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

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US08637424B2	Integrated interstitial metal hydride catalyst support systems and associated processes Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the processing of hydrocarbon-containing feedstreams in the presence of an interstitial metal hydride comprising a surface, with a metal oxide integrally synthesized and providing a coating on the surface of the interstitial metal hydride. The catalysts and processes of the present invention can improve overall hydrogenation, product conversion, as well as sulfur and nitrogen reduction in hydrocarbon feedstreams.
US08637422B2	Method for producing surface-supported catalyst A method for supporting a catalytic metal on the surface of a carrier by bringing an aqueous catalytic metal salt solution into contact a porous carrier. The method includes the steps of: impregnating the carrier with a liquid hydrophobic organic compound before bringing the aqueous catalytic metal salt solution into contact with the carrier, and drying the impregnated carrier to volatilize the hydrophobic organic compound on the surface of the carrier, followed by bringing the carrier into contact with the aqueous catalytic metal salt solution; and then bringing a reducing agent into contact with the catalytic metal salt on the surface of the carrier to reduce the catalytic metal salt to undergo insolubilization treatment. The catalytic component is supported in a region from the surface of the carrier to a depth of 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less. The supported state of the catalytic component is made controllable, and the catalytic component can be supported in the inner part of the carrier with a suitable depth.
US08637418B2	Method for treating flue gas catalyst A method for treating a catalyst base that comprises a contact area of porous material. A fluid, such as a flue gas stream, can be conducted along the contact area. A catalytically relevant substance is introduced into pores of the catalyst base using a transport fluid and remains on pore wall areas after removal of the transport fluid. The introduction is carried out such that an amount of the catalytically relevant substance relative to the surface remains on the pore wall areas as a function of location within the pore and decreases within the pore after exceeding a specific pore depth. A blocking fluid can first be introduced into pore regions beyond the specific pore depth, thus blocking these regions when transport fluid containing the catalytically relevant substance is introduced.
US08637415B2	Fluorophosphate glass, precision press molding preform, optical element blank, optical element and methods of manufacturing the same The present invention provides a fluorophosphate glass containing 30 to 50 cationic % of a phosphorus ingredient in terms of P5+, the glass having, in a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, a resonance spectrum which is generated near a reference frequency of 31P and has a shape of Gaussian function. The glass of the invention is reduced in volatility and erosiveness.
US08637409B2	Etching method, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and etching device An etching method includes: applying a radiation to an etching aqueous solution; and etching a material to be etched by using the etching aqueous solution irradiated with the radiation.
US08637407B2	Methods of forming fine patterns in semiconductor devices Methods of forming a semiconductor device may include providing a feature layer having a first region and a second region. The methods may also include forming a dual mask layer on the feature layer. The methods may further include forming a variable mask layer on the dual mask layer. The methods may additionally include forming a first structure on the feature layer in the first region and a second structure on the feature layer in the second region by patterning the variable mask layer and the dual mask layer. The methods may also include forming a first spacer on a sidewall of the first structure and a second spacer on a sidewall of the second structure. The methods may further include removing the first structure while maintaining at least a portion of the second structure.
US08637404B2	Metal cations for initiating polishing The invention provides methods for planarizing or polishing a metal surface. The method comprises a composition comprising an abrasive, cesium ions, and a liquid carrier comprising water.
US08637403B2	Locally tailoring chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) polish rate for dielectrics A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes varying local chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) abrading rates of an insulator film by selectively varying a carbon content of the insulator film.
US08637402B2	Conductive line structure and the method of forming the same The conductive line structure of a semiconductor device including a base; at least one patterned conductive layer formed over the base; a conductive line formed over the at least one patterned conductive layer; a protection layer that encompasses the top surface and sidewall of the conductive line to prevent undercut generated by etching. The structure further comprises an underlying layer under the conductive line. The underlying layer includes Ni, Cu or Pt. The conductive line includes gold or copper. The at least one patterned conductive layer includes at least Ti/Cu. The protection layer includes electro-less plating Sn, Au, Ag or Ni.
US08637401B1	Methods and devices for high accuracy deposition on a continuously moving substrate A method is explained that allows for a via to be filled with a dispensed material while the substrate is in continuous movement. A device is described that allows for a via to be filled while the target substrate is in continuous movement. The device consists of a material jetting system, a machine vision system that can detect the optimum trigger point, an electronic control circuit, a feedback mechanism and a web handling provision.
US08637397B2	Method for manufacturing a through hole electrode substrate To provide a method of manufacturing a through hole electrode substrate which comprises forming a plurality of through holes passing through the front and back of a wafer-shaped substrate, forming an insulation film on a surface of the substrate and the though hole, forming a seed layer from a metal on at least one side of the substrate and/or the through hole, forming a metal layer having a cap shape on a bottom part of the through hole on a surface on which the seed layer is formed by an electrolytic plating method supplying direct current to the seed layer for a first time period, and filling a metal material into the plurality of through holes by an electrolytic plating method supplying a pulse current to the seed layer and the metal layer.
US08637390B2	Metal gate structures and methods for forming thereof Metal gate structures and methods for forming thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for forming a metal gate structure on a substrate having a feature formed in a high k dielectric layer may include depositing a first layer within the feature atop the dielectric layer; depositing a second layer comprising cobalt or nickel within the feature atop the first layer; and depositing a third layer comprising a metal within the feature atop the second layer to fill the feature, wherein at least one of the first or second layers forms a wetting layer to form a nucleation layer for a subsequently deposited layer, wherein one of the first, second, or third layers forms a work function layer, and wherein the third layer forms a gate electrode.
US08637386B2	Diffused junction termination structures for silicon carbide devices and methods of fabricating silicon carbide devices incorporating same An electronic device includes a silicon carbide layer having a first conductivity type and a main junction adjacent a surface of the silicon carbide layer, and a junction termination region at the surface of the silicon carbide layer adjacent the main junction. Charge in the junction termination region decreases with lateral distance from the main junction, and a maximum charge in the junction termination region may be less than about 2×1014 cm−2.
US08637384B2	FinFET parasitic capacitance reduction using air gap Methods are disclosed to fabricate a transistor, for example a FinFET, by forming over a substrate at least one electrically conductive channel between a source region and a drain region; forming a gate structure to be disposed over a portion of the channel, the gate structure having a width and a length and a height defining two opposing sidewalls of the gate structure and being formed such that the channel said passes through the sidewalls; forming spacers on the sidewalls; forming a layer of epitaxial silicon over the channel; removing the spacers; and forming a dielectric layer to be disposed over the gate structure and portions of the channel that are external to the gate structure such that a capacitance-reducing air gap underlies the dielectric layer and is disposed adjacent to the sidewalls of said gate structure in a region formerly occupied by the spacers.
US08637371B2	Non-planar MOSFET structures with asymmetric recessed source drains and methods for making the same Non-planar Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) and methods for making non-planar MOSFETs with asymmetric, recessed source and drains having improved extrinsic resistance and fringing capacitance. The methods include a fin-last, replacement gate process to form the non-planar MOSFETs and employ a retrograde metal lift-off process to form the asymmetric source/drain recesses. The lift-off process creates one recess which is off-set from a gate structure while a second recess is aligned with the structure. Thus, source/drain asymmetry is achieved by the physical structure of the source/drains, and not merely by ion implantation. The resulting non-planar device has a first channel of a fin contacting a substantially undoped area on the drain side and a doped area on the source side, thus the first channel is asymmetric. A channel on atop surface of a fin is symmetric because it contacts doped areas on both the drain and source sides.
US08637369B2	Method for manufacturing an integrated power device having gate structures within trenches An embodiment of a method for manufacturing a power device with conductive gate structures inside etched trenches. Such trenches include sidewalls and a bottom, wherein covering the sidewalls and the bottom of the trench is a first insulating coating layer. In the formation of the conductive gate structure, openings within the first material in the trench are made such that a conductive central region of a second conductive material having a different resistivity than the first conductive material are able to be electrically coupled together through a plurality of conductive bridges between said second conductive coating layer and said conductive central region.
US08637366B2	Nonvolatile memory cell without a dielectric antifuse having high- and low-impedance states A memory cell according to the present invention comprises a bottom conductor, a doped semiconductor pillar, and a top conductor. The memory cell does not include a dielectric rupture antifuse separating the doped semiconductor pillar from either conductor, or within the semiconductor pillar. The memory cell is formed in a high-impedance state, in which little or no current flows between the conductors on application of a read voltage. Application of a programming voltage programs the cell, converting the memory cell from its initial high-impedance state to a low-impedance state. A monolithic three dimensional memory array of such cells can be formed, comprising multiple memory levels, the levels monolithically formed above one another.
US08637365B2	Spacer isolation in deep trench A method of forming improved spacer isolation in deep trench including recessing a node dielectric, a first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer each deposited within a deep trench formed in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, to a level below a buried oxide layer of the SOI substrate, and creating an opening having a bottom surface in the deep trench. Further including depositing a spacer along a sidewall of the deep trench and the bottom surface of the opening, and removing the spacer from the bottom surface of the opening. Performing at least one of an ion implantation and an ion bombardment in one direction at an angle into an upper portion of the spacer. Removing the upper portion of the spacer from the sidewall of the deep trench. Depositing a third conductive layer within the opening.
US08637360B2	Power devices with integrated protection devices: structures and methods Exemplary embodiments provide structures and methods for power devices with integrated clamp structures. The integration of clamp structures can protect the power device, e.g., from electrical overstress (EOS). In one embodiment, active devices can be formed over a substrate, while a clamp structure can be integrated outside the active regions of the power device, for example, under the active regions and/or inside the substrate. Integrating clamp structure outside active regions of power devices can maximize the active area for a given die size and improve robustness of the clamped device since the current will spread in the substrate by this integration.
US08637358B1	Field-effect-transistor with self-aligned diffusion contact Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming fin-type transistors having replace-gate electrodes with self-aligned diffusion contacts. The method includes forming one or more silicon fins on top of an oxide layer, the oxide layer being situated on top of a silicon donor wafer; forming one or more dummy gate electrodes crossing the one or more silicon fins; forming sidewall spacers next to sidewalls of the one or more dummy gate electrodes; removing one or more areas of the oxide layer thereby creating openings therein, the openings being self-aligned to edges of the one or more fins and edges of the sidewall spacers; forming an epitaxial silicon layer in the openings; removing the donor wafer; and siliciding at least a bottom portion of the epitaxial silicon layer. A semiconductor structure formed thereby is also provided.
US08637347B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device Disclosed is a method to manufacture a thin film transistor having an oxide semiconductor as a channel formation region. The method includes; forming an oxide semiconductor layer over a gate insulating layer; forming a source and drain electrode layers over and in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer so that at least portion of the oxide semiconductor layer is exposed; and forming an oxide insulating film over and in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer. The exposed portion of the oxide semiconductor may be exposed to a gas containing oxygen in the presence of plasma before the formation of the oxide insulating film. The method allows oxygen to be diffused into the oxide semiconductor layer, which contributes to the excellent characteristics of the thin film transistor.
US08637345B2	Methods of fabricating devices by low pressure cold welding Methods of transferring a metal and/or organic layer from a patterned stamp, preferably a soft, elastomeric stamp, to a substrate are provided. The patterned metal or organic layer may be used for example, in a wide range of electronic devices. The present methods are particularly suitable for nanoscale patterning of organic electronic components.
US08637341B2	Semiconductor module A semiconductor module. In one embodiment, at least two semiconductor chips are placed on a carrier. The at least two semiconductor chips are then covered with a molding material. An exposed portion of the at least two semiconductor chips is provided. A first layer of conductive material is applied over the exposed portion of the at least two semiconductor chips to electrically connect to a contact pad on the exposed portion of the at least two semiconductor chips. The at least two semiconductor chips are singulated.
US08637338B2	Method for producing integrated optical device A method for producing an integrated optical device includes the steps of growing, on a substrate including first and second regions, a first stacked semiconductor layer, a first cladding layer, and a side-etching layer; etching the first stacked semiconductor layer through a first etching mask formed on the first region; selectively growing, on the second region, a second stacked semiconductor layer and a second cladding layer; growing a third cladding layer and a contact layer on the first and second stacked semiconductor layers; and forming a ridge structure. The step of etching the first stacked semiconductor layer includes a step of forming an overhang between the first cladding layer and the first etching mask. The step of forming a ridge structure includes first, second, and third wet-etching steps in which the third cladding layer, the side-etching layer and the first and second cladding layers are selectively etched, respectively.
US08637337B2	Method for producing integrated optical device A method for producing an integrated optical device includes the steps of preparing a substrate including first and second regions; growing, on the substrate, a first stacked semiconductor layer including a first optical waveguiding layer, first and second cladding layers, and a first etch-stop layer between the first and second cladding layers; etching the first stacked semiconductor layer through a first etching mask formed on the first region; selectively growing, on the second region through the first etching mask, a second stacked semiconductor layer, third and fourth cladding layers, and a second etch-stop layer between the third and fourth cladding layers; and forming a ridge structure by etching the second and fourth cladding layers. The step of etching the first stacked semiconductor layer includes a step of forming a first overhang between the first and second cladding layers by selectively etching the first etch-stop layer by wet etching.
US08637334B2	High brightness light emitting diode covered by zinc oxide layers on multiple surfaces grown in low temperature aqueous solution A high brightness III-Nitride based Light Emitting Diode (LED), comprising multiple surfaces covered by Zinc Oxide (ZnO) layers, wherein the ZnO layers are grown in a low temperature aqueous solution and each have a (0001) c-orientation and a top surface that is a (0001) plane.
US08637331B2	Transparent polarized light-emitting device A polarized light-emitting device is fabricated by a method that includes forming a radiation-emitting layer. The radiation-emitting layer includes a radiation-emitting material that emits radiation having a wavelength included in an emission wavelength band. The radiation-emitting material is disposed between a transparent anode and a transparent cathode. An optically active reflective layer is disposed on the polarized light-emitting device. The optically active reflective layer is configured to reflect radiation having a wavelength included in a reflection wavelength band of the optically active reflective layer. The reflection wavelength band of the optically active reflective layer is adjusted to at least partially encompass the emission wavelength band of the radiation-emitting layer.
US08637329B2	Method for producing semiconductor optical integrated device A method for producing a semiconductor optical integrated device includes the steps of forming a substrate product including first and second stacked semiconductor layer portions; forming a first mask on the first and second stacked semiconductor layer portions, the first mask including a stripe-shaped first pattern region and a second pattern region, the second pattern region including a first end edge; forming a stripe-shaped mesa structure; removing the second pattern region of the first mask; forming a second mask on the second stacked semiconductor layer portion; and selectively growing a buried semiconductor layer with the first and second masks. The second mask includes a second end edge separated from the first end edge of the first mask, the second end edge being located on the side of the second stacked semiconductor layer portion in the predetermined direction with respect to the first end edge of the first mask.
US08637328B2	Integrated circuit having doped semiconductor body and method An integrated circuit and method for making an integrated circuit including doping a semiconductor body is disclosed. One embodiment provides defect-correlated donors and/or acceptors. The defects required for this are produced by electron irradiation of the semiconductor body. Form defect-correlated donors and/or acceptors with elements or element compounds are introduced into the semiconductor body.
US08637326B2	Biological substance analyzing method, and biological substance analyzing cell, biological substance analyzing chip, and biological substance analyzing apparatus employed in the biological substance analyzing method Detection of detection target substances at a sensor portion is expedited and the efficiency thereof is improved in biological substance analysis, to enable accelerated analysis with high sensitivity. A biological substance analyzing cell equipped with a reaction chamber having a sample supply space, an acoustic matching layer which is provided at a predetermined region of an inner wall of the reaction chamber that faces another inner wall, and a sensor portion provided within the reaction chamber is employed. Ultrasonic waves are emitted such that a standing wave are generated between the acoustic matching layer and the inner wall of the reaction chamber that faces the acoustic matching layer. The detection target substance is concentrated by the capturing forces of the standing waves, and the concentrated detection target substance is detected at the sensor portion.
US08637325B2	Method and apparatus for pyrolysis-induced cleavage in peptides and proteins A method and apparatus for conducting the rapid pyrolysis of peptides, proteins, polymers, and biological materials. The method can be carried out at atmospheric pressures and takes only about 5 to 30 seconds. The samples are cleaved at the C-terminus of aspartic acid. The apparatus employs a probe on which the sample is heated and digested components analyzed.
US08637321B2	Lipidomics approaches for central nervous system disorders The present invention has utilized the power of lipidomics to profile lipid metabolites and to characterize changes in lipid metabolism as they relate to CNS disorders. Lipidomic signatures can guide the development of diagnostic, prognostic and surrogate markers for CNS disorders; identification of new targets for drug design based on highlighted perturbed pathways; stratify patients with CNS disorders as to which pathways are impaired, and facilitate the determination of which patients with CNS disorders are candidates for a particular therapy, i.e. provide the tools for a personalized approach to therapy; identify which patients are responding or are developing side effects to a treatment; design of modified antipsychotics that have less metabolic side effects and enhanced activity; overcome the lag phase in response to some treatments; and find better combination therapies for CNS disorders that target the pathways that are impaired (e.g., impairments in lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolism).
US08637320B2	Method for determining at least one evaluation parameter of a blood sample The present invention provides a method for determining at least one evaluation parameter of a blood sample, comprising the following steps: providing (S4) at least one blood gas parameter; providing (S5) at least one hemostasis parameter; and determining (S6 . . . S10″) the at least one evaluation parameter as a function of the blood gas parameter and/or the hemostasis parameter.
US08637319B2	Method and a kit for determining human or animal blood on a surface A method for detecting human or animal blood traces on a surface is described. The method is fundamentally based on the reaction of luminol and includes the preliminary operation of atomizing an inorganic powder suspension, such as titania, silica, alumina, hydroxyapatite, or the like, onto the surface to be investigated, after which a composition of luminol, a peroxidic oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent in an amount providing a pH within the range of 10 to 14, is atomized on the surface. A kit for carrying out the detection method of the invention is also described.
US08637318B2	Methods for sorting particles A method for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The method includes operating multiple flow cytometer units to form separate fluid streams that each contain a mixture of particles and to classify particles in the mixtures by interrogating the streams with beams of electromagnetic radiation. A common processor receives and processes information from the units and sends a control signal in real time to adjust the unit's operation as a function of the information received by the common processor.
US08637316B2	Glycinin signal sequence for producing secreted proteins in plants The present invention relates to a method for producing a heterologous protein secreted out of a plant cell comprising introducing into a plant cell genome a DNA encoding an amino acid sequence that comprises a glycinin signal sequence for endoplasmic reticulum transport and an amino acid sequence of a heterologous protein, wherein the signal sequence is directly fused to the amino acid sequence of the heterologous protein or one or two amino acids are inserted between the signal sequence and the amino acid sequence of the heterologous protein; and expressing the DNA.
US08637308B2	Method for activating natural killer cells by tumor cell preparation in vitro The present invention provides a method for activating a Natural Killer (NK) cell by contacting the NK cell in vitro with an activating tumor cell preparation (ATCP). The invention also provides an activated NK cell produced by such a method and its use in the treatment of cancer.
US08637307B2	Activation and expansion of T-cells using an engineered multivalent signaling platform as a research tool Provided are a system and methods for selectively inducing expansion of a population of T cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors, such as lymphokines, and accessory cells for research purposes. The cell based expansion system and methods permit the long-term growth of CTLs, preferably human CTLs. In addition, T cell proliferation can be induced without the need for antigen, thus providing an expanded T cell population that is polyclonal with respect to antigen reactivity. Further provided are methods for using the system and methods to screen and identify antigens related to specific diseases or conditions, tumors, autoimmune disorders, or an infectious disease or pathogen, and to identify target molecule for research purposes, or for developing a vaccine based thereon.
US08637303B2	System for measuring and analyzing properties of water and sediment samples A system for assessing the characteristics and toxicity of a water sample comprising: a test chamber; an optical signal generator configured to emit an optical signal into the test chamber; a first digital filter disposed between the optical signal generator and the test chamber; a first optical transducer disposed to generate a first data signal in response to detecting radiant energy in the test chamber; a second digital filter disposed between the first optical transducer and the test chamber; an aqueous suspension of dinoflagellates contained within the test chamber and mixed with the water sample; a stimulator disposed to stimulate the dinoflagellates to emit a bioluminescence signal; and a microprocessor operatively coupled to the optical signal generator, the first digital optical filter, the stimulator, the first optical transducer, and the second digital filter, wherein the microprocessor is configured to assess the spectral characteristics and toxicity of the water sample.
US08637302B2	Method for single nucleotide polymorphism and mutation detection using real time polymerase chain reaction microarray A method and apparatus for real-time, simultaneous, qualitative measurement of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms in one or more target nucleic acids is provided. This method involves combining a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with an evanescent wave technique.
US08637301B2	Microfluidic solution for high-throughput, droplet-based single molecule analysis with low reagent consumption A microfluidic device for a confocal fluorescence detection system has an input channel defined by a body of the microfluidic device, a sample concentration section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the input channel, a mixing section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the concentration section, and a detection region that is at least partially transparent to illumination light of the confocal fluorescence detection system and at least partially transparent to fluorescent light when emitted from a sample under observation as the sample flows through the detection region.
US08637299B2	Method for capture carbon and storage (CCS process) from coal fuel gas and the storage as biofuels: oil, gasoline, biodiesel, jet fuel, ethanol, and methane A Capture Carbon Storage (CCS) Process for the economical capture of carbon dioxide from coal fuel gas, and the storage of the carbon dioxide as lipid oil or the use of the environmentally begin oil for transportation. The lipid oil may be refined into gasoline, biodiesel fuel, jet fuel, ethanol, and methane which provide a renewable energy resource for the United State's future energy needs. It is a new fuel form which has been both chemically and physically altered to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. It is a coal cleaning/upgrading process which produces a refined fuel, Hydrogen, that may be used to produce electricity and an environmentally begin biofuel for transportation. The renewable fuel will produce no carbon foot print at the internal combustion engine's exhaust pipe. The CCS Process will produce a 100% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere and thereby, stop the Global Warming.
US08637295B1	Process for the production of L-lysine The invention relates to mutants of coryneform bacteria in which genes have been enhanced by the use of a mutated promoter region, and to processes for the production of amino acids using bacteria according to the invention.
US08637294B2	Variant Hypocrea jercorina CBH1 cellulases Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH I, a Cel7 enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have improved thermostability and reversibility.
US08637292B2	Polypeptides having feruloyl esterase activity and nucleic acids encoding the same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having esterase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08637290B2	Phospholipases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.
US08637288B2	Thermostable chimeric nucleic acid polymerases and uses thereof Novel thermostable chimeric nucleic acid polymerases and methods for their generation and use are disclosed. It is shown that these chimeric nucleic acid polymerases, such as DNA polymerases, can be constructed using enzymatically active domains, isolated from different proteins or chemically synthesized. It is demonstrated that chimeric nucleic acid polymerases of the present invention possess the chemical and physical properties of their component domains (e.g., exonuclease activity, thermostability) and that the chimeric polymerases are thermostable.
US08637283B2	Production of hydrocarbons in microorganisms A recombinant microorganism employing a bacterial pathway to produce a cyclic amino acid (e.g., coronamic acid or norcoronamic acid) and a plant enzyme (ACC oxidase) to oxidize the amino acid and produce an alkene (e.g., 1-butene or propene) is provided herein. Expression of these two biosynthetic modules in various microbial chassis will facilitate alkene production from diverse energy and carbon sources, including sugars, glycerol, CO2, CH4, H2, and sunlight.
US08637281B2	Enhanced dihydroxy-acid dehydratase activity in lactic acid bacteria Lactic acid bacterial (LAB) cells were modified such that they have a specific activity of dihydroxy-acid dehydratase enzyme activity that is increased to about 0.1 μmol min−1 mg−1. LAB cells with even higher activities of 0.2 to 0.6 μmol min−1 mg−1 of DHAD activity were obtained.These modified cells may be used to produce isobutanol when additional isobutanol biosynthetic pathway enzymes are expressed.
US08637275B2	Postprandial hyperglycemia marker, method of measuring the same, and usage thereof A new method of diagnosing postprandial hyperglycemia by indirectly measuring a blood glucose level is provided. Postprandial hyperglycemia is detected by measuring a glycation degree of lysine in hemoglobin, in which a side chain amino group of lysine is glycated (GHbLys %). Measurement of GHbLys % can be performed by cleaving hemoglobin by protease, treating a glycated part of a lysine residue in the obtained cleavage product of hemoglobin with fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and measuring a redox reaction between the glycated part and fructosyl amino acid oxidase.
US08637265B2	Cathepsin E as a marker of colon cancer Elevated levels of cathepsin E (catE) are demonstrated to be diagnostic of intestinal forms of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Elevated levels of cathepsin E (catE, monomeric forms) are demonstrated to be detectable in the urine of animals having colorectal cancer, and a diagnostic/screening method for identifying and/or detecting colorectal cancer in an animal from a urine sample is provided. Specific tissue immunohistochemcial staining for catE (monomeric forms) in dysplastic tissue is also disclosed, and is shown to correlate with the level of dysplastic lesion severity. Hence, a method for identifying and determining the level of dysplastic lesion severity is provided. Cathepsin E mRNA transcription and expression levels are also demonstrated to be upregulated in dysplastic tissue, relative to non-dysplastic tissue. Hence, a method for transcriptionally profiling an animal to monitor the progression of colorectal disease is provided.
US08637264B2	Microarrays and uses therefor Methods of using microarrays to simplify analysis and characterization of genes and their function are provided. Such methods can be used to identify and characterize antibodies having binding affinity for a specific target antigen. A method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting an array of characterized or uncharacterized antibodies on a solid surface with one or more proteins and identifying the antibodies to which said protein(s) binds also is provided. This method can be used to compare the protein expression in two different populations of cells, such as normal cells and cancer cells or resting cells and stimulated cells. In addition, a method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting a microarray of nucleic acid samples derived from a variety of different sources with one or more nucleic acid probes then identifying the sample or samples to which the probe binds is provided.
US08637259B1	Methods of identifying modulators of olfactory receptors involved in the perception of sweat carboxylic acids The invention relates to the identification of carboxylic acids, present in human sweat, as natural ligands of a specific subgroup of seven olfactory receptor (OR) belonging to class 1 within the OR classification. The invention encompasses the use of the interaction of OR polypeptides and carboxylic acids as the basis of screening assays for agents that specifically modulate the activity of the seven ORs of the invention.
US08637257B2	Molecular targets and compounds, and methods to identify the same, useful in the treatment of bone and joint degenerative diseases The present invention relates to methods for identifying agents capable of inhibiting the expression or activity of proteins involved in the processes modulating osteoclastogenesis, which inhibition is useful in the prevention and/or treatment of bone and joint degenerative diseases and diseases involving aberrant activity or differentiation of osteoclasts. In particular, the present invention provides methods for identifying agents for use in the prevention and/or treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
US08637251B2	Nucleic acid quantification method and microchip for nucleic acid amplification reaction A nucleic acid quantification method that uses a microchip for nucleic acid amplification reaction, the microchip including an inlet through which a liquid is introduced from outside, a plurality of reaction regions provided as reaction sites of a nucleic acid amplification reaction, and a channel through which the liquid introduced through the inlet is supplied into each of the reaction regions, wherein the likelihood of the nucleic acid amplification reaction varies between the reaction regions, includes: flowing a detection target nucleic acid chain-containing solution through the channel and introducing the solution into each of the reaction regions to perform a nucleic acid amplification reaction; and detecting an amplification product in each of the reaction regions to specify the reaction regions in which the nucleic acid amplification reaction occurred.
US08637246B2	BRAF mutations conferring resistance to BRAF inhibitors The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits concerning resistance to treatment with an anti-cancer agent, specifically an inhibitor of BRAF. In particular embodiments, the invention concerns mutations in a BRAF sequence that confer resistance to a BRAF inhibitor. Identification of such mutations in a BRAF sequence allows the identification and design of second-generation BRAF inhibitors. Methods and kits for detecting the presence of a mutant BRAF sequence in a sample are also provided.
US08637245B2	Method for the detection of EGFR mutations in blood samples The present invention refers to the detection of EGFR mutations in a blood (serum/plasma) sample from a subject. The method comprises: (i) obtaining the DNA from said sample; (ii) amplifying the nucleic acid sequence corresponding to a specific region of the EGFR gene by means of PCR using a Protein-Nucleic Acid probe; 10 and (iii) detecting said mutation.
US08637241B2	MicroRNAs (miRNA) as biomarkers for diagnosing different grades of gliomas and pathways of glioma progression This invention relates to a method for detecting, (i) malignant astrocytoma from normal brain tissue (ii) glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma (iii) primary glioblastoma and secondary glioblastoma (iv) progressive pathway and denovo pathway comprises determining the level of expression of miRNAs listed in table 2, 3, 4, 5, wherein a higher or lower level of expression of miRNAs in the test sample as compared to the control sample differentiates and kit for characterizing a) malignant astrocytoma from normal brain tissue cell comprising reagent capable of specifically detecting the level of expression of the genes of miRNAs and instructions for using said kit for characterizing malignant astrocyoma from normal brain tissue cells b) glioblastoma from anaplastic astrocytoma comprising reagent capable of specifically detecting the level of expression of the genes of miRNAs and instructions for using said kit for characterizing glioblastoma from anaplastic astrocyoma c) primary glioblastoma from secondary glioblastoma comprising reagent capable of specifically detecting the level of expression of the genes of miRNAs and instructions for using said kit for characterizing primary glioblastoma from secondary glioldastoma, d) progressive pathway from denovo pathway comprising reagent capable of specifically detecting the level of expression of the genes of miRNAs and instructions for using said kit for characterizing progressive pathway from denovo pathway.
US08637240B2	Use of gene expression signatures to determine cancer grade Signatures indicative of cancer grades are based on over- and under-expression of 214 genes that characterize expression patterns in CD133+ cells.
US08637233B2	Device and method for identifying microbes and counting microbes and determining antimicrobial sensitivity A method of determining antimicrobial activity of an agent can include providing a well, wherein the well contains at least one antimicrobial agent, the well further including at least two electrodes. A sample of a microbe can be added into the well and a voltage pulsed between the electrodes. An electrical property can be sampled and recorded. In another aspect, a method of identifying at least one microbe includes taking a sample containing the at least one microbe, isolating the at least one microbe from the sample, dividing the at least one microbe into a at least one well, wherein each well contains at least one antimicrobial agent and at least two electrodes. A voltage is pulsed between the at least two electrodes, an electrical property is sampled during the pulsing and recorded. In another aspect, a diagnostic device for detecting at least one microbe is presented.
US08637231B2	Method for increasing the volume of a blood substitute with an expander comprising basic alpha keratose A liquid plasma expander or resuscitation fluid composition for use in a subject in need thereof, comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of: (a) a keratin derivative (preferably alpha keratose, gamma keratose, or combinations thereof, and with basic alpha keratose preferred over acidic alpha keratose); and (b) an electrolyte solution, with the keratin derivative solubilized in the electrolyte solution to form a homogeneous liquid composition. Blood substitutes formed therefrom and methods of making and using the same are also described.
