最新美国发明专利第2013-11-05期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08575057B2	UV curable catalyst compositions UV curable compositions and methods for depositing one or more metal or metal alloy films on substrates are disclosed. The UV curable compositions contain a catalyst, one or more carrier particles, one or more UV curing agents, and one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible organic compounds. Metal or metal alloys may be deposited on the substrates by electroless or electrolytic deposition.
US08575050B2	Glass composition, glass substrate for flat panel display using the same, flat panel display, and method for producing glass substrate for flat panel display Provided is a glass composition suitable for a glass substrate for a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. This glass composition has high thermal stability, and is substantially free of BaO but has a low devitrification temperature. It is suitable for the production of a glass substrate by a downdraw process. This glass composition contains, in terms of mass %; 54 to 62% of SiO2; 4 to 11% of B2O3; 15 to 20% of Al2O3; 2 to 5% of MgO; 0 to 7% of CaO; 0 to 13.5% of SrO; 0 to 1% of K2O; 0 to 1% of SnO2; and 0 to 0.2% of Fe2O3, and is substantially free of BaO. In this glass composition, the total content of alkaline earth metal oxides (MgO+CaO+SrO) is 10 to 18.5 mass %. The devitrification temperature of the glass composition is 1200° C. or lower.
US08575048B2	Optical glass, precision press-molding preform, optical element and process for producing the same [Problems to be Solved]To provide a high-refractivity low-dispersion optical glass that enables the stable production of high-quality optical elements.[Means to Solve the Problems]An optical glass comprising, as essential components, 20 to 50% of B3+, 5 to 35% of La3+, 1 to 30% of Nb5+, 0.5 to 15% of Ta5+, and 11 to 40% of Zn2+, the total content of B3+ and Si4+ being 20 to 50%, the total content of La3+, Gd3+ and Y3+ being 5 to 35%, the cationic ratio of ((B3++Si4+)/(La3++Gd3++Y3+)) being from 1 to 5, the total content of Ti4+, Nb5+, Ta5+ and W6+ being 10 to 35%, the cationic ratio of ((Nb5++Ta5+)/(Ti4++Nb5++Ta5++W6+)) being from 0.7 to 1, the cationic ratio of ((B3++Si4+)/(Ti4++Nb5++Ta5++W6+)) being from 0.5 to 4, the cationic ratio of ((La3++Gd3++Y3+)/(Ti4++Nb5++Ta5++W6+)) being from 0.2 to 3, the cationic ratio of Zn2+/Zn2++Mg2++Ca2++Sr2++Ba2+) being from 0.8 to 1, the optical glass having a refractive index nd of 1.89 or more and an Abbe's number νd of 27 to 37.
US08575040B2	Low temperature process for polysilazane oxidation/densification Semiconductor devices, structures and systems that utilize a polysilazane-based silicon oxide layer or fill, and methods of making the oxide layer are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polysilazane solution is deposited on a substrate and processed with ozone in a wet oxidation at low temperature to chemically modify the polysilazane material to a silicon oxide layer.
US08575039B2	Surface treating method and film depositing method A surface treating method for treating a surface of a substrate inside a process chamber includes the steps of generating an atmosphere containing no moisture in the process chamber, heating the substrate inside the atmosphere containing no moisture in the process chamber; and causing a reaction between the substrate and an adhesion accelerating agent by feeding the adhesion accelerating agent gas into the process chamber.
US08575032B2	Methods of forming a pattern on a substrate A method of forming a pattern on a substrate includes forming a repeating pattern of four first lines elevationally over an underlying substrate. A repeating pattern of four second lines is formed elevationally over and crossing the repeating pattern of four first lines. First alternating of the four second lines are removed from being received over the first lines. After the first alternating of the four second lines have been removed, elevationally exposed portions of alternating of the four first lines are removed to the underlying substrate using a remaining second alternating of the four second lines as a mask. Additional embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.
US08575028B2	Method and apparatus for filling interconnect structures Methods, apparatus, and systems for depositing copper and other metals are provided. In some implementations, a wafer substrate is provided to an apparatus. The wafer substrate has a surface with field regions and a feature. A copper layer is plated onto the surface of the wafer substrate. The copper layer is annealed to redistribute copper from regions of the wafer substrate to the feature. Implementations of the disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems allow for void-free bottom-up fill of features in a wafer substrate.
US08575026B2	Method of protecting sidewall surfaces of a semiconductor substrate One or more embodiments may include a method of making a semiconductor structure, comprising: forming a first opening partially through a semiconductor substrate; forming a first dielectric layer over a sidewall surface of the first opening; and forming a second opening partially through a semiconductor substrate, the second opening being below the first opening.
US08575022B2	Top corner rounding of damascene wire for insulator crack suppression A structure and method for fabricating the structure that provides a metal wire having a first height at an upper surface. An insulating material surrounding said metal wire is etched to a second height below said first height of said upper surface. The metal wire from said upper surface, after etching said insulating material, is planarized to remove sufficient material from a lateral edge portion of said metal wire such that a height of said lateral edge portion is equivalent to said second height of said insulating material surrounding said metal wire.
US08575012B2	Semiconductor device production method and semiconductor device A semiconductor device production method includes: forming an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, forming a concave portion in the insulating film, forming a gate insulating film at bottom of the concave portion, the bottom being on the semiconductor substrate; covering an inner wall surface of the concave portion and a top face of the insulating film with a first gate electrode film that is made of an electrically conductive material containing a first metal; covering the first gate electrode film with a covering film of a material having a second melting point higher than a first melting point of the electrically conductive material, leaving part of the side face of the concave portion uncovered; and performing heat treatment following the covering film formation to allow the first gate electrode film to reflow.
US08575009B2	Two-step hydrogen annealing process for creating uniform non-planar semiconductor devices at aggressive pitch A two-step hydrogen anneal process has been developed for use in fabricating semiconductor nanowires for use in non-planar semiconductor devices. In the first part of the two-step hydrogen anneal process, which occurs prior to suspending a semiconductor nanowire, the initial roughness of at least the sidewalls of the semiconductor nanowire is reduced, while having at least the bottommost surface of the nanowire pinned to an uppermost surface of a substrate. After performing the first hydrogen anneal, the semiconductor nanowire is suspended and then a second hydrogen anneal is performed which further reduces the roughness of all exposed surfaces of the semiconductor nanowire and reshapes the semiconductor nanowire. By breaking the anneal into two steps, smaller semiconductor nanowires at a tight pitch survive the process and yield.
US08575005B2	Method of manufacturing an electronic device having a plastic substrate and corresponding carrier A method of manufacturing an electronic device on a plastic substrate includes: providing a carrier as a rigid support for the electronic device; providing a metallic layer on the carrier; forming the plastic substrate on the metallic layer, the metallic layer guaranteeing a temporary bonding of the plastic substrate to the carrier; forming the electronic device on the plastic substrate; and releasing the carrier from the plastic substrate. Releasing the carrier comprises immersing the electronic device bonded to the carrier in a oxygenated water solution that breaks the bonds between the plastic substrate and the metallic layer.
US08575004B2	Lift-off structure for substrate of a photoelectric device and the method thereof The present invention related to a lift-off structure adapted to a substrate having a photoelectric device, the structure comprising: a buffer layer, forming on the substrate; an upper sacrificial layer, forming on the buffer layer; an etch stop layer, forming on the upper sacrificial layer, and the photoelectric device structure forming on the etch stop layer.
US08574996B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: forming a processing target; forming a first supporter on the processing target; forming a first mask so as to contact one side surface of the first mask with a side surface of the first supporter; patterning the processing target using, as masks, the first mask and the first supporter; forming a second supporter so as to be contacted with a side surface of the processing target exposed in first processing step and the other side surface of the first mask; removing the first supporter; and patterning the processing target using, as masks, the first mask and the second supporter.
US08574994B1	HBT with emitter electrode having planar side walls A heterojunction bipolar transistor is formed with an emitter electrode that comprises an emitter epitaxy underlying an emitter metal cap and that has horizontal dimensions that are substantially equal to the emitter metal cap.
US08574993B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a MOS semiconductor device. In the method, a gate electrode is formed on a gate insulating film provided on a channel region which is a part of an Si layer and which is interposed between a source/drain region, and a film mainly includes of Ge is made to grow on the source/drain region. Then, and the film mainly includes of Ge is made to react with a metal, forming an intermetallic compound film having a depthwise junction position identical to a growth interface of the film mainly includes of Ge.
US08574992B2	Contact architecture for 3D memory array A vertical interconnect architecture for a three-dimensional (3D) memory device suitable for low cost, high yield manufacturing is described. Conductive lines (e.g. word lines) for the 3D memory array, and contact pads for vertical connectors used for couple the array to decoding circuitry and the like, are formed as parts of the same patterned level of material. The same material layer can be used to form the contact pads and the conductive access lines by an etch process using a single mask. By forming the contact pads concurrently with the conductive lines, the patterned material of the contact pads can protect underlying circuit elements which could otherwise be damaged during patterning of the conductive lines.
US08574989B2	Semiconductor structure having a polysilicon structure and method of forming same The present application discloses a method of forming a semiconductor structure. In at least one embodiment, the method includes forming a polysilicon layer over a substrate. A mask layer is formed over the polysilicon layer. The mask layer is patterned to form a patterned mask layer. A polysilicon structure is formed by etching the polysilicon layer using the patterned mask layer as a mask. The polysilicon structure has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the etching of the polysilicon layer is arranged to cause a width of the upper surface of the polysilicon structure greater than that of the lower surface of the polysilicon structure.
US08574987B1	Integrating formation of a replacement gate transistor and a non-volatile memory cell using an interlayer dielectric A first dielectric layer is formed over a semiconductor layer in an NVM region and a logic region. A charge storage layer is formed over the first dielectric layer in the NVM and logic regions. The charge storage layer is patterned to form a dummy gate in the logic region and a charge storage structure in the NVM region. A second dielectric layer is formed over the semiconductor layer in the NVM and logic regions which surrounds the charge storage structure and the dummy gate. The dummy gate is replaced with a logic gate. The second dielectric layer is removed from the NVM region while protecting the second dielectric layer in the logic region. A third dielectric layer is formed over the charge storage structure, and a control gate layer is formed over the third dielectric layer.
US08574986B2	Method for fabricating nonvolatile memory device A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a substrate structure having a tunnel dielectric layer and a floating-gate conductive layer formed over an active region defined by a first isolation layer forming a first inter-gate dielectric layer and a first control-gate conductive layer over the substrate structure, forming a trench by etching the first control-gate conductive layer, the first inter-gate dielectric layer, the floating-gate conductive layer, the tunnel dielectric layer, and the active region to a given depth, forming a second isolation layer to fill the trench; and forming a second control-gate conductive layer over the resultant structure having the second isolation layer formed therein.
US08574980B2	Method of forming fully silicided NMOS and PMOS semiconductor devices having independent polysilicon gate thicknesses, and related device A method of forming fully silicided NMOS and PMOS semiconductor devices having independent polysilicon gate thicknesses, and related device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising forming an N-type gate over a semiconductor substrate (the N-type gate having a first thickness), forming a P-type gate over the semiconductor substrate (the P-type gate having a second thickness different than the first thickness), and performing a simultaneous silicidation of the N-type gate and the P-type gate.
US08574975B2	Semiconductor devices having e-fuse structures and methods of fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes: an e-fuse gate, a floating pattern between the e-fuse gate and an e-fuse active portion, a blocking dielectric pattern between the floating pattern and the e-fuse gate, and an e-fuse dielectric layer between the floating pattern and the e-fuse active portion. The floating pattern includes a first portion between the e-fuse gate and the e-fuse active portion and a pair of second portions extended upward along both sidewalls of the e-fuse gate from both edges of the first portion.
US08574974B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device Forming a photoresist on a region other than a region on a trench gate electrode for a mask, a third gate insulating film on the trench gate electrode is etched and removed. After that, a non-doped polycrystalline silicon layer is formed on second and third gate insulating films and also on the trench gate electrode, and, N-type and P-type high concentration impurities are introduced by an ion implantation with the use of separate masks on the polycrystalline silicon layer of NMOS transistors and PMOS transistors with a low breakdown voltage and a high breakdown voltage. Then, a second gate electrode is formed by anisotropic etching. With the steps as described above, a first gate electrode inside the trench and the second gate electrode to be used in the lateral MOS transistor are laminated, to thereby reduce fluctuations due to the etching.
US08574973B1	Method of fabricating a lateral double-diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) transistor and a conventional CMOS transistor An integrated circuit structure having an LDMOS transistor and a CMOS transistor includes a p-type substrate having a surface, an n-well implanted in the substrate, the first n-well providing a CMOS n-well, a CMOS transistor including a CMOS source with a first p+ region implanted in the n-well, a CMOS drain with a second p+ region implanted in the n-well, and a CMOS gate between the first p+ region and the second p+ region, and an LDMOS transistor including an LDMOS source with an LDMOS source including a p-body implanted in the n-well, a third p+ region implanted in the p-body, and a first n+ region implanted in the p-body, an LDMOS drain including an n-doped shallow drain implanted in the n-well, and a second n+ region implanted in the n-doped shallow drain, and an LDMOS gate between the third p+ region and the second n+ region.
US08574972B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device and plasma doping apparatus After a fin-semiconductor region (13) is formed on a substrate (11), impurity-containing gas and oxygen-containing gas are used to perform plasma doping on the fin-semiconductor region (13). This forms impurity-doped region (17) in at least side portions of the fin-semiconductor region (13).
US08574971B2	Method of manufacturing a thin-film transistor and method of manufacturing a display substrate using the same An approach for patterning and etching without a mask is provided in a manufacturing a thin-film transistor, a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, an ohmic contact layer and source metal layer of a substrate. A first photoresist pattern including a first photo pattern and a second photo pattern is formed using a digital exposure device by generating a plurality of spot beams, the first photo pattern is formed to a first region of the base substrate and has a first thickness, and the second photo pattern is formed to a second region adjacent to the first region, and has a second thickness and a width in a range of about 50% to about 60% of a diameter of the spot beam. The source metal layer is patterned to form a source electrode and a drain electrode, and the source electrode and the drain electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first region of an active pattern.
US08574967B2	Method for fabricating array-molded package-on-package An improved semiconductor device package is manufactured by attaching semiconductor chips (130) on an insulating substrate (101) having contact pads (103). A mold is provided, which has a top portion (210) with metal protrusions (202) at locations matching the pad locations. The protrusions are shaped as truncated cones. The substrate and the chips are loaded onto the bottom mold portion (310); the mold is closed by clamping the top portion onto the bottom portion so that the protrusions approach the contact pads. Encapsulation compound is introduced into the cavity and the protrusions create apertures through the encapsulation compound towards the pad locations.
US08574966B2	Semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip, and method for the production thereof A semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip having an active surface with flip-chip contacts and a passive surface is disclosed. The flip-chip contacts are surrounded by an electrically insulating layer as underfill material, the layer having a UV B-stageable material. The UV B-stageable material is applied on the active surface of the semiconductor wafer.
US08574964B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming electrical interconnection between semiconductor die and substrate with continuous body of solder tape A semiconductor device has a flipchip type semiconductor die with contact pads and substrate with contact pads. A flux material is deposited over the contact pads of the semiconductor die and contact pads of the substrate. A solder tape formed as a continuous body of solder material with a plurality of recesses is disposed between the contact pads of the semiconductor die and substrate. The solder tape is brought to a liquidus state to separate a portion of the solder tape outside a footprint of the contact pads of the semiconductor die and substrate under surface tension and coalesce the solder material as an electrical interconnect substantially within the footprint of the contact pads of the semiconductor die and substrate. The contact pads on the semiconductor die and substrate can be formed with an extension or recess to increase surface area of the contact pads.
US08574963B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device Occurrence of a void is suppressed when mounting semiconductor chips over a wiring substrate via a paste-like adhesive material. A die bonding step is provided which mounts semiconductor chips over a chip-mounting region of the wiring substrate via the adhesive material. The wiring substrate includes a plurality of wirings (first wirings) and dummy wirings (second wirings) formed on an upper surface of a core layer. The chip-mounting region is provided over the first wirings and the second wirings. In addition, the die bonding step includes a step of applying the adhesive material over an adhesive material application region over the chip-mounting region. Each of the second wirings is extended along a direction in which the adhesive material spreads in the die bonding step.
US08574961B2	Method of marking a low profile packaged semiconductor device A semiconductor device (10) is made by mounting the bottom surfaces (31, 44, 54) of a semiconductor die (14) and a lead (15, 17) on a tape (12) and over a hole (19) in the tape. A vacuum is drawn through the hole to secure the die in place when the lead's top surface (43) is wirebonded to a top surface (32) of the semiconductor die. A molding material (49) is formed to encapsulate the top surface of the semiconductor die and to expose its bottom surface.
US08574957B2	Method for manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory element An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a variable resistance nonvolatile semiconductor memory element which can operate at a low voltage and high speed when initial breakdown is caused, and inhibit oxidization of a contact plug. The method for manufacturing the variable resistance nonvolatile semiconductor memory element, which includes a bottom electrode, a variable resistance layer, and a top electrode which are formed above a contact plug, includes oxidizing to insulate an end portion of the variable resistance layer prior to forming a bottom electrode by patterning a first conductive film.
US08574949B2	Methods of building crystalline silicon solar cells for use in combinatorial screening Embodiments of the current invention describe methods of forming different types of crystalline silicon based solar cells that can be combinatorially varied and evaluated. Examples of these different types of solar cells include front and back contact silicon based solar cells, all-back contact solar cells and selective emitter solar cells. These methodologies all incorporate the formation of site-isolated regions using a combinatorial processing tool and the use of these site-isolated regions to form the solar cell area. Therefore, multiple solar cells may be rapidly formed on a single crystalline silicon substrate for use in combinatorial methodologies. Any of the individual processes of the methods described may be varied combinatorially to test varied process conditions or materials.
US08574944B2	System for selectively filling pin holes, weak shunts and/or scribe lines in photovoltaic devices and photovoltaic cells made thereby A system for selectively filling pin holes, weak shunts and/or scribe lines in photovoltaics devices and photovoltaic cells made thereby is described.
US08574935B2	Manufacturing method of solid state light emitting element A manufacturing method of a solid state light emitting element is provided. A plurality of protrusion structures separated to each other are formed on a first substrate. A buffer layer is formed on the protrusion structures and fills the gaps between protrusion structures. An epitaxial growth layer is formed on the buffer layer to form a first semiconductor stacking structure. The first semiconductor stacking structure is inverted to a second substrate, so that the first semiconductor epitaxial layer and the second substrate are connected to form a second semiconductor stacking structure. The buffer layer is etched by a first etchant solution to form a third semiconductor stacking structure. A second etchant solution is used to permeate through the gaps between the protrusion structures, so that the protrusion structures are etched completely. The first substrate is removed from the third semiconductor stacking structure to form a fourth semiconductor stacking structure.
US08574934B2	OVJP patterning of electronic devices A method for forming an electronic device such as a passive color OLED display. Bottom electrodes are patterned onto a substrate in rows. Raised posts formed by photoresist are patterned into columns oriented orthogonally to the bottom row electrodes. One or more organic layers, such as R, G, B organic emissive layers are patterned over the raised posts and bottom electrodes using organic vapor jet printing (OVJP). An upper electrode layer is applied over the entire device and forms electrically isolated columnar electrodes due to discontinuities in the upper electrode layer created by the raised columnar posts. This permits patterning of the upper electrodes over the organic layers without using photolithography. A device formed by this method is also described.
US08574932B2	PCB-mounted integrated circuits A method and apparatus (20) for testing the mounting of an integrated circuit (16) on a printed circuit board (12) using a ball grid array comprises measuring the change in height, or drop, of the integrated circuit (16) relative to the printed circuit board (12) following soldering of the ball grid array and comparing the measured drop with a predetermined range. The integrated circuit is deemed to have been successfully mounted to the printed circuit board if the change in height falls within the predetermined range.
US08574929B1	Method to form a 3D semiconductor device and structure A method to form a monolithic 3D device including: processing a first layer including first mono-crystal transistors; transferring a second mono-crystal layer on top of the first layer including first mono-crystal transistors by using ion-cut layer transfer; and repairing the damage caused by the ion-cut by using optical annealing.
US08574924B2	Assay device and method An assay method is described, which comprises the steps of immobilizing a binding partner (e.g., an antigen or antibody) for an analyte to be detected (e.g., an antibody or antigen) on a portion of a surface of a microfluidic chamber; passing a fluid sample over the surface and allowing the analyte to bind to the binding partner; allowing a metal colloid, e.g., a gold-conjugated antibody, to associate with the bound analyte; flowing a metal solution, e.g., a silver solution, over the surface such as to form an opaque metallic layer; and detecting the presence of said metallic layer, e.g., by visual inspection or by measuring light transmission through the layer, conductivity or resistance of the layer, or metal concentration in the metal solution after flowing the metal solution over the surface.
US08574922B2	Targeted cell separation and enumeration device and the use thereof This disclosure describes a portable device that conveniently applies cancer patient blood sample into a test strip to determine the level of the patient's metastatic circulating tumor cells. Proper use of this device provides end users with the diagnostic and prognostic information of the cancer patient, and any effect of applied therapies. The device can also be used to screen effective drugs for any known metastatic phenotype disruption.
US08574920B2	Optical fiber polarimetric chemical sensor with modulated injection of sample fluid An optical fiber polarimetric chemical sensor for capillary gas chromatography in which a sample fluid is injected into a capillary in the form of a periodic pulse train. Each individual pulse defines a moving polarization coupling zone that affects the polarization state of the light propagating in a birefringent optical waveguide that includes the capillary. The spacing between consecutive coupling zones can be made equal to the polarization beat length of the waveguide when the injection frequency of the pulses is properly selected, thus defining a resonance condition for a given analyte. The contributions of the successive coupling zones present along the length of the capillary then add up in phase, thus resulting in a detected optical signal having an enhanced amplitude peak at the injection frequency. In this manner, the sensitivity can be enhanced.
US08574917B2	Hydrogen sulfide indicating pigments Disclosed is a pigment that changes color upon exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. The pigment may be ground or otherwise reduced to small particles and used in coatings, dyes, paints or inks. Potential applications for paints and inks include the production of warning indicators for the presence of hydrogen gas in areas where such presence may pose a hazard. Warning decals may be printed with pigmented ink and posted in areas of potential hydrogen hazard. In the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, the decals can display a warning by causing a change in the color of a printed message. Objects may also be coated with pigmented paints so that if a hydrogen sulfide leak occurs from within or nearby the object, the color of the object changes to provide a warning of the presence of leaked hydrogen sulfide. Example applications of such painted objects include any industrial process containing hydrogen sulfide.
US08574914B2	Methods for mobile zinc measurement This invention relates to a method for using a zinc sensor compound to detect a disease associated with the disruption of zinc homeostasis, such as prostate cancer. The zinc sensor compound comprises an optical reporter having two or more recognition units where each of the recognition units is capable of associating with at least one zinc ion.
US08574913B2	Method for measurement of hemoglobin and hemoglobin derivative, and measurement kit Hemoglobin in a sample solution is quickly and reliably denatured; at the same time, quick and accurate measurement of hemoglobin and a hemoglobin derivative is realized. In a method for measuring hemoglobin and a hemoglobin derivative, and a reagent composition, a measurement kit, an analysis device, and an analysis system used in the method, a sample solution containing a blood component is treated with a nonionic surfactant, an oxidizing agent, and a metal salt to denature hemoglobin in the sample solution to measure the hemoglobin, and thereafter the amount of a hemoglobin derivative in the sample is measured by an immunological method using an antibody specifically binding to a denatured site of the denatured hemoglobin derivative.
US08574911B2	Production and use of yeast having increased cellulose hydrolysis ability The present invention provides a method for producing an yeast having an increased cellulose hydrolysis ability. The method includes the step of introducing increased integration copy numbers of both a gene for an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing crystalline cellulose and a gene for an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing noncrystalline cellulose into a noncellulolytic yeast to give a transformed yeast. The yeast having an increased cellulose hydrolysis ability can be suitably used for ethanol production from cellulose-based materials.
US08574909B2	Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain with functional expression of a GLUT transporter gene The invention relates to a strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which, owing to deletion of the genomic sequences, no longer synthesizes hexose transporters and, as a consequence, can no longer grow on substrates with hexoses as the only carbon source, and whose ability of growing on a substrate with a hexose as the only carbon source is restored when it expresses a GLUT4 gene.
US08574905B2	Hepatocyte lineage cells Disclosed herein are methods for producing liver precursor cells as well as hepatocyte cells form pluripotent and/or multipotent cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of enriching isolating and/or purifying liver precursor cells and/or hepatocyte cells. Further disclosed are compositions comprising cell cultures and cell populations that are enriched for liver precursor cells or hepatocyte cells.
US08574901B2	Cryoconserved mature dendritic cells The invention relates to a method for producing ready to use, antigen loaded or unloaded, cryoconserved mature dendritic cells especially for the production of a vaccine containing said dendritic cells, wherein immature dendritic cells are cultivated in the presence of suitable maturation stimuli and the mature dendritic cells thus obtained are frozen. The dendritic cells can be loaded with antigen before freezing. The invention also relates to a vaccine which can be obtained according to the inventive method and to a composition containing frozen, mature dendritic cells which are loaded with antigen.
US08574898B2	Translation-coupling systems Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling translation of a target gene to a detectable response gene. A version of the invention includes a translation-coupling cassette. The translation-coupling cassette includes a target gene, a response gene, a response-gene translation control element, and a secondary structure-forming sequence that reversibly forms a secondary structure masking the response-gene translation control element. Masking of the response-gene translation control element inhibits translation of the response gene. Full translation of the target gene results in unfolding of the secondary structure and consequent translation of the response gene. Translation of the target gene is determined by detecting presence of the response-gene protein product. The invention further includes RNA transcripts of the translation-coupling cassettes, vectors comprising the translation-coupling cassettes, hosts comprising the translation-coupling cassettes, methods of using the translation-coupling cassettes, and gene products produced with the translation-coupling cassettes.
US08574896B2	Colorimetric method and reagent used for the same The present invention provides a colorimetric method that can perform a simple and reliable analysis in a short time. The method includes transferring an electron from an analyte to a coloring reagent that produces color by reduction via a mediator by using an oxidoreductase; and performing qualitative or quantitative analysis of the analyte by measuring color produced in the coloring reagent. The enzyme reaction of this method is a single stage reaction, and the color production reaction occurs via the mediator. Therefore, the measurement can be performed in a short time. Since this reaction requires neither hydrogen peroxide nor oxygen, the measured values are highly reliable.
US08574893B2	Nucleic acid cleavage complex and method for using the same A nucleic acid cleavage complex is disclosed, which includes: a nanoparticle, a nucleic acid cleavage reagent, and a polynucleotide chain specifically recognizing a sequence of a target nucleic acid and having a first terminal and a second terminal opposite to the first terminal, wherein the first terminal is connected to the nanoparticle, the second terminal is connected to the nucleic acid cleavage reagent, and the first terminal sequence and the second terminal sequence are base-paired to make the polynucleotide chain form a hairpin. Also, a method for using the nucleic acid cleavage complex is also disclosed.
US08574892B2	Methods and apparatus for nucleic acid sequencing by signal stretching and data integration The methods and apparatus 100 disclosed herein concern DNA sequencing. In some embodiments of the invention, the methods comprise measuring the distance between labeled nucleotides 220, such as nucleotides labeled with bulky groups. The methods may further comprise placing identical template DNA 200 into four reaction chambers 110, 120, 130, 140, each containing a different labeled nucleotide precursor, synthesizing complementary strands 230, 240, 250 and detecting labeled nucleotides 220. The distances between labeled nucleotides 220 may be used to construct 450 distance maps 310, 320, 330, 340 for each type of labeled nucleotide 220. The distance maps 310, 320, 330, 340 may be aligned 520 to obtain a nucleic acid sequence 210. Overlapping data analysis and frequency analysis may be used to construct 450 the distance maps 310, 320, 330, 340 and non-overlapping data analysis may be used to align 520 the distance maps into a sequence 210.
US08574890B2	Nucleic acid extraction from complex matrices The present disclosure describes an adsorbent and exemplary protocols for extracting nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, from complex matrices, such as stool samples and water samples. The adsorbent is activated charcoal coated with a material such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextran, or coconut flours. The adsorbent may be used in microcentrifuge spin columns, where it may be present as a slurry in a storage solution. The sample may be prepared by vortexing in a buffer solution, centrifuging, adding a protease to the supernatant, and passing the supernatant through a microcentrifuge spin column containing coated activated charcoal. The key components, including buffer, protease, and spin columns, may be packaged in a kit.
US08574889B1	Method for processing biological material The invention provides a process for producing ammonia or ammonium from an organic material, the method by contacting the organic material with at least one hydrolytic enzyme, in a medium, to produce a medium including hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed organic material suitable for microbial fermentation. The hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed medium with organic material is then fermented in the presence of at least one microorganism capable of ammonification, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product that comprises ammonia or ammonium. The organic material includes nitrogenous compounds suitable for conversion to ammonia or ammonium.
US08574881B2	Compositions useful for detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, novel dyes, composite dyes, and oligonucleotides or polynucleotides comprising such dyes The present invention provides dyes, reactive dyes and labeled reagents that may be used in the detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Dyes are provided that may be used free in solution where the binding of the dye to the target molecule provides signal generation. Dyes are also provided that comprise reactive groups that may be used to attach the dyes to probes that will bind to desirable target molecules. The novel dyes of the present invention have been modified by the addition of charged and polar groups to provide beneficial properties.
US08574869B2	Prevention of disulfide bond reduction during recombinant production of polypeptides Provided herein are methods for preventing the reduction of disulfide bonds during the recombinant production of disulfide-containing polypeptides. In particular, the invention concerns the prevention of disulfide bond reduction during harvesting of disulfide-containing polypeptides, including antibodies, from recombinant host cell cultures.
US08574868B2	Method for deparaffinizing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue The invention provides a method for deparaffinizing a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, including: providing a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sample; mixing the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sample with an organic solvent and water or with an organic solvent and an aqueous solution to form a mixture, wherein a density of the organic solvent is less than that of the water or the aqueous solution, and the organic solvent is immiscible with the water or the aqueous solution; and separating the mixture into an organic solution layer and an aqueous solution layer, wherein a paraffin dissolved from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sample is in the organic solution layer and a deparaffinized tissue from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sample is in the aqueous solution layer and/or an interlayer between the organic solution layer and the aqueous solution layer.
US08574863B2	Alkaline phosphatase for treating an inflammatory disease of the gastro-intestinal tract The present invention provides a use for alkaline phosphatase for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or reduction of toxic LPS influx through a mucosal lining of a mammalian body cavity. A source of alkaline phosphatase is administered for the prophylaxis or treatment of LPS mediated or exacerbated diseases. The invention also provides compositions comprising a source of alkaline phosphatase for the prevention or reduction of (toxic) LPS influx or passage through mucosal layers.
