最新美国发明专利第2014-01-28期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08637304B1	Ammonia nitrogen recovery through a biological process An economical method for recovering nitrogen from liquid waste using autotrophic organisms and minimal energy inputs and without chemical additives. Solids are separated from anaerobically digested liquid waste. The resulting translucent liquid is introduced to a culture of autotrophic microorganisms in the presence of natural or artificial light, thereby accumulating biomass and producing a liquid effluent with elevated pH. The elevated-pH, liquid effluent is heated and stripped of ammonia, thereby producing a water vapor and stripped ammonia gas stream. The water vapor ammonia gas stream is condensed to form a liquid/ammonia condensate. The autotrophic microorganisms are advantageously cultivated in a photobioreactor comprising a plurality of axially spaced-apart, growth plates mounted for rotation to a shaft. The pH of the culture is adjustable within a preferred range of 8.0 to 10.5 by adjusting the light intensity and rotational speed.
US08637298B2	Optimized strains of yarrowia lipolytica for high eicosapentaenoic acid production Described are engineered strains of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing an oil comprising greater than 50 weight percent of eicosapentaenoic acid [“EPA”], an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, measured as a weight percent of total fatty acids [“% TFAs”] and having a ratio of at least 3.1 of EPA % TFAs, to linoleic acid, measured as % TFAs. These strains over-express at least one Δ9 elongase/Δ8 desaturase multizyme, in addition to other heterologous Δ9 elongases, Δ8 desaturases, Δ5 desaturases, Δ17 desaturases, Δ12 desaturases, C16/18 elongases, and optionally over-express diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferases, malonyl CoA synthetases and/or acyl-CoA lysophospholipid acyltransferases. The expression of at least one peroxisome biogenesis factor protein is down-regulated. Methods for producing EPA within said host cells, oils obtained from the cells, and products therefrom are claimed.
US08637297B2	Isolation, identification and characterization of strains with probiotic activity, from faeces of infants fed exclusively with breast milk The invention relates to probiotic micro-organisms isolated from faeces of children exclusively fed with breast milk. Said microorganisms are used in the food or pharmaceutical industry, especially for use in infant formula milk, due to their probiotic properties which have beneficial effects on the health of those ingesting them. Said microorganisms consist of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HERO 22A (CNCM I-4036), Lactobacillus paracasei HERO 7 (CNCM I-4034) and Bifidobacterium breve HERO 15B (CNCM I-4035).
US08637293B2	Cellobiohydrolase I enzymes Provided herein is an isolated Cel7A polypeptide comprising mutations in the catalytic domain of the polypeptide relative to the catalytic domain of a wild type Cel7A polypeptide, wherein the mutations reduce N-linked glycosylation of the isolated polypeptide relative to the wild type polypeptide. Also provided herein is an isolated Cel7A polypeptide comprising increased O-linked glycosylation of the linker domain relative to a linker domain of a wild type Cel7A polypeptide. The increased O-linked glycosylation is a result of the addition of and/or substitution of one or more serine and/or threonine residues to the linker domain relative to the linker domain of the wild type polypeptide. In some embodiments, the isolated Cel7A polypeptide comprising mutations in the catalytic domain of the polypeptide relative to the catalytic domain of a wild type Cel7A polypeptide further comprises increased O-linked glycosylation of the linker domain relative to a linker domain of a wild type Cel7A polypeptide. The mutations in the catalytic domain reduce N-linked glycosylation of the isolated polypeptide relative to the wild type polypeptide. The addition of and/or substitution of one or more serine and/or threonine residues to the linker domain relative to the linker domain of the wild type polypeptide increases O-linked glycosylation of the isolated polypeptide. Further provided are compositions comprising such polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Still further provided are methods for making such polypeptides.
US08637287B2	Glycosyltransferase reversibility for sugar nucleotide synthesis The present invention generally relates to materials and methods for exploiting glycosyltransferase reversibility for nucleotide diphosphate (NDP) sugar synthesis. The present invention provides engineered glycosyltransferase enzymes characterized by improved reaction reversibility and expanded sugar donor specificity as compared to corresponding non-mutated glycosyltransferase enzymes. Such reagents provide advantageous routes to NDP sugars for subsequent use in a variety of biomedical applications, including enzymatic and chemoenzymatic glycorandomization.
US08637286B2	Methods for increasing product yields A non-naturally occurring microbial organism includes a microbial organism having a reductive TCA or Wood-Ljungdahl pathway in which at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding these pathway enzymes is expressed in a sufficient amount to enhance carbon flux through acetyl-CoA. A method for enhancing carbon flux through acetyl-CoA includes culturing theses non-naturally occurring microbial organisms under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce a product having acetyl-CoA as a building block. Another non-naturally occurring microbial organism includes at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to enhance the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of carbon monoxide or hydrogen, thereby increasing the yield of redox-limited products via carbohydrate-based carbon feedstock. A method for enhancing the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of carbon monoxide or hydrogen includes culturing this organism for a sufficient period of time to produce a product.
US08637285B2	Generation of pulsating pressure waves, E.G. for cell lysis The present invention relates to a method by which a controlled source of heat (preferably a laser 3) generates a pulsating vapor bubble 4 in an enclosed liquid. The pulsating rate (the frequency) is preferably in the ultrasonic region, whereby cavitation occurs in the liquid. The cavitation effect will cause disruption of suspended components such as cells or bacterial spores. The ultrasonic disruption of cellular components is known as lysing by sonication.
US08637282B2	Process for fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass Methods are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomasses into cellulosic, hemicellulosic and lignin fractions, wherein concentrated organic acid vapors are applied to the biomass at elevated temperatures at the location(s) or near the location(s) where the biomass has been harvested and gathered, to at least partly depolymerize or substantially solubilize the hemicelluloses and lignins in the biomass. The organic acid-treated biomass is in either case then dried and pelletized for extended bulk storage and/or for shipment to a second facility some distance away. The organic acid-treated biomass may be processed into desired chemicals, fuels and/or fuel additives at the local processing site or at a second facility away from the local processing site, or the pelletized material may be used as a ruminant feed locally or at a feedlot some distance removed from the local processing site.
US08637279B2	Recombinant Escherichia coli producing D-xylonic acid from D-xylose and method for producing D-xylonic acid using the same Disclosed herein is a recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) capable of producing D-xylonic acid from D-xylose and a method for producing D-xylonic acid using the same. The recombinant E. coli producing D-xylonic acid from D-xylose according to the present invention is a recombinant E. coli EWX4 (Microorganism deposition number KCTC11988BP) capable of producing D-xylonic acid from D-xylose. When utilizing the recombinant E. coli prepared by the method of the present invention, it is possible to produce D-xylonic acid from D-xylose with high yield while reducing production cost using sole carbon source.
US08637277B2	Method for producing 3-mercaptopropionic acid or salt thereof The present invention provides is a method for producing 3-mercaptopropionic acid from 3-mercaptopropionamide or a salt thereof with the use of an amidase. The method enables the production of 3-mercaptopropionic acid on an industrial scale through an enzymatic reaction.
US08637274B2	Inhibitor for the formation of gamma-secretase complex It is intended to provide an inhibitor for the formation of a γ-secretase complex which comprises a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor or a protein geranylgeranylation regulator as the active ingredient; and use of a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor or a protein geranylgeranylation regulator for producing the same. It is also intended to provide a method of screening a substance having an effect of inhibiting the formation of an active complex of γ-secretase which comprises assaying the activity of inhibiting cholesterol synthesis or quantifying cholesterol accumulated in lipid rafts in cells. It is also intended to provide a method of screening a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, a protein geranylgeranylation regulator or an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which comprises assaying the effect of inhibiting the formation of an active complex of γ-secretase. Moreover, it is intended to provide a method of screening an effect of a test substance on γ-secretase which comprises measuring the distribution of constituents (niscastrin, APH-1, Pen-2 and so on) required by γ-secretase for the formation of its active complex in cells.
US08637273B2	Nucleic acid encoding IL-7 receptor alpha antibody The present invention provides antagonizing antibodies that bind to interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R). The invention further provides a method of obtaining such antibodies and antibody-encoding nucleic acids. The invention further relates to therapeutic methods for use of these antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof for the treatment and/or prevention of type 2 diabetes and immunological disorders, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, graft-versus-host disease, and lupus.
US08637269B2	Method for the detection of melamine Melamine is a common industrial chemical contaminant which should be absent from food and feed supplies due to melamine's toxicity. Provided is a method to assess the presence of melamine in samples prepared from compositions. The method may include using a microbial enzyme called melamine deaminase which hydrolyzes melamine to ammeline and ammonia. The method may include assessing the presence of any ammonia produced from an enzymatic reaction between the sample and the enzyme.
US08637268B2	Determination of von Willebrand Factor cleavage by ADAMTS13 Novel methods are described for measuring the rate of ADAMTS13-mediated cleavage of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) multimers. Through the use of the reagent, ristocetin, the method can advantageously be performed in the absence of an applied shear stress or added denaturing agent. Also described are methods for diagnosing ADAMTS13-associated disorders and methods for providing improved treatment of those disorders by evaluating the efficacy of the treatment using the methods as described.
US08637266B2	Anti bone-loss and anti attachment-loss effects of an oral composition Methods for identifying compounds useful for treating diseases and conditions of the oral cavity are described herein.
US08637260B2	Phosphorylated RaIA Antibodies that are specific for human Ra1A that is phosphorylated at one or both of Ser183 and Ser194 are described as various methods such antibodies, including diagnostic methods and screening methods.
US08637255B2	Adeno-associated virus serotype I nucleic acid sequences, vectors and host cells containing same The nucleic acid sequences of adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 1 are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing these sequences and functional fragments thereof. Also provided are methods of delivering genes via AAV-1 derived vectors.
US08637253B2	Recombinase polymerase amplification The present invention features novel, diverse, hybrid and engineered recombinase enzymes, and the utility of such proteins with associated recombination factors for carrying out DNA amplification assays. The present invention also features different recombinase ‘systems’ having distinct biochemical activities in DNA amplification assays, and differing requirements for loading factors, single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs), and the quantity of crowding agent employed.
US08637252B2	Methods and compositions for determining altered susceptibility of HIV-1 to anti-HIV drugs This invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for determining altered susceptibility of a human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) to the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“NNRTIs”) efavirenz (“EFV”), nevirapine (“NVP”), and delavirdine (“DLV”), the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT, and the integrase strand transfer inhibitors diketo acid 1, diketo acid 2, and L-870,810 by detecting the presence of a mutation or combinations of mutations in the gene encoding HIV reverse transcriptase that are associated with altered susceptibility to the anti-HIV drugs.
US08637250B2	Systems and methods for point-of-care amplification and detection of polynucleotides Composition and methods for amplifying and detecting solution-state polynucleotide targets in a single device are described. In one aspect, a method for a coupled isothermal amplification and detection process utilizes a coated solid support, including a solid substrate, a cationic layer, and a plurality of target-specific probes attached to the coated solid support. Polynucleotide targets in the sample are amplified by an isothermal amplification process involving in situ hybridization onto the coated solid support. The entire process can be carried out with a high degree of specificity under low salt conditions in less than one hour. Further aspects of the present invention include methods for coupled hybridization/detection of polynucleotide targets, coated silicon biosensors optimized for use with the coupled detection systems to provide visual detection of polynucleotide targets under visible light conditions, and kits for practicing in the above described methods.
US08637249B2	Compositions, kits and methods for detection of Campylobacter nucleic acid The disclosed invention is related to compositions, kits and methods comprising one or more oligomers targeting 16S rRNA target nucleic acid from Campylobacter species jejuni, coli and/or lari. Compositions include amplification oligomers, detection probe oligomers and/or target capture oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers.
US08637248B2	Method of determining the haplotype of multiple allelic genes In amplifying a region containing two allelic genes, the polymorphism of one of the allelic genes is positioned at or near the 3′ end of an amplification primer, so that the chain would extend only from one of the two primers, one that matches the mutant type nucleotide(s) and one that matches the wild-type nucleotide(s). The other primer is unaffected by the allelic genes but is positioned to include the other allelic gene in the amplicon. The PCR amplifies only the target genomic DNA having one specific allele of the first allelic gene. The technique exploits the fact that the haplotype of the first and the second allelic genes can be determined if the allele of the second allelic gene in the amplicon can be identified. Designing probes with complementary sequences for identifying the two alleles (major and minor) of the second allelic gene, and fixing the probe set on a solid support and hybridizing them with the amplicon to identify the probe that forms a hybrid, are characteristic features of the present invention.
US08637244B2	Genetic markers for risk management of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and stroke The invention relates to procedure and methods of determining a susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmia, including Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter and Stroke, by assessing the presence or absence of alleles at polymorphic markers found to be associated with Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter and Stroke. The invention further relates to kits encompassing reagents for assessing such markers, and diagnostic methods, uses and procedures for utilizing such susceptibility markers.
US08637238B2	Method of verifying performance of optical detection apparatus and standard reagent used therefor A method is provided in which with respect to an optical detection apparatus including an optical detection unit and a temperature control unit, whether optical signal detection and temperature control are performed accurately, i.e. the performance thereof, can be verified simply with high reliability. With respect to an optical detection apparatus including an optical detection unit for detecting an optical signal of a sample and a temperature control unit for controlling temperature of the sample, the optical signal detection performance and temperature control performance are verified by the following method. First, a standard sample containing a nucleic acid sequence and a strand complementary thereto that have a known optical signal intensity and Tm value is provided, the temperature of the standard sample is increased or decreased with the temperature control unit, and optical signal intensity of the standard sample is measured with the detection unit. On the other hand, the melting temperature of the standard sample is determined from a change in the optical signal intensity accompanying a change in the temperature. The measured optical signal intensity and melting temperature of the standard sample are compared to the known optical signal intensity and melting temperature of the standard sample, respectively, and thereby it is verified whether the optical signal detection performance of the detection unit and the temperature control performance of the temperature control unit are accurate.
US08637234B2	Molecular scaffolds for HIV-1 epitopes Methods and compositions are provided for the use of an envelope polypeptide or a functional variant thereof from a lentivirus that is not HIV-1 as a molecular scaffold for HIV-1 epitopes. The HIV-1 epitopes can be recognized by HIV-1 binding antibodies, HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies and/or CD4-induced antibodies. Thus, methods are provided for detecting HIV-1 binding antibodies in a subject infected with HTV-1. Further provided are methods to determine an epitope for an HIV-1 binding antibody; methods to assay for an HIV-1 binding antibody; methods to identify a soluble CD4 mimic; methods to neutralize an non-HIV-1 virus; diagnostic assays to monitor HIV disease in a subject or to monitor the subject's response to immunization by a HIV vaccine; and methods to alter the neutralization potential of an HIV-1 derived CD4-induced antibody. Chimeric polypeptides, chimeric polynucleotides, kits, cells and viruses are also provided.
US08637224B2	Thermally crosslinkable resin composition for laser engraving, relief printing starting plate for laser engraving and process for producing the same, and relief printing plate and process for making same A process for making a relief printing plate is provided, the process including a layer formation step of forming a relief-forming layer from a resin composition containing (Component A) a compound having a hydrolyzable silyl group and/or a silanol group and (Component B) a conjugated diene monomer unit-containing polymer, and at least either further containing (Component C) a vulcanizing agent having a sulfur atom or Component A above being a compound further having a sulfur atom, a crosslinking step of thermally crosslinking the relief-forming layer to thus obtain a relief printing starting plate having a crosslinked relief-forming layer, and an engraving step of laser-engraving the relief printing starting plate having a crosslinked relief-forming layer to thus form a relief layer.
US08637222B2	Negative resist pattern forming method, developer and negative chemical-amplification resist composition used therefor, and resist pattern A resist pattern forming method including in the following order, (1) a step of forming a film by using a negative chemical-amplification resist composition capable of undergoing negative conversion by a crosslinking reaction, (2) a step of exposing the film, and (4) a step of developing the exposed film by using a developer containing an organic solvent; a developer and a negative chemical-amplification resist composition used therefor; and a resist pattern formed by the pattern forming method.
US08637220B2	Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, and resist film and pattern forming method using the composition An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising (A) a guanidine compound having a logP value of 1.2 or more, and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation.
US08637218B2	Carrier for developing electrostatic latent image and developer A carrier for developing electrostatic latent image, including a core material; and a coated layer covering the core material, including a binder resin and a particulate material, wherein the core material is exposed on the surface of the carrier at an areal ratio of from 0.1 to 5.0% and has the largest exposed part having an areal ratio not greater than 0.03%, and wherein the coated layer comprises the particulate material in an amount of from 100 to 500 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the binder resin.
US08637216B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus and process cartridge for image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer, and a cured protection layer, wherein the cured protection layer comprises a cured material of a tri- or more functional radical polymerizable compound and a filler exposed from the surface of the cured protection layer which comprises a bump along the surface of the filler, and wherein the cured protection layer has a thickness (T) larger than a diameter (2r) of the filler therein and the following relationships (a) is satisfied: (the number of the fillers present to a depth of T/2 from a free surface of the cured protection layer/the total number of the fillers in the cured protection layer)×100≧7% (a).
US08637214B2	Photomask sets for fabricating semiconductor devices Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. One method comprises providing a first pattern having a first polygon, the first polygon having a first tonality and having a first side and a second side, the first side adjacent to a second polygon having a second tonality, and the second side adjacent to a third polygon having the second tonality, and forming a second pattern by reversing the tonality of the first pattern. The method further comprises forming a third pattern from the second pattern by converting the second polygon from the first tonality to the second tonality forming a fourth pattern from the second pattern by converting the third polygon from the first tonality to the second tonality forming a fifth pattern by reversing the tonality of the third pattern, and forming a sixth pattern by reversing the tonality of the fourth pattern.
US08637208B2	Electrode for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly including same, and fuel cell system including same The electrode for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate, the catalyst layer including metal nanoparticles, a binder and a catalyst. The metal nanoparticles in the catalyst layer improve electrical conductivity, and also have catalyst activity to implement a catalytic synergetic effect so as to provide a high power fuel cell.
US08637204B2	Fuel cell and fuel cell stack In a solid polymer electrolyte membrane [film] type fuel cell of the invention, where a pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane [film], and the outside thereof is clamped by a pair of separators, and nonconductive picture frame-shaped members 61 are arranged at the outer edge portions of the separators, for allowing increase and decrease of a space between separators, while sealing a gap between the separators.
US08637200B2	Fuel cell system operating process A process is provided for operating a fuel cell system (1), especially in a motor vehicle, wherein the fuel cell system (1) includes at least one reformer (2) and at least one fuel cell (3). To prolong the service life of the system (1), a warm-holding mode is carried out after switching off the fuel cell system (1). During the warm-holding mode an educt containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide is fed to the reformer (2) and reacted with air in reformer (2) at a catalyst (5) of reformer (2) in an exothermal reaction.
US08637198B2	Reaction container and fuel cell system equipped with same A fuel cell system (101) comprising a fuel cell (120) and a reaction container (103), wherein the fuel cell (120) comprises a fuel electrode (121), an air electrode (122) and an electrolyte film (123) and the reaction container (103) comprises a hydrogen storage material (106) and a heater (114) and can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell (120), and wherein a water flow path (109) for supplying water produced in the air electrode (122) to the reaction container (103) is provided.
US08637193B2	Fuel cell nanocatalyst with voltage reversal tolerance In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fuel cell catalyst having a catalyst surface bearing a non-occluding layer of iridium. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fuel cell catalyst comprising a catalyst surface bearing a sub-monolayer of iridium. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fuel cell catalyst comprising a catalyst surface bearing a layer of iridium having a planar equivalent thickness of between 1 and 100 Angstroms. In some embodiments, the fuel cell catalyst comprises nanostructured elements comprising microstructured support whiskers bearing a thin film of nanoscopic catalyst particles. The layer of iridium typically has a planar equivalent thickness of between 1 and 100 Angstroms and more typically between 5 and 60 Angstroms. The fuel cell catalyst typically comprises no electrically conductive carbon material and typically comprises at least a portion of the iridium in the zero oxidation state.
US08637192B2	Nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing magnesium ions, and electrochemical device using the same A nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing magnesium ions which shows excellent electrochemical characteristics and which can be manufactured in a general manufacturing environment such as a dry room, and an electrochemical device using the same are provided. A Mg battery has a positive-electrode can 1, a positive-electrode pellet 2 made of a positive-electrode active material or the like, a positive electrode 11 composed of a metallic net supporting body 3, a negative-electrode cup 4, a negative electrode 12 made of a negative-electrode active material 5, and a separator 6 impregnated with an electrolytic solution 7 and disposed between the positive-electrode pellet and the negative-electrode active material. Metal Mg, an alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, a quaternary ammonium salt or/and a 1,3-alkylmethylimidazolium salt, more preferably, an aluminum halide are added to an ether system organic solvent and are then heated, and thereafter, more preferably, a trifluoroborane-ether complex salt is added thereto, thereby preparing the electrolytic solution. By adopting a structure that copper contacts the positive-electrode active material, the electrochemical device can be given a large discharge capacity.
US08637191B2	Lithium secondary battery including water-dispersible binder, conduction agent, and fluoroethylenecarbonate The present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery. The present invention provides the lithium secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The negative electrode includes a water-dispersible binder and a conduction agent. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution includes fluoroethylenecarbonate (FEC). The batteries of the present invention are advantageous in that they have a high efficiency charging lifespan characteristic and enable high capacity charging in a short time.
US08637189B2	Battery electrode sheet and manufacturing method therefor An electrode sheet includes a sheet of metal foil, at least one region coated with at least one active material layer subjected to working by rolling, the at least one coated region being provided in at least one central portion of the sheet of metal foil, at least one region uncoated with the at least one active material layer, the at least one uncoated region being provided in at least one edge portion of the sheet of metal foil, and at least one region subjected to working by drawing, the at least one drawn region being provided in at least a portion of the at least one uncoated region.
US08637181B2	Terminal and rechargeable battery and method of assembling the same A terminal of a rechargeable battery includes a collector terminal electrically coupled to an electrode assembly located within a case, wherein the collector terminal protrudes from the case; a terminal plate located outside of the case and coupled to the collector terminal; and a coupling terminal coupled to the terminal plate.
US08637176B2	Starter battery and case A starter battery and case assembly includes a rechargeable battery contained within a battery box and a lid constructed to releasably engage the battery box. An electrical connector is electrically attached to the battery. The battery and battery box define an upper surface with upwardly extending upper edges and the lid is constructed to extend over and downwardly around the upper edges of the battery box and to enclose the upper surface and the upper edges. The lid includes a handle for conveying the assembly. A mating electrical connector carried by the lid is positioned to engage the electrical connector of the battery with the lid engaged. Two opposite polarity cables are connected to the battery through the mating electrical connector and adapted to be connected to a remote electrical system. A recharge cord is attached to the battery and adapted to be attached to a source of power.
US08637170B2	Magnetic sensor including a free magnetization layer and a fixed magnetization layer on a nonmagnetic conductor A magnetic sensor comprises a support; a nonmagnetic conductive layer disposed on the support; a fixed magnetization layer disposed on a first part of the nonmagnetic conductive layer and on the support; a free magnetization layer disposed on a second part of the nonmagnetic conductive layer different from the first part and on the support; and a nonmagnetic low resistance layer, disposed on a part overlapping the nonmagnetic conductive layer in at least one of the fixed magnetization layer and free magnetization layer, having an electrical resistivity lower than that of the one layer.
US08637167B2	Light emitting element and light emitting device Disclosed are an organometallic complex and an electronic device including a light-emitting device having the organometallic complex. The organometallic complex is ortho-metalated by a ligand with a diphenylquinoxaline moiety having an electron-withdrawing group on the phenyl groups. The ability of the organometallic complex to provide a red-emissive light-emitting device with excellent color purity and an extremely long lifetime enables the production of an electronic device with a full-color display portion with excellent color productivity and durability.
US08637164B2	Silver-coated composite material for a movable contact part, method of producing the same, and movable contact part A silver-coated composite material for movable contact parts, which has: an underlying layer composed of any one of nickel, cobalt, a nickel alloy, and a cobalt alloy at least provided on a part of the surface of a stainless steel substrate; an intermediate layer composed of copper or a copper alloy provided thereon; and a silver or silver alloy layer provided thereon as an outermost layer, wherein a thickness of the intermediate layer is 0.05 to 0.3 μm, and wherein an average grain size of the silver or silver alloy provided as the outermost layer is 0.5 to 5.0 μm.
US08637163B2	Alloy with high glass forming ability and alloy-plated metal material using same An alloy with a high glass forming ability characterized by containing a group of elements A with atomic radii of less than 0.145 nm of a total of 20 to 85 atm %, a group of elements B with atomic radii of 0.145 nm to less than 0.17 nm of a total of 10 to 79.7 atm %, and a group of elements C with atomic radii of 0.17 nm or more of a total of 0.3 to 15 atm %; when the elements with the greatest contents in the group of elements A, group of elements B, and group of elements C are respectively designated as the “element a”, “element b”, and “element c”, by the ratio of the content of the element a in the group of elements A (for example, Zn and/or Al), the ratio of the content of the element b in the group of elements B (for example, Mg), and the ratio of the content of the element c in the group of elements C (for example, Ca) all being 70 atm % or more; and by the liquid forming enthalpy between any two elements selected from the element a, element b, and element c being negative.
US08637159B2	Graft composition for improved tie layers Graft compositions, useful for tie-layer adhesives, are disclosed. The graft compositions comprise the reaction product of a live, grafted polyolefin and an olefin elastomer. The grafted polyolefin is first made by heating a polyolefin and an unsaturated monomer. Further reaction of the live, grafted polyolefin with an olefin elastomer provides the graft composition. Grafting efficiency is boosted dramatically by the presence of the olefin elastomer and use of the additional reaction step. The graft composition, when formulated into a tie-layer adhesive at low concentration, affords multilayer structures with good adhesion and high clarity.
US08637157B2	Copolycarbonates, their derivatives and the use thereof in silicone hardcoat compositions Disclosed herein are novel copolycarbonates containing repeating units A and B respectively of the formulae: (A) —[R1OC(═O)O]—, and (B) —[(R2O)n-C(═O)—O]—, wherein the molar ratio of units (A) to units (B) is in the range of from about 9:1 to about 1:9, and wherein R1 is a divalent C8 to C12 alicyclic group, and R2 is ethylene or propylene, and n is an integer ranging from 4 to 40. Also disclosed are silicone hardcoat compositions containing the copolycarbonates and their derivatives. Upon cure, these silicone hardcoat compositions exhibit improved flexibility as compared to that of the conventional hardcoats while at the same time maintain the abrasion resistance of conventional silicone hardcoats.
US08637148B2	Coated article and method of making the same A coated article includes a bonding layer, an iridium layer, a chromium oxynitride layer and a chromium nitride layer formed on a substrate in that order. The substrate is made of die steel.
US08637142B2	Coated article and method for manufacturing same A coated article comprises a substrate; a bonding layer deposited on the substrate; and a composite layer deposited on the bonding layer. The composite layer includes an equal number of alternating chromium-nitride layers and aluminum-nitride layers.
US08637137B2	Microstructures and methods of fabrication thereof Microstructures and methods of fabricating microstructures are disclosed. One exemplary microstructure, among others, includes a substrate, an overcoat layer disposed upon the substrate, an air-region within at least a portion of the overcoat layer, and a framing material layer engaging at least a portion of the air-region on the inside of the framing material layer and engaging the overcoat layer on the outside of the framing material layer.
US08637136B2	Articles injection molded on a web Articles enabled by an injection molding process that molds parts on a carrier web located between mold halves and uses ultrasonic energy to assist flow of polymer melt into the mold cavity. One such article is a carrier web having a high density of molded parts, i.e., bearing an array of molded articles adhered to the web in rows and columns, the articles being spaced closer (center-to-center or edge-to-edge) than the diagonal spacing between articles in the next adjacent row and next adjacent column. Another such article is a microneedle array on a land no more than 250 μm thick on which at least 60% of the microneedles across the array are filled (i.e., completely formed).
US08637129B2	Bag made from extruded flexible polymeric sheet material A sheet material including a plurality of bands of polymeric material extruded parallel to each other in a single layer film, wherein adjacent bands of polymeric material include odor control additives that are different from one another. The sheet material may be formed into a bag.
US08637127B2	Composite article with coolant channels and tool fabrication method Embodiments of the present invention include composite articles comprising at least a first region and a second region and methods of making such articles. The first region may comprise a first composite material, wherein the first region comprises less than 5 wt. % cubic carbides by weight, and the second region may comprise a second composite material, wherein the second composite material differs from the first composite material in at least one characteristic. The composite article may additionally comprise at least one coolant channel. In certain embodiments, the first and second composite material may individually comprise hard particles in a binder, wherein the hard particles independently comprise at least one of a carbide, a nitride, a boride, a silicide, an oxide, and solid solutions thereof and the binder comprises at least one metal selected from cobalt, nickel, iron and alloys thereof. In specific embodiments, the first composite material and the second composite material may individually comprise metal carbides in a binder, such as a cemented carbide.
US08637124B2	Oxide material and sputtering target An oxide material including indium (In), tin (Sn), and metal element M, and including an ilmenite structure compound; a sputtering target composed thereof; a transparent conductive film formed by using such a sputtering target; and a transparent electrode composed of such a transparent conductive film.
US08637119B2	Film having water, grease, gas and water vapor barrier properties Film having liquid-water, grease, gas and water-vapor barrier properties, comprising a PVA film grafted on the surface with a fatty acid.
US08637118B2	Method of production of graphene The present invention relates to a method of production of graphene comprising the following stages respectively: a stage of deposition of a thin layer comprising amorphous carbon on a substrate; a stage of annealing of said thin layer under photonic and/or electronic irradiation, by which a layer comprising graphene is obtained.
US08637116B2	Process for preparing roofing granules comprising organic colorant, with improved luster, and roofing products including such granules A coating composition including an inorganic sol material and an organic colorant is applied to mineral particles and cured at a temperature less than 200 degrees Celsius provides roofing granules with improved luster.