US08637229B2	Pattern forming method, resist composition for multiple development used in the pattern forming method, developer for negative development used in the pattern forming method, and rinsing solution for negative development used in the pattern forming method A pattern forming method, including: (A) coating a substrate with a positive resist composition of which solubility in a positive developer increases and solubility in a negative developer decreases upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, so as to form a resist film; (B) exposing the resist film; and (D) developing the resist film with a negative developer; a positive resist composition for multiple development used in the method; a developer for use in the method; and a rinsing solution for negative development used in the method.
US08637225B2	Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus A method for producing a magnetic recording medium comprising at least a recording layer and a protective film provided on top of a non-magnetic substrate, the method comprising, in the following order, forming a continuous recording layer on the substrate, forming a patterned resist layer, partially removing the recording layer based on a resist pattern, applying an organosilicon compound having an active energy beam-curable functional group onto the recording layer and regions from which the recording layer has been removed, curing the organosilicon compound with an active energy beam, etching the organosilicon compound to expose a magnetic layer, and forming a protective film.
US08637223B2	Preparation of lithographic printing plates Negative-Working Lithographic Printing Plate Precursors can be provided with desired contrast coloration after imaging using a coloring fluid that includes a water-insoluble colorant that is soluble in a water-insoluble fatty alcohol. The coloring fluid provides an optical density change in the exposed regions of at least OD2 that is greater than the original optical density of those regions, OD1. The coloring fluid can be applied immediately after imaging and before processing, or it can be applied as part of the developer or processing solution, or it can be applied after processing. The coloring fluid can also be applied to imaged precursors that are designed for either off-press or on-press development.
US08637221B2	Lithographic printing plate precursor, plate making method thereof and novel polymer compound A lithographic printing plate precursor includes: a support; and an image-recording layer containing (A) a polymerization initiator, (B) a sensitizing dye and (C) a polymerizable compound, and the image-recording layer or an undercoat layer which is optionally provided between the support and the image-recording layer comprises (D) a polymer compound comprising (a1) a repeating unit having a side chain having a structure represented by the following formula (a1-1) and (a2) a repeating unit having a side chain having at least one structure of the formulae (a2-1), (a2-2), (a2-3), (a2-4), (a2-5) and (a2-6) as defined herein.
US08637217B2	Electrophotographic toner and process for producing electrophotographic toner Disclosed is an decolorizable electrophotographic toner, containing a binder resin, an electron-donating color-developable agent, and a wax having a color-developing action and having an acid value of 60 mgKOH/g or more.
US08637213B2	Mask blank and transfer mask Provided is a mask blank which enables EB defect correction to be suitably applied and which further enables a reduction in the thickness of a light-shielding film. A mask blank 10 is used for producing a transfer mask adapted to be applied with ArF exposure light and has a light-shielding film 2 on a transparent substrate 1. The light-shielding film 2 is composed mainly of a material containing a transition metal, silicon, and at least one or more elements selected from oxygen and nitrogen. An etching rate of the light-shielding film by a fluorine-containing substance in a state of not being irradiated with charged particles is low enough to at least ensure etching selectivity with respect to an etching rate of the light-shielding film by the fluorine-containing substance in a state of being irradiated with the charged particles.
US08637209B2	Cathode and electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells and ion transport membranes Novel cathode, electrolyte and oxygen separation materials are disclosed that operate at intermediate temperatures for use in solid oxide fuel cells and ion transport membranes based on oxides with perovskite related structures and an ordered arrangement of A site cations. The materials have significantly faster oxygen kinetics than in corresponding disordered perovskites.
US08637207B2	Liquid fuel, fuel cartridge and fuel cell A fuel cartridge includes a container having an outlet port section, and a liquid fuel provided in the container. The liquid fuel contains a cationic impurity excluding H+. The concentration of the cationic impurity falls within a range of 1×10−7 to 6×10−6 equivalent/L at the outlet port section.
US08637203B2	Modular fuel cell system with burner-heat exchanger module A modular fuel cell system is provided, especially for use in vehicles, with a fuel cell module, which has a stack of a plurality fuel cell elements between a first end plate and a second end plate, with a burner-heat exchanger module, which has a heat exchanger for preheating cathode gas and a burner for reacting fuel cell waste gases. Manufacturing advantages are provided with the first end plate has, on a connection side facing away from the stack, an anode gas inlet opening, a cathode gas inlet opening, an anode waste gas outlet opening and a cathode waste gas outlet opening and if the burner-heat exchanger module has an anode gas outlet opening communicatingly connected to the an anode gas inlet opening, an cathode gas outlet opening communicatingly connected to the an cathode gas inlet opening, an anode waste gas inlet opening communicatingly connected to the an anode waste gas outlet opening and an cathode waste gas inlet opening communicatingly connected to the an cathode waste gas outlet opening.
US08637202B2	Device to minimize the buoyancy driven flows in vertically oriented headers A device for minimizing a buoyancy driven convective flow inside a manifold of a fuel cell stack includes a plurality of spaced apart baffle walls. The spaced apart baffle walls are configured to be disposed inside the manifold of the fuel cell stack. The spaced apart baffle walls increase a viscous resistance to the buoyancy driven convective flow inside the manifold.
US08637196B2	Alkaline membrane fuel cells and apparatus and methods for supplying water thereto A device to produce electricity by a chemical reaction without the addition of liquid electrolyte comprises an anode electrode, a polymer membrane electrolyte fabricated to conduct hydroxyl (OH—) ions, the membrane being in physical contact with the anode electrode on a first side of the membrane, and a cathode electrode in physical contact with a second side of the membrane. The anode electrode and cathode electrode contain catalysts, and the catalysts are constructed substantially entirely from non-precious metal catalysts. Water may be transferred to the cathode side of the membrane from an external source of water.
US08637195B2	Battery with multilayer electrode Provided is a battery which can prevent deactivation from occurring by avoiding solid deposition at electrodes. The battery includes an anion conductor, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a first aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and a second aqueous liquid electrolyte layer, wherein the first aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and the positive electrode are present in this sequence on a first surface of the anion conductor, and the second aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and the negative electrode are present in this sequence on a second surface of the anion conductor, and wherein the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material which can release a metal ion upon discharging.
US08637190B2	Battery unit A battery unit includes a battery assembly. The battery assembly includes a glass ceramic and a positive-side active material constituting a first composite layer, a glass ceramic and a negative-side active material constituting a second composite layer, and a solid-state electrolyte layer located between the first composite layer and the second composite layer. The battery unit also includes a case in which the battery unit is stored, a load sensor provided on the case, and a clamp member clamping the case and the load sensor.
US08637186B2	Electrode for battery and method for manufacturing thereof An electrode for a battery and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electrode for a battery according to the present invention comprising silicon nanostructures integrally formed on a silicon thin film and having a period array can reduce the internal resistance, have better charge transport properties, and reduce the structural stress, thereby exhibiting high storage capacity, high efficiency charge/discharge characteristics, and long charge/discharge cycle characteristics. Moreover, the method for manufacturing the electrode for a battery according to the present invention can simply and easily form a nanopattern with nanostructures on a silicon thin film using laser interference lithography (LIL) and dry etching.
US08637182B2	Secondary battery including a plurality of aligned positive and negative electrode tabs A secondary battery, including an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the first and second electrode plates, wherein the electrode assembly includes a first electrode tab including a plurality of stacked first unit tabs protruding from the first electrode plate; and a second electrode tab including a plurality of stacked second unit tabs protruding from the second electrode plate, wherein the first electrode tab has a width, the width being greater than widths of each of the first unit tabs.
US08637180B2	Packing material for battery case and battery case A battery case material includes a biaxially stretched polyamide film layer as an outer layer, a thermoplastic resin unstretched film layer as an inner layer, and an aluminum foil layer interposed between the two film layers. As the biaxially stretched polyamide film, a biaxially stretched polyamide film having a density of 1,132 to 1,158 kg/m3 is used. In the battery case material, excellent formability can be secured without coating a lubrication giving component, and sufficient volume capacity ratio can be obtained.
US08637177B2	Electrochemical device The electrochemical device of the present invention comprises a positive electrode (2), a negative electrode (1), a nonaqueous electrolyte and a separator (3). The separator (3) includes a porous layer (I) composed of a microporous film composed predominantly of a thermoplastic resin and a porous layer (II) containing a filler having a heat-resistant temperature of 150° C. or higher as the main component. The negative electrode (1) contains graphite having an R value of 0.1 to 0.5 and d002 of 0.338 nm or less as a negative electrode active material, where the R value is a ratio of a peak intensity at 1360 cm−1 to a peak intensity at 1580 cm−1 in an argon ion laser Raman spectrum and the d002 is a lattice spacing between 002 planes. The ratio of the graphite to the negative electrode active material is 30 mass % or more, and the nonaqueous electrolyte contains vinyl ethylene carbonate or a derivative thereof, or a dinitrile compound or acid anhydride.
US08637174B2	Phosphonic acid-containing blends and phosphonic acid-containing polymers Various blends and blend membranes from low-molecular hydroxymethylene-oligo-phosphonic acids R—C(PO3H2)x(OH)y and polymers, the group R representing any organic group, the polymers containing cation exchanger groups or their nonionic precursors of the type SO2X, X being a halogen, OH, OMe, NR1R2, OR1 with Me being any metal cation or ammonium cation, R1, R2 being H or any aryl- or alkyl group, PDX2, COX and/or basic groups such as primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, imidazole groups, pyridine groups, pyrazole groups etc. and/or OH groups. Such membranes may also include polymers that are modified with the 1-hydroxymethylene-1,1-bisphosphonic acid group. The polymers may be formed by reacting polymers which contain carboxylic acid groups or carboxylic halide groups —COHal (Hal=F, Cl, Br, I) with phosphite compounds or by reacting polymeric aldehydes or polymeric keto compounds with phosphite esters while carrying out an amine catalysis, an oxidation of the intermediary hydroxyphosphonic acid with MnO2 or another oxidant.
US08637172B2	Secondary battery The present invention relates to a secondary battery, and in particular relating to a secondary battery in which connection between the bare cell and the protection circuit can be established by a mechanical connection system without using molding method. A secondary battery of the present invention includes a bare cell in which charging and discharging can be performed, a protection circuit substrate electrically connected to the bare cell, a substrate molding body integrally formed with the protection circuit substrate, a support member having a connection unit coupled to the substrate molding body for connecting the substrate molding body to the support member, and a connection member for connecting the substrate molding body to the connection unit.
US08637171B2	Device and method for converting light energy into electrical energy The invention relates to a device comprising a reactor, where the reactor comprises an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, and where the anode compartment comprises a) an anodophilic micro-organism capable of oxidizing an electron donor compound, and b) a living plant or part thereof. The invention also relates to a method for converting light energy into electrical energy and/or hydrogen, where a feedstock comprising an electron donor compound is introduced into the device.
US08637169B2	Low emissivity and EMI shielding window films A low emissivity and EMI shielding transparent composite film typically for use in association with window glazing and comprising a transparent film substrate having on one side thereof an underlayer of abrasion resistant hardcoat material with at least one infrared reflective layer covering the underlayer, typically a metallic layer which may be encased in metal oxide layers, which is then covered with a thin external protective top coat of a cured fluorinated resin.
US08637162B2	Layers durably bonded to surfaces A method and class of bond coat is provided that physically and chemically bonds solid layer lubricants and other functional coatings to a substrate by burnishing, for example, selected soft materials, including oxides such as antimony trioxide, against the substrate. The new method and bond coat is a major improvement over conventional bonding or coating methods. The process is non-vacuum at ambient temperatures, requiring no binders, adhesives, curing or baking. Lubricant performance can be enhanced by orders of magnitude compared to when the bond coat and burnishing process are not applied. The method is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, applicable to any substrate material, and scalable.
US08637161B2	Coated article and method for manufacturing the coated article A coated article is provided. A coated article includes a composite substrate made from carbon fiber and zirconium diboride. A chromium layer is deposited on the substrate. A chromium diffusing layer is formed between the substrate and the chromium layer. A chromium-nitrogen layer is deposited on the chromium layer. A iridium layer is deposited on the chromium-nitrogen layer opposite to the chromium layer, wherein the chromium-nitrogen layer includes a first chromium-nitrogen layer and a second chromium-nitrogen layer. The first chromium-nitrogen layer abuts the chromium layer. The second chromium-nitrogen layer abuts the iridium layer. The atomic nitrogen content in the first chromium-nitrogen layer gradually increases with the thickness of the first chromium-nitrogen layer. The atomic nitrogen content in the second chromium-nitrogen layer gradually decreases with the thickness of the second chromium-nitrogen layer.
US08637156B2	Methods for producing coated phosphors and host material particles using atomic layer deposition methods Layers of a passivating material and/or containing luminescent centers are deposited on phosphor particles or particles that contain a host material that is capable of capturing an excitation energy and transferring it to a luminescent center or layer. The layers are formed in an ALD process. The ALD process permits the formation of very thin layers. Coated phosphors have good resistance to ambient moisture and oxygen, and/or can be designed to emit a distribution of desired light wavelengths.
US08637155B2	Process for preparing stable dispersions of starch particles In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a process for preparing a dispersion of starch particles in an aqueous liquid. In one or more embodiments, the process includes introducing a feed starch and the aqueous liquid into a rotor stator mixer, maintaining the feed starch and the aqueous liquid in the rotor stator mixer at a temperature ranging from a gelation temperature to less than a solubilization temperature, and shearing the feed starch into starch particles with the rotor stator mixer to form the dispersion of starch particles in the aqueous liquid. In one or more embodiments, the starch particles produced by this process have an average particle size diameter of no larger than 2 micrometers and the dispersion has 20 to 65 weight percent of the starch particles based on a total weight of the dispersion.
US08637149B2	Coated article having antibacterial effect and method for making the same A coated article is described. The coated article includes a substrate, a bonding layer formed on the substrate, a plurality of nickel-chromium-nitrogen layers and a plurality of silver-cerium alloy layers formed on the bonding layer. The bonding layer is a nickel-chromium layer. Each nickel-chromium-nitrogen layer interleaves with one silver-cerium alloy layer. One of the nickel-chromium-nitrogen layers is directly formed on the bonding layer. A method for making the coated article is also described.
US08637141B2	Coatings A superhydrophilic coating can be antireflective and antifogging. The coating can remain antireflective and antifogging for extended periods. The coating can have a graded refractive index. The coating for wafer-level optics can be for targeted capillary condensation in nanoparticle containing reflow-compatible coatings.
US08637140B2	Method for defining an electrically conductive metal structure on a three-dimensional element and a device made from the method A method for defining an electrically conductive metalized structure, which may comprise an electrode or trace, on the surface of a three-dimensional element. The three-dimensional element may comprise a glass microsphere or shell resonator. A laser direct write grayscale photolithographic process is used in conjunction with electrically conductive metal deposition processes to define one or more electrically conductive metal structures on the surfaces of the three dimensional element.
US08637139B2	Water vapor permeable shrinkable-fabric A shrinkable-stretchable polymeric laminated structure is made up of a shrink-stretch film on the outside and a nonwoven on the inside, with or without an adhesive. Preferably the film, nonwoven and adhesive are made from the same polymer family, including copolymers, which renders the laminate 100% recyclable. The film, nonwoven, and adhesive are modified to provide different responses to heat in addition to controlled water vapor permeability. The structure allows for water vapor permeability in one direction (inside-to-outside) and not in the opposite direction to allow wrapped article to dry or to keep wrapped articles dry and prevent corrosion related damage.
US08637138B2	Layered structures on thin substrates A thin substrate has a layered structure on one surface, and can also have a layered structure on the other. Each layered structure can include a part of at least one patterned layer that, if patterned by photolithography, would frequently result in damage to the substrate due to fragility. For example, the substrate could be a 3 mil (76.2 μm) or thinner polyimide film and one patterned layer could be a semiconductor material such as vanadium oxide, while another could be metal in electrical contact with semiconductor material. The layer part, however, can be patterned by a printing operation or can include a printed patterned artifact such as an uneven boundary or an alignment. The printing operation can be direct printing or printing of a mask for etching or liftoff or both. The layered structure can include an array of cells, each with layer parts on each substrate surface.
US08637135B2	Non-uniform semiconductor device active area pattern formation In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises at least three active areas. The at least three active areas are proximate. Longitudinal axes of the at least three active areas are parallel, and each of the at least three active areas comprises an edge intersecting the longitudinal axis of the respective active area. The edges of the at least three active areas form an arc.
US08637133B2	Placemat having an integrated napkin ring and method of making and using the same A placemat assembly having an integrated napkin ring and a method of making and using the placemat assembly are provided. The method may include forming at least two openings in a placemat such that a midpoint of the distance between the two openings is located in a position offset from the center of the placemat. The method may further include attaching a napkin ring to the placemat and fastening the napkin ring so as to secure a napkin to the placemat assembly. In various embodiments, the opening may be a variety of shapes and sizes and may have a periphery that is sewn. The placemat, napkin ring, and napkin may be a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials.
US08637131B1	Poly(phenylene ether) article and composition Articles useful in the food packaging, food service, and healthcare industries are formed from a composition prepared by melt blending specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether), a radial block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer, a hydrogenated terpene resin, and benzoin. The composition provides optical clarity, heat resistance, and impact resistance to the articles.
US08637126B2	Biodegradable paper-based laminate with oxygen and moisture barrier properties and method for making biodegradable paper-based laminate Biodegradable laminates including biodegradable polymers have oxygen and moisture barrier properties. The oxygen and moisture barrier layers are biodegradable. If the barrier layers have poor adhesion, degradable tie layers can be included to improve adhesion. Combination of laminate structures can be formed to increase the overall oxygen and moisture barrier characteristics. The biodegradable laminates can be formed by extrusion.
US08637125B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device Providing a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as high maximum temperature of nematic phase, low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics; and an AM device having short response time, large voltage holding ratio, large contrast ratio, long service life and so forth. The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains a specific two-ring compound having a low minimum temperature as a first component, a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component, a specific compound having a low viscosity as a third component, and a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component. The liquid crystal display device contains the composition.
US08637121B2	Resin coated member and method of resin coating A coating method through HVOF spraying that comprises generating a combustion jet in a combustion chamber connected to one end of a barrel while controlling the temperature of the combustion jet by supply of an inert gas to the jet, feeding resin coating materials into the temperature-controlled combustion jet and leading them to pass through the barrel, and spouting the coating particles through a spout port along with the combustion jet therethrough to thereby coat the substrate surface; wherein the length of the barrel, the temperature of the combustion jet and the physical properties of the coating particles are defined so as to satisfy both the following formulae (1) and (2). Numerical ⁢ ⁢ Formula ⁢ ⁢ 1 α × t r > 0.5 ( 1 ) Numerical ⁢ ⁢ Formula ⁢ ⁢ 2 2.5 < Tav Tcp < 4.5 ( 2 )
US08637114B2	Laser imageable paper A method of manufacturing a paper substrate comprising a color former which is capable undergoing a light activated color change reaction, wherein the color former is applied to the paper substrate during the manufacture of said paper substrate, and the color former is a metal oxyanion or a molecular organic. A paper substrate obtainable by this method is also provided.
US08637111B2	Methods for modulating the release rate of a drug-coated stent Methods for modulating the release rate of a drug coated stent are disclosed.
US08637105B2	Batter-like compositions containing setting agent and methods of preparing and using same The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the discrete product form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.
US08637104B2	Microencapsulate and process for the manufacture thereof The present invention relates to a microencapsulate comprising microcapsules having a diameter of 0.1 μm to 25 μm, said microcapsules comprising: —a core particle having a diameter of 90 nm to 23 μm and containing at least 3% of the active component by weight of said core particle; and—a coating that fully envelops the core particle and containing at least 20 wt. % of a hydrophobic polymer selected from cellulosic ethers, cellulosic esters, zein, shellac, gluten, polylactide, hydrophobic starch derivatives, polyvinyl acetate polymers, polymers or copolymers derived from an acrylic acid ester and/or a methacrylic acid ester and combinations thereof; wherein the core particle contains a release trigger component and/or the coating contains a release trigger component, said release trigger component being selected from: —a water-swellable polymer having a water-uptake capacity at 37° C. and pH 7.0 of less than 20 wt. % and a water-uptake capacity at 37° C. and pH 2.0 of at least 50 wt. %; and—an edible salt having a water solubility at 37° C. and a pH of 7.0 of less than 1 mg/ml and a water solubility at 37° C. and a pH of 2.0 of at least 5 mg/ml; The microencapsulate of the present invention does not release the encapsulated active component when incorporated in water-containing foodstuffs, beverages, nutritional compositions or pharmaceutical compositions. Following ingestion, however, the active component is released rapidly.
US08637103B2	Production of isomaltooligosaccharides and uses therefor Described herein are methods for preparing isomaltooligosaccharides (“IMOs”) from a carbohydrate substrate and uses thereof. In the presence of a maltogenic enzyme and additional IMO precursors, an Aspergillus sp. invertase is capable of producing IMOs from a starch slurry. The ability of the invertase to function as a transglucosidase enzyme imparts a simultaneous mechanism for IMO saccharification.
US08637101B2	Lipases with high specificity towards short chain fatty acids and uses thereof The present invention relates to novel polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode novel lipolytic enzymes, as well as functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequences with high homology thereto. The invention also relates to methods of using these lipolytic enzymes in industrial processes, for example in the dairy or baking industry.
US08637097B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating nephropathy and healthy food comprising herb extracts Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition and health food comprising herb extracts of one or more herbs selected from the group consisting of Puerariae Radix, Bombycis corpus and Araliae Continentalis Radix. The herb medicine of this invention comprising a single or mixed composition may be useful for the prevention and treatment of renal diseases as well as improvement of renal functions.
US08637095B2	Composition for preventing hair loss, with excellent hair styling function, and hair tonic containing same An alopecia prevention composition consists of 0.1˜3 weight % of salicylic acid, 0.1˜5 weight % of tocopherol acetate, 0.1˜3 weight % of nicotinic acid amide, 0.1˜1 weight % of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 8˜12 weight % of ethanol, 0.3˜0.5 weight % of polyoxyethylene hydrogenerated castor oil, 0.2˜0.4 weight % of Sophora Angustifolia root extract, 0.2˜0.4 weight % of peony root extract and a residual quantity of purified water.
US08637094B2	Composition and method for treating viral conditions An antiviral composition and a method of treating viral conditions comprising colloidal silver, silver nitrate, or both, and an antiviral natural herb or a natural herb from the Rutaceae family, such as Ruta graveolens, Myrtaceae family, such as Melaleuca alternifolia, Cupressaceae family, such as Thuja occidentalis, and the Moraceae family, such as fig, or any combination thereof.
US08637093B2	Composition and uses thereof A composition for topical application to the skin comprises a cocoa polyphenol extract in combination with an SUS-rich fat, wherein the cocoa polyphenol extract is present in an amount of less than 15% by weight based on the weight of the SUS-rich fat, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The composition and the extract that it contains may increase skin elasticity and thickness and/or have an anti-wrinkle effect, may cause the depigmentation of age spots, improve skin renewal and/or reduce skin dryness such as reducing discomfort of chapped hands.
US08637091B2	Compositions comprising particles resulting from processing in a slurry mix The present invention provides a composition comprising functional mineral that is substantially free of crystalline silica. The agricultural particle film composition may be applied to horticultural plants and animals.
US08637090B2	Gallium formulation for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases A method and composition for treatment of bacterial infections caused by gram negative or gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Rhodococcus equi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter species, Serratia marcescens as well as those caused by Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a formulation containing gallium (III), in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or complex thereof.
US08637083B2	Stable formulations for lyophilizing therapeutic particles The present disclosure generally relates to lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles which, upon reconstitution, have low levels of greater than 10 micron size particles. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.
US08637077B2	Sustained-release preparation Sustained release preparations, which show suppressed initial release of a physiologically active substance and can release a constant amount of the physiologically active substance over a long period of time, and dispersion vehicle thereof can be obtained by adding a cationic substance or polyols to the outside of a matrix or dispersion vehicle thereof. Thus, sustained release preparations, which show suppressed initial release of a physiologically active substance immediately after the administration and can release a constant amount of the physiologically active substance over a long period of time and dispersion vehicle thereof can be provided.
US08637070B2	Rapamycin formulations and methods of their use Described herein are liquid rapamycin formulations. Described herein are methods of treating or preventing diseases or conditions, such as choroidal neovascularization, wet AMD and dry AMD, and preventing transition of dry AMD to wet AMD, using the liquid rapamycin formulations described herein.
US08637068B2	Hypotensive prostamide-containing biodegradable intraocular implants and related methods Biocompatible intraocular implants include a prostamide component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective in facilitating release of the prostamide component into an eye for an extended period of time. The prostamide component may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or reduce at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma.
US08637066B2	Biocompatible scaffold for ligament or tendon repair A biocompatible ligament repair implant or scaffold device is provided for use in repairing a variety of ligament tissue injuries. The repair procedures may be conducted with ligament repair implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair. The biocompatible ligament repair implants include a biocompatible scaffold and particles of viable tissue derived from ligament tissue or tendon tissue, such that the tissue and the scaffold become associated. The particles of living tissue contain one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the scaffold.
US08637064B2	Compression molding method for making biomaterial composites A process for making an implantable material comprising a composite of a biocompatible polymer and a bioactive agent. The composite combines desirable mechanical properties of polymers and the bioactivity of tissue or one or more component of tissue. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to methods for the manufacture of implantable materials, devices and components via a powder molding process.
US08637057B2	Cosmetic emulsions containing uncoated silicone elastomers and non silicone treated pigments Disclosed are cosmetic compositions in the form of an emulsion that contain an uncoated silicone elastomer, a solvent for the elastomer, a non-silicone treated pigment and an emulsifier, methods of making the compositions, and methods of applying the compositions to a keratinous substrate or tissue.
US08637056B2	Mixture of fatty acid esters of natural origin and its use in cosmetic preparations based on olive oil derivatives Mixture comprising esters of saturated C16-C18 fatty acid and unsaturated C16-C18 fatty acids with 2-ethyl-hexyl alcohol, said esters being in an amount ranging from 90% to 100% by weight with respect to the total weight of the mixture. The cosmetic compositions containing such a mixture formulated in topical form have a moisturizing, emollient, elasticizing and skin compactness and smoothness improving action.
US08637054B2	Polymeric delivery system for a nonviscous prostaglandin-based solution without preservatives This invention concerns an ophthalmic solution including: at least one prostaglandin; a solubilizing agent; a gelling agent of the carbomer type; a carbomer polymerization-inhibiting agent; a co-gelling/co-solubilizing agent.
US08637052B2	Klebsiella antigens The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an antigen, a vector comprising such nucleic acid molecule and a host cell comprising such vector. Furthermore, the invention provides antigens from Klebsiella species, fragments and variants thereof, a process for producing such antigens, and a process for producing cells expressing such antigens. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies binding to such antigen, hybridoma cells producing such antibodies, methods for producing such antibodies, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such nucleic acid molecule, antigen, vector or antibody, the use of such nucleic acid molecule, antigen, vector or antibody for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, methods for identifying an antagonist capable of binding such antigen or of inhibiting the interaction activity of such antigen, methods for diagnosis or for treatment or prevention of an infection. More specifically, such antigens are associated with nosocomial bacterial infections or infection by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
US08637048B2	Immunizing compositions and methods of use The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions, including inducing the production of antibody in an animal.
US08637047B2	Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae-haemophilus parasuis vaccine and methods of using the same The present invention provides a composition and an improved single dose vaccine against E. rhusiopathiae and an improved single dose vaccine against E. rhusiopathiae and H. parasuis which provides one or more of the following: 1) confers effective immunity against E. rhusiopathiae and/or H. parasuis; 2) decreases the risk of developing clinical signs of E. rhusiopathiae and/or H. parasuis infection; 3) induces an immune response against E. rhusiopathiae and/or H. parasuis; and 4) has a DOI against E. rhusiopathiae and/or H. parasuis of at least four months. The composition or E. rhusiopathiae vaccine as well as the combined E. rhusiopathiae-H. parasuis composition or vaccine each includes a bacterial component of inactivated E. rhusiopathiae bacteria and a suitable adjuvant. The combined E. rhusiopathiae-H. parasuis composition or vaccine further includes an amount of H. parasuis antigen. The vaccines can be administered to animals in any conventional manner. The amount of the dose for intramuscular administration is preferably less than 5 ml. The amount of E. rhusiopathiae and/or H. parasuis antigen in each dose should be enough to induce an immune response in the animal receiving the vaccine or composition and will preferably confer effective immunity against and decrease the risk of developing clinical signs resulting from E. rhusiopathiae and/or H. parasuis infection for a suitable duration of immunity.
US08637043B2	Compositions useful as ligands for the formyl peptide receptor like 1 receptor and methods of use thereof The inventors have discovered that a CKβ8-1 truncation variant, CKβ8-1 (25-116), is a bifunctional ligand for two distinct GPCRs, chemokine receptor CCR1 and formyl peptide receptor like 1 (FPRL1). Hence, the inventors have discovered that, in addition to its functional activity on CCR1, CKβ8-1(25-116) is also a functional ligand for the GPCR receptor FPRL1 that is involved in inflammatory reactions and innate immunity by recruiting monocytes and neutrophils. In addition, the inventors have discovered an alternatively spliced exon of CKβ8-1, named SHAAGtide. SHAAGtide, along with its parent chemokine CKβ8-1 (25-116), is fully functional on both monocytes and neutrophils that are known to express FPRL1.This application relates generally to enhancing immune responses. Such immune responses may be elicited by vaccine administration. Compositions and methods for inducing or enhancing an immune response to an antigen are provided. The compositions and methods are useful for vaccine formulations for therapeutic and prophylactic use (immunization) and for production of antibodies.
US08637041B2	Secreted Campylobacter flaggella coregulated proteins as immunogens The invention relates to an immunogenic composition composed of secreted polypeptides derived from Campylobacter jejuni non-flagellar proteins that are coordinately expressed with the flagellar regulon. The invention also relates to a method of inducing an immune response to the non-flagellar protein polypeptides.
US08637027B2	Anti c-Met antibodies The present invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to the human c-Met receptor protein and that act as strict antagonists of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated activation of the c-Met receptor and also inhibit HGF-independent activation of the human c-Met protein.
US08637022B2	Functionalized polypeptides The invention provides functionalized polypeptides, especially therapeutic polypeptides (e.g., scFv), comprising a linker sequence that can be rapidly and specifically functionalized by the addition of one or functional moieties (e.g., PEG) or binding specificities (e.g., an amino acid sequence with a particular binding specificity). Such functionalized polypeptides are advantageous in that they have improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., improved in vivo half-life, tissue penetration and tissue residency time) over non-functionalized polypeptides. Methods for the rapid and reproducible generation of functionalized polypeptides are also provided.
