joint An adjustable length busway joint for coupling a first and a second busway section, the first and second busway sections being longitudinally offset, is disclosed. The busway joint includes a first plurality of splice plates and a second plurality of splice plates disposed to overlap to form an electrical joint. The first and said second pluralities of splice plates are arranged for a longitudinal movement with respect each other between a first compressed position and a second extended position. The busway joint further includes a third plurality of splice plates. Each splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates overlaps a portion of a corresponding splice plate of the third plurality of splice plates to form an electrical joint. The third and second pluralities of splice plates are arranged for a longitudinal movement with respect each other between a third compressed position and a fourth extended position.
US08540521B2	Benzoxazole-based fluorescent metal ion indicators Disclosed are benzoxazole-based compounds, kits, and methods of producing and using the described compounds in fluorescence-based detection of analytes (e.g., metal ions). Also disclosed are uses of benzoxazole-based compounds as ratiometric metal ion indicators.
US08540518B2	Training system and method based on cognitive models A training system and method for measuring, evaluating, and improving the functional efficiency of information processing stages associated with human cognition. Scene dependent and a-priori queries can be created as a part of a training curriculum and an appropriate measuring technique can be executed with respect to each scene to measure the functional efficiency of the cognitive information processing stages. Thereafter, a trainee's response with respect to such queries can be automatically evaluated. Feedback based on the response can then be generated. An adaptive training mechanism can be configured to enhance the functional efficiency of the cognitive information processing stages.
US08540517B2	Calculating a behavioral path based on a statistical profile A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.
US08540516B2	Optimizing behavioral change based on a patient statistical profile A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.
US08540512B2	Dental implant system An abutment for dental implant systems of the kind suitable to be associated to a dental implant. The abutment has an inlay, and the inlay is provided at its upper part with an external profile having one or more shoulders for connecting and permanently jointing the inlay to the abutment. Further, the inlay may be shaped such that it is completely surrounded by the abutment in the assembled state of the dental implant system.
US08540506B2	Semiconductor molding chamber A system and method for a semiconductor molding chamber is disclosed. An embodiment comprises a top molding portion and a bottom molding portion that form a cavity between them into which a semiconductor wafer is placed. The semiconductor molding chamber has a first set of vacuum tubes which hold and fix the position of the semiconductor wafer and a second set of vacuum tubes which evacuate the cavity of extraneous ambient gasses. The encapsulant may then be placed over the semiconductor wafer in order to encapsulate the semiconductor wafer.
US08540505B2	Core-shell solid freeform fabrication system A method for creating a three-dimensional solid freeform fabrication object includes spreading a reactive powder on a substrate, selectively dispensing a core binder in the reactive powder to form a core material, and selectively dispensing a shell binder in the reactive powder to form a shell on the core material.
US08540504B2	Equipment for electrospinning An electrospinning equipment is provided. The electrospinning equipment includes a power supply, a collector and a material supply electrically connected to the power supply facing the collector and having a spinneret and a guide unit coupled to the spinneret and bent toward the collector, and the spinneret is configured at a central portion of the guide unit.
US08540498B2	Compressor-expander set critical speed avoidance A control method and apparatus for critical rotational speed avoidance in a compressor-expander set in a gas refrigeration system. By varying an opening of an antisurge or recycle valve, a shaft power used by the compressor in the compressor-expander set may be varied, thereby varying the rotational speed of the compressor-expander set to move it away from its critical speed zone. Additionally, a feedforward signal may be provided by a compressor-expander set control system to cause an antisurge valve for a recycle compressor to open upon a trip or shutdown of one compressor-expander set.
US08540497B2	Fan self-cooling structure with heat pipe A fan self-cooling structure with heat pipe includes a stator assembly, a fan circuit board, and at least one heat pipe. The fan circuit board is flatly connected to a bottom end of the stator assembly and has at least one heat-producing electronic element provided thereon. The at least one heat pipe is provided on the fan circuit board for absorbing and transferring heat energy produced by the at least one electronic element. With these arrangements, it is able to lower the temperature of the electronic elements in a fan and enhance the characteristics of the fan.
US08540488B2	Turbine blade damping device with controlled loading A damping structure for a turbomachine rotor. The damping structure including an elongated snubber element including a first snubber end rigidly attached to a first blade and extending toward an adjacent second blade, and an opposite second snubber end positioned adjacent to a cooperating surface associated with the second blade. The snubber element has a centerline extending radially inwardly in a direction from the first blade toward the second blade along at least a portion of the snubber element between the first and second snubber ends. Rotational movement of the rotor effects relative movement between the second snubber end and the cooperating surface to position the second snubber end in frictional engagement with the cooperating surface with a predetermined damping force determined by a centrifugal force on the snubber element.
US08540486B2	Apparatus for cooling a bucket assembly A bucket assembly cooling apparatus is provided. The bucket assembly includes a platform, an airfoil, and a shank. The airfoil may extend radially outward from the platform. The shank may extend radially inward from the platform. The shank may include a pressure side sidewall, a suction side sidewall, an upstream sidewall, and a downstream sidewall. The sidewalls may at least partially define a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit may be configured to receive a cooling medium and provide the cooling medium to the airfoil. The upstream sidewall may at least partially define an interior cooling passage and at least partially define an exterior ingestion zone. The cooling passage may be configured to provide a portion of the cooling medium from the cooling circuit to the ingestion zone of an adjacent bucket assembly.
US08540481B2	Rotor blade assembly A rotor blade assembly is disclosed herein. The rotor blade assembly includes a composite blade portion extending a length from a root to a tip. A leading edge of the composite blade portion extends from the tip to an end point along the length between the tip and the root. The rotor blade assembly also includes a base portion fixed to the composite blade portion proximate to the root. The rotor blade assembly also includes a sheath extending around the composite blade portion. The sheath is positioned along the length adjacent to the base portion and between the root and the end point of the leading edge.
US08540477B2	Rotary pump with thrust bearings A rotary blood pump includes a casing defining a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a blood inlet and a tangential blood outlet. One or more motor stators are provided outside of the pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller is within the pumping chamber and is adapted to cause blood entering the pumping chamber to move to the blood outlet. The impeller has one or more magnetic regions. The impeller is radially constrained in rotation by magnetic coupling to one or more motor stators and is axially constrained in rotation by one or more hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces on the impeller.
US08540475B2	Side recovery system for a vehicle A recovery vehicle having a side recovery system is disclosed. The side recovery system includes a boom having a first end and a second end. The boom is rotatable about the first end between a first position and second position. The side recovery system also includes a base having a portion for supporting the first end of the boom, a first receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom when the boom is in the first position, and a second receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom when the boom is in the second position. The boom further includes a locking device configured to selectively engage the first receiving structure and the second receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom.
US08540473B2	Load port A load port including a frame having an opening, a vessel receiving table that receives the wafer vessel, a door removably attached to the opening, a door opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the door, and a closing mechanism that exerts force on the door when the door opening and closing mechanism closes the door.
US08540472B2	Binding machine A machine for binding a packet of sheets of binding elements has a transfer belt designed to magnetically fix the binding elements and to move between a disengagement position in which it receives the binding elements and an engagement position in which it is positioned in a closure zone, closure devices disposed upstream of the transfer belt and designed, in the closure zone, to close the elements, a magnetic binding table disposed upstream of the closure devices, and comprising a fixing zone for holding a series of ends of the elements, and a magnetic top guide disposed upstream of the closure devices and above the binding table, and comprising a fixing zone for holding the other series of ends of the elements, the packet of perforated sheets being inserted between the table and the top guide.
US08540471B2	Quick attaching and detaching nut A nut assembly comprises a capture nut having a smooth bore adapted to fit around the threads of a threaded member such as a bolt or a threaded rod. The capture nut includes a tapered bowl which defines a hexagon in cross section, for example. The nut assembly further includes a split nut having a surface which snugly mates with the tapered bowl of the capture nut. The split nut engages the threads of the threaded member, but only after the split nut is brought into close proximity to the capture nut, thereby avoiding the need to thread the nut assembly the entire length of the threads of the threaded member. The split nut may be formed to two separable pieces, or it may be formed of two integral halves joined together by a thin membrane.
US08540470B2	Locking nut A nut fastener is provided for locking the nut to prevent inadvertent loosening of the nut. The nut fastener is particularly useful for tightening a wheel onto an axle. The nut fastener includes a nut, a collar and a retaining ring. The nut is unlocked by pushing on an engagement surface of the collar. When the collar is released, the collar locks against the nut.
US08540464B2	Deburring knife for deburring even and uneven hole edges Deburring knife for deburring straight or nonround hole edges with a base body driven rotationally around its longitudinal axis, in which one or more bar blades are replaceably accepted into a swivel-mounted knife holder in a base body, by which the knife holder has at least one control recess located on its circumference, in which a spring component engages, which guides the rotation of the knife holder in the base body, characterized by the fact that for pivot bearing of the knife holder in the base body of the knife holder there are two drilled holes located across from one another vertically to the mounting hole of the bar blade, into each of which the end of a bearing bolt engages, whose other end goes into a transverse hole in the base body and serves to rotate the knife holder in the base body that one or more bar blades are thereby easily and replaceably mounted in the radial mounting hole in the knife holder, that at least one stop preventing axial displacement and one pullout safety device for security in the axial direction are in place for the bar blade.
US08540461B2	Circular pile head for underpinning a slab A circular pile head assembly that can facilitate the driving of the underpinning pile in a slab using a pile driving machine and locking-off the slab load to the underpinning pile is provided. A circular pile head assembly consists of the twin beam, the circular pile head and a section of an underpinning pile that is used in conjunction with a pile driving machine to drive, and lock-off the slab load to the underpinning pile.
US08540455B1	Heated pavement sealant system A fluid pavement sealer composition includes a liquid phase having a sealant component and a fluid component, and at least about 25% by volume of finely divided metal particles suspended within the liquid phase. An electrically heated element contacts a pavement surface, with the solidified pavement sealer layer covering a selected area of the pavement surface including the electrically heated element. The solidified pavement sealant layer includes at least about 25% by volume of finely divided metal particles. The electrically heated element transfers heat to the pavement sealant layer and metal particles therein to maintain the selected area of pavement surface free of ice and snow.
US08540454B2	Manhole cover A manhole cover which has an upper body and a lower body coupled to each other to maintain balance, to endure loads applied from an external source in a stable manner, to protect the inside of the manhole from the ingress of rainwater, and to enable the upper body to be stably fixed inside the lower body.
US08540450B1	Pen cap attachment mechanism In general, this disclosure relates to a pen housing mechanism, comprising at least one locking collar provided on a pen body configured to receive a pen cap, specifically a pen cap having a plurality of inset “balls” that engage channels within the locking collar. In one form, the “balls” are fit into voids drilled or otherwise provided in a portion of the pen cap and press fit, or otherwise attached, thereto. In one form, a compression spring is provided, which biases the “balls” into a locking portion of the channel.
US08540441B2	Printing control apparatus and printing control method A printing control apparatus may execute printing on a continuous sheet by using a printing unit. The printing control apparatus includes a reversal unit, an input unit, and a printing control unit. In executing printing by the printing unit on both surfaces of the continuous sheet, the reversal unit reverses the continuous sheet to execute printing on a second surface after executing printing on a first surface. If the printing on the first surface currently is being executed by the printing unit to execute two-sided printing of a preceding job based on a preceding job in a case where an instruction for interruption printing is input by the input unit, the printing control unit executes the interruption printing according to the instruction subsequent to the printing on the first surface of the continuous sheet based on the preceding job, and supplies the printed continuous sheet to the reversal unit.
US08540438B1	Systems and methods for positioning a camera crane Systems and methods for positioning a camera crane include maintaining the position of a camera head in accordance with the inclination and rate of change of inclination of the arm of the crane. The inclination and rate of change are detected by an inclination detector and an angular detector respectively. The camera head may be positioned in accordance with the inclination as detected by the inclination detector. The rate of changing the position of the camera head may be in accordance with the rate of change detected by the angular detector.
US08540435B2	Ferrule retainers having access window(s) for accessing and/or referencing a fiber optic ferrule, and related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods Ferrule retainers for retaining and supporting fiber optic ferrules in an optical fiber connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ferrule retainers include one or more access windows for accessing an alignment feature(s) of the ferrule located inside the ferrule retainer when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. In this manner, the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule is accessible for referencing, if desired, when processing (e.g., polishing) the optical fiber(s) disposed in the ferrule when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. The access window(s) provided in the ferrule retainers allows fiber processing equipment to reference the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule when assembled in a ferrule retainer regardless of whether the fiber processing equipment also references the ferrule retainer to reference the ferrule. The embodiments disclosed herein also include related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods.
US08540429B1	Snap-on pipe guide A pipe guide includes a pair of cylindrical shells each having a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced vanes and structure for holding the shells together when the shells are axially mated end-to-end. A pair of curved tab arms extend circumferentially about corresponding ones of the cylindrical shells. A pair of slide-locks are configured to slide over corresponding ones of the tab arms to move them into a locking position in which keys on the tab arms extend between adjacent coils of a coil spring surrounded by the shells.
US08540425B2	CT scanning system A CT scanning system having a patient table and a gantry comprising an x-ray source configured to irradiate an x-ray beam while at least partly rotating about an object being arranged on the patient table in order to be scanned. The gantry comprises an x-ray detector configured to receive x-rays penetrating through the object to be scanned and is further configured to provide output signals representative of the received x-rays. The system further comprises an x-ray cabinet comprising x-ray shielding material. The x-ray cabinet fully surrounds the gantry and the patient table. The patient table is configured to be fully inserted in the x-ray cabinet. The x-ray cabinet has an end part with a patient opening allowing the introduction of a patient into the x-ray cabinet through said opening. The system comprises a closure part for providing an x-ray shielding closure of the patient opening at the first end part.
US08540420B2	Gong mounting device for striking watch Gong mounting device designed to bear against a crystal (10) closing a striking-watch case. This device comprises a block (20) for immobilizing at least one end (1, 2) of a gong (T1, T2) inside the watch case, and a means (30) for mounting this block (20) on said crystal (10). The mounting means (30) is a clamping-type mounting means enabling the block (20) to exert pressure on the crystal (10).
US08540418B2	Wear and shock resistant escapement lever for a timepiece movement The invention concerns a escapement lever (1) for the escapement mechanism of a timepiece movement, including at least one fork delimiting a notch (2) which includes horns (3; 4) arranged for cooperating with a balance.Said fork notch (2) includes, in at least one said horn (3; 4), a slot (5, 6) and/or a chamber (30), wherein said slot (5; 6) and/or chamber (30) is arranged to confer elasticity on the corresponding horn, which softens the shock at each impulse, by absorbing part of the impact energy, and then returning it subsequent to said impact.
US08540415B2	Multipurpose manual mixer The disclosed multipurpose manual mixer is a new kitchen utensil in one piece comprised of a handle attached to a mixer to the other end, resembling a helicopter with propeller like plates. A multipurpose manual mixer with its entire structure in one piece made up of a long and uneven handle at one end and flat rectangular pieces with rounded corners, propellers like big and small, holed and un-holed attached vertically to a tubular body to the other end in continuous rows, parallel and separated from each other at equal distance. The multi flat rectangular pieces as mentioned and described above are all called plates. The body comprised of all plates big and small and attached vertically along to the cylindrical tubular part in the middle, is called ‘the mixer.’ In other words, ‘the mixer’ consists of multiple flat rectangular plates rounded in corners on one side, big and small, holed and un-holed and bound to each other by a receiving tubular part that also fits the handle. This invention called ‘multipurpose manual mixer’ has been specially designed in order to provide an improved manual mixer of simple, cheap, effective and readily reusable construction. It adds quality to the finishing product—food simple or complex and ends up to being a very useful tool in the kitchen.
US08540413B2	Backlight assembly and display device having the same A backlight assembly includes a light guiding plate, a driving board, a light emitting chip and a flexible board. The light guiding plate has a plate shape. The driving board is disposed substantially parallel with a side surface of the light guiding plate to face the side surface of the light guiding plate. The light emitting chip is formed on a surface of the driving board to generate light toward the side surface of the light guiding plate. The flexible board has a connection wiring that provides a power source to the driving board. The driving board is disposed on the flexible board.
US08540411B2	Backlight unit and display device Disclosed are a backlight unit and a display device. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a light emitting module including a plurality of light sources in the bottom cover, a light guide plate at one side of the light emitting module in the bottom cover, an optical sheet on the light guide plate, a support member coupled with the bottom cover, in which a part of the support member is placed on the optical sheet to make contact with a top surface of the optical sheet so that a bottom surface of the optical sheet contacts to the light guide plate, a top cover provided on the support member and coupled with the bottom cover. The light sources are interposed between the support member and the bottom cover.
US08540405B1	Systems, methods, and devices for installing light fixtures Light fixtures providing improved installation features and methods for installing such light fixtures are described herein. The light fixture may include a light fixture housing that forms a cavity and has a first end, a second end, and a connection means located at either the first end or second end of the housing. The connection means connects the light fixture housing to another light fixture housing. The light fixture further includes a light tray located in the cavity of the light fixture housing below the connection means. The light tray is hand-bendable to provide access to the interior components of the light fixture.
US08540404B2	Flashlight with retractable cord and attachment device A flashlight with an extendable and retractable cord is provided, and the flashlight comprises: a housing with an internal cavity leading to an aperture, a light bulb, a power source, an extendable and retractable cord scrollably received within a portion of the internal cavity of the housing, one end of the cord is attached to a portion of the internal cavity of the housing and the second end extending through said aperture and being connected to an attachment device.
US08540403B2	Illumination device, electronic apparatus including the same, and method of manufacturing illumination device An illumination device is provided including a light emitter; and a panel. The panel includes a recess configured to accept an optically transparent sealant that is illuminated by light from the light emitter. Moreover, the panel includes a hole in the recess that is sealed by the optically transparent sealant.