US08637113B2	Methods of forming a non-volatile resistive oxide memory array A method of forming a non-volatile resistive oxide memory array includes forming a plurality of one of conductive word lines or conductive bit lines over a substrate. Metal oxide-comprising material is formed over the plurality of said one of the word lines or bit lines. A series of elongated trenches is provided over the plurality of said one of the word lines or bit lines. A plurality of self-assembled block copolymer lines is formed within individual of the trenches in registered alignment with and between the trench sidewalls. A plurality of the other of conductive word lines or conductive bit lines is provided from said plurality of self-assembled block copolymer lines to form individually programmable junctions comprising said metal oxide-comprising material where the word lines and bit lines cross one another.
US08637110B2	Rotatable support elements for stents Methods of coating a stent are disclosed. In one example, the method includes positioning the stent on a support element configured to support the stent while rotating the stent. The support element has at least three elongate elements converging inwardly from a proximal end to a distal end of each element to form a conical or frusto-conical shape. The support element can be configured to be positioned within an end of the stent. The stent can be pinched between the support element and a second support element. A coating composition is applied to the stent. The method can further include pulsing the support element and/or the second support element to change a contact position of the stent with respect to the support element or the second support element; rotating the support element and the second support element at two different rates; or translating the support element from a first point of contact with the stent to a second point of contact with the stent.
US08637108B2	Method for making a fermented beverage in a whole coconut Compositions and methods for the treatment of asthma may be prepared by drilling a hole in a coconut, adding about 1/4 pound of brown sugar (piloncillo) to an inside of the coconut, plugging the hole, wrapping the coconut in plastic, and allowing the coconut water and its contents to ferment 12 inches underground for 40 days. The resulting composition may have anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation and asthma in users.
US08637102B2	Acidified whey protein compositions and methods for making them Embodiments of the invention relate to whey protein compositions that can be incorporated into food or beverage products that provide supplemental amounts of protein. The acidified whey protein compositions of the present invention may comprise a liquid whey protein and an acidulant. The liquid whey protein and the acidulant may be blended, and the resulting composition may then be co-dried. The acidulant may be present in an amount effective for reducing the pH of the composition prior to drying to a value less than about 6. Embodiments of the present invention also include methods of preparing co-dried acidified whey protein compositions exhibiting improved organoleptic characteristics.
US08637099B2	Use of Vitex agnus castus extracts for preparing a medicament The present invention relates to the use of fruit extract from Vitex agnus castus and/or one or more isolated and/or synthetically prepared bicylic diterpenes from Vitex agnus castus for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of movement disorders. In particular, the invention is directed to the preparation of medicaments for treating Parkinson disease (PD), Periodic Limb Movement disorder (PLMD) and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Huntington disease (HD) and Essential Tremor (ET), preferably familiar ET. Furthermore, the invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fruit extract from Vitex agnus castus and/or one or more isolated and/or synthetically prepared bicylic diterpenes from Vitex agnus castus and at least one pharmaceutically compatible dopamine D2 and/or D3 receptor agonist.
US08637092B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating diabetes and its process for preparation The present invention relates to methods for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for treating diabetes mellitus and the pharmaceutical composition prepared by the methods. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises extracts of the following crude drugs: 5-40 weight parts of Radix Trichosanthis (Tianhuafen), 10-30 weight parts of Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu), 3-15 weight parts of Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhishi), 1-6 weight parts of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang), 1-12 weight parts of Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia), 3-15 weight parts of Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin), 1-12 weight parts of Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian), 3-15 weight parts of Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao) and 5-20 weight parts of Fructus Mume (Wumei), and optionally comprises pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Also, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can further comprise Fructus Crataegi (Shanzha). Additionally, the present invention discloses four methods for preparing the pharmaceutical composition.
US08637089B2	Micronized wood preservative formulations The present invention provides wood preservative compositions comprising micronized particles. In one embodiment, the composition comprises dispersions of micronized metal or metal compounds. In another embodiment, the wood preservative composition comprises an inorganic biocide comprising a metal or metal compound and organic biocide. When the composition comprises an inorganic biocide and an organic biocide, the inorganic biocide or the organic biocide or both are present as micronized particles. When compositions of the present invention are used for preservation of wood, there is minimal leaching of the metal and biocide from the wood.
US08637084B2	Treatment method for epithelial cancerous organism It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for decreasing the number of clinical cases for which trastuzumab administration is ineffective. The present invention provides a method for treating a living individual with epithelial cancer comprising: step (a) of selectively reducing KLRG1-positive immunocytes in the peripheral blood of a living individual with epithelial cancer ex vivo, which is positive for a cancer-specific membrane antigen expressed in epithelial cancer cells and positive for a KLRG1 ligand; and step (b) of administering, to the living individual, a therapeutic agent for cancer comprising an antibody reacting with the cancer-specific membrane antigen expressed in epithelial cancer cells and having antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity.
US08637082B2	Methods for preparation of ZnTe nanocrystals Nanocrystals having a ZnTe core and methods for making and using them to construct core-shell nanocrystals are described. These core-shell nanocrystals are highly stable and provide quantum yields and stability suitable for applications such as flow cytometry, cellular imaging, and protein blotting, medical imaging, and other applications where cadmium toxicity is an issue.
US08637081B2	Use of gelatin and a cross-linking agent for producing a cross-linking therapeutic composition A therapeutic composition comprising gelatin and a cross-linking agent, for use in biological regenerative methods, which composition can be administered to a target area of the body while ensuring that the suspended cells and/or the growth factors remain in the target area of the body and at the same time eliminating the need for the patient to maintain the treated body area immobilized for unreasonable periods, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed, wherein (i) the gelatin and the cross-linking agent are mixed with each other to form the cross-linking therapeutic composition which is then administered to the target area; or (ii) the gelatin and the cross-linking agent are made available in separate form and are administered, simultaneously or one after the other, to the target area while forming the cross-linking therapeutic composition.
US08637079B2	Solid preparation comprising alogliptin and pioglitazone A solid preparation containing compound (I), wherein the definition of compound (I) is as defined in the description, and pioglitazone, which is useful as a therapeutic drug for diabetes and the like and superior in the dissolution property, chemical stability and dissolution stability, is provided. A solid preparation containing the following first and second parts: (1) the first part containing compound (I) or a salt thereof and, as the first excipient, sugar or sugar alcohol; and (2) the second part containing pioglitazone or a salt thereof and, as the second excipient, sugar or sugar alcohol.
US08637075B2	Colostrum composition The present invention relates to a composition comprising colostrum and at least one agent selected from the group of hydrocolloids, wherein said colostrum and at least one agent are bioconjugated. The bioconjugated composition has improved properties compared to colstrum compositions that are not bioconjugated with a hydrocolloid agent. The composition may be used in a variety of settings, for example for topical application for treating skin diseases and skin conditions. The present invention thus also relates to use of the composition and to a method for the preparation of the composition.
US08637072B2	Antimicrobial wound dressing comprising gel-forming fibers and specific ratio of silver to nitrate The present invention relates to wound dressings, in particular to an antibacterial wound dressing based on silvered gel-forming fabric and to a process for the manufacture of such a wound dressing.
US08637069B2	Device and method for combining a treatment agent and a gel A method including introducing a treatment agent at a treatment site within a mammalian host; and introducing a bioerodable gel material at the treatment site. An apparatus including a first annular member having a first lumen disposed about a length of the first annular member and a first entry port at a proximal end of the first annular member, and a second annular member coupled to the first annular member having a second lumen disposed about a length of the second annular member and a second entry port at a proximal end of the second annular member, wherein the first annular member and the second annular member are positioned to allow a combining of treatment agents introduced through each annular member at the treatment site.
US08637067B1	Elastic tissue matrix derived hydrogel A tissue-derived hydrogel, as well as methods of making and using such hydrogels, are provided.
US08637065B2	Dermis-derived cells for tissue engineering applications Methods for inducing differentiation of dermis-derived cells to serve as a source of chondrocytes and associated methods of use in forming tissue engineered constructs. One example of a method is a method for inducing differentiation of cells into chondrocytes comprising providing aggrecan sensitive isolated dermis cells and seeding the cells onto an aggrecan coated surface.
US08637063B2	Hydrolyzed hydrogels The invention provides methods of making hydrolyzed cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels by polymerizing vinyl acetate (VAc) monomers to polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) polymer network by chemical-crosslinking and hydrolysis. The invention also provides methods for including pendant chains in the hydrogel during the polymerization process. Materials produced and use of the cross-linked hydrolyzed PVA hydrogels also are disclosed herein.
US08637062B2	Coated implant Implant provided with a coating, with the implant being provided with an amino-functionalized parylene coating, an oligonucleotide and/or an oligopeptide having a specific bonding affinity with CD34-positive cells.
US08637061B2	Magnesium compositions and uses thereof for neurological disorders A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08637059B2	Fungicidal mixtures based on carbamate derivatives and insecticides The present invention relates to mixtures comprising as active components a) carbamate derivatives of the formula (I) in which the substituents and the index have the following meaning: T is CH or N n is 0, 1 or 2 R is halogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-haloalkyl, it being possible for the radicals R to be different when n is 2, and b) at least one compound of the formula (II).
US08637053B2	Chlamydia antigens Chlamydia antigens (e.g., polypeptides, polypeptide fragments, and fusion proteins) are provided. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, such as Chlamydia, in a subject.
US08637051B2	Compositions and methods for treatment of mucosal infections The present invention is concerned with novel compositions and vaccines useful for prophylactic an/or therapeutic treatment of mucosal infections, and in particular it is concerned with oral vaccines and with methods of enhancing mucosal resistance to infection or for treating established infections, of the respiratory tract.
US08637050B2	Peptide vaccines against group A streptococci This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross-reactive antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including polypeptides and proteins. The invention may also be isolated antibodies which are raised in response to the peptides, compositions or vaccines. The invention further relates to kits for using the peptides, compositions, or antibodies. In still further aspects, the invention also relates to methods for using the peptides, compositions, vaccines, or antibodies and methods for tailoring vaccines.
US08637049B2	Attenuated live vaccines for aquatic animals Safe and effective live vaccines against bacteria infecting aquatic animals were created through the induction of novobiocin-resistance in liquid culture and novobiocin- and rifampicin-resistance in liquid culture.
US08637044B2	Method of generating an immune response in a subject using fusion proteins comprising CD4 minimal modules and HIV Tat scaffold polypeptides that are capable of binding to the HIV envelope and exposing cryptic neutralization epitopes Hybrid molecules comprising CD4 minimal modules or mimetics that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in combination with one or more HIV Tat polypeptides are described. Also described are complexes of these hybrid molecules with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.
US08637039B2	Recombinant protein carrying human papillomavirus epitopes inserted in an adenylate cyclase protein or fragment thereof therapeutic uses thereof The invention relates to a recombinant protein comprising one or several polypeptides bearing one or several epitopes of one or several HPV antigens, said polypeptides being inserted in the same or different permissive sites of an adenylate cyclase (CyaA) protein or of a fragment thereof, wherein said CyaA fragment retains the property of said adenylate cyclase protein to target Antigen Presenting Cells. It also concerns polynucleotides encoding the same. The recombinant protein or the polynucleotide can be used for the design of therapeutic means against HPV infection or against its malignant effects.
US08637034B2	Pharmaceutical compositions comprising activated-potentiated antibodies to interferon-gamma and S100 protein The preset invention relates to combination pharmaceutical composition comprising an activated-potentiated from of an antibody to gamma interferon, and an activated-potentiated form of an antibody to S-100 protein and method of treating multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the diseases and conditions associated with neuroinfections.
US08637031B2	Method of treating osteoarthritis with an antibody to NGF Methods are disclosed for treating osteoarthritis in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-human NGF antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein at least one symptom associated with osteoarthritis is prevented, ameliorated or improved.
US08637029B2	Methods for the treatment of gout Disclosed are methods for the treatment and/or prevention of gout, comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of anti-IL-1β antibody or fragment thereof.
US08637028B2	Adjuvant incorporation in immunonanotherapeutics The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or in B cells. The invention provides nanocarriers that comprise an immunofeature surface and an immunostimulatory moiety. In some embodiments, the immunostimulatory moiety is an adjuvant. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US08637026B2	Anti-C35 antibody combination therapies and methods The present invention is directed to methods of killing cancer cells, the methods comprising administering at least one C35 antibody and either at least one HER2 or at least one EGFR antibody. In some embodiments, the antibodies are administered with a therapeutic agent. The present invention is further directed to C35, HER2 and EGFR antibodies useful in these methods.
US08637021B2	Formulations for TACI-immunoglobulin fusion proteins The invention relates to formulations of TACI-Immunoglobulin fusion proteins.
US08637019B2	Engineered anti-TSLP antibody The invention relates to binding compounds that specifically bind to human TSLP, as well as uses thereof, e.g., in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and allergic inflammatory response.
US08637016B2	EphA3 antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors The invention provides methods and compositions comprising anti-EphA3 antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors.
US08637011B2	Modulation of NKG2D The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing inflammation associated with viral infection and solid organ transplant rejection. In particular, the present invention provides therapeutics for impairing the expansion and function of autoreactive T cells, NK cells and/or NKT cells, by modulating NKG2D.
US08637009B2	Thermostabilization of proteins Provided are compositions comprising a cocaine esterase (CocE) and a compound that thermostabilizes the CocE. Also provided are methods of thermostabilizing a cocaine esterase. Additionally provided are methods of treating a mammal undergoing a cocaine-induced condition. Methods of determining whether a compound is a thermostabilizing agent for a protein are also provided. Uses of the above-described compositions for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition is additionally provided. Additionally provided is an isolated nucleic acid encoding a CocE polypeptide having the substitutions L169K and G173Q, and the CocE polypeptide encoded by that nucleic acid, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided is the use of that composition for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition and for the treatment of a cocaine-induced condition.
US08637006B2	Recombinant vaccines and use thereof The present invention relates to fusion molecules of antigens, the nucleic acids coding therefor and the use of such fusion molecules and nucleic acids. In particular, said invention relates to fusion molecules, comprising an antigen and the trans-membrane region and cytoplasmic region of a MHC molecule and/or the cytoplasmic region of a MHC or a SNARE molecule.
US08637002B2	Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus for control of aflatoxin contamination in crops Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus are useful biocontrol agents for preventing toxin contamination in agricultural commodities, especially those for human consumption such as peanuts and corn, for example.
US08637001B2	Anti-obesity agent and anti-obesity food An anti-obesity agent containing, as an active ingredient, a microorganism which belongs to the species Lactobacillus reuteri and is capable of producing lipases having the amino acid sequences respectively depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5 or amino acid sequences having deletion, substitution or addition of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequences respectively depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5. The anti-obesity agent enables a patient to take a normal meal yet preventing the absorption of a fat into the body which is the primary cause of obesity.
US08636997B2	Method of treating multiple sclerosis with interferon-beta and an IL-2R antagonist Disclosed is a method of administering an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) antagonist to a subject to treat an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the IL-2R antagonist is an anti-IL-2R monoclonal antibody specific for one or more chains of the IL-2R, such as the alpha-chain, for example daclizumab. In other particular embodiments the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. In certain embodiments administration of interferon-beta is combined with administration of an antagonist of the IL-2R to provide significant clinical improvement in a subject with an autoimmune disease.
US08636994B2	Polymer-based compositions and conjugates of antimicrobial agents Provided herein are water-soluble polymer conjugates and polymer-based compositions of antimicrobial agents. Also provided are methods for synthesizing and administering such conjugates and compositions.
US08636993B2	Water-in-oil emulsions with anionic groups, compositions, and methods Water-in-oil emulsions, compositions, and methods that include a vinyl polymer having a pKa of less than 4 that includes anionic group-containing side chains and alkyl-Y-containing side chains, wherein Y is O or NR, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and wherein the alkyl group of the alkyl-Y-containing side chain has at least 4 carbon atoms on average in a cyclic, branched-, or straight-chain configuration and optionally including one or more heteroatoms.
US08636989B2	Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts Disclosed is a topical skin composition and corresponding methods for its use that includes a topical skin composition comprising an extract from Burretiodendron hsienmu.
US08636985B2	Functional formulation in chewing gum Nutraceutical gum or functional food compositions comprise Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and L-theanine in a sublingual formulation. Methods of making suitable sublingual formulations are described. Also provided is a method for reduction of stress and/or enhancement of energy and mental clarity, comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a nutritional composition comprising Ashwagandha herb and L-theanine, and a nutraceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the nutritional composition is administered sublingually.
US08636981B2	Detection of amyloid deposits using anti-amyloid antibodies Methods useful for effecting prophylaxis or treatment of amyloidosis, including AA Amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis, by administering peptides comprising neoepitopes, such as AA fragments from a C-terminal region of AA, and antibodies specific for neoepitopes of aggregated amyloid proteins, for example, antibodies specific for the C-terminal region of AA fibrils. Antibodies for inhibition of formation and/or increasing clearance of amyloid deposits in a patient thus effecting prophylaxis or treating amyloid disease.
US08636979B2	TLR 4 and 9 receptors agonists for preventing septic complications of post-traumatic immunodepression in patients hospitalized for severe traumatic injuries The present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one agonist of at least one Toll Like receptor (TLR) chosen from TLR 4 and 9, for use in the prophylactic treatment of septic complications of post-traumatic systemic immunodepression in a patient who has suffered one or more severe traumatic injuries and is hospitalized in particular in an intensive care unit. Preferably, said TLR 4 agonist is monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) or deacylated 3-O-monophosphoryl lipid A (3D-MPLA) and said TLR 9 agonist is a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN).
US08636978B2	Cyclized NGR peptide compounds, compositions, and methods of their use Cyclized peptide compounds containing the NGR motif of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof are disclosed. Compositions comprising the cyclized peptide compounds and methods of their use are also disclosed.
US08636975B2	Method, device and fuel for hydrogen generation A method and a device for generating of hydrogen are provided with which an instantaneous release of hydrogen in considerable amounts is possible. The method comprises a one or two step mixing including injecting the fuel and an activator fluid into a reaction chamber. The device is adapted to be operated with such a method. Further, a fuel suitable for the use with such a method is provided, the fuel being based on a dry metal hydride or a dry metal borohydride being dispersed in a non-aqueous dispersion medium. Moreover, a method for (re-) fuelling the hydrogen generating device at a service station and a method for supplying a service station with fuel are provided.
US08636974B2	Titanium dioxide superfine particles and method for producing the same It is an object to provide a method for producing titanium dioxide superfine particles, which produces monodispersed titanium dioxide superfine particles depending on its purpose, causes no clogging with a product due to self-dischargeability, requires no great pressure, and is excellent in productivity. In the method for producing titanium dioxide superfine particles in a fluid containing a titanium compound by separation, the fluid is formed into a thin film fluid between two processing surfaces arranged so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, and the titanium dioxide superfine particles are separated in the thin film fluid.
US08636971B2	Crosslinked polymer-carbon sorbent for removal of heavy metals, toxic materials and carbon dioxide A polymer-carbon sorbent for removing carbon dioxide, heavy metals and toxic materials from a flue gas from a combustion process, such as coal-fired power plants, is described. The sorbent comprises a carbonaceous sorbent material and a cured amine-containing polymer, and sulfur. The polymer-carbon sorbents are formed by curing a curable amine-containing polymer in the presence of the carbonaceous sorbent material, sulfur, a cure accelerator and, optionally, a cure activator. A convenient carbonaceous sorbent material is an activated carbon, and a convenient curable amine-containing polymer is an allyl-containing poly(ethyleneimine), having a number average molecular weight between about 1,000 and about 10,000. The polymer-carbon sorbents may contain sulfur in excess of an amount needed to cure the curable amine-containing polymer. Such polymer-carbon sorbents are shown to capture more mercury, in both elemental an ionic forms, compared to activated carbon and adsorb carbon dioxide.
US08636970B2	Exhaust purification device and exhaust purification method for diesel engine An exhaust purification device and an exhaust purification method that utilizes this exhaust purification device enable effective utilization of exhaust gas heat and allow reduction in the size of the device. The exhaust purification device has an oxidation catalyst that is disposed in an exhaust passage of a diesel engine and purifies CO and HC in exhaust gas; a urea injection nozzle that is disposed downstream of the oxidation catalyst and generates ammonia through atomization of urea water into the exhaust gas; a turbine of a turbocharger, this turbine being disposed downstream of the urea injection nozzle and accelerating decomposition of urea through agitation of the atomized urea water; a DPF that is disposed downstream of the turbine and traps PM in the exhaust gas; and a selective reduction catalyst that is disposed downstream of the DPF and detoxifies NOx in the exhaust gas through a reduction reaction with ammonia.
US08636969B2	EMM19star novel zeolitic imidazolate framework material, methods for making same, and uses thereof A method is provided for forming a zeolitic imidazolate framework composition using at least one reactant that is relatively insoluble in the reaction medium. Also provided herein is a material made according to the method, designated either as EMM-19 or as EMM-19*, and a method of using same to adsorb and/or separate gases, such as carbon dioxide.
US08636966B2	Compositions and methods for treating nuclear fuel Compositions are provided that include nuclear fuel. Methods for treating nuclear fuel are provided which can include exposing the fuel to a carbonate-peroxide solution. Methods can also include exposing the fuel to an ammonium solution. Methods for acquiring molybdenum from a uranium comprising material are provided.
US08636959B2	Selective catalytic reduction type catalyst, and exhaust gas purification equipment and purifying process of exhaust gas using the same The present invention is an exhaust gas purification catalyst equipment, and a method of use thereof, formed by arranging a selective catalytic reduction type catalyst for purifying nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas exhausted from lean combustion engines using ammonia or urea as a reducing agent, it is provided with a selective catalytic reduction type catalyst, characterized in that said catalyst comprises a lower-layer catalyst layer (A) having an oxidative function for nitrogen monoxide (NO) in exhaust gas and an upper-layer catalyst layer (B) having an adsorbing function for ammonia on the surface of a monolithic structure type carrier (C), and that the lower-layer catalyst layer (A) comprises a noble metal component (i), an inorganic base material constituent (ii) and zeolite (iii), and the upper-layer catalyst layer (B) comprises substantially none of component (i) but the component (iii), in a flow path of exhaust gas, characterized in that a spraying means to supply an urea aqueous solution or an aqueous ammonia solution is arranged in the downstream of the aforementioned oxidation catalyst and in the upstream of aforementioned selective catalytic reduction type catalyst.
US08636954B2	Calibration slide for fluorescence detection instruments and process of preparation The present invention relates to calibration slides for fluorescence detection instruments and processing method of making them. The aim of this invention is to disclose calibration slides with high photostability and long lifetime for fluorescence detection instruments. The calibration slides are fabricated by patterning calibration spot arrays of modified inorganic phosphors on the glass slide. The process for producing a calibration slide comprises the following procedure: 1) Dispersing the inorganic phosphors of rare-earth doped complex in water; 2) Patterning the array of the above suspension on the glass slide. The calibration slides in the present invention employ a very stable fluorescing material that is insensitive to photobleaching, has long lifetime and stability under mild storage condition. The calibration slides in the present invention can be used to calibrate and test for some fluorescence instruments, i.e. microarray scanner, fluorescent microscopy, fluorescence spectrometer, fluorescent multiwell-plate reader.
US08636953B2	Surface acoustic wave sensing device A SAW sensor includes a substrate, first and second IDT on the substrate and a detector portion between the first and second IDT. The first IDT generates a surface acoustic wave in response to a high-frequency signal input. The second IDT receives the SAW from the first IDT, and converts the SAW to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. A one pulse signal, which is input to the first IDT electrode, has an applying time that is at least as long as a delay time of a surface acoustic wave at the detector less an arrival time of a direct wave attributable to electromagnetic coupling between the first IDT and the second IDT electrode, and that is less than an arrival time at the second IDT of a third response wave of the surface acoustic wave from the first IDT.
US08636950B2	Medical instrument disinfecting chamber via radiation A medical instrument disinfecting chamber in which one or several instruments are suspended and a disinfecting radiation is generated. A radiation-transparent element maintains the instrument in an extended state substantially vertically oriented, under the suspension.
US08636949B2	Electron beam sterilization apparatus Improved electron beam sterilization apparatus and shielding techniques for use in are provided. A controller modulates an electron beam when sterilizing an interior to an object to ensure that adequate dose is received. Sterilization carousels are configured with input/discharge feeds to reduce the possibility of humans being exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. The system reduces the amount of shielding required to thereby lower cost of installation.
US08636946B1	Bell annealing furnace Thermal protective layer on metallic and/or ceramic substrate surfaces within/on an outer cover, an inner cover, a base/door, and/or a support member within a bell annealing furnace has from about 5% to about 30% of an inorganic adhesive, from about 45% to about 92% of a filler and from about 1% to about 20% of one or more emissivity agents, or from about 5% to about 35% of colloidal silica, colloidal alumina, or combinations thereof, from about 23% to about 79% of a filler, and from about 1% to about 20% of one or more emissivity agents.
US08636942B2	Nonwoven fabric and process for producing the same A process for production of a nonwoven fabric, which comprises a step wherein a thermoplastic polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent composed of a volatile good solvent and a volatile poor solvent, a step wherein the resulting solution is spun by an electrospinning method and a step wherein a nonwoven fabric accumulated on a collecting sheet is obtained, is employed to provide a nonwoven fabric having a surface area sufficiently large as a matrix for cell culturing in the field of regenerative medicine, with large gaps between filaments and a low apparent density suitable for cell culturing.
US08636941B1	Methods of making concrete runways, roads, highways and slabs on grade The invention comprises a method of forming a slab on grade. The method comprises placing a first layer of insulating material horizontally on the ground and placing plastic concrete for a slab on grade on the first layer of insulating material. The plastic concrete is then formed into a desired shape having a top and sides. A second layer of insulating material is placed on the top of the plastic concrete and the first and second layers of insulating material are left in place until the concrete is at least partially cured. The second layer of insulating material is then removed. The product made by the method is also disclosed. A slab on grade is also disclosed.
US08636937B2	Hierarchical nanopatterns by nanoimprint lithography A method for forming hierarchical patterns on an article by nanoimprinting is disclosed. The method includes using a first mold to form a primary pattern on the article at a first temperature and a first pressure, the first temperature and the first pressure being able to reduce the elastic modulus of the article; and using a second mold to form a second pattern on the primary pattern at a second temperature that is below the article's glass transition temperature, the forming of the second pattern being at a second pressure.
US08636935B2	Process for the realization of a stiffener made of composite material with an omega section A process for the production of a stiffener made of composite material that includes a central part with wings on both sides such that when the wings are resting against an element to be reinforced, the central part is separated from the element to be reinforced, with the process including producing a flat strip (16) that includes at least one layer of fibers, placing it on a mold (26) that includes at least one hollow shape that corresponds to the central part of the stiffener that is to be produced, heating the strip (16), and deforming it in such a way as to make it assume the shapes of the mold (26), characterized in that it includes exerting a transverse traction on the strip (16) during the deformation of the strip.
US08636934B2	Method of making detectable signage Signage is presented comprising an in-mold plastic plate portion having a slot. The signage has a flexible tongue having a neck portion that extends outwardly from the plate portion and has a locking tip extending from the neck portion and the locking tip is formed to be received by the slot. The plastic plate portion is made of a filler material and a detectable additive such that the signage is easily detected by a metal detecting machine.
US08636933B2	Pressed powder elements Method for producing a pressed powder element, wherein the method comprises pre-pressing of loose powder to a first powder blank (14), pre-pressing of loose powder to a second powder blank (15) and pressing together the at least two pre-pressed powder blanks (14, 15) to form a pressed powder element as well as the corresponding apparatus.
US08636932B2	Process for the production of granules from powdered materials The present invention relates to a process for the wet production of granules from powdered materials, in particular raw materials for the production of glass. The process of the invention comprises the following successive steps: (i) the powdered materials to be granulated are divided into at least two portions: a first portion and a second portion; (ii) a binder liquid is added to the first portion of powdered materials; (iii) the first mixture thus obtained is agglomerated in the granulator in order to obtain granules (a); (iv) the second portion of powdered materials is added to the granulator; and (v) the new mixture obtained is agglomerated in the granulator in order to obtain granules (b). This sequenced granulation process allows granules to be obtained that have a degree of moisture that assures their stability and their ease of handling eliminating the drying step.
US08636929B2	Nanoporous foamed active compound-containing preparations based on pharmaceutically acceptable thermoplastically workable polymers Process for the production of nanoporous foamed active substance-containing preparations, wherein the active substance is present embedded in a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer, wherein, in stage a) loading of a polymeric molding composition or a polymer melt with a propellant is effected at a pressure and at a temperature at which the propellant is in the supercritical state, in stage b) heating of the laden polymer molding compound or melt is carried out under pressure at a temperature which lies in the range from −40 to +60° C., preferably −20 to +55° C., and especially preferably 0 to +50° C. around the glass transition temperature of the unladen (prior to loading) polymeric molding compound and in stage c) a depressurization of the polymeric molding compound or melt laden in stage a) and heated under pressure in stage b) is effected out with a depressurization rate in the range from 15,000 to 200,000 MPa/sec.
US08636928B2	Shell forms for making provisional and long-term dental restorations The invention provides methods of making provisional and long-term dental restorations, particularly dental veneers, implants, crowns and bridges. A shell or restoration form made of polymerizable material having good dimensional shape-stability in its uncured condition is used to make the dental restoration. A polymerizable material is introduced into the cavity of the shell form. The outer shell and injected polymerizable material are polymerized and bond together to form a hardened crown structure. In one embodiment, the restoration can be fabricated indirectly by a dental laboratory. In another version, a dental practitioner can make the restoration chairside for a patient in a dental office.
US08636926B2	Compound semiconductors and their application Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxMyCo4-mAmSb12-n-zXnTez, where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, A is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt, X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Si, Ga, Ge and Sn, 0
US08636923B2	Production of synthesis gas by heating oxidized biomass with a hot gas obtained from oxidation of residual products A process for producing synthesis gas, or syngas, from biomass. The process comprises contacting biomass with oxygen, or oxygen and steam, in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass and to heat the biomass to a temperature to no greater than 750° C. At least one combustible material also is contacted with oxygen and steam to heat the at least one combustible material to a temperature of at least 1,100° C., to provide a hot gas derived from the oxidized combustible material. The latter maybe residual products derived from the process itself as char, tar, or hydrocarbons. The oxidized biomass then is contacted with the hot flue gas to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 900° C., thereby producing synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is recovered. Such process provides a method of providing heat for producing synthesis gas without consuming a portion of the synthesis gas to provide such heat, thereby providing an increased yield of synthesis gas.