US08637015B2	Methods of antagonizing signal transduction in dorsal root ganglion cells Use of antagonists to IL-31 are used to treat inflammation and pain by inhibiting, preventing, reducing, minimizing, limiting or minimizing stimulation in neuronal tissues. Such antagonists include antibodies and fragments, derivative, or variants thereof. Symptoms such as pain, tingle, sensitization, tickle associated with neuropathies are ameliorated.
US08637013B2	Treatment of drug-related side effect and tissue damage by targeting the CD24-HMGB1-Siglec10 axis The present technology provides methods and compositions for the treatment of tissue-damage related immune dysregulation by administering a composition comprising one or more of CD24; CD24 fragments, variants and derivatives, CD24Fc fusion proteins; HMBG1-binding proteins, binding proteins to HMBG1 Box B; antagonists of HMGB1, polyclonal, monoclonal, recombinant, chimeric, humanized scFv antibodies and antibody fragments to HMGB1 or fragments of HMGB1 and antibodies that bind and suppress the activity of HMGB1 Box B; Siglec 10 agonists such as anti-Siglec 10 antibodies; and combinations thereof to a patient.
US08637012B2	Genetic products differentially expressed in tumors and the use thereof The invention relates to the identification of genetic products expressed in association with tumors and to coding nucleic acids for the expressed products. An embodiment of the invention also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of disease in which the genetic products are aberrantly expressed in association with tumors, proteins, polypeptides and peptides which are expressed in association with tumors, and to the nucleic acids coding for the polypeptides, peptides and proteins.
US08637003B2	Treating multiple system atrophy with hMSC The present invention provides a method for treating multiple system atrophy, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to a human in need thereof. Preferably, the administering is performed by an intra-arterial injection of said MSCs and one or more intravenous injections of said MSCs.
US08637000B2	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.
US08636999B2	Stable plasmid expression vector for bacteria The invention provides compositions and methods for stable plasmid maintenance and protein expression in bacteria. Further provided are compositions and methods for promoting competence in bacteria that are otherwise not transformable.
US08636991B1	Glycerin polyesters with terminal modification The present invention is directed to a series of functionalized glycerin based polymers that have been designed to have very specific substitution patterns, herein referred to as regio-specific substitution (RSS). The properties of these polymers can be controlled and tuned by judicial control of the polymerization conditions, specifically by employing the use of mono-functional monomers. This polymer will has “compartments” of solid and liquid pendant group domains if the proper pendant groups are chosen. This unique multi-dimensional, high definition polymer will have very unique physical properties, including unique shear and flow behaviors. These polymers will provide outstanding and unique skin feels when used in cosmetic applications.
US08636987B2	Tooth whitening compositions and methods A method of whitening a tooth surface including contacting the surface of a tooth with an efficacious amount of a substantially non-cytotoxic composition. The non-cytotoxic composition includes chlorine dioxide and no more than about 0.25 milligrams oxy-chlorine anions per gram of the composition.
US08636973B2	Method of producing pharmacologically pure crystals The present invention relates to means and methods for producing crystals or crystalline substances. In particular, crystals or crystalline substances which are useful as pharmaceutical ingredients can be manufactured.
US08636968B2	Method for UV photolytic separation of pollutant gases from an emission stream A method and apparatus for separating gaseous emission pollutants from a scrubber by using a narrow band of UV light energy emitted from an LED light source. The method includes sweeping the evolved gas away from the flow of liquid containing the pollutant using a non-reactive gas. The pollutant can be CO2, NOx, SOx, or other pollutants. The method can operate on multiple pollutants the gas stream, using different banks of LEDs, specifically tuned for a certain pollutant.
US08636967B2	Metal recovery from hydroconverted heavy effluent A metal recovery process for heavy effluent from a hydroconversion process. The effluent contains unconverted residue and a solid carbonaceous material containing group 8-10 metal, group 6 metal, and vanadium and/or nickel, and the metals are recovered according to the invention.
US08636965B2	Microtitation plate A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame which is made of at least one laser-inscribable plastic completely or in at least one area, and a multiplicity of receptacles arranged in the frame and having an opening on one side of the frame which are made of a plastic other than the laser-inscribable plastic.
US08636964B2	Fluid connectors for microreactor modules An end-face sealing fluidic connector for fluidic connection and/or interconnection of glass, glass-ceramic and/or ceramic fluidic modules in a microreactor includes a connector body having a circular first end face with a recess for retaining one or more O-rings and a first end section having a circular cylindrical outeT surface and a diameter In the range of from 3 to 25 mm. The outer surface has a circumferential recess dividing the first end section into a proximal portion adjacent the first end face and a distal portion. A retaining ring is seated in the circumferential recess and a protecting ring coinpming a high-compression-strength polymer surrounds the proximal portion of the first end section. A circular cylindrical sleeve surrounds the first end section and the reinforcing and/or protecting ring, the sleeve including a circumferentially extending inside bearing surface for engaging the retaining ring on the distal side thereof.
US08636963B2	Chemical suppressors and method of use A non-electrolytic method and apparatus for treating an aqueous sample stream including analyte ions and matrix ions of opposite charge, for pretreatment or suppression. The apparatus includes an ion exchange membrane capable of passing only ions of opposite charge to the analyte ions, a sample stream flow channel, a first aqueous stream ion receiving flow channel adjacent one side of the sample stream flow channel and separated therefrom by the first ion exchange membrane, and stationary flow-through ion exchange packing disposed in the sample stream flow channel. The ion receiving channel has an ion exchange capacity for the matrix ions less than about 25% of the ion exchange capacity for the matrix ions.
US08636962B2	Stackable cartridges for bulk feeders A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.
US08636960B2	Plasma reactor for carrying out gas reactions and method for the plasma-supported reaction of gases A device for carrying out gas reactions, comprising a plasma reactor with a through-flow of gases which has a, particularly cylindrical, plasma chamber, wherein flow-forming elements for forming a flow of gases are arranged before and/or in and/or after the plasma reactor in order to form a gas stream within the plasma chamber such that at least one, particularly central, zone in the gas flow is formed which is flow-reduced. A method for carrying out gas reactions is also provided.
US08636958B2	Nozzle reactor and method of use A nozzle reactor includes a passage having one or more regions with a converging-diverging shape. The nozzle reactor accelerates a reacting fluid to supersonic velocities and mixes it with a feed material. The reacting fluid and the feed material may be pre-heated. The high speed collision between the reacting fluid and the feed material at elevated temperatures causes the materials to react.
US08636948B2	Methods of preparing high density powder metallurgy parts by iron based infiltration The present invention provides iron-based infiltration methods for manufacturing powder metallurgy components, compositions prepared from those methods, and methods of designing those infiltration methods. Iron-based infiltration methods table include the steps of providing an iron-based infiltrant composed of a near eutectic liquidus composition of a first iron based alloy system and an iron-based base compact composed of a near eutectic solidus powder composition of a second iron based alloy system. The base compact is placed in contact with the infiltrant and heated to a process temperature above the melting point of the infiltrant to form a liquid component of the infiltrant. Lastly, the base compact is infiltrated with the liquid component of the infiltrant. During infiltration, the liquid component of the infiltrant flows into the pores of the base compact.
US08636944B2	Method of making plastic container having a deep-inset base A method of plastic container having a deep inset base of the type that has a standing ring for supporting the container on a flat surface includes steps of molding a container blank having a standing ring and a base projection portion that is formed beneath the standing ring and relatively displacing the base projection portion upwardly with respect to the standing ring until the base projection portion is positioned above the standing ring. An improved plastic container having a deep inset base is also disclosed.
US08636943B2	Process for manufacturing a fuel tank equipped with an internal accessory Process for manufacturing a fuel tank equipped with an internal accessory and having a plastic wall produced from a parison, said process comprising, in order, the following steps: a) the accessory and the molten parison are introduced into a mold so that the accessory is surrounded by the parison, said mold comprising cavities equipped with at least one moving part; b) a pressurized gas is introduced inside the parison to carry out a pre-blow molding of said parison; c) the pre-blow-molded parison is pressed locally against the accessory using the moving part in order to firmly attach the two without piercing the parison; d) the mold is closed and the final blow molding of the parison is carried out by flattening it against the mold cavities using the pressurized gas; and e) the tank is removed from the mold.
US08636939B2	Mold for actuation sled An apparatus for injection molding includes at least one mold part having at least one surface. The mold part has at least one shaped portion. At least one substantially closed cavity region is disposed within the at least one surface. The one cavity region is designed for molding at least part of an interstitial mass. The apparatus further includes at least one gate disposed on the at least one surface for providing fluid communication to the at least one cavity region and at least one flow restrictor positioned on the mold part for initially directing flow of the interstitial mass to the at least one shaped portion. In one embodiment, flow restrictors initially direct the interstitial mass to an upper portion of the shaped portion.
US08636931B2	Vacuum extrusion method of manufacturing a thermal paste A method of manufacturing a thermal paste, in which the method includes feeding the thermal paste into a chamber of an extruder; mixing the thermal paste at elevated temperatures; de-airing the thermal paste; and extruding the thermal paste out of the chamber through a die as a pre-form or into a cartridge, such that air channels and pseudo-grain boundaries are prevented from forming in the thermal paste.
US08636930B2	Thermal insulation foamed sheet, thermal insulation foamed container and method for producing the same The present invention relates to a thermal insulation foamed sheet whose foaming height can be kept high by increasing an expansion ratio of foaming cells, thermal insulation foamed container using this and method for producing the same.In the thermal insulation foamed sheet according to the present invention, a foaming plane made of a foaming cell group is formed by heating the sheet in which a synthetic resin film is laminated on base paper and foaming the synthetic resin film using moisture contained in the base paper, and at least a part of the foaming plane is vacuum-suctioned so as to increase the foaming height of the foaming cell. Also, there can be made a thermal insulation foamed container having this foaming plane on at least its body section.
US08636927B2	ZnO deposition material and ZnO film formed of the same A ZnO deposition material to be used for forming a transparent conductive film is composed of a ZnO pellet made of ZnO powder having a ZnO purity of 98% or more. The pellet includes one or more kinds of elements selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Sc, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm and Sm. The ZnO pellet is polycrystal or monocrystal. The ZnO film formed by a vacuum film forming method employing the ZnO deposition material as a target material can exhibit excellent conductivity. The vacuum film forming method is preferably an electron beam vapor deposition method, an ion plating method or a sputtering method.
US08636925B2	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: InxCo4Sb12-n-zQ′nTez, where Q′ is at least one selected from the group consisting of O, S and Se, 0
US08636924B2	Anisotropic conductive adhesive An anisotropic conductive adhesive includes an epoxy adhesive containing an epoxy compound and a curing agent and conducive particles dispersed in the epoxy adhesive. When elastic moduluses at 35° C., 55° C., 95° C., and 150° C. of a cured product of the anisotropic conductive adhesive are denoted by EM35, EM55, EM95, and EM150, respectively, and change rates in the elastic modulus between 55° C. and 95° C. and between 95° C. and 150° C. are denoted by ΔEM55-95 and ΔEM95-150, respectively, the following expressions (1) to (5) are satisfied. 700Mpa≦EM35≦3000MPa (1) EM150
US08636922B2	Process for recovering hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a syngas stream The present invention provides a process for recovering high purity gaseous hydrogen and high purity gaseous carbon dioxide from a syngas stream by utilizing a hydrogen selective membrane unit and a primary water gas shift reactor in combination with a cryogenic purification unit, a hydrogen recovery unit and a secondary water gas shift reactor or by utilizing a hydrogen membrane/water gas shift reactor in combination with a cryogenic purification unit, a hydrogen recovery unit and a secondary water gas shift reactor. Each of these embodiments may further include a sulfur recovery unit.
US08636919B1	Reactive solutions Material and methods are disclosed involving the generation and containment of solutions incorporating reactive precursors and reactive treatment agents. Formulations of these materials can be applied widely as disinfectants, odor control agents, decontamination and fumigation agents, liquid, gas, and air treatment materials, respiratory agents, food and beverage processing agents, neutralization agents, and in many industrial, residential, medical and military surface treatment operations.
US08636918B2	Cleaning composition containing a polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and methods of controlling hard water scale A composition includes an anionic polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition includes a polysaccharide residue present in an amount from approximately 5% to approximately 90% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and a residue of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer present in an amount from approximately 10% to approximately 75% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition.
US08636914B2	Method of forming pattern According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of forming a pattern, includes forming a guide pattern including a first region having a first surface energy and a second region having a second surface energy on a to-be-processed film, the first and second regions alternately arranged in one direction, forming a block copolymer layer on the guide pattern, and causing microphase separation in the block copolymer layer, the microphase-separated structure is a lamellar block copolymer pattern.
US08636909B2	Removing viruses from drinking water A process of removing viruses from drinking water is disclosed. The process involves filtering drinking water, having a viral contaminant, through a layer of coarse sand; contacting the drinking water with a composite iron matrix; and purifying the drinking water by allowing the composite iron matrix to adsorb the viral contaminant for at least fifteen minutes. The major component of the composite iron matrix is an iron component, which is at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc.
US08636906B2	Liquid purification using magnetic nanoparticles Disclosed are magnetic nanoparticles and methods of using magnetic nanoparticles for selectively removing biologics, small molecules, analytes, ions, or other molecules of interest from liquids.
US08636905B2	Method for removal of volatile phosphates from hydrocarbons This application relates to processes for selectively removing anionic phosphate molecules from contaminated hydrocarbon oil using the ion exchange activity of acid activated clay. The methods are particularly applicable to the removal of volatile phosphates from hydrocarbons contaminated during fracturing operations.
US08636902B2	Oil filter arrangement The invention relates to an oil filter arrangement having a housing comprising a receiving space for a filter element, wherein a discharge opening is provided at the bottom of the receiving space and a discharge valve is provided in the discharge opening wherein the discharge valve comprises a valve body, which is movable between a closing position and an opening position in a displaceable manner and is moved to the locking position by a first spring element when the filter element is inserted, wherein the first spring element is disposed on the valve body on the side of the valve body facing away from the discharge opening and is configured as a compound spring having a flat, bent metal band. The metal band acts against the filter element or against an end disk of the filter element when the filter element is inserted.
US08636901B2	Two part resilient combination bottom support and relief valve end seal assembly for fluid filters A fluid filter is described, comprising a filter body defining a cavity for a filter element, a first end cap for fitting on one end of the filter body, having an integrated single piece anti drain back valve and seal, and a second end cap for fitting on an opposite end of the filter body, having an integrated two part relief valve and supports for the filter element, formed by a relief valve body and a relief valve disc.
US08636899B2	Vented alarm apparatus for use with a pool skimmer basket A detachable vented signaling alarm apparatus is provided which is capable of being attached to a skimmer basket commonly used with pool skimming systems. There are many different configurations and sizes of skimmer baskets with which the present apparatus is capable of attachment merely by drilling a hole generally centrally in the skimmer basket bottom. The detachable signaling alarm may be readily removed from the skimmer basket for various reasons such as pool vacuuming or maintenance and includes a vented stem for minimizing damage to the basket when debris has accumulated therein. An alarm of any type can be used with the vent mechanism for indicating when the skimmer basket is substantially blocked by debris by generating of an alarm condition responsive to airflow through the vent.
US08636898B2	Site drainer A liquid transfer device having a housing with a top end, a bottom end, a sidewall, and an inner cavity. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. There is a plurality of openings traversing said sidewall. Also present is a filtering surface that covers the openings. The water or other liquids are pumped or transferred with a pump contained inside the inner cavity, with a fluid exit used for carrying the water out towards exterior hosing.
US08636897B2	Reducing foulant carry-over or build up in a paraffinic froth treatment process A use of a foulant collector in a vessel or conduit in a paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) process. The foulant comprises asphaltenes. The foulant collectors are purposed to reduce build-up in the vessel or conduit and/or to reduce downstream foulant carry-over in the process. The surface of the foulant collectors may have an average water contact angle of less than 90 degrees. Additionally, together with such foulant collectors, a fluorocarbon polymer may be used as a surface of a vessel or conduit in the PFT process, for reducing fouling.
US08636895B2	Hydrocarbon resid processing and visbreaking steam cracker feed The invention concerns integration of hydroprocessing and steam cracking. A feed comprising crude or resid-containing fraction thereof is treated by hydroprocessing and visbreaking and then passed to a steam cracker to obtain a product comprising olefins.
US08636886B2	Gas sensor element and method of manufacturing the same A gas sensor element includes a base member comprising a plurality of laminated solid electrolyte layers, and having a space that communicates with the outside of the gas sensor element and allows introduction of the gas to be measured into the gas sensor element, and a porous measurement electrode that is formed on a surface of the space inside the base member, and is covered with a porous measurement electrode protective layer, wherein an average pore size A of the measurement electrode and an average pore size B of the measurement electrode protective layer satisfy the relationship “0.05≦B/A≦0.9”, the measurement electrode has an average pore size of 0.5 to 15 μm, and the measurement electrode protective layer has an average pore size of 0.05 to 9 μm, a porosity of 5 to 50%, and a thickness of 10 to 200 μm.
US08636882B2	Producing method of semiconductor device and substrate processing apparatus Disclosed is a producing method of a semiconductor device, comprising: loading a substrate into a reaction furnace; forming a film on the substrate in the reaction furnace; unloading the substrate from the reaction furnace after the film has been formed; and forcibly cooling an interior of the reaction furnace in a state where the substrate does not exist in the reaction furnace after the substrate has been unloaded.
US08636880B2	Electrolysis cell for the conversion of cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid to cupric chloride and hydrogen gas The present invention provides an electrochemical cell for producing hydrogen gas and cupric chloride, comprising an anode compartment including an anode disposed in an anolyte, wherein the anolyte is cuprous chloride in hydrochloric acid, a cathode compartment including a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises an electrocatalyst, and a cation exchange membrane disposed between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.
US08636879B2	Electro chemical deposition systems and methods of manufacturing using the same An electro chemical deposition system is described for forming a feature on a semiconductor wafer. The electro chemical deposition is performed by powering electrodes that includes a cathode, an anode and a plurality of electrically independent auxiliary electrodes.
US08636872B2	Upper electrode and plasma processing apparatus Plasma uniformity can be improved. An upper electrode 105 for use in a parallel plate type plasma processing apparatus includes a base 105a made of a dielectric material; and a conductive layer 110 formed on at least a part of a surface of the base 105a facing a lower electrode 210 provided in the plasma processing apparatus. Further, the conductive layer 110 having a dense and sparse pattern such that the dense and sparse pattern at an outer portion of the surface of the base 105a facing the lower electrode 210 is denser than at an inner portion thereof.
US08636870B2	Structural reinforcement material, insert, and reinforced cavity comprising same A structural reinforcement material is provided that includes a base material selected from thermosets, low viscosity thermoplastics with short transition phases and low viscosities, low melting point metallic alloys, and combinations thereof. At STP, the structural reinforcement material is a solid or a formable dough or a mixture thereof. When heated to an activation temperature, the structural reinforcement material becomes flowable into a cavity. Following cooling, the structural reinforcement material is a solid or a thermoset with a strength sufficient to reinforce the cavity. A structural reinforcement insert comprising the structural reinforcement material is also provided, as is a reinforced cavity of an automobile and a method of reinforcing a cavity.
US08636865B2	Method of making a composite fibre component with thermoplastic stiffening elements The invention relates to a method for producing a composite component reinforced by stiffening elements.Composite component is produced by the inside gluing of a monolithic component to a multiplicity of stiffening elements by means of an adhesive suitable for this particular application. Stiffening elements are formed with a fiber reinforced, amorphous thermoplastic material. Monolithic component of composite component consists of a fiber reinforced duroplastic material—for example a composite epoxy matrix—in which are embedded, for reinforcement, carbon fibers, basalt fibers, natural fibers, ceramic fibers, Aramide® fibers, Kevlar® fibers or any combination thereof.Monolithic component is glued to thermoplastic stiffening elements by an adhesive under the influence of pressure and temperature. Here a tolerance compensation is carried out essentially by stiffening elements, if necessary being plastically deformed, so that high dimensional stability is achieved. Composite components, which can be subject to high mechanical loads, are therefore provided, in particular, as spare or replacement parts for outer lining parts on aircraft.The invention also relates to a composite component produced by means of a method according to the invention.
US08636863B2	Wide sheet magnetic systems A system and apparatus relating to connecting at least one first longitudinal periphery of at least one first magnetic sheet with at least one second longitudinal periphery of at least one second magnetic sheet by placing such first longitudinal periphery in adjacent relationship with such second longitudinal periphery; and connecting such first longitudinal periphery in adjacent relationship with such second longitudinal periphery; wherein such connecting step comprises the step of unitizing such at least one first magnetic sheet and such at least one second magnetic sheet into one unitary magnetic sheet.
US08636862B2	Method for producing a polycarbonate layered composite The invention relates to a method for making a structure with at least a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer, each made from a polycarbonate polymer based on bisphenol A, between the polymer layers a component being arranged, comprising the following steps: a) the component is arranged on the first polymer layer or placed in a depression of the first polymer layer, b) the first polymer layer is coated on the side, on which or in which the component is arranged, at least in the region of the component with a liquid preparation comprising a solvent or a mixture of solvents and a polycarbonate derivative based on a geminally disubstituted dihydroxydiphenyl cycloalkane, c) optionally a drying step is made after step b), d) after step b) or step c), the second polymer layer is placed on the first polymer layer, covering the component, e) the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer are laminated with each other under pressure, at a temperature from 120° C. to 180° C. and for a defined time.
US08636855B2	Methods of enhancing mechanical properties of aluminum alloy high pressure die castings Methods of enhancing mechanical properties of aluminum alloy high pressure die castings are disclosed herein. An aluminum alloy composition forming a casting comprises, by weight of the composition, at least one of a magnesium concentration greater than about 0.2%, a copper concentration greater than about 1.5%, a silicon concentration greater than about 0.5%, and a zinc concentration greater than about 0.3%. After solidification, a casting is cooled to a quenching temperature between about 300° C. and about 500° C. Upon attainment of the quenching temperature, the casting is removed from the die and immediately quenched in a quench media. Following quenching, the casting is pre-aged at a reduced temperature between about room temperature and about 100° C. Thereafter, the casting is aged via at least one substantially isothermal aging at one or more elevated temperatures between about 150° C. and about 240° C.
US08636853B2	Mg alloy and method of production of same An Mg alloy provided with high strength and high ductility by matching the strength and ductility in tensile deformation and compressive deformation at the same levels is provided. The Mg alloy of the present invention is characterized by having a chemical composition consisting of Y: 0.1 to 1.5 at % and a balance of Mg and unavoidable impurities and having a microstructure with high Y regions with Y concentrations higher than an average Y concentration distributed at nanometer order sizes and intervals. The present invention further provides an Mg alloy characterized by having a chemical composition consisting of Y: more than 0.1 at % and a valance of Mg and unavoidable impurities, having a microstructure with high Y regions with Y concentrations higher than an average Y concentration distributed at nanometer order sizes and intervals and having an average recrystallized grain size within the range satisfying the following formula 1: −0.87c+1.10
US08636839B2	Ink jet ink, ink cartridge, and ink jet recording method An ink jet ink contains a pigment and a polyurethane polymer. The polyurethane polymer contains units derived from a polyisocyanate, a polyol, a compound having a carboxy group, and a compound having a sulfo group, and an acid value of the polyurethane polymer is 20 mgKOH/g or more and 100 mgKOH/g or less.
US08636836B2	Finned heat exchangers for metal hydride storage systems Various apparatus and methods for exchanging heat from a solid to a liquid. Some embodiments pertain to removing heat from a pressure vessel in which a gas absorption reaction is occurring. Yet other embodiments pertain to pressure vessels in which hydrogen is being absorbed into a metal hydride.
US08636835B2	Apparatus for generating hydrocarbon fuel An apparatus suitable for generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from a carbon based synthesis gas including a reaction chamber having a rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades mixing and circulating carbon based synthesis gas and particulate catalyst upwardly generating gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a stripping chamber located above the reaction chamber having a second axial rotating shaft including a plurality of radial blades driving hydrocarbon fuel radially outwardly, a source of hot stripping gas, an annular filter surrounding the stripping chamber and an annular gas collection chamber surrounding the filter. The blades in the stripping chamber are rotated independently at a greater velocity than the blades in the reaction chamber and the reaction is controlled by the temperature of the synthesis gas and the rotational velocity of the mixing blades in the reaction chamber.
US08636833B2	Air filtration medium with improved dust loading capacity and improved resistance to high humidity environment A method for filtering particles from water mist laden air involves passing the air through a medium that has a nanoweb layer in fluid contact with a hydrophobic nonwoven web. The hydrophobic web can be made of an intrinsically hydrophobic material, or can be coated with a hydrophobic coating. The medium does not undergo the large pressure drops normally associated with filtration of water mists and retains its efficiency well.
US08636832B2	Method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor A method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08636828B2	Hydrogen purification membranes, components and fuel processing systems containing the same Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.
US08636827B2	Method of operating a mixed ionic-electronic conducting ceramic membrane A method of operating a mixed ionic-electronic conducting ceramic membrane having an oxidizing side and a reducing side, said method comprising a start-up phase and a production phase, for producing a gas stream, characterized in that the start-up phase comprises a step of introducing, on the oxidizing side and the reducing side of the membrane respectively, first and second gas mixtures not capable of chemically degrading the membrane; and a step of establishing a stream of oxygen through the membrane.
US08636824B2	Production method for carbonaceous material-containing metal oxide briquettes The present invention is directed to provide a production method for carbonaceous material-containing metal oxide briquettes, capable of ensuring sufficient strength of briquettes while using a metal oxide material containing a large amount of fine particles, such as steel mill dust. This method comprises a mixing step of mixing a metal oxide material A containing a large amount of fine particles with a carbonaceous material B in a mixer 15, to form a powdery mixture E, a compacting step of compacting the powdery mixture E using a briquette machine 17 to form compacts F, a classifying step of classifying the compacts F into an oversize fraction G and an undersize fraction H, using a sieve 18, and collecting the oversize fraction G as product briquettes, and a compact circulating step of returning a part of the compacts F to the mixer 15 or the briquette machine 17, as a recycle material.
US08636820B2	Air filter arrangement An air cleaner arrangement is shown. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge comprising strips of media arranged in a stacked configuration. The strips of media each comprise a corrugated sheet secured to a facing sheet. A preferred filter cartridge positioned within the air cleaner arrangement, is depicted.
US08636817B2	Apparatus for generating a gas which may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.
US08636815B2	Process of producing oil from algae using biological rupturing A process for production of biofuels from algae can include cultivating an oil-producing algae, extracting the algal oil, and converting the algal oil to form biodiesel. Extracting the algal oil from the oil-producing algae can include biologically rupturing cell wall and oil vesicles of the oil-producing algae using at least one enzyme such as a cellulose or glycoproteinase, a structured enzyme system such as a cellulosome, a virus, or combination of these materials.
US08636814B2	Compound having xanthene structure, coloring composition, ink for inkjet recording and inkjet recording method There is a coloring composition containing a compound represented by Formula (1): wherein D, M, N, R1, R2, m and n are defined in the specification and in the claims.
US08636812B2	Two-part foam hair dye A two-part foam hair dye which comprises a first part comprising an alkali agent, a second part comprising hydrogen peroxide, and a non-aerosol foamer container, wherein the first part comprises the components (A) to (D), an equivalent ratio of a anion site of the component (A) to a cation site of the component (B) (anion/cation) is more than 1, a mass ratio of a content of the component (C) to content of the component (D) ((C)/(D)) is 5 or less, and the liquid mixture has a viscosity (25° C.) of 1 to 300 mPa·s: (A) a carboxylic acid anion surfactant, (B) a polymer or copolymer having a mole fraction of diallyldimethyl quaternary ammonium salt monomer of 70% or more, (C) 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of an oxidation dye having a meta-dihydroxybenzene structure, and (D) 0.1 to 9% by mass of polypropyleneglycol of Mw 200 to 1200.
US08636808B2	Spherical subtalar implant One embodiment of the invention includes a sinus tarsi implant with a proximal portion that includes a spherical portion. The spherical portion may include apertures for tissue in-growth. The implant design limits patient discomfort due to pressure points. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08636805B2	Artificial intervertebral disc placement system An intervertebral disc placement system includes a multi part intervertebral disc, such as a mobile core disc, and an associated placement instrument. The placement instrument holds the disc securely with the disc endplates angled for ease of placement of the disc into an intervertebral disc space and quickly releases the implant within the disc space. The disc includes upper and lower plates having notches in inner surfaces for engagement of the placement instrument. The placement instrument has a rotatable key configured to fit into the first and second notches to grasp the disc from the interior and eliminate the need for an external grasping mechanism which could interfere with disc placement.
US08636803B2	Percutaneous implantable nuclear prosthesis An inter-vertebral disc prosthesis intended for percutaneous deployment comprises an expandable annular enclosure and an expandable nuclear enclosure. The expandable annular enclosure incorporates a reinforcing annular band along its periphery and is filled with in-situ curable rubber. The expandable nuclear enclosure is filled with a gas. The nuclear prosthesis further incorporates a novel, integrally molded sealing valve assembly and is stretchable and collapsible into a minimal profile for ease of insertion into a specially designed delivery cannula, and is inflation-assisted expandable into an inter-vertebral disc in which complete percutaneous nuclectomy has been performed.
US08636800B2	Soft tissue attachment mechanism A prosthesis humeral implant has a stem including a coupling element at a proximal end thereof and a head having a coupling element at a distal portion thereof for coupling to the stem portion coupling element. The head has a bearing surface portion for articulating on a prosthetic glenoid and a base portion. A soft tissue attachment element has an L-shape with a mounting flange portion of the L-shape extending and clamped between the bearing portion and base portion. The soft tissue attachment portion has a portion extending proximally from the mounting flange portion. The soft tissue attachment element mounting portion is captured between the head bearing portion and base portion preferably by clamping or being permanently attached to one of the base or bearing portions during manufacture.
US08636797B2	Inflatable prostheses and methods of making same An inflatable tissue expander or more permanent prosthesis, suitable for implantation in a breast, is provided. The tissue expander includes a puncturable, self-sealing anterior portion forming a fillable cavity, and posterior portion that is puncture resistant. The anterior portion includes a silicone-based elastomer material having a mesh embedded therein. The posterior portion includes a first composite guard and a second composite guard, each composite guard including an arrangement of puncture resistant members and a flexible substrate having a first side on which the puncture resistant members are disposed in a spaced apart fashion.
US08636794B2	Grafts and stent grafts having a radiopaque marker A graft device comprising a layer of synthetic non-metallic material having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The device further, includes a radiopaque marker at least partially embedded in the layer.
US08636793B2	Tubular supporting prosthesis capable of growing The invention relates to a tubular supporting prosthesis capable of growing, comprising a mesh structure, wherein the mesh structure comprises at least two structural rings, which are connected to each other via connecting members and are disposed point-symmetrically about the longitudinal supporting prosthesis axis, wherein the structural rings and/or the connecting members have at least one predetermined breaking point.