US08574860B2	Biomarkers for the detection and screening of down syndrome The disclosure includes assays and methods for screening for risk of Down syndrome and/or trisomy 21 in a fetus. The assays and methods comprise determining the level of at least one biomarker selected from mucin 13 (MUC13), bile salt-activated lipase (CEL), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), carboxypeptidase A1 (CPA1), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tenascin-C (TNC-C) polypeptides in a test biological sample from a pregnant subject, wherein a decreased level of MUC13, CEL, DPP4, and/or CPA1 polypeptide and/or an increased level of APP and/or TNC-C polypeptide in the test biological sample compared to a corresponding reference biomarker polypeptide level indicates an increased risk of Down syndrome or trisomy 21 in the fetus. The disclosure also includes assays, compositions, immunoassays, and kits for performing the methods disclosed herein.
US08574858B2	Autoantibody enhanced immunoassays and kits The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte.
US08574857B2	Method and means for treatment of osteoarthritis The present invention relates to in vivo and in vitro methods, agents and compound screening assays for inducing anabolic stimulation of chondrocytes, including cartilage formation enhancing pharmaceutical compositions, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving a systemic or local decrease in mean cartilage thickness in a subject.
US08574854B2	Anti-mucin antibodies for early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer Described herein are compositions and methods of use of anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies or fragments thereof, such as murine, chimeric, humanized or human PAM4 antibodies. The antibodies show novel and useful diagnostic characteristics, such as binding with high specificity to pancreatic and other cancers, but not to normal or benign pancreatic tissues and binding to a high percentage of early stage pancreatic cancers. Preferably, the antibodies bind to pancreatic cancer mucins such as MUC1 or MUC5ac and are of use for the detection and diagnosis of early stage pancreatic cancer. In more preferred embodiments, the anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies can be used for immunoassay of serum samples, wherein the immunoassay detects a marker for early stage pancreatic cancer in serum. Most preferably, the serum is extracted with an organic phase, such as butanol, before immunoassay. Alternatively, immunoassay with PAM4 and anti-CA19.9 antibodies may be utilized to improve sensitivity for pancreatic cancer.
US08574851B2	Prediction and prevention of preeclampsia The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting an increased risk of preeclampsia, determining the presence of preeclampsia, reducing the likelihood that preeclampsia will develop and treating preeclampsia. It also provides methods of measuring relaxin levels in a biological sample of a pregnant woman.
US08574850B2	Use of secretor, lewis and sialyl antigen levels in clinical samples as predictors of risk for disease An individual at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis and related disorders can be identified by measuring the level of at least one secretor antigen in a biological sample from the individual and comparing the measured level of the at least one secretor antigen to a predetermined value or a predetermined range of values. Among the secretor antigens which can be measured are: the H-1, H-2, Lewisb and Lewisy antigens and derivatives thereof (e.g., a sialylated form of Lewis a, Lewis x, Lewis b, Lewis y; H-1, H-2, Lewis a, Lewis x, Lewis b or Lewis y).
US08574846B2	Recombinase polymerase amplification This disclosure describes related novel methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of recombinase and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed methods have the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes. Further, the improved processivity of the disclosed methods may allow amplification of DNA up to hundres of megabases in length.
US08574838B2	Methods and kits for miRNA isolation and quantitation The present invention is a kit and method for isolating and quantitating miRNA and to the use of such methods in the diagnosis and prognosis of disease.
US08574836B2	Method and apparatus for chromosome profiling A method and apparatus for generating an Interphase chromosome profile. The method comprises obtaining a sample containing cells having chromosomes for profiling; obtaining species specific DNA probes, wherein the DNA probes are capable of marking at least one chromosome at substantially equidistant locations on said chromosome; hybridizing the sample with the DNA probes with plurality of fluorescent labels; and using visual analysis for determining the profile of the chromosome.
US08574833B2	Methods and compositions for amplifying a detectable signal Methods and materials are disclosed relating to an improved method for amplifying a signal in a diagnostic assay for a nucleic acid, comprising the steps of providing an amplification polymer bound to a nucleic acid analyte, wherein the amplification polymer comprises a plurality of amine groups; binding amine groups on the amplification polymer with a detectable label complex; and reacting under high salt conditions an acetylating compound with amine groups not bound with a detectable label complex.
US08574832B2	Methods for preparing sequencing libraries Improvements in chromatin immunoprecipitation-high throughput sequencing techniques has allowed the creation of chromatin maps from limited biological sample sizes that cannot be evaluated using conventional chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing protocols. For example, a modified universal primer is utilized that incorporates restriction enzymes into chromatin immunoprecipitation fragments before amplification. The improved method allows the sample sizes to be several orders of magnitude less than that required for standard ChIP-Seq techniques.
US08574823B2	Multi-level layer Various methods and apparatus relating to a multi-level layer are disclosed.
US08574821B1	MEMS fabrication process base on SU-8 masking layers A novel fabrication process uses a combination of negative and positive photoresists with positive tone photomasks, resulting in masking layers suitable for bulk micromachining high-aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. This technique allows the use of positive photomasks with negative resists, opening the door to an ability to create complementary mechanical structures without the fabrication delays and costs associated with having to obtain a negative photomask. In addition, whereas an SU-8 mask would normally be left in place after processing, a technique utilizing a positive photoresist as a release layer has been developed so that the SU-8 masking material can be removed post-etching.
US08574820B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming a first photoresist pattern with a first opening over an etch target layer; forming a second photoresist pattern with a plurality of second openings over the first photoresist pattern; and forming a plurality of patterns by etching the etch target layer by using the first photoresist pattern and the second photoresist pattern as an etch barrier.
US08574817B2	Positive resist composition and patterning process A positive resist composition comprising a polymer having carboxyl groups substituted with an acid labile group having formula (1), (2) or (3) exhibits a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high resolution, a reduced acid diffusion rate, and forms a pattern with good profile, minimal edge roughness, and etch resistance. In formula (1), R1, R2, R5, R6, R8, and R9 are alkyl, aryl, or alkenyl, R3, R4, R7, R10, and R11 are hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, acyloxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl or trifluoromethyl, M is methylene or ethylene, R is a single bond or linking group.
US08574813B2	Resist composition for immersion exposure and method of forming resist pattern A resist composition for immersion exposure and a method of forming a resist pattern which can satisfy both of excellent resistance to an immersion medium and lithography properties. The resist composition for immersion exposure includes a resin component (A) which exhibits changed alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon irradiation, the resin component (A) including a resin (A1) which contains a fluorine atom and a resin (A2) which has a structural unit (a′) derived from acrylic acid and contains no fluorine atom, and the amount of the resin (A1) contained in the resin component (A) being within the range from 0.1 to 50% by weight.
US08574810B2	Dual tone development with a photo-activated acid enhancement component in lithographic applications A method and system for patterning a substrate using a lithographic process, such as a dual tone development process, is described. The method comprises use of at least one photo-activated acid enhancement component to improve process latitude for the dual tone development process.
US08574806B2	Image forming method An image forming method including a process for forming a transparent toner layer on an image formed on a support, the method including steps of supplying a transparent toner on an image on a support, and heating and then cooling the image on the support having the transparent toner while the image on the support having the transparent toner being in contact with a belt, wherein the transparent toner contains a resin constituted by a polyester and a styrene-acryl copolymer, a monoester compound represented by Formula I, and a hydrocarbon compound having at least one of a branched chain structure and a cyclic structure, R1—COO—R2 Formula I: wherein, R1 and R2 are each a hydrocarbon group having 13 to 30 carbon atoms which may have a substituent or not, and R1 and R2 are the same or different.
US08574791B2	Method for production of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) A method for production of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) (1), having an electrolyte body (10) with a tubular structure, wherein at least one internal electrode (11) and one external electrode (12) are applied to the tubular electrolyte body, with the method having at least the following steps: provision of an injection molding core (13) on which at least one interconnector material (14) and the internal electrode (11) are mounted, arrangement of the injection molding core (13) in an injection mold (25a, 25b), injection molding of an electrolyte compound (10a) in order to form the electrolyte body (10), and removal of the injection molding core (13) in the form of a casting process with a lost core.
US08574789B2	Dendritic metal nanostructures for fuel cells and other applications Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.
US08574786B2	Anode catalysts for fuel cell membrane reactors Anode catalysts for conversion of hydrocarbon feeds in solid oxide fuel cell membrane reactors. An anode catalyst may be a mixture of a metal with a metal oxide, for example a mixture of copper or copper-nickel alloy or copper-cobalt alloy with Cr2O3. Mixed oxides can be prepared by dissolving into water soluble salts of the different metals, chelating the metal ions with a chelating agent, neutralizing the solution, removing water by evaporation to form a gel which then is dried, and finally heating the dried gel to form a mixed oxide of the different metals. The chelating agent can be citrate ions, and ammonia can be added to the solution until the pH of the solution is about 8. The mixed oxide so formed then is reduced, for example by hydrogen, to form a composite comprising the metal (Cu, Cu—Co, Cu—Ni) and metal oxide, here Cr2O3. Typically, the composite oxides so formed comprise approximately spherical nanoparticles, and the reduced composites are nanoparticles comprising very small particles of the metal within a network of the oxide, Cr2O3.
US08574785B2	Membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell with binder layer having inorganic additive and fuel cell system using the same The present invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system comprising the same. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an anode and a cathode facing each other and a polymer electrolyte membrane positioned therebetween. The polymer electrolyte membrane adheres to the anode through a binder disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the anode, and adheres to the cathode through a binder disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the cathode. The binder and the polymer electrolyte membrane can include a cation exchange resin and an inorganic additive.
US08574782B2	Fuel cell repeater unit including frame and separator plate An example fuel cell repeater includes a separator plate and a frame establishing at least a portion of a flow path that is operative to communicate fuel to or from at least one fuel cell held by the frame relative to the separator plate. The flow path has a perimeter and any fuel within the perimeter flow across the at least one fuel cell in a first direction. The separator plate, the frame, or both establish at least one conduit positioned outside the flow path perimeter. The conduit is outside of the flow path perimeter and is configured to direct flow in a second, different direction. The conduit is fluidly coupled with the flow path.
US08574781B2	Fuel cell stack A fuel cell stack. A fuel cell stack, an example of the fuel cell stack, is configured by alternately overlaying first electricity generating units and second electricity generating units in the horizontal direction. The first electricity units are each provided with a first fuel gas flow path, a first oxidant gas flow path, a second fuel gas flow path, and a second oxidant gas flow path, and the flow paths are set to the same phase in the overlaying direction. The second electricity generating units are each provided with a first fuel gas flow path, a first oxidant gas flow path, a second fuel gas flow path, and a second oxidant gas flow path which are set to the same phase in the overlaying direction and are set to a phase different from the phase of the flow paths of the first electricity generating units.
US08574780B2	Fuel cell separator with chromium rich surface layer and method of producing the fuel cell separator The present invention relates to a fuel cell separator and a method of producing the fuel cell separator. A first separator and a second separator are provided as the fuel cell separators. Firstly, the first separator and the second separator are heated. Thus, an Fe rich layer is formed in a surface layer of each of the first separator and the second separator, and a Cr rich layer where a proportion of Cr is 60% or more is formed in an inner portion of each of the first separator and the second separator. Then, an electrolytic treatment is applied to each of the first separator and the second separator to remove the Fe rich layer. By the removal, the Cr rich layer is exposed to the outside on the outermost surface layer of each of the first separator and the second separator.
US08574777B2	Fuel cell system There is disclosed a fuel cell system capable of stably operating auxiliary devices driven at a high voltage and the like, even in a case where a poisoned electrode catalyst is recovered or a fuel cell is warmed up. On detecting that the electrode catalyst is poisoned, a controller derives a target operation point which is sufficient for recovering an activity of the poisoned electrode catalyst. Then, shift of the operation point from a usual operation point to a low-efficiency operation point is realized so that an output power is held to be constant.
US08574772B2	Solid electrolyte, solid electrolyte sheet, and method for producing solid electrolyte The main object of the present invention is to provide a solid electrolyte with intergranular resistance decreased.The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by providing a solid electrolyte comprising a garnet-type compound with Li ion conductivity as the main component, characterized in that a phosphate group-containing Li ion conductor is provided between particles of the above-mentioned garnet-type compound, and the phosphate group-containing Li ion conductor has a smaller particle diameter than a particle diameter of the above-mentioned garnet-type compound and makes face contact with the above-mentioned garnet-type compound.
US08574769B2	Manufacturing method for polyimide separator A separator includes a separator body and a first film. The separator body is formed by mixing and solidifying a first material and a second material and then removing the first material by an alkaline liquid etching process. The separator body has a plurality of irregular holes formed corresponding to the removed first material. The first film is disposed on one side of the separator body.
US08574767B2	Thin film electrodes including metal tubes filled with active material and battery cells, and methods of fabrication Thin-film electrodes and battery cells, and methods of fabrication. A thin film electrode may be fabricated from a non-metallic, non-conductive porous support structure having pores with micrometer-range diameters. The support may include a polymer film. A first surface of the support is metalized, and the pores are partially metallized to create metal tubes having a thickness within a range of 50 to 150 nanometers, in contact with the metal layer. An active material is disposed within metalized portions of the pores. An electrolyte is disposed within non-metalized portions of the pores. Active materials may be selected to create an anode and a cathode. Non-metalized surfaces of the anode and cathode may be contacted to one another to form a battery cell, with the non-metalized electrolyte-containing portions of the anode facing the electrolyte-containing portions of the cathode pores. A battery cell may be fabricated as, for example, a nickel-zinc battery cell.
US08574765B2	Li-Ni composite oxide particles for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, process for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery Li—Ni composite oxide particles for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery with a large charge/discharge capacity and excellent thermal stability in a charged condition. The Li—Ni composite oxide secondary particles form core particles having a composition Lix1Ni1-y1-z1-w1Coy1Mnz1Mw1O2 in which 0.9≦x1≦1.3; 0.1≦y1≦0.3; 0.0≦z1≦0.3; 0≦w1≦0.1; and M is Al or Fe. The Li—Ni composite oxide has a composition Lix2Ni1-y2-z2-w2Coy2Mnz2Mw2O2 in which 0.9≦x2≦1+z2; 0≦y2≦0.33; 0≦z2≦0.5; 0≦w2≦0.1; and M is Al, Fe, Mg, Zr or Ti and is coated or present on a surface of the secondary particles.
US08574763B2	Electrode plate with a binder in a surface section with a lower glass transition point than a binder in a current collector plate section, secondary battery, and method for producing the electrode plate An electrode plate includes a current collector plate and an active material layer formed thereon. The active material layer includes, as a binder, a plurality of binders having different glass transition points (Tg) from each other. A ratio (A2/A1) between the amount of a binder contained in a surface section and the amount of a binder contained in a current collector plate section is 1.0 to 1.2. Further, an average glass transition point (Tgu) of the binder in the surface section is lower than an average glass transition point (Tgd) of the binder in the current collector plate section (Tgu
US08574762B2	Metal oxide negative electrodes for lithium-ion electrochemical cells and batteries Provided are negative electrode compositions for lithium-ion electrochemical cells that include metal oxides and polymeric binders. Also provided are electrochemical cells and battery packs that include electrodes made with these compositions.
US08574760B2	Safety-enhanced electrochemical device including electrode containing binder and wax The present invention relates to an electrode comprising electrode active material particles, conductive particles, a binder and wax, wherein the electrode active material particles are interconnected by a network of the conductive particles, and the paths of the conductive particles interconnecting the electrode active materials are partially or entirely fixed by the wax. Furthermore, the present invention provides an electrochemical device comprising the electrode.By use of wax having a low meting viscosity in order to partially or entirely fix the paths of the conductive particles, which interconnect the spaced electrode active material particles, the present invention can improve processability and safety of the electrochemical device.
US08574738B2	Battery pack assembly with integrated heater A battery pack assembly for providing electric power to a load includes a battery pack, preferably made up of a plurality of lithium ion cells. A heating device formed of a flexible material flexes and covers at least part of the battery pack. The heating device includes a meandering heating strip. A thermal sensor is surrounded by the heating strip to sense the temperature of the battery pack. Electric current is applied to the heating strip to heat the battery pack when its temperature falls too low, thus improving performance of the battery pack. The heating device also includes a plurality of tabs extending beyond the peripheral sides of the heating device for direct connection to the cells. Thus, electric current for the heating strip is provided directly from the cells of the battery pack.
US08574737B2	Bioelectric battery for implantable device applications A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive.
US08574736B2	Hybrid-typed electrode assembly of capacitor-battery structure Disclosed herein are a hybrid type electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode groups that can be charged and discharged, wherein the respective electrode groups are constructed in a structure in which a cathode and an anode are opposite to each other while a separator is disposed between the cathode and the anode, and at least one of the electrode groups is a capacitor type electrode group, and a secondary battery including the same. In the hybrid type electrode assembly according to the present invention, a coupled system of a capacitor and a secondary battery is embodied in a single cell through a simplified manufacturing process. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of reducing the manufacturing costs of the battery cell and improving the pulse charge and discharge characteristics without the degeneration of capacity.
US08574734B2	Vehicle battery temperature control system containing heating device and method A vehicle battery temperature control system includes a battery, a heating device, a housing, a heat exchanger and a sensor. The battery has a heat sink that transfers thermal energy to the battery. The heating device is selectively operable to provide thermal energy. The housing includes a chamber that contains the battery and a saturated liquid coolant that substantially immerses the heat sink, and the coolant receives the thermal energy from the heating device to cause a phase change of the coolant from liquid to vapor to heat the heat sink which heats the battery. The heat exchanger removes thermal energy from the vapor to change the vapor to liquid and returns the liquid to the chamber. The sensor detects a characteristic of the vapor and signals operation of the heating device to provide the thermal energy based on a relationship between the characteristic and a threshold.
US08574733B2	Protection circuit for secondary battery and secondary battery comprising the same Disclosed is a protection circuit for a secondary battery and a secondary battery having the same, which can interrupt electric current input into the secondary battery when the temperature of the secondary battery increases due to an overcharge, and also can protect the secondary battery in the case where the already charged secondary battery is exposed to a high temperature due to the increase of an external or internal temperature of the secondary battery. The protection circuit includes: means having one end connected to a first electrode of the secondary battery, for restricting electric current; switching means for connecting a second electrode of the secondary battery to a first outer electrode, or to the current restriction means in response to temperature; and a conducting wire for connecting the first electrode of the secondary battery to a second outer electrode.
US08574724B2	Organic electroluminescent device, method for manufacturing the organic electroluminescent device, and electronic apparatus An organic electroluminescent device includes a pair of electrodes, and a first organic layer and a second organic layer in contact with each other formed between the electrodes by a wet process. The first organic layer contains a crosslinkable organic material and includes a crosslinked layer formed by crosslinking the crosslinkable organic material at least at the interface with the second organic layer.
US08574723B2	Sandwich material for brazing with high strength at high temperature The invention relates to a sandwich material for brazing comprising a core layer of a first aluminum alloy and a barrier layer of a second aluminum alloy characterized by that: the first alloy, constituting the core layer contains (in weight %): 0.8-2% Mn, ≦1.0% Mg, 0.3-1.5% Si, ≦0.3% Ti, ≦0.3% Cr, ≦0.3% Zr, ≦1.3% Cu, ≦0.5% Zn, ≦0.2% In, ≦0.1% Sn and ≦0.7% (Fe+Ni), the balance consisting of Al and ≦0.05% of each of the unavoidable impurities, and that the second alloy, constituting the barrier layer contains (in weight %): ≦0.2% Mn+Cr, ≦1.0% Mg, ≦1.5% Si, ≦0.3% Ti, ≦0.2% Zr, ≦0.3% Cu, ≦0.5% Zn, ≦0.2% In, ≦0.1% Sn and ≦1.5% (Fe+Ni), the balance consisting of Al and ≦0.05% of each of the unavoidable impurities, The invention also concerns a method for the manufacture of the sandwich material, a brazed product, such as a heat exchanger comprising the sandwich material and the use of the brazed product at high and low temperatures.
US08574719B2	Anti-fouling coating compositions containing a carboxyl-functional organosilicone An anti-fouling coating composition comprising (i) a curable polymer and (ii) an organosilicone polymer. This anti-fouling coating composition has a low surface energy, has suitable elastomeric properties, decreases the settlement of fouling organisms and their adhesion strength, and can be used as a clear coat without a misty or milky appearance.
US08574715B2	Laminated film and laminated film-coated member A laminated film is provided which exhibits excellent durability even when formed over a surface of a member (in particular, sliding member) to be used under a high pressure of contacted surface of 2.0 GPa or more. The laminated film includes an intermediate layer which contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a carbide, a boride, and a boron carbide compound of a metal element, and which has a hardness measured by a nanoindentation method (hereinafter referred to as a “nanoindentation hardness”) of not less than 20 GPa nor more than 35 GPa and a thickness of not less than 5 μm nor more than 10 μm, and a diamond-like carbon film which is formed over the intermediate layer, and which has a nanoindentation hardness of not less than 25 GPa nor more than 35 GPa and a thickness of not less than 0.3 μm nor more than 1.0 μm.
US08574714B2	Method of manufacturing an engraved plate A method of manufacturing an engraved plate used in intaglio printing, said plate being engraved by a tool, for example a laser beam, characterized in that the engraving tool uses data from a depth-map, based on a three-dimensional raster image of the document to be printed.
US08574709B2	Deposition donor substrate and method for manufacturing light-emitting device One surface of a first substrate provided with at least light-absorbing layers separately formed, partition layers each formed between the light-absorbing layers and having an inverse taper shape, and material layers formed on the light-absorbing layers and on the partition layers so that the material layers are separated from each other is disposed to face a deposition target surface of a second substrate; light irradiation is performed from the other surface of the first substrate, only the material layers in regions overlapped with the light-absorbing layers are heated and evaporated to the deposition target surface of the second substrate.
US08574707B2	Molded resin product and process for surface treatment thereof A molded resin product includes a substrate made of a transparent resin, opaque coating film disposed on rear surface of the substrate except for an area set aside for a patterned portion, a transparent resin material disposed in the area set aside for the patterned portion on the rear surface of the substrate, and an opaque reflection coating or a half-reflective coating laminated to the transparent resin material. Under this configuration, the patterned portion looks as if it pops up from the rear surface of the substrate. If a half-reflective coating is used, the pattern is visible through the half-reflective coating when the pattern is viewed from the rear surface of the lid of a molded resin product.
US08574704B2	Liquid-impregnated surfaces, methods of making, and devices incorporating the same The invention is directed to an article with a liquid-impregnated surface, the surface having a matrix of features thereupon, spaced sufficiently close to stably contain a liquid therebetween or therewithin, and preferable also a thin film thereupon. The surface provides the article with advantageous non-wetting properties. Compared to previous non-wetting surfaces, which include a gas (e.g., air) entrained within surface textures, these liquid-impregnated surfaces are resistant to impalement and frost formation, and are therefore more robust.
US08574696B2	Electronic device housing assembly An electronic device comprising a housing assembly having at least one fiber composite layer molded into a portion of the housing assembly, the at least one fiber composite layer having a warp direction and configured to provide strength to the housing assembly corresponding to the warp direction.
US08574694B2	Packaging sheet with improved cutting properties A non-oriented thermoformable packaging sheet having a rigid component layer comprising a blend of an aromatic polyester and a styrenic polymer, where the total amount of styrenic polymer present in the sheet relative to the total weight of the sheet is at least between 3.0% and 4.0% by weight. The packaging sheet has a thickness of at least 5 mil and a normalized impact strength of 0.16 ft*lbf/mil or less total energy as measured in accordance with ASTM D3763-08 test method.
US08574685B1	Electric field tuning of PbS quantum dots for high efficiency solar cell application A thin film and a method of making a thin film. The thin film comprises a patterned substrate, a smooth film of electric field tuned quantum dots solution positioned on the patterned substrate, and a thin layer of metal positioned on the thin film. The method begins by drop-casting a quantum dots solution onto a patterned substrate to create a thin film. While the quantum dots solution is drying, a linearly increasing electric filed is applied. The thin film is then placed in a deposition chamber and a thin layer of metal is deposited onto the thin film. Also included are a method of measuring the photoinduced charge transfer (PCT) rate in a quantum dot nanocomposite film and methods of forming a Shottky barrier on a transparent ITO electrode of a quantum dot film.
US08574684B2	Method and apparatus for aligning a support with respect to a honeycomb body Method is provided for applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including the step of aligning a first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member. The method further includes the step of aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honeycomb body. The second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The method further includes the step of fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member. The method still further includes the step of applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body. An apparatus is provided that is configured to apply a cement mixture to a honeycomb body.
US08574683B2	Method of making a pulp sheet of odor-inhibiting absorbent fibers An odor-inhibiting fiber having a cellulosic fiber and an odor-inhibiting formulation. The odor-inhibiting formulation may contain an odor-inhibiting agent, such as a biocide, an enzyme, a urease inhibitor. The odor-inhibiting formulation also may contain a liquid carrier such as a hydrophobic or hydrophilic organic liquid, or a mixture of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic liquid. The cellulosic fiber is impregnated with the odor-inhibiting formulation to produce fiber having odor-inhibiting characteristics. The resultant odor-inhibiting fiber is useful in making absorbent articles with odor-inhibiting characteristics. The fiber of the embodiments prevents odor by inhibiting bacteria growth and ammonia production, especially when used in an absorbent article such as a diaper or adult incontinence device.
US08574682B1	Housing and method for making same A housing includes a plastic substrate and a layer formed on the plastic substrate. The layer contains polysiloxane and epoxy resin. The layer is very thin, but evenly forms on the surface of the plastic substrate. The layer has a high hardness and can effectively protect the plastic substrate from abrasion.
US08574679B2	Substrate structure and manufacturing method of the same With TiN being a base material, TiN fine particles are deposited on a silicone substrate by, for example, a laser ablation method so that diameters of the TiN fine particles are about 3 nm, and thereafter, Co fine particles are deposited on the silicon substrate on which the TiN fine particles are deposited, by, for example, the laser ablation method so that sizes of the Co fine particles are equal to or smaller than sizes of the fine particles of the TiN fine particles, here about 1 nm in diameter.
US08574672B2	Polyester polymer and coating compositions thereof A polymer and coating compositions containing the polymer are provided that are useful in coating applications such as, for example, food or beverage packaging coatings. The polymer preferably includes a polyester backbone and at least one deblockable isocyanate group attached to the backbone. In one embodiment, the polymer includes a polyester-carbamate backbone, one or more pendant deblockable isocyanate groups, and one or more terminal or pendant isocyanate-reactive groups. The deblockable isocyanate groups may be provided, for example, through use of a partially blocked polyisocyanate.
US08574667B2	Methods of forming coatings upon wellbore tools A composition including a high temperature thermoplastic polymer and a filler material is disclosed. A method for forming a coating upon a wellbore tool includes forming a powder composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a filler material and applying the composition on the body surface. Wellbore tools having components coated with such compositions are also disclosed.
US08574655B2	Packaged beverage with caffeine-containing catechin composition A process for selectively removing caffeine from a caffeine-containing catechin composition, which includes dissolving the caffeine-containing catechin composition in a 9/1 to 1/9 by weight mixed solution of an organic solvent and water, and then bringing the resultant solution into contact with activated carbon alone or with activated carbon and also acid clay or activated clay; and a packaged beverage containing such a decaffeinated composition.
US08574653B2	Intermittent flow extrusion process and food product An extrusion process incorporates a forming manifold where a tubular flow of a second material is intermittently interrupted while a core flow of a first material is discharged substantially continuously. Subsequently, the core flow is severed to form individual food items or treats for humans, animals, and the like, where the tubular flow results in an outer component surrounding an inner component which protrudes from one or both ends of the outer component. Material of the core flow is bone-like, while material of the tubular flow is meat like. Material of the tubular flow may include material from the core flow subjected to mixing in a static mixer to achieve a marbled texture of the outer material.
US08574649B2	Stove and method for preventing cooked material from being burnt dry A stove and a method for preventing a cooked material from being burnt dry are provided. The stove includes a stove body for heating the cooked material, a weighing unit for generating a weighing signal of the cooked material, a monitoring unit for judging whether the user is managing the cooked material, and a computing unit. The weighing signal is changed with time. A plurality of weighing signal change amounts respectively generated within a plurality of time intervals are calculate by the computing unit. According to the weighing signal change amounts, the heat source of the stove body is adjusted. Consequently, the function of preventing the cooked material from being burnt dry will be achieved.
US08574646B2	Package for molded food product A solid food product is molded in a mold cavity and is thereafter packaged in the mold cavity. The mold cavity is formed in a sheet and includes a side wall which extends from the sheet and a bottom wall which includes an inverting portion which extends from said side wall and a central portion. The central potion of the bottom wall includes a plurality of ridges which form a decorative design. A liquid food product is introduced into the mold cavity and allowed to solidify to form a molded solid food product. The central portion of the bottom wall is thereafter pushed into the mold cavity to invert said inverting potion and to push the molded food product away from the central portion of the bottom wall. The molded food product includes ridges which correspond to the ridges in the bottom wall of the mold cavity. A lid is attached to the sheet to enclose and package the molded food product within the mold cavity.
US08574645B2	Antimicrobial composition The present invention describes a process to preserve a water-containing product such as a foodstuff, which comprises adding natamycin and nisin to the product, whereby at least 90% (w/v) of natamycin is dissolved and/or less than 10% (w/v) of natamycin is present in crystal form.
US08574634B2	Compositions and methods of treatment with proanthocyanidin polymer antidiarrheal compositions Pharmaceutical compositions containing a proanthocyanidin polymer composition which are useful for the treatment and prevention of secretory diarrhea are provided. The invention specifically relates to pharmaceutical formulations of a proanthocyanidin polymer composition which has been isolated from a Croton spp. or a Calophyllum spp. In particular, the invention relates to a formulation of a proanthocyanidin polymer composition which protects the composition from the effects of stomach acid after oral administration, particularly to those formulations which are enteric coated. The invention also relates to methods of producing a directly compressible proanthocyanidin polymer composition, as well as compositions containing the directly compressible proanthocyanidin polymer composition.
US08574631B2	Water-dispersible pellets containing a isobutylene diurea and a lignin binder Water-dispersible particles are provided that disperse into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. Particles include from 5% to 99.9% of a nitrogen-containing ingredient bioavailable to a targeted desirable organism and 1% to 95% of a bentonite binder component.Additionally provided is a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the process including the steps of mechanically aggregating particle components into a pellet. Particle components include a bioavailable nitrogen-containing ingredient and a binder, the components being such that a product particle is dispersed into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. In a further step of a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the pellet is dried to form a particle. Following administration of a described particle, water is allowed to contact the particle, dispersing it into pieces and thereby delivering a nutrient.
US08574627B2	Coated surgical mesh A surgical mesh is formed of a biocompatible mesh structure with a coating that provides anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and anti-adhesion functionality for a implantation in a patient. The coating is generally formed of a fish oil, can include vitamin E, and may be at least partially cured. In addition, the coating can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other therapeutic agent.
US08574623B2	Therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis Disclosed are: a substance transfer carrier to an extracellular matrix-producing cell in the lung, which comprises a retinoid; a therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis, which utilized the carrier; and a preparation kit of the therapeutic agent.
