最新美国发明专利第2014-02-25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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US08658451B2	Activating GaN LEDs by laser spike annealing and flash annealing Methods of performing fast thermal annealing in forming GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are disclosed, as are GaN LEDs formed using fast thermal annealing. An exemplary method includes forming a GaN multilayer structure having a n-GaN layer and a p-GaN layer that sandwich an active layer. The method includes performing fast thermal annealing of the p-GaN layer using either a laser or a flash lamp. The method further includes forming a transparent conducting layer atop the GaN multilayer structure, and adding a p-contact to the transparent conducting layer and a n-contact to the n-GaN layer. The resultant GaN LEDs have enhanced output power, lower turn-on voltage and reduced series resistance.
US08658450B2	Crystal growth method and semiconductor light emitting device According to one embodiment, a crystal growth method is disclosed for growing a crystal of a nitride semiconductor on a major surface of a substrate. The major surface is provided with asperities. The method can include depositing a buffer layer on the major surface at a rate of not more than 0.1 micrometers per hour. The buffer layer includes GaxAl1-xN (0.1≦x<0.5) and has a thickness of not smaller than 20 nanometers and not larger than 50 nanometers. In addition, the method can include growing the crystal including a nitride semiconductor on the buffer layer at a temperature higher than a temperature of the substrate in the depositing the buffer layer.
US08658447B2	Radiation-emitting body and method for producing a radiation-emitting body A radiation-emitting body comprising a layer sequence having an active region for generating electromagnetic radiation, a coupling-out layer for coupling out the generated radiation, said coupling-out layer being arranged on a first side of the layer sequence, a reflection layer for reflecting the generated radiation, said reflection layer being arranged on a second side opposite the first side, and an interface of the layer sequence which faces the reflection layer and which has a lateral patterning having projecting structure elements, wherein the reflection layer is connected to the layer sequence in such a way that the reflection layer has a patterning corresponding to the patterning of the interface. A method for producing a radiation-emitting body is furthermore specified.
US08658446B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor substrate for optoelectronic components Presented is a method for fabricating a semiconductor substrate. The method includes implanting impurity material into the semiconductor substrate, and forming a reflective layer-like zone in the semiconductor substrate that includes the impurity material.
US08658441B2	Method of manufacturing nitride semiconductor light emitting element To provide a method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting element, which has a small number of steps and thus, can improve productivity, the method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting element including a nitride semiconductor light emitting element structure having an n-type nitride semiconductor layer and a p-side nitride semiconductor layer which are laminated on a substrate, an n-side pad electrode connecting surface and a p-side pad electrode connecting surface which are formed on the same plane of the substrate; a n-side pad electrode on the n-side pad electrode connecting surface; and a p-side pad electrode on the p-side pad electrode connecting surface, and in the manufacturing method, a pad electrode layer forming step, a resist pattern forming step, a pad electrode layer etching step, a protective layer forming step and a resist pattern removing step are sequentially performed.
US08658440B2	Nitride semiconductor crystal with surface texture A nitride semiconductor light emitting device is formed by: forming a resist pattern on a first nitride semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, the resist pattern having a region whose inclination angle relative to a substrate surface changes smoothly as viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the substrate surface; etching the substrate by using the resist pattern as a mask to transfer the resist pattern to the first nitride semiconductor layer; and forming an light emitting layer on the patterned first nitride semiconductor layer. The nitride semiconductor light emitting device can emit near-white light or have a wavelength range generally equivalent to or near visible light range.
US08658439B2	Quantum dot phosphor for light emitting diode and method of preparing the same Disclosed herein is a quantum dot phosphor for light emitting diodes, which includes quantum dots and a solid substrate on which the quantum dots are supported. Also, a method of preparing the quantum dot phosphor is provided. Since the quantum dot phosphor of the current invention is composed of the quantum dots supported on the solid substrate, the quantum dots do not aggregate when dispensing a paste obtained by mixing the quantum dots with a paste resin for use in packaging of a light emitting diode. Thereby, a light emitting diode able to maintain excellent light emitting efficiency can be manufactured.
US08658435B2	Hydrogen barrier liner for ferro-electric random access memory (FRAM) chip A method for forming a hydrogen barrier liner for a ferro-electric random access memory chip including forming a first dielectric layer over a substrate; forming a gate over the first dielectric layer; forming a first aluminum oxide layer over the gate and the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the first aluminum oxide layer; etching a trench through the second dielectric layer and the first aluminum oxide layer to the gate; forming a hydrogen barrier liner over the second dielectric layer, the hydrogen barrier liner lining the trench and contacting the gate; forming a silicon dioxide layer over the first aluminum dioxide layer, the silicon dioxide layer substantially filling the trench; and substantially removing the silicon dioxide layer leaving a silicon dioxide plug in the trench.
US08658434B2	Fluorescent pyrene compounds The present invention relates to fluorescent pyrene dyes in general. The present invention provides a wide range of fluorescent dyes and kits containing the same, which are applicable for labeling a variety of biomolecules, cells and microorganisms. The present invention also provides various methods of using the fluorescent dyes for research and development, forensic identification, environmental studies, diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of disease conditions.
US08658433B2	Dye compounds as photoactive agents Novel azo, azide, and sulfenate photoactive compounds and methods using the compounds for photodiagnostic and/or phototherapeutic procedures. The compounds have the formula E-L-DYE-X—Y, wherein DYE is a photoactive component comprising a photoactive diagnostic agent, a photoactive type 1 agent, a photoactive type 2 agent, or a combination thereof; Y is a photoactive component comprising a photoactive type 1 agent, a photoactive type 2 agent, or a combination thereof; E is a targeting component for targeting the compound to an anatomical and/or physiological site of a patient; L is a linking component for linking E to DYE; and X is a linking component for linking DYE to Y.
US08658432B2	Si/Si3N4 system nanosized particles, biosubstance labeling agent employing the nanosized particles, and method of manufacturing the nanosized particles An objective is to provide Si/Si3N4 system nanosized particles each exhibiting reduced environmental load together with minimized bio toxicity, excellent chemical stability, enhanced relative light emission intensity, and less degradation of emission intensity during continuous exposure to light; a biosubstance labeling agent capable of keeping on labeling a biosubstance exhibiting luminance enhanced for a long duration with the Si/Si3N4 system nanosized semiconductor particle of the present invention; and also a method of manufacturing the Si/Si3N4 system nanosized semiconductor particle of the present invention.
US08658430B2	Manipulating droplet size The invention generally relates to methods and systems for manipulating droplet size. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods for manipulating droplet size that include forming droplets of aqueous fluid surrounded by an immiscible carrier fluid, and manipulating droplet size during the forming step by adjusting pressure exerted on the aqueous fluid or the carrier fluid.
US08658429B1	Photoluminescent oxygen probe tack A photoluminescent oxygen probe including a tack with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent element on the underside of the head. The probe is effective for sensing oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by puncturing the container defining the enclosed space the with the probe's shank and adhering the underside of the probe's head to the container so as to sealingly surround the puncture, thereby placing the oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye on the underside of the probe's head into sensible communication with the enclosed space through the puncture hole.
US08658425B2	Method for promoting differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cardiac muscle cells The present invention relates to a composition for promoting differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cardiac muscle cells, and a method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cardiac muscle cells and a method for preparing cardiac muscle cells.
US08658420B2	Photobioreactor for algae growth The present invention provides a flow-through photobioreactor containing at least one thermoplastic multi-wall sheet having an upper layer and a lower layer having arranged there between at least two sidewalls, at least one inner wall and two or more end caps. Also provided is a process for the production of a biofuel with the inventive photobioreactor. The photobioreactor and process of the present invention have the following advantages: genetically engineered microbes that give higher yields cannot escape into the environment, water in the system does not evaporate, no weeding (presence of unwanted algae), UV light from the sun is filtered out by the reactor walls, temperature control is possible, CO2 from power plants, breweries, etc. can be artificially fed to increase yield. The inventive photobioreactor is also less expensive to build than pipe reactors and may have low energy costs to operate, because little or no energy is needed for agitation and pumping in a preferred gravity assisted embodiment.
US08658419B2	Heat transfer baffle system and uses thereof This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.
US08658418B2	Microfluidic particle-analysis systems The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analysis. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system. Accordingly, these combinations may allow particles to be sorted, cultured, mixed, treated, and/or assayed, among others, as single particles, mixed groups of particles, arrays of particles, heterogeneous particle sets, and/or homogeneous particle sets, among others, in series and/or in parallel. In addition, these combinations may enable microfluidic systems to be reused. Furthermore, these combinations may allow the response of particles to treatment to be measured on a shorter time scale than was previously possible. Therefore, systems of the invention may allow a broad range of cell and particle assays, such as drug screens, cell characterizations, research studies, and/or clinical analysis, among others, to be scaled down to microfluidic size. Such scaled-down assays may use less sample and reagent, may be less labor intensive, and/or may be more informative than comparable macrofluidic assays.
US08658416B2	Toxin-eating bacteria and bioremediation Methods are provided for reducing a level of one or more antibiotics from an antibiotic-contaminated substance. An organism that can utilize the one or more antibiotics as a carbon source is cultured in the presence of the antibiotic-contaminated substance for a sufficient amount of time to reduce the level of one or more antibiotics from the antibiotic-contaminated substance.
US08658415B2	Methods of sustaining culture viability The present invention relates to methods for sustaining a microbial culture during periods of limited substrate supply. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a microbial culture comprising carboxydotrophic bacteria can be sustained during periods of limited substrate supply by maintaining the temperature of the microbial culture at a temperature below an optimum operating temperature. Examples of periods of limited substrate supply include when the microbial culture is transported to a remote location or during time when it is stored.
US08658413B2	Mutant HPGG motif and HDASH motif delta-5 desaturases and their use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids Mutant delta-5 desaturases, having the ability to convert dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid [DGLA; 20:3 omega-6] to arachidonic acid [ARA; 20:4 omega-6] and/or eicosatetraenoic acid [ETA; 20:4 omega-3] to eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA; 20:5 omega-3] and possessing at least one mutation within the HPGG (SEQ ID NO:7) motif of the cytochome b5-like domain and at least one mutation within the HDASH (SEQ ID NO:8) motif are disclosed. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding delta-5 desaturases, along with a method of making long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“PUFAs”], are also disclosed.
US08658410B2	Subtilases The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.
US08658409B2	Polypeptides having acetyl xylan esterase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having acetyl xylan 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.
US08658406B2	EGVII endoglucanase and nucleic acids encoding the same The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl7, and the corresponding EGVII amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVII, recombinant EGVII proteins and methods for producing the same.
US08658404B2	Methods and compositions for producing fatty alcohols and fatty aldehydes Compositions and methods for producing hydrocarbons such as aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes are described herein. Certain hydrocarbons can be used in biofuels.
US08658402B2	Process for the production of esters Methods for producing an ester from a gas comprising carbon monoxide. More specifically the invention provides for methods for producing one or more products by the anaerobic fermentation of a gaseous substrate comprising CO and the subsequent conversion of the one or more products to an ester in a down-stream reaction. The invention further provides methods for improving the efficiency of the production of esters from gaseous substrates.
US08658399B2	Gluconacetobacter strain having cellulose producing activity Disclosed herein is a novel gluconacetobacter strain having cellulose producing activity. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel gluconacetobacter strain producing nano-structured cellulose in a highly efficient manner. The cellulose produced by the strain, due to its superb thermodynamic properties, can be characterized as nano-structured bacterial cellulose and therefore utilized as a bio-nano-fiber. Particularly, the cellulose can be impregnated with a resin to form a cellulose-based resin which can be effectively adapted for a substrate for a liquid crystal display (LCD).
US08658396B2	Screening method for protein variants using mass spectrometry A method for screening for variant peptides uses mass spectrometry (MS). A system and a kit may be used for performing the method. Proteins in a sample are digested to form a defined series of peptides. The defined series of peptides are ionized. The ionized species are subjected to collision induced dissociation. Species of known mass/charge ratio are detected to confirm the presence of the protein variant in the original sample.
US08658394B2	Methods, cells and systems for incorporating non-canonical amino acids into proteins The present disclosure pertains to methods of incorporating one or more non-canonical amino acids into a protein during a translation of the protein in bacterial cells. The present disclosure also pertains to methods of incorporating one or more non-canonical amino acids into a protein during an in vitro translation of the protein. In additional embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to isolated bacterial cells and in vitro translation systems (e.g., cell-free extract systems) for incorporating one or more non-canonical amino acids into a protein during a translation of the protein.
US08658393B2	Molecules and methods for demethylation of methylated nucleic acid sequences Demethylation of a methylated DNA sequence in a eukaryotic cell is described, utilizing a molecule that includes at least a first domain that exhibits a cytidine deaminase activity and at least a second domain that confers either a specific or non-specific DNA binding activity. The molecules of the invention are useful in somatic cell nuclear transfer and also in cancer therapy.
US08658392B2	Method for evaluating toxicity of chemical using alga The present invention provides a method for evaluating the toxicity of a chemical by using an alga, comprising: (a) a thawing step of thawing frozen algal cells by heating, and diluting the obtained suspension of the cells by adding a culture medium thereto; (b) a recovery culture step of culturing the algal cells obtained in the thawing step (a) to allow the algal cells to recover from the effects of freezing and thawing; (c) a confirmation step of collecting a part of the algal cells after the recovery culture step (b), diluting the part of the algal cells by adding a culture medium thereto, and measuring the amount of the luminescence of the delayed luminescence of the algal cells as initial value data; (d) an exposure step of mixing the algal cells after the confirmation step (c) with a solution containing a test substance to prepare an exposure sample, and culturing the exposure sample; (e) a measurement step of measuring the amount of the luminescence of the delayed luminescence of the exposure sample after the exposure step (d) as exposure data; and (f) an evaluation step of calculating an evaluation value based on the initial value data and the exposure data, and evaluating the toxicity of the test substance based on the evaluation value.
US08658380B2	Diagnostic and therapeutic target The present invention relates to an in vitro method for assessing the risk that a subject suffers from a cancer, comprising measuring the expression level of Proline/arginine-rich end leucine repeat protein (PRELP) in cells from said subject, wherein an increased expression level of PRELP, as compared to healthy donors, indicates an increased probability of said subject suffering from cancer. It further relates to antibodies specific for PRELP and their use in diagnosis and therapy as well as a method for indicating a cell as a cancer cell.
US08658379B2	Follistatin-like protein-1 as a biomarker for sepsis The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis using levels of FSTL-1.
US08658377B2	Detecting cancer with anti-CCL25 and anti-CCR9 antibodies Methods for detecting cancer in a subject are disclosed. The method includes detecting the level of expression of one or more cancer markers in a biological sample obtained from the subject; and comparing the level of expression of the one or more cancer markers in the biological sample to a normal level of expression of the one or more cancer markers. The one or more cancer markers comprise CCL25 or CCR9 or both CCL25 and CCR9.
US08658371B2	Means and method for determining tumor cell percentage in a sample The invention provides a method for determining the percentage of tumor cells in a sample of an individual, preferably a breast sample. More specifically, the invention provides one or more genes than can be used to determine the percentage of tumor cells. The invention further provides a set of probes, a set of primers, and uses thereof for detection of said one or more genes.
US08658365B2	Nucleic acid synthesis compositions and methods and systems for using same The Application relates to compositions, kits, methods, and systems for nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions that comprise both catalytic and non-catalytic divalent metal ions. Effective ratios and amounts of catalytic and non-catalytic divalent metal ions are described.
US08658364B2	Isolation of polymerase-nucleic acid complexes Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the isolation of polymerase-nucleic acid complexes. Complexes can be separated from free enzyme by using hook molecules to target single stranded regions on the nucleic acid. Active complexes can be isolated from mixtures having both active and inactive complexes by initiating nucleic acid synthesis so as to open up a portion of a double stranded region rendering that region single stranded. Hook molecules are targeted to bind the sequences that are thus exposed. The hook molecules bound to active polymerase-nucleic acid complex are isolated, and the active polymerase-nucleic acid complexes released.
US08658363B2	Cell, method, and assay kit for measuring level of aryl hydrocarbon receptor transcriptional activation According to one embodiment, a cell for measuring a level of Ah receptor transcriptional activation is provided. The cell is derived from a neural cell. The cell contains a chromosome into which a reporter construct and an Ah receptor gene are introduced. The reporter construct has a sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and a reporter gene operably linked to the downstream of the nucleotide sequence. The sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 has a recognizing sequence of an Ah receptor and a nucleotide sequence which is operably linked to the downstream of the recognizing sequence and required to initiate transcription.
US08658361B2	Ultra sensitive method for in situ detection of nucleic acids Disclosed is a method for in situ detection of one or more target nucleic acids based on a combination of an in situ hybridization (ISH) assay method and a general ISH signal amplification method. This new method produces high signal intensity and while keeps low background noise of signal amplification. The result can be consistently reproduced and the method can be easily adopted for routine clinic diagnostic use. Further, the invention relates to a kit, comprising the components of the ISH assay and a general ISH signal amplification assay, for sensitive detection of one or more target nucleic acids.
US08658360B2	Nucleic acid purification with a binding matrix The present invention relates to methods, kits, and compositions for generating purified RNA samples and purified DNA samples. In particular, the present invention provides methods for generating a purified RNA or DNA sample from a sample containing both DNA and RNA molecules using a binding matrix that preferentially binds DNA or RNA in the presence of an acidic dilution buffer, or using a binding matrix that comprises acid zeolites, as well as compositions and kits for practicing such methods.
US08658358B1	Mutations associated with long QT syndrome The invention is based, at least in part, on the observation that the presence of particular biomarkers, e.g., particular mutations in any of the KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1 and KCNE2 genes as identified in Tables 1-5 (and, in particular, those identified with an asterisk), is associated with Long QT Syndrome (LQTS).
US08658351B2	Determining liver toxicity of an agent using metabolite biomarkers The present invention provides various biomarkers for hepatotoxicity and various methods of using the biomarkers Some of the biomarkers within the scope of this invention are cholate, glycochenodeoxycholate, glycocholate, taurine, 3-hyroxy-2-ethylpropionate, 4-imidazoleacetate, tyramine, anthranilate, 2′-deoxycytidine, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), beta-hydroxy-hexanoate, and sarcosine (N-methylglycine) The methods of using the biomarkers include exposing a first hepatocyte culture to a test agent and comparing the levels of the one or more biomarkers obtained in the first hepatocyte culture to the levels of the one or more biomarkers obtained in a second hepatocyte culture without the test agent, where differential levels of the one or more biomarkers in the first hepatocyte culture as compared to the levels in the second hepatocyte culture is indicative of the test agent being a hepatotoxicant.
US08658349B2	Cell analysis apparatus and method Devices and methods that measure one or more properties of a living cell culture that is contained in liquid media within a vessel, and typically analyzes plural cell cultures contained in plural vessels such as the wells of a multiwell microplate substantially in parallel. The devices incorporate a sensor that remains in equilibrium with, e.g., remains submerged within, the liquid cell media during the performance of a measurement and during addition of one or more cell affecting fluids such as solutions of potential drug compounds.
US08658348B2	Spatially-defined modification of fresh tissue using covalent chemistry Methods for modification of tissue using covalent chemistry. Tissue can be modified through direct alkylation, reduction followed by alkylation, or oxidation followed by condensation to covalently attach small organic molecules or appropriately modified proteins. The modification can be spatially limited to desired regions of the tissue surface.
US08658345B2	Fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic photoacid generators and resist compositions containing the same The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.
US08658341B2	Pattern reversal film forming composition and method of forming reversed pattern There is provided to a pattern reversal film forming composition that is capable of forming a pattern reversal film which is not mixed with a resist pattern formed on a substrate, and that is only capable of forming a pattern reversal film advantageously covering the pattern, but also irrespective of whether the resist pattern is coarse or fine, capable of forming a planar film excellent in temporal stability on the pattern. A pattern reversal film forming composition including a polysiloxane, an additive and an organic solvent, characterized in that the polysiloxane is a product of a hydrolysis and/or condensation reaction of a silane compound containing a tetraalkoxysilane of Si(OR1)4 and an alkoxysilane of XnSi(OR2)4-n, and the tetraalkoxysilane is used in a ratio of 1 to 50% by mole based on the number of moles of the whole silane compound; and a pattern reversal film and a method of forming a reversed pattern in which the composition is used.
US08658338B2	Toner, liquid developer, dry developer, developer cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method A toner includes a resin having an unsaturated double bond, a thiol compound having a bi- or more-functional thiol group, and a polymerization initiator.
US08658328B2	Stack structure for laminated solid oxide fuel cell, laminated solid oxide fuel cell and manufacturing method A stack structure for a solid oxide fuel cell includes a plurality of stacked single cells, each having a fuel electrode layer including a fuel electrode and an air electrode layer including an air electrode, the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer being arranged opposite each other on either side of a solid electrolyte, separators arranged between the stacked single cells to separate the single cells, and non-porous seal parts located within the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer, are equivalent to either the separators or the solid electrolyte at least in terms of thermal expansion and contraction characteristics, and are integrated with an edge of the fuel electrode or an edge of the air electrode, and also with the adjacent separator and the adjacent solid electrolyte.
US08658327B2	Fuel cell stacking and sealing Various aspects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology are described. One specific application includes a seal for connecting an outer surface of a fuel cell to a cell manifold that supports the fuel cell and delivers a fuel mixture to an inside portion of the fuel cell. The seal also separates the fuel mixture from the outer surface at the seal. And the seal is electrically conductive to allow flow of electric current between the outer surface and the cell manifold.
US08658326B2	Heat transfer system, fluid, and method Disclosed herein is a heat transfer system comprising a circulation loop defining a flow path for a heat transfer fluid, and a heat transfer fluid comprising a liquid coolant, a siloxane corrosion inhibitor of formula R3-Si—[O—Si(R)2]x-OSiR3, wherein R is independently an alkyl group or a polyalkylene oxide copolymer of 1 to 200 carbons, x is from 0 to 100, and further wherein at least one alkyl group and at least one polyalkylene oxide copolymer are present, and a non-conductive polydiorganosiloxane antifoam agent, wherein the conductivity of the heat transfer fluid is less than about 100 μS/cm, and wherein the heat transfer system comprises aluminum, magnesium, or a combination thereof, in intimate contact with the heat transfer fluid.
US08658323B2	Solid oxide fuel cell generation system The invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell generation system and a start up method thereof which heat up a reformer and a cell main body without any water and nitrogen gas, and start up for a short time until a power generation and without deteriorating a reliability of the cell. In a solid oxide fuel cell generation system having a power generation cell including an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte membrane, a mixing portion for obtaining a mixed gas by mixing a used fuel gas discharged from the anode with a raw fuel, a reducing combustion gas generating apparatus, and a reforming portion, the reducing combustion gas generating apparatus has a starting burner generating a reducing combustion gas, and the mixing portion, the reducing combustion gas generating apparatus, the reforming portion and the anode are coupled alphabetically from an upstream side.
US08658322B2	Fuel cell system In a fuel cell system including a stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells, the wet state of electrolyte membranes in the fuel cell stack is detected according to a variation in measurement value of an alternating current impedance (AC impedance) of the fuel cell stack. In an adequate level of water content of the electrolyte membranes, the measurement value of the AC impedance is substantially constant and has a very little variation. In an excess level of water content of the electrolyte membranes, the measurement value of the AC impedance has a significant variation. The AC impedance of the fuel cell stack is determinable by frequency analysis of high-frequency noise generated by an inverter included in the fuel cell system.
US08658317B2	Solid ion conductor which has a garnet-like crystal structure and has the stoichiometric composition L7+XAXG3−XZr2O12 The invention is directed to a solid ion conductor which has a garnet-like crystal structure and has the stoichiometric composition L7+xAxG3−xZr2O12, wherein L is in each case independently a monovalent cation, A is in each case independently a divalent cation, G is in each case independently a trivalent cation, 0≦x≦3 and O can be partly or completely replaced by divalent or trivalent anion.
US08658316B2	Electrode material, method for producing the same, electrode and battery An electrode material containing an electrode active material, and a carbonaceous coating film which covers the electrode active material and contains sulfur; and an electrode material including a secondary particle including a plurality of primary particles as the electrode active material, wherein the primary particles are covered with a carbonaceous coating film so that the carbonaceous coating film is interposed between the primary particles and the carbonaceous coating film contains sulfur.
US08658315B2	Reduced puffing needle coke from decant oil A reduced puffing needle coke is formed from decant oil, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.
US08658314B2	Lithium—manganese—tin oxide cathode active material and lithium secondary cell using the same A cathode thin film for a lithium secondary cell, which uses a cathode active material substituting Sn for Mn in lithium manganese oxide, has a high discharge capacity and an improved cycle property.
US08658313B2	Method for manufacturing electrode, and method for manufacturing power storage device and power generation and storage device having the electrode The characteristics of a power storage device are improved and the lifetime of the power storage device is prolonged. An electrode is manufactured through the following steps: a step of forming an electrode film; a step of forming a damage layer by ion doping on the electrode film; and a step of providing a damage region between the damage layer and a surface. Alkali ion insertion and extraction can be performed by dipping of an electrode, in which the damage layer and the damage region are formed, in a solution containing an alkali ion. A space in which the volume of the electrode is expanded can be secured by the formation of the damage layer and the damage region. Note that another lithium may be used instead of an alkali metal.
US08658312B2	Positive electrode for lithium ion battery, fabrication method thereof, and lithium ion battery using the same A positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector, and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode active material layer includes: a lithium-containing nickel oxide represented by the general formula (1): LixNi1−(p+q+r)CopAlqMrO2+y, where M is a transition metal (excluding Ni and Co) or the like, 0.8≦x≦1.4, and 0<(p+q+r)≦0.7); and lithium carbonate. The positive electrode active material layer has a high concentration region of the lithium carbonate and a low concentration region of the lithium carbonate. The high concentration region covers 2 to 80% of the total thickness of the positive electrode active material layer, the range starting from the surface thereof. The low concentration region covers the range remaining on the positive electrode current collector side of the positive electrode active material layer.
US08658311B2	High temperature rechargeable battery for greenhouse gas decomposition and oxygen generation Instead of CCS technique, a possible approach to mitigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is to decompose it into useful products. This invention shows a high temperature rechargeable battery system for decomposition of oxygen-containing gases (e.g CO2/H2O, NOx, SOx, in particular GHG), oxygen generation, and energy storage by using ODF/La2NiO4-based materials in Li/Ti/Mg—CO2 battery architecture. Different from ionic Lithium conducting electrolyte, the invention has a higher ionic oxygen conducting electrolyte to work efficiently at higher temperature without sacrificing safety. During battery discharge, GHG can be decomposed into syngas (CO+H2) or solid carbon, while renewable energy (e.g. solar/wind power) could be used to charge the battery and generate oxygen. The energy consumption for GHG decomposition is self-sustainable and the byproducts (i.e. carbon/syngas and oxygen) have good market values. The adoption of cost effective materials other than Lithium is significant for scaled-up applications and represents an entirely new approach.
US08658307B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a non-coating portion having a front surface, a rear surface, and a side surface; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate sealing the case; and a collector electrically connected to the non-coating portion of the electrode assembly, wherein the collector includes a front collector tab welded to the front surface of the non-coating portion and a rear collector tab welded to the rear surface of the non-coating portion, a collector plate electrically connected to the collector tabs, the collector plate being coupled with a bottom surface of the cap plate, and a protrusion protruding perpendicularly from one of the front collector tab or rear collector tab.
US08658306B2	Electrode terminal connecting member for battery module A conductive electrode terminal connecting member configured to electrically connect plate-shaped secondary battery cells (‘battery cells’) constituting a battery module to each other is provided. The electrode terminal connecting member includes a left-wing connection part to which electrode terminals of left-side battery cells are connected so as to achieve electrical connection in series or in series and in parallel between the battery cells, and a right-wing connection part to which electrode terminals of right-side battery cells are connected so as to achieve electrical connection in series or in series and in parallel between the battery cells. The left-wing connection part is provided with slits through which the electrode terminals of the respective battery cells are inserted, and the right-wing connection part is provided with slits through which the electrode terminals of the respective battery cells are inserted.
US08658305B2	Lithium-ion battery and use thereof The lithium-ion battery provided by the present invention has an electrode assembly (30) obtained by superposing and winding together a long continuous positive electrode sheet (32) and negative electrode sheet (34) with a separator (35) interposed therebetween. An active material layer (344) is formed on the negative electrode sheet (34), with a band-shaped margin being left on one edge thereof along the lengthwise direction of the collector (342). The above band-shaped portion (342a) sticks out beyond the edge of the positive electrode sheet (32). On the exterior surface of the negative active material layer (344), a porous inorganic layer (346) is formed starting at the flat part (344a) of the active material layer, wrapping around the edge (344b) thereof, and extending to the surface of the collector (342). The porosity Pa at the edge (344b) of the inorganic layer (346) is less than the porosity Pb at the flat part (344a) thereof.
US08658299B2	Battery pack thermal management system and method A battery pack thermal management system includes a plurality of battery cells connected to at least one DC power bus. At least one thermoelectric device is operatively disposed in thermal contact with the plurality of battery cells. At least one temperature measuring device is operatively connected to the thermal management system, and configured to measure a temperature of a predetermined portion of the plurality of battery cells. A cell balancing circuit is operatively connected to the plurality of battery cells, and configured to selectively divert a portion of electric current from at least one of the plurality of battery cells to the at least one thermoelectric device. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the cell balancing circuit, and configured to control a flow of electric current to the at least one thermoelectric device.
US08658296B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery includes a battery case surrounding an electrode assembly. The battery case may include a cap plate having a vent hole, the cap plate being attached to the battery case, a vent plate disposed over and covering the vent hole, and a member protruding from an area of the cap plate surrounding the vent hole, the vent plate being on the member.
US08658295B2	Self healing lithium-ion battery negative electrodes, product including same, and methods of making and using same One embodiment includes a lithium-ion battery negative electrode including one or more low-melting point alloys that react with lithium.
US08658289B2	Electromagnetic radiation shielding device An electromagnetic radiation shielding device includes a first ply having a No. 1 surface and a No. 2 surface and a second ply having a No. 3 surface and a No. 4 surface. The No. 2 surface of the first ply faces the No. 3 surface of the second ply. A first coating having three or more metallic layers is provided over at least a portion of one of the surfaces, such as over at least a portion of the No. 2 surface. A second coating having three or more metallic layers is provided over at least a portion of one or more of the other surfaces, such as over at least a portion of the No. 3 surface.
US08658286B2	High performance aqueous coating compositions This invention relates to coating compositions that include water; a latex polymer and a silane coupling agent. The latex polymer preferably comprises acetoacetoxy functionality, or is a multistage latex, or is an acetoacetoxy functional multistage latex. The silane coupling agent is preferably a functionalized silane coupling agent (more preferably an epoxy-functional silane coupling agent). The compositions may be used to coat a variety of substrates, including wood, cement and fiber cement. Articles having the coating applied thereto are also provided.
US08658285B2	Optically clear UV and hydrolysis resistant polyester film Biaxially oriented polyester films including polyester polymer, a carbodiimide hydrolysis stabilizer, and a UV absorber are described. The polyester films have a carboxyl end group concentration of 5-20 equivalents per ton, and a haze value of 2% or less. The films exhibit superior transparency and possess stable light transmission characteristics. Methods of making the films and articles produced from the films are also described.