US08540400B2	Encoding device and a method of encoding The present invention relates to an encoding device, such as an optical position encoder, for encoding input from an object, and a method for encoding input from an object, for determining a position of an object that interferes with light of the device. The encoding device comprises a light source, a waveguide, a number of redirecting structures, and a detector. By means of the waveguide and the number of redirecting structures, light from the light source is guided towards the detector along a path that includes traversing an area in a space next to the planar waveguide. An object may be positioned in the area in the space and may interfere with the light, which interference may be encoded into a position or activation.
US08540399B2	Socket device A lighting fixture capable of efficiently radiating heat of a lamp device may be configured to be attached to a socket device. In some examples, by attaching the lamp device to the socket device, a cap portion of the lamp device is brought into contact with a fixture body, and pressed against and brought into close contact with the fixture body by an elastic body. Heat generated by lighting of LEDs of the lamp device is conducted from the cap portion to the fixture body and efficiently radiated.
US08540397B2	Lighting apparatus using light emitting diode The invention includes a lamp housing member having a circular upper plate and a side portion formed at the outer circumference of the upper plate, first light emitting diode modules that are provided on a lower surface of the upper plate and are supplied with power to emit light, and second light emitting diode modules that are mounted on the inner surface of the side portion and are supplied with power to emit light. According to the invention, it is possible to increase a light distribution area, achieve illumination with high brightness, and improve flexibility in the road lighting design. In addition, it is possible to easily ensure a cut-off-angle at which pedestrians or drivers cannot directly view the second light emitting diode modules by adjusting the inclination angle of the side portion.
US08540396B2	Lighting system A lighting fixture capable of efficiently radiating heat of a lamp device may be configured to be attached to a socket device. In some examples, by attaching the lamp device to the socket device, a cap portion of the lamp device is brought into contact with a fixture body, and pressed against and brought into close contact with the fixture body by an elastic body. Heat generated by lighting of LEDs of the lamp device is conducted from the cap portion to the fixture body and efficiently radiated.
US08540394B2	Collimating lenses for LED lighting systems, LED lighting systems including collimating lenses, and/or methods of making the same Certain example embodiments relate to improved lighting systems and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a lighting system includes a glass substrate with one or more apertures. An LED or other light source is disposed at one end of the aperture such that light from the LED directed through the aperture of the glass substrate exits the opposite end of the aperture. Inner surfaces of the aperture have a mirroring material such as silver to reflect the emitted light from the LED. In certain example embodiments, a remote phosphor article or layer is disposed opposite the LED at the other end of the aperture. In certain example embodiment, a lens is disposed in the aperture, between the remote phosphor article and the LED.
US08540388B1	Lit billfold A lit billfold for displaying and illuminating checks in dimly lit restaurants includes front and back covers, a document securing means, and a document illuminating means. The document securing means includes a plurality of straps attached to the edge of the inner surface of one of the front or back covers. The document illuminating means includes a light guide panel with a light source and a switch means, which both electrically connect to a power source located in a power source housing. Folding the light guide panel open toggles the switch means and activates the light source. Folding the light guide panel closed again toggles the switch means and deactivates the light source.
US08540381B2	Systems and methods for receiving information associated with projecting The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to transmitting and receiving information associated with projection.
US08540372B2	Waveplate compensation in projection polarization conversion systems Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a one or more polarization conversion systems (PCS). Each PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. Each PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. Each PCS may receive light from a respective projector, and the PBS in each PCS may direct the light toward the first optical stacks. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to a second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.
US08540371B2	Display device A display device includes: a wall defining a viewer-side space; an observed object arranged in an object-side space partitioned off the viewer-side space by a portion of the wall; an imaging optical system of real specular image including a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry for defining the viewer-side space and the object-side space as the portion of the wall to image a real image of the observed object in the viewer-side space with light passing through the substrate; a screen surface having a function of diffuse reflection and provided with the substrate so as to face the viewer-side space; and a projector optical system projecting an image on the screen surface in the viewer-side space.
US08540367B2	Method of selecting a semi-finished ophthalmic lens according to a given spectacle frame A method of selecting a semi-finished ophthalmic lens according to a given spectacle frame comprising the steps of: providing the spectacle frame front face base data providing a list of semi-finished ophthalmic lenses with a plurality of front face bases, and selecting from the list of semi-finished ophthalmic lenses the semi-finished ophthalmic lens whose front base is the closest from the front base of the spectacle frame.
US08540365B2	Ophthalmic lens element An ophthalmic lens element is disclosed. The lens element includes a front surface and a rear surface, at least one which includes a horizontal meridian and a vertical meridian. A central region of the lens element includes a foveal vision zone providing a first power for providing clear foveal vision for a wearer. A peripheral region of positive power relative to the first power is also included. The peripheral region includes dual progressive zones located bilaterally of the vertical meridian and extending radially outwardly from the central region. The lens element provides a distribution of surface astigmatism which provides, on the horizontal meridian, a relatively low surface astigmatism in the central region and the progressive zones.
US08540360B2	Printing apparatus, printing method, and sheet processing method An apparatus for performing duplex printing having a sheet feeding unit, a printing unit, a cutter unit, a drying unit, and a reverse unit. In the duplex printing, the printing unit prints a plurality of images on a first surface of a sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit. The sheet is a continuous sheet. The sheet printed on the first surface passes through the drying unit and is led to the reverse unit. The reverse unit feeds the reversed sheet to the printing unit and the printing unit prints a plurality of images on a second surface that is a back of the first surface of the sheet fed from the reverse unit. The cutter unit cuts the sheet printed on the second surface into a plurality of cut sheets each having the image printed thereon. The cut sheets pass through the drying unit and are ejected.
US08540356B2	Printing machine A duplex printing machine 1 includes an inkjet head 27 with a piezoelectric element set for vibrations to propel out droplets of aqueous ink 50, an inkbottle 21 for supplying aqueous ink 50 to the inkjet head 27, a system of ink lines 28 having a lower tank 22, a circulation pump 23, a filter 25, and an upper tank 26, a degasser 24 having a degassing pump 24a for degassing flux of aqueous ink 50 being to be supplied to the inkjet head 27, and a controller 7 operable to control the degassing pump 24a, the controller 7 being adapted to operate, as a print time calculated from an image data set of a print job is equal to or greater than a prescribed value, for driving the degassing pump 24a to degas flux of aqueous ink 50.
US08540354B2	Liquid ejection head A liquid ejection head including a flow path unit is provided. The flow path unit includes a plurality of liquid ejection ports arranged in a matrix form in a two-dimensional area of a parallelogram, and a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the plurality of liquid ejection ports, respectively, and each pressure chamber being long in a first direction. The flow path unit is long in a second direction. Each of the pressure chambers has a length in the second direction larger than a length in a direction orthogonal to the second direction. The plurality of pressure chambers are arranged in a matrix form in a substantially same area as the two-dimensional area.
US08540353B2	Printhead coupling having cam driven mechanism A coupling assembly for distributing fluid to a printhead, the coupling assembly having a housing, a port plate movably mounted to a shaft which passes through the port plate and housing, a compression spring mounted on the shaft by a washer so as to be compressed between the washer and the port plate and an arm pivotally connected to the shaft at one of its longitudinal ends and pivotally connected to a coupling drive mechanism at its other longitudinal end.
US08540348B2	Fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device comprising firing cells including a first group of firing cells and a second group of firing cells and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to respond to the control signal to selectively initiate a first sequence adapted to enable the first group of firing cells for activation and a second sequence adapted to enable the second group of firing cells for activation.
US08540347B2	Recording material delivery system for recording material-consuming apparatus; circuit board; structural body; and ink cartridge A circuit board of an ink cartridge is provided with a plurality of terminals, with the contact portions of the plurality of terminals forming a plurality of lines. The contact portions of two terminals used for detecting installation are positioned in a first line, and the contact portion of a power terminal is positioned between the two terminals. The first line may be positioned to a leading side when the ink cartridge is moved in a prescribed direction to effect installation in a printer. Alternatively, the first line may be the line closest to an opening of an ink delivery port. Alternatively, the first line may be the line closest to an ink delivery needle.
US08540346B2	Patterned metallization on polyimide aperture plate for laser-ablated nozzel An aperture plate for a print head of a printer can include a first layer having a first emissivity which is covered by a second layer having a second emissivity which is less than the first emissivity. In an embodiment, the second layer can be etched at nozzle locations to form openings in the second layer which have widths/areas greater than widths/areas of nozzles formed in the first layer. In another embodiment, the second layer can have a smaller thickness at the nozzle locations and a larger thickness away from the nozzle locations. Forming the openings in the second layer which are larger than the nozzles, or forming the second layer thinner at the nozzle locations prior to forming the nozzles, can provide a well-formed nozzle and an aperture plate having a low emissivity.
US08540343B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus which includes a line head having a nozzle group in a two-dimensional matrix configuration, or a line head in which a plurality of head modules are joined together in a staggered matrix arrangement.
US08540341B2	Maintenance device, power transmission switching device, and liquid ejecting apparatus A maintenance device includes: a tube pump which suctions internal spaces of a cap via each of suction passages; a selective blocking mechanism which has a slider that establishes engagement with a carriage in a movement midway area of the carriage positioned on the path of movement to a maintenance area and is moved by being linked with the carriage, selectively blocks the suction passages according to movement of the slider, and releases the engagement between the slider and the carriage while maintaining a blocked state of the selected suction passage; and a separation and approach movement unit which establishes and releases the engagement between the slider and the carriage by moving the slider to approach or be separated from the carriage.
US08540340B2	Printer having modular maintenance sled A printer having a media width printhead a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.
US08540338B2	Printhead maintenance station including station backflush A maintenance station apparatus for a printhead including a nozzle face with the nozzle face including a nozzle array for jetting a liquid is provided. The maintenance station includes a capping unit including a drain and a waste liquid tank that receives a waste liquid from the capping unit. A valve is in fluid communication with the capping unit through a first fluid passage and in fluid communication with the waste liquid tank through a second fluid passage. The valve includes a first state that permits the waste liquid to flow from the capping unit through the valve to the waste liquid tank and a second state that prevents the waste liquid from flowing from the capping unit through the valve to the waste liquid tank. A cleaning liquid tank is in fluid communication with the valve through a third fluid passage and is configured to provide a cleaning liquid through the valve and into the first fluid passage when the valve is in the second state.
US08540337B2	Image forming apparatus and foam application device A disclosed image forming apparatus is capable of solving the problems of deterioration of a foam application function and driving systems caused by the dried and fixed foam remaining without being applied. The image forming apparatus includes a foam forming section forming foam, a reservoir section supplying foam formed by the foam forming section to an application roller, a discharge channel through which extra foam is collected from the reservoir section, and a heating unit for heating the extra foam to return the extra foam to a liquid form. The discharged liquid prepared by defoaming the foam discharged through the discharge channel is returned to a container containing the defoamed liquid.
US08540336B2	Apparatus and method for controlling ink supply amount/registration adjustment in printing press This invention discloses an apparatus for controlling ink supply amount/registration adjustment in a printing press. The apparatus includes a base, sensor head, sensor head moving unit, first detector, second detector, and control unit. The sensor head moving unit includes a upward/downward position adjusting unit which adjusts the upward/downward position of the sensor head. The second detector detects the upward/downward position of a color bar when color matching data of a color patch of each color in the color bar is measured by the first detector. The upward/downward position adjusting unit adjusts the upward/downward position of the sensor head based on the upward/downward position of the color bar, which is detected by the second detector. A method of controlling ink supply amount/registration adjustment in a printing press is also disclosed.
US08540333B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a recording unit, a discharge roller, a release mechanism, and a controller. The discharge roller is located downstream of the recording unit and includes a discharge driving roller and a discharge driven roller that apply a discharge force to the recording medium in a discharge direction. The release mechanism switches the discharge driven roller between a nip position, at which the discharge driven roller is brought into contact with the discharge driving roller when the recording medium is transported, and a release position, at which the discharge driven roller is spaced from the discharge driving roller when the holding tray is transported. The controller controls the transport roller, the discharge roller, and the release mechanism. The controller controls the discharge driving roller to be rotated a predetermined amount in the discharge direction before moving the discharge driven roller from the release position to the nip position.
US08540332B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image forming apparatus An image processing apparatus includes a multiple value conversion device which carries out quantization processing of original image data having multiple tones (M values) to convert the original image data to image data of N values having fewer tones than the original image data (where M and N are integers satisfying M>N≧2), wherein: the recording head has a two-dimensional nozzle arrangement where the nozzle rows are arranged in a first direction which is a direction of the relative movement between the recording head and the recording medium, and the multiple value conversion device generates the image data of N values representing a dot pattern having blue noise characteristics in the first direction and green noise characteristics in a second direction which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction on the recording medium to achieve tonal representation based on the dot pattern having these frequency characteristics.
US08540331B2	Printing apparatus and printing method This invention corrects a print position error caused by the inclination of the nozzle array of a printhead without decreasing the printing speed. To accomplish this, print data of at least one column in the print medium conveying direction is read out for a predetermined number of bits from print data stored in a first storage unit. Print data of a plurality of columns read out in the reading step is written in a second storage unit which is higher in data input/output speed than the first storage unit, and can input/output data for each bit. It is controlled to read out print data belonging to different groups from a plurality of columns of the second storage unit, edit print data for a plurality of nozzles, and print based on the edited print data.
US08540325B2	Machine and track assembly for use therewith A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.
US08540323B2	Electronically controlled braking device of a towing vehicle-trailer combination An electronically controlled braking device of a towing vehicle-trailer combination, which includes at least a generating arrangement (FBM) for generating at least one brake request signal, an electronic towing vehicle brake control unit associated with the towing vehicle for generating brake pressure setpoint value signals for at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module of the towing vehicle as a function of the brake request signal, a data link between the towing vehicle and the trailer, at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module associated with the trailer for controlling a trailer brake pressure, in which the data link is for direct communication between the towing vehicle brake control unit and the at least one electro-pneumatic pressure control module of the trailer, and in which the towing vehicle brake control unit and the data link are for directly inputting control signals into the at least one pressure control module of the trailer for generating the trailer brake pressure at least as a function of the brake request signal.
US08540321B2	System for reducing friction in automobiles and machineries The various embodiments herein provide a system for reducing friction in vehicles operating on agricultural and muddy lands. The system includes a polous placed on a board fastened to the circular base, an arched piece connected one shaft in each of the two hydraulic jacks attached to the board, a plurality of bushings fastened to a wheel ring attached to the polous, a rotating helm attached to one end of a bushing shaft attached to each of the bushings, a guide bar attached to the bushings and bushings shaft and a spring arranged over the guide bar. The movement of the vehicle wheel causes the rotating helm to come in to contact with the arched piece which in turn stroke the bushing shaft resulting in a reciprocal movement inside the bushings thereby providing traction between the vehicle wheel and a land surface.
US08540319B2	Bit replacing device for excavating machine A valve containing portion (35) is formed behind a bit containing portion (34) which opens at the front surface of a main cutter spoke (21). A rotary valve (39) is rotatably disposed in the valve containing portion (35). A bit case (41) containing a roller bit (31) is moved so as to protrude from an attachment/detachment path (39) formed in a rotary valve (38) into the bit containing portion (34), and is fixed by a cotter (38) to support an excavating reactive force. Thus, the sliding gap of the rotary valve (39) is disposed in the bit containing portion (34) and the valve containing portion (35) to be covered with the bit case (41).
US08540318B2	Vehicle seating frame attachment assembly, and method of making the same In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion having a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a wire attachment bracket having a front attachment tab, a rear attachment tab, and a connecting portion extending between the front and rear attachment tabs. The front attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the forward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, and the rear attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the rearward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame, with the cushion being softer than the seat frame, and a trim material disposed over the cushion.
US08540317B2	Fitting for a vehicle seat A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part (11), on which a ring gear (17) is formed, a second fitting part (12), on which a gear (16) is formed, which gear meshes with the ring gear (17), whereby the two fitting parts (11, 12) are in a transmission connection with each other, and a rotating eccentric (27, 35) for driving a relative rolling motion of the gear (16) and the ring gear (17). The eccentric is driven by a carrier (21), wherein the eccentric (27, 35) is rotatably supported in a collar (38), which is associated with one of the two fitting parts (11, 12), or in a bushing (28) sitting in said collar (38) in a rotationally fixed manner. A blocking element (50) for the eccentric (27, 35) is operative at least at times between the eccentric (27, 35) and the bushing (28). The bushing (28) has teeth (28a) pointing radially outward and the blocking element (50), which surrounds the bushing (28) annularly, has at least one, in particular two, tooth segments (58) pointing radially inward for interacting with the teeth (28a).
US08540315B2	Nestable chair with seat rotation and stop arrangement A nesting chair includes a base having a transverse member. A backrest and seat are interconnected with the base. A seat rotation mechanism is configured to allow the seat to rotate from an initial seating position to an upwardly rotated nesting position. The seat rotation includes a first bearing area defined by an underside of the seat, and a second bearing area defined by a separate bearing member. The first and second bearing areas are located on opposite sides of the transverse member. A retainer arrangement is used to secure the bearing member to the seat with the transverse member therebetween. The seat is rotatable about the transverse member from the initial seating position to the upwardly rotated nesting position to enable the nesting chair to be nested with a plurality of like chairs. The transverse member is provided with a stop engageable with the seat for maintaining the seat in the seating position.
US08540312B2	Infant support with independently repositionable legs An infant support includes a seat and an upright portion that extends from the seat. A tray has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. Additionally, the second member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled between the first member and the third member.
US08540309B2	Apparatus for receiving an information medium The present invention relates to an apparatus, in particular for attaching to the back of a seat. The apparatus comprises a plate with a flat recess and an insert which is removably mountable in the flat recess of the plate and is configured to receive an information medium which is viewable when the insert is mounted in the flat recess of the plate. For releasably fixing of the insert on mounting of the same in the flat recess, the insert has the following: at least one tongue on a first border area of the insert for engagement in at least one correspondingly shaped groove in the plate, and at least one releasable fixing that is present in or on at least one second border area of the insert and that is operable by twisting and/or sliding at least one component.