US08574622B2	Controlled release delivery system for nasal applications This invention relates to a pernasally administrable preparation for the controlled release of sexual hormones to the systemic circulation, in particular to a formulation which enables its active ingredient to be absorbed in a sustained manner providing a better bioavailability at very low doses and longer duration of action.
US08574621B2	Adhesive patch for treatment of tinea unguium The present invention provides an adhesive patch for the treatment of tinea unguium intended to be applied once a day, comprising terbinafine and/or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof in an amount of 3 mg/cm2, wherein the adhesive patch is used so that the terbinafine concentration in nails may be 295±127 ng/mg and the terbinafine concentration in plasma may be 23 pg/mL or less, 8 weeks after the start of application, per cm2 of the patch size.
US08574620B2	Composite material for tissue repair The present disclosure provides a biocompatible composite and method for its use in repairing tissue defects, including defects in cartilage. The biocompatible composite includes a fibrous polymeric component and a polymerizable agent, which is capable of forming the biocompatible composite in situ at the site of a tissue defect. In embodiments, the repair site at which the biocompatible composite is to be applied may be treated with a priming agent, permitting polymerization of the polymerizable agent to the tissue located at the repair site.
US08574619B2	Reducing cholesterol levels with combined use of quercetin and statin A method of reducing the cholesterol level of a subject by administering to that subject quercetin, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and statin.
US08574618B2	Perforated bioabsorbable oil film and methods for making the same A bio-absorbable stand-alone film is derived at least in part from fatty acids. The bio-absorbable stand-alone film can have anti-adhesive, anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and wound healing properties, and can additionally include one or more therapeutic agents incorporated therein. The stand-alone film has one or more perforations or depressions formed therein. Corresponding methods of making the bio-absorbable stand-alone film with one or more perforations or depressions include molding, cutting, carving, puncturing or otherwise suitable methods to create the perforations or depressions in the bio-absorbable stand-alone film. The resulting stand-alone film is bioabsorbable.
US08574617B2	Implant pellets and method using same A system comprising a plurality of implantable pellets, wherein one such implantable pellet delivers localized, controlled and sustained release of a predetermined quantity of one or more pain relief agents, in optional combination with one or more anti-inflammatory agents, one or more polymeric excipients, and/or one or more surfactants. An anesthetic/analgesic pellet is used in combination with one or more pharmaceutical pellets as part of a single procedure to provide desired a pharmaceutical to the animal while simultaneously alleviating pain and, optionally, inflammation at the injection site.
US08574613B2	Sustained release drug delivery devices, methods of use, and methods of manufacturing thereof A method and device for treating a mammalian organism to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is provided. The method includes administering a sustained release drug delivery system to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment at an area wherein release of an effective agent is desired and allowing the effective agent to pass through the device in a controlled manner. The device includes an inner core or reservoir including the effective agent, an impermeable tube which encloses portions of the reservoir, and a permeable member at an end of the tube.
US08574611B2	Composite bone repair material The present invention relates to a sliceable composite bone repair material comprising a porous block-shaped ceramic scaffold and a stabilizing polymer disposed therein. Said ceramic scaffold is a synthetic ceramic material or a naturally-derived material. Additionally said scaffold comprises interconnected macropores.
US08574608B2	Bactericidal silver surfactant delivery into coating and polymer compositions Disclosed are surfactant compounds and compositions that are antimicrobial. Also provided are polymeric compositions incorporating the surfactant compounds. The polymeric compositions may be used to form antibacterial coatings on surfaces.
US08574605B2	Methods for the preparation of concentrated aqueous bromine solutions and high activity bromine-containing solids The invention includes convenient methods of preparing: (1) highly concentrated liquid bromine-containing biocidal solutions, (2) highly concentrated mixed halogen liquid bromine and chlorine-containing biocidal solutions, and (3) high-activity bromine-containing biocidal solids, all having excellent physical and chemical stability. One method yields solutions that have concentrations of bromine in excess of 18% as Br2 (8% as Cl2) in which the mole ratio of hydroxide ion to hydrogen ion source is at least 1.9:1. Another method employs elemental bromine in conjunction with a solid organic or inorganic halogenating agent to yield halogen solutions at concentrations greater than 22.9% as Br2 (10.2% as Cl2). This method can be performed under conditions that exceed the solubility of the active ingredient such that it crystallizes and is recovered as a hydrated or anhydrous salt in good yield.
US08574602B2	Stabilized cationic ammonium compounds for topical compositions Stabilized cationic ammonium compounds are described. The compounds are stabilized with metal chelators that impede the generation of nitrogen comprising groups from the cationic ammonium compounds.
US08574599B1	Methods and products for inducing mucosal immunity The invention relates methods and products for inducing mucosal immunity. In particular, the invention relates to the use of immunostimulatory oligonucleotides containing a CpG motif for inducing mucosal immunity. The CpG immunostimulatory oligonucleotides may be administered alone or in combination with antigen and/or with other adjuvants.
US08574587B2	Selective heated extraction of albumin proteins from intact freshwater algal cells Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08574585B2	KDR peptides and vaccines comprising the same The present invention provides nonapeptides selected from peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 3, 5, 8, 11, or 12; nonapeptides or decapeptides selected from peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29, 30, 33, 34, 40, or 46; and peptides with cytotoxic T cell inducibility, in which one, two, or several amino acids are substituted or added to the above-mentioned amino acid sequences, as well as pharmaceuticals for treating or preventing tumors, where the pharmaceuticals comprise these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used as vaccines.
US08574579B2	Anti-IL-23 antibodies An anti-IL-23 antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-23 antibody, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
US08574572B2	Method of treating pulmonary disease by administering an antibody to G-CSF receptor The present invention relates generally to a method for treating or preventing or otherwise ameliorating the effects of pulmonary diseases characterized by or associated with infiltration of neutrophils and complications arising therefrom. The present invention further provides agents and pharmaceutical compositions comprising agents which inhibit the activity of G-CSF or its receptor, interfere with G-CSF signaling and/or which down-regulate expression of G-CSF or its receptor.
US08574569B2	Stabilized protease composition A composition is provided, which comprises a serine protease; a reversible inhibitor of said serine protease; and a stabilizing agent M having the formula I: Also provided are uses of the composition as a medicament, and other uses and methods employing its various properties.
US08574567B2	Multipotent stem cells and uses thereof The invention provides a quiescent stem cell having the capacity to differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, and which does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105 CD90, CD66A, CD66E, CXCR4, CD133 or an SSEA. The invention further provides a proliferative stem cell, which expresses genes including Oct-4, Nanog, Sox2, GDF3, P16INK4, BMI, Notch, HDAC4, TERT, Rex-1, TWIST, KLF-4 and Stella but does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105, CD90, CD66A, CD66E, CXCR4, CD133 or an SSEA. The cells of the invention can be isolated from adult mammals, have embryonic cell characteristics, and can form embryoid bodies. Methods for obtaining the stem cells, as well as methods of treating diseases and differentiated the stem cells, are also provided.
US08574564B2	Immunostimulatory nucleic acid packaged particles for the treatment of hypersensitivity The application is related to compositions and methods for the treatment of hypersensitivity, wherein the compositions comprise a particle packaged with immunostimulatory nucleic acids. The compositions of the invention are particularly useful in the treatment of atopic eczema, asthma and IgE-mediated allergy (type I allergy), especially pollen allergy and house dust allergy.
US08574563B2	Hepatitis C virus inhibitors The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US08574560B2	Hair styling method A hair styling method including: (A) increasing the number of intersections of hair fibers, thereby enhancing the volume of the hair; and (B) applying an aerosol hair cosmetic composition capable of forming a film having a film strength, as measured by a film strength evaluation method, of 800 gf/cm2 or greater.
US08574557B2	Composition for a cosmetic and a cosmetic comprising the same Present invention provides a composition for a cosmetic comprising a fluorine-containing silicone polymer having a three-dimensional, cross-linked structure, prepared by addition polymerizing the following (A), (B) and (C) and containing 10 to 30 mass % of the fluorine atoms, relative to a total mass of (A) to (C), (A) a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane represented by the following formula (1): (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane represented by the following formula (2): and (C) an organopolysiloxane having a reactive group on one end alone and represented by the following formula (3), and further comprising (D) a low viscosity silicone oil with a dynamic viscosity of 50 mm2/s or less at 25 degrees C.
US08574554B2	Uses of 4-methyl-5-hydroxy-hexanoic acid lactone The present invention relates to the use of 4-methyl-delta-hexylactone for imparting, modifying and/or intensifying one or more smell or flavor impressions from the group consisting of hay, coumarin, lactone and richness in the mouth.
US08574553B2	Aerosol wax-effect styling compositions and methods for styling and shaping keratinous fibers The present disclosure relates to a hair cosmetic composition comprising: at least one anionic fixing polymer, at least one polyol, at least one liquid fatty alcohol, at least one lower C1-C4 monoalcohol, and at least one propellant gas, comprising a water content of less than 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, and wherein the hair cosmetic composition is packaged in an aerosol device. Also disclosed herein is a the use of this composition, as well as a method for styling and shaping the hair, such as providing hair with a styling effect.
US08574550B2	Biocompatible polymeric contrast agents and radiopaque materials for medical services In accordance with the present invention, a high intensity radiopaque contrast agent is disclosed. The agent may be coated on or incorporated within bulk materials, which may then be subsequently utilized to fabricate a radiopaque medical device. Primary effects through chemistry include higher radiopaque concentrations per unit weight of the radiopaque element or agent. Secondary effects include selective placement of the radiopaque elements which may further enhance the radiopacity of the device with reduced requirements of the radiopaque agent. Such a radiopaque contrast agent may be produced in various forms such as a dendrimer and/or incorporated as the end groups of polymeric chain. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.
US08574549B2	Nanoparticle contrast agents for diagnostic imaging Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.
US08574548B2	Antagonists of ligands and uses thereof The invention provides multivalent ligand binding agents (traps) for members of the TGF-β superfamily and polypeptide linkers and methods for making and using such constructs. The traps may be used as therapeutic or diagnostic (imaging or non-imaging) agents for diseases/disorders caused by over-production/activity of the target ligand. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a multivalent binding agent with affinity for a member of the TGF-β superfamily, the agent having the general structure I: (-linker1)k-[{-linker2--linker3f-}n-()m-(linker4-)d]h, where: n and h are independently greater than or equal to 1; d, f, m and k are independently equal to or greater than zero; bd's are polypeptide binding domains having an affinity for the same member of the TGF-β superfamily; and, linkers are unstructured polypeptide sequences.
US08574547B2	Photoacoustic probes and methods of imaging Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for photoacoustic probes, methods of determining the presence and location of a specific target, methods of determining the presence and location of an enzyme, methods of determining the presence and location of a specific target and an enzyme, and the like.
US08574544B1	Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles consisting of chitosan, a negatively charged substrate, and at least one bioactive agent that is encapsulated within cucurbiturils for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08574543B2	Method of isotope labeling and determining protein synthesis, quantitation and protein expression A method including isotope labeling of a newly synthesized protein in a sufficient quantity such that a newly synthesized protein spectra and the pre-existing protein spectra are sufficiently separated. A further method including determining a ratio of a new and a pre-existing protein from mass spectra obtained by using mass spectrometry. In this method a resultant spectrum may be presented as integrated peak heights for a corresponding mass to charge ratio in the “centroid” mode.
US08574536B2	Method to produce light-emitting nano-particles of diamond Method to produce diamonds containing Nitrogen-Vacancy centers from diamonds grown by a high pressure and high temperature process and containing isolated substitutional nitrogen, comprising: —Irradiating (12) said diamonds by an electron beam such that the irradiation dose is comprised between 1017 and 1019 electrons per square centimeter; —annealing (14) the irradiated diamonds in vacuum or in a inert atmosphere at a temperature above 700° C. and for at least 1 hour; characterized in that said electron beam has an acceleration energy above 7 MeV.
US08574530B2	Process for producing hydrocyanic acid The present invention relates to an improved process for producing hydrocyanic acid by reaction of ammonia with methane in which a small amount of at least one sulphur-containing compound corresponding to the general formula R S (S)x—R′ is added, in which R and R′, which are identical or different, represent a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and x is a number ranging from 1 to 5, to the reactive gas mixture before it passes over the catalyst. The process according to the invention makes it possible to obtain improved yields of HCN. Another subject of the invention relates to the use of the resulting product for producing methionine, acetone cyanohydrin, adiponitrile or sodium cyanide.
US08574527B2	Process for aftertreating carbon black The invention relates to a process for aftertreating carbon black, wherein the carbon black is subjected to a carrier gas flow in a fluidized bed apparatus in the lower region of the apparatus, an additional gas stream is introduced into the fluidized bed apparatus, and the carbon black is aftertreated in the fluidized bed which arises.
US08574525B2	Using boron-containing compounds, gasses and fluids during ammonothermal growth of group-III nitride crystals Boron-containing compounds, gasses and fluids are used during ammonothermal growth of group-Ill nitride crystals. Boron-containing compounds are used as impurity getters during the ammonothermal growth of group-Ill nitride crystals. In addition, a boron-containing gas and/or supercritical fluid is used for enhanced solubility of group-Ill nitride into said fluid.
US08574524B2	Porous composite oxide and production method thereof The present invention provides a porous composite oxide comprising an aggregate of secondary particles in the form of aggregates of primary particles of a composite oxide containing two or more types of metal elements, and having mesopores having a pore diameter of 2-100 nm between the secondary particles; wherein, the percentage of the mesopores between the secondary particles having a diameter of 10 nm or more is 10% or more of the total mesopore volume after firing for 5 hours at 600° C. in an oxygen atmosphere.
US08574523B2	Advanced dry head-end reprocessing of light water reactor spent nuclear fuel A method for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from a light water reactor includes the step of reacting spent nuclear fuel in a voloxidation vessel with an oxidizing gas having nitrogen dioxide and oxygen for a period sufficient to generate a solid oxidation product of the spent nuclear fuel. The reacting step includes the step of reacting, in a first zone of the voloxidation vessel, spent nuclear fuel with the oxidizing gas at a temperature ranging from 200-450° C. to form an oxidized reaction product, and regenerating nitrogen dioxide, in a second zone of the voloxidation vessel, by reacting oxidizing gas comprising nitrogen monoxide and oxygen at a temperature ranging from 0-80° C. The first zone and the second zone can be separate. A voloxidation system is also disclosed.
US08574521B2	Gas stream purification apparatus and method An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from a gas stream is provided which includes (a) introducing the gas stream into a reaction chamber of a scrubber; (b) oxidizing first contaminants in a liquid phase with a reactive species in a sump of the scrubber for providing an oxidizing solution; (c) oxidizing second contaminants in a gas phase of the gas stream above the sump with excess reactive species disengaging from the oxidizing solution in the sump; (d) oxidizing and scrubbing third contaminants in a gas-liquid contact assembly disposed above the gas stream.
US08574511B2	Test instrument and optical measurement apparatus It is an object to provide a test instrument and an optical measurement apparatus which enable easy matching of test results when tests by optical measurement are performed with respect to a large number of patients.To the above end, a test instrument B is provided, which includes reagent retaining portions 8A, 8B, 8C retaining a reagent which reacts with a sample to produce a color reaction. The test instrument B includes a patient information entry section 64 as an example of patient identifying information region in which patient identifying information is to be written.
US08574508B2	Method of cooling a sterilizer A method for cooling a jacketed autoclave or steam sterilizer by allowing a film of water to flow down as inner wall of the sterilizer's jacket. Condensate from the jacket space is drawn into a water ring pump. The water ring pump draws condensate from the lowest point of the jacket to a water side of the pump, and gas from the jacket to a normal suction inlet of the pump. During the process of cooling the sterilizer, a stream of water and air from the water ring pump is conducted to an upper part of the jacket of the steam sterilizer and is allowed to flow as a film down the inner wall of the jacket. Evaporation of the water is enhanced by lowering the pressure in the jacket.
US08574505B2	Reactor and plant for the continuous preparation of high-purity silicon tetrachloride or high-purity germanium tetrachloride A reactor and a plant containing the reactor for conducting a continuous, industrial process for preparing high-purity silicon tetrachloride or high-purity germanium tetrachloride is provided. The plant contains a plasma reactor having a dielectric, a high voltage electrode and an earthed, metallic heat exchanger, in which the longitudinal axes of the dielectric, of the high-voltage electrode and of the earthed, metallic heat exchanger are oriented parallel to one another and at the same time parallel to the force vector of gravity.
US08574503B2	Instrument for nondestructively producing high-concentration hydrogen solution An instrument for producing hydrogen-dissolved liquid comprises a hydrogen generating system stored in a separator, and the hydrogen generating system comprises: a hydrogen generating agent that reacts with raw water to generate hydrogen; a metal-ion sequestering agent that sequesters metal ions dissolved from the hydrogen generating agent; and a pH adjusting agent.
US08574501B1	Natural gas to liquid fuels A method and apparatus for converting natural gas from a source, such as a wellhead, pipeline, or a storage facility, into hydrocarbon liquid stable at room temperature, comprising a skid or trailer mounted portable gas to liquids reactor. The reactor includes a preprocessor which desulfurizes and dehydrates the natural gas, a first stage reactor which transforms the preprocessed natural gas into synthesis gas, and a liquid production unit using a Fischer-Tropsch or similar polymerization process. The hydrocarbon liquid may be stored in a portable tank for later transportation or further processed on site.
US08574495B2	Apparatus for automatic analysis of samples on gel cards The apparatus comprises a single transportable structure provided with several separate compartments located in a vertical stack within a cabinet, with means for the vertical transport of gel cards, means for the transport of units for moving the cards and pipetting probes, being displaceable to the entire transverse cross-section of the compartments in at least two of the vertical compartments or floors through moving along coordinate axes X, Y, Z at right-angles, and control means so that automatic functioning can take place simultaneously with manual actions to load and unload the necessary materials (samples, reagents, cards, wash solutions and waste solutions) in a random manner.
US08574491B2	Unit and method for sterilizing a web of packaging material for a machine for packaging pourable food products A unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material for a machine for packaging pourable food products includes a sterilizing chamber containing a liquid sterilizing agent at a first temperature; a conveying device for feeding the web through the sterilizing chamber before the web is formed into a succession of sealed packages of pourable food products; a hold tank for the sterilizing agent; a feed mechanism activated selectively to feed the sterilizing agent from the tank to the sterilizing chamber; a drain activated selectively to drain the sterilizing agent from the sterilizing chamber into the tank in the event of stoppage of the packaging machine; and a cooling device activated selectively, at the end of the package production cycle, to cool the sterilizing agent in the tank to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.
US08574490B2	Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access systems Methods and apparatus for preventing patient bloodstream infection by microorganisms during administration of various medications or fluids through IV lines. In particular, the invention reduces contamination of IV lines, connecters, stopcock valves, manifolds, ports, etc. by means of irradiation by violet and/or blue light. Each embodiment comprises a source of violet and/or blue light and an optical element optically coupled to that light source for shaping the radiation pattern of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that emits light in the desired wavelength can be used. The optical element, optically coupled to the light source, is embedded or installed in or attached to a component of an IV set, the emitted light being directed to a “point of entry” or any other stagnation point of an IV set.
US08574488B2	Furnace refractory brick hearth tap hole A method for accommodating increasing outward pressures in the tap holes of a hearth furnace includes configuring a tap hole lining and disposing it inside a hollow cylindrical conduit such that the tap hole lining can slide in response to outward pressures and growth in the hearth brick. The tap hole lining is retained inside the hollow cylindrical conduit with a retaining ring and spring assemblies.
US08574484B2	RTM method and method for manufacturing fiber-reinforced resin molded body Provided is a RTM method wherein a molding die composed of a temperature control mechanism, which is arranged on at least one of a plurality of dies that form a molding die and adjusts the temperature of the die, and a valve mechanism, which starts and stops supply of a resin in a state of having fluidity to the cavity of the molding die, is used. In the method, a plurality of the valve mechanisms are arranged on the molding die, each of the valve mechanisms is provided with one or a plurality of temperature control systems which adjust the temperature of the valve mechanism, the resin in the state of having fluidity is supplied to the cavity from the valve mechanisms, and a reinforcing fiber base material contained in the cavity is impregnated with the resin.
US08574475B2	Process of and apparatus for making mineral fibers The present invention relates to a method of making mineral fibers, comprising providing a circulating combustion chamber (1) which comprises a top section (2), a bottom section (3) and a base section (4), injecting primary fuel, particulate mineral material and primary combustion gas into the top section of the circulating combustion chamber and combusting the primary fuel thereby melting the particulate material to form a mineral melt and generating exhaust gases, separating the mineral melt from the exhaust gases wherein the exhaust gases pass through an outlet (8) in the circulating combustion chamber and the mineral melt collects in the base section of the circulating combustion chamber, injecting secondary fuel, which comprises liquid or gaseous fuel, and secondary combustion gas into the bottom section of the circulating combustion chamber to form a flame in the bottom section which heats the melt, and flowing a stream of the collected melt through an outlet (15) in the base section to a centrifugal fiberising apparatus and forming fibers. The present invention also provides an apparatus for use in the method of the invention.
US08574471B2	System and method for forming concrete structures One possible embodiment of the invention could be a system for creating forms used to make concrete structures comprising of plurality of panels, each panel having two or more sets of spaced-apart tie apertures; a plurality of ties, each tie forming a body between two ends, each end having a locking aperture, a plurality of L-shaped brackets with two flanges having a respective set of spaced-apart perforations; a plurality of locking mechanisms that attach to ties and connect L-shaped brackets together; wherein two or more ties are located between a pair of parallel and opposing panels, the ends of the ties protruding through respective tie apertures and perforations of L-shaped brackets located on the outside of the panels, the locking mechanisms engaging respective locking apertures to form an assembled pair of panels, the assembled pairs being connected together to create a form with a continuous cavity to receive plastic concrete.
US08574465B2	Organic polymeric photon up-conversion nanoparticles for biological applications The present invention relates to organic polymeric photon up-conversion nanoparticles for biological applications, such as labeling and/or detection of cells, biological (macro-) molecules or other analytes, as well as for sensing temperature, pressure, oxygen and other substances that influence the up-conversion process. It further relates to organic photon up-conversion nanoparticles for singlet oxygen generation and the treatment of diseases, such as cancer.
US08574457B2	Mixture of liquid-crystal compounds, system of three liquid-crystal mixtures and their use Three organic compounds mixtures of liquid-crystal properties, which when mixed together in a precisely determined weight ratio, may show an ability to form thermo-optically active mesophases of established, narrow range thermooptical transitions separation, every 0.5° C., in the temperature range: from 31.8° C. to 32.8° C., from 32.8° C. to 33.8° C., and from 33.8° C. to 34.8° C. and system including these mixtures. The use of these mixtures and the system containing the above mentioned mixtures for colorimetric detection of temperature differentiation on the surface of biological objects in a narrow range of temperatures.
US08574451B2	Trans-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene for use in chiller applications The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions containing trans-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd(E)) useful for chiller applications and processes using 1233zd(E).
US08574449B2	Method for manufacturing printed wiring board Quickly making changes to etching conditions suppresses the production yield of printed wiring boards from being deteriorated. Disclosed is a method comprising: an etching step that comprises: preparing a conductor-clad base material continuous in a certain direction, the conductor-clad base material (1) having an insulating layer and one or more conductive layers formed on main surfaces of the insulating layer; and subjecting a predetermined region of a conductor layer of one main surface of the conductor-clad base material (1) to an etching process thereby to form a wiring pattern (1a) to be of a product and an inspection pattern (1b) to be used for inspection; a measuring step that measures a line width of the inspection pattern after the etching step; and a control step that controls an etching condition in the etching step based on the measured line width.
US08574448B2	Plasma generation method, cleaning method, and substrate processing method A plasma generation method in a toroidal plasma generator that includes a gas passage having a gas entrance and a gas outlet and forming a circuitous path and a coil wound around a part of the gas passage includes the steps of supplying a mixed gas of an Ar gas and an NF3 gas containing at least 5% of NF3 and igniting plasma by driving the coil with a high-frequency power, wherein the plasma ignition step is conducted under a total pressure of 6.65-66.5 Pa.
US08574432B2	Integrated chromatography devices and systems for monitoring analytes in real time and methods for manufacturing the same Systems and methods for monitoring analytes in real time using integrated chromatography systems and devices. Integrated microfluidic liquid chromatography devices and systems include multiple separation columns integrated into a single substrate. Using such a device, parallel analysis of multiple samples can be performed simultaneously and/or sequential analysis of a single sample can be performed simultaneously on a single chip or substrate. The devices and systems are well suited for use in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications. HPLC chips and devices including embedded parylene channels can be fabricated using a single mask process.
US08574428B2	Desulfurization of petroleum streams using metallic sodium In some embodiments, the invention is a method of removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed using the steps of dissolving metallic sodium in a first solvent, combining the sodium/first solvent solution with a sulfur-free alkane or cycloalkane second solvent, vaporizing the first solvent from sodium/first solvent/second solvent combination to transfer the dissolved metallic sodium into the second solvent, and then combine the resultant liquid with a liquid hydrocarbon feed containing an organosulfur species. The resulting stream is combined with a hydrogen donor. The combination is heated and pressurized to form a liquid hydrocarbon product containing sodium sulfide. The liquid hydrocarbon product containing sodium sulfide is then cooled, and the sodium sulfide is extracted. The extracted sodium sulfide is then processed in a sodium sulfur cell to regenerate the sodium and recycle it to the feed.
US08574427B2	Process for removing refractory nitrogen compounds from vacuum gas oil A process for removing a refractory nitrogen compound from a hydroprocessed vacuum gas oil feed includes contacting the hydroprocessed vacuum gas oil feed comprising the nitrogen compound with a VGO-immiscible phosphonium ionic liquid to produce a hydroprocessed vacuum gas oil and VGO-immiscible phosphonium ionic liquid mixture, and separating the mixture to produce a hydroprocessed vacuum gas oil effluent having a reduced refractory nitrogen compound content relative to the vacuum gas oil feed.
US08574425B2	Process for removing heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds from a hydroprocessed stream The present invention is an improved process for stripping HPNA's from hydroprocessed streams in a fractionation column having a split shell configuration. Only one vapor stripping feed is required to the split shell of the fractionation column. The resulting reduction in steam requirement provides a superior fractionation in the column.
US08574423B2	Biosensor, biosensor chip and biosensor device A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.
US08574421B2	Water splitting apparatus and method of using the same A water-splitting apparatus and method generating hydrogen and oxygen at separate electrodes have a structure enabling a photo catalytic reaction to be efficiently performed. The apparatus includes a photolysis element having an N-type water-splitting electrode surface and a P-type water-splitting electrode surface at the opposite side surface to the N-type water-splitting electrode surface, a hydrogen generating cell holding the N-type water-splitting electrode surface and collecting the hydrogen generated at that water-splitting electrode surface, and an oxygen generating cell holding the P-type water-splitting electrode surface, collecting the oxygen generated at that water-splitting electrode surface, and adjoining the hydrogen generating cell across the photolysis element. The photolysis element has through holes enabling circulation of water between the hydrogen and oxygen generating cells. The through holes are arranged so that light irradiated on one of the N-type and P-type water-splitting electrode surfaces does not pass through to the opposite side water-splitting electrode surface.
US08574412B2	Magnet mounting system and magnetron sputtering device having same A magnetron sputtering device includes a main body and a magnet mounting system for receiving magnets. The magnet mounting system comprises a first annular member, a second annular member coaxially encasing the first member, a third annular member coaxially encasing the second member, a first driving device connected to the first annular member, a second driving device connected to the second annular member, and a third driving device connected to the third annular member. The first driving device, the second driving device, and the third driving device are respectively configured for driving the first annular member, the second annular member, and the third annular member to move along an axis of the first annular member.
US08574411B2	Reactive sputtering chamber with gas distribution tubes A sputtering apparatus for processing large area substrates is provided. By introducing gas across the entire target surface, a uniform composition film may be formed on the substrate. When the gas is introduced merely at the perimeter, the gas distribution is not uniform. By providing a gas introduction tube across the processing area, the reactive gas will uniformly distribute to the whole target. Also, providing the gas tube with multiple inner tubes provides a quick, effective gas dispersion capability.
US08574410B2	Method and apparatus for improved high power impulse magnetron sputtering A high power impulse magnetron sputtering apparatus and method using a vacuum chamber with a magnetron target and a substrate positioned in the vacuum chamber. A field coil being positioned between the magnetron target and substrate, and a pulsed power supply and/or a coil bias power supply connected to the field coil. The pulsed power supply connected to the field coil, and the pulsed power supply outputting power pulse widths of greater that 100 μs.
US08574405B1	System for conveying biomass A system is described for processing biomass through a pyrolysis chamber that utilizes revolving polygon platforms, a conveyor system, and an airlock for introducing or removing biomass into the pyrolysis chamber. Biomass can be introduced via a first revolving polygon platform, and biochar resulting from pyrolysis can be removed via a second revolving polygon platform.
US08574400B1	Tissue comprising macroalgae The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise macroalgae fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable tissue webs comprising at least about 1 percent macroalgae fiber by weight of the web. In the tissue webs of the present disclosure, macroalgae fibers may preferably replace high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the strength and durability of the web without negatively stiffness.
US08574397B2	Bevel edge plasma chamber with top and bottom edge electrodes A plasma processing chamber configured for cleaning a bevel edge of a substrate is provided. The chamber includes a top edge electrode surrounding an insulating plate, and the insulator plate opposes a bottom electrode. The top edge electrode is electrically grounded and separated from the insulator plate by a top dielectric ring. The chamber also includes a bottom edge electrode that is electrically grounded and surrounds the bottom electrode and is separated from the bottom electrode by a bottom dielectric ring. The bottom edge electrode is oriented to oppose the top edge electrode, and the bottom edge electrode has an L shape that is up-facing. Bevel edge plasma processing of a substrate edge is configured to be processed in a chamber having the top and bottom edge electrodes.
US08574395B2	Protection sheet for coating film Provided is a protective sheet for a coating layer comprising a substrate sheet and provided thereon a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which can be applied as well to a coated surface insufficiently cured immediately after dried, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer described above comprises an addition reaction type silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.
US08574393B2	Method for making touch panel An exemplary method for making a touch panel includes the steps of: providing a flexible substrate; fabricating a carbon nanotube film; laying the carbon nanotube film to form a carbon nanotube layer stacked on the flexible substrate; heat-pressing the carbon nanotube layer of the flexible substrate; and separately forming at least two electrodes on a surface of the carbon nanotube layer, thereby forming the touch panel.
US08574390B2	Apparatus for making bag assembly A method of forming a bag assembly by RF welding includes generating from a single source of RF energy a high frequency electric field having a first strength between tube-welding electrodes of opposing die members and a second strength less than said first strength between perimeter-welding electrodes of the opposing die members. Subjecting a tube assembly and corresponding portions of sheets surrounding the tube assembly to the high frequency electric field of said first strength for a predetermined amount of time to weld the sheets to a tube along a tube-weld. Corresponding portions of the sheets between the perimeter-welding electrodes are subjected to the high frequency electric field of said second strength for said predetermined amount of time to weld the sheets together along a bladder perimeter-weld. The subjecting steps are performed simultaneously so that the bag assembly is formed in one welding operation.