US08636786B2	Thermal compress system and methods of using the same An eye compress kit includes a thermally adjustable gel pack, a strap and at least one moistened, disposable fibrous non-woven fabric sheet. The thermally adjustable gel pack is configured to be applied against an eye region of a user's body. The gel pack includes a casing that defines a chamber holding a thermally activatable gelatinous substance. The strap is configured to secure the gel pack against the user's eye region and to exert compressive forces to the gel pack. The at least one moistened, disposable fibrous non-woven fabric sheet is adapted to be positioned between the gel pack and the user's eye region wherein the fabric sheet is removable from the outer surface of the gel pack.
US08636780B2	Line lock graft retention system and method A system for restoring articular cartilage has a cover, an anchor, and a tether that cooperate to retain graft tissue with respect to a graft site. The cover is attached to the anchor via the tether. The tether passes through a tunnel through a bone to which the articular cartilage is attached. The tunnel may be blind or may extend through the bone. The anchor is retained within the tunnel such that tension in the tether keeps the cover in place over the tissue graft. The anchor may receive the tether such that the tether can only pass through the anchor along one direction. Thus, tension applied to the tether between the anchor and the tissue graft is automatically maintained by the anchor. After passing through the anchor, the tether may exit the tunnel through the graft site, or through the opposite side of the bone.
US08636776B2	Spinal rod approximator Spinal implants, spinal rod approximators for seating a stabilizing rod in a rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a spinal rod approximator is provided including an elongate member having a grasping member formed on a distal end thereof, and a rod pusher member slidably mated to or mounted on the elongate member. The grasping member is effective to grasp a portion of a spinal implant, and the pusher member is effective to grasp and engage a stabilizing rod and push the rod into a rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant being grasped by the grasping member.
US08636775B2	Variable angle spinal screw assembly A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.
US08636774B2	Spinal implant apparatuses and methods of implanting and using same An adjustable spinal implant device, comprising: a sliding portion provided with a tongue; and, a non-sliding portion provided with a slot adapted for receipt of the tongue; wherein the tongue is slidably and rotatably positioned within the slot.
US08636771B2	Spinal implants for lumbar vertebra to sacrum fixation A spinal implant is provided for posterior vertebral stabilization and/or fixation of a lumbar vertebra relative to the pelvis by attachment to the spinous process of a lumbar vertebra and to the sacrum of the pelvis. The posterior spinal implant has a spinous process attachment portion and a sacrum attachment portion formed by a first part having a first spinous process segment and a first sacrum segment and a second part having a second spinous process segment and a second sacrum segment. The first segments are carried on a first arm, while the second segments are carried on a second arm with the first and second arms adjustable relative to each other. The first and second spinous process segments and the first and second sacrum segments each have a plurality of inwardly extending spikes for respectively gripping or clamping against the sides of the spinous process and the sacrum.
US08636767B2	Surgical sutures having increased strength The invention relates to increasing the strength of bio-absorbable surgical sutures. The invention allows for delayed bioabsorption of suture materials to allow maintenance of mechanical strength of the suture for example in ‘barbed’ form.
US08636766B2	Surgical stapling apparatus including sensing mechanism A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
US08636758B2	System for withdrawing blood The present invention includes a system for withdrawing body fluids. The system includes a drive unit having a plunger which is moved from a resting position into a lancing position in order to carry out a lancing process and a lancing unit containing a lancet with a needle. The plunger and lancet are coupled together by a form fit in order to carry out a lancing process. The invention additionally concerns a method for temporarily extending a needle from a device for withdrawing body fluid as well as a lancing unit that can be attached to the drive unit.
US08636748B2	Drill device and method for forming microconduits The present invention relates to methods and devices for formation of microconduits in tissue, particularly using an impedance sensing drill to form microconduits. One embodiment of the invention is an impedance sensing drill comprising a drilling assembly, a control module, mechanically connected to the drilling assembly for controlling the depth of drilling by the drilling assembly; and a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled. Another embodiment is a method of forming a microconduit in a material, which comprises the steps of drilling into the material, monitoring an electrical impedance of the material, and stopping the drilling into the material when a change in the impedance is detected, thereby forming microconduit.
US08636747B2	Dermabrasion devices and systems A system for treating a skin surface, the system comprising: a base unit comprising: a vacuum source; and a controller; and a treatment device comprising a handle; a treatment head comprising abrading structures with substantially sharp edges for abrading tissue; and a connector to direct negative pressure from the vacuum source to the treatment head.
US08636745B2	Orthopedic surgical pin positioning device An orthopedic drill guide and surgical pin positioning device includes a primary surgical pin for insertion into a fractured bone and a longitudinal drum supported on said primary surgical pin. A set screw is also provided in said longitudinal drum for preventing the longitudinal drum from rotation about the primary surgical pin. A transverse drum is also provided and is rotatably disposed in the longitudinal drum as is a set screw for fixing the position of the transverse drum with respect to the longitudinal drum. A secondary pin extends through the transverse drum and is fixed in a second position on the hard tissue of the fractured bone. Finally, a pair of aligned openings extends through the transverse drum for guiding a drill bit and locating a surgical pin within the broken bone.
US08636741B2	Intramedullary rod instrument A femoral instrument for use in the intramedullary canal is described and includes an intramedullary rod having a tip at a free end. A body is attached to the intramedullary rod and has a face with a bone abutting portion. A centraliser mechanism is located within the rod and is operable to deploy and retract a plurality of members to engage and disengage an inner surface of the intramedullary canal.
US08636739B2	Surgical saw device and method of manufacture A surgical saw includes a shaft, a first saw blade mounted on the shaft, a second saw blade mounted on the shaft parallel to the first saw blade, the first saw blade having a first tooth having two distal tips, and the second saw blade having a second tooth with a distal tip, the second tooth bent towards the first saw blade and the distal tip of the second tooth aligned with a centerline between the two distal tips of the first tooth.
US08636737B2	Modular occipital plate A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to a location adjacent at least one vertebra. An adjustable housing is provided to secure the rod to the plate, and has a first position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate can be adjusted and a second position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate is secured.
US08636730B2	Polarity control of electrosurgical generator A method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is contemplated by the present disclosure. The method includes applying an electrosurgical waveform to tissue through an electrode. The electrosurgical waveform includes one or more positive half-cycles one or more negative half-cycles. The method also includes measuring voltage and current of the electrosurgical waveform to detect a peak voltage of each of the positive half-cycles and the negative half-cycles and comparing the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles to determine generation of electrical discharges. The method further includes adjusting the current of the electrosurgical waveform to regulate the generation of the electrical discharges based on a comparison of the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles.
US08636728B2	Apparatus and methods for retracting a catheter balloon A balloon elongation apparatus includes an elongated hypotube with a distal end having a reduced inner diameter portion that is configured to radially expand when a mandrel is advanced through a lumen of the hypotube towards the reduced inner diameter portion. A medical kit includes a catheter having a distally-located balloon and the elongation apparatus disposed within a guide wire tube of the catheter. In use, the balloon is elongated following a procedure in order to facilitate retracting the balloon into a sheath. The balloon is elongated by first advancing the mandrel relative to the hypotube so that the hypotube radially expands and firmly engages an inner surface of the guide wire tube and then advancing the mandrel, hypotube, and distal end of the guide wire tube relative to the catheter body.
US08636725B2	Surgical instrument with improved handleability A surgical instrument comprises a tool part and a grip part connected to each other via a ball and socket joint or other double-axis joint. The double axis joint allows the surgeon to work in a non-fatiguing, ergonomic and sensitive manner. The tool on the tool part can be activated e.g., mechanically by an actuation member. Additional actuation elements such as, e.g., electrical switches, can be arranged on the grip part to activate the tool. The transmission connection between the grip part and the tool can be achieved via rigid levers and connecting pieces or also via flexible elements (e.g., a traction cord), or rigid components with an integral hinge. To uncouple a pivoting movement of the grip part towards the tool part from an actuation of the tool, at least one joint of the transmission is arranged in the center of the joint.
US08636721B2	Portable hand pump for evacuation of fluids A manually operable pump for the effective removal of fluids to include blood, blood clots, fluid, and air from a body cavity of a subject is provided. The manually operable pump is adapted to be connect to a range of fluid conduits and is equipped with one-way valves that effectively permit flow of fluid through the pump in only one direction. The sensitivity of the one-way valves is such that when properly positioned, fluid can flow through the valves and out of the pump without manual compression of the pump and with the aid of gravity power alone.
US08636720B2	Needleless access connectors and valve elements therefor A collapsible valve for use in a needleless access connector to reduce the priming volume of the needleless access connector. A needleless access connector with a small priming volume. A method of connecting a first medical device to a second medical device with a needleless access connector with a small priming volume.
US08636716B2	Medical device A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.
US08636715B2	High torque, low profile catheters and methods for transluminal interventions Catheter devices having low profile shafts and laterally deployable members (e.g., cannulas, needles, etc.) that may be extended or advanced laterally from the catheter shaft. Also disclosed are methods for bypassing a vascular obstruction (e.g., a chronic total occlusion or other full or partial obstruction) wherein a guidewire is entrapped in a subintimal space adjacent to the obstruction. A catheter of the foregoing character is advanced over the entrapped guidewire and into the subintimal space. The laterally deployable member is then advanced or extended from the subintimal space back into the true lumen of the blood vessel distal to the obstruction. A second guidewire is then advanced through or along the laterally deployable member. The catheter and first guidewire are then removed and one or more working device(s) (balloons, atherectomy devices, setnts, etc.) is/are advanced over the second guidewire and used to establish a subintimal bypass channel through which blood may flow around the obstruction.
US08636714B2	Microcatheter with sleeved guidewire port A microcatheter having a guidewire port that is positioned proximal of the distal end of the microcatheter in order to provide rapid exchange capability. The guidewire port includes provisions that permit guidewire access into a lumen of the microcatheter while providing a relatively fluid tight seal at least when the guidewire is not present in the guidewire port.
US08636713B2	Methods and devices for drug delivery to ocular tissue using microneedle Methods and devices are provided for targeted administration of a drug to a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera of the eye at an insertion site and infusing a fluid drug formulation through the inserted microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye, wherein the infused fluid drug formulation flows within the suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site during the infusion. The fluid drug formulation may flow circumferentially toward the retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the posterior segment of the eye.
US08636712B2	Endovascular devices and methods Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall to at least partially surround the occlusion, and removing at least a portion of the surrounded occlusion from the lumen.
US08636710B2	Fit maintenance system An absorbent article includes a fit system having fasteners and friction elements. The fasteners are located in the front waist area and the back waist area and are adapted to fasten the article about the waist of a wearer to define a waist opening, a pair of leg openings, and a pair of overlap regions. The friction elements are located in the overlap regions and are adapted to provide friction between the front waist area and the back waist area in the overlap regions. The friction elements have an upper portion oriented towards the waist opening and a lower portion oriented towards the leg opening. The upper portion and the lower portion have different concentrations of surface treatment, thicknesses, and/or surface areas.
US08636708B2	Temporary tattoos for indelible endorsement Embodiments of the present invention provide a temporary tattoo, appliqué or decal and a method of using the tattoo on a patient to identify on that patient a selected operative site, wherein said operation is identified by name on said decal and wherein the accuracy of site selection may be endorsed by the patient and the responsible operator directly on the selected site in such a manner that the endorsement indicia remain legible after the decal is eradicated.
US08636706B2	Transfer sets for therapy optimization Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism.
US08636702B2	Magnifying collapsed plunger rod A syringe assembly having a collapsible or pivotable plunger rod with magnification properties is provided. In a pre-use or packaged state, the plunger rod is positioned substantially parallel to a barrel of the syringe assembly resulting in the syringe assembly having a reduced length and a smaller packaging footprint. The smaller packaging footprint allows for reduced storage space of the syringe assembly. Upon removal from a packaging and/or a storage space, the plunger rod can be slid or pivoted toward a proximal end of the syringe barrel and locked into place such that the syringe assembly is ready for use. The plunger rod can be shaped to provide magnification to indicia of the syringe barrel and/or contents. Alternatively, a separate magnification member can be associated with the plunger rod and/or secured about the syringe barrel.
US08636701B2	Medical article securement system A medical article securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer, a pair of hinged actuators, and a pair of engagement members coupled with the hinged actuators. Movement of the actuators causes the engagement members to grip at least a portion of a medical article placed within the retainer so as to inhibit longitudinal movement of the medical article with respect to the retainer. The shape of the retainer inhibits lateral and transverse movement of the medical article with respect to a patient's skin.
US08636694B2	Modular medical injection system A medical injection system includes an elongate injection apparatus and an actuator apparatus. The actuator apparatus includes a fitting for coupling the actuator apparatus to a delivery catheter and a reversible gripping means to grip the injection apparatus; the gripping means is included in a plunger that is slideably engaged with the fitting and directs the injection apparatus through a fitting lumen and through a catheter lumen, when the fitting is coupled to the catheter.
US08636692B2	Transseptal sheath with air bubble trap A transseptal sheath defining a sheath lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. A valve disposed within the sheath lumen proximate the distal end. The transseptal sheath defining at least one port along a portion of its periphery proximate the valve.
US08636690B2	Catheter balloons with integrated non-distensible seals A catheter balloon with integral non-distending regions having a plurality of layers which wind around the balloon material and overlap to form an angle of between 45 and 90 degrees relative to each other upon inflation, and methods of making the non-distending regions are provided.
US08636689B2	Pen injection device and method of using same Pen injection devices (10) and methods of using a pen injection device are disclosed. Pen injection devices include a sterile dual transfer spike assembly (150) including a dual transfer spike defining a fluidic pathway; a first cartridge assembly (12) including a first cartridge (20) containing a first substance; a second cartridge assembly (14) including a second cartridge (30) containing a second substance; a plunger rod (50) translatable in a first direction; and a biasing mechanism (60) configured to bias the plunger rod in a second direction opposite the first direction. Methods of using a pen injection device having a first container, a second container, a plunger rod, and a biasing mechanism include activating the pen injection device, thereby creating a fluidic pathway between the first container and the second container; and translating the plunger rod at least once, thereby transferring a first substance from one container to the other container to mix with a second substance.
US08636688B2	Universal syringe with retractable needle This invention relates to medical devices useful for infusion therapy and, more particularly, to a syringe that can be selectively used with a retractable needle or with frontal attachment devices such as luer hubs, valves or other connectors in needleless systems.
US08636687B1	Tissue sealing method An improved method and equipment for tissue/vessel sealing is disclosed for the sealing, coagulation and transection of tissue during surgical procedures. The improvement is accomplished through better management of heat and moisture present during tissue treatment by having tissue grasping surfaces comprised of an outer non-conducting region and an inner conductive region, and including channels in the jaw assembly to direct steam and moisture away from surrounding tissue. The outer region follows the perimeter each jaw, isolating the treatment zone and preventing steam and excess heat from leaving the tissue treatment zone, reducing thermal margins and unintended patient burns. The outer region also prevents surrounding moisture from affecting the treatment zone and allowing more consistent results.
US08636685B2	Electrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcer An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response.
US08636679B2	Compression device for the limb A compression device for a limb has a sleeve adapted to surround the limb. The sleeve has an inelastic layer and a cell constructed from an inner part joined to an outer part by one or more side walls. This construction provides a cell with a box-like configuration so that the inner part conforms to the shape of the limb, providing an even pressure to the limb, when the cell is inflated.
US08636676B2	Method and apparatus for providing information related to labor progress for an obstetrics patient A method and apparatus for evaluating labor progress during childbirth for an obstetrics patient are provided. A set of information data elements associated to an obstetrics patient are received, the set of information data elements including a cervical dilation measure and a level of descent indicator. The set of information data elements is processed to generate labor progress information associated to the obstetrics patient. The labor progress information conveys whether the level of descent indicator is within an expected range of levels of descent corresponding to the cervical dilation measure. A signal for causing the labor progress information to be provided to a user is then released.
US08636673B2	Tissue penetration device A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.
US08636664B2	Energy-delivery device including ultrasound transducer array and phased antenna array, and methods of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue using same A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue.
US08636653B2	In vivo camera with multiple sources to illuminate tissue at different distances An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.
US08636651B2	Medical immobilization device and related methods of use Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods of immobilizing and retrieving material from a body. The medical device, in an embodiment, includes an elongated member having a length extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and the elongated member having a first lumen and a second lumen. The medical device further includes a first tube and a second tube extending through the first lumen and the second lumen, respectively, from the proximal end of the elongated member to the distal end of the elongated member. An expandable member is fluidly coupled to a distal portion of each of the first tube and the second tube. The first tube, the second tube, and the expandable member are axially movable relative to the elongated member, and the expandable member is configured for deployment between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
US08636646B2	Penile implant with dilatant liquid A penile prosthetic assembly includes a penile implant containing a dilatant liquid and a reservoir connectable with the penile implant. Fluid transferred from the reservoir into the penile implant imposes a shear on the dilatant liquid to increase viscosity in the dilatant liquid and harden the penile implant.
US08636636B2	Grid radiotherapy for static and dynamic treatment delivery Some aspects include a system, method, and computer-readable medium to divide a representation of a target volume into an array of sub-volumes; define a high dose volume to which a high dose of radiation is to be delivered; define a plurality of sampling volumes; direct an estimated dose of radiation to each sub-volume; determine whether the dose of radiation delivered to each high dose volume is at least a minimum threshold dose, and that the radiation delivered to the plurality of sampling volumes for each of the sub-volumes is at least a minimum difference less than the radiation delivered to the high dose volume; adjust the estimated dose of radiation directed to each sub-volume; and develop a radiation treatment plan, including the adjusted dose, to invoke a biological effect of spatially separated radiation.
US08636635B2	Brachytherapy apparatus, systems, and methods for using them An applicator for delivering brachytherapy includes elongate members movable between collapsed and expanded configurations for delivering brachytherapy within a lumpectomy cavity, a vaginal cavity, or other target region. The elongate members may be expandable into a symmetrical or asymmetrical expanded configuration, e.g., into a generally spherical, pear-shaped, or planar configuration. A system for delivering brachytherapy includes the applicator and an access device for lining and/or dilating a body cavity and/or for receiving the applicator therein. The access device is advanced into a body cavity, an expandable member on the access device is inflated, the applicator is advanced into the access device, and the elongate members are expanded to deliver radiation to the target region. Alternatively, the access device carries an expandable device into the target region, the expandable device is removed after dilating the target region, and the applicator is introduced through the access device to deliver radiation.
US08636634B2	Reaction and separation processor and process for producing biodiesel Disclosed are a reaction and separation processor and a process for producing biodiesel. The processor is comprised of a stationary casing and a rotor located internal to the casing, with a gap formed between the rotor and casing. A fluid inlet port is located at the upper end of the casing for delivering fluid, which is used to produce the biodiesel, into the reaction zone of the processor, in which the reaction zone is defined as a gap between an upper portion of the rotor and casing. Surface irregularities for inducing fluid turbulence in the reaction zone are located on an inner surface of the casing, an outer surface of the rotor, or both. A rotor inlet port is located at a lower end of the rotor for directing fluid from the reaction zone into the separation zone, which is located within the rotor. A heavy phase port is at the upper end of the rotor for directing a heavy phase of the fluid, which contains glycerol produced in the process, from the separation zone to a heavy phase outlet port located at the upper end of the casing. A light phase port is at the upper end of the rotor for directing a light phase of the fluid, which contains the biodiesel produced in the process, from the separation zone through the upper shaft and to a light phase outlet port at the upper end of the casing.
US08636633B2	Disc roll A disc roll includes a plurality of annular disc members each defining a hole and having a peripheral surface; and a rotary shaft fitted into the holes of the annular disc members by insertion, whereby the peripheral surfaces of the disc members serve as a conveying surface of the disc roll. The disc members include an inorganic fiber, mica and a clay having a content of particle components that have a particle size of 5 μm or larger of not higher than 30% by weight based on the weight of the clay.
US08636630B2	Ball nest with variable resistance for fitness and wellness movement One example embodiment includes a ball nest for providing resistance in an exercise system. The ball nest includes a first portion, where an interior section of the first portion forms at least part of a zone of a sphere. The ball nest also includes a second portion. An interior section of the second portion forms at least part of the zone of the sphere and the second portion is configured to mate with the first portion. The mating of the first portion and the second portion is configured to enclose a ball. The ball nest further includes an adjustable attachment, where the adjustable attachment is configured to adjust the position of the first portion relative to the second portion.
US08636629B2	Training apparatus Training apparatus arranged for supporting a bicycle, comprising a ground-supported or supportable frame that is at least provided with a supporting roll or rollers for a bicycle back wheel that are movable in the frame in vertical direction, wherein the suspension of said roll or rollers is arranged to convert relative horizontal movements of the roll or rollers into vertical movements thereby compensating and/or attenuating said horizontal movements by gravity.
US08636628B1	Multi-function exercise machine suitable for home use An exercise machine suitable for exercising a person's muscles contains a frame (100Y), a seat (102) situated over the frame, a seatback (104 or 104Y), a connection mechanism (106 or 106Y) for flexibly and adjustably connecting the seatback to the frame or/and the seat, and a pedaling mechanism (112Y) connectable to the frame and having a pair of movable foot pedals (140). The seatback is capable of swiveling and can be segmented to facilitate swiveling. The machine typically has a pair of retractable frame legs (302) so that the machine can be used for stationary cycling when the legs are retracted and as an elevated exercise bench when the legs extend downward. The machine may include a mechanism for rapidly switching the seatback between inclined and flat positions.
US08636627B2	System and method for training human subjects to improve off-axis neuromuscular control of the lower limbs Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured knee ligament in sports-related activities, especially in pivoting sports. Considering that the knee is free to flex/extend but has much more limited motions about the off-axes (tibial rotation and valgus/varus), ACL injuries are often associated with excessive off-axis loadings. A pivoting/sliding mechanism combined with sagittal plane movement/exercise is described as a diagnostic tool to evaluate off-axis neuromechanical and anatomical risk factors of noncontact ACL injuries. The pivoting/sliding mechanism is also described as an intervention tool for off-axis training, possibly based on the diagnosis, to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. Training outcome can also be evaluated using the pivoting/sliding mechanism. In general, the pivoting/sliding mechanism can be used with many sagittal plane exercise machines and used to improve off-axis control of the lower limbs and reduce lower limb injuries.
US08636626B2	Inclined sand training apparatus The inclined sand training apparatus includes a front, inclined surface that is sand-filled and lined with sand-filled steps. A walkway traverses across a ridge formed between the front, inclined surface and a rear, inclined surface that is covered in grass. The training apparatus is designed to resemble a sand dune and provide training and workout experiences that includes sand-filled steps, walkway, and a rear, inclined surface covered in grass. The sand-filled steps consist of a concrete riser capped off with a rubber edge that are both back-filled with sand. Lights and other accessories provide a gym-like environment to aid in the training and workout, and further comprise a pool, cycle hut, showers, seating, bathrooms, first aid, and storage.
US08636625B2	All in one fitness ball A new weighted exercise ball is disclosed in the present invention. The ball has handles on each side of the ball which rotate 360 degrees clockwise or counter clockwise. The handles alleviate stress on the wrists and provide a firm grip. The ball has inner compartments that slide outward and allows for the entry of weights of various sizes.
US08636624B2	Rotational educational entertainment and therapeutic device A cylindrical gear ring assembly is provided for use as a decorative wearable ornamental device useable as a ring or other piece of jewelry, a toy, and a therapy tool, and more specifically to a ring with a rotatable mechanism comprising movable cylinders which rotate against gear mechanisms and method of using the same.
US08636623B2	Folding hurdle Folding hurdles are disclosed. Some example folding hurdles may include a generally horizontal bar. A first leg may be pivotably coupled to a first end of the generally horizontal bar. The first leg may include a generally horizontally extending first foot and/or may be pivotable between an erected position in which the first foot is oriented generally perpendicular to the generally horizontal bar and a folded position in which the first foot is substantially coplanar with the generally horizontal bar. A second leg may be pivotably coupled to a second end of the generally horizontal bar. The second leg may include a generally horizontally extending second foot and/or the second leg may be pivotable between an erected position in which the second foot is oriented generally perpendicular to the generally horizontal bar and a folded position in which the second foot is substantially coplanar with the generally horizontal bar.
US08636615B2	Planetary gear train with oiling system for supplying lubricant oil to bearing of planetary gear and wind turbine generator incorporating the same A planetary gear train is provided with: a planetary gear; a planetary pin for supporting the planetary gear; a carrier for supporting the planetary pin; and a housing for accommodating at least a portion of the carrier, the planetary gear and the planetary pin. The planetary gear is rotatable with respect to the planetary pin by a bearing. An oiling flow path for supplying lubricant oil to the bearing is formed inside the carrier. The carrier receives the lubricant oil into the oiling flow path from an oiling member stationarily fixed to the housing. The inlet for receiving the lubricant oil into the oiling flow path of the carrier from the oiling member is positioned inside the housing.
US08636612B2	Center adapter assembly An adapter assembly is provided and includes a body having a first periphery, a second periphery opposite the first periphery and a central region interposed between the first and second peripheries. The first periphery is attachable to a first housing at a first aperture thereof, the first housing defining an interior in which a first motor is disposable. The second periphery is attachable to a second housing at a second aperture thereof, the second housing defining an interior in which a second motor is disposable. The central region is configured to encase a coupling for operably coupling the first and second motors via the first and second apertures, respectively, for output to a shaft.
US08636607B2	Putter head Disclosed is a putter head and a putter having the putter head comprising a putter head body having a putter shaft connector and least one horizontal bore extending therethrough and a locatable adjacent to the putter head body. The impact adjustment body has at least one bore alignable with the bore in the putter head body. The putter head further comprises a putter face plate locatable adjacent to the impact adjustment body such that the impact adjustment body is disposed between the putter face plate and the putter head body and at least one weighted fastener sized to extend through the bores in the putter head body and the impact adjustment body so as to secure the putter face plate to the putter head body. Also disclosed is a kit for constructing an adjustable putter head including a plurality of interchangeable impact adjustment bodies and weighted fasteners.
US08636606B2	Golf club and method of adjusting properties thereof A golf club includes: a hosel of a head to which a leading end of a shaft is attached; a weight material for adjusting weight being provided in a lower end portion of a hosel hole; and a communication opening which communicates the lower end portion of the hosel hole with an inside of the head, wherein the weight material is detachably screwed into the communication opening.
US08636605B2	IR system for kinematic analysis A infrared method and apparatus for the kinematic analysis of a golfer is disclosed. The method includes selectively positioning a plurality of infrared markers on a golfer, and optionally on a golf club. Images of the golfer may be acquired before, during, and after he/she swings the golf club. The images may be analyzed to determine the kinematic characteristics of the movement of the golfer's body parts. A kinematic analysis of the golfer's body parts may then be correlated with a kinematic analysis of the golf club. The method and apparatus disclosed herein provide the advantage of allowing a golfer's movement to be correlated with a kinematic analysis of their golf swing while minimizing the physical restrictions on the golfer's movement.
US08636599B2	Torque fluctuation absorber A torque fluctuation absorber includes a center plate rotatably arranged, a side plate arranged coaxially with and rotatably relative to the center plate, an elastic member accommodated in a space surrounded by the side plate and absorbing torque fluctuations generated between the side plate and the center plate, a cover member separating the space and an outside space from each other by covering a clearance between the center plate and the side plate, and a vent portion arranged inwardly in a radial direction of the side plate relative to the cover member and providing a ventilation between the space and the outside space.
US08636596B2	Dynamic player notices for operational changes in gaming machines A gaming terminal data repository (GTDR) for storing game software components and transaction information for gaming machine and gaming terminals is disclosed. A system database is partitioned according to different gaming entities allowing game software component configurations of particular gaming terminals to be easily analyzed and modified. Game software components for gaming terminals connected to the GTDR may be automatically updated using various triggers. System gaming machines may utilize a combination of game software components residing on the gaming machine and those received from the GTDR. A player compliance module (PCM) can be adapted to detect significant changes to gaming machine or gaming terminal playing conditions or parameters, and provide appropriate notices to players of such changes dynamically. The PCM can also facilitate the creation of a log or audit trail to confirm that such player notices have been provided.
US08636589B2	Systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In a preferred embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view and time shift an active game session.
US08636581B2	Gaming system, a method of gaming and an additional game controller A method of gaming comprising: determining which of a plurality of gaming devices, each operable for independent play of one or more games, are eligible for an additional game; initiating an additional game; and determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the determination including a random determination in respect of at least one of the eligible gaming devices to determine whether the respective eligible gaming device will participate in the additional game.
US08636578B2	Mystery jackpot with bingo game trigger A mystery-bingo jackpot provides a bingo triggered jackpot with a maximum or upper limit. In one or more embodiments, the jackpot is guaranteed to be paid out before the jackpot increments beyond the upper limit. This allows the upper limit to published to entice players to play one or more base games associated with the jackpot. A plurality of trigger values may be generated to trigger bingo ball draws. The trigger values may be between a lower limit and the upper limit to ensure that a winning outcome occurs before the upper limit is reached. One or multiple jackpots may be offered.
US08636569B1	Threshing element for harvesters A threshing element includes a structure having an outside surface for threshing a crop material, and an inside surface. A body is operatively connected to a sensor. The body is secured to the inside surface of the structure, the body having a connecting feature for securing at least the body and the structure to each other. The structure is securable to a rotatable threshing rotor of a harvester threshing system. In response to operation of the threshing rotor of the harvester threshing system, the sensor outputs a signal corresponding to forces generated by contact between the outside surface of the structure and the crop material.
US08636567B2	Damper to control fluid flow and associated methods A damper for controlling fluid flow includes a main body, a stator and a rotor. The stator may be carried by the main body and include at least one blade having a predetermined shape. The rotor may be moveably connected to the stator and carried by the main body. The rotor may include at least one blade having a predetermined shape and may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The predetermined shape of the at least one stator blade and the at least one rotor blade may form a converging-diverging nozzle, and the stator and the rotor may be carried by the main body so that fluid flows through the main body substantially perpendicular thereto. The opened position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being aligned with the at least one rotor blade, and the closed position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being offset from the at least one rotor blade.
US08636565B2	Data center air circulation A method for cooling electronic equipment can include flowing cooling air across a plurality of computer units and into a common warm air plenum located at a first end of the computer units; flowing air from the warm air plenum through one or more cooling units, and into an area located at a second end of the computer units; and controlling a flow rate of air out of the warm air plenum to maintain a predetermined pressure differential between the second end of the computer units and the first end of the computer units.
US08636564B2	Supply device for hanging elements A feeding device for suspension elements, for feeding flexible suspension elements into a packaging machine, in particular into a clipping machine, wherein the suspension elements are detachably disposed in the form of loops by an adhesive on a carrier strip transversely to the feeding direction and may be conveyed of said carrier strip to a delivery point at which a suspension element may be removed from the carrier strip. In the region of the delivery point for the suspension elements, a holding-down device is provided above the carrier strip.
US08636563B2	Base for a rotating grinding or cutting tool, and grinding or cutting tool produced therefrom In a rotating grinding- or cutting tool, in particular a grinding wheel or grinding roller, on one body, a coating of abrasive material, e.g. cubic boron nitride (CBN) or diamond is applied. The body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) has two side walls (2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a; 2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a) which are connected to each other on their peripheral region, with the side walls being constructed with fiber-reinforced composite, in particular carbon fiber-, glass fiber- or synthetic fiber-reinforced composite.
