最新美国发明专利第2014-03-11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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US08669184B2	Method for improving flatness of a layer deposited on polycrystalline layer Described is a method for improving the flatness of a layer deposited on a doped polycrystalline layer, which includes reducing the grain size of the polycrystalline layer to decrease the out-diffusion amount of the dopant from the polycrystalline layer, and/or reducing the amount of the out-diffusing dopant on the surface of the polycrystalline layer.
US08669182B2	Metal cap with ultra-low κ dielectric material for circuit interconnect applications An interconnect structure is provided that has enhanced electromigration reliability without degrading circuit short yield, and improved technology extendibility. The inventive interconnect structure includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less. The dielectric material has at least one conductive material embedded therein. A noble metal cap is located directly on an upper surface of the at least one conductive region. The noble metal cap does not substantially extend onto an upper surface of the dielectric material that is adjacent to the at least one conductive region, and the noble cap material does not be deposited on the dielectric surface. A method fabricating such an interconnect structure utilizing a low temperature (about 300° C. or less) chemical deposition process is also provided.
US08669179B2	Through-wafer interconnects for photoimager and memory wafers A through-wafer interconnect for imager, memory and other integrated circuit applications is disclosed, thereby eliminating the need for wire bonding, making devices incorporating such interconnects stackable and enabling wafer level packaging for imager devices. Further, a smaller and more reliable die package is achieved and circuit parasitics (e.g., L and R) are reduced due to the reduced signal path lengths.
US08669172B2	Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor device A semiconductor substrate having a main surface, first and second floating gates formed spaced apart from each other on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, first and second control gates respectively located on the first and second floating gates, a first insulation film formed on the first control gate, a second insulation film formed on the second control gate to contact the first insulation film, and a gap portion formed at least between the first floating gate and the second floating gate by achieving contact between the first insulation film and the second insulation film are included. With this, a function of a nonvolatile semiconductor device can be ensured and a variation in a threshold voltage of a floating gate can be suppressed.
US08669169B2	Diffusion sources from liquid precursors Methods for selectively diffusing dopants into a substrate wafer are provided. A liquid precursor is doped with dopants. The liquid precursor is selected from a group comprising monomers, polymers, and oligomers of silicon and hydrogen. The doped liquid precursor is deposited on a surface of the substrate wafer to create a doped film. The doped film is heated on the substrate wafer for diffusing the dopants from the doped film into the substrate wafer at different diffusion rates to create a heavily diffused region and a lightly diffused region in the substrate wafer. The method disclosed herein further comprises selective curing of the doped film on the surface of the substrate wafer. The selectively cured doped film acts as a diffusion source for selectively diffusing the dopants into the substrate wafer.
US08669161B2	Fabricating method of mirror bit memory device having split ONO film with top oxide film formed by oxidation process A device and method employing a polyoxide-based charge trapping component. A charge trapping component is patterned by etching a layered stack that includes a tunneling layer positioned on a substrate, a charge trapping layer positioned on the tunneling layer, and an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the charge trapping layer. An oxidation process grows a gate oxide layer from the substrate and converts the amorphous silicon layer into a polyoxide layer.
US08669158B2	Non-volatile memory (NVM) and logic integration A method of forming an NVM cell and a logic transistor uses a semiconductor substrate. A polysilicon select gate of the NVM cell is formed over a first thermally-grown oxygen-containing layer in an NVM region and a polysilicon dummy gate is formed over a second thermally-grown oxygen-containing layer in a logic region. Source/drains, a sidewall spacer, and silicided regions of the logic transistor are formed after the first and second thermally-grown oxygen-containing layers are formed. The second thermally-grown oxygen-containing layer and the dummy gate are replaced by a metal gate and a high-k dielectric. The logic transistor is protected while the NVM cell is then formed including forming a charge storage layer.
US08669156B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor circuit device Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor circuit device including a MOS transistor and a capacitor element in which a gate electrode of a MOS transistor is formed of a first polysilicon film, a capacitor is formed of the first polysilicon film, a capacitor film, and a second polysilicon film, reduction in resistance of a normally-off transistor and reduction in resistance of a lower electrode of the capacitor are simultaneously performed, and reduction in resistance of an N-type MOS transistor and reduction in resistance of an upper electrode of the capacitor are simultaneously performed.
US08669153B2	Integrating a first contact structure in a gate last process A method is provided that includes providing a substrate; forming a transistor in the substrate, the transistor having a dummy gate; forming a dielectric layer over the substrate and transistor; forming a contact feature in the dielectric layer; and after forming the contact feature, replacing the dummy gate of the transistor with a metal gate. An exemplary contact feature is a dual contact.
US08669152B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a mask is formed on a substrate. The substrate is divided into a first region and a second region. An upper portion of the substrate in the first region is partially removed using the mask as an etching mask to form a recess. A first gate structure is formed in the recess. A portion of the mask in the first region is removed. A blocking layer pattern is formed on the substrate in the first region over the first gate structure.
US08669151B2	High-K metal gate electrode structures formed at different process stages of a semiconductor device Sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures are provided on the basis of a hybrid process strategy in which the work function of certain gate electrode structures is adjusted in an early manufacturing stage, while, in other gate electrode structures, the initial gate stack is used as a dummy material and is replaced in a very advanced manufacturing stage. In this manner, superior overall process robustness in combination with enhanced device performance may be achieved.
US08669145B2	Method and structure for strained FinFET devices A method (and structure) of forming an electronic device includes forming at least one localized stressor region within the device.
US08669144B2	Methods of forming memory arrays Some embodiments include methods of forming memory arrays. A stack of semiconductor material plates may be patterned to subdivide the plates into pieces. Electrically conductive tiers may be formed along sidewall edges of the pieces. The pieces may then be patterned into an array of wires, with the array having vertical columns and horizontal rows. Individual wires may have first ends joining to the electrically conductive tiers, may have second ends in opposing relation to the first ends, and may have intermediate regions between the first and second ends. Gate material may be formed along the intermediate regions. Memory cell structures may be formed at the second ends of the wires. A plurality of vertically-extending electrical interconnects may be connected to the wires through the memory cell structures, with individual vertically-extending electrical interconnects being along individual columns of the array. Some embodiments include memory arrays incorporated into integrated circuitry.
US08669143B2	Device and method for manufacturing a device Methods for manufacturing packaged devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a method includes encapsulating a first semiconductor chip with a first encapsulant, wherein the first encapsulant includes a cavity on a first main surface, mounting an electrical component on a carrier, the electrical component being a MEMS device, and placing the carrier on the first main surface of the first encapsulant such that the electrical component is enclosed by the cavity.
US08669141B2	Capped integrated device with protective cap, composite wafer incorporating integrated devices and process for bonding integrated devices with respective protective caps A capped integrated device includes a semiconductor chip, incorporating an integrated device and a protective cap, bonded to the semiconductor chip for protection of the integrated device by means of a bonding layer made of a bonding material. The bonding material forms anchorage elements within recesses, formed in at least one between the semiconductor chip and the protective cap.
US08669139B1	Leadless multi-chip module structure Multi-chip quad flat no-lead (QFN) packages and methods for making the same are disclosed. A multi-chip package may include a first die including a plurality of first bond pads, wherein selected first bond pads are wire-bonded to a first side of a leadframe, and a second die mounted on the first die and including a plurality of second bond pads, wherein selected second bond pads are wire-bonded to a second side, opposite the first side, of the leadframe. Another package may include a first die including a plurality of first bond pads, wherein selected first bond pads are wire-bonded to a first side of a leadframe, and a second die flip-chip mounted on a second side of the leadframe and including a plurality of second bond pads, wherein selected second bond pads are bonded to the second side of the leadframe. Other embodiments are also described.
US08669138B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A substrate and a semiconductor chip are connected by means of flip-chip interconnection. Around connecting pads of the substrate and input/output terminals of the semiconductor chip, an underfill material is injected. The underfill material is a composite material of filler and resin. Also, a first main surface of the substrate, which is not covered with the underfill material, and the side surfaces of the semiconductor chip are encapsulated with a molding material. The molding material is a composite material of filler and resin. An integrated body of the substrate and the semiconductor chip, which are covered with the molding material, is thinned from above and below.
US08669131B1	Methods and materials for forming gas sensor structures Gas sensor materials and methods are disclosed for preparing and using the same to produce gas sensor structures. Also disclosed are gas sensor structures and systems that employ these disclosed materials. A gas sense-enhancing metal such as platinum may be added to a gas sensitive metal oxide material in a manner that more highly disperses the added platinum than conventional methods so as to more effectively utilize the platinum at a lower concentration, thus achieving a more cost effective solution. An ink vehicle may also be used for deposition of a gas sensitive material (e.g. on the surface of integrated circuit) that is formulated to allow “burn-out” of ink vehicle components at relatively low temperatures as compared to conventional ink vehicles.
US08669126B2	Uniform coating method for light emitting diode A method of coating a light emitting diode (LED) is provided. The method includes preparing a substrate in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged, applying a curable liquid containing a fluorescent material to the substrate and the plurality of LEDs, and selectively applying energy to the substrate to which the curable liquid is applied, to thereby pattern the curable liquid, wherein the application of the energy includes applying the energy to both surfaces of the substrate.
US08669125B2	Nanowire LED structure and method for manufacturing the same A light emitting diode (LED) structure includes a plurality of devices arranged side by side on a support layer. Each device includes a first conductivity type semiconductor nanowire core and an enclosing second conductivity type semiconductor shell for forming a pn or pin junction that in operation provides an active region for light generation. A first electrode layer extends over the plurality of devices and is in electrical contact with at least a top portion of the devices to connect to the shell. The first electrode layer is at least partly air-bridged between the devices.
US08669121B2	Method for forming polarization reversal A method for forming a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization reversal in a desired region of a ferroelectric substrate includes the steps of forming, for the desired region of the surface of the ferroelectric substrate, an electrode pattern or a mask pattern composed of aggregates of micropatterns, and then applying a given voltage into the desired region. The configuration of the micropatterns can be a stripe-shaped pattern, an ellipse-shaped pattern, a hexagon-shaped pattern, a network pattern, or a double cross shaped pattern. The method can further include the steps of generating many nucleuses by using the electrode pattern or the mask pattern composed of the aggregates of micropatterns, forming another electrode pattern or another mask pattern corresponding to the desired region, and then applying a given voltage into the desired region to generate a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization reversal around the nucleuses.
US08669118B2	Methods and systems for collecting cells of a biological specimen Methods and systems for collecting cells on a filter disposed in a specimen fluid containing suspended cells of a biological specimen. A short vacuum pulse is applied across a filter to sip specimen fluid. A percentage or portion of the filter surface area covered by cells is determined is representative of or correlates to the density of cells in the specimen fluid. A maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration are determined utilizing the determined filter coverage. A longer, continuous vacuum or slurp is applied across the filter to collect cells on the filter while limiting the amplitude and/or duration of the slurp based at least in part upon the determined maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration.
US08669114B2	Hydrophobic ionic liquids The subject of the invention at hand are novel, a little basic, fluorinated pentafluorophenyl imide anions, which can be used as anions in ionic liquids. Methods for producing ionic liquids are described, which contain these novel pentafluorophenyl imide ions as anions, as well as quaternary organic ammonium ions, guanidinium ions, N-organo-pyridinium ions, imidazolium, imidazolidinium or benzimidazolidinium ions, alkyl-alkylidene phosphoranes or aryl-alkylidene phosphoranes as cations. Alternative methods according to the present invention provide ionic liquids through reaction of ketene N,N-diacetals or alkyl or aryl-alkylidene phosphoranes with acids.The ionic liquids according to the present invention are suitable, for example, as solvents for syntheses, as mobile and/or stationary phase in chromatography, as electrolyte systems for batteries, galvanic elements, fuel cells and rechargeable battery packs.
US08669112B2	Automated instrumentation and method for measurements of samples Instrumentation and a method for efficient and reliable assaying and measuring samples. The teachings include an automated self-contained instrument, wherein the samples are located on wells of sample plates, and the instrument includes a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates. The instrument may includes at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and one or several measurement units for optically measuring samples in at least two measurement modes. Further, the instrument includes a manipulator for moving the sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof and for rotating the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units.
US08669110B2	Uses of reagents in sample collection and cartridge systems Provided is a sample collection container comprising one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent.Further provided is a cartridge system comprising: (a) a reagent component for storing one or more reagents; and (b) a processing component for processing the one or more reagents in an assay; wherein one or more of the components comprise one or more reagent bodies, wherein each body comprises one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent, wherein the restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the one or more reagents, and wherein the one or more reagents are dispersed through the restraining agent; and further wherein the reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge, and wherein the reagent component and/or the processing component comprise at least one compartment configured to accept waste from the assay, the reagent component not taking part in processing the reagents in the assay, except to accept waste from the processing component.
US08669109B2	Methods of producing proteins in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells A new method for selecting clones and recloning mammalian cells which are of importance for the production of biopharmaceuticals, preferably hamster or mouse myeloma cells, with a high degree of automation and throughput. The invention relates to methods of depositing and replicating single cell clones of the cells in question. The invention also relates to methods of preparing proteins using cells which have been obtained and replicated by single cell deposition as well as compositions which allow the replication of single cells.
US08669108B2	Gene expression control in plants The invention provides the isolated promoter polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and fragments and variants thereof. The invention also provides constructs, plant cells and plants genetically modified to contain the promoter polynucleotide. The invention also provides methods for producing plants with altered gene expression and traits via genetic transformation of plants with the promoter polynucleotides.
US08669107B2	Method of preparing a tissue engineering scaffold comprising a plurality of microspheres linked together Methods can prepare tissue engineering scaffolds that include a plurality of biocompatible microspheres linked together to form a three-dimensional matrix. The matrix can include a plurality of pores for growing cells. The biocompatible microspheres can include first and second sets of microspheres. The first set of microspheres can have a first characteristic, and a first predetermined spatial distribution with respect to the three-dimensional matrix. The second set of microspheres can have a second characteristic that is different from the first characteristic, and a second predetermined spatial distribution that is different from the first predetermined spatial distribution with respect to the three-dimensional matrix. The first and second characteristics can selected a composition, polymer, particle size, particle size distribution, type of bioactive agent, type of bioactive agent combination, bioactive agent concentration, amount of bioactive agent, rate of bioactive agent release, mechanical strength, flexibility, rigidity, color, radiotranslucency, radiopaqueness, or the like.
US08669106B2	Erythrocytes differentiated in vitro from nanofiber expanded CD133+ cells The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.
US08669103B2	Oplophorus-derived luciferases, novel coelenterazine substrates, and methods of use An isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide and substrates. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in SEQ ID NO: 1. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the corresponding polypeptide of the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase.
US08669100B2	DNA expression constructs encoding the Leishmania infantum antigens thiol-specific antioxidant protein and kinetoplastid membrane protein The invention relates to using a combination of DNA-expression constructs for producing a drug for immunization against leishmania infections and a corresponding vaccine. The DNA-expression construct is also disclosed. According to said invention the immunogene P36 LACK is used in combination with a leishmania infantum thiol-specific antioxidant protein gene (TSA), leishmania infantum kinetoplastid membrane protein 11 (KMP-11) and with a leishmania infantum GP63 antigen for producing an immune response. Plasmides, preferably minimalist immunologically defined gene-expression constructs (MIDGE) can be used in the form of the DNA-expression construct. The inventive DNA-expression construct makes it possible to produce a vaccine for treating leishmania infectious diseases and is used in the form of a component of said vaccine.
US08669098B2	Bio-microarray and a substrate for use therewith For the purpose of improving the accuracy of a variety analyses using a bio-microarray, it is a main object of the invention to provide a bio-microarray capable of producing relatively high signal intensity from a fluorescent molecule and capable of having improved quantification performance and to provide a substrate for bio-microarray.In order to achieve the object, the invention provides a substrate for bio-microarray characterized by having a reflection-suppressing function.
US08669097B2	Bacteria measuring apparatuses An apparatus for measuring bacteria that includes a sampling device for processing fluorescently stained bacteria, a detector for detecting size information from the bacteria in the sample, and a detector for detecting fluorescence information expressing intensity of fluorescent light emitted by the bacteria. The apparatus further includes a processor and memory that includes programs for creating a scattergram representing a distribution of the bacteria based on the size information and the fluorescence information detected, analyzing the distribution of the bacteria in the scattergram, and determining whether the bacteria in the sample is bacillus or coccus based on a result of the analysis.
US08669088B2	Enzyme associated with equol synthesis An object of the present invention is to provide enzymes associated with equol synthesis, genes coding such enzymes, and a process for producing equol and its intermediates using the enzymes and genes.The present invention provides a dihydrodaidzein synthesizing enzyme, tetrahydrodaidzein synthesizing enzyme, equol synthesizing enzyme, and genes coding these enzymes. The present invention also provides a process for synthesizing dihydrodaidzein, tetrahydrodaidzein, and/or equol using these enzymes.
US08669087B1	Luciferase mutant A recombinant protein having luciferase activity and at least 60% similarity to a wild-type luciferase wherein in the sequence of the enzyme, the amino acid residue corresponding to residue 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is mutated as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase, such that the luciferase enzyme is able to emit light at a different wavelength as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase and/or has enhanced thermostability as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase. In general, the residue corresponding to 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is changed from an acidic amino acid to a non-acidic amino acid and preferably an uncharged polar amino acid such as tyrosine. Mutant luciferases in accordance with the invention can produce a large (50 nm) wavelength shift in emitted light and have good thermostability. The resultant colour shift can be reversed by addition of coenzyme A. These properties make the mutant particularly useful in a variety of assays.
US08669084B2	Functional lipid constructs The invention relates to methods for effecting qualitative and quantitative changes in the functional moieties expressed at the surface of cells and multi-cellular structures, and functional lipid constructs for use in such methods. In particular, the invention relates to functional lipid constructs and their use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including serodiagnosis, where the functional moiety is a carbohydrate, peptide, chemically reactive group, conjugator or fluorophore.
US08669082B1	Single vessel production of butanol from biomass using engineered thermophilic microorganisms The present invention relates to the production of biofuels by utilizing efficient biomass digestion and fermentation by a new thermophilic microorganism generated after fusion of two different bacteria Clostridium thermocellum and C. acetobutylicum and properly mutating the fused bacteria to produce biofuels and other economically important chemicals in a single vessel from lignocellulosic derived renewable biomass. All the necessary biochemical digestions and fermentation are carried out by this single thermophilic microorganism in one single vessel eliminating the need for multiple step digestion and fermentation processes, requiring multiple chambers. It also significantly reduces the rate limiting steps where increasing accumulation of alcohol, butanol and other substances become toxic to the very bacteria that produce these biofuels. The single vessel is incubated at high temperatures (45° C. or above) to eliminate the need for periodic stoppage and restarting of the process.
US08669079B2	Methods for genetic analysis of textiles made of Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum cotton Methods for distinguishing between cotton species by analyzing a sample of mature cotton fibers from raw cotton materials or from textile goods are disclosed. DNA is extracted from the mature cotton fiber sample and subjected to PCR techniques which enable the identification of the species of cotton utilized in the textile or cotton material of interest.
US08669078B2	Ammonia-specific 5′-XMP aminase mutant Disclosed herein are ammonia-specific 5′-XMP aminase mutants and a method for preparing the same. A mutation is introduced into the active site of glutamine-dependent catalysis in 5′-XMP aminase. The resulting 5′-XMP aminase mutant is devoid of the glutamine-dependent activity and specifically reacts with external ammonia in converting 5′-XMP into 5′-GMP. Thus, the ammonia-specific 5′-XMP aminase mutant is stabler within cells compared to the wild type, and can be useful in the industrial conversion of 5′-XMP into 5′-GMP.
US08669068B2	Method for determining pectin content in plant sample A method for determining pectin content in a plant sample includes: 1) adding an acidic alcohol solution to the plant sample, heating in a water bath and filtration; 2) soaking residue from step 1 with an acidic solution, heating in a water bath, a second filtration, bringing to volume after cooling and obtaining filtrate; 3) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution to residue of step 2, adding a pectinase solution, heating under vibration in a water bath, and a third filtration to obtain a filtrate; 4) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution and a pectinase solution to filtrate from step 2, heating the mixture under vibration in a water bath to obtain an enzymatic hydrolysate, adding filtrate obtained in step 3 to the enzymatic hydrolysate, bringing to volume, and obtaining a test solution; 5) drawing the test solution into a continuous flow analyzer to perform analysis.
US08669066B2	Rationale, methods, and assays for identifying human and non-human primate taste specific genes and use thereof in taste modulator and therapeutic screening assays This invention relates to novel rationale and methods for identifying human and primate taste-specific genes, including genes involved in salty taste perception, especially human salty taste perception, but also genes involved in sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste perception, and genes involved in other taste cell or taste receptor related activities such as digestive function and digestive related diseases, taste cell turnover, immunoregulation of the oral and digestive tract, and metabolic regulation such as in diabetes and obesity, the genes identified using these methods, and assays for identifying taste modulators (enhancers or blockers) and potential therapeutics using these genes. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing or blocking) taste perception, especially salty taste perception and as potential therapeutics. In addition, this invention relates to novel methods for identifying taste-specific genes that can be used as markers for different taste cell types, including sweet, bitter, umami, sour, salty, and other taste cells in mammals as well as assays that measure the activity of the sweet, bitter, umami, or sour receptor in the presence of these genes to identify modulators of sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste and to identify therapeutics especially for treating digestive or metabolic disorders, taste loss, and oral infections. Particularly, the genes identified herein and antibodies or oligos thereto can be used as markers to identify and/or purify specific taste cells e.g., from taste cell suspensions by use of FACS or magnetic bead cell selection or other known cell purification and isolation procedures.
US08669062B2	Disease detection by digital protein truncation assays Genetic diseases can be diagnosed by detection of mutations in causative genes. Protein truncation assays can be used to detect gene products of truncation-type mutations. However, the sensitivity of the assays is often insufficient to detect mutations present in a sample of DNA at a low frequency. Sensitivity can be increased by dividing samples so that the signal generated by a mutant allele comprises a larger fraction of the total alleles than prior to dividing. Thus a previously undetectable signal generated by the mutant allele can become detectable in the assay. Such increased sensitivity permits detection at early stages and in samples having high levels of other alleles.
US08669061B2	Method for the prevention of carryover contamination in nucleic acid amplification technologies An improved method of preventing carryover contamination of an amplification reaction involves treating uracil-containing DNA with uracil-N-DNA glycosylase and heating the DNA in the presence of polyamines, such as spermidine, spermine and the like. Alternatively, after treatment with uracil-N-DNA glycosylase, the reaction is further incubated with an enzyme having AP lyase activity.
US08669050B2	Nucleic acid markers for use in determining predisposition to neoplasm and/or adenoma The present invention relates generally to novel nucleic acid molecules, the levels and/or patterns of expression of which are indicative of the onset, predisposition to the onset and/or progression of a neoplasm and to derivatives, homologues or analogues of said molecules. More particularly, the present invention is directed to novel nucleic acid molecules, the levels of expression of which are indicative of the onset and/or progression of a gastrointestinal tract neoplasm, such as an adenoma, and to derivatives, homologues or analogues of said molecules. The present invention is further directed to isolated proteins encoded thereby and to derivatives, homologues, analogues, chemical equivalents and mimetics thereof. The molecules of the present invention are useful in a range of prophylactic, therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications including, but not limited to, those relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of colorectal neoplasms such as colorectal adenomas. In a related aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of screening a subject for the onset, predisposition to the onset and/or progression of a neoplasm by screening for modulation in the level of expression of one or more nucleic acid molecule markers.
US08669044B2	Methods and apparatus for the isolation and enrichment of circulating tumor cells Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for concentrating and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from body fluids. One embodiment of the present invention includes a micro-fabricated or nano-fabricated device having channels configured for separating and excluding. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize features that reduce the hydrodynamic pressure experienced by the cells during the separation, isolation and concentration processes, and therefore reduce the likelihood of cell lysis or other damage to the cells.
US08669043B2	Cyclic implant perfusion, cleaning and passivation process and implant produced thereby A method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant, and the implant produced by such treatment. A system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants. Goals include between about a one to twelve log reduction in bacterial contamination, between about a one to fifteen log reduction in enveloped virus contamination, up to about a five log reduction in non-enveloped virus contamination, between about a two to tenfold reduction in endotoxin, maintenance of implant or graft biologic and biomechanical properties, absence of tissue toxicity due to cleaning solutions used, and reduced implant antigenicity.
US08669042B2	Resist pattern-forming method A resist pattern-forming method includes applying a resist underlayer film-forming composition to a substrate to form a resist underlayer film. The resist underlayer film-forming composition includes (A) a polysiloxane. A radiation-sensitive resin composition is applied to the resist underlayer film to form a resist film. The radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (a1) a polymer that changes in polarity and decreases in solubility in an organic solvent due to an acid. The resist film is exposed. The exposed resist film is developed using a developer that includes an organic solvent.
US08669033B2	Electrophotographic toner and production method of the same Provided is a toner containing toner particles containing a polyester resin which has a structure part represented by Formula (1): wherein, “A” represents a polyester structure unit having at least one linking group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, or a chlorine atom; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, or a methoxy group; and “L” represents a divalent organic group.
US08669031B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor and image forming method Reduced are interferential streaks in a halftone image, which are produced when using a cylindrical photoreceptor conductive substrate having been subjected to tool bit cutting processing, and provided are an electrophotographic photoreceptor capable of obtaining high image quality in response to a light printing field or the like and an image forming method employing the electrophotographic photoreceptor. Disclosed is an electrophotographic photoreceptor possessing a cylindrical substrate having been finished via cutting processing and provided thereon, a photosensitive layer, wherein among peaks other than at a lag of 0 in a correlogram of a substrate surface profile in a direction along a central axis of the substrate, a mean value from a maximum peak in height to a third peak in height is 0.3-0.8, each of the peaks in height corresponding to an autocorrelation coefficient.
US08669029B2	Reactive compound, charge transporting film, photoelectric conversion device, electrophotographic photoreceptor and method of producing the same, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Provided is a reactive compound represented by the following General Formula (I): wherein in General Formula (I), F represents a charge transporting skeleton, D represents a group represented by the following General Formula (III), and m represents an integer of from 1 to 8: wherein in General Formula (III), L1 represents a divalent linking group including one or more —C(═O)—O— groups.
US08669026B2	Black matrix for colour filters Actinically modifiable composition for producing a black matrix comprising, all based on the entire composition, 10-70% by weight of a colorant or a mixture of colorants; 90-30% by weight of actinically reactive binder material, although optionally from 0% to 30% by weight of the actinically reactive binder material can be non-reactive components; and 0-10% by weight of further, non-reactive constituents; characterized in that the colorant or 50-100% by weight, the colorant mixture comprises a colorant obtainable by reaction of a compound of formula (i) with a compound of formula (ii), in the presence of a catalyst, or a mixture of such colorants, wherein the black colorant is likely a product of formula (iii) or a tautomer or isomer thereof.
US08669022B2	Photomask A photomask includes a transparent substrate for passage of an exposure light, and a plurality of photomask pattern units formed on a surface of the transparent substrate. Each of the photomask pattern units includes a first light-blocking layer connected to the surface of the transparent substrate, and a second light-blocking layer formed on a surface of the first light-blocking layer opposite to the transparent substrate. The first and second light-blocking layers block the exposure light, or permit passage of light energy lower than threshold energy of photoresist on the substrate.
US08669020B2	Membrane electrode assembly comprising a hydrogen permeable thin film, solid oxide fuel cell comprising the same and method of preparing the membrane electrode assembly A membrane electrode assembly including an anode that incorporates a porous support and a hydrogen permeable metal thin film disposed on the porous support; a cathode; and a proton conductive solid oxide electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode.
US08669018B2	Apparatus and method for generating virtual sound source for monitoring the operating state of a fuel cell stack The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a virtual sound source for monitoring the operating state of a fuel cell stack, which monitors in real time the deviation and deterioration of a plurality of cells in a fuel cell stack during operation, and expresses the results as a chord or different sounds, thus allowing a driver to easily recognize the operating state of the fuel cell stack.
US08669017B2	Method for checking the seal of a stack of fuel cells A stack (10) of fuel cells (11) is to be tested for tightness of the fuel cell membranes. For this purpose, a tracer gas is introduced into the fuel feed channel (15) of the stack (10). The fuel discharge channel (16) is either open or it is closed. A carrier gas is fed to the feed air channel. (17) and led through the exhaust air channel (18) to a gas sensor (28) where a determination is made whether the carrier gas contains amounts of tracer gas. A defective fuel cell (11) can be located by introducing a lance comprising a sniffing probe into the corresponding channel (18) and determining the position of the probe.
US08669015B2	Solid-state fuel cell including anode and cathode chemical electrolyte protection layers and a hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide dense film A solid-state fuel cell includes: an anode; an anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the anode; a hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film disposed on the anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer; a cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film; and a cathode disposed on the cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer.
US08669014B2	Fuel-cell systems operable in multiple modes for variable processing of feedstock materials and associated devices, systems, and methods Fuel cells for selectively reacting a feedstock material with or without generating electricity, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A fuel cell system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first electrode positioned in a first region, a second electrode positioned in a second region, an ion-transport medium between the first and second regions, and an electrical circuit connected between the first and second electrodes. The system is operable in a first mode to react the feedstock material by a non-electricity-generating reaction to produce a product and in a second mode to react the feedstock material by an electricity-generating reaction to produce electricity. A controller receives an input (e.g., corresponding to a change in demand for electricity) and causes the system to switch between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode in response to the input.
US08669012B2	Anode and battery A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. An anode includes: an anode active material layer including an anode active material on an anode current collector, the anode active material including silicon (Si) and having a plurality of pores, in which after electrode reaction, the volumetric capacity of a pore group with a diameter ranging from 3 nm to 200 nm both inclusive per unit weight of silicon is 0.3 cm3/g or less, and the rate of change in the amount of mercury intruded into the plurality of pores is distributed so as to have a peak in a diameter range from 200 nm to 15000 nm both inclusive, the rate of change in the amount of mercury intruded being measured by mercury porosimetry.
