最新美国发明专利第2014-05-13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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US08722440B2	Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same A display substrate includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer that are sequentially formed on a substrate. Also, the display substrate includes a color filter layer formed on the substrate and exposing a portion of the semiconductor layer, and source and drain electrodes that each overlap with the semiconductor layer and the color filter layer. The gate electrode, the gate insulating layer, and the semiconductor layer have the same shape as each other, and the gate electrode is insulated from the gate insulating layer and the semiconductor layer by the color filter layer.
US08722437B2	Method of component assembly on a substrate A method of component assembly on a substrate, and an assembly of a bound component on a substrate. The method comprises the steps of forming a free-standing component having an optical characteristic; providing a pattern of a first binding species on the substrate or the free standing component; and forming a bound component on the substrate through a binding interaction via the first binding species; wherein the bound component exhibits substantially the same optical characteristic compared to the free-standing component.
US08722436B2	Method and apparatus for accurate die-to-wafer bonding A method of light-emitting diode (LED) packaging includes coupling a number of LED dies to corresponding bonding pads on a sub-mount. A mold apparatus having concave recesses housing LED dies is placed over the sub-mount. The sub-mount, the LED dies, and the mold apparatus are heated in a thermal reflow process to bond the LED dies to the bonding pads. Each recess substantially restricts shifting of the LED die with respect to the bonding pad during the heating.
US08722433B2	Method for fabricating light emitting diode (LED) dice with wavelength conversion layers A method for fabricating light emitting diode (LED) dice includes the steps of mixing wavelength conversion particles in a base material to a first weight percentage, mixing reflective particles in the base material to a second weight percentage, curing the base material to form a wavelength conversion layer having a selected thickness, and attaching the wavelength conversion layer to a die.
US08722431B2	FinFET device fabrication using thermal implantation A method of forming a FinFET device. The method may include providing a substrate having a single crystalline region, heating the substrate to a substrate temperature effective for dynamically removing implant damage during ion implantation, implanting ions into the substrate while the substrate is maintained at the substrate temperature, and patterning the single crystalline region so as to form a single crystalline fin.
US08722430B2	Production method for oxidized carbon thin film, and element having oxidized carbon thin film and production method therefor The production method for the oxidized carbon thin film of the present disclosure includes: a first step of preparing a carbon thin film and iron oxide that is in contact with the carbon thin film and contains Fe2O3; and a second step of forming an oxidized carbon thin film having an oxidized portion composed of oxidized carbon by applying a voltage or current between the carbon thin film and the iron oxide with the carbon thin film side being positive and thereby oxidizing a contact portion of the carbon thin film with the iron oxide to change it into the oxidized portion. This production method allows a pattern of nanometer order to be formed on a carbon thin film represented by graphene. The method causes less damage to the formed pattern and has high affinity with a semiconductor process, thereby enabling a wide range of applications as a process technique for producing an electronic device.
US08722423B2	Assay method utilizing capillary transport on non-porous substrates A device and method for the separation of a component in a liquid sample prior to the detection of an analyte in said sample, wherein a sample is added to a receiving zone on a substrate, said substrate further optionally comprising a reaction zone, a transport or incubation zone connecting the receiving and reaction zone, respectively, forming a flow path on a substrate, wherein said substrate is a non-porous substrate, and at least part of said flow path consists of areas of projections substantially vertical to said surface, and having a height (H), diameter (D) and reciprocal spacing (t1, t2) such, that lateral capillary flow of said liquid sample in said zone is achieved, and where means for separation are provided adjacent to the zone for receiving the sample. Said means for separation are chosen among filter means, optionally enhanced by affinity binding and/or aggregation; magnetic means, also optionally enhanced by affinity binding and/or aggregation; and acoustic means.
US08722419B2	Flow cytometry methods and immunodiagnostics with mass sensitive readout Mass cytometry method. In one aspect, the method includes providing a sample having at least one cell type and mixing the sample with material such as nanoparticles functionalized with affinity molecules for the at least one cell type. The sample is transported through a suspended microchannel resonator to record a mass histogram and a cell count for the at least one cell type is determined from the histogram.
US08722418B1	Thermal indicating composition A reversible, colored thermal indicating composition, whose chromaticity provides a measure of the elapsed time within specific elevated temperature bands—the composition containing one or more polydiacetylenes (PDAs) in combination with ZnO alloyed with a transition metal oxide, such as ZrO2 and/or TiO2.
US08722416B2	Integrated on-line two-dimensional method and device for synchroned analytical temperature rising elution fractionation and gel permeation chromatography An analytical method comprising performing a first fractionation of a polymer sample based on differences in crystallizability to provide a first set of sample fractions, performing a first analysis on the first set of sample fractions, performing a second fractionation of the first set of sample fractions to produce a second set of sample fractions, performing a second analysis on the second set of sample fractions, and synchronizing the first fractionation and second fractionation to provide about concurrent analysis of the polymer sample.
US08722414B2	Device and method for the control of chemical processes The present invention provides a method of controlling a chemical process, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a laminar flow of a first fluid, the first fluid providing a first reagent or one or more precursor thereof), a laminar flow of a second fluid, the second fluid providing a second reagent (or one or more precursor thereof) and a laminar flow of barrier fluid; and (ii) causing the first and barrier fluids to contact one another so that the barrier fluid forms a barrier between the first reagent (or one or more precursor thereof) and the second reagent (or one or more precursor thereof) wherein step (ii) comprises forming segments of first fluid encased or sandwiched by barrier fluid, the segments being surrounded by the second fluid, and the barrier fluid is permeable to one or both of the first and second reagents. Devices for performing the method of the present invention are also provided.
US08722413B1	Biodiesel automatic titration system An automated system and process for the titration of either Waste vegetable oil (WVO) or virgin vegetable oil during its chemical conversion into Biodiesel. A system capable of automatically measuring and controlling the addition of a suitable amount of titration fluid is controlled in reaction to a pH level measurement tool, as determined by sensors and software. The process comprises forming a single phase solution of WVO and titrant in a ratio of between 10:1 to 50:1.
US08722411B2	Brucella phage polynucleotides and uses thereof An isolated polynucleotide is disclosed which comprises a nucleic acid sequence of a Brucella phage, the nucleic acid sequence being specific to the Brucella phage and comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 387-393. An exemplary polynucleotide sequence is one which comprises at least 100 consecutive nucleotides of a nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 396. Uses of such sequences are further disclosed.
US08722407B2	Method and apparatus for tissue transfer A handheld tool is disclosed which may be used to transfer a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container. The handheld tool may include a disposable tip member which couples the plurality of plant tissue explants through use of negative pressure. An automated system which transfers a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container is also disclosed. The automated system may include a first presentment system which moves the first container to a region, a second presentment system which moves the second container to the region, and a robot system that transfers the plurality of plant tissue explants from the first container to the second container.
US08722405B2	Composition and method for enabling proliferation of pluripotent stem cells The present disclosure is directed to the development of compositions, such as extracellular matrices, and processes for using the same, for culturing stem cells in vitro in an undifferentiated state. In this regard, it has been discovered that when pluripotent mouse and human embryonic stem cells are cultured on plates coated with recombinant laminin-10 (laminin-511) or laminin-5 (laminin-322), or their functional domains, the embryonic stem cells proliferated and maintained their pluripotency.
US08722397B2	Method for detecting and quantifying endogenous wheat DNA sequence A circular DNA is provided comprising endogenous DNA common to both genetically modified wheat and non-genetically modified wheat along with one or more pieces of DNA each having a sequence present specifically in a strain of genetically modified wheat. Also provided is a method for determining a mix rate of genetically modified wheat in a test sample.
US08722393B2	Apparatus for facilitating evaluating migration of cells in vitro Method and apparatus for processing a cell culture are provided. The method includes establishing a cell culture within a holding device having one or more wells, each well holding a cell culture, and including a well substrate with at least one electrode in contact with the cell culture; periodically applying at least one electrical pulse to the at least one electrode to prevent cells from attaching to and achieving confluence over the at least one electrode while allowing cells to attach to and achieve confluence over other portions of the well substrate; and discontinuing the periodically applying of the at least one electrical pulse to the at least one electrode after cells have achieved confluence over the other portions of the well substrate, and thereafter, monitoring the cell culture to monitor migration of cells over the electrode(s) from the other portions of the well substrate.
US08722387B2	Microorganisms for C4-dicarboxylic acid production The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having bicarbonate transporter activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, and methods of producing C4-dicarboxylic acids, such as malic acid.
US08722381B2	Variants of a Bacillus strearothermophilus alpha-amylase and uses thereof Described are variants of alpha (α)-amylases having altered starch hydrolysis profiles. The variants have improved thermostability and increased specific activity, resulting in reduced peak viscosity and altered final viscosity during starch liquefaction. The amylase variants are useful, e.g., in liquefaction and other starch degradation processes.
US08722380B2	DNA polymerases with increased 3′-mismatch discrimination Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US08722379B2	DNA polymerases with increased 3′-mismatch discrimination Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US08722378B2	DNA polymerases with increased 3′-mismatch discrimination Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US08722376B2	Firefly luciferase According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to luciferase derived from Malaysian Luciola firefly, the luciferase having a maximum luminescent wavelength of 580 nm at pH 8, or the luciferase indicating 23.3 times or more of luminescent intensity in comparison to that of Rhodamine 6G.
US08722373B2	Contaminant control in Zymomonas fermentation using virginiamycin Contamination was controlled in fermentations using Zymomonas mobilis as the biocatalyst, without negative impact on fermentation production, by the addition of virginiamycin. The effective concentration of virginiamycin was found to be dependent upon the type of fermentation medium used.
US08722368B2	Method for preparing a counter-tagged population of nucleic acid molecules Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions for determining the number of individual polynucleotide molecules originating from the same genomic region of the same original sample that have been sequenced in a particular sequence analysis configuration or process. In these aspects of the invention, a degenerate base region (DBR) is attached to the starting polynucleotide molecules that are subsequently sequenced (e.g., after certain process steps are performed, e.g., amplification and/or enrichment). The number of different DBR sequences present in a sequencing run can be used to determine/estimate the number of different starting polynucleotides that have been sequenced. DBRs can be used to enhance numerous different nucleic acid sequence analysis applications, including allowing higher confidence allele call determinations in genotyping applications.
US08722365B2	Metabolically engineered Escherichia coli for enhanced production of sialic acid A metabolically engineered E. coli strain which produces sialic acid and a method of making said strain. In the engineered E. coli cells, the nanT (sialic acid transporter) and nanA (sialic acid adolase) genes are inactivated, and the neuC and neuB genes of sialic acid biosynthesis in Neisseria meningitidis group B are introduced and overexpressed in the nanT− nanA− E. coli cell. In addition, the glucosamine synthase gene, glmS, of E. coli is co-overexpressed with neuB and neuC.
US08722364B2	Method for increasing microbial catalase production Disclosed are methods for increasing microbial catalase production. 1-10 g/L sodium hexametaphosphate was added to the culture medium between 30-40 hours of fermentation to inhibit proteinase activity and increase the production of catalase. This simple modification of fermentation procedure can result in up to 45% increase of the production of catalase.
US08722358B2	Method for obtaining structural and functional information on proteins, based on polarization fluorescence microscopy The invention pertains to a method of obtaining structural and functional information on proteins, based on polarization fluorescence microscopy, which comprises subjecting a protein tagged with a fluorophore to two- or multi-photon fluorescence microscopy, whereas the observed protein is irradiated with a laser beam with light of at least two different polarizations, which excites the fluorescence of the fluorophore, and wherein information on localization, intensities and polarizations of the fluorescence excited by the different polarizations of the excitation laser beam is used to identify, localize and quantify anisotropy of absorption and/or fluorescence, which information is then used to infer structural and functional properties of proteins. An example of a device for obtaining structural and functional information on proteins, based on polarization fluorescence microscopy, comprises a modulator (P) for rapid modulation of the excitation beam (1) for eliciting two- or multi-photon fluorescence, and a control unit (R), wherein the function of the modulator (P) and control unit (R) is synchronized with scanning of the microscope (M) such that information on fluorescence intensity acquired by the microscope (M) is attributable to a particular polarization state of the excitation beam (1) by virtue of knowing the temporal profile of the polarization modulation of the excitation beam (1) effected by the modulator (P). The method and device of the invention allow determining and monitoring structure and function of proteins, such as membrane proteins, and thereby observing physiological processes in living cells.
US08722348B2	Method and composition for a protein transduction technology and its applications A protein transduction method for efficiently delivery of exogenous proteins into mammalian cells is invented, which has the capability of targeting different cellular compartments and protection from degradation of the delivered proteins from cellular proteases. A composition for treat proteins has cation reagents, lipids and enhancers in a carrier. The method can be used in a number of ways including: production of large quantities of properly folded, post-translationally modified proteins using mammalian cell machinery, a in-cell fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging using small molecule fluorophores and a in-cell NMR spectroscopy using living mammalian cells. The method permits cell biology at atomic resolution that is physiologically and pathological relevant and permits protein therapy to treat human diseases. The method can also be used to deliver exogenous protein inside mammalian cells, wherein the exogenous proteins follow a similar secretion pathway as that of the endogenous protein.
US08722346B2	Chemiluminescence compact imaging scanner Systems, devices, and methods for accurately imaging chemiluminescence and other luminescence are disclosed. A compact, flat-bed scanner having a light-tight enclosure, one or more detector bars of linear charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging chips, and high working numerical aperture (NA) optics scans closely over a sample in one direction and then the opposite direction. Averages or other combinations of intensity readings for each pixel location (x, y) between the two or more passes are averaged together in order to compensate for luminescence that varies over time. On-chip pixel binning and multiple clock frequencies can be used to maximize the signal to noise ratio in a CCD-based scanner.