US08658284B2	Polysilane—polysilazane copolymers and methods for their preparation and use A polysilane-polysilazane copolymer contains a polysilane unit of formula (I), and a polysilazane unit of formula (II), where each R1 and each R2 are each independently selected from H, Si, and N atoms, R3 is selected from H, Si, or C atoms, a≧1, b≧1, and a quantity (a+b)≧2. The polysilane-polysilazane copolymer may be formulated in a composition with a solvent. The polysilane-polysilazane copolymer may be used in PMD and STI applications for trench filling, where the trenches have widths of 100 nm or less and aspect ratios of at least (6). The polysilane-polysilazane copolymer can be prepared by amination of a perchloro polysilane having (2) or more silicon atoms per molecule with a primary amine.
US08658283B2	Laminated glass for window and glass window member A laminated glass for windows has a multilayer structure, wherein plural sheets of glass are laminated through a resin layer. The sheet glasses are made of an alkali-free borosilicate glass. Each sheet glass has a thickness of 1 mm or less, and the total thickness of the sheet glasses is 2 to 10 mm.
US08658282B2	Optical film and manufacturing method therefor An optical film which has a hard coat layer provided on one side of a film substrate, comprising: a curl value smaller than 0, which has been measured after the film substrate of a manufactured optical film has been cut out into a size of 35 mm in a width direction and 2 mm in a longitudinal direction and has been placed under an environment with a temperature of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 65% for 1 hour, when the curl value is defined to be plus when the surface which shall be defined to be the hard coat layer side curls inward and is defined to be minus when the surface curls outward; and a curl value larger than 0, which has been measured after the film substrate has been cut out into a size of 2 mm in the width direction and 35 mm in the longitudinal direction and has been placed under an environment with a temperature of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 65% for 1 hour.
US08658278B2	Gas barrier multilayer film Provided is a film which can be industrially coated easily and exhibits excellent gas barrier performance without being subjected to a high-temperature heat treatment. The film exhibits good gas barrier performance immediately after the production, and maintains the excellent gas barrier performance while exhibiting excellent hot water resistance and printing resistance. More specifically, provided are: a gas barrier laminated film including a resin layer on an inorganic thin film formed on at least one surface of a support film, the resin layer being formed by applying: (1) an aqueous dispersion containing polyvinyl alcohol (a), an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer (b), and inorganic particles (c); (2) an aqueous dispersion containing an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer (b), inorganic particles (c), and/or a cross-linking agent (d); or (3) an aqueous dispersion containing polyvinyl alcohol (a), an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer (b), inorganic particles (c), and a cross-linking agent (d), to the inorganic thin film surface; and a method of producing the gas barrier laminated film.
US08658276B2	Eco-friendly incombustible biocomposite and method for preparing the same Disclosed is an eco-friendly incombustible biocomposite including: a) a polymer matrix comprising a natural fiber; and b) a ceramic sheet laminated integrally with the polymer matrix. The biocomposite is eco-friendly since the natural fiber is used as a reinforcement material and is incombustible since it is laminated integrally with the ceramic sheet. Further, it has superior storage modulus, dimensional stability and flexural properties and lightweightness, and is processable into various structures. Thus, it is very useful for automotive or building indoor/outdoor materials.
US08658269B1	Mat with over-molded web A floor mat includes a perforated carpet and a thermoplastic rubber base. The base is formed around the perimeter of the carpet and through the carpet's perforations so that it integrates with the carpet and forms ribs and bosses adjacent the perforations, while leaving portions of the carpet exposed. The portions are left exposed by pinch-off ribbing within in the mold for forming the mat, which isolates the portions from the base.
US08658267B2	High-frequency dielectric attachment This disclosure provides a high-frequency dielectric attachment capable of suppressing a decrease in Q value of a high frequency circuit and achieving a great adjusting effect. The high-frequency dielectric attachment is a laminate of an insulating sheet layer, adhesive layer, and a dielectric sheet layer. The insulating sheet layer forms an outermost layer of the laminate, and the adhesive layer and dielectric sheet layer are arranged in sequence below the insulating sheet layer. The width of the dielectric sheet layer is smaller than each of the width of the insulating sheet layer and the width of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer projects beyond the dielectric sheet layer in the width direction.
US08658266B2	Readherable, repositionable and reusable adhesive fabric paper for printing and manufacturing method of the same An adhesive fabric paper for printing is used to color printers for personal computers, printing machines for indoor and outdoor advertising, wide format printers, plotters to print colored images. The manufacturing method includes: heating and cooling a woven fabric; preparing a first “S” coating liquid, a second “S” coating liquid and an “R” coating liquid as coating liquids to be coated on the front face of the fabric and maturing them for three days; coating twice the rear face of the fabric; coating once the rear face of the fabric; carrying out first and second “S” coating works on the front face of the fabric with the first “S” coating liquid and the second “S” coating liquid; coating twice the front face of the fabric with the “R” coating liquid; and laminating a backer coated with an adhesive to the fabric.
US08658265B2	Moulded articles and process for making the same A molded article comprising sugar beet pulp is provided. In addition a method of making the such molded articles is described. Such articles are particularly useful in the packaging of food; and for medical applications where molded articles are needed.
US08658257B2	Method of manufacturing optical fiber A method of manufacturing an optical fiber, comprises applying a UV cured resin to an outer circumference of a running glass optical fiber, forming an accompanying flow composed of an inert gas near a surface of the resin by passing the glass optical fiber immediately after having the resin being applied through an atmosphere of the inert gas, and forming a coating by irradiating the resin coated with the accompanying flow with ultraviolet ray to cure the resin while the glass optical fiber accompanied by the accompanying flow is passed through a UV transmission tube to which a gas containing oxygen is supplied.
US08658256B2	Methods of coating substrates with electrically charged conductive materials, electrically conductive coated substrates, and associated apparatuses Methods include applying an electric charge to a coating material that includes carbon nanotubes and a carrier, such as paint, and depositing the electrically charged coating material to a substrate. In some methods, the applying includes utilizing an electrostatic sprayer. In some methods, the substrate is isolated from ground during the depositing. In some methods, the substrate is an insulator. Some methods result in regions of carbon nanotubes that are substantially longitudinally aligned after the depositing. Coated substrates may include a coating with carbon nanotubes that are substantially longitudinally aligned. Aircraft, spacecraft, land vehicles, marine vehicles, wind turbines, and apparatuses that may be susceptible to lightning strikes or other types of electromagnetic effects and that include a coated substrate also are disclosed.
US08658251B2	Method of producing structural member having prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles, structural member obtained by the method, substrate, electrochromic device, rectifying device, and photo responding device, using the structural member A method of producing a structural member having Prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles, the method including: constructing the structural member stabilized by a particular process in producing the structural member by providing nanoparticles consisting of Prussian blue-type metal complex onto a substrate; and a structural member having Prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles, the structural member having water-dispersible nanoparticles consisting of Prussian blue-type metal complex provided on a substrate and the structural member being stabilized in water by a particular process.
US08658250B2	Encoded consumable materials and sensor assemblies for use in additive manufacturing systems A consumable material and sensor assembly for use in an additive manufacturing system, the consumable material comprising an exterior surface having encoded markings that are configured to be read by the sensor assembly, where the consumable material is configured to be consumed in the additive manufacturing system to build at least a portion of a three-dimensional model.
US08658247B2	Film deposition method A disclosed film deposition method comprises alternately repeating an adsorption step and a reaction step with an interval period therebetween. The adsorption step includes opening a first on-off valve of a source gas supplying system for a predetermined time period thereby to supply a source gas to a process chamber, closing the first valve after the predetermined time period elapses, and confining the source gas within the process tube, thereby allowing the source gas to be adsorbed on an object to be processed, while a third on-off valve of a vacuum evacuation system is closed. The reaction step includes opening a second on-off valve of a reaction gas supplying system thereby to supply a reaction gas to the process chamber, thereby allowing the source gas and the reaction gas to react with each other thereby to produce a thin film on the object to be processed.
US08658246B2	Manufacturing method of group of whiskers A seed substrate is placed to face a formation substrate, and then a gas containing silicon is introduced and chemical vapor deposition is performed. There is no particular limitation on a kind of a material used for the formation substrate as long as the material can withstand the temperature at which the reduced pressure chemical vapor deposition is performed. A group of silicon whiskers which does not include a seed atom can be grown directly on and in contact with the formation substrate. Further, the substrate provided with the group of whiskers can be applied to a solar cell, a lithium ion secondary battery, and the like, by utilizing surface characteristics of the group of whiskers.
US08658242B2	Resist fortification for magnetic media patterning A method and apparatus for forming magnetic media substrates is provided. A patterned resist layer is formed on a substrate having a magnetically susceptible layer. A conformal protective layer is formed over the patterned resist layer to prevent degradation of the pattern during subsequent processing. The substrate is subjected to an energy treatment wherein energetic species penetrate portions of the patterned resist and conformal protective layer according to the pattern formed in the patterned resist, impacting the magnetically susceptible layer and modifying a magnetic property thereof. The patterned resist and conformal protective layers are then removed, leaving a magnetic substrate having a pattern of magnetic properties with a topography that is substantially unchanged.
US08658239B2	Coating method for a folded balloon The present invention relates to compositions which are suitable for selective filling or selective coating of folds of a folded balloon, and especially relates to compositions of a contrast agent and an active agent in a solvent for filling of folds of a folded catheter balloon as well as to methods for selective filling or selective coating of folds of a folded catheter balloon and to filled or coated folded catheter balloons which can be obtained according to one of these methods.
US08658232B2	Capsule system for the preparation of beverages by centrifugation A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device. The system includes a set of different capsules each one for selectively delivering a beverage having specific characteristics that differ from the other capsules of the set. The capsules have a body with a sidewall and a free rim, an upper wall and an extractable or infusible ingredient therein. The capsules are configured with an insertion diameter of the body of the capsule designed for insertion in a rotary capsule holder of the centrifuge brewing device in a referential position, wherein the different capsules in the set having bodies of different storage volumes obtained by a variable depths of the body in the set but the same insertion diameter for all capsules of the set.
US08658231B2	Coffee flavour modification process The invention relates to a process for improving the flavor of roasted Robusta and Arabica quality coffee and is characterized by modifying roasted coffee flavor precursors in aqueous extracts of green coffee beans.
US08658230B2	Oil-free shelf stable liquid creamers An oil-free, non-dairy, shelf-stable liquid whitening composition having a whitening agent and a stabilizing system is disclosed. The stabilizing system includes a hydrocolloid component, preferably of a blend of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and carrageenans, in an amount sufficient to suspend the whitening agent both in the liquid whitening composition and in an aqueous media to which the liquid whitening composition is added; and a buffer to ensure sensory quality. The stabilizing system maintains the liquid whitening composition in a homogeneous state in the composition for at least about 9 months at ambient temperatures, and further maintains the whitening composition in suspension when added to the aqueous media.
US08658228B2	Fuel cell module and fuel cell comprising fuel cell module A tubular fuel cell module comprising a tubular fuel cell capable of improving current collection efficiency, and a fuel cell comprising the fuel cell module are provided. A fuel cell module (100) includes a plurality of tubular fuel cells (10A, 10A, . . . ) arranged in parallel and a first current collector (35), wherein the tubular fuel cells (10A, 10A, . . . ) are woven by the first current collector (35) in a direction crossing an axial direction of the tubular fuel cells (10A, 10A, . . . ) in a plan view.
US08658225B2	Herbal-based nasal solution and method of use thereof A nasal solution and method for treating nasal and sinus inflammation. The nasal solution includes vitamin C, an extract of scutellaria radix, an extract of eleutherococcus radix, an extract of chamomile, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is suitable for administering the vitamin C, the scutellaria radix extract; the eleutherococcus radix extract; and the chamomile to the nose of a patient. The method includes administering the nasal solution which suppresses early phase and late phase mediators of allergic mucosal disease in order to maintain long-term inhibition of nasal and sinus inflammation.
US08658224B2	Modified pectins, compositions and methods related thereto The present invention provides compositions of modified pectin and methods for preparing and using them.
US08658222B2	Topical composition A topical composition comprising at least one active agent selected from a depilatory agent (s), an agent (s) for preventing or reducing the growth or re-growth of hair and an agent (s) for preventing or reducing in-growing hair, and a gas, wherein the at least one active agent and gas are dispersed in a cosmetically acceptable medium.
US08658221B2	Extraction process for plant ingredients The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of plant ingredients, which comprises a) comminuting plant material b) adding a solvent to the comminuted plant material c) subjecting the mixture of comminuted plant material and solvent to an ultrahigh temperature treatment at 95-150° C. over a period of 5-300 seconds.
US08658218B2	Composition with anti-inflammatory, protein synthesizing, treatment of enzyme deficiency, activating genetic therapy and anti-cancer activity and methods of use A composition for treating damaged tissue and promoting healthy tissue growth, healing and tissue regeneration, wherein the composition comprises an extracellular matrix compound, a surface-active lipid, one or more enantiomericaily pure L-amino acids or glycine, a hydrophilic surfactant with a high HLB, as well as vitamins, minerals or trace elements. Not only does it maintain good health, but the components are non-intrusive, bio-safe, non-coalescent and can mimic normally occurring stem-cells within a body. When applied to diseased tissues, the subject compositions can stimulate, facilitate, and accelerate protein synthesis for the regeneration of diseased organs and tissues. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.
US08658216B2	Stable oral benzimidazole compositions and process of preparation thereof The present invention relates to stable oral compositions of one or more benzimidazole compounds and processes for their preparation. Also provided are methods for treating various gastrointestinal disorders.
US08658207B2	Extended release tablet formulations of flibanserin and method for manufacturing the same The present invention provides pharmaceutical release systems comprising an therapeutically effective amount of flibanserin and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, characterized in that said pharmaceutical release systems exhibit a pharmacokinetic profile that is characterized by an average maximum flibanserin plasma concentration Cmax lower than 300 ng/mL, preferably lower than 200 ng/mL after administration of a single dose to healthy volunteers in fasted state or directly after a meal.
US08658202B2	Coated drug delivery formulations The invention relates generally to methods of making formulations for delivering biological agents to a patient. In one aspect, proliposomal drug-delivery systems for medicaments are provided. In another aspect, coated proliposomal formulations for poorly water soluble drugs, and methods for making the same, are provided. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced stability and bioavailability for pharmaceutical formulations.
US08658201B2	Rapidly dissolving film for delivery of an active agent A rapidly dissolving film is provided for delivery of an active agent to a moist body surface, e.g., mucosal tissue. The film comprises a film-forming binder, a rapidly dissolving polymeric material, and an active agent.
US08658195B2	Long term drug delivery devices with polyurethane based polymers and their manufacture This invention is related to the use of polyurethane based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs. The drug delivery device for releasing one or more drugs at controlled rates for an extended period of time to produce local or systemic pharmacological effects comprises: 1. a reservoir, said reservoir comprising; 2. at least one active ingredient; and, optionally, 3. at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; a polyurethane based polymer completely surrounding the reservoir.
US08658194B2	Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising hydrophilic substances and methods for fabricating the same A segmented polyurethane and an amphiphilic random or block copolymer are disclosed. The segmented polyurethane and the amphiphilic random or block copolymer can be used for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device such as a stent.
US08658193B2	Styptic storage and delivery Technologies are described herein for styptic compounds comprising a hemostatic or styptic agent suspended within a hydrophobic carrier medium. Example carrier mediums may include waxes, lipids, oils, or combinations thereof. The compound may be a semisolid at room temperature and soft enough to be easily dispensed and formed into or onto bleeding tissue of an animal or human. The hydrophobic qualities of the carrier medium can protect the styptic agent from absorbing moisture. The carrier medium can mechanically support positioning treatments adjacent to the bleeding tissue. The carrier medium can further serve to mechanically seal the tissue to aid in hemostasis while also protecting the tissue from debris and contamination. The carrier medium can aid in maintaining moisture within the tissue. Slurry-based manufacturing processes can support a substantially homogeneous dispersal of styptic agent throughout the carrier medium.
US08658192B2	Integrated antimicrobial and low fouling materials Cationic polymers hydrolyzable to zwitterionic polymers, monomers for making the cationic polymers, surfaces that include the polymers, and methods for making and using the cationic polymers and surfaces. The cationic polymers include counterions and/or hydrolyzable groups that release active agents.
US08658190B2	Enhanced tuburculocidal activity and decreased fumes from glutaraldehyde disinfectant using acetate salts and alcohol The addition of alcohol plus acetate salts unexpectedly enhanced the tuberculocidal activity of glutaraldehyde, and decreased the fumes of glutaraldehyde from the formula of a high-level disinfectant.
US08658183B2	Antimicrobial parenteral formulation This invention relates to a parenteral formulation containing an effective amount of the compound of the following formula I: water, and an isotonic agent. Also disclosed is a method of treating an infectious disease by administering this formula to a subject via parenteral injection or infusion.
US08658182B2	Phytoplankton based nutraceuticals A method of producing a phytoplankton extract includes obtaining seawater including phytoplankton. The seawater is stored in a tank and circulated within the tank. Air is mixed with the seawater. The phytoplankton is autolysed. The phytoplankton is collected. A compound includes an autolysed phytoplankton taken from an algae paste. The autolysed phytoplankton can be a powder or a liquid.
US08658180B2	Vaccines against influenza virus Disclosed are immunogenic conjugates having the general formula: M2e-Cys-S—CH2—C(O)—NH—CH2—CH2-C(O—)NH-Lys-Pr, were M2e is the influenza M2 ectodomain (M2e) peptide; Cys is a cysteine amino acid residue present in the M2e peptide; S the sulfur present in the cysteine amino acid residue; CH2-CO—NH—CH2-CH2-CO the linking group; NH the amine group present in a lysine residue of the carrier; Lys is a lysine amino acid residue and Pr the carrier protein. Also disclosed are isolated immunogens that include an immunogenic fragment of an influenza HA protein including the polybasic cleavage site, wherein the immunogenic fragment of the influenza HA protein has been modified to remove an N-terminal leader amino acid sequence and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Also disclosed are methods producing an influenza vaccine specific for an identified influenza strain.
US08658179B2	Glycosylated specificity exchangers The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.
US08658178B2	Carbon nanotube compositions and methods of use thereof Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based compositions for activating cellular immune responses are provided. The CNTs function as high surface area scaffolds for the attachment of T cell ligands and/or antigens. The CNT compositions function as artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) or as modular vaccines. The disclosed CNT aAPCs are efficient at activating T cells and may be used to activate T cells ex vivo or in vivo for adoptive or active immunotherapy.
US08658174B2	GLP/1/exendin 4 IgG Fc fusion constructs for treatment of diabetes The invention is a method and composition for the prevention and treatment of type I and type II diabetes in a subject. The composition comprises an IgG-Fc fusion protein where the fusion protein comprises GLP-1, mutant GLP-1, or exendin-4.
US08658170B2	Combination therapy with MDM2 and EFGR inhibitors Provided is a method of treating a proliferative disease, condition, or disorder in a subject by administering a combination of an inhibitor of p53 and MDM2 binding and an EGFR inhibitor. Various embodiments of the disclosed methods provide a synergistic anti-proliferative or anti-apoptotic effect compared to administration of one agent alone.
US08658168B2	Compositions and methods for homoconjugates of antibodies which induce growth arrest of apoptosis of tumor cells This invention discloses monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which have little or no signaling activity as monomers become potent anti-tumor agents when they are converted into homoconjugates. The homoconjugates exert anti-growth activity by signaling G0/G1 arrest or apoptosis, depending upon which cell surface molecule they bind. This activity is specific and does not require an Fc portion. These conjugates are potent, anti-tumor agents.
US08658160B1	Composition and method for cancer chemoprevention A composition including an effective amount of a treatment agent to inhibit tumor growth in a mammal by manipulating a prostaglandin D2 biosynthetic pathway. A method comprising introducing an effective amount of a treatment agent to a mammal to inhibit tumor growth by manipulating a prostaglandin D2 biosynthetic pathway while at the same time reducing production of other forms of prostaglandins that may produce ill effects, such as prostaglandin E2. A method comprising introducing an effective amount of a treatment agent to a mammal to inhibit tumor growth by manipulating a prostaglandin D2 biosynthetic pathway while at the same time reducing potential undesirable side effects related to increased levels of prostaglandin D2. A composition comprising a genetic variant of human hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H-PGDS). A method comprising identifying an individual who carries a Val187Ile gene variant or allele and assessing a predisposition of an individual to various conditions.
US08658156B2	Supplemention of maternal diet The use of probiotic bacteria in the manufacture of a composition for administration to a woman in at least the third trimester of pregnancy for prevention of gestational diabetes, normalizing plasma glucose concentration and/or increasing insulin sensitivity.
US08658155B2	Compositions and methods relating to non-human animals modified to promote production of selected gametes Methods and compositions for producing selected non-human mammalian germ cells and gametes and for making non-human animals using the produced germ cells and gametes are provided by the present invention. Methods of generating a non-human embryo and/or animal derived from donor stem cells, methods of generating chimeric non-human animals having substantially all gametes and/or germ cells derived from the donor stem cells, methods of producing a non-human host embryo lacking functional endogenous germ cells and non-human host embryos incapable of developing endogenous gametes of the present invention are described herein.
US08658152B2	Regeneration and repair of neural tissue using postpartum-derived cells Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of neural tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.
US08658151B2	Expansion of definitive endoderm cells Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising expanded definitive endoderm cells as well as methods for expanding definitive endoderm cells in culture.
US08658150B2	Polymer derived from linear polyethylenimine for gene transfer The invention relates to a static copolymer of linear polyethylenimine that comprises two monomer units of the following formulas I and II, in which R1 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl radical, R2 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, wherein the alkyl group is a C1-C6 one, n is a number between 1 and 99% of the total monomers, m is a number between 1 and 99% of the total monomers, and advantageously m+n=100%. The invention also relates to complexes of this copolymer with a nucleic acid, and to the use thereof in in vivo, in vitro or ex vivo gene transfection.
US08658147B2	Polymer hydrogels and methods of preparation thereof The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.
US08658146B2	Superabsorbent composition with tannins for odor control The present invention relates to a water-absorbing composition comprising water-absorbing polymer structures, on the surface of which is at least one tannin fraction which has a number-average molecular weight, determined in accordance with the test method described herein, of at least 1,000 g/mol, which has a weight-average molecular weight, determined in accordance with the test method described herein, of at least 1,000 g/mol, or which is a hydrolysable gallotannin.The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a water-absorbing composition, the water-absorbing composition obtainable by this process, a composite, a process for the production of a composite, the composite obtainable by this process, chemical products, such as, for example, hygiene articles, the use of a water-absorbing composition or of a composite and the use of a tannin fraction.
US08658145B2	Low molecular weight ampholytic polymers for personal care applications A cosmetically acceptable composition comprising from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent, based on polymer solids, of a water-soluble ampholyte polymer comprising: from at least 1 to as much as 95 weight percent of the nonionic monomer acrylamide; from at least 5 to as much as 80 weight percent of the cationic monomer dimethyldiallylammonium chloride; from at least 1 to as much as 75 weight percent of the anionic monomer acrylic acid, is disclosed. The application of these polymers to a keratinous substance is also disclosed. In addition, a method of treating a keratinous substance comprising applying a cosmetically acceptable composition comprising from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent, based on polymer solids, of an ampholyte polymer produced by the following process: (1) preparing a monomer solution containing: from at least 1 to as much as 95 weight percent of the nonionic monomer acrylamide; from at least 5 to as much as 80 weight percent of the cationic monomer dimethyldiallylammonium chloride; from at least 1 to as much as 75 weight percent of the anionic monomer acrylic acid; (2) providing a reactor and water to said reactor; (3) optionally charging said reactor with a sequestering agent, a chain transfer agent or a combination thereof; (3) purging said reactor to remove oxygen from said reactor; (4) heating the contents of said reactor; and (5) feeding said monomer solution and initiator solution into said reactor, is disclosed.
US08658144B2	Comb polymers for the hair Utilisation of (meth)acrylic comb copolymers with side chains of the hydroxy and alkoxy polyalkylene glycol type in which are present both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide links. These copolymers give a styling effect and an elimination of rinsing. The invention also relates to a cosmetic formulation containing such structures as well as a hair treatment process based on this formulation.
US08658141B2	Cosmetic composition containing a block copolymer, a tackifier, a silsesquioxane wax and/or resin The present invention is directed to a method of making up keratinous substrates involving applying onto the keratinous substrate a composition containing a) a block copolymer, b) a tackifier, c) an alkyl silsesquioxane wax, d) a liquid fatty phase, and e) optionally, a colorant.
US08658139B1	Prevention and treatment of oral diseases This invention comprises a set of dental products and methods to prevent and treat dentinal hypersensitivity, prevent tooth decay, and heal incipient caries by means of Mouth Friendly® dental products containing calcium carbonate, having a preferred particle size of 1 to 100 nanometers (nm), and a preferred weight range of 5 to 30%. Said products must contain 8 to 95 weight percent of xylitol, plus the surfactant system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,541 (Mar. 5, 1996) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,230 (May 4, 1999). It is further required that all irritants and other mouth unfriendly ingredients be absent from the dental products of this invention. Additional features of this invention include prevention and treatment of aphthous ulcers, oral mucositis, periodontal disease, perioral dermatitis, halitosis, oral candida, chapped lips, and oral plaque and tartar. This invention also ameliorates the condition of those who suffer from xerostomia and cold sores.
US08658138B2	Foamable composition essentially free of pharmaceutically active ingredients for the treatment of human skin The present invention related to the use of a pharmaceutical composition which is essentially free of pharmaceutically active ingredients for the treatment of human skin, especially in the treatment of rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, psoriasis or neurodermitis, as well as for prophylactic and/or cosmetic purposes.
US08658137B2	Insecticidal compositions and method for insect control An environmentally safe, non-phytotoxic pesticidal composition comprising natural plant oils geraniol and cedar oil and methods of controlling insects is provided.
US08658134B2	Fibroblast growth patterns for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease Methods of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease are provided. At least five methods of diagnostic measurements are presented: Method 1: Integrated score; Method 2: Average aggregate area per number of aggregates; Method 3: Cell migration analysis; Method 4; Fractal analysis; Method 5: Lacunarity Analysis. In certain embodiments, a sample of a subject's skin provides a network of fibroblasts that is imaged and a fractal dimension of the image is calculated. The fractal dimension can be compared to an aged-matched control (non-Alzheimer's) database to determine if the subject has Alzheimer's disease. The network of fibroblasts may be cultured in a matrix, for example in a protein mixture.
US08658132B2	Method for production of radiation diagnostic imaging agent A method for producing a radioactive diagnostic imaging agent containing a radioactive 18 fluorine-labeled organic compound represented by the following formula (1): as an effective ingredient in which radiolysis of the effective ingredient is inhibited, involves providing a solution containing the radioactive 18fluorine-labeled organic compound represented by the above formula (1), adding an acid to the solution obtained in the first step in an amount sufficient for the solution to be kept within a pH of 2.0-5.9 in the following third step, and diluting the solution obtained in the second step in order to adjust the solution to a desired radioactive concentration within a pH of 2.0-5.9.
US08658129B2	Agents and methods for the imaging of myelin basic protein The present invention relates to agents capable of binding to myelin basic protein in a subject. Also provided are methods for the detection of myelin-associated neuropathy comprising identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, administering to a subject an agent that binds specifically to myelin basic protein, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting the agent present in the subject. A kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein is also provided.
US08658126B2	Nanostructured titanium oxide material and its synthesis procedure Nanomaterials of the JT phase of the titanium oxide TiO2-x, where 0≦x≦1 having as a building block a crystalline structure with an orthorhombic symmetry and described by at least one of the space groups 59 Pmmn, 63 Amma, 71 Immm or 63 Bmmb. The nanomaterials are in the form of nanofibers, nanowires, nanorods, nanoscrolls and/or nanotubes and are obtained from a hydrogen titanate and/or a mixed sodium and hydrogen titanate precursor compound that is isostructural to the JT crystalline structure. The titanates are the hydrogenated, the protonated, the hydrated and/or the alkalinized phases of the JT crystalline phase that are obtained from titanium compounds such as titanium oxide with an anatase crystalline structure, amorphous titanium oxide, and titanium oxide with a rutile crystalline structure, and/or directly from the rutile mineral and/or from ilmenite.
US08658122B2	Process to produce sodium sulfate and magnesium hydroxide This invention refers to a novel process to obtain magnesium hydroxide and sodium sulfate from a solid raw material, which contains sodium and magnesium soluble salts, preferably in the form of sulfates, coming from a natural source or as a byproduct of an industrial process. The process consisting in the conditioning of the raw material to guarantee the correct concentrations of sodium and magnesium sulfates that is subjected to a salting-out crystallization when mixed with sodium sulfate obtaining sodium sulfate; the resulting solution is subjected to an alkali treatment to precipitate the magnesium hydroxide and the mother liquor is fed to a regeneration stage of the alkali used in the precipitation of the magnesium hydroxide as well in the sodium sulfate solution for the crystallization. The crystallization can be performed as a multistage process countercurrent to increase the purity of sodium sulfate.
US08658120B2	Non-thermofusible phenol resin powder, method for producing the same, thermosetting resin composition, sealing material for semiconductor, and adhesive for semiconductor Disclosed is a non-thermofusible phenol resin powder having an average particle diameter of not more than 20 μm and a single particle ratio of not less than 0.7. This non-thermofusible phenol resin powder preferably has a chlorine content of not more than 500 ppm. This non-thermofusible phenol resin powder is useful as an organic filler for sealing materials for semiconductors and adhesives for semiconductors. The non-thermofusible phenol resin powder is also useful as a precursor of functional carbon materials such as a molecular sieve carbon and a carbon electrode material.
US08658119B2	Production and/or recovery of products from waste sludge A method of producing calcium carbonate from a waste sludge containing calcium carbonate and at least one silicate mineral. The method comprises the steps of: (i) incinerating the sludge to an ash in which at least 60% of the calcium carbonate present in the sludge is converted to free calcium oxide which is unreacted with the silicate mineral(s), (ii) optionally slaking the ash to convert at least a portion of the free calcium oxide therein to calcium hydroxide, (iii) treating either the ash from step (i) or the slaked ash from step (ii) with an aqueous solution of a polyhydroxy compound to provide a solution of dissolved calcium hydroxide, (iv) separating insoluble material from the solution of calcium ions obtained in step (iii), (v) dispersing carbon dioxide through the solution obtained from step (iv) so as to produce calcium carbonate, and (vi) separating the calcium carbonate produced in step (v).
US08658112B2	Microfluidic chip capable of synthesizing radioactively labeled molecules on a scale suitable for human imaging with positron emission tomography Described herein are automated, integrated microfluidic device comprising a chemical reaction chip comprising for performing chemical reaction, a microscale column integrated with the chip and configured for liquid flow from the column to at least one flow channel, and wherein the fluid flow into the column is controlled by on-chip valves; and comprising at least two on-chip valves for controlling fluid flow in the microfluidic device.
US08658108B2	Limited-use blood glucose meters A limited-use blood glucose meter includes a printed circuit board assembly that includes a power source, a strip port, a strip reading device, a controller device, a bi-stable display, and a display controller. The strip reading measures a reaction between a blood sample present on the blood glucose test strip and the blood glucose reagent, generates a blood glucose signal, and calculates a blood glucose level. The controller device receives the blood glucose level from the strip reading device. The controller device provides display instructions to the display controller and the display controller provides drive voltages to the bi-stable segments such that the bi-stable segments persistently display the most-recent blood glucose level. The strip reading device performs a predetermined number of blood glucose tests and calculates a blood glucose level only for blood glucose strips associated with the disposable blood glucose meter.