US08669011B2	Nucleation and growth of tin particles into three dimensional composite active anode for lithium high capacity energy storage device Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to lithium-ion batteries, and more specifically, to a system and method for fabricating such batteries using thin-film processes that form three-dimensional structures. In one embodiment, an anodic structure used to form an energy storage device is provided. The anodic structure comprises a flexible conductive substrate, a plurality of conductive microstructures formed on the conductive substrate, comprising a plurality of columnar projections and dendritic structures formed over the plurality of columnar projections and a plurality of tin particles formed on the plurality of conductive microstructures. In another embodiment, the anodic structure further comprises a tin nucleation layer comprising tin particles formed on the flexible conductive substrate between the flexible conductive substrate and the plurality of conductive microstructures.
US08669009B2	Positive electrode active material of power storage device, positive electrode of power storage device, power storage device, manufacturing method of positive electrode active material of power storage device As a positive electrode active material, a material which is represented by the general formula Li(2-x)M1yM2zSiO4 and satisfies the conditions (I) to (IV) is used: (I) x is a value which changes due to insertion and extraction of a lithium ion during charging and discharging, and satisfies 0≦x<2; (II) M1 is one or more transition metal atoms selected from iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co); (III) M2 is a metal atom that is titanium (Ti), scandium (Sc), or magnesium (Mg); and (IV) The formulae y+z=1, 0
US08669002B2	Microporous film To provide a thermoplastic resin microporous film being difficult in longitudinal tearing and excellent in tear resistance; a microporous film comprising a thermoplastic resin, wherein a melt flow rate of the thermoplastic resin in the microporous film is in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 g/10 min, tensile strength in a cross-machine direction is in the range of 5 to 10 MPa and tensile elongation in the cross-machine direction is 300% or more.
US08669001B2	Device for combining and housing power storage cells A device for joining and storing energy storage cells having a flexible envelope and which are arranged in a rigid housing having a window opening on a planar side thereof and two openings for the metallic current leads of the energy storage cell.The device includes a sheet metal frame in which the energy storage cells are inserted and in which a heat sink is arranged.
US08669000B2	Battery pack A battery pack including a plurality of battery modules, each battery module including a plurality of stacked unit battery cells; a frame supporting the plurality of battery modules; and a plurality of elastic coupling members for elastically connecting at least one battery module to another battery module or for elastically connecting at least one of the battery modules to the frame; wherein elastic coupling members connected to one of the battery modules have a different elastic coefficient from elastic coupling members connected to the other battery module.
US08668998B2	Secondary battery A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate sealing an opening in the case, and electrode terminals extending through the cap plate at opposite ends of the cap plate. The cap plate includes a recessed portion extending in one direction between the electrode terminals.
US08668997B2	System and method for sensing and mitigating hydrogen evolution within a flow battery system A method is provided for mitigating hydrogen evolution within a flow battery system that includes a plurality of flow battery cells, a power converter and an electrochemical cell. The method includes providing hydrogen generated by the hydrogen evolution within the flow battery system to the electrochemical cell. A first electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and a reactant is sensed, and the sensed current is used to control an exchange of electrical power between the flow battery cells and the power converter.
US08668993B2	Aluminum alloy clad material Disclosed is an aluminum alloy clad material which includes a core material; a sacrificial anode material on one surface of the core material; and a filler material on the other surface of the core material and composed of an Al—Si alloy, in which the core material contains 0.3 to 2.0 percent by mass of Mn, 0.15 to 1.6 percent by mass of Si, 0.1 to 1.0 percent by mass of Cu, and 0.1 to 1.0 percent by mass of Mg, with the remainder including Al and inevitable impurities, the sacrificial anode material contains 7.0 to 12.0 percent by mass of Zn, 0.3 to 1.8 percent by mass of Mn, and 0.3 to 1.2 percent by mass of Si, with the remainder including Al and inevitable impurities, and has a thickness of 10 to 30 μm. The sacrificial anode material shows resistance to both local corrosion and general corrosion.
US08668982B2	Coated cutting insert and method for making the same A coated cutting insert for removing material from a workpiece that includes a substrate is disclosed. A wear-resistant coating on the substrate that includes an alumina layer and a Zr- or Hf-carbonitride outer layer deposited on the alumina layer. The Zr- or Hf-carbonitride outer layer is subjected to a post-coat wet blasting treatment. The wet blasting changes the stress condition of the exposed alumina coating layer from an initial tensile stress condition to a compressive stress condition.
US08668971B2	Multiple compartment container A package with multiple chambers, wherein the inside of the package is partitioned into multiple chambers by a weak seal part(s) formed by sealing one sheet having a heat seal layer in at least one surface thereof and the other sheet having a heat seal layer in at least one surface thereof with the heat seal layers facing each other and sealing the peripheral edge parts thereof, and heat-pressing, from the outside of the package, a part of the inner surfaces of the walls of the package with the heat seal layers. The package is characterized in that both of two heat seal layers forming the inner surfaces of the walls include only a cyclic polyolefin resin as a resin ingredient.
US08668963B2	Method for diffusing metal particles within a composite layer A method for diffusing metal particles including a composite layer deposited on a substrate, with the composite layer further including at least one dielectric matrix, and where the diffusion of the metal particles towards the substrate is achieved by means of a plasma treatment.
US08668962B2	Microwave plasma reactors New and improved microwave plasma assisted reactors, for example chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactors, are disclosed. The disclosed microwave plasma assisted reactors operate at pressures ranging from about 10 Torr to about 760 Torr. The disclosed microwave plasma assisted reactors include a movable lower sliding short and/or a reduced diameter conductive stage in a coaxial cavity of a plasma chamber. For a particular application, the lower sliding short position and/or the conductive stage diameter can be variably selected such that, relative to conventional reactors, the reactors can be tuned to operate over larger substrate areas, operate at higher pressures, and discharge absorbed power densities with increased diamond synthesis rates (carats per hour) and increased deposition uniformity.
US08668959B2	Imparting high-temperature degradation resistance to metallic components A method of imparting high-temperature, degradation resistance to a metallic component involving applying a metal slurry comprising a Co-based metallic composition containing Co, Cr, Mo, Si, and B, a binder, and a solvent to a surface of the component, and sintering the Co-based metallic composition to form a substantially continuous Co-based alloy coating on the surface of the body.
US08668956B2	Vapor deposition particle emitting device, vapor deposition apparatus, vapor deposition method A vapor deposition particle injection device (30) includes a vapor deposition particle generating section (41), at least one nozzle stage made of an intermediate nozzle section (51), a vapor deposition particle emitting nozzle section (61), and heat exchangers (43, 63, 53). The vapor deposition particle emitting nozzle section (61) is controlled so as to be at a temperature lower than a temperature at which a vapor deposition material turns into gas. Meanwhile, the intermediate nozzle section (51) is controlled by the heat exchanger (53) so as to be at a temperature between a temperature of the vapor deposition particle generating section (41) and a temperature of the vapor deposition particle emitting nozzle section (61).
US08668951B2	Liquid material arrangement method, color filter manufacturing method, and organic EL display device manufacturing method A liquid material arrangement method is a method for arranging a liquid material in a plurality of prescribed regions on a substrate by discharging the liquid material as a droplet from a nozzle. The liquid material arrangement method includes: performing a discharge information acquiring step for acquiring discharge information of the nozzle including a landing position and a discharge quantity of the droplet discharged from the nozzle by a nozzle check; performing a second pattern generating step for generating a second dot pattern, which is an arrangement pattern for arranging a prescribed number of droplets, by selecting at least one non-discharge dot from a first dot pattern, which is an arrangement pattern for arranging more droplets than the prescribed number of droplets, based on the discharge information; and performing a liquid material arranging step for arranging the liquid material in the prescribed regions based on the second dot pattern.
US08668950B2	Cocoa nuggets and method of making same Cocoa nuggets and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The nuggets are formed by providing a dough including, on a dry basis, at least 30% by weight cocoa powder, the dough having a moisture content of at least 10% to about 52% by weight. The dough is processed into nuggets having a moisture content of not greater than about 15% by weight. The nuggets can be crunchy or chewy and can be used as an ingredient such as an inclusion or a topping for food products in order to increase antioxidant levels and the method of creating the nuggets results in minimal loss of antioxidant capacity as a result of processing.
US08668948B2	Apparatus, systems and methods for manufacturing food products Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.
US08668942B2	Skin anti-oxidant enhancing formulation and associated method The present invention describes novel applications of an oil formulation rich in carotenoids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for skin care, lip care and cosmetic use. The formulation contains natural oil extract of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng also known as gac, spiny melon, Redmelon™. The formulation contains carotenoid antioxidants (beta-carotene and lycopene), pro-vitamin A carotenoid (alpha and beta-carotene), and vitamin E. In addition, the formulation contains omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, the essential fatty acids important in enhancing skin integrity, elasticity. The oil-based formulation helps skin to retain water, Carotenoids in the formula protects skin from oxidative damage. The novelty of this invention is in the mixture of antioxidants, retinol and essential fatty acids to deliver a stable, bioavailable and nutritious composition for skin care. In addition, the formulation provides vitamin E and retinol beneficial in skin therapeutic and cosmetic applications.
US08668941B2	Method for preparing supplement using pettitoes or pig's head and Zanthoxylum piperitum, and composition thereof The present invention relates to a dietary supplement capable of treating and preventing symptoms of immune diseases (reduced immunity, allergic disease, and respiratory disease), viral diseases (cold, varicella, and herpes zoster), musculoskeletal diseases (arthritis, traffic accident sequela, sciatica, frozen shoulder, and herniated disk), neurological diseases (insomnia, menopausal disorder, hypothermia, cold hands and feet, dysautonomia, and postpartum pain), and the like. More specifically, the dietary supplement is prepared by the following steps: preparing pettitoes or a pig's head in cold water for about 24 hours to remove blood and to wash the same; preparing Zanthoxylum piperitum by collecting, selecting, and washing the branches and fruits of the Zanthoxylum piperitum; heating a mixture comprising the prepared pettitoes or pig's head and the branches and fruits of Zanthoxylum piperitum and water in a water bath at 150° C. to 250° C. for about 10 hours; filtering the extract heated in a water bath with a filter and mixing the extract and maple syrup; and boiling the filtered extract at 100° C. for 5 minutes and packaging the same into a pouch.
US08668940B2	Herbal medicinal composition and extract thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells The present invention relates to herbal medicinal compositions and extracts thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells. One of the examples described in the present invention comprises Forsythiae fructus, Menthae Herba, Gardeniae Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, Lophatheri Folium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Rhei Rhizoma, Na2SO4, and Atractylodis Rhizoma. The residual examples are described herein.
US08668938B2	Composition and manufacturing processes of a toxicity free botanical drug for curative treatment of chronic diseases This invention discloses composition and manufacturing processes of a toxicity free botanical drug formulation for curative treatment of chronic diseases. It is manufactured from plants Crinum asiaticum and Crocus sativus. This drug was administered to human volunteers by oral and intranasal routes in effective amount for an effective time period. Effective amount and effective time of administration varies from one human volunteer to another depending upon age, body weight, length of disease, severity of disease, type of the disease. In vitro experiments show that this botanical drug causes proliferation and differentiation of stem cells.
US08668927B2	Dynamin mediated diseases and associated methods and products This invention relates generally to the treatment of cathepsin or dynamin mediated diseases, such as proteinuria, cancer, and cognitive disease and related products. Diagnostic and other assays are also provided, as well as methods for podocyte cell gene transfer.
US08668926B1	Nanoparticle and polymer formulations for thyroid hormone analogs, antagonists, and formulations thereof Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric Nanoparticle form of thyroid hormone agonist, partial agonist or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Compositions of the polymeric forms of thyroid hormone, or thyroid hormone analogs, are also disclosed.
US08668925B2	Transdermal delivery of hormones without the need of penetration enhancers The present invention relates to a patch comprising a drug-containing layer with low content of hormones, such as gestodene, and optionally an estrogen (e.g. ethinyl estradiol). Upon administering the patch to a woman, plasma levels of at least 1.0 ng/ml of Gestodene is achieved at steady state conditions without the need of incorporating penetration enhancers or permeation enhancers in the drug-containing layer. Satisfactorily plasma levels of the hormones is also achieved throughout a period of at least 1 week, making the patch applicable for being used in female contraception with the concept of administering the patch ones weekly.
US08668922B2	Combination of limited nutrients and enhanced dietary antioxidants to impart improved kidney health This invention is directed to compositions for animal consumption (including foods, treats, etc.), particularly compositions that tend to improve kidney function, and particularly compositions that comprise enhanced antioxidants and reduced quantities of protein and/or phosphorus. This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions.
US08668920B2	Method, device, and system for delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye A method, device, and system for easier, consistent, and comfortable delivery of therapeutic agents to the front of the eye.
US08668915B2	Process for the preparation of inverse latex of acrylamide-based polymers and composition comprising said latex Process for the preparation of a an inverse latex including from 20% to 70% by weight and preferably from 25% to 50% by weight of a branched or crosslinked polyelectrolyte, characterized in that the polyelectrolyte is a copolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid partially or totally salified with acrylamide and optionally one or more monomers chosen from monomers containing a partially or totally salified weak acid function and/or from neutral monomers other than acrylamide, the production process including the control of the pH in the initial aqueous phase; Cosmetic, dermopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical composition including the inverse latex directly obtained by the process.
US08668913B2	Complementary personal lubricant compositions This invention relates to novel compositions and methods of use by which the compositions of this invention are applied topically to one or more body parts of at least two individuals who bring said body parts into contact with the other individual and, when said body parts come into contact with each other, permit the formulations to interact and thereby achieve an unexpected sensation to each individual.
US08668911B2	Streptococcus vaccine compositions and methods of using the same The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. In particular, the present invention provides immunogenic nanoemulsion compositions and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against a bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae))). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.
US08668909B2	Anti MIF antibodies The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to the C-terminal or the center region of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). These anti-MIF antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof further inhibit human MIF biological function. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from anti-MIF antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to a method of identifying anti-MIF antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies and a method of using these antibodies and compositions for the treatment of MIF-related conditions.
US08668905B2	P53 vaccines for the treatment of cancers The present invention relates to immunotherapy methods for treating hyperproliferative disease in humans, particularly to hyperproliferative disease that is refractory to therapy. More specifically, the invention is directed, in one embodiment, to methods for treating a subject with a hyperproliferative disease in which the expression of a self gene is upregulated in therapy-resistant hyperproliferative cells. In another embodiment, an adenoviral expression construct comprising a self gene under the control of a promoter operable in eukaryotic cells is administered to the therapy-resistant hyperproliferative cells. The present invention thus provides immunotherapies for treating therapy-resistant hyperproliferative disease by attenuating the natural immune system's CTL response against hyperproliferative cells or overexpressing mutant p53 antigens, for example.
US08668904B2	Influenza composition The present invention relates to influenza vaccine formulations and accelerating primary vaccination regimes for immunizing against influenza disease, their use in medicine, in particular their use in promoting effective immune responses to various antigens, and to methods of preparation. In particular, the invention relates to two-doses accelerated pandemic or seasonal pandemic primary immunization regimes with influenza immunogenic compositions comprising an influenza virus or antigenic preparation thereof in combination with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, and to accelerated immunization regimes.
US08668903B2	Biologic female contraceptives This invention provides, inter alia, commensal organisms engineered to express antibody fragments, which inhibit sperm motility or fertilization and compositions comprising the same. The present invention provides for the use of the engineered commensal organisms or compositions comprising the same as effective contraceptive means in females.
US08668895B2	Purifying method for metallic silicon and manufacturing method of silicon ingot In a purifying method for metal grade silicon, metal grade silicon with a silicon concentration not less than 98 wt % and not more than 99.9 wt % is prepared. The metal grade silicon contains aluminum not less than 1000 ppm and not more than 10000 ppm by weight. The metal grade silicon is heated at a temperature not less than 1500° C. and not more than 1600° C. in an inert atmosphere under pressure not less than 100 Pa and not more than 1000 Pa, and maintained at the temperature in the atmosphere for a predetermined period.
US08668894B2	Method for processing a sulfur-containing gas and a hydrogenation catalyst used therefor The present invention relates to a method for processing a sulfur-containing gas and a hydrogenation catalyst used therefor. The method comprises introducing the sulfur-containing gas into the tail gas hydrogenation unit of a sulfur recovery device, processing it with the hydrogenation catalyst of the present invention, and absorbing the hydrogenated tail gas with a solvent. The hydrogenation catalyst comprises from 0.5 to 3 wt. % of an active component nickel oxide, from 1 to 4 wt. % of an active component cobalt oxide, from 8 to 20 wt. % of an active component molybdenum oxide or tungsten oxide, from 1 to 5 wt. % of a deoxidation auxiliary agent, from 10 to 40 wt. % of TiO2, the balance being γ-Al2O3, based on the weight of the catalyst.
US08668893B2	Catalysts for NOx reduction employing H2 and a method of reducing NOx Disclosed is a catalyst composition for reducing NOx through two steps including reacting NOx with H2 thus producing ammonia which is then reacted with NOx, instead of direct NOx reduction by H2, and a method of reducing NOx using the catalyst composition.
US08668891B2	Exhaust system for a lean-burn IC engine comprising a PGM component and a SCR catalyst An exhaust system 10 for a vehicular lean-burn internal combustion engine comprises: (a) a first substrate monolith 6 comprising a SCR catalyst; (b) at least one second substrate monolith 4 comprising a catalytic washcoat coating comprising at least one platinum group metal (PGM) disposed upstream of the first substrate monolith; and (c) a third substrate monolith 2 disposed between the first substrate monolith and the or each second substrate monolith, wherein at least one PGM on the or each second substrate monolith 4 is liable to volatilise when the or each second substrate monolith 4 is exposed to relatively extreme conditions including relatively high temperatures, and wherein the third substrate monolith 2 comprises a washcoat coating comprising at least one metal oxide for trapping volatilised PGM.
US08668887B2	In situ generation of polysulfide ions using elemental sulfur for improved corrosion control, cyanide management, mercury management, arsine management and performance and reliability of acid gas removal equipment Methods and systems are provided for the in situ generation of polysulfide ions in a process stream including S2− and/or HS− ions. Methods and systems are also provided to ameliorate corrosion in a process stream containing an acid gas or a scrubbing agent solvent, and abate mercury and cyanide in process streams containing a scrubbing agent solvent.
US08668884B2	Generating apparatus, reproducing apparatus and reproducing method of contents with smell reproducing information The present invention provides the identification codes to the plurality of smell information and databases them, making it possible to identify the information on each smell and adds the smell data and smell reproducing information for at least one smell to the media data, making it possible to provide the contents with the plurality of smell reproducing information. Further, the smell diffusing apparatus includes the plurality of smell diffusing components to combine at least two smell diffusing components corresponding to the smell data and discharge them to the outside such that it can reproduce complex smells, thereby making it possible to effectively process a plurality of smell information.
US08668883B2	Sterilizer A bio air sterilization system and method of use thereof is provided that can remove and render benign harmful contaminants and particulates, such as bacteria, viruses, and molds, from air within an enclosed area, as well as, in principle, from the exposed surfaces located within the enclosed area. In one aspect, the sterilization system includes a self contained, mobile sterilization unit that includes at least an ultraviolet array, an air flow control mechanism for diverting the air flow within the system through either a filter or through an ozone removal zone, an ozone generator, and a blower apparatus to pull the air through the system and out through ports, such as a nozzle system, to the surrounding environment.
US08668882B2	Nebulizer manifold A manifold which introduces sterilant aerosol to a sterilization chamber for the disinfection of an article. The manifold defines the terminal portion of a fluid pathway from an aerosol generator to the sterilization chamber and comprises at least one chamber inlet port for introducing aerosol into the sterilizing chamber. The manifold is configured to provide directional aerosol flow tangential to the surface of the article, which is preferably of a known configuration and maintained in a predetermined position with respect to the manifold, such that it does not receive a direct flow of aerosol from the manifold. Preferably, the manifold is U-shaped, or bifurcate and defines a plane and with a chamber inlet ports are directed away from that plane. The chamber inlet ports are preferably paired so they create a circular motion of aerosol that moves around the article. Also sterilization apparatus including the manifold.
US08668879B2	Low layer solvent extractor An apparatus for the solvent extraction of oil-bearing materials having a two-deck, loop-shaped housing is provided. The apparatus has a feed inlet for the materials and an outlet for the solvent-wet extracted materials. An assembly of two or more endless chains are connected by a series of baffle plates and driven by a set of two or more drive sprockets that transport the materials from the feed inlet to the outlet over an upper deck, along an elbow and over a lower deck the end of which serves as a draining section, both of which decks retain the materials but let miscella pass through. Inside the housing, the materials are sprayed with solvent that percolates through the materials and is collected below the decks and sprayed again onto the materials in a counter-current manner.
US08668878B2	Reaction vessel for crystallizing a sample from a solution The present invention relates to a reaction vessel for crystallization of a sample from a solution and a covering foil and an arrangement for mounting the covering foil.
US08668877B2	Diesel oxidation catalyst articles and methods of making and using Diesel oxidation catalysts, catalytic articles, methods of making catalytic articles, emissions treatment systems and methods of treating an exhaust gas stream using the catalytic articles for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions, such as the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) are described. Specific catalytic articles comprising a substrate with a first washcoat layer comprising greater than or equal to about 2% by weight palladium dispersed on a ceria support and a second washcoat layer comprising a platinum group metal and a refractory metal oxide are described.
US08668875B2	Stirring device and an analyzing device A stirring device and an analyzing device for stirring a liquid retained in a vessel with sound wave. The Stirring device (20) comprises: a surface acoustic wave element (24) having sound generation section (24b, 24c) located on a piezoelectric substrate (24a) wherein the sound generation sections are electrically connected in parallel, and center frequencies of respective fundamental waves of the sound generation sections differ from each other, respective resonant frequency bands of the sound generation section are partially overlapped with each other, and origins of acoustic stream caused by sound wave radiated to the vessel from different sound generation section are located alternately; and a drive control section (21) for controlling a frequency of drive signal input to the surface acoustic wave element so that at least two sound generation sections of the plurality of sound generation sections generate sound wave simultaneously.
US08668873B2	Method and apparatus for extraction, detection, and characterization of vapors from explosives, taggants in explosives, controlled substances, and biohazards An improved method of extraction, detection, and characterization of a vapor from an explosive, a taggant in an explosive, a controlled substance, a biohazard, and mixtures thereof uses a new and improved SPME device for extraction and ion mobility spectrometry for detection and characterization. The new and improved SPME device has an increased capacity to sorb a target vapor. The increased sorption of vapor provides for more accurate detection by an ion mobility spectrometer. A SPME device having increased surface area may be exposed to an atmosphere in an enclosure containing a test object or a volume of gas that was in contact with the test object to allow for sorption of the target vapor and then introduced into an IMS for more accurate detection and characterization of the vapor due to the increased sorption of the vapor by the SPME device described herein.
US08668869B2	Analyzer Analyzers are described that includes a mode selector for selecting one measurement mode from said plurality of measurement modes; a display for displaying a screen; and a display controller for displaying on said screen a picture representing contents of the measurement mode selected by said mode selector.
US08668866B2	Shockwave fabrication of thermoelectric materials The explosive consolidation of semiconductor powders results in thermoelectric materials having reduced thermal conductivity without a concurrent reduction in electrical conductivity and thereby allows the construction of thermoelectric generators having improved conversion efficiencies of heat energy to electrical energy.
US08668865B2	Ceramic materials containing spherical shaped carbon particles Ceramic materials with a matrix which contains at least one carbide, at least one carbide-forming element and carbon, and which furthermore contain a dispersed phase of carbon particles with spherical shape and an average diameter of 0.2 μm to 800 μm, a process for their production and their use for thermal insulation, as a protective layer in ceramic armoring against mechanical action, or as a friction layer in brake disks or clutch disks.
US08668863B2	Dendritic macroporous hydrogels prepared by crystal templating The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.
US08668862B2	Resin molding method, die device, and resin molded article Flow gates 5 capable of protruding and retracting are provided in a cavity 9 of a die 2 to control a resin filling path. The generation of welds or orientation lines in a resin flow pattern is allowed only in an area containing uneven portions outside a design surface but is not allowed in other areas. The area containing welds or orientation lines in a resin flow pattern is covered with a separate component having a design surface, thereby achieving a desired metallic appearance.
US08668861B1	Protective edging for a cathode of an electroplating system Protective edging for a cathode of an electroplating system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments a cathodes of an electroplating system, the cathodes including a sheet of metallic material that defines a front, a back and an edge, a plurality of apertures through the metallic material proximate to a portion of the edge and a plastic material that envelops the portion of the edge and the plurality of apertures. The plastic material extends through the apertures and is adhered to the metallic material.
US08668857B1	High quality out-of-autoclave composites An aircraft part is manufactured using a process that prepares a laminate portion of the part using an out-of-autoclave resin system and then heat cures the laminate while applying a first vacuum one a first side of the laminate and a second vacuum on a second side of the laminate. This results in a high-quality aircraft part that has low cost and avoids the need for an autoclave. In preferred embodiments, each of the vacuums applied to the laminate has a pressure of less than 30 Torr. The aircraft part resulting from this process can further be advantageously cured at a temperature of at least 180° F. for at least 60 min. Especially preferred methods use the MTM-44 or MTM-45 out-of-autoclave resin systems, which have characteristics that permit the resin to be approved in the primary structure of an aircraft.
US08668852B2	Powder for molding and method for producing molded article using the same The present invention provides a powder for molding that reduces or prevents drawbacks such as unevenness and low fluidity when a mixed powder is used as a powder for molding. The present invention relates to powders for molding including particles in which each particle contains an inorganic component and a water-soluble organic polymer component and methods for producing the same.
US08668851B2	Method for producing hollow structural body It is intended to provide a method of producing a hollow construct, which may be in various shapes such as a fiber or a film as well as in various sizes and has chemical resistance, made of a fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer, a fluorinated carbon polymer or a polymer carrying a nitrogen-containing group, a silicon-containing group, an oxygen-containing group, a phosphorus-containing group or a sulfur-containing group having been introduced into the above-described polymer; and a hollow construct obtained by this method.
US08668850B2	Flame-retarded foamed plastic compositions and shaped articles A flame retarded foamed plastic composition comprises a polystyrene type resin; a brominated flame retardant having a Br content greater than 60% by weight and a 5 wt % loss temperature of 190-320° C.; a hindered amine of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine carboxylate series, and a blowing agent.
US08668840B2	Solution used in the fabrication of a porous semiconductor material, and a method of fabricating said material A solution includes hydrofluoric acid, an alcohol, and a metallic salt, in which the metal has a redox potential that is positive relative to a hydrogen electrode at 25° C.
US08668839B2	Mn-Zn-co ferrite Disclosed is a MnZnCo-based ferrite consisting of base constituents, accessory constituents, and inevitable impurities, which MnZnCo-based ferrite is characterized by adding silicon oxide (SiO2 conversion): 50-400 mass ppm and calcium oxide (CaO conversion): 1000-4000 mass ppm as secondary constituents to base constituents consisting of iron oxide (Fe2O3 conversion): 51.0-53.0 mol %, zinc oxide (ZnO conversion): greater than 12.0 mol % and less than 18.0 mol %, cobalt oxide (CoO conversion): 0.04-0.60 mol %, and manganese oxide (MnO conversion): remainder, and keeping phosphorus, boron, sulfur, and chlorine of the inevitable impurities to phosphorous: less than 3 mass ppm, boron: less than 3 mass ppm, sulfur: less than 5 mass ppm, and chlorine: less than 10 mass ppm. This MnZnCo-based ferrite has the superior characteristics of always having incremental permeability [mu]? of 2000 or greater across a wide temperature range of −40 DEG C. to 85 DEG C. when a 33 A/m direct current magnetic field is applied, even in cases when formed into a small core with outside diameter of approximately 2-6 mm.
US08668837B2	Method for etching substrate A method for etching a substrate includes etching at least one first layer of the substrate with a non-uniform substrate temperature and etching at least one second layer of the substrate with uniform substrate temperatures.
US08668834B2	Protecting a mold having a substantially planar surface provided with a plurality of mold cavities A method of protecting a mold having at least one substantially planar surface provided with a plurality of mold cavities includes inserting a plurality of mandrels into respective ones of the plurality of mold cavities, depositing a layer of mold protection material onto the at least one substantially planar surface and the plurality of mandrels, and removing the plurality of mandrels from the mold substrate.
US08668833B2	Method of forming a nanostructure A method of forming a discrete nanostructured element at one or more predetermined locations on a substrate is presented. The method includes forming a mask member over the substrate. A window is formed in the mask member at each of one or more locations at which it is required to form the nanostructured element thereby to expose a portion of a surface of the substrate. A portion of the substrate exposed by the window at the one or more locations is removed to form one or more recesses in the substrate. The method further includes forming a layer of a nanostructure medium over a surface of the recess and annealing the structure thereby to form the nanostructured element in each of the one or more recesses. The nanostructured element includes a portion of the nanostructure medium and has an external dimension along at least two substantially orthogonal directions of less than substantially 100 nm.
US08668831B2	Method for contaminant removal from aqueous solution The present invention provides for a permeable reactive barrier and an effective method of removing contaminants from water using adsorbent powders, such as zero valent iron particles, adhered throughout a reticulated foam structure. This structure provides improved mass transfer, higher reaction rates and reduced residence times. The barrier includes a reticulated foam substrate with high permeability, an adherent coating and a reactive adsorbent arranged in a reticulated foam structure. The substrate can be selected from various materials including polyurethane and polyester. The adherent may be selected from a wide range of materials including polyurethanes, acrylics, silicones, siliconized acrylics, latex emulsions, and other inherently tacky materials that cure to a water resistant coating. The reactive adsorbent can be selected from various adsorbents including a powdered zero-valent iron (ZVI).
US08668829B2	Method for performing maintenance on a chromatography column A method for performing maintenance on a chromatography column (1; 41) comprising the steps of: a) when maintenance is required, detaching a detachable joint (7; 63) between a bottom plate (5; 53) of the chromatography column and a stand (3; 43) on which the chromatography column is provided; b) attaching an adaptor (15; 59) provided in the chromatography system to any part of the chromatography column (1; 41) making it possible to lift the bottom plate (5; 53) from the stand (3; 43) with the adaptor (15; 59); and c) raising the adaptor (15; 59) and thereby also the bottom plate (5; 53) such that maintenance can be performed under the bottom plate (5; 53).
US08668827B2	Rectangular channel electro-acoustic aggregation device Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and/or acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.