US08636917B2	Solution for forming polishing slurry, polishing slurry and related methods A solution for forming a polishing slurry, the polishing slurry and related methods are disclosed. The solution for forming a polishing slurry may include 1H-benzotriazole (BTA) dissolved in an ionic surfactant such as a sodium alkyl sulfate solution, and perhaps a polyacrylic acid (PAA) solution. The solution can be filtered and used in a polishing slurry. This approach to solubilizing BTA results in a high BTA concentration in a polishing slurry without addition of foreign components to the slurry or increased safety hazard. In addition, the solution is easier to ship because it is very stable (e.g., can be frozen and thawed) and has less volume compared to conventional approaches. Further, the polishing slurry performance is vastly improved due to the removal of particles that can cause scratching.
US08636913B2	Removing residues in magnetic head fabrication The present invention generally relates to a method of forming a magnetic head while ensuring residues do not negatively impact the magnetic head. In particular, when performing a RIE process to remove DLC, oxygen gas can leave residues that will negatively impact the RIE process performed on the next substrate to enter the chamber. By utilizing CO2 rather than O2, the residues will not be created and therefore will not impact processing of the next substrate that enters the chamber.
US08636911B2	Process for MEMS scanning mirror with mass remove from mirror backside Two methods of fabricating a MEMS scanning mirror having a tunable resonance frequency are described. The resonance frequency of the mirror is set to a particular value by mass removal from the backside of the mirror during fabrication.
US08636907B1	Sealed magnetic filter for hazardous operations and easy clean service A two-stage sealed magnetic filter continuously removes magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from liquid process streams. Elongated non-magnetic holder sleeves encasing magnet bars attract magnetic contaminants while a screen cylinder captures non-magnetic contaminants. The magnet bars are accessible without having to open the interior of the housing to the environment. Thus, during maintenance, removing the magnet bars from the holder sleeves releases the magnetic contaminants that have adhered to the holder sleeves into the screen cylinder which partially encloses the holder sleeves. Contaminants are flushed out of the magnetic filter without exposing workers to potentially hazardous substances. Polymeric sludge occluded with iron compounds can be effectively removed from streams in refineries and chemical plants. The iron compounds are formed from carbon steel which is prevalent in plant machinery and that corrodes in the presence of acidic contaminants.
US08636904B2	Hollow fiber membrane module, hollow fiber membrane module unit, and water treatment method A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit, and a water treatment method. The module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas. The module and the unit have excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed so that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.
US08636894B2	Electrochemical determination of factor XA inhibitors Methods and devices for determining factor Xa inhibitors, in particular heparins and fractionated or low-molecular-weight heparins, as well as direct factor Xa inhibitors in blood samples. The methods include contacting a blood sample with a detection reagent that contains at least one thrombin substrate having a peptide residue that can be cleaved by thrombin and is amidically bound via the carboxyl end to an electrogenic substance, and with a known amount of factor X reagent and an activator reagent which induces the conversion of factor X into factor Xa. Subsequently, in a second step, the amount or activity of the electrogenic substance that is cleaved from the thrombin substrate by the factor Xa-mediated thrombin activation and/or the time course thereof is determined as the measurement signal using electrochemical methods. In a third step, the amount of the factor Xa inhibitor in the sample of the blood to be analyzed or a measured quantity that correlates therewith, in particular a clotting time that correlates therewith, is determined on the basis of this measurement signal.
US08636893B2	Process for producing chlorine with low bromine content Chlorine with a low bromine content is produced by electrolyzing brine to produce gaseous chlorine, alkali metal hydroxide and hydrogen, separating the gaseous chlorine from the electrolyte (anolyte in the case of the membrane process), directing electrolyte (anolyte in the case of the membrane process) to a primary dechlorination step using hydrochloric acid to remove gaseous chlorine therefrom, optionally directing depleted electrolyte (anolyte in the case of the membrane process) from the primary dechlorination step to a secondary dechlorination step using a reducing agent for chlorine and oxychlorine species, and recycling dechlorinated depleted electrolyte (anolyte in the case of the membrane process) to salt dissolvers to prepare brine for electrolysis. At least part of the gaseous chlorine generated in the primary dechlorination step is not combined with gaseous chlorine generated in the electrolysis step.
US08636891B2	Coated article and method for manufacturing same A coated article includes a substrate, and a coating deposited on the substrate by magnetron sputtering. The coating includes micropores, and each micropore is sealed by a sealing element.
US08636889B2	Solid electrolyte producing assembly and method A solid electrolyte producing system includes a supercapacitor desalination device comprising a power supply and a supercapacitor desalination unit. The supercapacitor desalination unit includes a pair of electrodes electrically coupled to the power supply and operable in a charging mode of operation and a discharging mode of operation. A feeding source is configured to provide a feed liquid to the supercapacitor desalination unit when the supercapacitor desalination unit is in the charging mode of operation. The feed liquid comprises at least one determined electrolyte. A crystallization device is providing for receiving a concentrated liquid from the supercapacitor desalination device in the discharging mode of operation, the concentrated liquid being a saturated liquid or supersaturated liquid of the at least one determined type of electrolyte. The at least one determined type of electrolyte precipitates in the crystallization device as solid electrolyte. The system further comprises a separation device for separating the solid electrolyte from the liquid of the crystallization device as a solid electrolyte product.
US08636888B2	Process for improving the separation of oil/water mixtures Disclosed is a process for the reduction of the electrical conductivity of a product mixture containing the oil and water phases resulting from the conversion of biomass to liquid products, including the at least partial breaking of any oil/water emulsion, which aids in the separation of the oil and water phases.
US08636887B2	Method for electrokinetic decontamination of a porous solid medium The invention relates to a method for electrokinetic decontamination of a porous solid medium, which comprises: a) extracting the contaminating species present in the solid medium in an electrolyte appearing as an essentially inorganic gel, this extraction being obtained by applying an electric current between two electrodes positioned at the surface and/or in the interior of the solid medium, the contact of at least one of these electrodes with said solid medium being ensured by a layer of said gel, b) drying the gel containing the thereby extracted contaminating species until a dry residue is obtained which fractures, and c) removing the thereby obtained dry residue from said solid residue. Applications: decontamination of materials with a cement matrix, notably within the scope of dismantlement of military or industrial installations, in particular nuclear installations, or the rehabilitation of installations likely to have been contaminated by ecotoxic or radiological chemical species; clearing pollution of geological soils, sediments and sludges.
US08636881B2	Integrated electrochemical reactor and process therefor A process for electrolyzing a material to change at least a portion of the material from a first chemical state to a second chemical state includes placing a known quantity of a first substance into either a mixing chamber or an electrolysis chamber of an integrated electrochemical reactor, placing a known quantity of a second substance into the other chamber free of the first substance; sealing an opening to isolate an internal volume within the reactor; rotating the reactor to form a mixture, rotating the reactor again such that the mixture is transferred to the electrolysis chamber; electrolyzing the mixture in the electrolysis chamber to change at least a portion of the mixture from the first chemical state to the second chemical state; and analyzing the first substance, or analyzing the second substance, or analyzing the first chemical state, or analyzing the second chemical state, or any analytical combinations thereof.
US08636878B2	Alternating electric current generating process This is a device and process to generate alternating current without an external source for cell-houses in electro-winning or electro-refining of copper or other products in which the electric source consists of a conventional rectifier-transformer group that supplies continuous electrical current to the cell-house, which is connected in parallel to a device characterized by having the capacity to extract an electrical current from the cell-house for a period of time and then return it in another period of time, whether periodically or semi-periodically and without changing the average value of the electrical current, supplied to the cell-house by the rectifier-transformer. This results in an electrical current in the cell-house that is the superimposition of a continuous and alternating current. This process is designed to overcome the barrier of electric potential produced by the presence of the pure continuous electric field in cell-houses through the electric agitation of an ion-rich electrolyte.
US08636873B2	Plasma processing apparatus and structure therein A structure, for use in a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus in which a plasma process is performed on a target substrate, includes a base member at least having a first surface and a second surface; and a thermally sprayed insulating film covering the first surface. Further, the structure includes an insulating protection member covering the second surface and made of a material having a linear expansion coefficient different from that of the base member; and an insulating layer interposed between the thermally sprayed insulating film and the insulating protection member to prevent a contact therebetween. The thermally sprayed insulating film, the insulating protection member and the insulating layer constitute an insulating surface covering the first surface and the second surface.
US08636871B2	Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method and storage medium A plasma processing apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode so arranged in the upper portion of a processing chamber as to face a mounting table, a gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas between the first electrode and the second electrode, a RF power supply unit for applying a RF power between the first electrode and the second electrode for converting the process gas supplied between the electrodes into a plasma, and a gas exhaust unit for evacuating the inside of the processing chamber to a vacuum level from the lower portion of the processing chamber. Since the electron temperature in the plasma is low near a substrate on the mounting table, damage to the substrate caused by the plasma can be suppressed. In addition, since a metal can be used as a material for the processing chamber, the processing chamber can have good temperature controllability.
US08636869B2	Cured in place pipe liner A liner for repairing damaged pipes, such as underground sewer or gas pipes is disclosed. The liner comprises a TPU coating on a fibrous mat of non-woven fabric. The TPU coating is a high heat resistance polyester TPU which allows an epoxy resin/amine to be saturated in the non-woven fabric and the cure initiated by the use of steam or hot water. The cured epoxy resin converts the liner from a flexible state to a rigid state as the liner is cured in place inside the pipe. The TPU containing liner may also be used with thermoset resins other than epoxy resins, such as polyester resins and vinyl ester resins.
US08636868B2	Method for manufacturing laminated board, and laminated board A method for manufacturing a laminated board, comprising: preparing a first and a second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by laminating the carrier with an insulating resin layer in which a fiber cloth is embedded, and laminating the first and the second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by bonding the insulating resin layer in the first prepreg 31a with a carrier and the insulating resin layer in the second prepreg 31b with a carrier directly or via an additional member under reduced pressure and heating it.
US08636864B2	Article and method for forming a wire seal A heat-shrinkable tubular article for forming a wire splice is both resistant to high temperatures and capable of rapid installation. The heat-shrinkable tubular article includes a heat-shrinkable jacket material and an inner adhesive layer having a thixotropic heat-flowable additive. The tubular article having at least one of a maximum internal diameter of no more than 15 mm or a maximum length of no more than 100 mm.
US08636861B1	High explosive fills for MEMS devices Secondary crystalline high explosives are disclosed which are suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms (MEMS), used as safe and arm (S&A) devices. The explosives are prepared by adding the such a high explosive to an aqueous first volatile mobile phase, adding such a high explosive to a non-aqueous second volatile mobile phase, mixing the first and second volatile mobile phases and then loading the combined phases into the MEMS device and allowing the aqueous and non-aqueous solvents to evaporate depositing the high explosive. Enhanced adhesion between the deposited high explosive and enhanced rheological properties can be obtained by adding a polymeric binder to both mobile phases.
US08636860B2	Ionic liquid monopropellant gas generator An energetic ionic liquid catalytic decomposition gas generator uses stoichiometric and nonstoiciometric mixtures of specific energetic ionic liquids and iridium catalyst. The catalyst temperature used and gas production versus ignition may be controlled by combining one or more cationic species with one or more anionic species of the ionic liquid(s).
US08636858B2	Production equipment and production method for precipitation hardened alloy strip In the production equipment for a precipitation hardened alloy strip, a solution treatment unit includes a heating chamber provided to heat the material alloy strip having a precipitation hardening alloy composition to a temperature of not lower than a recrystallization temperature but not higher than a melting point, a cooling chamber located adjacent to the heating chamber, and a pair of cooling rolls incorporated in the cooling chamber to hold therebetween and cool down the material alloy strip heated in the heating chamber. This production equipment can quench the material alloy strip to form a solid solution supersaturated with precipitation hardening elements and thereby forming a precipitation hardened alloy strip having a good shape and a favorable surface condition.
US08636856B2	High strength steel having good toughness Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise carbon steels and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, quenching and tempering procedure is performed in which a selected steel composition is formed and heat treated to yield a slightly tempered microstructure having a fine carbide distribution. In another embodiment, a double austenizing procedure is disclosed in which a selected steel composition is formed and subjected to heat treatment to refine the steel microstructure. In one embodiment, the heat treatment may comprise austenizing and quenching the formed steel composition a selected number of times (e.g., 2) prior to tempering. In another embodiment, the heat treatment may comprise subjecting the formed steel composition to austenizing, quenching, and tempering a selected number of times (e.g., 2). Steel products formed from embodiments of the steel composition in this manner (e.g., seamless tubular bars and pipes) will possess high yield strength, e.g., at least about 165 ksi, while maintaining good toughness.
US08636851B2	Dishwasher comprising automatically cleaning washing liquid lines A dishwasher is provided, wherein the protruding wash residues can be automatically cleaned in the most efficient manner possible in the washing liquid lines, in order to maintain the cleaning effect of the washing device. The dishwasher comprises at least one washing compartment, and a washing device that is used to spray the liquid into the inner chamber of the washing container, in addition to at least one washing liquid line which is used to supply the liquid to the cleaning device. The washing liquid line comprises at least one first opening and one second opening that is arranged at a distance from the first opening, over which the respective alternative cleaning liquid can be supplied in a pressurized manner.
US08636848B2	Vacuumable gel for decontaminating surfaces and use thereof The present invention relates to a vacuumable gel and the gel use to decontaminate surfaces, for example, radioactive decontamination. The gel is composed of a colloidal solution comprising: from 5 to 25 wt % of an inorganic viscosity modifier; from 0.01 to 0.2 wt % of a surfactant, preferably, a surfactant in an amount strictly below 0.1 wt %, wt % relative to the total weight of the gel; from 0.5 to 7 mol, per liter of gel, of an inorganic acid or base; and optionally from 0.05 to 1 mol, per liter of gel, of an oxidizer having a standard redox potential Eo greater than 1.4 V in a strong acid medium or of the reduced form of this oxidizer; the remainder being water. The gel may be applied, by spraying, to a surface to be decontaminated, and removed in the form of dry residues by suction or brushing after drying.
US08636846B2	Aerosol-generating apparatus, film-forming apparatus, and aerosol-generating method An aerosol-generating apparatus includes a body having a powder-accommodating chamber which accommodates a powder of the material particles, and an introducing port via which the carrier gas is introduced into the powder-accommodating chamber; a powder flow passage which has an inlet opening and an outlet opening both of which are open in the powder-accommodating chamber, the inlet opening being positioned at a position lower than that of the outlet opening in a vertical direction; and a transport mechanism which transports the powder in a direction directed from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the powder flow passage. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating apparatus is provided, which makes it possible to stably produce the aerosol over a long period of time by appropriately reducing the aggregation of the material particles accommodated in the powder-accommodating chamber.
US08636845B2	Metal heterocyclic compounds for deposition of thin films Methods and compositions for depositing a metal containing film on a substrate are disclosed. A reactor and at least one substrate disposed in the reactor are provided. A metal containing precursor is provided and introduced into the reactor, which is maintained at a temperature of at least 100° C. A metal is deposited on to the substrate through a deposition process to form a thin film on the substrate.
US08636844B1	Oxygen engineered single-crystal REO template A method of forming a template on a silicon substrate includes epitaxially growing a template of single crystal ternary rare earth oxide on a silicon substrate and epitaxially growing a single crystal semiconductor active layer on the template. The active layer has either a cubic or a hexagonal crystal structure. During the epitaxial growth of the template, a partial pressure of oxygen is selected and a ratio of metals included in the ternary rare earth oxide is selected to match crystal spacing and structure of the template at a lower interface to the substrate and to match crystal spacing and structure of the template at an upper interface to crystal spacing and structure of the semiconductor active layer. A high oxygen partial pressure during growth of the template produces a stabilized cubic crystal structure and a low oxygen partial pressure produces a predominant peak with a hexagonal crystal structure.
US08636843B2	Single-crystal apatite nanowires sheathed in graphitic shells and synthesis method thereof Heterogeneous nanowires having a core-shell structure consisting of single-crystal apatite as the core and graphitic layers as the shell and a synthesis method thereof are provided. More specifically, provided is a method capable of producing large amounts of heterogeneous nanowires, composed of graphitic shells and apatite cores, in a reproducible manner, by preparing a substrate including an element corresponding to X of X6(YO4)3Z which is a chemical formula for apatite, adding to the substrate a gaseous source containing an element corresponding to Y of the chemical formula, adding thereto a gaseous carbon source, and allowing these reactants to react under optimized synthesis conditions using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and to a method capable of freely controlling the structure and size of the heterogeneous nanowires and also to heterogeneous nanowires synthesized thereby.
US08636838B2	Oxygen concentrator To provide an oxygen concentrator that can reduce pressure loss when suctioning raw air and that can increase the amount of suctioned raw air by an amount of reduction in pressure loss, and moreover that can reduce noise without significantly changing a basic structure of a compressor. The oxygen concentrator includes: a compressor that has a plurality of suction ports suctioning raw air and that generates compressed air by compressing suctioned raw air; a conduit through which the compressed air is sent; a silencer that has a suction side end introducing the raw air and a discharge side end discharging the raw air, with the silencer being connected with the conduit; and a plurality of connection conduits directly connecting the discharge side end of the silencer and the respective suction ports of the compressor.
US08636837B2	Solids separator A sedimentation separator for separating solid fractions from a mixture consisting of air, liquid and solids fractions comprises a sedimenting vessel to which an air-separating unit is connected upstream. In an intermediate vessel arranged between the air-separating unit and sedimenting vessel there is arranged a float which closes off an air duct when the level of sediment in the sedimenting vessel has reached a predetermined height. Liquid purified by sedimentation is suctioned off from the upper end of the sedimenting vessel by means of a jet pump.
US08636831B2	Process for monomer recovery from a polymerization process The present relates to a process for optimizing the recovery of unreacted monomers from a polymerization process, wherein said process comprises the steps of recovering a fluid stream generated by the separation of the polyolefin product from the polymerization fluid comprising unreacted monomers and optionally comonomers; contacting said fluid stream in an absorption zone with a scrub liquid comprising at least one C4-10 hydrocarbons, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the unreacted monomers in said scrub liquid; and withdrawing from said absorption zone (i) a vapor overhead comprising light gas and (ii) an absorber bottoms scrub liquid comprising said C4-10 hydrocarbons and said unreacted monomer; thereby recovering said unreacted monomer in said absorber bottoms scrub liquid comprising said C4-10 hydrocarbons. The present invention also concerns a process for the recovery of unreacted monomers from a gas phase or slurry polymerization process, and also concerns a process for the production of polyolefins.
US08636821B2	Ceramic honeycomb structure and its production method A ceramic honeycomb structure having a large number of flow paths partitioned by porous cell walls, the cell walls meeting the conditions; (a) the cell walls having porosity of 55-80%, (b) the cell walls having a median pore diameter D50 (measured by mercury porosimetry) of 5-27 μm, (c) pores open on cell wall surfaces having an opening area ratio of 20% or more, (d) pores open on cell wall surfaces having a median opening diameter d50 (determined from equivalent circle diameters on an area basis) of 10-45 μm, (e) the density of pores open on cell wall surfaces having equivalent circle diameters of 10 μm or more and less than 40 μm being 350/mm2 or more, (f) the maximum inclination of a curve of a cumulative pore volume relative to a pore diameter (determined from a pore distribution measured by mercury porosimetry) being 1.6 or more, and (g) a ratio D50/d50 of the median pore diameter D50 to the median opening diameter d50 being 0.65 or less.
US08636818B2	Fuel gas purification apparatus, power generation system, and fuel synthesis system An apparatus which includes: a carbonizer (1) which pyrolyzes a biomass to yield a pyrolysis gas and a carbonization product; a furnace (2) in which the carbonization product supplied from the carbonizer (1) is burned; a closed vessel (3) which is disposed in the furnace (2) and holds therein a carbonate (4) which has been melted by the heat generated by the carbonization product burned in the furnace (2); an introduction pipe (5) disposed so that the pyrolysis gas is introduced into the molten carbonate (4) in the closed vessel (3); and a fuel gas supply pipe (6) disposed so that a fuel gas, which is the pyrolysis gas sent through the introduction pipe (5), passed through the molten carbonate (4), and purified by reaction with the molten carbonate (4), is sent from the closed vessel (3) to the outside of the furnace (2).
US08636813B2	Hair colouring composition Present invention relates to a dyeing composition for hair with improved dyeing and conditioning properties of hair. The object of the present invention a composition for dyeing hair based on at least one hair dye and comprising at least one amino acid surfactant and at least one natural oil.
US08636807B2	Moment induced total arthroplasty prosthetic Exemplary embodiments include a mobile bearing tibial tray insert including a medial condyle receiver spaced apart from a lateral condyle receiver, the mobile bearing tibial tray insert also including a stabilizing post, where the mobile bearing tibial tray insert is adapted to rotate around a substantially vertical rotational axis offset laterally from the stabilizing post. In addition, the foregoing embodiments may be supplemented by a tibial tray and femoral component to comprise a total knee replacement system. The disclosure also includes exemplary methods for imparting axial rotation to a prosthetic joint, the method comprising shifting the axis of axial rotation between a tibial prosthesis and a femoral prosthesis of a prosthetic knee joint by providing at least one of offsetting a stabilization post associated with a medial-lateral midline of a tibial insert of the tibial prosthesis, increasing the radii of a medial receiver of the tibial insert of the tibial prosthesis to a greater extent than the radii of a medial condyle of the femoral prosthesis, and increasing conformity between a medial receiver of the tibial insert of the tibial prosthesis and a medial condyle.
US08636806B2	Biologic diarthrodial joint A biologic diarthrodial joint includes an artificial subchondral bone shaped in the form of a joint replacement member and formed of an artificial fiber material. The artificial fiber material includes synthetic fibers formed in a fibrous network with the synthetic fibers arranged in multiple orientations. The artificial subchondral bone includes a polymer receiving component. An artificial cartilage polymer is cooperable with the artificial subchondral bone and engages the polymer receiving component. The artificial cartilage polymer has physical properties similar to that of native articular cartilage.
US08636804B2	Instrumentation for properly seating an artificial intervertebral disc in an intervertebral space Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc, the leveler including at least two tines extending parallel to one another from the leveler shaft distal end, wherein the tines are spaced and sized to be insertable and fittable between baseplates of the disc and to substantially fill at least a height of a separation space volume between the baseplates, and to straddle a central coupling of the baseplates during the insertion and when so fitted, such that when the baseplates are substantially non-parallel to one another in the intervertebral space, insertion of the tines into the intervertebral space between the baseplates and straddling the central coupling forces the baseplates into a substantially parallel orientation relative to one another.
US08636802B2	Dynamized interspinal implant An interspinous process having a general horseshoe shape, a cushion element within the horseshoe and a porous coating on its outer surface.
US08636799B2	Fixation screw, graft ligament anchor assembly, and method for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel A fixation screw, graft ligament anchor assembly, and method for fastening a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. The screw comprises an elongated shank having a distal end and a proximal end, and a central axis extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Screw threads are disposed on the shank and extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The proximal end defines an end plane disposed transversely to the axis and at an angle thereto other than a normal angle.
US08636798B2	Apparatus and method for reconstructing a ligament Apparatus and method for reconstructing a ligament.
US08636791B1	Venous stent This invention is a modular intraluminal tubular stent system for deployment in the venous system. One of the stents in the system includes a reinforced terminal end portion, such as a helical coil, to provide additional expansive force to maintain the initial deployed location of the stent. The coil may be interwoven into the wall of the stent, or a separate structure deployed separately.
US08636789B2	Paraplegia prevention valve for stent grafts A stent graft defining a main lumen bounded by a wall of graft material is disclosed. The stent graft has a valve portion between proximal and distal portions. The valve portion is formed by a wall portion having a part-circumferential double layer portion comprising an inner underlap portion and an outer overlap portion, the double layer portion forming a passageway parallel to the main lumen. The passageway has an entrance mouth and an exit mouth. The passageway has an open condition where the underlap and overlap portions are spaced apart to form a vent lumen. The wall portion is broken by a narrow cut. The cut is openable by relative radial movement between its edges. This allows re-perfusion of an aneurism and perfusion of blood from within the lumen out towards blood vessels such as intercostals and can assist in minimizing the chance of paraplegia.
US08636788B2	Methods of implanting a prosthesis A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site includes advancing an outer catheter of a prosthesis delivery system in the patient and advancing an inner sheath and a guidewire lumen of the delivery system from the outer catheter to the treatment site along a guidewire while the outer catheter remains stationary relative to the patient. The method also includes locking an apex release lumen, a sheath lumen and a guidewire lumen within the apex release lumen, with respect to an outer catheter and rotationally locking the apex release lumen, the sheath lumen and the guidewire lumen. The apex release lumen, the sheath lumen and the guidewire lumen are threaded onto a guidewire and directed into a patient and the apex release lumen and the sheath lumen are unlocked with respect to the outer catheter.
US08636785B2	Bone Screw A bone screw (10) having a lead portion (12) and a tail portion (14), each comprising a root and a thread (22, 24) (having a thread lead) formed on the root. The thread on each of the lead and tail portions has an approximately constant diameter along a significant portion of its length. The diameter of the thread on the tail portion is greater than that of the thread on the lead portion, and in which the thread lead of the thread on the lead portion is equal to the thread lead of the thread on the tail portion. The screw can be used to achieve fixation to a vertebra with an anterior approach.
US08636784B2	Expandable attachment device and method An attachment device with a radially expandable section is disclosed. The attachment device can have helical threads, for example, to facilitate screwing the attachment device into a bone. Methods of using the same are also disclosed. The attachment device can be positioned to radially expand the expandable section in cancellous bone substantially surrounded by cortical bone.
US08636778B2	Wide angulation coupling members for bone fixation system A coupling assembly is provided with a yoke device that allows an anchor member secured thereto to rotate in a turret-like manner with respect to an elongate member secured by the yoke in addition to allowing the anchor member to pivot away from the central axis of the yoke. A first yoke member holds the elongate member and is rotatably coupled to a second yoke member that holds a bone anchor. A combination of rotation of the second yoke member and pivoting of the anchor member allows the anchor to be positioned in a wide variety of orientations with respect to the yoke device and elongate member.
US08636777B2	Polyaxial bone screw with discontinuous helically wound capture connection A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and an open, compressible retainer collar. The capture structure and retainer collar are both threaded for rotatable attachment within a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod. The head channel communicates with the cavity and further with a restrictive opening that allows for loading the capture structure into the head but prevents passage of the attached retainer collar out of the head. The open retainer collar may be bottom- or top-loaded by compressing open ends of the ring towards each other, the collar springing back into a rounded shape after insertion in the head. The open collar has an external substantially spherical surface that mates with an internal surface of the head, providing a ball joint, enabling the head to be disposed at an angle relative to the shank body. The threaded capture structure includes a tool engagement formation and gripping surfaces for non-slip engagement by a tool for driving the shank body into bone.
US08636773B2	Spinous process device and method of use A spinous process device and method are disclosed. The device includes a first plate having a first part slidably coupled to a second part, a second plate having a third part slidably coupled to a fourth part, and first and second connector devices configured to be placed through openings created in spinous processes and rotatably couple respective first and second parts to third and fourth parts of the first and second plates together allowing angular displacement of the second plate with respect to the first plate and secure the spinous processes between the first and second plates.
US08636772B2	Bone plates, screws, and instruments Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.
US08636770B2	Bone anchoring device A bone anchoring device including a clamping device and a flexible band configured to be secured a vertebra. The clamping device includes a base member and an upper member configured to be secured together with a fastener. The flexible band is configured to be passed around a bone portion and through a passage of the base member to position the flexible band between a clamping surface of the base member and a clamping surface of the upper member. The flexible band is tensioned to urge the clamping device against the bone portion and then clamped between the clamping surfaces of the base member and the upper member. A stabilization member of a vertebral stabilization construct may be secured to the vertebra with the bone anchoring device without invasively altering or impairing the structural integrity of the vertebra.
US08636762B2	Surgical device A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion with a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical device also includes a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion. A driver is configured to cause relative movement of the jaw portion and the shaft portion. The driver may be configured to cause the jaw portion to pivot relative to the shaft portion about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to first and second longitudinal axes defined by the jaw portion and the shaft portion, respectively. The driver may also be configured to cause at least a portion of the jaw portion to rotate relative to the shaft portion about the first longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the surgical device includes a surgical member, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within the first jaw.
US08636761B2	Apparatus, system, and method for performing an endoscopic electrosurgical procedure A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The housing includes a drive assembly operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. One or both of the first and second jaw members is pivotable about a living hinge from a first position to a clamping position. One or both of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end of the actuation tube via a cam pin that operatively engages the cam slot such that proximal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams at least one jaw member towards the other jaw member about the living hinge.
US08636760B2	System and method for delivering and deploying an occluding device within a vessel A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned. The elongated flexible member may be a integral portion formed thereof that form a coil portion.
US08636755B2	Assembly comprising a stabiliser and an instrument to be positioned in or around a passage surrounded by body tissue An assembly includes a stabilizer and an instrument to be positioned in or around a passage surrounded by body tissue, in particular vascular tissue. The stabilizer is provided with a loop-shaped suction nozzle, which nozzle can be operationally connected to suction elements in order to suck tightly to tissue close to and around the passage. The instrument has a head section for performing operations on vascular tissue.
US08636750B2	Hair removal device A device for removing hair is disclosed. The device comprises a container, filled with an impedance matching medium, and an ultrasound transducer element coupled to the container, such that ultrasound waves are generated by the transducer element in the impedance matching medium. The device further comprises a hair receiving element having at least one opening for receiving hair shafts, wherein a height of the opening is approximately an integer multiplication of half a wavelength of the ultrasound waves.
US08636749B2	Dermatome blade assembly guard A dermatome having a main body, a blade assembly and a blade guard, where the blade assembly has a blade edge and the blade guard has a base and a fence extending from the base toward the blade assembly so as to face the blade edge. The blade guard may include at least one blade assembly locator to facilitate the alignment of the blade guard with the blade assembly. A blade guard assembled on the blade assembly may operate so as to prevent unintended contact between the blade edge and objects.
US08636743B2	Instruments and methods for adjusting separation distance of vertebral bodies with a minimally invasive spinal stabilization procedure A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.