US08658107B2	Isolator An isolator includes a work chamber, a sterilizing substance supply unit, a gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit, a work chamber barometer, and a controller. The controller is configured to control execution of a gas flow channel leak test for checking a gas leak in a gas flow channel based on a detection result by the work chamber barometer after making the gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit increase or decrease the pressure in the gas flow channel, and is configured to control supply of the sterilizing substance by the sterilizing substance supply unit. The controller performs heating of a heater, which accompanies the supply of the sterilizing substance, in parallel with the gas flow channel leak test.
US08658105B2	Apparatus for securely processing biological sample An apparatus for securely processing biological sample is used to wash, separate, or purify biological molecules, such as DNAs, RNAs, and proteins. The apparatus comprises at least one semi-permeable membrane column, a vacuum manifold, and at least one optional adaptor column. The semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the slot of the vacuum manifold. When the adaptor column is used, the semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the adaptor column, and the adaptor column is loosely received in the slot of the vacuum manifold. The apparatus also comprises sealing elements which are inserted between the column and the slot. When the semi-permeable membrane column contains liquid sample and vacuum is applied to the vacuum manifold, the liquid in the semi-permeable membrane column can be drawn out of the column through the membrane.
US08658101B1	Photocatalytic device with curved reflectors A photocatalytic device has an ultraviolet light source and a plurality of photocatalytic structures, such as hydrated quad-metallic catalyst surfaces. The photocatalytic device has curved reflectors that are positioned to reflect ultraviolet light against a face of the photocatalytic structures. The curved reflectors are shaped to minimize the distance traveled by the ultraviolet light between the light source and the photocatalytic structure. The curved reflector is further shaped to direct reflected ultraviolet against the surface of the photocatalytic structure in a perpendicular direction.
US08658097B2	Sensor for detecting substance in liquid A sensor for detecting a substance in liquid includes a sensing circuit including a sensing surface acoustic wave (SAW) element in which a reaction film to react with a substance in liquid, a reference circuit including a reference SAW element including an IDT and not including a reaction film, a first signal source driving the sensing circuit, a second signal source driving the reference circuit and being independent of the first signal source, and a differential circuit arranged to output a differential output between an output of the sensing circuit and an output of the reference circuit. The frequency of a first frequency signal output from the first signal source is different from the frequency of a second frequency signal output from the second signal source, thereby making a driving frequency for the sensing SAW element and a driving frequency for the reference SAW element substantially the same as or different from one another.
US08658086B2	Systems and methods for interior energy-activation from an exterior source A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.
US08658084B2	Method and devices for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down melt streams through magnetic fields in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down melt streams through magnetic fields in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces. The method is characterized in that the melt stream is routed in a closed routing element using at least two magnetic fields disposed in series one after the other in the flow direction of the melt, said magnetic fields having a constant polarity opposite to one another, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that opposite voltages are induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields, there being at least three eddy current fields produced thereby in the melt stream that are disposed axially one after the other, and that due to the interactions between the magnetic fields and the eddy currents forces are generated that can be used to reduce the flow rate of the melt stream.
US08658083B2	Spinel-germanate glass composite as an IR window This disclosure involves a new spinel and glass micro-composite material and process for making such. The composite has excellent transmission in the 0.5-5.0 μm wavelength region suitable for various visible and mid IR applications utilizing windows, domes and other geometric shapes. The composite can be made at a temperature about 40% lower than the glass melting temperature and about 50% lower than the spinel sintering temperature. The composite material has high modulus and fracture toughness which are important for impact resistance in armor and other practical applications.
US08658082B2	Method of fabricating stents from blow molded tubing Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stent manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed.
US08658081B2	Methods of fabricating stents with enhanced fracture toughness Stents and methods of manufacturing a stents with enhanced fracture toughness are disclosed.
US08658079B2	Process for manufacturing a fuel tank Process and device for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with at least one communication component, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two impressions and a core, said process comprising the pressing of the parison against the impressions and formation of a pocket in this parison, the communication component being fastened in this pocket by welding of at least one portion of its side wall to at least one portion of the side wall of the pocket.
US08658062B2	Nanoscale silicon-based compositions and methods of preparation The present invention is related to nano-particle compositions, methods of their preparation and applications thereof. The nano-particle compositions include silicon-containing nano-particles, a graphite matrix, carbon nanotubes and an amorphous carbon interface formed between the silicon-containing nano-particles and the graphite matrix.
US08658058B2	Liquid-crystal emulsion oil in water type and a preparation method of the liquid-crystal emulsion The present invention relates to liquid-crystal emulsion for the use in a thermo-optical matrix to an early diagnosis of mammary gland neoplasmic lesions. It contains a mixture of thermotropic liquid crystals and polyvinyl alcohol. The liquid-crystal emulsion contains 14 to 48% by weight (on a dry matter basis) of the thermotropic compounds mixture and 50 to 86% by weight (on a dry matter basis) of polyvinyl alcohol. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing liquid-crystal emulsion.
US08658056B1	Harvesting single domain nanoparticles and their applications Methods are disclosed for separating and harvesting very small single domain ferroelectric nanoparticles by application of a non-uniform electric or magnetic field gradient. The disclosed methods enable collection of nanoparticles with permanent strong dipole moments for use in a wide variety of applications with greatly improved results.
US08658052B2	Method for making a highly thermally conductive composite Disclosed is a method for making a highly thermally conductive composite. At first, paraffin wax is subjected to apparent modification. Expandable graphite is oxidized and organically modified. The modified paraffin wax is melted and mixed with the modified expandable graphite so that the modified expandable graphite is evenly distributed in the modified paraffin wax. With the expandable graphite, which exhibits an excellent heat transfer coefficient, the thermal conductivity of the paraffin wax is improved. The melting and solidifying rates of the paraffin wax are improved.
US08658051B2	Lithography resolution improving method A method of improving lithography resolution on a semiconductor, including the steps of providing a substrate on which a protecting layer, a first etching layer and a photoresist layer are sequentially formed; patterning the photoresist layer to form an opening so as to partially reveal the first etching layer; implanting a first ion into the revealed first etching layer to form a first doped area; and implanting a second ion into the revealed first etching layer to form a second doped area, wherein the first doped area is independent from the second doped area is provided.
US08658050B2	Method to transfer lithographic patterns into inorganic substrates Techniques for minimizing or eliminating pattern deformation during lithographic pattern transfer to inorganic substrates are provided. In one aspect, a method for pattern transfer into an inorganic substrate is provided. The method includes the following steps. The inorganic substrate is provided. An organic planarizing layer is spin-coated on the inorganic substrate. The organic planarizing layer is baked. A hardmask is deposited onto the organic planarizing layer. A photoresist layer is spin-coated onto the hardmask. The photoresist layer is patterned. The hardmask is etched through the patterned photoresist layer using reactive ion etching (RIE). The organic planarizing layer is etched through the etched hardmask using RIE. A high-temperature anneal is performed in the absence of oxygen. The inorganic substrate is etched through the etched organic planarizing layer using reactive ion etching.
US08658048B2	Method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium The present invention aims to prevent decreases in etching rate due to adhesion of an etched film to a substrate holder. A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes: forming a first film on a substrate holder not yet having a substrate mounted thereon; mounting a substrate on the substrate holder having the first film formed thereon, the substrate having a resist layer formed on a multilayer film including a magnetic film layer, the resist layer having a predetermined pattern; and processing the magnetic film layer into a shape based on the predetermined pattern by performing dry etching on the substrate. The first film is a film that is not etched as easily as the films in the multilayer film to be removed by the dry etching.
US08658046B2	Apparatus and method for treating aqueous solutions and contaminants therein The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to a apparatus including a substantially self-contained housing or container which is adapted to receive components including at least one counterelectrode (e.g. cathode) and at least one photoelectrode (e.g. anode) provided or arranged around at least one UV light source, and/or receive, contain and/or circulate fluid or aqueous solution.
US08658042B2	Microplate carrier having magnets Relates to a microplate carrier (1) for a microplate (2), in whose wells (3) magnetic particles (5), which are suspended in a liquid (4), with or without samples adhering thereto are located, the microplate carrier (1) comprising permanent magnets (6) generating magnetic fields which are implemented to collect and retain the magnetic particles (5) on the floor (14) and/or on the walls (7) of the wells (3) of this microplate (2). The microplate carrier (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises two permanent magnets (6) situated diametrically opposite in relation to the well (3) for each well (3) of the microplate (2), which have the same polarity directed toward the well (3) and whose magnetic axis (25) is at least essentially perpendicular to the footprint of the microplate (2) to be placed. A corresponding method based on the use of the microplate carrier (1) is also disclosed.
US08658036B2	Composite filtration and demineralization apparatus A filtration and demineralization apparatus 10 including a vessel 20 in a form of a body of revolution; a hollow columnar body 40 that is located in an internal space of the vessel 20, one end 40a of the columnar body being connected to an inner surface of the vessel 20 along an entire circumference of the end, and the other end 40b of the columnar body forming an opening; and a partition plate 44 that is connected to the other end 40b of the hollow columnar body along an entire circumference of the other end 40b, the partition plate being configured to separate an inside space or an outside space of the hollow columnar body 40 as an independent space in the vessel. The partition plate 44 has a circulation port 43 that allows water that is to be treated to pass therethrough. The independent space in the vessel that is separated by the partition plate functions as a filtration chamber 41 in which filter elements are loaded, and the inside space or the outside space of the hollow columnar body that is not separated as the independent space by the partition plate functions as a demineralization chamber 22, the water that was treated in the filtration chamber being adapted to enter the demineralization chamber through the circulation port 43.
US08658033B2	Method and system for installing a drain A flush plug and a collar are used in installing a drain or cleanout. A flush plug is temporarily attached to the nipple of a cleanout or to a drain base and leveled. Concrete is then poured flush with the top of the flush plug. After the flush plug is removed from the cured concrete, a collar is installed in the hole in the concrete left by the flush plug. The outside of the lower portion of the collar is beveled like the flush plug. The upper portion of the collar includes a sleeve rising above the top surface of the surrounding concrete by an amount equal to the thickness of the specific floor finish. Tile or other finish may then be laid to around the collar. The installed drain will be flush and level with the flooring around it.
US08658031B2	Method and apparatus for treating liquid containing impurities A method and an apparatus for treating a liquid containing impurities may include a filtering chamber configured to permit granular media to interact with liquid containing impurities, thereby removing impurities from the liquid to produce filtrate; a filtrate section for receiving the filtrate; a gas supplying system for delivering gas to the granular media in the filtering chamber for transport of a portion of the granular media to a granular media washer; a reject section in fluid communication with the granular media washer for receiving a reject mixture comprising liquid and impurities from the granular media washer; and a control unit that is configured to determine whether the portion of the granular media is being transported properly based on an amount of reject mixture in the reject section.
US08658028B2	Removal of elemental sulfur in pipelines using static mixers A process for removing elemental sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon steams such as transportation fuel streams, e.g. gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet, by contacting such streams with an immiscible aqueous solution under static mixing conditions. The aqueous solution contains a caustic and an effective amount of a Group I or Group II metal sulfide or polysulfide. The elemental sulfur in the stream is converted to a polysulfide that is not soluble in the hydrocarbon stream but is soluble in the aqueous solution, thus resulting in a hydrocarbon product stream having a substantially lower level of elemental sulfur.
US08658022B2	Process for cracking heavy hydrocarbon feed A process for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon feed comprising a vaporization step, a hydroprocessing step, and a steam cracking step is disclosed. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is passed to a first zone of a vaporization unit to separate a first vapor stream and a first liquid stream. The first liquid stream is passed to a second zone of the vaporization unit and contacted intimately with a counter-current steam to produce a second vapor stream and a second liquid stream. The first vapor stream and the second vapor stream are cracked in the radiant section of the steam cracker to produce a cracked effluent. The second liquid stream is reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce a hydroprocessed product. A liquid hydroprocessed product is fed to the vaporization unit.
US08658017B2	Methods for operating an array of chemically-sensitive sensors Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08658015B2	Water treatment device and method A water treatment system, comprising a plurality of pipes, each of the plurality of pipes formed of a rare earth metal alloy and configured for water passage therethrough in a water flow direction wherein excitation of electrons in the rare earth metal alloy of at least one pipe in the plurality of pipes forms an electric field along the at least one pipe, the electric field having a direction perpendicular to the water flow direction in the at least one pipe, and a plurality of permanent magnets configured to create a magnetic field along the at least one pipe, the magnetic field having a direction perpendicular to the water flow direction of the at least one pipe, wherein the electric field and the magnetic field are configured to break at least some hydrogen bonds between water molecules of water passing through the at least one pipe.
US08658012B2	Biosensor for electrochemical measurement of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, and measuring method and measuring kit using the same The biosensor has an electrode system for electrochemically measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) and a reagent layer formed on said electrode system. The reagent layer contains an enzyme for measuring 1,5-anhydroglucitol, phenothiazine compounds, a stabilizer selected from a group of compounds comprising metal salts, organic acids, and amino acids, and an acidic polymer compound as an optional ingredient. The biosensor has excellent storage stability and can electrochemically measure 1,5-anhydroglucitol unaffected by the hematocrit contained in a whole blood sample.
US08658011B2	Glucose sensor Provided is a glucose sensor that is capable of measuring a glucose concentration even in the case where Aspergillus oryzae type FAD-GDH (flavin adenine dinucleotide-glucose dehyrogenase) and a ruthenium compound are used in combination. The glucose sensor includes an insulative substrate, an electrode system having a working electrode and a counter electrode provided on the substrate, and a reagent layer provided on the electrode system, wherein the reagent layer contains Aspergillus oryzae type FAD-GDH, a ruthenium compound, and PMS (phenazine methosulfate).
US08658008B2	High-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus A high-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus includes a first cell device and a second cell device. The first cell device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode catalyst layer and an anode current collector provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode catalyst layer and a cathode current collector provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. The second cell device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode current collector provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane of the second cell device, and a cathode current collector provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane of the second cell device.
US08658003B1	Dual position DC magnetron assembly A sputtering system includes a first sputtering assembly configured to sputter material onto a first disk and a second sputtering assembly configured to sputter material onto a second disk, the second sputtering assembly positioned proximate the first sputtering assembly. The first sputtering assembly includes a first magnetic ring, and the second sputtering assembly includes a second magnetic ring. The first magnetic ring includes a first region of lower relative magnetic strength positioned near the second magnetic ring, and the second magnetic ring includes a second region of lower relative magnetic strength positioned near the first magnetic ring.
US08657999B2	Methods for preparing fuel compositions from renewable sources, and related systems A method for producing a fuel composition from a feedstock which may contain biomass and municipal solid waste is described. The method includes the step of pyrolyzing the feedstock in the presence of a transition metal, using microwave energy, so that the level of oxygen in at least one product of the pyrolysis is reduced. An integrated process is also described, in which the transition metal can be regenerated. Moreover, pyrolysis products such as bio-oils can be upgraded to liquid fuel compositions. Related systems for producing fuel compositions are also described.
US08657997B2	Paper product having unique physical properties A web product having at least one ply and having a Basis Weight, BW, to Dry Bulk, DB, value satisfying the equation DB≧34.63−0.31*BW is disclosed.
US08657995B2	Method of producing recycled paper pulp from waste printed paper as raw material [Object] It is to provide a process of manufacturing recycled paper pulp with high efficiency from newspaper (waste paper) or waste printed paper as a raw material, which is disposed and recovered from homes and offices, through a deinking process using a specific surfactant and electrolyzed water.[Solving Means] A process of obtaining recycled paper pulp from waste printed paper such as waste newspaper as a raw material, including the steps of: cutting waste newspaper or waste printed paper into small pieces; adding alkaline electrolyzed water to the small pieces of waste paper such as waste newspaper, wherein the alkaline electrolyzed water is obtained by electrolysis of water containing a small amount of refined salt; stirring them at a high speed to break down the waste newspaper into fibers; adding the waste newspaper fibers to a stirring vessel; adding an appropriate amount of a liquid surfactant thereto; and then removing ink released to the surface of the solution under gentle stirring, wherein the liquid surfactant is sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.
US08657978B2	Method for producing a transport/drive belt A method for forming a longitudinal edge region of a transport/drive belt having at least two layers of a thermoplastic material and at least one layer of a woven fabric web includes positioning a mat at one longitudinal edge of the transport/drive belt. The method further includes transferring heat and pressure to the transport/drive belt so as to melt and merge at least a region of the at least two layers of thermoplastic material without adding any additional material, solidifying the at least two layers of thermoplastic material, and removing the mat.
US08657977B2	Pneumatic tire and method for making uncured rubber tire component A pneumatic tire is manufactured by vulcanizing the uncured tire formed by assembling uncured rubber tire components, at least one of which is made by winding a plurality of tapes around an axis while traversing the tapes along the axis, wherein the number of stroke of the traversing of the tapes is increased in a thick portion than in a thin portion of the tire component, and an angle between one end and the other end of each of the tapes around said axis is at most 90 degrees. The respective midpoints between the one end and the other end around the axis, of the tapes are sifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the tire.
US08657975B2	Tire and method of securing an object thereto A method of attaching an object to a tire includes providing a tire and providing a mechanical two-piece fastening system having a first portion and a second portion. The method further includes attaching a first portion of a mechanical two-piece fastening system to the tire and positioning an object to be attached to the tire on one of the first portion and the second portion of the mechanical two-piece fastening system. The method also includes attaching the second portion of the mechanical two-piece fastening system to the first portion of the mechanical two-piece fastening system.
US08657972B2	Development of a high strength high toughness steel A bainitic steel with simultaneous high yield strength and high fracture toughness includes at least 5 volume percent austenite as well as iron, carbon, and silicon. The silicon is present in an amount of at least 1.5 weight percent of total weight of the bainitic steel. A method of forming the steel by austempering is also provided.
US08657970B2	Hot-rolled steel sheet excellent in fatigue properties and stretch-flange formability and method for manufacturing the same This hot-rolled steel sheet contains, in terms of mass %, C: 0.015% or more to less than 0.040%; Si: less than 0.05%; Mn: 0.9% or more to 1.8% or less; P: less than 0.02%; S: less than 0.01%; Al: less than 0.1%; N: less than 0.006%; and Ti: 0.05% or more to less than 0.11%, with the remainder being Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein Ti/C is in a range of 2.5 or more to less than 3.5, Nb, Zr, V, Cr, Mo, B and W are not included, a microstructure includes a mixed microstructure of polygonal ferrite and quasi-polygonal ferrite in a proportion of greater than 96%, a maximum tensile strength is 520 MPa or more and less than 720 MPa, an aging index AI is more than 15 MPa, a product of a hole expansion ratio (λ) % and a total elongation (El) % is 2350 or more, and a fatigue limit is 200 MPa or more.
US08657967B2	Amorphous alloy and process for producing products made thereof The present invention is related to process for producing an amorphous Fe-based bulk metallic glass product, formed of an alloy having a chemical formula of Fe100-a-b-c-d-x-y MaNbbSicBdIxJy wherein: • M is Co and/or Ni, •I is one or more elements of the group consisting of Al, Cr, Cu, Mn, C and P, •J is one or more elements of the group consisting of Ti, S, N and O and wherein a, b, c, d, x and y are satisfying the following conditions: 0 wt. %
US08657965B2	Controlling method of dishwasher A method for controlling a dishwasher includes sequentially performing a first main washing step, a second main washing step, and a third main washing step. The first main washing step includes supplying washing water, which is heated by a sump heater, to a washing chamber. The second main washing step includes selectively performing a steam spraying action for supplying steam to the washing chamber, and performing a water supplying action for supplying washing water to the washing chamber. The third main washing step includes supplying washing water, heated by the sump heater, to the washing chamber.
US08657963B2	In-situ backside cleaning of semiconductor substrate The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. In an embodiment of the method, a single wafer cleaning apparatus is provided and a wafer is positioned in the apparatus. A first chemical spray is dispensed onto a front surface of the wafer. A back surface of the wafer is cleaned while dispensing the first chemical spray. The cleaning of the back surface may include a brush and spray of cleaning fluids. An apparatus operable to clean the front surface and the back surface of a single semiconductor wafer is also described.
US08657962B2	Particle removing method, particle removing device, atomic force microscope, and charged particle beam apparatus Small tweezers having a pair of arms openable and closable is moved closer to a sample and grips a particle attached on a surface of the sample and carries it onto an adhesion member to attach it thereto. The small tweezers are opened to release the particle and brought away from the adhesion member to leave the particle on the adhesion member. A particle removing device includes small tweezers having a pair of arms openable and closable; an opening/closing driving unit that drives the arm or arms to open/close the small tweezers; a stage mounting an adhesion member that attaches thereto a particle to withdraw the particle; and a moving mechanism that moves the small tweezers between the sample and the adhesion member mounted on the stage. Also, an atomic force microscope and a charged ion beam apparatus that include the particle removing device are disclosed.
US08657960B2	Method and system for fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass Methods and systems for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, including exploding the biomass cells to devolatilize the biomass, hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce a liquid component including hemicellulosic sugars and a solid component including less than 10% hemicellulose, separating the liquid and solid components, vaporizing the cellulose in the solid component, and condensing the cellulosic sugar vapors. The methods and systems may vaporize the cellulose in a continuous steam reactor at a temperature of about 400-550° C. and a pressure of about 1-3 bara. Electromagnetic and/or electroaccoustic treatment such as ultrasound and/or microwave treatment may be applied to the biomass immediately before or during cellulose hydrolysis.
US08657957B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing fused silica crucible, and the fused silica crucible A method of manufacturing a fused silica crucible by heating and melting a vitreous silica powder compact shaped into a mold using arc discharge of electrodes arranged around a rotation shaft of the mold, includes the steps of: arranging the electrodes in a ring shape, and setting a ratio W/R of a horizontal distance W between the electrode front end and the surface of the vitreous silica powder compact to a vitreous silica powder compact opening radius R, for at least a predetermined time during arc heating, to be in the range of 0.002 to 0.98.
US08657956B2	Apparatus for producing solid product Provided is a production method and a production apparatus using a method for producing a solid product by a reaction of gaseous raw materials with a plurality of components including a step of conducting the reaction using a reactor disposed in a vertical direction; a step of feeding the gaseous raw materials with a plurality of components from the upper part of the reactor; a step of, in the lower part of the reactor, forming a seal gas layer composed of a gas having a high density and fed continuously from the lower part of the reactor; a step of discharging an exhaust gas containing a by-product gas generated by the reaction and unreacted gaseous raw materials from somewhere in the upper part of the formed seal gas layer; and a step of accommodating a solid product in the seal gas layer of the lower part.
US08657949B2	Decorative effect coating compositions and methods of making and applying same The disclosure is generally related to a coating composition, and more particularly to a decorative effect coating composition capable of producing a multi-colored and/or multi-shaded appearance in a single application.
US08657947B2	Silylated amino resins The present invention relates to silylated amino resins, to processes for preparing them, to their use, and to coating compositions comprising them.
US08657946B2	Polymeric material of photosynthetic origin comprising particulate inorganic material Disclosed is a new composition of matter comprising a polymeric material of photosynthetic origin having embedded therein small particles of an inorganic material. The composition of matter is particularly suitable for use in processes whereby the polymeric material is converted to fuels in liquid or gas form, and/or to the valuable specialty chemicals. The polymeric material comprises biomass. More specifically, the polymeric material comprises cellulose and at least one of hemicellulose and lignin.
US08657930B2	Separation system comprising a swirl valve The invention relates to a separation system comprising a flow inlet (16). The separation system comprises a swirl valve (100), arranged to receive and control the flux of a fluid flow via the flow inlet (16) and to generate a swirling flow, swirling about a central axis (11). The separation system further comprises a separation chamber (40) positioned downstream with respect of the swirl valve (100) to receive the swirling flow from the swirl valve (100), wherein the separation chamber (40) comprises a first and second flow outlet (41, 42). The first flow outlet (41) is positioned to receive an inner portion of the swirling flow and the second outlet (42) is positioned to receive an outer portion of the swirling flow.
US08657927B2	Filtration device for use with a fuel vapor recovery system A filtration device 8 for filtering air used with a fuel vapor recovery system 100 may comprise a housing comprising an upper end 10 having at least one air inlet 18 and a lower end 12 having at least one air outlet 26, a first passageway 32 in fluid communication with the air inlet 18 and configured to increase the velocity of the air through the first passageway 32 compared to the air inlet 18, a collection cavity 34 in fluid communication the first passageway 32 and configured to reduce the velocity and abruptly change the direction of the air through the collection cavity 34 compared to the first passageway 32, a filter cavity 14 in fluid communication with the collection cavity 34 comprising a filtering media 16, and a clean air cavity 40 in fluid communication with the filter cavity 14 and the air outlet 26 of the housing.
US08657924B2	Process for separating gases and adsorbent compositions used therein The present invention relates generally to a composite adsorbent comprising at least a zeolite-containing CO2 removal adsorbent and 10% or more of a metal oxide having a heat capacity of at least 20 cal/mol-° K (83.7 J/(mol·K). The composite is preferably used in a multi-layered adsorption system in a cyclic adsorption process. The adsorption system comprises two or more layers wherein the first layer is at least a water vapor removal adsorbent, such as activated alumina, and the second layer is the novel composite adsorbent. The adsorption system is preferably used in a PSA prepurification process prior to cryogenic air separation.
US08657917B2	Method for recycling metals from waste molybdic catalysts A method for recycling metals from waste molybdic catalysts, comprises steps of leaching, by soaking a waste molybdic catalyst into a highly oxidized acid and conducting a reaction between sulfur in the waste molybdic catalyst and the acid to obtain sulfide and vaporizer, wherein metals in the waste molybdic catalyst are dissolved and oxidized by the acid to obtain a first solution and dregs; and refining, by further dissolving metals in the dregs into a second solution, and extracting metals in the waste molybdic catalyst from the first and second solution; wherein, the vaporizer obtained from the step of leaching is converted into highly oxidized acid and recycled in the step of leaching.
US08657915B2	Metal powder and manufacturing methods thereof The present invention provides a metal powder composed of tantalum or niobium that achieves both sinterability and fluidity and the manufacturing method thereof. The present invention also provides a tantalum or niobium powder that enables the manufacturing of an anode for a solid electrolytic capacitor in which holes are formed for a conductive polymer-containing solution to pass through, without using a hole molding material or pore forming material. Furthermore, the present invention provides an anode for a solid electrolytic capacitor that enables the manufacturing of a high-volume and low ESR solid electrolytic capacitor. The present invention further provides a manufacturing method of a metal powder that allows the manufacturing of a metal powder of a given diameter range from a raw powder at high yield, without requiring a lot of work and time.
US08657913B2	Gas cleaning separator The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
US08657911B2	Moisture separator/heater A moisture separator/heater, including a cylindrical main shell, a moisture separator that removes moisture in steam to be heated that flows in through the bottom of the main shell, a heater disposed above the moisture separator in the main shell, and restricting members disposed in a heating space to sandwich a tube bundle side plate with an outer rail to restrict rounded-back deformation thereof and satisfy an expression of 0.2≦L1/L and L2/L≦0.4, L represents total length of a straight tube portion, L1 represents distance from one of the pad members closest to a steam heating header to an end of the straight tube portion on the side where the steam heating header is present, and L2 represents distance from one of the pad members closest to a curved tube portion to an end of the straight tube portion on the side where the curved tube portion is present.
US08657910B2	Cyclone dust collector A cyclone dust collector having a single or multiple dust collection bodies installed within a housing, wherein the dust collection body is composed of an upper primary cylindrical dust collection part and a lower secondary conical duct collection part, and a single or multiple slits are cut in the wall surfaces of the primary and secondary dust collection parts in such a manner that large dust particles with large inertial force are removed between the dust collection housing and the dust collection body via the slit(s), while small dust particles with small inertial force make a swirling flow motion within the dust collection body and are removed by the centrifugal force.
US08657908B2	Gas cleaning separator The present invention relates to a separator and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a centrifugal separator for the cleaning of a gaseous fluid. A centrifugal separator is provided as comprising a housing defining an inner space, and a rotor assembly for imparting a rotary motion onto a mixture of substances to be separated. The rotor assembly is located in said inner space and is rotatable about an axis relative to the housing. The rotor assembly comprises an inlet for receiving said mixture of substances, an outlet from which said substances are ejected from the rotor assembly during use, and a flow path for providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned more radially outward from said axis than the inlet.
US08657905B2	Cyclonic separation apparatus A cyclonic separation apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, the cyclonic separation apparatus comprising: a cyclone with a hollow cylindrical body, a hollow frustro-conical body tapering away from the cylindrical body and a longitudinal central axis through the cylindrical body and the frustro-conical body; a discharge nozzle through the frustro-conical body at a longitudinal end; an air inlet port arranged tangentially through a side of the cylindrical body; and an air outlet port through the cylindrical body at an opposite longitudinal end; a dirt container in communication with the cyclone; and a deflector fin arranged within the cyclone to deflect, in use, air flow from the air inlet port in a helical path around the cyclone and towards the discharge nozzle. A vacuum cleaner comprising a motor coupled to a fan and the cyclonic separation apparatus.
US08657900B2	Filter device and main filter element for a filter device A two stage filter device includes a cyclonic pre-separator (10) designed as a pre-filter that separates the particles from the gas flow and a main filter element (20) arranged downstream as a second stage operable to filter by guiding the particles through at least one filter medium (24). The main filter element (20) is received in a filter housing (30). The main filter element (20) includes at least one retaining element (22) for stabilizing the position of the main filter element (20) in the housing (30).
US08657894B2	Use of resonant mixing to produce impregnated bits In one example, a method for producing a cutting device matrix includes mixing a plurality of constituent matrix materials using a resonant acoustic mixing process until the constituent matrix materials are substantially homogeneously distributed throughout the matrix.
US08657893B2	Method for producing sintered cubic boron nitride compact A method for producing a highly uniform and highly dense sintered cubic boron nitride compact having high hardness by sintering at a milder condition without a binder, is provided. The method includes deflocculating secondary particles in cubic boron nitride starting powders by dispersing the starting powders in a solution of a deflocculant; molding the green compact after removing the solution of the deflocculant from the starting powders; and then sintering the green compact in the presence of a supercritical fluid source in a supercritical state by pressing and heating the green compact together with the supercritical fluid source. The supercritical fluid source can be one or more selected from a group consisted of polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, a polyester and an ABS resin. In the sintering, the pressure is 5 GPa or higher, and the temperature is 1400° C. or higher. According to the method, a highly uniform and highly dense sintered cubic boron nitride sintered compact having high hardness, can be obtained.
US08657890B2	Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants on the oxidative stability of biodiesel Disclosed are biodiesel fuels with improved oxidative stability. Disclosed are biodiesel fuels which comprise two or more antioxidants which increase the oxidative stability of the biodiesel fuel.
US08657884B2	Convertible nephroureteral catheter A nephroureteral catheter is provided that comprises a detachable portion such that when the detachable portion is removed, the catheter converts into an internal stent. Catheter 100 allows drainage of urine into the bladder and externally into a bag. The catheter includes a tube having a circular cross section, a detachable portion, a locking mechanism, an inner tube, a first pigtail curl, a second pigtail curl, and a marker. The marker indicates the tube end. The tube includes a first end, a second end, and a plurality of holes. The detachable portion is attached to the tube with the inner tube, as the inner tube is placed and is friction sealed to the walls of a hollow portion that extends through both the detachable portion and a section of the tube. The inner tube may be removed from within the tube, past the marker that indicates the end of the tube, so that detachable portion is now removable from within the patient's body. When the detachable portion is attached to the catheter, the catheter is a nephroureteral catheter. When the detachable portion is removed from the catheter, the catheter becomes a stent.