US08722343B2	Methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes Methods, assays and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, in which the glutamate transporters and/or receptors expressed in pancreatic islet cells are used as therapeutic targets or tools for the identification or treatment of individuals suffering from or susceptible to diabetes.
US08722342B2	Method for enhancing sensitivity or method for avoiding influence of hemoglobin in immunological measurement A method for enhancing measurement sensitivity or avoiding hemoglobin influence in a latex agglutination or metal agglutination immunoassay method of a target antigen in a biological sample that uses calixarene in the immunoassay.
US08722339B2	Immunoassay methods The invention relates to a method of detecting a disease state or disease susceptibility in a mammalian subject which comprises detecting an antibody in a test sample comprising a bodily fluid from said mammalian subject wherein said antibody is a biological marker of a disease state or disease susceptibility, the method comprising: (a) contacting said test sample with a plurality of different amounts of an antigen specific for said antibody, (b) detecting the amount of specific binding between said antibody and said antigen, (c) plotting or calculating a curve of the amount of said specific binding versus the amount of antigen for each amount of antigen used in step (a) and (d) determining the presence or absence of said disease state or disease susceptibility based upon the amount of specific binding between said antibody and said antigen at each different antigen concentration used.
US08722338B2	Modulation of ABCG2-mediated urate transport to treat hyperuricemia and gout Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was recently used to identify SNPs in a genomic region on chromosome 4 that associate with serum urate levels and gout. The present disclosure shows that human ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, 2 (ABCG2), encoded by the ABCG2 gene contained in this region, is a hitherto unknown urate efflux transporter. The present disclosure further shows that native ABCG2 is located in the brush border membrane of kidney proximal tubule cells, where it mediates renal urate secretion. Introduction of the mutation Q141K encoded by the common SNP rs2231142 by site-directed mutagenesis resulted in reduced urate transport rates compared to wild-type ABCG2. Data from a population-based study of 14,783 individuals support rs2231142 as the causal variant in the region and show highly significant associations with urate levels and gout.
US08722336B2	Restriction endonuclease enhanced polymorphic sequence detection Provided in part herein is an improved method for the detection of specific polymorphic alleles in a mixed DNA population. The method comprises enriching the relative percentage of a given polymorphic allele that is exponentially amplifiable by PCR. Provided also are methods for selectively enriching target nucleic acid, for example, fetal nucleic acid in a maternal sample. In the case of detecting fetal nucleic acid in a maternal sample, a restriction enzyme is introduced that can discriminate between the alleles of a polymorphic site. In some embodiments, the maternal allele is digested and nucleic acid comprising the paternal allele is relatively enriched.
US08722335B2	Methods and kits used in the detection of fungus The invention encompasses methods of using quantitative PCR to detect fungal organisms in clinical and environmental samples and to generate standards that allow the quantification of fungal organisms in the samples.
US08722331B2	Method for selecting a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer using gene expression profiles The present invention identifies and quantifies changes in gene expression associated with non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC by examining gene expression in tissue from normal lung and diseased lung. The present invention also identifies and quantifies expression profiles which serve as useful diagnostic markers as well as markers that are useful to monitor disease states, disease progression, drug toxicity, drug efficacy and drug metabolism.
US08722329B2	Microfluidic device-based nucleic acid purification method A method is provided for purifying nucleic acid from a sample in a microfluidic device. The method can be used to purify nucleic acids from any source known in the art that comprises nucleic acids, such as prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms, viruses, cell, tissues, organs, etc. In a specific example, the tissue is whole blood. The method for purifying nucleic acid may run fully automated in the microfluidic device.
US08722328B2	Methods, compositions, and kits for recovery of nucleic acids or proteins from fixed tissue samples Methods and materials for improving nucleic acid or protein recovery from samples preserved in liquid cytological preservative solutions by utilizing scavenging agents, such as hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds, are provided. Lysis solutions comprising hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds and kits comprising the same are also provided.
US08722327B2	Methods of macromolecular analysis using nanochannel arrays Methods of analyzing features such as the physical size of macromolecules or biomarkers along large genomic DNA molecules were disclosed as well as the devices for carrying out such high throughput analysis in a massively parallel fashion. Methods of fabricating such devices are also disclosed.
US08722322B2	Photonic heating of silver grids A method of improving conductivity of a metal pattern (18) includes providing a developed silver pattern (14) formed from a photographic silver salt provided in a binder coated on a substrate (12); and selectively heating the silver pattern with electromagnetic radiation.
US08722320B2	Lithography method and device Lithography methods and devices are shown that include a semiconductor structure such as a mask. Methods and devices are shown that include a pattern of mask features and a composite feature. Selected mask features include doubled mask features. Methods and devices shown may provide varied feature sizes (including sub-resolution) with a small number of processing steps.
US08722319B2	Pattern forming method, chemical amplification resist composition and resist film A pattern forming method includes: (i) forming a film from a chemical amplification resist composition that contains (A) a resin, (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation and (C) a tertiary alcohol; (ii) exposing the film; and (iii) performing development by using a developer containing an organic solvent.
US08722318B2	Methods of photochemical hydrolysis-polycondensation of cross-linkable chromophores with steric hindrance, catalysed by a photogenerated acid, and the applications thereof The invention relates to a process for the hydrolysis-polycondensation of a sterically hindered crosslinkable chromophore, characterized in that the hydrolysis-polycondensation is catalyzed with an acid released by a photoacid generator (PAG).
US08722316B2	Process for realization of polymeric materials with second order nonlinear electro-optical properties and electro-optical devices made with said material The present invention concerns a process for realization of polymeric materials with second order nonlinear electro-optical properties comprising the following steps: mixing of a chromophore with nonlinear optical properties with two or three hydroxy groups; isolation of said pure bi- or tri-isocyanate NLO chromophores obtained according to the above step; dissolution of said bi- or tri-isocyanate NLO chromophores obtained according to the above step in one or more isocyanate group not reactive solvents containing reactive substances; coating of a thin layer of said prepolymer mixture on a substrate and evaporation of said not reactive solvents; cross-linking and poling of said thin layer on substrate, by means of heating and application of an electric field; cooling of said thin cross-linked and poled layer at ambient temperature maintaining the applied poling electric field; switching off the poling electric field.
US08722314B2	Method for producing conductive sheet and method for producing touch panel A first exposure treatment for irradiating a first photosensitive layer formed on one main surface of a transparent support with a first light thereby to expose the first photosensitive layer and a second exposure treatment for irradiating a second photosensitive layer formed on the other main surface of the transparent support with a second light to expose the second photosensitive layer are performed such that the first light incident on the first photosensitive layer does not substantially reach the second photosensitive layer and the second light incident on the second photosensitive layer does not substantially reach the first photosensitive layer.
US08722313B2	Touch screen panel and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a touch screen panel includes a first process, a second process, and a third process. Each of a plurality of first electrode serials includes a plurality of first electrode patterns which are separated from each other, neighboring first electrode patterns are electrically connected to each other via a first connection pattern, and a first insulation pattern electrically insulates the first electrode serial from the second electrode serial at an intersection of the first electrode serial and the second electrode serial.
US08722299B2	Curable toner compositions and processes Processes for producing emulsion aggregation toners are provided. In embodiments, methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to produce toners suitable for low melt applications, including use in flexible packaging applications, where low pile height is desired for low cost and flexibility. In embodiments, the EA toners may include small particles having a shell with a high amount of resin, which optimizes the charging characteristics of the toner.
US08722294B2	Baroplastic, resin composition, electrostatic-image-developing toner, electrostatic image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus and image forming method A baroplastic includes a first resin with a first Tg; and a second resin with a second Tg that is lower than the first Tg by 20° C. or more, and has a photoreactive group.
US08722292B2	Electrostatic image developing toner, invisible information toner, electrostatic image developer, process cartridge and image formation apparatus The invention relates to an electrostatic image developing toner comprising at least one of a phthalocyanine type compound and a naphthalocyanine type compound and at least one compound represented by the following structural formulae (1) to (10): wherein R1 to R57 respectively represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, an amino group, a halogen group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, a thiol group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonylamino group, an alkoxycarbonylamino group, a carboxyamide group or a nitroimino group, wherein among R1 to R57, any two adjacent Rs may form a carbon ring and any two Rs connected to the same carbon atom may form an oxo group, an imino group or a thioxo group.
US08722291B2	Electrostatic charge image developer, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method Provided is an electrostatic charge image developer including a first toner that contains a binder resin and a brilliant pigment, a second toner that contains a binder resin without a brilliant pigment, and a carrier, wherein the developer satisfies the following formulae, 5 μm≦A≦30 μm (1): 1 μm≦B≦15 μm (2): 3.0≦C/A≦5.0 (3): 5.0≦C/B≦20.0 (4): wherein A represents a volume average particle size of the first toner, B represents a volume average particle size of the second toner, and C represents a volume average particle size of the carrier.
US08722290B2	Toner, developer, toner cartridge, and image forming apparatus Provided is a toner wherein when a solid image formed by the toner is irradiated with incident light at an incident angle of −45° using a goniophotometer, a ratio (A/B) of a reflectance A at a light-receiving angle of +30° to a reflectance B at a light-receiving angle of −30° is about 2 or more and about 100 or less.
US08722288B2	Diphenylnaphthylamine derivatives [Problems] To provide a novel compound which has a high carrier mobility and is useful as a charge-transporting agent that is not only capable of stably forming a photosensitive layer without precipitating crystals or forming pinholes at the time of forming the photosensitive layer but is also capable of forming an organic photosensitive material for electrophotography that has a high sensitivity and a low residual potential.[Means for Solution] A diphenylnaphthylamine derivative represented by the following general formula (1), wherein R1 to R3 are alkyl groups, k is an integer of 0 to 3, j is an integer of 0 to 4, l is an integer of 0 to 6, and X1 and X2 are hydrocarbon groups having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond.
US08722286B2	Devices and methods for improved reflective electron beam lithography A device for reflective electron-beam lithography and methods of producing the same are described. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of conductive layers formed on the substrate, which are parallel to each other and separated by insulating pillar structures, and a plurality of apertures in each conductive layer. Apertures in each conductive layer are vertically aligned with the apertures in other conductive layers and a periphery of each aperture includes conductive layers that are suspended.
US08722283B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell includes a stack of electrolyte electrode assemblies and metal separators. Each of the electrolyte electrode assemblies includes an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte between the pair of electrodes. The fuel cell includes a coolant channel. The coolant channel is formed between the metal separators that are adjacent to each other to allow a coolant to flow through the coolant channel, and has grooves. The coolant channel includes an inclined coolant channel group in which overlapping portions of the grooves facing each other are connected along flow of the coolant that is oriented diagonally inward with respect to a longitudinal direction. The inclined coolant channel group includes inclined coolant channels whose downstream ends are connected to a downstream center of the coolant channel and whose upstream ends are connected to coolant inlet manifolds.
US08722282B2	Power unit and cartridge, and fuel cell system comprising power unit and cartridge A power unit, a fuel cartridge, and a fuel cell system having the power unit and the fuel cartridge. The power unit includes a coupling unit to couple with the fuel cartridge. The coupling unit includes a nozzle that receives fuel supplied from the fuel cartridge, a selection key to selectively mate with the fuel cartridge, and an outer unit surrounding the nozzle. An end of the nozzle is located between the selection key and an end of the outer unit.
US08722274B2	Datum insert for shorting protection on a fuel cell plate A subassembly for a fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell plate and a datum hole formed in the fuel cell plate for alignment of the fuel cell plate during assembly of the fuel cell stack. The subassembly also includes a datum insert disposed adjacent the datum hole of the fuel cell plate. The datum insert is configured to militate against a bending of the fuel cell plate at the datum hole during the assembly of the fuel cell stack.
US08722269B2	Fuel cell system and scavenging method therefor A fuel cell system includes a scavenging gas supply device for supplying a scavenging gas to a fuel cell stack; a scavenging switching valve for performing switching between first scavenging for performing scavenging by supplying the scavenging gas to one of a cathode gas passage and an anode gas passage, and second scavenging for performing scavenging by supplying the scavenging gas to the other gas passage; a pressure control device for controlling the pressure of the scavenging gas; and a control part for controlling operations of the scavenging gas supply device, the scavenging switching valve, and the pressure control device. When the scavenging is switched from the first scavenging to the second scavenging via the scavenging switching valve, the pressure of the scavenging gas at the upstream side with respect to the scavenging switching valve becomes lower than the pressure of the scavenging gas during the first scavenging.
US08722264B2	Algorithm for stack current controller based on polarization curve estimation of a fuel cell stack A method for providing a current density set-point for a fuel cell stack in response to a power request from the stack where the set-point is determined based on system parameters that identify the life and degradation of the stack. The method includes dividing a current density range of the fuel cell stack into a predetermined number of sample regions, and selecting the sample regions in order from low to high during the current set-point analysis. The method calculates an average cell voltage for the current density of the selected sample region, and stack power from the average cell voltage. The method then determines whether a power request signal is less than the stack power for the selected sample region and greater than the calculated power for the previous sample region, and if so, calculates the current density set-point at the requested power based on these values.
US08722257B2	Pressing-type cylindrical metal air battery The present invention provides a pressing-type cylindrical metal air battery which comprises: an external case which is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a cathode terminal on one side and an anode terminal hole on the other side; an internal case which is formed in a cylindrical shape and coaxially inserted into the inside of the external case, has an anode terminal that is inserted into or extracted from the inside or the outside of the anode terminal hole on one side, and has an air inflow hole on the surface of a wall so that air can flow into the air inflow hole; and an elastic sealing means which is formed on the one side of the internal case, enables the air to flow into the anode terminal hole by elastically pressurizing the anode terminal when a battery is inserted into a battery compartment, and seals the anode terminal hole by elastically restoring the anode terminal again if the battery is separated from the battery compartment.