US08636742B2	Spinal rod reduction instruments and methods for use Methods and devices are provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal rod reduction device is provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element. The spinal rod reduction device can include a fastener engaging member for engaging at least a portion a spinal implant element, a reduction member for engaging at least a portion of a spinal fixation element, and a handle assembly mated to the reduction member. The handle assembly can be designed in such a way that actuation of the handle assembly causes movement of the reduction member relative to the fastener engaging member and the movement of the reduction member reduces the spinal fixation element into the spinal implant element. Two different styles of spinal rod reduction devices are discussed in detail. Various techniques are also provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element.
US08636736B2	Motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train for powering the drive train and a plurality of series-connected DC power source connected to the motor for supplying electrical power to the motor. The handle also comprises a power source selection switch for connecting, when in a first state, all of the DC power sources to the motor, and, when in a second state, a subset of the DC power sources to the motor. Also disclosed are means for actuating a RF electrode in the end effector and means for indicating actuation of the RF electrode.
US08636735B2	Multifunction medical device and related methods of use An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member.
US08636733B2	Electrosurgical pencil including improved controls The present disclosure relates to electrosurgical devices having a plurality of hand-accessible variable controls. An electrosurgical device configured for connection to a source of electrosurgical energy is provided and includes a housing; an electrical circuit supported within the housing, the electrical circuit being connectable to the source of electrosurgical energy; and a controller slidably supported on the housing, wherein the controller is configured to exert a force on each of the housing and the electrical circuit to affect a change in the electrical circuit and to provide a tactile feedback to a user of the electrosurgical device as the controller is moved relative to the housing.
US08636727B2	Portable irradiating arrangement The present disclosure relates to a portable irradiating arrangement having a light source, particularly a laser diode, comprising an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a radiation distributing probe, whereby the inner sleeve is mounted in the outer sleeve and the radiation distributing probe may be attached at a probe-facing end of the outer sleeve, whereby the irradiating arrangement is designed in such a way that the light source can be turned on only when the radiation distributing probe is attached to the outer sleeve. The invention relates further to a portable irradiating arrangement, in which the inner sleeve is in contact with the radiation distributing probe in such a way that the inner sleeve must be detached from the radiation distributing probe before removal of the radiation distributing probe from the outer sleeve.
US08636726B1	Multiple-mode device for high-power short-pulse laser ablation and CW cauterization of bodily tissues An apparatus and process using a high-power, short-pulsed thulium laser to output infrared laser pulses delivered through an optical fiber, for cutting and ablating biological tissue. In some embodiments, the pulse length is shortened sufficiently to keep inside the stress-confined ablation region of operation. In some embodiments, the pulse is shortened to near the stress-confined ablation region of operation, while being slightly in the thermal-constrained region of operation. In some embodiments, the laser is coupled to a small low-OH optical fiber (˜100 μm diameter). In some embodiments, the device has a pulse duration of about 100 ns for efficient ablation; however in some embodiments, this parameter is adjustable.
US08636722B2	Anti-clog suction tip apparatus and methods Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. For example, an anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.
US08636711B2	Stabilized glucagon solutions and uses therefor Stabilized glucagon solutions, methods of storing and using the stabilized glucagon solutions, and drug delivery devices containing the stabilized glucagon solutions. In some embodiments, the glucagon solutions may be alkaline, such as with a pH of at least about 9. The glucagon solutions may be resistant to aggregation of glucagon when the solutions are stored for a prolonged period, such as at least about three days, at room temperature and/or physiological temperature.
US08636707B2	Bifurcated stent delivery system Systems for treating a vessel bifurcation comprise a bifurcated catheter having a first branch and a second branch. Each branch defining an exchange region that extends from the distal end of the shaft to the guidewire port of the shaft. The catheter has a radial alignment mechanism which provides improved radial alignment characteristics of at least the exchange region of the branches.
US08636705B2	Injection needle assembly and medicine injection apparatus An injection needle assembly includes a needle having a needle point to puncture skin, a needle hub including a first member which holds the needle, and a second member in which a discharge part of a syringe is to be fitted, and an elastic member disposed inside the second member to make liquid-tight close contact with the inner surface of the second member, with the elastic member having an insertion hole in which the needle tube is inserted.
US08636700B2	Catheter assembly, catheter systems including same, and method of manufacture A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a tubular structure affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stabilizing cuff affixed to, and at least partially embedded within, the tubular structure. The tubular structure may include a tapered surface extending from an end of the tubular structure to an exterior surface of the catheter. A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly may include positioning a tubular structure about a catheter, positioning a stabilizing cuff near the tubular structure, and partially embedding at least a portion of the stabilizing cuff within the tubular structure while shaping the tubular structure to form a tapered surface. A temporary sleeve may be positioned about the tubular structure prior to shaping the tubular structure. The tubular structure may also be preformed to include a tapered end prior to positioning the tubular structure about the catheter.
US08636697B2	Insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical applications An insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical uses including a housing with a side that can be positioned on tissue and a penetrating device with a tip, the penetrating device carried by the housing in a protected orientation in which the housing covers the tip and a penetrating orientation in which the tip protrudes, wherein the penetrating orientation is angled relative to the protected orientation.
US08636691B2	Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item The present invention monitors an IV bag injection port and informs the user of prior injections. The present invention employs an object and/or a sealed chamber within a transparent IV fluid bag injection port. In the case of the object, notification of prior use is achieved when the object's or IV fluid's appearance is altered. With respect to the sealed chamber, the chamber's seal is breached to allow fluid to pass between the chamber and the IV bag to change the appearance of the contents of the chamber. Since the injection port and bag walls are at least partially transparent, medical personnel are able to observe the altered appearance of either the object, IV fluid or the sealed chamber.
US08636683B2	Systems and methods for bariatric therapy The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.
US08636682B2	Catheter with articulable septum extension A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.
US08636681B1	Splint for the entire leg The splint for the entire leg is a portable splint that is used to immobilize fractures that may occur to the leg of an accident victim. The splint includes two parts that are connectable when the splint is applied to the leg. An upper part functions to immobilize the femur and stabilize the hip. A lower part immobilizes the tibia and/or fibula and stabilizes the knee and foot. Straps are employed to secure the splint to the leg.
US08636678B2	Inflatable member for compression foot cuff A foot cuff that is inflatable to apply compression to the foot to promote blood flow has a bladder formed of two layers of material secured together. An outer layer includes a foot-underlying portion that has a greater thickness and rigidity that an opposing inner layer. The outer layer directs expansion of the bladder upon inflation in the direction of the inner layer and toward the foot for increasing compressive force applied to the foot.
US08636677B2	Intraoral appliance for cleaning teeth The self-contained intraoral appliance includes first and second substantially rigid bands (12, 14) configured to fit along the outer and the inner surfaces of a row of teeth in the mouth. A motor (20) driven by a battery is connected to the bands through a connecting assembly (2, 24, 28, 34, 40 and 44) in such a manner that one end of the first band moves through a displacement to brush the teeth while the other end remains substantially stationary, and such that an opposing end of the second band moves through a displacement while the other end remains substantially stationary. Brush elements (16, 18) are mounted on the surfaces of the bands to provide cleansing of the teeth.
US08636675B2	Method and device for the extraction of a body fluid The present invention provides a method and a device for piercing a body part and determining whether a sufficient volume of blood has been withdrawn. A lancing element is rapidly inserted into a body part in a forward phase and retracted quickly to a lesser puncturing depth. Subsequently, the lancing element is retracted slower than during the first retraction movement and the distance retracted during the second retraction is shorter than the first retraction movement. During the second retraction movement, body fluid is collected in a collection phase by a capillary structure of the lancing element. Contact between the lancing element and the body fluid is detected after the forward phase at the beginning and the end of a waiting period.
US08636674B2	Integrated disposable for automatic or manual blood dosing An integrated sampling device defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to a channel for drawing fluid automatically towards a test media upon incision by an incision portion. The second opening is positioned over the test media allowing manual sampling of fluid if the channel fails to draw a sufficient amount of fluid onto the test media.
US08636672B2	Test strip with integrated lancet The present disclosure provides methods and systems to collect blood from a patient using a lancet integrated with a test strip. The present disclosure provides integrated test strips having an integrated lancet, as well as meters for actuating the lancet integrated within a test strip. The analyte test strip comprises a first test strip substrate material and a second test strip substrate material. At least one test strip substrate material comprises an elongate cavity. The test strip further comprises a reaction test site for testing analyte concentrations in blood. The test strip further comprises at least one opening communicating with the at least one cavity.
US08636671B2	Wearable respiration measurement apparatus A wearable respiration measurement apparatus including: an eyeglass frame having a nose flap which is formed in such a manner as to cover a user's nose; and an induced current generation device attached to the nose flap and generating an induced current corresponding to an amount of air inhaled or exhaled through the user's nose.
US08636670B2	Circulatory monitoring systems and methods Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects.
US08636669B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring of diastolic hemodynamics A cardiac rhythm management system provides for ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamic performance based on quantitative measurements of heart sound related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such heart sound related parameters allows the cardiac rhythm management system to determine a need for delivering a therapy and/or therapy parameter adjustments based on conditions of a heart. This monitoring also allows a physician to observe or assess the hemodynamic performance for diagnosing and making therapeutic decisions. Because the conditions of the heart may fluctuate and may deteriorate significantly between physician visits, the ambulatory monitoring, performed on a continuous or periodic basis, ensures a prompt response by the cardiac rhythm management system that may save a life, prevent hospitalization, or prevent further deterioration of the heart.
US08636668B2	Measuring apparatus Provided is a measuring apparatus that includes: a semiconductor laser device that emits a laser light beam to an object to be measured; a driving unit that provides a driving signal for modulation drive of the semiconductor laser device; a first detection unit that detects a first electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of the laser light beam modulated due to the self-coupling effect, in a first half-cycle of the driving signal; a second detection unit that detects a second electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of a second laser light beam modulated due to the self-coupling effect, in a second half-cycle of the driving signal being in an opposite phase of the first half-cycle; a calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first and second electrical signals; and a measuring unit that measures a change in the state of the object based on the calculated difference.
US08636667B2	Systems and methods for processing physiological signals in wavelet space Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing multiple scale bands in the scalogram of a physiological signal in order to obtain information about a physiological process. An analysis may be performed to identify multiple scale bands that are likely to contain the information sought. Each scale band may be assessed to determine a band quality, and multiple bands may be combined based on the band quality. Information about a physiological process may determined based on the combined band. In an embodiment, analyzing multiple scale bands in a scalogram arising from a wavelet transformation of a photoplethysmograph signal may yield clinically relevant information about, among other things, the blood oxygen saturation of a patient.
US08636665B2	Method and system for ultrasound treatment of fat A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.
US08636663B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and sound speed correction method In order to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a sound speed correction method capable of performing sound speed correction without affecting real-time efficiency, the present invention is characterized in that a reference sound speed image signal is acquired by setting a reference sound speed and a different sound speed image signal is acquired by setting a different sound speed from the reference sound speed and that sound speed correction information is acquired by correcting reference sound speed information based on the reference sound speed image signal using different items of sound speed information based on the different sound speed image signal.
US08636662B2	Method and system for displaying system parameter information Methods and systems for displaying system parameter information are provided. One method includes determining a value for a system parameter using the ultrasound system and comparing the determined value to a defined value for a system processing guideline using a processor of the ultrasound system. The method further includes providing system parameter confirmation information based on the comparing when the determined value is not within the defined value.
US08636659B2	Multipurpose host system for invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement acquisition and display A multifunctional invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement host is disclosed that interfaces a variety of sensor devices, such as guide wire-mounted pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc, and provides a multi-mode graphical user interface providing a plurality of displays in accordance with the various types of sensors and measurements rendered by the sensors.
US08636657B2	Minimal incision maximal access MIS spine instrumentation and method A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable work space exposure within the incision along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the width of the working tube. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing retractors depending from a bi-hinged frame having internal or external controls to control the angle and separation of the retractors. Interchangeable retractor blades can be attached to the frame. Both retractor blades are independently controlled as to displacement and angle.
US08636655B1	Tissue retraction system and related methods Instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including creating an operative corridor to the spine with a tissue retraction system and registering the tissue retraction system to the patient.
US08636652B2	Endoscope designs and methods of manufacture Various embodiments of the present invention comprise endoscopes for viewing inside a cavity of a body such as a vessel like a vein or artery. These endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is inserted into the body cavity to provide illumination therein. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise disposable endoscopes that can be fabricated relatively inexpensively such that discarding these endoscopses after a single use is cost-effective. The endoscope may comprise a lens holder on a distal end of the endoscope for collection of light reflected from surfaces within the body in which the endoscope is inserted. This lens holder may have an inner cavity through which light passes along an optical path. Reflective surfaces on sidewalls of the inner cavity may direct light along this optical path. The endoscope may further comprise an elongated support structure for supporting a plurality of lenses disposed along the optical path. This optical path may lead to a detector onto which images are formed.
US08636650B2	Capsule-type image photographing apparatus and endoscopy using the same Provided are a capsule-type image photographing apparatus and endoscopy using the same. The apparatus includes a shell unit having a globular shape and a main body unit capable of freely rotating in the shell unit. The main body unit includes an image photographing system, a wireless transmitter, a battery, a counterweight for determining the center of gravity of the main body unit, and an encapsulant for fixing the image photographing system, the wireless transmitter, the battery, and the counterweight. The apparatus may be a long-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus or a short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus depending on the position of the counterweight. By use of the long- and short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatuses, the interior of the tested person's body can be effectively photographed.
US08636648B2	Endoscopic smart probe An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the disclosure, a probe for autonomously operating within an intestinal tract of a living human is disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe includes: a data processor; an antigen detector; and a communications device. In one variant, the processor comprises at least one sleep mode configured to place at least portions of the probe in a reduced state of power consumption based at least one of (i) a detection of a prescribed antigen; and/or (ii) an absence of a detection of a prescribed antigen.
US08636642B2	In vivo device for assisting and improving diastolic ventricular function The present invention is primarily directed towards an anatomically-compatible and physiologically-compatible in vivo device for improving diastolic function of either the left or right ventricle of the heart, wherein said device comprises at least one elastic component in the form of a lattice capable of being arranged in a curved conformation such that one surface of said lattice may be adapted to the curvature of the external ventricular surface of the heart, or a portion thereof, and wherein said at least one elastic component is capable of being operatively connected to the external ventricular surface of the heart by means of one or more connecting elements.
US08636641B2	Devices for minimally invasive pelvic surgery The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.
US08636640B2	Method and system for brain entertainment The present invention is a method of modifying music files to induce a desired state of consciousness. First and second modulations are introduced into a music file such that, when the music file is played, both of the modulations occur simultaneously. Additional modulations can be introduced, as well as sound tones at window frequencies.
US08636639B2	Signal transmitting and lesion excluding heart implants for pacing, defibrillating, and/or sensing of heart beat Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart. The implant may include an electrode or other structure for applying pacing signals to one or both ventricles of the heart, for defibrillating the heart, for sensing beating of the heart or the like. A wireless telemetry and control system may allowing the implant to treat congestive heart failure, monitor the results of the treatment, and apply appropriate electrical stimulation.
US08636638B2	Heart pump controller A controller for a heart pump, the controller including a processing system for determining movement of an impeller within a cavity in a first axial direction, the cavity including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and the impeller including vanes for urging fluid from the inlet to the outlet, causing a magnetic bearing to move the impeller in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, the magnetic bearing including at least one coil for controlling an axial position of the impeller within the cavity, determining an indicator indicative of the power used by the magnetic bearing and causing the magnetic bearing to control the axial position of the impeller in accordance with the indicator to thereby control a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet.
US08636632B2	Sleeve roll The sleeve roll according to the present invention has the metallic sleeve 5 fitted over the rubber roll 4, covering the surface of the shaft core part 2, and can be efficiently heated or cooled by having the passage P formed between the metallic roll inner tube 2a and the metallic roll outer tube 2b for the thermal medium to flow through. It also has the heat conductive material 6 mixed into the rubber roll 4, so that it has excellent heat conductivity and the surface of the sleeve can be quickly and efficiently heated or cooled, thus preventing the material to be formed from sticking to the roll.
US08636631B2	Arrangements for exercising via semispherical motion A method is provided for exercising a human appendage that includes placing the appendage in contact with a user interface and placing a force on the user interface where the user interface based on a net user force becomes displace from an unbiased position to a biased position, where the user interface when moving from the unbiased position to the biased position moves about a path defined by a semispherical surface having defined by an origin, a radius and an angle of displacement.
US08636622B2	Method and system for cabin heating Methods and systems are provided for selectively increasing an amount of waste heat generated by an idling engine. An engine output is increased while a transmission output is locked to generate waste heat that may be used to heat the cabin of a stopped vehicle.
US08636621B2	Control device of vehicle A control device of a vehicle includes: power dividing mechanism that has a plurality of rotating elements rotated by torque output and transmitted from an engine and a first motor/generator and switches a transmission mode according to the engaging states of the respective rotating elements; and a clutch that has a first engaging member and a second engaging member having a backlash between them in a rotating direction thereof, and that sets a transmission mode to a fixed transmission ratio mode by engaging the first engaging member connected to one of the rotating elements with the second engaging member, and sets the transmission mode to a continuously variable transmission ratio mode by releasing the engagement. In the control device of a vehicle, the magnitude of the reversed rotating torque is reduced when the direction of rotating torque acting between the first and seconds engaging members.
US08636620B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission has a transmission control section performing a control so that a transmission ratio defined as input rpm/output rpm of the automatic transmission becomes a target transmission ratio, a slip control section slip-controlling a frictional engagement element in the automatic transmission so that the input rpm becomes a value obtained by multiplying the output rpm by the target transmission ratio also adding a predetermined slip revolution speed; and an abnormality judgment section judging abnormality in the automatic transmission. When the slip-control is not in progress, if an actual transmission ratio is out of a predetermined range of the target transmission ratio, the abnormality judgment section judges that abnormality occurs. When the slip-control is in progress, if a value obtained by correcting the actual transmission ratio on the basis of the slip revolution speed is out of the predetermined range, the abnormality judgment section judges that abnormality occurs.
US08636618B2	Clutch and gear arrangement for a front wheel drive vehicle A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
US08636617B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08636616B1	Drive assembly A variable speed transaxle is disposed in a transaxle housing and drives a pair of axle shafts. A pair of clutch assemblies using a plurality of gears may be engaged to the axle shafts to selectively engage and drive each axle shaft. Each clutch assembly uses a ring gear having planet gears running on a gear form, a planet carrier for the planet gears engaged to the axle shaft, a first clutch dog selectively engageable to a first engagement structure to prevent rotation of the ring gear; and a second clutch dog selectively engageable to a second engagement structure to prevent rotation of the planet carrier and thereby provide a braking force to the axle shaft.
US08636614B2	Transmission hydraulic control system having an accumulator A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.
US08636613B2	Clutch torque trajectory correction to provide torque hole filling during a ratio upshift A multiple ratio transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft and oncoming clutch and off-going clutch for effecting ratio upshifts is provided. The transmission also includes a transmission controller configured for controlling shifts. During the torque phase of a ratio upshift, the controller increases input torque. Next, the controller estimates an oncoming clutch target torque. The controller controls a torque input to ensure the off-going clutch remains locked. The controller measures an actual transmission value for a torque transmitting element of the transmission and corrects the oncoming clutch target torque using the actual transmission value whereby an increasing torque for the oncoming friction element is achieved with minimal torque transients along the output shaft during the upshift.
US08636611B2	Power transmission chain and power transmission apparatus A power transmission chain including a plurality of links each having front and rear insertion through holes through which pins are inserted, and a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins which are arranged in a line for connecting together the links which are arranged in a chain width direction. The links are made up of links of small pitch length and links of large pitch length. The links of large pitch length corresponding to the first pin or the second pin that is clamped by the pulley are arranged such that the links of large pitch length are always included in one to one-half in total when a winding contact diameter of the pulley is a minimum operation radius.
US08636610B2	Metal wood club with improved moment of inertia A golf club head having at least two discrete weight members positioned on the sole to optimize moment of inertia is disclosed. A first weight member is located toward and substantially parallel with the face edge of the sole. A second member is located toward the back of the sole and substantially centered between the heel and toe edges of the sole. In one embodiment, a golf club head includes a sole comprising four sections and wherein a rib of material connects two of said sections. In another embodiment, a golf club head includes a cavity formed between the crown and sole and having an opening at the back of the club head. In yet another embodiment, a golf club head is tapered to form a waist and has a back that has a bowed-shape.
US08636609B2	Golf club head having dent resistant thin crown Wood-type golf club heads have dent resistant crowns with surface areas configured so that at least about 50% of the crown surface area is associated with a crown thickness substantially equivalent to a critical thickness. A critical thickness is generally associated with a higher dent resistance than crowns that are substantially thinner or thicker. Wood-type golf club heads also have crowns with radii and spans that are substantially equivalent to critical crown radii and critical crown spans. Such wood-type golf club heads also exhibit surprisingly superior dent resistance than would be expected for a crown of such thickness.
US08636608B2	Golf club with optimum moments of inertia in the vertical and hosel axes A hollow golf club is provided having an outer shell and an inner frame. The outer shell comprises one or more lightweight members, such as the crown or the skirt, and preferably fits within an envelope of about 5 inches×5 inches×2.8 inches. The inner frame fits within a smaller envelope and sits on the sole of the club head. One or more weights are located either on or within the inner frame to optimize the moment of inertia of the club head about both the vertical axis running through the center of gravity or geometric center of the club head, hereinafter referred to as the “y-axis,” and the axis running through the center of the shaft of the golf club, hereinafter referred to as the “hosel axis.” The weights can be attached to the inner frame or can be distributed within the inner frame. In another embodiment, the hitting face and a portion of the skirt proximate the toe form a curved blade in the shape of a sickle or battle ax and an inner support bridges the toe end of the curved blade to the hosel for structural support. The ratio of moment of inertia of the club head about the y-axis to moment of inertia of the club head about the hosel axis is preferably 0.55. More preferably, this ratio is 0.75.
US08636604B2	Rotating/swiveling golf club head training aid A golf club training aid for improving a golf swing, with the golf club including a club head, a club shaft attached to the club head that rotates within the club head, a stop that limits the rotational range of the club shaft in respect to the club head, and a tension actuator that attaches to the club shaft and club head and provides tension against the rotation of the club head about the club shaft. The tension provided by the tension actuator is overcome when the club shaft is rotated, by proper hand rotation, during a club swing to create a rotational force greater than the tension force, whereby the club head rotates to a rest position—the end of the rotational range of the stop—and the club face makes solid contact with a golf ball. If proper hand rotation does not occur during a swing, the club head and stop will remain in an open position upon contact with a golf ball and the club head will, at that point of contact, move backward and result in angled contact with a golf ball during the golf swing.
US08636601B2	Infant carrier apparatus An infant carrier apparatus includes a support frame having a generally L-shape, a swing arm and a seat assembly. The swing arm includes an upper segment, a lower segment parallel to the upper segment, and an upright segment connected between the upper segment and the lower segment, wherein the upper segment is pivotally connected with an upper end of the support frame. The seat assembly is disposed in a region between the upper segment and the lower segment, and is connected with the lower segment of the swing arm. The infant carrier apparatus can also include an adjustment mechanism that allows to conveniently adjust the height of the seat assembly.
US08636597B2	Universal game modules for message communication between at least two casino game controllers Two-way communications between casino games and diverse master controllers using a universal game module there between allows routing event messages with standard protocols. The universal game module with a computer processor, circuitry, connection ports, interfaces and protocols allows the communications by evaluating, prioritizing, polling and routing communications. A jackpot group of differing games is possible because the win cycles of the various games can be equalized. The volatility of the games in the group is increased by randomly segregating a percentage of the machines to be eligible to win the progressive jackpot for a limited time period. A life changing jackpot is thus payable for a variety of games in a casino on a relatively frequent basis.
US08636593B2	Gaming machine running common game A plurality of gaming terminals each having a terminal display on which a plurality of symbols are lined up, a plurality of upper displays forming a single common effect image display screen constituted by gaming terminal areas corresponding to the respective gaming terminals, and a center controller are included. The center controller determines whether a common game is being run when an independent special game is started, and produces an effect in the gaming terminal area corresponding to the gaming terminal, only when the common game is not being run.
US08636592B2	Intelligent screen selection Provided are technologies for the distribution of signals corresponding to players in a multi-player game situation to be distributed of appropriate video displays. Frames of a video signal are mapped to corresponding game controllers and the game controllers are mapped to display devices. Frames are then routed to an appropriate video display on a corresponding display device.
US08636591B1	System and method for facilitating virtual item rewards based on a game of chance One aspect of the disclosure relates to facilitating virtual item rewards for implementation in a virtual space based on a game of chance in an online game. A virtual wheel with multiple game outcomes may be spun and/or any other action may be taken. One of multiple virtual outcomes corresponding to different game outcomes may be selected and/or displayed. There may be various visual mechanisms for selecting and/or presenting one outcome from multiple possible game outcomes.
US08636587B2	Method and apparatus for awarding a mystery promotional ticket A gaming machine award system acts over a gaming machine network having a plurality of gaming devices coupled thereto. The award system includes a bonus server coupled to the network and having stored thereon a trigger condition. A game play tracker tracks game play across the network of gaming devices and detects an occurrence of the trigger condition. The bonus server sends out a selection signal over the network to a selected gaming machine responsive to the detected trigger condition. A printer associated with the selected gaming machine is structured to generate a mystery ticket printed output responsive to receipt of said selection signal including machine-readable indicia corresponding to a record of value stored at the bonus server, and human readable indicia that indicates only a range of possible values of the ticket but not a specific value. The printed ticket is a cashless instrument that may be redeemed or played per the nature and characteristics of the award given with the specific value awarded to the player.
US08636583B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.
US08636577B2	Gambling game objectification and abstraction Systems and methods for configuring a gaming system. In one such gaming system, a plurality of real world engine modules are provided for a hybrid game, each real world engine module having a gambling game that is triggered by an element of an entertainment game of the hybrid game. A selection is received, from a player of the hybrid game, of a selected real world engine module of the plurality of real world engine modules, and triggering is enabled of the selected real world engine module's gambling game by the element of the entertainment game of the hybrid game.
US08636575B2	Automatic game play A game may be played in accordance with a variety of different strategies. For example, a game may have an aggressive strategy, a passive strategy, an optimal strategy, and so on. In some embodiments, a player may delegate one or more gaming decisions to an automated process that makes decisions according to one or more gaming strategies.
US08636574B2	System gaming A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
US08636573B2	Method and system for video poker One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method including steps of populating a primary set of card positions with a first set of initial cards, determining at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards, replacing the at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards with replacement cards to form a final set of cards, and determining whether to include the at least one discarded card in at least one secondary set of card positions. If the at least one discarded card is to be included in the at least one secondary set of card positions, the method further provides for populating the at least one secondary set of card positions with the at least one discarded card. Some embodiments of the present invention also provide for determining a payout based on at least the final set of cards.
US08636572B2	Simulating musical instruments The invention provides displaying, in a lane, a section of repeatable inputs in a sub-lane of the lane. Cue data is loaded from a data file, which includes duration data and a plurality of cues to be displayed in the sub-lane. Then, the plurality of cues and a section indicator are displayed in the sub-lane, with the section indicator based on the duration data and indicating that the plurality of cues are repeatable inputs. Then, a timer is started that is independent of a timing window of any cue of the plurality of cues. Then, it is determined if an input is received for the sub-lane before the timer reaches a timing threshold. If it is, the timer is restarted and the plurality of cues is maintained as repeatable inputs. If it is not, the section indicator is modified to indicate that the plurality of cues are not repeatable inputs.
US08636571B2	System and method for managing select five horseracing bets A method for managing horseracing bets is provided. The method includes receiving one or more bets. Each bet comprises a selection of five horse races selected from a plurality of horse races scheduled to be run at a track in a day, a selection of a respective horse for each of the five horse races selected and a bet amount. The method also includes combining each bet amount to form a betting pool and determining an amount of a total payout for the day based at least in part on the betting pool.
US08636566B2	Ceiling-embedded air conditioner In a ceiling-embedded air conditioner, a panel fastening screw that fastens a decorative panel to an indoor unit body embedded in a ceiling is previously mounted to the indoor unit body and has an intermediate portion having a small diameter with no threaded portion.
US08636562B2	Surface treating apparatus and method A back-up apparatus for use with a surface treating apparatus can include a back-up plate having a pad attachment face and a back-up pad having a first pad face and a second pad face. The back-up apparatus can also include a porous interface layer. The interface layer can include an outer face. The back-up apparatus can also include a layer of a first adhesive on the outer face and extending into the interface layer, and a layer of a second adhesive provided on the layer of the first adhesive. The second adhesive can be selected to releasably adhesively bond to an abrasive sheet. The first and second adhesives can be selected such that the adhesive bond between the first adhesive and the second adhesive is stronger than the adhesive bond between the second adhesive and the abrasive sheet.
US08636560B2	Wiresaw apparatus and method for continuous removal of magnetic impurties during wiresaw cutting The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing magnetic or magnetized contaminants from a wiresaw cutting slurry during a wiresaw cutting process. The apparatus comprises a recirculating slurry dispensing system that defines the slurry flow pathway. The recirculating dispensing slurry system comprises a magnetic separator for removing magnetic or magnetizable contaminants from the slurry, wherein the purified slurry is discharged back into recirculation within the recirculating slurry dispensing system.
US08636558B2	Interactive toy and entertainment device An entertainment system comprises an entertainment device and an interactive toy. The entertainment device comprises a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive data descriptive of the physical capabilities of an interactive toy from an interactive toy, processing means to generate interaction signals, and a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to transmit interaction signals to the interactive toy, and in which the generated interaction signals are responsive to the data descriptive of the physical capabilities of the interactive toy. The interactive toy comprises a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive a query signal requesting information about physical capabilities of the interactive toy, data provision means for providing data descriptive of the capabilities of the interactive toy, and a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to transmit the data descriptive of the physical capabilities of the interactive toy in response to the query signal. The entertainment device is arranged in operation to transmit interactive control data to the interactive toy responsive to media content being played by the entertainment device, the interactive control data being further responsive to physical capabilities of the recipient interactive toy previously transmitted from the interactive toy to the entertainment system.