US08540308B2	Stowable vehicle seat A stowable vehicle seat with improved operability is configured so that a stowing and restoring operation can be performed by rotating seat support parts and provided on the rear end part of a seat cushion in the front and rear direction around the rotating center. The seat support part is provided with a rotating shaft provided on the seat cushion side, a rotating shaft bracket pivotally supporting the rotating shaft on the vehicle body floor side, and spiral springs one end part side of which is always locked to the rotating shaft side and which urges in the restoration rotating direction. The other end part side of the spiral springs is locked to the vehicle body floor side at different predetermined angles of the seat cushion.
US08540299B2	Convertible space system for interior cargo area of a vehicle A vehicle includes a convertible space system that is integrated into a floor of an interior cargo area. The convertible space system includes a pair of panels that are moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the pair of panels are extended and integrally positioned on the floor to define a primary load bearing surface. When in the stowed position, the pair of panels are collapsed and positioned on the floor to define vertically extending lateral boundary walls for the cargo area, and to expose a secondary load bearing surface disposed below the primary load bearing surface, thereby increasing the effective height of the interior cargo area.
US08540297B2	Manipulating center console components utilizing active material actuation A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.
US08540292B2	Reversible magnetic door stop/latch A magnetic door stop/latch contains a first magnet mounted on or within a door and a second magnet mounted on or within a structure opposing the door, such as a wall, door jamb, door frame or baseboard. When the door is moving towards the opposing structure, the magnetic door stop may used to prevent the door from slamming into the opposing structure by virtue of the repulsive forces of the magnets. The magnetic door stop may be switched from repulsive configuration to an attractive configuration that holds the door in position.
US08540289B2	Opening/closing structure for container for conveying thin plate An opening/closing structure for a thin plate-conveying container has engagement recesses with which engagement projections are engageable. The engagement recesses are formed facing the engagement projections formed on a cover member of a lid of a rotation plate, both at an engagement rotation position and at a disengagement rotation position. The engagement rotation position is the position of the rotation plate for engagement of an engagement section of a lock member with a container body, and the disengagement rotation position is the position of the rotation plate for disengagement of the lock member from the container body.
US08540288B2	Door lock transmission structure A door lock transmission structure includes two inserts and a link component installed in a case, and the two inserts are driven by a key and a door handle respectively. The insert driven by the door handle includes two driving elements for driving one of the inserts to operate, such that the two inserts are driven for a synchronous operation when one of the driving elements is operated, so as to constitute the door lock transmission structure.
US08540287B2	Saddle tap connection and installation device Internal collars and external saddle taps can be used to install taps on a main duct in a manner that maintains duct section joint integrity. A saddle tap assembly may include an external slip tap, internal tap collar, a duct section, and adhesive. The external slip tap and the internal tap collar may each have a flange. The flanges may be curved. The flange of the internal collar may have a sheared portion permitting the flange of the internal collar to pass through an opening in a section of duct. The duct may have an opening with one or more notches. A method of installation can be more efficient and more cost-effective than prior solutions. An installation tool can be used for installing saddle tap assemblies while an adhesive cures.
US08540279B2	Curtain airbag cushion Provided is a curtain airbag cushion folded such that an airbag cushion can be developed inside the vehicle.
US08540270B2	Hitch coupler A hitch coupler includes a frame that includes a back plate, a first plate connected to the back plate, a second plate connected to the back plate at a position spaced from the first plate extending between the first plate and the second plate and cooperating therewith to define an interior space, and a third plate connected to the back plate spaced from the second plate, wherein the first, second and third plates each include an aperture extending therethrough. The frame also includes a pin extending through the first, second and third apertures, such that the pin extends through the interior space and is adapted to slide within the apertures between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spring member biasing the pin towards the extended position.
US08540269B2	Mechanical connection device between a motorized vehicle and working equipment The present disclosure relates to a mechanical connection device between a motorized vehicle and working equipment. According to the present disclosure, the device includes a rigid plate mounted by means of axles in the tow rings of the vehicle and bearing adjustable skids that are applied against a transverse surface of the vehicle, such as to abutt the connection device to the vehicle, thereby securing the same.
US08540267B1	Bicycle damping system A bicycle damping system is arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. A portion of a bicycle frame and/or bicycle fork can define a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. The damping member can be forced into contact with a surface of the cavity. Fork legs, seat stays, chain stays, the seat post are all examples portions of the bicycle frame that may include a damping system.
US08540266B2	Wheelchair A wheelchair comprises a main frame and a seat mounted on the main frame. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels are also mounted on the frame. A propulsion mechanism is provided for driving the rear wheels, the propulsion mechanism comprising an arm lever for forward and back movement and a gear train between the arm lever and the rear wheels.
US08540264B1	Stepper bike A four wheel stepper bike having a body with an internal chamber containing a drive mechanism for transmitting power to a wheel, a steering linkage, and a brake. Foot pedal units on opposite side of the body are moved by an operator's feet to apply force to the drive mechanism. A steering column with handles hinged to the body and connected to the steering linkage is selectively movable to steer the bike and move between upright and folded positions. Bumpers attached to an end of the body support the bike in an upright position on a support surface when the steering column is in the folded position.
US08540261B2	Suspension arm attachment structure A suspension arm attachment structure provided with a cylindrical vibration-damping bush which is attached to the side of a vehicle body via a core member. The attachment structure is provided with: a suspension arm having an attachment tube part fitted with a vibration-damping bush; and a retaining member which regulates the movement of the attachment tube part in the axial longitudinal direction. The retaining member is provided with: facing walls on sides thereof which respectively face end surfaces of the vibration-damping bush; a linking part which integrally links the facing walls; and an attachment part on one end and an attachment part on the other end which respectively extend in the axial longitudinal direction of a core member from the facing surface on one side and the facing surface on the other side and which are attached to the side of a vehicle body.
US08540257B1	Dynamic steering stabilizer device for vehicles A steering stabilizer includes a device connecting a fixed part of a vehicle to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, a control mechanism, and a centering mechanism. The control mechanism, which normally maintains an equilibrium configuration, includes a first member connected to a cylinder portion of a gas spring and a second member secured to a rod portion of the gas spring. A centering mechanism maintains alignment of the gas spring with the device. When the stabilizer is extended from the equilibrium configuration, the gas spring is activated to responsively and automatically return the stabilizer to the equilibrium configuration; and when the device is compressed from the equilibrium configuration, the gas spring is activated to responsively and automatically return the stabilizer to the equilibrium configuration.
US08540254B2	Device and method for the transport of objects/goods The present invention relates to a method and a device for the manual transport of objects/goods, preferably tables, beds and the like, which object comprises a flat-shaped part extending in the horizontal or vertical direction during use, wherein the transport of said objects takes place by means of a transport device comprising a platform (1), which at its bottom side is provided with at least three wheels (2) intended to enable movement/transport of the transport device with the platform (1) in a horizontal position, and which platform (1) at its upper side is provided with at least three supports (3, 4), and wherein the method implies that said object is turned, so that its flat-shaped part is positioned in a vertical position on the upper side of the platform (1) before the movement/transport, wherein, before the turning of the object is commenced, said supports (3, 4) are adapted in such a way that the platform (1) may be arranged at the object and thereafter turn said object 90°, wherein the platform (1) takes a horizontal position with said object loaded and supported on the upper side of the platform (1). The invention also relates to a runner device and a coupling device.
US08540251B2	Active roll control system An active roll control system (ARCS) can actively control roll of a stabilizer bar connected to a pair of upper arms mounted respectively at both sides of a vehicle body through stabilizer links. The system may include a rail plate mounted in a space formed by bending a middle portion of the suspension arm, a connector having a screw hole and a connecting end that is connected to the stabilizer link, upper and lower portions of the connector being movable along the rail plate, a drive motor coupled to the suspension arm and provided with a screw shaft, wherein the connector is movable along the rail plate, and a cover covering the space in a state of being coupled with the rail plate and having a slot formed at a lower surface thereof, wherein the stabilizer link being inserted in and movable along the slot.
US08540248B2	Craps game with novel proposition wagers A casino craps table layout is provided with unique wagering opportunities. There are specific wagering areas for placing a wager on at least one of two new wagering opportunities. These new wagering opportunities are selected from the group consisting of a) a wager that the next roll of the dice will be a hard 4, 6, 8 or 10 and b) a wager that the next roll of the dice will be a pair of numbers. Another new wagering opportunity is a placed wager for any specific number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10).
US08540246B1	Balanced six-sided dice Balanced six-sided dice are provided. In this regard, a representative die includes a cubical body provided with a corresponding set of seven indicia on each face, wherein six of the seven indicia of each set form a hexagon pattern with a seventh of the indicia being positioned at a center of the corresponding face.
US08540245B2	Reel strip attachment A releasable reel strip attachment assembly including an attachment strip with snap rivets that snaps through corresponding apertures in a reel strip and into apertures in a reel cage. The attachment strip includes an adhesive layer protected by a release backing that is removed to expose the adhesive layer. The reel strip is positioned over the reel cage so that the apertures in the reel strip co-align with those of the reel cage, and the snap rivets are inserted through the aligned apertures to attach the reel strip to the reel cage in a reliable, precise, and consistent manner. The reel strip is wound around the reel cage and the free end of the reel strip is pressed onto the exposed adhesive layer of the attachment strip.
US08540244B2	Game machine for playing a game with playing balls A main CPU of a game machine outputs launching control data for enabling playing balls to be launched for 30 consecutive seconds to a launching drive circuit after the player inserted a predetermined amount of coins into the game machine. A launching strength generation circuit generates launching strength determined in accordance with the value of the launching volume. The generated strength is kept at equal to or more than a strength with which the playing balls reach a playfield on the game machine. When the launching control data is inputted, the launching drive circuit launches the playing balls toward the playfield with the launching strength generated by the launching strength generation circuit by a hammer. Thereby, the sales figures of game machine can be boosted since the playing time is limited to 30 consecutive seconds in principle, and waste time in the launching operation is saved.
US08540243B2	Pinch roller lifting mechanism The present invention is related to a pinch roller lifting mechanism. The pinch roller lifting mechanism includes drive rollers for holding and transferring a medium, the drive rollers arranged adjacent to each other along a first axis, pinch rollers for holding the medium with the drive rollers, a plate-like member extending along the first axis, wherein the plate-like member includes an opening, a support member having a first end section on which the pinch rollers are provided, a cam slidably provided on the plate-like member, the cam comprising a guide section that abuts against a second end section of the support member and engages the opening of the plate-like member, a pulley operationally connected to a drive motor for pulling the plate-like member in a first direction, and a spring that biases the plate-like member in a direction opposite to the first direction.
US08540240B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet conveying apparatus has an upstream roller and a registration roller configured so that the sheet conveyed by the upstream roller abuts the registration roller to form a loop in the sheet to correct for skew. The skew of the sheet is corrected for by the leading edge of the sheet abutting the registration roller to bend the sheet so as to form the loop in the sheet. A resist sensor detects a time difference of passing time between the advanced leading edge and the retarded leading edge in the downstream leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the upstream roller, detects the skew amount of the sheet based on the time difference, and changes the backward rotation time of the registration roller depending on the skew amount.
US08540239B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet conveying apparatus which detects an end part position of a sheet in a sheet width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet conveyed on a sheet conveying path, comprising a plurality of sensor portions; a holding portion which holds the plurality of sensor portions; a plurality of aperture stops which is disposed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portions and which is provided on the holding portion; and a driving portion which causes a movement of the holding portion in the sheet width direction.
US08540238B2	Automatic sheet transporting apparatus, and automatic document scanning apparatus with the automatic sheet transporting apparatus An automatic sheet transporting apparatus includes a transporting unit with a discharge roller, the transporting unit discharge a sheet onto a discharge tray configured that support discharged sheets in a stack. A discharge guide, positioned on an upstream side of the discharge tray in a sheet discharging direction, guides a subsequent sheet transported by the transporting unit to a position between the discharge tray and a bottom surface of a previously discharged sheet in the stack. The discharge tray includes at least one rotating member that rotates when the discharge guide guides the subsequent sheet between the discharge tray and the bottom surface of the previously discharged sheet in the stack. The frictional resistance applied to the subsequent sheet is reduced to increase the number of sheets that can be stacked in the discharge tray.
US08540235B2	Conveying apparatus for envelopes and related methods An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.
US08540234B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a swing member swinging between a first position where a force for moving a pressing plate upward is transmitted to the pressing plate and a second position where transmission of the force is interrupted, a latchet mechanism that forbids the pressing plate to move downward and includes a latchet gear rotating in conjunction with a motion of the pressing plate and a latching member that is movably attached to the swing member and configured to forbid rotation of the latchet gear by engaging with the latchet gear, and a pressing member that applies a pressing force to the latching member when the swing member is in the second position and does not apply the pressing force to the latching member, and render the latching member movable relative to the swing member when the swing member is in the first position.
US08540232B2	Stopper, paper feeding device and multi-function printer A stopper, a paper feeding device including an inner and outer cases, a first and second axels, a first and second rollers, a pair of stoppers and a tray, and a multi-function printer are provided. The outer case has two side walls and two protrusions disposed on the side walls. The inner case is between the two side walls. The first axel pivots the inner case and the side walls. The first roller covers the first axel. The stoppers are disposed at outer side of the side walls, wherein each of the stoppers has a C-ring, a connecting portion and a stopping portion. Each C-ring pivoted to the first axel has a first and second ends, and the protrusions prop against to the first ends. The second axel pivots the inner case, and the second roller covers the second axel. The tray is disposed below the first roller.
US08540229B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus for stably aligning sheets having a long length The alignment unit includes: an upstream-side pressing portion that presses a side edge of the sheet; and a downstream-side pressing portion that presses the side edge of the sheet. The downstream-side pressing portion includes: a first pressing portion that is arranged downstream of the center of gravity of a predetermined-size sheet and upstream of the downstream edge of the predetermined-size sheet and that presses the predetermined-size sheet; and a second pressing portion that is arranged downstream of the downstream edge of the predetermined-size sheet and downstream of the center of gravity of a large-size sheet having twice or more than twice the length of the predetermined-size sheet and that presses the large-size sheet. The second pressing portion is formed to protrude further toward the center side in the width direction than the first pressing portion.
US08540222B2	Air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle with damping features An air spring for a heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension system includes a bellows chamber operatively connected to a piston chamber. An opening is disposed between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber in order to allow fluid to communicate between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber. The cross-sectional area of the opening and the volumes of the bellows chamber and the piston chamber are tuned in order to optimize the damping characteristics of the air spring.
US08540221B2	Air spring The opposite side of a connecting intermediate section 32A of a diaphragm 32 to that of a first end section 32B extends from the connecting intermediate section 32A as a second end section 32C side that folds back towards the tube outside in an inside out reversed state. The diameter of the second end portion 32C is set larger than the diameter of the connecting intermediate section 32A. The second end portion 32C is fitted over an end on a chamber member 22 side of an outer tube member 60 and fixed with press contact against the outer tube member 60 by a band 72.
US08540219B2	System and method for preventing scaling in a flue gas desulphurization system A system & Method for Preventing Scaling in a Flue Gas Desulphurization System is provided. The system includes an injector configured to direct a barrier fluid toward a surface that is otherwise susceptible to scaling when it comes in contact with super-saturated alkaline solutions such as slurry used to capture CO2 from a flue gas stream.
US08540217B2	Fence post assemblies A fence post assembly (120) comprising a fence post (121) and at least one keeper (122) for holding a fencing wire (2) relative to the post (121). The keeper (122) is movable between a holding position in which the wire (2) is held relative to the post (121) and a release position in which the wire (2) may be released from the post (121). The keeper (121) comprises a slot (123) extending within the post (121) for receiving the wire (2) and a retainer (124) connected to the post (121) that is pivotable between the holding and release positions, wherein in the holding position the retainer (124) obstructs the slot (123).
US08540213B2	Powered pallet truck A powered pallet truck is provided having a drive motor mounted in a drive wheel, a lift mechanism in general fore-and-aft alignment with the center of the drive wheel, and a pressurized fluid supply mechanism mounted to the load lift portion of the frame assembly. In one aspect, the powered pallet truck has a fluid conduit connected to an upper portion of a lift cylinder device adjacent a pivot connection between the lift cylinder device and a load lift portion of the pallet truck to limit movement of the fluid conduit during up and down movement of the load lift portion. In another aspect, the powered pallet truck has a base support portion with an arcuate window permitting movement of one or more cables extending therethrough as a steering assembly of the pallet truck is turned.
US08540207B2	Fluid flow control assembly A device has been disclosed that may include a spool valve including a body having a first connector and a second connector and a spool movable relative to the body for controlling flow between the first connector and the second connector. The reversible flow control assembly further may include a pilot valve device developing a single pressure command in the form of a fluid at a command pressure. The spool valve may be responsive to the single pressure command developed in said pilot valve device to control flow between the first connector and the second connector without regard to the direction of flow. The majority of axial forces acting on the spool to position the spool relative to the body when fluid is flowing through the valve may be fluid forces.
US08540206B2	Multi-stable actuation apparatus and methods for making and using the same Actuator apparatus having a multi-stable element actuated by memory alloy actuating elements. In one embodiment, the multi-stable actuator comprises a bistable (two-state) diaphragm element adapted to alternate between two stable configurations via forces exerted on the diaphragm by more than one memory alloy filaments in response to thermal activation. In another embodiment, the bistable diaphragm of the multi-stable actuator transitions from a first to a second stable configuration via forces exerted by a single filament in response to direct or indirect thermal activation. A portion of the assembly is displaced when the assembly is in the second configuration. The bistable diaphragm transitions back to the first stable configuration via application of mechanical force on a portion of the assembly which was displaced. Methods for making and using the bistable actuator apparatus are also disclosed.
US08540203B2	Longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat with spindle and spindle holder A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (1) with a spindle (13), which is arranged in a hollow space formed by a pair of rails (5, 7), and with spindle holders (15). The area of connection of at least one of the spindle holders (15a) to one of the rails (5) lies outside of the hollow space formed by the rails (5, 7). The spindle holder (15a) extends with a partial area, with which it is connected to an end (13a) of the spindle (13), into the hollow space.