US08722254B2	Flexible solid state conductors including polymer mixed with protein Various embodiments of solid-state conductors containing solid polymer electrolytes, electronic devices incorporating the solid-sate conductors, and associated methods of manufacturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a solid-state conductor includes poly(ethylene oxide) having molecules with a molecular weight of about 200 to about 8×106 gram/mol, and a soy protein product mixed with the poly oxide), the soy protein product containing glycinin and β-conglycinin and having a fine-stranded network structure. Individual molecules of the poly(ethylene oxide) are entangled in the fine-stranded network structure of die soy protein product, and the poly(ethylene oxide) is at least 50% amorphous.
US08722252B2	Current carrying block for resistance welding, and method for manufacturing sealed battery and sealed battery each using the current carrying block In a sealed battery, a metal current carrying block 24A having a protrusion 24b on each of the two opposing faces is placed between positive or negative electrode substrate exposed portions that are divided into two so as to bring the protrusion 24b on each of the two opposing faces into contact with the positive or negative electrode substrate exposed portions that are stacked, a pair of electrodes 31 and 32 for resistance welding are brought into contact with positive electrode collector members 16 or negative electrode collector members that are each placed on the outermost surfaces of the positive electrode substrate exposed portions 14 or negative electrode substrate exposed portions, and resistance welding is performed with pressure applied between the pair of electrodes 31 and 32 for resistance welding.
US08722251B2	Active material, nonaqueous electrolyte battery and battery pack According to one embodiment, an active material includes a monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide. The monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide includes a first element including at least one of Mo and W and satisfies the following formula (1): B>A (1) In the formula, A is an intensity of a peak which is derived from (110) plane of the monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide in a wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern. B is an intensity of a peak which is derived from (002) plane of the monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide in the wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern.
US08722236B2	Battery In one embodiment, a battery includes an exterior can, an electrode group, a lid attached to an opening of the exterior can, and anode and cathode terminal portions arranged in the lid. At least one of the terminal portions includes an insulating gasket having a cylindrical portion, an external insulator having a pedestal portion, an external terminal including a head portion and the axial portion extended from the head portion, an electrode lead located in the exterior can and connected to the external terminal, and an internal insulator to isolate the lid and the electrode lead. The cylindrical portion of the external terminal is fixed to a through hole of the lid and an attachment hole of the electrode lead by a caulking. The insulating gasket is formed of a resin in which the melting point is higher than those of the internal insulator and the external insulator.
US08722232B2	Electrochemical device An electrochemical device includes a container, a storage element, and a structure. The container includes a container main body including a first inner surface, and a lid including a second inner surface that is opposed to the first inner surface, the lid being joined to the container main body. The storage element includes a first electrode layer that is bonded to the first inner surface, a second electrode layer that is bonded to the second inner surface, and a separator that is provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the storage element being sandwiched between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The structure is provided to at least one of the first inner surface and the second inner surface, at least partially embedded in an inside of at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and made of a cured conductive adhesive.
US08722228B2	Moisture activated battery A battery includes a first battery. The first battery includes a first anode, a first cathode, and a dry electrolyte. The dry electrolyte is configured to be activated by a first biological fluid to electrically connect the first anode and the first cathode to generate an electrical current.
US08722225B2	Battery module including improved base plate A battery module includes a base plate, a plurality of batteries on the base plate, and a reinforcing portion on the base plate for reinforcing the base plate. Therefore, deformation of the base plate is prevented.
US08722224B2	Middle or large-sized battery pack of improved cooling efficiency Disclosed is a battery pack configured to have a structure in which two or more battery modules, each including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules (unit cells) which can be charged and discharged, are mounted in a space defined between a pack case and a base plate, wherein cooling members, each including a heat dissipation fin disposed in contact with outsides of corresponding ones of the unit cells and a coolant conduit connected to a lower end of the heat dissipation fin to allow a coolant to flow therealong, are mounted at interfaces between the unit cells, the base plate, located below the battery modules, is configured to form a coolant flow channel having a coolant flow direction corresponding to the coolant flow direction in the coolant conduit, the pack case is coupled to the base plate in a state in which the battery modules are mounted on the base plate.
US08722223B2	Battery pack A battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules including at least a first group of the battery modules and a second group of the battery modules, a first coolant flow pathway through the battery modules of the first group and the second group, a second coolant flow pathway along an exterior of the battery modules of the first group, and a converging coolant flow pathway connected with the first coolant flow pathway, the converging coolant flow pathway being disposed downstream of the first group of the battery modules, the converging coolant flow pathway joining the second coolant flow pathway with the first coolant flow pathway.
US08722216B2	Cathode design A cathode for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer; a backing layer mounted to an aperture in a fuel chamber of said fuel cell; 1) wherein said catalyst layer is mounted to the backing layer on a face opposed to the aperture, so as to be in fluid communication with atmospheric oxygen in the case of microbial fuel cell; and 2) wherein said catalyst layer is mounted to the backing layer on a face opposed to the aperture, so as to be in fluid communication with water in the case of microbial electrolysis cell.
US08722215B2	Glass substrate for information recording medium and information recording medium A glass substrate for information recording medium, said glass substrate being composed of an alminosilicate glass containing 60-75% by mass of SiO2, 5-18% by mass of Al2O3, 3-10% by mass of Li2O, 3-15% by mass of Na2O and 0.5-8% by mass of ZrO2 relative to the entire glass components. The glass substrate for information recording medium contains neither As (arsenic) nor Sb (antimony), while containing at least one polyvalent element selected from the group consisting of V (vanadium), Mn (manganese), Ni (nickel), Nb (niobium), Mo (molybdenum), Sn (tin), Ce (cerium), Ta (tantalum) and Bi (bismuth). The molar ratio of the total amount of the polyvalent elements to the amount of ZrO2 is within the range of 0.05-0.50.
US08722214B2	Hybrid grain boundary additives in granular media Magnetic layers are described that include the use of magnetic grains and non-magnetic grain boundaries with hybrid additives. Hybrid additives include the use of at least two different additives in the composition of the grain boundaries of a magnetic layer in magnetic recording media. The use of hybrid additives in the grain boundaries results in improved recording media. Methods for forming magnetic layers and magnetic recording media with the hybrid additive grain boundaries are also described.
US08722210B2	Low emissivity glass and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to low emissivity glass and to a method for manufacturing the same. The low emissivity glass comprises: a low emissivity layer; and a dielectric layer formed on the low emissivity layer, wherein the glass has an emissivity of 0.01 to 0.3 and a visible transmittance of 70% or more. According to the present invention, low emissivity glass having good emissive performance while also exhibiting high visible transmittance can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, the manufacturing process for the above-described low emissivity glass can be simplified, and initial investment amount can be reduced.
US08722205B2	Heteroleptic iridium complex Novel compounds comprising heteroleptic iridium complexes are provided. The compounds have a particular combination of ligands which includes a single pyridyl dibenzo-substituted ligand as exemplified by Formula I, where X is NR, O, S, BR, or Se. The compounds may be used in organic light emitting devices, particularly as emitting dopants, to provide devices having improved efficiency, lifetime, and manufacturing.
US08722203B2	Steel, for hot forming or quenching in a tool, having improved ductility The invention relates to a steel part, the composition of the steel of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.040%≦C≦0.100%; 0.80%≦Mn≦2.00%; Si≦0.30%; S≦0.005%; P≦0.030%; 0.010% S≦Al≦0.070%; 0.015%≦Nb≦0.100%; 0.030% Ti≦0.080%; N≦0.009%; Cu≦0.100%; Ni≦0.100%; Cr≦0.100%; Mo≦0.100%; and Ca≦0.006%, the balance of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the microstructure of the steel consisting of at least 75% equiaxed ferrite, martensite in an amount not less than 5% but not exceeding 20%, and bainite in an amount not exceeding 10%.
US08722202B2	Method and system for enhancing heat transfer of turbine engine components A method and system for enhancing the heat transfer of turbine engine components is disclosed that includes applying a metallic coating having a high thermal conductivity to the cold side of a turbine component to enhance heat transfer away from the component. The metallic coating may be roughened to improve heat transfer. The metal coating may be a Ni—Al bond coating having an aluminum content greater than about 50 weight percent.
US08722196B2	Composite material, method of producing the same, and apparatus for producing the same Proposed are a composite material having a high adhesiveness, wherein non-penetrating pores that are formed in a silicone surface layer are filled up with a metal or the like without leaving any voids by using the plating technique and the silicone surface layer is coated with the metal or the like, and a method of producing the composite material. A composite material, which has a high adhesiveness between a second metal or an alloy of the second metal (106a, 106b) and a silicone surface, can be obtained by filling up non-penetrating pores that are formed in the surface of a silicone substrate (100) substantially with a second metal or an alloy of the second metal (106a) with the use of the autocatalytic electroless plating technique wherein a first metal located at the bottom of the non-penetrating pores as described above serves as the starting point, and coating the surface of the silicone substrate (100) with the second metal (106b).
US08722191B2	Intermediate layer material and composite laminate There is provided an intermediate layer material including a curing type resin composition and a fiber base material, to be used to form an intermediate layer of a composite laminate, wherein a cured material obtained by curing the intermediate layer material at a temperature of 180° C. has such properties as (i) a planar linear expansion coefficient (α1) equal to or lower than 20 ppm/° C., in a range equal to or higher than 25° C. and equal to or lower than a glass transition temperature (Tg); and (ii) a Barcol hardness equal to or more than 40 and equal to or less than 65, at 25° C.
US08722189B2	Cover glass for mobile terminals, manufacturing method of the same and mobile terminal device To provide cover glass for mobile terminals exhibiting high strength in a thin plate thickness state to enable reductions in thickness of apparatuses when inserted in the apparatuses, cover glass (1) for a mobile terminal of the invention is cover glass (1) that is obtained by forming a resist pattern on main surfaces of a plate-shaped glass substrate, then etching the glass substrate with an etchant using the resist pattern as a mask, and thereby cutting the glass substrate into a desired shape and that protects a display screen of the mobile terminal, where an edge face of the cover glass (1) is formed of a molten glass surface, and as surface roughness of the edge face, arithmetic mean roughness Ra is 10 nm or less.
US08722188B2	Ceramic particle comprising an alumina crystalline phase Disclosed is a process for producing ceramic particles, such as proppants, that have at least 10 percent total porosity. The process includes forming a particle precursor that includes 5 percent to 30 percent of a first ceramic material and at least 40 percent of a second ceramic material. The sintering temperature of the first ceramic material may be lower than the sintering temperature of a second ceramic material. Heating the precursor to a maximum temperature above the sintering temperature of the first material and below the sintering temperature of the second material. Also disclosed is a ceramic article that has a particular combination of chemistry and alumina crystalline phase.
US08722185B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for glass plates The present invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet large in adhesive force when used for a surface of a glass member and capable of reducing the adhesive force to a degree allowing the occurrence of the cracking or breakage of the glass member to be suppressed when the sheet is peeled from the surface of the glass member. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for glass plates of the present invention includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer including an acrylic polymer, wherein the content of the acrylic polymer in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is 30% by weight or more in relation to the total amount (100% by weight) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; the acrylic polymer substantially includes no acidic functional group; the solvent-insoluble fraction of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is 50% or more; and the adhesive force to glass as determined by a specific method is 12.0 N or less.
US08722183B2	Coated article and method for making same A coated article includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer formed on the substrate, and a decorative layer formed on the anti-corrosion layer. The substrate is made of magnesium or magnesium alloy. The anti-corrosion layer is a magnesium layer. The coated article has improved corrosion resistance.
US08722178B2	Syringe stopper A syringe stopper that is suitable for use in syringes without silicone oil or other liquid lubricants. The invention provides a low friction barrier between an elastomeric stopper material and a therapeutic in the syringe. The barrier may inhibit materials from leaching from the elastomer material or from extraction of compounds from medicants by the elastomer. A process is also described that allows for molding thin barrier layers while allowing adequate bonding with the elastomer.
US08722177B2	Transfer mold body In a transfer mold body, a display portion is formed from a crystalline resin and a main body portion is formed from an amorphous resin. Accordingly, a transfer layer is only transferred to the amorphous resin formed main body portion that has good transfer properties for the transfer layer, and the transfer layer is not transferred to the crystalline resin formed display portion that has poor transfer properties for the transfer layer. Accordingly, only the main body portion is decorated by the transfer layer, with the display portion to which the transfer layer is not transferred visibly displayed as the letter. Accordingly, since printing process is not necessary, suppressing an increase in cost of the transfer mold body. Moreover, the position of the letter is determined by two-color molding of the main body portion and the display portion, enabling positional displacement of the letter to be suppressed.
US08722175B2	Liquid composition, recording method, and recorded matter A liquid composition, which contains: a water-soluble organic acid represented by the following general formula (1); a water-soluble amine represented by the following general formula (2); a water-soluble organic solvent; and water, wherein an amount of the water-soluble amine contained in the liquid composition is 0.9 or larger molar equivalent relative to acid groups contained in the water-soluble organic acid, where R1 is a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or a hydrogen atom; and R2 is a hydroxyl group, or a methyl group, where R3 is a hydroxymethyl group; R4 is a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group; and R5 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group. The water-soluble organic acid and the water-soluble amine form a salt in the composition.
US08722174B2	Method of forming self-assembled patterns using block copolymers, and articles thereof A method of forming a block copolymer pattern comprises providing a substrate comprising a topographic pre-pattern comprising a ridge surface separated by a height, h, greater than 0 nanometers from a trench surface; disposing a block copolymer comprising two or more block components on the topographic pre-pattern to form a layer having a thickness of more than 0 nanometers over the ridge surface and the trench surface; and annealing the layer to form a block copolymer pattern having a periodicity of the topographic pre-pattern, the block copolymer pattern comprising microdomains of self-assembled block copolymer disposed on the ridge surface and the trench surface, wherein the microdomains disposed on the ridge surface have a different orientation compared to the microdomains disposed on the trench surface. Also disclosed are semiconductor devices.