US08668823B2	Methods and units for mitigation of carbon oxides during hydrotreating This invention relates to methods and units for mitigation of carbon oxides during hydrotreating hydrocarbons including mineral oil based streams and biological oil based streams. A hydrotreating unit includes a first hydrotreating reactor for receiving a mineral oil based hydrocarbon stream and forming a first hydrotreated product stream, and a second hydrotreating reactor for receiving a biological oil based hydrocarbon stream and forming a second hydrotreated product stream.
US08668820B2	Method of measuring quantity of substrate A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltage to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction, and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply.
US08668817B2	System and method of plating metal alloys by using galvanic technology The invention relates to a system and a method of plating metal alloys, as well as to the structures thus obtained. The system for plating metal alloys comprises an electrolytic cell containing an electrolytic solution (3) in which an anode (4,4a,4b), a cathode (5), and a plurality of metal components to be plated onto the cathode are immersed, the anode (4,4a,4b) and the cathode (5) being electrically connected to means (6) adapted to apply a potential difference between said anode (4,4a,4b) and said cathode (5). The invention is characterized in that the means (6) adapted to apply a potential difference between said cathode (5) and said anode (4,4a,4b) impose a potential difference value that changes over time according to a predefined law.
US08668816B2	Self-ionized and inductively-coupled plasma for sputtering and resputtering A magnetron sputter reactor for sputtering deposition materials such as tantalum, tantalum nitride and copper, for example, and its method of use, in which self-ionized plasma (SIP) sputtering and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) sputtering are promoted, either together or alternately, in the same or different chambers. Also, bottom coverage may be thinned or eliminated by ICP resputtering in one chamber and SIP in another. SIP is promoted by a small magnetron having poles of unequal magnetic strength and a high power applied to the target during sputtering. ICP is provided by one or more RF coils which inductively couple RF energy into a plasma. The combined SIP-ICP layers can act as a liner or barrier or seed or nucleation layer for hole. In addition, an RF coil may be sputtered to provide protective material during ICP resputtering. In another chamber an array of auxiliary magnets positioned along sidewalls of a magnetron sputter reactor on a side towards the wafer from the target. The magnetron preferably is a small, strong one having a stronger outer pole of a first magnetic polarity surrounding a weaker outer pole of a second magnetic polarity and rotates about the central axis of the chamber. The auxiliary magnets preferably have the first magnetic polarity to draw the unbalanced magnetic field component toward the wafer. The auxiliary magnets may be either permanent magnets or electromagnets.
US08668806B2	Product and processes from an integrated forest biorefinery An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.
US08668805B2	Line end shortening reduction during etch A semiconductor device may be formed by the method comprising providing a patterned photoresist mask over the etch layer, the photoresist mask having at least one photoresist line having a pair of sidewalls ending at a line end, placing a coating over the at least one photoresist line comprising at least one cycle, wherein each cycle comprises: a) depositing a polymer layer over the photoresist line, wherein an amount of polymer at the line end is greater than an amount of polymer on the sidewalls, and b) hardening the polymer layer, and etching features into the etch layer through the photoresist mask, wherein a line end shortening (LES) is less than or equal to 1.
US08668803B1	Sandwich of impact resistant material A sandwich of impact resistant material comprising: a first tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the first tile and the first tile comprises a hardness value; a second tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the second tile and the second tile comprises a hardness value; and a third tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the third tile and the third tile comprises a hardness value, wherein the second tile is coupled in between the first tile and the third tile, and the second tile comprises a hardness value greater than the first tile and the second tile.
US08668800B2	Method of manufacturing hollow composite parts with in situ formed internal structures A method for manufacturing complex hollow composite parts with at least one internal structure formed in situ by laying laminated layers around a removable mandrel assembled inside the part's inner cavity. The inner mandrel is made up of two jig plate assemblies aligned in a parallel manner and space apart where the internal structure is to manufactured. Each jig plate assembly is made up of at least three jig plates stacked in an edge-to-edge manner Located on opposite sides of each jig plate assembly is an elastic envelope filled with spherical objects. When evacuated, the envelope collapses and relaxes and composite material may then laid up inside the inner cavity and around the envelopes. When exposed to a heat, the envelopes expand and in situ and form internal structures inside surface of the cavity. Each envelope and each jig plate assemblies can be easily dissembled and reused.
US08668799B2	Method of making open-ended thermoplastic belting A system and method of making an open-ended, reinforced, layered belt having a profile layer, a top layer material, and tensile cords fully encapsulated there between. The method includes engaging portion of the profile layer on a rotatable cylindrical mandrel with an engaging roller, disengaging with a take-off roller, and applying and fusing the cords to the profile layer at a desired cord spacing there between. The cord may be fused by melting the profile layer surface with a heated plow and/or with heated cord. The cord is then covered with the top layer material in a lamination step involving heating to melt at least a portion of the top layer and pressing it to fuse it to the reinforced profile layer. Lamination may be done downstream or directly on the mandrel.
US08668792B2	Method for producing magnetic sheet A method for producing a magnetic sheet wherein a magnetic sheet composition is applied onto a substrate. The magnetic sheet composition contains: a binder; magnetic powder; and a curing agent, wherein the binder contains a thermosetting organic resin, and the curing agent contains a sulfonium borate complex expressed by General Formula 1: where R1 is an aralkyl group, R2 is a lower alkyl group, X is a halogen atom, and n is an integer of 0 to 3.
US08668789B2	Method for manufacturing of high strength cold rolled steel sheet of excellent phosphatability A method for the manufacturing of high strength cold rolled steel sheets includes continuously annealing a cold rolled steel sheet that has a composition containing C: 0.05-0.3% mass, Si: 0.6-3.0% mass, Mn: 1.0-3.0% mass, P: ≦0.1% mass, S: ≦0.02% mass, Al: 0.01-1% mass, N: ≦0.01% mass, and Fe and inevitable impurities: balance, in a manner such that the cold rolled steel sheet is heated in a furnace using an oxidizing burner to a steel sheet temperature of ≧700° C., then soak-annealed in a reducing atmosphere furnace at 750-900° C., then cooled so the average cooling rate between 500° C. and 100° C. is ≧50° C./s. High-Si cold rolled steel sheets with high strength and good phosphatability while containing Si≧0.6% are obtained without controlling conditions so as to increase the dew point in the reducing atmosphere in the soaking furnace or to increase the vapor hydrogen partial pressure ratio.
US08668788B2	Handling machine for handling rails and handling process thereof A handling machine for handling rails, arranged in line immediately downstream of a rolling plant, which allows an optimal clamping of the rail along its longitudinal extension, thus effectively withstanding the deflection and its variations, while allowing a longitudinal movement of the rail caused by thermal shrinkage, thus avoiding damages both to the external surface of the rail and to the handlers. A process of handling the rail is also described, which optimizes moving, positioning along a roller table and maintaining the rail substantially rectilinear during the thermal treatment to which it is subjected.
US08668787B2	Silver alloy, sputtering target material thereof, and thin film thereof It is an object of the present invention to provide a Ag—Pd—Cu—Ge type silver alloy which can form a reflective electrode film having such two characteristics that it is very reduced in the lowering of reflectance caused by thermal deterioration and has resistant to yellowing caused by sulfurization even after a heating step in a process of producing a color liquid crystal display. The silver alloy according to the present invention includes a composition containing at least four elements including Ag as its major component, 0.10 to 2.89 wt % of Pd, 0.10 to 2.89 wt % of Cu and 0.01 to 1.50 wt % of Ge, and the total amount of Pd, Cu and Ge is 0.21 to 3.00 wt %.
US08668783B2	Steel wire rod having excellent drawability and fatigue properties, and manufacturing method of the same A steel wire rod is obtained, in which a gas flow rate during gas stirring in molten steel treatment is controlled to be 0.0005 Nm3/min to 0.004 Nm3/min per molten steel of 1 ton, thereby the rod satisfies a specified composition, and oxide base inclusions in any section including an axis line of the steel wire rod satisfy the following composition X, the inclusions having width of 2 μm or more perpendicular to a rolling direction, wherein the number of the oxide base inclusions of the following composition A is 1 to 20, and the number of the oxide base inclusions of the following composition B is less than 1: composition X: when composition of inclusions is converted to Al2O3+MgO+CaO+SiO2+MnO=100%, Al2O3+CaO+SiO2≧70% is given. composition A: when composition of inclusions is converted to Al2O3+CaO+SiO2=100%, 20%≦CaO≦50% and Al2O3≦30% are given; and composition B: when composition of inclusions is converted to Al2O3+CaO+SiO2=100%, CaO>50% is given. In the steel wire rod, drawability and fatigue properties are improved to the utmost.
US08668781B2	Dishwasher lid sealing assembly An appliance having a casing with an open topped tub located within it, a lid structure including a seal for closing and sealing the tub mounted to the casing, the seal sealing with the top edge of the tub and located at or close to the perimeter of the lid structure, the lid structure including a lid center portion and a frame which circumscribes the lid center portion, the appliance including a gasket, connecting the frame to the lid center portion so that at least part of the gasket forms a free body portion between the frame and the lid center portion, the lid center being free-floating relative to the frame, the appliance including a lid structure supporting mechanism connected to the frame to move the lid structure downwards, and if the lid center portion is prevented from moving downwards, the frame can continue to move downwards.
US08668776B2	Gas delivery apparatus and method for atomic layer deposition Apparatus and method for forming thin layers on a substrate are provided. A processing chamber has a gas delivery assembly that comprises a lid with a cap portion and a covering member that together define an expanding channel at a central portion of the lid, the covering member having a tapered bottom surface extending from the expanding channel to a peripheral portion of the covering member. Gas conduits are coupled to the expanding channel and positioned at an angle from a center of the expanding channel to form a circular gas flow through the expanding channel. The bottom surface of the chamber lid is shaped and sized to substantially cover the substrate receiving surface. One or more valves are coupled to the passageway, and one or more gas sources are coupled to each valve. A choke is disposed on the chamber lid adjacent a perimeter of the tapered bottom surface.
US08668775B2	Machine CVD shower head A shower head for a chemical vapor deposition chamber can have a housing, a plurality of bosses formed upon the housing, and an inside cover. The bosses can have bores formed therethrough. The inside cover can be attached to the bosses and can have apertures formed therein such that the apertures are generally contiguous with the bores. The housing, the bosses, and the inside cover cooperate to communicate water through the shower head. The water can cool the shower head to a temperature that is substantially lower than the temperature of other parts of the chemical vapor deposition chamber, e.g., the susceptor thereof.
US08668774B2	Low temperature continuous circulation reactor for the aqueous synthesis of ZnO films, nanostructures, and bulk single crystals A method for synthesizing ZnO, comprising continuously circulating a growth solution that is saturated with ZnO between a warmer deposition zone, which contains a substrate or seed, and a cooler dissolution zone, which is contains ZnO source material.
US08668773B2	Mortar composition, method of preparation thereof and use thereof A mortar composition in the form of a dry powder, ready for use, comprising at least one powdery binder and at least one aggregate, as well as possibly at least one standard additive and/or adjuvant, and formed from particles, at least some of which, referred to as fine particles, are liable to produce an emission of dust, characterized in that it also comprises a fluid additive that consists of least one non-polar hydrocarbon organic substance and that has a capacity for agglomeration of the said fine particles, and in that the dry mortar composition comprises agglomerates of fine particles formed by the fluid additive.
US08668771B2	Cellulose resin composition and cellulose resin film Provided are a cellulose resin composition which can give a cellulose ester film free from the problems with bleeding and has excellent moisture permeability, even when containing a plasticizer in a relatively large amount, and a cellulose resin film which is obtained from the cellulose resin composition.The present invention relates to a cellulose resin composition obtained by adding (A) a polyester plasticizer to a cellulose resin. The aforementioned (A) polyester plasticizer is obtained from a polybasic acid, a glycol and a stopper, wherein 70 to 30 mol % of the aforementioned polybasic acid is a succinic acid and/or an adipic acid; 30 to 70 mol % of the aforementioned polybasic acid is at least one selected from a group consisting of a terephthalic acid, a phthalic acid and an isophthalic acid; the aforementioned glycol is at least one selected from a group consisting of an ethylene glycol, a 1,2-propylene glycol, a 1,3-butanediol and a 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; the aforementioned stopper is an acetic acid and/or a benzoic acid; and the weight-average molecular weight is 600 to 2,000.
US08668769B2	Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink-jet recording method and ink-jet recording apparatus A water-based ink for ink jet recording includes water; a water-soluble organic solvent; alcoholamine which is contained at 0.2% by weight to 0.75% by weight in the water-based ink for ink-jet recording; an anionic surfactant having a sulfate structure which is contained at 0.02% by weight to 0.2% by weight in the water-based ink for ink jet recording; and a colorant including a dye represented by general formula (1).
US08668767B2	Product gas concentrator and method associated therewith Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.
US08668766B2	Gas liquid contactor and method thereof The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to individually fed nozzle banks including an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a gas liquid contactor having a plurality of modules including a liquid inlet and outlet and a gas inlet and outlet. An array of nozzles is in communication with the liquid inlet and the gas inlet. The array of nozzles is configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas flow and maximize gas flow and liquid flow interactions while rapidly replenishing the liquid.
US08668765B2	Dryer having structure for enhanced drying efficiency and method of use A drying system includes a desiccant wheel that dries incoming air. The dried air is heated using a heating element to promote drying of an article within the drying system. A portion of the heated air is diverted to a secondary air path that leads away from the drum holding the article. The diverted portion is used to regenerate an area of the desiccant wheel. A secondary heating element is used to promote regeneration and located in the secondary air path.
US08668761B2	Method for processing and recycling zinc-rich iron metallurgy side products A process for processing metallurgic residue that is obtained from electric steelworks dust, ESD, essentially containing iron and zinc in the form of zinc oxide and zinc ferrites, as well as a processing of the blast-furnace slags, BFS, and a combination with a synergy effect.
US08668760B2	Method for the production of a β-γ-TiAl base alloy A method for the production of a γ-TiAl base alloy by vacuum arc remelting, which γ-TiAl base alloy solidifies via the β-phase (β-γ-TiAl base alloy), includes the following method steps of forming a basic melting electrode by melting, in at least one vacuum arc remelting step, of a conventional γ-TiAl primary alloy containing a lack of titanium and/or of at least one β-stabilizing element compared to the β-γ-TiAl base alloy to be produced; allocating an amount of titanium and/or β-stabilizing element to the basic melting electrode, which amount corresponds to the reduced amount of titanium and/or β-stabilizing element, in an even distribution across the length and periphery of the basic melting electrode; and adding the allocated amount of titanium and/or β-stabilizing element to the basic melting electrode so as to form the homogeneous β-γ-TiAl base alloy in a final vacuum arc remelting step.
US08668759B2	Sulphur-containing fertilizers and process for the preparation thereof Process for the manufacture of sulphur-containing fertilizer compositions, comprising the steps of: a} providing a slurry of at least one phosphate-based fertilizer material selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphates, ammonium phosphate based nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) compounds, super phosphates and partially acidulated phosphate rocks; b) bringing said slurry into contact with at least one anionic surfactant and elemental sulphur; c) introducing the mixture obtained in step b} into a granulator unit in order to obtain granules of the fertilizer composition, wherein the at least one phosphate-based fertilizer material is present in an amount in the range of at least 50 wt. %, the elemental sulphur is present in an amount in the range of from 1 to 25 wt. % and the anionic surfactant is present in an amount in the range of from 0.001 to 3 wt. % based on the overall weight of the fertilizer composition. The present invention also provides a fertilizer composition.
US08668758B2	Trackified air filtration media and a self-supporting filter having improved stiffness and foldability The present disclosure relates generally to a nonwoven filtration media comprising a bonded mix of different, discontinuous, thermoplastic resin fibers and optionally discontinuous cellulosic fibers. In some embodiments a tackifier is added to the nonwoven filtration media to provide a sticky or adhesive surface on the fibers. The nonwoven media has an advantageous combination of stiffness, foldability, efficiency and the ability to retain a fold. The nonwoven media can be thermally bonded during the production process. The advantageous combination of mechanical properties allow the disclosed nonwoven media to accept and retain folds and pleats better than some conventional filtration materials while the mix of different fibers provides desirable filtration properties.
US08668756B2	Panel filter with reduced restriction A filter assembly, panel filter element, and servicing method is provided for reducing inlet flow restriction from a housing inlet into an inlet plenum and reducing outlet flow restriction from an outlet plenum to a housing outlet.
US08668752B2	Apparatus for generating a gas which may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.
US08668749B2	Diesel fuel additive A diesel fuel additive composition, a fuel containing the fuel additive, a method for improving diesel engine performance using the additive. The diesel fuel additive includes a reaction product of (a) a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent and (b) a reactant selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound, a hydroxyl-containing compound, and water that provides a reaction product selected from the group consisting (1) a mono-amide/mono-acid or metal free mono-acid salt thereof, (2) a diacid or metal free diacid salt thereof, and (3) mono-ester/mono-acid or metal free mono-acid salt thereof. The reaction product includes at least about 10 molar percent acid groups based on total moles of the reaction product.
US08668748B2	Composition, fuel and process for the reemulsification of a fuel based on vegetable and/or mineral oil An emulsifying composition intended to homogenize and reemulsify a fuel, includes by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, a) from 5% to 40% of N-oleyl-1,3-propylenediamine, b) from 50% to 95% of N,N′,N′-polyoxyethylene-N-tallowpropylenediamine and c) from 5% to 40% of a solvent. A fuel including the abovementioned composition, a process for the manufacture of the composition and its use are also described.
US08668742B2	System and method for transmitting orthopaedic implant data A system and method for transmitting implant data includes an orthopaedic implant, a wireless receiver, and a processing circuit electrically coupled to the wireless receiver. The orthopaedic implant is configured to transmit implant identification data and implant sensor data to the wireless receiver in response to a power signal. The orthopedic implant may transfer the data over, for example, a wireless network. The processing circuit receives the implant identification data and the implant sensor data from the wireless receiver and is configured to retrieve patient-related data from a database based on the implant identification data. The processing circuit may also be configured to update a patient queue, assign a patient room to a patient, and/or transmit the patient-related data and the implant sensor data to a client machine located in the patient room.
US08668736B2	Brush copolymers Brush copolymers containing (a) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing monomer containing one or more boronic acid moieties; and (b) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing macromonomer having hydrophilic units and boronic acid units are disclosed.
US08668722B2	Method for locking an artificial facet between two vertebral bodies A bone screw (1) is used for locking an articular facet between the superior and inferior articular processes of two vertebral bodies and is provided with a threaded shaft (2), a screw head (3) and a central axis (4). The screw head (3) is further provided with a number of grooves (5) on the periphery of the screw head (3) which run essentially parallel to said central axis (4).
US08668721B2	Connector apparatus and method A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which a fastener is engaged with a bone structure of a spinal system. The fastener is connected to a rod by moving the rod downward toward the fastener in a sagittal plane, and the direction of extension of at least a portion of the rod in a coronal plane may be selectively adjusted in predetermined angular increments through 360 degrees.
US08668715B2	Cervical spine retractor A cervical retractor includes a bi-folded body; a pair of primary pegs extending outward from the bi-folded body and in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bi-folded body; and a secondary peg extending outward from the bi-folded body in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction and substantially linear with the pair of primary pegs. The bi-folded body includes a middle panel and a pair of side flanking panels, and each flanking panel includes a tab extending from a bottom portion of the flanking panel; and a pair of slots flanking the tab. The pair of slots aligns with the pair of primary pegs when the side flanking panels fold onto the middle panel, and the slots permit the primary pegs to outwardly extend there through.
US08668714B2	Methods of manufacture and use of endoluminal devices A seamless, self-expanding implantable device having a low profile is disclosed along with methods of making and using the same. The implantable device includes a frame cut out of a single piece of material that is formed into a three-dimensional shape. The implantable device may comprise an embolic filter, stent, or other implantable structure. The present invention also allows complicated frame structures to be easily formed from planar sheets of starting material, such as through laser cutting, stamping, photo-etching, or other cutting techniques.
US08668712B2	Multi-lumen central access vena cava filter apparatus and method of using same A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents. The embolic filter may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.
US08668711B2	Medical instrument with a flexible sealing system via spherical heads A medical instrument has a cannula and a seal disposed in the cannula. An expansion device serves for expanding an opening in the seal for guiding shafts of other instruments of greater diameter in a sealed manner through the expanded opening. The expansion device has an expansion cone with a plurality of slats mounted pivotably on an annular body at a first end thereof, a second end of the slats being connected to the seal in an area of the opening. The slats are connected at its first ends to the annular body via spherical heads engaged into corresponding openings in the annular body.
US08668707B2	Minimally invasive lung volume reduction devices, methods, and systems A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.
US08668706B2	Tissue management apparatus for vascular access Tissue management methods can include inserting a clamping device into a vessel and clamping a vessel wall via the clamping device. Tissue can be dilated about the clamping device and an anastomotic device provided to the vessel.
US08668702B2	Minimal access tool A minimal access tool includes a frame arranged to be attached to an arm of a user, a tool shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the tool shaft proximal end is connected to the frame. The tool further includes an input joint having a first end connected to the frame and a second end arranged to receive user input, the input joint including a virtual center-of-rotation (VC) mechanism which provides a center of rotation that generally coincides with a wrist joint of the user. An output joint is connected to the tool shaft distal end, where the output joint is coupled to the input joint via a mechanical transmission connected therebetween to correlate motion of the input joint to motion of the output joint.
US08668700B2	Patient-specific convertible guides A convertible patient-specific guide for use in arthroplasty has a body having a patient-specific three-dimensional undersurface closely mateable engageable in only one position with a corresponding joint surface of a specific patient. The convertible guide includes patient-specific guiding formations extending from the body and configured for guiding both a total arthroplasty of the joint and a partial arthroplasty of the joint, such that the arthroplasty to be performed is intraoperatively changeable.
US08668698B2	Assembly for coupling powered driver with intraosseous device Apparatus and methods are provided to remove biopsy specimens from a bone and/or associated bone marrow using a powered drive and an intraosseous (IO) needle set. The powered driver may rotate the IO needle set at an optimum speed to obtain a biopsy sample of bone and/or bone marrow. Apparatus and methods may also be provided for aspiration of bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant procedures. The apparatus may include a powered driver, a coupler assembly, a containment bag or sterile sleeve and various IO needles and IO needle sets with associated hubs and/or hub assemblies. Each IO needle set may include a cannula or catheter and an associated trocar stylet with respective tips operable to penetrate a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum trauma to a patient. Each hub assembly may be used to releasably dispose a respective stylet within an associated generally hollow cannula. Some coupler assemblies and/or hub assemblies may also be used with manual drivers.
US08668697B2	Methods and devices for sternal closure A method for closing a sternum separated into at least a first sternum portion and a second sternum portion includes preparing at least one cut surface of at least one of the first or second sternum portions to have an adhesive applied thereon. The adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the at least one cut surface. The at least one cut surface is approximated to a second cut surface of the other of the first sternum portion or second sternum portion. As the adhesive cures, it bonds with the first cut surface and the second cut surface. Preparing the at least one cut surface may remove contaminants that could inhibit adhesion of the adhesive. The adhesive may be applied through adhesive injection holes formed along an incision separating the first and second sternum portions. Devices for preparing the cut surfaces and applying the adhesive are also provided.
US08668695B2	Intramedullary nail The present invention provides an intramedullary nail having a body with a transverse bore extending through the body and having an area of enhanced stress distribution on at least the lateral side of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the intramedullary nail includes a cutout adjacent to the transverse bore, such as an oblique cutout, that enhances the stress distribution of the intramedullary nail in the region around the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the cutout includes a ramp portion or area that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In other exemplary embodiments, the cutout includes a runout or a substantially flat portion that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore.
US08668693B2	Fixation device for proximal elbow fractures and method of using same A bone fixation device includes a rod including a first portion extending from a proximal side of the rod, and a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein the rod is inserted into a medullary canal of an ulna bone, the first portion includes a plurality of longitudinally displaced screw holes, having axes whereby at least two screws inserted into the screw holes extend in discrete directions into a metaphyseal portion of the ulna. The bone fixation device also includes a curved extension portion extending from the proximal side of the rod to capture an olecranon of the ulna. The device provides the benefits of an intramedullary nail and proximal tension band type fixation in a single device. The fixation device permits a minimally invasive treatment of proximal ulna fractures that may otherwise be under treated.
US08668690B2	Apparatus and method for optimal tissue separation A system and method for optimizing tissue separation using modulated or duty cycle controlled waveforms on desiccated tissue, where the desiccated tissue has a high electrical impedance. In bipolar electrosurgical procedures, tissue separation is separated with the application of an electrical signal. When tissue does not completely separate and becomes desiccated, generator may generate a duty cycle controlled waveform with specified duty cycle and frequency or modulated waveform. Modulated waveform is generated by adding or multiplying one or more waveforms together. Modulated or duty cycle waveforms create power pulses with higher voltages and a low RMS value. Power pulses drive power and create heat in the high impedance tissue. The creation of heat helps to mobilize water content adjacent to the desiccated tissue. The heating and mobilization of water induces motion into the tissue and aids in the complete separation of tissue while keeping the RMS power low.
US08668687B2	System and method for removing medical implants A method for removing a medical implant is contemplated by the present disclosure. The method includes the steps of guiding a plasma device to an implantation site. The plasma device includes a catheter having a catheter shaft. The catheter shaft includes a proximal portion and a flexible distal portion and a lumen defined therein terminating in an opening proximate a distal end thereof. The lumen is in fluid communication with an ionizable media source. The plasma device also include one or more electrodes proximate the opening and adapted to couple to a power source. The method also includes the steps of positioning the opening proximate a medical implant, supplying ionizable media to the opening, energizing the electrode to ignite the ionizable media to form a plasma plume emanating from the opening and manipulating the plasma plume relative to the medical implant to remove tissue surrounding the medical implant.
US08668683B2	Urinary catheter collection system The present invention relates to a urinary catheter collection system comprising a urinary catheter, a collection bag neck, and a collection bag body. The invention particularly relates to a urinary catheter collection system having a detachable bag body, which allows a user the option to detach the collection bag body from the collection bag neck so that urine may drain from the catheter into a suitable container, such as a toilet, preventing the user from having to empty or dispose of a used urine collection bag body.
US08668678B2	Collecting device for body fluids A body waste collecting device comprising a collecting pouch and an adhesive wafer for attachment to the body, said adhesive wafer comprises a backing layer, a first adhesive and an additional second adhesive, wherein said additional second adhesive comprises a polar plasticizing oil or a combination of polar plasticizing oils in the content of above 10% (w/w) of the final second adhesive, and at least one polar polyethylene copolymer, wherein the content of the polyethylene copolymer is 10-50% (w/w) of the final second adhesive, the polyethylene copolymer has a melt flow index below 2 g/10 min (190° C./21.1 N).
US08668677B2	Device suitable for carrying on the body of a user to generate vacuum for medical applications An apparatus (2) for carrying on the body of a user to generate a vacuum for medical applications, in particular, for the vacuum therapy of wounds on the human or animal body, has a vacuum-producing device and a vessel (10) that is disposable after use for receiving body fluids, in particular, wound exudates suctioned out of a wound, and with a connection (12) for a suction tube leading to the body for this purpose, wherein the vacuum-producing device is disposed in or on a first housing part (4) of the apparatus and the vessel (10) forms a second housing part (8) of the apparatus or is disposed in or on the second housing part (8), and the housing parts (4, 8) are separably fixed one against the other. The apparatus (2) has fastening means so that it can be worn and carried on the body of the user. The device is characterized in that the first housing part (4) is provided facing away from the body when the apparatus is carried on the body of the user (mobile operation) and the second housing part (8) is facing the body with both housing parts (4, 8) being essentially disk-shaped and lying one against the other in an essentially vertically oriented separation plane (14).
US08668676B2	Apparatus and methods for implanting particulate ocular implants Apparatus and methods for implanting ocular implants in eyes are provided which include a bent cannula having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen having a length and a diameter and being configured to receive an ocular implant. The ocular implant is made up of a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles, preferably a plurality of uniformly sized microspheres, arranged in a one-by-one array along the length of the lumen. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for delivering the implant through the distal end of the lumen and into the eye, preferably without the use of a liquid or gel carrier medium located in the lumen along with the implant.
US08668674B2	Integrated vascular delivery system An integrated vascular delivery system having a frame configured to receive a catheter insertable in a patient to deliver fluid at an insertion site. The frame includes a first hub, a second hub, and a pair of flexible lateral members extending between the hubs and including a tubular lateral member. The system also includes a fluidic channel that fluidically communicates with the catheter, wherein the fluidic channel passes through the tubular lateral member and at least one of the hubs, and includes a fixed turnabout portion in which fluid flows in a direction different from that within the catheter. The first and second hubs provide anchoring points on the patient distributed around the insertion site and on opposite ends of the catheter, thereby anchoring the frame to the patient and stabilizing the catheter. A method is provided for using an integrated vascular delivery system.
US08668671B2	Automatic loading of IV pump cassette An intravenous (IV) pump system is disclosed. The IV pump includes a pumping segment and an IV pump. The pumping segment comprises a receptacle configured to hold a medical fluid and an alignment feature attached to the receptacle. The alignment feature comprises one of a magnetic or a magneto-sensitive material. The IV pump includes a housing having a shaped cavity configured to accept the alignment feature of the pumping segment and an attraction element comprising the other of the magnetic or the magneto-sensitive material. The attraction element is configured to attract the alignment feature toward the shaped cavity.
US08668667B2	Double wall catheter for delivering therapeutic agent The present invention relates to a catheter assembly that can deliver a therapeutic composition. The catheter assembly can include an outer balloon with openings for releasing the therapeutic composition. When the catheter assembly is in its contracted state, the openings are closed, and the assembly retains the therapeutic composition. When the catheter assembly is in its dilated state, the openings are open, and the therapeutic composition is released. The present invention also includes methods of making and using such a catheter assembly.
US08668665B2	Systems and methods for power and flow rate control The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.
US08668657B2	Method of manufacturing a guidewire with an extrusion jacket A method of manufacturing a guidewire having a discrete length. The method includes the steps of feeding a first end of a corewire into an extrusion device, gripping the first end of the corewire with a gripping apparatus, and extruding a first extrusion material onto an outer surface of the corewire while the gripping apparatus pulls the corewire through the extrusion device to form an extrusion jacket on the outer surface of the corewire. The corewire has a predetermined length corresponding to a length of the guidewire.