US08540196B1	Breathing hose support system A breathing hose support system for efficiently supporting a supply hose and mask in a proper position while being worn by an individual. The breathing hose support system generally includes a base, wherein the base may be partially supported by a bed frame or comprised of a self supported configuration. A vertical support extends from the base and a rotator assembly extends from the vertical support opposite the base. A horizontal support extends from the rotator assembly and is able to rotate a predetermined amount along a substantially horizontal plane via the rotator assembly. The horizontal support may also include a plurality of carrier assemblies movably connected to the horizontal support, wherein the carrier assemblies travel along a longitudinal axis of the horizontal support. A plurality of hose supports also extend from the carrier assemblies, wherein the hose supports receive a supply hose and wherein the hose is able to freely move via functioning of the carrier assemblies and the rotator assembly.
US08540194B2	Pipe support base To provide a pipe support base light in weight and with good workability, to which loads may given according to need. This problem may be overcome with a hollow cylindrical body with a rectangular cross section and with four sides. A through passage is provided in the center portion thereof. Further, a cross-shaped rib is provided at an approximately central position thereof. Additionally, grooves are formed parallel to the aforementioned through passage on at least any of the surfaces, upon the edges of which are provided engagement plates protruding into the cross sections of the grooves.
US08540192B2	Method and apparatus for operation of railroad protection installation A method and a device operate a railroad security system having trackside devices for specific functions. In order to reduce the number of cable connections, control of a first trackside device is provided by a data message generated as required by a second trackside device, in particular a signal box, the data message being transmitted wirelessly.
US08540189B2	Cable way for aircraft with a structure made of composite material A retention device, in the form of a trunking with a substantially U-shaped section, for retaining at least one cable running along the structure of an aircraft, fastened to said structure by a fastening device and providing an electrical continuity over the whole of its length is disclosed. The device is electrically connected to a current-return circuit from the items of equipment of the aircraft. The trunking includes at least one curve on its longitudinal axis corresponding substantially to that of a frame of a fuselage. It is intended to be mounted on a frame of an aircraft made of carbon fibers and to protect the skin of the aircraft against a possible contact with a damaged cable.
US08540188B2	Aircraft actuator hydraulic apparatus A hydraulic pump is installed inside a wing at which a control surface is provided, and supplies pressure oil to an actuator when a loss or degradation occurs in the function of aircraft central hydraulic power sources. An electric motor is installed inside the wing and drives the backup hydraulic pump. A driver is installed inside the wing and drives the electric motor. A cooling device is installed inside the wing and simultaneously cools the backup hydraulic pump, the electric motor, and the driver.
US08540187B2	Muscle-powered aircraft with flapping wings The invention relates to a muscle-powered ornithopter comprising a fuselage, a pair of flapping wings which have an alterable profile or a rudder in an outer wing region located at a distance from the fuselage, said alterable profile or rudder allowing the uplift to be modified in a predefined flow, and an elevator unit in which the deflection of the elevator can be modified. The pair of flapping wings and the fuselage are made of an elastic material, the elasticity of which allows the pair of flapping wings to be flapped. The flapping wings are curved downward in a resting position. The elasticity is calculated such that the flapping wings are urged into a neutral position during a flight because of the pilot's weight. The fuselage is designed to accommodate the pilot in an upright position relative to a longitudinal axis of the fuselage such that the pilot can apply stress to and relieve stress from the aircraft in phases by stretching and bending his or her legs. The ornithopter further comprises mechanisms which allow the alterable outer wing regions and the modifiable deflection of the elevator to be actuated in phase with the movement of the flapping wings.
US08540186B2	Rigid aircraft pylon structure in contact with a fuselage lateral extension for attachment An aft part of an aircraft, including at least one engine assembly including a turbine engine and a turbine engine mounting pylon. A rigid structure of the mounting pylon includes a longitudinal central box and a connection box carried by the box and projecting from the box. The aircraft structure includes a fuselage lateral extension projecting from it, and the connection box is pressed into contact with the fuselage extension, below it, an attachment mechanism being arranged between these two entities.
US08540181B2	Foil roll with wound stiffening core, apparatus for winding the roll and method A foil roll having a wound stiffener core formed from an initially flat sheet of stiffener material fed into a spiral roll winder simultaneously with a feed end of a foil web. An apparatus and method for spirally winding a foil roll with a wound stiffener core in which a stiffener sheet is fed into a roll winder in adjacent outward contact with a foil web and a leading edge of the stiffener slightly ahead of a feed end of a foil web. The stiffener sheet is outwardly disposed from the foil web and in adjacent contact with the roll starter guides to prevent contact between guides and the foil web during initial core formation. Roll starter guides are moved from contact with the outer periphery of the roll once the initial core is formed allowing a desired length of foil web to be spirally wound around the core without damage to the web. The apparatus is configured to receive a continuous supply of foil and stiffener web material, cut each to predetermined lengths, and sequentially form wound core foil rolls at an economically high rate.
US08540178B2	Seatbelt retractor When a pinion gear body (33) rotates co-axially with rotational axis of the take-up drum (6), a first rotation body (76) which is fixed to the pinion gear body co-axially rotates relatively to a second rotation body (77) which is mounted to the pinion gear body co-axially, as well, and does not rotate during initial rotation of the pinion gear body. Thereby, an engagement member (29) which is rotatably supported by the first rotation body and fitted to the first and second rotation bodies protrudes radially and outwardly. The engagement member that has thus projected gets engaged with the take-up drum. In this stage, the engagement member is pressed and moved by a guiding portion of the second rotation body in response to the relative rotation so as to be guided in an outward radial direction.
US08540174B2	Method for producing powder and fluidized bed pulverizing apparatus A method for producing powder including supplying a powder material to a fluidized bed container, jetting fluid from each of a plurality of fluid jetting nozzles provided in the fluidized bed container to collide against each other, thereby fluidizing and pulverizing the powder material in the fluidized bed container to form powder, classifying the powder using a centrifugal classification rotor provided at the upper part of the fluidized bed container and discharging the classified powder from an outlet by being guided by the centrifugal classification rotor, wherein the centrifugal classification rotor is rotated at a first rotating speed for a predetermined time from the beginning of the flow of the powder material in the fluidized bed container, and at a second rotating speed after the predetermined time has passed, and the centrifugal classification rotor is controlled so that the first rotating speed is higher than the second rotating speed.
US08540173B2	Production of fine particles of functional ceramic by using pulsed laser A method of forming nanometer sized fine particles of functional ceramic from a bulk functional ceramic, particularly fine particles of phosphorous ceramics from a bulk phosphor material is disclosed. The method relies on irradiation of a bulk phosphorous ceramic in a liquid with an ultrashort-pulsed-laser-fragmentation beam to thereby form nanometer sized particles of the phosphorous ceramic. The method is unique in that the generated particles retain the chemical and crystalline properties of the bulk phosphorous ceramic. The generated solutions are stable colloids from which the particles can be isolated or used as is.
US08540171B2	Sprinkler with dual shafts In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sprinkler is provided, having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved deflector. A second shaft is disposed within the first shaft, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism and an adjustment region on the top of the deflector. The first shaft transfers rotational movement from the drive mechanism to a grooved deflector on the top of the sprinkler. The second shaft rotates with the first shaft during normal operation due to a friction clutch within the sprinkler. When the user desires to adjust the water flow (i.e., the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by rotating the second shaft, increasing openings of flow passages within the sprinkler body. In this respect, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the deflector rotates.
US08540164B2	Answer to reset (ATR) pushing A smart card reader receives an Answer to Reset (ATR) from a smart card and transmits the ATR over a communication link to a computing device without waiting for an ATR request from the computing device. The computing device may cache the ATR and use it for subsequent communication sessions with the smart card.
US08540159B2	Method for providing mobile service using code-pattern A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resource locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.
US08540158B2	Document verification using dynamic document identification framework Techniques are described for identifying and validating security documents according to a dynamic document identification framework. For example, a security document authentication device includes an image capture interface that receives the captured images of a document and a memory that stores a plurality of document type objects within a data structure according to the dynamic document identification framework. The security document authentication device also includes a document processing engine that traverses the data structure by selectively invoking one or more of the plurality of processes to identify the captured images as one of the plurality of document type objects. Contrary to conventional identification techniques, this identification method performed by traversing the data structure stored according to the dynamic document identification framework may provide more accurate identification result in a more efficient manner, as only applicable processes may be applied to identify the captured images. Upon identifying the document type, a set of one or more validators are applied to further confirm its authenticity.
US08540152B1	Conversion operations for loyalty points of different programs redeemable for services An entity and a commerce partner agree to permit transfers or conversions of non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds in accordance with a fixed credits-to-funds ratio. An account for non-negotiable credits of a loyalty program member is established. A set of two or more interactions earning additional non-negotiable credits for the loyalty program member in accordance with terms of the loyalty program is detected, resulting in the additional non-negotiable credits being added to the account. Responsive to an indication of a conversion operation occurrence, a quantity of the non-negotiable credits is subtracted from the account. The subtracted quantity of non-negotiable credits is at least a quantity of non-negotiable credits that were converted or transferred to a new quantity of entity independent funds using the fixed credits-to-funds ratio.
US08540150B2	Anonymous transaction card A system and method for substantially immediate issuance of transaction cards includes at least one unassigned transaction card including a storage medium having a card number encoded thereupon. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive application information from an applicant that has been provided said unassigned transaction card, and to activate the unassigned transaction card so that access to monetary funds is extended to the applicant through said unassigned transaction card, upon an evaluation of said application information indicating that the applicant has been approved for access to the monetary funds. The unassigned transaction card bears no visible marking presenting information concerning the applicant and encodes no information concerning said applicant upon the storage medium of said unassigned transaction card.
US08540147B2	Banking terminal that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data bearing records A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in memory of the terminal. The portable terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The portable terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.
US08540146B2	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine is also operative to receive secure communications from a host system that are operative to enable the automated banking machine to carry out banking transactions in response to an input of a personal identification number.
US08540144B2	Automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records with improved security An automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards. The machine includes a reader device operative to read data usable to identify a financial account authorized for use in conducting a transaction through the machine. An authorized machine user is able to use the machine to perform transactions, including financial transfers, cash dispensing, and other actions associated with financial accounts. The machine includes a safe having two sections separated by a shared wall structure. A cash handling arrangement is operative to transport cash between the two sections through a slot in the wall structure.
US08540135B2	Bonding method, bonding apparatus, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using the same Provided is a bonding apparatus capable of forming even loops at high speed. According to a bonding apparatus 1, a capillary 5 is lowered to a bonding position to bond an initial ball 10 to a pad 104 on an overhanging die 100. Here, a position of the capillary 5 in a Z direction and a load detected by a load sensor 7 are detected and stored every predetermined time period. A load change point is detected by referring to the stored load and the stored position. By subtracting the bonding position from a load changing position of the capillary 5 at the load change point, a movement amount Z of the capillary 5 from the load changing position to the bonding position is calculated. After the capillary 5 is lifted by the movement amount Z, a wire loop is formed between the pad 104 and a lead 105.
US08540134B2	Reinforcement of friction plug welds A hole in a metal workpiece is filled by friction plug welding. The weld between the workpiece and the plug is reinforced by a weld land in the workpiece that surrounds one end of the plug. The weld land is formed by extruding a portion of the plug into a cavity in an anvil used in the welding process.
US08540131B2	Surgical staple cartridges with tissue tethers for manipulating divided tissue and methods of using same Surgical staple cartridges and methods for manipulating the severed ends of divided tissue. In various forms, the staple cartridge has at least one base material temporarily supported thereon that is oriented to be stapled to a corresponding end of the divided tissue. At least one elongated tether is non-removably affixed to each piece of base material. Once the base material is stapled to the corresponding piece of divided tissue, the clinician may manipulate that pieced of divided tissue by applying manipulation motions to the tether. Corresponding grooves or pockets may be provided on the cartridge body for temporarily supporting the tethers therein.
US08540130B2	Disposable motor-driven loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position.
US08540126B2	Gun holster A holster for a long gun such as a shotgun or rifle that provides a safe firearm support and allows for quick aiming and firing of the firearm. Generally, the gun holster includes a base portion for securing to the user, such as to the user's belt, and a support portion for supporting the gun. The support portion includes a bottom wall portion that extends forwardly from a lower edge of the base portion. Several embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the base portion and support portion are integrally formed of a folded fairly flexible material, such as leather.
US08540119B2	Device for dispensing granular food products and an insert to be inserted in a device for dispensing granular food products The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill. The invention also relates to an insert that comprises a container 3 filled with sweets/candy and which can be loaded as a cartridge into a dispensing device for candy.
US08540117B2	Compartmentalized portable container and body wash wipes The present invention is a compartmentalized portable container and body wash wipes, which allows the user to substitute the traditional showering or bathing cycle with a series of body wipes. These body wipes are carried in a slender container, which allows the present invention to be a very portable device. The series of wipes include a number of pre-wash wipes, soap wipes, moisturizing wipes, and deodorizing wipes. Once the user finishes the series of wipes, the user throws the wipes away. The container stores and separate each kind of wipe in their own compartment. The dispensing mechanisms on the container allows the user to take only one of each kind of wipe at a time. The present invention can also be cleaned out with warm soapy water or alcohol once the supply of body wipes has been exhausted, which provides a replacement pack of body wipes with a clean container.
US08540116B2	Non-round moisture-tight re-sealable containers with round sealing surfaces A hinged container is disclosed, including a base, a lid, and a hinge joining the base and lid, allowing the lid to pivot open or closed relative to the base. One of the base and the lid has a circular, outwardly tapered outer seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The other of the base and the lid has a circular, inwardly-tapered inner seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The inner and outer seal members are positioned to engage concentrically to wedge the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces together and form a seal when the base and the lid are closed, and to disengage concentrically to part the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces when the base and the lid are opened.
US08540114B2	Container apparatus with a body, plate, and lid A container apparatus and a method for using the container apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus can be implemented in a wide variety of ways, including but not limited to that of a food or beverage container. The container apparatus can include a lid and a body that are integral to each other.
US08540111B2	Container having a rim or other feature encapsulated by or formed from injection-molded material A container or tray having various features. The container or tray comprises at least one sidewall having a top edge, the top edge of the at least one sidewall corresponding to a top surface of the tray and a bottom surface adjacent to the sidewall. A flange extends laterally outward from the top edge and is foldably connected to the sidewall at the top edge. The flange comprises at least a portion of the top surface of the tray. An injection-molded feature at least partially encapsulates the flange. The injection-molded feature comprising resin and has a first region in contact with the sidewall and at least a portion of the flange, and a second region adjacent the first region and extending laterally outward from the first region to a free edge of the injection-molded feature. The first region has a greater cross-sectional area than the second region.
US08540107B2	Cooking vessel with nonstick coating The invention relates to a cooking vessel having a non-stick coating, a handle and a vessel body. According to the invention, the inner surface of the vessel body is provided with a multiplicity of oil wells, the inner side of which wells is provided with studs of which the height is less than the depth of the oil wells, wherein the upper surface of the oil wells is provided with a non-stick coating, and the thickness of the non-stick coating is greater than the height of the studs and at the same time less than the depth of the oil wells.
US08540103B2	Closure for pressure vessels A closure for pressure vessels provides ease in access to the inside of a pressure vessel and at the same time provides a tight pressure seal for the closure. The closure for pressure vessels includes a hub adapted to fit on to an opening on the pressure vessel, a door connected to the hub, a hinge assembly to secure the door to the hub, and a locking assembly attached to the door. The locking assembly includes a slide lock operating around a central support, a plurality of locking lug arms radially operating around the central support, a pressure alert valve connected to the door, and a handle connected to the slide plate operating around the central support. The handle moves the locking assembly from a locking position to an unlocking position as the result of the groove pattern machined in the back of the slide plate.
US08540102B2	Drum ring and lever system A two piece clamping ring and lever system for retaining removable lids to containers comprises a split circular ring. The ring first end includes outwardly extending receiving hooks. The second end of the ring includes pivot bosses comprising a pivot shaft and enlarged button. A lever with pivot shafts engages with the ring first end. When the lever is closed contact surfaces on an inwardly projecting transverse beam on the underside of the lever and outwardly projecting beams on the ring first end engage to relieve stresses on the lever pivot shafts and ring first end pivot receiving hooks. A second stress transfer relationship is engaged as an inwardly facing transverse beam extending between the sidewalls of the second end is slideably engaged into corresponding receiving channels outwardly facing from the ring first end thereby relieving stresses on the pivot bosses and corresponding longitudinally extending lever bearing surface.
US08540098B2	Transport frame A transport frame for transporting material and/or piece goods. At each bottom corner of the transport frame (1), a notch (6) is formed. The height (h) of the notch (6) is high enough to allow the bottom (7) of the transport frame (1), when the transport frame (1) is placed on top of transport protrusions (13) and/or locking clamps (14), to settle without bending against the mounting base (12) at least at some point.
US08540097B1	Bottle with recessed movable handle A container enclosing a prescribed volume having a sidewall including at least one of recess, each recess including at least one socket portion. A handle element adapted to be received in each recess, each of the handle element including at least one ball portion received in the socket portion of the recess, the ball portion being pivotable within the socket portion so as to permit the handle element to be displaced from within the sidewall recesses to a position projecting outward from the sidewall sufficiently to permit the a middle portion of the handle element to be grasped in one hand by a user of the container.
US08540096B1	Bottle with recessed movable handle A container has a bottle enclosing a prescribed volume having a sidewall including a pair of recesses situated on opposite sides of a vertical midline, with at least one passage extending between the pair of recesses. A handle has first and second portions adapted to be received wholly within the pair of recesses in the sidewall. Connecting portions extend through the passage in a portion of the sidewall to connect the first and second handle portions to each other. The connecting portions include a hinge permitting the first and second portions to be displaced from within the sidewall recesses to a position projecting outward from the sidewall sufficiently to permit the first and second portions to be grasped in one hand by a user of the container.
US08540095B2	Plastic container The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base and an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall with an opening therein. The sidewall includes at least one panel having a central region and an outer boundary, with the outer boundary being depressed with respect to the central region.