US08722170B1	Vehicular floor mat A floor mat for a vehicle includes an adapter plate for engaging the vehicle's mat retaining system, a mat portion, and a fastener for securing the mat portion to the adapter plate. The configuration of the adapter plat allows the mat portion to be transversely, longitudinally, and rotationally aligned and secured to the vehicle's floor despite variations in the arrangements of different vehicles' mat retaining systems.
US08722165B2	Polyethylene additive compositions and articles made from same A method comprising forming a polymeric composition by adding zinc oxide to a polymer wherein a pipe formed from the polymeric composition displays a time to failure as determined in accordance with ASTM F2263-07(E1) that is increased by greater than about 25% when compared to an otherwise similar pipe formed from a polymeric composition lacking zinc oxide. A pipe comprising polyethylene and greater than about 0.5 wt. % zinc oxide having a time to failure as determined in accordance with ASTM F2263-07(E1) that is at least about 25% greater than an otherwise similar pipe prepared in the absence of zinc oxide. A method comprising forming a composition comprising a polymer and zinc oxide into an article, and testing the structural integrity of the article when exposed to chlorinated water wherein the zinc oxide is present in an amount of from about 500 ppm to about 10000 ppm.
US08722162B2	Printable film The invention relates to printable films comprising a substrate and at least a surface layer, said layer covering at least one face of said substrate and comprising a water-dispersible polymer and an ethylenically unsaturated compound; to a process for the manufacture of such films; to printed films and especially to printed labels obtained from such printable films.
US08722161B2	Heat shrinkable polyester film, method for producing same, and packaged body Disclosed is a heat shrinkable polyester film formed from a polyester resin that is mainly composed of ethylene terephthalate and contains 3-12% by mole (inclusive) of one or more monomer components, which can be amorphous components, relative to all the polyester resin components, in which the heat shrinkable polyester film has a main shrinkage direction which is the width direction. The heat shrinkable polyester film is characterized in that the shrinkage in 80° C. glycerin, the shrinkage in 130° C. glycerin and the tensile breaking strength in the longitudinal direction are controlled within specific ranges.
US08722158B2	Liquid crystal photo-alignment agent and liquid crystal photo-alignment film manufactured using the same Disclosed is a liquid crystal photo-alignment agent and a liquid crystal photo-alignment film manufactured using the same. The liquid crystal photo-alignment agent includes an epoxy compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a polymer including a polyamic acid, a polyimide, or a mixture thereof.
US08722157B2	Norbornene monomer, polynorbornene derivative, liquid crystal photoalignment film containing the same and liquid crystal display containing the same The present invention relates to a norbornene monomer, a polynorbornene derivative, a liquid crystal alignment film including the same, and a liquid crystal display device including the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a norbornene monomer, a polynorbornene derivative, a liquid crystal alignment film including the same, and a liquid crystal display device including the same, which have an alignment property by photoreaction, excellent thermal stability and photoreactivity, the increased photo-reaction rate and reliability of the alignment film, thereby showing high manufacturing process efficiency.
US08722156B2	Liquid crystal compound and liquid crystal display An embodiment of the disclosure provides a liquid crystal compound having the following formula: wherein A1, A2, and A3 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, or —OCF3; R1 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 haloalkly, C2-C12 alkenyl, or C2-C12 alkynyl; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 haloalkly, cyano, thiocyanato, or —OCF3; and Z is a single bond, —O—, —CH2O—, —C(O)O—, —OCO—, —C(O)NH—, or —CH═CH—. In another embodiment, a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal compound is also provided.
US08722148B2	Coating compositions with alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resins This invention relates to a coating composition comprising (A) 100 weight parts of at least one epoxy resin; (B) 40 to 900 weight parts of at least one alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resin; (C) up to 50 weight parts of at least one organic hardener; (D) up to 100 weight parts of at least one epoxyfunctional silicone resin; and (E) up to 10 weight parts of at least one cure accelerator, provided the alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resin (B) has a total alkoxy content ranging from 26 to 80 mol percent per mole of silicon (Si) in the alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resin. Methods for preparing the above-described composition and for treating substrates are also disclosed.
US08722145B2	Thermally protective materials A mixture comprising an expandable graphite and a polymer resin is described wherein the polymer resin-expandable graphite mixture has a volume increase and structural integrity after exposure to heat. Methods are described for increasing the thermal protective performance (TPP) of textiles and laminates while optionally maintaining comfort, flexibility, and liquid protective properties.
US08722144B2	Thermal barrier coating method, masking pin and combustor transition piece A thermal barrier coating method forms a thermal barrier coating by spray coating over the surface of a component where cooling holes are made. The thermal barrier coating is formed by spray coating after masking pins, which do not protrude above the surface of the component, are inserted into the cooling holes or masking pins protruding above the surface of the component are inserted and get shrunk due to heat while spray coating, obtaining the protruding amount equal to or less than the thickness of the thermal barrier coating after shrinkage, which characterizes the method. By way of this method, a thermal barrier coating can be formed all over the surface without clogging the cooling holes.
US08722143B2	Method to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces on solid bodies by rapid expansion solutions The present invention refers to a method for preparing a superhydrophobic surface on a solid substrate comprising the steps of (a) providing a solvent in the form of a pressurized fluid in a vessel, wherein the fluid exhibits a decrease in solvency power with decreasing pressure; (b) adding a hydrophobic substance to the solvent as a solute, which substance is soluble with the pressurized fluid and has the ability to crystallize/precipitate after expansion of the fluid, thereby obtaining a solution of the solvent and the solute in the vessel; (c) having at least one orifice opened on the vessel, thereby causing the pressurized solution to flow out of the vessel and depressurize in ambient air or in an expansion chamber having a lower pressure than within the vessel, the solute thereby forming particles; and (d) depositing the particles on the substrate in order to obtain a superhydrophobic surface. Hereby, a pressurized fluid which expands rapidly as a result of depressurization is used to prepare the superhydrophobic surface, thereby facilitating the preparation of the surface. Moreover, the invention refers to an arrangement for preparing a superhydrophobic surface on a substrate, a superhydrophobic film prepared by the method of the invention, and a substrate having deposited thereon the superhydrophobic firm.
US08722140B2	Solar heat-reflective roofing granules, solar heat-reflective shingles, and process for producing the same A process for preparing roofing granules includes forming kaolin clay into green granules and sintering the green granules at a temperature of at least 900 degrees Celsius to cure the green granules until the crystalline content of the sintered granules is at least ten percent as determined by x-ray diffraction.
US08722139B2	Transparent article A method of producing a transparent article comprised of a transparent base substrate and having a thickness of at least 100 microns and a surface costing of a transparent resin wherein the resin is applied to the base substrate by means of a jet printer, preferably an ink jet printer. The transparent article may be a window for a display device, e.g. incorporated in a mobile telephone.
US08722138B2	Method of manufacturing glass substrate and information recording medium In a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium including a step for chemically strengthening the glass substrate by contacting the glass substrate with chemical strengthening processing liquid containing chemical strengthening salt, concentration of Fe and Cr is 500 ppb or less in said chemical strengthening salt, respectively. The concentration may be detected by the use of an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) emission spectrometry analyzing method or a fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy analyzing method.
US08722137B2	Hydrated water-absorption polymer containing resin composition, porous body and insulated wire using same, method of making the wire and coaxial cable A hydrated water-absorption polymer containing resin composition includes a liquid cross-link curable resin composition, and a water-absorption polymer dispersed in the liquid cross-link curable resin composition. The water-absorption polymer is preliminarily hydrated and swollen. The water-absorption polymer before being hydrated and swollen includes an average particle diameter of not more than 10 μm. The water-absorption polymer includes an amount of water absorption of 10 to 100 g/g.
US08722134B2	Post-harvest treatment of fruits with an antifungal composition The present invention relates to the treatment of wounds occurring from cutting bananas and pineapples from a tree with a composition containing natamycin and at least one phosphite containing compound.
US08722133B2	Method for production of orally rapidly disintegrating tablet comprising imidafenacin as active ingredient The present invention herein provides an imidafenacin-containing orally rapidly disintegrating tablet which is excellent in the photostability.The present invention comprises the steps of: (A) granulating imidafenacin together with starch to thus give a granulated product having an imidafenacin concentration ranging from 0.001 to 3% by mass and a starch concentration ranging from 40 to 99.999% by mass; (B) covering the granulated product prepared in the step (A) with a non-cellulosic coating agent; and (C) blending the granulated product obtained in the preceding step (B) with an excipient and a disintegrating agent and then forming the resulting mixture into a tablet according to the compression molding technique.
US08722127B2	Bakery and pasta products comprising acidified chitosan Bakery products and pasta with added chitosan are disclosed. The chitosan is addified with a biologically acceptable acid and added to pasta and baked products. Once the baked products and/or pasta are ingested, gastro-intestinal absorption of fats is limited even after cooking.
US08722126B2	Compositions for food, process for producing the same, and functional foods and drinks containing the same Black currant anthocyanin-containing compositions for foods comprising 1 to 25% by weight of black currant anthocyanin on the basis of solid matters; a process for producing a black currant anthocyanin-containing composition for foods characterized by purifying and concentrating black currant juice employed as a starting material by using a charged reverse osmosis membrane; functional foods and drinks characterized by containing the above compositions for foods; and the above-described compositions for foods and the above-described functional foods and drinks having an effect of improving visual function, a function of improving blood fluidity, and/or a function of lowering blood pressure. The conventional black currant anthocyanin compositions have a low black currant anthocyanin content, strong acidity and poor stability, which makes them unsuitable as additives for foods and drinks. However, the production process according to the present invention makes it possible to provide black currant anthocyanin-containing compositions for foods which have a high black currant anthocyanin content, an adequate acidity, and a high stability and can be added to foods and drinks. Moreover, functional foods and drinks containing these compositions, which have an effect of improving visual function, a function of improving blood fluidity, or a function of lowering blood pressure, can be provided.
US08722124B2	Process of brewing tea leaves contained in a capsule The invention concerns a process for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine with a capsule comprising an enclosure containing tea leaves comprising the steps of: a) introducing water in the capsule to submerge the tea leaves in the capsule enclosure, then b) introducing water at a soaking flow of at most 80 ml/min, then c) introducing water in the capsule until the required volume of beverage is delivered, wherein during at least one period of step b), water is introduced in the capsule at least once at a stirring flow superior the soaking flow to stir tea leaves.
US08722123B2	Antimicrobial composition and use as food treatment Antimicrobial compositions are provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. This synergistic combination allows compositions to be formulated at low concentrations that have efficacy in reducing bacterial counts by greater than 3 log within 5 minutes of contact while preserving the organoleptic properties of treated foods, including fresh produce. Also provided are methods for the use of the compositions to reduce the microbial load on the surfaces of foodstuffs, processed food products, and the hard surfaces of food preparation machinery, tools, benches, and the like.
US08722122B2	Package integrity indicator for container closure A resealable closure for packages is provided which has a package integrity feature. The closure includes a two-ply material having an inner film layer and an outer film layer, forming a top of container. The outer film layer has a sealing panel completely covering a first panel and a second panel of the inner film layer. The sealing panel is permanently attached to the first panel and is releasably affixed a portion of the inner film layer around the perimeter of the first panel to form an opening in the top when the sealing panel with affixed first panel is peeled back from the top. The sealing panel is resealable against the top to seal the opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. The package integrity feature comprises the second panel of the inner layer which separates from the sealing panel to indicate that the container has been previously opened.
US08722121B2	Candy holder and candy product including the same A candy holder for receiving and securing an elongated candy therein is provided. The candy holder includes a handle portion defining an elongated cavity with a central axis. The handle portion has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the central axis and circumferentially around an inner surface of the handle portion. A top portion of the candy holder has a lip defining an opening. The opening receives the elongated candy that is dimensioned to correspond to a size of the opening. The lip and protrusions apply friction to a surface of the elongated candy when the elongated candy is inserted therein.
US08722116B2	Treating a bacteria-induced gastric disorder with a mixture having pomegranate and hydrogen peroxide The present invention is directed to a method and a composition for producing and using a plant-based biocidal solution. The plant-based biocidal solution contains a bioactive material and a plant-based substance formed from the cellular material of a plant. The plant-based substance is capable of binding to the bioactive material. In some embodiments, the bioactive material is hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide can be added exogenously or generated endogenously. In accordance with further embodiments, the plant-based biocidal solution can be applied to a target, thereby impairing the target. In some embodiments, the target can be a pathogen. In accordance with another embodiment, the plant-based substance of the plant-based biocidal solution can form a microscopic cluster, a complex, or an aggregate for providing sufficient bioactive material to overcome the defense mechanism of the target.
US08722115B2	Methods for improving health in animals A method of improving health in an animal includes administering to the animal a nutritional supplement comprising an amino acid secretagogue composition, which stimulates the pituitary gland in the animal to produce growth hormone. The nutritional supplement may be administered orally. The nutritional supplement may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-lysine hydrochloride, and cysteine. When desired, the nutritional supplement may consist essentially of L-arginine hydrochloride, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-lysine hydrochloride, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamine, and schizonepeta powder.
US08722112B2	Method for prolonging the life of animals A method for increasing the longevity of an old animal comprising administering to the animal a composition comprising one or more antioxidants in a total antioxidant amount sufficient to increase the longevity of the animal.