US08668654B1	Cytological brushing system A system for gathering biological material in a biological cavity comprising a catheter having a first lumen, a balloon, and a second lumen in fluid communication with said balloon. The balloon has a textured outer surface for collecting biological material. At least one device for sampling a bodily tissue, such as a needle, optic or forceps, is disposed in the first lumen. A fluid source in fluid communication with the balloon supplies fluid to the second lumen to inflate the balloon such that the textured outer surface collects additional biological material. The system is particularly useful for collecting samples in the lungs or bronchial airways, such as at a bronchial junction.
US08668653B2	Biological information measuring garment having sensor, biological information measuring system and equipment, and control method of equipment The present invention provides a garment for measuring biological information, a biological information measurement system, a biological information measurement device and a method of controlling thereof capable of measuring biological information with accuracy regardless of variations of the constitution of each examinee yet a simple structure. A resistance value sensor 21 senses variation of electric resistances of a chest respiratory information sensor 502 and a chest respiratory information sensor 504 on a shirt 500 of a biological information measuring shirt. A CPU 10 of an analysis device 100 calculates variation cycles of resistance in accordance with the resistance data and outputs respiration values based on the calculation results.
US08668650B2	Pressure-sensing guidewire and sheath A pressure sensing device is provided that can monitor and measure pressure at two points in a vessel or artery without moving the outer sheath or catheter of the device. The outer sheath or catheter includes two spaced apart openings that may be positioned in a vessel or artery on opposing sides of an occlusion. The device also includes an inner elongated tube with at least one opening. The inner elongated tube is slidable with respect to the outer sheath or catheter thereby permitting the opening of the elongated tube to be moved into selective registration with one of the openings of the outer sheath. A pressure measurement may be taken through one of the openings in the outer sheath by aligning the opening of the elongated tube with said opening and, then, a second pressure reading may be taken by sliding the elongated tube within the outer sheath so that the opening of the elongated tube is in registry with the other opening of the tubular sheath. As a result, pressure measurements at two points in a vessel or artery may be taken without moving the outer sheath or catheter.
US08668649B2	System for cardiac status determination A system improves detection and diagnosis of blood pressure based cardiac function and tissue activities by analyzing and characterizing cardiac blood pressure signals (including non-invasive and invasive blood pressure, discrete values and continuous waveforms) using pressure signal variation and variability calculation and evaluation. The system combines blood pressure analysis with multi clinical related factors and parameters to detect and quantify cardiac health status and arrhythmia severity. The system determines an accurate time, location and severity of cardiac pathology and events by calculating blood pressure variability and statistical variation. The accurately and reliably identifies cardiac disorders, differentiates cardiac arrhythmias, characterizes pathological severity, predicts the life-threatening events, and supports evaluation of drug delivery effects.
US08668646B2	Integrated sensor for medical applications A sensing assemblage (1) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium is disclosed to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a transducer (2) and a waveguide (3). The transducer (2) is coupled to the waveguide (3) at a first location. A second transducer (11) can be coupled to the waveguide (3) at a second location. An interface material that is transmissive to acoustic energy waves can be placed between transducers (402, 404) and a waveguide (414) to improve transfer. The interface material (408, 410) can affix the transducers (402, 404) to the waveguide (414). Alternatively, a reflecting feature (5) can be placed at a second location of the waveguide (3) to reflect acoustic waves back to the transducer (2) where transducer (2) emits energy waves into the medium and detects propagated energy waves.
US08668641B2	Surgical access assembly with sleeve and adjustable fastener A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed, including an access member, a tissue engaging member, a sleeve extending from a portion of the membrane, and a fastening member to couple the access member and the sleeve. The access member includes proximal and distal ends, at least one lumen disposed therethrough, and defines a longitudinal axis. The tissue engaging member includes a membrane having proximal and distal ends with opposing openings, and a passage therethrough for receiving the access member. A length of the tissue engaging member may be selectively adjustable by a user so as to provide a retraction force. The sleeve extends proximally from a portion of the membrane. The sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end with opposing openings, the distal end of the sleeve defined by a portion of the membrane. A fastening member couples the access member and the sleeve.
US08668637B2	Endoscopic image pickup device An endoscopic image pickup device includes a sheath functioning as insertion section which is inserted in a body cavity, a camera head body which is coupled to a proximal end portion of the sheath in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the sheath, is rotatable about the axis of the sheath as a rotational axis, and has a center of gravity below the rotational axis, and a remote control section which is provided at a position with an extension below the camera head body. With this structure, even if an endoscope is rotated about the axis of the sheath of the endoscope, the camera head body is always kept in a constant attitude by its own weight. In addition, blurring of an image can be prevented at a time of capturing a still image by the operation of the remote control section.
US08668634B2	Methods for remediating drill cuttings and other particulate materials Methods for separating liquids, such as oils from solids, such as drill cuttings, apply a centrifuge to process a solids-enriched output of a fluids/solid separation device. The centrifuge may be a horizontal decanter-type centrifuge. The output may be heated. In example implementations the centrifuge has a bowl angle of four degrees or less and a low fluid depth of two inches or less. The fluids/solids separation device may comprise a shale shaker and/or a main centrifuge for example. The output material may have a relatively high initial solids content, such as 50% or more.
US08668622B2	Shift control method in an automated manual transmission A shift control method for an automated gearshift transmission arranged in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, between a drive motor and an axle drive, which is provided with unsynchronized gear clutches and whose input shaft can be connected to the driveshaft of the drive motor by an automatically controllable separator clutch such that, for an upshift, the synchronization of the target gear takes place with the separator clutch disengaged by setting a substantially constant braking torque at a transmission brake in driving connection with the input shaft. In order to speed up the shift sequence, without additional design measures, as the input speed of the gear clutch of the target gear approaches its output speed, to complete the synchronization, the separator clutch is partially engaged and then disengaged again substantially simultaneously as the transmission brake is released.
US08668621B2	Control device A control device that controls a vehicle drive device, including a rotary electric machine and internal combustion engine that drive wheels, a first friction engagement device and a second friction engagement device. The control device is configured to execute rotational state control in which a rotational state of the rotary electric machine is controlled so as to establish a target rotational state with the second friction engagement device in a slip engagement state, and hydraulic pressure regulation control in which a hydraulic pressure supplied to the second friction engagement device is controlled on the basis of torque of the rotary electric machine produced during the rotational state control after the first friction engagement device is transitioned to a direct engagement state while the second friction engagement device is transitioned from the slip engagement state to a direct engagement state.
US08668618B2	Rotary units, rotary mechanisms, and related applications The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
US08668613B1	Offset compound gear inline two-speed drive A two-speed transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, the transmission being capable of transitioning between fixed ratios, the high-range ratio being direct 1:1 and the low-range ratio being about 2:1. The transmission is a simple lightweight, yet robust, configuration utilizing only two gear meshes, being comprised of an input gear, a cluster gear, and an output gear. The transmission is controlled with a clutch and a sprag and with the input and output shafts turning in the same direction.
US08668612B2	Lubrication structure of differential gear unit In a lubrication structure of a differential gear unit, a case has a guide rib that extends over a certain area with respect to a rotation path of a head of a bolt when a ring gear rotates, and that protrudes out from the case toward the head of the bolt. Also, a through-hole that extends in a vertical direction is formed in an upper portion of a hollow supporting portion, and the guide rib has an oil reservoir that curves toward an upper end opening of the through-hole.
US08668606B1	Arrow accessories, arrows having such accessories and methods of their manufacturing and operations An accessory for use with an arrow having an arrowhead and an arrow shaft. The arrowhead having a shank extending therefrom. The shaft having an open end operative to receive the shank. The accessory including a plate having a hole therethrough. The hole sized such that the shank is able to pass therethrough. The accessory further including a skirt depending from the plate. The accessory also including a plurality of fins downwardly depending from the skirt. The fins having forward-facing serrated edges.
US08668604B2	Throwing target, system, and method The present application is directed to a throwing target method. The throwing target comprises a baseball strike zone, one or more target zones located in the strike zone and one or more target zones located around the strike zone. The throwing target also comprises one or more non-target zones located in the strike zone. The total surface area of the target zones located around the strike zone is greater than the total surface area of the target zones located within the strike zone.
US08668602B1	Athletic swinging training system, method, and apparatus A method for training a user to swing a member at a moving target. The method comprises receiving in an area proximate the member a target object projected along a free space path toward the area. The method also comprises striking, by the user, the target object with the member. In the method, the target object comprises a target member having a majority of its length along the free space path.
US08668600B2	Fluted putter head A unique golf club putter head having a fluted rear mass design. This rear mass is shaped as a concave mass that merges with the sole of the blade and dips just below the sweet spot of the head at the center thereof. It lowers the center of gravity of the head along the sweet spot while also controlling the mass at heel and toe. Fluting the rear mass permits controlled variation in the distribution of the mass from heel-to-center-to-toe so that it doesn't overwhelm the ball-hitting surface and instead produces stable smooth roll.
US08668598B2	Iron-type golf clubs An iron-type golf club includes a conventional-weight section, a lightweight section and a heavyweight section. The conventional-weight section includes the hitting face and at least a portion of the hosel. The heavyweight section, made of a denser material than the conventional-weight section, includes the sole and an optional back flange. The lightweight section, made of a material less dense than either of the other sections, includes a core to which the other two sections are secured, such as by co-molding the core to the other two sections. In the co-molding context, the components need not be constrained by their respective weight and density, but could be classified more generically as having a pre-formed component and a molding component irrespective of the densities of the components.
US08668597B2	Golf club A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a tip member 8, and a screw member 10. The shaft 6 is inserted into a shaft hole of the tip member 8, and a tip part of the shaft 6 is fixed to the shaft hole. An axis line s1 of the shaft 6 is inclined with respect to an axis line z1 of the tip member 8. The head 4 has a head hole into which the tip member is inserted, a head side engaging part capable of being engaged with the tip member 8 inserted into the head hole, and a through hole into which the screw member 10 can be inserted. The tip member 8 has a shaft side engaging part 38 capable of being engaged with the head side engaging part. Circumferential relative positions A in which the head side engaging part and the shaft side engaging part can be engaged with each other are M kinds. The circumferential relative positions A can equalize adjustment distance of a loft angle, a lie angle, or a hook angle as compared with circumferential relative positions B in being equally divided into M pieces in a circumferential direction.
US08668596B2	Wood-type golf club head with adjustable sole contour A golf club comprising an adjustable fitting member semi-permanently attached rearwardly on a sole is disclosed herein. The fitting member can be rotated to adjust the measured and perceived face angle of the golf club head at address without changing the relative relationship of the club with respect to the shaft, which would alter the lie and loft of the golf club head.
US08668595B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
US08668589B2	Networking gaming system and method including a plurality electronic gaming devices that indicate available seats at different times A system for providing live-play, network-based gaming to players is described, the system comprising providing a server that provides a game to a first player operating a first electronic gaming device located at a first authorized gaming establishment and a second player operating a second electronic gaming device located at a second authorized gaming establishment, the game comprising a live game of chance and/or skill played between the first and second players or between the players and a house entity, and connecting the server to a communication medium for electronically coupling the server to the first electronic gaming device, the second electronic gaming device, and to other electronic gaming devices that are located within the first and second authorized gaming establishments.
US08668583B2	Game system, game machine and game program There is provided a game system which is configured such that, while preserving the significance of an enemy character which appears during a game, a battle with the enemy character can be avoided.The game system 1 comprises a battle determination portion 13b making a player select whether or not a battle between a player character PC and a monster M is going to be retained, a battle game execution portion 13c to execute a battle game when it is selected that the battle is not retained, a stock character setting portion 13d to set the monster M which has appeared as the stock monster SM without executing the battle game when it is selected the battle is going to be retained, and a stock battle game execution portion 13g to execute a stock battle game where the monster M set as the stock monster SM is set as a competitor when a predetermined stock battle operation is performed by the player.
US08668581B2	Systems and methods for regulated hybrid gaming Systems and methods that regulate a hybrid game to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of the hybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system that includes a gambling game and an entertainment game. In addition, the method can include collecting first game operating performance data (GOPD) from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a first player, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, collecting second GOPD from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a second player, comparing the second GOPD to the reference profile to determine whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner, and generating a notification to an operator upon determination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner.
US08668575B2	Gaming machine with gamble option A gaming machine provides a plurality of game levels, each level providing a plurality of symbols selectable by the player. A value associated with a selected symbol is used to calculate a winning value. The player may choose either the winning value or else play the next level.
US08668574B2	Gaming system and method providing a user device that receives and stores a reel set for an initial game play and reel sets for subsequent game plays A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. A server determines a first reel set for the current play, an outcome for the current play, and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates first reel set data, second reel set data, and outcome data to the user device. The user device spins and stops the first reel set in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays that play of that game using the second reel set, and the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount and communicates third reel set data to the user device.
US08668570B2	Method, apparatus, and program product employing a touchscreen button for presenting game feature information in a gaming machine A method includes displaying a button graphic on a touch screen video display device associated with a gaming machine. The button graphic defines a button display area on the touch screen video display device which may be touched to cause a touch screen controller associated with the touch screen video display device to generate a game feature input. In response to the game feature input, a game feature in a game offered through the gaming machine is modified in some fashion. In addition to displaying the button graphic, the button graphic is modified to add a first message regarding the game feature. This modification of the button graphic is performed in association with a modification of the game feature, and the first message includes text indicating that the game feature has been modified.
US08668568B2	Methods and systems for determining user location Methods and systems of determining the approximate location of a terminal are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer system receives from a first mobile computer terminal and/or from a communication system in communication with the first mobile computer terminal, global positioning satellite and/or cellular network location data, wherein the location data corresponds to the approximate location of the first mobile computer terminal. Based at least in part on the location data, the system determines if the first mobile computer terminal is within a first area, wherein presence in the first area is needed in order to be authorized to access a first service. The system, at least partly in response to failing to determine that the first mobile terminal is in the first area, transmits to the first mobile computer terminal location information regarding at least a first location in the first area.
US08668564B2	Jackpot method and system A method and system for playing jackpot and casino games are provided, comprising dealing cards to a player hand and a bank hand according to a set of conventional casino game rules, allowing at least a first player to place a bet on the casino game, granting a right of first refusal to place a bet on jackpot to the first player by virtue of the first player's bet on the casino game, allowing the first player to exercise the right of first refusal to bet on the jackpot or at least a second player to place a bet on the jackpot if the first player declines the right to place a bet on the jackpot, determining the outcome of the live casino game according to the set of conventional casino game rules, and determining the outcome of the jackpot according to a combination of cards.
US08668561B2	Video games including real-life attributes and/or fantasy settings A video gaming console and related network interfaces with a server computer hosting an online fantasy sports game. The video game machine acquires a fantasy team roster of the fantasy sport game over a network that includes the Internet and the video game console is programmed to create a video game team using at least a portion of the fantasy team roster. The video game team created is playable on the video game console.
US08668552B2	Methods of making micro-abrasive blasting device for dental applications A micro-abrasive blasting device comprises a mixing chamber, a delivery conduit extending from external the mixing chamber to the mixing chamber and a discharge conduit extending from the mixing chamber. Abrasive material may selectively be sealed in the chamber by positioning the discharge conduit to abut the inlet port. The chamber may be spherical to deliver consistent powder perturbation at all mixing chamber orientations. Methods of using the device are disclosed. Methods of making the device by blow molding are disclosed.
US08668550B1	Prosthetic nipple undergarment device A prosthetic nipple undergarment device is wearable to give an appearance of an erect nipple of a desired size and shape beneath an outer garment. The device includes a brassiere having a breast receiving cup. A prosthetic nipple is selectively coupled to the cup. The prosthetic nipple comprises a base and a projection coupled to and extending from the base wherein the prosthetic nipple is configured to resemble an erect human nipple.
US08668549B2	Brassiere with adjustable support An adjustable support brassiere comprises the traditional bra elements of a bra band with closure; breast cups secured thereto; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise mini support cups pivotally attached at a selective location on each breast cup. A respective support strap may be secured to a portion of each mini support cup, with a distal end adjustably securable to the shoulder strap to be moveable between at least first and second positions to cause pivoting of the mini support cup to produce directional support according to a desirable lifting vector. Adjustment of the support strap may produce a lifting vector to provide directional support comprising substantially vertical support and outward separating support to enhance the women's figure, which is healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement of the woman's breasts. A second embodiment may utilize a translating mini support cup and a gathered elastic member.
US08668547B2	Nursing bra Nursing bras with at least one cup (1) for supporting a breast, wherein the cup comprises a first part (2) for supporting of the breast, characterized in that the cup is provided with a second part (4) which at least in part overlaps with the first part (2).
US08668546B2	Remote signal responsive small vehicle with free wheeling feature A hand held remote controlled toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a motor that can be activated by a wireless signal. The motor is coupled to a drive wheel by a drive gear assembly. Activation of the motor turns the drive wheel and propels the vehicle. The drive gear assembly can be de-coupled from the drive wheel so that the toy vehicle can be manually propelled in a free-wheeling mode.
US08668544B2	Interactive toys A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.
US08668539B2	Amphibious protection apparatus An amphibious protection apparatus including wall members, an occupancy space, and an access region is provided. Each of the wall members is foldably and detachably connected to the other wall members. Each of the wall members has an enclosed space that is inflatable by a fluid injected into the enclosed space. The inflation of each of the detachably connected wall members forms a buoyant enclosure of a predefined configuration, which bounces on land and floats on water. The occupancy space is defined by the detachably connected wall members and accommodates the users. The access region defined by opening one of the detachably connected wall members provides access to the occupancy space. The amphibious protection apparatus inflated to form the buoyant enclosure protects the users accommodated within the occupancy space from impacts from different directions on land and water and provides safety to the accommodated users on land and water.
US08668536B1	Pedal powered boat using a fish tail paddle A fish tail propelled water vessel uses a pair of back and forth reciprocating pedals to rotate a flywheel back and forth, the paddle blade of the vessel attached to the flywheel so that the reciprocating flywheel swishes the blade through the water in side to side fashion thereby propelling the vessel. A cable attaches each pedal to its respective side of the flywheel in order to cause rotation of the flywheel. A pedal cable helps balance the pedals thereby assuring smooth pedaling of the device. Holding one of the pedals forward of the alignment point with the other pedal, holds the blade to that side, thereby steering the vessel to the opposing side.
US08668533B2	Waterjet propulsion system and method for a marine vehicle A waterjet based propulsion system and method that utilizes more than one waterjet outlet port and controls the selective application of power to the waterjets with a splitter gearbox thereby improving the efficiency of the marine craft at low and high speeds.
US08668525B1	Method of forming colored appearance and conductive casing A method of forming a colored appearance suitable for forming a colored appearance for a conductive casing of a connector is provided. The conductive casing has a body and at least one lead. The lead extends from the body. The method of forming a colored appearance includes the following steps. A surface of the conductive casing is roughened. A conductive metal layer is formed on the roughened surface of the conductive casing. A shielding layer is formed on a part of the conductive metal layer located on the lead. A colorful conductive layer is formed on the conductive casing. The shielding layer and a part of the colorful conductive layer located on the shielding layer are removed to expose the part of the conductive metal layer on the lead. Therefore, the conductive casing has a colored appearance.
US08668521B2	Coaxial connector A contact is formed of paired contact pieces, a coupling part coupling the contact pieces, and a connecting part extended from the coupling part, and the connecting part has a plate surface lowered by one step from the coupling part in a direction in which the contact pieces project. A body includes a body main structure, a body extension part mounting thereon the connecting part, and a body inner-lid part projected from the body extension part and to be bent. A shell includes a shell main body, a shell extension part supporting the body extension part, a shell inner-lid part projected from a side wall of the shell extension part, and a shell outer-lid part. A central conductor of a coaxial cable is interposed between the body inner-lid part bent with the shell inner-lid part and the connecting part, thereby being connected to the connecting part.
US08668519B2	Active electronic media device packaging Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.
US08668518B2	Data bus structure for terminal blocks and terminal blocks using the same A data bus structure for the terminal blocks, comprising: a main body to be plugged into a support rail for the terminal blocks; said main body comprising a plurality of slots formed therein; and at least 2 conductive pieces to be inserted in said slots of said main body to form guiding rail. The data bus structure provides a data bus for a plurality of terminal blocks for the transmission of electricity and signals, as well stable supports to the terminal blocks.
US08668516B2	Identifiable plug and plug assembly having the same An identifiable plug and a plug assembly having the same are disclosed. The identifiable plug includes a power input port, a power output port, a storage unit, a signal transmission unit and a processing unit. The power output port is configured to insert into a plug of electronic equipment. The power input port is connected with the power output port. The processing unit is configured to transmit an identification information stored in the storage unit via the signal transmission unit. When the identifiable plug is assembled with an electric socket, the electric socket is capable to read the identification information.
US08668512B2	Safety socket A safety socket of the present invention has one or several groups of socket holes, lock mechanisms, and release mechanisms. Plug can be inserted into the socket holes. The lock mechanism can engage the plug for preventing unexpected removal of the plug. The release mechanism is used for operating the lock mechanism for releasing the plug. The release mechanism has a button which is arranged at aside of the socket holes. Thus, the button would not be hidden by the plug. User can approach to the button easily. Operation condition of the safety socket is then facilitated.
US08668509B2	Wet-mateable connector A wet-mateable connector for making a connection underwater comprises a male component 10 having a male pin 14 and a female component 20 having a female socket 24 for receiving the male pin. The male component has a male wiper seal assembly 16 which moves between a decoupled and a coupled position during coupling of the male component 10 and female component 20 so as to wipe at least a portion of the male pin 14. A latch 42a, 48 is provided which is arranged to latch the male wiper seal assembly 16 to the female component 20 during coupling such that when the male and female components are decoupled, the male wiper seal assembly 16 is returned to the decoupled position.
US08668506B2	Charger receptacle A charging receptacle having a barrel and a base configured to facilitate interconnecting electrical elements of a cordset with a vehicle charging system. The barrel may be configured to facilitate alignment of the electrical elements and the base may be configured to facilitate mounting the charger receptacle to a vehicle or other device having a system reliant on electrical energy provided through the cordset.
US08668503B2	Flex to flex connection device A mechanical device for electrically connecting a first flexible assembly to a second flexible assembly comprises a wafer and a housing. The wafer has an insulator core and a plurality of wafer electrical connectors. The core has a first base side and an opposed second base side. The wafer electrical connectors include a first set of wafer electrical connector contacts exposed on the first base side and a second set of wafer electrical connector contacts exposed on the second base side. The wafer electrical connector contacts are adapted to electrically connect with each of the flexible assembly electrical contacts. The housing retains the wafer, the first flexible assembly terminal, and the second flexible assembly terminal in such a way that each of the first flexible assembly electrical contacts is removably secured and electrically connected to one of the wafer electrical connector contacts.
US08668502B2	Electrical assembly and socekg connector therein An electrical assembly used for connecting an IC package, includes at least an upper and a lower layer stacked with each other, wherein the upper layer is formed with an opening for receiving a socket connector. The socket connector has contacts electrically connected to conductive traces respectively provided on the upper and the lower layer.
US08668501B2	Connector to flex assembly An electrical assembly connector for connecting a flexible assembly having a plurality of flexible assembly electrical contacts to a rigid assembly having a connector receptacle with a plurality of attachment element electrical contacts. The connector comprises an intermediary device configured to electrically connect the rigid assembly and the flexible assembly. The intermediary device has a plurality of connector electrical contacts. The intermediary device electrical contacts are exposed on a first base side and on a second base side of the intermediary device. The intermediary device electrical contacts exposed on the second base side are configured to mechanically and electrically couple to the flexible assembly electrical contacts, and the intermediary device electrical contacts exposed on the first base side are configured to electrically and mechanically couple to the attachment element electrical contacts.
US08668500B2	Connection terminal, method for manufacturing connection terminal, and socket including connection terminal A connection terminal for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object and including a metal plate having a resilient property, an insulating layer covering at least a part of the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on at least a part of the insulating layer, first and second fixing parts configured to be fixed to corresponding adjacent pads of the second connection object, and first and second connection parts configured to contact corresponding adjacent pads of the first connection object. The first fixing part and the first connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The second fixing part and the second connection part are positioned opposite from each other. The first and the second connection parts are faced outward to the first connection object. The first and the second fixing parts are faced outward to the second connection object.
US08668497B2	Free fall simulator A free fall simulator includes a self-contained air circuit and a hover chamber in which persons can hover as a result of an air stream directed vertically upward. A lower opening is located at a lower end of the hover chamber and an upper opening is located at an upper end of the hover chamber. A substantially closed air guide channel includes at least one fan. The channel connects the lower opening and the upper opening of the hover chamber. At least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening allow for exchanging air within the air guide channel. The simulator includes redirecting lamellae which redirect an air stream within the air guide channel in corner areas or areas of high curvature, wherein at least one air outlet opening is disposed within the redirecting lamellae.
US08668489B2	Racetrack carryover design for multi-burner ignition in induced draft heating system An ignition system for a multi-burner heat exchanger assembly, a furnace, and a method using same are disclosed. The assembly may include a plurality of adjacent heat exchanger tubes, with a burner associated with each tube. All the burners may be lit with a single igniter and no source of secondary air. To do so, each of the burners may be provided so as to generate a swirling exit flow of combustion gases. One or more carryover tubes may also be connected between adjacent pairs of heat exchanger tubes or adjacent pairs of burners. The swirling flow generated by the burners causes hot combustion gases to move through the carryover tubes to thus carry the flame from one burner to the next. Not only can a single igniter be used, but a single flame sensor as well, while at the same time reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.
US08668487B2	Micro-pattern transferring stamper A micro-pattern transferring stamper includes a supporting base material and a microstructure layer formed on the supporting base material, the microstructure layer is a polymer of a resin composition that mainly contains a silsesquioxane derivative containing a plurality of polymerizable functional groups, and one or plural kinds of monomer elements containing a plurality of polymerizable functional groups.
US08668483B2	Facility for producing a solid product using one or more powder materials A facility for using powder materials to produce a solid product having multiple layers includes a supply of powder material(s), a die for receiving the powder material(s) and shaping the solid product, the die being secured in a reversible manner to a die-holding table secured to the frame of the facility, and translatable upper and lower punches that engage with one another at the die to compress the powder material(s). The lower punch is connected to a system for uncoupling the members that provide the movement thereof, the system having a brake for limiting the downward travel of the lower punch to keep it in contact with the powder material contained in the die when producing the solid product to avoid the generation of additional compression during the receipt of powder material in the die during the intermediate filling phases for each layer of the product.
US08668481B2	Pump assembly, in particular for helicopter lubrication A pump assembly, in particular for lubrication in helicopters, has a casing, the lateral wall of which defines an intake port and a delivery port; and the casing houses two rotary pumps powered by a drive shaft via a motion-splitting transmission.
US08668480B2	Pre-pressurization pump liner for vane pump A vane liner for use in a vane pump has a vane liner body defining an inner bore for providing a cam surface in a vane pump. The cam surface has a suction opening formed through the body at one circumferential extent, and a discharge opening through the body at a distinct circumferential extent. A pre-pressurization opening extends through the body at a location upstream of an upstream end of the discharge opening, but spaced by at least 90 degrees from a downstream end of the suction opening. A vane pump incorporating the above-discussed liner is also claimed. Further, a vane pump is also disclosed and claimed having the spacing from the downstream end of the suction opening at least X degrees wherein X equals 360 divided by N, N being the number of vanes in the vane pump.
US08668478B2	Compressor having a shutdown valve A scroll compressor includes a discharge valve assembly having a valve member, a valve stop supported within the compressor shell and including an aperture there through and a communication member. The communication member defines a fluid passage extending into the discharge chamber from the valve stop toward the first discharge outlet in the discharge chamber and provides fluid communication between the aperture in the valve stop and a location downstream of the valve stop. A first side of the valve member abuts the valve stop when in an open position and the valve stop provides communication between the first side of the valve member and the communication member via the aperture.
US08668477B2	Series-connected fan unit A series-connected fan unit includes a first fan frame, a second fan frame, a first motor, a second motor and two impellers. The first fan frame has a first base and a first positioning member coupled with the first base. The second fan frame is connected to the first fan frame in series and has a second base and a second positioning member coupled with the second base. The first motor is disposed in the first base and has a first circuit board coupled with the first positioning member. The second motor is disposed in the second base and has a second circuit board coupled with the second positioning member. The two impellers are respectively coupled with the first motor and the second motor, and an insulation area is formed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.
US08668476B1	Pump expansion vessel A housing can have a cap, a base member and a mid-portion positioned between and removably coupled with the cap and the base member. The cap and the mid-portion can define a reservoir therebetween and the cap can define a recessed inner wall in fluid communication with the reservoir. The mid-portion can define a recessed impeller chamber configured to receive a pump impeller. The mid-portion can further define a retainer positioned between the impeller chamber and the inner chamber. A resiliently compressible member can be positioned within the inner chamber and configured to resiliently compress in response to a volumetric expansion of the liquid coolant. The retainer can contact the resiliently compressible member to prevent the resiliently compressible member from moving out of the reservoir or into a position blocking a liquid coolant flow through a port. The mid-portion can define a housing wall forming the retainer.
US08668474B2	Electro-active valveless pump An electro-active, valveless pump having a pumping chamber with at least one chamber wall. There is at least one opening in the at least one chamber wall. An electro-active actuator is located over each of the openings for inducing fluid flow.
US08668473B2	Axial flow pump with multi-grooved rotor An axial-flow blood pump for pumping blood includes a substantially cylindrical outer enclosure. A tubular housing concentric with and located within the outer enclosure has at one end an inlet and at an opposite end an outlet. A motor stator is concentric with and located between the outer enclosure and the tubular housing. An impeller is concentric with and located within the tubular housing. The impeller is suspended in operation by a combination of passive magnetic forces between magnets within the impeller or magnetized regions of the impeller and the motor stator and hydrodynamic thrust forces generated as blood flows between the tubular housing and a plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces located on the impeller. A volute may be in fluid-tight connection with the outlet of the tubular housing for receiving blood in the axial direction and directing blood in a direction normal to the axial direction. The volute has a flow-improving member extending axially from the volute and into and coaxially with the tubular housing.
US08668463B2	Rotatable component mount for a gas turbine engine Radial shifting of a rotatable component in a gas turbine engine is prevented by radially offsetting overlying mounting apertures in said component and a base or mounting flange therefor such that fasteners received within said overlying apertures are radially interference fit within the apertures thereby eliminating the necessity of machining or otherwise forming the apertures to an exact fit with the fasteners.