US08636554B1	Ice recovery device A buoyant rescue device for retrieval of drowning victims, particularly those that have fallen through floating ice, in the configuration of a catamaran with an opening in the bow to allow a ladder structure to rotate into the water. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the center of the craft and is lowered into the water the so the victim can climb the ladder onto the craft, or if the victim is injured or too weak to do so, a rescuer can provide a downward force at the top of the ladder and lift the victim out, such as a teeter totter would operate. The centrally located pivot point alleviates most of the listing or tilting and potential capsizing that would occur if a person were to climb onto the edge of the boat or if rescuers were reaching into the water to retrieve the person.
US08636553B1	Assembly and method to attach a device such as a hydrofoil to an anti-ventilation plate An assembly (10) is provided for mounting a hydrofoil, trolling plate or trolling motor (or other accessory) on the anti-ventilation plate (14) of a sterndrive or outboard motor (16) without the need to modify the plate or motor. The assembly (10) has lower and upper elements (20, 22) which are secured about the plate (14) by bolts (34). The upper element (22) has a bolt pattern (40) to mount the hydrofoil or other device. A catch (60, 88, 88a, 88b, 88c, 88d) mounted on the lower element (20) can be engaged in the trim tab or anode recess. Grip devices (50) can be mounted on the lower element (20) that are adjusted to grip the edges of the plate (14).
US08636549B2	Dynamic contact bayonet electrical connector having a small cylindrical tip and a larger conical middle part The present invention relates generally to multi-trace electrical connectors for harsh environments. More particularly, the present invention relates to bayonet rotary electrical connectors which maintain electrical connection dynamically, and which may have replaceable connector components. This type of connector is used, for example, in drilling operations where the connector must be rotated, for example during assembly, disassembly, or operation of bottom hole equipment or sensor or communications packages, and where the electrical connection may be maintained.
US08636548B2	Card edge connector with improved central slot A card edge connector includes an elongated housing extending along an elongated direction thereof, and having a first housing half, a second housing half being discrete from the first housing half, and a central slot formed between the first and the second housing halves. A plurality of contacts are retained in the housing, and each has a contact portion protruding into the central slot. A width of the central slot could be adjusted before mounting the card edge connector to a mother board for receiving different daughter boards with different thicknesses.
US08636545B2	Electrical connector having shielding member A electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2), a shielding shell (7) enclosing the insulative housing, a ground plate (547, 5232) supported by the insulative housing and, a gap defined between an edge of the ground plate and the shielding shell and a conductive member (90, 91) positioned between the ground plate and shielding shell for filling the gap. The conductive member is provided to shield the electromagnetic interference (EMI) leaking from the gap.
US08636539B2	Connector In a connector according to the Present Disclosure, a cable inserted into an insertion hole is inserted into a through-hole of a metal fitting contained in a support groove. The metal fitting contained in the support groove plastically deforms such that the size of the through-hole decreases when it is compressed in the depth direction of the support groove.
US08636531B2	Connector for connection with flat connecting objects The invention provides a connector including a housing, contacts, and an actuator. The housing includes a first depression and second depressions. The second depressions are provided at opposite edges of the first depression and each include a bottom surface forming a slope. The contacts are arranged at intervals in the housing and each include a hook to be disposed within the first depression. The actuator includes bosses and a shaft. The bosses are received in the second depressions. The shaft is received in the first depression. When the actuator is in an upright position, the bosses are on the slopes and the shaft is positioned on the other side of the hooks. When the actuator rotates from the upright position to a lying position, the bosses rotatingly move up along the slopes and the shaft thereby move to the one side to be engaged with the hooks.
US08636530B2	Contacting plug as well as contacting connection A contacting plug for contacting a contact carrier, in particular a circuit board, having two clamping claws able to be pivoted relative to each other, transversely to a plug-in direction, at least one of which is implemented as contact holder carrying at least one flexible contact element, which contact holder is implemented with a contact force for resting on the contact carrier, and a spring arrangement for generating a clamping force that is independent of the contact force. According to the invention, the spring arrangement is designed for bracing exclusively on the contacting plug for generating the clamping force.
US08636524B2	Split conductive mid-span ground clamp A grounding clamp comprising a separable body; an elastomeric sleeve, the sleeve having a coaxial cable receiving portion and a grounding cable receiving portion; a conductive contact, sized for insertion within the elastomeric sleeve, the conductive contact having a coaxial cable contact portion and a grounding cable contact portion; and at least one fastener wherein, when the separable body is joined together, the elastomeric sleeve is compressed facilitating grounding and sealing of a coaxial cable and a grounding cable securely received within the clamp. Furthermore, an associated method for maintaining ground continuity is also provided.
US08636523B2	Surface mount contact and connector using same A connector includes a surface mount contact and housing. The surface mount contact has a cylindrical portion, a lance, and a pair of surface mount soldering portions. The cylindrical portion has a cylindrical shape into which a wire core of an electrical wire is inserted. The lance is positioned in an intermediate portion of the cylindrical portion along an axial direction thereof and secures the wire core when the electrical wire is inserted. The pair of surface mount soldering portions project from the cylindrical portion. Each of the pair of surface mount soldering portions extend from an end of the cylindrical portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.
US08636521B2	Teaching apparatus An apparatus for teaching concepts concerning equilibrium, symmetry of energy flow and spherical motion including a centrally located octagear with eight engaging bevel gears, each having a central axis at a 70° angle relative to its adjacent gears. Each gear has a central shaft extending outwardly from the octagear, with the shafts having identical lengths. Reciprocating motion delivered to a crank mechanism is translated into rotary motion of the shaft, this rotary motion being transmitted to the gear at the end of the shaft. Connecting the crank mechanisms of each shaft are a plurality of beams with each beam spanning the space between two crank mechanisms. Each beam is capable of flexing between a first curved position and a second curved position resulting in a change in the span length of the beam and generating reciprocatory motion transmitted to the crank mechanisms. A cube-shaped frame is also provided.
US08636518B2	Self-exploration therapeutic assembly and method of use A self-exploration assembly includes a base and a plurality of petals each shaped so that when the plurality of petals are coupled to the base in a first orientation, the plurality of petals together resemble an onion, and, when the plurality of petals are coupled to the base in a second orientation, the plurality of petals resemble a flower.
US08636515B2	System and method for automated end-user support A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.
US08636511B2	Dental implant system An implant comprising two internal anti-rotational features. One anti-rotational feature is adapted to engage a driving tools while the other anti-rotational feature is adapted to engage an abutment. An implant abutment system is provided with an angled abutment adapted to mate with one of the anti-rotational features. A second, straight abutment is adapted to engage with the other anti-rotational feature. An abutment is provided with resilient fingers to interface with the implant and provide tactile and audible feedback indicating when the abutment is properly seated. An abutment screw extends through the abutment and engages the implant bore distal of the stem of the abutment. The abutment screw limits axial movement of the abutment relative to the implant. A driving tool comprising one of at least retention structure and visual alignment indicia is provided to facilitate screwing the implant into a patient's bone.
US08636506B2	Differential vibration of dental plate An improved vibrating dental plate that allows differential vibration of one or more teeth to assist in orthodontic remodeling is provided.
US08636505B2	Carrier for a fastening element to be fabricated and a method for production thereof, particularly as an orthodontic bracket A dental orthodontic apparatus includes a carrier and fastening elements having rear holding and front parts. The carrier includes an elongated carrier piece having two sections and a carrier holding part. The fastening elements are arranged along the sections such that the front part of each element is adjacent a front side of a section, and the rear holding part of each fastening means is adjacent a rear side of the section. Carrier piece material at the rear side of a section is removable by a fabrication tool. The rear holding part of each fastening element is embedded within and completely surrounded by a first section of the carrier piece, and the rear holding part of each fastening element is embedded within and completely surrounded by a second section of the carrier piece.
US08636504B2	Fuel nozzle having swirl duct and method for producing a fuel nozzle A method for producing a fuel nozzle is provided. In the method a swirl duct is mounted in an outer jacket surface of a pin and/or in an inner surface of a sleeve and the pin is attached in the sleeve so that the outer jacket surface of the pin is connected to the inner surface wherein the pin is disposed in the sleeve. The outer jacket surface of the pin and/or the inner surface of the sleeve includes at least one-swirl duct. A fuel nozzle and a burner are also further disclosed wherein the burner includes the fuel nozzle.
US08636502B2	Selective lockout in a fuel-fired appliance A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When a failed ignition of a burner is detected, the control system is configured to enter a soft lockout state if the voltage level of a burner of the fuel-fired appliance is low during the failed ignition and a hard lockout state if the voltage level of the burner is not low during the failed ignition. In some cases, if a period of time has elapsed and/or the voltage level of the burner has increased after the control system enters the soft lockout state, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more subsequent ignition trials. In some cases, if the one or more subsequent ignition trials fail, the control system may be configured to then enter the hard lockout state.
US08636497B2	Extruder screw for a screw extruder The invention concerns an extruder screw for a screw extruder for plasticizing and/or transporting thermoplastic materials comprising at least one extruder cylinder, a material feed means and at least one extrudate discharge at the end of the extruder cylinder, that is remote from the material feed means. The extruder screw has a screw flight, wherein the extruder screw has at least one intake region and forms at least one transport and mixing region and provided in the transport and mixing region are means for shearing the extrudate. The extruder screw according to the invention is distinguished in that provided as means for shearing the extrudate there is provided at least one shearing land which extends over more than half the length of the extruder screw, over the periphery of the extruder screw, wherein the shearing land is in the nature of a screwthread in opposite relationship to the screw flight.
US08636493B2	Method of characterization of viscoelastic stress in elongated flow materials The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.
US08636491B2	Tire vulcanizer The tire vulcanizer is featured by including a slide back mechanism configured such that the upper metal mold separated and lifted from the lower metal mold installed to be fixed to a base is moved by an operation of a movable carriage so as to reciprocate between a vulcanization position at which the upper metal mold is pressed toward the lower metal mold, and a waiting position at which the green tire can be carried in the lower metal mold and at which the cured tire can be carried out from the lower metal mold, and is featured in that the upper metal mold is attached below, via a squeezing cylinder mechanism, to a beam integrated with a tie rod which is vertically moved by an operation of a lifting/lowering cylinder along a guide hole provided in the movable carriage.
US08636480B2	Compressor A compressor is provided that includes a hermetically sealed container; a stator fixedly installed within the hermetically sealed container; a first rotary member that rotates, within the stator, around a first rotary shaft that extends concentrically with a center of the stator by a rotating electromagnetic field of the stator, and including first and second covers fixed to upper and lower parts thereof, respectively; a second rotary member that compresses a refrigerant in a compression space formed between the first and second rotary members while rotating, within the first rotary member, around a second rotary shaft; a vane that transmits the rotational force to the second rotary member from the first rotary member, and partitions the compression space into suction and compression regions; and first and second bearings fixed inside of the hermetically sealed container that rotatably support the first and second rotary members in an axial direction.
US08636477B2	Chemical supply system This invention provides a chemical supply system for supplying chemical solution from a chemical tank. The chemical supply system includes a chemical supply pump, a pressure adjuster configured to suction the chemical solution into the pump chamber by setting the pressure of working gas to a suction pressure, a switching controller configured to switch the suction-side opening-closing valve to the open state for starting to fill the pump chamber with the chemical solution, a pressure detector configured to detect at least one of a gas pressure in a space connected to the working chamber and a gas pressure in the working chamber when the suction-side opening-closing valve is switched to the open state and starts an inflow of the chemical solution to the pump chamber, and a suction controller configured to control the suction pressure applied to the working chamber by the pressure adjuster, based on a detection result of the pressure detector.
US08636476B2	Feeding system for an inductive load from an energy source with variable power A system is provided for the feeding of an inductive load, with electric power of continuous current, generated from an energy source and, more in particular, to a feeding system for a vibratory pump from solar or aeolic energy, which processes the electric power of continuous current supplied by a bank of solar cells or aeolic generator, in a compatible form, using a circuit of electronic command by digital micro controller, for the control and actuation of vibratory pump, independent of the electric power variations supplied by the sources as solar cells, due to the alterations in the level of solar radiation; or in aeolic generator, due to wind speed variations.
US08636473B2	Differential pitch control to optimize co-rotating stacked rotor performance A rotor system for a rotorcraft having at least one rotor blade pair operably associated with a differential pitch assembly operably for controlling a pitch angle of an upper rotor blade and the lower rotor blade in the rotor blade pair. Operation of the differential pitch assembly changes the pitch of the upper rotor blade more severely than the pitch of the lower rotor blade. As such, the rotor system is configured to provide optimum pitch of the upper and lower rotor blades during a helicopter mode and an airplane mode.
US08636472B2	Blade damper, and a rotor fitted with such a damper The present invention relates to a damper (10) provided with an inner end strength member (20) and an outer end strength member (30) that are tubular and coaxial, a return member (40) being arranged between the inner end strength member (20) and the outer end strength member (30). The return member (40) includes an intermediate strength member (43) coaxial with the inner and outer end strength members (20, 30), said return member (40) having first and second return means (41, 42), said first return means (41) being arranged between the outer end strength member (30) and said intermediate strength member (43), said second return means (42) being arranged between the inner end strength member (20) and said intermediate strength member (43).
US08636469B2	Marine propeller with reverse thrust cup A marine propeller with reverse thrust cup includes a propeller hub, propeller blades each having a leading blade face and a trailing blade face provided on the propeller hub and a reverse thrust cup provided in the trailing blade face of each of the propeller blades.
US08636468B2	Arrangement with a nacelle and an instrument bar An arrangement with a nacelle and an instrument bar is provided. The instrument bar is arranged on top of the nacelle. A rotational axis interacts with the nacelle and with the instrument bar. The rotational axis is constructed and arranged such that the instrument bar is allowed to pivot between a first position and a second position in reference to the top side of the nacelle. The instrument bar projects above the top side of the nacelle when locked in the first position, while the instruments are operated. The instrument bar is locked close to the top side of the nacelle in the second position to allow access to the instruments.
US08636467B2	Variable geometry turbine A variable geometry turbine of the kind used in a turbocharger has a variable geometry element such as a nozzle ring that is operated by an actuator. The actuator comprises a motor which drives a cross-shaft in rotation. The cross-shaft in turn drives a pair of guide rods on which the nozzle ring is supported in translation so as to move the nozzle ring and control the width of the inlet passage of the turbine. The cross-shaft and guide rods are drivingly engaged by a rack and pinion or thread or another toothed or threaded formation suitable for converting rotational movement into translational movement. The cross-shaft can be located in close proximity to the guide rods and the output of the motor shaft so as to provide a compact package. Moreover, the torque required to resist movement of the nozzle ring in operation is much reduced in comparison to existing designs.
US08636466B2	Segmented composite inner ferrule and segment of diffuser of axial compressor A ferrule of a stator with blades of an axial turbomachine consists of at least two segments having the general form of an arc of a circle and intended to be arranged end to end, so as to form the ferrule, where each segment contains on its outside a plurality of openings arranged at regular distances along the general arc of the circle of the segment, into each of which fits the end of a blade of the stator. Each end of a segment possesses a section of which the profile essentially corresponds with that of the end of the corresponding blade when the segment is placed on the blades of the stator, such that the joint between two adjacent segments corresponds with the profile of the corresponding blade.
US08636465B2	Gas turbine engine thermal expansion joint A thermal expansion joint apparatus includes an insert extending through respective first and second components to loosely restrain the first component between the second component and an enlarged head of the insert, thereby allowing thermal expansion of the respective first and second components relative to each other. The insert is secured to the second component by a fastener which can be removed, for example, when the insert is to be removed from the engine.
US08636460B1	Gondola carriage assembly The device pertains to a carriage which may be separate or integrated with a mobile, powered loading vehicle to load or unload railroad track materials to or from a gondola and a method thereof.
US08636459B2	Automated storage system for high density storage Within a storage compartment, closely spaced rows of adjacent stacks are supported on a plurality of parallel sliding rails. A pair of coordinated robots is positioned with one robot on one side of the stacks to push the stacks within a selected row toward the other robot. The pushing robot on one side of the row starts off with a starting stack supported in its support arms. The pushing robot pushes the starting stack into one end of the selected row, causing the row to shift toward the waiting receiving robot, which receives the stack at the opposite end of the row from the starting stack. A series of pushes between the two robots moves a stack containing a desired sample into alignment with an access port in the storage compartment.
US08636453B2	Inflatable dunnage An inflatable dunnage for use in transporting biocontainers, a method for packaging a biocontainer with such dunnage and a package including such dunnage and a biocontainer. The inflatable dunnage includes an inflatable body defining opening for receiving at least one of a tubing and a fitting of a biocontainer, a port for the inlet of air, and a valve coupled to the port for controlling the inlet and outlet of air.
US08636451B2	Wheelchair securing device A wheelchair securing device of the present invention is configured such that in a condition in which a plurality of cord-like retaining members having hooks are respectively drawn from reels and in which the hooks are hooked on a wheelchair, the retaining members are taken up by the reels to secure the wheelchair to a vehicle. The device includes a rotation restraining mechanism that is configured to restrict rotation of the reels using tensions of the retaining members when the retaining members are forced to be drawn from the reels due to an external force applied to the wheelchair.
US08636450B2	Tie down system with winch and grate overlay panel In a tie down system and method for securing a vehicle tire to a wire grate, a slotted overlay panel rest on top of the wire grate. A clevis assembly having one end of a tire trap assembly attached thereto is provided along with the winch assembly having a winch for receiving an opposite end of the tire strap assembly. Each of the clevis assembly and winch assembly have a T hook with a T portion which is insertable through a respective slot of the overlay panel.
US08636448B2	Drilling apparatus, method, and system A method of supporting a substrate includes inserting a rock bolt into a hole and using the rock bolt to form a groove in a wall of the hole when the rock bolt is inserted therein. The rock bolt is caused to interact with the groove in such a way that the rock bolt is secured in the hole at least in part by the interaction.
US08636446B2	Trenchless ducting apparatus frame An apparatus for moving an elongate component within or through a sidewall of a pit, including a lever arm having a handle at a first end and a gripping arrangement for gripping the elongate component at a second end, the lever arm being pivotably attached to a frame via a sleeve and arranged in use to be pivoted about a pivot point by moving the first, handle, end through an arc, and movement translation means for translating the pivoting movement of the lever arm at the first end into a substantially linear movement at the second, gripping, end.
US08636444B2	Fluid distribution system A modular or integral appendage for a septic gallery or conduit has a first section for connected to a lateral side of the gallery with the first section having a number of apertures thereon. The first section has a first area. The lateral side of the septic gallery has a second area. The first area is greater than the second area for increased drainage and thus adds capacity to the gallery or conduit. The second area has protuberances thereon.
US08636440B1	Road traction apparatus Aspects of the present invention disclose an apparatus for increasing roadway traction. An exemplary apparatus includes a housing and a shaft that engages a first end of the housing. A piston is adapted to move axially along a length of housing and includes an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion includes a raised surface and a mating portion situated between the raised surface and lower portion. The lower portion includes an interior cavity that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the shaft. A spring that biases the piston toward the first end of the housing. A toothed surface engaged with the piston and a bimetal thermostat with a mating toothed surface. The toothed surface engaged with the lower portion facilitates engagement with the mating toothed surface situated at the distal end of the bimetal thermostat when the temperature is above a predetermined threshold.
US08636438B2	Fastening device The invention relates to a device for fastening at least one component of an exhaust system to at least one member of a motor vehicle, including a component leg that is designed for rigid fastening to the at least one component of the exhaust system and one member leg that is designed for rigid fastening to the at least one member of the motor vehicle. A coupling body with or made of an elastomer is provided, the coupling body being connected on the one hand fixedly to the component leg and on the other hand being fixedly connected to the member leg.
US08636437B2	Connecting corner for screens A corner member for a window screen for joining framing members together at the corners, the corner member having a central body, first and second legs extending outwardly therefrom, a recess formed in the central body portion, and a plurality of resilient retaining members placed in the recess, each resilient retaining member having first and second retaining tabs which extend outwardly and which are designed to retain the screen in the window frame.
US08636435B2	Portable spreadable food dispenser system A dispensing system for spreadable foodstuffs and spreadable non-food substances allowing for dispensing of metered amounts of product and spreading without the need for additional utensils not part of the packaging is disclosed. The system is composed of a disposable container containing a spreadable food stuff or non-food substance. The container comprises a mechanism for dispensing said foodstuff or non-food substances while proportionally decreasing the volume of the container. An alternative embodiment discloses a disposable dispenser allowing for spreading foodstuffs or non-food substances without any additional utensils in an ultra-portable unit without mechanical components.
US08636432B2	Cutting device and tape printing apparatus equipped therewith A cutting device includes: a cutter unit having a cutter blade; and a cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation which causes the cutter unit to advance toward a tape-like member from a cutting start position, a cutting operation which causes the cutter unit to move to a cutting completion position, a withdrawal operation which causes the cutter unit to retreat from the cutting completion position to a withdrawal position, and a return operation which causes the cutter unit to return to a cutting stand-by position, wherein the cutter operation mechanism, in the return operation, makes the cutting start position and withdrawal position of the cutter unit different between a full cutting which cuts all of the tape-like member and a half cutting which cuts one portion of the tape-like member.
US08636426B2	Photoelectric conversion system with optical transceive module An optical coupling device includes a substrate loaded with a first optical module and IC drivers, and a second optical module intending to couple with the first optical module. The substrate defines an electrical connection port at one end thereof, the first optical module is located at another end of the substrate. The second optical module includes a first insulating holder and fiber cores embedded in the insulating holder. The first optical module includes a second insulating holders and VCSELS and PDS embedded with the second insulating holder, the fiber cores are directly coupled with VCSELS and PDS to transmit light lines therein.
US08636425B2	Fiber optic connector A connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule, a hub and a spring, the ferrule having a distal face accessible at a distal end of the connector housing, the ferrule being movable in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing. The distal and proximal positions are separated by an axial displacement distance. The ferrule proximal movement is against the spring's bias. The cable of the assembly includes an optical fiber contained within a jacket and also a strength layer between the fiber and the jacket that is anchored to the connector housing. The fiber extends through a fiber passage from the proximal end of the connector housing to the ferrule. The fiber has a distal portion potted within the ferrule. The fiber passage has a fiber take-up region configured to take-up an excess length of the fiber corresponding to the ferrule axial displacement.
US08636421B2	Fiber optic connector holder and method A fiber optic connector holder is sized to fit within an opening for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to permit a fiber optic connector with a dust cap positioned about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule to be inserted within and releasably held by the connector holder. A system for holding fiber optic connectors includes a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a bulkhead for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to receive a fiber optic connector with a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule. A optical fiber connector may be held to a bulkhead when the fiber optic connector includes a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule.
US08636420B2	Roller bearing and bearing structure A flange part of an inner ring member (11) used in a roller bearing has a thin-wall part (13) having a relatively small diameter direction thickness on its end face side, and a thick-wall part (14) having a relatively large diameter direction thickness on its center side, and an inner diameter surface has a contact part (15) fitted to a shaft at its center part, a non-contact part (16) apart from the shaft in a diameter direction at its outer edge, and a ridge line part (17) positioned on the boundary between the contact part (15) and the non-contact part (16). The axial direction width L1 of the thin-wall part (13) from an end face (12) of the inner ring member (11) and the axial direction distance L2 between the end face (12) and a ridge line part (17) of the inner ring member (11) have a relation of L1>L2.
US08636415B2	Sliding bearing structure for a shaft member A sliding bearing structure for a shaft member includes: a shaft member; a bearing member rotates relative to the shaft member; an oil supply space to which lubrication is supplied between sliding surfaces of the shaft member and the bearing member; two annular grooves formed in a circumferential direction in an inner peripheral surface of the bearing member; and two annular seal members formed as separate pieces from the shaft member and the bearing member, and arranged in the annular grooves between the shaft member and the bearing member. Each annular seal member is formed in plural, and is made of material having a thermal expansion coefficient such that an inside diameter of the annular seal member is smaller than an inside diameter of the bearing member at a low temperature, and is the same as or larger than the inside diameter of the bearing member at a high temperature.
US08636413B2	Rotary bearing arrangement A rotary bearing that includes an inner race and an outer race the races are configured between a rotor and a housing body. At least one of the outer race and a mounting surrounding an outer race sleeve is at least one of clamped and fixed in a predetermined position on the housing body by at least one of a holding device and a locking device of a material damping structure.
US08636406B2	Apparatus for thermal characterization under non-uniform heat load An apparatus determines cooling characteristics of an operational cooling device used for transferring heat from an electronic device. The operational cooling device is thermally coupled to a heat pipe. The heat pipe has an exposed surface for selective application of heat thereon. Heat from a localized heat source is selectively applied to at least one region of the exposed surface. The heat source is preferably capable of being varied both positionally relative to the exposed surface and in heat intensity. A heat shield is preferably positioned around the exposed surface of the heat pipe to isolate the operational cooling device from the heat from the localized heat source. A temperature detector repeatedly measures a temperature distribution across the exposed surface while the cooling device is in a heat transfer mode. The temperature distribution is then used to thermally characterize the operational cooling device.
US08636400B2	Display device A display device includes first and second display panels, a first backlight assembly including a first light source that emits first light and a first reflective sheet that reflects the first light, and a second backlight assembly including a second light source that emits second light. A chromaticity coordinate region of the second light is different from a chromaticity coordinate region of the first light. The second backlight also assembly includes a second reflective sheet that reflects the second light and includes a second material different from a first material of the first reflective sheet. The first reflective sheet reflects the first light as third light toward the first display panel, and the second reflective sheet reflects the second light as fourth light toward the second display panel. A chromaticity coordinate region of the third light and a chromaticity coordinate region of the fourth light are substantially the same.
US08636399B2	Backlight assembly A backlight assembly includes a plurality of point light sources, a light guide plate (“LGP”) and a printed circuit board (“PCB”). The LGP has a light incident face in which light is incident, a side surface extending from an edge portion of the light incident face, and a fixing groove which is formed from the side surface toward an inner portion thereof. The PCB includes a point light source disposing portion in which the point light sources are disposed along a first direction, an extending portion extending from the point light disposing portion along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a protrusion which is fixed at an end portion of the extending portion. The protrusion of the PCB is coupled with the fixing groove of the LGP.
US08636396B2	Vehicle body front structure In a vehicle body front structure, a positioning bracket including a hood-mounting reference, a headlight-mounting reference, and a front-bumper-mounting reference are fixed to a front bulkhead. A hood, a headlight, and an upper beam of a front bumper grille are positioned with respect to the hood-mounting reference, the headlight-mounting reference, and the front-bumper-mounting reference, respectively, of the positioning bracket and are fixed to a body of a motor vehicle.
US08636395B2	Light bar and method for making A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
US08636394B2	Light emitting diode perimeter lamp assembly A light emitting diode perimeter lamp assembly generally includes a housing a receiving pocket formed therein for receiving a circuit board with a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted thereon. In addition, a culminating lens having a plurality of light directing elements is positioned within the receiving pocket of the housing above the circuit board such that light emitted from said plurality of light emitting diodes passes through said plurality of light directing elements. An outer lens is also mounted over the receiving pocket. When the perimeter lamp is installed on a truck body, the bottom side of the lamp housing is at an acute angle to a ground surface while the back end of the perimeter lamp is adjacent and parallel to a truck wall such that light emitted by the plurality of light emitting diodes is projected onto the ground surface adjacent to the truck wall.
US08636391B2	Lamp and end cap for a lamp A rod-shaped retrofit lamp may have a mechanical sensing unit, and a current path has a plurality of electrically conductive sub-segments of which a first sub-segment is connected to the associated pin and of which a sub-segment is connected to the lamp's electronics unit, wherein the mechanical sensing unit is elastically pushed in counter to its projection direction from a released condition into an engaged condition and interacting with two current paths in such a way that the respective current path's first and second sub-segment will have been galvanically mutually coupled when the sensing unit is in the engaged condition so that the respective current path will have been closed and associated pin thereby electrically connected to the internal electronics unit.
US08636390B2	Light emitting diode lamp A light emitting diode lamp, includes a pair of contacts for the electrical connection of the light emitting diode, wherein the pair of contacts includes two crimp contacts separated electrically from one another, each crimp contact including a conducting input including a conducting crimping skirt and a clinching zone intended to receive by clinching an electrical contact of the light emitting diode.
US08636388B2	Nacelle of a wind turbine comprising aviation obstruction lights A pod of a wind power installation is provided having an aviation obstruction lighting arrangement. The aviation obstruction lighting arrangement includes a central light device which in the erected condition of the wind power installation is arranged on the pod on the top thereof, and two lateral light devices which in the erected condition of the wind power installation are arranged at mutually opposite sides of the pod.
US08636385B2	Sensor module connector A relocatable add-on control sensor module is described which electrically connects and controls at least one recessed light fixture. The add-on control sensor module includes a sensor ethernet socket that may be electrically connected by an ethernet cable to a light fixture ethernet socket of the at least one recessed light fixture so that the add-on control sensor module may control the at least one recessed light fixture.
US08636380B2	Lighting module, lighting device comprising a lighting module, method for assembling a lighting module and method for assembly of a lighting device A lighting module (1; 7; 11; 31; 41; 61; 71; 81; 91; 97; 109; 115), comprising: a circuit board (2), on which are mounted at least one component (3; 12; 22; 32; 42; L; 92; 99; 108; 116; 119) and at least one attachment element; (5; 98), wherein the at least one attachment element (5; 98) is fastened on the at least one component (3; 12; 22; 32; 42; L; 92; 99; 108; 116; 119) mounted on the circuit board (2) in a locking manner.
US08636372B2	Cooking oven with an illumination-equipment for a cavity and a method for illuminating a cavity of a cooking device The present invention relates to a cooking oven with at least one cavity (12) and an illumination-equipment (e.g. a LED-lamp) for illuminating said cavity (12). The illumination-equipment, comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (30) for illuminating the cavity (12). The light emitting elements (30) have at least two different colors. Single light emitting elements (30) and/or groups of light emitting elements (30) are separately controlled or controllable. The color or a combination of colors of the light emitting elements (30) is provided to indicate information about an operation mode of the cooking oven and/or a state of the cooking process. The light emitting elements (30) and/or groups of light emitting elements (30) are arranged at multiple positions within the cavity (12) in order to indicate information related to said positions. Further, the present invention relates to a method for illuminating a cavity (12) of a cooking oven.