US08722110B2	Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases, allergic diseases or asthma, containing Diospyros blancoi A. DC. extract as active ingredient Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for the prophylaxis and therapy of inflammatory diseases, allergic diseases, or asthma, comprising a velvet apple (Diospyros blancoi A. DC.) extract as an active ingredient. Having the inhibitory activity against the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, whose level is rapidly elevated in response to inflammatory stimuli, the velvet apple extract can suppress the production of NO and PGE2, the expression of iNOS and COX-2, and the release of IL-1β and TNF-α, and can significantly down regulate Th2-mediated IL-4 and IL-13 production. In addition, the extract was found to inhibit the activation of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and to suppress the secretion of immunoglobulins and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood, as measured by in vivo tests on an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model. Therefore, the extract can be used in the method for preventing or treating various inflammatory disorders, allergic diseases, or asthma.
US08722104B2	Composition containing organic substance having double bond with improved oxidative stability To an organic substance having a double bond such as a polyunsaturated fatty acid was added an antioxidative component containing an antioxidative sesame component and ascorbic acid or an ascorbyl fatty acid ester.The above method provides a composition containing an organic substance having a double bond exhibiting enhanced oxidative stability. Particularly, it extremely improves oxidative stability of fat and oil which contains polyunsaturated fatty acid. General-purpose refined fish oil which is easy to handle can be provided for food, medicine or feed uses.
US08722100B2	Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) composition and use The present application discloses a fast-setting mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with fluoride release for practical treatment of diseases in teeth and bone, e.g. for caries treatment and/or prevention. The cariostatic MTA contain calcia-silica-alumina cement with moderately increased tricalcium aluminate content allowing high calcium hydroxide release. The MTA composition support remineralization and biomineralization, and it is suitable for stimulation of hard tissue regeneration. MTA embodiments contain superplasticizer and nanosilicate for improved mechanical properties. The MTA compositions include optional radiocontrast and nano-enriched leachable fluorine, nitrate, strontium, and phosphate. The fast-setting MTA paste exhibits flow-to-clay-like consistency, which allows new practical applications including cavity lining, temporary restoration, bonding, and cementations in one MTA embodiment. The high calcium hydroxide and high fluoride release are suitable for caries prevention and treatment, and per se inhibition of dental symptoms.
US08722099B2	Porous bioceramic composition for bone repair The present invention relates to a porous bioceramic composition for bone repair and method of fabrication of the same. 3D-scaffolds were fabricated with a novel micro- and macro-architecture. Porous scaffolds based on dextrin, dextran, gelatin and biomineral (CaCO3) powder were fabricated by heating and freeze-drying methods. Fabrication of different compositions of porous scaffolds (20, 30 wt % of gelatin, 20, 40 wt % dextrin, 30, 40, 50, 60 wt % dextran bounder with the constant quantity of CaCO3 50 g). The scaffolds properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compression tests.
US08722098B2	Ecklonia cava extracts for alleviating or preventing asthmatic reactions A method of alleviating or preventing inflammation in an animal is provided. In concrete, the method comprises the step of administering to an animal a composition including an Ecklonia cava extract in an amount effective to suppress SOCS-3 expression in the animal to thereby alleviate or prevent inflammation in the animal.
US08722097B2	Oil-in-water method for making polymeric implants containing a hypotensive lipid Biocompatible microparticles include an ophthalmically active cyclic lipid component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective, when placed into the subconjunctival space, in facilitating release of the cyclic lipid component into the anterior and posterior segments of an eye for an extended period of time. The cyclic lipid component can be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the cyclic lipid component can be encapsulated by the polymeric component. The present microparticles include oil-in-water emulsified microparticles. The subconjunctivally administered microparticles can be used to treat or to reduce at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma or age related macular degeneration.
US08722093B2	Policosanol nanoparticles The present invention provides nanoparticulate policosanol, formulations including these particles, as a well as methods of using the particles and formulations for treatment and prophylaxis of various diseases and conditions.
US08722090B2	Granulate comprising an oily substance, corresponding production method and tablet The invention relates to a process for the preparation of granules comprising an oily substance. It relates also to granules for a pharmaceutical formulation and to a tablet as a product of further processing.
US08722083B2	Fenofibrate formulation Various fenofibrate compositions include a plurality of first granules having a high bioavailability in vivo, and a plurality of second granules having a low bioavailability in vivo. The first granules may comprise fenofibrate, from 0.3% to 10% by weight of the first granules of a first surfactant, and a first water soluble or water dispersible cellulose derivative, and the second granules may comprise fenofibrate, from 0% to 0.25% by weight of the second granules of a second surfactant, and a second water soluble or water dispersible cellulose derivative.
US08722079B2	Methods for treating conditions such as dystonia and post-stroke spasticity with clonidine Effective treatments of dystonia and/or post-stroke spasticity for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine at or near a target site, one can relieve dystonia and/or post-stroke spasticity caused by diverse sources. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this relief can be continued for at least five days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.
US08722078B2	Polymeric device for controlled release of active agents Polymeric devices for controlled release of an active agent of interest are provided. The active agent is provided within a biodegradable polymer system to supply a polymeric device for controlled release of the active agent. The polymer system is a copolymer or a polymer blend comprising a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, and the polymer system does not form a hydrogel when contacted with, or immersed in an aqueous system, for example when the device is implanted in a subject. When the device is administered to a subject, for example, when it is implanted, the device releases the active agent in a controlled fashion without a lag period, or with a minimal lag period. Methods for producing the polymeric devices are also provided, as are methods of using the polymeric devices to provide for controlled release of an active agent in a subject.
US08722076B2	Photochrome- or near IR dye-coupled polymeric matrices for medical articles The invention provides polymers comprising pendent photochrome or near IR dye groups, as well as polymeric matrices made from these polymers, which can be used as or in association with a medical article. The polymers can be synthesized using methods that facilitate the preparation of medical articles having good biocompatibility. Exemplary polymeric matrices are in the form of lubricious coatings on medical devices, such as catheters. Visualization by irradiation of the photochrome or near IR dye can improve detection of the polymeric matrix on a device or in the body. This, in turn can improve aspects of a medical procedure, such as device insertion or matrix formation, as well as being useful for assessing the quality of the matrix.
US08722074B2	Medical devices containing radiation resistant polymers The present invention relates generally to radiation-resistant medical devices which contain polymer regions for release of therapeutic agents. The present invention also relates to radiation-resistant copolymer materials for use in connection with insertable or implantable medical devices. The radiation-sterilized medical device comprises (a) a release region and (b) at least one therapeutic agent and the release region comprises a phenoxy resin block.
US08722065B2	Lidocaine tape preparation The present invention discloses a novel tape preparation containing lidocaine at a high concentration. A tape preparation containing lidocaine at a high content, which has a lidocaine content of 10 w/w % or more, can be produced by using a lactic acid salt of lidocaine, while preventing the precipitation of a crystal of lidocaine.
US08722060B2	Method of treating vertigo The invention is a method for reducing the symptoms of vertigo. The method is performed by delivering a therapeutically effective amount of presynaptic neurotoxin, such as Botulinum Toxin A, in a pharmaceutically safe form to suitable locations around the head and neck.
US08722059B2	Multi plasmid system for the production of influenza virus Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided.
US08722057B2	Method for producing β-carotene rich Dunaliella powder In a step of producing a powder product of the alga belonging to the genus Dunaliella, a pH adjusting step is included in which an alga belonging to the genus Dunaliella is allowed to be in a basic state of pH 9.5 or higher. According to the method, it is possible to provide dried Dunaliella powder containing β-carotene at a high content by suppressing degradation of β-carotene as an active ingredient while decreasing each of the total pheophorbide amount and the existing pheophorbide amount to a predetermined value or less, even if the total pheophorbide amount and the existing pheophorbide amount of the cultured algae belonging to the genus Dunaliella are higher in summer.
US08722056B2	Methods for making and compositions comprising fermentation products of cordyceps sinensis The present invention relates to novel and non-obvious methods and media for preparing fermentation products of Cordyceps sinensis. The present invention also relates to novel and non-obvious compositions comprising fermentation products of Cordyceps sinensis produced by the methods of the invention or obtained from other sources. The present invention also relates to novel and non-obvious methods of treating patients by administering the compositions of the invention. In one embodiment, the Cordyceps sinensis mycelia is Paecilomyces hepiali mycelia. In another embodiment the compositions of the invention are used to treat patients infected with hepatitis C.
US08722055B2	Synthetic Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine Compositions and methods for preventing and treating pneumococcal infections are provided. Compositions include novel polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the R2i or R22 domain of CbpA or a consensus sequence of one of these domains, and variants and fragments thereof, wherein the polypeptide is stabilized in a desired conformation, particularly a loop conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may be engineered to comprise a first and a second cysteine residue, thereby resulting in the formation of a disulfide bond that stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may be modified to create a synthetic linkage between a first and second amino acid residue present within the polypeptide, wherein the synthetic linkage stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may further comprise an amino acid sequence for a T cell epitope. Compositions further include isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode the polypeptides of the invention, immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising the disclosed polypeptides, and antibodies specific for these polypeptides.
US08722054B2	Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of hepatitis B virus infection Disclosed are yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions, hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens, and fusion proteins for the treatment and/or prevention of HBV infection and symptoms thereof, as well as methods of using the yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions, HBV antigens, and fusion proteins for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of HBV and/or symptoms thereof.
US08722053B2	IgE CH3 peptide vaccine The present invention relates to the provision of novel immunogens comprising an antigenic IgE peptide preferably linked to an immunogenic carrier, compositions comprising the immunogens, and methods for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of IgE-mediated disorders. The invention further relates to methods for production of these medicaments, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositing thereof and their use in medicine.
US08722052B2	Vaccinia virus protein A46 peptide and use thereof A peptide for inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 4, SEQ ID NO 55, SEQ ID NO 68, SEQ ID NO. 69, SEQ ID NO 70, SEQ ID NO 71, SEQ ID NO 72, SEQ ID NO 79, SEQ ID NO 82, SEQ ID NO 85, SEQ ID NO 88, SEQ ID NO 91, SEQ ID NO 94, SEQ ID NO 97, SEQ ID NO 100, SEQ ID NO 103, SEQ ID NO 106, SEQ ID NO 109, SEQ ID NO 112, or SEQ ID NO 115. The peptide may comprise a delivery sequence such as a cationic peptide.
US08722051B2	Tweak receptor The present invention provides the TWEAK receptor and methods for identifying and using agonists and antagonists of the TWEAK receptor. In particular, the invention provides methods of screening for agonists and antagonists and for treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and vascular deficiencies of cardiac or peripheral tissue.
US08722048B2	T-cell receptor capable of recognising an antigen from cytomegalovirus The present invention provides a T-cell receptor (TCR) which binds to a peptide from the cytomegalovirus (CMV) phosphoprotein pp65 having the amino acid sequence NLVPMVATV (SEQ ID No. 1) when presented by a major histocompatability complex (MHC) molecule. The present invention also provides a nucleotide sequence encoding such a TCR, a vector comprising such a nucleotide sequence and its use to produce a CMV-specific T-cell. The present invention also provides the use of CMV-specific T-cell for cellular immunotherapy.
US08722047B2	Humanized anti-HLA-DR antibodies The present invention concerns compositions and methods of use of humanized anti-HLA-DR antibodies. In preferred embodiments, the antibodies induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of lymphoma cells without inducing CDC or ADCC. In more preferred embodiments, the humanized anti-HLA-DR antibodies bind to the same epitope of HLA-DR as, or compete for binding to HLA-DR with, a murine L243 antibody. Most preferably, the humanized anti-HLA-DR antibody exhibits a higher affinity for HLA-DR than the parental murine antibody. The humanized HLA-DR antibody is of use for therapy of various diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disease or immune dysregulatory function, and is of particular use for therapy of B cell lymphomas and leukemias. In most preferred embodiments, the humanized anti-HLA-DR antibody is capable of inducing at least partial remission of lymphomas that are resistant to other B cell antibodies, such as rituximab.
US08722046B2	Human monoclonal antibodies protective against bubonic plague In this application are described fully human monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize F1 or V antigen of Y. pestis and epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of plague infections in vitro and in vivo.
US08722045B2	Cell and therapeutical and diagnostical methods based thereon The invention relates to a novel cell derived from the human body, where said cell comprises a Clever-1 receptor; to a method for affecting the immune system of an individual and for treatment of diseases or conditions related to the function of the immune system and to methods for screening of cancer patients that may respond to an anti-Clever-1 therapy or for diagnosing of a pregnancy complication or for estimating the risk of such complication in a pregnant woman.
US08722044B2	Human tissue factor antibody and uses thereof The invention relates to a humanized form of an antibody capable of preventing tissue factor (coagulation factor F3) signaling but which does not interfere with Factor VII binding or FX binding to tissue factor and does not prolong coagulation time. The antibody of the invention is useful in treating conditions, such as tumor progression, in which the associated cells express tissue factor and tissue factor signaling occurs.
US08722043B2	Induction of p53 expression by neutralization of neuropilin-2 for the treatment of cancers The present invention relates to the use of anti-human neuropilin-2 antibodies, or of ligands of human neuropilin-2 derived from these antibodies, for obtaining a medicament intended to increase p53 expression and to induce tumor cell apoptosis in the context of an anticancer treatment.
US08722041B2	Anti-human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) antibodies and methods of use thereof This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize hENT1. The invention further provides methods of using such monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or prophylactic in disorders associated with aberrant hENT1 expression and/or activity.
US08722040B2	Site-activated binding systems that selectively increase the bioactivity of phenolic compounds at target sites The teachings provided herein generally relate to site-activated binding systems that selectively increase the bioactivity of phenolic compounds at target sites. More particularly, the systems taught here include a phenolic compound bound to a reactive oxygen species, wherein the phenolic compound and the reactive oxygen species react at a target area in the presence of an oxidoreductase enzyme.
US08722037B2	X-ray visible drug delivery device The subject invention provides an X-ray visible drug delivery device for subdermal administration of a contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy.