US08574389B2	Method of manufacturing thin film device A method of manufacturing a thin film device according to an aspect of the invention may include: preparing a substrate on which a sacrificial layer and a thin film to be transferred are sequentially formed; temporarily bonding the thin film to a circumferential surface of the transfer roll, and simultaneously removing the sacrificial layer to separate the thin film from the substrate at a first position of a transfer roll that is rolling; and transferring the thin film onto a sheet by running the sheet so that a surface of the sheet is bonded to the thin film temporarily bonded to the circumferential surface of the transfer roll.The substrate may be a transparent substrate.
US08574381B2	Weld metal and welded structure having weld joints using the same To provide weld metal that has a high strength and toughness in the as-welded condition or in the annealed condition. The weld metal of the present invention contains by weight %, C: 0.04-0.15%, Si: 0.50% or less, Mn: 1.0-1.9%, Ni: 1.0-4.0%, Cr: 0.10-1.0%, Mo: 0.20 to 1.2%, Ti: 0.010-0.060%, Al: 0.030% or less, O: 0.15-0.060%, N: 0.010% or less, Fe and inevitable impurities as the remaining contents. The weld metal is further characterized by the fact that the ratio of Ti content (%) to Si content (%) i.e., [compound type Ti]/[compound type Si] is more than 1.5, and the number A defined by the following formula is 0.50 or more, wherein A=[Ti]/([O]−1.1×[Al]+0.05×[Si]).
US08574374B2	Formulations, their use as or for producing dishwashing compositions and their preparation Formulations comprising (A) at least one compound selected from aminocarboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates, and salts and derivatives thereof, (B) at least one zinc salt, and (C) at least one homopolymer or copolymer of ethyleneimine.
US08574371B2	Method for cleaning containers and cleaning machine A method for cleaning containers, in particular bottles of glass or plastics, and a cleaning machine with at least one cleaning medium, with the containers cleaned at least in one station preferential for the cleaning result and/or in a procedure step with at least essentially chemical-free cleaning media. The cleaning medium is advantageously a granular material, in particular granular ice, carried under pressure with compressed air or compressed water. The cleaning machine suited for carrying out the method includes downstream of an unpacking and presoaking station, a pre-cleaning station with a high pressure water blasting pre-cleaning section, and subsequently an intensive cleaning station with at least one intensive cleaning section to which a pressure blasting system for chemical-free, granular material and a carrier medium are associated, and a disinfection station following the intensive cleaning station.
US08574369B2	Method of removing resist and apparatus therefor A method for removing a resist on a substrate includes supplying unsaturated hydrocarbon gas or fluorine substitution product gas of unsaturated hydrocarbon, at a lower pressure than an atmospheric pressure, to a system of reaction capable of heating the substrate and supplying ozone gas at a lower pressure than the atmospheric pressure to the system of reaction. The ozone gas is an ultra-high concentration ozone gas obtained by separating only ozone from ozone-containing gas by a difference of vapor pressure through liquefaction separation and by vaporizing a liquefaction-separated ozone again. The substrate may be cleaned with pure water. A susceptor that holds the substrate is provided in a chamber of the system of reaction and is heated by a light source that emits infrared light. An internal pressure of the chamber is controlled so that a temperature of the substrate is 90° C. or less.
US08574364B2	GaN-crystal free-standing substrate and method for producing the same The invention relates to a GaN-crystal free-standing substrate obtained from a GaN crystal grown by HVPE with a (0001) plane serving as a crystal growth plane and at least one plane of a {10-11} plane and a {11-22} plane serving as a crystal growth plane that constitutes a facet crystal region, except for the side surface of the crystal, wherein the (0001)-plane-growth crystal region has a carbon concentration of 5×1016 atoms/cm3 or less, a silicon concentration of 5×1017 atoms/cm3 or more and 2×1018 atoms/cm3 or less, and an oxygen concentration of 1×1017 atoms/cm3 or less; and the facet crystal region has a carbon concentration of 3×1016 atoms/cm3 or less, a silicon concentration of 5×1017 atoms/cm3 or less, and an oxygen concentration of 5×1017 atoms/cm3 or more and 5×1018 atoms/cm3 or less.
US08574359B2	High performance sulfo-aluminous clinker The invention relates to a sulfo-aluminous clinker with optimal setting time and short term compressive strengths, comprising a mixture of the following phases: —calcium sulfoaluminate, or C4A3$, in amounts higher than 50% by weight of the mixture, —belite, or C25, in amounts between 2 and 23%, —3C25 3C$ CaX2, X being fluorine or chlorine, between 3 and 15% —C11A7CaX2, X being fluorine or chlorine, between 2 and 12%, both fluorine and chlorine being altogether present in the mixture, and phase C5S2$ being absent. The invention also relates to a method for preparing this sulfo-aluminous clinker, and hydraulic binders comprising this clinker.
US08574357B2	Water resistant aluminum pigment dispersion, aqueous ink composition containing the same, and method for manufacturing water resistant aluminum pigment dispersion A water resistant aluminum pigment dispersion includes a water resistant aluminum pigment which is an aluminum pigment covered with a silica film, wherein the water resistant aluminum pigment is formed of an aluminum pigment having an average thickness from 5 nm to 30 nm and a covering film which contains Si and is formed on the surface of the aluminum pigment; and wherein the coverage ratio of the surface of the aluminum pigment by the covering film, calculated from the composition ratio of C, O, Al, and Si detected by XPS measurement at an incident angle of 30°, is in a range from 30% to 90%.
US08574356B2	Ink composition and recording method An ink composition includes an aluminum pigment, a white pigment, and a dispersion solvent, wherein the ink composition has a structure in which the aluminum pigment is dispersed in the dispersion solvent and the content of the white pigment is 0.01% to 10% based on the content of the aluminum pigment, or includes silver particles, a white pigment, and water, wherein the particle diameter d90 in the particle diameter accumulation curve of the silver particles is 50 nm to 1 μm, the ink composition has a structure in which the silver particles are dispersed in the water, and the content of the white pigment is 1% to 10% based on the content of the silver particles.
US08574354B2	Reducing the carbon emissions intensity of a fuel Techniques for reducing a carbon emissions intensity of a fuel includes injecting a carbon dioxide fluid into a first wellbore; producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a second wellbore to a terranean surface; and producing a fuel from the produced hydrocarbon fluid, the fuel including a low-carbon fuel and assigned an emissions credit based on a source of the carbon dioxide fluid.
US08574349B2	Method for the removal of mercury from a stream of flue gas obtained from the combustion of coal A method for the removal of mercury from a stream of flue gas obtained from the combustion of at least one coal type having an ASTM D388 coal rank of <3 includes the steps of introducing a kaolin or metakaolin-containing sorbent into the stream of flue gas and contacting the mercury with the kaolin or metakaolin-containing sorbent at a point where both the kaolin or metakaolin-containing sorbent and active free silica are present in the stream. The temperature of the flue gas is at least 900° C. The active free silica content of the flue gas resulting from the combustion of the coal is supplemented by the introduction of added active free silica such that the weight percentage of the total amount of active free silica relative to the weight of kaolin or metakaolin is at least 10%, the weight of any kaolin being expressed as the weight of metakaolin.
US08574341B2	Method for recycling metals from waste tungsten catalysts A method for recycling metals from waste tungsten catalysts comprises steps of: leaching, by soaking a waste tungsten catalysts into a highly oxidized acid and conducting a reaction between sulfur of the waste tungsten catalysts and the acid to obtain sulfide and oxidized acidic groups, wherein metals in the waste tungsten catalysts are dissolved and oxidized by the acid to obtain a first solution and dregs; and refining, by extracting metals of the waste tungsten catalysts from the first solution; wherein, the oxidized acidic groups obtained from the step of leaching is converted into highly oxidized acid, which is capable of being recycled.
US08574336B2	Ultrasonic degassing of molten metals Ultrasonic devices having an integrated purging gas delivery system are described, and such devices can be used to remove dissolved gasses and impurities from molten metals.
US08574335B2	Holding sealing material, exhaust gas purifying apparatus, and method of manufacturing exhaust gas purifying apparatus A holding sealing material includes inorganic fibers, a mat shape, a first end face and a second end face and a penetration portion. The mat shape has a width direction, a length direction and a thickness direction. The first end face and the second end face are each provided approximately in parallel with the width direction. The penetration portion penetrates the holding sealing material in the thickness direction.
US08574333B2	Method of forming filter arrangements; and, apparatus In one aspect a method of forming filter cartridge arrangements for use in air cleaners is provided. The method involves coiling a media pack with a central winding bead and cutting through the winding bead in the coiled media pack to form two media packs. An example filter arrangement is disclosed. In another aspect, a filter cartridge arrangement for use in air cleaners is provided. The filter cartridge arrangement includes a media pack including a plurality of inlet flutes and outlet flutes extending between first and second opposite flow faces and formed from an arrangement of facing sheet secured to corrugated sheet. An example cartridge includes a preform secured to the media pack.
US08574331B2	Air-treatment mask systems, and related methods and air-treatment masks Embodiments disclosed herein include air-treatment mask systems having at least one controllable air-treatment device that is controlled responsive to one or more signals from at least one pollutant sensor, and related methods of operation and air-treatment masks. In an embodiment, an air-treatment mask system includes a wearable air-treatment mask having a mask body including a face-securing member, and at least one controllable air-treatment device supported by the mask body. The air-treatment device is configured to treat incoming air. The system includes at least one pollutant sensor configured to sense ambient air for a presence of at least one pollutant and output one or more signals responsive to the sensing. The system includes control electrical circuitry operably coupled to the air-treatment device and the pollutant sensor and configured to control operation of the controllable air-treatment device responsive to receiving the signal(s) from the pollutant sensor.
US08574330B2	Chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion and chemical mechanical polishing method for semiconductor device A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion of the invention includes (A) a first water-soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 500,000 to 2,000,000 and including a heterocyclic ring in its molecule, (B) a second water-soluble polymer or its salt having a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 10,000 and including one group selected from a carboxyl group and a sulfonic group, (C) an oxidizing agent, and (D) abrasive grains, and has a pH of 7 to 12.
US08574327B2	Molten metal reactors A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle.
US08574325B2	System and method for processing material to generate syngas The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes. Yet further, the reactor chamber may comprise a gas removal system within the reactor chamber operable to extract gas generated from breakdown of the material from a plurality of gas removal locations. The gas removal system may be integrated within the material feed system.
US08574324B2	Reducing sulfur gas emissions resulting from the burning of carbonaceous fuels A process for burning coal or other carbonaceous fuels captures sulfur and other undesirable compounds are captured and retained in non-reactive ceramic-like form after the combustion phase. The process involves addition of multiple element alkali powders and/or sorbents preferably containing oxidizing anions such as nitrates and nitrites, preferably based on calcium. In various embodiments, the remediation materials when applied in a complex powder and/or liquid containing multiple elements, result in higher sulfur capture than the materials would otherwise achieve on an individual basis. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbents contain elements that minimize or lower the melting point of the ash. This leads to lowered cohesiveness and toughness of the ash so that less ash builds up on the boiler and better heat transfer is obtained.
US08574322B2	Propellant compositions and methods of making and using the same Formulated propellants and methods of forming the same are described herein. The formulated propellants include a hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the formulated propellant exhibits a distillation curve 10% point at a temperature between 365° F. (185° C.) and 410° F. (210° C.) and an end point at or below 525° F. (273° C.).
US08574321B2	Battery assembly method comprising a separate battery connector and a flex circuit for use in an electronic device A battery assembly for use in an electronic device. The battery assembly may include a battery cell, a battery connector for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more alignment mechanisms so that conductive pads connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer placed between the cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair.
US08574319B2	Solid electrolytic capacitor and method of manufacturing the same A solid electrolytic capacitor is provided that includes a capacitor element having a dielectric coating, a solid electrolyte, and a cathode lead portion formed in order on a surface of an anode portion having an anode lead portion. The cathode lead portion is electrically connected to a cathode terminal by a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is formed of a sintered body of a metal.
US08574318B2	Preparation method of optical colorful polyester film using microwave technique A process for preparing an optical colored polyester film using microwave technique comprises the following steps: microwave dyeing treatment by passing a polyester film through a disperse dye suspension with a steady water phase in a dye-pool comprising a microwave generator; rinsing with water; rinsing with solvent; finally drying treatment, and then uniform optical colored films with various colors are obtained. The optical colored films are used as optical filters or optical protection films and as glass window films for automobile, and domestic and office windows.
US08574317B2	Aqueous colouring composition The present invention is related to an aqueous oxidative colouring composition for keratin fibres, especially human hair. The present invention is on an aqueous composition for colouring keratin fibres especially human hair comprising at least one hair dye, at least one oxidizing agent and at least one dispersed particles of a water insoluble polymer. Furthermore, the present invention is on a two part aqueous dyeing composition, wherein the two parts are mixed prior to application onto keratin fibres especially human hair wherein the aqueous first part comprises at least one hair dye and the aqueous second part comprises at least one oxidizing agent and at least one dispersed particles of a water insoluble polymer.
US08574315B2	Electrospun structures and methods for forming and using same The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures on asperities where the nanofiber and/or fiber structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances.
US08574314B2	Resilient prosthetic and orthotic components which incorporate a plurality of sagittally oriented struts A method of making a resilient prosthetic/orthotic component, particularly a shank for a lower extremity prosthesis in which the shank includes multiple sections which are unbounded in one or more portions of each other, and wherein the shank sections incorporate at least one voids and inserted materials between one or more shank sections to enhance shank flexibility while reducing stresses which can cause premature failure.
US08574313B2	Metatarsal joint shape for prosthetic foot and control mechanism and system for same A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.
US08574309B2	Two-stage system and method for oxygenating and removing carbon dioxide from a physiological fluid A two-stage system for oxygenating and removing carbon dioxide from a physiological fluid, including: a primary exchange module configured to receive a gas having oxygen therein and a carrier fluid having carbon dioxide therein. The primary exchange module is configured to transfer oxygen from the gas to the carrier fluid and transfer carbon dioxide from the carrier fluid to the gas to create an oxygen loaded carrier fluid and a carbon dioxide load gas. A secondary exchange module is configured to receive the oxygen loaded carrier fluid and a physiological fluid having the carbon dioxide therein. The secondary exchange module is configured to transfer the oxygen from the oxygen loaded carrier fluid to the physiological fluid and transfer carbon dioxide from the physiological fluid to the carrier fluid to create an oxygen loaded physiological fluid.
US08574306B2	Acetabular cup A method for placing a prosthetic acetabular cup within an acetabulum comprises implanting an acetabular cup with an eccentric socket. The acetabular cup may be substantially hemispherical with a cup rim and a portion of the cup rim removed defining a relief. The cup may accommodate a concentric liner in an eccentric position. Screw apertures may be present on the periphery of the cup and the screw trajectories may converge toward the dome of the cup. The cup is attached to a tool which is offset relative to the cup because of the substantially eccentric socket. The relief, when the cup is secured to the acetabulum, is positioned substantially anterior and the socket is positioned more posterior to provide a more natural center of rotation of a femoral head within the socket. The first relief reduces impingement of the acetabular cup on soft tissue.
US08574304B2	Asymmetric tibial components for a knee prosthesis An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with an asymmetric periphery which promotes proper positioning and orientation on a resected tibia, while also facilitating enhanced kinematics, soft-tissue interaction, and long-term fixation of the complete knee prosthesis. The asymmetric baseplate periphery is sized and shaped to substantially match portions of the periphery of a typical resected proximal tibial surface, such that proper location and orientation is evident by resting the baseplate on the tibia. The baseplate periphery provides strategically positioned relief and/or clearance between the baseplate periphery and bone periphery, such as in the posterior-medial portion to prevent deep-flexion component impingement, and in the anterior-lateral portion to avoid undue interaction between the anatomic iliotibial band and prosthesis components.
US08574303B2	Osteoarthritis treatment and device A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
US08574300B2	Expandable interbody spacer device An expandable interbody spacer (10) is provided that includes a pair of oppositely facing endplate components (20, 40) and an interior component that includes one or more vertically extending stacks of arranged C-clip members (70) radially surrounding one or more bosses (30) protruding interiorly from one of the endplates, wherein the size and configuration of the bosses and the c-clip members are designed to allow the incremental expansion of expandable interbody spacer.
US08574297B2	Intervertebral device having expandable endplates An intervertebral implant having an endplate that can be slidably expanded following its placement in the intervertebral space.
US08574296B2	Dual tendon bundle The present invention relates generally to methods for preparing a dual tendon bundle that is useful as a replacement ligament or tendon graft for, for example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. More particularly, the dual tendon bundle prepared according to the present invention has a functional cross section diameter and/or a minimum length that meets or exceeds the standard requirements for replacement ligament or tendon grafts. The present invention further relates to the dual tendon bundle prepared by the disclosed methods and packages comprising the same. Methods of using the dual tendon bundle prepared according to the present invention by providing the dual tendon bundle thus obtained for implanting into a patient in need thereof are also provided.
US08574292B2	Ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngological device materials containing an alkylphenol ethoxylate Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic device materials. The materials contain a functionalized alkylphenol ethoxylate to reduce glistenings.
US08574290B2	Mitral valve ring for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation An active bodily ring having a housing adapted to be sutured to a bodily component and a loop disposed in the housing, the loop capable of actively expanding and compressing during the bodily components normal function. The housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber containing the loop and the second chamber providing a region capable of being sutured to the bodily component. In one embodiment, the housing can be a crimped-fabric housing. In another embodiment, the housing can be a woven-fabric housing having elastic properties. The housing can be made from polyester.
US08574285B2	Intraluminal device with improved tapered beams A strut, or beam, is provided for intraluminal devices. Strain which is introduced into a stent or other intraluminal device is distributed more evenly along the length of the improved strut by maintaining a substantially constant strain level along the length of an end portion. This may increase fatigue life or improve the performance of devices using the improved strut. The strain along the length of the end portion may be maintained substantially constant by varying a section property of the strut, including the width, thickness, cross-sectional area, material property or other characteristic of the end portion.
US08574282B2	Apparatus and methods for delivery of braided prostheses Blood vessels and other body lumens are expanded using an evertible braided prosthesis. The braided prosthesis is delivered to the blood vessel in a radially collapsed configuration. A leading edge of the braided prosthesis is then everted so that it expands as it is advanced through the blood vessel. Optionally, the prosthesis can be provided with a biologically active substance in order to inhibit hyperplasia or have other desired biological effects.
US08574279B2	Methods for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy Methods for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy are disclosed herein. A method for treating psychiatric disorders using light energy includes determining which hemisphere of the brain requires treatment using lateral visual field stimulation (LVFS) and applying light energy to the hemisphere of the brain to treat the psychiatric disorder other than depression. In an embodiment, light energy may include near infrared light (NIR). The methods of the present disclosure may be used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. In an embodiment, the methods may be used to treat a psychiatric disorder co-morbid with depression.
US08574278B2	Wound care method and system with one or both of vacuum-light therapy and thermally augmented oxygenation A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.
US08574277B2	Eye therapy Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O2 into singlet oxygen which causes cross-linking within the corneal tissue. The rate of cross-linking in the cornea is related to the concentration of O2 present when the cross-linking agent is irradiated with photoactivating light. Accordingly, the embodiments control the concentration of O2 during irradiation to increase or decrease the rate of cross-linking and achieve a desired amount of cross-linking.
US08574273B2	Bone screws and methods of use thereof The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.
US08574272B2	Semi-constrained screw and spinal plate assembly A semi-constrained screw and a cervical plate assembly that engages to a cervical area of the human vertebrae system are disclosed. The semi-constrained screw and cervical plate assembly includes a cervical plate and one or more semi-constrained bone screws. Each semi-constrained bone screw includes an elongated shank, which is mechanically and releasably coupled to a head portion. The head portion includes one or more threaded segments which define one or more slits therebetween. As the semi-constrained bone screw is driven through the screw opening in the cervical plate and into the bone, the head portion allows poly-axial movement of the shank relative to the head portion.
US08574271B2	Fixation plate screw retention A screw fixation system includes a plate having opposed first and second surfaces, and a hole defined in the plate which extends between the first and second surface. A screw is included having a head and a shaft extending from the head and defining a longitudinal axis for the screw, the shaft of the screw being configured and adapted to be inserted into the hole. A retainer is circumferentially positioned around the shaft of the screw and proximate to the screw head. The retainer is configured to engage with the plate proximate the hole when the shaft of the screw has been inserted into the hole so as to resist removal of the screw from the hole and to allow removal of the screw from the hole when a preset torque is applied to the screw.
US08574266B2	Percutaneous facet fixation system A percutaneous facet fixation system minimally invasive, reproducible, efficient, and effective. Capable of immediate stabilization of a facet joint complex, the instrumentation and methods may be used with C-arm and/or endoscopic visualization.
US08574261B2	Removable embolus blood clot filter A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.
US08574260B2	Embolic device delivery system with retractable partially coiled-fiber release A medical device for placing an embolic device, such as an embolic coil, at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. An embolic device having a headpiece coupled to the proximal end is releasably disposed within the distal end of the pusher member and retained in place by a retractable fiber, having a coiled distal portion. When the embolic device is advanced to the predetermined site within the vessel, the detachment fiber is retracted from around the headpiece of the embolic device to thereby release the embolic device.
US08574259B2	Intravascular filter with drug reservoir An intravascular filter can capture and eliminate emboli. In particular, an intravascular filter may include a plurality of filter legs extending from an apical head. The filter legs may be configured to capture emboli. A drug reservoir that includes or contains a therapeutic drug can be disposed near the apical head. The therapeutic drug, such as a thrombolytic or anti-coagulatory drug, may be eluted in response to a captured emboli.
US08574258B2	Occlusion device and method of use A device for protecting cerebral vessels or brain tissue during treatment of a carotid vessel includes a catheter having a distal portion, a proximal portion and a lumen extending therebetween, the catheter including first and second expandable areas provided over the length of the catheter. The device includes a first elongate member insertable longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter, the first elongate member being configured for stretching at least a portion of the catheter and causing one of the first and second expandable areas to transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state. The device further includes a second elongate member insertable longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter, the second elongate member being configured for stretching at least a portion of the catheter and causing the other of the first and second expandable areas to transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state.
US08574253B2	Method, system and device for tissue removal A method and device for tissue removal. The device may be used to remove uterine fibroids and other abnormal gynecological tissue. According to one embodiment, the device includes a housing, an outer tube, and an inner tube. The outer tube is fixed to the housing and includes a side window proximate to its distal end. The side window may have sloped proximal and distal ends. The inner tube has a distal end positioned within the outer tube, the distal end being adapted to rotate and, at the same time, to move back and forth past the side window, with the rotational and translational movement of the inner tube being independently controllable. The distal end of the inner tube may have an external bevel. Suction is applied to the proximal end of the inner tube to draw tissue into the side window and to remove resected tissue through the inner tube.
US08574252B2	Ultrasonic blade support An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes an outer sheath and an ultrasonic waveguide positioned within the outer sheath. The waveguide includes an ultrasonically actuated blade positioned at least partially distal the waveguide. A rigid support is positioned between the outer sheath and the waveguide.
US08574248B2	Catheter system with balloon-mounted plaque-modifying elements A plaque-modifying balloon and method for use in an endovascular procedure includes an elongated balloon that defines a longitudinal axis and is inflatable from a first deflated configuration to a second radially expanded configuration. One or more plaque-modifying elements are mounted on the outside of the inflatable balloon. Optionally, a compressible sheath made of a relatively low durometer, flexible material is mounted on the balloon to cover the elements during transit of the plaque-modifying balloon to and from the treatment site.
US08574246B1	Compliant anastomosis system utilizing suture An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by suturing an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with the connection module.
US08574241B2	Steerable stylet for an implantable medical lead, and method for manufacture thereof A steerable stylet for a medical implantable lead has an inner lumen, into which the steerable stylet is insertable for navigating a distal end of the medical implantable lead to the desired location for attachment to tissue. The steerable stylet comprises a wire, a tube and an actuator. By means of the steerable stylet, the distal portion of the lead may be bent in desirable degree and, when the medical implantable lead is bent, the distal portion of the medical implantable lead is pivotal by means of the actuator to which the proximal end of the wire is non-rotatably connected. The tube is connected to the actuator by means of a torque limitation device which, when exceeding a predetermined torque force, will disconnect the torque connection between the tube and the actuator. A method for manufacturing of a steerable stylet for a medical implantable lead includes the step of connecting the stylet tube to the actuator by a torque limiting device as described above.
US08574236B2	Method for preparing recipient site and implanting allogenic bone graft A method of fixating allogeneic bone to an area of deficient bone in the jaws comprising: exposing the area of deficient bone by incising and retracting soft tissue; selecting a drill bit having a diameter corresponding to the area of deficient bone to receive donor bone; contacting the selected drill bit with the exposed deficient bone to form a generally cylindrical seat for receiving the donor bone; selecting a section of donor bone having a generally cylindrical shape and circular cross-section corresponding to said formed seat; fixating the donor bone to the formed seat with at least one screw; and closing the soft tissue to cover the previously exposed deficient bone.
US08574229B2	Surgical tool The invention is concerned with cauterizing and resecting tissue. A pair of electrodes are placed on opposed tissue surfaces, and radio frequency power is applied through the electrodes to cauterizing a tissue mass therebetween. After cauterization has been effected, the tissue may be resected along a plane within the cauterized region with minimum or no bleeding. The tissue mass may then be removed.
US08574227B2	Tissue measurement and ablation antenna A surgical antenna for radiating microwave energy (e.g. frequency 500 MHz to 60 GHz) from a e.g. ceramic insertion tip (60) into biological tissue is disclosed. The tip is provided at the end of an elongate body which delivers the microwave energy to the tip via an inner conductor (30), an outer conductor (20) surrounding the inner conductor and a dielectric material (50) therebetween. The impedance of the insertion tip (60) is selected to improve impedance matching with the complex conjugate of the complex impedance of the tissue at a treatment frequency. For example the insertion tip may act as or include at least one quarter wavelength impedance transformer. By closely matching the antenna's impedance to the tissue, dynamic tuning (if used) can be performed much more efficiently. Impedance matching at the tip can also focus the radiated energy distribution.
US08574224B2	Surgical laser device utilizing a visible laser diode Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a compact surgical device include a laser unit and one or more laser outlet assemblies. The laser unit has a power regulator, one or more diode laser assemblies, each having a single diode laser source, and a laser trigger mechanism. The laser unit can emit an aiming light beam and a treatment laser beam either both from the same single diode laser or from two separate single diode lasers. The beam can pass through the one or more laser outlet assemblies. The aiming light beam can have a first energy level. The treatment laser beam can have a second energy level that is substantially greater than the first energy level of the aiming light beam.
US08574223B2	Method of collecting and in situ processing of aspirated fat tissue sampled from a human patient during tissue aspiration operations A method of collecting and in situ processing of aspirated fat tissue sampled from a human patient. The method involves providing a surgeon with a powered-assisted hand-held fat tissue aspiration instrument having a cannula, and a fat tissue sampling, processing and collection device installed between the power-assisted fat aspiration instrument and a vacuum source. The fat tissue sampling, collection and processing device includes a suction plate, mounted within a collection chamber, and having multiple hollow projections for supporting the open proximal ends of a plurality of tissue collection and processing tubes, wherein each tissue collection and processing tube has micro-pores formed in the side walls thereof, and its distal end opening is capped. Aspirated fat tissue is collected in a selected tissue collection and processing tube, while allowing fluid to flow and filter through the micro-pores as aspirated fat tissue flows through the cannula of the fat aspiration instrument.
US08574222B2	Anti-clog suction tip apparatus and method An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.
US08574219B2	Catheter shaft including a metallic tapered region A catheter shaft including a metallic tubular member including a plurality of apertures formed in the tubular wall of the metallic tubular member to provide a desired degree of flexibility to the metallic tubular member. The metallic tubular member includes a tapered region intermediate a region and a second, reduced diameter region relative to the first region.
US08574213B2	Process for preparing a lyophilized material A process for preparing a lyophilized material, providing a container having a penetrable envelope and containing the material in a carrier liquid, whereby the penetrable region is penetrated with a penetrator which provides a conduit through the envelope, and the carrier liquid is evaporated out of the container via the conduit, after which the penetrator is withdrawn.
US08574206B2	Intestinal irrigation device and method of using the device An intestinal irrigation device that includes a waste collection bag and a rectal catheter. The rectal catheter has a first end for coupling with the waste collection bag and a free end for insertion into the rectum, while the waste collection bag has a first wall circumferentially united with an opposing second wall and an inlet opening for irrigated waste. The inlet opening has a first coupling part for coupling the rectal catheter into fluid communication with the bag, and the bag has a second coupling part inside it for mating the first coupling part. The device provides a time saving alternative to known devices, and no odor emissions and unpleasant smell is recognized during the irrigation procedure.
US08574202B2	Positive displacement flush syringe A positive displacement flush syringe includes a barrel having a chamber for retaining fluid and an elongate tip extending distally therefrom having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger having a stopper which is slidably positioned in said chamber for driving fluid out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel is provided. Further, structure is provided to move fluid distally in the passageway after fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is in contact with the distal wall of the chamber.
US08574201B2	Syringe piston with check valve seal A fluid syringe of the type used with fluid infusion devices is presented here. The fluid syringe generally includes a barrel, a piston, and a check valve seal. The barrel has an interior wall and a sealed main fluid chamber. The piston is slidably coupled within the barrel, and the piston has a piston seal forming an interference fluid seal against the interior wall. The check valve seal is coupled to the piston, and it is located between the piston seal and the main fluid chamber. The check valve seal forms an interference fluid seal against the interior wall when the piston is unloaded, and it disengages the interior wall to allow gas flow from the main fluid chamber toward the piston seal when the piston is loaded.
US08574199B2	Coupling for injection devices The present invention concerns a prefilled injection device having a container and a dose setting mechanism encapsulated inside the housing. The housing is made from two parts which are locked together by a bayonet coupling: In addition to the bayonet coupling, the two parts are also provided with irreversible locking means locking the two parts permanently together.
US08574198B2	Drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices The present disclosure is directed to a dose setting mechanism that may be used with a drug delivery device. The dose setting mechanism may include an inner body having a helical thread along an outer cylindrical surface of the inner body, and a drive sleeve for driving a piston rod in an axial direction, the drive sleeve positioned within at least a portion of the inner body. The dose setting mechanism may further include a dose dial sleeve rotatably engaged with the helical thread of the inner body and a dial grip connected to the dose dial sleeve and releasably connected to the drive sleeve. Further when a dose is set, the dial grip is rotated so that both the dose dial sleeve and the drive sleeve rotate with respect to the inner body.
US08574190B2	Enteral feeding apparatus Embodiments of the present invention include a enteral feeding apparatus and/or system in which an enteral feeding pump can be configured to deliver enteral formula to a patient in accordance with a delivery parameter determined using patient information associated with a patient to be treated and formula information associated with an enteral formula to be delivered to the patient. Exemplary embodiments can determine an estimated daily caloric intake for a patient and can configure the enteral feeding pump to satisfy the caloric requirements of the patient. Exemplary embodiments are also able to monitor the delivery of the enteral formula to ensure that the patient is being properly treated.