US08668458B2	Fan and vibration-absorbing boss thereof A fan including a hub part, a blade part and a vibration-absorbing boss, all constituent elements of which are injection molded, thereby reducing production costs. The fan has a minimized contact area between the vibration-absorbing boss and the hub part to prevent the vibration-absorbing boss from being deformed by high-temperature heat during insert injection molding of the hub part and the blade part while assuring sufficient strength of the hub part.
US08668445B2	Variable turbine nozzle system A nozzle is disclosed for use in a turbine or compressor. In an embodiment, each of a plurality of vanes is supported by an outer shroud including a plurality of outer shroud segments disposed adjacent to adjoining segments in end-to-end relationship. Each segment includes a hole therethrough, dimensioned to receive a vane extension sleeve. This system may be used in conjunction with a modulated cooling system and may allow for improved removal for overhaul.
US08668444B2	Attachment stud for a variable vane assembly of a turbine compressor An attachment stud for a variable vane assembly is disclosed. The attachment stud may generally include a bottom segment, a middle segment, a top segment and a shoulder segment. The bottom segment may generally have a shape and configuration adapted to be secured to a synchronizing ring of the variable vane assembly. The middle segment may generally have a shape and configuration adapted to receive a rotational attachment device of the variable vane assembly. The shoulder segment may be disposed between the bottom segment and the middle segment. The top segment may generally have a shape and configuration adapted to receive a retaining device configured to rigidly attach the rotational attachment device to the attachment stud.
US08668443B2	Variable-vane assembly having unison ring guided radially by rollers and fixed members, and restrained axially by one or more fixed axial stops A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. The unison ring is radially restrained by a combination of radial guide rollers and fixed axial-radial guide pins secured to the nozzle ring, and is axially restrained by one or more axial stops affixed to the nozzle ring.
US08668442B2	Turbine nozzles and methods of manufacturing the same A turbine nozzle is provided and includes a first ring having a first microstructure, a vane extending from the first ring, a first porous zone between the first ring and the vane that is more porous than the first microstructure to attenuate thermo-mechanical fatigue cracking between the vane and the first ring. Methods of manufacturing the turbine nozzle are also provided.
US08668441B2	Deformable structural framework for a turbofan nacelle The nacelle of the invention includes an air-inlet front section, a middle section for encasing the fan of the turbofan (7) and a rear section including means for connection to a pylon to be connected to the rigid structure or an airplane. The rear section includes a structural framework (18) having at least one aerodynamic smoothing and acoustic panel (21). The acoustic panel (21) is secured on the structural framework (18) by floating or elastic fixation means so that said acoustic panel (21) can be deformed in a direction (31) essentially centrifugal and radial relative to the turbofan (7) in the presence of overpressure air (3) in the engine compartment.
US08668436B2	Turbomolecular pump A turbomolecular pump has multiple stages of alternately arranged rotors and stators. Each of the rotors has blades radially extending from a rotating body. Each of the stators has blades radially extending toward the rotating shaft of the rotating body. The blades provided on at least either of a rotor and a stator are formed in a twisted shape having a blade angle set by an expression in which the radial distance from the rotating shaft is a variable. The expression of the blade angle is composed of a first expression which provides the optimum angle of each blade on the outer side of a predetermined radius of the blade and also composed of a second expression which provides the blade angle suppressing, on the inner side of the predetermined radius, reverse flow of gas molecules.
US08668430B2	Proppant discharge system and a container for use in such a proppant discharge system A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.
US08668429B2	Depalleting unloading conveyor The invention describes a depalleting device (1) and a method for operating the latter for a transported product (2) provided in a stack comprising a mounting table (8) which is adjustable linearly in a guiding arrangement (10) by a feed drive (9), and comprising a conveying device (4) arranged on the latter and drive-connected to a drive motor and with a mounting conveying device (23) arranged at least at one end section (20) of the conveying device (4). The mounting conveying device (23) is drive-connected to a drive motor that is independent of the drive of the conveying device (4). By means of a detecting means (52) of the mounting conveying device (23) a load parameter is detected which acts on the latter on placing a conveying roller up to the transported product (2) and a signal is generated in a control and regulating device for controlling the speed of the drive motor of the mounting conveying device (23).
US08668428B2	Horizontal articulated robot and substrate transfer system provided with the same A horizontal articulated robot includes a first arm and a second arm respectively supported at their base end portions by a body and the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a first joint and a second joint; and a fork including its base end portion supported by the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a third joint. The first arm includes a first enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with an upper surface positioned higher than an upper surface of the base end portion of the first arm. The second arm includes a second enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with a lower surface positioned lower than a lower surface of the base end portion of the second arm. The first and the second enlarged portion are at least partially overlapped with each other horizontally.
US08668427B1	Bridge for a tailgate of a pickup truck A tailgate bridge apparatus for a vehicle with a bed and a tailgate includes a conventional receiver hitch secured to a rear of the vehicle; a base member with a shank releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the conventional receiver hitch, and an upright; a cross member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the upright; platforms having aft ends supported by the upper portion of the cross member wherein the platforms span the tailgate without being supported by the tailgate, platform positioning mechanisms to position the aft ends of the platforms relative to the upper portion, ramps, and ramp positioning mechanisms to align the ramps with the platforms.
US08668426B1	Drop-floor trailer Proposed is a wheeled drop-floor trailer that has a U-shaped frame with two articulated linkages pivotally installed on the sides of the U-shaped frame and suspension rods that pivotally support the drop floor in a freely hanging condition. On the side of the trailer opposite the loading side the articulated linkages are interconnected by a cross bar, which is connected to a drive mechanism, e.g., to a winch, via a cable. When the articulated linkages are inclined toward the loading side, the drop floor descends to the ground under its own weight and, after the cargo is loaded onto the drop floor, the latter is raised by pulling the linkages with the use of the winch via the cable and the cross bar in the direction opposite the loading side.
US08668425B2	Methods and apparatus 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.
US08668423B2	Grasping device, robot system, and method of manufacturing mechanical product A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.
US08668422B2	Low cost high throughput processing platform As part of a system for processing workpieces, a workpiece support arrangement, separate from a process chamber arrangement supports at least two workpieces at least generally in a stacked relationship to form a workpiece column. A transfer arrangement transports at least two of the workpieces between the workpiece column and the process chamber arrangement by simultaneously moving the two workpieces at least generally along first and second transfer paths, respectively, that are defined between the workpiece column and the first and second process stations. The transfer arrangement can simultaneously move untreated and treated workpieces. Vertical motion swing arms and coaxial swing arms are described. A pair of spaced apart swing arms, the workpiece column and the processing stations can cooperatively define a pentagonal shape. Timing belt backlash elimination, a dual degree of freedom slot valve and low point chamber pumping, for removing chamber contaminants, are also described.
US08668421B2	Method and device for manufacturing container bodies from metal sheet In the field of manufacturing container bodies by means of resistance seam welding machines, at least a disturbance variable is collected, particularly errors in cutting the metal sheet. Because of this collection of disturbance variables, at least a control variable is automatically changed in order to compensate or to diminish the influence of the disturbance variable on the welding seam quality.
US08668417B2	Cargo restraint system and method for restraining cargo A cargo restraint system is provided. The system includes a fixed-hook assembly including a frame and a hook extending from the frame. The system also includes a fabric strap including a first end and a second end and a tensioner assembly configured to receive and maintain the second end of the fabric strap therein when in a locked configuration, wherein the tensioner assembly is configured to reduce in length when placed in the locked configuration. At least a portion of the fabric strap is received within the fixed-hook assembly.
US08668416B2	Air cargo rollout stop A cargo rollout stop includes a base having a first end and a second end. A first guide head is movably mounted to the base proximate to the first end, and a second guide head is movably mounted to the base proximate to the second end. The guide heads each are movable between a raised blocking position and a lowered non-blocking position. A blocking member is movably mounted to the base, and is disposed between the guide heads. The blocking member includes a first portion engaged with the first guide head, and a second portion engaged with the second guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position. The first and second portions prevent substantial downward movement of the guide heads when the guide heads are in their raised blocking positions and the blocking member is in its first position. The guide heads are restrained in their lowered non-blocking positions by the blocking member when the blocking member is in its second position.
US08668414B2	Machine tool In a machine tool, a column base (12) is supported on a bed (11) movably in a horizontal direction, and a column (13) is installed vertically on the column base (12). A saddle (14) is supported on a side of the column (13) movably in a vertical direction, and a ram stock (15) is supported on the saddle (14) movably in a horizontal direction. A main spindle (16) is rotatably supported by the ram stock (15). A weight (22) is supported in the column (13) movably in a direction parallel to the ram stock (15), so that the weight (22) can be moved horizontally by a servo motor (23). An NC device (25) moves the weight (22) by the servo motor (23) synchronously with a movement of the ram stock (15), to adjust balance of the column (13), thereby enabling to reduce the size of an apparatus and realize space saving.
US08668410B1	Drilling system stabilization In an advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a housing associated with a machine, a shaft, a sleeve, and a biasing system. The shaft is associated with the housing, and the shaft has an end configured to receive a tool. The shaft is configured to be rotated by the machine about an axis of rotation extending through the shaft. The sleeve is associated with the housing, and the sleeve has a channel that is configured to receive the shaft. The biasing system is associated with the housing and configured to move the sleeve along the axis of rotation against a workpiece on which a drilling operation is performed during which a sleeve end presses against the workpiece with a force while the shaft with the tool is rotated by the machine.
US08668409B2	Twist drill and method for the production thereof A twist drill includes a drill body having a chip flute extending a distance along the drill body. The chip flute has a leading edge and a run-out edge running along the chip flute. The run-out edge is disposed behind the leading edge in a direction of rotation of the twist drill. The chip flute, viewed cross-sectionally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion extends along a curve between the run-out edge and the second wall portion. The second wall portion extends in a straight line from between the leading edge and the first wall portion. The first wall portion and the second wall portion are disposed adjoining one another and together define a J-shaped cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US08668407B2	Docking system with joint supports A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.
US08668406B2	Subsea cable installation The invention facilitates provision of a point-to-point cable connection between first and second points separated by an extended span of water including a first region of shallow water and a second region of relatively deep water. A plurality of ducts are provided from the first point through the first region of the extended span to an offshore termination point between the first and second points. Preferably, the ducts are buried in the seabed to prevent damage. At least one first cable is placed in one of the plurality of ducts to provide a connection between the first point and the offshore termination point. A second cable from the second point is received at the offshore termination point. The first cable is connected to the second cable at the offshore termination point to create the point-to-point cable connection. In one embodiment, the offshore termination point is located on the continental shelf near the transition to deep water. Cable can be installed between the first point and the offshore termination point with relative ease by passing the cable through an available conduit. This eliminates the need for the time consuming and expensive permitting process typically associated with near-shore cable installation.
US08668396B2	Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus are provided to make initial character image data left on a spent ink ribbon illegible. In the method, after forming an initial character image on an ink layer in black of the ink ribbon, a forefront of the ink layer is aligned with a forefront position of an intermediate transfer film. Then, overwrite character image data is applied on a thermal head to produce a first superimpose character image on the ribbon and a first superimpose character image on the film. After that, the forefront position of the ink layer is shifted from the forefront position of the film by a predetermined distance and the overwrite character image data is applied on the thermal head to produce a second superimpose character image on the ribbon and a second superimpose character image on the film.
US08668395B2	Material imaging apparatus A material imaging apparatus includes a base, support pillar and imaging camera divided into a camera base and a camera neck. The camera is mounted via a first shaft on the pillar so as to be pivotable between a right horizontal position where an imaging lens is located on a base right side and a left horizontal position where the lens is located on base left side. The camera neck is mounted via a second shaft on the camera base so as to be rotatable between a downwardly vertical position where when the camera assumes the right or left horizontal position, the lens is directed to the base placement surface side and lens optical axis is substantially vertical to the base placement surface, and an upwardly vertical position where the lens is directed to a side opposite the base placement surface and the optical axis assumes a substantially vertical position.
US08668390B2	Radial shaft seal with retaining device for a tension spring A radial shaft seal includes a seal ring connected to a support ring and having a seal lip that extends radially inwardly. A tension spring urges the seal lip radially inward against a seal raceway during operation of the radial shaft seal. A retaining device retains the tension spring and is radially supported on a rigid inner circumferential wall that radially surrounds the tension spring. The retaining device may be configured to at least one of: (i) limit a widening of the diameter of tension spring caused by centrifugal force to a predetermined upper limit and (ii) prevent the tension spring from flying off during operation at high rotational speeds.
US08668388B1	Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies including one or more superhard bearing elements having one or more grooves formed in a bearing surface thereof, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements includes one or more grooves formed in the bearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly also includes a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.
US08668385B2	Temperature sensor A sensor (101) is configured such that a seal member (71) is provided in a deformed manner through crimping of a portion of a tube (11) located toward a rear end (17c) of the tube (11). The seal member (71) is deformed such that a frontward-oriented surface (75), which is a bottom surface of a recess (74) formed in a front end (73) of the seal member (72), presses a rear end (45) of an insulation sheath (41) frontward. Consequently, a front end (21a) of a sensor element is pressed against a front end (12) of the tube (11) via the insulation sheath (41). By virtue of a pressing action induced by rubber-like elasticity, high sensor responsiveness is maintained over a long period of time.
US08668382B2	Method for evaluating life of cable insulating coating material Disclosed is a method for estimating, within a short time, the life of a cable insulating coating material containing an antioxidant in a suitable concentration based on the rate of decrease of the antioxidant and on the critical concentration of the antioxidant at which oxidative degradation rapidly proceeds. The method tests the coating material to examine its life, the coating material including a base polymer, and an antioxidant having a functional group suppressing an oxidative deteriorative reaction of the base polymer. The method includes performing a thermal degradation test on the coating material; determining the degradation levels and degradation rates of the coating material at two or more time points in the thermal degradation test, based on the ratio of the absorbance of the functional group of the antioxidant to the absorbance of the base polymer; and thereby evaluating the life of the coating material.
US08668381B2	High temperature electronic monitoring system A system for monitoring performance parameters of an apparatus operating at an elevated temperature, such as a gas turbine engine. The system includes sensors for sensing the performance parameters and generating analog sensor outputs, at least one hub unit mounted sufficiently close to the apparatus so as to be subjected to a first temperature in excess of 125° C., a collector unit subjected to a second temperature of less than the first temperature, and a distributor computer unit subjected to a third temperature of less than the second temperature. The hub unit has control and signal conditioning circuit boards that operate together to condition the analog sensor outputs of the sensors and produce corresponding digital data. The collector unit transmits the digital data from the hub unit to the distributor computer unit, which processes the digital data to assess the performance parameters of the apparatus.
US08668378B2	Regulating organ comprising at least two balances A regulating organ adapted to be integrated into a mechanical watch, comprising a first balance and a first spiral fastened to an axle, and-at least one second balance, wherein the second balance is fastened on the axle of said first balance.
US08668377B2	Gas diluter A gas diluter which comprises: dilution chambers in which a first gas is mixed with a second gas to reduce the concentration of the first gas; connecting passages with which the dilution chambers are connected serially; branched passages through which the first gas is distributed to the dilution chambers, an introduction passage through which the second gas is introduced into the dilution chamber, which is located at one end of the serially connected dilution chambers; and a discharge opening through which the gas obtained by mixing the first gas with the second gas is discharged from the dilution chamber, which is located at the other end of the serially connected dilution chambers.
US08668375B2	Bone cement mixing cartridge and method of use A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.
US08668373B2	Backlight module having a thinned stucture A thin backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source module, and an adhesive layer. The light guide plate has a light-entering end and a bottom, wherein a plurality of troughs spaced at intervals are formed on a portion of the bottom connected to the light-entering end. The light source module is disposed corresponding to the light-entering end and includes a substrate and a plurality of light sources. The light sources are disposed on the substrate and distributed along the light-entering end, wherein each of the light sources corresponds to an interval between the adjacent troughs. The adhesive layer is attached to the substrate, faces the bottom of the light guide plate, and extends into the troughs to be attached to the light guide plate.
US08668372B2	Transparent illumination panels Windows, or other types of transparent materials, may be constructed to passively allow light from alternate sources to pass therethrough, while also being able to actively produce artificial light for providing illumination from one side of the window by means of an incorporated optical waveguide that accepts light from an edge of the window and disperses it from only one side of the window.
US08668371B2	Light redirecting films having a pattern of dome-shaped optical elements Light redirecting film comprises a thin optically transparent substrate having a pattern of individual optical elements formed as projections on a light exit surface of the film. At least some of the projections comprise a dome-shaped surface on the light exit surface.
US08668363B2	Arrangement of lamp socket and lamp base A lamp socket for supporting a light source provided with an LED, the lamp socket including a cooling element; a socket housing which includes socket contacts for electrically connecting the light source; and a lamp base which supports an LED connected to a heat conducting element and is insertable in the socket housing and includes base contacts which are connectable with the socket contacts through a contact force for providing power to the LED, wherein the cooling element on the socket side is connected with the heat conducting element on the base side with a contact pressure that promotes heat transfer, wherein the contact pressure is provided through a pressing force in order for the cooling element to absorb heat generated by the LED, wherein the electric contact between the socket contacts and the base contacts is provided so that it does not provide forces opposite to the pressing force.
US08668360B2	Light source system A light source system comprising an illumination component, a color wheel and a light uniformization module is provided. The illumination component is disposed on a first axis to provide light beams. The color wheel defines a second axis to rotate thereabout, wherein the second axis is deflected from the first axis by an angle. The light beams provided from the illumination component are substantially focused at the first axis and onto the color wheel. The light uniformization module is disposed on the first axis after the color wheel to receive a portion of the light beams and uniformize the light beams to travel along the first axis.
US08668358B2	Mechanical bypass light unit A light unit includes a bulb having a light source with lead wires and a separator, a switch member that includes a support member and a pair of spring terminals, and a socket having two or more conductive terminals and adapted to receive the bulb and the switch member. The switch member is adapted to cause the pair of spring terminals to contact one another to form an electrical short circuit across the pair of conductive terminals and the light source when the bulb is completely or partially removed from the socket. The lead wires form an electrical connection across the conductive terminals and the separator breaks contact between the pair of spring terminals when the bulb is seated in the socket.
US08668351B2	LED traffic signal and optical element therefor A lighting device includes a housing having an open end and a geometrical axis and at least one light source disposed along an optical axis. The lighting device further includes an outer optical element having a focal point and closing the open end of the housing, the optical element comprising a converging outer surface and a diverging inner surface that cooperates with the light coming from the inner optical element. Additionally, the lighting device includes an inner optical element between the light source and the outer optical element, the inner optical element redirecting light from a light source that is offset from the focal point toward the outer optical element.
US08668349B2	Solar powered attachable light A solar-powered attachable light is adapted for use as a holiday decoration and includes a lamp pivotably mounted to an enclosure. A solar cell charges an internal rechargeable battery during daytime hours and the rechargeable battery powers the lamp during nighttime hours. A rear of the enclosure includes a clip assembly for removable attachment of the device to various outdoor structures. The device eliminates the presence of wires and the requirement of connection to a fixed power source in a manner particularly beneficial when simultaneously arranging decorative outdoor lighting in a variety of locations.
US08668345B2	Retro-reflective marker with snap on threaded post Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.
US08668339B2	Light source device In a light source device, that obtains high light usage efficiency by projecting simultaneously two or more of three primary color lights X, Y and Z. Moreover, each color light X, Y and Z is divided into two in terms of time so that p-wave and s-wave linear polarization lights are formed, such that the synthesized light of the p-wave linear polarization lights enters a first spatial modulation element and the synthesized light of the s-wave linear polarization lights enters a second spatial modulation element to permit gradation control of each color light.
US08668338B2	Systems and methods for refractive correction in visual field testing Systems and methods for providing variable refractive correction in a visual field testing device are presented. One embodiment of the variable refractive correction involves two or more aligned transmissive plates arranged to produce changes in refractive power by translation or rotation of the plates relative to each other. Several alternative designs for providing variable refractive correction are described. The refractive correction can be set manually or automatically based on knowledge of the refractive error of a specific patient and spherical and cylindrical refractive correction are possible. Additional lens systems can be used to extend the range of refractive correction to accommodate a larger patient population.
US08668332B2	Toric contact lens and method for manufacturing the same A toric contact lens having a prism ballast structure, wherein a center optical area, an annular transition area surrounding the center optical area determining a refractive degree, and an annular peripheral area surrounding the transition area, are defined on a lens front surface. A shape of the lens front surface has a mirror symmetry with a vertical meridian as a boundary, in such a manner that a thickness is smoothly decreased toward a lens lower end portion from two maximum thickness portions and where the thickness of the lens is maximum, and a valley-shaped slab-off is formed between these maximum thickness portions.
US08668327B2	Particle dispersion supply apparatus and image forming device A particle dispersion supply apparatus includes a roller, an ejection device and a particle dispersion permeation member. The roller rotates in a prescribed direction and touches an image formation face of a recording medium being conveyed by a conveyance body. The ejection device is disposed to oppose the roller at a roller rotation direction upstream side relative to the position at which the roller touches the image formation face of the recording medium, and ejects a particle dispersion in which numerous particles are dispersed in a liquid. The particle dispersion permeation member is disposed so as to be interposed between the ejection device and the roller and so as to contact the roller. The particle dispersion permeation member retains the particle dispersion and the particle dispersion can permeate therethrough.
US08668326B2	Drum maintenance system with leak detection A printer includes a release agent detector that responds to release agent contacting the detector by generating a signal. The signal is processed by a controller to alter operation of the printer.
US08668324B2	Image forming method and image forming apparatus An image forming method includes applying an ink composition including water, a pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent and polymer particles to a recording medium at an application amount of the ink composition of 6 g/m2 or more with respect to the recording medium, drying by heating the recording medium to which the ink composition has been applied, cooling the recording medium which has been subjected to the drying by heating to reduce a temperature of the recording medium at least 5° C. from the temperature immediately after the drying by heating, applying a powder to the ink composition applied side of the recording medium which has been cooled, and stacking the recording medium to which the powder has been applied.
US08668321B2	Ink jet recording method and ink jet recording apparatus An ink jet recording method includes an image formation step of forming an image on a recording medium having an ink-receiving layer by ejecting an ink from an ink jet recording head and a humidification step of humidifying a gap between the recording head and the recording medium, in which in the image formation step, an ink containing a specified dye represented by general formula (I) and a water-soluble organic compound having an inorganic-organic balance value of 1.4 or more to 2.7 or less is used.
US08668316B2	Liquid ejection head and recording apparatus A liquid ejection head is constructed by providing a recording element substrate on a supporting member. The recording element substrate has at least one thermal energy generating element and a liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the element. The supporting member has three or more supply flow paths running therethrough. Two or more beams are formed in each of the supply flow paths. The gap between the beams formed in each of the end supply flow paths is greater than the gap between the beams formed in an inside supply from path.
US08668314B2	Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting liquid droplets An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a liquid tank, a first passage, a second passage, a pressure unit, and a control valve. The first passage is connected to the head to supply liquid to the head. The second passage is connected to the tank. The pressure unit is disposed at the second passage to apply pressure to liquid in the second passage. The control valve includes an internal channel to connect the first and second passages, an expandable liquid retaining chamber connected to the internal channel to retain the liquid, and a valve member disposed in the internal channel to open and close the first and second passages and movable by a flow of liquid from the chamber to the first passage created by ejection of liquid from the head to communicate the second passage with the first passage.
US08668308B2	Inkjet ejector arrays aligned to a curved image receiving surface with ink recirculation A printhead assembly includes a plurality of inkjet ejector arrays having corresponding ink receptacles. Each inkjet array is formed from a plurality of inkjet stack layers that are bonded to a single aperture layer that flexes to position the inkjet arrays at a predetermined distance from a curved image receiving surface.
US08668301B2	Liquid detection system and liquid container A cavity is provided between a supply port which supplies the liquid which is received in the liquid reception unit to the outside and the liquid reception unit, with a variable portion which is deformed between the supply port and the liquid reception unit. The variable portion is urged using an urging member from the inside of the cavity through a pressure reception member. In addition, a change in a position of the pressure reception member can be detected using a detection unit. Further, a notch is provided at a surface where the pressure reception member comes into close contact with the urging member, in which the notch extends to the outside from the inside of the contact surface.
US08668299B2	Fluid-ejecting device and fluid-ejecting method for ejecting a fluid from nozzle columns To minimize deterioration in the dispersion of dots in an overlapping region between heads, a fluid-ejecting device includes: (A) a first nozzle column having first nozzles for ejecting a fluid; (B) a second nozzle column having second nozzles for ejecting a fluid and arranged to form an overlapping region in which an end portion toward one end in the predetermined direction overlaps an end portion at another end of the first nozzle column; and (C) a controller for ejecting a fluid from the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column in accordance with dot data indicating a dot size converted from inputted image data and ejecting the fluid from the second nozzles in the overlapping region in accordance with dot data obtained from a halftone process performed after multiplying the usage rate of the second nozzle column by incidence rate data for each of the dot sizes.
US08668297B2	Driver for inkjet head There is provided a driver for an inkjet head, capable of smoothly driving the inkjet head. The driver for an inkjet head includes: an amplifying unit having a plurality of amplifiers individually outputting signals having voltage levels amplified in accordance with a predetermined gain in a predetermined cycle; a coupling unit coupling the signals outputted from the plurality of amplifiers as a single driving signal in accordance with a control signal; a controlling unit controlling the coupling of signals performed by the coupling unit; and a switching unit switching a signal transmission path through which the single driving signal is transmitted to an inkjet head.
US08668296B2	Method of driving liquid ejection head and drive signal generation device for liquid ejection head A method of driving a liquid ejection head adapted to apply a voltage to the liquid ejection head to eject a liquid including a polymer is provided. The method includes raising the voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage; raising the voltage from the second voltage to a third voltage at a gradient larger than that in raising the voltage from the first to the second voltage, and then holding the voltage at the third voltage; dropping the voltage from the third voltage to a fourth voltage, and then holding the voltage at the fourth voltage; raising the voltage from the fourth voltage to a fifth voltage, and then holding the voltage at the fifth voltage; dropping the voltage from the fifth voltage to a sixth voltage, and then holding the voltage at the sixth voltage; and raising the voltage from the sixth voltage to a seventh voltage.
US08668294B2	Method and system for split head drop size printing A method for operating an inkjet printer to form images that include both high density and low density segments has been developed. The method includes operating one printhead to eject ink drops with a large size to form high density segments of the image, and operating a second printhead to eject ink drops with a small size to form low density segments of the image. The large ink drops provide high coverage in the high density segments, and the small ink drops provide improved image quality in the low density segments of the image.
US08668290B2	Rack and pinion refrigerator storage system A rack and pinion storage system for use in a refrigerator compartment defined by a liner includes a pair of supports attached to opposing sidewalls of the liner. First and second gear covers snap-fittingly connect first and second gear wheels to respective first and second mounting brackets extending from a storage basket, such that the gear wheels are rotatably connected to the storage basket and have equal rotational and linear motion along the respective supports. Retaining bars extending from the storage basket are held within channels defined between the bottom walls of the supports and top walls of opposing telescoping slide assemblies used to movably support a door of the compartment. Tabs extending from the supports limit the sliding movement of the storage basket. A removable divider connects to the storage basket, sectioning the basket into multiple storage compartments.
US08668289B2	Automatic door opening/closing apparatus and refrigerator having the same An automatic door opening/closing apparatus automatically opening and closing a door without applying any manual force to the door, and a refrigerator having the automatic door opening/closing apparatus. The automatic door opening/closing apparatus devised to automatically open or close a sliding door that is mounted, in a drawer manner, to a refrigerator body, includes a drive device coupled to the sliding door to automatically open or close the sliding door with respect to the refrigerator body, an input part to receive an user input and to operate the drive device based on the user input, a sensing part to sense an open or closed state of the sliding door, and a controller to operate the drive device based on signals from the input part and signals from the sensing part.
US08668285B2	Systems and method for securing electronics equipment A system for a slide-out platform in a rack mount case includes a slide-out platform configured to secure electronic equipment. The platform is slideably attached to the rack mount case using a first rail and a second rail. The first and second rail have a series of indexing holes in order to allow a dagger pin to secure the platform in place.
US08668284B2	Ejector for ejecting a movable furniture part An ejector for ejecting a movable furniture part from a closed end position in or on a furniture body includes an ejection lever that can be driven by an electrical drive unit, in particular an electric motor. The ejection lever has a first ejection lever part and a second ejection lever part that can be moved relative to the first ejection lever part. An adjusting device causes the length of the ejection lever to change during the ejection process as a result of the two ejection lever parts sliding relative to each other.
US08668282B2	Initializing method of brake-by-wire system in vehicle A brake-by-wire system uses a time sequence type that determines road conditions before initialization, initializes EWBs (Electro Wedge Brake) at the left/right front wheels and EMBs (Electro Mechanical Brake) at the left/right rear wheels with time differences on the basis of the determined road conditions. Therefore, the clamping force in at least any one of the EWBs and the EMBs is maintained in any circumstances, thereby avoiding a situation that all the braking force of a vehicle is removed.
US08668280B2	Devices and methods for hydraulic brake systems for land craft A device and method for a hydraulic brake system of a land vehicle in order to block a brake circuit of the brake system with regard to a supply of brake pressure generated by a driver, to establish a hydraulic connection between the output side of a wheel brake and the input side of a controllable pump and to generate a predetermined brake pressure at the input side of the wheel brake by the use of a pump.
US08668279B2	System and method for controlling an electronic brake A system for controlling an electronically actuated brake is described. The system includes a plurality of brakes controlled by an electronic brake control unit, a brake pedal, momentary switch contact, and a latching relay. When the brake pedal is deflected beyond a threshold and the momentary switch contact are engaged the electronic brake control unit will communicate to the brakes to change their state between on and off. The present state is saved in the latching relay even when power is removed from the system.
US08668275B2	Pick assembly with a contiguous spinal region In one aspect of the present invention, a pick assembly is configured to reduce aggregate drag that is formed during a degradation process. The pick assembly is configured to redirect the flow of the aggregate to conserve energy and maintain efficiency during the degradation process.
US08668274B2	Method for optimizing a cutting process in road milling machines, as well as milling machine for machining road coverings In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device.