US08722035B2	Formulations including digestive enzymes, polysorbate-based surfactants and probiotics Disclosed are formulations for enhancing the in vivo colonization of probiotic microorganisms that include digestive enzymes and probiotic microorganisms, and polysorbate surfactants. The enzymes include lactogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Lactobacillus probiotics, bifidogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Bifidobacterium probiotics and combination formulations that benefit both types of probiotics. It has been discovered that certain polysorbate surfactants, including polysorbate-60 and polysorbate-80, further promote probiotic microorganism growth, when used with the enzyme formulations. The formulations are preferably compounded as dry powders, to avoid water reaction with the enzymes in blended formulations. Such formulations can be contained in capsules, tablets, packets or bottles and administered orally, either sequentially or in one combined formulation.
US08722033B2	Human IL-23 antigen binding proteins Antigen binding proteins that bind to human IL-23 protein are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antigen binding protein, vectors, and cells encoding the same as well as use of IL-23 antigen binding proteins for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are also provided.
US08722032B2	Thiol-selective water-soluble polymer derivatives The present invention provides water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus suitable for selective coupling to thiol groups, such as those contained in the cysteine residues of proteins, as well as methods for preparing the water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus.
US08722031B2	Animal litter deodorizing composition and method There is provided an aqueous liquid deodorizing composition for animal lifter and a method of deodorizing animal litter by contacting the litter with the composition by spraying. The composition comprises a crusting inhibitor.
US08722030B2	Composite vaccine adjuvant The invention provides a composite vaccine adjuvant, which is comprised of sodium ferulate and zinc hydroxide in a mass ratio of 10:1˜50:1. When the composite vaccine adjuvant and vaccine used in combination, the humoral immunity response is enhanced effectively, the enhanced effects is similar with aluminum adjuvant, superior to single sodium ferulate adjuvant and single zinc hydroxide adjuvant. It is not only atoxic, safety, but also reliable in the range of immune dose. The composite vaccine adjuvant with easily obtained and commercially available raw materials, is low cost, stable performance and simple preparation technology, which can be used as an adjuvant of hepatitis B vaccine, gene-engineered vaccine, virus vaccine and so on.
US08722024B2	Ester gels, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof Gels of isopropyl esters of fatty alcohols that include a dimethyl/methylhydrogensiloxane copolymer, a silanol-terminated PDMS or an ethenyl-terminated PDMS, and a hydride functional siloxane. Also provided are methods for making the gels and articles containing them.
US08722022B2	Chewing gum tablet and method of dosing pharmaceutically active ingredients in such chewing gum tablet A method of dosing pharmaceutically active ingredients in a compressed chewing gum tablet includes the steps of: providing one or more pharmaceutically active ingredients, mixing a chewing gum composition including the one or more pharmaceutically active ingredients and chewing gum granules, the chewing gum granules including gum base, and dosing the chewing gum composition to obtain a desired weight of the chewing gum composition and thereby obtaining a desired dose of the pharmaceutically active ingredient in the chewing gum tablet.
US08722019B2	P97 fragments with transfer activity The present invention is related to fragments of human melanotransferrin (p97). In particular, this invention relates to treatment of diseases through the introduction of the melanotransferrin fragment conjugated to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a subject.
US08722016B2	Methods of identifying xenohormetic phenotypes and agents Methods of identifying a xenohormetic induced phenotype in an organism are provided. Also provided are methods if using organisms having a known xenohormetically induced phenotype in a number of different applications, such as the identification of xenohormetic agents and the generation of chemical entities and foodstuffs under specific conditions of production governed by xenohormetic effects.
US08722015B2	Compositions and methods for treatment of angiogenesis-associated ocular disorders The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying and quantifying pathological changes on the retina.
US08722014B2	1 H-[1, 2, 3] triazole substituted amino acids and uses thereof Tracers for cationic amino acid transport systems and methods of synthesis are disclosed, including compounds comprising a 1H-[1,2,3]triazole moiety. Further disclosed are uses of the analogues, including in vivo imaging of tumors by Positron emission tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).
US08722012B2	Method for preventing nasolacrimal duct obstruction The invention is directed to a method for preventing nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in a patient receiving high dose radioactive iodine for treatment of cancer. The method includes administering an effective amount of perchlorate anion to the eyes of the patient.
US08722011B2	Method of producing hydrogen from ammonia In a method by which hydrogen supplied as a combustion aid to an ammonia combustion engine is produced from ammonia, the filling amount of a decomposition catalyst in an ammonia decomposition apparatus is reduced. The method includes an ammonia decomposition apparatus that produces hydrogen as a combustion aid and an ammonia oxidation apparatus that allows a part of introduced ammonia to react with oxygen for combustion by action of an oxidation catalyst in order to supply the heat needed for the ammonia decomposition reaction, wherein the amount of ammonia and the amount of air introduced into the oxidation apparatus are controlled in accordance with the entrance temperature of an ammonia oxidation catalyst layer, so as to set the ammonia decomposition ratio in the ammonia decomposition apparatus to be 40 to 60% at all times.
US08722010B1	Coproduction of oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen using ion transport membranes A method for the coproduction of oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen using an ion transport membrane is provided. This method includes separating a compressed, hot air stream in an ion transport membrane, thereby producing a product oxygen stream and a hot nitrogen rich stream; utilizing at least a portion of the hot nitrogen rich stream as a heat source for reforming a hydrocarbons stream, thereby producing a syngas stream and a warm product nitrogen stream; and separating the syngas stream into a product hydrogen stream and a carbon dioxide rich stream.
US08722009B2	Nanocrystalline copper oxide and method for the production thereof A nanocrystalline supported or unsupported copper oxide with a residual carbon content of <10% and a BET surface area >95 m2/g. Further, a method for the production of a supported, or unsupported nanocrystalline copper oxide is disclosed, as well as the use thereof in catalysis, in particular in the steam reforming of methanol or in the hydrogenation of esters.
US08722008B2	Method for upgrade-processing carbon black produced by performing a pyrolysis process on waste tires Disclosed is a method for upgrade-processing carbon black produced by performing a pyrolysis on waste tires and, more particularly to, a method of upgrading carbon black which includes removing iron wires and fibers from carbon black produced by performing a pyrolysis on waste tires with a magnetic separator and a gravity separator and then subjecting the carbon black to micronization, heating, and acid treatment to upgrade the carbon black. The method for upgrade-processing carbon black produced by performing a pyrolysis on waste tires includes producing an inorganic salt by treating carbon black produced by performing a pyrolysis on waste tires with an acid solution to produce an inorganic salt from an inorganic substance contained in the carbon black.
US08722007B2	Method for producing carbon nanomaterials produced from heavy oil The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanoparticles employing heavy petroleum as a carbon precursor, obtained from decant oil, by using the technique of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and optionally by using an organometallic catalyst that is soluble in the carbon precursor. The main feature of the method according to the invention is that the precursor is vaporized in a controlled manner so as to provide pulses of vapor of constant composition inside a tubular furnace which can be arranged in a vertical position for the continuous production of nanomaterials or in a horizontal position for batch production.
US08722005B1	Synthesis of hydrogen bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide The invention provides a method for producing hydrogen bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (HFSI) by reacting hydrogen bis(halosulfonyl)imide (HXSI) with hydrogen fluoride, where each X is independently a nonfluoro-halide, such as Cl, Br, or I.
US08722004B2	Method for the preparation of a lithium phosphate compound with an olivine crystal structure The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a lithium phosphate compound with an olivine crystal structure, which has a chemical formula of LixMyM′1-yPO4, wherein 0.1≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1. The nano-scale lithium phosphate ceramic powder was synthesized by using a self-propagating combustion with reactants of soluble salts and the proper oxidizing agents, followed by heat treatment of powder to obtain nano-scale lithium phosphate compound with an olivine crystal structure in a complete crystal phase. The method of the present invention uses low cost materials and simple processes. The uniform crystal product materials are beneficial to the industrial application.
US08722001B2	Catalyst for purification of exhaust gas and method for purification using the same A catalyst for the purification of exhaust gas that can be used to highly efficiently treat an exhaust gas which has moisture and fluctuates between an oxidizing atmosphere and a reducing atmosphere even after the catalyst is exposed to a high temperature is provided. The present invention relates to a catalyst for the purification of exhaust gas having a catalyst layer of catalyst components comprising a noble metal, magnesium oxide, and a refractory inorganic oxide formed on a three-dimensional structure, wherein the catalyst layer has two peaks originated from the magnesium oxide in a pore distribution obtained by mercury intrusion technique.
US08721998B2	Use of Mg(HCO3)2 and/or Ca(HCO3)2 aqueous solution in metal extractive separation and purification The application of aqueous solution of magnesium bicarbonate and/or calcium bicarbonate in the process of extraction separation and purification of metals is disclosed, wherein the aqueous solution of magnesium bicarbonate and/or calcium bicarbonate is used as an acidity balancing agent, in order to adjust the balancing pH value of the extraction separation process which uses an acidic organic extractant, improve the extraction capacity of organic phase, and increase the concentration of metal ions in the loaded organic phase.
US08721997B2	Reactor for continuous heterogeneously catalyzed partial dehydrogenation of at least one hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated A process for continuous heterogeneously catalyzed partial dehydrogenation of at least one hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated in a reactor which is manufactured from a composite material which consists, on its side in contact with the reaction chamber, of a steel B with specific elemental composition which, on its side facing away from the reaction chamber, either directly or via an intermediate layer of copper, or of nickel, or of copper and nickel, is plated onto a steel A with specific elemental composition, and also partial oxidations of the dehydrogenated hydrocarbon and the reactor itself.
US08721995B2	Conversion of organosulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide in mixed alcohol synthesis reactor effluent Plants and methods are presented in which organosulfur compounds in a mixed alcohol synthesis reactor effluent are converted into hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The volatility and relative insolubility of H2S reduces the overall sulfur content of the mixed alcohol synthesis product stream while significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for process steps/equipment to remove organosulfur compounds from liquid and gaseous products.
US08721992B2	Micro fluidic device A micro fluidic device comprises a micro channel in which a plurality of fluids form laminar flows and are supplied, wherein an inner wall of the micro channel comprise a protruding part that is substantially parallel to the flows of the fluids and protrudes in directions substantially vertical to interfaces formed by the plurality of fluids.
US08721989B2	Apparatus for measuring blood oxygen saturation The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring blood oxygen saturation, comprising a housing (1), a sensor (2), a connecting cable (3) and a plug (4), wherein the housing (1) has a cavity (5) for accepting a patient's tissue which is supplied with blood; the sensor (2) which is arranged on the housing and has at least one light source (21) for the emission of light which passes through the tissue which is supplied with blood and a detector (22) for receiving the light passing through the tissue which is supplied with blood; and the apparatus can be connected to an evaluation unit via the plug (4).
US08721985B2	Device and method for treating and analysing channels in instruments, particularly in endoscopes The device is suitable in particular for treating medical endoscopes. At least one treatment fluid is fed through a conduit system (3) to a channel attachment (4), to which a channel of the instrument to be treated can be attached. The conduit system has a fluid attachment (39), which can be connected to a source of treatment fluid. With the aid of a measuring device, the flow of the treatment fluid in the conduit system, and thus the permeability of the attached channel, can be measured. The measurement is effected with the aid of a measurement section (6) in which a flow sensor (7, 7′) is arranged. All the treatment steps are carried out via the conduit system and in particular also via the measurement section. In this way, the conduit system is subjected to the same process as the instrument to be treated, and a flow measurement can be carried out in each individual treatment step.
US08721983B2	Sterilizer A sterilizer is connectable to an external chamber. A sterilization gas generator is configured to generate sterilization gas. A gas supply system including a first gas supply system which is configured to supply the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator to a sterilization chamber; and a second gas supply system which is different from the first gas supply system and configured to supply the sterilization gas from the sterilization gas generator to the external chamber.
US08721982B2	Reaction device A reaction device having improved temperature control precision and reduced usage of heat transfer medium. The device includes a heat transfer medium circulation tube in contact with an outer wall of a reaction vessel containing a reaction liquid. The device has an inlet for the liquid heat transfer medium at the lower end portion of the heat transfer medium circulation tube, and an outlet for the heat transfer medium. Gaps between the heat transfer medium circulation tube and the reaction vessel outer wall include a filler in which a liquid can flow inside the filler. The outlet is formed so that the liquid heat transfer medium is discharged toward the filler. A member presses the heat transfer medium circulation tube against the outer wall of the reaction vessel. An outer vessel hermetically covers the outer circumference of the reaction vessel.
US08721979B2	Honeycomb structure and exhaust gas purifying apparatus A honeycomb structure includes a ceramic block including a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies. Each of the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies includes large volume cells and small volume cells. Either one of the end portions of each of the large volume cells and the small volume cells is plugged. An aperture in the cross section in a central part of the honeycomb structure is about 65% or more. A ratio of an aperture of the first end face to an aperture of the second end face of the honeycomb structure is about 1.4 or more. Each of the cell walls except the peripheral walls has a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm. The honeycomb structure has a diameter of about 200 mm or more. A ratio of a length to the diameter of the honeycomb structure is about 1.0 or less.
US08721973B2	Stackable structural reactors A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.
US08721972B2	Device for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions The invention relates to a device for performing biological reactions in a nucleic acid sample. The device can comprise a reaction vessel receiving element that includes a plurality of reaction vessel holders and a gastight jacket or equalization plate containing a fluid changeable between liquid and gaseous states. The gastight jacket or equalization plate can be configured to provide temperature equalization among the reaction vessel holders. The reaction vessel receiving element can also include at least one Peltier element, a cooling element, and a controller configured to cycle the device through a predetermined time-temperature profile via heating and cooling.
US08721971B2	NOx adsorptive films for NOx sensor technologies A mesoporous, transition metal oxide material having an average pore diameter ranging from 2 to 20 nm, a basic surface character defined by an isoelectric point>pH 7, and a specific surface area greater than 50 m2/g can be incorporated into a NOx sensing device as a NOx film. The mesoporous, transition metal oxide material includes an oxide of yttrium, lanthanum and/or cerium, and can be formed using a surfactant-templated self-assembly process.