US08657883B2	Remote actuated valve implant Valve implant systems positionable within a flow passage, the systems having an inlet, an outlet, and a remotely activatable valve between the inlet and outlet, with the valves being operable to provide intermittent occlusion of the flow path. A remote field is applied to provide thermal or magnetic activation of the valves.
US08657878B2	Interfacial refraction accommodating lens (IRAL) This invention relates to intraocular lenses. More particularly, this invention relates to intraocular lenses that have the ability to alter the light refractive power in response to changes in the tension of the ciliary muscle or ciliary body of the eye or any other accommodative forces. Lenses of this invention are generally referred to as interfacial, i.e., lens properties being defined as the interface of two liquids having different refractive indices, refractive accommodating lenses (IRAL).
US08657877B2	Multi-focal prosthesis, and methods for making and using same A prosthesis is provided, which includes anterior and posterior lenses spaced from one another and aligned along an optical axis, and an optic body supporting the lenses in spaced relation to one another to establish a chamber between the lenses. Optically transmissive primary and secondary fluids are contained in the chamber. Orienting the optical axis in a horizontal orientation for far vision positions the optical axis through the primary fluid. Orienting the optical axis for near vision at a range of effective downward angles relative to the horizontal orientation positions the optical axis to extend through the primary fluid and the secondary fluid. The prosthesis may further include an internal plate between the lenses, which may be offset at an oblique angle relative to perpendicular to the optical axis. Related methods are also provided.
US08657875B2	Method and apparatus for pumping blood At least one aspect is directed to a totally artificial heart, and at least another aspect is directed to a method of controlling blood flow in a patient. The totally artificial heart may include a first rotary pump having an input to receive blood and an output to provide blood to a patient's lungs, a second rotary pump having an input to receive blood and an output to provide blood to the patient's body, a first sensor associated with the first rotary pump, a second sensor associated with the second rotary pump, and a control system coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, the first rotary pump and the second rotary pump and configured to control characteristics of the first rotary pump and the second rotary pump based on signals received from at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor such that an average flow of blood through the second rotary pump is greater than an average flow of blood through the first rotary pump.
US08657869B2	Medical systems and related methods Medical systems and related methods are described. In some embodiments, the medical systems include an outer member defining a slot. In certain embodiments, the outer member at least partially surrounds an inner member, and the outer and inner members are configured so that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed between the outer and inner members.
US08657860B2	Bone anchoring element A bone anchoring element is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone. The shaft includes a tubular body having two open ends. At least one barb element is connected to the shaft. The barb element is cut into the tubular body. The barb element includes a free end and a base connecting the barb element to the shaft. The barb element has a first portion adjacent to the base and a second portion adjacent to the free end. The second portion is inclined relative to the first portion in a direction off said shaft.
US08657859B2	Implant for promoting stability of the canine stifle joint Methods and devices for stabilizing ligaments of the canine stifle joint are described. In one embodiment, a device for promoting stability of the stifle joint in a canine subject is provided. The device includes a buttress comprising an intra-articular portion and an extra-articular portion, where the intra-articular portion of the buttress is fenestrated. The device also includes a keel coupled to the extra-articular portion of the buttress, and one or more fasteners configured to attach the device to the stifle joint.
US08657856B2	Size transition spinal rod Spinal rods are provided that transition from one diameter to another without an extended transition region to which coupling devices may not be attached, allowing coupling devices for mounting the spinal rod to the spine to be secured almost anywhere along the rod's length without having a weakened transition point.
US08657855B2	Spinal fixation implant for mounting to spinous processes and related method A spinal implant has two pairs of mounting plates or “staples,” two rods, and a crosslink. Each mounting plate mounts to a lateral side of a spinous process. Each rod interconnects a pair of mounting plates. The crosslink is disposed through the interspinous space and interconnects the rods. The crosslink hinders movement of the rods away from each other. The rods have a flexural modulus less than the mounting plates. The rod flexibility allows a small amount of relative movement of the vertebrae, which may be helpful in promoting fusion.
US08657854B2	Knotless suture anchoring device having deforming section to accommodate sutures of various diameters An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. The suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor may be secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a suture return member or path within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and compressing the suture against the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen with a locking plug that compresses the suture therein. One of the components of the locking structure may include a deformable or flexible section, member, or surface. The locking plug may include a shaft and an enlarged head that interferes with the tubular body to provide a positive stop. An actuation rod attached at a frangible section to the shaft may be manipulated by an external handle during locking of the suture within the bone anchor. The bone anchor further may include locking structure for securing itself within a bone cavity.
US08657853B2	Incision closure device and method A surgical incision closure device and method for using the same, having first and second elements adapted for positioning on first and second sides of the incision respectively. The first element is substantially flat and includes a first longitudinal portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and at least first and second arm portions each extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the first portion and spaced apart from one another. The second element is substantially flat and includes a second longitudinal portion extending in the longitudinal direction, and at least third and fourth arm portions extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the second portion and spaced apart from one another.
US08657849B2	Embolic protection device and method of use A method of embolic protection during a medical procedure in a patient's body vessel includes inserting a medical device having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member into the body vessel. A flexible filter portion has one end attached to the distal end of the inner tubular member and the other end attached to the distal end of the outer tubular member. The filter portion is deployed within the body vessel so that the filter portion extends distally from the outer tubular member and expands radially outward to engage the filter body with an enclosing body vessel wall. A medical instrument is inserted through the inner tubular member to perform the medical procedure. The filter portion allows the passage of blood cells to surrounding vessels and prevents emboli from entering surrounding vessels. After removing medical instrument, the medical device is also removed from the body vessel.
US08657844B2	Medical expanding apparatus A medical expanding apparatus is disclosed that can separate adhered neural tissues or muscle tissues. The apparatus includes an expanding member, an air tube, a connecting part, a body, and a front cover. The expanding member is expanded in the human body using air pressure. The air tube, whose one end is coupled to the expanding member, holds the expanding member and guides the air into the inside of the expanding member. The connecting part, whose one end is fitted into the other end of the air tube to be tightly coupled to the air tube, guides the air into the air tube. The body has an air inflow pipe and transfers the air flowing in through the air inflow pipe to the connecting part in order to expand the expanding member. One end of the body is coupled to the other side end of the connecting part. The front cover, coupled to the one end of the body, closely couples the connecting part and the body, so that the body holds the connecting part. The apparatus allows the expanding member to be stably expanded and prevents the air tube from being torn or damaged.
US08657843B2	Shield lockout for bladed obturator and trocars A shielded bladed obturator is provided with a shield lockout that prevents retraction of a shield to expose a blade for cutting. The shield lockout in one aspect has a rotational switch interacting with a longitudinal extending shield to lock and unlock the shield. A blade exposure and coverage system is also provided.
US08657841B2	Tissue removal device for neurosurgical and spinal surgery applications A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The inner cannula and the outer cannula define an annular space between the inner cannula and the outer cannula, and a seal is provided at the proximal end of the annular space. The seal is preferably a thixotropic, semi-solid material such as a high vacuum, halogenated polymeric grease. The device may also include an inner cannula stop position control for selectively controlling the position of the inner cannula when it is at rest.
US08657840B2	Surgical instrument with distal suction capability A surgical instrument including a main unit and a suction conduit. The main unit includes at least one tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inlet disposed near the distal end. The suction conduit is slidably disposed over the main unit, and is slidably movable along the main unit between a retracted position, at which the suction conduit does not cover the inlet of the main unit, and an extended position at which the suction conduit covers the inlet of the main unit and a suction inlet of the suction conduit is placed in fluid-communication with the main unit inlet. The surgical instrument can be used as a suction tool by placing the suction conduit in the extended position and applying a vacuum through the inlet of the main unit and the suction inlet.
US08657839B2	Systems and methods for cable-based tissue removal Systems and methods for treating disc herniation include surgical and endoscopic access and removal of disc tissue. The tissue removal devices that may be used include flexible elongate members, such as a cable, that may be inserted into a vertebral disc and rotated to pulverize the disc material and facilitate its removal.
US08657838B2	Vascular graft with lateral opening A vascular graft includes a flexible conduit including a sidewall defining a cavity extending between a first end and a second end. The first end includes an opening that is oriented substantially perpendicular to a centerline axis of the conduit. The second end includes a end wall and a tapered portion extending from the sidewall to the end wall such that the cavity includes a first diameter defined at the first end and a second diameter defined at the second end that is smaller than the first diameter. A lateral opening extends through the sidewall and is oriented substantially parallel to the centerline axis. The lateral opening positioned near the second end and is sized to provide flow communication between the cavity and a blood vessel.
US08657836B2	Device for tissue damage protection during child delivery The present invention provides a device that protects the tissue in the posterior part of the introitus vaginae, i.e. the commissura posterior. The origin of perineal tear starts here when the segment is stretched to double or triple its length during delivery of the head. Tears can be more extensive into the perineal body, continue into the anal sphincter and in worse cases even through the whole perineum into the anal canal. In use the device may protect against perineal tears of the posterior vaginal wall into the mucosa, perineal skin, muscles, even more profound down to the anal sphincter muscle and into the rectum and the rectal mucosa.
US08657832B2	Method and device for implant deployment A surgical implant insertion system for deployment and removal of an implant into a vertebral body. The system includes an actuation rod, an actuator handle coupled to the actuation rod, and an inserter locking tube disposed over the actuation rod and coupled to an inserter handle. Upon insertion of the implant into the vertebral body using the inserter handle, the actuator handle is turned causing the actuation rod to expand or compress the implant disposed at a distal end of the inserter locking tube.
US08657831B2	Dual air regulated spray applicator An applicator device for use in surgical procedures is disclosed. The device includes an applicator assembly, an atomizing tip, and a regulator assembly. The applicator assembly has a handle, an applicator intake port and a double-barreled syringe. The double-barreled syringe includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The atomizing tip is provided at a distal end of the handle and the atomizing tip is in fluid communication with the double-barreled syringe. The atomizing tip includes a proximal end configured to receive and mix a first and a second composition from the double-barreled syringe. The regulator assembly includes a first regulator, a second regulator and a third regulator. The first regulator is configured for engagement with the first cylinder, the second regulator is configured for engagement with the second cylinder, and the third regulator is configured for engagement with the applicator intake port.
US08657827B2	Surgical tools for arthroplasty Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08657825B2	Anchor extenders for minimally invasive surgical procedures A method for stabilizing bony structures comprises attaching a bone anchor with a first extender extending therefrom and having a receiving portion to a first vertebra. A second bone anchor is then attached to a second extender extending therefrom and having a receiving portion to a second vertebra. A connecting element is manipulated into a desired position relative to the first bone anchor and the second bone anchor and into a pathway defined in the second extender. A securing member is delivered through a passage in the first extender. The connecting element is secured in the receiving portion of the first bone anchor with the securing member. The second extender is manipulated so that it contacts the connecting element. The second vertebra is moved toward the connecting element while the second extender is contacting the connecting element until the connecting element is seated in the receiving portion of the second bone anchor. The connecting element is secured in the receiving portion of the second bone anchor. Finally, the first extender is disengaged from the first bone anchor and the second extender is disengaged from the second bone anchor.
US08657824B2	Universal double offset surgical instrument Instruments for use in anterior approach total hip arthroplasty. Instruments according to certain embodiments of the invention connect to a shaping member such as a broach, reamer or osteotome that is used to prepare the intramedullary canal of a desired femur or other bone for total hip arthroplasty. Such an instrument according to such embodiments can be configurable to allow operation on either the left or right leg, and in doing so to provide lateral offset and anterior offset of the instrument handle relative to the shaping member so that the patient's gut, musculature or other bodily portions may be avoided while still providing desired leverage and control over the shaping member to prepare the intramedullary canal.
US08657823B2	Rongeur with detachable tips A rongeur has an elongated shank having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated crossbar, which moves between a retracted position and a tissue capturing position position, has a distal end and a proximal end and reciprocates axially with respect to the shank. A first tip is selectively connected to the shank. The first tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the first tip is received in a bore of the shank. A second tip is selectively connected to the crossbar. The second tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a reduced diameter post. In the selectively connected position, the reduced diameter post of the second tip is received in a bore of the crossbar.
US08657821B2	Method and system for reversibly controlled drilling of luminal occlusions A luminal drilling system includes a drilling device and a control unit. The drilling device includes an elongate member having a drive shaft with a drill tip. The control unit includes a motor connectable to the drive shaft and control circuitry which rotationally oscillates the drive shaft with the direction of rotation automatically reversing whenever the load on the motor and/or drive shaft exceeds a threshold value.
US08657814B2	User interface for tissue ablation system Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The carrier assembly includes multiple electrodes that are configured to ablate tissue at low power. Systems include an interface unit with a visual display that provides a visual representation of the geometry of the ablation elements and/or provides selection means for selecting an icon provided on the display.
US08657809B2	Surgical navigation system A surgical navigation system is disclosed including a camera that is fixedly attached to a patient. The camera space merges with the patient space and thereby eliminates the need for a separate patient tracker. The surgical navigation system calculates the position of a surgical tool with a tracking device in view of the camera and shows on a display device the position of the surgical tool with respect to the patient superimposed and in correlation with a scan image of the patient.
US08657808B2	Surgical apparatus including a hand-activated, cable assembly and method of using same A surgical apparatus and method according to which a cable assembly is connected to a handpiece and includes a sensing element, and a member adapted to move relative to the sensing element to control the operation of a motor in the handpiece.
US08657803B2	Device for providing fluid to a receptacle A device for providing sterilized or cleaned fluid to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector and a container which form an integrated unit. The connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle. Sterilized or cleaned fluid is transferred from the container to the receptacle.
US08657799B2	Ostomy appliance and method An ostomy appliance includes a translucent receptacle for releasably securing to the stoma flange with the gathered ostomy pouch located within the receptacle. No or negligible pressures are applied to the stoma which remains clear and healthy. The user may use the receptacle during times of physical or personal activity when additional discreteness is desired. The pouch may be made of a material having a thermochromatic ink which changes color with heat such that the user may visually inspect and identify when waste is present in the pouch.
US08657798B2	Anti-inflammatory analgesic adhesive patch for external use An external patch containing diclofenac hydroxyethylpyrrolidine prepared by laminating an adhesive layer on a backing, wherein said adhesive layer is characterized by comprising 5-50% by weight of styrene•isoprene•styrene block copolymer, 20-50% by weight of a tackifier resin, 5-70% by weight of a softening agent, and 0.5-20% by weight of one or more solubilizers selected from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, propylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide as essential ingredients, and 0.5-20% by weight of diclofenac hydroxyethylpyrrolidine as an active ingredient. The patch has excellent transdermal absorption, less skin-irritation and excellent stability of the drug.
US08657797B2	Hair removal device The invention relates to a hair removal device (1) having a hair removal unit (30) and a skin cooling unit (10), wherein the skin cooling unit (10) has a skin contact surface (11), and the skin cooling unit (10) is equipped to apply an application substance (80) onto the skin by way of the skin contact surface (11) during use of the hair removal device. In addition to the cooling of the skin by means of contact cooling, a further cooling effect may also be achieved in such a hair removal device in that an application substance is applied, which contributes to the cooling of the skin, for example, by means of evaporation. The hair removal device may comprise a removable attachment, which also comprises at least the skin.
US08657794B2	High flow volume nasal irrigation device and method for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow A high flow volume nasal irrigation device includes a squeeze bottle, a reservoir of liquid and a volume of air. The bottle is configured to elastically deform in response to a manual pressure from a user and thus pressurize the liquid and air. The device also includes a dip tube configured to convey a pressurized liquid flow from a first end inside the bottle to a second outside end at a lower pressure. A removable nipple cap comprises an orifice and a coaxially aligned extension configured to seal with the dip tube and to form a conduit with the tube. At least one air metering orifice is formed in the fluid conduit accessible to the to volume of air. The air metering orifice is configured to introduce a plurality of air pockets from the air volume into the liquid flow and thus generate a pulsatile fluid flow in the conduit.
US08657791B2	Catheter securement device A catheter securement device (100) holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device (100) includes a retainer (120) and at least one anchor pad (110). The retainer (120) has one or more curved ribs (280) into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. The retainer (120) includes a spine (145) that extends in a proximal direction from the retainer (120). The spine (145) includes a clip (147) having an abutment surface that can abut against a contact point or surface on the medical article. The abutment, in conjunction with a second abutment and/or a tapering shape of the retainer (120), inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article in both proximal and distal directions.
US08657789B2	Peelable atraumatic tip and body for a catheter or sheath A splittable/peelable tubular body (2) of a catheter or sheath wherein the tubular body (2) has a splittable/peelable atraumatic tip (14) is disclosed. The atraumatic tip (4) is generally softer than the tubular body (2). The tubular body (2) and atraumatic tip (4) each comprise a peel mechanism longitudinally extending along their respective lengths. The peel mechanisms are formed by longitudinally extending regions of interfacial bonding (11) between first and second longitudinally extending strips (8, 10) of polymer material. Each strip (8, 10) forms at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body (2) and atraumatic tip (4). A region of stress concentration extends along the region of interfacial bonding. The stress concentration facilitates the splitting of the tubular body (2) and atraumatic tip (4) along their respective peel mechanisms.
US08657788B2	Infusion set An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).
US08657785B2	Interventional catheters incorporating aspiration and/or infusion systems An interventional catheter assembly comprising a catheter for insertion and guidance to a target site in a body lumen or a cavity and an operating head mounted in proximity to a distal end of the catheter and comprising a system for removing obstructive material from the target site is provided. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly includes at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head that communicates with a first sealed lumen for withdrawing fluids and obstructive material from the target site, together with at least one liquid infusion port penetrating the catheter and located proximal to the at least one aspiration port that communicates with a second sealed lumen for supplying fluid to a location in proximity to the target site.
US08657782B2	Catheter having transitioning shaft segments A catheter having shaft segments which are joined together by a strong bond providing a low profile shaft section with a flexibility transition and/or a compositional transition. A balloon catheter embodying features of the invention has a distal tip member and a coupling band member surrounding a junction of an inner tubular member of the shaft, and has a gradual change in bending stiffness along a distal end section of the shaft which extends distally from a location within the balloon interior. Another catheter embodying features of the invention has shaft segments joined together by a diagonal seam.
US08657778B2	Cassette for use in a medication delivery flow sensor assembly and method of making the same A disposable assembly for use with a sensor assembly comprises a body, a flow restricting element, and a fluid pressure membrane. The body has a lid portion and a base portion. The body defines a fluid flow passage that forms an inlet and an outlet. The flow restricting element is positioned in the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The membrane is located between the lid and base portions along the fluid flow passage. A reinforcing structure, such as a ring or a rigid disk, is positioned between the fluid pressure membrane and the lid portion to provide increased resistance to pressure in the fluid flow passage. The ring or disk can be a separate component or formed on the membrane. The membrane thickness adjacent to sensor access openings in the lid portion can be increased for pressure resistance, too.
US08657776B2	Ocular implants for delivery into the eye An ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The implant includes a spine extending along a longitudinal axis of the implant, a plurality of curved supports extending from the spine, each support comprising a first end extending from a first location on a first side of the spine and a second end extending from a second location on a second side of the spine, the second location being proximal to the first location, so that each support forms a portion of a helix, the spine and supports defining a volume having a maximum width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches, the ocular implant being configured to bend preferentially in a preferential bending plane.
US08657772B2	Wearable device having feedback characteristics A wearable device having feedback characteristics including a compliant article arranged to extend over an anatomical portion of a wearer and for providing a user with information regarding range of motion parameters of a joint and/or to condition users to maintain proper joint orientations. Sensors provided with the wearable device detect the orientation of the joint and send signals to a processor for analysis. When the processor determines that the joint is outside of predefined range of motion parameters or in an unsafe or potentially injurious configuration, a feedback or response mechanism is activated to alert the user to such a condition or to provide substantially rigid structural support to the joint. The sensors, processor, and feedback mechanisms can be provided in a monitoring and control package along a side of the compliant article.
US08657766B2	Vibrator apparatus with audio and motor control features A means and method for arbitrarily coordinating a tactile vibratory stimulus with an audio stimulus. There is provided an adult-type sex toy, and associated method, with a vibrator and audio player in which the audio player is augmented with additional circuitry and firmware, such that the audio player is in signal communication with the vibrator to to control the speed of the vibrator motor. The motor speed, however, is not correlated with raw audio signal strength or frequency. Rather, the vibrator motor speed is regulated by motor speed information embedded with the audio file being played back. Accordingly, the apparatus audio player can play back an erotic story, for example, while automatically coordinating the vibrator motor speed in concert with the perceived content of the audible story as heard by the user-listener.
US08657765B2	Analgesic implant device and system Techniques associated with an implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue within a body is disclosed. Methods include placing an implant device near a surface of a bladder, the implant device configured to produce and communicate a vibration to bladder tissue, the implant device including a case forming a portion of an exterior of the implant device and defining an interior of the implant device, a vibration generator mounted on the case to vibrate the implant device, and a tissue engaging structure located on the exterior surface of the case to engage the stomach tissue, securing the implant device to the bladder, and activating the vibration generator of the implant device to cause the implant device to vibrate against the bladder, wherein the vibration stimulates a nerve to induce urination.
US08657764B2	Gas-driven chest compression apparatus A gas-driven chest compression apparatus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprises a flexible pneumatic actuator, capable of axial contraction when fed with a pressurized driving gas, and means for controlling the contraction thereof. Also disclosed are methods of providing chest compressions to a patient by means of a CPR apparatus comprising actuator(s) of this kind, and a corresponding use of the actuator.
US08657762B2	Blood test device A blood test device (21) ensuring successful measurement wherein fingers scarcely slip out from the blood test device and blood never sticks to other sites in the course from the puncture of the patient's skin to the completion of the blood test. This blood test device (21) comprises a cartridge (24) in which sensors (23) pooling blood oozing out from the punctured skin are stored in a layered state, a transport unit transporting a single sensor sheet (23) from the inside of the cartridge (24) to the outside, a holder (25) holding the transported sensor (23), a laser emitting unit (26) puncturing the skin in the state where the sensor (23) is held by the holder (25), and a pump (28) keeping the inside of the holder (25) and the inside of the cartridge (24) under negative pressure.
US08657759B2	Compartmentalized implant fitting software A compartmentalized fitting system that may be used by a recipient to determine device parameters, such as threshold and/or maximum comfort levels, for a stimulating medical device is provided. The compartmentalized fitting system segregates the fitting procedure into separate sessions. For example, in an embodiment, the fitting system provides a clinician driven setup session whereby a clinician may specify parameters that are to be used in fitting the medical device. After which, the fitting system may enter a recipient driven fitting session that is used to determine one or device parameters for the stimulating medical device. Once determined, the fitting system passes control to a clinician driven approval session whereby the clinician can approve the determined set of device parameters; and, if approved store the determined device parameters. This storage may comprise loading the determined device parameters onto the stimulating medical device for subsequent use by the device.
US08657753B2	Method of deriving central aortic systolic pressure values and method for analysing an arterial dataset to derive the same A method, system and computer readable medium for deriving central aortic systolic pressure by reversing the order of a set of predetermined number of blood pressure measurements to obtain a reversed blood pressure set; averaging the reversed blood pressure set such that the average set represents a moving average waveform; overlaying the reversed blood pressure set and the moving average waveform; identifying a point of intersection on the reversed arterial waveform and the moving average waveform, and setting the central aortic systolic pressure as a reversed blood pressure value in the reversed blood pressure set nearest to the point of intersection.
US08657748B2	Blood vessel function inspecting apparatus A blood vessel function inspecting apparatus including a first blood state index value calculating portion that obtains estimated hematocrit values at a plurality of points predetermined within a blood vessel, on the basis of values of a blood viscosity and values of a shear rate at said plurality of points, which are respectively extracted from a viscosity distribution and a shear rate distribution, and according to reference relationships between a hematocrit value and the blood viscosity, which reference relationships respectively correspond predetermined different values of the shear rate; and a second blood state index value calculating portion that calculates, as said blood state index value, a value relating to an amount of difference of the estimated hematocrit values at said plurality of points with respect to each other, which amount is minimized by transforming said reference relationships at the same ratio for all of the values of the shear rate.
US08657747B2	Systems and methods for processing analyte sensor data The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for processing sensor data, including calculating a rate of change of sensor data and/or determining an acceptability of sensor or reference data.
US08657744B2	Systems and methods for transdermal secretion detection Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detecting chemicals. As an example, a system is disclosed that includes a chemical sensor, a processor, and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the processor to: receive a plurality of outputs from the chemical sensor; calculate a baseline value using the plurality of outputs from the chemical sensor; and report an event when the baseline value is exceeded.
US08657743B2	Methods and systems for position-enabled control of a medical system A control device for a medical system is provided. The medical system may be a medical diagnosis and/or medical therapy system. The medical system may include a control unit operable to be used to carry out control processes that control the medical system, and a mobile handheld control unit operable to control at least one controllable element of the medical system by a user. The control device may be configured so that one or more control processes may only be carried out by the control unit when the mobile handheld control unit is located at a predefined location.
US08657731B2	Magnetic core for medical procedures The inventive technique includes a system, method and device for treating a patient. The device includes a magnetic device having a core created by a binder process having a relatively low temperature. The device further includes a conductor in electrical communication with the core.
US08657729B2	Method of folding absorbent article A method (1) includes: a step (S10) of conveying the wearing article (1) in such a manner that a front waistline portion (10) and a back waistline portion (20) extend in a conveyance direction (MD) of the wearing article (1); a step (S20) of changing the conveyance direction (MD) of the wearing article (1) by 90 degrees; a step (S30) of folding a flap portion (70) toward the front waistline portion (10), while conveying the wearing article (1); a step (S40) of folding the wearing article (1) along a middle portion, which is located in the middle between the front waistline portion (10) and a crotch portion (30) in the front-to-back direction of the wearing article (1), in such a manner that the front waistline portion (10) and the crotch portion (30) face each other.
US08657728B2	Cylindrical shaft, transport roller, transport unit, and printing apparatus A cylindrical shaft is provided of which a pair of ends are formed in a cylindrical shape by a press work so as to form a joining portion therebetween. Here, the joining portion includes: a central linear section which is provided on a center portion in an axis direction of the cylindrical shaft and is formed in a linear shape to be parallel to the axis direction of the cylindrical shaft; and a folded section which includes a plurality of intersections which are provided on both ends of the center portion and are disposed so as to be extended in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the cylindrical shaft, and a connection linear section which connects ends of a pair of the adjacent intersections.
US08657719B2	Clutch for a rotary drive device A clutch for a rotary drive device includes a rotary plate synchronously rotated with a sun gear of a planetary gear set, at least one pawl pivotally mounted onto the rotary plate, an engaging ring sleeved on the rotary plate and surrounding the at least one pawl, and a drive plate co-axially and rotatably mounted onto the rotary plate and abutting against the engaging ring. The planetary gear set is repeatedly operated and the pawls is automatically engaged to/disengaged from the drive plate for reducing noise during operating and lengthening the use life of the clutch for a rotary drive device.
US08657718B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes an input shaft, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism includes first to seventh engagement devices. Nine or more forward transmission gear ratios are established by setting each of at least three engagement devices among the first to seventh engagement devices in an engagement mode.
US08657717B2	Multi-ratio transmission A multi step transmission comprising planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples drive shaft (1). The carrier of set (P1) couples shaft (3), which couples housing (G) via brake (03), shaft (1) via clutch (13) and shaft (6) via clutch (36). Shaft (6) couples the ring and sun gear of gearsets (P2 P3) respectively, and, via clutch (68), shaft (8), which couples the carrier of gearset (P4). Shaft (1) couples the carrier of gearset (P4). Shaft (7) couples the ring gear of gearset (P1) and the carrier of set (P2). The sun gear of gearset (P4) couples shaft (4), which couples housing (G) via brake (04). The ring gear of gearset (P3) couples shaft (5), which couples housing (G) via brake (05). Output shaft (2) couples the carrier of gearset (P3) and the ring gear of gearset (P4).
US08657713B2	Power train for work vehicle A power train for a tractor includes an engine power transmission shaft extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body rearwardly of an engine, and a hydrostatic stepless speed changer unit (HST) configured to input power from the engine. A pump and a motor of the HST are juxtaposed along the transverse direction of the vehicle body. A planetary gear unit is disposed rearwardly of the HST in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The planetary gear unit is configured to input power from the engine via the engine power transmission shaft and power from the HST and to output a traveling power. A branch transmission mechanism is disposed forwardly of the HST in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and configured to transmit the power from the engine to an input shaft of the pump and to the engine power transmission shaft in distribution.
US08657711B2	Silent chain having deformable guide plates In a silent chain, guide plates are U-shaped so that they can deform when tension is applied to the chain, thereby avoiding deformation of the connecting pins of the chain and warping of the guide plates. When the chain is unloaded, the frontmost edges of front pin holes of intermediate link plates of each link row are located forward of the frontmost edges of the front pin holes of the guide plates of the same link row, and the rearmost edges of the rear pin holes of the intermediate link plates of each link row are located rearward of the rearmost edges of the rear pin holes of the guide plates of the same link row.
US08657709B2	Arrowhead with laser An arrow, arrowhead and method of shooting an arrowhead are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a plurality of blades extend outwardly from the body of an arrowhead and a sharpened tip extends forwardly. A front laser diode is disposed in the arrowhead and is arranged so that a laser beam emitted by the diode projects forward from the arrowhead through an aperture in the tip and is coaxial with the tip's center axis. In another example embodiment, the housing includes a rear facing light source to selectively light the nock. The method includes indexing the arrowhead to the vanes by tightening a set screw disposed in a portion of the arrowhead disposed in the arrow shaft.
US08657704B2	Golf ball Golf ball wherein, at all points Pa included in zone “A” away from the central point of its core at a distance of ≧1 mm and <5 mm, this mathematical expression is satisfied: Ha2−Ha1<5, wherein Ha1 and Ha2 each represents hardness at a point located respectively inside a point Pa and outside the point Pa. Also, at any point Pb included in zone “B” away from the central point of its core at a distance of ≧5 mm and ≦10 mm, this mathematical expression is satisfied: Hb2−Hb1≧5, wherein Hb1 and Hb2 each represents hardness at a point located respectively inside a point Pb and outside the point Pb. This hardness distribution provides a golf ball with reduced energy loss when hit with a driver, and with excellent control performance when hit with a short iron.
US08657701B2	Golf club head or other ball striking device having stiffened face portion A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face includes one or more stiffening members or other structures on the inner surface of the face to provide locally increased stiffness to particular areas of the face. Certain stiffening members may provide greater stiffness than other stiffening members, allowing the face to be configured for areas of greatest stiffness and greatest COR tailored to common impact patterns.
US08657698B2	Golf club swinging apparatus A golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path may comprise a frame, a rotation mechanism having club and frame coupling components, and an angle measurement mechanism. Another embodiment may comprise a frame, and a rotation mechanism configured to couple a golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation about a rotation point such that the golf club may follow a pendulum swing path through a strike position. Yet another embodiment may comprise a frame having a base component, a vertical component, and a cross-member component, a rotation mechanism rotatably coupled with the cross-member component, and a protractor having a freely rotatable arm configured to couple with the golf club and measure an angle at which the golf club is rotated about the rotation point along a swing path.
US08657694B2	Jack screw connector A jack screw connector includes a first clevis including a pair of first clevis legs, an eye block including a first bore and a second bore such that the first and second bores are formed substantially perpendicular to each other, a first pin configured to be supported within the first bore and rotably carried by the pair of first clevis legs when a first end of the eye block is carried therebetween, a second clevis including a pair of second clevis legs sized to engage a second end of the eye block, and a second pin configured to be supported within the second bore and rotably carried by the pair of second clevis legs when aligned therewith.