US08636543B2	Mezzanine connector A footprint of an electronic assembly formed from conductive pads on a surface of a printed circuit board. One or more vias may connect each pad to a conductive structure within the printed circuit board. The footprint may be such that the vias for the pads are aligned along columns, leaving wide routing channels between the columns. The pads may have different shapes. For example, some of the pads may each have two solder attachment regions that are electrically connected to a ground plane, while other pads may each have one solder attachment region that is electrically connected to a signal trace. The solder attachment regions may be arranged in such a pattern that they align with respective contact tails of a connector assembly. A signal path may be formed between a solder attachment region and a corresponding contact tail through a solder ball attached to the contact tail.
US08636541B2	Enhanced coaxial connector continuity Axially compressible, F-connectors for conventional installation tools for interconnection with coaxial cable include adaptations for establishing electrical continuity despite inadequate nut tightening. Each connector has a rigid nut, a post penetrating the nut, a tubular body, and an end cap. The conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post end penetrates the coaxial cable. The connector may have a circumferential groove defined in the end cap mounting an annular D-ring which tensions contact between the post and nut. The connector may comprise a continuity coil seated within a post groove in spring-loaded contact with the nut and the post for promoting continuity. The connector may comprise a pressure spring and an O-ring seated within a post groove in spring-loaded contact with the nut for promoting continuity.
US08636540B2	Electrical connector grounding path to outer shell An electrical connector (100) comprising a housing (200) defining a front face and a first mating cavity recessed rearward from the front face for receiving a modular plug, an electronic module (400) mounted to the housing, a horizontal PCB (500) mounted under the electronic module, and an outer shell (700) shielding the electronic module and the housing. The electronic module has a vertical PCB(420) which includes a ground trace (421) joined to a conductor (427) that extends through a plated hole in the vertical PCB and that is connected to a conductive pin (722) of the outer shell through a conductive trace (56) of the horizontal PCB (500).
US08636538B2	Connection device and installation kit for electrical installation with circuit integrity in case of fire A connection device with circuit integrity in case of fire where the connection device is configured for tapping into a flat cable without stripping an insulation where the flat cable is configured with plural high power current strands extending parallel and offset from one another in a plane, wherein the connecting device reaches about the flat cable and includes contact screws that are configured to be screwed into the flat cable, where a respective pair of contact screws is provided for the respective high power current strands, wherein the two contact screws of a pair are arranged so that one contact screw contacts one side of a conductor of the high power current strand and another contact screw contacts another side of the conductor of the high power current strand when the flat cable is connected, wherein the contact screws respectively include threads so that the conductor is laterally clamped by the two contact screws with the threads.
US08636537B2	Connecting terminal A connecting terminal includes a housing having at least one base member and an actuating part coupled to the base member and lockingly engageable therewith in an open position and in a contact position. An insulation-displacement contact is configured to connect a cable. A first latching device is configured to contribute to a first interlocking of the base member and the actuating part in the open position and a second latching device is configured to contribute to a second interlocking of the base member and the actuating part in the contact position.
US08636535B1	Electrical connector having metallic shields to avoid EMI for CPU An electrical connector for electrically connecting a central processing unit (CPU) to a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a base having a first opening and a plurality of passageways with a plurality of contacts therein. A base shield is assembled on the first opening of the base. A cover is mounted upon the base and has a second opening corresponding to the first opening of the base and a plurality of through holes corresponding to the passageways. A cover shield is assembled on the second opening of the cover for contacting with the CPU and the base shield. An actuator driving the cover with the cover shield slides along the base with the base shield in a front-to-back direction.
US08636533B1	LED-lamp-board connector An improved LED-lamp-board connector includes a main housing having a base having terminal sockets. The base has two laterals formed with arms each separated from the base by a gap. The arms are provided with rabbets. The two arms are connected by a spine. The spine also has plural rabbets corresponding to the terminal sockets on the base. Each of plural terminals has a horizontal plate whose two ends each extended with a spring contacting piece. The horizontal plate has a lateral including an insert to be inserted into the rabbet on the spine or on the arm, making the horizontal plate and the spring contacting piece of the terminal received in the corresponding terminal socket on the base, thereby forming the connector. The connector receives two LED lamp boards inserted to its two ends, thereby forming an LED lamp board assembly of a variable length.
US08636532B2	Gas sensor and method for making the same In a gas sensor, when an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of an inner periphery of a metal tube 95 is 1 μm or less and end portions 93 and 94 of U-springs 92 are formed as curved contact portions, the end portions 93 and 94 of the U-springs 92 can slide smoothly along the inner periphery of the metal tube 95. Therefore, when vibration is applied to the gas sensor, the U-springs 92 can be prevented from being caught in the inner periphery of the metal tube 95, and the vibration can be absorbed by an elastic function of the U-springs 92. Even if the gas sensor vibrates, defective contact between a sensor element 20 and contact fittings 71 and wear and cracks in the sensor element 20 are less likely to occur. That is, the gas sensor resistant to vibration can be obtained.
US08636529B2	Blind mate interconnect and contact A coaxial interconnect and contact are provided. The coaxial contact is patterned to define a plurality of openings along its longitudinal length. An inner surface of the contact may circumferentially engage an outer surface of a mating contact, wherein such engagement causes at least a portion of the contact to flex radially outwardly. The contact may also flex in the longitudinal or axial direction.
US08636526B2	Connector receptacles having contact protection during improper insertion of a card Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles having a smaller size. One example provides this smaller size by decreasing the depth of the connector receptacle. Contacts in the connector receptacle may be protected from damage due to improper insertion of a second electronic device or connection to a second electronic device. This protection may be achieved in various ways. In some examples, one or more components or one or more contacts may be used to block the improper insertion of a second electronic device or connection to a second electronic device. In other examples, one or more contacts may avoid damage by being located outside of an insertion path until a second electronic device or connection to a second electronic device is inserted. In other examples, instead of blocking or avoiding an improper insertion, the contacts may avoid damage by bending out of the way.
US08636525B2	Apparatus having a movable user input device including an actuatable portion According to embodiments of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus including a user input device; and a mechanism configured to enable the user input device to be moved between a first position and a second position wherein when the user input device is in the first position a socket is accessible by a user of the apparatus and when the user input device is in the second position the socket is not accessible by the user of the apparatus.
US08636519B2	Simulation of an invasive procedure Apparatus, including: a mockup probe, having a distal end and a proximal end adapted to be held by a human operator. The apparatus further includes a mockup patient, simulating an actual patient, the mockup patient having an aperture allowing penetration of the distal end of the mockup probe into the mockup patient. The apparatus includes a force generator, coupled to the mockup probe so as to apply a force to the proximal end that can be felt by the human operator, and a system controller. The controller is configured to: track a location of the distal end during the penetration thereof into the mockup patient, access an indication of a value of contractility of a region of an organ of the actual patient corresponding to the location, and activate the force generator so that the force applied to the proximal end corresponds to the indication.
US08636517B1	Educational game for enhanced word learning when matching similar words in different languages An educational game used for enhanced word learning of words in a different language. In one format using playing cards, a player picks a first card from a plurality of like cards in a card deck. The player then turns the first card over to reveal an English word with its corresponding image. The player now looks at a plurality of second cards with a Spanish word or other language word, which are placed face up to see if he or she can quickly match the English word with the Spanish word. If the player picks the correct corresponding word, the card is turned over to reveal the word and its corresponding image. By continuous playing the game, the players quickly can learn words in a different language prior to associating the word with its image.
US08636516B2	Apparatus and system for weighing food items An apparatus and a system comprise a plate device comprising a support structure and a plurality of compartments being configured to retain items. The compartments are supported by the support structure. A plurality of weighing devices is configured to weigh the compartments. A scale support structure is configured to support the plate device and the weighing devices. A processing device is in communication with the weighing devices and is operable to at least process weight information. A presentation device is in communication with the processing device. The presentation device is operable to at least display processed weight information of items in each of the compartments and to display a sum total of processed weight information of items retained in the plate device.
US08636513B2	Fabricating a base compatible with physical tooth models Systems and methods produce a physical base for receiving physical tooth models by receiving position information for the physical tooth models on the physical base and machining first features on a base plate in accordance with the position information to produce the physical base, wherein the first features are configured to receive the physical tooth models.
US08636512B2	Set of elements for producing a dental prosthesis, system for producing a dental prosthesis or a set of elements, and corresponding production methods A set of elements is described for use in the production of a dental prosthesis (20), in particular of a crown, a bridge, an inlay or an onlay, comprising: a framework (3) and one or more model parts (5) for defining parts of the outer contour of a veneer (15) for the framework (3), wherein the model part or parts (5) can be mounted on the framework (3) in such a way that, at one and the same time, (i) a gap (7) remains between the model part or parts (5) and the framework (3) and (ii) the model part or parts (5) define parts [lacuna] the outer contour. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
US08636510B2	System and method for detecting deviations during the course of an orthodontic treatment to gradually reposition teeth Method and system for detecting and correcting deviation during an orthodontic treatment plan is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an un-segmented current teeth image representing a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun and before the plan ends for the patient; matching a previously segmented teeth model with the current teeth image; and generating at least one corrective stage to define an intermediate tooth arrangement, wherein the at least one corrective stage repositions a digital teeth image so that a prescribed tooth arrangement of the previously segmented teeth model can be used.
US08636508B2	Self-ligating brackets for orthodontics Self-ligating bracket for orthodontics has a base, an occlusal wall extending from the base and occlusal ligature wing, a gingival wall extending from the base and gingival ligature wing, a slot, which separates the occlusal wall and the gingival wall from one another and extends continuously in the direction from mesial to distal, and a slide, which is held in a guide provided in the occlusal wall and/or in the gingival wall. The guide can be shifted in the gingival-occlusal direction, between a closed position, in which the slide bridges the slot, and a open position, in which the slot is open in labial direction. A structure holds the slide in its closed position as well as in its open position.
US08636507B2	Self-ligating orthodontic bracket A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a body and a locking shutter. A mesio-gingival reference plane is defined tangent to a lingual-most point of the archwire slot. The body further includes an occlusal-gingival opening that intersects the reference plane. The locking shutter includes a lingual end located in the opening at a closed lingual location when the locking shutter is in a closed position, and at an open lingual location when the locking shutter is in an open position. The locking shutter further includes a labial end located at a closed labial location when the locking shutter is in the closed position and at an open labial location when the locking shutter is in the open position. A first occlusal-gingival distance from the closed lingual location to the open lingual location is at least about 70% of a second occlusal-gingival distance from the closed labial location to the side surface. In addition, the first occlusal-gingival distance is at least about 60% of a third occlusal-gingival distance from the closed lingual location to an end of a tie wing.
US08636499B2	Equipment for producing molecularly bioriented tubular profiles and corresponding method The equipment consists of a mould (1) with external heating elements (3) and with asymmetric heads (4) at the ends thereof, allowing insertion of the corresponding tubular profile or plastic tube (6) inside the already hot mould (1) at the same temperature as the actual mould (1) in order to prevent any heat exchange. The mould (1) is mounted on a support (2) that can tilt and rotate, while the heads (4) include a vacuum take-off orifice (5), fastening means (7) for the plastic tube (6), which, once inserted into the mould (1) rests on the lower generatrix of the latter, and inlet (8) and outlet (9) means for fluids for expanding the plastic tube (6) and for cooling same, the mould (1) incorporating, on the side, an inlet orifice for a lubricating fluid that facilitates removal of the plastic tube (1) once the latter has been shaped. The tube (6) expands owing to the introduction of the expander fluid through the inlet (8).
US08636496B2	Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects. The system includes an optical imaging system providing a light source; a photosensitive medium adapted to change states upon exposure to a portion of the light source from the optical imaging system; a control system for controlling movement of the optical imaging system, wherein the optical imaging system moves continuously above the photosensitive medium. The method includes moving a maskless optical imaging system providing the light beam in a continuous sequence; presenting the light beam on a portion of the photosensitive medium; lowering a plate upon which the photosensitive medium resides; and applying a new layer of the photosensitive medium.
US08636495B2	Abnormality detector for an injection molding machine A movable unit in an injection molding machine is started to operate and the current physical quantity and the current time (or current position of the movable unit) are detected. The current physical quantity is stored as a reference physical quantity in association with the elapsed time of operation of the movable unit (or position of the movable unit). A deviation of the current physical quantity from the reference physical quantity is calculated and stored, a distribution index value is then calculated from the physical quantity deviations in the first to n-th cycles, and a threshold value is determined from the distribution index value. When the deviation exceeds the threshold value, alarm processing is performed.
US08636494B2	Apparatus for printing of three-dimensional objects An apparatus to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The apparatus may include a printing head to print a three-dimensional object and a printing tray having defined surface characteristics serving to control adherence of the object being printed to the printing tray and/or prevent deformations in the printed object.
US08636490B1	Systems and methods for forming non-pneumatic tires A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes a lower mold portion including a lower face plate configured to provide a lower relief corresponding to a first side of the tire. The lower mold portion also includes a plurality of lower projections extending from the lower face plate and configured to correspond to cavities in the first side of the tire, wherein the lower projections taper as the lower projections extend from the lower face plate, and wherein at least some of the lower projections are hollow. The system further includes an upper mold portion configured to be coupled to the lower mold portion. The lower mold portion and the upper mold portion are configured to be coupled to one another, such that a hub associated with the tire provides a seal between the lower mold portion and the upper mold portion.
US08636487B2	Dual stage pump having intermittent mid-shift load supports A hydraulic pump is disclosed. The hydraulic pump may have a first fluid section (12), a second fluid section (14), and an input shaft (16) extending through the first fluid section and the second fluid section. The input shaft may have a first end (44), a second end (46), and a mid-portion (48) located between the first and second ends. The hydraulic pump may also have a first bearing (30) configured to continuously support the first end of the input shaft, and a second bearing (32) configured to continuously support the second end of the input shaft. The hydraulic pump may further have a third bearing (56) configured to intermittently support the mid-portion (58) of the input shaft.
US08636483B2	Pump apparatus, power transmission apparatus, and vehicle A pump apparatus configured with a first pump for pumping working fluid in accordance with a reciprocation of a piston using a space between a first open/close valve for suction and a second open/close valve for discharge as a pump chamber. The pump apparatus is also configured a first flow passage for supplying the working fluid from a supply source to an operation subject via the first open/close valve, the pump chamber, and the second open/close valve in accordance with an operation of the first pump. A second flow passage supplies the working fluid pumped by a second pump, which is different from the first pump, to the pump chamber. A selector is configured to select either the first flow passage or the second flow passage.
US08636482B2	Yoke assembly for a submersible turbine pump that pumps fuel from an underground storage tank A submersible turbine pump (STP) comprising a manifold, a yoke assembly including a yoke sleeve integrally connected to the manifold, and a packer removably secured to the manifold is provided. The manifold includes an electrical cavity that receives electrical wiring from an external source. The yoke sleeve has a hollow interior and is integrally connected to manifold, and a first end of the yoke sleeve is within the electrical cavity. The packer includes a chamber having a yoke sleeve inlet port and an electrical conduit inlet port. The yoke sleeve inlet port receives a second end of the yoke sleeve extending from the manifold, and the electrical conduit inlet port receives an electrical conduit extending from a pump within an underground storage tank. The electrical wiring passes from the electrical cavity to the chamber through the yoke sleeve and then to the pump through the electrical conduit.
US08636479B2	Blower with bearing tube A blower includes a stationary portion including an inlet and an outlet, a rotating portion provided to the stationary portion, and a motor adapted to drive the rotating portion. The inlet and outlet are co-axially aligned. The stationary portion includes a housing, a stator component provided to the housing, and a tube providing an interior surface. The rotating portion includes one or more bearings that are provided along the interior surface of the tube to support a rotor within the tube. In an embodiment, the blower is structured to supply air at positive pressure.
US08636478B2	Sensor assembly for determining fluid properties in a subsurface well A sensor assembly (51) for sensing one or more fluid properties of a fluid in a subsurface well (12) having a well fluid level (42W), a surface region (32) and a riser pipe (30) includes a sensor apparatus (52) and a pump assembly (54) that are positioned within the well (12). The sensor apparatus (52) includes a sensor (682) that senses one of the fluid properties. The pump assembly (54) can be positioned in an in-line manner relative to the sensor apparatus (52). The pump assembly (54) can be positioned between the sensor apparatus (52) and the surface region (32). Alternatively, the sensor apparatus (52) can be positioned between the pump assembly (54) and the surface region (32). In one embodiment, the sensor apparatus (52) is positioned above the well fluid level (42W). The pump assembly (54) can pump fluid toward the sensor apparatus (52) or the pump assembly (54) can pump fluid to draw more fluid to the sensor apparatus (52). The pump assembly (54) can be a two-line, two-valve pump that is removable from the riser pipe (30). The sensor assembly (51) can include a controller (17) that receives data from the sensor (682) regarding one of the fluid properties of the fluid.
US08636475B2	Turbomachine, especially steam turbine A turbomachine includes a turbine stage having a plurality of blades including a first and a second blade disposed adjacent to each other, each blade having a radial longitudinal axis and a blade tip and configured to twist around the radial longitudinal axis in an operating state in a twist direction, wherein the first and the second blades are pretwisted in a direction of twist in a non-operating state, and wherein a connecting element interconnects the first and the second blades to each other in a circumferential direction in a region of the respective blade tip so as to maintain the pretwisting.
US08636474B2	Rotor assembly for a gas turbine A rotor assembly, for a gas turbine, has a plurality of rotor discs interconnected by an axially extending rim. The outside of the rim has a circumferential array of dovetail slots and the underside of the rim has a circumferential channel which extends radially part way into the slots, the respective discs thus being interconnected axially across the channel by an array of circumferentially spaced connecting portions. There is an array of blades, each blade having a blade root secured in a respective one of the dovetail slots.
US08636471B2	Apparatus and methods for cooling platform regions of turbine rotor blades A configuration of cooling channels through the interior of a turbine rotor blade, the turbine rotor blade including a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root. In one embodiment, the configuration of cooling channels includes: an interior cooling passage that is configured to extend from a connection with a coolant source in the root to the interior of the airfoil; a platform cooling channel that traverses at least a portion of the platform; a turndown extension that includes a first section, which comprises a connection with the platform cooling channel, and a second section, which comprises a radially oriented cooling channel; and a connector that extends from a connector opening formed through an outer face of the root to a connection with the interior cooling passage and, therebetween, bisects the second section of the turndown extension.
US08636470B2	Turbine blades and turbine rotor assemblies A turbine blade includes an airfoil defined by a convex suction side wall, a concave pressure side wall, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a root, and a tip, the walls and the tip each including an interior surface that defines an interior with the root, the interior including an airfoil cooling circuit for directing airflow through the blade, and a platform supporting the airfoil and having a leading side edge, a trailing side edge, suction side edge, a pressure side edge, an airfoil-facing wall, and a root-facing wall, the platform including a platform cooling circuit having an inlet on the leading side edge and an outlet. The turbine blade may be included in a turbine rotor assembly.
US08636464B2	Adjustable fan case liner and mounting method A liner for an interior surface of an engine casing, comprises a number of liner panels disposed radially outwardly of a rotatable component of the engine, such as a fan blade, and the panels are mounted on the interior surface of the casing, wherein each panel is individually adjustable, such that the clearance between the panel and the rotatable component of the engine may be varied individually for each panel.
US08636463B2	Interior cooling channels Cooling channels through the interior of a machine component that include: a first set of cooling channels, the first set of cooling channels including a plurality of parallel channels that reside in a first plane; a second set of cooling channels, the second set of cooling channels including a plurality of parallel channels that reside in a second plane. Along a longitudinal axis, the cooling channels of the first and second set of cooling channels may include an alternating diverging-converging configuration, the alternating diverging-converging configuration creating a series of broader chamber sections connected by a series of narrower throat sections. The first set of cooling channels and the second set of cooling channels may be configured such that, when viewed from the side, a crisscrossing pattern with a plurality of intersections is formed. The first plane resides in spaced relation to the second plane, with the first plane being offset from the second plane such that a plurality of the chamber sections of the first set of cooling channels connect to a plurality of the chamber sections of the second set of cooling channels.
US08636458B2	Integrated post-exposure bake track Systems and methods for processing wafers, a combined post expose bake and chill unit, and an interface are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a lithography tool, local track, transfer device, transfer device handler, interface unit, and controller to schedule processing. An exemplary combined post expose bake and chill unit includes an enclosure having an opening in its side, and a bake unit and a chill unit in the enclosure. An exemplary interface includes a plurality of enclosures arranged around robot(s) that transfer wafers among the enclosures, one of the plurality of enclosures being an integrated bake and chill unit.
US08636457B2	Two-way fastener A two-way fastener includes a first member configured to be attached to a first workpiece via a tool selected from the group consisting of: a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a nutdriver and a hammer; and a second member configured to be attached to a second workpiece such that the second workpiece comes together with the first workpiece and at least substantially hides the entire two-way fastener, the second member extending in an opposite direction as the first member.
US08636456B2	Weldless building structures A building structure including a first building member and a second building member may be connected by fasteners, each fastener having a head, a tapered lead portion having an angle from 30 to 60° of at least HRC 50 hardness adapted to start into a pilot hole, a thread-forming portion of at least HRC 50 hardness adapted to thread the fastener into at least the second steel building member, and a threaded portion having a through hardness from about HRB 70 to HRC 40, such that the fastener is capable of providing a ratio of failure torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a ratio of failure torque to drive torque greater than 10 when the second steel building member has a thickness of about 0.25 inch and the pilot hole has at least one diameter within nominal diameter from 80 to 98% of major diameter.
US08636455B2	Installable assembly having an expandable outer member and a fastener with a mandrel A fastener assembly is installable in an opening of a workpiece and includes an outer member and a fastener. The fastener is movable through a passageway of the outer member. The fastener includes a mandrel and a stem. The mandrel is dimensioned to radially expand the outer member. The stem has an expansion portion and a propping portion. The expansion portion radially expands the outer member after the outer member has been expanded by the mandrel. The propping portion keeps the expanded outer member in an installed expanded configuration. The outer member and fastener are installed in a single operation to reduce installation time.
US08636454B2	Fastener There is provided a fastener which can be brought into firm engagement with a mounting hole without being affected by a change in thickness of a member in which the mounting hole is provided or a larger or smaller inside diameter of the mounting hole. This fastener 1 includes a pin 10, a metal plate spring member 30 and a grommet 50. The plate spring member 30 has a base portion 31 and a pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 which are opened in their free state and which are closed when pressed against their elastic restoring force. The elastic engagement pieces 35 have engagement shoulder portions 37 which are brought into engagement with the mounting hole, and distal ends thereof are folded to constitute folded portions 40. The folded portions 40 are offset widthwise from each other, and engagement projecting pieces 43 are formed on inner sides thereof. Abutment pieces 45 are formed on the folded portions 40 in positions lying closer to the base portion 31 with which a distal end portion 15 of the pin 10 is brought into abutment to impart a driving force thereto. Abutment portions 45a are formed on the abutment pieces 45 which convert the driving force applied along an inserting direction of the pin 10 into a driving force applied widthwise outwards of the abutment pieces 45.
US08636452B2	Method for using a bicycle tire inner tube to make a tie down strap A tie down strap is used for securing cargo or to attach various objects. A tie down strap is made from a bicycle tire inner tube and clips which can be removeably and adjustably attached to either end of the bicycle tire inner tube which is cut along a radial axis.
US08636449B2	Inner casing vacuum system for a gas turbine engine casing A method of drilling one or more holes, substantially in situ, in a turbomachine casing includes locating piping including at least one vacuum head within the turbomachine casing in proximity to a hole to be drilled; drilling at least one hole in the casing such that drill chips or shavings caused by the drilling are collected in the vacuum head; and applying a vacuum through the piping to the at least one vacuum head to thereby remove the drill chips or shavings collected in the vacuum head to a location outside the turbomachine casing.
US08636443B2	Compactor having electronically controlled liquid dispensing mechanism, system, and method A compactor includes a rotatable compacting element, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a liquid onto an outer surface of the compacting element to prevent sticking of paving material. The compactor further includes an electronic control mechanism configured to activate the dispensing mechanism, and further configured to deactivate the dispensing mechanism responsive to data indicating an extent of coverage of the outer surface with the liquid is sufficient. Related systems and methodology are also disclosed.
US08636441B2	Dual direction pre-stressed pre-tensioned precast concrete slabs and process for same A precast roadway slab is pre-tensioned longitudinally and transversely, and may also be post-tensioned. A casting bed has the capability of permitting pre-tensioning of a concrete cast to be carried out within the casting bed in both the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. Slots are provided at regular intervals within the side walls and jacking heads of the casting bed for tensioning wires to pass therethrough for pre-tensioning. The process utilizes a multilayer grid of pre-tensioning wires disposed within the casting bed, prior to pouring of the concrete. The cast concrete product can also be made with optional tubular ducts, laid parallel to the longitudinal wires, for post-tensioning subsequent to the cast of the concrete. The post-tensioning of the hardened cast, if called for, takes place at the job site.
US08636439B2	Latching mechanism A latching mechanism includes a pusher member formed with an internal ring and being attached to a first object. A center post formed with a relief groove is secured to a release button and is connected to a second object. A slidable sleeve biased upwardly surrounds the center post and carries a pair of detent balls in a position to be alignable with the relief groove. The internal ring of the pusher member pushes the detent balls downwardly until the detent balls become aligned with the relief groove allowing the internal ring pass below the detent balls and thus latch the first and second objects together. Release is attained by pressing the release button to raise the center post into alignment with the detent balls to allow the internal ring to move past the detent balls and affect a release of the latching mechanism.
US08636424B2	Optical communication connector In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector. Such a feature may actuated by being moved from a first position to a second position relative to the communication connector.
US08636419B2	Bearing assembly with overmoulded annular bodies of plastic material A bearing assembly includes at least one rolling bearing unit having an outer race and an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race, and two annular bodies of plastic material overmoulded on the outer race and the inner race, respectively, of the bearing unit. At least one of the two annular bodies has a free cylindrical surface. One of the two bearing races forms a radially extending flange having a cylindrical end surface, circumferentially continuous or discrete, which ends flush with the free cylindrical surface of plastic material.
US08636418B2	Wheel bearing arrangement with sensor stop A wheel bearing arrangement, especially for utility vehicles, having a rotating outer ring (5, 6), a stationary inner ring (3, 2) and rolling elements rolling between these rings, the inner ring being fixed on a stationary axle journal (4) and the outer ring inside a wheel hub (1) having a signal transmitter (9). In order to make it easier to fit a sensor arrangement to the wheel bearing arrangement and to increase driving safety, a sensor (13) interacting with the signal transmitter is arranged so as to axially abut on the inner ring and is then fastened to the spindle by a fastening element (12, 16), thereby allowing, once the bearing rings are mounted, the sensor to be positioned on the inner ring via a stop surface formed onto the sensor and then to be permanently immobilized by a screw or other fastening element.
US08636417B2	Wheel support structure for motorcycle In a wheel support structure for a motorcycle, a magnetic encoder 34 for detecting rotational speed is mounted and fastened to the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical section 36a, which extends outward in the axial direction from the outer ring 22, of an encoder installation plate 35a that is attached to the end section in the axial direction of the outer ring 22 of the one of the rolling bearings 21a on the side toward the other rolling bearing 4, or is mounted and attached to the side surface toward the side of the other rolling bearing 4 of a slinger 73, which is attached to the end section in the axial direction of the outer ring 22b of the one of the rolling bearings 21a on the side toward the other rolling bearing 4 such that the end surface on the inner diameter side closely faces the outer surface of the inner ring 24 to form labyrinth space 42. Preferably, a rotation restraining member 86 is fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 82a, which is the rotating ring, and there is engagement between this rotation restraining member 86 and the inner circumferential surface of the hub 6, which is the rotating member.
US08636416B2	Lower side bearing for railroad car wheel truck A lower side bearing for a wheel truck, including: a first friction board, a second friction board, an inner pedestal, a bearing sleeve sleeving the inner pedestal, a pressure block, a pressure plate, and an elastic component. The pressure block is disposed on an upper part of the inner pedestal, and the second friction board is disposed on a top of the pressure block. The pressure plate is disposed on an upper part of the bearing sleeve, and the first friction board is disposed on a top of the pressure plate. A friction coefficient μk of the first friction board and a friction coefficient μz of the second friction board meet the relation: μk>μz. The elastic component is disposed between the inner pedestal and the bearing sleeve for controlling a relative position of the inner pedestal and the bearing sleeve.
US08636412B2	Shopper bag A shopper bag having a substantially rectangular opening at the top and closed bottom for articles to be placed into and removed from the bag. The bag includes a front and opposed back panel with a closed rectangular bottom to provide the rectangular mouth opening at the top. A first handle is mounted on one panel at the opening and an horizontal slit is formed in the opposed panel so that the upper portion of the slit and the first handle can be used to lift the bag. A larger collar is formed on the same side as the first handle. The collar is configured to fit through, the horizontal slit opening to draw both opposed panels together at the mouth and allow a user to place the collar on one's neck or shoulder to carry the bag.
US08636411B2	CT perfusion phantom A physical phantom reference to control for variability of computed tomography measurement results duplicates the density curve of blood perfusion of contrast material in a healthy aorta or large artery to normalize observed changes in healthy arterial blood perfusion when calculating the reduction in tumor blood perfusion between two examination times. In one embodiment, a plurality of compartments with different concentrations of contrast material corresponding to a density curve of blood perfusion of a healthy tissue are positioned-in a screening field of a CT machine so the CT machine images the compartments when it images the healthy tissue. In another embodiment, a pipe containing fluid receives an injection of contrast material from the injector when the injector injects the contrast material into the patient, the pipe having sections of varying diameter so the sections together correspond to a blood perfusion curve of the contrast material in a healthy tissue.
US08636410B2	Mobile X-ray imaging system including a steering mechanism and a brake mechanism An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray irradiator, an X-ray receiver, a support mechanism configured to support the X-ray irradiator and X-ray receiver in opposing positions, and a flat carrier configured to support the support mechanism and including at least one wheel for movement. The X-ray imaging system also includes a handle for manual movement attached to the flat carrier car and brake means juxtaposed to the handle.
US08636407B2	Wireless temperature sensor having no electrical connections and sensing method for use therewith A wireless temperature sensor includes an electrical conductor and a dielectric material on the conductor. The conductor is electrically unconnected and is shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses, each of which has a frequency associated therewith. The material is selected such that it experiences changes in either dielectric or magnetic permeability attributes in the presence of a temperature change. Shifts from the sensor's baseline frequency response indicate that the material has experienced a temperature change.
US08636404B2	Timepiece A wristwatch includes a case formed of a glass and a back lid attached to a case body that has an annular receiving portion on an inner peripheral surface thereof. An inner frame is integrated into the case body by engaging an engaging portion of the inner frame with the annular receiving portion from the side of the back lid. A movement is supported inside the inner frame, and a plurality of resilient bodies are attached to the inner frame and project from the outer peripheral surface of the inner frame. The resilient bodies are clamped between the inner peripheral surface of the case body and the outer peripheral surface of the inner frame, and are resiliently deformed so as to match a gap between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface.