US08721970B2	Temperature and humidity compensated single element pellistor A portable, relatively low power gas detector incorporates a single pellistor-type sensor for sensing an explosive gas of interest. Outputs from the sensor are corrected in accordance with ambient temperature and humidity and pre-stored correction factors based on characteristics exhibited by a plurality of similar sensors.
US08721964B2	Animal blood cell measuring apparatus An animal blood cell measuring apparatus comprising: a specimen preparation section for preparing a measurement specimen from blood of an animal; a characteristic information obtaining section for obtaining characteristic information indicating a characteristic of the measurement specimen, from the measurement specimen prepared by the specimen preparation section; and a controller configured for performing operations comprising: (a) classifying aggregate reticulocytes contained in the blood from other blood cells, based on the characteristic information obtained by the characteristic information obtaining section; and (b) outputting information regarding a number of the classified aggregate reticulocytes.
US08721963B2	Cold sterilization of tissue engineering scaffolds with compressed carbon dioxide Methods for sterilizing a biocompatible hydrogel polymer are provided via treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer with a supercritical CO2 treatment composition at a treatment pressure of about 4 MPa to about 30 MPa and a treatment temperature of about 5° C. to about 75° C. The supercritical CO2 treatment composition can be substantially pure CO2 or may further include hydrogen peroxide (e.g., in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 1,000 ppm). In certain embodiments, the biocompatible hydrogel polymer can be treated with the supercritical CO2 treatment composition for about 30 minutes to about 5 hours. According to these methods, treating the biocompatible hydrogel polymer can kill about 90% or more of any S. aureus and E. coli present in the biocompatible hydrogel polymer.
US08721959B2	Multiple function, self-repairing composites with special adhesives A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.
US08721958B2	Permeable material compacting method and apparatus A permeable material compacting method includes, forming a cavity between a membrane and a structure, porting fluid to or from the cavity, positioning permeable material adjacent the membrane, generating a differential pressure across the membrane, deforming the membrane, and decreasing volume of the permeable material.
US08721953B2	Injection mold for intake hose and intake hose production method using the same An injection mold for an intake hose and an intake hose production method utilizes a main core removably dualized to automatically extract a molding-completed intake hose from the main core after injection molding is completed and an air supplying member supplying compressed air between the main core and the molding-completed intake hose is configured in the main core to automatically extract the intake hose from the main core without an additional extraction equipment, thereby reducing an entire manufacturing process and saving a manufacturing cost.
US08721952B2	Pneumatic method and apparatus for nano imprint lithography having a conforming mask A method (and apparatus) for nano lithography, includes applying a pneumatic pressure to at least one of a surface of a semi-rigid mask or template and a portion of a surface of a resist-coated workpiece, and, by the applying of the pneumatic pressure, transferring a pattern from the mask to the workpiece.
US08721950B2	Resin for thermal imprint A resin for thermal imprint include a cyclic-olefin-based thermoplastic resin that contains at least one of skeletons represented by the following chemical equation 1 or the following chemical equation 2 in a main chain. The glass transition temperature Tg (° C.) and the value ([M]) of MFR at 260° C. satisfy the following equation 1, and [M]>10. The thermal imprint characteristics (transferability, mold release characteristic, and the like) are superior and the productivity (throughput) is improved. Tg(° C.)<219×log [M]−104 [Equation 1]
US08721949B2	Modular handrail construction for a passenger conveyor handrail A method of making a passenger conveyor handrail includes forming a drive member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced drive surfaces. The drive member has a longitudinal stiffness for maintaining a desired spacing between the drive surfaces. The drive member is inserted into a molding device. A gripping surface portion of the handrail is formed using the molding device such that the gripping surface portion and the drive member are secured together. Another method includes forming a belt drive member having a plurality of teeth that establish a plurality of longitudinally spaced drive surfaces. The belt has a longitudinal stiffness for maintaining a desired spacing between the drive surfaces. Each of the teeth extends across an entire width of the belt. The belt is secured to a gripping surface portion of the handrail.
US08721947B2	System and method for producing customized items A system and method for producing customized items is provided. The system includes a computer interface, an extruder and a mold supported by a movable support unit, all in communication with a control unit. The extruder and support unit are activatable by the control unit to produce a customized item in accordance with the shape of the mold and design parameters associated with the customized item onto the mold. The extruder may be configured to be movable and to extrude material having elastic properties onto the mold in a single continuous extrusion.
US08721941B2	Arrangement and method for the electromechanical drive for molding closing systems and calibration blow mandrel systems in blow molding machines The invention relates to an arrangement and to a method for the electromechanical drive for mold closing systems and calibration blow mandrel systems in blow molding machines, wherein the arrangement for the drive of an extrusion blow molding machine includes a push mechanism (3; 11), a push rod (4; 12) and exactly one electric motor (1; 9), wherein the push rod (4; 12) is movable by the push mechanism (3; 11) which is driven by the electric motor (1; 9), wherein the electric motor (1; 9) has an additional braking device (2; 10) which can be activated on the reaching of a required torque or a required force of the electric motor (2; 10) to hold the push rod (4; 12) in a state of maximum tension in its instantaneous position.
US08721940B2	Method for producing a vessel from a preform, with feedback depending on the development point of the preform A method for producing a vessel by stretch blow-molding in a mold from a preform made of plastic material includes heating the preform and introducing the preform in the mold. The preform is stretched by a rod displaced at a predetermined stretching speed. At a pre-blowing cue, the electrovalve is opened for establishing a communication between the inside of the preform and a gas source at a predetermined pre-blowing pressure and a pre-blowing flow rate. Pressure inside the preform is measured and a pressure peak is detected. The moment at which this pressure peak occurs and the corresponding pressure inside the preform is stored and compared with a predetermined moment and pressure for a theoretical pressure peak. Depending on the result, at least one of the following are modified: pre-blowing pressure, pre-blowing flow rate, pre-blowing cue, stretching speed, and heating temperature.
US08721933B2	Optical sheet manufacture method and optical sheet A manufacture method of an optical sheet made of a transparent thermoplastic resin sheet on whose surface a regular geometric design working is performed, the optical sheet manufacture method comprising steps of performing a geometric design working on the resin sheet at a temperature not lower than a glass transition temperature of the resin sheet, by using a metal endless working belt formed with a geometric design on a surface thereof, rapidly cooling the resin sheet on which the geometric design working is performed to a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature, and detaching the rapidly cooled resin sheet from the metal endless working belt.
US08721932B2	Method of making an anti-fog gauge lens The gauge lens with anti-fog includes a substantially planar transparent lens substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and a thin film possessing anti-fog properties adjacent and substantially covering the inner surface of the lens substrate to provide a low angle of contact for water and moisture. The anti-fog film is bonded to the lens substrate during the molding process that produces the lens substrate shape. The anti-fog film comprises a hydrophilic material or is coated with a hydrophilic coating. In addition to the anti-fog film, in another embodiment, the outer surface of the lens substrate has a hard coat film adjacent and substantially covering the outer surface of said lens. The materials for the lens substrate, anti-fog film, and hard coat film are selected based on the application, performance, and stability of the gauge lens in the environment that it is operated.
US08721930B2	Polymeric precursors for AIGS silver-containing photovoltaics This invention relates to compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. A compound may contain repeating units {MB(ER)(ER)} and {MB(ER)(ER)}, wherein MA is Ag, each MB is In or Ga, each E is S, Se, or Te, and each R is independently selected, for each occurrence, from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, silyl, and inorganic and organic ligands.
US08721925B2	Co-doped silicooxynitrides The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) (Ca,Sr,Ba)6-X(Si1-yMey)3(O1-zMa2z)6N4:Eux (I), where Me=Th, Ru and/or Os Ma=F and/or Cl, x<0.5, y<1 and z<0.1, and to a process for the preparation of these compounds and use as phosphors and conversion phosphors for the conversion of the blue or near-UV emission from an LED.
US08721921B2	Liquid crystal polyester composition To provide a liquid crystal polyester composition that yields compacts that are resistant to cracking. A plate-like filler with a volume-average particle size of 14 μm or greater and a fibrous filler are combined with a liquid crystal polyester to form a liquid crystal polyester composition. The total content of the plate-like filler and the fibrous filler is 45-55 wt % with respect to the total of the liquid crystal polyester composition. The weight ratio of the fibrous filler content to the plate-like filler content is greater than 0.5 and not greater than 0.65.
US08721918B2	Method for purifying fluoride etching solution by using hydroxide compound and ion exchange resin absorption A method for purifying fluoride etching solution is provided. The method begins with a reaction by hydroxide gas or solution to achieve a balance pH condition for the fluoride etching solution. Subsequently, the treated etching solution can be fed by constant velocity pump to a basic anion exchange resin column(s). The basic anion exchange resins remove various contaminants resulting in a saleable product to a wide range of industrial applications. The final solution is collected in a finished product storage tank. The degree of purification by basic anion exchange resin can be verified, if needed at all, thereby making ammonium fluoride (AF), ammonium bifluoride (ABF), anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) and fluoride mixture to meet the application of industries or different market's application. Further, the ion exchange resins can be regenerated as needed to extend the useful life and system capacity.
US08721915B2	Ordered oxynitride perovskites This invention relates to partially ordered and ordered oxynitride perovskites of the general formula ABO2N that are polar insulators. A comprises one or more cations or set of cations that sit in sites derived from the A-site in the perovskite structure. B comprises one or more cations or set of cations that sit in sites derived from the B-site in the perovskite structure. C comprises oxygen, O, with optionally some nitrogen, N, and D comprises N, with optionally some O. The total valence of the cations A+B is equal to the total valence of the anions 2 C+D. Also disclosed are methods of producing such oxynitride perovskites and uses of such oxynitride perovskites.
US08721914B2	Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element comprises a piezoelectric layer and an electrode provided with the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is made of a composite oxide containing bismuth ferrite, barium titanate, and bismuth zinc titanate.
US08721913B2	Lead-based piezoelectric material and production method therefor A lead-based particulate piezoelectric material has a median diameter of less than 1 μm and a particle size distribution expressed by [arithmetic deviation/mean] of no greater than 15% and in which no less than 85% of all particles are cubic.
US08721911B2	Aging-resistant aerosol generating agent and a preparation method thereof The present invention relates to a novel aging-resistant aerosol generating agent and preparation method thereof. The aging-resistant aerosol generating agent in the present invention comprises oxidizer, reducer and bonding agent, wherein the oxidizer is potassium nitrate, the bonding agent is phenolic resin, and the reducer is melamine; the weight percentages of the three constituents are: potassium nitrate: 60˜80%, phenolic resin: 8˜15%, and melamine: the rest. In the preparation process, phenolic resin is dissolved in ethanol to give phenolic resin solution at concentration by 40˜50 wt %; the oxidizer and reducer are pulverized, mixed, and then the phenolic resin solution is added to the mixed powder; next, the mixture is agitated, pelletized, dried, and shaped by pressure molding. Compared to that in the prior art, the aerosol generating agent in the present invention has higher fire suppression efficiency and higher fire suppression rate, and greatly improved aging resistant performance.
US08721904B2	Method of manufacturing inkjet head and the inkjet head According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an inkjet head includes forming metal films respectively on a surface of a base member and a surface of a driving element attached to the base member, and shaving the metal film formed on the base member with a first laser beam and shaving the metal film formed on the driving element with a second laser beam having power different from power of the first laser beam to form a conductor pattern.
US08721903B2	Method for planarizing a perpendicular magnetic recording disk for thermally-assisted recording (TAR) A vacuum planarization method substantially improves the surface roughness of a thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk that has a recording layer (RL) formed of a substantially chemically-ordered FePt alloy or FePt-X alloy (or CoPt alloy or CoPt-X alloy) and a segregant, like SiO2. A first amorphous carbon overcoat (OC1) is deposited on the RL and etched with a non-chemically reactive plasma to remove at least one-half the thickness of OC1. Then a second amorphous carbon overcoat (OC2) is deposited on the etched OC1. The OC2 is then reactive-ion-etched, for example in a H2/Ar plasma, to remove at least one-half the thickness of OC2. A thin third overcoat (OC3) may be deposited on the etched OC2.
US08721901B2	Methods of processing substrates and methods of forming conductive connections to substrates Embodiments disclosed include methods of processing substrates, including methods of forming conductive connections to substrates. In one embodiment, a method of processing a substrate includes forming a material to be etched over a first material of a substrate. The material to be etched and the first material are of different compositions. The material to be etched is etched in a dry etch chamber to expose the first material. After the etching, the first material is contacted with a non-oxygen-containing gas in situ within the dry etch chamber effective to form a second material physically contacting onto the first material. The second material comprises a component of the first material and a component of the gas. In one embodiment, the first material is contacted with a gas that may or may not include oxygen in situ within the dry etch chamber effective to form a conductive second material.
US08721900B2	Systematic packaging method A systematic packaging method, comprises providing a package, said package operable for packaging an object; and spreading and plating one or more conductive structures on said package; wherein said spreading and plating steps are performed by the methods selected from the group consisting of physically, chemistry deposit and selectively etching.
US08721899B2	Method and apparatus for the continous production of low concentrations of chlorine dioxide from low concentrations of aqueous chlorite Provided are methods and systems for continuously producing low concentrations of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of sodium chlorite. The low concentrations of chlorine dioxide produced allow for reduced exposure risk with direct application of the chlorine dioxide stream. The incorporation of a suitable chlorine dioxide detector permits continuous monitoring and control of chlorine dioxide production ensuring that the process stays within regulatory guidelines. Pretreatment of reaction water is preferred for achieving suitable conversion rates of the low concentrations of chlorite to chlorine dioxide.