US08574189B2	Storage and dispensing devices for administration of oral transmucosal dosage forms Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.
US08574188B2	Drug delivery technology The invention relates to a novel drug delivery technology. More particularly the invention relates to a method of delivering at least one therapeutic compound or a formulation comprising the at least one therapeutic compound to a patient; to a throwaway or reusable device for delivering at least one therapeutic compound or a formulation comprising the at least one therapeutic compound to a patient in a manner as set out by the method; to a pioneer projectile for use in said method; to formulations for use in said method and to an injectate comprising a pioneer projectile and formulation. It also relates to a disposable component containing either a pioneer projectile or an injectate. The invention also relates to a throwaway or reusable device for delivering at least one therapeutic compound, or a formulation comprising the at least one therapeutic compound (hereafter drug) to a patient, and a method for administering a drug to a patient using said device. It also relates to a packaged drug for use with said device.
US08574186B2	Device for mucosa resection To carry out a mucosa resection, a liquid is injected beneath a tissue which is then separated by means of mechanical or electrosurgical equipment. A device is provided that includes a facility for endoscopic water-jet surgery with a control device for regulating a pressure at which a water jet is discharged from a nozzle of the facility to obtain a predetermined amount of energy. An adjusting assembly is provided for setting the pressure to a first value and to a second value. The first value is so chosen that the water jet penetrates a mucosa in such a way that the mucosa is lifted from an underlying muscularis through formation of a fluid deposit. The second value is adjusted and different from the first value in such a way that the mucosa is sectionally cut through by the water jet.
US08574185B2	Implantable arterio-venous shunt devices and methods for their use A long-term implantable arterio-venous shunt device or creation of a fistula is provided that can be used as a therapeutic method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The shunt device is implanted between an artery and a vein, preferably between a peripheral artery and the inferior vena cava. The shunt device and method of creating a fistula increases cardiac output and decreases the systemic vascular resistance and allows a blood flow rate through the shunt device of at least 5 ml/min after the implantation. Based on the effects of the method and device to the respiratory, cardiac and circulatory system, the method and device are beneficial as a therapy to patients with problems or conditions related to these systems.
US08574183B2	Method and device for monitoring a blood treatment unit of an extracorporeal blood treatment device The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a blood treatment unit, subdivided by a semipermeable membrane into a blood chamber and a dialysis liquid chamber, of an extra-corporeal blood treatment device, which comprises an extra-corporeal blood circuit having an arterial branch leading to the blood chamber of the blood treatment unit, a venous branch, which extends away from the blood chamber, and a dialysis fluid system, in which the dialysis liquid chamber is arranged. The method according to the present invention and the device according to the present invention are based on the idea that the change of the flow resistance of the dialysis machine is determined based on two measurements, wherein an oscillating pressure signal in the extra-corporeal blood circuit or in the dialysis fluid system is measured before and after the change of the substitution rate and/or ultrafiltration rate, with which the substitute is applied to, or ultrafiltrate is removed from, the blood flowing in the blood circulation system. Preferably, the supply of substitute is interrupted temporarily.
US08574180B2	Compression device for the foot A compression device for the foot comprising: a wrap adapted to surround the foot, the wrap comprising at least two bladders which when inflated conform to the shape of the foot to provide compression, the bladders being positioned on the wrap so that a first bladder focuses compression on the heel of the foot and a second bladder focuses compression on the arch of the foot; a channel attached to each bladder for independently delivering fluid to each bladder; and a controller attached to the channels that generates and independently controls the flow of fluid to the bladders.
US08574176B2	Rehabilitation supporting device A rehabilitation supporting device 1 includes a first frame 11 arranged along a first skeletal portion extending from a joint, a second frame 12 arranged along a second skeletal portion extending from the joint in a direction different from a direction of the first skeletal portion, an angle sensor 131 arranged to detect a rotational angle position between the first frame and the second frame, a flexion-side biosignal sensor 14 arranged to detect a biosignal of a flexor, an extension-side biosignal sensor 15 arranged to detect a biosignal of an extensor, a calibration unit 31 arranged to determine a flexion-side correction value and an extension-side correction value individually, and a memory unit 34 arranged to store individual correction values of the biosignals different for individuals, the flexion-side correction value, and the extension-side correction value.
US08574174B2	Combination ultrasound-phototherapy transducer A soundhead of a treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the soundhead to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the soundhead includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the soundhead. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Alternate embodiments including externally mounted light sources are also disclosed.
US08574170B2	Guidewire A guidewire comprising an elongate guide member dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel of a subject is disclosed. The guide member defines a longitudinal axis and has trailing and leading end segments. The leading end segment has a reduced cross-sectional dimension relative to a cross-sectional dimension of the trailing end segment. The leading end segment includes at least one finger thereon. A first transverse dimension of the finger is greater than a corresponding first transverse dimension of the leading end segment in contact therewith.
US08574165B2	Hydration monitor A hydration monitor includes a temperature sensor (20; 65) for measuring a subject's core body temperature and a processor (30). The processor is arranged to accept measurements from the temperature sensor (20; 65) and calculate a hydration level in dependence on changes in the measured core body temperature.
US08574164B2	Apparatus and method for detecting a sleep disordered breathing precursor A device according to some embodiments may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject. The device may also include at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna and configured to receive a condition signal from an implantable device, the condition signal indicative of a precursor to sleep disordered breathing, and cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to the implantable device, in response to the condition signal, to stimulate at least one nerve in response to the precursor to sleep disordered breathing.
US08574162B2	Systems and methods for detecting pulses According to embodiments, systems and methods are provided for detecting pulses in a PPG signal. Local minima and maxima points may be identified in the PPG signal. Each minimum may be paired with an adjacent maximum forming an upstroke segment. Noise may be removed by comparing adjacent segments and ignoring segments that are too long or too large. Notches in the pulse may be identified and ignored by analyzing adjacent segments. Adjacent upstroke segments may be combined as a single upstroke if the lengths of adjacent upstroke segments are about the same, have similar slopes, and the end point of one segment is close to the start point of an adjacent segment. Segments having small temporal or amplitude difference relative to adjacent segments may be disregarded. The remaining segments may represent the pulse upticks. A sliding time window may be used instead to detect pulses in the PPG signal.
US08574158B2	Time of flight estimation method using beamforming for acoustic tomography It is disclosed an acoustic tomography method to improve the time of flight estimation, said method comprising the steps of: sequentially triggering a set of N transmitters so as to generate a sequence of N acoustic waves through a volume being scanned; receiving each of said acoustic waves after transmission through said volume with a set of M receivers, which are called received signals; delaying by varying delays the N different said received signals that each receiver receives from the N different transmitters, and adding them together to form a new received signal, which is called transmit-beamformed signal for that receiver; delaying by varying delays the M different said transmit-beamformed signals for each receiver and adding them together at each receiver to form a new signal, which we call transmit-receive-beamformed signal.
US08574151B2	In-vivo information acquiring system and body-insertable apparatus A body-insertable apparatus includes an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image of a subject; a signal processing unit that writes the in-vivo image in a memory, reads the in-vivo image from the memory on a pixel basis and converts the in-vivo image to serial information to transfer the serial information; and a rate converter that converts a transfer processing rate to a rate higher than a writing processing rate. The transfer processing rate is at which the signal processing unit reads the in-vivo image from the memory and converts the in-vivo image to the serial information to transfer the serial information. The writing processing rate is at which the signal processing unit writes the in-vivo image in the memory. The apparatus also includes a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the serial information transferred from the signal processing unit at a transmission rate corresponding to the transfer processing rate.
US08574150B2	Capsule medical apparatus A capsule medical apparatus to be introduced into a subject includes a tissue collecting unit that collects in-vivo tissue; a storage unit that stores therein the in-vivo tissue that is collected by the tissue collecting unit; a liquid storing unit that stores therein liquid for suppressing autolysis of in-vivo tissue; a liquid supplying unit that supplies the liquid in the liquid storing unit to the storage unit; and a control unit that allows, in response to an instruction to start collecting the in-vivo tissue, the tissue collecting unit to collect desired in-vivo tissue and to store the collected in-vivo tissue in the storage unit and that then allows the liquid supplying unit to supply the liquid to the storage unit and makes the storage unit be in a liquid-tight state.
US08574147B2	Pressure-to-tension conversion device for treating urinary incontinence Disclosed is a pressure-to-tension conversion device for treating urinary incontinence. The pressure-to-tension conversion device includes resilient sections which are inserted in and occupy Retzius spaces positioned in left and right sides of the urethra in front of the urinary bladder, respectively, and a support extending below the urethra and across the resilient sections in a “V” shape, wherein if the resilient sections are deformed as the abdominal pressure increases and the Retzius spaces contract, the support is tensioned, thereby supporting the urethra, so that the urinary incontinence can be treated. Consequently, the length of operation time for transplanting the pressure-to-tension conversion device can be shortened, a complication or a side effect can be reduced, and the charges of operation can be reduced. In addition, expensive operation materials can be substituted by the pressure-to-tension conversion apparatus, the costs for operation materials can be saved.
US08574144B2	Method for extracting particulates from a continuous flow of fluid A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.
US08574143B2	Compliant design of a horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place nozzles A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating at the lowest point of the bowl.
US08574138B2	Slidable exercise apparatus A slidable exercise apparatus includes a pair of platforms, each platform including a base having opposed upper and lower generally planar surfaces and a generally rigid construction. A pad has a lower surface attached to the base upper surface and has a generally cushioned construction. Each platform includes a plurality of skid plates situated on the base lower surface, each skid plate having a smooth outer surface configured to slide on a floor surface.
US08574137B2	Upper limb training device An upper limb training device includes a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, a first resilient element, and a second resilient element. The second rod is pivoted to the first rod by a first revolution element. The third rod is pivoted to the second rod by a second revolution element. Two ends of the first resilient element respectively connect with the first rod and the third rod for providing resistance when the first rod and the second rod rotate relative to the third rod. Two ends of the second resilient element respectively connect with the first rod and the third rod for providing resistance when the first rod rotates relative to the second rod. The first revolution element is disposed between two connecting points at which the first resilient element and the second resilient element connect with the first rod.
US08574133B2	Collapsible athletic training ladder A collapsible ladder for use primarily for athletic training and the like has a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid rungs secured with collapsible connectors to a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid spacers extending therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, the collapsible connectors are strips of flexible material extending between the rungs and spacers. Another disclosed embodiment has a second set of rungs aligned substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced-apart rungs along a common central set of spacers. The collapsible connectors allow the ladder to be quickly and easily transitioned between an extended, operational position, and a collapsed, storage position.
US08574129B2	Exercising apparatus An exercise apparatus includes a frame and a load mechanism disposed on the frame. The load mechanism has a plurality of selectable weights with each of the selectable weights having an associated indicator device. A press is mechanically coupled to the load mechanism to displace a load based on a selected weight and a sensor is disposed to measure an extent and speed of displacement of the load. A processor is in communication with the sensor, and the processor is configured to determine an indicator signal to send to the indicator device of one of the plurality of selectable weights of the load mechanism based on received performance data, the indicator signal used to indicate which one of the plural of weights to select.
US08574127B2	Vehicle engine control device A vehicle engine control device stopping fuel injection if a predetermined fuel cut condition is satisfied, is provided, during running with the fuel injection stopped, when inertia of a power transmission system rotating with the engine has a smaller rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of an output shaft of the engine, the fuel injection being started at a lower engine rotation speed as compared to the case of a larger rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine, a clutch capable of connecting and interrupting power transmission between the engine and the power transmission system being interposed between the engine and the power transmission system, a rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine being configured to decrease as a clutch stroke of the clutch that is an operation amount of a clutch pedal increases, and an engine rotation speed for starting the fuel injection being set to a lower value as the clutch stroke increases.
US08574126B2	Vehicle and fuel feed stop controller A vehicle including an engine coupled to a transmission via a clutch, includes a fuel feed stop controller configured to stop fuel feeding to the engine when a first fuel feed stop condition is satisfied, and a clutch state detector configured to detect whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged, wherein the fuel feed stop controller is configured to resume the fuel feeding to the engine, when a second fuel feed stop condition continues to be satisfied and the clutch continues to be disengaged for a predetermined delay time from a time point when the first fuel feed stop condition is satisfied and the clutch state detector starts to detect that the clutch is disengaged.
US08574125B2	Methods and systems for assisted direct start control Methods and systems are provided for reducing audible clunks and objectionable drive feel in vehicles including start/stop systems. In one example, a vehicle engine is shutdown during vehicle coasting. The vehicle engine is then restarted, while the vehicle is moving with a torque converter clutch disengaged. A transmission clutch pressure is then adjusted during the restart based on a torque converter output speed relative to a torque converter input speed.
US08574120B2	Vehicle driving system control apparatus A vehicle driving system control apparatus includes a power transmission device and a power transmission control section. The power transmission device includes an engine input shaft, a motor input shaft, an output shaft, an engine-side gear mechanism transmitting a power of the engine input shaft to the output shaft, a motor-side gear mechanism transmitting a power of the motor input shaft to the output shaft, a first clutch enables and disables a power transmission between the engine input shaft and the motor input shaft, a second clutch enables and disables a power transmission between the motor-side gear mechanism and the output shaft, and a third clutch enables and disables a power transmission between the engine-side gear mechanism and the output shaft. The power transmission control section determines statuses of the clutches and required torques of motor generators in correspondence with a rotation speed of an axle.
US08574119B1	Pinion carrier assembly A pinion carrier includes a shell including a face plate, a lip spaced axially from the face plate, a hub including a plate spaced from face plate and a collar spaced axially from the lip, posts, each post spaced angularly about an axis, secured to the plate and face plate by welds, shafts spaced angularly about the axis, secured to the plate and face plate, and pinions, each pinion supported on one of the shafts.
US08574116B2	Compressor with transmission A compressor includes a housing, a compression mechanism, an input shaft rotatable on an axis thereof, an output shaft for driving the compression mechanism, a transmission for transmitting torque from the input shaft to the output shaft and also changing the rotating speed of the input shaft and a control device for controlling the operation of the transmission. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary rollers, a carrier rotatably supporting the respective planetary rollers and being integrally rotatable with the input shaft, a sun roller engaged with the respective planetary rollers and integrally rotatable with the output shaft and a ring roller engaged with the respective planetary rollers. The ring roller can be fixed to the housing or rotatable relative to the housing. The control device includes a one-way clutch allowing the ring roller to rotate only one direction relative to the carrier and a clutch fixing the ring roller to the housing or allowing the ring roller to rotate relative to the housing. The input shaft, the carrier, the respective planetary rollers and the sun roller cooperate to form an assembly that can move as a unit relative to the housing in the direction that is parallel to the axis.
US08574113B1	Multiple speed transmission A family of transmissions produces at least eight forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission includes two fixed gearing arrangements that establish fixed speed relationships between an input shaft, and output shaft, and four other elements. Specifically, the input shaft is constrained to rotate at a speed between that of the first and second elements while the output shaft is constrained to rotate at a speed between that of the third and fourth elements. Additional gearing, clutches, and brakes establish specified selective speed relationships among these elements.
US08574105B2	Front derailleur with variable attachment to a bicycle frame A front derailleur that includes a variable attachment to a mounting socket of a bicycle frame. The front derailleur includes a base member, a chain cage, a parallelogram and an attachment member. The base member includes first and second pivot points and at least two attachment points. The parallelogram includes two parallelogram arms, each having first and second ends. The first ends are pivotable about the first and second pivot points of the base member and the second ends support the chain cage. The attachment member connects the base member to the mounting socket of the bicycle frame through one of the at least two attachment positions. The base member also includes a contact surface for mating with the mounting socket. The different attachment positions allow the position of the front derailleur to be adapted to a standard or compact set of chainrings.
US08574100B2	Method for fitting golf club A fitting method includes steps of preparing a relationship C of a shaft flex point Y and a face angle X before impact or at impact; measuring a subject's face angle X before impact or at impact by using a test club; and selecting a shaft fitted to the subject on the basis of the measured face angle X and the relationship C. The relationship C is created by using correlation R of the face angle before impact or at impact and a hitting result. The correlation R is based on hitting results of a plurality of golf clubs having different shaft flex point rates. Preferably, the relationship C is a relational expression F1.
US08574099B2	Par one A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.
US08574091B2	Method and apparatus for determining golf ball performance versus golf club configuration in accordance with a golfer's individual swing characteristics An apparatus and method is provided for analyzing a golfer's individual swing attributes and determining, based on that analysis, a suitable golf club configuration for that golfer. The swing analysis apparatus include video cameras for obtaining video images of a golfer swinging a golf club, such as a putter, at a golf ball. Images obtained from the video cameras may then be analyzed to determine what golf club dimensions will provide improved results in combination with the golfer's individual swing characteristics. The apparatus may additionally include a golf club having predetermined dimensions. When such a golf club is included, images from the video cameras may be analyzed to determine how the golf club of known dimensions must be adjusted to provide the golfer with desirable swing results. The apparatus may also include a method for confirming the dimensions that it is believed will provide a golfer with improve swing results.
US08574090B1	Foot anchor for golf A rotating foot anchor comprises a base, a pivot pin, and a spring strap. The foot of a user is placed on the base and beneath the spring strap. The foot anchor provides smooth rotation of the user's foot during a follow-through of a golf swing. The pivot pin comprises a downward pointed protrusion which penetrates a ground surface to further secure the device. As the user swings a golf club, the pivot pin enables the foot anchor along with the user's foot to rotate and therefore relive stress applied to the player's knees and back.
US08574087B1	Mechanical ride safety system A mechanical ride safety system for automatically disabling a mechanical ride in response to a rider losing his/her grip on the ride. The mechanical ride safety system generally includes a gripping member that is grasped by a rider when the ride in in use. The gripping member includes a sensing member which is adapted to sense whether the gripping member is being grasped or has been released. A processing unit and transmitter are communicatively interconnected with the sensing member so that a signal may be transmitted when the gripping member is released. A receiver is communicatively interconnected with the control unit of the mechanical ride such that, upon receiving a signal indicating that the gripping member has been released, the control unit will automatically disable the mechanical ride to prevent injury to the rider.
US08574086B2	Electric fires The disclosure relates to simulated flame effect fires which include an apertured bed, such as a simulated fuel bed, a vapour generating means such as an ultrasonic transducer and means for providing a rising current of air to carry the vapor through the apertured bed. Light sources are provided below the fuel bed to provide localized illumination.
US08574080B2	Game controller, storage medium storing game program, and game apparatus A game controller includes at least four load sensors for detecting a load applied on a support board on which player's legs are ridden, and the game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the four load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Then, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values.
US08574078B2	Game apparatus, communication apparatus, wireless game controller, and game system A technology of realizing wireless communication between a parent station and child stations with efficiency. In a game system according to the present invention, a game apparatus sets the maximum number of times of transmission for wireless game controllers, in accordance with the number of wireless game controllers that are communicating at a predetermined communication cycle. Here, time for establishing connection with a new wireless game controller is reserved within each communication cycle, thereby allowing new users to join the game. The maximum number of times of transmission is re-set when the number of wireless game controllers connected changes.
US08574076B2	Updating virtual worlds based on interactions between real-world items A method of updating virtual worlds based on interactions between real-world items is disclosed. An interaction between a first real-world item and a second real-world item is detected. The first real-world item is a real-world item that is associated with a first player of a computer-implemented game and the second real-world item is a real-world item that is associated with a second player of the computer-implemented game. A virtual world of the computer-implemented game is updated based on the detection of the interaction.
US08574073B2	Game system, game device, storage medium storing game program, and game process method An example game system includes a game device, a controller, and a terminal device which is a portable display device. The terminal device displays an image representing a ball placed in a virtual game space. The game device calculates the attitude of the controller to move a club in the game space based on the attitude, and moves the ball in response to the club striking the ball. An image of the game space including at least the ball after being moved is displayed on a display device separate from the portable display device.
US08574072B2	Visually presenting wagering game options In some embodiments, a wagering game server includes an options visualization controller configured to receive search criteria and filter information for searching wagering titles, wherein the search is based on the search criteria and filter information. The server may include a game content unit configured to store the wagering game titles. The wagering game system can also include a wagering game machine configured to present the one or more wagering games in a visual map, the visual map comprising nodes that contain summary information associated with the wagering game titles, wherein the nodes are arranged in node groups, and wherein the node groups are graphically connected by graphical connectors. The wagering game machine can present a movable filter object configured to visually depict a filter criteria, wherein the movable filter object is movable onto one or more of the nodes to provide the filtering information to the wagering game server.
US08574071B2	Information storage medium and image generation system An image generation system that generates an image includes: a movement control section that moves a player's moving object in a virtual three-dimensional space based on input information; and an image generation section that generates an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint. The movement control section performs a follow-up control process that causes the player's moving object to follow a target moving object based on previous movement information about the target moving object.
US08574070B2	Gaming system incorporating a multi-directional display A gaming system includes a multi-directional display and a one-way mirror. The multi-directional display is configured to display a first visual image that is directly viewable along a central viewing axis, and to further display a second visual image that is directly viewable along a first angular viewing axis. The one-way mirror is positioned with reference to the multi-directional display for reflecting the second visual image along a second angular viewing axis while permitting direct viewing of at least a portion of the second visual image through the first one-way mirror along the first angular viewing axis.
US08574069B2	Hand-held game apparatus and game program A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between two kinds of maps, namely, a narrow-range map and a broad-range map game, and arbitrarily change the displayed state of at least one of the broad-range map and the narrow-range map by manipulating a touch panel which is mounted on a liquid crystal display section for displaying the broad-range map. If the player manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range map, thus designating coordinates for a narrow-range map to display, an image of the narrow-range map, which is changed as desired, is displayed. If the player indicates a moving direction on the broad-range map, thus designating a scroll direction, the broad-range map is moved (scrolled).
US08574062B2	System and method for saving status of paused game of chance A game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. If the game is paused, the status of the paused game is stored at a central database linked to and remote from the gaming machine. This game status is associated with a personal identifier of the player. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.
US08574061B2	Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels.
US08574060B2	Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order The present invention may be gaming machine, including a mechanical reel which is configured with a plurality of rotatable reels, each reel indicating indicia on a circumferential surface of the reel, a display which shows a part of the circumferential surface and a controller which stops two reels to indicate the same kinds of indicia with the same arrangement on the circumferential surface of each of the two reels shown on the display, the two reels being installed contrastively to a vertical axis dividing a plurality of the rotatable reels.
US08574055B2	Method of lottery wagering on real-world events Methods for direct wagering and lottery wagering on real-world events including outcomes based on fantasy sports league performance. One method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes selecting a set of variables, each variable representing a time-varying value capable of having a fixed value at a specified time. For each variable, the method includes selecting a range of values for the fixed value of the variable at the specified time, dividing the range of values into a set of n increments, randomly assigning a lottery number from a set of lottery numbers, 1 to n, to each increment, selecting a winning lottery number from the set of lottery numbers based on correlating the fixed value of the variable at the specified time with the increment associated with the winning lottery number; and determining a set of winning lottery numbers from the winning lottery numbers selected for each variable.
US08574054B2	3D reels A mechanical reel (32) for a gaming system (10) is disclosed. The reel (32) has a circumferential reel surface (48). The reel (32) has at least one symbol bearing surface (50) offset from the reel surface.
US08574042B1	Game cleaning system An apparatus for removing a portion of a hide from an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a base, and a tether that is adjustable relative to the base. A hide connector is included, and cooperates with a portion of loose hide that extends from the animal, but is connected to a remaining portion of the hide on the animal that is to be removed. An animal connector cooperates with a portion of the animal. One of the hide connector and the animal connector is coupled to the base and the other one of the hide connector and the animal connector is coupled to the tether. A driver is provided to adjust a position of the tether relative to the base and cause separation of the hide connector and the animal connector, thereby removing at least some of the remaining portion of the hide from the animal.
US08574040B2	Multi-air aqua reservoir moist sanding system An abrasive disc includes a backing layer on a first major surface, a water-impermeable abrasive layer on a second major surface, and a water-absorbable, compressible, resilient, porous foam layer sandwiched in between the backing layer and the abrasive layer. The disc further includes a plurality of perforations. The disc is used to abrade a surface. Fluid is absorbed into the abrasive disc. The fluid is then released to the surface by compressing the abrasive disc against the surface in an abrading motion. The fluid is allowed to mix with and absorb surface swarf; and compression on the abrasive disc is released, reabsorbing the fluid and trapping swarf inside the disc.
US08574033B2	Wafer support member, method for manufacturing the same and wafer polishing unit comprising the same Disclosed is a wafer support member including a base substrate, a support adhered at a predetermined width to the edge of the base substrate, the support having a round outermost part, and a coating layer provided on the outermost edge of the support.
US08574031B2	Method of and apparatus for grinding cylindrical and curved surfaces A workpiece has two cylindrical workpiece surfaces centered on respective parallel axes and each flanked by a pair of arcuately rounded and annular corners also centered on the respective axes. Some of the corners have a small radius of curvature and others of the corners have a large radius of curvature. The workpiece is held and rotated about a main axis parallel to the axis of one of the workpiece surfaces. A pair of grinders have wheels generally diametrally flanking the workpiece and each having a central cylindrical outer wheel surface centered on the respective wheel axis and a pair of arcuately rounded edge and surfaces also centered on the respective wheel axis. Two of the edge surfaces are the large radius and the other two of the small radius.
US08574030B2	Method of making an ice skate blade A sharpening machine generally includes a grinding wheel having a perimeter that is rotatable about a first axis. The sharpening machine includes an adjustment device adapted to be coupled to a structure of the sharpening machine. A shaft, mounted to the adjustment device, defines a second axis that is generally parallel to the first axis when the adjustment device is coupled to the structure and is movable along a predetermined feed axis toward the grinding wheel. A carousel is rotatably connected to the shaft of the adjustment device. A contouring tool having a counter surface is rotatably connected to the carousel. Movement of the shaft of the adjustment device along the feed axis is configured to translate the carousel and move the contouring tool into and out of engagement with the grinding wheel to facilitate dressing of the perimeter of the grinding wheel to a grinding wheel contour.
US08574027B2	Clothing article with an integrated body support A clothing article with an integrated body support for molding and shaping the wearer's torso, includes a tubular outer garment having a free bottom end, wherein the tubular outer garment comprises an upper section adapted for supporting the bust of the wearer, and a lower section extending from the upper section for covering at least the lower torso of the wearer. The clothing article further includes a tubular inner body support extending substantially concealed in a concentric relationship with and peripherally attached to the interior portion of the outer garment, wherein the inner body support is composed of a resilient form-fitting fabric for imparting compressive support to mold and shape the lower torso and abdominal areas of the wearer.
US08574025B2	Body slimmer A stretchable undergarment comprises a one-piece body slimming unit made of front and rear panels cut and sewn along the edges to form a tubular body shaping garment construction which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction, and having a lightweight zippered opening along the front. The undergarment is made from a woven stretchable satin material containing a small amount of thin spandex-type elastic fibers forming a predominately one-way vertical stretch in a base textile fabric made from thin polymeric textile fibers such as nylon.
US08574022B2	Toy vehicle In one embodiment there is provided a toy car that includes four wheels which have a weight that is at least 40%, 50%, 70% or 80% of the total weight of the car. In another aspect each wheel has a center point, with a combined weight such that a horizontally planar center of gravity defined by the car and measured from a lowest point on an outer edge of the four wheels towards a center of the body is positioned substantially about the center point of the four wheels. In either embodiment, the body may include an upper outer portion and the upper outer portion includes a finger detent.
US08574021B2	Foldable toy vehicles A toy vehicle reconfigurable between unfolded and folded configurations includes a generally body pivotally supporting a pair of generally planar driving systems on either lateral side. Each driving system includes a motor and gear train driving a continuous track passed over multiple pulley wheels. One pulley wheel of each driving system is carried on an arm mounted to a frame of the system so as to pivot between retracted and extended positions and spring loaded to the extended position. The tracks are sufficiently elastic to accommodate the movement of the one wheel from the extended position to a retracted position. The arms are pushed into the retracted position when the vehicle is pushed into a combined remote control unit and storage case.
US08574019B2	Outboard motor control apparatus In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller, and a transmission selectively changeable in gear position to establish speeds including at least a first speed and a second speed and transmitting power of the engine to the propeller with a gear ratio determined by established speed, it is configured to determine whether the transmission is in a reverse position, and control operation of the transmission to change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the second speed is selected and the transmission is determined to be in the reverse position. With this, it becomes possible to prevent the thrust of the boat from decreasing.
US08574016B1	Key type wiring connection switch A key type wiring connection switch includes an insulation main body, a plurality of spring elements, retaining terminals, conducting terminals and pressure buttons. In which a plurality of retaining spaces are formed in the interior of the insulation main body, The pressure buttons are positioned above each of the retaining terminals. Moreover, an upper end of each of the pressure buttons protrudes out the insulation main body. When using the present invention, the user presses downward on each of the pressure buttons to cause each of the lower ends of the pressure buttons to move downward and push open the retaining terminals, thereby enabling connecting wires of a host machine to be extended into the conducting terminals through side through holes of the insulation main body. Accordingly, when wiring an electrical appliance, there is no need for hand tools while still enabling wiring to be carried out.
US08574015B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an elongated insulating housing defining a number of passageways and power terminals received in corresponding passageways. The passageways are arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the insulating housing. Each power terminal has a first terminal and a second terminal oppositely arranged beside the first terminal. The first terminal has a first contacting portion, a first fixing portion extending towards the second terminal, and a first connecting portion connecting the first contacting portion and the first fixing portion. The second terminal has a second contacting portion oppositely arranged beside the first contacting portion of the first terminal. A curved intermediate region is formed between the first connecting portion and the first contacting portion of the first terminal. A width of the first fixing portion is larger than a distance between the first contacting portion and the second contacting portion.
US08574014B2	Assembly and system of datacommunication cables and connectors A datacommunication interconnection system includes (a) an extension trunk cable-connector assembly and (b) a trunk cable-connector assembly. The extension trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a first cable including a plurality of first subunits, each of the first subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a jack attached to one end of the cable; and a plug attached to an opposite end of the cable. Each of the jack and the plug includes a contact for each of the conductors of the cable. The trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a second cable including a plurality of second subunits, each of the second subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a plug attached to one end of the second cable and connected with the jack of the extension trunk cable; and a plurality of RJ-45 connectors attached to subunits at an opposite end of the second cable.
US08574011B2	Electronic connector An electronic connector comprises an insulated housing, a first terminal pin set, a second terminal pin set, a third terminal pin set, a detective terminal pin and a metal shell. The insulated housing contains a base plate and defines a first space and a second space. The first, second and third terminal pin sets are located in the first and second spaces and work together to conform to the standards of USB 2.0 and 3.0. The detective terminal pin is disposed on an inner surface defining the first space. The metal shell encases the insulated housing and is electrically grounded. Thereby, when an interface is reversely inserted into the first space, the detective terminal pin can be electrically grounded. Such manner will allow the terminal pin sets to be selectively activated or deactivated according to the way of insertion of the interface into the connector to achieve a reliable communication.