US08636365B2	Projection display device and driving method of the same A projection display device includes first to third display panels configured to realize first to third color images and a fourth display panel configured to realize a white image. The first to third color images and the white image may be combined and projected.
US08636363B2	Interactive home vision monitoring systems Novel vision monitoring and diagnostic testing tools and help-seeking enablers that may be used individually or in combination as vision monitoring and diagnostic testing systems that improve patients' ability to recognize onset and progression of visual changes over time, so that the identification of acute or chronic visual conditions may be improved and accelerated, which drives earlier help-seeking behavior by the patient, which enables earlier clinical diagnosis by an eye care specialist and therefore earlier treatment and therefore reduced likelihood of severe vision loss.
US08636361B2	Learning-based visual attention prediction system and method thereof A learning-based visual attention prediction method is disclosed. The method includes a correlation relationship between the fixation density and at least one feature information being learned by training, followed by a test video sequence of test frames being received. Afterward, at least one tested feature map is generated for each test frame based on the feature information. Finally, the tested feature map is mapped into a saliency map, which indicates the fixation strength of the corresponding test frame, according to the correlation relationship.
US08636357B2	Custom contact lenses with fiducial markings A contact lens having one or more fiducial marks that allow the measurement of lens rotation and centration. The lens may be a trial lens. The lenses can be used to apply correction factors for sphero-cylindrical refractive error, higher order aberrations, and corneal topography.
US08636353B2	Image forming method and image forming apparatus An image forming method includes the steps of: depositing an ink containing 10% or more and less than 30% of a water-soluble high-boiling-point organic solvent having an SP value of 28 or lower, onto a recording medium in accordance with an image signal, the ink having a viscosity of 10 cP or lower in a case where a temperature of the ink is 25° C.; removing water contained in the solvent of the ink on the recording medium, by a heating drying device; and heating and pressurizing the ink so as to fix the ink onto the recording medium.
US08636347B2	Ink cartridge, and ink-jet recording apparatus using the same There is provided an ink cartridge which is formed from an ink-filled ink pack and a hermetic outer shell case for housing the ink pack and which supplies ink to a recording head by means of application of air pressure to a space between the outer shell case and the ink pack. The outer shell case is formed by coupling an upper case and a lower case together. The ink-filled ink pack is housed in the lower case, and the upper case is laid on the lower case from above. The upper and lower cases are hermetically sealed by vibratory welding or heat welding, thus constituting the ink cartridge.
US08636343B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element A liquid ejecting head contains a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer and an electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer, in which the piezoelectric layer contains a complex oxide containing bismuth, iron, barium, and titanium and having a perovskite structure, has a yield stress of 5.66 GPa or more, and has a Young's modulus of 114 GPa or more.
US08636340B2	Printheads and method for assembling printheads Disclosed is a printhead for a printer that includes a plurality of ejection chip units. Each ejection chip unit of the plurality of ejection chip units is configured to eject at least one fluid. The printhead further includes a plurality of supporting units. Each supporting unit of the plurality of supporting units is fluidly coupled with a corresponding ejection chip unit. The each supporting unit includes a plurality of trenches adapted to receive an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the each supporting unit with the corresponding ejection chip unit. Furthermore, the printhead includes a base unit fluidly coupled with the each supporting unit of the plurality of supporting units. The base unit is adapted to provide the at least one fluid to the each ejection chip unit through a corresponding to supporting unit. Further disclosed is a method for assembling the printhead.
US08636333B2	Printer with cooling for inkjet print heads, and method for this In a printer for printing a recording material, a printer frame bears a printing unit with a plurality of print heads arranged substantially horizontal and transverse to a transport direction of the recording material. A distributor is provided for air and a coupling unit is arranged stationary in the printer frame and via which air is supplied to the distributor. The distributor comprises at least one cooling air segment to supply cooling air in a vertical direction to the print heads and at least one exhaust air segment to discharge heated air.
US08636332B2	Image recording apparatus and method of adjusting recording head in image recording apparatus The image recording apparatus includes: a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged over a length corresponding to a recordable width of a recording medium; a conveyance device which performs conveyance to cause the recording head and the recording medium to move relatively to each other one time only in a conveyance direction, a reference line being arranged on the conveyance device; an image output device which records a prescribed image on the recording medium through the recording head; a sensor which reads the reference line on the conveyance device, and reads the prescribed image on the recording medium recorded by the image output device; and a displacement evaluation device which evaluates a displacement between the reference line and the recording head in accordance with a result of reading the reference line by the sensor and a result of reading the prescribed image by the sensor.
US08636330B2	Refrigerator door having a pair of sliding and forcing units A refrigerator having an installation configuration of a freezing compartment door to be opened or closed in a semi-automatic manner. The refrigerator includes a body having a storage compartment, a door to open or close the storage compartment, and a door control device to complete an opening/closing operation of the door by providing the door with a thrust force.
US08636326B2	Crawler travel unit A track frame is swingably supported by a rear axle case of a travel machine body through a rocking shaft; front and rear driven wheels are disposed in front and rear end portions of the track frame; at least three idling wheels are disposed on an intermediate portion of the track frame at intervals in a longitudinal direction; a drive wheel which is disposed upward of a longitudinal intermediate portion of the track frame and is configured to receive a power transmitted from a rear axle supported by the rear axle case; and a crawler belt is wrapped around the drive wheel, the front driven wheel, the rear driven wheel and the idling wheels. Two idling wheels on a rear side of the at least three idling wheels are pivoted on a first rocking link, and a longitudinal intermediate portion of the first rocking link is pivoted on the track frame through a first pivot shaft.
US08636325B2	Mining and demolition tool Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a mining and demolition tool are described herein. In an embodiment, a mining bit tool includes a mining and demolition bit tool base and a mining bit tool tip coupled to the mining bit tool base. The base includes a tapered portion and a stem. The tapered portion includes a first end and a second end, with a surface tapering from the first end to the second end. There are at least two flutes positioned along the tapered surface, where a first flute is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the mining bit tool and a second flute is positioned to cross a path of the first flute. The stem extends from the first end of the tapered portion, and the tip is coupled to the second end of the tapered portion.
US08636324B2	Mining machine with driven disc cutters A mining machine including a cutting mechanism comprising an arm having an arm end, a disc cutter adapted to engage the material to be mined and mounted on the arm end. The disc cutter is driven by the arm into the material to be mined, and the arm further includes a main portion, and a wrist portion pivotally attached to the main portion.
US08636321B1	Wheelchair backrest assembly A backrest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support plate pivotally connected to a seat, wherein the support plate is configured to be pivotally adjusted between upright and reclined positions with respect to the seat; a slide plate slidably secured on a front surface of the support plate; and a backrest adjustment assembly operatively connected to the support plate and the slide plate. The backrest adjustment assembly includes a link configured to adjust the support plate. The slide plate slides over the support plate through the link.
US08636320B1	Custom controlled seating surface technologies A system of controlling various actuators associated with human support surfaces is disclosed. Such a system is made up of a support surface, a controller, and an actuator. The system may optionally include batteries, a means of charging the batteries, and a graphical user interface as well as a communication link between the graphical user interface and the support surfaces. The actuators are capable of altering contour and/or firmness, of a support surface, they may be vibrational or heating/cooling in nature, and they may also alter the overall relative position of a support surface.
US08636318B2	Lounge chair equipped for face down lounging A lounge chair equipped for lounging face down includes a frame having opposed top and bottom ends and opposed side rails extending longitudinally therebetween, the frame including lower, middle, and upper sections. A plurality of spaced apart leg members extends downwardly from the frame to support the frame in a horizontal configuration. A fabric material is stretched across the frame between the top, bottom, and side rails. The fabric material on the upper section defines a face opening configured to receive the face of a user when lounging in a face down position. The fabric material on the upper section defines a first arm opening adjacent a respective side rail and a second arm opening adjacent an opposed side rail. A platform is coupled to a front leg member adjacent the face opening and configured to support items to be viewed by a user through the face opening.
US08636315B2	Roller blind arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, and roof arrangement A roller blind arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, with a roller blind web. The roller blind web can be wound up at least at one end by a winding device to form a roller blind winding having a geometrical center axis. The roller blind web can be unwound in an unwinding direction. The winding device has a guide element arranged with respect to the geometrical center axis of the roller blind winding in a direction essentially opposite to the unwinding direction and is designed to limit a movement of the roller blind winding in the direction opposite to the unwinding direction. The invention also relates to a roof arrangement with a roof opening, a roof opening frame that bounds the roof opening, and a roller blind arrangement. The roller blind arrangement is arranged in the roof opening and is mechanically coupled to the roof opening frame.
US08636312B2	Lifting hook with backstop A C-hook for lifting heavy coils, such as coils of steel, includes a lifting frame which has an upper arm that is formed with a lifting point in the form of integrally formed lug for receiving a lifting hook of a crane. A counterweight is fixed at a forward end of the upper arm. The lower end of the frame is formed with a slide that receives a slideable load support member in the form of foot. The foot has a forward front foot end for penetration of the lumen of a coil to be lifted. The opposite, rearward end of the foot is mechanically interlinked by a mechanical linkage to a coil backstop member. The mechanical linkage includes a lever arm, which pivots about a fixed pivot point that is fast with the frame. The foot and backstop member facilitate the balanced transportation of steel coils of varying widths.
US08636310B2	Locking arrangement and culinary utensil comprising same Disclosed is a locking arrangement having a first wall defining a first surface and a second wall defining a second surface, with the first and second surfaces abutting each other; a mechanism for locking the first wall against the second wall; and a movable member. The first wall and the second wall are configured to define an enclosed channel for accommodating the movable member such that the movable member is slidable within the channel, and wherein the locking arrangement may assume one of two configurations, in that in one of the two configurations said walls are prevented from moving relative to each other by the movable member and in the other configuration said walls and hence the arms extended therefrom are movable relative to each other.
US08636308B2	Gate latch pull cable One embodiment of an improved gate latch pull cable of the type being made of metal for durability and having a one-piece clevis clip secured to one end for easy attachment to a gate latch, and a pull loop secured with a cable sleeve on the other end for securely grasping the cable. The clevis clip incorporates an integral clevis pin eliminating loose parts, and a fillet transition to the cable to prevent it from catching on edges. Surrounding the cable is a tapered return-spring which assists in gate latch closure, and a spring cup which fits in a gate post hole for centering the large diameter of the spring over the hole. The small diameter of the spring is proximal to the clevis clip, and lightly pushes against a gate latch cam. The tapered spring coils fit inside each other when compressed allowing the gate latch to fully open.
US08636305B2	Street paddle for skateboards A street paddle for use with long board skateboards. The paddle has a shaft, a handle and an eight sided body. Two sides of the hexagonal body are hexagonal sides and the remaining sides are rectangular. The street paddle is used by wheeled skaters to propel a skateboard on a solid surface.
US08636304B2	Webbing-threading member and seatbelt device Provided are a webbing-threading member and a seatbelt device that can prevent deviation of webbing (a so-called jamming phenomenon) by preventing rotation of the webbing-threading member. A webbing-threading member 1 of the present invention includes a body 2 rotatably mounted on the side of a vehicle, a threading hole 3 formed in the body 2 for guiding the webbing W, and a guide piece 4 placed on a surface of the threading hole 3 and forming a sliding surface 41 over which the webbing W slides. The guide piece 4 has, on the sliding surface 41, engaging grooves 42 that cause a pressing force to act in such a direction as to rotate the body 2 toward a vehicle front side at the time of withdrawing the webbing W, and that cause a pressing force to act in such a direction as to rotate the body 2 toward a vehicle rear side at the time of retracting the webbing W.
US08636300B2	Attachment bracket and fastening device for fastening an airbag to a vehicle structure An attachment bracket for fastening an airbag to a vehicle structure includes an opening into which a strap connected to the airbag can be inserted, and a clamping surface provided for resting against the vehicle structure. The attachment bracket is formed from at least a first layer forming the clamping surface and a second layer spaced from the first layer in a spring elastic manner. The first and the second layers can be located on the same side of the vehicle structure. The attachment bracket can be fastened to the vehicle structure by a fastening means. The distance between the first and the second layer can be reduced by fastening the attachment bracket with the fastening means. A clamping force acting between the first layer and the vehicle structure can be generated by reducing the distance.
US08636295B2	Skid plates for a motorcycle A two-wheel vehicle for carrying out tire grip measurements. The vehicle is equipped with three spars fitted onto one side of the vehicle, the ends of the spars forming a plane approximately parallel to the circumferential plane of the rear wheel of the vehicle and the distance between said plane and the circumferential plane of the rear wheel of the vehicle being greater than 350 mm.
US08636291B1	Tool bucket transport device A wheeled tool bucket dolly system (Tool Bucket Transport Device) for easily wheel-transporting tools or similar articles from a first location to a second location for use. The system comprises a dolly frame having a handle, a horizontal bucket support, a bucket holder ring, a wheel assembly, and a 5 gallon bucket. The bucket is lowered through the bucket holder ring to rest on a traverse member which is welded to the upper side of the horizontal bucket support. Tools are placed inside the bucket and a user inclines the wheeled tool bucket dolly system via the handle resting all weight on the wheel assembly, and transports tools to a second location for using.
US08636287B2	Automatic tool-bit holder A tool-bit holder has a hub, wherein the hub has a longitudinally extending axial bore for receiving a tool-bit therein, a detent ball radially projecting into the bore to selectively engage the tool-bit, and a circumferential ramp that is longitudinally moveable over the detent ball to cause radial movement thereof. A longitudinally moveable member extends through a slot in the hub and radially into the bore. The circumferential ramp is moveable as a function of longitudinal movement of the moveable member relative to the hub.
US08636285B2	Ergonomic card delivery shoe An apparatus for handling cards has a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a base plate for supporting cards being manually removed. An upper plate with a U-shaped opening is spaced above the base plate and defines a slot for cards to pass. First and second spaced apart card guides define side edges of the slot. The first card guide is shorter than the second card guide, creating an offset in a first direction of travel of cards being removed. A method of removing cards is also disclosed, enabling movement of cards in at least two directions due to the presence of a card guide offset.
US08636284B2	Sheet conveyer A sheet conveyer, including a first roller to rotate to convey a sheet in a conveying direction; a separator arranged to be opposed to the first roller and configured to nip the sheet and to separate the sheet from other sheets; a multiple sheet sensor arranged in a downstream position with respect to the first roller and configured to sense presence of multiple sheets, the multiple sheet sensor including an emitter and a receiver; and a second roller arranged in a downstream position with respect to the multiple sheet sensor and configured to convey the separated sheet, is provided. A component being at least one of the emitter and the receiver is arranged in an outer side position with respect to the separator, and at least a part of the component is arranged in an inner side position with respect to the second roller.
US08636283B2	Sheet transport apparatus with jam clearing dial A sheet transport apparatus for transporting a sheet along a transport path has a sheet transport mechanism having a plurality of transport rollers for transporting a sheet; and a jam clearing mechanism for removing the sheet, when the sheet causes a transport failure and is jammed on the transport path. The jam clearing mechanism has a coupling member coupled to a transport roller, a jam clearing dial that transfers a rotation force to the transport roller through the coupling member, and a switching device for switching so that the coupling member separates from the transport roller in transporting a sheet, while being coupled to the transport roller in clearing a jam.
US08636281B2	Image forming apparatus with plural discharge paths An image forming apparatus including a main body, a first guide member coupled to the main body so as to be rotated from a first position to a second position, and a second guide member rotatably coupled to the first guide member. The first guide position defines a first paper discharge path to discharge paper, a printed surface of which is inverted, when it is in the first position. The first guide member defines a second paper discharge path, along which the printed surface of the paper is directly discharged, when it is pivotally rotated from the first position to the second position. The second guide member guides the paper on the first paper discharge path and does not interfere with the paper on the second paper discharge path.
US08636276B2	Image reading device capable of reading skew sheet An image reading device includes a sheet tray, a conveying unit, a reading unit, a detecting unit, and a control unit. The conveying unit conveys the sheet along a conveying path in a conveying direction. The reading unit reads the sheet at a reading position in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The control unit controls the reading unit to start reading the sheet when the detection unit detects that a leading edge of a sheet reaches a position upstream of the reading position by a first distance. The control unit controls the reading unit to stop reading the sheet when the detection unit detects that a trailing edge of the sheet reaches a position downstream of the reading position by a second distance. The first distance and the second distance are determined according to the size of the sheet.
US08636273B2	Printing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium storing program A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelop.
US08636271B2	Spring damper A damper is shown for damping the movements of a valve spring in an engine. The valve spring can be housed within the damper or the damper may be located inside of the valve spring. The damper is made from a suitable polymer and has one or more tabs or slots located radially to a central axis and one or more helical springs, rings or bands housed in the slots or between the tabs. The helical springs, rings or bands are located on the outer surface of the damper where the valve spring is housed within the damper. The cross section, number and location of the tabs, slots, helical springs, rings or bands can be adjusted depending on the particular application of the damper and the amount of damping that is desired for the particular application. The damper can also incorporate a hub or stem seal and ports for receiving oil.
US08636261B2	Brick veneer formliner with pockets having varying angles and varying depths A formliner is disclosed. The formliner includes a plurality of courses, each course having a plurality of pockets, each pocket sized and configured to receive a decorative brick. The formliner is modular in nature and includes a joining portion for overlapping or being overlapped by a second formliner. At least one ridge of the formliner is at least partially within the joining portion.
US08636256B2	Curtain support assembly, in a framework design, in a cabin of a vehicle The invention relates to a curtain support assembly to receive a curtain rail for a curtain for separating at least two regions in a cabin of a vehicle, comprising one or several header components for covering a space formed between the curtain rail and a ceiling in the cabin. The assembly according to the invention comprises one or several load-bearing frame structures, each comprising at least one profile component, on which in each case on at least one side the header components are arranged. The frame structure may be made from standard components and may comprise header components that are hardly subjected to any mechanical loads and that are therefore less demanding to produce.
US08636253B1	Rollable and accordian foldable refractive concentrator space solar array panel A rollable and accordion foldable refractive lens concentrator flexible solar array blanket structure assembly for a spacecraft/satellite application consisting of at least one or more rows of electrically interconnected solar cells and at least one or more rows of deployable elongated refractive lenses elevated and aligned from the top surface of the solar cells. The entire blanket assembly, inclusive of lenses and solar cell substrates, kinematically deploys by unrolling or unfolding the assembly for its stowed package configuration, and the final tensioning of the blanket assembly produces an aligned assembly where the solar cell substrate subassembly and the lens subassembly are coplanar. Deployment of the integrated blanket assembly (with refractive lenses) is directly coupled through the unrolling or the accordion unfolding deployment kinematics of the concentrator blanket assembly.
US08636250B2	External cargo hook system for rotary-wing aircraft An external hook system for a rotary-wing aircraft includes a lower frame interface which accommodates longitudinal and lateral loads and an upper frame interface. A tension member is mountable between the lower frame interface and the upper frame interface to transfer tension loads between the lower frame interface and the upper frame interface.
US08636243B2	Anti-torque nozzle system with internal sleeve valve for a rotorcraft The system of the present application includes a duct for receiving airflow from within a duct portion of a tailboom. The airflow is a mixture of fan driven air and engine exhaust. The system includes a fixed nozzle assembly with an anti-torque nozzle, a pro-torque nozzle and a thrust nozzle. A rotating sleeve valve is located within the fixed nozzle assembly. The rotating sleeve valve located within the fixed nozzle assembly and is configured to selectively redirect airflow into one or more of the anti-torque nozzle, the pro-torque nozzle and the thrust nozzle.
US08636237B2	Herb grinder A herb grinder includes a metal sheet having a first surface and an opposite second surface. the sheet being configured to include, on at least one of the surfaces, a plurality of grooves extending parallel with one another and spaced apart from one another, wherein the grooves and said at least one of the surfaces, a plurality of grooves extending parallel with one another and spaced apart from one another, wherein the grooves and at least one of the surfaces define a square wave shape having flat valleys and flat peaks, wherein the flat valleys are roughened by a process of photochemical etching. A plurality of holes of a first type, extending from a peak to the bottom surface of the metal sheet, and a plurality of holes of a second type extending from a valley to the bottom surface of the metal sheet.
US08636236B2	Method for producing pearl powder through levigation and rolling porcelain balls The present invention involves a method for producing pearl powder through levigation and rolling porcelain balls. The method the present invention prevents metal element from mixing into the pearl powder, thus ensuring the pure naturalness and medicinal value of the pearl powder.
US08636233B2	Low precipitation rate rotor-type sprinkler with intermittent stream diffusers An irrigation sprinkler includes an outer case and a riser extensible from the outer case by water pressure and normally in a retracted position. A nozzle is rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A turbine is mounted in the riser for rotation by water entering a lower end of the riser. A gear train reduction is mounted in the riser. A gear driven coupling mechanism mounted in the riser couples the gear train reduction and the nozzle. A pressure regulator valve is located inside a nozzle turret of the sprinkler and includes a valve member that is pivotably mounted between the gear train reduction and the nozzle.
US08636230B1	Matched precipitation rate rotor-type sprinkler with selectable nozzle ports An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle mounted at an upper end of the riser for rotation and configured with a high flow rate port and a low flow rate port that can each emit a stream of water from a high flow rate nozzle port and a low flow rate nozzle port. The sprinkler further includes a diverter valve that can intermittently shift the flow of water between the high flow rate port and the low flow rate port as the nozzle rotates. The sprinkler also includes a gear train reduction mounted in the riser and coupled to rotate the nozzle. A turbine is coupled to an input shaft of the gear train reduction and is rotatable by water flowing through the riser.
US08636228B2	Water passage for embedded rotary sprinkler A water passage for embedded rotary sprinkler includes upper and lower tubes and upper and lower covers so as to form first and second independent chambers, integral water path, and upper and lower independent chambers. The first and lower independent chambers has clockwise and counterclockwise water paths. An outer ring water path connecting the first independent chamber is formed to the lower tube. A transmission gear is arranged inside the second independent chamber. A driving shaft having an upward open is arranged between the second and the lower independent chambers. An upper end of the driving shaft is connected by a nozzle, and a plurality of lateral hole is formed to a middle of the driving shaft in the upper independent chamber. A lower end of the driving shaft having a gear engaging the transmission gear is inside the second independent chamber.
US08636225B2	Fluid-regulating thermostat and method of manufacturing such a thermostat This thermostat (1) comprises a body (10) which comprises a one-piece metal part (11) including simultaneously, in succession along the axis (X-X) of a thermostatic element (20) of the thermostat, a transverse tab (12) against which the piston (22) of this element can bear, a tubular part (13) centred on this axis and defining a shut-off seat (13A), and two support arms (14) supporting a return spring (40) for returning this element, which arms extend lengthwise more or less in the axial direction of the element and each delimits, at their opposite end (14A) to the tubular part, a surface (14A1) for contact with the spring against which surface the compressed spring is pressed. To make it easier to manufacture this body and to assemble it with the other components of the thermostat, each arm is, at its end (14B) facing towards the tubular part, connected to the rest of the one-piece metal part in a way that can be deformed between a service position in which the contact surface is plumb with one end of the spring, and an assembly position in which this surface is away from the axis.
US08636222B2	Selectively concealable indicator systems and assemblies Selectively concealable indicator systems including an indicator assembly configured to mount behind a wall plate, which provides an interface to interior wiring and is operatively mounted to a wall with a mounting fastener. The indicator assembly includes an elongate member including a first end and a second end, a mounting pad proximate the second end, an elongate slot proximate the first end and configured to receive the mounting fastener. The elongate member is configured to move relative to and selectively behind the wall plate by sliding over the mounting fastener disposed within the elongate slot. The indicator assembly further includes a spacer disposed between the elongate member and the wall plate and is configured to receive the mounting fastener.
US08636221B2	Radio frequency transponder A transponder including a transponder circuit, wherein a first surface of the transponder has an adhesive backing that allows the transponder to be attached to an article. A second surface of the transponder may include a material having a high coefficient of friction such that, when the transponder is attached to the article, the material impedes the article from slipping on an external surface. The transponder may also include a substrate layer, wherein a first surface of the substrate layer is the first surface of the transponder, and a second layer that includes the transponder circuit, the second layer being disposed on the substrate layer.
US08636217B2	System and method for data transfer through animated barcodes A system and method are provided for transferring data to a mobile device through animated barcodes. The mobile device scans, with a barcode reader, at least a first barcode and then scans at least a second barcode, whereby the barcodes are shown on a display. The display is in an open-loop relationship with the mobile device. The mobile device decodes the at least first and second barcodes to extract a first data portion and an associated first sequence identification, and a second data portion and an associated second sequence identification. The mobile device combines the first and second data portions according to the associated sequence identifications.
US08636215B2	Decodable indicia reading terminal with optical filter A decodable indicia reading terminal can comprise a housing including a housing window, a multiple pixel image sensor disposed within the housing, an imaging lens configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor, an optical bandpass filter disposed in an optical path of light incident on the image sensor, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal representative of the analog signal, and processor configured to output a decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing the digital signal.
US08636212B2	Decodable indicia reading terminal with indicia analysis functionality A decodable indicia reading terminal can comprise a multiple pixel image sensor, an imaging lens configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal, a communication interface, and a microprocessor configured to output decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing the digital signal. The decodable indicia reading terminal can be configured, responsive to a triggering event, to transmit via the communication interface a decoding result and an indicia readability rating. The triggering event can be provided by a failure to detect decodable indicia, the indicia readability rating being less than a pre-defined threshold, exceeding a pre-defined time period to decode decodable indicia, a user interface action, and a command received via said communication interface.
US08636208B2	Mobile retail store structure with inventory system A mobile retail store structure transportable to a plurality of different locations includes a trailer construction configured both exteriorly and interiorly for housing a plurality of storage bins wherein products and/or parts can be stored. Each trailer is a self-sufficient module which includes doors at one end of the trailer unit for entry and exit thereto, portable stairs for providing access to the entry doors, opposed side doors and associated walkways for allowing coupling to additional similarly constructed trailers, extendable canopies for providing a secure passageway between the respective coupled trailers, and a generator/HVAC system for providing heating, cooling and electrical power to each trailer unit. In one embodiment, a terminal is provided to allow a user to either browse electronically various items for selection and/or sale, or access a self-service check-out station to complete a transaction. A plurality of terminals can be coupled to communicate with a master server terminal over a wired/wireless network.
US08636207B2	Shop terminal and information processing server An information processing device is provided including: an identification information obtaining section configured to obtain identification information from an integrated circuit chip; a guidance information outputting section configured to output guidance information of a shop for the obtained identification information; and a guidance completion information transmitting section configured to transmit guidance completion information including the obtained identification information and information identifying the shop to a server.
US08636205B2	Method and system for generating a dynamic verification value A method is disclosed. The method includes generating a verification value in response to a transaction involving a portable consumer device, where the verification value is generated using a first dynamic data element and a second dynamic data element. The verification value is sent to a service provider associated with the portable consumer device so that the service provider can verify the transaction.
US08636202B2	First time confirmation of database entry Provided is an apparatus that stores a formulary. The apparatus includes a memory device that stores the formulary, the formulary comprising a plurality of drug entries. A user input device allows a user to verify a drug of the plurality of drug entries of the formulary. A code reader interprets computer-readable codes. After a computer-readable code that is associated with the drug is read by the code reader, the drug is verified using the user input device.
US08636201B2	Automatic identification system for randomly oriented objects A method of identifying a plurality of items, the method comprising: performing a CT scan of a plurality of items, at least some of said items bearing information tags; reconstructing an image based on the CT scan; and identifying an information tag associated with the items based on the reconstructed image.
US08636200B2	MMS text messaging for hand held indicia reader A method of operating a reader system includes: establishment a hand held reader configured to read an information bearing medium at an establishment and accepting text message communications from the establishment; reading the information bearing medium at the establishment with the reader; and, sending at least one text message communication to an operator of the reader at the establishment on the reader GUI from the establishment when the establishment recognizes a need for a specific notice requirement after reading the information bearing medium.
US08636199B1	System and method for matching a media manipulation with a media manipulation template Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for matching a media manipulation with a media manipulation template. First, a media manipulation input is received. Next, the media manipulation input is compared with at least one stored media manipulation template. Then, the media manipulation input is modified to emulate at least one of the stored media manipulation templates when the media manipulation input is approximately equal to the at least one stored media manipulation template.
US08636196B2	Separator with a helix assembly A separator with a helix assembly that includes a plurality of segments disposed end to end and forming an intermediate casing. Each of the segments has a tubular portion with a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and a helical portion extending from the second circumferential edge. The tubular portions of the segments form an intermediate casing, while the helical portions of the segments form a spiral helix. The helix assembly further includes an inner casing concentrically disposed within the intermediate casing and coupled to the spiral helix.
US08636194B2	Friction stir fabrication A low-temperature friction-based coating method termed friction stir fabrication (FSF) is disclosed, in which material is deposited onto a substrate and subsequently stirred into the substrate using friction stir processing to homogenize and refine the microstructure. This solid-state process is capable of depositing coatings, including nanocrystalline aluminum and/or metal matrix composites and the like, onto substrates such as aluminum at relatively low temperatures. A method of making rod stock for use in the FSF process is also disclosed.
US08636190B2	Surgical stapling apparatus A surgical stapling apparatus having a housing with an actuator and an elongated member extending from the housing. An end effector is disposed on one end of the elongated member. The end effector houses a plurality of fasteners that are operatively coupled to a plurality of pusher members. An actuation mechanism is operatively coupled to the actuator; the actuation mechanism includes a longitudinally translatable drive member and an actuation sled. The actuation sled is configured for engaging the plurality of pusher members. A pressure responsive element is also disposed in one of the jaws. The pressure responsive element communicates a signal to a controller. The signal is representative of pressure applied to the pressure responsive element. The controller is configured to activate a feedback response.
US08636189B1	Active wedge for surgical stapler An exemplary active wedge for use with surgical staples, comprising a wedge base having an upper surface; and at least one wedge grate movable relative to the wedge base between a first position and a second position, where in the first position of the wedge base substantially all of the wedge grate is located below the upper surface of the wedge base, and where in the second position at least part of the wedge grate is positioned above the upper surface of the wedge base.
US08636188B2	Fastener deployment system This document discloses, among other things, a long reach, side ejecting fastener placement apparatus suitable for use in nasal septal surgery. A first linear member carries a fastener body and a second linear member delivers a fastener retainer or provides support for placement of the fastener body. In various examples, the fastener includes a single stud rivet or includes a two legged staple. A mechanical linkage coupled to the handle provides a linear force for placement and deployment of a fastener.