US08540094B2	Collapsible bottle, method of manufacturing a blank for such bottle and beverage-filled bottle dispensing system A double-skinned inflatable bottle blank is manufactured by: (i) stacking two sheets of liquid impermeable, flexible foil material; (ii) blanking the sheets; (iii) bonding the two blanks along joining seams that follow contoured perimeter edges to define a double skinned blank which can be inflated through an inflation location; (iv) additionally bonding the two blanks at in a predetermined grid of seams to provide an upstanding peripheral wall with intersecting, inflatable stiffener structures; (v) folding the double skinned blank; and (vi) selectively bonding together portions of the joined perimeter edge of the double skinned blank to define a double-skinned, inflatable bottle blank with an internal cavity surrounded by a bottom wall, peripheral wall and top wall with a dispensing orifice, the inflatable stiffener structures between the seams providing an exoskeleton about the internal cavity when inflated.
US08540093B2	Middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles What is described is a middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles, comprising two coupling halves (2, 2′) to be coupled together attached to vehicle parts (A, B), each of said coupling halves (2, 2′) comprising a coupling rod (8, 8′) with a coupling head (12, 12′), and comprising a connecting element (16) for manually connecting the two coupling heads (12, 12′). Disposed at each coupling head (12, 12′) is an electrical contact element (32, 34) for contacting with the contact element of the other respective coupling head (12, 12′) when the two coupling halves (2, 2′) are coupled. Routed within each coupling rod (8, 8′) are electrical lines (18, 18′) that lead from the contact elements (32, 34) of the associated coupling head (12, 12′) to the vehicle part (A, B) to which the coupling halves (2, 2′) comprising said coupling rods (8, 8′) are attached, respectively.
US08540092B2	Hoisting crane with annular bearing structure This invention relates to a hoisting crane comprising a column, a jib and a jib connection member which is disposed on the column and to which the jib is connected pivotably. The crane further comprises an annular bearing structure extending around the column guiding and carrying the jib connection member rotatable about the column. The annular bearing structure comprises one or more column bearing parts connected to the column, comprising column bearing surfaces associated with the vertical column and one or more jib bearing parts connected to the jib connection member, comprising jib bearing surfaces associated with the jib connection member. A first column bearing surface is oriented substantially vertically and is arranged in a radial direction more inwards than a first jib bearing surface arranged opposite the first column bearing surfaces, to support radially inwards directed horizontal loads from the jib connection member to the column. A second column bearing surface is oriented substantially horizontally and is arranged below a second jib bearing surface arranged opposite the second column bearing surfaces to support downwardly directed vertical loads from the jib connection member to the column. According to a first aspect of the invention, a third column bearing surface is oriented substantially vertically and is arranged in a radial direction more outwards than a third jib bearing surface arranged opposite the third column bearing surface.
US08540091B2	Blank for a rack A blank for a rack with at least one shelf designed as a starting plate with at least one bending region in the form a number of segments and openings. The starting plate includes a number of elements which each have a side extending along a bending region while the other sides of the element are free whereby the rack is quickly and easily formed by bending these elements about their bending regions.
US08540089B2	Hanging closet A hanging closet includes closet body having a plurality of horizontal panels arranged at different elevations to divide the inside space of the closet body into multiple compartments and a plurality of horizontal splits on one or both of the two opposing sidewalls, and compartment support members each having a first support panel and a third support panel respectively insertable through two adjacent horizontal splits of the closet body into the inside of the associating horizontal panels to give a support and a flexible connection pocket connected between the first and third support panels that can be stuffed with a second support panel.
US08540086B2	Weapon wall mount and locking method and apparatus A weapon wall mount is provided with the mount having a continuous base plate which matches the silhouette of a weapon. The continuous base plate has equidistantly spaced countersunk holes providing uniform attachment to a wall. The wall having wall studs spaced at least between a range of 12 inches to 24 inches on center. The base plate has a transversely aligned support which provides longitudinal and vertical support to the weapon. In addition the base plate has a transversely aligned locking shaft to receive a lock. When mounted, the weapon restricts access to the equidistantly spaced countersunk holes so that the mount and weapon cannot be easily removed from the wall. This mount also provides the appearance of the weapon securely fastened and mounted to the wall without the noticeable visual appearance of any support.
US08540082B2	Centrifugal assembly and method for ova detection A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.
US08540081B2	Fluoropolymer hollow fiber membrane with fluoro-copolymer and fluoro-terpolymer bonded end portion(s) and method to fabricate A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film. PTFE hollow fibers, and its respective fluoro-co and terpolymers as potting films, impart high packing densities, superb chemical resistance and temperature resistance without membrane contamination, or low fiber pull strength, as is sometimes observed with standard potting materials such as polyurethane and epoxy.
US08540080B2	Fluid filter system An endcap includes a first plate member having a radial inner portion, a radial outer portion, and defining a longitudinal axis. The endcap also includes a flange disposed between the radial inner and outer portions, and projecting axially along the longitudinal axis in a first direction. The endcap also includes a first seal member disposed adjacent the flange. The first seal member includes a first portion engaged with an axial facing surface of the first plate member and a second portion engaged with a radially facing surface of the flange. The endcap further includes a second plate member disposed radially outward of the radial outer portion and a second seal member disposed adjacent the second plate member including at least a portion axially spaced from the axially facing surface of the first plate member in a second direction along the longitudinal axis opposite the first direction.
US08540079B2	Sludge filtration apparatus and filter assembly thereof A sludge filtration apparatus has a sludge tank configured to store sludge and at least one filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filtration membrane for filtering the sludge and a pipe insertable in the filtration membrane to supply air to a secondary side of the filtration membrane for dislodging the sludge from the filtration membrane. The pipe has a plurality of holes for discharging gas, namely air, to an area in which the filtration membrane inclines downwardly with the secondary side thereof. The sludge filtration apparatus can prevent thickened sludge from remaining in an upper portion of the filter assembly.
US08540078B2	Liquid separation from adipose tissue Extracting or removing at least a portion of liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separation container. The whole sample can be dried, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separation container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.
US08540077B2	Compact case built-in with hinge unit and method of manufacturing compact case built-in with hinge unit [Problem to be solved] To provide a compact case built-in with a hinge unit that can be easily assembled while reducing manufacturing costs of parts.[Solving Means] A compact case 1 with a lid body 20 connected, in an openable and closable manner, via a hinge using at least one or more hinge unit 30, to a back end of a flat box shaped container body 10, the compact case includes a frame body 41 of a plate-like member having a flat shape along a peripheral shape of an upper opening of the container body, the back end of the container body is formed with a hinge storing section 11 for storing a case section of the hinge unit so that a shaft section of the hinge unit is protruded, a back end of the lid body is formed with a receiving hole 21a in which the shaft section of the hinge unit is to be inserted, the frame body is attached to the container body so as to cover up the hinge storing section, the shaft section of the hinge unit is inserted in the receiving hole in a state the case section of the hinge unit is fixed to the container body, and the container body and the lid body are connected in an openable and closable manner.
US08540076B2	Stackable construction container Whether constructed of square or rectangular configuration with handles for lifting and carrying about, and with internal shelves or braces to receive and hold compartmentalized partitioned layers to accept the various tools of various trades, the container of the invention, when of a composition to support the weight of studs and boards placed upon them, provides a crate which cannot only carry the tools of the trade, but can serve as a workbench in performing needed work at a jobsite location, as well as to support the weight of a workman standing upon included boards and studs as a “step” to reach elevated heights in the doing of a required job.
US08540069B2	Kinematically-driven slow delivery lubrication system Lubrication systems for transport systems are disclosed that are powered by a rotating shaft of the transport system. The lubrication system includes at least one circular member mounted on the rotating shaft. The at least one circular member is coupled to and imparts rotation to a third circular member and separately to a fourth circular member for imparting rotation there to. The third circular member is coupled to a first linkage. The first linkage extends from the third circular member to a fifth circular member. The fourth circular member is coupled to a second linkage. The second linkage couples the fourth circular member to the first linkage between the third and fifth circular members. The fifth circular member is coupled to a pump shaft.
US08540068B2	Money handling machine In a control unit (50), a predetermined amount of money of fund money that is the money to be dispensed as the change or the like (i.e., predetermined denominations and the number for each denomination or predetermined total amount of the fund money) is set in advance. The control unit (50) controls an insertion unit (12), a transport unit (16), a storing unit (22) and an escrow unit (20), so as to automatically perform a dispensing process for feeding the money corresponding to the predetermined amount of the fund money from the storing unit (22) to a dispensing unit (14), after the control unit (50) serves to perform a depositing process for taking the money into a casing (10) from the exterior thereof via the insertion unit (12), and then feeding the money taken in the casing (10) to the escrow unit (20).
US08540064B2	Drive for an hybrid vehicle and clutch having a release mechanism A drive for an hybrid vehicle, having an electric machine situated in a housing and having a clutch that is provided with a release mechanism. The release mechanism is connected to a housing-mounted component, that is locked against rotation, via at least one damping element, the damping element absorbing multi-dimensional motions.
US08540063B2	Wheeled luggage with extendable supportive tongue Wheeled luggage including an extendable tongue permits use as a hand-truck to transport an additional piece of luggage supported on the extended tongue. The wheeled luggage may be similar to conventional wheeled luggage, but further includes a tongue movable between an inactive and active positions. In the inactive position, the tongue is positioned within a footprint of a bottom of the luggage. In the active position, the tongue extends beyond an outer edge of a bottom of the body to provide supportive structure on which the additional luggage may be placed. The structure of the extendable tongue may have various suitable configurations. A mechanism may be provided for moving the tongue between the inactive and active positions while the user and luggage are in an upright position. An optional strap and/or strap retraction mechanism may be provided to securing the additional luggage.
US08540058B2	Elevator with a closable opening in a car sill An elevator in which a first gap between a car sill and a landing sill can be maintained as small as possible except at a space of the car sill which passes over a second connecting element that drives a landing door on a landing. The structure of the elevator is simple, inexpensive and reliable, wherein a second gap of the space required for the connecting element, which gap is larger than the first gap, can be closed and opened.
US08540054B2	Integrated rotary valve A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
US08540049B2	Acoustic diaphragm suspending A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element. The suspension element is characterized by a total compliance. The total compliance includes a shear compliance and a beam compliance. The beam compliance is not significantly larger than the shear compliance.
US08540048B2	System and method for controlling transmission based on variable pressure limit A system for controlling a transmission including a fluid pump and a fluid motor operably coupled to one another in a fluid circuit is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive signals indicative of operator inputs, and determine a variable pressure limit in the fluid circuit based on the signals indicative of operator inputs. The controller is further configured to control displacement of at least one of the fluid pump and the fluid motor based on the variable pressure limit, such that a pressure level in the fluid circuit is maintained below the variable pressure limit.
US08540047B2	Passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat and attachment structure for load sensor A lower rail is fixed to a vehicle floor, and an upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to the lower rail. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail. A rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor, a rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between a flange of the spring holder and the web and is compressed by tightening the nut.
US08540046B2	Electrical unit layout structure for saddle type electric vehicle An accelerator position sensor for detecting accelerator position is provided rearwardly of a head pipe and on the upper side of a main frame. A breaker for cutting off battery power supplied to a controller for performing drive control of a motor unit is provided on the accelerator position sensor. The breaker and the accelerator position sensor are covered with an electrical unit case provided with an opening part. The opening part is provided with a closing member by which the opening part can be opened and closed.
US08540043B2	Over bulkhead air intake for reduced snow ingestion A bulkhead cover for a vehicle air intake system includes a forward wall defining a bulkhead cover primary port for receiving an air flow admitted through a grille of a vehicle, a first side wall extending from an outer lateral side of the forward wall to an outer lateral side of an intake enclosure, and a second side wall extending from an inner lateral side of the forward wall to an inner lateral side of the intake enclosure. The intake enclosure defines an intake port between the outer and inner lateral sides of the intake enclosure. A bulkhead cover auxiliary port is defined in the second side wall for receiving additional air flow admitted through the grille and thereby reducing snow ingestion through the bulkhead cover primary port.
US08540042B2	Cooling structure for construction machine The construction machine including an engine room having an engine, a radiator ii for cooling the engine, and a hydraulic pump which are arranged therein, and a counterweight area which is located adjacent to the engine room and in which batteries are installed, a ventilation passage for cooling the engine room and a ventilation passage for cooling the batteries are formed separately and independently in the substantially same direction, and a flowing direction of cooling air flowing in the ventilation passage for cooling the engine room and a flowing direction of cooling air flowing in the ventilation passage for cooling the batteries are substantially parallel to each other.
US08540041B2	Driving system for electric vehicle A driving system for electric vehicle is disclosed to use a clutch switching unit for controlling a motor rotor-driven bushing to rotate a wheel hub via a direct-drive active clutch or via a set of planet gears and a reducing clutch. At the initial state after startup of the motor, the direct-drive active clutch runs idle, enabling the wheel hub to provide a low-speed high-torque output, saving power consumption. When the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined level, a control circuit drives a clutch motor to move the clutch switching unit in releasing the reducing clutch to idle the planet gears, enabling the direct-drive active clutch to be switched on so that the rotor of the motor can rotate the wheel hub directly to accelerate the vehicle speed.
US08540040B2	Multi-purpose ground vehicle The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).
US08540039B1	Accommodating structure with a belt transmission structure An accommodating structure with a belt transmission structure. Two tracks are fixed on a body by several joining elements. Several sliding teeth are provided around the tracks. A belt is fixed at the sliding teeth along the loop structure of the tracks. The belt winds around the tracks as the sliding teeth slide.
US08540034B2	Pneumatic drill device Pneumatic drill device comprising an outer casing, an assembly of a cylinder and a movable piston actuating a pick element, a device for supplying the cylinder with compressed air, an air exhaust device and an operational control device, wherein the outer casing is formed from two complementary sections adapted to fit into one another in order to enclose, in addition to the cylinder and piston assembly, the said devices for supplying the cylinder, for air exhaust and for operational control.
US08540025B2	Wellbore servicing compositions and methods of making and using same A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising cement, water and a polyuronide polymer, placing the wellbore servicing fluid in the wellbore, and allowing the wellbore servicing fluid to set. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a highly methylated pectin, cementitious material and water into the wellbore, placing the wellbore servicing fluid in the wellbore, and allowing the wellbore servicing fluid to set. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising cement, water and a polyuronide polymer.
US08540022B1	Method of delivering frac fluid and additives A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.
US08540021B2	Release assembly for a downhole tool string and method for use thereof A release assembly (200) for releasing a portion of a tool string in a wellbore. The release assembly (200) includes an outer housing (202) having a fishing receptacle (206) disposed therein. The fishing receptacle (206) includes a fishing neck (208). A support assembly (214) is disposed within the housing (202). The support assembly (214) has a first position wherein the support assembly (214) engages the fishing neck (208) to prevent separation of the fishing receptacle (206) from the housing (202) and a second position wherein the support assembly (214) is disengaged from the fishing neck (208) no longer preventing separation of the fishing receptacle (206) from the housing (202). An actuator (224), disposed within the housing (202), maintains the support assembly (214) in the first position until actuation thereof allows the support assembly (214) to shift to the second position.
US08540017B2	Method and system for sealing a wellbore Systems and methods for sealing a wellbore are provided. The wellbore has a pipe therein for the passage of fluid therethrough. The system is provided with a BOP positionable about the pipe and at least one seal assembly positionable about the BOP. Each of the seal assemblies has a plurality of blocks positionable within the BOP, at least one actuator for selectively moving the blocks to a contact position surrounding the pipe, and a plurality of pipe seals carried by the blocks for creating a seal about the pipe of the wellbore. Each block has an opening extending into a cavity therein. Each pipe seal is positionable in one of the cavities and flowable through the opening thereof as the blocks are moved into the contact position whereby at least a portion of a pressure applied to the pipe seals is released from the blocks.
US08540016B2	Control and supply unit A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.
US08540015B2	Apparatus and method for treating a subterranean formation using diversion Apparatus and method comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to a magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.
US08540014B2	Vehicle air conditioner In a vehicle air conditioner (1) employing an air-mix method, airflow which passed through a bypass channel (14) and airflow which passed through a heated air channel (13) are mixed in an air-mix area (15) located downstream of an air-mix damper (6) and the airflow is guided to a foot outlet (19) through a foot channel (18) provided on the back side of a partition wall (2A) constituting the heated air channel (13). The vehicle air conditioner includes a mixing enhancement portion (50) that makes airflow flowing along the partition wall (2A) flow toward the air-mix area (15) and an introduction portion (60) that is continuous with the mixing enhancement portion (50) and smoothly guides the airflow after air mixing to the foot channel (18) are provided at an end (30) of the partition wall (2A) constituting an outlet of the heated air channel (13).
US08540012B2	Heat exchanger A heat exchanger and a method for fabricating the heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger core that is formed from a plurality of stacked aluminum panels that are joined together via friction stir welding. Each panel in the core is formed from at least two aluminum extrusions that are joined to one another via friction stir welding.
US08540005B2	Apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling a covering for an architectural opening An apparatus and method associated with the extension and retraction of a covering for an architectural opening. More particularly, an apparatus and method which monitors the extension of a shade to control the extension and position when the extension motion of the shade is interrupted.
US08540004B2	Sheet winder Disclosed is a sheet winder which enables a sheet roll paper wound in a roll shape to be used in manufacturing of a corrugated cardboard for packing cases, in which the sheet roll paper is obtained by laminating sheet papers printed one by one using a lithography technique as one of the most general and economical printing methods and a roll paper used as a material for manufacturing the corrugated cardboard for packing cases.
US08540000B2	Curing processing device and laminating system A curing processing device including a top moving plate, a bottom moving plate, an intermediate moving plate, a heating unit which heats each of the moving plates, a moving plate driving unit, a carrying unit, and a controller, and wherein each of the top moving plates includes an elastic film and a positive pressure applying unit applying a positive pressure to a space between the moving plate and the elastic film, and the controller is configured to cause the curing processing device to operate in a carrying mode for carrying in or out the solar battery assembly and a compress mode for applying a positive pressure to a space between a lower surface of an upper side moving plate and the elastic film to press the solar batter assembly, and the controller changes a pair of moving plates in a predetermined order each time the mode is switched.