US08668272B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat (10) includes an improved seat frame member (14) used as a seat back, a recliner mechanism connection (16) and a vehicle seat track actuator mechanism (18). The seat back frame member (14) includes a side frame member (30) having a side frame structural member (32) preferably made from a relatively high strength steel and a stiffening insert member (42) to provide strength and rigidity to the recliner mechanism connection (16) and to reduce the overall mass of the vehicle seat frame member and thereby the vehicle seat (10). The seat frame member (14) further includes a recliner mechanism (34) welded to the side frame structural member (32) preferably utilizing a shaped laser weld pattern (40). The vehicle seat track actuator mechanism (18) includes a bar (56), first and second pivot pins (62, 64) and connectors (70).
US08668263B2	Vehicle seat The vehicle seat includes a collision sensor provided to a seat back frame and being movable relatively backward by a rear-end collision, a headrest attached to the seat back frame and being movable between a normal support position and a head protection position anterior to the normal support position. The headrest is movable from the normal support position to the head protection position when the collision sensor is moved backward. The vehicle seat has a lock mechanism attached to the seat back frame. The lock mechanism is moved to a lock position by inertia when receiving an external force by a rear-end collision to regulate a return of the headrest from the head protection position to the normal support position.
US08668260B2	Bicycle seat assembly A bicycle seat assembly for use in conjunction with a bicycle having a frame, a front and rear wheel, and a seat post extending generally vertically upwardly in the frame between the front and rear wheel. The bicycle seat assembly includes a seat having at least one elongated strut extending between the seat and the bicycle frame around the rear wheel axis of the vehicle. A second elongated strut extends between the seat post and the seat so that the seat is positioned generally vertically above the rear wheel axle.
US08668258B2	Arm rest An arm rest for a vehicle comprising a housing having a base portion mounted to the vehicle and a lid. The lid is pivotable about an axis with respect to the base portion from a closed position to a deployed position. The base portion defines a compartment. The lid forms an armrest surface in a closed position and a storage tray in an exposed position. The storage tray includes a foldable wall at the edge adjacent the axis. The wall is extended when the lid is in a deployed position and folded when the lid is in a closed position. The remaining edges of the storage tray further includes a wall such that a tray is provided in a deployed position.
US08668254B2	Vehicle underfloor structure A vehicle underfloor structure includes under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that cover an underside of a vehicle, and drain members (D) provided in the under covers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The drain members (D) each include: a front inclined wall (21) provided with a water drain opening (33, 34, 42, 43, 44, 72, 74); and a rear inclined wall (22). A recess is formed in each under cover in a front-back direction of the vehicle in such a manner that a first interior angle (θ1) formed by the front inclined wall is larger than a second interior angle (θ2) formed by the rear inclined wall and a length of the front inclined wall is different from a length of the rear inclined wall.
US08668248B2	Vehicle body structure A vehicle body (11) including: a tunnel cross-member (28) extending in the vehicle's widthwise direction along the lower surface of a tunnel section (18) of the floor panel (19); left and right side-frame extensions (22, 22) extending rearward along the lower surfaces (31, 32) of the dashboard (15) from the rear ends of left and right front side-frames (16, 16). The left and right side-frame extensions each bifurcate into a side sill-side extension (43, 43) which, while tilting, extends rearward and outward in the vehicle's widthwise direction from the rear end of each of the left and right side-frame extensions to a side sill (17, 17), and into a tunnel-side extension (44, 44) which, while tilting, extends rearward and inward in the vehicle's widthwise direction from the rear end of each of the left and right side-frame extensions to the tunnel cross-member. The tilt of the side sill-side extensions and the tilt of the tunnel-side extensions are substantially the same.
US08668244B2	Vehicle boundary layer air flow control structure A vehicle boundary layer air flow control structure is provided with a vehicle body and a side view mirror. The vehicle body includes an exterior contoured surface with an air flow deflector. The side view mirror is attached to the vehicle body to provide a diagonally rearward direction to be viewed from a driver's seat. The air flow deflector has an inward longitudinal air flow guiding surface provided in a vehicle body region of the exterior contoured surface of the vehicle body along which an air flow heading toward the side view mirror passes. The inward longitudinal air flow guiding surface extends in an air flow direction of the air flow with respect to the side view mirror to divert the air flow inward of the side view mirror with respect to a vehicle widthwise direction.
US08668238B2	Glove box structure for vehicle A glove box structure for a vehicle includes a storage portion and a lid portion. The lid portion is openably mounted on a instrument panel of the vehicle and includes an inner panel, honeycomb structure ribs, an intermediate panel, and an outer panel. The inner panel is disposed on a storage portion side. The honeycomb structure ribs integrally formed with the inner panel. Each of the honeycomb structure ribs is disposed on a first surface of the inner panel. The first surface is disposed on an opposite side of the inner panel to the storage portion. The intermediate panel is attached to at least one of the honeycomb structure ribs to increase a shock transfer capability of the inner panel. The outer panel is mounted on the inner panel. The intermediate panel is sandwiched between the outer panel and the honeycomb structure ribs.
US08668237B2	Flexible plumbing assembly for a vehicle A flexible plumbing assembly for a vehicle having a main cabin portion with an extensible cabin portion that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position includes a flexible hose having a fixed end connected to the fixed cabin portion and a moveable end connected to the movable cabin portion. The flexible plumbing assembly also includes a sliding structure for facilitating movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end as the extensible cabin portion moves between the extended and retracted positions. The flexible hose and the sliding structure are disposed in a floor of the extensible cabin portion.
US08668236B1	Utility vehicle A utility vehicle includes a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed provided in order from the front side. The cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into the riding space and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded. Lock devices for fixing the front wall to a vehicle body at a position in the expanded state and at a position in the non-expanded state are provided on the left and right sides of the front wall. The lock devices are displaceable between a fixing position where the lock devices are placed on the outer side of the cargo bed for fixing the front wall, and a non-fixing position where the lock devices are placed on the inner side of the cargo bed.
US08668233B2	Threaded connection with perturbed flanks A threaded connection including a pin member and a box member, and methods for manufacturing and forming said threaded connection. The pin member has a pin thread with a pin thread crest, a pin thread root, a pin load flank, and a pin stab flank. The box member has a box thread with a box thread crest, a box thread root, a box load flank, and a box stab flank. At least one of the pin thread crest, the pin load flank, the pin stab flank, the box thread crest, the box load flank, and the box stab flank has at least one perturbation formed thereon. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, a reduced clearance gap exists between the pin thread and the box thread at the at least one perturbation.
US08668228B2	Lay flat book sheets A sheet stock having a flexible hinge area is described. The sheet stock includes a substrate having an opening and gap stiffener, and a flexible film covering the opening and defining a flexible hinge area in the region of the opening and gap stiffener covered by the film. Methods for producing sheet stock having a flexible hinge area are also described. The sheet stock may be used in printing, binding, and in other applications.
US08668226B2	Steering apparatus and connector A steering apparatus includes a wire fitting bracket that is fitted to an end portion of a connecting wire for connecting an outer tube to an inner tube and that has a bracket body and a plurality of protrusions. The bracket body is fitted to a steering column-side member with a bolt, and has a bolt insertion hole through which the bolt is passed. The protrusions protrude from the bracket body, and are arranged around an axis of the bolt insertion hole. The protrusions are formed of rotation restricting protrusions that restrict rotation of the wire fitting bracket and an erroneous fitting prevention protrusion that prevents erroneous fitting of the wire fitting bracket.
US08668224B2	Check valve for airbag and airbag device Provided are a check valve for an airbag and an airbag device that can improve the reproducibility of the flow path blocking function while reducing the resistance upon inflation and deployment of the airbag and that can be applied to a place where a flow path is divided into a plurality of flow paths. A first embodiment of an airbag device according to the present invention has an airbag that is normally folded and that is inflated and deployed in an emergency, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag. The airbag has a plurality of inflation chambers, a duct portion disposed so as to connect the plurality of inflation chambers, and a check valve for an airbag having a tubular portion sewn to the duct portion, and tongue-shaped portions formed at the tip of the tubular portion.
US08668223B2	Travel cooler with transitionable U-shaped handle A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.
US08668219B1	Bicycle thrust apparatus Disclosed herein is a bicycle thrust apparatus coupled to a bicycle having: a frame, a front wheel having a front wheel axle coupled to a forward portion of the frame, a rear wheel having a rear wheel axle coupled to a rearward portion of the frame, a seat attached to the frame via a seat post. A thrust brace having a lower portion coupled to the frame adjacent the rear wheel axle is also disclosed wherein the thrust brace comprises an upper portion telescopically coupled to the lower portion such as to provide adjustability to the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the thrust apparatus. A cushioned back engagement pad may be utilized pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the thrust brace; and a cross member interconnecting the thrust brace and the bicycle frame at a location vertically above, and horizontally forward of the rear wheel axle.
US08668218B2	Vehicle body frame of motorcycle A head pipe includes a pipe portion and a bracket portion contiguously formed on a rear portion of the pipe portion wherein front end portions of the main frames and a front end portion of the down frame are jointed to the bracket portion. A widthwise center line of the main frames in the vertical direction is directed toward an intermediate portion of the pipe portion in the vertical direction in a side view. An upper surface extension line and a lower surface extension line on the extension in the frontward direction of an upper surface and a lower surface of the main frames pass between an upper end and a lower end of the pipe portion as viewed in a side view. The down frame is inclined to be directed towards the intermediate portion of the pipe portion in the vertical direction as viewed in a side view.
US08668215B2	Dual leaf suspension for vehicle drive arrangement A vehicle drive arrangement for a vehicle of the type having differential power transmission arrangement that converts the rotatory motion of the rotatory power shaft to rotatory motion of first and second drive shafts disposed substantially orthogonal the rotatory power shaft. Primary leaf springs are each coupled at their respective centers to respective drive shafts by pivotal arrangements. The first and second primary springs may include helical springs that are used in place of, or in combination with, the primary leaf springs. Secondary leaf springs may be splayed and therefore need not be arranged parallel to the primary leaf springs. Control over vehicle kinematics is enhanced by configuring the resilience of a fulcrum bumper using resilient, rheological, or active systems. An active system will control vehicle height while stationary to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle.
US08668211B2	High strength plastic furniture dolly A high strength plastic furniture dolly employs a combination of structural features and high strength material to eliminate the need for metal or wood reinforcing elements. The dolly includes first and second longitudinal side members, first and second transverse end members, and caster wheel assemblies mounted longitudinally inward from the transverse end members. The longitudinal side members include a plurality of longitudinally extending parabolic ribs in a central portion and a plurality of non-parabolic ribs in end portions of each side member. The transverse end members include a plurality of transversely extending ribs which may be parabolic.
US08668202B2	Casino card game A method of playing a card game in which at least one player plays her own hand against a banker's hand, using at least one deck of conventional playing cards, wherein Kings, Queens, Jacks, and tens have a value of zero, Aces have a value of one, and all other cards have a value equal to their numeric face value, wherein, when the total value of the cards in a hand equals ten or more, only the right-hand digit is considered, and wherein the rank of the hands, from highest to lowest rank, starts with a Natural 9 hand, which is a two-card hand having a value of nine, followed by a three-card hand having a value of nine, and continues with an eight-through-zero hand, which is a two or three card hand that has a value of eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one or zero.
US08668201B1	Temporary tattoo game piece for a fighting game and method of play A game piece for use by a player in a fighting game includes a support for an information compound, the information compound including a symbol associated with a fighting technique, and/or an identifiable determined background having a specific impact on the game ruling, and/or a bonus value symbol having a specific impact on the game ruling. The information compound support is a temporary body transfer device, such as a temporary tattoo, that is applicable on a visible part of the body of the player. A method of playing a fighting game using such game pieces includes the steps of providing each one of at least two players with at least one of the game pieces, each player applying at least one game piece on a visible part of his body, and starting to play the fighting game.
US08668200B2	Carrying apparatus and image recording apparatus including the same A carrying apparatus includes: a carry path which is defined to guide a first carried object and a second carried object; a first pulley; a first roller; a second pulley; a first belt which is wound on the first pulley and the second pulley; a first tensioner; and a first moving mechanism which moves the first roller between a first position and a second position. The first moving mechanism moves the first roller between a first position at which the first roller carries the first carried object and a second position which is farther from the carry path than the first position and at which the first roller carries the second carried object.
US08668197B2	Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus There are provided a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus, which enable stable sheet conveyance without depending on sheet size.An air suction portion having a duct portion for air suction is provided inwardly of an endless belt having a plurality of suction holes. Air is taken in through the suction holes of the endless belt and the duct portion for air suction by the air suction portion to absorb a sheet onto the endless belt. When the sheet having a sheet conveying direction length in which a sheet trailing end reaches the endless belt before a sheet leading end reaches a fixing device is conveyed, at least part of the portion of the duct portion through which the sheet trailing end passes before the sheet leading end reaches the fixing portion is closed by a shutter.
US08668196B2	Device and method for stacking sheets in a printing press A device and a method for the stacking of sheets in a printing press are disclosed. The device and correspondingly the method have at least two laterally spaced sheet transport roll pairs to transport the sheets in a transport plane. A stacking tray is furthermore provided to accommodate the sheets transported out of the printing press. A sheet contacting unit is arranged in the direction of transport behind the sheet transport roll pairs such that it deflects at least a partial region of the sheet out of the transport plane at least in a first direction, wherein the sheet undergoes a deformation transversely to the direction of transport, and wherein the at least two sheet transport roll pairs and the sheet contacting unit are arranged in a projection onto the transport plane in a triangular arrangement.
US08668191B2	Holding unit, assembly system, sputtering unit, and processing method and processing unit Because an electromagnetic chuck supplies current to a specific microcoil among a plurality of microcoils and makes an object exert an electromagnetic force working together with a magnet of the object, the object can be held in a state where the object is set at a desired position (a position that corresponds to the microcoil to which current has been supplied) on a base surface. Further, by gas that blows out from a gas supply passage, a levitation force is given to the object, which can reduce effects of a friction force that acts between the object and an upper surface of the electromagnetic chuck when the position of the object is set.
US08668187B2	Integrated aeration system The integrated aeration system utilizes a water pump for aeration. Ambient air/gas is entrained by a circulating water jet induced by the pump. The circulating water jet enters a sealed tank. The entrained gas is broken into bubbles after the impingement between the jet and a receiving pool occurs, aerating the receiving pool by water jet spray. The entrained gas/air builds up headspace pressure above the water pool, the headspace pressure being measured by a pressure gauge. The trapped air above the water pool is released when the headspace pressure increases to reach a desired value to aerate a separate tank/container as a diffused aeration or any other aeration process.
US08668185B2	Security hoist A hoist or capstan fitted with a driving pulley. The latter comprises a peripheral groove for taking a cable and two substantially parallel pulley halves, each pulley halve comprising a flank forming the lateral side of the peripheral groove and being axially pulled toward each other so as to prevent the slipping of a cable by elastic means formed of a continuous polymer ring.
US08668184B2	Double seat valve and sealing of a double seat valve A double seat valve having a seat for cooperation with two valve disks which are linearly adjustable relative to each other and together relative with respect to the seat, for a seat valve function and a sliding valve function, each of the valve disks containing a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring in a ring groove, both sealing rings being manufactured with the same shapes and dimensions, each sealing ring being positioned in the ring groove with a backup ring, and both sealing rings being arranged in rotational positions differing with respect to the respective sealing function relative to the direction of adjustment of the valve disks.
US08668180B2	Seat slide device A seat slide device is switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the seat slide device in the locked state, a lock member attached to an upper rail is engaged with a lock hole formed in a lower rail. This restricts movement of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail. When the seat slide device is in the unlocked state, the lock member is separated from the lock hole to permit the upper rail to move with respect to the lower rail. In the unlocked state, a gap is formed between a movable portion and the lower rail. In contrast, in the locked state, the movable portion contacts the lower rail and the gap between the movable portion and the lower rail is eliminated.
US08668176B2	Part fixing structure to resin-made fuel tank and part fixing method thereto There are provided a part fixing structure and a part fixing method to a resin-made fuel tank which can firmly fix a part to a tank wall without the need of providing a molding die with a convex portion and a recess. A part fixing method for fixing a tank-associated part to a tank wall of a resin-made fuel tank, the part being formed together with a pair of hook portions, the method comprising a step of burying the hook portions in the tank wall in a melted state when the resin-made fuel tank is molded, thereby fixing the part to the tank wall after the tank wall is cooled. In order to cause the resin of the tank wall to flow well, a chevron portion having a pair of first inclined faces is projectingly provided at the bottom face of the part between the hook portions, and a second inclined face which is inclined in a direction opposite to the buried direction toward the tip of the hook portion is formed at the bottom face of each hook portion.
US08668175B2	Electronics cabinet bracket system A cabinet bracket system is secured to a column for supporting an electronics cabinet. The cabinet bracket system includes a lower cabinet bracket disposed against the bottom of the electronics cabinet, an upper cabinet bracket disposed against the top of the electronics cabinet, and a bottom support bracket secured to the lower cabinet bracket so as to prevent lower bracket from moving on the column when the electronics cabinet is mounted onto the lower cabinet bracket.
US08668174B2	Fastener for elongated component A fastener for securing pipes or wire bundles to a foundation structure includes a body and a separate pipe or wire clamp. The body has a clamp holder for receiving and holding the clamp. The clamp holder receives the clamp with a gap allowing the clamp to vibrate. Leaf springs are formed on the side walls of the clamp holder to resiliently support the side wall of the clamp within the clamp holder. Second leaf springs with anti-release pawls are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and second leaf spring receiving grooves are formed in the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the second leaf springs and anti-release pawls. Third leaf springs are formed on the bottom of the clamp, and third leaf spring receiving grooves are formed on the bottom of the clamp holder to resiliently engage the third leaf springs.
US08668165B2	Wheel drive system for aircraft with a fuel cell as energy source A wheel drive system for an aircraft that features at least one electric motor and at least one fuel cell as energy source for the electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupleable to at least one wheel of at least one landing gear of the aircraft. The wheel drive system reduces the fuel consumption and lowers the emission of CO2 and pollutants—primarily carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. Persons, vehicles and other aircraft furthermore are not endangered by a jet blast while the aircraft is taxiing because the main engines do not have to be started until the take-off and landing strip is reached. The operation of the wheel drive system furthermore leads to a reduced noise pollution.
US08668164B2	Aero-acoustic optimisation method for complex-section mechanical parts and corresponding mechanical part and landing gear An apparatus and method are provided for reducing the drag caused by a complex-section part in an airflow, for example the landing gear of an aircraft, making it possible to optimize the lift/drag ratio and to reduce the aerodynamic noise by reducing the local noise source. To do so, the complex-section part is masked with a special casing. More specifically, the aero-acoustically optimized complex-section metal mechanical part is fitted with an aerodynamically shaped cover made of several longitudinal parts articulated with hinges to facilitate their installation. This cover is attached to at least two supports placed away from one another along the axis of the part, each support locally mating with the section of the part.
US08668163B2	Rack and pinion landing gear steering system A steering system for aircraft landing gear can be used, for example, for controlling one or more axles of a bogie style landing gear system, such as, but not limited to, a six-wheel bogie style landing gear system. The steering system includes a rack having a plurality of rack teeth. An actuator is operatively connected to move the rack in a linear direction. A pinion has a plurality of pinion teeth in meshing engagement with the rack teeth. The pinion includes a pinion body extending between the pinion teeth and a pinion pivot that is spaced apart from the pinion teeth. The actuator, rack, and pinion are configured and adapted so that linear motion of the rack imparted by the actuator results in rotation of the pinion about the pinion pivot for steering landing gear wheels.
US08668158B2	Horizontal shaft impact crusher A horizontal shaft impact crusher, including a crusher housing having an inlet for material to be crushed and an outlet for material that has been crushed. An impeller is mounted on a horizontal shaft in the crusher housing and is operative for rotating around a horizontal axis. Material to be crushed is accelerated by the impeller against a curtain. An adjustment device is provided for adjusting the position of the curtain relative to the impeller. The crusher housing includes at least two guide rails to which the adjustment device is slidably connected. A retaining device is arranged to hold, with a predetermined holding force, the adjustment device in a crusher operation position relative to the guide rails. The adjustment device is movable along the guide rails from the crusher operation position and away from the impeller in response to an excessive force being transferred from the curtain to the adjustment device and exceeding the predetermined holding force.
US08668156B2	Direct injection injector for engine A direct injection injector for an engine includes a body forming the outer structure and having a space therein, a needle inserted to slide linearly in the body and having a hole therein forming a fuel channel, and a cylinder nozzle fitted on needle to communicate with hole and having a nozzle hole for injecting fuel, such that it is possible to prevent caulking in which the nozzle of the injector is clogged with soot while injecting fuel at relatively low pressure, change the spray type of the injected engine in various shapes, and sufficiently decrease the size of droplet of the fuel.
US08668137B2	Barcode systems having multiple viewing angles Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc. An optical layer such as a lenticular lens may be used to affect display of different barcodes at different viewing angles.
US08668136B2	Method and system for RFID-assisted imaging A method includes acquiring imaging data of a scene using an imaging tool. The method also includes extracting radio frequency identification (RFID) data stored in an RFID tag associated with the scene. The method further includes associating the RFID data with the imaging data.
US08668135B2	Automatic configuration of a terminal A method and apparatus are provided for requesting configuration of a terminal connected to a subscriber card that contains at least one application. The terminal is adapted to receive via a second communications interface a response to a request including configuration information of the terminal, to act for at least one application of the subscriber card to determine whether an interface application associated with the at least one application is or is not present in the terminal. The terminal is adapted to send via a first telecommunications interface at least one command for downloading the interface application, if the interface application not present. A configuration method and apparatus are also provided for sending configuration information in response to a request, to receive at least one download command and to transmit it to a remote server, and to update the configuration information, after downloading the interface application specified in the command.
US08668134B2	Fare box Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.
US08668129B2	Surgical apparatus including surgical buttress A surgical buttress includes a body portion and a band disposed on each of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The surgical buttress is configured to attach to an end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus. The body portion, having perforations disposed thereon, overlies the working surface of one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. A resilient portion extends transversely beyond the side edges of the first or second jaws. Each band remains attached to the end effector following the firing thereof. The proximal band is removably attachable to a hook feature disposed on one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. The surgical buttress can be made from suitable degradable or non-degradable materials. One embodiment contemplates a detachable and disposable single use loading unit. A method of attaching the surgical buttress to a surgical apparatus is also envisioned.
US08668128B2	Mini desktop stapler A miniature spring-actuated stapler includes a tapered, flat power spring to store energy and eject staples. The power spring pivots at a rear of the stapler housing and includes three co-extensive arms terminating near the striker. As the L-shaped handle of the stapler is pressed, it acts on the center arm of the power spring to deflect it downward while the outer arms deflect upward. The arms are integral at a rear end and the outer arms are linked to the striker at the front. A tapered, flat reset spring disposed generally parallel to the power spring is used to reset the internal action. The housing includes open top and rear areas with the handle providing the enclosure thereof. A base assembly is slidably attached at a bottom of the stapler with an open position exposing a staple-loading chamber.
US08668125B2	Vehicle rack system A rack system for vehicles such as pickup trucks comprises a number of base supports each clamped atop one of the opposed vehicle side walls by effective but economical clamping devices, a side rail mounted to each base support in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, and, tie-down devices releasably secured to cross bars extending between side rails located on opposite side walls of the vehicle.
US08668113B2	Protective bag A protective bag for a portable electronic device with a first body and a second body is provided. The first body may be carried on a carrying surface. The second body may be folded relative to the first body to cover the first body or unfolded relative to the first body to stand on the carrying surface. The protective bag comprises a first covering plate for covering a bottom surface of the first body, a second covering plate for covering a rear surface of the second body and at least a connecting component connected between the first covering plate and the second covering plate. When the bottom surface is carried on the carrying surface via the first covering plate and the second body is unfolded relative to the first body, the second covering plate stands on the carrying surface with a support provided by the connecting component.
US08668111B2	Containment case with latching handle A bail handle and containment case assembly, including a tray and closing lid, the bail handle including a portion that serves part of a latching function when in a first position over the lid and then serves part of a lifting function when pivoted off of the lid and moved into a second position.
US08668109B2	Sleeve for beverage cups An insulating sleeve comprising a flat, elongated blank with straight top and bottom edges and end edges which are joined together at a glue flap. The sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rows of generally longitudinally orientated and off-set slits. The rows of slits (5 to 10) are generally placed adjacent the glue flap and cover only a portion of the sleeve. Preferably at least one of the even or odd numbered slits extend to the top or bottom edge of the sleeve. In use, the sleeve is placed over the frustoconically shaped side wall of the cup which causes the sleeve to expand circumferentially until the desired fit is obtained.
US08668107B2	Modular recycler A modular recycling unit comprises a support for supporting a first container. The first container is tiltable between a first position where the interior of the container is accessible and a second position where the interior of the container is inaccessible. The first container is freely removable from the support. A second container is supported on the support such that it is in a stacked relationship relative to the first container. The second container is freely removable from the support.
US08668102B2	Container liner systems A shipping container liner system for use in the shipping of bulk flowable products is described. The system comprises a specially adapted shipping container liner that is self-supporting without the need of rear-mounted rigid supportive bars to retain the liner within the shipping container during filling and discharge. The system comprises an arrangement of interior support baffles operating in conjunction with a plurality of exterior anchor straps adapted to distribute the cargo load throughout the length of the liner. A specialized hopper for unloading the bulk material is also disclosed.
US08668097B2	Cover member for mounting on a fastener ring for a dispenser, method of producing one such member and fluid product dispenser using one such member A covering member (1) for mounting on a fastener ring (2), the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener device for fastening a dispenser system (3) on a receptacle neck (40). The covering member is substantially cylindrical and includes an outside wall (14) and an inside wall (15) for coming into clamping contact around the ring (2). The inside wall forms at least one elongate groove (16) hollowed out in a base zone (151). The groove is formed by a plurality of groove segments (17) that are separated by non-groove zones in such a manner as to form a groove that is interrupted locally.
US08668095B2	Upright note holder A note holder is disclosed that comprises a base; a spine extending from the base and having a base end and an upper end, the upper end being positioned higher than the base end in the vertical plane; and, a plurality of retainers attached to said spine and adapted to retain one or more pieces of notepaper in an easily observed state.
US08668088B2	Sanitary candle covers for cakes and cupcakes A sanitary cake cover with a removable candle deck, which protects the contents of the cake from contamination during blowing out of celebratory candles. The transparent cake cover includes a removable candle deck for at least one candle, which does not pierce the cake or cover being decorated by lighted celebratory candles. The cake cover can be used without the candle deck. The sanitary cake cover is impervious to assault by normal airborne contaminants, such as dust and dirt as well from contaminated expelled breath during the act of blowing out candles. The separate removable candle deck is removable to enable the container to be used for other food items without the obstruction of candle recesses. The flat top of the cover has a peripheral top ridge forming a flat central depression of dimensions to fit the flat candle deck.
US08668085B1	Paint brush cover A paint brush cover has a bottom opening; a stretchable, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric body with an internal volume less than a volume of an inserted paint brush head; and a top opening narrower than the fabric body and the paint brush head and sized to freely admit the brush handle. A paint brush is inserted handle-first through the bottom opening until the wider brush head registers in a fully covered position with the brush head stretching the fabric body into moisture-wicking contact against the bristles, and with the bristle ends spaced above the bottom opening. The bottom opening may be stiffened with a flexible stiffener that flexes open when a brush head is inserted, or with a closure flap.
US08668079B2	Alignment and bracing assembly for a bucket elevator and method of using the same An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process.
US08668068B2	Coin handling apparatus, coin handling method and coin handling system The coin handling apparatus configured to handle the first coin of the first nation and the second coin of the second nation includes a recognition unit 48 configured to recognize a coin and detects a feature amount of the recognized coin. The recognition unit 48 is configured to regard the recognized coin as the first coin when the feature amount of the detected coin conforms to feature amount information including a feature amount of the first coin and a feature amount of the second coin.
US08668067B2	Vehicle parking lock device A vehicle parking lock device having a parking rod; a tapered parking cam disposed at a leading end portion of the parking rod; and a cam guiding device that guides the parking cam moved together with the parking rod in association with a projection of the parking rod toward the leading end portion to move a parking lock pole with the parking cam to a position of engagement with a parking lock gear rotated together with a transmission output member, the cam guiding device including a first guiding member in a cylindrical shape and a second guiding member in a half cylindrical shape that is disposed subsequently to the first guiding member, the second guiding member having a tapered guiding concave surface that guides the parking cam toward the parking lock pole in association with the projection of the parking rod toward the leading end portion.
US08668066B2	Sintered coupling ring A sintered coupling ring (1) is described, comprising a ring of coupling teeth (2) which comprise relieved flanks (4) extending from wedge-shaped end faces (3) and, on the side opposite the wedge-shaped end faces (3), a stop (5) that protrudes radially beyond the tooth tip (6). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the stops (5) have a greater density than the remaining tooth tip (6).
US08668064B2	Assembly structure for a luggage case One example may be directed to a luggage case including a first wire frame element forming at least a partial shape of a main body, an inner material attached at least in part to the first wire frame element, an outer material positioned over the first wire frame element, and a second wire frame element attached at least in part to the inner material and the outer material. The outer material is not attached to the first wire frame element.
US08668063B2	Damping shaft mechanism A damping shaft mechanism has a spiral shaft, spiral guide bush, a shell and blade. An external spiral structure is arranged at one end of the spiral shaft, and its core has a cone segment. An internal spiral structure is arranged in the spiral guide bush, which cooperates rotationally with the external spiral structure so that it can move along the axis relative to the spiral shaft when the spiral shaft is rotating. The two cavities change size by moving the spiral guide bush driven by the spiral shaft in the shell, and the taper on the spiral shaft makes the fit clearance between the spiral shaft and the spiral guide bush changed from maximum to minimum gradually in the damping process, so that the oil-flowing section between the two cavities changes from big to small.
US08668061B2	Nested check high speed valve A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.
US08668060B2	Electromagnetic shock absorber for vehicle An electromagnetic absorber (10) for a vehicle including (a) a threaded rod (78) which is disposed on one of a sprung portion and an unsprung portion and which has a threaded groove (76) formed in its outer circumferential portion and an axial groove (90) extending in its axis direction (b) a nut (80) which is rotatably disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion and which is screwed with the threaded rod and (c) a rod-rotation inhibiting member (82) which includes a fitting portion configured to be fitted in the axial groove and which is disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion, the rod-rotation inhibiting member being configured to inhibit the threaded rod from rotating while permitting the threaded rod to move in the axis direction. In the electromagnetic absorber, the threaded groove is not formed at a section of a fitting range at which the fitting portion is fitted in the axial groove when the fitting portion is located at an end of the fitting range that extends in the axis direction on the outer circumferential portion of the threaded rod.