US08636184B2	Compact folding bicycle carrier for motor vehicles A compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.
US08636180B2	Pinch valve A pinch valve for use with a liquid dispensing cabinet is comprised of a tube pinching device configured to translate between an open position and a closed position and an electrically powered linear actuator configured to provide a valve opening force to the tube pinching device, The pinching device is coupled to a spring device configured to apply a valve closing force to the tube pinching device. The pinch valve is additionally comprised of an operator handle facilitating manual opening of the tube pinching device. The pinching device is rotatable in the valve body. The valve body has a front surface heat sink against which a tube pinching force is applied by a tube pinching device and a rear surface with a concavity configured to receive a tube carrying a heat transferring fluid. The tube pinching device can be operated electrically or manually.
US08636178B2	Flexible panel pitcher A container or pitcher is provided having a flexible side wall portion and rim portion of the container which can conform to the shape of an object to which the pitcher is applied to thereby direct fluid flow from the pitcher over a broader area and to prevent fluid from flowing from the pitcher and underneath the rim of the pitcher and onto portions of the object to which it is not desirable to apply the fluid.
US08636177B1	Method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid from a door handle, including a latch mechanism lever adapted for coupling to a door latch mechanism and a trigger lever coupled to the latch mechanism lever. The latch mechanism lever can be selectively actuated independent of the trigger lever to actuate the door latch mechanism without dispensing sanitizer fluid. The apparatus may further include a sanitizer fluid reservoir and a pump coupled to the trigger lever to control sanitizer fluid flow from the sanitizer fluid reservoir to a nozzle when the trigger lever is actuated, where the nozzle is positioned proximate the latch mechanism lever. Embodiments of the invention may further include a method of use of the apparatus.
US08636174B1	On-demand temperature controlled water dispenser and method An on-demand hot water dispenser (10, 90) with a source of hotter water (30) at a preselected relatively elevated temperature (36, 40, 42) and a source of cooler water at a relatively non-elevated temperature compared to the hotter water (17, 52) has an outlet dispense valve (18, 92) connected with both the hotter water source and the cooler water source through a common mixing chamber (74) to selectively vary the temperature of the mixed water being dispensed. The cooler water source (17, 52) is connected to the outlet dispense valve (18, 92) through an electrically controlled proportional valve (72) with a variable flow rate that is controlled during dispensing and mixing in accordance with a comparison between a selected one of a plurality preselected temperatures stored in a controller (34) and a sensed temperature (60, 62) of the mixed water in the mixing chamber (74) to maintain the mixed temperature of the water being dispensed at a preselected temperature on a real-time basis.
US08636172B2	Devices, systems and methods for point-of-use medication control Devices, systems and methods for controlling dispensing of medication are provided. A dispenser device used, for example, in the systems and methods can include a housing for storing units of medication and a dispensing well having an opening therein to permit removal of units of medication therefrom. The dispenser device can include first and second slides having openings therein that are configured to funnel a unit of medication toward the opening in the dispensing well. The opening in the first slide can be configured to funnel a unit of medication to the opening of the second slide upon movement of the first slide, while the second slide can be configured to funnel the unit of medication to the opening in the dispensing well upon movement of the second slide into a position that is aligned with the opening in the dispensing well.
US08636167B2	Self-actuating closure mechanisms for closeable articles A container assembly comprising a body and interlocking and self-actuating lid. The body has a bottom and at least one sidewall extending generally upwardly and includes at least one body interlock piece. The lid includes a lid interlock piece configured to releasably engage the body interlock piece. A first magnet is coupled to the body and a second magnet is coupled to the lid. The first and second magnet magnetically generate a first relative movement of the body and lid in a first direction when the first and second magnet are in a first orientation, wherein the first relative movement operatively engages the lid interlock piece with the body interlock piece. Additionally, the interengagement of the lid interlock piece and the body interlock piece during the first relative movement of the body and lid mechanically generate a second relative movement of the body and lid in a second direction.
US08636165B2	Insulated gas tank with pressure reduction device There is provided a gas tank that suppresses an increase in pressure of a gas filled therein. A hydrogen tank comprises a tank main body filled with hydrogen, a thermofoamable heat-insulating layer provided on the external surface of the tank main body, a relief valve which is provided at the left end of the tank main body and which reduces the pressure in the tank main body by releasing the hydrogen in the tank main body, and a liner which extends from the relief valve toward the right end and which detects an increase in temperature. The relief valve is thermally connected to the liner, and is actuated based on heat transferred from the liner in order to release the hydrogen in the tank main body, thereby reducing the pressure in the tank main body.
US08636160B2	Safety container with safety locking part An openable and closable safety container for a hazardous material is provided. The safety container comprises a container part, a lid part coupled to the container part, and a safety locking part installed in the lid part such that the lid part is opened or closed upward after being turned. The lid part is turned horizontally to unlock the locked state and pushed upward to open the lid part. Therefore, the safety container is very safe.
US08636150B1	Screening apparatus An upper deck in a top flume before a lower deck in a bottom flume, each deck is adjustable from form about 10 to about 70 degrees, or from about 20 to about 45 degrees, and has a frame divided into a grid containing blank or screen panels that have openings to selectively permit smaller aggregate to pass through, while larger aggregates pass over the screens. The top flume has an opening for feeding the larger aggregates to the top of the deck adjacent the flume, and a bottom with an opening for feeding smaller aggregates under the deck. The bottom flume has an upstream side with an opening at the bottom to receive the smaller aggregates from the upstream adjacent flume and a downstream side having an opening adjacent the bottom of the side to discharge the larger aggregates, and the bottom has an opening it discharge the smaller aggregates.
US08636147B2	Soft blister tray with side dispenser The present invention provides a blister package including a blister tray having a plurality of upwardly opening blister depressions. A plurality of consumable products are provided where each blister depression supports one of the plurality of consumable products. A blister cover overlies and encloses the blister depression. The cover is sealed to the tray at a depression boundary about each depression. Each blister depression includes a tapered wall for urging the consumable product out from the blister depression at a location at the blister boundary upon manual exerted on the depression.
US08636142B2	Stackable low depth tray A tray includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls and a plurality of interior columns between the side walls. A plurality of dividers connect the interior columns to one another and to the side walls. Side columns project upward from the side walls. The side walls include an upper portion and a plurality of spaced-apart lower portions, thus reducing the weight of the tray while maintaining the stability of the tray. Optionally, the base could include a plurality of base walls connected by co-planar vertical ribs. The dividers include upper wall portions extending continuously between interior columns and/or an interior column and a side column and/or an interior column and an end column. The dividers include spaced apart lower wall portions each connected to one of the vertical ribs connected adjacent base walls.
US08636141B2	Conveyor belt link with rod retaining feature The present disclosure is directed to a pitch for a modular conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the pitch may include a link having a first leg, including an opening formed in the first leg. The opening may be defined by a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. In addition, the pitch may include a projection associated with the first edge. In a first position, the projection may extend substantially perpendicularly away from the first edge towards the second edge so that a free end of the projection is positioned proximate the second edge. Also, the projection may be configured to deflect to a second position, in which the free end of the projection is deflected within the opening towards one of the first side edge and the second side edge.
US08636139B2	Conveyor and conveying device A conveyor has drive and driven shafts mounted to undergo rotation, a transmitting member transmitting a rotational drive of the drive shaft to the driven shaft in synchronization relative one another, an elastic conveying member looped around the drive and driven shafts for conveying an object, and a guide portion arranged between the drive and driven shafts. The guide portion has rotators, receiving portions receiving respective ones of the rotators, openings communicating with through-holes of the conveying member, communication portions communicating with the openings and positioned so that each of the rotators is arranged between respective adjacent pairs of the communication portions, and connection members communicating with the openings via the communication portions. The connection members are configured for connection to a suction device for drawing air from the openings through the respective communication portions to draw by suction the conveyance object toward the conveying member.
US08636138B2	Polymer finishing process A polymer finishing process including: recovering polymer powder from a polymerization reactor; feeding the polymer powder to an inlet of a mass flow screw conveyor and one or more mass measuring devices for determining a mass of polymer powder within at least a portion of the mass flow screw conveyor; measuring at least one of a mass of the polymer powder in the screw conveyor and a combined mass of the screw conveyor and the polymer powder within the screw conveyor with the one or more mass measuring devices; and determining a mass flowrate of polymer powder through the mass flow screw conveyor based on the at least one of the measured mass of the polymer powder in the mass flow screw conveyor and the measured combined mass. A method of controlling a polymerization process using a mass flow screw conveyor is also disclosed.
US08636137B2	Alignment of food products The invention relates to a method for the alignment of food products in which food products arriving on an input conveyor in the supply direction arrive at an alignment station at which the products are aligned and from which the aligned products arrive at an output conveyor, wherein a misalignment of the products relative to a target alignment is detected and the product is aligned as a function of the misalignment, said products being aligned by the products resting against a product support and the product support being actuated in order to perform the alignment movement, and wherein the alignment of the products is accomplished without relative movements between the products and the product support. The invention further relates to a device for the alignment of food products.
US08636136B2	Apparatus and method for rotatably conveying and applying discrete parts to a substrate An apparatus for conveying a plurality of parts to a substrate in a configuration which is offset from the centerline of the supply feed of discrete parts is disclosed as well as the related process. Such an apparatus and process are suitable for use in the production of products where one or more components of the product must be spatially shifted from their incoming location relative to the movement of the assembly line to a second position which is offset from its incoming location and orientation.
US08636133B2	Single space parking meter and removable single space parking meter mechanism A parking meter mechanism is described that may include a front housing, having a display opening for viewing a display through, connected to an internal structure. Additionally or alternatively the parking meter mechanism may include a contactless payment reader located behind the display. The parking meter mechanism may be secured to a lower housing. A back housing may be secured to the lower housing as well. The front or back housing may include a solar panel compartment and solar panel mounted therein.
US08636130B2	Parking brake device for motor vehicle transmissions A parking brake device for motor transmissions, especially automatic transmissions has a parking brake pawl (2) with an actuating or adjusting device (3) for engaging and disengaging the pawl (2) as well as a holding device for securing the parking brake pawl (3) in the disengaged position. The holding device includes a toggle mechanism (6, 7, 8, 9) that can be brought from a first, stretched position, in which the parking brake pawl (2) is fixed in the disengaged position, into a second, bent position, in which the parking brake pawl (2) can be engaged. This presents a reduction of the design effort, an improvement of robustness and resistance to different ambient conditions with no auxiliary energy requirement for maintaining the securing action for the parking brake pawl and also minimal releasing forces for releasing the parking brake securing.
US08636127B2	Fan drive device The invention relates to a fan drive device (1) for driving at least one fan impeller (2), comprising at least one first drivable coolable housing element (9, 10) with at least one output disc (13) which can be connected to the at least one drivable coolable housing element (9, 10) in such a way as to be capable of transmitting torque by fluid friction, wherein at least one fluid can be admitted to at least one torque-transmitting space, and the mass flow of said fluid can be regulated by means of a valve element (30), wherein the valve element (30) can be actuated by at least one actuator (26, 27), and at least a section of the actuator (26, 27) is arranged in at least one retaining element (33) for fastening to a motor unit.
US08636121B2	Filter mechanism for filtering vibration in aircraft The invention provides a vibration filter mechanism for aircraft equipment. A weighted lever arm (5) is hinged via bearings (22, 23) associated respectively with a first structure connected to a fuselage and with a second structure connected to the equipment (12). Deformable means (7) oppose pivoting movement of the lever arm. The lever arm (5) is arranged as a one-piece fork that comprises a pair of branches (19, 20) that are interconnected by a crossbar (21) and that are hinged to the bearings (22, 23) about spaced-apart parallel pivot axes (A1, A2). The fork carries a torsion shaft (24) that extends between the branches (19, 20) at their free ends (9), the torsion shaft (24) constituting the weight weighting the lever arm (5) and the deformable means (7) of the mechanism.
US08636120B1	Active and semi-active ride control with energy recovery A ride control system includes a shock absorber having a movable piston that divides the shock absorber into a lower and an upper volume and a center check valve that allows fluid to flow from the upper to the lower volume. A back pressure actuator provides a selectable back pressure to the lower volume. Three two way valves and a check valve allow the lower and upper volumes to be selectively coupled to either the selectable back pressure or a shock absorber fluid reservoir to provide passive, semi-active, or active ride control. The back pressure actuator pressurizes a hydraulic accumulator when shock absorber fluid flows into the back pressure actuator to provide energy recovery.
US08636117B2	Wedge shape safety stop A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.
US08636110B2	Boat trailer mounted bow entry ladder In an first aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket assembly for mounting on the trailer; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; and a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to both the first and second side rails. The ladder is collapsible to decrease a distance between the first and second side rails. In a second aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; a plurality of rungs connecting the first and second side rails; and a pivotal connection. The first and second side rails define a plane and the pivotal connection allows for rotation of the plane about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection is disposed between the attachment bracket and the first side rail.
US08636109B2	Secure adjustable roof rack The invention provides an adjustable roof rack comprising a roof base bracket comprising a lockdown point and two walls defining a channel containing a plurality of transverse adjustment points, a stable upright comprising a beam having a recessed first terminus and a U-shaped second terminus that is a slide protector, and a platform support comprising a beam that is rotatably attached to a terminus of the roof base bracket and to the U-shaped second terminus of the stable upright by pins, wherein the walls of the roof base bracket bear weight from the platform support and the stable upright, and the recessed first terminus engages one of the transverse adjustment points.
US08636107B2	Method for repairing at least a portion of an acoustic panel The present disclosure relates to a method for repairing a portion of an acoustic panel for a nacelle of an aircraft turbojet engine. The panel includes an acoustic skin in which a plurality of acoustic holes are drilled, a solid skin, and a cellular acoustic structure. The cellular acoustic structure, being arranged between the acoustic skin and the solid skin, has a plurality of cells, each of which has one or more drainage openings arranged in one or more of the walls forming each cell. The method includes a step of: defining a part of the acoustic panel to be cut; forming a cutting area closed by the acoustic skin; injecting a resin through the acoustic holes; positioning a replacement cellular acoustic structure in the cutting area and on the acoustic skin; forming a solid replacement skin on the replacement cellular acoustic structure.
US08636103B1	Muffler for vehicle A muffler for a vehicle may include a main muffler in front of a rear suspension when viewing from a front of the vehicle, a plurality of baffles dividing an interior of the main muffler into a plurality of chambers, an inlet pipe installed substantially at an center of one side of the main muffler and passing through the plurality of the baffles, a discharge pipe installed at a lower side of the other side of the main muffler and passing through the plurality of the baffles, wherein the discharge pipe exhausts an exhaust gas flowed in the inlet pipe to an exterior of the main muffler, an intermediate pipe in fluidic communication with an outlet port of the inlet pipe, and a variable valve selectively opened or closed in response to a back pressure of the exhaust gas from an outlet port of the intermediate pipe.
US08636101B2	Device for damping and scattering hydrosound in a liquid A device for damping and scattering hydrosound and wave motions in water includes a plurality of envelope bodies, each enclosing a gas and each spaced at a distance from one another and surrounded by the water, wherein the device is configured to receive water flowing through it in a direction of sound propagation.
US08636099B2	Rack-driven steering apparatus and rack-driven auxiliary power steering apparatus including the same Disclosed are a rack-driven steering apparatus and a rack-driven auxiliary power steering apparatus including the same. The present invention can protect peripheral parts such as a motor for driving a nut pulley and an electronic control unit to improve durability when an excessive load reversely input from the outside is transmitted during an operation of a belt by the motor, and prevent a steering disabling state during a high speed travel of the vehicle, thereby providing a driver with a stable steering condition.
US08636098B2	Hydraulic steering control valve and reverse self-locking steering system A hydraulic steering control valve, including a valve core. When an automobile runs in a straight line or the steering angle is maintained, the valve core of the hydraulic steering control valve is positioned in a middle position to cut off hydraulic pipelines of oil cylinders on two sides of a steering power cylinder or a hydraulic shock-absorbing part, and a piston of the steering power cylinder or the hydraulic shock-absorbing part is unable to move. A self-aligning mechanism is arranged at an input shaft end of the hydraulic steering control valve, and after a driver eliminates the steering torque and loosens the control to a steering wheel, the self-aligning mechanism drives the input shaft or the steering wheel to turn to the middle position, so as to fulfill the self-aligning function.
US08636096B2	Launchable remote-control attack device Provided is a launchable remote-control attack device that enables an operator to remotely grasp the status of a target place and to remotely control weapons it has been equipped with to perform an attack using explosives or gas when necessary. The remote-control attack device includes a cylindrical body with a camera, drivers which are made up of two tires that are disposed on opposite sides of the body and can be driven individually, and battery units for supplying power and which are disposed in central openings of the tires of the drivers. The attack device further includes a plurality of storage units and a wireless control unit.
US08636093B2	Vehicle body lower portion structure To obtain a vehicle body lower portion structure that can efficiently absorb and disperse load of a front or rear collision including an offset collision or an oblique collision, and transmit the load to an underbody. A vehicle body lower portion structure has an underbody at which a dash lower portion and a lower back portion are provided to stand from both ends in a vehicle front-rear direction at a floor portion, a suspension member the length direction thereof is along a vehicle transverse direction and is joined to the underbody in a state of planarly-contacting a front surface of the dash lower portion, and a front EA member a length direction thereof is along the vehicle transverse direction and is joined to a front wall of the suspension member.
US08636091B2	Hybrid drive device A hybrid drive device including a drive device input shaft coupled to an engine, a rotary electrical machine, a transmission shifting and outputting rotary drive transferred from the rotary electrical machine or the drive device input shaft or the both of them, a transmission case accommodating the transmission, and a rotary electrical machine case having a joint surface joining with the transmission case, a step portion with a diameter which is reduced when seen from an input shaft input end side is provided in an inner peripheral portion of the rotary electrical machine case, and a partition wall supporting the rotary electrical machine from the input shaft input end side is fixed to the step portion.
US08636087B2	Rotating control system and method for providing a differential pressure A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.
US08636085B2	Methods and apparatus for removal and control of material in laser drilling of a borehole The removal of material from the path of a high power laser beam during down hole laser operations including drilling of a borehole and removal of displaced laser effected borehole material from the borehole during laser operations. In particular, paths, dynamics and parameters of fluid flows for use in conjunction with a laser bottom hole assembly.
US08636078B2	Mechanically controlled hydraulic system for an agricultural implement A hydraulic control apparatus for a foldable farm includes first hydraulic control system is used to control weight transfer to ground engaging tools mounted to a stationary and foldable wing frame sections. A second hydraulic system is used to fold and unfold the wing sections. A hydraulic control is provided that interfaces with both hydraulic systems to control sequencing of the functions provided by the first and second hydraulic systems. The first and second hydraulically systems have mechanically controlled valves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to various lifting, folding, and down pressure cylinders.
US08636076B2	Method of firestopping a through-penetration using a fusible inorganic blended-fiber web A method of firestopping a through-penetration is disclosed, which makes use of a fusible inorganic blended-fiber web. The fusible inorganic blended-fiber web can provide a fire-stopped through-penetration without the use of sealants, intumescent materials, and the like. The fusible inorganic blended-fiber web may comprise a blend of at least first, low melting inorganic fibers and second, high melting inorganic fibers. The fusible inorganic blended-fiber web comprises a bulk density of at least about 7 pounds per cubic foot (0.112 grams/cc).
US08636074B2	Elongated sealing member for downhole tool A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers.
US08636071B2	System, method and apparatus for enhancing wellbore treatment fluid flexibility A method includes performing a chemical process to create a chemical product and an amount of heat, and transferring the heat to a first fluid. The method further includes hydrating a polymer in the first fluid, and adding the chemical product from the chemical process to the first fluid to create a treatment fluid. The method further includes diluting the treatment fluid with respect to at least one constituent of the treatment fluid. The method includes treating a formation of interest in a wellbore with the treatment fluid. The method includes changing a formulation of the treatment fluid during the treating. The method also includes extending the treating beyond a design amount, or ending the treatment before the design amount and preserving some reagents of the chemical process.
US08636070B2	System and method for producing high pressure foam slurry The current application discloses methods and systems for generating high pressure dual phase mixture. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve mounting a dual phase mixture generator on a transportable platform wherein the dual phase mixture generator comprises a mixing chamber connected with at least a first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet. A first container and a first pump are also mounted on the transportable platform wherein the first pump is operably connected with the first container. The transportable platform and the mounted equipments are then deployed at a wellsite. A base fluid is pumped into the first inlet under high pressure, and a gas is pumped into the second inlet under high pressure. The base fluid and the gas is combined in the mixing chamber to generate a high pressure dual phase mixture, which is then discharged via the outlet.
US08636068B2	Method of reducing corrosion in cement Methods and compositions that protect cement compositions from corrosion, particularly from wet carbon dioxide, are provided. A soluble salt additive is provided to react with reaction products generated during the reactions that occur when cement is exposed to wet carbon dioxide. The soluble salt reacts to form an insoluble salt that forms a protective layer on the surface of the cement that protects it from further corrosion from exposure to wet carbon dioxide.
US08636066B2	Method of enhancing productivity of a formation with unhydrated borated galactomannan gum A well treatment fluid containing borated galactomannan may be used to isolate a productive zone in a well having multiple productive zones. The fluid is particularly useful in treatment of wells containing a mechanical zonal isolation system in the productive zone of interest. The fluid is pumped into the well in a substantially non-hydrated form. The well treatment fluid is therefore highly effective in preferentially sealing or blocking productive zones in the formation since delayed hydration of the fluid may be controlled for up to several hours.
US08636061B2	Tool for downhole formation evaluation An apparatus for determining a property of a downhole formation, the apparatus comprising: an array having a plurality of transmitters and receivers capable of propagating electromagnetic waves through the formation; measuring circuitry for measuring an effect of the formation on the propagating waves; control circuitry arranged to vary the propagating waves as a function of at least one of frequency, spacing and polarization; and processing circuitry arranged to combine the effects of the propagating waves that are varied according to frequency, spacing and polarization for determining the property of the downhole formation.
US08636060B2	Monitoring downhole conditions with drill string distributed measurement system A method of monitoring downhole conditions in a borehole includes receiving sensor data through a network of nodes provided at selected positions on a drill string disposed in the borehole. An inference is made about the downhole condition from the sensor data. A determination is made whether the downhole condition matches a target downhole condition within a set tolerance. At least one parameter affecting the downhole condition is selectively adjusted if the downhole condition does not match the target downhole condition within the set tolerance.
US08636058B2	Straight-bore back pressure valve A system includes a back pressure valve. The back pressure valve includes a body, a plunger disposed internal to the body, and a friction member disposed about the exterior of the body. The friction member is configured to expand radially to contact an internal surface of a bore. A method includes disposing a back pressure valve into a straight bore and expanding a friction member of the back pressure valve radially into contact with an internal surface of the straight bore.
US08636055B2	Controlled aperture ball drop A controlled aperture ball drop includes a ball cartridge that is mounted to a frac head or a high pressure fluid conduit. The ball cartridge houses a ball rail having a bottom end that forms an aperture with an inner periphery of the ball cartridge through which frac balls of a frac ball stack supported by the ball rail are sequentially dropped from the frac ball stack as a size of the aperture is increased by an aperture controller operatively connected to the ball rail.
US08636053B2	Internal jet impingement type shell and tube heat exchanger This invention relates to an internal jet impingement type shell and tube heat exchanger in which the jet cooling tubes and the heating tubes in shell and tube heat exchanger are formed either as a staggered tube bundle or as a square tube bundle, and the orifices on each jet cooling tube are provided according to the arrangement of tube bundle. Thus, the heat transfer performance of jet impingement type shell and tube heat exchanger is remarkably enhanced.
US08636050B2	Complex pierced micromechanical part The invention relates to a method of fabricating a micromechanical part made of a single piece material. According to the invention, the method includes the following steps: a) forming a substrate which includes the negative cavity for said micromechanical part to be fabricated; b) forming a sacrificial layer on one portion of the substrate; c) depositing particles on the substrate intended to form a germ ination layer; d) removing the sacrificial layer so as to selectively leave one portion of the substrate free of any particles; e) depositing a layer of material by chemical vapour phase deposition so that the material is exclusively deposited where the particles remain; f) removing the substrate to release the micromechanical part formed in said negative cavity.
US08636047B2	Method and installation for applying foil material onto successive sheets There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by means of a laser beam such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S). Waste portions (205) of said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) that are not to remain on the sheets (S) are evacuated by aspiration, evacuation being carried out by direct aspiration of the waste portions (205) at least at a first position located downstream of and proximate to a cutting position where said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by the laser beam. There is also described an installation for carrying out the above method.
US08636045B2	Tire provided with two protuberances for deflecting lateral expulsions of water Heavy goods vehicle tire including beads, sidewalls and a tread. To deflect the flow of water expelled laterally by this tire while running on a wet road, the tire is provided on each of its sidewalls, and near the tread, with a protuberance. One protuberance is positioned on the tire so as to be effective over a first period of use of the tire and the other protuberance is positioned on the tire so as to be effective after the tread has partially worn away, and after the worn tire has been reversed so as to place such other protuberance to the outside of the vehicle.
US08636044B2	Reduced weight precured tread band for retreaded tire Embodiments include a retreaded tire having a precured tread band bonded to a prepared bonding surface of a base portion of the tire. The precured tread band may include a tread groove having a bottom and a top, the top of the groove open to a ground contacting front face of the tread band, the precured tread band further comprising a back face, the back face bonded to a prepared bonding surface of a base portion of the tire. A base groove may be formed in the base portion of the tire and open to the prepared bonding surface of the tire, wherein the tread groove bottom is aligned over a length of the base groove. In some embodiments, the tread groove bottom may be open to the base groove over at least 50% or the entire length of the base groove.
US08636038B2	Operating method of reinforcing bar binding machine An operation method of a reinforcing bar binding machine includes an initializing operation. During the initializing operation, a cutter of a wire cutting mechanism shuts off a wire passageway, a wire is fed by a wire feed mechanism while the wire passageway remains shut off, and the wire feed mechanism is stopped when a leading end of the wire butts against the cutter.
US08636029B2	Color changer A color changer has a valve block for connecting a plurality of coating material lines to an application device. The valve block has a parallelepiped housing. The housing has a central color channel with an axial direction and contains valve bores for receiving valves and a length of a central color channel is as short as possible with a simultaneous supply of many paint feed lines. A first number of parallel valve bores open into the color channel at first openings, a second number of parallel valve bores open into the color channel at second openings on the opposite side of the color channel and offset in the axial direction with respect to the first number of valve bores. A third number of parallel valve bores open into the color channel at third openings and a fourth number of parallel valve bores open into the color channel at fourth openings.
US08636027B2	Vent with improved seal A relief vent including a vent body having an opening configured to be in communication with the internal volume of a tank. The relief vent further includes a movable portion that is movable relative to the vent body. The movable portion or the vent body includes a base and a sealing member coupled thereto. At least part of the sealing member is elastically deformed to press at least a portion the sealing member against the base. The portion of the sealing member pressed against the base is positioned to sealingly engage the other one of the movable portion or the vent body.
US08636024B2	Fuel supply device A fuel supply device for generating mixed gas in which air and/or oxygen are mixed into fuel gas and supplying the mixed gas to a burning appliance comprises a flow rate control module disposed in a supply path of the fuel gas and flow rate control modules disposed in supply paths of the air and/or the oxygen. The flow rate control module includes a thermal mass flow rate sensor, a first calculator for calculating the thermal flow rate of the fuel gas from the output of the thermal mass flow rate sensor, a control computing unit for controlling the flow rate of the fuel gas via a flow rate regulating valve according to the calculated thermal flow rate, a second calculator for calculating the calculated calorific value per unit volume of the fuel gas, and a computing unit for computing the ratio of the calculated calorific value to the reference calorific value per unit volume of the fuel gas in a reference state. The ratio is used for the control of the flow rates of the air and/or oxygen by the flow rate control modules.
US08636023B2	Automatic air vent for fire suppression wet pipe system and method of venting a fire suppression wet pipe system A fire suppression wet pipe system air vent assembly and method of venting air from a fire suppression wet pipe system includes providing a primary air vent valve having an inlet and an outlet. The primary air vent inlet is adapted to be connected with a fire suppression wet pipe system and is configured to vent air, but not water, from its outlet. A secondary air vent valve having an inlet and an outlet is provided. The secondary air vent valve is configured to vent air, but not water, from its outlet. A fluid conduit connects the primary air vent valve outlet with the secondary air vent valve inlet. The second air vent valve provides failsafe air venting upon the failure of the primary air vent valve. A fluid indicator may be provided that indicates the presence of fluid in the conduit. The presence of an appreciable amount of fluid in the conduit is an indication of likely failure of the primary air vent valve.
US08636022B2	Production of microfluidic polymeric devices by photo-assisted and/or thermally assisted printing Method for producing a microfluidic device comprising a step in which a stamp made of elastomeric material is used for printing a photo-curable and/or heat-curable liquid disposed on a support.
US08636014B2	Hair styling system A hair styling system comprising a handle and at least one roller, and a connector for releasably securing the roller to the handle. The connector includes a sleeve slidably mounted on the handle and a compression spring for urging the sleeve axially outwardly whereby a trio of locking balls are biased radially outwardly into mating notches formed in an orifice at one end of the roller to prevent axial separation and rotation of the roller on the handle. Retraction of the sleeve on the handle releases the trio of balls from the notches for separation of the roller from the handle. The rollers are provided in a plurality of sizes and shapes and preferably are coated or formed from a ceramic ionic material.
US08636011B2	Tobacco compositions The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.
US08636006B2	Mask A mask for use with the administration of CPAP therapy includes a mask body for connection with a supply of breathable gas pressurized above ambient; and a compliant patient contacting element including a multilayered cushioning interface. The interface has an interior layer and an exterior layer provided in spaced relation to the interior layer when the mask is not in use. The exterior layer is elastically and resiliently movable towards and away the interior layer in use. Only the exterior layer forms a contacting seal with the patient in use.