US08657691B2	Torsional vibration damping apparatus The torsion angle between a first rotation member and a second rotation member can be increased to lower the rigidity of a resilient member, thereby enhancing the attenuation property of torsional vibration. The torsional vibration damping apparatus 1 comprises a pair of disc plates 4, 5 having the rotation torque from an internal combustion engine transmitted thereto, input gears 9, 10 rotatably supported on the disc plates 4, 5, an output gear 13 provided to be relatively rotatable with respect to the disc plates 4, 5 and held in mesh with the input gears 9, 10, a boss member 7 splined to an input shaft 8 of a power transmission train, and a coil spring 14 having one end portion fastened to the input gear 9 and the other end portion fastened to the input gear 10. The input gear 9 has a crank member 15 radially spaced apart from a gear pin 11 of the input gear 9 to support one end portion of the coil spring 14, while the input gear 10 has a crank member 16 radially spaced apart from a gear pin 12 of the input gear 10 to support the other end portion of the coil spring 14.
US08657690B2	Torque limiter device A torque limiter device includes a flywheel, a clutch disc assembly, a cover plate, a pressure ring, a plurality of friction members, a plurality of rivets and a cone spring. Each of the rivets is fixed to the cover plate and includes a first head portion disposed axially between a disc portion and the cover plate. The cone spring is disposed axially between the first head portions and the pressure ring in a compressed state.
US08657682B2	Motion sensing controller and game apparatus having same An exemplary motion sensing controller includes an infrared light detection module, a spherical light output member, and a processing unit. The infrared light detection module is configured for detecting infrared light and includes a lens module. The spherical light output member is configured for outputting infrared light. The infrared light detection module has a sensing surface configured for capturing images of the spherical light output member. The processing unit is electrically connected with the infrared light detection module. The processing unit is configured for receiving signals of the images of the spherical light output member, computing dimensions and positions of the images of the spherical light output member on the sensing surface, and computing positions of the spherical light output member with respect to the lens module based on the dimensions and the positions of the images of the spherical light output member on the sensing surface.
US08657680B2	Systems and methods for transmitting media associated with a measure of quality based on level of game play in an interactive video gaming environment Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Media assets that are associated with different measures of quality generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server. A determination is made as to which one of the plurality of levels of the interactive video gaming environment corresponds to the action. One of the videos associated with one of the measures of quality is selected based on the determination of the level corresponding to the action. The selected video is transmitted to the player.
US08657678B2	Intra-office regulatory compliance testing system A regulatory compliance testing system permits a gaming machine (30-44) at a first location (14-20) to be tested for regulatory compliance with casino system software (44a,46) located at a second location (12) in a different jurisdiction. A plurality of different casino systems (46) can be kept at the second location (12) and each is associated with one specific port (54b-54e) at the first location so that each different type or model of gaming machine (14-20) has its own home port (54a-54e). A secured VPN Layer 2 network (24a-24e) including multisystem isolation made possible by VLAN (26a-26e) tunnels connects both locations and permits seamless and secure connectivity as if the gaming machine (30-44) and its associated accounting software (46) were located at the same location. The system (10) permits three (3) basic modes of testing. First, the gaming machine (30-44) may be tested at the first location (14-20) by an engineer at the first location (14-20). Second, the gaming machine (30-44) may be tested by a person at the second location (12). Third, a plurality of gaming machines (30-44) of the same type my be plugged into the same numbered port (54a-54e) at more than one locations and simultaneously tested from one or more different locations (12-20).
US08657676B2	Clock hand bonus game system In various embodiments, a clock hand bonus game is provided. Moreover, in various embodiments, a system, method and apparatus is provided for a bonus gaming machine. The bonus gaming machine operates with a face and two clock hands which rotate about the face. The bonus gaming machine operates in conjunction with a base gaming apparatus. The face displays a set of indicia which the two clock hands may point to as indication of a prize. The prize may be awarded in conjunction with a prize of the base gaming machine or independently.
US08657662B2	Gaming device having variable speed of play This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of the this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input.
US08657661B2	Multi-chance casino game Exemplary embodiments are directed to a multi-chance casino-based game that can include a roulette-style wheel, a deck of cards, and dice with a corresponding wager board. The multi-chance casino game can provide a player with multiple chances to win on an original wager and can provide an opportunity for wagers to be safe so that if the player does not win, the player will not lose his original wager.
US08657660B2	Skill calibrated hybrid game Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a skill calibrated hybrid game that includes: a gambling game; an entertainment game; a game world engine constructed to manage the entertainment game and communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game that trigger a wager in the gambling game; and a skill calibration module constructed to: receive player data for a player, where the player data is indicative of a player's gameplay performance at the entertainment game; analyze the player data to determine a player's skill level; determine whether the terms of a wager of a gambling game are calibrated in a manner appropriate to the player's skill level; and send a command during play of the skill calibrated hybrid game that causes the real world engine to calibrate the terms of a wager in the gambling game.
US08657658B2	Baccarat game system, method of using baccarat game system, baccarat game program and recording medium A baccarat game system, a method of using the baccarat game system, a baccarat game program and a recording medium, in which a great number of players can simultaneously participate in the game at the same table, in which any player can concentrate on the game in his personal space, in which, from the viewpoint of game operation side, the number of dealers standing-by can be decreased while at the same time the number of cards to be discarded is reduced, thereby reducing the cost, and in which any doubt of injustice can be removed while maintaining the sense of reality and the feeling of tension. The baccarat game system includes an image-capturing mechanism for taking images of cards in a baccarat game; an image-delivery mechanism for delivering the card images taken by the image-capturing mechanism; and an image display mechanism for displaying the delivered card images.
US08657656B2	Determination of restoration event Example methods and devices are set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. Other embodiments are described.
US08657655B2	Device for transferring coins A device for the delivery of coins from a coin dispensing station to a mobile supply device or from the mobile supply device to a coin receiving module. The coin reservoir of the mobile supply device is designed such that the coins collected in the coin reservoir are delivered in portions to the coin inlet of the coin receiving module, depending on a supply request. An inventory memory unit is assigned to a control unit. The particular advantage of the device consists in that only one mobile supply device is required for supplying and/or filling a number of coin receiving modules.
US08657654B2	Clipping machine with a shortened crank drive The present invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products. The clipping machine comprises a filling tube for feeding the filling material into a packaging casing, gathering elements for gathering the filled packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, and a clipping device for applying at least one closure clip to the plait-like portion and closing said closure clip. Furthermore, the clipping device includes a drive for driving the first closing tool. Said drive comprises a crank shaft having a crank pin, and a plunger having a central axis, for holding and linearly moving the first closing tool between its opened and closed position along its central axis. A guide track is mounted to said plunger, and a slide block pivotally attached to the crank pin is in slidable engagement with said guide track for moving said plunger along its central axis.
US08657652B2	Optimized CMP conditioner design for next generation oxide/metal CMP A study of several key conditioner design parameters has been conducted. The purpose was to improve conditioner performance by considering factors such as wafer defects, pad life, and conditioner life. For this study, several key conditioner design parameters such as diamond type, diamond size, diamond shape, diamond concentration and distribution, were selected to determine their effect on CMP performance and process stability. Experimental validations were conducted. Conditioner specifications were matched to each specific CMP environment (intended application) in order to improve process stability and CMP performance particularly for emerging technology nodes. Several conditioner designs were developed and run successfully in the field. Significant planarity improvement for a 300 mm CMP process was achieved in accordance with one embodiment, and an increase of pad life and wafer polish rate was simultaneously achieved with another embodiment.
US08657651B2	Apparatus for grinding a continuously cast workpiece An apparatus for grinding a continuously cast slab having a longitudinal axis and a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two opposite wide faces and two opposite narrow faces apparatus has a frame, two transversely spaced grinders carried on the frame, and a holder having two transversely spaced grippers engageable with the opposite faces of the slab in a vertical position with the wide faces of the slab vertical for grinding of the wide faces of the slab by the grinders and in a horizontal position offset by 90° to the vertical position with the wide faces of the slab horizontal for grinding of the narrow faces of the slab.
US08657648B2	Processing apparatus having four processing units A processing apparatus includes a turn table rotatably provided and having an opening; at least five chuck tables provided on the turn table, each chuck table having a holding surface for holding a workpiece; a support bed inserted through the opening of the turn table; four processing unit supporting mechanisms each including a first support column provided on the outside of the turn table, a second support column provided on the support bed, and a support member mounted to the first and second support columns; four processing units respectively supported by the four processing unit supporting mechanisms, the four processing units respectively corresponding to four of the at least five chuck tables; and four feeding units for respectively moving the four processing units in a direction perpendicular to the holding surfaces of the chuck tables.
US08657640B2	Collapsible flotation device A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user.
US08657639B2	Water sporting device having retractable fins A water sport flotation device having an upper surface directed toward a user, an opposing bottom surface directed toward the water, and a pair of stabilizing fins, each fin having a top portion and a bottom edge. The flotation device further including a plurality of longitudinally disposed through slots in the upper surface and bottom surface, each slot partially surrounding each fin, and a flexible, resilient biasing means attached to the top portion of each fin and affixed to the upper surface so that the biasing means applies a downward force on each fin. The biasing means allows the bottom edge of the fin to retract through the slot and parallel to the bottom surface, if necessary, if the flotation device encounters an object in the water.
US08657634B2	Connector assembly and method of manufacturing same The present invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector unit mounted in a housing. The connector unit has a mounting portion, at least one electrical terminal and a body portion having a locking tab. The housing has a first longitudinal axis X1 and the body portion has a second longitudinal axis X2. The first longitudinal axis X1 and the second longitudinal axis X2 are offset from each other to enable the tip of the locking tab to be radially inset. An axial press tool can be used to mount the connector unit mechanically in the housing. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a connector assembly.
US08657628B2	Universal serial bus connector A universal serial bus (USB) connector includes a main body and a conductive member. The main body is fastened to an enclosure. The main body includes at least one USB interface. The conductive member includes an engaging portion for engaging with the main body and abutting against each housing of the at least one USB interface, and a connection tab abutting against the enclosure.
US08657624B2	Waterproof connector A waterproof connector configured such that parts constituting the connector can be assembled together in a work site and can be assembled easily. The waterproof connector is provided with a terminal (40) joined by crimping to a conductor (121) of a cable (12), a retaining sleeve (60) mounted so as to extend from the vicinity of the rearward end of the terminal (40) and across an outer casing (122) of the cable (12), a body housing (70) having formed therein a tubular bore (71) for containing the retaining sleeve (60), and a fastening nut (90) mounted on the rearward end side of the body housing (70). When a substantially half of the forward end side of the retaining sleeve (60) is inserted into the tubular bore (71) in the body housing (70) and the fastening nut (90) is engaged with a male thread portion (76) formed on the exterior of the tubular bore (71), an end of the retaining sleeve (60) is reduced in diameter by being pressed by constricting tapered portions (75, 92), and as a result, the terminal (40) and the outer casing (122) of the cable (12) are held watertight.
US08657622B1	Electrical connector assembly A connector assembly includes a connector and a fixing plate. The connector includes a block, a connector body formed on a front surface of the block, a protrusion extending from a top of the block. The fixing plate defines an opening through which the connector body extends, and a notch communicating with the opening for the protrusion extending through. A resilient piece slantingly extends toward a first end of the opening from a second end of the opening opposite to the first end. The connector pushes the resilient piece toward the fixing plate, and then the connector is slid along the opening toward the first end of the opening, to allow the protrusion to engage with a front surface of the fixing plate. The resilient piece is restored and abuts an end wall of the block.
US08657621B2	Connector apparatus A connector apparatus has an equipment-side connector (20) mounted in a case (10) and a harness-side connector (30) fit on the equipment-side connector (20) through an opening in the case (10). Fit-on detection mechanisms (27, 40) for detecting connection of the equipment-side connector (20) and the harness-side connector (30) are provided therebetween. The fit-on detection mechanism (27) of the equipment-side connector (20) has two male tabs (28). The fit-on detection mechanism (40) of the harness-side connector (30) has a shorting terminal (50) and two relay terminals (55). The shorting terminal (50) has a coupling plate (51) and two pins (52) projecting from the coupling plate (51). The relay terminals (55) have connection parts (57) at both ends for connecting to the pins (52) of the shorting terminal (50) and to the male tabs (28).
US08657618B2	High-voltage connector component for a high-voltage cable, high-voltage connector, and method of manufacturing a high-voltage connector component A high-voltage connector component for a high-voltage cable comprises an insulator made of a polymer material which surrounds a cable end portion of the high-voltage cable, wherein the insulator is received in a housing and is made of an elastomer material, wherein the elastomer material is filled, cast or injected into the housing in order to form the insulator. The connector component is designed such that upon connection to a corresponding connector component a basically closed pressure chamber is formed between the housing, the corresponding connector component and the cable end portion, wherein the pressure chamber is basically provided for being completely occupied by the insulator. Loading the insulator with pressure results in a gap-free, high-voltage-sealed pressing of the corresponding connector component to the insulator, a gap-free, high-voltage-sealed pressing of the insulator to the housing, and a gap-free, high-voltage-sealed pressing of the insulator to the sheath surface of the cable end portion.
US08657614B2	Rotating lamp tube socket structure having a seat body and a cover with a rotating element A rotating lamp tube socket structure includes a seat body, a cover and a rotating element, and the rotating element is pivotally turned with respect to a cover to an installing position or a conducting position, such that when the rotating element is pivotally turned to the installing position, an elastic element is compressed to retract in a direction towards the cover, and when the rotating element is pivotally turned to the conducting position, an elastic resilience of the elastic element props the rotating element to be protruded towards the outside.
US08657605B2	Virtual testing and inspection of a virtual weldment Arc welding simulations that provide simulation of virtual destructive and non-destructive testing and inspection of virtual weldments for training purposes. The virtual testing simulations may be performed on virtual weldments created using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system). The virtual inspection simulations may be performed on “pre-canned” (i.e. pre-defined) virtual weldments or using virtual weldments created using a virtual reality welding simulator system. In general, virtual testing may be performed using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system), and virtual inspection may be performed using a standalone virtual weldment inspection (VWI) system or using a virtual reality welding simulator system (e.g., a virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system). However, in accordance with certain enhanced embodiments of the present invention, virtual testing may also be performed on a standalone VWI system.
US08657601B2	Implant for example dental implant An implant (10) has one or more surfaces (10a, 10b) with a basic or starting surface structure (1a) derived from mechanical working. A topographic modification of the surface structures is arranged on said surface structure or surface structures. The topographic modification can be formed, for example, by means of shot-peening, etching, plasma spraying, chemical action, etc. The topographically modified surface structures support bone-growth-stimulating agent. In a method for producing the implant, three subsidiary methods are used for carrying out the mechanical working, the topographical modification, and the application of the bone-growth-stimulating agent. An important niche in the demand which exists in the field of implants is thus covered in an advantageous manner.
US08657588B2	Compression apparatus A compression apparatus for compressing a fluid, the apparatus having a frame and a motor mounted to the frame, the improvement comprising a drive mechanism installed on the frame so as to be driven by the motor and at least one piston-cylinder unit operably connected to the drive mechanism, the piston-cylinder unit having a cylinder, a piston slidably installed within the cylinder, and a piston rod interconnecting the piston and the drive mechanism so as to shift the piston up and down within the cylinder.
US08657587B2	End of stroke detection for electromagnetic pump Detection of end of stroke for an electromagnetic pump may be performed using, for example, a calculated first flux derivative. Further, inductance of a coil that can be energized to produce a pump stroke may be calculated (e.g., the pump may include an actuator moveable in response to the energization of the coil). For example, the inductance may be calculated as a function of sense coil current and source electrical potential when the actuator is not moving for use in determining position of the actuator.
US08657584B2	Apparatus and method for tuning pump speed An apparatus for tuning pump speed at an optimal or desired speed using an automated method is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump connected to a chamber for evacuating gas from the chamber. A sensor measures one or more characteristics, such as pressure, of the gas in the chamber. The measured characteristic is compared to a predetermined value. The speed of vacuum pump is adjusted based on the comparison until it falls in a desired range.
US08657581B2	Thermoplastic rotor blade A blade comprises a lightweight core, a composite material disposed on the core, and a skin located on the composite material. The composite material comprises fibers incorporated into a thermoplastic resin matrix in the form of a prepreg sheet or wet layup. The rotor blade may also comprise a front edge member attached along at least a portion of a leading edge of the core, a rear edge member attached along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the core, and a skin located over the core, the front edge member, and the rear edge member. The rotor blade may also comprise a spar extending through the core along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, and a skin located over the core and the spar. The edge members and the spars may be fabricated from thermoplastic material.
US08657579B2	Blade for use with a rotary machine and method of assembling same rotary machine A method for assembling a rotary machine includes providing a rotor including a plurality of rotor wheels. The method also includes positioning the rotor such that at least a portion of a stationary portion of the rotary machine extends at least partially about the rotor. The method further includes providing a blade that includes a blade platform that is formed with a substantially double-C shape. The method also includes coupling the blade to the rotor.
US08657576B2	Rotor blade Cooling within aerofoils (30, 47, 67, 87) is a requirement in order that the materials from which the aerofoil (30, 47, 67, 87) is created can remain within acceptable operational parameters. Traditionally static pressure as well as enhanced dynamic pressure impingement flows have been utilized but there are problems with regard to achieving a necessary over pressure to avoid hot gas ingestion or reduced cooling effect. It will be appreciated that fluid flows and in particular coolant fluid flows must be used most appropriately in order to maintain operational efficiency. By providing a plurality of feed apertures (41, 61, 81) which are shaped to have an entry portion (51, 71, 91) which is generally elliptical and an exit portion (52, 72, 92) it is possible to grab and turn a proportion of a feed flow (44, 64, 84) for substantially perpendicular or other angular presentation to an opposed surface of a cooling chamber (42, 62, 82) within which cooling is required.
US08657571B2	Supersonic compressor rotor and methods for assembling same A supersonic compressor rotor that includes a rotor disk that includes a body that extends between a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. A plurality of vanes are coupled to the body. The vanes extend outwardly from the rotor disk. Adjacent vanes form a pair and are oriented such that a flow channel is defined between each pair of adjacent vanes. The flow channel extends between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. At least one supersonic compression ramp is positioned within the flow channel. The supersonic compression ramp is configured to condition a fluid being channeled through the flow channel such that the fluid includes a first velocity at the inlet opening and a second velocity at the outlet opening. Each of the first velocity and the second velocity being supersonic with respect to said rotor disk surfaces.
US08657570B2	Rotor blade with reduced rub loading An airfoil for use in a rotor assembly is disclosed, the airfoil having a tip-cutter located on a sidewall near a tip portion, wherein the tip-cutter is capable of removing a portion of an abradable material during a tip rub. In another embodiment, an airfoil has a tip-grinder located on the tip portion, wherein the tip-grinder capable of removing a portion of an abradable material during a tip rub. In another embodiment, an airfoil has a tip-rake that facilitates reducing loading induced to said airfoil during tip rubs.
US08657569B2	Breather duct shielding A gas turbine engine comprising a nacelle and a breather duct. The breather duct provides communication between a component of the engine within the nacelle and the exterior of the nacelle and opens at an exhaust port on the external surface of the nacelle. There is at least one clean air outlet bounding the exhaust port and arranged to expel, in use, a vortical flow of clean air to form an aerodynamic barrier between the external surface of the nacelle and a flow of breather air expelled from the exhaust port.
US08657566B2	Turbine engine including a reversible electric machine A turbine engine, for example for a helicopter, the engine including a gas generator and a free turbine driven in rotation by a gas stream generated by the gas generator, the turbine engine further including a reversible electric machine for coupling to the gas generator, the reversible electric machine configured to set the gas generator into rotation during a stage of starting the turbine engine. To generate electricity, the reversible electric machine is also configured to be coupled to the free turbine after the turbine engine has started.
US08657564B2	Centrifugal chopper pump A chopper pump is provided with a motor having a drive shaft and a casing connected to the motor and defining a bowl with an inlet for receiving waste material. A cover plate assembly is secured about the inlet. The cover plate assembly having a base with a central opening and a plurality of serrations formed into the base and spaced about the central opening, each serration being formed into a curved pocket and longitudinally tapered to form an edge on an inner surface of the base. The chopper pump also includes a cutter having a hub that is connected to the drive shaft. The cutter extends through the central opening of the base and includes at least two blades extending radially outward to guide waste material toward the plurality of serrations.
US08657561B2	Variable shape rotor blade A rotor blade comprising a core blade section; and a trailing edge section, the trailing edge section being attached to the core blade section along a join interface. The trailing edge section comprises a shape memory material which is actuable so as to cause selective deformation of the trailing edge section between a first condition in which a trailing edge of the trailing edge section follows a substantially smooth profile and a second condition in which the trailing edge is perturbed. The direction of the perturbation may be oblique or perpendicular to the direction of flow over the blade in use. The rotor blade may be a fan or propeller for a gas turbine engine.
US08657560B2	Energy extraction device with at least one bank of blades An energy extraction device for extracting energy from a flow of fluid is provided. The energy extraction device comprises a rotating member for rotatably mounting to a support structure, at least one rotatable bank of blades connected to the rotating member through a connection disposed radially from the main axis of rotation of the rotating member, and, a pitch control system for controlling the angular position of the at least one rotatable bank of blades relative to a direction of the flow of fluid. The rotating member has a main axis of rotation and the at least one bank of blades comprises an array of spaced-apart blades secured together. Each of the at least one bank of blades has a bank axis of rotation.
US08657559B2	Method and device for reduction of wear in a water turbine A method and device for reducing wear in a water turbine (1) comprising a turbine housing (2) and an impeller (4), and where between the turbine housing (2) and the impeller (4) is arranged a seal (16, 18), and where the method comprises supplying cleaned water to the seal (16, 18).
US08657557B2	Method for freight container loading Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.
US08657556B2	Tactile wafer lifter and methods for operating the same A tactile wafer lifting apparatus includes a pedestal and a vertical drive connected to the pedestal. The vertical drive is defined to provide controlled upward and downward movement of the pedestal. The tactile wafer lifting apparatus also includes a wafer support member disposed over the pedestal. A tactile switch is disposed between the wafer support member and the pedestal such that sufficient downward force on the wafer support member causes activation of the tactile switch. The tactile switch is connected to the vertical drive so as to interrupt upward movement of the pedestal and wafer support member disposed thereover upon activation of the tactile switch.
US08657553B1	Roller track loading device A loading device and method hydraulically support or move rollers, in order to deal with loading unloading bulky or heavy objects, such as a boat from a trailer.
US08657552B1	Hand truck ramp system A support rack has spaced vertical rails and horizontal upper, lower and intermediate rails. The horizontal rails are coupled to the vertical rails. A pivotable locking bar is between the horizontal rails. Side plates with rearward ends are attached to the vertical rails adjacent to the lower rail. The side plates have forward ends forwardly of the vertical rails. A rectangular ramp/platform has a forward edge extending forwardly of the vertical rails and a rearward edge extending rearwardly of the vertical rails and having parallel side edges. Hinges pivotally couple the ramp/platform adjacent to its forward edge to the side plates adjacent to their forward edges for movement between raised and lowered orientations. A cross support bar has ends attached to the ramp/platform adjacent to the side edges parallel with and rearwardly of the horizontal lower rail. The cross support bar is spaced above the ramp/platform.
US08657549B2	Long-term storage site for radioactive materials A long-term storage facility has an array of storage packages receiving respective cases containing radioactive materials. Each storage package has a lateral body delimiting a housing for receiving a case, the package body being closed at its top end and at its low end respectively by a removable head cover, and by a package base. The package base has a removable base cover, allowing insertion of the case via the low end of the body. The packages can be moved inside the facility by a mechanical lift. The facility includes a pivoting frame for swinging a storage package from a horizontal orientation in which the storage package is loaded to a vertical position in which the storage package is stored.
US08657548B2	Fastener for insulation A fastener for use in fastening insulation to a substrate, comprising a fastener body having a head for engagement with an outer face of the insulation, a tubular stem extending inwardly from the head for penetration through the insulation into engagement with the substrate, the stem having a pointed tip portion remote from the head for penetration of the insulation and the stem being hollow to receive a fastening pin having a pointed end fully enclosed within the stem adjacent the tip, the interior of the stem being adapted to receive a fastener guide of a fastening tool operative to drive the pin into the substrate by means of a driving piston propelled along the fastener guide by gas pressure on firing of the tool, the fastener being mounted to the fastener guide prior to penetration of the insulation whereby penetration of the insulation by the stem occurs by manual pressure applied by an operator to the tool prior to firing of the tool to drive the pin into the substrate, the external surface of the stem including an array of fins extending generally axially of the stem to ensure uniform displacement of the insulation material during penetration.
US08657543B2	Device for mechanically linking at least two parts having coaxial bores A device for mechanically linking with a rotating axis at least two parts, which is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction in coaxial bores formed respectively in the at least two parts hinged in relation to each other around the axis. The device includes: a cylindrical body including at least one end portion including at least one longitudinal slot, the cylindrical body including in the longitudinal direction a cylindrical bore extended by a frusto-conical bore extending in the at least one end portion configured to be located in another bore; an insert of frusto-conical shape substantially complementary to the frusto-conical bore, the insert including a tapped aperture extending in the longitudinal direction when the insert is accommodated in the frusto-conical bore, and a screw with a threaded end configured to cooperate by screwing with the tapped aperture of the insert allowing to lock the cylindrical body in the another bore and making a rotoide joint around axis.
US08657542B2	Cargo management system for vehicle A cargo management system for a vehicle having a cargo area (e.g., pickup bed) may include various elements. For example, the system may include a rail attachable to the interior surface of the cargo box inner panel, at least one reinforcement plate positionable against the outer surface of the inner panel, and a plurality of fasteners for holding the rail to the inner panel backed by the reinforcement plate. The rail may have a rail portion and a body portion. The body portion is positioned through a slot formed in the bedliner and includes a base and a pair of opposed side walls connecting the base with the rail portion. Each reinforcement plate has apertures to accommodate multiple mechanical fasteners and reinforcement segments, which are attached by reinforcement segment bridges.
US08657538B2	Milling cutter A cutter includes a cutter body, a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion. The first cutting portion is used for primary machining. The second cutting portion is used for precision machining, and is formed between the cutter body and the first cutting portion.
US08657536B2	Tensioning a riser A riser tensioner system for tensioning a riser at an offshore vessel includes a frame adapted to affix to the vessel. An elongate riser joint is provided for coupling into the riser. The riser joint has an axial flange portion projecting laterally outward therefrom from and extending axially along a length of the riser joint. Ram pistons are arranged about the frame to couple to the riser and to support the riser in tension. Centralizer arms are arranged on the frame to extend into proximity to the flange portion of the riser joint when the riser joint is received through the frame.
US08657533B2	Gravity base structure Embodiments of gravity base structures are disclosed that comprise first and second elongated base sections separated by an open region and configured to support the on-bottom weight of the structure and be supported by the floor of the body of water, and an upper section positioned above the open region and configured to extend at least partially above the water surface to support topside structures. Some embodiments further comprise first and second inclined sections coupling the base sections to the upper section.
US08657529B2	Method for planarizing unevenness of the seabed At a location where unevenness 1000 is present, the condition of a seabed 200 is investigated in advance to examine the respective numbers of large filter units 51 and small filter units 52 to be used, and the position where the large filter units 51 and the small filter units 52 are to be installed. Based on the investigation result, the small filter units 52 are installed on the bottom of the unevenness 1000. The large filter units 51 are installed on the upper surface formed by the installed small filter units 52, and are leveled so that the upper surface formed by the installed large filter units 51 becomes flush with the seabed 200.
US08657527B2	Screed arrangement for a road finisher The invention relates to a screed arrangement for a road finisher with a basic screed and two extending screeds arranged in front of the basic screed in the laying direction of travel of the road finisher and movable transversely to the laying direction of travel relative to the basic screed. A deflection member is fitted to the basic screed and/or to at least one of the extending screeds and is movable relative to it.
US08657519B2	Ball joint An annular groove, in which a lower end of a boot is fitted, is formed in an outer periphery of an open end of a housing so as to extend in a circumferential direction of the housing. The annular groove is defined by a cylindrical face, an upper inner wall, and a lower inner wall. By fitting a clip onto a cylindrical portion of the lower end of the boot, the cylindrical portion is pushed against the cylindrical face, and an inner end portion and a folded-back portion are pushed against the upper inner wall and the lower inner wall, respectively. The inner end portion has an annular protrusion that is engaged with the upper inner wall and elastically contracted when the lower end of the boot is fitted in the annular groove.
US08657517B1	Device and method for providing visual magnification at the tip of an applicator brush A container and applicator assembly that is used to hold and apply a liquid. The container has a threaded neck, through which the interior of the container is accessible. A removable cap is provided that selectively engages the threaded neck to create a leak-proof seal. An applicator brush extends downwardly from the center of the cap. The applicator brush extends into the interior of the container when the cap is engaged with the threaded neck. A support arm also extends from the cap. The support arm remains external to the container even when the cap is set. A magnifying lens is coupled to the end of the support arm. When the cap is separated from the container, the magnifying lens magnifies the bristle tip of the applicator brush. When the cap is set in place on the container, the magnifying lens magnifies a portion of the label.
US08657506B2	Field terminating method and device A method of terminating a fiber in a connector using a device comprising: (a) positioning a stripped fiber on the device such that the bare fiber portion extends into a first fiber channel of a cleaver; (b) securing the fiber to a fiber retainer slidably attached to the substrate to move along an x axis at a first position; (c) cleaving the bare fiber portion to form a cleaved end; (d) sliding the fiber retainer away from the cleaver along the x axis; (e) causing to be presented a second fiber channel of a connector held in a connector retainer along the x axis; (f) sliding the fiber retainer to the first position along the x axis, thereby causing the cleaved end to extend into the second fiber channel; and (g) actuating the connector while the fiber retainer is at the first position.
US08657504B2	Optical fiber connection device having a rotating and fixing mechanism and a positioning member The present invention discloses an optical fiber connection device, comprising: a base plate; at least one adapter for receiving optical fiber connectors; a rotating and fixing mechanism being provided on the base plate and being connected with the adapters, the rotating and fixing mechanism comprising: a fixing portion for fixedly connecting with the adapter; and a rotating portion being rotatably connected to the base plate, through which the mechanism can rotate between an operation position and a receiving/releasing position; and a positioning member for stably holding the rotating and fixing mechanism in the operation position or the receiving/releasing position, and limiting the rotation angle of the mechanism and that of the adapter within a predetermined angle range.
US08657501B2	Bearing device, oil distribution mechanism and method Method, pad and bearing device for oil redistribution. The bearing device includes a ring having at least one retaining head, at least one pad disposed inside the ring and having a bottom recess portion configured to receive the at least one retaining head, an oil distribution mechanism configured to inject oil at a leading edge of the at least one pad to flow towards a trailing edge of the at least one pad, and an oil redistribution mechanism on the at least one pad configured to redistribute the oil from the trailing edge of the at least one pad to the leading edge of the at least one pad. The leading edge is a first edge and the trailing edge is a second edge of the at least one pad encountered when traveling along a circumference of the ring in a direction of rotation of a rotor supported by the at least one pad.
US08657500B2	High speed bearing A bearing includes a housing and an assembly which consists of at least two elements. Each element has an axle hole to form an axial hole of the assembly run through by a shaft. At least one element has at least one set of multiple notches formed thereon directing towards at least one of two ends thereof to communicate with the axle hole, and at least one groove with an enlarged opening formed on the wall surface of the axle hole directing towards the notches. The groove on the wall surface of the axle hole has at least one set of multiple recesses formed thereon. The housing has a through axial cavity to house the assembly. The bearing has at least one storage chamber to store lubricating media. The notches on at least one set of adjacent elements form at least one set of multiple passages communicating with the storage chamber and the axial hole.