US08668059B2	Unit guide wear plate for brake beams An improved unit guide wear plate for brake beams, which provides a brake beam centering force and aligns the movement of a brake beam end guide within the side frame of a railroad car truck so that the brake shoes can provide the maximum amount of force against the wheels when stopping the railroad car, and which is less prone to fracture than current unit guide wear plates.
US08668056B2	Modular weighting elements The invention relates to a modular weighting element that can be assembled with at least one other modular element to form a ballast bar, known as an ingot, for example for creating a counterweight for a lift/elevator and/or goods lift, said modular element being in the form of a generally parallelepiped elongate body. According to the invention, said modular element comprises at least two assembly members, one of them male and the other female, of complementary shapes, arranged on said body in such a way as to allow said modular element to be assembled with at least one other modular element, preferably an identical one aligned in the continuation of one another. The invention also relates to a ballast bar, to a counterweight by superposing such ballast bars and to an assembly comprising the framework carrying such a counterweight.
US08668055B2	Method for releasing a load-carrying apparatus or a compensating weight of an elevator from a stopping position An elevator load receiving apparatus or a compensating weight connected thereto by a suspension device is released from a safety device in a stopping position after downward travel, the load receiving apparatus and the compensating weight being moved by a drive unit including a reversible electric motor and a traction sheave engaging the suspension device. Many safety devices, after stopping must be moved counter to the travelling direction of the load receiving apparatus before stopping in order to release (moved upwards in the case of stopping after downward travel). The safety device is easily released by activating the drive unit for a time (tmax1) or a certain distance (smax) with a predetermined torque (Mmax) counter to the direction of release and subsequently activated as abruptly as possible with the predetermined torque in the direction of release. This method can be used to release the compensating weight from its stopped position.
US08668053B2	Ground conveyor Ground conveyor with a drive part with a frame, a load part, which is attached to the frame of the drive part and the height of which is operated on the, if applicable, one load pickup means that can be actuated by a lifting device, furthermore with parallelly distanced wheel arms, which are attached with their rear ends on the frame or the load part and each support a load-bearing wheel with means for changing the distance of the wheel arms (wheel-arm width), wherein a bearing arm is fastened on the rear end of the wheel arms, which extends almost perpendicular to the wheel arm and is received fittingly and moveably in at least one bearing opening of the frame or the load part and fixing means are provided on the frame or load part, with which the axial and pivot position of the bearing arms can be releasably retained.
US08668048B1	Elevator assembly for accessing an elevated platform of a combine A personnel elevator assembly is provided to enable a person to gain access to the elevated platform of a combine with the combine having a ladder assembly extending downwardly from the platform. The elevator assembly is secured to and is supported by the ladder assembly and includes an elevator step which is movable from a position close to the ground to a position thereabove so as to be at approximately the same level as the platform.
US08668046B2	Baffle A baffle is provided that includes at least one carrier and a sealer disposed in a recess. When placed in a cavity, such as a vehicle cavity, sealer also expands into the cavity to seal the cavity. Baffle can be modified by including an insert within carrier to increase the weight, density, and structural rigidity of baffle, without altering the exterior dimensions of baffle. A baffle that includes an insert can be customized based on a particular application, without requiring time-consuming and expensive tooling changes.
US08668042B2	System and method for controlling hydraulic system based on temperature A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic transmission including a hydraulic pump configured to be coupled to a prime mover, a hydraulic motor configured to be coupled to an output shaft, and fluid lines coupling the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor to provide a fluid circuit providing flow communication between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor, such that operation of the hydraulic pump provides fluid flow to the hydraulic motor, and the hydraulic motor supplies torque to the output shaft. A controller is configured to control operation of the hydraulic transmission. The controller is configured to receive signals indicative of pressure in the fluid circuit and reduce an output of the hydraulic pump when the pressure in the fluid circuit reaches a pressure level, and a rate of response of the reduction of the output of the hydraulic pump is varied based on a temperature of fluid in the fluid circuit.
US08668039B2	Motorized walking shoes Incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes is described. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled.
US08668032B2	Core drill bit An abrasive drill bit includes: a hollow tubular body having a rotation axis and being configured to be rotated by a drill about the rotation axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed around the periphery of a distal end of the tubular body and extending distally from the tubular body, each of the plurality of teeth supporting a drilling abrasive, wherein the distal extension of the teeth relative to each other varies cyclically along the periphery of the distal end of the tubular portion such that when the drill bit is rotated about the rotation axis and advanced along the rotation axis into a surface of a drilled material, at least one distal-most tooth maintains contact with the surface and at least one least distally extending tooth does not contact the surface.
US08668031B2	Drill bit and method for inserting, expanding, collapsing, and retrieving drill bit A drill bit comprises a bit body connectable to a drill string at an first end, which bit body is provided with a longitudinal passageway extending from an opening at the first end to a port at a second end. The drill bit further comprises a closure element for closing the passageway, and when the closure element is in a closing position, the closure element is removable. Further, the closure element comprises a first and a second member that are movable relative to each other between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, in which collapsed configuration, the closure element is retractable through the passageway to the first end.
US08668028B2	Underwater drilling arrangement and method for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water comprising at least one rotary drill drive, whereby a drill rod running inside the foundation element can be set into rotation by means of the rotary drill drive. The invention is characterized, among other things, in that a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water is provided, whereby on the working platform at least one holding means for securing the foundation element in a rotationally fixed manner on the working platform is arranged and in that at least one mounting part for placement onto the foundation element is provided, whereby the mounting part has a clamping means for securing the mounting part on the foundation element, and the rotary drill drive is arranged on the mounting part. The invention also relates to a method for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of the underwater drilling arrangement according to the invention.
US08668027B2	Power tool A power tool with a drive motor and a drive belt guided about a drive pulley and an output pulley has a tool driven by the drive motor through the drive belt. A tensioning device is provided that changes a spacing between the drive pulley and the output pulley and has at least one tensioning position and at least one release position. In the at least one tensioning position, the drive pulley and the output pulley have a first spacing relative to one another and in the at least one release position have a second spacing to one another that is smaller than the first spacing. The drive belt is an elast belt and the tensioning device, as a result of inherent tension of the elast belt, is secured in the at least one tensioning position.
US08668026B2	Power tool comprising a dynamic vibration reducer A hammer drill equipped with a main body part; a drive motor; a motion conversion mechanism, and a vibration absorber which are housed in the main body part; and a handgrip which is provided as a continuation of the main body part at a position closer to the rear end side of the tool than the drive motor and used for gripping the tool. The vibration absorber is in a configuration where vibrations of the main body part are suppressed during a machining operation.
US08668024B2	Agricultural implement skew detection and correction A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.
US08668020B2	Emergency bowl for deploying control line from casing head An assembly supports a control line of a downhole tool, such as a downhole deployment valve. The tool deploys on casing and has a control line extending from the wellhead to the tool. To support the line separately from any casing hanger, a split bowl disposes around the casing and lands on a shoulder in the head. A port in the bowl has one opening that aligns with a side port in the head. Another opening of the bowl's port connects to the control line that extends to the downhole tool. A section of the control line from the split bowl can be flexible to help prevent kinking or breaking of the line during installation procedures. A hanger disposes on another shoulder in the head uphole from the bowl. The hanger supports the casing in the head separate from the bowl's support of the control line.
US08668019B2	Dissolvable barrier for downhole use and method thereof A plug is disposable in a well bore to block fluid from passing through the wellbore. The plug includes a body formed from water soluble glass. The body is dissolvable in water. A method of utilizing water soluble glass includes employing an element formed of the water soluble glass, performing a first function in the system when the element is present, dissolving the element in the presence of water, and performing a second function in the system different than the first function.
US08668016B2	System and method for servicing a wellbore Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing system, comprising a tubular string, a first sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the first ported case while the first restrictor is disabled; a second sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the second sleeve system comprising a second sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a second ported case, the second sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the second ported case by a second restrictor while the second restrictor is enabled.
US08668011B2	Method of hydraulically fracturing a formation A method of hydraulically fracturing a formation comprises controlling a pump rate during hydraulic fracturing of the first section of the horizontal well bore during a first period to break down the formation while reducing pick up of sand positioned in the well bore; during a subsequent second period to pick up the sand positioned in the well bore generally at a rate at which the formation will accept the sand; and, during a subsequent third period to fracture the formation.
US08668010B2	Wellbore servicing compositions comprising a fluid loss agent and methods of making and using same A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, and a fluid loss additive wherein the fluid loss additive comprises an acid gelling polymer, placing the composition in the wellbore, and allowing the composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing into a wellbore having a bottom hole static temperature of greater than about 50° F. and/or a pH of from about 3 to about 9 a cement slurry comprising a calcium aluminate cement having an aluminum oxide content of greater than about 60 wt. % based on the total weight of the calcium aluminate cement and an acid-gelling polymer wherein the cement slurry has a fluid loss at 10 cc/10 min. to about 600 cc/30 min.
US08668006B2	Ball seat having ball support member Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having an inner wall surface defining a bore and a seat in sliding engagement with the inner wall surface. Operatively associated with the seat is a plug element support member having an expanded position when the apparatus is in a run-in position and a contracted position when the apparatus is in a set position. A plug element adapted to be disposed into the bore and landed on the seat to restrict fluid flow through the bore and the well conduit is used to move the seat which in turn moves the plug element support member from the expanded position to the contracted position, thereby providing support to the plug member landed on the seat.
US08668005B2	Dump bailer A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. An expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. Alternatively, a sliding sleeve may be disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.
US08668004B2	Tubing hanger running tool with integrated pressure release valve A system, in certain embodiments, includes a subsurface safety valve (SSV) biased toward a closed position, and configured to open by application of hydraulic pressure. The system also includes a tubing hanger running tool (THRT), including a conduit in fluid communication with the SSV, and a pressure release valve fluidly coupled to the conduit. The pressure release valve is configured to maintain sufficient hydraulic pressure within the conduit to hold the SSV in an open position while the pressure release valve is in a closed position.
US08668003B2	Cement head with integrated energy supply for operating valves A cement head used for performing cementing jobs in downhole operations is provided. The cement head includes wireless signaling means, an integrated energy supply, activating means for pneumatic operated valves in cement head, and controller means for controlling said energy supply for activation of at least one valve based on received signals through the wireless signaling means.
US08667999B2	Fiber application machine provided with flexible fiber conveying tubes arranged within a cold sheath A fiber application machine for the production of composite material parts, comprising a system for displacing a fiber application head, a fiber storage, and a fiber conveyor for conveying the fibers from the fiber storage to the application head, the fiber conveyor being placed in the internal passage of at least one flexible tubular sheath, the machine further comprising a cooling system adapted to inject cold gas in the internal passage of the sheath.
US08667998B1	Wallet for cards and paper currency A wallet (110) for holding a plurality of rectangular cards (C) has a sleeve (112) that is flattened into a rectangular profile. The sleeve is maintained in the rectangular profile by a shaping element (130) that is secured to an interior surface of the sleeve. The rectangular profile has a length and a width that are substantially the same as that of the cards intended on be held, the length being the larger of the dimensions. The sleeve is open along the width edges (20, 22) and closed along the length edges. Optionally, a strap (140) that passes across an exterior surface of the sleeve from one of the width edges to the other width edge, with its ends secured inside the sleeve, is useful for retaining folded paper currency and the like. The strap ends are secured to at least the shaping element.
US08667997B2	Method and apparatus for the handling of a hazardous fluid An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.
US08667996B2	Fluid transfer device A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid between a supply reservoir and a fill reservoir includes a metering reservoir and a manifold that forms at least part of a first channel that is fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The first channel comprises a first cannula extending from the manifold. The manifold forms at least part of a second channel fluidly connected with the metering reservoir. The second channel comprises a second cannula extending from the manifold. A third channel extends through the manifold and comprises a third cannula having a first end proximate a distal end of the first cannula and a second end proximate a distal end of the second cannula. A first check valve is disposed within the first channel and a second check valve is disposed within the second channel.
US08667994B2	Plumbing fitting A plumbing fitting includes a body portion 1 which is secured to a structure such as a wall framing in use by means of a mounting means 2. An inlet means 3 is linked to an outlet means 4 by means of an internal passage in the body portion. The inlet means is adapted to be secured to distributor pipework or hoses in use and the outlet means is adapted to be coupled to a flexible hose or a tap where it projects through a wall lining. The body portion 1 can slide within the mounting means 2, if sufficient force is used, so that after the coupling is made to an extended outlet means 4 the outlet means can be pushed back towards the wall structure to assist in the provision of a neat appearance.
US08667992B2	Device and method for repairing pipe A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.
US08667991B2	Device and method for repairing pipe A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.
US08667988B2	Actuating mechanism of a gas valve unit A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, includes at least two open/close valves which can be actuated by moving at least one magnetically active body, in particular a permanent magnet, relative to the open/close valves. For actuating an open/close valve, a position of the magnetically active body, which is preferably implemented in the form of a permanent magnet, can be varied relative to the shut-off body of the open/close valve.
US08667981B2	Method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head An outer valve surrounds an inner valve. A plug can move relative to a seat of the inner valve to control flow through that valve. A plug co-operates with the outlet port of the outer valve to control fluid through that valve. The plug comprises part of the inner valve.
US08667980B2	Non-interrupt meter change out Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.
US08667979B1	Battery rack with spill containment A battery rack system and method are provided including a battery rack for holding a plurality of batteries. Further included is a liner-equipped containment system connected to the battery rack. The containment system is adapted for containing leaks or spills from the batteries.
US08667978B2	Method and system for detecting water system leaks A methods and system detecting water system leaks provides detecting of water leakage having very low flows. Very low flow leaks are detected by detecting drops in a building water system pressure when the water supply source is disabled. The water system is disabled by an electrically controllable valve, which may be turned off in response to a motion detector that detects that no human activity is present in the building. The rate of pressure drop is used to determine the magnitude of the leak, and multiple thresholds can be used to detect slow leaks versus more serious leaks. A humidity detector may also be incorporated in the system to detect abnormal humidity conditions and shut the electrically controllable valve in response. Appliance current consumption can be detected and used to override motion-sensor based shut-off of the valve, so that water-consuming appliances can continue to operate.
US08667974B2	Rotating filter for a dishwashing machine A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
US08667973B2	Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction method A method of minimally invasively reducing a volume of a hyper-inflated target section of diseased lung comprising the steps of introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and equilibrating air within the target section with atmospheric air to at least partially deflate the target lung section; injecting an inflammation-causing substance into the target section to precipitate adhesion of the walls within the target lung section, preventing substantial re-inflation of the target section by occluding an airway upstream of the target section for a period of time, and removing the airway occlusion after the target section has substantially permanently been reduced in volume. The injected substance can be autologous blood or a constituent thereof.
US08667969B2	Positioner device A foam positioner device utilized for maintaining resting limb positioning, hand shape and strength therapies, and other modality therapies. Said device, by means of an integrated strap slot base, incorporates a generic strap which wraps around furnishings such as pillows, recliner footrests, beds, chairs, and various medical apparatus exclusively and does not attach to the person.
US08667968B2	Condom This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body comprising a plurality of sections that are capable of folding telescopically, such that each section folds into an adjoining section.
US08667966B2	Intubating attachment and method An intubating attachment apparatus for use with endotracheal intubation devices comprising an elongated, generally cylindrical support module configured to accommodate a fiber optic intubation scope and at least one of an endotracheal tube or an endotracheal tube exchanger. The invention obviates the need for an attending medical professional to utilize more than one hand when advancing an endotracheal tube and/or endotracheal tube exchanger along with the fiber optic bundle of a bronchoscope into a patient.
US08667963B2	Ventilator circuit for oxygen generating system A ventilator circuit is provided for use with a ventilator and a low pressure low flow oxygen source to provide a hyper-oxygenated mixture of air and oxygen at the onset of inspiration. The ventilator circuit achieves this result by using its inspiratory limb to store oxygen between breaths. As a result, the oxygen content of dead space gas is increased before delivery to the distal alveoli of the patient. Accordingly, the ventilator circuit achieves an efficient use of available oxygen and requires less oxygen to a desired oxyhemoglobin percentage at the patient.
US08667960B2	Radial blower with shaped scroll profile A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) includes a radial blower. The radial blower includes at least an impeller and a scroll having an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface. In one embodiment, a cross section of an air passageway of the scroll includes sides corresponding to the upper outer surface and the lower outer surface, the sides having parallel slanted segments. In another embodiment, the sides may be substantially parallel and may be curved. In yet another embodiment an upper outer surface of the scroll is concave and a lower outer surface of the scroll is convex. In that embodiment, the PAPR further includes an inlet, and the inlet is disposed at the lower outer surface.
US08667959B2	Modular powered air purifying respirator A modular powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) which is comprised of a fan, motor, scroll, and power source mounted within one housing, and which accepts either traditional or conformal filters. Ambient air is drawn into the PAPR module through the attached filter by a fan, which is driven by direct connection to a motor. The pressurized air is then accelerated by an optimized scroll to the outlet in the PAPR housing. The PAPR module can be employed in multiple use configurations. The PAPR module further comprises a removable battery pack module that is easily retained to/removed from the PAPR module, enabling a user to be able to quickly remove a spent battery pack module and install a fresh battery pack module, thereby replacing the batteries within one breath cycle.
US08667957B2	Oven The present invention relates to an oven (1) that comprises a heating chamber (2) wherein the cooking process is performed, a heater disposed inside and at the back side of the heating chamber (2), a rear wall (4) covering the rear side of the heating chamber (2), a fan motor (5) mounted outside the rear wall (4) for rotating the fan (3) in the heating chamber (2), a plate (6) secured outside the rear wall (4) for mounting the fan motor (5) outside the rear wall (4) and wherein the fan motor (5) vibrations transmitted to the heating chamber (2) is prevented by means of the leaf springs (8) disposed between the motor lugs (6) and the plate (6) and the fan motor (4) can be easily mounted and dismounted from the plate (6).
US08667955B2	Handheld work apparatus having a control unit for operating an electric load A handheld work apparatus has a drive motor which drives a work tool and a generator. The work apparatus has a first electrical load and a connectable second electrical load. The generator provides the electrical power for the simultaneous operation of the two loads. The work apparatus has a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the first electrical load. In order to supply approximately the same power independent of voltage fluctuations, a voltage monitoring circuit is provided which, in a first operating state, sets a first signal sequence for operating the first load and, in a second operating state, sets a different second signal sequence for operating the first load. The mean power of the first signal sequence and that of the other second signal sequence are approximately equal.
US08667954B2	Simultaneously firing two cylinders of an even firing camless engine A valve control system includes an engine speed control module that determines an engine speed and a desired engine stop position. A piston position module determines a desired stopping position of a first piston based on the desired engine stop position. A valve control module receives the desired stopping position, commands a set of valves to close at the desired stopping position if the engine speed is less than a predetermined shutdown threshold, and commands the set of valves to reduce the engine speed if the engine speed is greater than the predetermined shutdown threshold.
US08667952B2	Method and device for controlling diesel engine with forced induction system This disclosure provides a control device for a diesel engine. When the engine is within a particular operating range with a low engine speed and a partial engine load and in a low temperature state where a cylinder temperature at a compression stroke end is lower than a predetermined temperature, a forced induction system sets a forcibly inducting level higher than a predetermined level that is higher than that in a high temperature state where the cylinder temperature is above the predetermined temperature. At least within the particular operating range, an injection control module performs a main injection where a fuel injection starts at or before a top dead center of the compression stroke to cause main combustion mainly including diffusion combustion and performs a pre-stage injection where the fuel injection is performed at least once prior to the main injection to cause pre-stage combustion before the main combustion starts.
US08667946B2	Multi-cylinder engine having communicating passages between cylinder bores A multi-cylinder engine with a crankcase integrated cylinder block including a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a plurality of crank chambers formed by an upper crankcase and a lower crankcase, a bulkhead that partitions between the cylinder bores and the crank chambers, and a honing release portion having a cylindrical honing release surface formed continuously with the cylinder bore in the upper crankcase and the bulkhead. The honing release surface forms an arcuate recessed portion in the bulkhead, the bulkhead is formed with a communication hole that includes a first opening edge on a side of the cylinder bore, a second opening edge on a side of the crank chamber having an opening width decreasing with a distance from the cylinder bore, and a third opening edge that extends substantially in parallel with the cylinder axis.
US08667939B2	Variable valve actuation apparatus, system and method In one form a rocker is disclosed coupled with a valve stem at one end and a cam follower at the other end. The rocker is operable to rotate about a fixed axis. In one form the cam follower includes a set of lower rollers operable to follow one cam lobe and an upper roller operable to follow another cam lobe. A leaf spring can be used to couple the cam follower with the rocker. A cam shaft can have a nested configuration including an inner shaft, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube. Cam lobes can be fastened to the cam shaft in one form by fastening through each of the inner shaft, intermediate tube, and outer tube, and in another form by attaching at least two devices inserted from either side of the cam shaft and that are not inserted at least through the inner shaft.
US08667936B2	Valve control apparatus for internal combustion engine A valve control apparatus includes a drive shaft; a control shaft including a control shaft main body configured to be rotationally controlled according to a state of engine, and a control eccentric shaft located eccentrically relative to a rotation center of the control shaft main body; a rocker arm swingably supported by the control eccentric shaft and configured to convert a rotational motion of the drive shaft to a swinging motion; and a swing cam configured to open/close an engine valve according to the swinging motion of rocker arm. Both ends of the control eccentric shaft are formed with fixing holes extending in a radial direction of the control eccentric shaft. The control shaft main body is formed with insertion holes passing through the control shaft main body in a radial direction of the control shaft main body. The insertion holes respectively face the fixing holes. The control eccentric shaft is fixed to the control shaft main body by bolts. The bolts pass respectively through the pair of insertion holes and are screwed respectively into the fixing holes.
US08667935B2	Intake/exhaust valve control device for internal combustion engine An intake/exhaust valve control device for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder having an intake valve and an exhaust valve includes: solenoids for driving at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve; a battery for supplying an electric current to the solenoids, a battery state predicting unit for predicting the voltage state of the battery; and an energization start timing setting unit for setting the current carrying start timing of the battery with respect to the solenoids based on the result of the prediction by the battery state predicting unit. According to the intake/exhaust valve control device, since it is possible to obtain the amount of energization necessary for driving the solenoids at an appropriate timing, it is possible to secure the responsiveness of the solenoids.
US08667927B2	Apparatus for coating a cylinder, in particular a wiping cylinder of an intaglio printing press There is described an apparatus (1) for coating a cylinder (C), in particular a wiping cylinder of an intaglio printing press, with a plastic composition comprising inter alia a blade mechanism (4) comprising a single substantially planar blade (40) with a straight edge (40a) extending along the full length of the cylinder to be coated and which is mounted rotatably about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder to be coated. The blade comprises, at its terminal end proximate to the cylinder, an inclined end portion (4a) having an inverted-V shape rising from the upper side of the blade, the top edge of the inclined end portion forming the straight edge of the blade. The blade is adapted to be rotated so that the straight edge of the blade undergoes an upward movement substantially tangential to the periphery of the cylinder in order to discontinue the application of the plastic composition onto the surface of the cylinder.
US08667926B2	Painting robot and painting system A painting robot includes a fixing unit fixed to a sidewall of a painting booth; a swivel unit provided to swivel with respect to the fixing unit; an arm provided to the swivel unit; and a painting gun provided in a tip end portion of the arm. The fixing unit includes a fixing surface fixed to the sidewall of the painting booth; and a cable lead-in portion provided on the fixing surface to lead a cable into the painting robot therethrough.
US08667925B2	Method and apparatus for lining a conduit An apparatus is disclosed for locating an instrument within a pipe. The apparatus may include body portion defining a cavity therein, a pipe engagement region for slideable engagement with a pipe, and an instrument retention portion for receiving at least a portion of an instrument therein and retaining the instrument in position relative to the body. A method is also disclosed including the use of the apparatus to locate an instrument within a pipe.
US08667923B2	Water feed device for an inclined moistener in a mail handling machine A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps that is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device comprising a reserve stock of water from which a quantity of water flows to a reservoir of water, said quantity of water being suitable for imbibing a piece of foam dipping in said reservoir of water, said device having at least two distinct water feed circuits for feeding water separately to two separate compartments of the reservoir of water from two isolated compartments of the reserve stock of water in a manner such as to define two distinct levels of water for the two isolated compartments of the reserve of water, and thus to define two different heights of water in the two corresponding separate compartments of the reservoir of water.
US08667921B2	Coupling A coupling for coupling a fall (26) to a lifeboat (1) comprising locking portions and a receiving portion constituting a hollow (10) having a open end and an upwardly facing aperture (15). The locking portion (25), hollow (10) and aperture (15) having a form preventing the locking portion (25) from passing through the aperture (15). The coupling further comprises actuators (30, 35, 39) controlled by a controller (40). A string (27) may be provided for easy retrieval of the locking portions upon the retrieval of the lifeboat (1).
US08667917B2	Watercraft, water diverter, entanglement system, and defense system for watercraft A watercraft includes a hull and a water diverter. The water diverter comprises at least one first deflector configured to direct water upward and outward from the hull of the watercraft to create a wave. The water diverter may include a support structure in the shape of a hollow tube for the first deflector, and a second deflector positioned above the first deflector. An entanglement system for defending watercraft includes a main cable attached to the watercraft and at least one strand section. Each strand section includes a connector and a plurality of strands attached to the connector, and each strand section is attached to the main cable. A defense system for watercraft can include both a water diverter and an entanglement system.
US08667916B1	Anhydrous ammonia fertilizer liquid and vapor separator The vapor exhaust assembly, for anhydrous ammonia, includes a closed filter tower and a closed exhaust tower with vertical tubes. The filter tower is connected to the vapor tower by a vapor upper pipe and a liquid lower pipe. A filter tube is mounted in the filter tower. Ammonia enters the filter tower above an open end of the filter. Ammonia vapor moves from the filter tower through the vapor upper pipe to a vapor chamber in the vapor tower. Liquid moves from the filter tower through the liquid pipe to the vapor tower. Liquid received in the vapor tower is moved upward by a dam. Vapor in the liquid moves upward to the vapor chamber. Liquid moves downward from the dam top to a liquid discharge exit. A vapor discharge valve in the top of the vapor tower is opened to discharge vapor and increase liquid in both towers.
US08667915B2	Tongue mounted fertilizer tank for fertilizer applicator A fertilizer stabilizer tank and tank mounting system for mounting the tank to the tongue or hitch frame of a fertilizer applicator is provided. The mounting system mounts the stabilizer tank in a manner that does not interfere with operation of the tractor or reconfiguration of the applicator as the applicator is folded/unfolded.
US08667913B2	Method and device for controlling retention time of fluid medium in fluidized-bed gasification furnace in gasification facility A method and device for controlling retention time of a fluid medium in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace in a gasification facility are provided. A fluid medium is guided to any of a plurality of fluid-medium charge ports connected to a gasification furnace at intervals from an upstream end thereof toward a downstream side in a distribution direction of a fluid medium longitudinally of the gasification furnace. A raw material is guided to any of a plurality of raw-material charge ports connected to the gasification furnace at positions longitudinally of the gasification furnace and correspondingly to the fluid-medium charge ports. The fluid medium is extracted and guided to a combustion furnace from a fluid-medium extraction port connected to a downstream end of the gasification furnace longitudinally thereof in the distribution direction of the fluid medium. Thus, retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace is controlled.
US08667910B2	Table furniture assembling structure A table furniture mainly comprises a table plate, four leg units mounted at four end corners of the table plate, two couplers and a central beam. Each leg unit has a leg rod and a side bracket connected with the leg rod, an engaging portion being provided at its free end. The coupler has at least three insertion slots with shrunk openings among which two opposing insertion slots are for engagement with the engaging portions of both adjacent leg units. The central beam also has an engaging portion provided at each end for engagement with one insertion slot of the couplers adjacent to the two opposing insertion slots. In this manner, the structure can facilitate assembling and disassembling of the whole table.
US08667907B2	Portable and collapsible table structure A portable and collapsible table structure comprises a tabletop, a table frame, and a plurality of folding legs pivotally attached to the table frame. The tabletop is independently collapsed to a bundled condition, for example, by folding or rolling. Similarly, the table frame and the folding legs are collapsed so as to minimize the amount of space taken up by the collapsed and bundled table frame and legs. The bundled tabletop and the collapsed table frame and legs can be further bundled or packed together for transport and/or storage. The table frame comprises adjustable members that permit the size and footprint of the table frame to be expanded to multiple usable table sizes without compromising the size of the collapsed and bundled table. The folding legs may be adjustable to reduce the size taken up by the legs in the compressed and bundled condition of the table.
US08667906B2	Removable device for facilitating eating A device to be attached to the edge of a table comprises a table clamp provided with a vertical hole in which one leg of an angled tube is fastened. The other leg of the tube is horizontal and has at its outer end a tray mount, which receives in a pivotable, fixable and removable manner a centrally situated vertical pivot pin on the underside of a tray on which food and beverages can be placed. By pivoting the tube in the table clamp and the tray in the tray mount the tray can be placed in the desired position and at the desired angle while allowing the table clamp to be positioned out of the way. By displacing and fastening the tube in the table clamp the tray can be vertically adjusted to permit a user to eat in comfort with the food within sight.
US08667904B2	Aircraft tray table with electronic device support A tray table having a support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort on flights. The support may comprise an elongated cavity configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. In some embodiments, the passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned.
US08667902B2	Railway wagon and a method of its loading A railway wagon for transport of for example a semi-trailer comprises—carried by two bogies or the like—a main portion, pivotally connected to a rearward bogie, and a wagon end, connected to a forward bogie, the main portion and the wagon end being releasably connected to each other. A beam is to be connected to or is connected to the wagon end for horizontally guiding the main portion at its pivoting out from the wagon end. Means are provided for vertically displacing the main portion or a part thereof in relation to the wagon end.
US08667895B2	Device for applying one multiple-pass print each to packaging containers The invention relates to a device for printing one multiple-pass print on each packaging container (2), on which the packaging containers are moved in a transport direction past printing stations or printing heads for applying the multiple-pass print. The device is constructed from a plurality of modules (4.1-4.8) in at least a partial area. Each module comprises at least one transport element having an associated drive. The transport elements of the module adjacent to each other form at least one part of the transport path.