US08636003B2	Oxygen supply system for generating oxygen from cabin air in an aircraft An oxygen supply system is provided for generating oxygen from cabin air in an aircraft. The oxygen supply system exhibits a modular cabin unit with an oxygen port and a decentralized oxygen supply unit with an oxygen outlet, and the decentralized oxygen supply unit is set up in the modular cabin unit. The decentralized oxygen supply unit is set up to generate oxygen-enriched air from the cabin air by means of electrical power, and the oxygen-enriched air can be provided to the oxygen port of the modular cabin unit via the oxygen outlet.
US08636002B2	Humidifier with internal heating element and heater plate A respiratory humidifier chamber for use with a breathing assistance apparatus is described. The chamber includes a water-tight vessel having an inlet for receiving gases from the breathing assistance apparatus, and an outlet through which heated humidified gases exit the vessel for delivery to a patient. The chamber has a partition which divides the chamber into upstream and downstream sub-chambers. The sub-chambers are separated by the partition except for an aperture which passes through the partition and allows gaseous communication between the sub-chambers. The downstream sub-chamber includes a heater base which heats a volume of water contained within it. The aperture is located above the volume of water. The upstream sub-chamber contains an internal heater which heats gases passing through it from the inlet to the aperture. At least part of the internal heater is located immediately adjacent the aperture.
US08635998B2	Tunable flameless heaters A flameless heater apparatus and method whose heating capacity and performance can be selected and tuned at the time of manufacture, and which is easily used and has a long shelf life. The apparatus and method may be used in flameless ration heaters, such as may be used in military or emergency situations. There is provided a flameless heating method and apparatus in which the solid reactive ingredients (not including liquid reactant, typically water) are not all blended or mixed together at the time of apparatus fabrication. Rather, at least one key ingredient (typically a super-corroding alloy of magnesium and iron) in a dry powder form is kept physically segregated from all the other ingredients, such as catalysts (normally acids such as acetic or tartaric acid or acidic mixtures) and surfactants. The exothermic chemical reaction is initiated only after at least one (typically a dry powder catalyst) goes into aqueous solution after the application of water (saline or non-saline). The catalytic solution flows out, through, and about and among water-permeable pockets in the pouch-like apparatus which contain one or more other ingredients, including the active ingredient (e.g., the Mg—Fe alloy). Thus, the catalyst and the active ingredient do not come into effective contact until a flowing aqueous saline solution carries a reactive catalytic-saline solution to the active ingredient alloy, and then mixes the inter-reactive ingredients to generate the desired heat.
US08635993B2	Air-fuel ratio control device of internal combustion engine The invention relates to an air-fuel ratio control device of an internal combustion engine, comprising a plurality of means for independently introducing into each combustion chamber an exhaust gas discharged from combustion chambers to an exhaust passage. When at least one exhaust gas introduction means is under an exhaust gas introduction shortage state, a target value of an air-fuel ratio of a mixture gas is changed depending on whether an exhaust gas introduction control for introducing the exhaust gas into the combustion chamber by the exhaust gas introduction means is performed.
US08635989B2	Method and device for operating an injection system for an internal combustion engine A method for operating an injection system has the following steps: determining, based on a pilot control characteristic, a prefeed value depending on an internal combustion engine operating parameter; initializing a correction value for the prefeed pump by a safety value predetermined for compensating deviations from a predetermined delivery behavior of the prefeed pump, which deviations lie within a predetermined tolerance range, for guaranteeing a sufficient pump delivery rate; controlling the prefeed pump depending on the prefeed and the correction values; adapting the correction value effecting the delivery behavior of the prefeed pump depending on a variable of the system the value or value curve of which indicates that a desired pressure can be generated in the fuel accumulator, namely in the sense of reducing the delivery output of the prefeed pump, as long as the value indicates that the desired pressure can be generated in the fuel accumulator.
US08635988B2	Variable valve device for internal combustion engine A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a cam phase variable mechanism for varying a phase difference (split) between first and second intake cams. Under predetermined operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, the second intake cam is controlled to take a phase (split) (S1) which is within a predetermined pumping-loss reduction operation phase range and entails a minimum fluctuation (oscillation width) of drive torque on an intake camshaft.
US08635987B2	Engine speed control systems and methods An engine control system for an auto-stop/start vehicle, comprising: an actuator control module, a correction determination module, and a spark adjustment module. The actuator control module determines a target spark timing for a first time that is between a second time when engine cranking begins and a third time when a measured engine speed becomes greater than a predetermined engine speed after the second time. The correction determination module determines a spark timing correction for the first time based on a target engine speed and a measured engine speed. The spark adjustment module sets a spark timing for the first time based on the target spark timing and the spark timing correction.
US08635985B2	Integrated fuel injectors and igniters and associated methods of use and manufacture The present disclosure is directed to injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. These integrated injectors/igniters can include, for example, insulators with adequate mechanical and dielectric strength to enable high-energy plasma generation by components that have very small dimensions, multifunction valving that is moved to injector multiple bursts of fuel and to induce plasma projection, a fuel control valve at the interface to the combustion chamber for the purpose of eliminating fuel drip at undesired times, and one or more components at the interface of the combustion chamber for the purpose of blocking transmission of combustion sourced pressure.
US08635983B2	Oil pan structure and separator for partitioning oil pan An oil pan 1 includes: an oil pan body 2 having a reservoir 21 for storing oil circulated in an engine E and returned to the reservoir 21; and a separator 3 having a vertically extending sidewall unit 4 partitioning the reservoir 21 into a first reservoir 21a for storing high-temperature oil and a second reservoir 21b for storing low-temperature oil. The first reservoir 21a has a suction-member-placement region 22 in which a member for sucking oil is provided. The separator 3 has an inclined portion 61 extending, to the suction-member-placement region 22, from a portion below a downstream end of a return pipe Rt for allowing oil to return to the first reservoir 21a.
US08635979B2	Drag lever A drag lever for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine. The drag lever includes an oblong lever body formed of sheet metal material, wherein the lever body has a bottom and side walls integrally formed at an angle of about 90° onto the bottom on both sides. A first end section of the lever body includes a joint socket formed into the bottom between the side walls. The joint socket serves to pivotally moveably support the drag lever on a joint head mounted stationary in the internal combustion engine. A middle section of the lever body is provided with a cam gripping surface, and a second end section of the lever body has a contact surface extending on the bottom. The contact surface serves for actuating the gas exchange valve. The lever body is dimensioned so as to have essentially the same width in a cross section through the joint socket and in a cross section through the middle section. Starting from the first end section of the lever body, the angle of the side walls increases continually to about 90°.
US08635977B2	Selectively storing reformate Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. In one example, reformate components produced by a fuel reformer, e.g., H2 and CH4, may be stored and buffered for use by an engine.
US08635975B2	Poultry support and protection device and method of supporting and protecting poultry A poultry support and protection device includes a body portion shaped to cover a crop of poultry. The body portion has opposing top and bottom edges (defining a width) separated by opposing side edges (defining a length). First and second securing straps are attached respectively to the first and second side edges. Each of the first and second securing straps extend longitudinally along an entirety of the body portion length and have a strap length greater than the body portion length such that each securing strap extends beyond at least one of the top and bottom edges. The first and second securing straps are operable to be releasably secured at a back of the poultry to attach the device to the poultry such that the body portion substantially covers the crop and to provide a non-constricting and adjustably secure fit.
US08635972B2	Device for forming a film by deposition from a plasma A plasma excitation device is described for use in depositing a film on a substrate from a plasma formed by distributed electron cyclotron resonance. The device comprises a microwave antenna having an end from which microwaves are emitted, a magnet disposed in the region of the said antenna end and defining therewith an electron cyclotron resonance region in which a plasma can be generated, and a gas entry element having an outlet for a film precursor gas or a plasma gas. The outlet is arranged to direct gas towards a film deposition area situated beyond the magnet, as considered from the microwave antenna.
US08635967B1	Ballast structure for reducing water-mixing in ships A method and apparatus for reducing mixing between a first water-type and a second water-type and for increasing the efficiency of ballast water exchange procedures on a ship. The apparatus includes a plurality of ballast water tanks, each having an arrangement to reduce water-mixing. Each arrangement includes a horizontal flow restraining box and two anti-mixing brackets. The ballast water tanks are divided into a plurality of compartments including a main compartment. The arrangement to reduce the water-mixing is provided in the main compartment of each tank.
US08635966B2	Laminar air flow slot venting for sails This invention relates to the use of a venting assembly for conventional sails, comprising one or more aperture substantially perpendicular with the sail surface separating a fore and aft element of the sail. The aperture channels high energy air flow from the windward side of the sail through to the leeward side of the sail parallel to the sail surface, energizing the surface boundary layer and maintaining laminar air flow along the aft element of the sail.
US08635964B2	Automated skip checker device for sewing machine In an automated skip checker device for sewing machine 1, a detector device 8 detects a slack portion 3a of a predetermined length D. The slack portion 3a definitely corresponds to a skip of a stitch or a disconnection of a sewing thread so as to unerringly carry out the detection with a high accuracy. The detector device 8 of the skip checker device has an air stream provider 19 which transfers a tension to an upper thread 3 as a pneumatic pressure to energize an optoelectronic switch 23 so as to make the detector device 8 structurally compact and cost-saving.
US08635963B2	Method and apparatus for sectional control of air seeder distribution system for a farm implement A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow.
US08635958B2	Cable railway system and method of operating the same A cableway system has a conveying cable and chairs, which can be coupled to the conveying cable and are coupled to the conveying cable along the path of the cableway system, are uncoupled from the conveying cable at the entrance into the stations, are guided through the stations, along guide rails, by way of control tires, and are coupled to the conveying cable again at the exit from the stations, furthermore the chairs are designed with at least one safety bar and a device for adjusting the safety bar, and for locking the same, and a device for checking the locking are arranged at the exit from the stations. A first device for adjusting and locking the safety bar and an associated device for checking the locking and a second device for adjusting and locking the safety bar and an associated device for checking the locking are provided at the exit from the stations. In the case where locking has not taken place, the first checking device that is associated with the first device for adjusting and locking the safety bar, causes the second device for adjusting and locking the safety bar to be moved into its active position.
US08635955B2	Method and device for regulating the concentration of components of additives in a printing process liquid The invention concerns a method for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration. The method is characterized in that the components to be measured are spectroscopically detected. The invention also concerns a device for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid comprising a measuring means for measuring the concentrations of at least part of the components in the process liquid, comprising a control loop and a means for redosing at least part of the components, wherein the measuring means comprises at least one spectrometer.
US08635953B2	Method and apparatus for tensioning a printing form A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form.
US08635951B2	Crop parameter dependent bale chamber configuration adaptation A baler having a bale chamber comprising chamber doors pivotably connected to a fixed frame part. Upon obtaining at least one crop parameter, a door angle value between two side sections of a door is selected; and the position of one of the side sections with respect to the other one is adapted in accordance with the selected door angle value. A corresponding baler and a control system for such baler are also provided.
US08635950B2	Baler with a weighing system A square baler weighing system weighs a bale during a weighing timespan when the rear portion pivots into the bale discharging position. The rear portion further having a brake for changing the speed of a bale moving along the rear portion. The brake is configured to exert an adjustable braking force.
US08635946B2	Coffee maker with single serve setting A coffee maker comprises a filter basket assembly that enables two coffee dispensing modes. The assembly comprises a filter basket, an actuator that cooperates with a carafe and a motor driven valve. The actuator stops coffee from dispensing when the carafe is removed, but can be defeated by the user to dispense into a cup or mug when the carafe is absent.
US08635945B2	Package and device for the preparation of food product such as beverage A package for a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent includes a reservoir for containing a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent, a reservoir seal for closing the reservoir, a mixing element for mixing the dilutable liquid foodstuff with the diluent. The mixing element includes a mixing chamber having an outflow aperture for dispensing liquid foodstuff diluted with the diluent, a liquid passage for feeding dilutable liquid foodstuff from the reservoir to the mixing chamber, and a feed channel for feeding diluent to the mixing chamber. The feed channel has a first portion and a second portion, the cross section of the second portion being smaller than the cross section of the first portion and be so configured that when diluent is fed to the mixing chamber, a venturi effect occurs in the mixing chamber.
US08635944B2	Coffee machine for the preparation of a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.
US08635943B2	Piston with blow-by feature and method of preventing catastrophic failure to an internal combustion engine A piston and method is provided that inhibits the potential catastrophic damage to an internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the risk of costly damage to the engine. The piston includes a piston body having an upper combustion surface separated from an internal cooling chamber by a wall. The a pocket extends into the upper combustion surface to a closed bottom surface of the wall. A tubular member is disposed in the pocket. The tubular member extends upwardly from the upper surface. Should a valve head drop from its normal operating position, the valve head impacts the tubular member and forms a blow-by through passage extending from the upper combustion surface into the cooling chamber.
US08635941B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a pump An electro-hydraulic control system for pump control is disclosed. The hydraulic actuator is configured to control the inclination of a swashplate. The position of the hydraulic actuator is controlled by controlling the flow of pressurized fluid into and out of two pressure chambers, one on either side of the actuator. A fluid passageway is provided that selectively connects the passageway to tank. The passageway has an orifice for each pressure chamber, and the actuator is configured to selectively block all or a portion of one or more of the orifices, depending on the position of the actuator. The components of the control system are configured such that the actuator will return to a neutral or near-neutral position upon loss of electric power.
US08635940B2	Solenoid valve assembly A solenoid valve including a spool received within a housing. The spool is configured to move to multiple positions within the housing. The housing includes supply ports, exhaust ports, and outlet ports. When the spool is in a specific location, two outlet ports are in fluid communication with each other.
US08635934B2	Microtome The microtome (10) includes a base (12) having a tank (14) filled with a bath (16) mounted thereon. A feeding mechanism (20) for feeding select amounts of specimen to be sectioned protrudes through the base (12) into the bath (16). A cutting mechanism (40) spans the tank (14) and includes a reciprocating carriage (42) above the feeding mechanism (20). The carriage (42) is disposed at an angle with respect to the direction of reciprocation and includes a vibrating blade (62) hanging down from the carriage (42). The combined motion of the carriage (42) and the vibrating blade (62) slices samples from the specimen extruded by the feeding mechanism (20), which permits consistent and uniformly thick samples with minimal surface irregularities, especially for large specimens. A controlling mechanism (80) coordinates operation of the feeding mechanism (20) and the cutting mechanism (40).
US08635930B2	Floor mounted pedal with position sensor An electronically controlled floor mounted pedal assembly with a position sensor includes a base. A control arm is pivotally mounted to the base member at a control arm pivot axis, and a pedal arm is pivotally mounted to the base member at a pedal arm pivot axis. The control arm free end is positioned adjacent an inner surface of the pedal arm. A friction generating member mounted on the control arm free end contacts a pedal arm friction member positioned on the inner surface of the pedal arm to generate frictional hysteresis force. A spring positioned between the base member and the control arm free end initially biases the control arm against the pedal arm. A position sensor supported on the base member about the control arm pivot axis senses angular rotation of the control arm about the control arm pivot axis as the pedal arm rotates about the pedal arm pivot axis.
US08635926B2	System and method for controlling a transmission The present invention provides a system for controlling a vehicle comprising a prime mover, a first sensor, a transmission, a second sensor, and a transmission controller. The first sensor outputs a first signal that indicates a speed of an input shaft of the transmission and the second sensor outputs a second signal that indicates a speed of the prime mover. The transmission controller includes control logics that control the transmission using the first signal, perform a diagnostic check on the first sensor, determining whether the diagnostic check of the second control logic indicates that the first sensor meets a predefined performance characteristic, instruct the transmission controller to use the second signal of the second sensor to control the transmission if the third control logic indicates that the first sensor does not meet the predefined performance characteristic, and control the transmission using the second signal of the second sensor.
US08635921B2	Measurement apparatus for vacuum therapy systems for wound treatment The invention relates to a measurement apparatus for vacuum therapy system (60) for wound treatment, comprising an artificial wound unit (44) with a wall (43) that encloses an artificial wound cavity (45) open at least on one side, wherein passages for fluid are provided in the wall and can be supplied with a fluid via fluid delivery lines (46,80), and wherein the open side of the wound cavity (45) can be covered by a vacuum therapy system (60), wherein the vacuum therapy system (60) can apply a vacuum to the wound cavity (45) via a vacuum-generating device (90,92,100) of the measurement apparatus, and wherein a controllable heating device (39,40) is provided for regulating the temperature of the wound unit (44) and/or of the fluid.
US08635919B2	Pressure detection unit and pressure detection device A pressure detection unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed in opposition to each other and subject to load from the outside, a pair of electrodes provided in distribution in the first substrate and the second substrate, the electrodes being disposed linearly in opposition to each other, electrically conductive pressure-sensitive ink disposed between the pair of electrodes to cover at least one of these electrodes and having electrical characteristics which varies according to the load, and an adhesion member for adhering the first substrate and the second substrate to each other with the pair of electrodes and the pressure-sensitive ink being placed in contact with each other.
US08635918B2	Belt tension monitor A device for monitoring belt tension includes two supporting elements for supporting a belt, a deflecting element between the supporting elements, at least one elastic element and a switch. A sufficiently high tension for a belt that is supported on the supporting elements and guided past the deflecting element may be displayed if the deflecting element has been moved in a predefined way against a restoring force of the elastic element, thereby actuating the switch.
US08635917B2	Magnetic torque sensor for transmission converter drive plate A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has a magnetically conditioned region with an initial direction of magnetization that is perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing.
US08635915B2	Torque insensitive header assembly There is disclosed a high pressure sensing header which is relatively insensitive to mounting torque. The header comprises an outer torque isolating shell which surrounds an inner “H” section header. The inner “H” section header has a thick diaphragm and is surrounded by the torque isolating shell which is secured to the “H” section header at a peripheral flange of the “H” section header. In this manner when the header is installed, the installation force is absorbed by the outer shell and there is no installation force or torque exhibited by the inner “H” section which will respond only to stress due to pressure. The torque isolating shell also contains a top surface which has a counterbore that accommodates a crush ring. When the unit is installed, the crush ring is crushed against an installation wall to enable the inner header to receive pressure without experiencing significant installation force.
US08635913B2	Ultrasonic coupler assembly An ultrasonic coupler assembly for coupling an ultrasonic transducer to a pipe wall is disclosed, wherein the ultrasonic coupler is configured using three quadrilateral sections to reduce the temperature extreme to which the ultrasonic transducer is exposed and to improve the quality of the ultrasonic signal passing through the ultrasonic coupler.
US08635911B2	Apparatus and method for measuring buoyant mass and deformability of single cells Method for determining buoyant mass and deformability of a cell. The method includes introducing the cell into a suspended microchannel resonator that includes a constriction near a distal location in the resonator. A first frequency shift in the resonator is monitored as a cell moves to the distal location in the resonator, the first frequency shift being related to the buoyant mass of the cell. Transit time of the cell through the constriction is measured by monitoring a second frequency shift as a result of a change in cell location as it passes through the constriction, whereby deformability is determined from the measured buoyant mass and transit time.
US08635910B2	Accelerometer module for use with a touch sensitive device An accelerometer module for use with a touch sensor on a device, a method of detecting acceleration using a touch sensor, and a computer program product for receiving the touch sensor data and producing output representative of acceleration. The accelerometer module provides a device with a touch sensor, such as a mobile phone, with the ability to sense acceleration, orientation, or both. The accelerometer module may sense acceleration along a single axis or multiple axis. Sensing acceleration along three axis may be useful for producing a handheld game controller or for providing input to many other applications. The accelerometer module applies a force against a deformable member to change the contact area between the deformable member and the touch sensor, wherein the contact area is a function of the amount of applied acceleration.
US08635905B2	Method and device for measuring a tire inflation pressure by means of a stress sensor A method for measuring inflation pressure of a vehicle tire involves measuring a compressive stress. The tire includes a rubber mass, referred to as an interior rubber, delimited by an internal surface in contact with air inside the tire and an external surface in contact with a carcass ply of the tire. The compressive stress in the interior rubber of the tire, between the internal and external surfaces of the interior rubber, is measured and the inflation pressure is deduced from this compressive stress.
US08635901B2	Folded passage gas chromatography column Embodiments of the present invention provide columns for use in gas chromatography and methods of making and using such columns. The present invention provides a folded passage column: a fluid passage formed by joining a first channel in a first surface through a slot to a second channel in a second surface. In some embodiments, a folded passage column repeats that building block, joining a plurality of channels in a first surface with a plurality of channels in a second surface such that the channels link to form a continuous passage.
US08635898B2	Spinning method for forming a diameter reduced portion Provided is a spinning method of reducing a diameter of a work piece pipe body with processing rollers disposed on an outer surface of the work piece pipe body, the processing rollers being configured to be relatively revolved around the work piece pipe body, wherein, when the processing rollers are axially reciprocated while being moved in a radius direction of the work piece pipe body, wherein the diameter reducing process with the processing rollers is performed under a state in which a wound body formed of an elastic sheet-like material is inserted as a core body into the inside of a portion of the work piece pipe body to be subjected to the diameter reducing processing.
US08635897B2	Profiling arrangement for the longitudinal shaping of a metal band or starting profile into a profile or tube A profiling arrangement for the longitudinal shaping of a metal band or starting profile into a profile or tube is provided, and includes a plurality of shaping stations 10 that are arranged in a line one behind the other and in each of which a group of roller shaping tools is assembled and are run through in succession by the metal band or starting profile, as well as with a machine substructure on which the shaping stations are mounted. In addition, on or next to the machine substructure, there are linear guides with driven carriages that can move in and against a direction of motion of the metal band or profile for the holding of tools, manipulators, and the like acting on the profile.
US08635894B2	Hollow bolt comprising a longitudinal bore A process for producing hollow bolts including a longitudinal bore with the hollow bolts being provided with circumferential notches. The hollow bolts are provided with longitudinal grooves extending between elevations determining the bolt diameter, wherein circumferential notches are rolled onto the hollow bolts provided with the longitudinal grooves and the elevations, the longitudinal grooves being of such cross-section that some of the material displaced during rolling-on of the notches flows into the longitudinal grooves.
US08635890B2	Pedestal washing machine A pedestal washing machine (100) capable of washing a small amount of laundry and also serving as a bedplate for supporting the other washing machine (200) is disclosed. The pedestal washing machine (100) includes a case (130) which has a volume and a height smaller than a volume and a height of a washer (200) to stably support the washer (200), an outer tub (140) installed in the case (130) to accommodate washing water, a rotating body (150) which is rotatably installed in the outer tub to shake laundry, and a driving device (190) which is installed in a space formed between the outer tub (140) and a corner of the case (130) to transfer a rotational force to the rotating body (150).
US08635889B2	Refraction-sensitive optical fiber, quartz glass tube as a semi-finished product for the manufacture-thereof and method for the manufacture of the fiber A known refraction-sensitive optical fiber comprises a core zone with an index of refraction nK, a jacket zone surrounding the core zone, said jacket zone having an index of refraction nM, and an annular zone made of quartz glass doped with fluorine, said annular zone surrounding the jacket zone and having an index of refraction nF, where nF
US08635888B2	Particle deposition system and method A deposition system for depositing a chemical vapor onto a workpiece is disclosed, including a deposition chamber having a plurality of components for performing chemical vapor deposition on the workpiece. The deposition chamber includes an inner skin made of Hasteloy for sealing the plurality of components and the workpiece from the air surrounding the deposition system, and an outer skin that encloses the inner skin and is separated from the inner skin by an air gap. The outer skin includes vents that create a convection current in the air gap between the inner skin and outer skin of the deposition chamber. The deposition system also has a gas panel for regulating the flow of gases and vapors into the deposition chamber, and a computer for controlling operation of the gas panel and the components in the deposition chamber.
US08635887B2	Methods for separating glass substrate sheets by laser-formed grooves Methods for separating glass articles from glass substrate sheets are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes focusing a laser beam on at least one surface of the glass substrate sheet such that the laser beam has an asymmetrical intensity distribution at the at least one surface of the glass substrate sheet. The method further includes translating the laser beam on the at least one surface of the glass substrate sheet along a desired groove line to form at least one groove on the at least one surface of the glass substrate sheet. The at least one groove extends partially through a thickness of the glass substrate sheet along the desired groove line and has bevelled or chamfered walls. The glass article may be separated from the glass substrate sheet along the at least one groove.
US08635885B2	Configurations and methods of heating value control in LNG liquefaction plant NGL recovery from natural gas is achieved by processing the natural gas in a scrub column that operates at high pressure. A C3+ depleted vapor stream is generated from the vapor portion of partially condensed scrub column overhead and expanded to provide refrigeration for the vapor portion to so form a second reflux stream and the C3+ depleted vapor stream. The C3+ depleted vapor stream is then combined with another vapor portion of partially condensed column overhead to produce a lean liquefaction feed stream.
US08635881B2	Data center with low power usage effectiveness A system for providing cooled air to electronic equipment includes a data center having electronic equipment in operation, a plurality of on-floor cooling units, and a cooling water source. The on-floor cooling units cool air warmed by the electronic equipment. The cooling water source is configured to supply cooling water that reduces a temperature of the on-floor cooling units. The power usage effectiveness (“PUE”) of the system is less than 1.3, wherein the PUE is defined by energy used to operate the data center divided by energy used to run the electronic equipment.
US08635876B2	Gas turbine for a thermal power plant, and method for operating such a gas turbine Disclosed is a gas turbine for a thermal power plant, especially a gas turbine, comprising a rotatable rotor and a duct which can be penetrated by a gas and in which turbine blades for driving the rotor are disposed. The inventive gas turbine is characterized by a blocking device which at least partially prevents the gas from penetrating the duct in a closed position.
US08635872B2	Pyrotechnical actuator The invention relates to an actuator with a housing (1) in which a piston (2) with a pin (3) is inserted in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and with an igniting element (4) with contact pins (5), wherein the contact pins (5) project out of the housing (1) on the connecting side (6) thereof, and, when the igniting element (4) is ignited by the propellants generated, the piston (2) is displaced in the direction of the actuating side (7) until the pin (3) projects out of the housing (1) on the actuating side (7). For production to be more cost-effective, it is proposed that the housing (1) is designed as a single part and in the form of a cylinder, and the connecting side (6) is injection moulded or bonded around the end surface (9) of the housing (1) with a cylindrical cover (10) fitting thereover.
US08635870B2	Waste heat utilization device for internal combustion engine A waste heat utilization device recovering waste heat produced by an internal combustion engine from a heat medium includes a Rankine cycle circuit including an evaporator, an expander, a condenser and a pump serially arranged in a circulation line along which a combustible working fluid circulates. A casing air-tightly encloses the Rankine cycle circuit to chemically inactivate the Rankine cycle circuit.
US08635866B2	Hydraulic system A hydraulic system, especially in a high-pressure application, comprises a pressurized-fluid tank, a pressurized-fluid pump driven by a drive unit, at least one hydraulic load that can be pressurized thereby and a control and/or distribution unit connected fluidically between the pressurized-fluid pump and the load. This unit is provided with a housing and a core received therein and connected rigidly with the housing, which core bears with part of its surface in the region of a common, closed, especially cylindrical joint face with the housing on a corresponding inside face of a housing opening. Surface groove-like flow ducts are provided on the core and/or the housing in the region of the joint face, and the pressurized-fluid pump is directly built onto the control and/or distribution unit in the region of a free end face of the core.
US08635862B2	Control system for reducing nitrous oxide (“N2O”) after selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device light-off An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided having an exhaust gas conduit, an oxidation catalyst (“OC”) device, a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, and a control module. The internal combustion engine has at least one operating parameter. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas contains oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) and hydrocarbons. The exhaust gas has an exhaust gas temperature. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit, and is activated to induce oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas. The OC device has an oxidation catalyst compound disposed thereon that is selectively activated at a specified temperature range for converting nitrogen oxide (“NO”) to nitrogen dioxide (“NO2”) at a specified percentage.
US08635860B1	Internal combustion engine heat transfer system A system for reversing heat transfer from an exhaust system assembly on a vehicle comprising an engine block assembly and transaxle assembly operatively connected and located in an engine compartment of an automobile. The system comprises a number one exhaust manifold stay mount, a number two exhaust manifold stay mount, and a front exhaust collector pipe bracket and stay mount. The system comprises an exhaust system with a front exhaust collector pipe located beneath the engine block assembly. The system comprises an engine block assembly heat shield with a cross-section generally comprising the shape of a “U” that is located next to the surface of the engine block assembly. The engine block assembly heat shield is located over and overlays the front exhaust collector pipe bracket and stay mount, the number one exhaust manifold stay mount, and the number two exhaust manifold stay mount.
US08635856B2	System for disabling diesel particulate filter regeneration during electric operation A regeneration disable control system (22) of a vehicle having a power take off device (10) that is run off a motor (12) which is powered by at least one battery (14), and an engine (16) for recharging the at least one battery and for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (20), includes a hybrid controller (18). The hybrid controller (18) sends a signal to an engine controller (21) to indicate whether hybrid-PTO mode is enabled. If the hybrid-PTO mode is enabled, the engine controller (21) determines whether regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (20) is required. If regeneration is required, the engine controller (21) sends a signal to a regeneration inhibitor (30) to disable the engine (16) from initiating a regeneration event.
US08635854B2	Reductant injection control system A control system for reducing nitrogen oxides in an engine exhaust of an engine includes an emissions catalyst having an inlet adapted to receive an exhaust from the engine. A reductant tank stores a reductant. An injector is in fluid communication with the reductant tank and is operable to inject the reductant into the exhaust upstream of the catalyst. A reductant pump pumps the reductant from the reductant tank to the injector. A controller determines a target pressure of the reductant based on an engine operating condition and operates the reductant pump based on the target pressure.
US08635852B2	Exhaust treatment system for internal combustion engine Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an exhaust treatment system coupled to an engine exhaust, the exhaust treatment system further coupled to an engine intake via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. One example method comprises, operating in a first mode including routing exhaust gas through the exhaust treatment system to an exhaust tailpipe; operating in a second mode including routing exhaust gas through the exhaust treatment system to an engine intake via the EGR system, and operating in a third mode including routing exhaust gas to an engine intake through the EGR system while bypassing the exhaust treatment system.
US08635851B2	Grid thrust reverser cover comprising a seal support and associated seal This grid thrust reverser cover comprises a seal support and a seal mounted in this support by means of two fastening lugs, this seal being capable of interacting with a diversion edge of this thrust reverser. At least one of the said lugs is turned up and the said support has a section matching that defined by the said lugs.

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