US08636403B2	Timepiece component and method for making same A timepiece component, such as a balance, an oscillating mass or a wheel, having a structure made according to a micro-manufacturing technique, such as the DRIE technique. The component has at least one member formed in or at the periphery of the structure and made of a material different from that of the structure. This member is typically metal and is formed by electro-forming using a cavity of the structure as a mold.
US08636398B2	Room lamp for motor vehicle A room lamp for a motor vehicle, including a lamp assembly having a resin clip; a vessel having an opening; and a reinforcing member. The resin clip is engaged with a peripheral edge of the reinforcing member through the opening of the vessel to integrally attach the lamp assembly, the vessel and the reinforcing member. The resin clip has an inverted U shape, is made of an elastic member and includes a base part, an inverted U shape part and a lock. The resin clip has a protruding piece in a lower part of the lock, a side protruding piece formed in a lower part side of the protruding piece which is located in an engaging recessed part of an opening peripheral edge of the vessel which has a clip abutting surface when the resin clip is engaged with the peripheral edge of the reinforcing member.
US08636397B2	Vehicle headlamp with a lens having elements formed on a boundary surface therefor There is presented a vehicle headlamp with an imaging optics that is designed to project, as light/dark boundary, into the area in front of the vehicle headlamp, an edge that delimits a light flux of a light source of the vehicle headlamp, a boundary surface of a component of the imaging optics, through which the light flux penetrates, having an overhead element in the form of a local deformation of the boundary surface having a prismatic effect by means of which the light is deflected into an overhead area lying over the light/dark boundary. The vehicle headlamp is distinguished by the fact that the boundary surface has more than one hundred overhead elements distributed discretely over the boundary surface.
US08636392B2	Method and device for controlling a light emission of a headlight of a vehicle A method for controlling a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a change enabling signal for performing a change of the light emission of the at least one headlight from an input emission characteristic to an output emission characteristic during a debouncing period and/or debouncing distance which begin(s) in response to the change enabling signal. The method also includes changing the light emission of the at least one headlight from the input emission characteristic to an intermediate emission characteristic in response to the change enabling signal. The method also includes changing the light emission of the at least one headlight from the intermediate emission characteristic to the output emission characteristic after the debouncing period and/or the debouncing distance has/have elapsed.
US08636387B1	Surface-mounted lighting system A lighting fixture can dispose a light source in a recess of a ceiling or another surface while providing at least one of three adjustments that facilitates installation or post-installation setup. The first adjustment can support mounting the fixture to surfaces of differing thicknesses while maintaining the light source at a uniform recess depth. The second possible adjustment can facilitate rotating a visible portion of the fixture, typically an aperture or hole through which light transmits from the light source into a room or some other illuminated space. After the lighting fixture is attached to the ceiling, a user can rotate the aperture for alignment with another fixture or another object. The third possible adjustment can provide an illumination pattern that can be tilted to various angles or oriented in various directions according to user preference or to establish a desired lighting effect.
US08636386B2	Filter device for the compensation of an asymmetric pupil illumination The invention relates to a filter device for an illumination system, especially for the correction of the illumination of the illuminating pupil, including a light source, with the illumination system being passed through by a bundle of illuminating rays from the light source to an object plane, with the bundle of illuminating rays impinging upon the filter device, including at least one filter element which can be introduced into the beam path of the bundle of illuminating rays, with the filter element including an actuating device, so that the filter element can be brought with the help of the actuating device into the bundle of illuminating rays.
US08636382B2	Light source apparatus, image display apparatus and television receiving apparatus A light source apparatus, an image display apparatus and a television receiving apparatus are provided, which can electrically connect boards with each other even if the boards are separated from each other by more than or less than a predetermined distance. In a light source unit in which plural LEDs are aligned on one surface of a LED board 2, plural stoppers 20 are arranged at another surface 2b of LED board 2 to stop the stopper 20 at stop slits 63, 63, . . . 63 of a support member 6 which is to hold the light source unit, and to hold the light source unit to be slidable along one surface of the support member 6.
US08636378B2	Illumination device with light emitting diodes and movable light adjustment member A light emitting device is produced using one or more light emitting diodes within a light mixing cavity formed by surrounding sidewalls. The light emitting device includes a light adjustment member that is movable to alter the shape or color of the light produced by the light emitting device. For example, the light adjustment member may alter the exposure of the wavelength converting area to the light emitted that is emitted by the light emitting diode in the light mixing cavity. Alternatively, the height of a lens may be adjusted to change the width of the beam produced. Alternatively, a movable substrate with areas of different wavelength converting materials may adjustably cover the output port of the light mixing cavity to alter the color point of the light produced.
US08636375B2	Shroud plate with lighting system A light for headgear includes a shroud plate having a shell configured to receive a goggle mount, the shell having a periphery generally conforming to a contour of the headgear; and a lighting system on the shell having at least one light. The light further includes a power unit electrically coupled to the lighting system.
US08636374B2	Backlight unit and display device including the same A backlight unit capable of emitting heat smoothly and a display device including the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover; a light emitting module arranged in the bottom cover; a first heat sink arranged to an outside of the bottom cover; and a second heat sink arranged in the bottom cover, the second heat sink located between the light emitting module and the first heat sink.
US08636373B2	Spread illuminating apparatus A spread illuminating apparatus includes a light source, a flexible printed circuit board, and a light guiding plate. The light guiding plate has a light incident face, and a light output portion planarly outputting light. The light guiding plate has an inclined portion between the light incident face and the light output portion, the inclined portion having an inclined face gradually reducing in thickness from the light incident face toward the light output portion; the flexible printed circuit board is placed on the light guiding plate from the side of the inclined face, and has a mounting portion mounting the light source, and a bent portion bent to the mounting portion and fixed to the inclined face of the inclined portion, and the bent portion includes a thickness reduced portion having a thickness less than the mounting portion.
US08636368B2	Projection display apparatus and actuation control method thereof A projection display apparatus and an actuation control method thereof are provided. A projection display apparatus includes an apparatus body that forms an optical image projected on a screen, a projection lens that projects the optical image formed by the apparatus body on the screen, a lens actuator that allows the projection lens to be shifted in a vertical direction or in a horizontal direction relative to the apparatus body, and a shift controller that limits a range of shift movement by the lens actuator such that a center position of the projection lens does not go outside of a quadrangle region of which the intersection point of diagonals is located coaxially with the position of the optical axis of the apparatus body.
US08636367B1	System and method for controlling multiple beams illuminating projected images The power and response curves of one or more beams or primaries of beams of a laser projection system illuminating an image on a viewing surface are controlled to desired characteristics during exhibition by monitoring the scanning beams in real time by using at least part of the horizontal blanking time during the scanning of a motion or still image to project a test pattern with one or more of the beams onto a sensor or sensors. The system and method permits real-time balancing and maintenance of the response curves and power levels of each of the beams, and of primary beams of combined beams, to desired targets so as to produce a display field without artifacts and at desired brightness on the viewing surface.
US08636360B2	Beveling wheel, method for forming a beveled lens for use with eyeglasses and a beveled lens The present invention relates to a beveling wheel and method for forming a beveled lens with the beveling wheel for use with eyeglasses. One embodiment includes a prescription lens for use on an eyeglass frame having a receiving channel. The receiving channel includes a channel bottom and opposed interior wall surfaces having a first angle therebetween. The prescription plastic lens includes a prescription lens body generally defined by a peripheral edge having a bevel extending away from the edge to a vertex. The bevel has a distal portion with a second angle. The bevel is receivable within the receiving channel. At least a portion of the vertex of the bevel has an interference fit with the receiving channel bottom when held within the eyeglass frame. The first angle is greater than the second angle.
US08636359B2	Vision correction lenses A method of customizing vision correction including measuring optical aberration data of a patient's eye and calculating a lens definition based on the optical aberration data, wherein calculating the lens definition comprises calculating a correction of at least one low order aberration and at least one high order aberration and is based at least partly on the patient's pupil size.
US08636356B2	Glasses with stem locks An eye wear system comprising a frame configured to receive at least one lens, with stems pivotably coupled to the frame, wherein stems have a first portion and a second portion, and a first, i.e. open, orientation disposed generally perpendicular to the frame, and a second, i.e. collapsed, orientation disposed generally parallel to the frame. The nose pads, which can be integrally formed with the frame, form at least part of an opening configured to receive the first portion of the stem to releasably secure the stem in the second, or collapsed, orientation.
US08636355B2	Target supporting apparatus, target transporting mechanism and liquid ejecting apparatus A target supporting apparatus includes a first supporting member having a plurality of first suction holes open to the front surface of the member and the rear surface thereof; a second supporting member having a plurality of second suction holes formed therein and being stacked on and fixed to the first supporting member, the cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of second suction holes being smaller than the cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of first suction holes; and a sucking unit that sucks in the plurality of first suction holes and hence sucks in the plurality of second suction holes communicating with the plurality of first suction holes. Here, a target which is supported in order for a liquid to be adhered thereto is sucked and held onto a supporting face of the second supporting member due to the driving of the sucking unit.
US08636354B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a head that ejects liquid to be cured by receiving irradiation of an electromagnetic wave onto a medium; a provisional-curing irradiation section that emits a first electromagnetic wave to a dot formed on the medium by the liquid; and a main-curing irradiation section that emits a second electromagnetic wave, which has irradiation intensity higher than that of the first electromagnetic wave, to the dot to which the first electromagnetic wave is emitted. When the main-curing irradiation section emits the second electromagnetic wave, a dot forming surface of the medium faces the lower side in the direction of gravity.
US08636352B2	Ink-jet recording apparatus There is provided an ink-jet recording apparatus which includes a recording portion, and a contact portion configured to come into contact with an upper surface of the sheet. The contact portion has a storage portion provided on a side of the recording portion and configured to store an ink, and a protruding portion is provided between both ends in a width direction intersecting the transporting direction of the storage portion, and which is protruded toward the recording section, and an upper end of the protruding portion is the highest in the contact portion.
US08636351B2	Inkjet ink, ink cartridge containing the inkjet ink, inkjet recording apparatus using the inkjet cartridge, and print formed by the inkjet ink The inkjet ink includes at least a carbon black, a surfactant, a polyether-modified silicone oil having a polyoxyalkylene group in a side chain thereof, an anionic self-emulsifying polyether-modified polyurethane resin having a polyoxyalkylene group in a main chain thereof, and water. The inkjet ink contains particles having a particle diameter of not less than 0.5 μm in an amount of from 500,000 to 2,000,000 pieces per 5.0 μl, and has a volume average particle diameter (D50) of from 80 nm to 120 nm and a 90% cumulative particle diameter (D90) of from 160 nm to 200 nm.
US08636349B2	Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus A continuous liquid ejection head collects droplets which are not used for printing (unused droplets) without affecting the flight of droplets which are used for printing (used droplets). An ejection nozzle and a collection nozzle collect an unused droplet by causing a liquid surface to project out from the aperture of the collection nozzle so as to be positioned in the trajectory along which droplets ejected from the ejection nozzle fly, causing the unused droplet to collide and unite with the liquid surface projected from the collection nozzle, and causing the liquid surface to retreat.
US08636348B2	Inkjet printer An inkjet printer printing includes a cartridge mounting portion in which a ink cartridge can be inserted, and a detection portion including a detection switch having a leading end portion and detecting whether the ink cartridge is inserted in the cartridge mounting portion in accordance with a displacement amount of the leading end portion, the leading end portion being penetratingly supported via a first elastic member so as to be displaceable such that the leading end portion protrudes to the outside, and a protruding portion provided on the leading end portion side of the detection switch via a second elastic member so as to be displaceable and protrudes toward the cartridge mounting portion, the second elastic member having an elastic modulus that is smaller than an elastic modulus of the first elastic member and causing the first elastic member to be deformed when the second elastic member is deformed.
US08636344B2	Piezoelectric unit, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus In an inactive region, a farthest dummy electrode formed in a base end portion and an isolated dummy electrode island are located at positions along an extension from an individual internal electrode toward the base end portion. Such a configuration allows the area of the dummy electrode to be reduced, compared with a dummy electrode continuously formed in the inactive region. Therefore, the cost incurred by the dummy electrode is reduced, which leads to reduction in manufacturing cost of a piezoelectric unit.
US08636342B2	Piezoelectric device, liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, ultrasonic device sensor, and timing device A liquid ejecting head comprises a pressure chamber communicating with nozzle and a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric layer is composed of a solid solution containing bismuth sodium titanate and 0.2 mol % or more and 8.0 mol % or less of manganese.
US08636338B2	Device for servicing an ink jet print head on a hand held printer A hand-held printer that includes an inkjet array having a plurality of inkjets is disclosed. The hand-held printer may include an inkjet cap sized to cooperatively engage the inkjet array, wherein the inkjet cap is movable between and open position and a closed position, and a plurality of wipers carried by the inkjet cap, wherein each of the plurality of wipers is configured to engage one of the plurality of inkjets as the inkjet cap moves from the open position to the closed position; and wherein each of the plurality of wipers includes a gasket configured to form a seal adjacent to one of the plurality of inkjets.
US08636337B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a head having an ejection surface; a head holder; a capping mechanism for capping the ejection surface, having: a facing member with a facing surface to face the ejection surface; and a protrusion provided on the head holder for isolating, from an external space, an ejection space formed between the ejection surface and the facing surface when a tip of the protrusion contacts the facing surface; and a humidifying mechanism having: a circulation passage whose first and second ends are open to the ejection space through openings thereof provided in one of the head and the head holder; and a humidifier for humidifying an air in the passage, the humidifying mechanism being configured to collect an air in the ejection space from the opening of the first end and to supply an air humidified by the humidifier into the ejection space from the opening of the second end.
US08636335B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head includes a main liquid ejecting head body, a head holder, and a sealing member, disposed between the main liquid ejecting head body and the head holder, that has a communication opening that communicates between a first liquid flow channel and a second liquid flow channel. The sealing member further has a close-contact portion provided at the circumferential edge of the communication opening; a first contact portion, provided in correspondence with the external circumferential portion of the main liquid ejecting head body, that protrudes toward the main liquid ejecting head body and makes contact with the main liquid ejecting head body; and a second contact portion that protrudes toward the head holder and makes contact with the head holder.
US08636334B2	Printing apparatus and adjustment pattern printing method The present invention provides an printing apparatus including a pattern printing unit for causing printing elements in partial regions of first and second printing element arrays to print adjustment patterns on a print medium, the adjustment patterns being for acquiring an amount of printing position shift of the second print head with respect to a printing position of the first print head, an acquisition unit for acquiring an amount of relative inclination between the first and second print element arrays, and a selection unit for selecting positions of the partial regions of the first and second printing element arrays based on the amount of relative inclination between the first and second print element arrays. As a result, consumption of media and ink upon a registration process and the amount of time required for the registration process can be reduced.
US08636328B2	Retention device for data storage module A retention device includes a first holder and a second holder. Two locking members downwardly extend from front and rear ends of the first holder. Each of the locking members and the first holder defines a guideway. An engaging portion extends from a side of the first holder. The second holder includes a handle to lock the engaging portion of the first holder. A number of latch portions extend from two ends of the second holder. The second holder can be arranged under the first holder via the latch portions of the second holder received in the guideway of the first holder, or the second holder can be juxtaposed with the first holder via the handle of the second holder locking the engaging portion of first holder.
US08636323B2	Mines and tunnels for use in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels extending from at least one shaft. One or more heater sources are located in one or more heater wellbores coupled to at least one of the substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels.
US08636322B1	Seat backrest auto back-up unit A seat includes a back-up unit which includes a shaft fixed to the rear side of a backrest and the two ends of the shaft are pivotably connected to two armrests of the seat. A resilient member is mounted to the shaft and a restriction unit is connected to the shaft. The backrest tilts backward when a user sits in the seat and pivots forward to its upright position by the resilient member and the restriction unit when the user leaves from the seat.
US08636319B1	Cup holder support apparatus A stadium seat cup holder for use with a stadium seat having an upper seating panel and multiple other panels includes a bracket that is configured to form an attachment to a stadium seat wherein the bracket affixes to one or more seat panels of the stadium seat. At least one recess on the bracket receives a panel of the stadium seat. A cup holder is preferably movably mounted to the bracket, wherein the cup holder is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the cup holder is placed in front of the stadium seat. In the retracted position, the cup holder is placed under the stadium seat. Fittings on the apparatus enable support of other optional items, such as a drink bottle, trash bag, and/or shaker.
US08636316B2	Cover for a sliding roof system A cover for a sliding roof system comprises at least one reinforcing element which has a U-shaped cross-section and has its center leg attached to the cover such that the two side legs extend away from the cover. A sliding roof system provided with a cover of this type is distinguished in that it comprises a sliding/tilting mechanism including a fold-out sliding piece, the sliding piece being movably arranged on the guide rail.
US08636314B2	Frame structure for a motor vehicle, rear frame structure, and vehicle body A frame structure is provided for a motor vehicle having at least two longitudinal girders, each having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, which are at an angle to one another, so that in the installed state of the frame structure in a motor vehicle, the first longitudinal section lies essentially horizontally below a floor plate of the vehicle body and the second longitudinal section extends essentially upward and, viewed in the forward travel direction, the first longitudinal section is arranged behind the second longitudinal section. It is provided that beginning in the area of the transition from the second longitudinal section to the first longitudinal section or an area adjacent thereto, the longitudinal girders extend at least partially away from one another in the direction of the first longitudinal section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rear frame structure and a vehicle body.
US08636309B2	External handle on doors or hatches of vehicle The invention relates to an external handle on doors or hatches of vehicles, using a two piece (10, 20) housing, wherein a cavity (21) is generated between said pieces. A sensor (31, 32) is arranged in said cavity in a container (30). On operation, the sensor carries out certain functions in the lock. According to the invention, failures caused by the ingress of fluids into the cavity (21) can be avoided, wherein the container (30) is formed from an elastic molded mass (35), in which the sensor (31, 32) and optionally some further electric and/or electronic components for the sensor operation are embedded. An elastic surface (36) is achieved on at least one end piece of the container (30) by means of the molded mass (35). When assembled, the container (30) is pressed (41) with said elastic surface (36) against an inner surface (29) of the housing piece (10, 20). On pressing (41), the end piece of the container (30) deforms and functions as sealing means (40′), preventing an ingress of fluid between the container surface (36) and the housing inner surface (29).
US08636302B2	Steering wheel with horn contacts attached by means of an adhesive connection A steering wheel for a motor vehicle having an airbag module arranged thereon as well as horn contacts arranged on the steering wheel and/or on the airbag module, which can be brought into electric contact with each other in order to activate an acoustic horn signal with the steering wheel installed in a motor vehicle . The horn contacts (13) consist of a conducting sheet (15), which can be mounted by means of an adhesive layer (16) on a substrate formed by the airbag module (10) or the steering wheel.
US08636296B1	Mobile industrial equipment and methods of use In one example, mobile industrial equipment for coupling to a truck for on highway transportation is provided. The mobile industrial equipment includes a frame to connect to the truck, a plurality of wheels connected to the frame, and a track assembly connected to the frame. In another example a method for using mobile equipment is provided. The method includes transporting mobile industrial equipment over the highway with a plurality of wheels connected to a frame of the mobile industrial equipment. The frame of the mobile industrial equipment is separated from the truck. The mobile industrial equipment is moved while separated from the truck using a track connected to the frame of the mobile industrial equipment.
US08636294B2	Passage system for transmission elements of bicycle components The invention relates to a passage system for transmission elements for controlling bicycle components. In order to provide larger passages through a frame tube, a passage system for transmission elements of bicycle components is proposed, with a bicycle frame with a tube construction of frame tubes, a passage for transmission elements, and at least one transmission element. At least one frame tube has in its lateral surface a first opening and a second opening, which lie opposite each other. The first opening has a first edge region and the second opening has a second edge region, which are formed with a statically effective reinforcement. A passage opening of the passage for transmission elements is formed between the first and the second opening, wherein the transmission element is arranged leading through the passage opening.
US08636293B2	Human powered commuter vehicle This invention relates to a foldable vehicle comprising at least three wheels which of one wheel is a steering wheel, a steering handle, a frame connected with the steering element and having at least one standing surface. Upon folding the frame will be movable with respect to the steering handle to statically fit together in a compact manner Hereby a practical and efficient vehicle for personal transportation and commuting is created.
US08636292B2	Spring suspension assembly A spring suspension assembly (50, 50A) for a vehicle which has a plurality of spring elements (77, 83, 77A, 77B, 77C, 83A, 83B, 83C, 787E, 88F, 77G, 77H, 77I, 116, 117, 132, 133, 141, 142) which are attached to an inner carrier (56, 117A) and an outer carrier (86, 120) wherein respective arrays (76, 82, 76A, 76B, 82A, 82B) are oriented in opposing or counteracting orientation and each spring elements (77, 83, 77A, 77B, 77C, 83A, 83B, 83C, 787E, 88F, 77G, 77H, 77I, 116, 117, 132, 133, 141, 142) has a shape corresponding to an arc of a circle characterized in that outer carrier (86, 120) is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle chassis and the inner carrier (56, 117A) is mountable to a vehicle axle shaft.
US08636288B2	Street board The present invention relates to a street board comprising first and second footrests, a front pivot connection part, and first and second driving links. The first and second driving links are rotatably pivoted to the first and second footrests, respectively and the first and second driving links are rotatably pivoted to each other by the front pivot connection part. The front pivot connection part includes a front angle limit part that can limit an angle formed between the first and second driving links within a predetermined range. The above-described street board is easier to ride compared with conventional street boards.
US08636282B2	Sheet feed apparatus and sheet feed method A sheet feed apparatus which includes a sheet feed tray in which a plurality of sheets is loaded in piles; a sheet feed roller which is provided at a forward position of the sheet feed tray in a sheet feed direction, and sends the loaded sheets inside thereof; and a lift detection sensor which detects, by using a movable lever, a lift of a sheet bundle which occurs when the sheet bundle, of which a rear or a side in a sheet feed direction is bound, is sent by the sheet feed roller therein, the lift detection sensor being provided at a side position of the sheet bundle in a width direction and at a backward position with respect to the center of the sheet bundle in the sheet feed direction.
US08636278B2	Feeding device and image forming apparatus having the same The feeding device includes a storage unit, a feeding roller which rotates while contacting the uppermost sheet stored in the storage unit to move the uppermost sheet forward, a separation plate disposed forward in the movement direction of the uppermost sheet and provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the movement direction, and a separation auxiliary member is disposed along the inclined surface of the separation plate and operated by a force received when the uppermost sheet comes in contact. The separation auxiliary member includes a rotation shaft parallel with the inclined surface, and a first resistance part rotating about the rotation shaft as the center from an initial position projecting from the inclined surface to an embedded position embedded in the inclined surface as a friction coefficient of the first resistance part is higher than that of the inclined surface and the received force is increased.
US08636274B2	Storing and issuing device for banknotes or other flexible documents A storing and issuing device (11) for banknotes (12) and/or other flexible documents, for use in an equipment for the automatic processing of banknotes, in which the storing and issuing device includes a taking-up roller (50), a motor (60) for the taking-up roller, at least one transport belt (52) provided for wrapping on the taking-up roller (50) together with the banknotes (12) and holding means (53, 54, 79) actuatable for causing an entering banknote Bn(n) to be engaged with the transport belt (52). The storing and issuing device (11) comprises an electronic unit (65) for the holding means (53, 54, 79) and the motor (60) for the taking-up roller, for causing the entering banknote to be stored on the taking-up roller, with void space queuing providing substantial contact between the input edge of the entered banknote Bn(n) and the output edge of a last stored banknote Bn(n−1).
US08636269B2	Method and materials for improving evaporative heat exchangers A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).
US08636265B1	Winch for raising and lowering theater scenery A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors (limit switches and encoder) if desired. The winding and unwinding of the cables on or off the drum does not change the cable runs relative to the cable guiding means. The improved winch can be used in theaters and can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron. With this improved winch counterweights are unnecessary. The improved winch is compact and can be easily manufactured.
US08636264B2	Powder metal component tolerance improvements A powder metal component (34) has an outer diameter that is inserted in a bore of another component (18) during assembly with an interference fit between the two components. Ribs (30) are formed on the outer diameter of the component (34) during compaction and sintering of the component. The ribs (30) have a surface that has been compressed to a greater density than a surface (31) of the outer diameter between the ribs to produce a major diameter and effective roundness defined by high points of the ribs.
US08636259B2	Adjustable carriage holder for support apparatus A carriage holder for support of an apparatus includes identical upper and lower support plates having on their outer edge a number of indentations corresponding to the number of apparatus to be supported, said indentations providing aligned radial horizontal grasping surfaces on one side of said apparatus. The carriage holder also includes a series of vertical spring pivot pins joining said upper and lower support plates, adjacent to each said indentation, each such pin bearing a torsion spring loaded retractable clamp member to provide grasping surfaces in retracted position opposite to the grasping surfaces of said indentations. The carriage holder also includes an unobstructed aperture in each of said aligned support plates for mounting said carriage holder on a shaft. The carriage holder further includes a locking mechanism to hold said carriage in a fixed position on the shaft.
US08636258B2	Cranium stand A stand for supporting an object, for example a human cranium, includes a base, rods, and a pivotal joint. The base contains a plurality of stabilizers, a plurality of mounting blocks, and a means for connecting said stabilizers to said mounting blocks. The rods connect to the base at one end and contact the supported object at the other end. The rods are bound together by a fastener at a point between the base and the supported object.
US08636254B2	Dynamically controlled cross flow instability inhibiting assembly A cross flow instability inhibiting assembly generates periodic aerodynamic disturbances on a swept wing. The cross flow instability inhibiting assembly is dynamic in that it can be selectively turned on and off as needed. The cross flow instability inhibiting assembly is a strip of material separating a set of electrodes from a set of electrodes. When energized, the fields created between the electrodes and electrodes create plasma disturbances around the electrodes. The electric fields and plasma create heating and body force disturbances on the air or surrounding fluid. These plasma generated disturbances disrupt development of unstable voriticity due to cross flow, inhibiting transition to turbulent flow of the wing to which it is attached. The electrodes may be connected to electrical power in series or they may be connected to an alternating configuration. The system allows for various uses based on the design of the wing and the conditions in which the host aircraft is flying.
US08636247B2	Closed gas generator and micro power unit including the same A gas generator assembly includes a propellant chamber housing an amine based propellant. A reaction chamber is coupled with the propellant chamber. The reaction chamber includes a reaction chamber housing, and a porous reaction matrix within the reaction chamber housing. The reaction matrix includes a catalyzing agent, and the catalyzing agent is configured to non-combustibly catalyze the amine based propellant into one or more pressurized gases. An injector is in communication with the propellant chamber. The injector is configured to deliver the amine based propellant to the porous reaction matrix. A discharge nozzle is coupled with the reaction chamber and is configured to accelerate and discharge the one or more pressurized gases. In one example, the gas generator is coupled with one or more of an impulse turbine assembly and an electric generator to form a micro power unit.
US08636245B2	Aircraft An aircraft having at least one in-flight attitude control system, in turn having at least one actuator; and a hydraulic circuit connected to the actuator and having at least one pump designed to deliver a first flow when the pressure of the hydraulic circuit is above a presettable threshold value. The pump is designed to deliver a second flow greater than the first flow, and the aircraft has a sensor for detecting a quantity associated with the pressure of the hydraulic circuit; and a programmable central control unit, which controls the pump to deliver the second flow when the quantity detected by the sensor corresponds to a pressure of the hydraulic circuit below the threshold value.
US08636242B2	Propulsive anti-torque nozzle system with external rotating sleeve for a rotorcraft The system of the present application includes a system duct in fluid communication with a tailboom duct, the system duct having a downstream portion with an anti-torque cutout and a pro-torque cutout. The system further includes an anti-torque nozzle exteriorly proximate to the anti-torque cutout and a pro-torque nozzle exteriorly proximate to the pro-torque cutout. A rotating sleeve is configured to selectively allow airflow into at least one of the anti-torque nozzle and the pro-torque nozzle. A thrust nozzle is in fluid communication with the system duct. An upper clamshell and a lower clamshell are each configured to selectively control airflow in the thrust nozzle.
US08636241B2	Hybrid jet/electric VTOL aircraft A fixed-wing VTOL aircraft features an array of electric lift fans distributed over the surface of the aircraft. A generator is (selectively) coupled to the gas turbine engine of the aircraft. During VTOL operation of the aircraft, the engine drives the generator to generate electricity to power the lifting fans. Power to the lifting fans is reduced as the aircraft gains forward speed and is increasingly supported by the wings.
US08636235B2	Systems and methods for processing a heterogeneous waste stream Systems and methods for processing and sorting a municipal solid waste stream are described herein. A system can include a processing sub-system configured to receive a municipal solid waste stream and to remove the non-processable waste, a processing apparatus configured and disposed to receive constituents of the municipal solid waste stream from the processing sub-system and reduce the size of the constituents of the waste stream to an average particle size of less than about ¾ inch, and separators configured to sort the waste stream into constituents based on density.
US08636227B2	Laminar flow water jet with illumination enhancer A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing therethrough. A water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. One or more filter member(s) is provided along the water channel. One or more jetting element in communication with the housing jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. One or more lighting element(s) emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An additive supply element communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the lighting element and receives an additive stream from the additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.
US08636226B2	Aid for loading a solid fuel boiler coupled with an accumulation system The invention relates to a method for estimating the fuel supply of a boiler, for a building (2) having a boiler (4) and energy accumulation means (4′), in order to ensure a desired indoor temperature during an autonomy period P, this method including the following steps: a) making an estimation of the average outdoor temperature during the autonomy period P, b) determining the consumption of the building (2) in order to ensure said desired indoor temperature, depending on the previous estimation of the average outdoor temperature, c) determining the amount of energy to be provided depending on the previous consumption, and the amount of fuel required for providing this energy.
US08636223B2	One and two-part printable EM tags The present invention relates to methods of assembly, labeling and programming decoupled EM tags used in the tagging and tracking of items wherein the tags including a printable label portion and a decoupler portion which are combined after printing on the surface of and programming a programmable device associated with the label portion.
US08636214B2	Recognition of encoded information on documents Systems and methods for recognition of encoded information on documents are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a document reader configured to read encoded information from a document, and to output an electrical signal representative of the encoded information. The system also includes signal conditioning modules that are each configured to receive the electrical signal, and to condition the received electrical signal differently for outputting a plurality of conditioned electrical signals. Further, the system includes an information recognition module configured to analyze each of the conditioned electrical signals and to select one of the conditioned electrical signals for use in recognizing the encoded information.
US08636210B2	Receipt images apparatus and method A method for printing an image on a receipt is disclosed. The method may begin with the initiation of a transaction such as a purchase or return at a point-of-sale system. Next, an image unique to the transaction may be obtained or generate. The image may comprise non-textual graphics. While the transaction is being performed, the image may be passed to a receipt printer and stored with memory thereof. Accordingly, the images may be stored in memory of the receipt printer before the other tasks associated with the transaction have all been performed. Finally, to complete and document the transaction, the receipt printer may print a receipt. The receipt may have the image printed thereon.