US08574009B2	Compact electrical connector An electrical connection device comprises a receptacle connector disposed on a side of a circuit board and a plurality of terminals. The receptacle connector comprises a housing, the housing having a body; an accommodating groove locating in the front of the body and opening upwards; a plurality of terminal grooves provided in the body, intervally arranged and in communication with the accommodating groove. The terminals are correspondingly disposed into the terminal grooves, respectively and each of the terminals can include a fixing portion uprightly secured in the first terminal groove; an U-shaped resilient arm folded forwards and then extending upwards from a lower end of the fixing portion; a contact portion formed at a distal end of the U-shaped resilient arm and extending into the accommodating groove; and a soldering portion extending upwards from an upper end of the fixing portion.
US08574007B2	Electrical connector having a shielding adapter to radially compress a shielding ferrule onto a cable An electrical connector assembly is provided having an electromagnetic interference shield. The electrical connector assembly includes a backshell having a backshell bore and a shielding ferrule positioned within the backshell bore to provide an electromagnetic interference shield. The shielding ferrule includes an outer ferrule portion arranged circumferentially around an internal ferrule bore, and a shielding adapter received within the backshell bore of the backshell. The shielding adapter includes a cable extending longitudinally through the shielding adapter and the internal ferrule bore, the shielding adapter engaging the shielding ferrule such that axial movement of the shielding adapter towards the shielding ferrule radially compresses the shielding ferrule onto the cable. The shielding ferrule provides a substantially 360° electromagnetic interference shield around the cable.
US08574000B1	Network cable assembly and protective sleeve thereof A protective sleeve disposed around a cable and a connector which are connected includes a cable sleeve and a plurality of resilient elements. The cable sleeve includes a bushing, a first ring, and a second ring. The front of the bushing is connected to the connector. The first ring and the second ring are disposed around the cable. The resilient elements are formed by extending the second ring and spaced apart from each other to form an opening for penetration by the cable. The caliber of the opening is less than the caliber of the second ring. Accordingly, the resilient elements are conducive to the positioning of the cable while the cable is penetrating the rings.
US08573998B2	Charging connector A charging connector (10) is provided to be connected to a vehicle-side connector (50) for charging a battery in a vehicle. The charging connector (10) has a main body (11) including a connector fitting (13) connectable to the vehicle-side connector, a lock (22) for holding the vehicle-side connector (50) and the connector fitting portion (13) in a connected state by being locked to a lock projection (52) on the vehicle-side connector (50), an unlocking portion (23) for canceling the locked state of the lock (22) and the lock projection (52), and an unlocking hole 16 formed in the connector main body (11) at a position corresponding to the unlocking portion (23). The unlocking portion (23) projects to the outside of the main body (11) through the unlocking hole (16) and includes recesses (27) at positions facing the peripheral edge of the unlocking hole (16).
US08573996B2	Coaxial cable connector having electrical continuity member A coaxial connector comprising a connector body; a nut, axially rotatable with respect to the connector body, the nut having a first forward end configured for threadably attaching to an interface port and a second rearward end; and a continuity member, electrically contacting the nut; wherein the connector is configured to maintain return loss below −40 dBvM when the connector is installed on the interface port, so as to be only engaged with one thread of the interface port is provided.
US08573995B2	Dual orientation connector with external contacts and conductive frame A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.
US08573994B2	Connector handle for an electric vehicle battery charger A connector handle for an electric vehicle battery charger is provided. The connector handle includes a latch that is operable to a locked position and an unlocked position. The connector handle also includes an electric circuit configured to provide an enable indication and a disable indication. The connector handle also includes an actuator button moveable to a first position where the latch is in the locked position and the electric circuit provides the enable indication, a second position where the latch is in the locked position and the electric circuit provides the disable indication, and a third position where the latch is in the unlocked position and the electric circuit provides the disable indication.
US08573993B2	Connector A connector includes a first connector and a second connector configured to engage with the first connector to establish electrical connection, wherein the first connector includes a first contact terminal, and the second connector includes: a second contact terminal configured to come in contact with the first contact terminal; a switch part connected to the second contact terminal and including a fixed part and a movable part; and a movable member capable of pushing the movable part toward the fixed part, wherein the movable member is pushed by the first connector when the first connector engages with the second connector, and the movable member pushes the movable part toward the fixed part to bring the movable part in contact with the fixed part.
US08573989B2	Memory card reader A memory card reader is provided, which includes a printed circuit on which a memory card connector is mounted. The memory card connector has a slot intended for inserting a memory card and a set of contact points enabling data exchange between the memory card and a processor mounted on the printed circuit. The printed circuit is further equipped with an anti-intrusion device formed and positioned such that the anti-intrusion device prevents access, from the exterior of the reader, to at least one connection portion between at least one of the contact points of the set of contact points and the printed circuit.
US08573985B2	Contactors for electric vehicle charging system The general field of invention is electrical connectors and their conductor geometry. This patent teaches how to make the register-free charge couplers to have self-cleaning ability as well as tolerating operation under dirty environments such as underbelly of cars, while still delivering the requirements imposed by the register-free functionality. Although this invention can benefit many connector designs and applications, it is particularly beneficial when applied to hands free connectors for charging electric vehicles—also known in the industry as the Electric Vehicle Charge Couplers. The specific geometry taught in the patent satisfies the requirements of register-free connectors such as not to be able to short circuit supply conductors, provide at least one drain side conductor for every supply side conductor, permit easy sliding between supply and drain side conductors and provide at least one drain side contact with its centerline to overlap each supply side contact. Additional treads on the contacts provide self-cleaning ability without disturbing the register-free functionality by providing a path for loose dirt and oxides to escape, while the ridges between the grooves break the dirt into small pieces. The groove pitch is adjusted in relation to the sliding distance between the contacts such that every broken down piece of the dirt finds an escape path.
US08573981B2	Training system for an article of footwear with a ball control portion A training system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The training system includes a method of training an athlete to use an article of footwear with a ball control portion to help enhance accuracy when kicking a ball. The method can be implemented on a computer, mobile device or as an instruction booklet. The training system provides a total training solution for an athlete that is designed to enhance specific athletic skills.
US08573980B2	Apparatus, system, and method for modulating consolidation of memory during sleep Devices, systems and methods to modify memory and/or cognitive function by delivering a sensory stimulus paired with learned material at opportune physiological periods during sleep. For example, described herein are systems, methods and devices to enhance a user's cognitive function in such areas as memorization and learning. A machine (e.g., a system or device) may be used to identify opportune periods of the sleep cycle and to deliver a stimulus during specific phases of the sleep cycle to facilitate or interrupt memory consolidation. In some variations the machine records ambient sensory inputs during awake acquisition or reinforcement/relearning and replays all or an extracted form of the ambient sensory stimuli a specified portion of the user's sleep.
US08573978B2	Driving evaluation system and driving evaluation method Systems, method, and programs evaluate a driving condition of a vehicle in accordance with road characteristic information that is included in map data, acquire evaluation information that includes an evaluation result based on the evaluation, and store the evaluation information. The systems, methods, and programs acquire update data to change the road characteristic information included in the map data, update the map data, and analyze the evaluation result for the evaluation information acquired during the period between the time when a road characteristic is modified and the time when the map data is updated, based on the changed road characteristic information included in the updated map data.
US08573975B2	Beam shaping for off-axis beam detection in training environments A firing apparatus includes a light generating device for emitting a modulated light beam that includes information regarding the firing apparatus upon triggering in a direction toward a target. Lens optics is positioned in a path of the modulated light beam including a one dimensional lens for beam shaping the modulated light beam to provide a shaped modulated beam including a low divergence horizontal beam portion and a vertically elongated beam portion. A combat training system includes a head mounted apparatus including at least one photodetector affixed. The vertically elongated beam portion allows the light beam generated by the firing apparatus to be aimed at the torso of the target and be detected by photodetectors that are exclusively on the helmet.
US08573971B2	Orthodontic bracket with frangible cover mechanism An orthodontic bracket is provided that includes a cover and a base, wherein the cover can be rotated over an arch wire slot in the base portion. The present bracket invention operates to close when a frangible portion is severed upon initiating rotation of the cover, such that the cover rotates about a hinge, which may include a pin or axle. In one embodiment of the invention, the pin or axle can be moved laterally and/or vertically after the frangible portion is severed. Preferably, the bracket is manufactured to form one piece, such as using an injection molding, machining, or casting process. The bracket offers economical advantages because additional subsequent assembly is not required to attach a cover to a base.
US08573970B2	Dental prosthesis for bovine animals with fully or partially worn down teeth A dental prosthesis for bovine animals with fully or partially worn down teeth. For bovine animals with partially worn down teeth, the prosthesis is a laminar plate of a rigid material, bent forwards, with an upward fold having a sawn edge along its front curve connected to a lower laminate of the same shape and size, from which a tongue projects downwards into the central front zone, at the end of which two small laminates are folded, and in the rear, a tongue projects behind, and divides into two, thereby creating a fold towards the front and encompassing two wires in the transverse direction, the ends of which are housed in the front laminates. For bovine animals with fully worn down teeth, the laminar plates have a downwardly inclined fold along the entire front curve thereof.
US08573969B2	Silicon wafer heat treatment method A silicon wafer preferable to a semiconductor device is produced by determining a heat treatment condition hardly causing slip dislocations and heat-treating the silicon wafer under the condition. The resistance is calculated by using a calculation formula used for predicting the slip resistance of the wafer from the density, size, and residual solid-solution oxygen concentration of the oxygen precipitation in the silicon wafer, the state of oxygen precipitation such that heat treatment not causing any slip dislocation can be carried out is designed, and thus a silicon wafer heat treatment method under the heat treatment condition not causing any slip dislocation is determined. A silicon wafer heat-treated under such a condition can be provided.
US08573963B2	Adjustable multiple-piece cam track A multiple-piece cam unit for use in a molding machine. The cam unit has a cam track which engages cam followers of mold assemblies of the molding machine to move the cam followers between a first position and a second position. The cam unit includes a first cam section and a second cam section. The first cam section has an entrance portion which is dimensioned to receive the cam followers therein. The second cam section has an exit portion positioned to release the cam followers therefrom. The second cam section is moveably mounted to the molding machine to allow the exit portion of the second cam section to be moved relative to the entrance portion of the first cam section, to insure that the cam followers exiting the exit portion of the second cam section are properly aligned to enter the entrance portion of the first cam section.
US08573961B2	Mold for manufacturing a foldable artificial vitreous body The present invention relates to a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB), and its mold design, method for manufacturing, product appearance, and drug delivery property and so on. A mold for molding a foldable artificial vitreous body comprises an upper mold (1), a lower mold (2) and a core (3). The core (3) is disposed between the upper mold (1) and the lower mold (2) and is connected with a drainage-tube pin connected with an injection channel (4). Heating holes (6) are disposed in the upper mold (1) and/or the lower mold (2). Material is injected to the mold and is heated to vulcanize to mold vitreous body. The FCVB is adapted to be injected with any harmless medium and can be used as a delivery vehicle inside or around the eye ball. The size or shape of the FCVB can be changed depending on the different implant site.
US08573959B2	Rotary spinning electrode The rotary spinning electrode of elongated shape, serving to carry polymer solution from reservoir of polymer solution or melt into electric field for spinning in devices for production of nanofibers through electrostatic spinning of polymer solutions or melts, including a pair of end faces (2, 3), which are arranged on the carrying mean (1), and between which are mounted the spinning members (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46), which are formed of a cord or wire (4). The spinning members (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) are in a skew position to an axis (11) of rotation of the rotary spinning electrode.
US08573955B2	Scroll compressor with noise reducing discharge opening A scroll compressor is provided that includes a hermetic container into and out of which a refrigerant flows, a driving device installed in the hermetic container to rotate a rotation axis, an orbiting scroll fixed to the rotation axis and rotated with the rotation axis, and a fixed scroll fixed to the hermetic container and engaged with the orbiting scroll to define a compression chamber, in which the refrigerant is compressed, by an interaction with the orbiting scroll. A discharge hole of the fixed scroll comprises a discharge inlet portion through which high pressure refrigerant flows in, a discharge outlet portion through which the high pressure refrigerant flows out, the discharge outlet portion being eccentric to the discharge inlet portion, and a bottleneck section through which the discharge inlet portion and the discharge outlet portion communicate with each other. The scroll compressor reduces pulsation noise of the refrigerant to improve noise performance.
US08573954B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly including a rotation shaft, a permanent magnet having a receiving space therein and rotatable around a central axis of the rotation shaft, a fan including a hub having a receiving space therein with one side open and disposed outside the permanent magnet, the fan being rotatable around the central axis of the rotation shaft, a stator disposed inside the permanent magnet, and a blocking portion disposed at the open side of the hub in an axial direction, the combination configured to block an introduction of foreign materials into the fan assembly and to reduce the size of the fan assembly.
US08573951B1	Pool recirculation pump safety system and method A pool recirculation pump safety system includes a power supply assembly operable to selectively supply operating power to a recirculation pump motor, an entrapment detection assembly operable to detect a change in a recirculation system parameter indicative of swimmer entrapment at a suction intake opening, and a timer assembly operable to automatically bypass the entrapment detection assembly for a predetermined time period upon energization of the system. During operation of the recirculation pump motor, the system is configured to secure operating power to the recirculation pump motor upon detection of the indicative recirculation system parameter change after the predetermined time period. The entrapment detection assembly and the timer assembly can be arranged to form a switchable neutral connection for a power relay of the power supply assembly.
US08573950B2	Tower internal-equipment bracket structure and wind turbine generator A tower-internal-equipment bracket structure with a welded structure that can ensure a fatigue strength classification equal to or greater than that of butt welding (BW) or that requires no welding and a wind turbine generator provided with this tower-internal-equipment bracket structure are provided. In a tower-internal-equipment bracket structure provided inside a pole-type steel tower, employing a cylindrical shell (11), to support tower internal equipment, a ring-shaped member (20) having a protruding portion (21) toward the tower interior is interposed, by means of butt welding (BW), between divided portions formed by dividing the cylindrical shell (11) at a desired position in an axial direction, and the protruding portion (21) serves as a bracket-member support portion for the tower internal equipment.
US08573946B2	Compressor blade A blade for a compressor having a pressure surface and a suction surface. The suction surface includes a discontinuity in the chord-wise curvature of an intermediate portion of the suction surface between the blade leading edge and blade trailing edge, and a slot arranged along at least a portion of the blade in a substantially span-wise direction. The slot being disposed at or near the change in curvature, such that when in use lower momentum fluid near the suction surface is aspirated into the slot.
US08573943B2	Gas turbine having sealing plates on the turbine disc A turbine rotor having a plurality of rotor blades assembled into rotor blade rows and arranged on a turbine disk is provided. The respective turbine disc on the side surfaces thereof includes a plurality of sealing plates having edges that are arranged radially towards the inside, enables a simplified design and assembly, while maintaining maximum operational reliability and maximum efficiency of a turbine equipped therewith. Therefore, between the edge of the respective sealing plate and a side wall of the turbine disc groove, a closure member is provided, wherein the edge extends over the entire azimuthal length of the sealing plate and the closure members abut each other in the azimuthal direction for sealing purposes. The closure members may be inserted into the turbine disc groove via a recess interrupting the respective edge and extending substantially azimuthally on the side facing the turbine axis.
US08573941B2	Tandem blade design A tandem blade design for an axial turbomachine, comprising a front blade and a rear blade disposed with an offset thereto in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction. The rear blade is profiled and positioned with respect to the front blade such that it raises the speed level at the trailing edge of the front blade in a predetermined working range in interaction with the front blade.
US08573939B2	Shroud for rotating blades of a turbo machine, and turbo machine A shroud for the rotating blades of a turbo machine, particularly a gas turbine, in which shroud is arranged along the circumference of a row of several rotating blades disposed on a rotor and has at least one separation gap along its circumference. The separation gap is formed in zigzag shape and has at least three damping gaps that are distanced from one another and extend at an angle relative to an axis of rotation of the rotor, and adjacent to these, has connection gaps each connecting damping gaps or extending the latter in the direction of shroud edges, wherein, when the rotor rotates, the gap width of damping gaps is reduced until the gap walls forming the damping gaps come to rest against each other.
US08573932B2	Compressor blade root heating system The compressor blade root heating system may be formed from one or more induction heaters formed from one or more induction coils positioned in close proximity to a root of a compressor blade. In one embodiment, the induction heater may be coupled to a static casing component positioned immediately upstream of a first row of compressor blades on a rotor assembly such that the induction heater is stationary during turbine engine operation. The induction heater causes eddy current formation, which heats the row one compressor blades. This heating increases the fracture toughness of the material forming the rotor and compressor blades, thereby increasing the mechanical life cycle.
US08573930B2	Nozzle assembly of variable geometry turbocharger According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve improved durability by improving the connection structure of operation links and a control ring to reduce friction and wear between the operation links and the control ring, facilitate manufacturing by simple configuration and structure, and achieve silent and stable operation by making it possible to set the gaps between the parts relatively small.
US08573929B2	Turbocharger with turbine nozzle vanes and an annular rotary bypass valve A turbocharger includes an annular bypass passage to allow exhaust gas to bypass the turbine wheel. An annular bypass valve is disposed in the bypass passage. The bypass valve comprises a fixed annular valve seat and a rotary annular valve member arranged coaxially with the valve seat. The valve member is disposed against the valve seat and is rotatable about the axis for selectively varying a degree of alignment between respective orifices in the valve seat and valve member. The turbine includes a nozzle having a vane assembly. In one embodiment the vane assembly has only fixed vanes. In another embodiment the vane assembly includes both fixed vanes and variable vanes, and the variable vanes are part of a rotor that rotates together with the rotary valve member.
US08573928B2	Coupling device intended to connect first and second elements which can move relative to one another The invention relates to a coupling device (14) intended to connect first and second elements (4, 5) which can move relative to one another, comprising a connecting rod (16) coupled to the first and second movable elements (4, 5) at first and second ends (18, 19) respectively, at least one of the ends of the connecting rod (16) having a head (22) intended to cooperate with locking means (23) belonging to the corresponding movable element (5) so as to removably fasten the connecting rod (16) to the corresponding movable element (5), characterized in that the coupling device (14, 15) comprises at least one telescopic guide member (25) serving to support and guide the connecting rod (16) during the movement of the movable elements (4, 5), having first and second ends (28, 26) intended to be attached to first and second support elements (23, 16) respectively.
US08573925B2	Cooled component for a gas turbine engine A cooled component for a gas turbine engine, the component includes a segment region defining a segment of an annulus for passage of hot gases therethrough, the segment region having a pair of opposed side faces configured to lie substantially adjacent respective corresponding side faces of segments of similar operationally and circumferentially adjacent components, wherein: the segment region includes an elongate cooling slot in at least one of the side faces, the cooling slot being arranged in fluid communication with at least one flow passage within the segment region for a supply of cooling fluid to the slot, and the slot is substantially closed at an upstream end of the slot and open at a downstream end of the slot so as to define an outlet for the cooling fluid at an operationally downstream region of the at least one of the side faces.
US08573921B2	Method and a device for lifting and rotating a massive container A device and method for lifting and rotating a massive container comprising a base frame assembly, a cradle pivotally connected to the base frame assembly and adapted to hold the container, a mechanism for moving the container vertically relative to at least part of the base frame assembly, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the base frame assembly and the cradle for rotating in a vertical plane the cradle relative to the base frame assembly.
US08573919B2	Substrate transport apparatus A substrate transport apparatus having a frame, a drive section and an articulated arm. The drive section has at least one motor module that is selectable for placement in the drive section from a number of different interchangeable motor modules. Each having a different predetermined characteristic. The articulated arm has articulated joints. The arm is connected to the drive section for articulation. The arm has a selectable configuration selectable from a number of different arm configurations each having a predetermined configuration characteristic. The selection of the arm configuration is effected by selection of the at least one motor module for placement in the drive section.
US08573918B2	Dual mode end effector A dual mode end effector is disclosed. The dual mode end effector includes a bridge member having a first end and a second end, wherein the bridge member includes a first substantially axial flange extending from the first and, wherein the bridge member includes a second substantially axial flange extending from the second end; a tire/wheel gripping assembly connected to the bridge member, wherein the tire/wheel gripping assembly includes a pair of substantially axial members, a substantially radial support member, and a pair of radially-projecting engaging assemblies, wherein the pair of substantially axial members are movably-supported upon the substantially radial support member, wherein a first end of the substantially radial support member is connected to the first substantially axial flange of the bridge member, wherein the a second end of the substantially radial support member is connected to the second substantially axial flange of the bridge member, wherein a first radially-projecting engaging assembly of the pair of radially-projecting engaging assemblies is connected to an inner radial surface of a first substantially axial member of the pair of substantially axial members, wherein a second radially-projecting engaging assembly of the pair of radially-projecting engaging assemblies is connected to an inner radial surface of a second substantially axial member of the pair of substantially axial members.
US08573916B2	Trailer for helicopter A trailer is provided for a helicopter. The trailer includes a chassis, at least two lifters provided on the chassis, at least two drivers provided on the chassis and connected to the lifters, at least two locks for locking the lifters in an upper position and a connector for connecting the chassis to a vehicle.
US08573911B2	Floating fasteners One or more fastenings can be used to fasten components together, such as housing components on a computing device. Each fastening can include a first opening associated with a first component, a second opening associated with a second component, a floating fastener, and a screw. The floating fastener is inserted into the first opening and/or second opening, and includes a threaded opening therein having a primary axis therethrough. The screw is inserted through first and/or second openings and into the threaded opening in the floating fastener. The screw and threaded opening combination is defined by contact between the screw and threaded opening about a thread surface that is substantially perpendicular to the primary axis, a screw thread return angle of 45 degrees or less, and a thread depth that is less than about triple the float between the major diameters of the screw and the threaded opening.
US08573908B2	Machining center including a control board arranged side by side with an operator door A machining center wherein improved workability of a control board, a widened movable zone of a column and a reduced installation space are achieved. The machining center includes a column movably supported on a column sliding portion in an X-axis direction, a work table movably supported on a table sliding portion in a Z-axis direction, a main spindle head slidably supported on the column in a Y-axis direction, and an automatic tool changer disposed at an inner side of the column sliding portion. The control board is arranged at an opposite side of the automatic tool changer and is provided in parallel with a side surface of a front portion of a table sliding portion and is arranged side by side with an openable/closable door for an operator provided on a side surface of a cover in a vicinity of a rear end portion of the side surface of the table sliding portion.
US08573907B2	Hole cutter with minimum tooth pitch to blade body thickness ratio A hole cutter for cutting a work piece, such as a wood and/or metal work piece, has a substantially cylindrical blade body defining a wall thickness within the range of about 0.032 inch to about 0.038 inch, and a cutting edge formed on one end of the blade body including a plurality of teeth defining an average tooth pitch within the range of about 3.5 TPI to about 5.5 TPI for cutting the work piece and forming chips therefrom. The substantially cylindrical blade body and cutting edge define an average tooth pitch to blade body thickness ratio of at least about 110.
US08573906B2	Drill guide apparatus This invention relates to a drill guide apparatus for use in drilling holes in wood and other material in conjunction with spade drills. When deeper holes are required, the invention will also utilize drill extension rods. The embodiment consists of 4 separate guides assembled together which make a hole as parallel and perpendicular as possible to the work piece. One of these guides, the insert guide, acts as a stabilizer that helps keep the drill from drifting and wobbling. The guide shaft lines up with the work piece and starts the parallel course. When the spacer and base plate lay up against the work piece, the spade drill will travel in a perpendicular course. The spade drill and drill extension rod are prior art and are readily available in the market place.
US08573904B2	Grooving insert A cutting insert having a base portion structured to be coupled to a tool body, the base portion having a leading end, a trailing end, and a mounting face extending therebetween. A number of cutting portions extend from the base portion opposite the mounting face. Each cutting portion of the number of cutting portions includes a cutting face disposed adjacent the leading end of the base. The cutting face having an angled portion disposed at a first angle with respect to a reference plane oriented parallel to the leading end and perpendicular to the mounting face. The cutting face also having a curved portion disposed between the angled portion and the base portion.
US08573903B2	Round cutting insert with anti-rotation feature A round cutting insert with an anti-rotation feature. The round cutting insert includes a plurality of projections formed on a first surface and another plurality of projections formed on an opposing surface. The round cutting insert is reversible and indexable. The round cutting insert is removably received in an insert receiving pocket in a tool body wherein the insert receiving pocket includes a plurality of dimples for receiving one of the plurality of first projections or the plurality of second projections. This arrangement prevents rotation of the round cutting insert while mounted in the insert receiving pocket.
US08573902B2	Grooving tool for cutting grooves in workpieces and a grooving tool tool holder for permitting replacement of inserts and permitting inserts to be replaced without moving the tool holder with respect to the grooving tool in which the tool holder is installed A grooving tool for cutting grooves in workpieces and a grooving tool tool holder for permitting replacement of inserts and permitting inserts to be replaced without moving the tool holder with respect to the grooving tool in which the tool holder is installed.
US08573900B1	Cutting tool and cutting tool holder having lever pin A tool holder includes an insert pocket having a support surface with a pocket recess occupied by a lever pin, and a fastening member. A head portion of the lever pin has a lever head rear contact surface, located above the support surface, for pressing against a bore of a cutting insert in the insert pocket. The fastening member engages a threaded recess which extends from the pocket recess along a threaded recess axis. The fastening member includes a guiding prong, located within a blind hole in the front of the lever pin. A clamping contact surface of the fastening member is adjacent to a lever front contact surface of the lever pin. A first longitudinal distance, between the lever rear contact surface and the lever front contact surface, is smaller than a second longitudinal distance, between the lever front contact surface and a lever rear contact surface.
US08573899B2	Clamping apparatus for a cutting insert A tool holder has an apparatus for clamping a cutting insert thereto. The tool holder has a cutting insert pocket and a mounting bore; a clamp lever including a clamp portion and a lever portion placed in the mounting bore; and a fixing screw. The fixing screw is fastened through a hole which extends downwardly from a side wall of the tool holder to the mounting bore. One end of the fixing screw further includes a pressure-applying surface substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the fixing screw, and the side surface of the lever portion of the clamp lever has an inclined surface which makes contact with the pressure-applying surface of the fixing screw. According to the clamping apparatus, the cutting insert can be firmly clamped to the tool holder.
US08573896B2	Method of dynamic energy-saving superconductive transporting of medium flow In a method of dynamic energy-saving superconductive transporting of medium flow, a modulated flow-forming action is applied to the medium from an action element for providing a modulated process of flow transporting in a given direction, and a frequency, a drop-shaped form of a law with a range and a comparative phase of a negative modulating of the action are predetermined so that a minimal value of the energy ratio of a controlled acting value of a modulated flow-forming energy of the action to a controlled acting value of a kinetic energy formed in the modulated medium flow during the flow transporting is provided.
US08573887B2	Surface gravity wave generator and wave pool A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.
US08573885B2	Road surface planar A road surface planner having a coupling mechanism coupled between a working tool attachment and a transporter to permit independent movement (i.e., rotation and/or pivoting) between the transporter and the attachment is provided. The attachment can have a rotary driven element such as a grinding element for modifying an irregular surface of existing pavement. The rotary element can be supported by a rear frame with a rear wheel assembly, a boom at the front of the grinding element, and a front wheel assembly coupled to the boom. The coupling mechanism can include a first member pivotably coupled to the transporter, and a second member fixed to the rear frame. The first member has a central opening defined by an inner edge for slidably contacting along a hub that extends from the second member for rotation there along.
US08573882B2	Composition and system for preformed thermoplastic road marking with sequential features The present disclosure describes preformed pre-bonded thermoplastic sections comprising smaller articles where the articles and sections have planar top surfaces and planar bottom surfaces that are coplanar to each other. There is also an adhesive backing layer on the coplanar bottom surfaces so that the adhesive backing layer bridges and bonds coplanar bottom surfaces to form unified pre-bonded thermoplastic signage thereby preventing dislodging or separation of the signage during handling, movement, and/or transportation before or during application of the pre-bonded signage. The articles when properly sequenced, matched, and combined, together makeup the sections such that when the sections are also sequenced and matched the sections combine to form thermoplastic signage with a final pattern wherein the planar top surfaces include sequential features necessary to visibly aid in quick assembly of one or more unified thermoplastic signages.
US08573881B2	Device for securing an add-on to a support A device for securing an add-on to a support comprises a back wall (3) and a front wall arrangement (14) which is resilient with respect to the back wall (3) and which, when the device is arranged as intended, comes into engagement with an insertion opening provided in an edge region of the support. The device according to the invention comprises a manipulation structure (15, 16, 21) by which, to release the engagement, the front wall arrangement (14) can be moved toward the back wall (3) with the aid of a tool that is introduced through a tool channel (22).
US08573877B2	Ball pin and ball joint A ball joint with a ball pin and a steel ball pin with a joint ball. The ball joint and ball pin are suitable for use when solid-on-solid friction predominates, for example under high static pre-loading or under high operational loads and with small joint movements. At least in a bearing contact area, between the joint ball and the bearing shell, does not include any nitrided layer. The surface of the ball pin has an oxide layer, provided as wear protection, at least in the bearing contact area of the joint ball. The oxide layer in the ball joints, previously regarded (as part of the nitriding treatment) as only improving corrosion protection functions as a form of wear protection. Thus, the mutual exclusion between increasing the fatigue strength (by surface layer hardening) and improving the wear resistance (by nitriding/oxidation) is overcome with such ball pins.
US08573874B2	Metal clad ceramic cosmetic applicator A cosmetic applicator formed from ceramic material covered in a metal sheath. The tip is designed to provide a product chilling effect when applying creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. The applicator is provided with a relatively substantial mass of ceramic material so that it has a greater thermal capacity than the dose of cosmetic and the application area combined. The applicator is in the form of a molded-ceramic applicator head or applicator tip sheathed, coated or plated in metal. The tip provides a relatively larger product-chilling effect to both the dose of cosmetic applied and to the user's skin in the application area when applying creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. The applicator provides an application device which will deliver the creams, lotions, treatment products, etc. such that the temperature of the product being delivered is lower than the temperature of the skin, and to provide a means of lowering the temperature of the skin by virtue of the thermal absorption capacity of the applicator head or tip, and to provide a vehicle by which formulations may be activated or enhanced by specific compounds in the ceramic material from which the applicator tip is comprised.
US08573873B2	Food coating device An apparatus for buttering corn includes a tubular member sized to receive an ear of corn, a body with an open end, the body sized to receive the tubular member, and a plunger sized to fit through the tubular member. Another apparatus for buttering corn includes a tubular member sized to receive an ear of corn and having an interior surface textured to adhere to solidified butter and having an open end with an outer flange, a cylindrical body with an open end having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the tubular member and having an outer diameter about the same length as an outer diameter of the outer flange of the tubular member, the body sized to receive the tubular member, a plunger sized to fit through the tubular member, and a cap sized to fit over the outer flange of the tubular member.