US08657491B2	Detachable probe cover for ear thermometer and manufacturing method thereof This present invention discloses a detachable probe cover for an ear thermometer and a manufacturing method thereof. The detachable probe cover for the ear thermometer is for being mounted onto a measuring probe of the ear thermometer, wherein a combining mechanism is provided at a bottom of the measuring probe and the detachable probe cover comprises a main body of a hollow structure and a base, in which the main body has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, and the hollow structure has a diameter gradually reducing from the open end toward the closed end.
US08657481B2	Systems and methods for mixing fluids A syringe-to-syringe mixing apparatus comprises first and second syringes adapted to be coupled at their respective outlets to fluidly connect the syringes. The first syringe includes a plunger having a hollow plunger barrel and a distal end defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen is initially closed by a septum, which in one embodiment is an elastomeric stopper mounted over the end of the plunger. The mixing apparatus further includes a third syringe slidably disposed within the plunger barrel. The third syringe includes a hollow needle adapted to pierce the septum to allow fluid from the third syringe to be injected into fluid within the coupled first and second syringes.
US08657478B2	Backlight module A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source disposed at a side of the light guide plate, a diffuser sheet positioned over the light guide plate but not directly contacting the light guide plate, and a light mixing space positioned between the light guide plate and the diffuser sheet so that light emitted from the light guide plate mixes in the light mixing space before being emitted out of the backlight module.
US08657473B2	Fire barrier recesssed lighting fixture A recessed lighting fixture having a fire resistant barrier thereon and the fire resistant barrier having an outer box enclosure and an inner box enclosure with an air gap therebetween and mounted on a mounting pan over a lamp housing a source of illumination such as a bulb therein and the mounting pan positionable adjacent an opening in a structure such as a wall, ceiling or floor having an aperture aligned with the lamp housing to let the illumination from the bulb pass therethrough.
US08657470B2	Lamp structure with rotatable adapter elements A lamp structure includes a first adaptor, a second adaptor, an adaptor ring, a rotating element, a heat sink, and a lampshade. The second adaptor disposed in the first adaptor includes a cannular pivoting element and an assembly element. The assembly element disposed in the pivoting element has first arc openings symmetrically distributed around a center of the assembly element. The adaptor ring is disposed at a side of the second adaptor opposite the first adaptor. The rotating element fixed to a first surface of the adaptor ring that faces the second adaptor has a second surface facing the second adaptor and bosses extended from the second surface. The bosses respectively pass through the first arc openings to move along the first arc openings. The heat sink is disposed between the adaptor ring and the lampshade.
US08657468B2	Lamp unit including flexible substrate A lamp unit includes a flexible base member, a conductive pattern layer forming a conductive pattern on the base member and maintaining a bent shape of the base member when the base member is bent, and LED lamps mounted on the conductive pattern layer and emitting light when a current is applied thereto. The lamp unit can be bent according to the shape of an object on which the lamp unit is to be installed.
US08657467B2	Illumination apparatus An illumination apparatus is disclosed in the invention. The illumination apparatus includes a cavity with a diffusion surface, a light source, a light-spreading device, and at least one optically-conditioning surface with a wave-like array formed thereon. The light-spreading device and the optically-conditioning surface spread the light generated by the light source. The light-spreading device includes a wing-shaped protrusion part, a light incident surface, a recess located away from the light incident surface, and an optically-conditioning surface including a wave-like array, wherein the wave-like array has a wavefront direction.
US08657466B2	Street lighting device An illumination device comprising a housing positionable at a distance from an area to be illuminated and having at least one lighting module, on a support in the housing, that has lighting units having the same light distribution characteristics. Each of the lighting units contains lighting elements and associated lenses arranged in front of the same in the light-emitting direction. Different lighting modules may include lighting units having different light distribution characteristics, while the lighting units have optical axes running parallel to each other. At least one lighting unit is configured such that its light distribution characteristics have at least one asymmetrical section relative to a central plane of the lighting unit.
US08657461B2	Solar-powered collapsible lighting apparatus A solar-powered lighting apparatus having a light transmissible shade coupled to a housing that receives a solar cell, a battery and at least a portion of a lighting element assembly. In one embodiment, the shade may have a spherical shape achieved with a support unit or achieved by operation of gravity. A bottom device or bottom portion may be coupled to the shade and cooperate therewith forming and maintaining the spherical shape.
US08657457B2	LED surface cover, and LED lighting system, display device An LED surface cover (1) consists of a resin molding and has a main reflector (2) which reflects light forward from a surface light source and a subsidiary reflector (3) having a reflection surface which reflects light emitted from an LED light source (4) to the main reflector (2). The main reflector (2) has an aperture portion (2a) were the LED light source can be disposed and has a curved surface for traveling light reflected from the subsidiary reflector (3) to a region forward from the surface light source. The subsidiary reflector (3) is disposed above the aperture portion (2a) formed on the main reflector (2). The reflection surface of the subsidiary reflector (3) has an inclination with respect to a surface of the aperture portion (2a). The present invention provides a lighting system capable of accomplishing surface emission by carrying out a simple method, even though the LED light source (4) having a strong directivity is used.
US08657452B2	Laser sight cleaner A system where a reflector of a laser alignment system is cleaned by a cleaning device that is actuated by an automatic guided vehicle as it passes the reflector. The laser alignment system is used to detect a position of the automatic guided vehicle relative to a location in a manufacturing facility. As the automatic guided vehicle passes the laser alignment system, a projection formed on the automatic guided vehicle will contact an element of a laser cleaning system to actuate the cleaning device over the reflector to clean it.
US08657451B2	Decorative plate module for projector and projector assembly A decorative plate module for a projector includes a base plate, a first elastic member, a hook member and a second elastic member. The base plate is attached to a periphery of the opening of the front cover and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. A slide groove is formed on the first end, and the slide groove has an oblique wall. The first elastic member is disposed inside the slide groove and stretches in a first direction, and the hook member is slidably coupled to the slide groove. One end of the hook member leans against the first elastic member, and its another end slidably engages with the front cover. The second elastic member is disposed on a side wall of the slide groove and stretches in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
US08657450B2	Projection optical system and image projection device A projection optical system includes a first optical system, a second optical system, and first and second reflection mirrors. The first and second reflection mirrors are arranged on an optical path between an image forming element and a reflection surface of the second optical system, so that a direction of an optical path of light beams from the second reflection mirror to the reflection surface contains a component of a direction opposite to a predetermined direction from the image forming element to the first optical system, and a projection image of the image forming element on a conjugate surface, a projection of the reflection surface onto the conjugate surface, and a projection of the image forming element onto the conjugate surface are arrayed in this order on the conjugate surface.
US08657447B2	Methods and devices for measuring tear film and diagnosing tear disorders Methods and devices measure eye blinks and tear film lipid and aqueous layer thickness before and following ophthalmic formula application onto the ocular surface, especially wherein the ophthalmic formula is an artificial tear. The methods and devices are suitable for dry eye diagnosis. The methods and devices are suitable for use to evaluate ophthalmic formula effects on the tear film and to use such information to diagnose ophthalmic formula treatment of ocular disease conditions such as dry eye in the absence of contact lens wear or post-surgical eye drop treatment and diagnosis. The methods and devices are also suitable for use in the optimization of ophthalmic drug dosage forms and sustained drug release.
US08657445B2	System and method for determining and predicting IOL power in situ The present invention relates to a system and a method for determining the power of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in situ. The invention furthermore relates to a system and a method for predicting the optical outcome of IOL surgery. Use of the system may provide prevention, treatment, or amelioration of diseases and disorders affecting the lens of the eye and which may benefit from IOL surgery. Moreover, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium for implementing such a system on a computer.
US08657442B2	Ophthalmic spectacles for characterizing the direction of gaze of a wearer The invention relates to ophthalmic spectacles for characterizing the direction of gaze of a wearer. Each lens of the spectacles is provided with output sections for directing a radiation towards the ocular areas of the wearer, in which different portions of an ocular limbus of the wearer are in motion. The lens is further provided with input sections for collecting the portions of said radiation reflected in said ocular areas. A computing unit is also combined with the spectacles in order to determine the direction of gaze of the wearer from detection signals measuring the portions of the radiation that are simultaneously collected by the input sections of the two lenses.
US08657441B2	Fundus imaging apparatus Provided is a fundus imaging apparatus which achieves reduction of a load on an examiner by facilitating understanding of an operation of switching from a fundus imaging mode to an anterior ocular segment imaging mode, comprising: an imaging unit for taking an image of an eye to be inspected; a focusing unit for achieving a substantially conjugate relationship between the eye to be inspected and the imaging unit; a diopter adjustment unit for adjusting a diopter when the eye to be inspected is myopic or hyperopic; an imaging selecting unit capable of selecting the fundus imaging mode or the anterior ocular segment imaging mode; a diopter adjustment switching unit for switching the diopter adjustment unit in accordance with the selected imaging mode; and a drive unit for driving the focusing unit in accordance with the selected imaging mode.
US08657439B2	Continuous adjustable 3Deeps filter spectacles for optimized 3Deeps stereoscopic viewing and its control method and means Continuous Adjustable Pulfrich Filter Spectacles are provided with lenses with continuously changeable optical densities, so that viewing of 2D movies is optimized for visualization in natural 3D. Method and means are disclosed for the continuous Adjustable Pulfrich Filter Spectacles to perform two independent optimizations to achieve optimized 3Deeps visual effects on 2D movies. First they compute the optical density setting of the lenses for optimal viewing of 2D movies as 3D. Then they continuously render the lenses of the spectacles to these optical densities optimized for characteristics of the electro-optical material from which the lenses of the spectacles are fabricated. The invention works for both 3DTV and 3D Cinema theater viewing.
US08657429B2	Dispensing liquid using overlapping outlet/return dispenser A liquid dispenser includes liquid supply, dispensing, and return channels. A portion of a first wall of the liquid dispensing channel defines an outlet opening. A second wall of the liquid dispensing channel, positioned opposite the first wall, extends along a portion of the liquid supply and return channels. Liquid supply and return passages are provided that extend through the second wall in fluid communication with the liquid supply and return channels, respectively. The liquid return passage overlaps the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid drop is caused to be ejected from the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel by selectively actuating a diverter member to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08657428B2	Image forming method The present invention provides an image forming method including ejecting an ink containing a silicic acid compound from an inkjet head, whereby deterioration of the head members is suppressed and a high precision image is formable stably over a long-term, the inkjet head being equipped with plural liquid droplet ejecting elements 80 having nozzles 64, pressure chamber 58, supply channel 60, and piezoelectric element 68, which transforms vibrating plate 66 that constitutes a wall of pressure chamber 58, and an ink circulation unit which has common flow channel 52 that is connected with each of plural liquid droplet ejecting elements 80 via supply channels 60, and common circulation channel 70 that is connected with each of plural liquid droplet ejecting elements 80 via reflux channels 72, that supplies the ink to plural liquid droplet ejecting elements from common flow channel 52, and that circulates the ink to common circulation channel.
US08657421B2	Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting liquid droplets An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a liquid tank, a head tank, a liquid supply passage, a liquid supply passage, a liquid intake port, a valve member, and a lock unit. The lock unit is disposed in the head tank to lock and unlock the valve member in response to a change in pressure within the head tank. In a locked state, the valve member closes the liquid intake port in immovable state to constantly stop flow of the liquid into the head tank. In an unlocked state, the valve member is movable to open and close the liquid intake port in response to a change in pressure within the head tank to regulate the flow of the liquid into the head tank.
US08657415B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and control method thereof A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a common liquid chamber which is common to each pressure chamber and stores ink, a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber which communicate with the common liquid chamber, a first nozzle which communicates with the first pressure chamber and a second nozzle which communicates with the second pressure chamber, a first piezoelectric vibrator which causes pressure fluctuation in ink in the first pressure chamber and a second piezoelectric vibrator which causes pressure fluctuation in ink in the second pressure chamber, and a communication flow path which makes the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with each other, wherein the flow of ink is generated in the communication flow path by driving the first piezoelectric vibrator and the second piezoelectric vibrator.
US08657414B2	Fluid-ejection printhead die having an electrochemical cell A fluid-ejection printhead die includes a fluid-ejection firing element and an electrochemical cell. The fluid-ejection firing element is to cause droplets of fluid to be ejected from the fluid-ejection printhead die. The electrochemical cell is to measure an electrical property of the fluid. The fluid-ejection firing element and the electrochemical cell are both part of the fluid-ejection printhead die.
US08657413B2	Die attach composition for silicon chip placement on a flat substrate having improved thixotropic properties A die attach composition is used for bonding a silicon chip on a flat substrate. The die attach composition includes a cross-linkable epoxy resin having a rigid backbone, an epoxy siloxane resin, a fumed silica filler, an amine curing agent, and a silane coupling agent. The die attach composition is particularly useful in bonding silicon heater chips on flat ceramic substrate in forming an inkjet printhead assembly. The die attach composition allows accurate placement of silicon heater chips on flat ceramic substrate and exhibits good ink resistance.
US08657412B2	Micro-ejection device There is provided a micro-ejection device including: an ejector ejecting a fluid; and a body having an installation space in which the ejector is installed, wherein the installation space is provided with a guide unit inducing a line-contact or a point-contact between the ejector and the body.
US08657408B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzles and configured to jet ink droplets from the nozzles; a carriage configured to carry the ink-jet head, and reciprocate in a predetermined scanning direction; a transport mechanism configured to transport the recording medium, on which the ink droplets jetted from the nozzles land, in a transport direction intersecting the scanning direction; and a control device configured to control the ink-jet head, the carriage and the transport mechanism to perform recording of the image. The nozzles include a plurality of first nozzles which are aligned at first interval with respect to the transport direction and from which first-type ink droplets are jetted, and a plurality of second nozzles which are aligned at second interval with respect to the transport direction and from which second-type ink droplets different from the first-type ink droplets are jetted.
US08657404B2	Liquid droplet jetting apparatus A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes: a liquid droplet jetting head which has a liquid droplet jetting surface on which a plurality of nozzles including a first nozzle and a second nozzle are open to jet the liquid droplets; a cap member which covers the liquid droplet jetting surface of the liquid droplet jetting head and in which an opening, through which an interior of the cap member is communicated with atmospheric air in a state that the liquid droplet jetting surface is covered with the cap member, is formed; a moving mechanism which moves the cap member to make contact with and separate from the liquid droplet jetting surface; and a controller which controls the liquid droplet jetting head and the moving mechanism.
US08657403B2	Printing apparatus, and computer readable storage media, for storing printing instructions A printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints an image on a print sheet with a print agent; a discharging unit; a conveying unit including a conveying path through which a print sheet is conveyed from the printing unit to the discharging unit; a measuring unit provided on the conveying path of the conveying unit to measure each colored area formed by the printing unit that adds the print agent on the print sheet from at least one of a first face and a second face opposite to the first face; an identifying unit that identifies a measurement area satisfying a certain condition from the colored areas; and a measurement control unit that performs the measurement for the identified measurement area and does not perform the measurement for the colored areas that are not identified by the identifying unit.
US08657402B2	Image forming apparatus including sheet cutting device An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feed device to feed a sheet along a sheet feed path, a sheet cutting device including a cutter and a cutter holder to cut the sheet to a desired length, a controller to control the sheet feed device and the cutter holder. The cutter holder holds the cutter and is reciprocally movable in a width direction of the sheet perpendicular to a sheet feed direction. The cutter holder, after cutting the sheet, is movable in the width direction with the cutter holder retracted away from the sheet feed path in a thickness direction of the sheet perpendicular to both the sheet feed direction and the width direction. The controller controls the sheet feed device to feed the sheet while the cutter holder moves in the width direction with the cutter holder retracted away from the sheet feed path in the thickness direction.
US08657401B2	Image forming apparatus with ink-jet printing system An image forming apparatus comprises a printing head unit, a driving waveform generator that generates and outputs a driving waveform having four or more driving pulses in chronological order per driving cycle, and a selector that selects and applies one of multiple driving pulses to a pressure generator to cause a printing head unit to selectively discharge a liquid droplet of three or more different sizes. The driving waveform includes three or more driving pulses at least having a final driving pulse to collectively discharge the biggest liquid droplet. The driving waveform includes a micro-driving pulse for discharging a smallest droplet within a time period of from about 2×Tc to about 4×Tc after the driving waveform starts being outputted when Tc represents a natural vibration period of a separate liquid chamber of the printing head unit.
US08657399B2	Liquid jet apparatus performing pulse modulation on a drive signal A liquid jet apparatus according to the present invention includes a drive waveform generator adapted to generate a drive waveform signal, a modulator adapted to execute pulse modulation on the drive waveform signal, a digital power amplifier adapted to power-amplify the modulated signal, on which the pulse modulation is executed by the modulator, with a pair of switching elements push-pull coupled with each other, a low pass filter adapted to smooth the amplified digital signal obtained by the power-amplification of the digital power amplifier, and a modulation period modification circuit adapted to modify a modulation period of the pulse modulation of the modulator based on data of the drive waveform signal.
US08657397B2	Portable device and method for printing an image, recording medium, pen and benchmark for said device The invention relates to a portable device for printing an image in a printing area provided on a material substrate, which includes: at least one removable benchmark (96-99) capable of being manually positioned on the substrate and associated with a corresponding point of the image being printed by means of a predefined relationship separate from the position of said benchmark on the substrate, a measurement unit capable of measuring the position of the printing head relative to the benchmark, and a control unit (14) capable of determining the distance separating the pen from the substrate, from the measurement of the position of the printing head, and of preventing the image from being printed on the substrate if said distance is greater than a predetermined threshold.
US08657396B2	Ink jet printing apparatus There is a case where, in the individual tank number checking processing, usually it is determined that individual tank number agreement can not be confirmed due to a collision of response signals from two tanks. However, due to individual differences among main body side control circuit threshold values and the like, there may be a case that an agreement of the individual tank numbers is confirmed. In response to this, the tank that has the individual tank number whose agreement could be confirmed is put in a sleep state, and because a control code is sent, the other tank designated with color ID is able to return its individual tank number, and the main body side control circuit detects its individual tank number. Based on this it is possible to determine that multiple ink tanks with the same color ID are mounted.
US08657387B2	Connecting system for tensile elements An improved connecting system for a vehicle wheel spoke, including a spoke having an end portion, a span portion and a cross-section thereof, a connecting element; a bracing element such as a rim or hub, a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion, and a longitudinal axis along the spoke. The connecting element is made of hardened molding material and the spoke is overmolded by the connecting element during solidification of the hardened molding material. The connecting element is joined to the spoke at an overmolded interface and the connecting element is connected to the bracing element.
US08657383B2	Environmentally friendly layered seating assembly The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly layered vehicle seat assembly and a method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion composite comprising a structural layer and a cushion layer adjacent to the structural layer, and a trim material secured over the cushion composite.
US08657369B2	Diagonal reinforcement for a motor vehicle floor structure A floor structure of a motor vehicle body is provided. The floor structure has two frame rail arrangements essentially extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body. The arrangements are joined together by a cross member essentially extending in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle body. A floor panel extends between the cross member and the two frame rail arrangements. A diagonal reinforcement is located above the floor panel and abuts against the cross member in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body. A reinforcing element essentially extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle body between the two frame rail arrangements. The diagonal reinforcement abuts against the reinforcing element in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle body.
US08657368B2	Hydroformed side pillar to lower back joint structure A mechanism for increasing stiffness of the side-structure of a vehicle, for transferring loads and strain energy, and for improving rigidity from the lower portion of a side pillar, to the underbody structural components of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a hydroformed tube having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion and an arcuate central portion. The upper end of the vertical portion is spot welded to the lower portion of the side pillar. The horizontal portion is received into, and spot welded to, an inner portion of a structural member. The structural member is an L-shaped bracket, and its major portion is spot welded to an inner portion of an elongated beam. The beam is fixedly attached to the side rail of the vehicle. The tubular member, the structural member, and the elongated beam, when connected, form a closed continuous box shaped structure, which reinforces the side-structure of the vehicle.
US08657361B2	System and method for actuating multiple components in a vehicle having an access opening An actuating system for a vehicle having a body that defines an access opening includes a panel arranged to selectively open and close at least a first portion of the opening. The system also includes multiple components operatively connected to the panel and adapted to be actuated. The system additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the panel and adapted to actuate the multiple components. A vehicle employing the system and a method for sealing an access opening in a body of a vehicle are also provided.
US08657360B2	Adjusting device for a roof cap of a collapsible roof A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a roof guide, a roof cap, a top fabric, and an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism movably couples the roof cap to the roof guide such that the roof cap with the top fabric are movable relative to the roof guide between a closed position in which the top fabric covers a roof opening and an opened position in which the top fabric exposes the roof opening. The adjusting mechanism includes front and rear control arms coupled to the roof cap. The front control arm includes a locking hook and the rear control arm includes a latching hook. The locking hook engages a front cavity of the roof guide in the closed position to fix the roof cap in place and the latching hook engages a rear cavity of the roof guide in the opened position to fix the roof cap in place.
US08657358B2	Pickup truck bed tonneau cover support structure and method An outer frame corresponds to a perimeter of a pickup truck bed. An plurality of upwardly bowed intermediate rail span between, and are coupled to, opposing sides of the outer frame. Each bowed intermediate rail is paired with a wire tension member that spans between, and is coupled to, each end of its paired intermediate rail member. A flexible textile member covers and is supported by the intermediate rail member and is coupled to the outer frame. The wire tension members operate to help reduce lateral deflection of the bowed intermediate rail members when a meaningful downward force is applied to the bowed intermediate rails. A method of assembling a tonneau cover is also disclosed.
US08657355B2	Protective structure for high-voltage unit A protection structure for a high-voltage unit installed in a vehicle provided with: a vehicle interior; a storage chamber located in front of the vehicle interior in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and storing the high-voltage unit; a dash panel for separating the vehicle interior and the storage chamber; and a high-voltage cable connected to the high-voltage unit.
US08657354B2	Mobile radiation therapy The invention provides techniques for diagnosing medical conditions and providing appropriate treatment at a patient's home residence. A mobile x-ray team can be dispatched to the patient's home residence. A technical team reviews patient data to determine a proper therapy plan. A mobile radiation therapy apparatus is dispatched to the patient's home as required by the therapy plan. The mobile radiation therapy apparatus includes a radiation source and shielding, and is capable of superficial radiation therapy and/or High Dose Rate (HDR), Low Dose Rate (LDR), and Medium Dose Rate (MDR) implant therapy and/or particle therapy. For HDR, LDR and MDR therapy, the mobile radiation therapy apparatus itself is a specialized radiation vault which the patient will enter. The technical team adjusts the therapy plan based on the additional analysis, and the mobile radiation therapy apparatus is dispatched in accordance with adjusted therapy plan.
US08657345B1	Safe linkage lockset A safe linkage lockset has a holding box, wherein a left and a right driving seat are assembled into its internal holding space parallelly and reversely. A linkage member is set rotatably between the driving seats. A door handle assembling portion is formed on the middle of the linkage member. The assembling portion could be provided with a door handle. When pressing the door handle, the linkage member will be driven so that the driving seats are driven close to each other. When pulling up the handle, the driving seats are driven far away from each other. Two bolt bars are separately located into the assembly hole of the driven end on left and right driving seats, and the action end of bolt bar is protruded out of the holding box. Hence, this could adapt to common users locking and unlocking habit.
US08657344B2	Adjustable assembly for a drain inlet An adjustable coupling assembly and drain inlet combination for adjusting the height of the drain inlet for draining a fluid from an area is disclosed. The assembly includes a first tubular cylinder having a first end which is constructed to be attached to the inlet of drain tile, and a second tubular cylinder having a first end which is constructed to be attached to the discharge of the drain inlet. One of the tubular cylinders has an end which is constructed to extend into the other tubular cylinder. A spiral groove on one of the tubular cylinders extends over a substantial portion of the length of that cylinder, and at least one projection is positioned on the other tubular cylinder and is positionable to extend into the spiral groove whereby when one of the tubular cylinders is rotated relative to the other tubular cylinder, the projection moves along the spiral groove, to adjust the total combined length of the first and second tubular cylinders and the height of the drain inlet. The drain inlet is attached to the upper tubular cylinder.
US08657338B2	Position lock for steering column A lock for a steering column comprises a bracket disposed along a raking direction. A control shaft is supported for translation with the steering column. A tooth lock is disposed on the control shaft and comprises a lever and an actuator. The actuator is configured to cause the lever to rotate in an adjustment direction when a force is applied in the adjustment direction and so as to apply a locking moment to the lever when a force is applied in the locking direction. The bracket has a teeth disposed along the raking direction. The lever is configured for engaging, upon rotation in the locking direction, at least one tooth so as to resist translation in the raking direction. The lever is configured for disengaging, upon rotation in the adjustment direction, from the at least one tooth so as to selectively facilitate translation in the raking direction.
US08657335B2	Stabilizer device for an operating machine A first front pair and second rear pair of stabilizer devices associated to the frame of an operating machine, defining, in operative position, a resting base, equal in length to the longitudinal distance between the pairs and equal in width to the transversal distance between the resting feet of each of the latter. Each stabilizer device includes a first and an interconnected second module, one of which is provided with linear elongation means and the other with compass elongation means, the linear and compass elongation means being aimed at being operated in phase relation to define a retracted inactive position, in which the corresponding resting foot is raised from the ground, and a withdrawn operation position, in which said resting foot contacts the ground, at a predetermined distance from the longitudinal midline, such that in this resting base the width distance is at least near to that of the relative length.
US08657334B2	Airbag cushion An airbag cushion (100) with a recessed portion formed on an exterior of the airbag cushion has a pair of side panels (104a, 104b) and a tether (180) for limiting outward movement of the inflated airbag cushion; and wherein the tether (180) forms a portion of the exterior surface of the airbag cushion (100).
US08657333B2	Inflator device with fuel-rich monolithic grain and oxidant-enhanced combustion The disclosure provides an inflator device for a passive restraint device, like an airbag. In certain aspects, a fuel-rich gas generant grain is located in actuating proximity to an initiator device. The grain has at least one flow channel through which a shock wave generated by the initiator device passes. The shock wave opens a burst disc between the inflator housing and downstream airbag to permit gases to flow into the airbag. A chamber storing pressurized gas (having at least one oxidant, e.g., O2) is also disposed within the inflator. Upon initiator actuation, the oxidant can react with combustion products of the initiator and the fuel-rich gas generant and flow into the airbag for rapid inflation. Methods of inflating airbags and improving airbag deployment reliability are provided. Such inflators are particularly suitable for large volume (greater than 60 liter) airbags.
US08657330B1	Side airbag A side airbag including: an inflator that ejects gas and is provided at a side of a seat; a cushion that is deployed when receiving the gas from the inflator; a diaphragm that divides the cushion into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by partitioning the inside of the cushion along a first axis; a diffuser that supplies the gas ejected from the inflator to the upper chamber and the lower chamber separately; and a blocking portion which divides the upper chamber into a rear portion and a front portion by partitioning the inside of the cushion along a second axis, the blocking portion includes a plurality of communication portions formed there-through, wherein through each of the plurality of communication portions gas is communicated, and wherein the rear portion receives the gas from the inflator and the front portion receives the gas from the rear portion, whereby the rear portion and the front portion are inflated in sequence in the upper chamber when the cushion is deployed.
US08657326B2	Stroller with convertible child-support system A child carrier in accordance with the present disclosure is adapted to be mounted on a rolling stroller frame to hold a child for transport on the rolling stroller frame. In one mode, the child carrier is configured to provide a bassinet. In another mode, the child carrier is configured to provide a seat.
US08657325B2	Stroller with assistant wheel The present invention discloses a stroller including a foldable stroller skeleton, a front-wheel assembly and a rear-wheel assembly installed on the foldable stroller skeleton, a frame pivotally connected to the foldable stroller skeleton and an assistant wheel pivotally connected to the frame for being capable of contacting a ground by cooperating with the rear-wheel assembly as the frame approaches the rear-wheel assembly by rendering the foldable stroller skeleton folded. The stroller can be in a standing state so as to facilitate users to carry after being folded. The assistant wheel is rolling as the stroller is dragged so that users can save more effort to drag the stroller. The stroller is standing by the assistant wheel and the rear-wheel assembly, instead of the front-wheel assembly and the rear-wheel assembly.
US08657322B2	Wheelchair mount and method for stabilizing a wheelchair component A wheelchair mount includes a body, a band secured to the body, and a stabilizing component secured to the body. The band is sized to secure an associated wheelchair bar between the band and the stabilizing component. The stabilizing component resists rotational movement of the body relative to the wheelchair bar.
US08657321B2	Motorcycle To obtain vibration characteristics suited to a plurality of operating modes. A first member is mounted on at least one of a left side frame of a vehicle and a right side frame of the vehicle. The first member extends towards the right frame or the left frame. A second member is mounted to at least one of the right side frame of the vehicle and a left side frame. The second member extends towards the left frame or the right frame. A vibration insulating member is provided between the first member and the second member and elastically couples the first and second members to each other.
US08657319B1	Selective torque application device The present invention is a device which can be used to provide rotation motion to a driving wheel by the application of lateral motion by the user. It consists of axial track plate having a plurality of track paths with said guide paths having a plurality of slope sections. Additionally the caliper element can enable movement of a wheelchair's wheel from a first position to a second position. The caliper element is responsive to slope sections such that the slope sections can engage or disengage the caliper element. The caliper element's broad face is parallel to the track plate's broad face. The broad face is perpendicularly connected to each other via cylindrical pegs along the guide paths. The caliper element has a mating surface enabled to rotate a sprocket which is concentrically connected to a wheel hub where wheel rotates at the same angular velocity as the sprocket while the sprocket is in the engaged mode. A locking arm component disposed between the caliper element and the track guide paths for locking the system into place so that no further movement is made possible.
US08657318B2	Vehicle running board A vehicle running board includes a treadle body provided with a receiving surface with plural recesses and having its underside disposed with a recessed chamber. A decorative plate is mounted on the receiving surface of the treadle body, and an anti-skid pad is set on the decorative plate. A connecting base is received in the recessed chamber of the treadle body and has two lower sides respectively bent inward to form a sliding rail. A plurality of inverted-U shaped positioning members are positioned at the underside of the connecting base, respectively having two sides received in the sliding rails of the connecting base and respectively bored with a long insert hole having a third screw inserted therein. Thus, the positioning members in the connecting base can be adjusted in setting position for matching vehicles of different styles, convenient in assembly and use and stable in whole structure.
US08657314B2	Stabilizer link for a vehicle suspension and method for obtaining it The present invention relates to a stabilizer link for a vehicle suspension and method for obtaining it, which allows reducing its cost, as a well as a faster and easier assembly, for which purpose it includes a longitudinal body having two ends with holes in which an articulation element is housed, and a central sector, having at each end a hole, wherein the longitudinal body is formed from two identical parts arranged such that they are facing one another and remain attached by means of a plastically deformable attachment element such that once it is deformed, it prevents the separation of the parts.
US08657312B2	Computer cart A computer cart has removable electrical connector management system which may be removed from the computer cart to install portable electronic device electrical transformers, and then reinserted into the computer cart to enable multiple electrical transformers to be installed into the cart as a group. An electrical charging system uses a staggered round robin approach to control distribution of power within the computer cart without requiring the amount of power used from each power strip to be individually monitored.