US08539996B2	Docking device comprising two coupling closures for the environmentally sealed transfer of bulk material, having at least one locking unit A docking device for transferring the contents of, filling, and/or emptying containers comprises first and second coupling latches positioned flush to one another along respective closing sides thereof. A locking unit is configured for locking together pipe nozzles of the first and second coupling latches. The locking unit includes at least one movable first arresting element that is present in a passage that has an opening to an exterior of the second coupling latch, and is configured to interact with a corresponding second arresting element present on an exterior of the pipe nozzle of the second coupling latch. The docking device further comprises a bolt that is movable in a cylinder. The bolt has a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a third transfer section between the first and second section with a tapering diameter.
US08539994B2	Valve with biasing member An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as a liquid anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a frame member defining a frame passage extending from a first end of the frame member to a second end of the frame member and a nozzle connected to the frame member. The nozzle can be moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame member, and can define a plug member configured to block the second end of the frame passage when the nozzle is in the first position. The apparatus can further include a biasing member connected to the frame member and the nozzle.
US08539992B2	Apparatus and method for anchor bolt grouting A filling apparatus for a grouting system. The filling apparatus comprises a first fill tube and a second fill tube. The first fill tube is discrete from the second fill tube. The first fill tube is disposed for transporting resin mastic and the second fill tube is disposed for transporting initiator. A portion of the first fill tube has an inlet opening through which an injection quill extends interiorly and downwardly through the first fill tube. The injection quill is disposed for transporting inhibitor. This disclosure also relates to a method for adjusting gel time of a grouting system used for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, a grouting system for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, and a method for anchoring a reinforcing member in a mine.
US08539990B2	Vehicle port door with wirelessly actuated unlatching assembly A port door unlatching system is provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel delivery subsystem with a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.
US08539986B2	Hot gas conducting component A hot gas conducting component, in particular for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, is described. To improve the insulation effect, an insulation to which heat-reflecting and/or heat-absorbing pigments are added is arranged at the component.
US08539984B2	Hydraulic accumulator, in particular a membrane accumulator A hydraulic accumulator, preferably a membrane accumulator, in particular for damping pulsations in fluid circuits, includes an accumulator housing (12) with at least one inlet (14) and an outlet (16) for the fluid for damping. A separating element (18), preferably in the form of a membrane, separates a gas reservoir (20) from a fluid chamber (22) within the accumulator housing (12). A hydraulic accumulator with high working capacity of high reliability which little space requirement despite high accumulation capacity for the working gas in the gas reservoir (20) can be achieved. A support device (24) within the accumulator housing (12), extends within the gas reservoir (20) and forms a possible support for the separating element (18). The gas reservoir (20) of the accumulator housing (12) is sufficiently large in dimension that the total necessary gas volume is retained within the accumulator housing (12) itself. The membrane is formed from an elastic material, in particular a rubber material of polytetrafluoroethylene or compounds thereof, as a gas barrier layer.
US08539980B2	Device for controlled operation of a surgical or dental drive unit A device for operation of a surgical or dental drive unit includes a control valve attached to a drive unit to control a flow rate of a compressed fluid flowing from a compressed fluid source to the drive unit. The control valve includes (a) a first control arrangement controlling a rate of flow of the compressed fluid through the control valve; (b) a control switch; and (c) a control sleeve controlled by the control switch to axially move along a longitudinal axis of the drive unit between a first configuration in which the control valve is locked and closed to fluid flow and a second configuration in which the control valve is unlocked and the first control arrangement controls the rate of flow therethrough.
US08539979B2	Two-stage solenoid valve for an electropneumatic valve control unit A two-stage solenoid valve for an electropneumatic valve control unit, e.g., a pilot control unit of a pressure modulator, includes a solenoid system to which a first and second current intensity can be applied as well as a solenoid valve device with a primary side connectable to a first compressed-air supply and a secondary side connectable to a second compressed-air supply. A primary valve encompassing an adjustable primary armature biased by a primary armature spring is provided on the primary side, and a secondary valve encompassing an adjustable secondary armature biased by a secondary armature spring is provided on the secondary side. The solenoid valve device can be a valve cartridge insertable from one side. Diameters of a front (in relation to insertion direction) region and a central region of the valve cartridge are smaller than or equal to the diameter of a rear region of the valve cartridge.
US08539978B2	Gas valve unit with bypass flow A valve unit for adjusting gas flow to a combustion apparatus includes a valve member that moves relative to a valve seat in response to a signal input to a coil, for varying a high-capacity gas flow rate through the valve unit. The valve unit includes a first opening port, a second opening port that is smaller than the first opening port, and a closure member. The closure member is movable between an open position, in which said high-capacity gas flow rate is communicated via the first and second opening ports to an outlet, and a closed position against the first opening port, in which a low-capacity gas flow rate is communicated via only the second opening port to the outlet. The valve unit includes a solenoid for selectively moving the closure member between the open position and closed position to selectively establish a high-capacity gas flow rate or low capacity gas flow rate.
US08539973B2	Pressure-actuated normally open fluid valve A normally open non-electric valve includes a flow path through an apertured valve seat . . . cavity isolated from the flow path is sealingly closed off adjacent the valve seat by a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to be pushed and held away from the valve seat by fluid flowing in the flow path. When it is desired to close the valve, a pressure medium is introduced into the cavity so as to force the diaphragm against the valve seat and interrupt the fluid flow in the flow path. The normally open valve can inexpensively be converted from an inexpensive electric solenoid valve by removing the plunger, spring and coil from the electric valve, closing off the plunger cavity with a flexible diaphragm, and selectably introducing a pressure medium into the cavity when it is desired to close the valve.
US08539972B2	Low consumption and intelligent safe gas-supply system using gas tanks A low consumption and intelligent safe gas-supply system using gas tanks comprises: at least two gas tanks and gas tank valves installed on them, charge valves with check valve, at least two gas-filled parallel unit pipes, high-pressure sensor, at least two gas-supply parallel unit pipes, gas-supply main conduit, reset pressure sensor, at least two solenoid valves with check valve, and electronic control module ECM. The invention has the characteristics such as the gas tanks supply gas in sequence, intelligent control, security and reliability for use, low consumption, high display precision for gas volume, decompression transfinite alarm and convenience for installing, use and maintenance etc., and it can be used in the vehicle hydrogen supply system in the fuel cell vehicles or the vehicle compressed natural gas-supply system in the natural gas vehicles, and also the high-pressure hydrogen or natural gas-supply system for gas tanks on the ground.
US08539971B2	Air passageway switchable pump head for air pump An air passageway switchable pump head includes a housing defining a first air outlet passageway, an air intake passageway and a second air outlet passageway, a connection member mounted in the housing for connection to a valve, a switch valve consisting of a valve seat, a valve body and a spring member, and an operating member mounted at one end of the housing and operable to move the switch valve between a first position where a first air passageway of the switch valve is closed, allowing air communication between a second air passageway of the switch valve and the second air outlet passageway, and a second position where the valve body is moved toward the valve seat and closed on the valve seat to block the second air passageway of the switch valve and the first air passageway of the switch valve is opened.
US08539962B2	Cosmetic for eyelashes The present invention is a cosmetic for eyelashes characteristically comprising modified cross-section hollow fibers. What is preferable is a cosmetic for eyelashes characteristically containing said modified cross-section hollow fibers that are polygonal cross-section hollow fibers having depressions so they can orient along the eyelashes wherein the length of the hollow fibers is 0.5-4 mm and the size is 20-50 μm.The object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic for eyelashes that exhibits a superior curling effect and long lash effect and allows a beautiful finish.
US08539961B2	Hair cutting comb with T-top member A hair tool is provided that includes a first member for housing at least one razor and a second member formed generally in the shape of the letter “T”. The second member may be configured for matable attachment to the first member to resist ejection of the at least one razor from the first member.
US08539955B2	Mouthguard An improved mouthguard is provided for use by individuals having orthodontic appliances, such as braces. The mouthguard comprises an outer guard portion and an inner subguard portion. The subguard provides a barrier between the outer guard and the user's braces, thereby allowing the outer guard to be custom fit to the user's mouth and teeth using methods known in the art. Additionally, the subguard is secured to the outer guard, producing a one-piece mouthguard, and allows the mouthguard to be removably secured to the user's braces, increasing the comfort and retention of the mouthguard within the user's mouth. The mouthguard effectively protects the users braces, as well as the user's teeth and mouth, from potential damage arising out impacts suffered by the user during sporting activities while improving the user's comfort and performance in sports by allowing the user to breathe and speak uninhibited during the sporting activity.
US08539953B2	Combination anesthesia and scavenger surgical mask A surgical mask for administering and/or scavenging medical gases includes a nasal mask and an oral mask that envelops the nasal mask. The nasal mask is secured to the oral mask and may be removable from it.
US08539952B2	Mechanical insufflation/exsufflation airway clearance apparatus An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.
US08539948B2	Hyperthermia assisted radiation therapy A breathing system for hyperthermic assisted radiation therapy includes at least one heating element that modulates the temperature of air inhaled by a patient, at least one cooling element that modulates the humidity of the air inhaled by a patient, and a controller that maintains the desired humidity and temperature.
US08539946B2	Dry powder inhaler The invention relates to a dry powder inhaler, having a base housing, having a capsule receptacle for a capsule containing dry powder, having at least one needle- or blade-like opening means, movably arranged in relation to the base housing, for opening the capsule, and having a mouthpiece, through which the dry powder from an opened capsule can be inhaled. The invention is distinguished in that the opening means are fastened on the mouthpiece, and that the mouthpiece can be moved in respect to the base housing out of a normal position into an opening position which opens the capsule.
US08539943B2	Method for supporting a stretched membrane solar trough collector An improved solar reflector with a frame structure suitable for spanning longer distances that utilizes light-weight side beams, ridgecaps and tensioned cables to form a truss-system.
US08539936B2	Supercharger rotor shaft seal pressure equalization A pressure equalization system reduces or eliminates a pressure differential across supercharger rotor shaft seals. Under high boost, rotor shaft seals often fail, allowing hot compressed air into an oil lubricated space containing rotor bearings and gears (and vented to ambient pressure), reducing oil lubricating effectiveness and resulting in increased wear and failure. Under low or non boost operation, the pressure differential is reversed causing the lubricating oil to leak into the supercharger interior and accelerated rotor seal wear. The pressure equalization system includes flow restrictive seals on both rotor shafts, separated from the rotor shaft seals by vented spaces, thereby isolating the rotor shaft seals from boost or vacuum in the supercharger interior and reducing or eliminating the pressure differential across the rotor shaft seals. Maintaining close to atmospheric pressure on both sides of the rotor shaft seals during boost and vacuum operation reduces wear and failures.
US08539930B2	Rotary combustion apparatus A combustion apparatus having a housing including an inner surface that defines at least one chamber, a rotor, a rotor shaft, an intake shaft, an exhaust shaft, and a gearing mechanism. The chamber includes an intake valve port and an exhaust valve port, and the rotor shaft is coupled to a gear at one end and has at least two opposing flat surfaces received by an opening in the rotor. The intake and exhaust shafts are geared to the rotor shaft and have at least one opening each that is aligned with the intake and the exhaust valve ports. A gearing mechanism selectively controls the duration in which the openings are aligned with the ports. Two or more rotors may be utilized to produce more power and reduce vibration.
US08539928B2	Piston assembly and connecting rod having a profiled wrist pin bore therefor A piston assembly and connecting rod therefor is provided. The connecting rod has an elongate body extending to an end for operable attachment to a piston. The end has a wrist pin bore extending between opposite sides of the body. The wrist pin bore has a wavy profile extending between the sides. The wavy profile has at least one concave surface with a valley extending along a circumferential direction of the wrist pin bore and convex surfaces having peaks extending along a circumferential direction of the wrist pin bore on laterally opposite sides of the valley. The peaks and valleys cooperate to form a smooth load gradient and uniform lubrication flow across the interface region between the wrist pin bore and the wrist pin extending therethrough.
US08539926B2	Piston, cylinder and piston assembly and piston ring for a piston A piston includes a piston head, two skirt walls disposed opposite one another and at least one pin bearing disposed between the skirt walls and supported on the piston head. Each skirt wall extends over a partial region of the periphery of the piston or piston head. The two skirt walls are connected by at least one self-supporting support wall disposed at a distance from the piston head. A cylinder and piston assembly and a piston ring for a cylinder, are also provided.
US08539922B2	Rigid primer bulb pump A hand operated primer pump for small marine or other engines generally spark ignition engines used on stern drive boats that prevents transfer of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The primer generally mimics and replaces prior art rubber primer bulbs in general shape and possibly color, although it can be made in any shape or color. It generally contains a pump that delivers a precise measured amount of fuel with each stroke of the actuator. The primer can have an ergonomically designed actuator that creates the farthest distance from a fulcrum point for maximum leverage and hence, maximum ease of use. The primer is generally designed with a continuous molded fuel path to seal any source of hydrocarbon leakage as well as being made from materials that prevent transfer of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere.
US08539918B2	Multi-cylinder opposed piston engines Integrated, multi-cylinder opposed engine constructions include a unitary support structure to which cylinder liners are removeably mounted and sealed and on which crankshafts are rotatably supported. The unitary support structure includes cooling manifolds that provide liquid coolant to the cylinder liners. Exhaust and intake manifolds attached to the support structure to serve respective ports in the cylinder liner. The engine constructions may also include certain improvements in the construction of cooled pistons with flexible skirts, and in the construction of cylinders with sealing structures mounted outside of exhaust and inlet ports to control lubricant in the cylindrical interstice between the through bore and the pistons.
US08539916B2	Cooling structure for internal combustion engine A height of a spacer which is arranged inside a water jacket formed to surround peripheries of cylinder bores of a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine is made to be lower by a step in an intermediate portion thereof in a cylinder row line direction. Consequently, among end-portion cylinder bores having a lower temperature and being situated at opposite end portions in the cylinder row line direction and intermediate cylinder bores being other than the end-portion cylinder bores and having a higher temperature, a cooling performance of the intermediate cylinder bores is higher than that of the end-portion cylinder bores. Therefore, all the temperatures of the respective cylinder bores can be made uniform. A similar operation effect can be obtained alternatively by making a thickness of the spacer thinner in portions facing the intermediate cylinder bores and thicker in portions facing the end-portion cylinder bores.
US08539915B2	Cooling system for a motor vehicle A cooling system for motor vehicle with a cooling circuit, which includes one or more internal combustion engines, a pump and a cooling device, is described herein. The cooling system includes a short circuit line, which bypasses the pump by connecting a pressure side of the pump to an intake side of the pump. The cooling system further includes a valve device in the region of the short circuit line, and the valve device is switched between two or more positions. When the valve is in the first position, the entire coolant flow is directed through the short circuit line. Further, when the valve is in the second position, the entire coolant flow is directed through the internal combustion engine and not through the short circuit line.
US08539912B2	E-tube collar The invention is a method for protecting the neck of an animal following surgical insertion of an esophagostomy tube. The e-Tube protective collar prevents injury to the surgical site, provides stabilization of the e-Tube and prevents accidental or deliberate removal of the tube by the animal. The collar is constructed of two layers of fabric which encircles the animal's neck and fastens via hook and loop fastener strips under the neck allowing for adjustment of tightness. There is a stitched hole in the fabric for the e-Tube to pass through which is then held stable once the collar is placed around the animal's neck. The collar has a hook and loop fastener strip disposed on the top face to fold over the loose end of longer e-Tubes and hold them flat against the collar. The collar requires minimal dressing for the wound and protects it while allowing it to “breathe”. Because of the comfortable fit, the collar can remain on the animal continuously and causes no discomfort or impediment to normal eating, grooming, or play.
US08539911B1	Disposable feline litter box A disposable feline litter box includes a tray prefilled with litter and including a permanently affixed upwardly extendable enclosure. An end face of the enclosure includes a hinged door flap which allows a feline to enter and exit the enclosure by pushing the flap in the appropriate direction. The various components of the litter box are made of bio-degradable materials. The litter box is initially provided in a collapsed configuration to allow for storage and transportation and is returned to the collapsed configuration for disposal.
US08539906B2	Substrate liquid processing apparatus A substrate liquid processing apparatus of the present invention includes a guide rotary cup configured to guide a process-liquid scattering from a substrate rotating and being held by a substrate holding table and a guide cup configured to guide downward the process-liquid guided by the guide rotary cup. The guide cup includes a downward extension portion extending downward from an inner peripheral end portion of a guide cup body and an inner peripheral extension portion extending inward from the inner peripheral end portion more than the downward extension portion. The inner peripheral extension portion is configured to form a gas guide space together with the guide rotary cup and the downward extension portion so that a gas turning by the rotation of the guide rotary cup can be guided downward.
US08539905B2	Polymeric micro-cantilevers for ultra-low volume fluid and living cell deposition Polymer-based micro-cantilevers for depositing material onto a surface include, in one embodiment, a body portion, an elongated beam portion sized smaller than and extending from the body portion and having a length greater than about 500 microns. The body portion includes a reservoir and the elongated beam portion having a passageway disposed therein. The passageway has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet opening at a distal end of the elongated beam portion. The passageway comprises a width greater than 10 microns to about 100 microns, and a height of about 25 microns to about 100 microns. Methods for delivering fluid and living cells using the polymer-based micro-cantilevers are also disclosed.
US08539902B2	Device for displaying a flag A device for displaying a flag includes a raisable and lowerable flag container (12) provided with an arrangement for extending or retracting a flag, and a raisable and lowerable flag cassette (6) provided with several flag containers (12). The device for displaying a flag is provided with a control unit (5) from which the device for displaying a flag may be controlled. The flag container (12) in the flag cassette is provided with a device for pivoting the flag container from being essentially parallel to the flag pole into an essentially orthogonal angle relative to the flag pole and a device for extending or retracting a flag in the flag container, where the control unit (5) is arranged to first pivoting a flag container and then extending a flag in the flag container.