US08573869B2	Label sheet conveyance device and method of identifying seams between label sheets A label sheet conveyance device is provided to more accurately automatically detect seams between label sheets in a label printer.Using a first threshold value that is set according to the mode of sensor output values for detecting the sheet portion between labels, and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value for detecting holes in the label sheet, a label printer determines a sheet position where the sensor output value is equal to each threshold value. If a sheet position equal to the second threshold value is detected, the center of that sheet position is identified as the seam position. If a sheet position equal to the second threshold value is not identified and a sheet position equal to the first threshold value is identified, the center of that sheet position is identified as the seam position.
US08573864B2	Image pickup apparatus having first and second timers An image pickup apparatus includes a first timer configured to start measuring a first time period when a mirror located at a mirror-up position is moved to a mirror-down position, a second timer configured to start measuring a second time period when the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, and a controller configured to enable processing when the first timer finishes measuring the first period and the second timer finishes measuring the second period. The first period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror located at the mirror-up position starts moving to the mirror-down position, when a high power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus, and the second period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, when a low power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus.
US08573863B2	Optical module with optical axis bent perpendicularly within package An optical module on the invention provides a multi-layered ceramic package in which the LD, the sub-mount to mount the LD, the optical component to bend the optical axis of the light emitted from the LD toward the lens, and the monitor PD to monitor a portion of the light transmitted through the optical component. These components are mounted on a metal in the package with an adhesive. At least one of the sub-mount and the optical component provides a chamfer in a front bottom corner thereof to provide a room to receive fillets formed in the surfaces facing to and abutting against the other surface.
US08573853B2	Plug assembly A plug assembly includes a circular plug shell having a cavity configured to receive a modular plug connector therein. The circular plug shell is configured to be threadably coupled to a corresponding circular jack shell. An insert is loaded into the cavity or the circular plug shell. The insert includes an adapter having a one or two piece body having a circular geometry. The body has a connector chamber configured to hold the modular plug connector therein.
US08573852B2	Roller circle assembly for heavy machinery A heavy earth-moving machine having a lower structure and an upper structure rotatably supported by the lower structure for rotation about an axis. A substantially circular lower rail is mounted on the lower structure and includes an inclined lower surface. A substantially circular upper rail is mounted on the upper structure and includes a substantially planar upper surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. Tapered rollers support the upper rail above the lower rail for rotation of the upper rail about the axis. Each roller engages both the upper surface and the lower surface and defines and rotates about a roller axis that intersects the axis at a non-perpendicular angle.
US08573849B2	Bearing arrangement having at least two parts rotatable relative to one another A bearing arrangement having at least two parts (10, 12) rotatable relative to one another, in which one (10) of the parts has at least one annular groove (14) concentric with the axis of rotation (A), and the other part (12) has a tongue (16) that is complementary to the groove (14) and engaged therein, and in that each of the parts (10, 12) is divided into at least two sectors (10a; 12a) along separating faces that pass through the groove (14) and the tongue (16), the tongue (16) extending over all sectors (12a, 12b) of the corresponding part (12).
US08573845B2	Apparatus, systems and methods for preparing food in packages having integral compartments Food packaging of the present invention is particularly adapted for microwave, conventional oven, stove top and boiler cooking techniques and includes an integral pocket or trap compartment for receiving fluids created by the cooking process, such as grease. Embodiments further include food packaging having food compartments that may contain food products that may be individually selected and/or combined together to form combination food products.
US08573841B2	On-chip temperature sensor A method and apparatus for determining a temperature of a semiconductor device is provided herein. One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a temperature sensing device. The temperature sensing device comprises a diode and a circuit. The diode is adapted to be reverse biased by a charging voltage applied thereto. The circuit determines a temperature of the diode based on a rate that the voltage on the diode discharges in response to the charging voltage being uncoupled from the diode.
US08573840B2	Wireless temperature sensor The invention relates to an integrated temperature sensor (1) comprising: means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) at an oscillation frequency, means (3000) for counting the number of pulses during a fixed period of time independent of a temperature to be measured (T) and for generating a plurality of bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0) indicating the number of pulses in the pulse train (DATA_IN), and means (4000) for generating a serial digital signal (DATA_OUT) from said bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0), in which the means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) include a plurality of logic gates (2410, 2420, 2430, 2440, 2450) which can introduce a delay dependent on the temperature to be measured (T), said means (2000) generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) the oscillation frequency of which is dependent on said temperature to be measured (T). The invention also relates to a temperature measurement method and to a transponder for a wireless system.
US08573837B2	Temperature measuring apparatus and temperature measuring method A temperature measuring apparatus and a temperature measuring method that may simultaneously measure temperatures of objects in processing chambers. The temperature measuring apparatus includes a first light separating unit which divides light from the light source into measurement lights; second light separating units which divide the measurement lights from the first light separating unit into measurement lights and reference lights; third light separating units which further divide the measurement lights into first to n-th measurement lights; a reference light reflecting unit which reflects the reference lights; an light path length changing unit which changes light path lengths of the reference lights reflected by the reference light reflecting unit; and photodetectors which measure interference between the first to n-th measurement lights reflected by the objects to be measured and the reference lights reflected by the reference light reflecting unit.
US08573829B2	Animal feed mechanism An animal feed mechanism includes a manually operated slide valve interposed between a set of upper agitators and a set of lower screw conveyors. In some examples, two upper agitators are installed within a plastic funnel, and two lower screw conveyors are disposed within a metal auger housing. Each screw conveyor includes an auger driven by its own separate motor. Thus, there are two motors for rotating the two augers. The two motors can be energized individually to selectively rotate either auger or to rotate them concurrently. In some examples, a transmission coupling the two augers to the two agitators conveys power to rotate both agitators regardless of whether either one or both motor driven augers are operating.
US08573827B2	Backlight module A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a wavelength converter, and a light emitter. The light guide plate includes a main body, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The first extension portion is connected to the main body. The second extension portion is connected to the first extension portion. The wavelength converter is disposed at a side of the main body. The wavelength converter has an incident surface. The incident surface faces away from the main body. The first extension portion abuts against a sidewall of the wavelength converter. The second extension portion abuts against the incident surface. The light emitter is disposed at a side of the light guide plate.
US08573826B2	Side-light type light guide plate assembly and backlight module The present invention discloses a side-light type light guide plate assembly and a backlight module, which has a light guide plate and at least one reflector sheet. The light guide plate has a lower surface, a light output surface opposite to the lower surface, and at least one light input side surface connected between the lower surface and the light output surface. The reflector sheet is correspondingly disposed on at least one side surface of the light guide plate except for the light input side surface, while a medium layer is defined between the reflector sheet and the light guide plate. The refraction index of the medium layer is smaller than or equal to 1.12. By providing the air layer and the reflector sheet, light beam emitting out of a side of the light guide plate and going back to the light guide plate can meet conditions of total reflection, so as to prevent from generating a light leakage phenomenon at edges of the light guide plate.
US08573825B2	Backlight module This embodiment relates to a backlight module, comprising a first light guide plate and a second light guide plate, wherein a first lower structure layer and a second lower structure layer are disposed on the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate, respectively. The first lower structure layer includes a first primary strip and a first secondary strip, wherein the first primary strip is located between the first secondary strip and one side of the first light guide plate. The second lower structure layer includes a second primary strip and a second secondary strip, wherein the second primary strip is located between the second secondary strip and one side of the second light guide plate. The second primary strip is exposed outside the projection of the first lower structure layer on the second lower structure layer and the first lower structure layer at least partially overlaps the second secondary strip.
US08573824B2	Illumination optical unit for endoscope and method of manufacturing the same The periphery of a fluorescent body is reliably sealed, and entry of moisture or volatilized gas is prevented. An illumination optical unit includes an optical fiber, a fluorescent body, a ferrule as a holding member holding the fluorescent body and the optical fiber, a tubular sleeve member that covers the outer periphery of the fluorescent body, and a protective cover. The ferrule holds the fluorescent body and is fitted into a fitting hole of the sleeve member. An inner peripheral face of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the protective cover are bonded together to seal the distal end side of the fluorescent body, and the fitting hole of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the ferrule are bonded together to bond the proximal end side of the fluorescent body.
US08573819B2	Vehicle headlamp and vehicle headlamp apparatus The present invention combines control for lighting on/off a right side semiconductor-type light source 5R, control for lighting on/off a left side semiconductor-type light source 5L, and control for moving a movable shade 7 between a first position and a second position via control for driving/stopping the movement mechanism 70 with one another so as to radiate luminous intensity of a light distribution pattern HP1 for high beam having a first function, a light distribution pattern HP2 for high beam having a second function, and a light distribution pattern HP3 for high beam having a third function toward a forward direction of a vehicle 3. As a result, since the present invention includes a set of lamp unit, in comparison with the conventional vehicle headlamp system, the present invention requires a less number of components, and thus downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved accordingly.
US08573815B2	Illuminating optical lens for light emitting diode (LED) An illuminating optical lens article of manufacture for use with a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a circuit board has (a) a base portion defining a rim on a plane having a bottom surface around a longitudinal axis for mounting over the LED; (b) an integral refractive outer surface of the lens extending towards the longitudinal axis from the base; (c) an integral refractive inner surface of the lens extending from the base forming a cavity shaped and sized to receive an LED; and optionally (d) a plurality of grooved sections for receiving an adhesive formed on the bottom surface of the base portion. The base is adapted to be mounted on the circuit board onto which the LED is mounted. The integral refractive outer and inner surfaces each define a predetermined geometry adapted to direct and focus light emitting from the LED to a predetermined path.
US08573810B2	Dual in focus gobo A gobo holder with two gobos that are rotatable one relative to the other. The gobos are located with their patterned surfaces facing one another and very close to one another so that both can be in focus at the same time.
US08573805B2	Mosaic LED tile A lighting apparatus comprises one or more LED modules. Each LED module comprises: an upper housing having an array of raised portions capable of transmitting light therethrough; a PCB layer having LEDs mounted thereon, respective ones of the LEDs being mounted so as to positionally correspond to respective ones of the raised portions; and a lower housing, the lower housing and the upper housing sandwiching the PCB layer so as to permit light emitted by the LEDs to be emitted out of the upper housing.
US08573804B2	Light source, device including light source, and/or methods of making the same Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for improving the performance of Lambertian and non-Lambertian light sources. In certain example embodiments, this is accomplished by (1) providing an organic-inorganic hybrid material on LEDs (which in certain example embodiments may be a high index of refraction material), (2) enhancing the light scattering ability of the LEDs (e.g., by fractal embossing, patterning, or the like, and/or by providing randomly dispersed elements thereon), and/or (3) improving performance through advanced cooling techniques. In certain example instances, performance enhancements may include, for example, better color production (e.g., in terms of a high CRI), better light production (e.g., in terms of lumens and non-Lambertian lighting), higher internal and/or external efficiency, etc.
US08573802B2	LED lighting device for indirect illumination A lighting device including a heat radiating body defining a cavity and a circumference, a reflective structure within the cavity, a light emitting module unit on the circumference of the heat radiating body, and a cover disposed under the light emitting module unit and reflecting light emitted from the light emitting module unit to the reflective structure, such light then being reflected by the reflective structure to the outside of the heat radiating body.
US08573798B2	Switch module for a flashlight Embodiments herein provide a switch module for a flashlight with a single input contact and multiple output contacts. The switch module may include multiple mechanical actuators, each actuator configured to selectively and communicatively couple one of the output contacts to the input contact. Each actuator may be activated and/or deactivated independently. Accordingly, any combination of the output contacts may be activated and/or deactivated at a given time. The switch module may be incorporated into a flashlight, allowing any of a number of output devices (e.g., light bulbs) to be independently switched on and off from a common power source.
US08573796B2	Flashlight A flashlight has a casing extending along an axis and having axially opposite front and rear ends, a collar fittable on the front end, a support disk engaged and gripped axially between the collar and the front end, a light source on a front face of the disk, thermally conductive regions on the disk, and a lamp head secured to the collar.
US08573792B2	Reflective mirror for solar thermal power generation Disclosed is a reflective mirror for solar thermal power generation comprising a metal film and provided thereon, a substrate, the reflective mirror reflecting sunlight entering from a substrate side, featured in that the substrate is a film composed of a resin containing microfibrillated cellulose. The reflective mirror maintains a light collecting ability, particularly a specular reflectance highly and stably against variation of weather conditions, when sunlight is collected outdoors, is usable over a long period of time, and has high durability.
US08573790B2	Light absorbing optical element having micro-relief structure An optical element that includes a substrate having two surfaces, each of the surfaces having a micro-relief structure that includes numerous fine protrusions, and a film that includes one or more layers including a metal layer and that is formed on one of the micro-relief structures.
US08573789B2	Retroreflective sheeting including cube corner elements The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
US08573787B2	Projection type display apparatus In a projection type display apparatus for enabling to display an image, by projecting an image on an image display element(s), enlargedly, upon a nearly horizontal surface, such as, a table, a reflection mirror for reflecting a light from a light source is so disposed that an optical axis of the light source is nearly perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens group having a plural number of lens elements, which are disposed symmetric with respect to the optical axis.
US08573786B2	Projector apparatus and method for dynamically masking objects A projector for masking out one or more objects between the projector and a screen. The projector includes an image capture sensor configured to produce a captured screen image. The projector further includes a processing device configured to receive a video-in signal, create a masking image that corresponds to at least a portion of the captured screen image, and produce a video-out signal, wherein the video-out signal comprises a combination of the video-in signal and the masking image. A panel controller in the projector receives the video-out signal and causes at least one or more pixels of at least one panel to be closed based upon the masking image such that any objects positioned between the projector and the screen are masked from any light projected by the projector.
US08573783B2	Safety device for scanned projector and illumination systems A scanned projector and illumination system includes an energy-emitting source that is disposed in a projector and that emits energy beams out of the projector through an aperture. A scanning mirror is disposed in the projector and redirects energy beams therein. The scanning mirror moves such that the redirected energy beams form a scanning pattern with a scanning rate. A safety feature is disposed in the projector. The safety feature includes a fuse material. The energy beams move along the fuse material at the scanning rate. The safety feature modulates emission of the energy beams out of the projector through the aperture such that the energy beams are only emitted out of the projector through the aperture when the scanning rate of the energy beams is high enough to prevent the fuse material from reaching a threshold energy level at any location along the fuse material.
US08573780B2	Projection-type display apparatus and geometric distortion correcting method for correcting geometric distortion A projection-type display apparatus includes a display unit having a first effective area that is the largest usable area for a display, and a geometric distortion corrector configured to correct a geometric distortion by performing, for an input image that is superimposed onto an image of a second effective area that is set in and smaller than the first effective area and is a virtual effective area whose geometric distortion has not yet been corrected, enlargement processing so that a third effective area that is a post-correction virtual effective area can have a portion located in an area between the first effective area and the second effective area and the second effective area can be enlarged.
US08573772B2	Eyeglasses The instant disclosure relates to a pair of eyeglasses, which includes an eyeglass frame and two temple arms pivotally connected thereto. Two shoulder portions are arranged on opposite ends of the eyeglass frame. Each one of the shoulder portions has an upper wall, a lower wall, and a shaft member. A receiving space is defined for each one of the shoulder portions. An inner flap is extended from the eyeglass frame toward the receiving space for each one of the shoulder portions. Each one of the temple arms has an anchoring section and an ear-resting section. Each one of the anchoring section has an engaging portion and an abutting portion. Each one of the temple arms can be at a closed position or an open position. At the open position, each one of the abutting portions is abutted to the corresponding flap.
US08573771B2	Ear-free eyewear frames The inventive concept herein, entitled “Ear Free Eyewear Frames” is designed to allow users of any Over the Ear (OTE) and Behind The Ear (BTE) devices to wear these devices without interference from the temple or earpiece of the standard eyeglass frame. This includes devices such as hearing aids, earphones and hands-free phone devices similar to the commercial Blue Tooth. The inventive concept essentially comprises, on one side of a wearer's face, a short-lengthed temple or arm piece, having no bend, and no earpiece. For persons having discomfort issues or medical problems concerning both ears, the inventive concept also is fabricated with a matching pair of short temples and temple tips.
US08573768B2	Recording apparatus In a transfer inkjet recording system, a cooling unit is configured to independently cool multiple locations in a region in which an intermediate image of an intermediate transfer medium is formed in accordance with one of a temperature of the intermediate transfer medium after being heated by a heating unit or in accordance with image data.
US08573767B2	Separation of electromagnetic radiation of electromagnetic spectrum to cure ink An image forming apparatus includes an ink applicator unit to selectively apply ultraviolet (UV) curable ink on a media, a media support unit to support the media to receive the UV curable ink, and a UV radiation curing device to cure the UV curable ink on the media. The UV radiation curing device includes a UV radiation source module to emit an electromagnetic spectrum and a dispersion member. The dispersion member may separate ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype C (UVC radiation) from at least one of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype A (UVA radiation) in the electromagnetic spectrum and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype B (UVB radiation), apply the UVC radiation to the UV curable ink on the media, and subsequently apply the at least one of the UVA radiation and the UVB radiation after the UVC radiation is applied to the UV curable ink on the media.
US08573761B2	Pigmented ink-jet inks with quality enhancing polymers An ink-jet ink includes a jettable vehicle, a plurality of pigment solids dispersed in the jettable vehicle, and a plurality of structurally related polymers dispersed in the jettable vehicle. Additionally, a system for printing images on a porous photo medium includes a jettable ink and a printhead loaded with the jettable ink.
US08573759B2	Droplet discharging apparatus, image forming apparatus, and bubble separating method A droplet discharging apparatus for discharging droplets of a recording fluid includes a negative pressure portion and a pressurizing portion connected to the negative pressure portion via a valve. The pressurizing portion is disposed upstream of the valve in a direction of a flow of the recording fluid. The pressurizing portion includes a bubble storing area configured to separate and store bubbles of the recording fluid.
US08573752B2	Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element comprises a piezoelectric layer comprising a mixed crystal including at least cerium, bismuth, iron, barium, and titanium and an electrode provided to the piezoelectric layer. The molar ratio of cerium to the total amount of cerium and bismuth in the piezoelectric layer is 0.03 or more and 0.10 or lower.
US08573746B2	Liquid ejection head wiring member and liquid ejection head A wiring member for a liquid ejection head enables reducing the size of the liquid ejection head. A flexible printed circuit has on one end a plurality of individual electrode wiring terminals corresponding to individual element electrode terminals of piezoelectric elements; individual electrode wires corresponding to the individual electrode wiring terminals; a common electrode wiring terminal corresponding to a common electrode terminal of the piezoelectric elements; and a common electrode wire corresponding to the common electrode wiring terminal. The individual electrode wiring terminals, common electrode wiring terminal, and individual electrode wires are disposed on one side of the flexible printed circuit, and the common electrode wire is disposed on the other side of the flexible printed circuit.
US08573743B2	Liquid dispenser including curved vent A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid return channel, and a liquid dispensing channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening. A drain is located in the wall downstream from the outlet opening. The drain includes a radius of curvature as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08573742B2	Wiper bumper for a fluid dispensing component In one embodiment, a component for dispensing a fluid includes: a plurality of fluid ejection orifices arrayed in a plane; and an elongated bumper extending along one side of the array generally in a plane intersecting the plane of the array and the bumper having a protruding exterior surface that includes a first part inclining away from the array and a contiguous second part inclining back toward the array.
US08573741B2	Fluid-ejection assembly substrate having rounded ribs A fluid-ejection assembly includes a die, a substrate, ribs, and adhesive. The die has nozzles through which fluid is ejected. The substrate provides the fluid to the die. The ribs are within the substrate, and have rounded corners. The rounded corners are adapted to provide a predetermined characteristic. The adhesive affixes the die to the substrate.
US08573740B2	Manufacture of a print head Manufacturing method for an inkjet print head, comprising forming a nozzle layer onto a substrate, depositing an LSE (low surface energy) coating onto the nozzle layer, depositing a sacrificial film onto the LSE coating, post processing the substrate, and removing the sacrificial film from the LSE coating, the LSE coating having a water contact angle of at least 50° after removal of the sacrificial film.
US08573736B2	Inkjet printer, inkjet head, and printing method To suitably use a metallic ink or a pearl-colored ink in an inkjet printer. Furthermore, to suitably use an ink containing a large-sized pigment in the inkjet printer.An inkjet printer includes an inkjet head 12 that discharges towards a printing medium 50 ink droplets of a metallic ink or a pearl-colored ink. The inkjet head 12 includes a nozzle 104 that discharges the ink droplets towards the printing medium 50, and an air blowing unit 120 that generates an airflow towards the printing medium 50 along the ink droplets discharged from the nozzle 104.
US08573735B2	Printing apparatus The invention prevents and suppresses wasteful expenditure of ink which occurs when recovering nozzles. In greater detail, a plurality of head units arranged in a direction which intersects a transportation direction of a printing medium is provided, a plurality of cleaning units is disposed to face the plurality of head units, and at least one of the plurality of cleaning units is selected and moved so as to be in close contact with the corresponding cleaning unit. By such a method, only the cleaning head unit which faces the head unit of which nozzles need to be recovered is selected and is brought into contact with the head unit, and liquid is sucked in from the nozzles of the head unit.
US08573734B2	Movable spittoon platform Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods of handling ink using a movable spittoon platform. A frame defines at least a reservoir portion and a side wall protrusion adjacent the reservoir portion. A shuttle includes a platform slidably movable between a first position, in which the platform is biased to extend outwardly from an end portion of the shuttle, and a second position, in which the platform becomes retracted relative to the end portion of the shuttle. The shuttle is slidably movable relative to the frame toward the spittoon portion wherein, upon releasable contact of the platform against the protrusion, the platform moves from the first portion into the second portion to scrape ink off the platform into the reservoir portion below the shuttle.
US08573733B2	Protective device for inkjet printheads An inkjet printhead is configured to reduce the likelihood of media coming into contact with a printhead face. The inkjet printhead includes a housing, an aperture plate having a plurality of apertures in an aperture area through which inkjet ejectors eject ink, and a pair of members aligned with a direction of media movement and extending along a length of the aperture area, the pair of members being configured to lift media away from the plurality of apertures in the aperture area.
US08573726B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including a first carriage having a first recording head to eject black liquid droplets, a second carriage having a second recording head to eject color liquid droplets and separatably dockable with the first carriage, a position detector to detect a position of the second carriage relative to the first carriage in a state in which the first and second carriages are docked with each other, and a landing position corrector to correct landing positions of liquid droplets ejected from at least one of the first and second recording heads. The landing position corrector holds the position of the second carriage obtained by the position detector as a reference position and adjusts a correction amount for correcting the landing positions based on an amount of shift between the reference position and a present position of the second carriage docked with the first carriage.
US08573723B2	Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting liquid droplets An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a head holder, a carriage, a guide member, a reference member, an intermediate member, and an adjuster. The recording head has a plurality of nozzles to eject liquid droplets. The head holder holds the recording head. The carriage is reciprocally movable in a main scanning direction and holds the head holder. The guide member is disposed along the main scanning direction to guide the carriage along the main scanning direction. The reference member is disposed parallel to the guide member in the carriage to hold the head holder. The intermediate member is displaceably disposed between the head holder and the carriage and held by the carriage. The adjuster adjusts a position of the head holder by displacing the intermediate member.
US08573719B2	Refrigerator door having a tube guide for supporting a water supply tube A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, all ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.
US08573716B2	Storage and organization system and connectivity of the components therein A storage shell includes a plurality of sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. A first sidewall defines a panel and a track. The panel defines an outer perimeter edge, an exterior surface, and holes extending through the panel. The track is coupled to the panel and includes a first rib and a second rib each extending from the exterior surface. The first rib is positioned inside the outer perimeter edge. The second rib is concentric with and shaped similarly to the first rib. The first rib and the second rib each separately border each one of the holes where each of the holes is formed between the first rib and the second rib. Related storage and organization systems, accessories and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
US08573715B1	Dual hinged dispenser cabinet A dispenser cabinet for holding and dispensing paper toweling or other paper sheet material includes a front dispenser cabinet portion and a rear dispenser cabinet portion. Hinge receptacles are attached to both left and right side walls of the dispenser cabinet portions and hinges are selectively alternatively positionable in the hinge receptacles to allow the hinge connection between the dispenser cabinet portions to be changed between left and right side walls.
US08573705B2	Mining apparatus with precision navigation system A mining apparatus includes a miner, a conveyor unit and a steering unit connecting the miner and conveyor unit. The apparatus also includes a heading sensor and a controller responsive to the heading sensor. A first actuator is carried on the miner, the control unit or the steering unit. The first actuator is positioned to a first side of a midline of the miner. Further a second actuator is carried on one of the miner, the conveyor unit and the steering unit. The second actuator is positioned to a second opposite side of the midline of the miner. The first and second actuators are utilized to adjust a connection angle between the miner and the conveyor unit either side of parallel in order to maintain the miner on the desired directional heading.
US08573701B2	Support member for vehicle seat head restraint A head restraint assembly for a vehicle seat has a head restraint post adapted to be mounted to the vehicle seat. A support member is coupled to the head restraint post. The support member having a plurality of attachment receptacles to mount the head restraint post to one of the plurality of attachment receptacles. A compressible pad member is mounted to the support member. A convex outer surface provides support for a head of an occupant. The support member is mounted to head restraint post at one of the plurality of attachment receptacles positions the compressible pad at a distance from the convex outer surface.
US08573696B2	Ottoman device for variable-cushion-length seat An ottoman device includes a first mechanism that has an operating portion operable to adjust a longitudinal position of a front end portion of a seat cushion corresponding to the inner sides of knees of a seated person, and is operable to vary a cushion length by adjusting the longitudinal position of the front end portion of the seat cushion by means of the operating portion, an ottoman body that extends from the front end portion of the seat cushion toward toes of the seated person, and a second mechanism operable to lift the ottoman body by reducing a flexion angle of the ottoman body at the front end portion of the seat cushion, so as to bring the ottoman body into a lifted condition. The ottoman body is provided as a unit with the operating portion, and the first and second mechanisms operate independently of each other.
US08573684B2	Sliding roof sunshade assembly A sliding roof sunshade assembly for a vehicle has a sunshade element which can be moved in opening direction and a closing direction. The sunshade element has a bow at a free front end. At least one force-transmitting drive element is connected to the bow and to a drive in order to move the sunshade element into a closed setting, with the front end of the sunshade element assuming a predetermined closed position in the closed setting. At least one elastic intermediate element is arranged in a force flow between the drive and the front end of the sunshade element. Once the front end of the sunshade element has reached the closed position, the drive moves the drive element onward into a predetermined end setting in which the intermediate element is elastically deformed. The predetermined end setting corresponds to a position in which the elastic intermediate element is compressed by an amount within a predetermined tolerance path.
US08573679B2	Slide door constant feeding system There is provided a slide door constant feeding system whose crossover portion of a wire harness does not interfere with a wall portion of a door trim in opening/closing a slide door and which excels in durability. The slide door constant feeding system comprises a door-side feeding fixture having a main part attached to a door trim, a leg member whose one end is attached to the main part and a door-side anchoring section attached to other end of the leg member and anchoring a door-side end of a crossover portion of a wire harness, a body-side feeding fixture attached to a car body and anchoring a body-side end of the crossover portion and the wire harness for feeding power from the car body-side to the door-side. The door-side anchoring section moves in opening/closing the slide door.
US08573677B2	Floor mat and method for manufacturing a floor mat A vehicle floor mat that includes a flexible upper layer having a non-wood surface with a visible wood-grain pattern on substantially the entire non-wood surface, the non-wood surface being of a scratch-resistant and water-resistant material and able to repeatedly flex at least 70 degrees from planar at least 100 times without exhibiting a change in the visible wood-grain pattern. A flexible non-wood underlayer is coupled to an underside of the flexible upper layer and has a slip-resistant surface that is able to repeatedly flex at least 70 degrees from planar. The flexible upper layer and the flexible non-wood underlayer have a shared non-uniform outer-edge shape that corresponds to a non-planar foot area of a vehicle.
US08573676B2	Closure assembly for a vehicle A closure assembly for a vehicle includes rails secured to a vehicle body, first joints secured to one of the rails and able to pivot about an axis through a first angle between a first reference position and a second reference position, a panel, and second joints secured to one of the rails, supporting the panel and able to pivot about a second axis through a second angle between a first reference position and a third reference position.
US08573675B2	Reverse pedestal seat A vehicle including a seat base having a first slide assembly disposed on each of first and second sides of the seat base. A first support column is disposed below the seat base and is positioned between the first and second sides of the seat base. A second support column is disposed below the second side of the seat base. A brace connects the second support column to a transmission hump of the vehicle.
US08573673B1	Stake pocket mounting bar for portable step A stake pocket mounting bar for removably attaching a step to a truck bed or other generally horizontal surface, comprising: an anchor member defining at least one open slot for removably receiving a looped end of a strap; a leg member having first and second ends wherein the first end is attached to the anchor member and the second end defines a plurality of teeth. The anchor member may define two open slots. The leg member may define a bend, preferably about a 90° bend between its first and second ends so that when the leg member is inserted into a stake pocket of the truck bed, the teeth will be disposed generally horizontally such that they may engage the side of the truck bed. The anchor may be made of angle iron.
US08573669B2	Storage container A storage container having a pivotable door pivotable between an open and closed position is provided. The storage container includes a housing configured to hold the pivotable door and a biasing member operable to bias the pivotable door between the open and closed position. A mount is disposed on the pivotable door. The mount includes a loading member. The biasing member is operatively connected to the mount. The biasing member is configured to engage the loading member so as to retain the biasing member in a fixed position with respect to the pivotable door prior to assembling the pivotable door to the housing. A method for installing or assembling a storage container having a pivotable door is also provided.
US08573667B2	Cover structure of saddle ride type vehicle To easily prevent flapping of a cover attached to a vehicle such as a motor cycle. A storage box is provided on a lateral side of a vehicle frame. The storage box includes a storage box main body having an opening facing an outside of a vehicle, and a lid member which is openable and closable to cover the opening. A side cover which covers a lateral side of the vehicle is provided in front of the storage box. A rear edge portion of the side cover extends to an outside edge portion of the storage box main body, and is fixed to the outside edge portion.
US08573664B2	Pet barrier and cover A cover for use with a pet barrier having a frame with first and second ends includes a body portion sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the frame and first and second attachment members defined on the body portion. The first attachment member is sized and configured to be releasably secured to one of the first and second ends of the frame, and the second attachment member is sized and configured to be releasably secured to the other of the first and second ends of the frame. The cover further includes a closure assembly configured to selectively secure the second attachment member to the frame.
US08573663B1	Finger-gesticulation hand device A finger-gesticulation hand device includes a base frame representing a metacarpal part of the human hand, and at least three digits mounted on the base frame and appearing to be a thumb and at least two fingers. Each digit has at least two phalange portions respectively linked by two joints which permit a flexing movement of the phalange portions between extended and flexed positions. An actuating cord passes through each digit and is actuated by a solenoid actuator unit to pull the phalange portions of the respective digit to the flexed position. The hand device is simple in construction and capable of making hand gestures in a simple manner.