US08636209B2	System and method for interactive marketing to consumers A system and method for interactive marketing to consumers and, more particularly, to a system and method for marketing merchandise to consumers in an interactive retail environment. The method includes detecting a disturbance in an area and sending information related to the disturbance to a back end merchandising system. The method further includes retrieving relevant information related to the detected disturbance from the back end merchandising system and displaying the relevant information ——————on a display surface.
US08636206B2	Transaction apparatus, systems and methods Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to alternative kinds of transactions, which do not involve payment using only cash or a token device such as a smart card or chip and PIN card. In some embodiments, transactions involve a customer providing token-less transaction authentication information using customer interface means (150) that is adapted to receive, from a customer, in a first mode of operation, PIN or other token device authentication information, for use in a token device transaction, and token-less transaction authentication information, when operating in another mode of operation. In some embodiments, the customer interface means may be a specially-adapted chip and PIN card reader apparatus. Accordingly, such a customer input means facilitates manual input by a customer of voucher, coupon, accrued loyalty points, Air Miles, ticket or pass authentication information, without the need for a retailer to install new equipment or IT infrastructure.
US08636197B1	Bonding of roof panels A method for attaching a roof panel to a roof rail of a vehicle bodyside frame, wherein the roof rail prohibiting access to an underside of an area at which the roof panel attaches to the roof panel, can include applying a single-component adhesive to a roof rail or to a portion of a roof panel that rests on the roof rail, placing the roof panel onto the roof rail, attaching the roof panel to the roof rail using single-sided spot welds, and heating the roof panel and vehicle bodyside frame to a temperature that cures the single-component adhesive.
US08636191B2	Anastomotic staple with capillary which expels a bonding agent upon deformation A surgical fastener for use with an anastomosis of two tissues includes a base leg and an upright leg. The base leg is selectively deformable and includes a traumatic tip for piecing tissue. The surgical fastener also includes at least one capillary disposed on the base leg which has a reservoir defined therein for retaining a liquid, e.g., bioadhesive, bonding agent, medicament, etc. Each of the capillaries is ruptureable upon deformation of the surgical fastener to dispense the liquid to the anastomosis site.
US08636186B2	Apparatus for aligned supply of fastening parts An apparatus for aligned supply of fastening parts into an automatic assembling machine includes a rotary holding claw body, disposed at a lower position of a pressing punch, for gripping the fastening parts supplied in a position of a lateral direction by way of a supply passage, by passing through an intersection of an axial line of the pressing punch and an axial line of the supply passage, and rotating and displacing by a specific angle about a lateral axial line orthogonal to the both axial lines, and positioning and holding the fastening parts coaxially with the pressing punch at a lower position of the pressing punch. The rotary holding claw body has a pair of mutually opposing disk-shaped gripping claws, and the both disk-shaped gripping claws are forced to as to press push springs each other, and the fastening parts are gripped by the both disk-shaped gripping claws.
US08636183B1	Cell phone case with integral resilient suspension hook A protective cover for a personal electronic device incorporates a case received over the personal electronic device and providing viewing of a screen on the personal electronic device. At least one suspension flap has a first position extending over an upper edge of the personal electronic device substantially flush with the case and a second position released from the upper edge and rotated rearward. The flap includes an angled element to engage a vent slat to suspend the personal electronic device.
US08636182B1	Pickup truck storage device A device for movably mounting a storage container in relation to the storage bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a container support frame with a mounting member configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickup truck storage bed, and a lift arm having a first end coupled to the container support frame for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second end configured to be coupled to the storage container for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The second end of the lift arm is movable along an arcuate path about the first pivot axis between a stowed position in which the storage container is disposed between the side rails and an extended position in which the storage container is disposed above a side rail. The storage container is pivotable about the second pivot axis to maintain an upright orientation in the stowed and extended positions, providing a variety of convenient access and storage options. Also, the frame can be confined to a very small portion of the storage bed or hidden within existing components of the storage bed to allow substantially unimpeded top and rear access to the storage bed.
US08636181B2	Child carrier A child carrier that may be worn by an adult and support a child in either a forward-facing or rearward-facing position is provided. The child carrier may include a pouch assembly including a bottom portion and a front portion, where the weight of the child in a first position is configured to be substantially supported by the bottom portion. The child carrier may further include a removable insert configured to be removably installed into the child carrier, where when the removable insert is installed in the child carrier, the weight of the child in a second position is configured to be substantially supported by the removable insert. The child carrier may further include a harness assembly attached to the pouch assembly, where the removable insert may be configured to be attached at one end to the pouch assembly and at another end to the harness assembly.
US08636179B2	Apparatus for dispensing a metered quantity of carbonated beverage An apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a sub-chamber (12) that communicates with a main container (11). In use, prior to filling the sub-chamber (12) it is pressurised to greater than or equal to the equilibrium pressure required to keep the dissolved gas in solution. This has the effect that the beverage does not froth out of a dispenser nozzle. It also has the effect of keeping beverage in the main container (11) from losing carbonation. The invention has particular application to “Optic” devices for dispensing carbonated spirit drinks.
US08636175B2	Fluid dispensing system with thermal control A system for dispensing fluid may include a first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit may include a first reservoir configured to contain a supply of first fluid for being dispensed and a first variable volume chamber in flow communication with the first fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be configured to provide pressure for dispensing the first fluid. The second fluid circuit may include a second reservoir, a pump, fluid passages configured to provide fluid flow within the second fluid circuit, and a second variable volume chamber in flow communication with the second fluid circuit. The second fluid circuit may be a closed-loop circuit, and the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber are associated with one another, such that flow of fluid in the second circuit controls dispensing and temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid circuit.
US08636173B2	Point-of-sale body powder dispensing system A user interactive custom cosmetic powder color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business.
US08636164B2	Controlling the rated burst pressure of a rupture disc through the use of control scores on the disc dome A rupture disc for use in a pressure relief system includes a dome having a concave and a convex side and a circumferential flange associated therewith. At least one control score is formed or otherwise produced in the dome at a radial position between an apex of the dome and an outer circumference of the dome. At least one of a depth, a width, a length and the radial portion of the at least one control score is selectively controlled so that the depth, width, length, and/or radial position of the at least one control score controls the pressure at which the dome will start to collapse.
US08636163B2	Motor vehicle fuel tank The invention relates to a motor vehicle fuel tank (1) of thermoplastics having at least one filler neck (4) not moulded on in one piece, the latter being connected in a fluid-tight manner to the fuel tank (4), wherein the filler neck (5) is inserted into an opening (5) in the fuel tank (1) and is sealed by sealing means (11) at its outer circumference relative to the fuel tank (1) in the opening (5). The filler neck (4) is clamped axially against the tank wall (2), with the seal acting radially.
US08636162B2	Fuel tank shell with structural support A fuel tank assembly for vehicles including a fuel tank shell having reduced wall thickness, accordingly resulting in a reduced total mass of the tank assembly. The fuel tank shell comprises two half shells connected to one another and having at least one support member attached thereto for providing structural support to the fuel tank shell. In particular, the support member may be positioned internally or externally to the fuel tank with such a positioning being selected so as to offer support in at least one area where the stress level exerted on the fuel tank shell is maximum.
US08636161B2	Closure A two-part closure (1) which has a disc (2) and a skirt (3). In one example, the skirt wall is smooth between upper and lower rims so that the disc is moveable between the rim features. Typically in a metal skirt or ring, the upper rim feature is a curl (11) and the lower rim feature is a curled edge (12) with equi-spaced lugs (13) on the skirt wall.
US08636159B2	Laminated bottle A laminated bottle with a gas barrier resin layer arranged between polyester resins layers is provided. The gas barrier resin layer includes a plurality of quadrangular segments with two sides extending along the bottle axis and two sides extending around the bottle axis, wherein the segments are arranged at a distance to each other via connecting layers which connect the inner layer and the outer layer.
US08636158B2	Dual chamber nursing bottle A dual chamber nursing bottle includes a first, relatively larger, storage chamber and a second, relatively smaller feeding chamber. A soft rubber nursing nipple is connected to the second chamber for feeding an infant. The first and second chambers are connected by a threaded closure. A transfer valve is mounted on the threaded closure to allow the transfer of selected quantities of milk from the first chamber into the second chamber.
US08636157B2	Screw-driven vertically-elevating cab A lifting system for a vertically-elevating cab, the lifting system includes a frame assembly having a first and a second support column, first and a second lift screws which are attached to the, respective, first and second support columns, a cab-lifting beam that has a first and a second end attached to the, respective, first and second lift screws. A vertically-elevating cab is mounted on the cab-lifting beam in such a manner that a center of gravity of the cab is not aligned with a center of the cab-lifting beam. A plurality of rollers are located on each end of the lifting beam. Each one of the plurality of rollers is in contact with a guide bar on each of the respective first and second support columns, and a first and a second power system is connected to the, respective, first and second lift screw.
US08636156B2	Reconfigurable, expandable over door rack A rack for storing objects on a door has at least two uprights, at least two hanging brackets, a plurality of shelf supports, a plurality of shelves and at least two hanging links. The uprights are spaced apart a distance equal to a length of the shelves and spaced from the door by ends of the uprights angled toward the door. The shelves may be disposed at an angle relative to a vertical position of the uprights wherein a superior mounted pair of uprights has hanging links depending from a lower support end and the hanging links are engaged upon an upper support end of another pair of uprights.
US08636155B2	Pivotally mounted storage apparatus A storage apparatus includes an elongate support rod pivotally mounted to a roof or ceiling structure for movement between a storage configuration adjacent and generally parallel to a ceiling and an extended configuration generally perpendicular to the ceiling. Upper and lower support members are attached to the support rod and are configured to removably hold items such as fishing rods. The support apparatus includes a capture member also mounted to the ceiling structure for releasably holding the support rod at the storage configuration.
US08636154B2	Litter support systems for medical care units and methods of their use A litter support system for a vehicle, the litter support system comprising a support arm assembly for supporting a litter in a horizontal position, the support arm assembly including an adjustable hook assembly at a free end of the support arm assembly having an open position and a closed position, the adjustable hook assembly comprising a ratchet system that locks the hook assembly between the open position and the closed position.
US08636151B2	Method of preventing filter media cracking when compressing two or more filter media layers The present disclosure generally relates to injection molded thermoplastic single filter media layer and multi-filter media layer filter cartridges that include a novel arrangement of structural features to improve both the quality of the manufacturing process and the integrity of the filter media layer seal and more particularly to a process for manufacturing both single filter media layer and multi-filter media layer filter cartridges and to the single filter media layer and the multi-filter media layer filter cartridges produced thereby and even more particularly to a process for manufacturing a multi-filter media layer filter cartridge without cracking the upper most filter media layer or any filter media layer during the compressing of at least two porous filter media layers between an inlet and an outlet while insuring an effective seal and the multi-filter media layer filter cartridges produced thereby and, yet, more particularly, to single filter media layer and the multi-filter media layer filter cartridges using only a single inlet design configuration and a single outlet design configuration for manufacturing a plurality of different single filter media layer filter cartridge configurations and a plurality of different multi-filter media layer filter cartridge configurations.
US08636148B2	Sorting mined material A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analyzing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles. The thermal analysis step includes thermally assessing particles against a background surface. The thermal analysis step also includes heating the background surface to a temperature that is different to the temperature of the particles to provide a thermal contrast between the particles and the background surface. The method also comprises sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis.
US08636146B2	Navigation system An array of personal care product packages comprises a first package containing a first personal care product and a second package containing a second personal care product. The first package and the second package are each of a single primary brand. The first package is of a first sub-brand and the second package is of a second sub-brand that is different than the first sub-brand. Each package further includes a visual schema, where the visual schema comprises a primary viewing area. The primary viewing area includes a product identification region comprising product identification indicia, a qualitative information region comprising qualitative information indicia, and a photographic region comprising photographic indicia. In addition, the visual schema is repeated for the first package and the second package.
US08636145B1	Paint carrier and organizer The paint carrier and organizer is a paint caddy that supplies paint from within a container, which can be sealed closed for storing paint and paint tools between uses. The paint carrier and organizer includes a container from which a hinged member rotates to either open and expose the contents therein or close forming a watertight seal so as to preserve paint therein. The container features paint tool-securing means along an interior and across a top thereof such that paint tools may be supported and stored therein and between use. At least one hook is provided such that the device may be supported upon a ladder rung. A plug is provided at or near a bottom portion of the container such that the contents may be removed. A removable storage container may be provided, which can attach along an exterior surface of the container for use in conjunction with painting.
US08636140B2	Chain tension sensor A chain tension sensor for a chain conveyor, the conveyor including a frame and a chain having a plurality of flights. The tension sensor includes a reaction arm and a load sensing pin. The reaction arm includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a load pad. The first end is pivotably coupled to the frame by a pivot pin defining a pivot axis. The load pad is adjacent the conveyor chain and positioned to contact flights passing the load pad. The flights contacting the load pad exert a force on the reaction in a direction that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The load sensing pin is coupled to the reaction arm such that the load sensing pin senses the force that is exerted by the flights.
US08636134B2	Moving skirt mechanism for chain driven passenger conveyors A tread plate assembly for a passenger conveyer system includes a first tread plate projecting from a first skirt plate, a second tread plate projecting from a second skirt plate and arranged adjacent the first tread plate, a link pivotally connected to the first skirt plate and slidably and pivotally connected to the second skirt plate, and a bridge member connected to the link and arranged between the first skirt plate and the second skirt plate to form a moving skirt of the passenger conveyer system.
US08636132B2	Device and method for storing banknotes The invention relates to a device and a method for storing banknotes, having at least two banknote storage containers (26 to 40). Each of the banknote storage containers (26 to 40) has at least one banknote withdrawal and/or feed opening. Further, a first receiving unit (14) for receiving at least the first banknote storage container (26 to 32) is provided. Moreover, a second receiving unit (16) for receiving at least the second banknote storage container (34 to 40) is provided. The second receiving unit (16) is arranged horizontally offset relative to the first receiving unit (14).
US08636131B2	Medium process apparatus and financial device Provided is a medium process apparatus. The medium process apparatus comprises a support device configured to support a medium that is being transferred, and a plurality of detecting units configured to detect a state of the medium. The plurality of detecting units are arranged at regular intervals, and each of the plurality of detecting units comprises a detecting lever and a detecting sensor configured to output a signal according to a movement of the detecting lever. If the medium is divided into uniform regions arranged in a direction perpendicular to a transfer direction of the medium, the detecting units detect states of corresponding regions of the medium.
US08636129B2	Corrugated strip for splined clutch housing and hub An automotive clutch housing and a method of manufacture thereof is provided. The clutch housing has a cylindrical body that is formed from a form folded strip metal sheet that is later formed into a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is then joined to a hub to form a clutch housing.
US08636128B2	Slave cylinder for a vibration-damped hydraulic force transmission system, particularly a hydraulic clutch actuating system for motor vehicles A slave cylinder (50) for a vibration-damped hydraulic force transmission system, particularly a hydraulic clutch actuating system for motor vehicles is disclosed, comprising a cylinder housing (52), a piston (56) received therein to be longitudinally displaceable and a pressure chamber (60) which is bounded by the cylinder housing and the piston and which can be selectably acted on by a pressure medium, by way of a pressure connection (66) provided in the cylinder housing, in order to displace the piston in the cylinder housing. An insert member (68) which is inserted in the pressure chamber and secured in the pressure connection and which is equipped with a device (70) for reducing pressure pulses, the device being constantly open to the pressure medium, is additionally provided. As a result, the vibration-damping measures or means are integrated in the slave cylinder in a particularly economic and space-saving manner.
US08636124B2	Coated power rail A power rail includes an aluminum body and a wear coating including stainless steel. The power rail may also include a break-in coating having a lower hardness than the wear coating.
US08636123B2	Luggage panel with integrated carry handle for soft-side type luggage cases Luggage cases of the soft-side construction are perceived to be lighter than hard-side cases. However, many rigidifying elements in soft-side cases tend to add to the weight of a soft-side luggage case. This reduces its weight advantage over molded shell luggage cases. Using a textile body in the luggage case to form both the grip of a carry handle and a portion of the outer surface of the luggage helps reduce the weight of the luggage. The textile body may be attached to a thin resilient wire hoop to resist distortion of the luggage case when is it lifted by the handle. This construction saves weight in comparison to conventional luggage case constructions.
US08636118B2	Method for fixing an adjustment device on a disc brake A method is provided for fixing an adjustment device on a disc brake, particularly a pneumatically actuated disc brake. The adjustment device is inserted in a previously adjusted idle position into an adjusting spindle of the disc brake, wherein a coupling of a shift fork of the adjustment device is carried out with a rotating lever of the disc brake, and a centering is carried out by a bearing disc of the adjustment device in a receptacle of a brake caliper. The adjustment device is positioned by twisting the same. The adjustment device is secured on the disc brake by locking the bearing disc on the brake caliper by a locking element.
US08636114B2	Bicycle chain cleaning and lubrication techniques A method is provided for at least one of cleaning and lubricating a sprocket chain (3) while said sprocket chain remains operationally mounted on a vehicle (1). The sprocket chain is enclosed on all sides in a housing (10). The housing consists of mutually connectable upper half-shell (11) and lower half-shell (12) portions which, when connected, define a chain passageway for allowing the sprocket chain to pass through. The housing is suspended from the sprocket chain by a plurality of rollers (26) mounted within the housing. High velocity air is directed to impinge upon the sprocket chain by at least one air knife (23). A hose is connected from a compressed air supply to a tubular hose connection (21) on a surface of the upper half-shell.
US08636108B2	Steep roof assist Apparatus and methods are disclosed. An apparatus is used over a ridge of a steep-pitched roof and an embodiment thereof has a first portion, a first shoe interconnected to the first portion, a second portion, a second shoe interconnected to the second portion, a first leg support connected to the first portion and to the first shoe, a second leg support connected to the second portion and to the second shoe. The first portion is positioned at an angle relative to the second portion so as to approximate the angle of the ridge of the steep-pitched roof. The first and second portions have a telescoping mechanism positioned thereon. A method includes placing the first shoe on a first surface of a roof, placing the second shoe on a second surface of a roof, and tying-off to an anchor member of the apparatus.
US08636104B2	Acoustically absorptive panel An acoustically absorptive panel comprises a porous acoustical absorber having a planar configuration mounted on a support frame, an acoustically transparent front fabric stretch-mounted on the support frame and spaced from and in parallel alignment with the front face of the porous acoustical absorber and forming an airspace, the porous absorber, front fabric and forward air space acting as acoustical absorbing chamber capable of absorbing a greater range of sound frequencies than the porous acoustical absorber alone, the range of frequencies absorbed depending on the depth of the air space.
US08636102B1	Voice amplification assembly A voice amplification assembly includes a plurality of rings movably coupled to one another so said rings may form a megaphone.
US08636100B2	Method for the production of an otoplastic device A novel method for producing an otoplastic device is described. In said method, a model of the auditory canal of an individual is made, then a thin film is placed over the model, and said thin film is used for making an accurate copy of the model in a deep drawing process.
US08636095B2	Electric power-assisted bicycle An electric power-assisted bicycle includes a transmission mechanism (3), a speed reduction mechanism (16) and a drive motor (15) which are arranged in parallel in the direction of the an axle, inside a rear hub (1) of a drive wheel. The transmission mechanism (3) and the speed reduction mechanism (16) are each formed by planetary gear mechanisms, and a planetary carrier (3c) is shared between the transmission mechanism and the speed reduction mechanism.
US08636094B1	Attachable bicycle trailer A bicycle trailer with a platform and a single pneumatic bicycle tire is herein disclosed. The front of the trailer's platform is supported by a gooseneck-shaped arm extending upward to connect with the seat post of a conventional bicycle, thereby providing clearance for the rear wheel of the bicycle. The connection is made with a quick-connect universal-type joint so that a user can easily hitch and unhitch the trailer. The platform is situated to have a low center of gravity which results in stability and less pedaling effort. The narrow width allows the trailer to traverse narrow paths making it ideal for transporting camping supplies, hunting supplies, school books, equipment to and from sports areas, or groceries from a store.
US08636092B2	Saddle riding type electric vehicle A battery is integrated with a down frame and a bottom frame. When fixation of the battery to a main frame is released upon release of locking means, the down frame, the bottom frame, and the battery are allowed to swing pivotally around an engagement position where the bottom frame is engaged with pivot frames. A front wheel is located on at least any one of swing loci of the down frame, the bottom frame, and the battery drawn when the down frame, the bottom frame, and the battery swing pivotally around the engagement position. The front wheel deviates from the swing locus in a state where the handlebar is turned.
US08636090B2	Hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a motor; a power transmission mechanism and an oil pump for lubricating the engine and the power transmission mechanism with the rotation of a crankshaft. The oil pump has an oil pump shaft with an oil pump driven gear on one end thereof through a one-way clutch and an oil pump driven sprocket on the other end of the oil pump shaft through a one-way clutch. The oil pump driven gear is connected to a primary drive gear rotating integrally with a motor driven gear for transmitting the power of the motor to the drive wheel. The oil pump driven sprocket is connected to a cam chain of the engine to be rotated by power of the engine. The motor driven gear is disposed on one side of the crankshaft and the cam chain is disposed on the other side of the crankshaft.
US08636075B2	Dry sprinkler assembly A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.
US08636072B2	Wellhead assembly having seal assembly with axial restraint A wellhead system comprising a seal with a restraining member adapted to cooperate with a housing to restrict axial movement of the seal. The seal is adapted to form a seal between the housing, such as a wellhead, and a tubular member, such as a casing hanger. The seal has a latch ring that is expanded outward as the seal is installed within the wellhead. Axial movement of the seal is restricted by engagement between the expanded latch ring and the inner profile of the housing. The seal and housing may be adapted so that a portion of the seal is received by a recess in the inner profile of the housing.
US08636069B2	Wellbore servicing fluid compositions and use thereof A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a polyuronide polymer within the wellbore, contacting the wellbore servicing fluid with a divalent ion source, and allowing the wellbore servicing fluid to form a gel within the wellbore wherein the divalent ion source is located within the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation comprising (a) placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a polyuronide polymer into the wellbore wherein the wellbore servicing fluid contacts a calcium ion source, (b) shutting the wellbore and allowing the servicing fluid to set into place for a period of time, and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the permeability of a structure within the wellbore is reduced by about 50%.
US08636063B2	Cement slurry monitoring Various disclosed cement slurry monitoring methods include monitoring one or more parameter of the cement slurry at various positions along the borehole during the curing process and responsively identifying a span over which the slurry extends and whether there are any gaps or voids in that span. At least some system embodiments include a distributed sensing arrangement to provide parameter measurements as a function of position and time during the curing process. A computer analyzes the measurements to determine the span of the cement slurry and whether any gaps exist. Contemplated measurement parameters include temperature, pressure, strain, acoustic spectrum, acoustic coupling, and chemical concentration. Individually or in combination, these measurements can reveal in real time the state of the cement slurry and can enable remedial actions to be taken during or after the curing process if needed to address deficiencies in the annular seal being provided by the cement.
US08636059B2	Downhole circulating valve having a seal plug A downhole circulating valve includes a generally tubular outer housing having a generally axially extending internal passageway. At least one generally longitudinally extending circulating passageway is formed through at least a portion of the housing. At least one exterior port and at least one interior port are in fluid communication with the circulating passageway. At least one seal plug is disposed within the circulating passageway. The seal plug has a first position relative to the housing wherein the seal plug is remote from the exterior port and the interior port, thereby allowing fluid flow between the exterior port and the interior port through the circulating passageway. The seal plug has a second position relative to the housing wherein the seal plug is between the exterior port and the interior port and wherein the seal plug forms at least one metal-to-metal seal with the circulating passageway, thereby preventing fluid flow between the exterior port and the interior port.
US08636056B1	Drilling rig with torque track slide assembly A drilling rig for use in drilling wells having a top drive with a slide assembly configured to engage, slide on, and react torque to a modular torque track assembly. The modular torque track assembly connects between the top of a derrick and lower structure of the drilling rig. The modular torque track assembly can have a top track, one or more middle tracks, and a bottom track allowing the modular torque track to be various lengths for various applications. The torque track sections are connectable with unique locking devices which allow a man in a suspended sling to quickly and safely make or break each connection. There are no loose parts in the design to accidentally drop and hurt a person below.
US08636054B2	Position indicating multiplexed control system and method for downhole well tools Position indication in multiplexed downhole well tools. A method of selectively actuating and indicating a position in a well includes selecting at least one well tool from among multiple well tools for actuation by flowing direct current in one direction through a set of conductors in the well, the well tool being deselected for actuation when direct current flows through the set of conductors in an opposite direction; and detecting a varying resistance across the set of conductors as the selected well tool is actuated, the variation in resistance providing an indication of a position of a portion of the selected well tool.
US08636051B2	Free air stream heat exchanger design The present invention relates to heat exchangers, and more particularly to a heat exchange apparatus configured to operate in a free air stream. In an embodiment, a heat exchange apparatus configured to operate in a free air stream includes a heat exchange structure having a shape configured to conform to a body of a vehicle when in a stowed condition; and a deployment mechanism for moving the heat exchange structure to a deployed condition external to the vehicle. The heat exchange structure has a curved surface that is concave into the air stream when the heat exchange structure is in the deployed condition.
US08636049B2	Flaskless molding method and a flaskless molding machine To provide a method and a machine for forming flaskless molds with a shortened cycle time even if many cores are placed, to thereby achieve efficient molding. The flaskless molding machine comprises at least four pairs of upper and lower flasks 4, each pair comprising an upper flask 2 and a lower flask 3, a device 5 for pivoting the flasks to move the at least four pairs of upper and lower flasks via at least four stations, including a molding station, a first station for placing a core, a second station for placing a core, and a station for extracting the molds, a match plate 6, a pair of squeeze plates 7, 8, a storage tank 9 for sand, a device 10 for moving forward and backward around an axis that moves around the axis the upper and lower flasks where an upper mold cavity and a lower mold cavity are formed so that ports for introducing molding sand can receive the molding sand from a pair of nozzles for introducing molding sand, a squeezing device 11, a device 14 for moving the upper and lower flasks, and a device 15 for extracting the molds.
US08636048B2	Tire run-flat removal and installation machine The tire run-flat ring removal and installation machine includes three basic embodiments, each having a tire support table (14) and actuators for removing and/or reinstalling the run-flat ring (R) in the tire (T). The actuators may be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electromechanically powered, and save the technician considerable time and effort in the process.
US08636046B2	Labeling machine A labeling machine, comprising a conveyor of containers, each to be labeled with a label taken by cutting from a continuous ribbon wound in a reel, and further comprising feeder elements which are adapted to convey with the appropriate timing the ribbon to a device for the intermittent cutting of each individual label, and elements for locking the label during cutting which are inserted between the cutting device and a drum for transferring the cut label to a container provided on the conveyor.
US08636039B2	Methods, devices and systems for refilling a fluid dispenser A fluid dispensing system including a parent dispenser and a child dispenser, wherein the parent dispenser has a parent body with a parent reservoir containing fluid, a first magnetic coupling member, a passage, a parent pump mechanism and a parent actuator. The parent actuator has an outlet, a second magnetic coupling member, and actuator inlet tube. The actuator inlet tube is removably received within the passage. The first and second magnetic coupling members cooperate to removably couple the parent actuator and the parent body. The child dispenser has a child body with a child reservoir, a child pump mechanism, and a child inlet tube. The child inlet tube is removably received within the passage when the child dispenser is coupled to the parent body. When the child dispenser is coupled to the parent body, the parent pump is actuated to transfer fluid from the parent to the child reservoir.
US08636036B2	Apparatus and method for sealing pipes An apparatus and method for sealing pipes. In one embodiment, the end of a pipe is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a sealing member. The sealing member may be a hydrophilic material, a hydrophobic material, a compressible material, or a paste, and may also be a unitary member or formed from a sheet of material. The sealing member is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a liner is installed adjacent the sealing member and against the wall of the pipe or other structure to be sealed. The mechanical fastener aids in holding the sealing member in place at the end of the pipe.
US08636035B2	Dual inflatable plug assembly An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.
US08636034B2	Oil-less and wetted pressure relief valves having an integrated filter A one-way pressure relief valve having an integrated filter. One-way pressure relief valves may be applied to a product package to evacuate gas from the package. The integrated filter prevents materials within the package from interfering with closure or operation of the pressure relief valve. Certain pressure relief valve embodiments can be configured for optimal valve operation without need for a wetting agent while other pressure relief valve embodiments operate optimally with a wetting agent.
US08636026B2	Backflow preventing apparatus for water closets An automatically activated backflow prevention device for water closets or toilets is provided having a substantially cylindrical support member terminating in one end in a cam shaped end for mating with a hinged flapper valve having a parabolic shaped or upwardly curving upper surface and correspondingly shaped sealing member disposed therebetween for mating with the cam shaped end of the substantially cylindrical support member. An elastomeric hinge member is provided for connecting the closure member or flapper valve to the substantially cylindrical support member so that when closed the flapper valve or closure member conforms to the confronting cam shaped end of the cylindrical support member with the sealing member disposed therebetween.A backflow water pressure responsive assist member is optionally provided on the lower surface of the closure member to assist in the closure of the closure member in response to backflow water pressure from waste pipes.
US08636025B2	Apparatus and methods to dispense fluid from a bank of containers and to refill same An example dual check valve device described herein includes a housing and a first check valve in the housing. A second check valve is located in the housing adjacent the first check valve and in substantial axial alignment with the first check valve.
US08636021B2	Non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve A non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve under the control of a controller comprising a motor in rotational communication with a lead screw. The lead screw advances or retracts a valve stem connected to a valve stem cap. The valve stem cap has a valve stem cap passage. A valve end cap having a valve seat is provided and receives the valve stem cap such that the valve stem cap can contact the valve seat. A pressure relief device or shuttle assembly is positioned internal to the valve stem cap. The shuttle assembly is used for venting build-up downstream pressure through the non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve outlet, through the valve stem cap passage, around the shuttle assembly, through passages, into a pressure chamber, and to the nonmagnetic latching servo actuated valve exit where the fluid vents until the system is in balance.
US08636020B2	Adjustable rotation base An outdoor umbrella includes an awning frame, a supporting shaft and an adjustable rotation base including a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing is arranged to couple with the supporting shaft to support the awning frame in an upright manner, and includes a plurality of transferring wheels. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode, wherein in the idle mode, the transferring wheels are suspenedly lifted up to position above the bottom edge of the base housing such the base housing is sat on the ground surface in a stationary manner, wherein in the transportation mode, the base housing is lifted up by air pressure for allowing the transferring wheels to move out of the receiving cavity at a position below the bottom edge of the base housing.