US08539895B2	Apparatus to reduce skin friction drag on a marine vessel An apparatus of reducing skin friction drag on a marine hull comprising imparting ultrasonically-induced cavitation at a boundary layer at the hull-water interface. The apparatus includes a sonification plate on at least a portion of a wettable area of the hull to establish a boundary layer interface between the sonification plate and the water medium, and an acoustic generator for energizing the sonification plate to produce microcavitation bubbles at the boundary layer interface whereby to alter the Reynolds number, kinematic viscosity, and coefficient of friction. The sonification plate is hermetically sealed and includes an array of ultrasonic transducers, which may be mounted on an interior or exterior surface of the hull. The energizing nucleates microcavitation bubbles upon entrained gases and/or particulate matter residing in the water medium.
US08539894B2	Marine vessel provided with vertically arranged revolving cylinders The invention relates to a marine vessel (1) comprising a hull (2) and a propulsion arrangement including an internal combustion engine (3), an exhaust gas arrangement (4), and a propulsion unit (5). The marine vessel (1) further is provided with at least one vertically arranged cylinder (6) with a vertical axis, which vertically arranged cylinder (6) is adapted to rotate around its vertical axis. To avoid any substantial increase of windage area, the vertically arranged cylinder (6) is arranged around a part of the exhaust gas arrangement (4) of the marine vessel (1).
US08539893B2	Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing sewing machine control program A sewing machine includes a transfer device that includes a carriage to which an embroidery frame can be attached under a plurality of attaching conditions and that is adapted to transfer the carriage, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, a specification device that specifies an embroidery pattern to be sewn, an allocation device that allocates pattern data to one of the plurality of attaching conditions, a data acquisition device that acquires pattern data allocated to a current condition, an image capture device that is adapted to capture an image of at least one marker, a computation device that computes a difference as a correcting condition based on image data, a correction device that corrects the pattern data, and a sewing control device that performs sewing of the partial pattern by controlling the transfer device and the sewing device in accordance with the pattern data.
US08539892B2	Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing sewing machine control program A sewing machine that is included in a sewing system includes a transfer device, a sewing device, an image capture device, a condition acquisition device, a data acquisition device, a computation device, a correction device, and a sewing control device. The data acquisition device acquires pattern data based on a pattern condition acquired by the condition acquisition device. The computation device computes, as a positioning condition, at least one of a reference position and a reference angle of at least one marker in relation to the carriage based on image data generated by the image capture device. The correction device sets a position and an angle of the partial pattern in relation to the carriage and corrects the pattern data. The sewing control device performs sewing of the partial pattern by controlling the transfer device and the sewing device in accordance with the corrected pattern data.
US08539891B2	Method for reducing air flow when operating a coal burner An initial coal is cleaned to reduce ash content by ≧20% and yield refined coal that optimizes combustion air flow through a coal burner. This permits conveyance of pulverized refined coal in suspended condition through feeder pipes of the coal burner using reduced air flow compared to the quantity of air required to convey pulverized initial coal in suspended condition through the feeder pipes. This reduces oxygen in the primary combustion zone, lowering conversion of fuel nitrogen into NOx and instead converting it into N2 using the refined coal product. Reduced primary combustion air also reduces core flame temperature, reducing thermal NOx formation using the refined coal product. Increasing secondary and/or tertiary combustion air compensates for reduced primary combustion air and result in overall decrease in NOx formation (e.g., thermal NOx formation is reduced when combustion completed in cooler secondary and/or tertiary combustion zones).
US08539890B2	Fluid dispensing apparatus A fluid dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a collapsible bellows (12) for storing the fluid to be dispensed, a housing (14) for receiving the collapsible bellows and means (30) for compressing the collapsible bellows on actuation of the fluid dispensing apparatus (10) so as to eject the fluid through an outlet (22) of the bellows (12), wherein the housing (14) is configured to guide the bellows (12) so as to impede lateral deformation of the bellows (12) during compression thereof.
US08539887B2	Multi-purpose, adjustable and nestable voting booth A multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth adapted to provide a single structure which can be used as a standard sized voting booth as well as a voting booth that is usable by wheel chair bound individuals is provided. The voting booth includes a privacy booth support structure rotatably attached to a main body support structure and a privacy booth. The main body support structure comprises a pair of vertically extending frames, each attaching to the privacy booth support structure along a first end and rotatably attaching to a lower base frame assembly along a second end for providing vertical height adjustment. The voting booth is also adapted to be nestable with like shaped voting booths therefore eliminating the need for excessive storage.
US08539884B2	Remotely controlled ignition system for pyrotechnics A remote pyrotechnic ignition system includes a power supply for producing an electrical current in a transmitting induction coil to induce an electrical current in a receiving induction coil for igniting a pyrotechnic device. Thus, a wireless ignition communication section allows pyrotechnic mortars to be reused and substantially reduces set-up time by eliminating the wiring of fireworks normally required for a pyrotechnic production. Optionally, a capacitor is charged by the power source via a charging circuit and discharged via a firing circuit to produce the electric current in the transmitting coil in a pulse. The capacitor provides a two-stage firing safety feature. An electronic control device such as a circuit board may be mounted on the pyrotechnic device for controlling ignition of the pyrotechnic device and is especially useful in controlling ignition sequencing and overall ignition timing of a lift charge and burst charge of the pyrotechnic device.
US08539878B2	Square baler and a related control method A square baler comprising a controller for controlling the operation of the baler in dependence on the first, second and third signals representing the mass of a bale, the force of the piston of the baler, the energization of the actuator respectively and an input target value for the mass of the bale wherein the first signal is fed back in a first control loop and compared with the target weight to generate a target force, the second signal is fed in a second control loop and compared with the target force to generate a target energization, the third signal is fed in a third control loop and compared with the target energization to control the energization of the actuator.
US08539877B2	Cooking device and method of cooking A cooking device, for insertion into food, having a shell with a top portion and a bottom portion, securable together at a latitudinal cross section of the shell. The top portion has one or more steam holes to allow seasoning placed in the device to permeate the food during the cooking process. The cooking device can be stood on its base in an upright position for filling with seasoning, and can then be disposed substantially perpendicular to the upright position during the cooking process, without seasoning that is not in a gaseous phase running or spilling out of the steam holes.
US08539875B1	Protection system A net deployment system which, in one example, includes lengthy housing with a channel therein, a net folded in the channel, a lengthy bladder fixed to the housing and in the channel behind the net, attachments between the net and the bladder, and at least one inflator charge for inflating the bladder to deploy the net out of the channel.
US08539872B2	Machine gun ammunition holder incorporating center of gravity downward ejection-deflector Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The holders include adjustable hinges attached to plates that moves the center of gravity of the ammunition holder to move underneath the gun until the holder is balanced relative to the gun. The plate deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun to deflect the spent cartridges to one side away from both the gun and the gun operator. The containers can be ammunition belt boxes or pouch bags. Frames can allow for bags to form a deflection surface to deflect spent cartridges away from the gun.
US08539871B1	Self-engaging non-reciprocating charging handle A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The latch positively engages the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. The charging handle's secondary latching system is also claimed as a stand-alone system.
US08539868B2	Manually fed machine for working on materials, objects and the like, and protective means for such a machine A manually fed working machine including a working tool, a feeding area in front of the tool, a detector covering at least a section of the feeding area for a contactless detection of human skin, the detector including at least one radiation unit and at least one receiver unit. The at least one radiation unit emitting radiation towards the section of the feeding area, the radiation being emitted with at least two different wavelengths in the wavelength range between 900 nm and 1500 nm, whereas the at least one receiver unit receives the radiation reflected from the section of the feeding area, and a signal evaluation unit connected with the detector calculating the quotients or differences of the intensities of the reflected radiations received by the receiver unit and the at least two different wavelengths emitted from the radiation unit.
US08539867B2	Perforator A perforating method comprising the steps of providing a pair of rotatable members, each rotatable member having anvils and perforating blades, rotating the first rotatable member in a clockwise direction while concurrently rotating the second rotatable member in a counterclockwise direction, and rotating the first rotatable member in the counterclockwise direction while concurrently rotating the second rotatable member in the clockwise direction.
US08539866B2	Method and apparatus to remove cast from an individual A method for installing a fiberglass cast on and removing the cast from an individual includes an open ended pliable thin-walled polymer guide track and cutting tool designed to track along said guide track to cut the cast and to prevent, while a cast is being removed, injury to the individual.
US08539864B1	Dual-handled drive wrench A dual-handled ratcheting socket wrench having a drive head and a pair of handles pivotably attached at opposite ends of the drive head, and a manually-withdrawable, quick-release pin extending through each handle and the drive head to form a hinge. The quick-release pin can be withdrawn manually from the aligned holes without the use of a hand tool. The dual-handled ratcheting socket wrench can have a locking mechanism for independently securing the handles at a variable pivot position relative to the drive head. The dual-handled socket wrench allows a mechanic to apply substantially equal, co-rotational force to each handle.
US08539860B2	Shaft apparatus with bearing A bearing apparatus for including a camshaft, a plurality of cam blocks disposed in an axial direction on the camshaft, a housing member including an arc concave portion, a cap member which is fixed to the housing and includes an arc concave portion, a roller bearing interposed between the arc concave portion of the housing member and the arc concave portion of the cap member so as to rotatably support the camshaft, and annular first and second control rings which are separately provided from the camshaft, and are press-fitted and fixed to an outer surface of the camshaft at opposite side portions of the roller bearing in the axial direction. Surfaces of the first and second rings that face each other are formed as slide surfaces, and the slide surfaces come in contact with opposite side surfaces of at least one of the housing member and the cap member to receive an axial load.
US08539851B2	Modular automatic transmission shift device A modular shift device for an automatic transmission having a first module adapted for pushbutton operation of the transmission's safety lockout, and a second module that when coupled to the first module, modifies operation of the transmission's safety lockout to that of shift shaft tilting and eliminates the pushbutton.
US08539848B2	System for evaluating cutting efficiency of root canal rotary instruments A system for evaluating cutting efficiency of root canal rotary instruments is provided. The system includes a root canal rotary instrument, a driving unit, a cutting object, a prestressing force providing unit and a feeding unit. The root canal rotary instrument is attached on the driving unit, and driven thereby. The cutting object is pressed by the prestressing force providing unit to contact the root canal rotary instrument. The feeding unit feeds the cutting object to the root canal rotary instrument, and the root canal rotary instrument cuts an uncut surface of the cutting object.
US08539847B1	Automated fragment collection apparatus An apparatus for collecting fragments from a substrate subjected to an exploded munition, including a predetection element for removing large fragments from a sheet of the substrate; a detection and removal element for locating fragments embedded within the sheet and for removing located fragments from the sheet; and a capture element for capturing removed fragments.
US08539843B2	Load indicator A load indicator comprises a load bearing assembly of first and second load bearing members (23, 22) connected together to bear a lateral load applied to the first member (23), the first load bearing member defining a cavity (25) with the second load bearing member such that it is frangible above an indicator load, and the cavity (25) containing an indicator liquid which escapes from the cavity once the first load bearing member is fractured by said load. The load bearing members (22, 23) comprise cylindrical members arranged concentrically with the outer member (23) having a portion of reduced thickness to render it frangible and to define the cavity (25). The cavity (25) includes an internal volume within the second load bearing member (22). The load indicator may be configured as a load bearing pin to connect two components.
US08539838B2	Extended field of view ultrasonic imaging with a two dimensional array probe An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an extended field of view (EFOV) image. A 3D imaging probe is moved along the skin of a patient above the anatomy which is to be included in the EFOV image. As the probe is moved, images are acquired from a plurality of differently oriented image planes such as a sagittal plane and a transverse plane. As the probe is moved the image data of successive planes of one of the orientations is compared to estimate the motion of the probe. These motion estimates are used to position a succession of images acquired in one of the orientations accurately with respect to each other in an EFOV display format. The display format may be either a 2D EFOV image or a 3D EFOV image.
US08539837B2	Ultrasonic imaging using thin film transistor backplane An embodiment is a method and apparatus for coherent ultrasonic imaging. A receiver array has a plurality of receiver elements on a substrate to detect in-phase and quadrature components of a received signal corresponding to a transmit signal. Each of the receiver elements includes a receiver transducer and a thin-film transistor (TFT) receiver circuit. The TFT receiver circuit includes a quadrature detector having a mixer to mix a received signal with a reference signal in a composite bias signal that is distributed across the plurality of receiver elements. A transmitter is acoustically coupled to the plurality of receiver elements to generate the transmit signal through an imaging medium.
US08539833B2	Physical amount detecting device A physical amount detecting device includes: one pair of driving vibration arms are bending-vibrated in a direction of a X-axis, one pair of first detection vibration arms and one pair of second detection vibration arms are vibrated in a direction of a Y axis, depending on a Coriolis force that is generated in accordance with rotational angular velocity of X-axis rotation, the one pair of the first detection vibration arms are bending-vibrated with a first phase in a direction of a Z axis in addition to vibration in the direction of the Y axis, and the one pair of the second detection vibration arms are bending-vibrated with a second phase, which is a phase opposite to the first phase, in the direction of the Z axis in addition to vibration in the direction of the Y axis.
US08539831B2	Balance test indexing tool for balance-testing a rotor A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount face disposed on the rotor being tested. The rotor mount face may be machined in a surface of the rotor or provided in a separate rotor mount temporarily fixed to the rotor. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount face in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount face and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.
US08539830B2	High precision sensing for parameter measurement of bone density A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.
US08539822B2	Apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector. The device can be used to monitor changes in osmotic pressure in response to a concentration change of a specified dissolved solute particle.
US08539820B2	Acoustic leak detection system and method with enviromental noise isolation The acoustic leak detection system with environmental noise isolation provides for the acoustic detection of leaks in a pipe while minimizing interference from external or environmental noise. The acoustic leak detection system includes a hollow shell adapted for positioning about the pipe to be inspected. A pair of gaskets are circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the hollow shell so that the pair of gaskets bear against the outer surface of the pipe to form an acoustically isolated region defined between the pipe, the pair of gaskets and the inner surface of the hollow shell. An acoustic sensor, microphone or the like is mounted on the hollow shell within the acoustically isolated region for detecting any acoustic signals; i.e., the sound produced by a leak in the pipe within the acoustically isolated region. Upon detection of a leak, an alert signal is generated.
US08539819B2	Pressure monitor optimization of fluid path utilization A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.
US08539817B2	Particulate matter detection device A particulate matter detection device includes a plate-like element base material including, on one surface thereof, a formed recess portion to collect a particulate matter; a pair of measurement electrodes arranged on the bottom surface side of the recess portion of the element base material; and a high-voltage dust collection electrode embedded in a wall which forms the recess portion of the element base material on the one surface side of the element base material from a position where the pair of measurement electrodes are arranged. An electric field is generated from the high-voltage dust collection electrode to the pair of measurement electrodes, to collect, on the bottom surface side of the recess portion, the particulate matter flowing along the element base material, and a change of electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes is measured to detect the particulate matter collected on the recess portion.
US08539810B2	Method and apparatus for calibrating a torque measurement According to one aspect of the invention, a method for calibrating a torque measurement for a rotatable object is disclosed, wherein the method includes coupling the rotatable object to a structure, the structure including a member extending along a length of a surface of the rotatable object, coupling the rotatable object to an adapter and applying a known torque to the rotatable object via the adapter. The method also includes measuring a first rotational displacement via a first sensor coupled to the member at a first axial location of the rotatable object, measuring a second rotational displacement via a second sensor coupled to the member at a second axial location of the rotatable object and determining first and second angular displacements of the rotatable object based on the first and second rotational displacements.
US08539805B2	Method and forming machine for manufacturing a product having various diameters The invention relates to a method and a forming machine suitable for manufacturing a product having various diameters from a workpiece, such as a metal cylinder or plate, in which the workpiece is clamped down in a clamping device, the workpiece and a first tool are rotated about an axis of rotation relative to each other, the workpiece is deformed by means of said first tool by placing the tool into contact with the workpiece and moving the workpiece and/or the tool in a direction along the axis of rotation. At least a second tool is placed into contact with the workpiece at a position behind the first tool, seen in the working direction, and the workpiece is also deformed by means of said second tool. Thus, parts of the workpiece that have been deformed by the first tool are deformed by one or more subsequent tools practically immediately.
US08539804B2	Method and device for controlling a roll gap The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a roll gap when rolling a strip (1) in a rolling mill including at least two rolls (3a-b,4a-b), and at least two roll gap actuators (6,7) that independently control the size of the roll gap. The device is adapted to receive information on the amount of wedge shape (POSactOS,POSactDS) in the strip thickness profile across the strip width, and to control said actuators, based on said information on the amount of wedge shape in the strip thickness profile, such that the relative reduction of the strip on both sides of the rolling mill become essentially the same.
US08539803B2	Cylinder lock with profiled keyway A cylinder lock with a rotatable key plug (112) having a profiled keyway (113,116), the keyway being configured to accommodate an elongated, substantially flat key blade (120) with a longitudinal groove (122). The keyway in the key plug has two opposite lateral sides and a profile rib (150) located at a substantially flat lateral side. The profile rib has a downwardly projecting tongue portion (161) configured to extend inside the profile groove (122) upon inserting the key (120) into the key plug (112) of the lock, and the tongue portion of the profile rib is extended downwardly into a lowermost, massive end portion (162) which has two opposite side surfaces (163,164) and a lowermost transverse end surface (165) which is substantially flat or slightly curved. The lowermost, massive end portion (162) extends downwardly in a direction which is parallel to a central longitudinal plane (A′) through said keyway, and the lowermost transverse end surface (165) extends substantially in a plane which is perpendicular to a the central longitudinal plane (A′).
US08539801B2	Handle device Handle device for operating doors, windows and the like, comprising a first element, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, a second element, and a coupling device which is connected to the first and the second element and is designed to selectively allow or prevent relative rotation about the axis of rotation between the first and the second element, the coupling device comprising an outer coupling member (3, 50) and an inner coupling member (5, 31), which is concentrically accommodated, rotatable about the axis of rotation, in the outer coupling member. The handle device comprises at least one engaging member (20), which is radially displaceable in the inner coupling member (5, 31), and an activating member (12, 60) which is accommodated in the inner coupling member and axially displaceable therein, parallel to the axis of rotation. The engaging member and the activating member have interacting contact surfaces (12b, 12c, 61, 63) in order, during axial displacement of the activating member, to press the engaging member into a radially projecting position for simultaneous engagement with the inner and outer coupling member.