US08657307B2	Modular rolling container assembly An apparatus for transporting articles having at least one container module that includes a container top having a non-releasable connection portion and a storage container that is selectively non-releasably connected to the container top and/or at least one other storage container. The storage container includes an upper non-releasable connection portion and a lower non-releasable connection portion. The upper non-releasable connection portion is selectively non-releasably connected to 1) a lower non-releasable connection portion of the at least one other storage container or 2) the non-releasable connection portion of the container top. The lower non-releasable connection portion is selectively non-releasably connected to an upper non-releasable connection portion of the at least one other storage container. The container module also includes a latch that releasably connects the storage container to the at least one other storage container if positioned on the container top.
US08657306B2	Lifting machine base assembly for a machine tool A lifting machine base assembly for use in a machine tool includes a machine base and a lateral wheel set. The lateral wheel set includes two lateral wheel frames respectively pivotally connected to two opposite sidewalls of the machine base, and a wheel shaft rotatably inserted through the machine base and eccentrically connected between the lateral wheel frames. A driving member is fastened to one end of the wheel shaft and operable to raise and lower the lateral wheel frames relative to the machine base and to further force the lateral wheels into contact with the floor to lift the machine base partially or wholly from the floor, allowing the operator to conveniently move the machine tool to a desired position by rotation of the lateral wheels.
US08657305B1	Self-loading tow dolly A self-loading tow dolly that permits components of the dolly to be easily removed and replaced. The tow dolly also reduces overall weight by using aluminum slotted hubs mated with 8-inch aluminum slotted wheels and by employing dissimilar materials that do not require welding and improves lubrication by providing strategically placed lubricant ports and lubricant reservoirs for rotating components.
US08657304B1	Shopping cart with child seat A shopping cart includes an expandable cargo compartment having opposite first and second ends, a frame to which the cargo compartment is attached, a handle disposed proximate the first end of the cargo compartment, and a foldable child seat disposed proximate the second end of the cargo compartment, wherein folding the child seat increases a capacity of the cargo compartment and wherein the child seat comprises a seat back pivotally attached to the frame. In another aspect, a shopping cart comprises a frame, a cargo compartment attached to the frame, a handle attached to the frame, and a foldable child seat. The foldable child seat comprises a rod pivotally attached to the frame, a seat back attached to the rod, a sleeve configured to slide upon the rod, and a seat bottom hingedly attached to the sleeve.
US08657303B2	Attachable scooter A scooter 1 is disclosed that may be linked to a child buggy or perambulator 100. A linking mechanism 200 is also disclosed for releasably linking the scooter 1 to the child buggy 100 thereby allowing the scooter 1 to be used as a scooter 1 or instead, to be linked to a buggy 100 and used in a linked configuration. The combination of a child buggy 100 and scooter 1 using the linking mechanism 200 is described along with a method of use of the mechanism 200.
US08657300B2	Sealing element The invention relates to a sealing element for sealing off component groups capable of being positioned in relation to one another, for use, in particular, in the vehicle and building technology sector, the sealing element has a first seal part 11 performing a sealing function and having a soft fraction and a second seal part 12 performing a reinforcing function and having a hard fraction. The sealing element is essentially an annular design and has an essentially accurately designed first seal part directed inward in the operating position, with a soft fraction, and an essentially frame-shaped second seal part arranged at the inwardly projecting end of the first seal part, with a hard fraction.
US08657298B2	Brush seal with backing plate tooth A brush seal assembly is provided, including a sealing surface, a side plate, a backing plate, a plurality of bristles, and a biasing member. The backing plate is selectively located in a stationary position and has at least one backing tooth and a backing tip. The backing tooth has a tooth surface and the backing tip has a tip surface. A tooth clearance is measured between the tooth surface and the sealing surface. A tip clearance is measured between the tip surface and the sealing surface. The tooth clearance is less than the tip clearance. The bristles are located between the side plate and the backing plate. The bristles include an end portion for sealing to the sealing surface. The biasing member exerts a biasing force upon the backing plate in a direction towards the sealing surface. The backing tooth is configured for selectively contacting the sealing surface.
US08657296B1	Radial shaft seal A radial shaft seal for a radial shaft is formed with a casing having an exterior-facing surface opposite from an interior-facing surface, and a sleeve positioned radially inwardly of the casing that rotates with respect to the casing. A sealing ring is connected to the casing, and has an extending portion that interacts with the sleeve to form a labyrinth seal barrier.
US08657293B2	Tossing projectile target game A projectile tossing game that combines elements of traditional washers and bean bag games with baseball. The game includes a receiving box that resembles a baseball field having an infield and outfield. The floor of the box can be covered with a material such as outdoor carpeting or turf to minimize the impact of projectiles landing in the box. Players score points (or runs) by landing projectiles in the infield or in one of the cylindrical outfield targets. The game is played for nine turns rather than a predetermined score. In the event of a tie, extra turns are taken until a player or team is declared the winner. The game can be played with multiple players and one receiving box or teams of players with two receiving boxes. A carrying case, handle, or lid may be provided to assist with transport of the game.
US08657291B2	Card game with counting Various embodiments include determining a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck, and modifying the rules of a game based on the statistic.
US08657289B2	Game combining checkers, chess and dice A board game may be played on a board or with an electronic version thereof, that combines chess, checkers and dice to create an original game that is more dynamic than checkers, easier to learn and play than chess, and has an element of randomness that makes it hard to know who will win until the final roll of the dice. The game of the present invention simplifies play by combining classic elements. The roll of the dice determines what kind of move can be made, but the player can choose any of his/her pieces to move. Whoever captures the king wins, or, in an alternative embodiment, whoever has the last remaining piece(s) wins.
US08657287B2	Intelligent table game system A card dealing system incorporating playing cards with rank and suit information encoded thereon via micro-dots, and a shoe capable of reading such micro dots as a playing card is drawn from the shoe. A game controller unit determines the location of the micro-dots on the playing card, and determines the rank and suit information therefrom. The game controller thereby monitors the progress and status of a card game.
US08657286B2	Sheet stacking apparatus and method of controlling the sheet stacking apparatus A sheet stacking apparatus which is capable of efficiently stacking sheets of various sizes while efficiently using space therein to thereby realize compactness thereof, and maintaining a high availability. Stacker trays for stacking sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus can be separately removed. It is detected whether any of the stacker trays is removed. When large-size sheets are stacked, a stacker control section causes the stacker trays to operate as one tray to stack the sheets in a state extending on the stacker trays, whereas when small-size sheets are stacked, the section causes one of the stacker trays to stack the sheets. Further, when one stacker tray is removed to make it impossible to stack the large-size sheets, the section causes a display section to display a guide message advising setting of the removed stacker tray.
US08657280B2	Paper-feeding device and multi-function printer A paper-feeding device and a multi-function printer (MFP) using the paper-feeding device are provided. The MFP includes a housing with the paper-feeding device installed thereon. The paper-feeding device includes an outer case, an inner case and a retainer. The outer case has first side-walls, openings and slots, in which each opening and each slot on the opening are correspondingly disposed on each first side-wall. The inner case is located beside the first side-walls of the outer case and has a second side-wall. The second side-wall has a position-limiting rib protruding towards the first side-walls. The retainer is located between the first side-walls and has a body, a protrusion and a pivot, in which the protrusion is disposed at a top-portion of the body and correspondingly located in the slots, and the pivot is located between the protrusion and a retaining-portion of the body and correspondingly locked in the openings.
US08657278B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus may include a first tray configured to accommodate one or more recording sheets to be supplied to an image forming unit, a body frame configured to position an upper part of the first tray, and an expansion members disposed under the body frame to position a lower part of the first tray. The expansion member may include a transmission mechanism configured to be engagable with a body-side gear provided in the body frame. The transmission mechanism may be configured to transmit a drive force, which is transmitted from a drive source provided in the body frame via the body-side gear, to an add-on mechanism, when the transmission mechanism is engaged with the body-side gear.
US08657274B2	Production system and an associated index device for use as a reference feature A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.
US08657270B2	Cover member and suspension A cover member having plural peak portions and plural trough portions, and freely stretched and shrunk in an array direction of the plural peak portions and the plural trough portions or freely bent, the cover member includes: a hollow part formed in each of the plural peak portions, the hollow part being hollowed toward an inner side from a peak of each of the plural peak portions, being formed in a circumferential direction, and having edge parts, a bottom part and side parts located between the edge parts and the bottom part. The edge parts of the hollow part are brought into contact with each other before the side parts of the hollow part are brought into contact with each other, when at least one of the plural peak portions is subjected to force in a direction intersecting with the array direction from an outside.
US08657267B2	Jet stream generating method and apparatus A condensing system is provided. The condensing system may include baffle plate units having a substantially flat surface and openings configured for cooling fluid to flow through; and baffles attached to the baffle plate unit, the baffles oriented at an acute angle with respect to the baffle plate unit, the baffles having a flat surface and figured to diffuse a cooling fluid into a thin, turbulent film at a similar acute angle. A method of condensing a fluid is provided. The method includes defining a path for the fluid to be condensed to flow; spraying a cooling fluid against a baffle thereby creating a turbulent film of cooling fluid in the path for the fluid to be condensed and orienting some of the baffles to create a film of cooling fluid oriented in one direction and orienting other baffles to create a film of cooling fluid in a second direction wherein the path of the fluid to be condensed causes the fluid to be condensed to flow over films oriented in both the first and second directions.
US08657263B2	Decontamination liquid supply device A gas supply passage is connected to a decontamination liquid supply passage at a tail end portion side from a delivery device, and an on-off valve which opens and closes the gas supply passage is provided. A controller stores a housed weight of the decontamination liquid between a connection point at which the above described gas supply passage is connected to the decontamination liquid supply passage and the above described tail end portion. When a weight of the decontamination liquid is reduced by a total value of a predetermined weight W which should be supplied to the downstream side equipment and the above described housed weight as a result of starting supply of the decontamination liquid to the above described downstream side equipment, the controller opens the above described on-off valve to return the decontamination liquid at the upstream side from the connection point.
US08657257B2	Gate valve In a gate valve including a valve plate connected to a valve plate mounting portion of at a tip end of a valve rod with a connecting plate and configured to open and close a communicating hole of a valve box with the valve plate, the valve plate includes a mounting hole, a joint flat surfaces coming into press-contact with each other, the valve rod includes a depressed-shaped joint shoulder portion, the joint shoulder portion is formed with an inclined surface configured to guide the valve plate in the direction in which the joint flat surfaces are brought into press-contact with each other, and the coupling plate couples the valve plate and the valve rod with each other.
US08657256B2	Vacuum valve A vacuum valve, including a valve housing, which has a passage having an axis, a seat that surrounds the passage and that lies in a first plane, and a counter seat that surrounds the passage and that lies in a second plane that forms a wedge shape with the first plane, and including a closure device, which can be moved between an open position in which the passage is released and a closed position in which the passage is sealed and which has a closure plate parallel to the first plane and a counter plate parallel to the second plane, and including a valve rod, which has a longitudinal axis and which carries the closure device and which can be moved in a straight line. In order to spread apart the closure plate and the counter plate, the closure device includes a spreading unit, which lies between the closure plate and the counter plate and which can be moved in the closing direction of the valve rod relative to the closure plate and the counter plate, and a support part, which is movably guided relative to the spreading unit and which is connected to the closure plate and/or the counter plate.
US08657254B2	Fluid release valve using flexible fluid permeable membrane A gas release device that includes a reservoir of pressurised gas and a passageway from said reservoir to an outlet. There is an elastic gas permeable membrane in the passageway that allows gas release only via the membrane. A gas impermeable member is provided in the passageway that includes an interface positioned to contact said gas permeable membrane. Displacement of the gas permeable membrane is responsive to the pressure of the gas in the reservoir such that there is a greater interfacial contact between the gas impermeable member and the gas permeable membrane at a higher gas pressure than at lower pressure to thereby vary the exposed cross sectional area of the permeable membrane available to the flow in an inverse relationship to pressure.
US08657249B2	Low profile pivoting detent joint for a vehicle mirror assembly A carrier base with a lateral base extension having a base hollow interior channel. A tooth ring on the lateral base extension. A stop block channel within the base tooth ring. A support arm pivotally carried on the lateral base extension for carrying a mirror head. A tooth ring included on the support arm engaging the base tooth ring in interlocking cooperation. A stop block carried by the support arm within the support arm tooth ring so that the stop block travels between a first end wall and a second end wall to control movement of the support arm. A connecting bolt carried by the support arm extending through the tooth rings into the hollow base interior channel. A leaf spring biasing the connecting bolt into the hollow base interior channel to draw the support arm against the lateral base extension.
US08657247B2	Ratchet platform A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail. The ratchet platform further includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. A ratchet end is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. In addition, actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also includes a strap retractor and a strap. The strap retractor retracts the strap upon achieving a strap threshold.
US08657245B2	Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.
US08657238B2	Retractable vortex generator for reducing stall speed A device and methods for low speed performance improvement of a lifting surface assembly are disclosed. At least one vortex generator is coupled to the lifting surface assembly, and the vortex generator is extended through the lifting surface assembly by drooping a hinged leading coupled to the lifting surface assembly to increase lift. The vortex generator is retracted inside the lifting surface assembly to decrease drag.
US08657236B2	Aircraft provided with aerodynamic seal for reduction of noise generated by aircraft control surfaces Aircraft are provided with a perforated blade seal at the lower and/or upper side edges of a control surface contour, such as a flap, with the purpose of acting as a vortex generator, thereby making it difficult for the lower vortex system to move upwards and merge with the upper vortex system. The perforated blade seals are preferably arranged on the inboard and outboard edges of high lift flaps.
US08657233B2	Tail-cone of an aircraft with movable fairing A tail-cone of an aircraft includes a skin provided with a movable fairing which, by a swing articulated mechanism, is supported on the skin in order to allow the opening/closing of the movable fairing and gain access to the inside of the tail-cone. The tail-cone includes actuators for operating the swing articulated mechanism in order to permit the automatic opening and closing of the movable fairing to be carried out.
US08657231B2	Aircraft cabin bin retrofit Disclosed herein is an asymmetric luggage stowage bin arrangement, with a pair of buckets attached to a single bin housing. The buckets being unequal in length, to optimize the storage capacity of the bin housing relative to the most common luggage dimensions on the market. In one form, the asymmetric luggage stowage bin arrangement is used as a retrofit to replace shelf-style luggage stowage compartments common to older style aircraft.
US08657230B2	Aircraft based non-dedicated special mission pod mounting apparatus Particular embodiments comprise a non-dedicated, temporarily installed, airborne special mission payload mounting system which is mechanically interfaced to the Air Deployment System (ADS) rails of a host cargo aircraft. An Adaptive Mounting Plate (AMP) is placed over an ADS rail section and restrained in position. Once the AMP is secured, an articulated or fixed position strut can be attached to it through the opened side doorway without removing the original door. Once the fixed position or articulated strut is bolted to the AMP, a one piece or segmented two piece pressurized door plug indented along its lower periphery to accommodate the protruding form factor of the fixed position or articulated strut is installed within the vacant doorway above the strut providing an airtight seal and thereby permitting pressurization of the aircraft.
US08657227B1	Independent power generation in aircraft Systems and methods of independent power generation are disclosed. A particular system includes an aircraft having at least one engine and a plurality of independent power units. Each power unit of the plurality of independent power units generates electricity independently of the at least one engine. The plurality of independent power units include at least a first independent power unit that generates first electricity having a first set of electrical characteristics and a second independent power unit that generates second electricity having a second set of electrical characteristics concurrently with the first power unit generating the first electricity. The first set of electrical characteristics is different than the second set of electrical characteristics.
US08657224B2	Cable cord retractor A retractor for storing a length of cord that includes a first and second pair of pulleys mounted at opposite ends of a frame. An intermediate section of a cord is stored in the frame. The stored cord section is at least partially wound over the pair of pulleys, and one pair of pulleys is slidably mounted for motion toward the other pair of pulleys. A damper is coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages the pulley to rotate about an axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal.
US08657223B2	Webbing take-up device A webbing take-up device that can regulate displacement of a held part such as clutch while suppressing or preventing a drop in the assembility of the held part such as clutch. A projection is formed on a bridge portion in a wall portion on the opposite side of a holding portion side. When a cover plate is attached to a frame, a base portion of the cover plate contacts a distal end of the wall portion, but at the portion where the projection is formed, the based portion presses the projection and bends the bridge portion. By the bridge portion bending, a touching surface of the holding portion contacts a base portion of a clutch plate and regulates displacement of the clutch plate. Moreover, in a state where the bridge portion is not bending, a clearance is formed between the touching surface and the base portion when the clutch plate is disposed, so the clutch plate can be also be easily attached.
US08657217B2	Equipment for producing granules from plants Equipment for producing granules from a ligneous material includes a unit (LPGcont) for the continuous production of agglomerated plant particles, a unit (GAC) for the production of hot air from plants, the hot air being used for the production of the agglomerated particles, and also at least one mobile load-bearing structure to which the two production units are attached.
US08657210B2	Circulating paint systems A painting system for painting a plurality of colours comprises a plurality of paint supply networks and a plurality of paint return networks, each network for a corresponding paint colour. A number of paint delivery stations are also provided, each including a plurality of drop lines. Each drop line is in communication with a corresponding paint supply network. Each drop line includes a downstream end coupling. Each paint delivery station includes a plurality of paint return nodes, each in communication with a corresponding paint return network. A paint gun unit is provided with a paint gun supply coupling. The paint gun supply coupling is complementary with each of the downstream end couplings of a corresponding drop line. The downstream end coupling of each drop line is uniquely shaped to engage only with the correct paint return node.
US08657208B2	Split flow gate for spreader A flow gate includes first and second body members, first and second flow control members, and first and second locking mechanisms. The first and second body members operatively attach to and detach from each other. The first and second flow control members adjust between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The first and second locking mechanisms selectively prevent and allow adjustment of the first and second flow control members. The first and second flow control members prevent the flow of material from an associated spreader when both the first and second flow control members are in the closed position, and allow the flow of material from the associated spreader when either the first or the second flow control member is in the opened position or in one of the plurality of partially opened positions.
US08657204B2	Information providing system, apparatus and method for information processing, and computer program product An information providing system includes the following elements. An IC card stores card ID. An information providing terminal reads out the card ID of the IC card, provides information to the IC card, and transmits the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the ID of the provided information to a management server. The management server receives the card ID and the information provided to the IC card or the provided information ID from the information providing terminal, has a database to manage the card ID and the provided information such that the card ID is associated with the provided information, acquires the information provided to the IC card from the database in response to an information request from a client terminal, and supplies the provided information to the client terminal. The client terminal displays the provided information supplied from the management server.
US08657202B2	Card reader In a card reader having a card pulling-preventing function, provided is a card reader that can achieve energy savings. More specifically, a card reader 1 is equipped with a card moving passage 6 in which a card is moved, a pulling-preventing member 9 which is configured to be capable of turning to a closed position to close the card moving passage 6 and to an open position to open the card moving passage 6 and which prevents the pulling of the card at the closed position, an urging member 10 for urging the pulling-preventing member 9 to the closed position, a turning-regulating member which regulates the turning of the pulling-preventing member 9 by abutting on the pulling-preventing member 9 at the closed position, and a solenoid 12 which moves the turning-regulating member 11 to a turning-regulating position at which the turning of the pulling-preventing member 9 is regulated and to a turning position at which the turning of the pulling-preventing member 9 is enabled.
US08657198B2	End user-customizable data capture terminal for and method of imaging and processing target data A data capture terminal for, and a method of, processing one or more target data, such as symbols, arranged at spaced-apart locations on a target, employ an electro-optical reader for electro-optically reading the data on the target, and a controller for processing at least one of the data, and for determining whether the at least one data has been successfully processed. An interpretation engine customizes the controller with user-selected logic. The interpretation engine is operative, preferably after the at least one data has been successfully processed, to instruct the controller with logical conditions under which the other data on the target is to be processed.
US08657197B2	Account application product, associated package and method for processing an associated application An account application product includes a package, an account identifier and a terms sheet. The package includes a first panel extending from a free edge to a first fold line, a second panel extending away from the first fold line to a second fold line, and a third panel extending away from the second fold line. The first panel is folded back along the first fold line toward a first surface of the second panel to define a storage area between the first panel and the second panel. The third panel is folded forward along the second fold line toward a second surface of the second panel. The account identifier indicates an account associated with the account application product and is configured to be machine readable. The terms sheet is selectively stored in the storage area and includes printed terms for the account. Associated packages and method are also disclosed.
US08657196B2	Systems and methods of capturing security images in an automated data reader The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for detecting and handling exception situations in an automated data reading system. In one configuration, an illumination source is triggered to generate light pulses and a security imager is triggered synchronous with light pulses of the illumination source. The security imager captures security images of items that are transported through an automated data reader, e.g. optical code reader. The captured security images are configured to be displayed for a user or operator to use to identify an exception item. A plurality of decode imagers capture image data that can be used to identify and read an optical code disposed on an item transported through the automated data reader. The decode imagers capture images synchronous with light pulses of the illumination source.
US08657193B2	Physical credentials and related methods Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article through use of a variety of different card constructions (e.g., involving quantum dots, phase change materials, MEMS structures, etc.). A variety of other arrangements and features are also detailed.
US08657188B2	Automated banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The automated banking machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to transaction function devices such as the card reader to avoid exceeding power supply capacity.
US08657186B2	Tagging and identification system for luggage An itinerary travel tag attached to a piece of luggage, the travel tag including a code; a mechanism for retrieving and sending the code electronically; an internet server connected electronically to the mechanism for receiving the code, and for providing a website including a webpage associated with the code and used to provide information pertaining to the piece of luggage, such that the piece of luggage can be tracked and the information used remotely to locate and retrieve the piece of luggage at any time and in any location.
US08657178B2	Surgical stapling apparatus Disclosed is a disposable surgical stapling unit configured for use with an actuation device that has an elongated shaft assembly. The disposable surgical stapling unit may include a housing assembly and a staple cartridge carrier configured to operably support a staple cartridge, and a drive member operably supported within the staple cartridge carrier. The drive member may comprise a cutting edge to cut tissue and a proximal end configured for operable engagement with a control member operably supported within the elongated shaft assembly. The disposable surgical stapling unit may further include articulation joints operably supported between the housing assembly and the staple cartridge carrier for selectively articulating the staple cartridge carrier about multiple articulation axes.
US08657177B2	Surgical apparatus and method for endoscopic surgery The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical instrument and methods for performing a diverticulum treatment. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a jaw assembly. The elongated member is operably coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly, while the jaw assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member. The jaw assembly includes a knife slot that is defined therewithin and is adapted to receive a knife blade to thereby cut tissue that is disposed between the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly is configured to approximate an esophageal tract and a diverticulum.
US08657173B2	Portable type fastener driving tool In a gas combustion type nail driving device, a head part (3) which is disposed on the front surface of the main body is provided with (a) a guide tube (35) through which a rod (17) and a nail n pass; (b) a main guide body (36) on which the guide tube (35) is disposed; (c) a subguide (37) which makes a pair with the main guide body (36) and forms a nail feed space; (d) a feed motor (48); and (e) a gear unit (46) which is driven by the feed motor (47). The nail connecting body N is fed to the guide tube (35) by the feed gear (73).
US08657168B2	Golf bag or other shoulder-borne device having double strap to single strap convertibility Golf bags and other shoulder borne devices have strapping systems capable of converting between a single strap configuration and a double strap configuration. The strapping system includes two main straps. In the double strap configuration, the first strap member has three ends, each of which is attached to a location on the golf bag (or other structure), and the second strap member has one free end attached to the golf bag (or other structure) and one free end attached to a central area of the first strap member. When converting to the single strap configuration, the first strap member is removed from the golf bag (or other structure) completely, and the free end of the second strap member that was attached to the first strap member is removed therefrom and engaged with the golf bag (or other structure).
US08657159B2	Dispensing device for dispensing a liquid product A dispensing device includes a that is longitudinally movable in a second chamber and has an outer surface sealingly contacting an inner surface of the second chamber. An intermediate valve is positioned between an interior part of the first chamber and an interior part of the second chamber. The intermediate valve includes a valve seat plate having at least one opening and a valve flapper plate having at least one flapper for covering the at least one opening in the valve seat plate. The at least one flapper moves to an open position allowing the liquid product to flow from the interior space of first chamber to the interior space of the second chamber when the first chamber is moved in a first longitudinal direction and moves to a closed position limiting flow of the liquid product when the first chamber is moved in an opposite second longitudinal direction.
US08657158B1	Selectable flavor dispenser for a beverage container A selectable flavor dispenser comprises a base beverage container, an additive selecting and dispensing assembly, and a drinking cup. The additive selecting and dispensing assembly each comprises an additive dispensing vial, a dispensing mechanism, and a dispensing actuator. By selecting and activating a specific actuator, a user is able to dispense a desired additive into a base beverage and deliver the mixture to the drinking cup through a straw, a check valve, and a bifurcated nozzle. A vacuum breaker allows incoming air to replace the volume of the depleted base beverage.
US08657156B2	Feeding device for a balls-sorting machine A feeding device for a balls-sorting machine serves to guide balls to a rotary ball-carrying disc disposed in a housing, the ball-carrying disc is formed with a plurality of ball-falling holes. The feeding device comprises: a feeding hopper, a dividing device, and a control unit. The feeding hopper includes a feeding hole and a feeding passage connected to the housing. The dividing device is abutted against the ball-carrying disc and formed with a receiving space, and a sub-inputting hole and a sub-outputting hole which are in communication with the receiving space, the sub-inputting hole is connected to the feeding passage, and the sub-outputting hole is located corresponding to the ball-falling holes of the ball-carrying disc.
US08657155B2	Single unit dispensing cap A cap for a container configured for dispensing single items, such as pills, held in said container. The cap channel extends from an upper surface to a lower end providing a passageway through the cap to allow for a predetermined quantity of items to be transferred through a port in an upper portion of the cap. The cap has a lid moveable from a closed position to an open position. In its closed position dispensing of items is prevented; in its open position at least one item is dispensed through the port. A gate is operable, in a first orientation to partially block the passageway and, in a second orientation, to unblock the passageway to allow a preset number of items, to pass through. Alternatively, a diverter is incorporated to control flow of the contents.
US08657151B2	Hand protection barrier dispenser A hand protection barrier dispenser for dispensing disposable sanitary barriers for temporarily covering the hand and providing complete hand protection is disclosed which dispenses the hand protection barriers in a manner so that they may easily be donned by a user thereof. The hand protection barrier operates to open each of the hand protection barriers into a position to be readily donned and dispensed. The hand protection barrier dispenser dispenses only a single hand protection barrier at a time.
US08657148B2	Drinking container lid with soft spout A container including a main body and a removable lid. The main body defines an interior cavity accessible through an opening at an upper end of the main body, and the main body has a rim about the opening. The removable lid secures to the rim of the main body to enclose the interior cavity. The removable lid includes an upper portion having a convex surface and comprises a soft, flexible material. The removable lid also includes a spout integrally molded with the upper portion and extending from the upper portion at an off-center location. The spout is shaped and sized to be received inside a child's mouth. The spout includes a wall and a flexible membrane supported by the wall. The membrane has a convex surface facing a distal end of the spout and forming a cavity within the distal end of the spout, and a valve configured to provide fluid communication between the interior cavity and the child's mouth when sufficient pressure is applied to the distal end of the spout.
US08657147B2	Fluid line A container with a tube is disclosed, which is suitable for receiving therein urea-containing liquids and which, especially due to its material properties, can easily be installed subsequently into vehicles and engines. The tube can consist of TPV.
US08657146B2	Optimized high pressure vessel A vessel is disclosed, the vessel including a main body having a hollow interior for receiving a fluid therein, wherein at least a portion of the hollow interior includes a filling material disposed therein to minimize a rate of flow of the fluid from the main body, wherein the filling material is at least one of a porous structured material and a granulate material.
US08657144B2	Portable work bench paint tray with stair adaptor A tray for use during painting includes a stair adaptor for leveling the tray along stairs and maintaining the tray on a workbench. The tray body has at least one utility recess defined therein for situating paint cans, paint stirrers, and paint brushes. A roller tray is further defined within the tray body. A front cut-out is defined along the front which is well-suited to allow the tray to be secured to a workbench by way of workbench swivel pegs. Slots are defined within the underside traveling an entire width of the tray body. A stair adaptor is adapted to engage the slots. As a result, upon placement of the tray body on an upper step of a stairway the stair adaptor levels the tray while the base of the stair adaptor rests on an adjacent lower step.
US08657142B2	Tank with internal baffle A tank for holding liquid having internal partitions. The partitions have enlarged bottom ends fillable with liquid and restable on the bottom wall of the tank to limit sideways movement of the partitions. The partitions are mounted to the tank only above the liquid within the tank by a channel that loosely receives the top ends of the partition.
US08657141B2	Cartridge with integrated closure cap The cartridge includes a storage chamber for the reception of one or more filler materials and a neck which contains a discharge passage for each filler material. A shock absorbing element extends about the neck and is connected at one end to the neck. A closure cap is connected to the shock absorbing element or cartridge by a hinge to selectively open and close the discharge passage(s). When in the closure position over the discharge passage(s), the closure cap is recessed within and spaced from the shock absorbing element to avoid being loosened by an impact force.
US08657140B2	Filler cap for fuel tank A filler cap for a fuel tank wherein, when a pressure increases in the fuel tank, the valve body moves upward so an upper peripheral edge part of the valve body may be contacted to a first surface of shoulder cylinder portion, thereby shutting down a connection between a second space of cylinder main body and a third space connected to atmosphere. When the pressure in the fuel tank exceeds a pressure for a deformation strength of the valve body, a central part of the valve body enters into the third space causing deformation to shorten the outer diameter thereof; in the peripheral part of the valve body a concave portion not contacted to a lower end of a third surface that forms the third space, and the second space and the third space are connected via a space of this concave portion to release excessive pressure.
US08657137B2	Synthetic resin bottle A biaxially stretched, blow molded synthetic resin bottle with a bottom includes a sunken bottom portion that is capable of drawing upward in a reversible manner, when internal pressure goes down. This sunken bottom portion includes an inner peripheral wall portion standing from near an inner edge of a ground contact portion disposed along a peripheral foot, a central concave portion disposed at a center of the bottom, a reversible wall portion in a flat ring shape, which is reversibly deformable into an upward drawing state and which connects an upper end of the inner peripheral wall to the base of the central concave portion, and a circular rib wall portion disposed at a connection between the reversible wall portion and the upper end of the inner peripheral wall portion so as to perform the function as a peripheral rib.
US08657134B2	Hoisting limit switch and lifting device The present disclosure relates to a hoisting limit switch for limiting the maximum allowed hoisting height of a hoisting cable, wherein the hoisting limit switch includes a read-write device for reading and writing data, and a means from which the operating condition of the hoisting limit switch can be read out by the read-write device.
US08657132B2	Bin divider for use in a door bin A moveable bin divider is provided for use in a door bin. The divider includes a divider plate extending at least a portion of the width and depth of a bin within which it is used. The divider plate includes a panel integral and perpendicular thereto which extends vertically and includes a first portion connected by a bridge over a wall of a bin with which it is used to a second portion which terminates at an engagement mechanism such as a tongue or groove. The engagement mechanism is received or receives a corresponding tongue or groove on a wall of a bin in which the bin divider is received for securely holding the divider within the bin. The engagement mechanism is biased against the bin wall to prevent undesired movement of the moveable bin divider. A combination bin and bin divider is also provided.
US08657130B2	Modular overhead storage A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.