US08636018B2	Microbubble cleaning system for a large product such as a vehicle A microbubble cleaning system includes a tank in which a solution into which a product is immersed to clean the product is stored; supplying means for putting microbubbles into the solution and supplying the solution that includes the microbubbles into the tank; oil separating apparatus that collects bubbles that have risen to a surface of the solution stored in the tank as a result of cleaning the product, as well as a portion of the solution that is near the surface of the solution, in order to separate oil from the solution; generating means for generating a surface flow of the solution near the surface of the solution in order to remove the bubbles that have risen to the surface of the solution in the tank; and removing means for removing carbon dioxide from air that is used to generate the microbubbles by the supplying means.
US08636016B1	Cosmetic goods storage device and associated use thereof A cosmetic goods storage device includes a body preferably having a central cavity, a lid and a plurality of doors pivotally connected to the body, a top compartment positioned at a top region of the central cavity, a front compartment positioned subjacent to the top compartment, and a back compartment positioned posterior to the top and front compartments. Each compartment may have at least one of a plurality of pockets, a plurality of drawers and a plurality of trays positioned therein. The back compartment may further include a pencil sharpener and a reservoir removably positioned beneath the pencil sharpener for collecting residual shaving during pencil sharpening procedures. A base may be pivotally coupled to the body such that the body is freely articulated in clockwise and counter clockwise directions.
US08636015B1	Permanent hair wave device A permanent hair wave device including a hollow first rod, having a length-adjustable arm disposed on a proximal end thereof, and a second rod parallel to the first rod, the second rod having an inner end attached to an internal wall of an internal wall of the arm proximal to an outside end thereof with an opening disposed between the rods. The rods can have a same or different diameter. An elastomeric band longitudinally engages each of the rods. Each band has an attachment end disposed on the arm and a cap end that sealingly engages a cavity within each rod. Hair strands are wrapped around the rods in a FIG. 8 configuration and the bands secure the hair strands against the rods during the application and processing of the permanent hair wave solution. Apertures and holes disposed in each of the respective rods and bands evenly distribute the solution.
US08636012B2	Smoking article and method of manufacturing a smoking article A smoking article (10) comprising a first part (13) configured to be movable relative to a second part (11) of the smoking article. The first part (13) having a first engaging surface (31). The second part (11) having a second engaging surface (32), the second engaging surface engagable with the first engaging surface (31) to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second parts. The first engaging surface (31) and/or second engaging surface (32) is preferably formed on a folded over portion of sheet material.
US08636009B2	Airway assembly for tracheal intubation In some embodiments, an airway assembly may be used in a procedure that requires tracheal intubation. The airway assembly may include a first conduit, a sleeve, and a stent. The first conduit and the sleeve may be relatively flexible, facilitating insertion of the airway assembly in a body lumen (e.g., an air passage way). The first conduit may function to deliver gases (e.g., air) to the body lumen and consequently the patient. The first conduit may be positioned in the sleeve during use. The sleeve may be removably coupled to the first conduit. In certain embodiments, a sleeve may function to inhibit a stent from expanding until desired. In some embodiments, an elongated member may be positionable in the first conduit. The elongated member may be configurable to substantially retain a new shape upon deformation. The stent may be coupled towards the distal end of the first conduit. The stent may function to inhibit the body lumen from collapsing. In certain embodiments, a stent may function to inhibit the body lumen from collapsing without exerting unnecessary outward pressures on the inner surface of the body lumen.
US08636008B2	Endotracheal tube holder An endotracheal tube holder for restraining an endotracheal tube in a patient's mouth includes a base that is strapped to the patient's head. The base includes a tube-securing block and clip-securing blocks. A separate, U-shaped clip is engagable in ratchet fashion to the base between the tube-securing block and the clip restraining blocks to secure the endotracheal tube to the tube-securing block.
US08636004B2	CO2 measurement in high relative humidity environments A CO2 measuring device for use in a high humidity environment typically found in re-breathing apparatus, especially underwater re-breathing apparatus, that allows commonly available CO2 gas detectors to function properly and further provides for remote, continuous and/or quantitative sensing of CO2. Under normal conditions found inside re-breathers, a 100% relative humidity condensing environment exists that prevents the use of commercially available CO2 detectors which typically require relative humidity to be less than about 90 to 95% for proper operation. A venturi mixing device is disclosed that is driven by pressurized makeup gases routinely added into the re-breathing loop, acting to draw and mix with a portion of the moisture laden gas from the re-breather environment, creating a combined gas mixture with relative humidity well within the operating range of commercially available CO2 detectors. CO2 measurements can advantageously be corrected by the venturi mixing proportions to gain a quantitative analysis of CO2 levels present in the pre-sampled 100% relative humidity condensing environment. The excess drive energy provided by the pressurized makeup gas allows for longer sampling lines that can be advantageously placed adjacent to the mouth of the re-breathing individual allowing CO2 measurement from a remote location and when drive gas is constantly applied, further allowing for continuous measurement of CO2.
US08636000B2	Drug dispenser using a catapult arrangement There is provided a drug dispenser device comprising a housing; extending from the housing, an outlet for insertion into a body cavity of a patient; provided to the housing and moveable with respect thereto, a drug discharge device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a container for storing a drug formulation to be dispensed, a discharge mechanism and a discharge channel from the container for discharge of the drug formulation to the outlet; connecting to the drug discharge device, a container collar; connecting to the container collar and moveable with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis of the drug discharge device, a transfer element, the transfer element including an actuating portion; provided to the housing, at least one finger operable member moveable to apply a force to the actuating portion of the transfer element to move the transfer element along the longitudinal axis in a first direction; linking the container collar with the transfer element, a biasing mechanism to store biasing energy on moving the transfer element along the longitudinal axis in the first direction; and provided to the container collar, a pre-load mechanism to prevent transfer of the biasing energy to the container collar to move the drug discharge device along the longitudinal axis in the first direction to actuate the discharge mechanism until a pre-determined threshold force is overcome.
US08635999B2	Floating spa cover or adjustable size An insulating cover for floating on liquid, such as in a spa, has an area for covering an area of the surface of the liquid. The cover generally comprises a first rectangle for covering a first area and a plurality of successive rectangular tubes connected to either the first rectangle or to a larger rectangle formed by the addition of a prior successive tube so as to form another rectangle for covering additional area. The amount of coverage area can be adjusted by selectively detaching tubes, such as by cutting them off, and by changing the amount of inflation of tubes such that the cover is adaptable to spas of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, tubes adjust both the width and length of the cover, and the cover is adapted for folding substantially in half when inflated.
US08635997B2	Systems and methods for controlling gas pressure to gas-fired appliances Systems and methods for controlling gas to gas-fired appliances are disclosed. An illustrative system can include a modulating gas valve adapted to supply gas to a burner unit, an inducer fan adapted to produce a combustion air flow at the burner unit, a pressure reducing element in fluid communication with the gas valve and adapted to output at least one pressure signal for sensing the combustion air flow outputted by the inducer fan, and a controller for controlling the speed of the inducer fan. The pressure reducing element can include a venturi tube, flow nozzle, or other suitable device capable of producing pneumatic signals that can be used by the gas valve to modulate the gas supplied to the burner unit. By pneumatically linking the gas valve to the actual combustion air flow, the gas valve can be operated over a wide range of firing rates by adjusting the speed of the inducer fan.
US08635996B2	Feed system for solid particulate fuel burning stove A fuel feed system for conveying particulate fuel from a hopper to a firebox in a stove is provided. The fuel feed system includes an inlet opening to receive particulate fuel and a fuel collection plate located below the inlet opening. A fuel passageway is located below the plate. The passageway includes a fuel delivery end located in a firebox and a fuel infeed end below the plate. A fuel delivery system moves fuel through the passageway from the infeed end to the delivery end. A motor actuates the fuel delivery system.
US08635995B2	Oven having a uniform hot air flow in the preparation space An oven for use in an aircraft is disclosed, including a preparation space. A fan and a heater are located behind a separating wall. The separating wall has at least one of the following devices for enhancing the uniformity of air flow: —a throat around a central air intake opening in the separating wall—the separating wall provided with end edges which run close to the side walls of the preparation space and which are curved or bent towards the preparation space—flow guides extending along an edge of the separating wall and directed away from the preparation space.
US08635992B2	Method for controlling the temperature of an injector of an injection system for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine A method for controlling the temperature of an injector of an injection system for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine during the standstill of the internal combustion engine involves branching off a partial amount of the fuel as flush volume between a pre-supply pump and a high-pressure pump; conducting it through a heat exchanger for heating the fuel; and feeding the heated fuel to a high-pressure fuel storage (inside the injector) so that the flush volume flows through the high-pressure fuel storage to prevent fuel from solidifying.
US08635990B2	Avoidance of spark damage on valve members A solenoid operated valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly may include a solenoid having a solenoid coil and an armature movable under influence of the solenoid coil. The valve assembly may also include a valve member operably connected to the armature and configured to selectively contact a valve seat. The valve assembly may further include an outer body containing the solenoid, the armature, the valve member, and the valve seat. In addition, the valve assembly may include a grounding device including an electrically conductive element disposed between the valve member and the outer body.
US08635986B2	Rotation angle sensors Angle sensor device has magnetic force detectors detecting alternation of magnetic force caused by rotation of a throttle gear. The magnetic force detectors are buried in a molded body of the angle sensor device constructed of foamed resin. The magnetic force detectors each has a sensing unit detecting alteration of magnetic force and a computing unit computing based on signals from the sensing unit and outputting signals depending on the alteration of magnetic force and is formed in L-shape. Two of the magnetic force detectors are placed opposite each other such that one of the sensing units is disposed on the other sensing unit. The molded body has a cavity surrounded by the magnetic force detectors.
US08635981B2	Mechanical valve clearance compensation element with two-part adjusting bolts Valve clearance compensation element (1) with mechanical, automatic readjustment for internal combustion engines, with an adjusting bolt (3) that is supported in a sleeve (2) arranged on a component of the internal combustion engine by a thread against the force of a spring (8), with a transfer element that is in active connection with a support head (4) of the adjusting bolt (3) and is further supported on a spring-loaded gas-exchange valve and on a cam of a camshaft driven by the internal combustion engine. The adjusting bolt (3) has two parts, the support head (4) and a threaded bolt (5), which are fastened to each other.
US08635980B2	Single lobe deactivating rocker arm A deactivating rocker arm for use with a cam having at least one no-lift safety lobe is provided. Safety lobe contacting surfaces on the rocker arm are configured for contact with safety lobes during abnormal operation of the rocker arm. When the rocker arm is deactivated, the safety lobe contacting surfaces may come into contact with safety lobes when excessive pump-up of a lash adjuster brings the rocker arm undesirably close to the rotating cam. This contact limits the range of motion of the rocker arm during certain instances of abnormal operation, promoting more effective transition between deactivated and activated states and preventing damaging contact between the rocker arm and the cam lobe.
US08635978B2	Rotor for a camshaft adjuster and camshaft adjuster A rotor (1, 21, 41) for a camshaft adjuster (61), having a rotor base body (3, 23, 43) and a number of rotor blades (5, 25, 45) extending radially outwards and located on the rotor base body (3, 23, 43), each of the blades having a blade end (7, 27, 47). To reduce leakage, the blade ends (7, 27, 47) of the rotor blades (5, 25, 45) take the form of sealing fins (9, 31, 49) that can be deformed radially outwards. A rotor (1, 21, 41) of this type affords the possibility of reducing leakage in a camshaft adjuster (61) using simple engineering and without added costs. The invention also relates to a camshaft adjuster (61) for an internal combustion engine, including a rotor (1, 21, 41) of this type.
US08635976B2	Economizer arrangement for steam generator An economizer arrangement particularly suitable for new or retrofit application to existing steam generators provides a water cooled stringer support tube system which can accommodate firing a wide range of fuels with varying characteristics in the steam generator. The economizer arrangement according to the present invention is particularly suited for retrofit applications to large supercritical steam generators. The use of water cooled stringer tube supports allows for higher flue gas temperatures in comparison to conventional non-cooled mechanical economizer supports. These features are provided in a design which fits within the existing economizer envelope of the steam generator.
US08635974B2	Individual room duct and ventilation system for livestock production building A livestock production building includes an automatically controllable ventilation system which provides ventilation to livestock containment rooms. Incoming air may be heated, cooled and/or filtered, and is mixed and tempered before being delivered to livestock rooms. Substantially all exhaust air is filtered to mitigate environmental impact.
US08635970B2	Mask for use in evaporation coating process A mask includes a base board, a number of wing boards, and aluminum foil. The wing boards are detachably attached to the base board in pairs, in a certain disposition and order and are rotatable relative to the base board in a substantially coplanar manner. The aluminum foil wraps around the base board and the wing boards so as to achieve a contour that is cooperatively defined by the base board and the wing boards.
US08635968B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method A substrate subjected to back surface cleaning by a back surface cleaning processing unit is held by a hand of an interface transport mechanism and transported to a cooling unit. The substrate whose temperature has been adjusted by the cooling unit is held by a hand of the interface transport mechanism and transported to an exposure device. The substrate subjected to exposure processing by the exposure device is held by a hand of the interface transport mechanism and transported from the exposure device to a substrate platform.
US08635965B2	Sail system A sail system comprising a substantially isosceles-triangle-shaped sail with two booms and an arc-shaped element. The two booms are arranged along substantially equal sides of the sail and articulated to one another with a joint that defines a vertex of the triangle. The arc-shaped element is coupled to a deck of a boat for pivoting about a transverse axis between a raised position and a lowered position on the deck. Each boom has a coupling element on the arc-shaped element, the coupling element being slidable both along the arc-shaped element and along the respective boom.
US08635962B2	Depth adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement A depth adjustment assembly for a disc opener or other furrowing device has an eccentric cam with an outer surface that engages and thus prevents rotation of a gauge wheel arm. As rotation of the gauge wheel arm sets the relative position of a gauge wheel relative to the furrowing device, preventing rotation of the arm sets the cutting depth for the furrowing device. The eccentric cam may have a smooth outer edge defining an indiscrete range of positions or a profile outer surface that defines discrete depth setting positions. The eccentric cam is biased into engagement with a receiver by a pin and spring, but overcoming the bias allows the cam to be momentarily disengaged and rotated to reposition the eccentric cam.
US08635960B2	Free ball bearing, bearing unit, support table carrying equipment, and turntable A free ball bearing includes: a main body that has a ball retainer where a ball-retaining recess having an inner surface of a semi-circular recessed surface is formed; a plurality of retainer balls that is disposed on the semi-circular recessed surface of the main body and a main ball that has a diameter larger than the retainer balls and is rotatably supported through the retainer balls; a cover portion that surrounds the ball retainer of the main body while ensuring a predetermined internal space; a retained ball-pressing ring that has a ring-shaped pressing member that is inserted in between the semi-circular recessed surface of the main body and the main ball and presses the retainer balls, and is disposed to be movable in the internal space in the depth direction of the ball-retaining recess, between a pressing position where the retainer balls are pressed and a releasing position where the retainer balls are released; and a releasing mechanism that moves the retained ball-pressing ring from the pressing position to the releasing position by applying a displacement force to the retained ball-pressing ring.
US08635959B1	Tray system and method A modular activity tray system is provided for elderly, infirmed and other users. The tray system consists in one embodiment of a cushioned base which is releasably fastened to a tray on which a variety of board tops can be easily affixed. In another embodiment the tray system includes a leg base having pairs of pivotal legs for containing the tray. In the method of use a variety of board tops can be interchangeably positioned on the tray and releasably affixed thereto for entertainment, crafts, hobby work, eating or other uses.
US08635957B2	Pyrophoric arrows An arrow-type warhead (100,200,300,400,500,600,700) comprises an envelope (102,202), a filling (108), a hardened head section (104) to promote penetration of the target and a stabilizing mechanism (106,210,302,402,502,602) to stabilize the warhead in flight, hi some embodiments the filling (108) is pyrophoric and undergoes an exothermic reaction with the envelope upon impact. In other embodiments the filling is incendiary and undergoes reaction with the envelope upon impact in an oxygen rich-environment. In yet other embodiments, the filling is explosive. In all embodiments, the warhead may be equipped with a mini-rocket propulsion mechanism (802) for propelling the warhead to the target.
US08635956B2	Munition having detonation time-out circuitry A munition including: a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration upon impact of the munition; a processor operatively connected to the power supply for initiating detonation time-out circuitry to disable detonation of the munition after a predetermined time.
US08635949B2	Coconut opener A fruit coring system for a coconut having a central cavity in which the system includes a coring assembly and a corkscrew assembly. The coring assembly uses a pipe-like segment having a length proportioned to a depth sufficient to reach the central cavity of the fruit, the segment having a serrated first end and an open second end having internal threadings. Lateral arms extend from an outer surface of the pipe-like segment, for facilitating its selectable rotation after the corkscrew assembly has positioned the pipe-like assembly upon the fruit to be cored. The corkscrew assembly includes a corkscrew proper and a boss proportioned for threadable engagement with the threaded inner surface of the pipe-like segment. with a second end of the elongate member. A handle of the corkscrew assembly is integral to a side of the boss opposite the corkscrew proper elongate member.
US08635948B2	Device for processing foodstuffs The present disclosure relates to a working unit or a device that includes a working unit of this type for processing foodstuffs. The working unit can be driven and made to rotate by means of a drive unit of said device. The working unit preferably has at least two working elements that are situated on a working axis and that act in the peripheral direction of said working axis. At least one of the working elements can be pivoted about the working axis in relation to at least one additional working element within a restricted pivoting angle. The pivoting mobility of the blades, which are preferably interspaced and positioned axially one above the other, permits said blades to be brought into a common radial resting position in order to fill the container with the product to be cut, in such a way that practically the entire container volume is exposed and can be filled. The pivoting mobility of the second blade on the bearing axis allows the initial expenditure of energy to be significantly reduced in the start phase, as not all the blades are required to start cutting simultaneously.
US08635939B2	Apparatus, a control circuit and a method for producing pressure and volume flow An apparatus comprising: a series of units, each being capable of producing a volume flow; a first channel for supplying hydraulic fluid into the apparatus; a second channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the apparatus; a first series of valves comprising at least one controlled valve for each unit; a third channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the apparatus; and several controlled auxiliary valves, each being provided for one unit. The control circuit also comprises: at least one actuator for converting hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, wherein said actuator is at least connected to either the second channel or the third channel; and a control device configured to synchronize the operation of the valves of the first series of valves and said auxiliary valves with the operation of said units, and to control the actuator by means of pressure and volume flow. In the method, the operation of the first series of valves and said auxiliary valves is synchronized with the operation of said units, and controlling the pressure and the volume flow in a predetermined manner, for controlling one or more actuators by means of a control device.
US08635938B2	Retractable rotary turret The technology can include a retractable rotary turret system. The system includes a base comprising two support arms. The system further includes a turret platform that is a truncated sphere having a substantially flat side and a substantially spherical side. The turret platform includes a turret support ring rotary coupled to the two support arms and a turret device isolatively coupled to the turret support ring. The turret platform is rotatable along a first dimension for deployment of the spherical side and is rotatable along the first dimension for deployment of the flat side.
US08635936B2	Punching device A punching device includes: a base including a die part that has a top wall; an abutting member connected to the base; a punch supported on the base, movable relative to the die part and the abutting member between upper and lower positions; and an ejecting unit supported on the base and including a non-compressible ejecting element disposed above and adjacent to the top wall of the die part. The punch is movable relative to the ejecting unit at least during movement of the punch from a middle position to the lower position. The ejecting unit abuts against the abutting member at least when the punch is disposed at the upper position.
US08635932B2	Easy assembled ratchet wrench An easy assembled ratchet wrench contains a body including a head portion disposed on at least one end thereof, the head portion including a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber including a recess; a ratchet member received in the first chamber and including plural first teeth and at least one tool end; an engaging member placed in the second chamber and including plural second teeth; a direction controlling member inserted into the engaging member to push the engaging member and including a contacting face; a fitting member fixed in the first chamber and including the guiding face so that the guiding face guides the direction controlling member to displace horizontally and including an indent fixed on an outer wall thereof; a C-shaped retainer retained in the indent of the fitting member and the recess of the body to position the fitting member.
US08635929B2	Robot joint driving apparatus, robot having the same and cable linkage method of robot joint driving apparatus A robot joint driving apparatus has an improved structure, a robot having the same, and a cable linkage method of the robot joint driving apparatus. In the robot joint driving apparatus, lines of a cable to drive a robot joint unit are connected plural times in parallel, thereby increasing torsional stiffness of the robot joint unit. Further, a cable fixing unit is provided on an output pulley, thereby preventing slippage of the cable on the output pulley. Moreover, the overall size of the robot joint driving apparatus is reduced due to an improved power transmission structure from a driving motor to the output pulley.
US08635928B2	Robot with a deployment apparatus for an arm comprising a plurality of links A robotic arm deployment apparatus is provided for a tip following robotic arm, of the type comprising a plurality of controllable segments (34) each comprising articulated links. The apparatus includes a straight guide portion (16) having a length at least equal to the length of each arm segment so that the arm control system can be calibrated as each segment passes through the guide.
US08635925B2	Transmission auxiliary unit shift inhibitor An embodiment provides a shift inhibitor apparatus for a multiple speed transmission main section. The transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft The transmission main section has a plurality of selectively engageable ratios. The transmission also has a range section shiftable between a range high ratio and a range low ratio. The shift inhibitor includes an interlock moveable between a locked condition and a released condition, wherein the interlock selectively prevents a gear shift in the transmission main section. The shift inhibitor also includes a range sensor valve. The range sensor valve selectively detects a range shift of the range section. The range sensor valve selectively causes the interlock to be positioned in the released condition upon detection of a completed range shift. The interlock is selectively positioned by a fluid.
US08635924B2	Eight speed dual clutch transmission A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first, second and third countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08635923B2	Vehicle drive system A vehicle drive system includes an input shaft to which a driving force of a first driving source is inputted, a first shaft idly rotating relative to the input shaft and being connectable with the input shaft, the first shaft being provided with a plurality of drive gears, a single drive gear idly rotating relative to the input shaft and being connectable with the input shaft, a second shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and being provided with a first idler gear and a second idler gear, an output shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and outputting the driving force to a wheel, and a plurality of driven gears idly rotating relative to the output shaft and being connectable with the output shaft, the plurality of driven gears engaging with the plurality of drive gears, respectively.
US08635922B2	Height-adjustable actuation device A height-adjustable actuation device comprises a drive for height adjustment of the actuation device; a casing having a longitudinal axis; a hollow spindle arranged in the casing for displacement of a first lid arranged on the hollow spindle along the longitudinal axis; an internal spindle arranged inside the hollow spindle for displacement of a second lid arranged on the internal spindle along the longitudinal axis, with the hollow spindle and the internal spindle being non-rotatably connected to each other in terms of a rotation about the longitudinal axis, and with the hollow spindle and the internal spindle being displaceable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis.
US08635916B1	Internal structural monitoring system An internal structural monitoring system for a structure that includes a sensor mounted within the structure to measure at least one of strain experienced by the structure and vibration experience by the structure. It includes a first system support mounted and second system support mounted in the structure, where the first system and the second system support are mounted in the structure such that the sensor is between the first system support and the second system support to hold the sensor in position so that the sensor senses at least one of strain and vibration. It includes a wireless communication unit mounted within the structure, the wireless communication unit connected to the sensor to receive data from the sensor and transmit the data to a receiver outside the structure. It includes a power supply mounted within the structure to supply necessary electrical power to the sensor and the communication unit.
US08635904B2	Torque-application test stand for transmissions A torque-application test stand in which a belt drive or chain drive having two fixed belt stations and having one belt station which is movable in a linear manner between the two fixed belt stations is provided. A telescopic universal-joint propeller shaft for length compensation is arranged between the belt station which is movable in the linear manner and a bearing support for a test object. The belt station which is movable in the linear manner is moved during testing, thus producing a superimposed rotary motion of the universal-joint propeller shaft connected to the test object.
US08635903B2	Method and system for compaction measurement A system for compaction measurement, including at least two compaction measurement systems for determining the compaction state of various portions of a material region at a worksite and a display system for displaying aggregated data from the compaction measurement systems.
US08635902B2	Methods to characterize sag in fluids Systems and methods for direct and indirect measurement of the density of a fluid which exhibits sag characteristics is disclosed. The sag measurement system includes a test container for holding a fluid mixture to be analyzed and a suction port on the test container. A pump is coupled to the suction port for circulating the fluid mixture from the test container through a circulation loop. A measurement device is coupled to the circulation loop and a return port directs the fluid mixture from the circulation loop back to the test container at substantially the same vertical location as the suction port. The fluid mixture flowing through the circulation loop passes through the measurement device before returning to the test container through the return port. The measurement device is operable to monitor the particle distribution of the fluid mixture as it changes due to gravity.
US08635900B2	Method for evaluating the state of a soot sensor in a motor vehicle A method for performing on-board functional diagnostics on a soot sensor of a vehicle and/or for detecting further components in the soot in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The soot sensor is electrically connected to an evaluation circuit with is permanently installed in the motor vehicle. In order to specify a method for performing functional diagnostics on a soot sensor and/or for detecting further components in the soot, with which method it is possible to detect a faulty soot sensor and/or further components in the soot in a cost-effective way, the evaluation circuit measures the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor and detects the defectiveness of the soot sensor and/or the presence of further components in the soot on the basis of the temperature coefficient of the soot sensor.
US08635896B2	Assembly for assisting the removal from storage and transfer of wire An assembly for moving wire from one point to a second point distant from the first point. The assembly comprises a first unit comprising a wire straightner and a second unit that moves the wire through the assembly.
US08635895B2	Method for cooling a hot strip wound to a hot strip bundle, a device for cooling a hot strip, a control and/or a regulation device and metal strip In a method for cooling a hot strip wound to a hot strip bundle, a device for cooling a hot strip bundle, a control and/or regulating device, and a metal strip, the hot strip bundle (1) is twisted (100) and cooled by contact of the lateral surface (5) thereof with at least one element (3, 7). By twisting the hot strip bundle (1) about the axis of symmetry (S) thereof, a method and a device can be provided by which homogenous strip properties may be obtained for a cooling hot strip bundle in a compact manner.
US08635893B2	High security lock A high security lock includes a lock bolt movable between extended and retracted positions, a bolt retraction gear coupled to the lock bolt, and a manually-driven gear. When a controller verifies that user-input information is correct for unlocking the lock, the bolt retraction gear and manually-driven gear are operatively coupled such that the gear can drive the lock bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.
US08635892B2	Vehicle door lock device An outside locking lever of a lever mechanism section in a lock mechanism of a vehicle door lock apparatus includes a hub portion being rotatable relative to a housing and having a connection subportion to which an inner end portion of a rod is connected in a torque transmittable manner; an arm portion extending radially outward from the hub portion and linked to an active lever; a hub-side engagement subportion provided on the hub portion and engaged in the vehicle interior-exterior direction with a first support portion of the housing; an arm-side engagement subportion provided on the arm portion and engaged in the vehicle interior-exterior direction with a second support portion of the housing; and a fragile portion provided between the two engagement portions and being breakable with a force of a predetermined value or greater. A space for allowing breakage at the fragile portion is provided within the housing.
US08635886B2	Copper-containing silica glass, method for producing the same, and xenon flash lamp using the same It is an object of the present invention to provide a copper-containing silica glass which emits fluorescence having a peak in a wavelength range of from 520 nm to 580 nm under irradiation of ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less, and which is excellent in long term stability even in the high output use. The copper-containing silica glass is made to have copper of from 5 wtppm to 200 wtppm, which emits fluorescence having a peak in a wavelength range of from 520 nm to 580 nm under irradiation of ultraviolet light with a wavelength ranging from 160 nm to 400 nm, and in which an internal transmittance per 2.5 mm thickness at a wavelength of 530 nm is 95% or more.
US08635883B2	Evaporator assembly with a fan controller An evaporator assembly through which a refrigerant is circulated to transfer heat out of a volume of air in a housing in which the evaporator assembly is at least partially disposed. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator in fluid communication with a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a solenoid valve subassembly for controlling circulation of the refrigerant, a thermostat electrically connectable to the solenoid valve subassembly via a solenoid control circuit, one or more fans for circulating the air in the housing, and one or more fan motors for rotating the fans. Drive voltage supplied to the fan motors is controlled by a fan controller. The fan controller provides a first predetermined drive voltage to the motor drive when refrigerant is circulatable and a second predetermined drive voltage to the motor drive when refrigerant is non-circulatable.
US08635879B2	Heat pump and method of controlling the same A heat pump and a method of controlling a heat pump are provided. The heat pump may perform gas injection through a plurality of coolant injection circuits formed in a compressor, such as a scroll compressor, to increase a corresponding flow rate. The heat pump may control the plurality of coolant injection circuits based on one or more operation conditions by selecting an appropriate optimal middle pressure from a high-and-low pressure difference, a pressure ratio, and a compression ratio of the compressor to enhance cooling/heating performance.
US08635878B2	Dual usage two-stage indirect evaporative cooling system Chilled water is produced by an evaporative cooling process. The chilled water is then circulated through a liquid-air heat exchanger to produce a primary air supply of cool-dry air wherein no water is introduced into the cool dry air stream. The primary air supply can be used to cool a space, such as an office, where low humidly is desirable. Additionally, the cool, wet air which is a byproduct of the water-cooling phase can be used as a secondary air supply. The secondary air supply can be used to cool a space where higher humidity is tolerated, such as a warehouse, a garage, a barn, etc. The indirect evaporative cooling system can also be used in conjunction with an air conditioning system to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
US08635877B2	Ice detecting apparatus of ice maker for refrigerator and ice detecting method thereof An ice detecting apparatus for a refrigerator having an ice maker includes an ice detecting sensor which determines whether or not an ice storage container which receives and stores ice made by the ice maker is full or nearly full of ice based on pulses transmitted from and received by transmitting and receiving units. The ice detecting sensor includes a transmitting unit to transmit one or more pulses and a receiving unit to detect the pulses transmitted from the transmitting unit. A controller is operably coupled to the transmitting and receiving units to determine whether the storage container is full or nearly full based on pulses detected by the receiving unit among one or more pulses transmitted by the transmitting unit. The controller also determines whether or not external light has been introduced into the ice maker based on the pulses detected by the receiving unit.
US08635871B2	Waste heat recovery system with constant power output A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.
US08635868B2	Self-aligning termination for memory alloy wire A self-aligning memory alloy wire actuator has a memory alloy wire having first and second ends with at least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire. The terminal includes two wings and an extended piece connected in the shape of a T. The two wings are disposed on opposite sides of the extended piece and perpendicular to the extended piece. Each wing comprises top and bottom surfaces, a front surface, and an outside end. The top surfaces of the two wings lie on a common top plane and the front surfaces of the two wings lie on a common front plane. The memory alloy wire is coupled to the extended piece of the terminal.
US08635867B2	Hydrostatic transmission A compact, integrated hydrostatic transmission without reduction gearing wherein the pump and motor are contained within a single housing, and an output shaft extends from the housing inline with a shaft of the motor. The output shaft is directly connectable to a wheel of a vehicle. The pump and motor share a common sump within the housing in which pump and/or motor leakage is collected.

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