US08539799B2	Combination lock A combination lock includes a locking mechanism, a code identifying member, and a plurality of user rotatable dials, with a recess disposed on an outer periphery of each dial. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of dial engaging members configured to hold the locking mechanism in a locking position. When each of the dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, the recesses align with the dial engaging members, allowing the locking mechanism to move from the locking position to an unlocking position. When the code identifying member is moved to a code identifying condition, the dial engaging members are in biased engagement with the dials, such that rotation of any one of the dials to the unlocking orientation causes the corresponding dial engaging member to engage the corresponding recess to provide a perceptible indication that the dial is in the unlocking orientation.
US08539798B2	Handcuff apparatus Handcuffs characterized by a single locking head/single strap support receiving a single handcuff strap. The single locking head/single strap support includes a manually movable locking member which includes locking member ratchets for engagement with the strap ratchets. With one embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention, a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses is formed. With another embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention, a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses is formed.
US08539797B2	Titania and sulfur co-doped quartz glass member and making method A titania and sulfur co-doped quartz glass member is provided. Due to co-doping of titania and sulfur, the quartz glass member undergoes zero expansion at a certain temperature and low thermal expansion over a wide temperature range, and is thus suited for use in a commercial EUV lithography tool. A manufacturing method and an optical member for EUV lithography are also provided.
US08539796B2	Method for assembling optical connector An optical connector assembling method capable of preventing workability from worsening is provided. First, when assembling the optical connector, an optical cord (2) is passed through a rear housing (8), an outer jacket holding member (9), a securing member (10), and a boot (11), and an outer jacket (4) is removed from a leading end portion of the optical cord (2), so as to expose a coated optical fiber (3) and a tension-resistant fiber (5). A handled dust cap (16A) is mounted to a ferrule member (6) holding a built-in fiber. Then, a fusion splicer fusion-splices the built-in fiber and the coated optical fiber (3) to each other. Thereafter, while the ferrule member (6) keeps the handled dust cap (16A) mounted thereto, a plug housing (7) is assembled to the rear housing (8). Then, the outer jacket holding member (9) and securing member (10) secure the outer jacket (4) and tension-resistant fiber (5) to the rear housing (8), and the boot (11) is mounted to the securing member (10). Finally, a handle (16a) is cut off from the handled dust cap (16A).
US08539794B2	Strengthened glass substrate sheets and methods for fabricating glass panels from glass substrate sheets Strengthened glass substrate sheets and methods of fabricating glass panels from glass substrate sheets are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming at least one series of holes through a thickness of the glass substrate sheet, wherein the at least one series of holes defines a perimeter of the glass panel to be separated from the glass substrate sheet. The method further includes strengthening the glass substrate sheet by a strengthening process, and separating the glass panel from the glass substrate sheet along the at least one series of holes. At least a portion of one or more edges of the glass panel has an associated edge compressive layer. In another embodiment, a strengthened glass substrate sheet includes at least one series of holes that defines a perimeter of one or more glass panels to be separated from the strengthened glass substrate sheet.
US08539791B2	Manufacturing method of transition critical refrigerating cycle device A manufacturing method of a transition critical refrigerating cycle device in which a gas cooler and a sub-cooler are integrated to constitute one heat exchanger so as to most efficiently cool a refrigerant in the device. The transition critical refrigerating cycle device is constituted by successively connecting a compressor, the gas cooler, a capillary tube and an evaporator, and having a supercritical pressure on a high-pressure side of the device. The sub-cooler cools an intermediate-pressure refrigerant of the device. A ratio of the number of refrigerant pipes of the sub-cooler to the number of refrigerant pipes of the whole heat exchanger is set to 20% or more and 30% or less. The refrigerant pipes of the sub-cooler have a uniform heat transfer area per unit length of each refrigerant pipe.
US08539787B2	Aircraft air-conditioning system for the individual air conditioning of regions of an aircraft cabin with a liquid coolant An aircraft air-conditioning system is disclosed, which includes at least one heat exchanger to which coolant circulating in a cooling circuit of a cooling system and air are fed. The coolant cools the fed air in the heat exchanger, and the air leaving the heat exchanger enters the aircraft cabin. The coolant of the cooling system is always in the liquid state in the cooling circuit. The liquid coolant can also cool an aircraft seat or a sitting area of the aircraft seat.
US08539786B2	System and method for monitoring overheat of a compressor A system and method for monitoring an overheat condition of a compressor is provided. A compressor connected to an evaporator. A suction sensor outputs a suction signal corresponding to a temperature of refrigerant entering the compressor. A control module is connected to the evaporator sensor and the suction sensor and determines an evaporator temperature, calculates a suction superheat temperature based on the evaporator temperature and the suction signal, and monitors an overheat condition of the compressor by comparing the suction superheat with a predetermined suction superheat threshold.
US08539783B1	System for preventing condensation on refrigerator doors and frames An improved refrigerator energy management system removes condensation from glass refrigerator doors in an energy efficient manner by operating refrigerator frame heaters independently of refrigerator door heaters. Sensors for detecting humidity or condensation transmit data to a control unit that controls electrical current supplied to separate door and frame heater wires. Additional sensors for controlling the refrigerator lighting and monitoring the power consumption of refrigerator fans may transmit data to the control unit. A command unit may receive data from multiple control units, compile the data, and make it available over the internet to a shopkeeper monitoring the system from a remote location. The sensors, control unit, and command unit all communicate on a wireless peer-to-peer network using the ZigBee protocol.
US08539781B2	Component for solar adsorption refrigeration system and method of making such component An adsorption structure is described that includes at least one adsorbent member formed of an adsorbent material and at least one porous member provided in contact with a portion of the adsorbent member to allow gas to enter and exit the portion of the adsorbent member. Such adsorption structure is usefully employed in adsorbent-based refrigeration systems. A method also is described for producing an adsorbent material, in which a first polymeric material is provided having a first density and a second polymeric material is provided having a second density, in which the second polymeric material is in contact with the first polymeric material to form a structure. The structure is pyrolyzed to form a porous adsorbent material including a first region corresponding to the first polymeric material and a second region corresponding to the second polymeric material, in which at least one of the pore sizes and the pore distribution differs between the first region and the second region.
US08539780B2	Method and apparatus for harvesting ice in an ice maker system Method and apparatus for ice maker systems are disclosed. One exemplary method comprises the steps of: heating an ice mold body to separate ice formed in the ice mold body from the ice mold body; releasing the separated ice from the ice mold body; and contacting at least a portion of the ice mold body with a heat transfer fluid to cool the ice mold body.
US08539779B2	Ice maker, refrigerator having the same, and ice making method thereof An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined length into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker is configured to mechanically separate the ice from the tray by using pistons which are driven by a motor. This permits the ice maker to have a reduced size, and occupy a small area, thereby implementing a slim configuration of a refrigerator. Furthermore, since an installation height of the ice maker is lowered, a path for supplying cool air may be shortened. This arrangement prevent loss of cool air being supplied to the ice making chamber.
US08539772B2	Air conditioning using mechanical leverage and refrigerants In one embodiment, a mechanical leverage system using refrigerants in conjunction with temperature differences found in the environment is utilized for air conditioning, energy generation and other applications. The mechanical leverage system provides a means for altering boiling point temperatures of refrigerants in which the system is enabled to absorb and expel heat within the temperature differentials found in the environment. The mechanical leverage system is capable of saving or generating energy.
US08539768B2	Exhaust bypass system for turbocharged engine with dedicated exhaust gas recirculation A turbocharger assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a bypass valve for controlling a flow of exhaust gas from a second group of exhaust ports of a cylinder head assembly. When disposed in an open position, the bypass valve allows exhaust gas from the second group of exhaust ports to combine with exhaust gas from a first group of exhaust ports to spin a turbine of the turbocharger assembly. When disposed in a closed position, the bypass valve forces the exhaust gas from the second group of exhaust ports through an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) passage to an intake manifold to establish a dedicated EGR system.
US08539764B2	Configurations of a Stirling engine and heat pump A configuration of heat engine, a stirling engine, is presented that utilizes an even number of axially opposed, axially aligned cylinders and that can be made using almost unlimited variations in the number of cylinder pairings, size, length, operating temperatures and pressures, materials, heating and cooling sources, etc. The axially opposed configuration of the cylinder pairs maximizes engine efficiency by minimizing dead space, maximizing thermal isolation of the hot and cold sides, maximizing regenerator efficiency, maximizing the free flow of the working fluid and allowing the engine speed (rpm) and power output to be rapidly and precisely altered and controlled. When driven, the engine acts as a heat pump, with all of the aforementioned improvements and advantages over previous kinematic heat pumps and wherein the piston timing can be varied for precise temperature control and to provide a method of defrosting that requires no additional parts or heat source.
US08539758B2	Exhaust-gas purification system for diesel engines An exhaust gas purification system for diesel engines includes at least one oxidation catalytic converter, a reducing agent injection device and a reduction catalytic converter disposed together in a housing having a first lateral chamber close to a first end side and a second lateral chamber close to a second end side. The reduction catalytic converter is disposed in the first lateral chamber, the oxidation catalytic converter is disposed in an outer annular space of the second lateral chamber and the reducing agent injection device is oriented toward an inner channel of the outer annular space of the second lateral chamber. A flow path for the exhaust gas from at least one exhaust gas inlet toward at least one exhaust gas outlet is provided through the oxidation catalytic converter, the reducing agent injection device and the reduction catalytic converter.
US08539757B2	Exhaust purification apparatus for internal combustion engine An exhaust purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes a heated gas generation apparatus configured to generate heated gas utilizing exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust passage. The heated gas generation apparatus includes a catalyst configured to provide an oxidation function, a fuel supply nozzle, and a heater. An exhaust purification unit is provided downstream of the heated gas generation apparatus. An incoming gas temperature of the exhaust purification unit is detected and estimated. An actual incoming gas temperature being a detected value and an estimated incoming gas temperature both acquired when at least the fuel supply nozzle is actuated are compared with each other. Based on the result of the comparison, the apparatus detects one of poisoning of the catalyst with HC and degradation of the catalyst. Thus, the heated gas generation apparatus is prevented from discharging HC.
US08539751B2	Methods of controlling thrust in a rocket motor A propulsion thrust control system and method for controlling thrust in a rocket motor includes configuring valves of an energized rocket motor to an initial total valve area according to a total thrust command. The total thrust command is converted into a commanded propellant mass flow discharge rate. A varying total valve area is computed from an error between the commanded propellant mass flow discharge rate and a calculated propellant mass flow discharge rate. The valves are reconfigured according to a distribution of the varying total valve area. The propulsion system includes a pressure vessel with valves and a controller for regulating the valve area according to a propellant mass flow discharge rate from the pressure vessel.
US08539744B2	Crop lifter and crop accessory attachment A crop lifter for attachment to a cutting header includes a lifter member adapted for attachment to the header and a lifting finger attached to the lifter member by a quick-attach mechanism such that a leading end of the lifting finger is ahead of and below the knife. The lifting finger is structurally weak compared to the lifting member such that the lifting finger will readily move when striking an obstruction, thereby preventing damage to the lifter member or header. The crop lifter or similar crop accessory can have a latch member at a rear end thereof, and a cooperating latch member attached to the header. The accessory latches to the header and a releasable latch lock prevents forward movement of the accessory that would disengage the latch.
US08539743B2	Machine for packaging in capsules, also in vacuum and/or controlled atmosphere Machine for packaging in capsules, also in a vacuum and/or in a controlled atmosphere, characterized by the fact that a cylindrical wheel (G) with horizontal axis (R), peripherally provided with rows (S) of cavities (A), parallel to said axis (R) and angularly equally distanced by the step (P), preset to be interchangeably equipped with molds (F,-F′) having different formats and geometrically congruent to the format of the capsules to be used (C; C).
US08539742B2	Method for emptying pharmaceutical container An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.
US08539741B2	Seal and cut method and apparatus A method for forming a bag includes moving a film at a first velocity, forming a seal on the moving film with a sealing device moving at the first velocity, moving the film and the sealing device relative to each other and thereby moving the sealing device out of alignment with the seal, aligning a film separation device with the seal on the moving film, moving the film separation device with the moving film, and separating the film across the seal with the film separation device. A sealing and cutting device includes a carriage moveable along a longitudinal axis and upper and lower grippers coupled to the carriage. A sealing device and a cutting device are positioned between the upper and lower grippers.
US08539740B2	Filling and packaging machine and process for producing package Filling and packaging machine (10) includes supply pipe (13) for supplying contents into film (10), squeeze rollers (16) for feeding film (1) downward and horizontal seal mechanism (100) for sealing in the contents supplied into film (1). Horizontal seal mechanism (11) includes heating unit (120) having a pair of seal bars for heat-sealing film (1) and cooling/cutting unit (140), placed under the cooling/cutting unit, having a pair of cooling bars for cooling a heat-sealed portion of film 1. Cooling/cutting unit (140) is movable in a vertical direction so that the cooling bars can be positioned between the seal bars while the seal bars are opened.
US08539739B2	Method of palletizing items The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.
US08539736B1	Method for installation of a tile assembly A do-it-yourself kit assembly and installation method for mounting a tile assembly to a predetermined support surface, such as a kitchen backsplash. The kit assembly includes the tile assembly comprised of one or more tile sheets as well as all of the installation materials and installation tools required to accomplish the do-it-yourself installation in a timely manner. Each tile sheet includes a plurality of fixed tile pieces, which may comprise glass mosaic tiles, and a self-adherent adhesive layer, which facilitates the mounting of the tile sheets to virtually any kind of surface. A ready-to-use grout supply makes it easy to apply the optimal quantity of grout onto the mounted tile sheet(s), wherein the installation materials and tools are cooperatively provided to facilitate the installation method.
US08539734B2	Roof truss compatible for solar panels A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.
US08539733B2	Insulation panel for a building system and a method and apparatus for producing such insulation panel The present invention concerns an insulation panel for fitting between profiles in a framework of an insulating building system for an external building structure, such as a wall or a roof, or an internal building structure, such as a partitioning wall or a ceiling or floor structure, said panel comprising substantially parallel first and second main surfaces with substantially parallel, oppositely situated first and second profile contact sides and substantially parallel, oppositely situated third and fourth sides between said main surfaces. In addition, the invention concerns a method of producing insulation panels and an apparatus for producing insulation panels according to the method.
US08539725B2	Earthquake damage resistant glass panel Architectural glass panels for use in a wide variety of building wall systems, such as curtain walls and storefronts, which have improved resistance to damage from earthquake and/or other loads that could cause horizontal racking movements of architectural glass panels within their glazing frames are disclosed. Embodiments include various types of architectural glass panels that have material removed at panel corners and are fabricated with smooth edge contours in the corner regions. A preferred embodiment includes various types of architectural glass panels that have rounded corners with or without finished edges.
US08539724B2	Renewable energy system Electrical power is generated from solar and wind sources thus reducing the need for fuel oil at military forward operating bases and main operating bases. A wind turbine and a solar cell panel are connected to a battery bank. Both the turbine and the solar cells are stored in two standard military shipping containers. When transported to the desired location, these sub-systems are easily set up for operation. The entire apparatus may be disassembled for re-transport and use at another location. Necessary container modifications to connect the system for use are made in such a way as not to alter the container's outside envelope, thus enabling normal transport of the container without damage to the modifications. Each of the solar cells have discs attached so that the solar panel can be assembled in the field by sliding each disc into a mounting channel. This disc and channel structure also allows each cell to be stored in the shipping container by using similar channels mounted back to back in a storage frame located in one of the containers. The solar panel is pivotally mounted in proximity to an edge of the shipping container using mounting elements which interfit with the already provided lift fittings on the container. A wiring harness plugs each solar cell to a conduit for connection to the battery charging system.
US08539722B2	Roof water dispersal system A roof water dispersal system includes a plurality of longitudinally extending dispersal elements mounted near the edge of a roof structure for receiving and dispersing streams of roof run-off water. The dispersal elements are spaced apart from each other and assembled into a unit to receive streams of roof run-off water, and to disperse the run-off water into droplets or mist to eliminate the erosive effect on the terrain beneath the roof structure which is generally associated with conventional rain gutters. The unit is movable in an upward direction relative to the mounting surface into a retracted storage position, and is vertically movable relative to the roof edge for adjusting the distance between the roof edge and the dispersal elements.
US08539720B2	Method for repairing a wall structure and a wall element A method and a wall element for repairing a wall structure comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets. The method comprises at least the following steps: (i) removing the inner metal sheet in such a way that installation frames formed on the inner metal sheet are left in the wall structure, (ii) removing the insulator layer from a place where the inner metal sheet has been removed, (iii) installing a wall element comprising a metal sheet and an insulator layer attached to the metal sheet in the place of the removed wall structure in such a way that the edges of the metal sheet of the wall element are placed overlappingly with the installation frames.
US08539716B2	Tilt-up door A tilt-up door for a building having an opening including a door frame with vertical track members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical tracks at the upper portion of the tracks and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled with rollers disposed within the vertical tracks and cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. When an upwardly directed motive force acts on the door the cam followers come into engagement with the cam surface to lift the door generally vertically and then rotate the door inwardly as the door is raised into an open raised position.
US08539713B2	Automated contamination-free seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds A method is provided for removing tissue samples from seeds. The method generally includes orienting the seeds in a desired orientation and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds. The method may also include orienting the seeds in the desired orientation using an actuator, where the actuator is configured to position the seed in a desired orientation. In addition, the method may include orienting the seeds together in a seed transport and removing tissue samples from the oriented seeds while the oriented seeds are in the seed transport. Further, various operations of the method may be automated as desired, for example, to permit greater sampling throughput than was previously practical.
US08539712B2	Maple syrup production spout assembly with backflow check valve A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.
US08539711B2	Fishing lure retrieving apparatus A fishing lure retrieving device is disclosed. Versions of the invention utilize a body with a cavity and handle, a sleeve movably connected to the body, a cutter and closing line. Optional telescoping handle(s), magnet(s), closing fastener(s), sleeve end cap(s) and/or body end cap(s) may also be used with versions of the invention.

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