US08657127B2	Gun and fishing rod holder A gun and fishing rod holder. The holder comprises a pair of stands mounted on a table. The stands can be arranged in first (gun holding) and second (fishing rod holding) configurations. The first (gun holding) configuration of a stand comprises a pair of U-shaped channels. The second (fishing rod holding) configuration of a stand comprises an upside-down U-shaped support having a plurality of rod holders.
US08657123B2	Composite semipermeable membrane and manufacturing method therefor An object of the present invention is to provide a composite semipermeable membrane which has excellent chemical resistance, separation performance, and water permeability, and the composite semipermeable membrane has the following structure. The present invention provides a composite semipermeable membrane in which an separation function layer is formed on a microporous supporting membrane, wherein the separation function layer is formed from (A) a silicon compound in which a reactive group having an ethylenically unsaturated group and a hydrolyzable group are directly bonded to silicon atoms, and (B) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group other than the silicon compound, by condensation of the hydrolyzable group of the silicon compound (A) and polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated group of the silicon compound (A) and the ethylenically unsaturated group of the compound (B) having the ethylenically unsaturated group.
US08657122B2	Clog resistant media retainer assembly A media retainer assembly for retaining filter media in a filter assembly includes a top plate for supporting the filter media, the top plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; a bottom plate having a top surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; and scouring media, the scouring media being adapted to abrade the surfaces of the top and bottom plates. The top plate is connected to the bottom plate such that the top surface of the bottom plate is spaced from the bottom surface of the top plate to define at least one chamber between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top surface of the top plate is in fluid communication with the chamber via the openings in the top plate. The scouring media is supported by the bottom plate within the at least one chamber.
US08657120B2	Trapping structures for a particle separation cell Trapping structures are provided for particle separation devices that make use of traveling wave fluid flow. These trapping structures are operative to capture and collect separated particles and present them for extraction. The extraction can be accomplished in conventional manners, such as through the use of suitable sized pipettes.
US08657114B2	Package with contrasting graphics A package includes an outer structure having at least one display face. The display face has a framing region and a focal region. The framing region has a framing pattern having a framing pattern complexity value and the focal region has a focal pattern having a focal pattern complexity value. The difference between the framing pattern complexity value and the focal pattern complexity value is at least 3.
US08657113B1	Tool storage and bolt organizer device A tool storage and bolt organizer device (10) is provided having a tray top (11) including a bolt storage rack (21), and hex head bolt size gauges (19) and (20). A modular bolt storage rack (26) is removably coupled to the bolt storage rack (21) providing for additional bolt storage. The tray top (11) is preferably constructed by a plastic injection molding process and the support frame (35) preferably includes a first leg (38) and a second leg (39) that are pivotally connected. The legs desirably have a generally X-shaped configuration when the legs are placed an upright position and the legs can be collapsed into a storage position. The support frame (35) can be connected to the tray top (11) by inserting the legs (38) and (39) into the clamps (25) to fully erect the tool storage and bolt organizer device (10). The legs (38) and (39) can detached and the tray top (11) can be utilized by itself where the clamps (25) can function as a base to rest on a surface.
US08657108B2	Package container for orthodontic mouthpiece A packaging container is constructed by a packaging container main body with a lid portion, and a label adhered to an upper surface of the packaging container main body. An accommodating portion main body of the packaging container main body has a first flange portion around an accommodating portion, and second flange portions positioned at right and left side ends of the first flange portion and extending in an outward direction from an upper end of each of step portions having the same height as a thickness of the lid portion. Further, an engagement concave portion engaging with an engagement portion of the lid portion is formed in a front portion in the center of the first flange portion, and the label is adhered to upper surfaces of the lid portion and the second flange portions to seal the container main body, and is unsealed by a cut line.
US08657104B2	Belt positioning system, multi-roller assembly and image forming apparatus employing same A belt positioning system for positioning a movable belt entrained about a plurality of generally parallel rollers for moving in a trans-axial direction perpendicular to an axial direction in which the rollers extend parallel to each other includes a tapered flange. The tapered flange is operatively connected to an axial end of a specific one of the plurality of generally parallel rollers, and includes a generally planar contact surface and an angled guide surface. The generally planar contact surface extends generally perpendicular to the axial direction to contact an adjoining edge of the belt. The angled guide surface extends radially outward from the contact surface and has a diameter increasing outward in the axial direction.
US08657102B2	Conveyor apparatus A conveyor apparatus for conveying objects (6) along a path, the path including an upstream portion (17) and a curved portion (13), the upstream portion (17) defining a direction of entry into the curved portion (13), the curved portion (13) defining a radially outward direction transverse to the direction of entry into the curved portion; the conveyor apparatus comprising suspension means (4) adapted to travel along the path and to carry an object (6) to be conveyed suspended at the suspension means (4); and deflection means (10) arranged to deflect an object (6) suspended at the suspension means (4) in the radially outward direction when the suspension means (4) travels along the upstream portion (17) towards the curved portion (13).
US08657101B2	Conveying apparatus for articles and plant for handling such articles comprising said conveying appartus There is disclosed a conveying apparatus for articles, provided with a first conveyor having an inlet section for articles to be conveyed and an outlet section for the articles, and with a second conveyor which can be selectively set in communication with a transfer section of the first conveyor; the first conveyor is selectively set in a first operative release configuration of the articles at the outlet section and in at least one second operative release configuration of the articles at its transfer section; the second conveyor is selectively set in a first operative withdrawal configuration of the articles from the first conveyor at its transfer section and at least in one second operative inhibition configuration of this withdrawal.
US08657100B2	Conveyor slide plate with reservoir A conveyor slide plate for movably supporting a support element along a track or rail of a material handling system includes a body portion configured to be received at the track or rail and to move along the track or rail when driven by a chain of the material handling system. The body portion of the slide plate includes at least one reservoir formed in an upper surface of the body portion. The reservoir is configured to receive lubricating fluid therein, and is configured to direct the flow of the lubricating fluid toward a sliding interface between the body portion of the slide plate and the track or rail, such as to at least one perimeter region of the body portion of the slide plate.
US08657099B2	Twisting conveying device for preforms The device includes several rails supported by a frame (17) which form a kind of tunnel for the end of the preforms, on the neck (21) side. The tunnel is twisted and the two rails (12) and (13) which act as a guidance under the neck have a separation which is constant between the entrance (4) and the exit (5) of the tunnel in order to convey diverse and varying preforms. One of the rails, the rail (12), is straight and the other rail, the rail (13), is curved, this curved rail (13) having a profile created in accordance with the type of preform to be conveyed. The straight rail (12) corresponds to the edge of a guide (15) in the form of a simple flat which is fixed to the frame (17), and the curved rail (13) also corresponds to the edge of a guide (16) in the form of a simple flat which is also fixed suitably to the said frame (17).
US08657098B2	Systems and methods for processing eggs An apparatus for processing packages of eggs on a conveyor is disclosed which comprises an egg orienter configured and arranged with respect to the conveyor so as to adjust a position of one or more of the eggs in each of the packages so that each of the eggs in a given package assumes a particular orientation within that package. In some embodiments, the egg orienter may be located between an egg loading section and a package closing section of an egg packer. In addition, in some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a laser source and one or more optical steering elements configured and arranged to direct laser energy from the laser source so as to laser mark information on a surface of one or more of the eggs while the eggs are in a package disposed on the conveyor and in said particular orientation. Further, in some embodiments, the egg orienter may be further configured and arranged to adjust the position of the one or more eggs in each of the packages so that a long axis of each egg in a given package is tilted toward the back of the package so as to be at least slightly offset from vertical and/or so that so that long axes of all of the eggs in each row of eggs in the package form approximate right angles with respect to a line intercepting bottoms of receptacles holding the eggs in such a row.
US08657096B2	Door machine having chain disk locking mechanism A door machine having an electric motor and a chain disk locking mechanism. The chain disk locking mechanism includes a chain disk, an engaging rotary block, a stationary shaft and a plurality of moving pins. When the chain disk is pulled to rotate, the fixed pins of the chain disk press the moving pins so as to push the engaging rotary block to rotate with the stationary shaft together. When the stationary shaft is pulled to rotate, the engaging rotary block prohibits the moving pins from rotation. When the chain disk is pulled manually, the rolling door can be rolled upward or downward; when cease pulling the chain disk, braking is immediately effected so as to prevent the rolling door from moving upward or downward. Hence, the clutch mechanism can be omitted for cost saving and the structure of the mechanism can be simplified.
US08657092B2	Safety coupling for the transmission of rotary motion The safety coupling includes a driving part (10) and a driven part (12) able to rotate around the same rotation axis (X) and respectively provided with first torque transmission means (14, 24) and with second torque transmission means (30, 36, 40, 52, 60, 62) having front toothings (24, 40, 60, 62) normally meshing with each other for the transmission of torque between the two parts of the coupling (10, 12). The safety coupling also includes torque-sensitive opening means (66, 72, 110) arranged to disengage the front toothings (24, 40, 60, 62) of the first (14, 24) and second (30, 36, 40, 52, 60, 62) torque transmission means, thus interrupting the torque transmission, when the torque transmitted between the two parts of the coupling (10, 12) exceeds a given maximum value. The torque-sensitive opening device includes a pressure chamber filled with an incompressible fluid and a valve device adapted to automatically control the discharge of the fluid from the pressure chamber if a given maximum fluid pressure value is exceeded in the pressure chamber.
US08657088B2	Lock-up clutch Disclosed is a lock-up clutch operative to uniform temperatures on a multiple number of friction surfaces, thereby improving accuracy of a lock-up control and to prevent shudders of a vehicle from being generated. The lock-up clutch includes a front cover, a lock-up piston, a plurality of torque transmitting plates, and a plurality of friction materials formed on the torque transmitting plates and having three or more friction surfaces. The friction materials are constituted by a first friction material frictionally contactable with the front cover, a second friction material frictionally contactable with the lock-up piston, and third friction materials frictionally contactable with at least one of the plates. Three or more friction surfaces are constituted by outside friction surfaces formed on the first and second friction materials and each having a small area, and inside friction surfaces formed on the third friction materials and each having a large area.
US08657082B2	Brake disc for a vehicle and method for the production thereof The invention relates to a brake disc (BS) for a vehicle, comprising a main body (G) that is made of a metal material, particularly gray cast iron, which has friction surfaces (R) having a coating (B) made of a hard material.According to the invention, the coating (B) is formed from carbides, ceramics, cermet or metals.
US08657081B2	Disc brake Disclosed herein is a disc brake to allow a shim to be easily coupled to a pad plate and to maintain strong coupling between the shim and the pad plate so as to prevent separation of the mounted shim. The disc brake includes pad plates each having frictional pads, a piston and a caliper housing to press the pad plates toward a disc, a shim attached to one surface of each of the pad plates to be pressed by the piston or the caliper housing, a coupling hook protruding from the shim and having a coupling protrusion at an end thereof, and a coupling hole perforated in each of the pad plates to allow the coupling hook to be inserted and coupled into the coupling hole.
US08657080B2	Annular disk brake and method of increasing a brake pad clamping force The annular disk brake comprises a rotor disk and at least one brake pad provided on each side of the rotor disk. The brake pad or pads on one side are connected to a substantially axially-guided brake pad carrier. The brake has a force transmitting arrangement creating a force increasing amplification between an axially-actuated member and the carrier. This arrangement can increase the brake compactness and provide an even distribution of the braking force around the circumference of the rotor disk. A method of increasing a brake pad clamping force is also disclosed.
US08657074B2	Suspension work platform hoist system with tilt control A suspension work platform hoist system having a variable acceleration motor control system and a tilt control system. The tilt control system includes at least one tilt sensor to sense a tilt angle of the work platform and generate a tilt signal. A tilt controller receives the tilt signal and generates a speed control signal, which is used by the variable acceleration motor control system to control the operation of the hoist motors to maintain a tilt angle setpoint as the work platform is raised and lowered. The tilt control system may include a settling mode having a settling tilt angle setpoint, wherein the settling mode prevents the work platform from being raised or lowered until the tilt angle of the work platform reaches the settling tilt angle setpoint.
US08657072B2	Sawhorse with cutting support platform The design is for a sawhorse with a collapsible support platform to support material that is being cut-off or worked on. The support platform keeps the material that is being cut from falling and/or splintering at the end of the cut and reduces or eliminates the need for an addition person to support the portion of the material being cut-off or for the person doing the cutting to attempt to hold the material being cut-off with one hand while cutting with the other and creating an unsafe condition. The sawhorse with support platform does not necessarily eliminate the need for a second sawhorse to support the opposite end of the material being cut or worked on. The sawhorse can be provided with the platform on both sides to provide additional cutting or material support surface which may then eliminate the need for a second sawhorse. Additionally the cutting support platform can be provided as a separate accessory that can be mounted to various manufactures' available sawhorses. An augmentation to the support platform would be to provide a platform with a telescoping extension as shown in FIG. 4.
US08657071B2	Tree platform and support A support assembly for a tree-based platform includes a rod having a length greater than a diameter of a tree to which the platform is intended to be attached. The assembly further includes a first ring defining an opening configured to receive a portion of a tree, and a first plurality of extending members inwardly advanceable relative to the first ring. Each of the extending members has an end portion configured to engage the tree in the opening of the first ring when sufficiently advanced. The assembly further includes a second ring defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the tree, and a second plurality of extending members inwardly advanceable relative to the second ring. Each extending member has an end portion configured to engage the tree in the opening of the second ring when sufficiently advanced. The assembly further includes first and second supports. Each support has a bottom rail, a top rail, and two side rails. The top rails of the first and second support are configured to be coupled to the second ring, and the bottom rails of the first and second supports are configured to be coupled to the first ring. The assembly further includes a first tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the first support, and a second tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the second support.
US08657069B1	Expandable and portable step assembly The present invention relates to a step assembly whereby the assembly can be deployed wherein person can climb a plurality of steps in a safe and secure manner, and whereby the assembly can be compacted for storage and/or transport. In one embodiment, the step assembly has two pieces hingedly connected to each other. The first piece is taller and wider than the second piece, wherein the second piece can be collapsed into the interior of the first piece for storage. A dual purpose handle is provided, and can be selectably extended into and retracted from the second piece for storage and transport, respectively. The handle can also be inserted into the first piece to act as a railing. A rod is also provided, and can be pivoted from a first position to a second position wherein it can contact a door to prevent the door from unintentionally closing.
US08657067B1	Acoustic damping device for noise reduction A method and apparatus for reducing sound. A layer of material has holes extending from a first side of the layer of material to a second side of the layer of material. The holes are configured to provide a desired level of acoustic resistance to sound traveling through the layer of material. The layer of material is configured to be mounted to a platform.
US08657062B2	Steering system In a steering system, an operation mechanism that includes an operation member includes: a steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle of the operation member; and a steering direction detection unit that detects a steering direction of the operation member. The steering direction detection unit includes: a threaded shaft that is rotatable in the steering direction of the operation member; a nut that is screwed to the threaded shaft; a nut guide that causes the nut to move in accordance with rotation of the threaded shaft; a stopper that prevents movement of the nut beyond a predetermined position; a proximity detection sensor that detects a fact that the nut is in proximity to the stopper; and a variable axial length mechanism that reduces a clearance between the nut and the stopper in response to occurrence of a malfunction in the steering angle sensor.
US08657058B2	Vehicle A vehicle is presented. The vehicle may include a vehicle body frame; a drive wheel suspended from the vehicle body frame; a drive motor for driving the drive wheel; a battery for supplying electric power to the drive motor; a floor panel constituting a floor surface of the vehicle; and a battery support plate having a battery placement surface on which the battery is placed; wherein the battery support plate and the floor panel are supported on the vehicle body frame; and the battery placement surface is positioned below an upper surface of the floor panel.
US08657055B2	Battery arrangement for an electric vehicle with a diamond frame and auxiliary pedal drive A vehicle comprising a frame, an electromotive drive and a control unit for controlling the electromotive drive. In a method for assembling an electric motorcycle in which at least one energy source is inserted into a frame. In order to ensure easy and quick assembly of the electric motorcycle, said motorcycle comprises an auxiliary pedal drive and the frame is designed as a diamond frame with at least one upper tube, at least one lower tube and at least one seat tube, wherein said upper tube comprises a receiving shaft for at least one energy source that includes at least one tube end with a push-in opening through which the energy source can be pushed into said receiving shaft. In the method according to the invention at least one energy source is inserted through an open tube end into an upper tube of said frame.
US08657044B2	Pneumatic hybrid internal combustion engine on the basis of fixed camshafts The present disclosure relates to an pneumatic hybrid internal combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber composed of a cylinder in which a piston is arranged mechanically interconnected to a crank shaft via a piston rod. An inlet valve and an exhaust valve are both mechanically interconnected via a valve gear to the crank shaft. The engine further includes at least one charge valve which is actuated by a charge valve actuator in a fully variable manner such that the engine can be operated in a four stroke hybrid mode.
US08657043B2	Crawler type travelling device To provide a crawler type traveling device with few rotating wheel mechanisms and equalizing the pressure contacting the ground. A crawler type traveling device comprises a driving wheel driven by a driving axis; idler wheels having axes parallel to that of the driving wheel; and a crawler belt which is spooled around the driving wheel and the idler wheels and travels around the driving wheel and the idler wheels. The crawler belt comprises an inner crawler belt having an engaging structure engaging with the driving wheel, the inner crawler belt being driven by the driving wheel; an outer crawler belt encircling circumferentially the outside of the inner crawler belt; a plurality of elastic members connecting the inner crawler belt to the outer crawler belt; and a plurality of crawler plates mounted to the outer crawler belt, and having lag for engaging with the ground.
US08657042B2	Walking machine A steerable walking machine is described which comprises a leg mechanism that provides a means for locomotion of the machine across a surface and a head rotatably mounted upon the leg mechanism. The rotational position of the head upon the leg mechanism acts to defines a direction of locomotion of the machine across the surface. The steerable walking machine can therefore walk in any direction without requiring the leg mechanism to turn and so can maneuver in more confined spaces than those devices known in the art. A first motor is employed to control the leg mechanism while a second motor controls the rotation of the head upon the leg mechanism. The functionality of the steerable walking machine is therefore achieved through the employment of only two motors thus significantly reducing the manufacturing costs involved.
US08657041B2	Control system for a lawnmower vehicle having a plurality of electric motors A control system for a lawnmower vehicle having a plurality of electric motors may include at least one controller for controlling operation of the drive wheel electric motor in response to an operation amount of at least one operator. The controller may control operation of a driver for driving a mower-related electric motor to cause the mower-related electric motor to activate or stop.
US08657038B2	Expandable reamer apparatus including stabilizers An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation.
US08657036B2	Tubing shoe A tubing shoe is disclosed with a body adapted to be connected to a section of tubing to be emplaced in a wellbore and a nose provided on the body, wherein the nose includes a failure guide structure for controlling break-up of the nose upon being drilled out from inside the nose. The failure guide structure typically controls break up by limiting the maximum size of pieces of the nose broken off upon drill out, for example, by defining weakened areas of the nose which are prone to failure upon drilling. The failure guide structure can include discontinuities such as slots or bores formed or drilled into the outer surface of the nose. The failure guide structure controls the break up of the nose in a consistent and predictable manner, and typically at a predictable stage during the drill-out process.
US08657035B2	Systems and methods for providing wireless power transmissions and tuning a transmission frequency A system transmits a wireless power transmission from a bottom hole assembly of a drill string. The system has a downhole component having a wireless power transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit at least one wireless power transmission and a wireless power receiver adapted to receive the at least one wireless power transmission.
US08657034B2	Method of drilling a subterranean borehole A method of drilling a subterranean well bore using a tubular drill string described. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of injecting a drilling fluid into the well bore via the drill string and removing said drilling fluid from an annular space in the well bore around the drill string via a return line. The method can also include oscillating the pressure of the fluid in the annular space in the well bore, and monitoring the rate of flow of fluid along the return line.
US08657032B2	Electric tool An electric tool includes a housing accommodating a motor, and a break device and an operational member to turn on and turn off a drive switch of the motor. The brake device includes a brake plate fixed to an output shaft of the motor, a brake member is capable of moving toward and away from the brake plate during rotation, and an urging unit urging the brake member toward an abutment position where the brake member abuts on the brake plate. The operational member is provided with a press member that comes into abutment on the brake member through an operation of turning on the drive switch of the motor and rotates the brake member in such a rotational direction as to move away from the brake plate against the urging of the urging unit.
US08657030B2	Cordless power tool having multi-speed transmission and constant speed in light torque range A cordless power tool (300) has a transmission (12) having multiple speed ranges In the light torque range, the speed of a motor (8) of the cordless power tool is held constant to hold an output speed of the transmission (12) constant until motor power reaches a predetermined percentage of the maximum watts out of the motor.
US08657029B2	Portable power tool with grooved hand grip A power tool is provided with a prime mover which causes the tool to rotate and a housing which houses the prime mover. In a back-end face that is positioned on an opposite side on the housing from a tool side, a back-end groove, into which a user can position his/her web between his/her thumb and forefinger, is formed. A pair of side-face grooves, into which the user can place the thumb and forefinger, are formed in both side faces of the housing. A depth changing portion is formed in at least one of the side-face grooves, such that the depth is reduced toward the back-end face of the housing. According to this structure, even when the housing is gripped directly from the back-end face, the user can easily draw up or raise the power tool.
US08657028B2	Impact hammer A hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric tool may include a spindle that is adapted for rotational movement. A swing arm may be coupled to the spindle such that the rotational motion of the spindle is transferred to the swing arm. The swing arm may make contact with an anvil such that the rotational motion of the swing arm causes the anvil to move along a linear path. A piston may be operatively coupled to the anvil to follow the linear movement of the anvil. The piston may be adapted to interact with an energy storage medium when the swing arm moves the anvil in the first direction, causing energy to be stored. As the swing arm continues to rotate, the swing arm may lose contact with the anvil, thus allowing the energy storage medium to urge the piston and the anvil in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US08657026B2	Harrow A harrow includes plural hydraulic actuators to displace respective working elements between opposing first and second positions. The actuators are connected in series in a phasing relationship to define one or more hydraulic circuits. Each circuit includes a lead actuator mounted in a first orientation to displace the respective working elements in a first direction when extended and a secondary actuator in series with the lead actuator in an opposing second orientation to displace the respective working elements in the first direction when retracted. One of the ports of the secondary actuator is coupled to the same one of the ports of the lead actuator such that all of the working elements are simultaneously displaced in a common direction when supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the lead actuator. Additional actuators may be similarly connected in series in alternating orientations with the lead and secondary actuators of each circuit.
US08657024B2	Box blade with independently retractable rippers A tractor-based box blade is used to move and condition soil. The box blade has a plurality of rippers, which are forwardly- and downwardly-extending shanks terminating in relatively narrow teeth that extend into the ground. Each ripper is deployable to extend into the ground independent of the other rippers, and each ripper is stowable away from the ground independent of the other rippers. At least one scraping blade is disposed behind the rippers for smoothing soil.
US08657023B2	Multiple-section agricultural implement A self-compensating multiple-section agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a first ground-engaging tool coupled to a first frame section. A lift device in fluid communication with a hydraulic controller is coupled to the first frame section. The lift device is configured for raising and lowering the first frame section to move the first ground-engaging tool between a first ground-engaging tool transport position and a first pre-selected operating depth. A second frame section is coupled to the first frame section forward of the first ground-engaging tool. A second ground-engaging tool is coupled to the second frame section. An extendable and retractable cylinder is in fluid communication with the hydraulic controller and is coupled to the first frame section and the second frame section. The extendable and retractable cylinder is configured to move the second ground-engaging tool between a second ground-engaging tool transport position and a second pre-selected operating depth.
US08657021B1	Smart fire hydrants The present invention relates to smart monitor for fire hydrants. One embodiment of the smart monitor comprises an electronic module associated with an operating nut and nut shaft. The electronic module may be an integral part of the fire hydrant design or it may be a part of an upgrade kit for upgrading existing fire hydrant installations. The electronic module may be configured to detect when a fire hydrant has been accessed and transmit a data signal to a remote location. The electronic module may comprise any number of environmental sensors configured to monitor the water flowing through a fire hydrant, the status of the fire hydrant, and the environment surrounding the fire hydrant. One such environmental sensor a radiation sensor configured to detect ionizing radiation.
US08657020B1	Low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler A low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler, e.g., of the upright type, suitable for use in protection of at least extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies, in accordance with the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13, has a body with an internal passageway extending between an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, and a deflector mounted to the body by at least one support arm and disposed in alignment with the axis and generally spaced from the outlet end of the internal passageway. The sprinkler has a predetermined K-factor, e.g., of greater than about 16.0. The sprinkler is configured and arranged to deflect flow of water generally radially outwardly and downwardly of the sprinkler in a predetermined spray pattern. Preferably, the predetermined spray pattern has a generally polygonal shape, e.g., a rectangular shape, when viewed at a predetermined distance below the deflector.
US08657019B2	Hydrocarbon recovery enhancement methods using low salinity carbonated brines and treatment fluids Methods and systems of hydrocarbon recovery use treatment fluids comprising low salinity carbonated water. Certain embodiments comprise forming a carbonated aqueous solution formed of either fresh water or low salinity water and introducing the carbonated aqueous solution into a formation to enhance hydrocarbon recovery. Low salinity brines may be used in lieu of or in combination with the foregoing fresh water. The carbonated water or low salinity carbonated brine may be introduced as a treatment fluid through a secondary well and used to provide a motive force to sweep the hydrocarbons towards one or more production wells. The carbonated water may be produced at a well site through a desalination process that uses naturally occurring brine as its feed. Using fresh water or law salinity brines allows a higher concentration of carbon dioxide to be dissolved in the water, which enhances hydrocarbon recovery.
US08657017B2	Method and apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.
US08657014B2	Artificial lift system and method for well An artificial lift system provides a lifting mechanism located in a well. The lifting mechanism communicates with a remote intake that is located below in the well. A compressed gas source provides compressed gas to the well annulus at a pressure that is sufficient to move the well fluid from the remote intake up to the lifting mechanism. The well has an annulus and tubing. The well has isolation elements that isolate the producing formation from compressed gas in the annulus. Various sources of compressed gas can be used such as a compressor, an accumulator or a gas sales line. A controller is provided to control the intermittent application and removal of compressed gas in the annulus and also to control the operation of the lifting mechanism. The well could be a horizontal well or a vertical well. The well could be a cased hole or an open hole well.
US08657010B2	Downhole flow device with erosion resistant and pressure assisted metal seal A downhole flow device has a sliding and ported sleeves. A seal has a first component on the sliding sleeve and a second component on the ported sleeve. These components engage one another to seal flow through the ports in the ported sleeve. The components move apart to allow fluid flow through the ports. The components are protected from abrasion and flow by virtue of the seal's structure and how it is opened. The sliding sleeve moves hydraulically along an axis of the ported sleeve to reveal successive ports defined along the sleeve's axis. Operation of the device and the seal address both erosion and damage from differential pressure problems. Thus, the seal prevent damage when unloading a differential pressure across it, and abrasive flow does not have the opportunity to impinge on the sealing surfaces to cause erosion.
US08657008B2	Process for treating underground formations A process for disrupting filter cake in an underground formation, which process comprises: (i) incorporating into a treatment fluid a solid polymer capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; (ii) introducing the treatment fluid into the underground formation; and (iii) allowing the solid polymer to hydrolyse in the presence of water to produce organic acid such that acid soluble material within the filter cake or adjacent formation is dissolved.
US08657007B1	Hydraulic jar with low reset force A hydraulic jar for delivering impacts downhole. The jarring mechanism includes a cup-type piston that moves through a seal bore. The cup is deformable in response to fluid pressure so that it expands each time it moves through the seal bore to compensate for wear on the lip. Since only minimum interference is required between the piston and seal bore, less material may be used. This reduces the force required to reset the tool, which is particularly advantageous in horizontal wells. The seal bore may be slightly wider at the exit; the cup expands to this exit diameter, ensuring an interference fit as the cup travels back through the smaller diameter entry section. The entry end of the seal bore may include longitudinal grooves. This prevents the piston cup from rupturing by preventing a fluid seal around the lip until the most of cup is inside the seal bore.
US08657005B2	Systems and methods for hydraulic barrier formation to improve sweep efficiency in subterranean oil reservoirs Systems and methods for creating a hydraulic barrier at an interface between high and low permeability regions that may exist in high permeability-contrast subterranean formations. These systems and methods may include providing injection and/or production wells that are completed within the high and/or low permeability regions, supplying a pore throat blocking agent to an interface between the high and low permeability regions, and forming the hydraulic barrier at the interface. The pore throat blocking agent may be sized to substantially flow through the high permeability region while being substantially blocked, or occluded, from the low permeability region. In some embodiments, the hydraulic barrier may be greater than one acre (0.4 hectare) in area. In some embodiments, the subterranean formation may include an oil reservoir. In some embodiments, the high and/or low permeability formations may be swept concurrently and/or independently to remove oil from the oil reservoir.
US08657002B2	Degradable fiber systems for stimulation A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.
US08657001B2	Downhole release joint An apparatus comprises a support member operable to be disposed within a tubular member that includes a threaded connection with a pin member. The tubular member is coupled to an expansion device that is operable to radially expand the tubular member and a pin catcher that is operable to engage the pin member as the expansion device and pin catcher move axially through the tubular member.
US08656989B1	Grid-stiffened panel with integrated fluid distribution channels A modified isogrid panel including face sheets and underlying longitudinal and transverse ribs which stiffen the panel. The ribs are hollow to provide fluid channels for distributing fluid to various sections of each face sheet. A valve at each node where ribs intersect controls or reroutes fluid flow through the fluid channels in the ribs. The ribs are the primary fluid distributors and are fluidly connected to capillary channels located beneath the surface of each face sheet.
US08656988B1	External reinforcement of connections between header tanks and tubes in heat exchangers A heat exchanger has first and second sides and comprises a pair of tanks, with each of the tanks defining an interior and including a header. A plurality of openings is formed in the header; The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of tubes extending between the openings in the tanks, with each of the tubes having opposite end portions joined to the tanks to fluidly connect the interiors of the tanks through interiors of the tubes. The heat exchanger comprises at least one reinforcement ribbon element extending across a juncture between the header and the plurality of tubes to reinforce a connection between the header and the plurality of tubes.
US08656987B2	Process for producing heat exchanger tubes and heat exchanger tubes A process for making heat exchanger tubes includes the operating steps of cutting a piece of sheet, subjecting the piece of sheet (3) to a forming step to obtain a plurality of first elements (8, 9) which mirror one another, and bending the piece of sheet (3) to create a tubular element (1) which has two flat walls (4) with the raised elements (8, 9) on them, the flat walls being opposite one another and joined by two connecting walls (5). The first raised elements (8) have an extended shape according to their main direction of extension. The forming step involves making one or more higher second raised elements (9).
US08656985B2	Rackmount rear door heat exchanger A heat exchange apparatus is provided and includes an external structure to support an airflow cooled computing device, first and second doors, each of which includes a heat transfer surface, sequentially coupled to the external structure downstream from the computing device, a water supply system fluidly coupled to a water supply and to the heat transfer surfaces of the first and second doors to thereby supply water to the heat transfer surfaces, first and second valves coupled to the water supply system for association with the first and second doors, respectively, and an exhaust system, disposed proximate to the external structure, configured to recycle the cooled airflow downstream from the first and second doors for repeated cooling of the computing device.
US08656982B2	Part for removing impurities from a molten metal The present invention arranges the part for removing impurities from a molten metal containing a filter holder constituted of a structure containing an organic fiber, an inorganic fiber and thermosetting resin and a heat-resistant filter in the runner of the mold.

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