US08573662B2	Magnetic workpiece handling devices In some aspects, a magnetic workpiece handling device includes a housing, a housing bottom having an end face, a magnetic piston, and a fluid connection for delivering a working fluid into the housing for moving the piston between an operating position and a rest position. The working fluid is delivered at at least first and second working pressures, the first working pressure transferring the piston into the operating position near the housing bottom and the second working pressure transferring the piston into the rest position away from the housing bottom. The handling device includes a detection device to detect the presence of a workpiece and to determine a pressure of the working fluid. The piston has a vertically movable holding magnet that faces the housing bottom for holding the workpiece. The holding magnet controls a valve arrangement of the detection device.
US08573658B2	Active hood latch system for vehicle An active hood latch system for a vehicle may include a housing, a locking/releasing bar connected to a cable of a hood latch assembly, a locking/releasing unit configured to release a locked state of the locking/releasing bar using a signal of a pedestrian collision detecting sensor, and a pulling unit configured to rotate the locking/releasing bar by pulling an end of the locking/releasing bar, wherein the hood latch assembly includes a main latch pivotally coupled to the housing, and a flexible member connecting the housing to the main latch, and wherein when the cable may be pulled by operating the locking/releasing unit using the signal of the pedestrian collision detecting sensor, the main latch may be released to pop up a hood and the flexible member connected to the main latch may be selectively extended by the hood to absorb collision energy and reduce damage to a pedestrian.
US08573657B2	Latch mechanism A latch system for a door of a vehicle a latch assembly having a catch and a pawl, an actuatable inside handle, a linkage assembly mechanically linked between the inside handle and the latch assembly, and an actuator interconnected to the pawl and being configured to be activated by actuation of the inside handle. The catch is configured to be moved to the open position by activating the actuator to thereby move the pawl to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position or by actuating the inside handle when the vehicle has power. The catch is also configured to be moved to the open position after actuation of the inside handle by having the inside handle mechanically move the linkage assembly to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position when the vehicle does not have power.
US08573656B1	Knot-tying device and method A multi-actuator robotic device for performing knot-tying is provided herein. The device performs an automatic knot-tying to mimic human hand making a clove hitch knot using a sequence of coordinated string delivery and capturing actions and is particularly useful in the field of hop twining. In one example, the device uses four pneumatic actuators to perform nine coordinated knot-tying actions.
US08573655B2	Pipe sealing tool with external clamp An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes a clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior of the pipe, a sealing plate for covering the open end of the pipe and being connectable to the clamp, and an urging mechanism for urging the sealing plate towards the clamp and for forming a seal between the sealing plate and the open end of the pipe. In one aspect, the clamp comprises an annular body formed by at least two sections that are radially tightened over the pipe exterior. In another aspect, the clamp comprises cooperating annular bodies, one capable of radially narrowing the other for frictionally engaging the pipe outer surface. In another aspect the method provides a method of sealing an end of a pipe. According to the invention, once the open end is sealed, the interior of the pipe may be pressurized, for example for testing the integrity thereof.
US08573646B2	Mounting structure for NOx reduction device for construction machine A mounting structure is provided for an NOx reduction system for a hydraulic excavator. The NOx reduction system includes a PM collection filter to be arranged in an exhaust passage of an engine to collect suspended particulate matter in exhaust gas from the engine, a urea SCR catalyst for reducing and purifying nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas from the engine, a urea water spay device for spraying a urea water into the exhaust passage of the engine, a urea water feeder for feeding the urea water to the urea water spray device, and a urea water storage tank for storing therein the urea water to be guided to the urea water feeder. In the mounting structure, the counterweight is provided with a recessed section formed therein, the urea SCR catalyst is arranged in the recessed section, and the PM collection filter is arranged in the engine compartment. The urea SCR catalyst and PM collection filter are arranged to form an “L” pattern.
US08573641B2	Airbag having a pressure responsive vent An airbag has a fabric enclosure, a vent in the fabric enclosure, and a flow control device made up of a flexible membrane fastened around part of a periphery thereof to the fabric enclosure adjacent to the vent. The membrane defines a flow passage having a free end through which inflation gas is vented to atmosphere and has a tongue extending away from the free end. The tongue has a pre-deployment position in which it overlies an inner surface of the fabric enclosure and a distal end of the tongue extends past an end of the vent closest to the free end. A first distance from the distal end of the tongue to a closest end of the vent may be shorter than a second distance from the distal end of the tongue to a closest end of fastening between the periphery of the membrane and the fabric enclosure.
US08573640B2	Side collision occupant protection system A system and a method for protecting the occupant of a vehicle during a side-impact detects an approaching vehicle and identifies a collision threat. A collision threat level is assessed based on a set of parameters, and when the collision threat exceeds a pre-determined collision threat threshold level, the system unlatches the occupant's door, pushes it a few centimeters outwards, and locks it in that position. Pressure sensors and accelerometers disposed at suitable locations on the sides of the vehicle, provide crash signals to a Restraint Control Module (RCM). When the crash signals exceed a certain threshold, the RCM commands an airbag deployment module to deploy the airbag between the occupant and the door. Since the door is pushed outwards, an extra pre-crush space is created between the occupant and the door, which allows the use of larger and softer side airbags to provide enhanced protection to the vehicle occupants.
US08573634B2	Center curtain air bag apparatus for vehicle A center curtain air bag apparatus for a vehicle efficiently protects a rear seat passenger with an air bag cushion that is deployed during a car collision accident.
US08573633B2	Seat cushion airbag apparatus A seat cushion airbag apparatus is applied to a vehicle seat having a seat portion. The seat portion has a seat cushion that is supported from below by a support portion of a seat frame. The apparatus raises a seat face of the vehicle seat, thereby restraining an object on the seat face to prevent the object from moving forward. The apparatus includes an airbag, an inflation fluid generator, and a contact preventing member. The airbag is arranged between the support portion and the cushion. The inflation fluid generator supplies inflation fluid for inflating the airbag, thereby raising the seat face. The contact preventing member is arranged between the support portion and the airbag. A part of the contact preventing member that is in the vicinity of the support portion is flexible. The contact preventing member prevents the airbag from contacting the support portion when the airbag is inflated.
US08573632B1	Grain-coordinated airbag tear seam A vehicle interior panel for use over an airbag includes a decorative covering with a grain-coordinated tear seam. The decorative covering includes a visible surface with a grain pattern formed therein, and individual stress risers of the tear seam a located at valleys of the grain pattern. Holes cut through a skin layer of the decorative covering in this manner have reduced visibility, due in part to light reflection characteristics at the grained surface that tend to form shadowed areas in the grain valleys. A method for forming a grain-coordinated tear seam includes determining the location of peaks and/or valleys of the grain pattern and forming a majority of the stress risers at determined valley locations.
US08573626B2	Coupler for a vehicle A tractor includes a vehicle coupler which couples with a trailer brake coupler to connect it to a pressure source for the trailer brake system. The pressure source is driven by a controllable drive unit, and an electronic control unit controls the activation of the drive unit. The vehicle coupler includes a first sensor which is connected to the control unit and which senses when the trailer coupler is coupled to the vehicle coupler. The control unit controls the activation of the drive unit in response to the sensor in order to prevent the pressure source from being driven unnecessarily.
US08573625B2	Buddy tow and go An architecture is presented that provides a riding platform device attachable to the back of a personal assistive mobility device, and more particularly to a removable and adjustable platform device for attachment to an electric or gas powered scooter that allows a companion to be transported along with the scooter and its driver, and thereby keep pace with an individual with limited mobility.
US08573620B2	Vehicle suspension system A suspension system suspends an axle from a vehicle undercarriage. A mounting mounts a trailing arm for pivotal motion about a horizontal axis passing through a proximal end of the trailing arm perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel while the vehicle is being steered in a straight line. An air spring is disposed between the undercarriage and a distal end of the trailing arm. A fastening holds fast together the middle of a resiliently flexible locating strap, the middle of the trailing arm, and the axle. A front locating bracket and a rear locating bracket fastened to the undercarriage respectively locate the front end of the locating strap horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis about which the trailing arm pivots and the rear end of the locating strap horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis about which the trailing arm pivots.
US08573615B2	Suspension system for vehicle A suspension system suitable for a small-sized vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle. A strut damper is arranged wherein a downwardly extending line of an axis of the strut damper is located in front of a drive shaft extending to the depth of a drawing from the rotational center of a front wheel. As interference between the strut damper and the drive shaft is not a concern, a mounting position of the strut damper can be fully lowered. In addition, the length of the axis of the strut damper can be fully secured. Therefore, the height of the vehicle can be lowered. In addition, the design of a vehicle body is facilitated.
US08573610B1	Footrest apparatus A footrest apparatus for a wheelchair and the like has a pair of supporting frame configurations supporting a pair of foot plates to be position in a first position for use and a second position for transportation and/or storage. Each of the supporting frame configurations has a connecting shaft rotatably received in a vertical tube of a front wheel assembly. The vertical tube is affixed to a frame structure of the wheelchair and the like. The connecting shaft and the vertical tube in combination bear and transfer a foot load of the user and therefore a locking device provided between the connecting shaft and the vertical tube for locking the connecting frame configuration in a selected one of the first and second positions, will not bear the foot load, resulting a configuration convenience for conducting an unlock action.
US08573608B2	Modular clamp assembly with multiple tool attachments A clamp assembly including: a clamp frame including a first portion including a first opening which accepts a fastener, and a second portion interposed between the first portion and a third portion, wherein the third portion includes a second opening and a third opening, each of which accepts a fastener, a threaded rod disposed through the first portion of the clamp frame; and a clamp pad on an inner end of the clamp rod.
US08573604B2	Wheel suspension for a motor vehicle A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes an electric vibration damper which is affixed to the vehicle body and which has a generator that can be driven by translational wheel movements of the vehicle wheel in order to generate an induced voltage. The stator and the rotor of the generator are interconnected via at least one gear stage, wherein a gear element of the gear stage is a drive gear wheel of a rack-and-pinion drive that is drivingly connected to a wheel carrier of the wheel suspension, with the wheel carrier following the wheel movements.
US08573603B2	Split ring seal with spring element A split ring seal assembly includes a metal seal ring having two ends defining a circumferential gap therebetween. At least a first spring element is mounted to the two ends to bias the two ends circumferentially towards each other to reduce the diameter of a circumferential inner sealing surface of the metal seal ring.
US08573601B2	Sealing device To prevent muddy water intrusion into a sliding section (S1) of an oil seal lip (13), a sealing device (1) has an oil seal (10) mounted at an opening end (2a) of a housing (2) and a slinger (20) mounted axially outside the oil seal (10) on a rotating body (5), the oil seal (10) is formed from a rubber-like elastic material integrally with a metal reinforcement ring (11) and has the oil seal lip (13) slidably contacting with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body (5) and a side lip (15) slidably contacting with the slinger (20), the reinforcement ring (11) has a sliding tube section (11b) radially outside a sliding section (S2) of the side lip (15), and a external seal lip (23) provided on a radially outer section (22a) of the slinger (20) slidably contacts with the outer peripheral surface of the sliding tube section (11b).
US08573598B2	Sootblower isolation wall box A sootblower isolation wall box provided for sealing the wall box opening of a large scale boiler to provide sootblower lance tube access to the boiler. The wall box assembly includes a clamping seal assembly having radial sealing segments which are individually actuated. Applying fluid pressure to actuating cylinders causes the seal segments to be clamped against the outer circumference of the sootblower lance tube. During cleaning cycles, the segments are actuated to provide a radial clearance with the lance tube. Preferably, the clamping seal assembly is used in connection with another seal assembly which is relied upon to provide sealing during the cleaning steps. In a preferred embodiment, the additional seal assembly is in the form of a labyrinth-type seal assembly.
US08573596B2	Color by symbol picture puzzle kit A picture puzzle kit is provided for coloring duplicate picture puzzles marked with distinct indicia corresponding to multiple colors. The picture puzzle kit comprises two or more sets of puzzle pieces comprising parts that define a picture puzzle. The puzzle pieces in one set are duplicates of corresponding puzzle pieces in another set. The puzzle pieces in one set are marked with indicia corresponding to a color, which are distinct from indicia marked on the puzzle pieces in another set. Opposing sides of the puzzle pieces can be marked with distinct indicia. Two or more color charts display colors corresponding to the distinct indicia marked on the puzzle pieces. Coloring tools are used to color the puzzle pieces based on the colors corresponding to the distinct indicia, displayed on the color charts. Corresponding colored puzzle pieces in the sets are interchanged for creating duplicate picture puzzles of different colors.
US08573592B2	Inline skew and lateral measurement of a sheet during printing According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a method and system for measuring and controlling an angular orientation of a printed sheet along a feed path of a print making device, the printed sheet being a sheet of paper with a paper edge moving along the feed path and an image printed thereon. The method includes the following steps. First, moving the printed sheet past at least one pair of optical sensors to determine a first skew of the paper edge with respect to a first fixed reference and a second skew of the image with respect to a second fixed reference. Then, combining the first skew and the second skew to determine the total skew between the paper edge and the image. Finally, correcting the total skew for subsequent sheets using the first skew and the second skew information. Similar steps can be taken to determine the lateral positioning errors which can then be corrected.
US08573591B2	Optical reader, control method of optical reader, and computer-readable recording medium that shortened first transport distance of medium An optical reader is provided. A transport section is capable of transporting a medium which is a reading target in forward and backward directions along a transport path. An optical reading section is installed in the transporting path. The optical reading section optically reads the medium which is transported by the transport section. A control section sets a transport direction of the medium at the time of reading of the medium on the basis of a position of the medium before or when the reading of the medium is started and a reading position of the optical reading section such that a transport distance of the medium until the reading of the medium is completed is shortened, and controls the transport section and the optical reading section.
US08573587B2	Sheet material feeding device and image forming apparatus including the same A sheet material feeding device includes a send-out means that is pressed to contact with the uppermost surface of the sheet material stacked on the sheet material stacking member to move the contact surface in a predetermined direction for sending out the sheet material, a lift up/down means that moves the sheet material stacking member between a feeding position and a separate position, a member to be detected that can move in the up and down direction when the sheet material stacking member moves, a detecting member that can output a detection signal when the member to be detected moves to a predetermined position, and a cassette that supports the sheet material stacking member and can be attached and detached from an apparatus main body. The cassette has an engaging portion for moving the member to be detected to the predetermined position when being attached to the apparatus main body.
US08573584B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including a sheet container, a sheet stacking member to closably open the sheet container; a restriction unit to restrict a swinging movement of the sheet stacking member, and a stopper mechanism to restrict insertion of the sheet container into the image forming apparatus in a state in which the sheet stacking member swings open from the sheet container. The stopper mechanism includes a stopped member provided to the sheet container and being movable vertically along the swinging movement of the sheet stacking member, and a stopper member provided to the image forming apparatus and being contactable with the stopped member. The stopped member includes a stopped surface contacted by the stopper member in a state in which the stopped member is lifted; and a switching surface adjacent to the stopped surface and vertically moving the stopped member by contact against the stopper member.
US08573583B2	Booklet conveying device, image forming system, and booklet conveying method In an embodiment, a booklet conveying device includes: a pair of conveying units; a positioning unit; a pressing unit; and a conveying-force changing unit. The pair of conveying units convey a booklet made of a stack of folded sheets, and change a distance therebetween. The positioning unit positions the booklet by making a leading-end portion of the booklet abut thereto. The pressing unit presses the booklet positioned by the positioning unit onto one of the conveying units in order to fix. The conveying-force changing unit changes the conveying force exerted by the conveying units.
US08573582B2	Sheet buffer apparatus, post-processing apparatus, control method, and image forming apparatus A sheet buffer apparatus which retains a sheet to be conveyed to a post-processing unit configured to perform post-processing for a sheet, the apparatus comprises: a buffer unit configured to perform buffer processing to retain a sheet to be conveyed to the post-processing unit and overlay the sheet to be retained and a succeeding sheet; a determination unit configured to determine whether a sheet is inhibited from the buffer processing by the buffer unit; and a control unit configured, when the determination unit determines that the sheet succeeding the sheet to be retained is a sheet for which the buffer processing is inhibited, to control the buffer unit not to perform the retaining of the sheet to be retained.
US08573573B2	Spring strut arrangement for wheel suspension of motor vehicles The invention relates a spring strut arrangement for wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, which is formed from a telescoping shock absorber, a suspension spring element which is preferably made as a helical compression spring, and a preloaded spring element which is preferably made as a helical compression spring, the spring elements being supported by way of spring caps on the body of the motor vehicle and on a wheel suspension element and a third spring cap located in between being movably guided along the longitudinal axis of the shock absorber relative to the body by way of an electrically driven positioning drive which is located within the spring elements, the positioning drive having a positioning spindle which is pivoted around the shock absorber and an adjusting nut which is connected to the movable spring cap. According to the invention, the shock absorber with the shock absorber tube is located at the top on the body of the motor vehicle and the positioning spindle is pivoted on the shock absorber tube.
US08573571B2	Dissipative structures and related methods Dissipative structures include at least one panel and a cell structure disposed adjacent to the at least one panel having interconnected cells. A deformable material, which may comprise at least one hydrogel, is disposed within at least one interconnected cell proximate to the at least one panel. Dissipative structures may also include a cell structure having interconnected cells formed by wall elements. The wall elements may include a mesh formed by overlapping fibers having apertures formed therebetween. The apertures may form passageways between the interconnected cells. Methods of dissipating a force include disposing at least one hydrogel in a cell structure proximate to at least one panel, applying a force to the at least one panel, and forcing at least a portion of the at least one hydrogel through apertures formed in the cell structure.
US08573570B2	Fluid-filled vibration damping device A fluid-filled vibration damping device including: a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber disposed on either side of a partition plate, while being connected through a first orifice passage; a moveable film arranged to either a pressure-receiving chamber side or an equilibrium chamber side of the partition plate while being spaced away therefrom to define therebetween an intermediate chamber; a second orifice passage connecting the intermediate chamber and one of the pressure-receiving and the equilibrium chambers while being tuned to higher frequency than the first orifice passage; and a flow straightening plate arranged in opposition to the moveable film at least at one of the intermediate chamber side and an opposite side thereof, the flow straightening plate having a plurality of flow straightening apertures opening towards the moveable film and furnished with a flow limiting member.
US08573568B2	Leaf spring attachment A leaf spring attachment for connecting a leaf spring to an axle or frame of a motor vehicle includes a clamp to maintain the leaf spring under tension between elastomer bodies. At least one of the elastomer bodies is connected to the leaf spring by a material joint. The clamp is split to define an upper clamp member and a lower clamp member in opposition to the upper clamp member. The upper clamp member has a U-shaped configuration to embrace a topside and opposite length sides of the leaf spring. The lower clamp member includes a plurality of retention plates in spaced-apart relationship for connection with the axle by material joint. Screw fasteners are provided to secure legs of the upper clamp member to the lower clamp member.
US08573560B2	Vacuum control valve and vacuum control system The invention provides a vacuum control valve configured to control the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum control valve includes a control valve main body, an operation unit, a cylinder, a biasing unit, and a bellofram. The operation unit and the cylinder include a valve opening manipulation chamber and a shutoff load generation chamber. The shutoff load generation chamber is configured to have a common axial center line with the valve opening manipulation chamber and to generate a load applied to the operation unit in a direction for reducing the lift in accordance with a supply of the working fluid. And the shutoff load generation chamber may be formed in an interior of the rod.
US08573557B2	Bidirectional ram BOP and method A ram blowout preventer for sealing a well, the ram blowout preventer including a body having a cavity with a recess; a ram block configured to move inside the cavity; a top seat disposed in the recess and configured to seal the well when in contact with the ram block; a movable lock ring extending inside a groove of the body and a corresponding groove of the top seat and configured to move inside the groove of the body, along a direction substantially parallel to the well; a first seal extending inside a groove of the top seat and configured to contact the body and the top seat; and a second seal extending inside a groove of the ram block and configured to contact the ram block and the top seat. A width of the groove of the body is larger than a width of the lock ring by a predetermined value, which is larger than normal tolerances, and a distance from a centerline of the well to the first seal is larger than a distance from the centerline of the well to the second seal.
US08573555B2	Support structure of operation panel for machine tool The present invention provides capability to instantaneously adjust a height of an operation panel to an optimal height in accordance with a height of an operator with extremely easy operation and slight operating force. The operation panel is attached to a housing side wall of a machine tool in a vertically movable manner, supporting a load of the operation panel by the housing through a gas spring with a hydraulic lock. The operation panel is set to be capable of being vertically adjusted in position by disposing a handling unit which releases the hydraulic lock of the gas spring at the vicinity of the lower side of the operation panel.
US08573547B2	Ready to assemble chair base A ready to assemble chair base includes three leg components. First and second leg components each include two of the five legs, and a third leg component includes a single leg. A hub portion of all three components includes a portion of the central tapered hole. The hub portions of the first and second components join together with vertical interlocking surfaces slidably locking together in the direction of the axis of the central tapered hole. The hub of the third leg component is formed in the shape of a tenon blade and is inserted into a horizontal mortise slot (perpendicular to the axis of the central hole) formed by the interlocked hubs of the first and second leg components. A gas lift post is received into the center, tapered hole of the assembled base locking all three components together.
US08573537B2	Aircraft sub-assembly and aircraft provided with such a sub-assembly An aircraft sub-assembly including at least one seat and/or rest for a passenger, a separation panel extending along one of the two opposed sides of the at least one seat, with a longitudinal dimension at least equal to that of the at least one seat and a vertical dimension or height higher than that of the at least one seat so as to conceal at least partially a passenger occupying the at least one seat behind the separation panel. The separation panel includes a transverse curve extending perpendicularly to its height and along one of the two opposed sides of the at least one seat.
US08573532B2	Aircraft with reciprocating engines partially embedded in the fuselage An aircraft provided with turbojet engines of which the nacelles are partially embedded in the fuselage of the aircraft is disclosed. The aircraft includes an internal space at engine nacelles. The internal space includes a platform capable of supporting personnel and maintenance equipment, with the portions of the nacelles located inside the aircraft comprising trapdoors or devices for accessing inside the engines from the platform.
US08573526B2	Webbing take-up device A webbing take-up device comprising a take-up shaft on which webbing is taken up; a movement member that is moved at a specific occasion such as a vehicle collision is detected or there is rapid vehicle deceleration; a rotation member comprising a coaxially provided rotation shaft support portion and recess portion formed at an end portion in an axial direction of the rotation shaft support portion, the take-up shaft being rotated in the take-up direction by the rotation member meshing with the movement member and being rotated during movement of the movement member; and a cover member disposed on a rotation shaft support portion side of the rotation member, the cover member comprising a plate portion, a substantially ring shaped wall that projects out from the plate portion towards a rotation member side and is accommodated in the recess portion, and a shaft bearing hole formed in the plate portion and the substantially ring shaped wall for supporting the rotation shaft support portion.
US08573523B2	Automatic and continuous rubber extracting device for extracting rubber from a rubber-bearing plant material An automatic and continuous rubber extracting device comprises a first grinding stone having a central opening and second grinding stone rotatable mounted against the first grinding stone. The first grinding stone is a top stone and the second grinding stone is a bottom stone. A cone is disposed within the central opening of the first grinding stone. A motor apparatus is provided for rotating the bottom stone and the cone. A screw feed is in communication with the central opening of the first grinding stone. Plant material from the screw feed is fed along the cone and between the first grinding stone and second grinding stone. The cone may be provided with grooves and recesses along an lateral surface thereof.
US08573521B2	Refiner plates having steam channels and method for extracting backflow steam from a disk refiner A refining plate for refining lignocellulosic material including: a radially outer peripheral edge and a substrate surface; a refining zone having a plurality of substantially radially disposed bars and grooves between the bars, wherein the bars protrude upward from the substrate surface and the grooves each have a groove width, and a steam channel traversing the bars and grooves of the refining zone, wherein the steam channel has a radially outer end radially inward of the outer peripheral edge of the plate and the steam channel has a width substantially greater than the groove width.
US08573519B2	Process for producing nanoscale organic solid particles A method for producing nanoscale organic solid particles is proposed, starting from the corresponding sublimable organic solid as raw material, in the form of particles having an average particle diameter in the range of from 1 μm to 10 mm, which are dispersed in a carrier gas so as to obtain a dispersion, which is relaxed in a convergent nozzle, which is followed by an expansion chamber, and wherein openings are provided rotationally symmetrically about the midaxis of the expansion chamber in the wall of the expansion chamber which comprises the product outlet opening, through which openings a secondary gas flow is injected comprising an inert gas carrier and molecules, ions or nanoscale particles contained in molecularly disperse form therein, which are different from the raw material and which have an average particle diameter that is less than the average particle diameter of the product.
US08573518B2	Method and device for breaking down biological material The invention relates to a method for breaking down biological material, especially for obtaining biomolecules by ultrasound, the biological material being arranged, in a container together with a liquid.
US08573516B2	Nozzle design to reduce fretting A method of designing a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine to reduce fretting thereof during use, including establishing an initial nozzle design, determining a first natural frequency of that design and a running frequency range of the gas turbine engine, and increasing a first transverse dimension of the stem member of the nozzle across a length of a portion thereof adjacent the inlet end until the first natural frequency of the nozzle is outside the running range, while a second transverse dimension of the portion remains at least substantially unchanged across the length thereof.
US08573515B2	Aerating nozzle tip An aerating nozzle tip comprises a housing having a central axis, an inlet, an outlet, a plurality of passages disposed around the central axis between the inlet and the outlet, and a circumferential aspirator disposed between the inlet and the outlet.
US08573513B2	Fuel system inlet check valve with flame arresting feature An inlet check valve assembly with flame arresting feature. An internal flame arresting feature utilizes a flame arrester body attached to a valve member which protrudes into the valve throat. An external flame arresting feature utilizes a hood concentrically disposed relative to the valve member. The flame arresting feature is configured relative to movement of the valve member with respect to the throat such that fluidic communication between the fuel fill pipe and the fuel tank is limited to less than the minimum flame propagation distance of the fuel and air mixture in which a combustible mixture may exist in the fuel fill pipe, whereby any flame front in the fuel fill pipe will quench thereat before reaching the fuel tank.
US08573508B2	Compartmentalization of fluid ejector device A fluid ejection apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid passages for fluid flow and a plurality of nozzles fluidically connected to the fluid passages, a plurality of actuators positioned on top of the substrate to cause fluid in the plurality of fluid passages to be ejected from the plurality of nozzles, a housing component with a descending portion that projects down to the substrate, an integrated circuit chip supported on the substrate, a potting barrier secured to the housing component and positioned between the integrated circuit chip and the actuators, and a potting material between the integrated circuit chip and the barrier.
US08573501B2	Radio frequency identification marker housing A housing for a mine marker that houses RFID electronics. The RFID electronics is surrounded by a resiliently deformable tube that fits inside the housing, which may be an impact resistant plastic. The housing is filled with a first strengthening material and the tube may be filled with a second strengthening material. There is an impedance mismatch (a change in properties between adjacent layers so that shock waves are deflected) at the boundary between adjacent materials, (casing and first strengthening material, first strengthening material and tube, tube and second strengthening material, or casing and tube if they abut) which inhibits shock propagation.
US08573500B2	Data carrier system having a compact footprint and methods of manufacturing the same An electronic token system including a token receptacle and a portable token. The token receptacle includes a receptacle body with an outer surface having a first, generally planar array of electrical contacts, which are arranged in a dense-packed configuration that minimizes the surface area occupied by the planar array, consistent with sufficient electrical separation between adjacent contacts. The token receptacle also includes a first alignment feature and a first retention feature. The portable token includes an enclosure for enclosing at least a portion of the receptacle body, the enclosure having a second alignment feature for mating engagement with the first alignment feature and a second retention feature for holding the portable token in removable connection with the first retention feature. The token also includes a second, generally planar array of electrical contacts for electrical communication with the corresponding electrical contacts of the first planar array mounted in the token receptacle.
US08573499B1	Quick response code business card A business card having a QRC image, and method and system for transferring business card information from a QRC to a mobile communication device is disclosed herein. A SMS message comprising contact data for a business is sent from a QRC server to the mobile communication device, which results in pop-up display on the mobile communication device. The pop-up display includes a V-card for the business.
US08573490B2	Contactless smartcard bezel A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
US08573489B2	Decoding systems with a decoding engine running on a mobile device with a touch screen A decoding system has a decoding engine running on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives as its input decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine. A user interaction engine is configured to utilize a touch screen of the mobile device. A first party or second party can input at least one of numbers, characters, and signatures by touching the touch screen.
US08573488B2	Centralized issuer hub for transaction card customization The present invention provides a system for card customization including a centralized issuer hub providing a single point of website integration for applicants in different countries or affiliations, the system comprising a centralized issuer hub comprising a server that coordinates data exchange among a plurality of country- or affiliate-specific websites, a card customization services for processing applicant requests, and an image administrator for customizing applicant submitted images. In operation, a local issuer country website provides a browser-based user interface for an applicant. Card customization services includes a website that recognizes an issuer country or affiliation of the applicant and launches a dedicated country- or affiliate-specific website for the applicant based upon on a country of origin or affiliation of the local issuer country website.
US08573486B2	Systems and methods for financial transaction through miniaturized card reader with confirmation of payment sent to buyer A system is provided that includes a transaction engine running on a mobile device. In response to a financial transaction between a buyer and a seller, the transaction uses the mobile device to accept information selected including but not limited to information from financial transaction or information pertaining to financial transaction card used by the buyer in the transaction. At least a portion of this information is communicated with a third party financial institution or payment network to authorize the transaction. The buyer receives confirmation of the payment.
US08573484B1	Banking apparatus operated responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The machine includes a printer for printing paper records of transactions conducted at the machine. The printer receives paper from a shared paper path. The shared paper path can be supplied by a first paper supply and a second paper supply. A controller is operative to switch between the paper supplies in providing paper to the printer. Based on signals received from paper sensors in the machine, the controller can determine whether the first paper supply has reached a predetermined low level. In response to a low level determination, the controller acts to cause a paper drive to begin moving paper from the second paper supply to the shared paper path and then to the printer.
US08573482B1	Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records An apparatus including an automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data usable to identify at least one of a user of the machine and a financial account. A computer associated with the machine is operative to cause card data to be read through operation of the card reader, and to cause a determination to be made that read card data corresponds to a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction through the machine. The computer is operative responsive at least in part to the determination to cause the financial account to be at least one of assessed and credited with a value associated with a financial transaction.
US08573481B1	Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to the card data corresponding to stored data for a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction with the machine. The machine includes a plurality of hardware devices and a terminal processor. The terminal processor is operative to cause a hardware device to process sheets in carrying out transactions involving financial transfers. A device processor in a hardware device is operative to communicate certain condition data associated with the hardware device to a portable device.
US08573479B1	Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records A machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transfers responsive to data included on data bearing records including user cards. The machine includes a user interface (15) including a display (24). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of user and a user's financial accounts. Records of the financial transfers are provided by a printer (30). A touch screen display module (608) is operative to securely receive manual inputs and/or card data. The touch screen display module includes a contact surface that can be electronically contoured to provide outputs that can be perceived through finger contact with the contact surface.
US08573476B2	Mobile table for implementing clamshell-to-case association Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.

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