US08667891B2	Liquid director and beverage maker including same A beverage maker having a liquid director configured to channel liquid toward a lowermost surface thereof, into and though an opening in the beverage maker, and to a fluid container of the beverage maker. The liquid director can be engaged with a lid of the beverage maker and/or at least one side wall of the container. The lid can be moved between a first position where the lid at least partially covers the opening and a second position where the lid does not cover at least a portion of the opening. The liquid director can be in a deployed, fluid receiving position when the lid is in the first position and can be in an undeployed position when the lid is in the second position.
US08667883B1	Firearm having gas piston system A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm also includes an ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handle located forward on the firearm and positioned within the top rail for charging the firearm.
US08667882B1	Firearm A firearm having a gas piston system includes a bolt carrier, an adjustable gas piston block located forward on the firearm and an over-the-barrel spring and guide rod arrangement, all of which is housed and contained in a top rail that runs the length of the firearm and that maintains the alignment of these firearm components. The firearm further includes components that provide full auto firing capability. These components include a specially designed auto bracket that cooperates with a modified bolt carrier and a modified upper receiver.
US08667877B2	Miter saw with dual tracking light A motorized saw in one embodiment includes a work support surface, a cutting blade supported above the work support surface and defining a cutting plane extending through a center portion of the cutting blade, a light source configured to generate a beam of light, a first reflector aligned with a first path in which a first portion of the beam of light travels and defining a first tracking line path along a first side of the cutting plane, the first reflector configured to move along and remain aligned with the first path, and a second reflector aligned with a second path in which a second portion of the beam of light travels and defining a second tracking line path along a second side of the cutting plane, the second reflector configured to move along and remain aligned with the second path.
US08667876B2	Pipe cutting apparatus The invention relates to a pipe cutting apparatus, comprising a tubular or box-like frame (1), a pipe clamp (9) inside the frame for immobilizing a pipe (P) to be cut, an annular blade carrier (3) rotatably bearing-mounted on the frame and provided with a central opening for the pipe to pass through, one or more blade arms (4) in attachment with the annular blade carrier (3) for movement mainly in a radial direction or in a slightly off-radial direction, a cutting blade (5) mounted on the blade arm (4), and means for actuating the blade arm (4) to enable feeding the cutting blade (5), rotating outside the pipe, towards the pipe for cutting the same by shearing. The means for ac-tuating the blade arm (4) include a spiral groove disc (6) rotatably bearing-mounted alongside the annular blade carrier (3), featuring a spiral groove (7) and a transition fin (8) extending from the blade arm (4) to the spiral groove (7), as well as elements (11, 12) for rotating the annular blade carrier (3) and the spiral groove disc (6) at a desired rotation speed ratio relative to each other.
US08667874B2	Pliers having wire strippers A hand tool includes a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first handle portion, a first jaw portion, a first pivot portion disposed between first handle portion and the first jaw portion, and a first rail disposed on one of the first pivot portion and the first handle portion. The second jaw assembly includes a second handle portion, a second jaw portion, a second pivot portion disposed between the second handle portion and the second jaw portion, and a second rail disposed on one of the second pivot portion and the second handle portion. The second rail is shorter than the first rail. A lock button is slidingly coupled to the first rail and selectively slidingly coupled to the second rail. A resilient member disposed between the lock button and the first rail to inhibit sliding movement of the lock button.
US08667873B2	Open-end wrench The present invention is related to an open-end wrench including a first jaw and a second jaw and a throat section connected between rear ends of the two jaws. A toothed section is disposed on the inner side of the first jaw. The toothed section has multiple sharp teeth and a wide tooth positioned behind the sharp teeth. The wide tooth has a largest width among all the teeth. The bottommost point of the throat section is spaced from a front end of the first jaw by a first length. The bottommost point of the throat section is spaced from the tooth crest of the wide tooth by a second length, which ranges from ⅓ to ½ the first length. The toothed section has a length, which is about ⅖ the first length. The width of the wide tooth is 0.325 to 0.375 the length of the toothed section.
US08667869B2	Spinner assembly for oilfield tubular connections A tubular makeup and breakout assembly 10 includes a top spinner 20, an intermediate power tong 12 and a lower backup tong 14. The spinner comprises a frame 22 which houses a pair of hydraulic cylinders 24. A plurality of rollers 26 are each intended for frictional engagement with an outer surface of a tubular to rotate the tubular. Each roller 26 is powered by hydraulic drive motor 28. The roller receives a suitable drive shaft rotatably powered by the motor and having a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. The roller comprises segments which may be removed without removing the motor or the drive shaft.
US08667862B2	Operating mechanism for a parking brake An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block and a locking device adapted to lock the manual brake lever into a position. The locking device includes a detent arranged on the manual brake lever and adapted to pivot around a pivoting axis, the detent having a bore, a locking segment connected to the bearing block, a spring element adapted to hold the detent into a locking position on the locking segment, and a connecting element adapted to secure the detent on the manual brake lever. The connecting element and the spring element jointly form a single structural unit adapted for insertion into the bore in the detent during installation of the detent on the manual brake lever.
US08667861B2	Shifter A shifter is fixed on a handle of a bicycle and connected with a rear speed changer of a cable and contains: a body, a first bar, and a speed changing mechanism, the body including the first bar, a chamber to receive the speed changing mechanism, and two tabs, and each tab including a first hole, and the body including a first aperture arranged on a top end thereof and communicating with the chamber to insert the cable into the chamber via the first aperture so as to connect with a first seat, the body including a first retaining ring, the chamber including a first positioning pillar, an axial shaft, a second aperture, and a first returning spring, the first positioning pillar being provided to fix a first fixing piece in the chamber, and the axial shaft being used to axially position a first hook in the chamber.
US08667857B2	Control device for an automated gear shift transmission In a control arrangement for an automated gear shift transmission, particularly a dual clutch transmission, which provides for a plurality of functionalities with a relatively small number of slides and control valves, a first gear slide, which is assigned to a first shift device and by means of which an actuation pressure can be applied to the first shift device, has a first and a second supply input for the first and second movement direction of the piston. A supply pressure slide, by means of which a supply pressure can be directed to the gear slide, has first and second supply outputs, which are respectively connected to the first and second supply inputs of the gear slide. The supply pressure slide is designed in such a manner that it can direct a supply pressure optionally to one of the two supply outputs.
US08667856B2	Sensor assemblies and methods of assembling same A method for assembling a sensor assembly includes providing a sensing device configured to measure at least one variable. The method also includes at least partially enclosing a magnetic material within an enclosure. At least a portion of the enclosure is manufactured from a material having a permeability that facilitates forming a magnetic field therein. The method also includes coupling the sensing device to a first portion of the enclosure. The enclosure includes at least one second portion that is movable with respect to the first portion of the enclosure such that a magnetic coupling force is induced external to the enclosure to facilitate coupling the sensor assembly to a magnetic surface.
US08667849B2	Pressure sensor A pressure sensor includes: a container; a pressure receiving member which forms apart of the container; a pressure sensitive element which has a pressure sensing portion and a pair of base portions connected to both ends of the pressure sensing portion, and which has a detection axis parallel to a line connecting the base portions, and in which the detection axis is parallel to a displacement direction of the pressure receiving member, and which detects pressure based on displacement of the pressure receiving member; and a gate-shaped frame which includes a pair of shock absorbing portions that interposes the pressure sensitive element and is connected to a side of the pressure receiving member close to the peripheral portion or a side of the container close to the pressure receiving member and a beam portion that connects distal ends of the shock absorbing portions.
US08667845B2	Device and method for detecting elements in a fluid environment A device for detecting elements in a fluid environment includes at least one acoustic resonator having a surface designed for fixing of elements. The resonator is configured for generating and measuring Lamb waves fostering generation of symmetrical Lamb waves. The device analyzes the resonance frequency of the resonator to determine the variation of the resonance frequency of the symmetrical Lamb waves representative of the presence of the elements.
US08667841B1	Glovebox air intake emergency safety shutoff A glovebox air intake emergency safety shutoff system includes a glovebox; a first manual valve operatively connected to the glovebox, wherein the first manual valve articulates between an open position and a closed position; an automatic valve operatively connected to the manual valve, wherein the automatic valve articulates between an open position and a closed position; an air intake component that inputs air into the glovebox; an air exhaust component that discharges air from the glovebox; and a pressure monitor that detects a level of pressure in the glovebox. The pressure monitor includes a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the glovebox and transmits a signal associated with the measured pressure; and a pressure controller that receives the signal and responds according to the measured pressure. The pressure controller operatively closes the automatic valve upon the measured pressure increasing above a predetermined limit.
US08667837B2	Wireless tire pressure sensing device, method for setting a standard tire pressure thereof, and wireless tire pressure sensing activation device A wireless tire pressure sensing device, a method for setting a standard tire pressure thereof and a wireless tire pressure sensing activation device adjust the tire pressure of each tire in a vehicle to a standard tire pressure according to a requirement of the vehicle after the wireless tire pressure sensing device is mounted in each tire, maintain each tire at the standard tire pressure for a preset time period or employ the wireless tire pressure sensing activation device to transmit a setup instruction to the wireless tire pressure sensing device to set a current tire pressure as the standard tire pressure. The wireless tire pressure sensing device can be set up with the standard tire pressure and conveniently modified. As no threshold value of tire pressure needs to be pre-stored, wireless tire pressure sensing devices with different threshold values are not necessarily prepared beforehand, thereby effectively lowering the stocking pressure on inventory management.
US08667836B2	Anti-interference antenna of a wireless tire pressure receiver An anti-interference antenna of a wireless tire pressure receiver has an insulating cable having a main casing and a sub-casing connected side by side with the main casing. The main casing has a power cable longitudinally mounted through the main casing. The sub-casing has an antenna longitudinally mounted through the sub-casing. As the antenna is individually sleeved by the insulating sub-casing, the antenna and the power cables are isolated to prevent from interfering with each other. Besides, the insulating cable further has at least one air channel longitudinally formed through the corresponding cable and mounted with a metal layer on an inner wall of the air channel, around the power cable, around each of power wires in the power cable, or around the power cable and the air channel, and filled with an EMI-shielding matter to further isolate the antenna and the power cables.
US08667835B2	Method and system for diagnosing cylinder valve activation/deactivation Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation in an engine operating with a plurality of cylinder valves. One example method comprises indicating valve degradation based on an indication of manifold pressure over a plurality of immediately successive induction events of the engine, the indication responsive to increases and decreases in the indication of manifold pressure correlated to the induction events of engine cylinders and further correlated to whether cylinders are commanded to be activated or deactivated.
US08667833B2	Analysis device, and analysis apparatus and method using the same A protective cap 2 is engaged with a latch 10 of a diluent container 5 so as to fix the diluent container 5 at a liquid holding position of a diluent container containing section 11. The engagement is released when the protective cap 2 is set to an open position against the engagement so as to expose an inlet 13. When the protective cap 2 is shifted from the open position to a closed position, the protective cap 2 pushes the diluent container 5 into a liquid discharge position. Thus, it is possible to preserve a diluent for a long period of time and to easily open the diluent container 5 without having to complicate the structure of an analysis apparatus.
US08667831B2	Micro viscometer Disclosed is a micro viscometer comprising a body including an inlet where a fluid flows in, an outlet where the fluid flows out, a first chamber and a second chamber that is connected to the inlet and the outlet, respectively, a substrate and a cover that partition multiple micro channels that connect the first chamber and the second chamber; a first thin film that vibrates with the fluid within the first chamber and locates on the side of the first chamber; a second thin film that vibrates with the fluid within the second chamber and locates on the side of the second chamber; an actuating part that applies vibration onto the fluid within the first chamber by conducting vibration through the first thin film; a sensing part that senses vibration or pressure onto the fluid that transfers through the micro channels to the second thin film through vibration of the first thin film.
US08667829B2	Breath test simulator and method A breath test simulator for supplying a breath test analyzer with a vapor including ethyl alcohol includes a heated thermal mass to heat an inlet passage.
US08667826B2	Device for leveling metal stock A device for leveling metal stock, which is moved during operation from an infeed side of the device to an outfeed side, includes: an upper set of leveling rollers and a lower set of leveling rollers, each of which comprises a terminal leveling roller on the infeed side and another one on the outfeed side. A plurality of lower backup roller support blocks, each include a plurality of backup rollers, which serve to support the lower leveling rollers and are arranged in rows, wherein their axes of rotation are parallel to axes of rotation of the leveling rollers. At least one of the terminal lower leveling rollers of the set of lower leveling rollers is arranged so that it can be individually adjusted, wherein the at least one of the terminal lower leveling rollers is supported at each end in a lever arm.
US08667825B2	Coil spring forming apparatus and coil spring formed thereby A coil spring forming apparatus including a core bar 2 which rotates around an axis thereof and on which a wire material W fed from a wire material-feeding means is wound; a clamping portion 22 which rotates integrally with the core bar 2 and grips an end of the wire material W on the core bar 2; and first guide rollers 30 and second guide rollers 40 for guiding the wire material W onto the core bar 2; wherein the first guide rollers 30 and the second guide rollers 40 are provided so as to move independently from each other in parallel with the axis of the core bar 2, and a coil spring formed by the above coil spring forming apparatus.
US08667821B2	Resistant mechanical combination lock and improvements thereto A fence control feature described herein may be used with a combination lock. The fence control feature includes a trigger plate having an overcenter arm, a stop arm, and a cam follower arm disposed around a common pivot point. A bracket is preferably vertically elevated above the overcenter arm. An apron is preferably formed on the overcenter arm. The apron may be for preventing a nose of a pivotable fence lever arm from catching on the trigger plate. The apron may be a half-moon-shaped apron.
US08667819B2	Lock to be mounted in openings in a thin wall The description relates to a latch such as a socket wrench latch, swivel lever latch (10), folding lever latch, sash latch for mounting in openings (12, 14) in a thin wall (16, 50), comprising a head part (24) which is to be arranged on one, outer side (18) of the thin wall (16) and which overlaps the outer rim (20) of the opening, and a body part (26, 28, 30, 32) which proceeds from the head part (24) and projects through the opening in the mounted position, and holding elements (36) which project from the body part (26, 28, 30, 32) and are flexible in direction of its outer surface, the free end of these holding elements (36) being provided with an inclined surface (38) for supporting the body part without play on the rim or edge (40) of the opening of the other, inner side (42) of the thin wall (16), characterized in that the body part (26, 28, 30, 32) and holding element (36) are two separate parts.
US08667817B2	Ozone laundry system and its method of use with continuous batch and tunnel washers An ozone laundry system and its method of use with continuous batch or tunnel washers is provided, wherein ozone can be injected into a plurality of different chambers along the continuous batch or tunnel washer and wherein the interfacing of a plurality of system controls occurs on a centralized HMI controller along with DOM and ORP monitoring. Vacuum sensors over vacuum switches are used to compensate for a slightly positive pressure at the ozone outlet, due to a long tube run with a weak vacuum.
US08667816B2	Method for manufacturing a primary preform The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a primary preform for optical fibers, using an internal vapor deposition process, wherein a gas flow of doped undoped glass-forming gases is supplied to the interior of a hollow substrate tube having a supply side and a discharge side via the supply side thereof, wherein deposition of glass layers on the interior of the substrate tube is effected as a result of the presence of a reaction zone.
US08667811B2	Method and arrangement for cooling a substrate, especially a semiconductor In this method, a refrigerant (52) is compressed (32) in a refrigerating circuit, then condensed by cooling in a condenser (44), then expanded in a throttle valve (62) and delivered in the expanded state, in the form of wet vapor (52), to an evaporator (60) that is in thermally conductive contact with a substrate (12) to be cooled. The cooling process thus operates similarly to a liquid cooling process, but with a higher mean logarithmic heat transfer temperature difference, which allows lower temperatures of the substrate (12) to be achieved and makes possible a better heat transition coefficient, since the refrigerant is present as wet vapor. A corresponding arrangement is likewise described.
US08667809B2	Ice-making device for refrigerator A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage chamber, a door provided to the main body, including an outer door and a door liner. The door liner includes support steps, a liner plate, and a seating step that define an installation space. An ice maker is located at least partially in the installation space. A cold air duct is provided in one side of the storage chamber to supply the ice maker with cold air. An ice maker cover is provided having a cold air inlet on a top portion thereof and a viewing window on a lower portion thereof. The viewing window allows the ice maker to be seen from outside of the ice maker cover. An ice bank is removably located below the ice maker to transfer ice received from the ice maker to a dispenser.
US08667808B2	Refrigerator There is provided a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an icemaker for making and discharging ice, an ice bank for storing the ice discharged from the icemaker, an ice discharge duct for discharging the ice stored in the ice bank to the dispenser, and an approaching prevention unit that is disposed in the ice discharge duct to prevent a user from approaching the ice bank through the dispenser.
US08667803B2	Turbine starter valve A turbine starter including a valve to modulate an amount of air permitted to flow to a turbine section, a sensor to detect a characteristic of the air at locations defined between the valve and the turbine section and downstream from the turbine section and an electrically powered motor coupled to the valve and the sensor to control the valve to modulate the amount of the air permitted to flow to the turbine section in accordance with the detected characteristic.
US08667800B2	Flameless combustion systems for gas turbine engines A flameless burner for a gas turbine engine includes a burner body having a longitudinal axis, an upstream section and a downstream section. The upstream section of the burner body defines a primary swirl generating chamber having air swirlers associated therewith. The primary swirl generating chamber is adapted and configured to receive compressor discharge air through the air swirlers. The strong swirl of the compressor discharge air forms a recirculation zone that entrains combustion product gases toward the burner body. Fuel injectors are operatively connected to the downstream section of the burner body for issuing fuel into the recirculated combustion product gases.
US08667796B2	Turbocharger cleaning arrangement An arrangement in connection with a piston engine provided with a turbocompressor, which arrangement comprises a flow duct for conveying combustion air pressurized by a compressor to cylinders of the piston engine, an exhaust gas duct for conveying exhaust gas from the piston engine to a turbine, and means adapted in conjunction with the turbine for feeding a cleansing agent to the turbine. There are feeding means arranged in connection with the exhaust gas duct for introducing air and/or water into the exhaust gas duct for cooling the exhaust gas.
US08667791B2	Damper and damping structure for a wave energy conversion device and mooring component The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.
US08667786B2	Converter and method for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy The present invention relates to a converter comprising a pump which is driven directly or indirectly by a natural force such as a water swell, it being possible for a hydraulic machine to be driven by the pump. The hydraulic machine is force-coupled to an electrical machine which may function as a generator or a motor. According to the present invention, the force acting on the pump is regulated via a control loop as a function of oscillation parameters of the natural force.
US08667783B2	Method and system for controlling the operation of a pump Method for controlling the operation of a pump driven by an electric motor and controlled by a controller, according to which an electronic control module (ECM) sends, to the controller, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control signal having a duty cycle that varies as a function of the desired operating conditions for the pump and according to which the controller acts on the electric motor to apply said operating conditions to the pump.
US08667782B2	Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. A selective reduction catalyst is disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine for reducing NOx in exhaust gases from the engine under existence of a reducing agent. The reducing agent or a reactant for generating the reducing agent is supplied to the upstream side of the selective reduction catalyst. Occurrence of a reducing-agent slip in which the reducing agent is discharged to the downstream side of the selective reduction catalyst is determined. A storage amount indicative of an amount of the reducing agent stored in the selective reduction catalyst is temporarily reduced from the state where the storage amount is at the maximum, and thereafter the storage amount is increased until the occurrence of the reducing-agent slip is detected. An accuracy of the reducing agent supply is determined according to an occurrence state of the reducing agent slip when the storage amount is changed.
US08667775B1	Reverse flow engine core having a ducted fan with integrated secondary flow blades Secondary air flow is provided for a ducted fan having a reverse flow turbine engine core driving a fan blisk. The fan blisk incorporates a set of thrust fan blades extending from an outer hub and a set of integral secondary flow blades extending intermediate an inner hub and the outer hub. A nacelle provides an outer flow duct for the thrust fan blades and a secondary flow duct carries flow from the integral secondary flow blades as cooling air for components of the reverse flow turbine engine.
US08667774B2	Coannular ducted fan Secondary air flow is provided for a ducted fan having an engine core driving a fan blisk. The fan blisk incorporates a set of thrust fan blades extending from an outer hub and a set of integral secondary flow blades extending intermediate an inner hub and the outer hub. A nacelle provides a first flow duct for the thrust fan blades and a secondary flow duct carries flow from the integral secondary flow blades.
US08667768B2	Evacuatable container A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).
US08667766B2	Stay cable for structures A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.
US08667756B1	Noise damper Noise dampers of sound absorbent material are inserted on the metal grid beams in a suspended ceiling.Hangers, embedded in a structural ceiling, that support the beams, are insulated from the beams by the noise dampers.Sound vibrations generated in the structural ceiling, which is often a floor, are not transmitted through the hangers, to the suspended ceiling, or to the room, below, but are absorbed in the dampers before reaching the grid beams.
US08667755B1	Dual panel composite truss apparatus This invention relates to a dual panel composite truss having a pair of spaced apart prestressed concrete panels having a versatile and adaptive structurally supporting end bearing truss on the ends thereof. The end bearing truss incorporates a versatile and adaptive structural support on each end of the composite truss. The end bearing truss is formed as an integral part of the composite truss for supporting the ends of the composite truss when the composite truss is used for the floors or ceiling of a building. The end bearing truss advantageously forms each end of each concrete panel form for the concrete pour when making each concrete panel.
US08667754B2	Composite tie rod and method for making the same A composite tie rod comprises an open lattice body formed of interlaced filaments held in a solid matrix. A pair of fittings rigidly connect rod ends with the ends of the body. The rod ends form attachment points on the tie rod.
US08667753B1	Sculpted room system A system includes a plurality of modules configured for attachment to a mounting surface. At least some of the plurality of modules include a panel having a decorative major surface disposed opposite an interior surface and a structural web element extending from the interior surface, thereby defining a cavity on the interior surface, the cavity at least partially bordered by the structural web element. An attachment surface of the structural web element opposite the interior surface is configured to abut the mounting surface or to abut the attachment surface of another module. At least two modules are configured for adjacent attachment to the mounting surface so that their decorative major surfaces are co-extensive at a joint between the two modules. A method of modifying a mounting surface of a room includes attaching first and second modules to the mounting surface co-extensively at a joint between the modules.
US08667752B2	Interlocking construction systems and methods The disclosure provides, among other things, a paver that includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral side. The peripheral side is defined about a perimeter of the paver and joins the bottom and top surfaces. The peripheral side defines a peripheral edge displaced from the top surface and the bottom surface that traverses the perimeter of the body along the peripheral side. The edge is adapted to engage a complementary edge on a peripheral side of an adjacent paver, such that the pavers interlock when a vertical force is applied to the paver. In another aspect, a masonry wall unit is provided for building walls similar in concept to the paver.
US08667749B2	Building closure with enhanced moisture barrier properties A building closure for mounting within an opening in a building wall structure includes a frame for mounting within the wall structure opening and at least one closure unit for mounting within the frame. The frame has at least one interior chamber extending entirely around the frame and a nailing flange for securement to the building wall structure such that at least a portion of the frame is disposed within the building wall opening. There is a cavity between at least one exterior surface of the frame and the inner periphery of the building wall opening, with the cavity extending along at least a top portion of the frame. A barrier extends along at least the top portion of the frame to retard passage of moisture from the cavity to the building interior. At least one moisture weep opening is disposed in the top portion of the frame from the cavity to the interior chamber of the frame such that moisture in the cavity flows through the weep opening into the chamber, within the chamber around the frame and then out of a drain opening in a bottom portion of the frame.
US08667747B2	Stabilizing system for deck pedestals A stabilizing system for a deck system has a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of connection locations on a periphery of the pedestals and a stabilizing bar secured between the pedestals. The stabilizing bar includes a first half, a second half, a fastener, and a first securing member. The first half and the second half connect to each other and are extendable between at least two of the pedestals. The second half is sized to receive the first half therein in a telescoping manner. The fastener connects the first half with the second half, while the first securing opening extends from a bottom surface and is located near a respective end face opposite a juncture between the halves.
US08667743B2	Panel The present invention relates to a panel for use in the assembly of a modular hot work habitat so as to form an enclosure to facilitate hot working. The panels comprise a first layer of flexible structural material, and a second layer of flexible fireproof material fixed to the structural layer. A habitat comprising a plurality of interconnected panels is described.
US08667742B2	Wall mounted assembly A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US08667739B2	Flush quarter glass seal A method and resultant apparatus for a window seal assembly is shown and described. A thin layer of elastomer is introduced between a reinforcement member and a first surface of a window member. The subassembly of the glass member, elastomer, and rigid reinforcement is then introduced into a mold. Preferably, the thin layer of elastomer is provided by an extrusion process, such as on a metal reinforcement member, or as a co-extrusion process when an extruded reinforcement member is formed. A curable, elastomer/plastomer material is then injection molded to provide a flush glass appearance where an outer surface of the window is devoid of any seal material.
US08667738B2	Glass run channel assembly and its manufacturing method A glass run channel assembly which is made of an elastic polymeric material and which is capable of being mounted to a vehicle, including: a first long glass run channel, a second long glass run channel and a connecting glass run channel which connects the first and second glass run channels, the connecting glass run channel comprising a base bottom portion. The base bottom portion is provided with a projection portion which projects from an outer circumferential side surface of the base bottom portion. The projection portion includes at least a portion of a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is molded in advance from a material which is harder and more rigid than the elastic polymeric material of the connecting glass run channel, and the reinforcing member includes a base portion arranged at the base bottom portion and a trunk portion which projects towards an outer circumferential side.
US08667736B2	Tandem drive for barrier A barrier apparatus and method are provided to reciprocate a gate or barrier between an open or closed position with one or more linear drives having one or more traveler mechanisms where at least one motor rotates the one or more shafts and moves the traveler mechanisms to move the barrier. The moving traveler mechanisms are coupled to one or more connecting arms which are coupled to the gate and the movement traveler mechanisms push and pull the arms which in turn push and pull the barrier to reciprocate the barrier between and open and closed position. The gate may be rotated and reciprocated around a horizontal axis from a generally vertical position (i.e., generally perpendicular to the ground where access to a controlled area is open) to a generally horizontal position (i.e., generally parallel to the ground where the gate extends across the entryway to the controlled area).
US08667734B2	Hydroponic plant container with highly oxygenated nutrient solution using continuous air injection and continuous coriolis effect mixing A hydroponic plant container with a reservoir of “highly oxygenated” nutrient solution that is the result of continuous direct air injection into the bottom of the reservoir, at a specific range of trajectories, along with continuous Coriolis effect mixing. The highly oxygenated nutrient solution is used to provide a deep water culture for the lower section of the plant roots, to saturate the middle section of the plant roots with fine droplets of the highly oxygenated nutrient solution, and to saturate the growing media and the upper section of the plants roots with a continuous drip of the highly oxygenated nutrient solution.
US08667726B1	Handguard for toy replica firearm A handguard encompasses the barrel of a replica firearm and supports one or more accessory rails. The handguard and the barrel have respective axes, which are offset from one another. The offset provides a pleasing aesthetic and a lower profile to accommodate sights without unduly obscuring the view of the shooter.
US08667717B2	Digging and backfill apparatus A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.
US08667716B2	Adjustable sole support system A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.
US08667712B2	Footwear design personalizing An article of footwear and a method making it. The footwear is configured for personalized design changes with the article of footwear comprising a base anchoring element with a first plurality of fastening elements. The base anchoring element is formed separately from existing footwear and then permanently attached to at least a portion of an outer surface of the existing footwear. The article of footwear further comprises at least two decorative elements each with a second plurality of fastening elements configured to individually releasably matingly engage with the first plurality of fastening elements. The first and second plurality of fastening elements are formed on the respective base anchoring element and each of the decorative elements, in mating registration with each other.
US08667706B2	Rotary biomass dryer A biomass drying system includes a rotary biomass dryer that includes a helically threaded auger shaft rotatably driven by a prime mover, such as an electric motor. No external source of heat is required to dry a wet biomass material that is supplied to an input of the biomass dryer. Instead, the helical threads on the shaft have a variable width, designed to gradually increase the compression applied as the biomass material is advanced through a generally cylindrical bore in the biomass dryer. A variable compression nozzle is disposed at a distal end of the bore and can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of a parameter such as the moisture content of the dried biomass material produced by the system. The variable compression nozzle, which can be automatically controlled, includes longitudinally extending segments that are forced radially inwardly to increase the compression force applied to the biomass material.
US08667704B2	Air knife chamber including blocking member Disclosed is an air knife chamber constructed such that water flowing down along a partition wall is allowed to fall in front of a slit. Due to this construction, the water can be effectively removed by air knives, thus contributing to a reduction in the defective proportion of substrates.
US08667695B2	Work head for a rotational brush cutter The present application provides a work head for a rotational brush cutter. The work head comprises an upper plate, a lower plate and a blade, the upper plate and the lower plate being fixedly coupled. The lower plate is circular and has a passage therethrough with a gear arranged in the passage. The blade has a body portion and a connection portion with the body portion able to be extended outside of the upper and lower plates. The through passage is designed so that the blade can be replaced without requiring the upper plate and lower plate to be disassembled. As a result, because the blade is not restricted by a narrow space between the upper plate and the main frame, the work head does not need to be removed from the brush cutter to replace the blade thereby saving time and effort.
US08667693B2	Flange bolt cutter A flange bolt cutter for separating two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter contains a circular saw blade pivotally connected to an adjustable flange band. The flange band contains an alignment ring for aligning the circular saw blade about the midpoint between two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter is hydraulically operated. The adjustable flange band may be formed in two band sections hinged together and containing a rotatable bolt and handle for tightening and loosening the band sections around the flange connection.
US08667689B2	Method and arrangement for supplying essentially hollow bodies with equipment Method and arrangement for supplying essentially hollow bodies with equipment wherein the hollow bodies each have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension being larger than the transverse dimension. The bodies have at least one opening for accessing their interior from outside along their longitudinal dimension. The hollow bodies are arranged essentially side-by-side along the longitudinal dimension and they are moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion. An arrangement comprises a plurality of conveyor means for moving hollow bodies, wherein the conveyor means are arranged such that the hollow bodies are arranged side-by-side along their longitudinal dimension and moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion.

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