US08721896B2	Method for dispersing and aggregating components of mineral slurries and low molecular weight multivalent polymers for mineral aggregation The disclosure relates generally to the use of low molecular weight polymers to aggregate mineral components in aqueous mineral slurries to release and separate individual components of the slurry, which may then be recovered from the slurry.
US08721892B2	Integrated chromatography devices and systems for monitoring analytes in real time and methods for manufacturing the same Systems and methods for monitoring analytes in real time using integrated chromatography systems and devices. Integrated microfluidic liquid chromatography devices and systems include multiple separation columns integrated into a single substrate. Using such a device, parallel analysis of multiple samples can be performed simultaneously and/or sequential analysis of a single sample can be performed simultaneously on a single chip or substrate. The devices and systems are well suited for use in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications. HPLC chips and devices including embedded parylene channels can be fabricated using a single mask process.
US08721890B2	Dehydrating system and dehydrating method A dehydrating system using multiple water separation membranes aims to prevent damage to the water separation membrane units and also to take appropriate measures against decrease in water permeation rate of the water separation membranes. Provided is a dehydrating system (100) for removing water from a target fluid, including at least two water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3) connected in series in a flow direction of the target fluid; two or more heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) respectively provided in front of the water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3), each of the heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) raising a temperature of the target fluid to a temperature which is lower than a boiling point of the target fluid but close to the boiling point.
US08721889B2	Wastewater treatment process including irradiation of primary solids The present invention provides a method for treating wastewater in which the majority of solids and biological oxygen demand compounds are separated from the wastewater feed using a primary separation process, to produce a solids phase and a water phase. The solids phase is irradiated to reduce the level of pathogens such that it is safe to use as a soil substitute and/or additive so that the solids can thus be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner. In additional embodiments, the solids that have been disinfected by radiation are mixed with a suitable inert filler material to produce a soil substitute, fertilizer, compost, or other soil additive. The liquid phase is treated in a substantially smaller system than would be required for treating the full-strength wastewater that can include a suspended media biological regeneration reactor system. The liquid treatment system can include a high flux adsorbent material treatment system integrated with a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor.
US08721885B2	System for removing phosphorus from wastewater Systems and methods for removing phosphorous (P) from P-containing wastewater are disclosed. The system includes a main filter unit (MFU) comprising P-adsorbing material. The MFU receives the P-containing wastewater and forms therefrom MFU-filtered wastewater having a first pH. A pH adjusting unit (AU) that contains pH-reducing material receives the MFU-filtered wastewater and forms therefrom AU-filtered wastewater having a second pH lower than the first pH. A replaceable filter unit (RFU) similar to the MFU but smaller may be arranged upstream of the MFU to pre-filter the P-containing wastewater. Some or all of the RFU may be replaced when maintaining the system.
US08721883B2	Medical fluid cassettes and related systems The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a liquid treatment machine and a cassette insertable therein substantially made of a rigid base body of the cassette with fitted chambers and passages and a foil covering them.
US08721880B2	Device for use with floor drains A device configured for being received within a floor drain is provided. The device includes a basket assembly containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein. A drain cover defines an opening that receives the basket assembly. A basket assembly lid defines at least one aperture for allowing flow of liquid into the basket assembly, the basket assembly includes a flange for cooperatively engaging a recess defined in the drain cover to thereby engage the lid with the drain cover.
US08721878B2	Apparatus and method for recovery of sub-surface oil pollution A subsurface hydrocarbon capture apparatus having a filtration member connected to a mouth frame, wherein the filtration member is composed of a material that is hydrophobic and lipophilic, the apparatus having buoyancy and weight members to maintain the apparatus in a subsurface disposition when pulled by a boat.
US08721869B2	Moving electrode electroflocculation process The present invention provides a high volume, foul-resistant electrolytic process for treating contaminated water comprising at least one upflow electroflocculation cell consisting of (i) a lower (or “bottom”) electrode (3) in form of a porous, non-fluidized bed of loose iron or aluminium granules kept in periodic motion by pulsed gas injections and (ii) an upper (or “top”) vibrating electrode (4) made of an iron or aluminium grid mesh or ribmesh. A voltage potential between the upper (4) and lower (3) electrode causes ions to be released from the moving electrodes. These ions oxydise and/or render insoluble contaminants in the ascending flow of wastewater and create easy filterable insoluble contaminants resulting in substantially cleansed water. Such moving electrodes electroflocculation cells are useful at municipal water works and commercial and industrial applications were large amounts of raw water have to be processed.
US08721867B2	Method of shutting down water electrolysis apparatus A water electrolysis apparatus applies an electrolysis voltage between current collectors disposed on the respective sides of an electrolyte membrane thereby to electrolyze water to generate oxygen in an anode electrolysis chamber and hydrogen in a cathode electrolysis chamber under a pressure higher than a normal pressure. The water electrolysis apparatus is shut down by applying a voltage between the current collectors after the cathode electrolysis chamber stops supplying the hydrogen, reducing a pressure in at least the cathode electrolysis chamber while the voltage is being applied, and stopping applying the voltage when the pressure in the cathode electrolysis chamber is equal to a pressure in the anode electrolysis chamber.
US08721864B2	Process and apparatus for producing a metal covered polyimide composite A metal covered polyimide composite comprising a tie-coat layer and a metal seed layer formed on a surface of a polyimide film by electroless plating or a drying method is provided. A copper layer or a copper alloy layer is formed thereon by electroplating. The copper plated layer or copper alloy plated layer includes three layers to one layer of the copper layer or copper alloy layer. The metal covered polyimide composite effectively prevents peeling in a non-adhesive flexible laminate (especially a two-layer flexible laminate), and more particularly, effectively inhibits peeling from the interface of a copper layer and tin plating. A method of producing the composite and apparatus for producing the composite are also provided.
US08721862B2	Apparatus for fluid purification and methods of manufacture and use thereof The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.
US08721855B2	Crimp contact, crimp contact with an electrical lead, gas sensor including said crimp contact and method for manufacturing said gas sensor A crimp contact, a gas sensor including the crimp contact for outputting a signal from a sensing portion of a sensor element to an external device, and a method for manufacturing the crimp contact. The crimp contact includes a barrel portion crimped so as to fix a plurality of lead core wires (16) of an electrical lead connected to the external device. A hold portion constituting the barrel portion is formed such that the lead core wires 16 of the electrical lead are disposed in an U-shaped hold portion 77 so as to be crimped between an anvil 120 and a crimper 121. An outer surface of the U-shaped hold portion 77 has a plating layer 85 thereon to thereby constantly secure slidability between a sliding face of the crimper 121 and the outer surface of the U-shaped hold portion 77. The crimp contact is able to secure slidability between an outer surface of a hold portion and a sliding face of a crimper without applying any lubricant to the sliding face of the crimper, and can be used under a high temperature environment.
US08721850B2	Biosensor and methods for manufacturing A biosensor for detecting an analyte in a sample of body fluid and methods for manufacturing the biosensor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a biosensor includes at least two electrical conductors embedded within an electrically insulating test element body. The electrical conductors are exposed at two ends of the test element body and a reagent, for example a reagent adapted to test for blood glucose, is applied to one end. In one form, the test element body is cylindrical with a circular or non-circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the test elements are manufactured by a resin pultrusion process in which resin embedded with electrical conductors is dried or cured, shaped and cut into segments, and reagent applied to one end of each segment.
US08721848B1	Anode sled and method of assembly An anode sled for assembly is disclosed which is constructed using a bag or sack which can be filled on-site with ballast. The sled design includes at least one stanchion or post extending upward from the sack and supports an anode. The sled can be used for both sacrificial anode and impressed current applications.
US08721843B2	Method for producing graphene in a magnetic field An improved system and method for generating graphene involves producing a plurality of ionized carbon atoms in a plasma generation chamber and providing the plurality of ionized carbon atoms to a graphene generation chamber having a magnetic structure. The graphene generation chamber generates graphene from said plurality of ionized carbon atoms over said magnetic structure such that said graphene floats over said magnetic structure due to said graphene being diamagnetic. The rate at which the plurality of ionized carbon atoms is produced is controlled to control the rate of graphene generation. The magnetic field of the magnetic structure can be controlled to control the rate at which the generated graphene moves through the graphene generation chamber until it exits as a recovered graphene product.
US08721842B2	Catalytic reaction-rectification integrated process and specialized device thereof A catalytic reaction-rectification integrated process and a catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column, and the specialized device of such process is provided. The reactants are preheated and mixed with catalysts, and then fed into a jet agitation reaction section located in the middle of the catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column from a feeding inlet. The jet agitation reaction section is a kettle-like reactor located in the middle of the catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column. After pressurized by a centrifugal pump, the reactant materials are admitted into a subsonic or transonic agitator located within the reaction section. The reactant materials are ejected into the jet agitation reaction section at high speed, to efficiently mix the solid and liquid phases in the reaction section and to reinforce heat and mass transfer efficiency during the reaction. The liquid reaction mixture is separated and purified directly in the catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column.
US08721836B2	Plasma processing with preionized and predissociated tuning gases and associated systems and methods Plasma processing systems and methods for using pre-dissociated and/or pre-ionized tuning gases are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plasma processing system includes a reaction chamber, a support element in the reaction chamber, and one or more cathode discharge assemblies in the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is configured to produce a plasma in an interior volume of the chamber. The support element positions a microelectronic workpiece in the reaction chamber, and the cathode discharge assembly supplies an at least partially dissociated and/or ionized tuning gas to the workpiece in the chamber.
US08721833B2	Variable capacitance chamber component incorporating ferroelectric materials and methods of manufacturing and using thereof A replaceable chamber element for use in a plasma processing system, such as a plasma etching system, is described. The replaceable chamber element includes a chamber component configured to be exposed to plasma in a plasma processing system, wherein the chamber component is fabricated of a ferroelectric material.
US08721832B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive and detachable strip formed from it Disclosed is a pressure-sensitive adhesive for single- or double-sidedly tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive strips that are redetachable without residue or destruction both by extensive stretching substantially in the bond plane and by peeling. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is composed at least of (1) a vinylaromatic block copolymer, (2) a solid tackifying resin having a softening temperature by the ring-and-ball method of more than 30° C. and (3) a resin which is liquid at room temperature (23° C.), wherein the fraction of liquid resin accounts for at least 40% by weight, based on the total amount of resin. Also disclosed are strips formed from the adhesive and the use of the strips to form redetachable bonds.
US08721830B2	Method for finished-rib compacting a thermoplastic composite part with continuous fibers A method for manufacturing a structural part including at least two wings extending in intersecting planes made of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite material including at least two plies of continuous fibers. The fibers extend from one wing to another. The method includes cutting the at least two plies in a fabric and/or a tape of fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin; assembling the plies to create a preform; and compacting the preform to a final shape of the part by subjecting the preform to a defined cycle of temperature and pressure. A toolset can implement the method described above. Such a toolset includes a rigid punch and die such that closing the tool creates a sealed chamber in a shape of the part between the punch and the die.
US08721829B2	Method of cutting off laminate layers, eg a glass fibre or carbon-fibre laminate layer in the blade of a wind turbine The invention relates to a method of cutting off laminate layers for use in a fiber-reinforced laminate object comprising a number of combined laminate layers, wherein, along a section of the at least one rim of the laminate layer, a tapering cut is performed through the thickness of the laminate layer, whereby the thickness of the laminate layer is reduced. Since not only the number of laminate layers, but also the thickness of the individual laminate layers are reduced, a laminate layer is accomplished that can be used in a laminate object, by which both the issues of areas rich in resin, air pockets and the risk of delamination are reduced. The invention also relates to a laminate layer for use in a fiber-reinforced laminate object comprising a number of combined laminate layers and a fiber-reinforced laminate object in the form of the blade of a wind turbine, wherein the blade of the wind turbine comprises a number of combined laminate layers.
US08721826B2	Steerable kink-resistant sheath A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion; methods for manufacturing the kink resistant device are also provided. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device.
US08721823B2	Method of forming large diameter thermoplastic seal A method of forming a seal ring includes heating an extruded rod to a temperature above a glass transition temperature. The extruded rod has first and second ends. The method further includes bending the extruded rod into a circular structure while the temperature is above the glass transition temperature, joining the first and second ends of the extruded rod to form a semi-finished ring, and annealing the semi-finished ring.
US08721818B2	Method and apparatus for toxic substance encapsulation A method of encapsulating a toxin on a contaminated surface includes providing a plastic air-tight substrate having first and second opposing surfaces. An adhesive substance is disposed on the first surface. The first surface of the plastic substrate is applied to the contaminated surface such that the plastic substrate is adhered to the contaminated surface, and such that the toxin is completely covered by the plastic substrate.
US08721816B2	Method of producing roll of optical film laminate with polarizing film A method of producing a roll of an optical film laminate including a polarizing film having a thickness of 10 μm or less is described. The method includes providing a roll of a separator film-attached optical film laminate formed by subjecting a laminate comprising a continuous web of a thermoplastic resin substrate and a polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer to a 2-stage stretching consisting of a preliminary in-air stretching and an in-boric-acid-solution stretching, to reduce a thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer to 10 μm or less. The method further includes causing a dichroic material to be absorbed in the polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer. The method further includes detecting a defect existing in the optical film laminate and the adhesive layer and upon detection of a defect, recording a position of the defect. The method further includes winding into a roll a separator film-attached optical film laminate.
US08721812B2	Techniques for controlling precipitate phase domain size in an alloy A heat treatment technique may include heating an alloy component to a temperature above a transition temperature of the alloy or heating an alloy component to a temperature below the transition temperature of the alloy. The heat treatment technique further may include cooling a first portion of the alloy component at a first cooling rate, and cooling a second portion of the alloy component at a second cooling rate different than the first rate. The first cooling rate may result in formation of a plurality of first precipitate phase domains comprising a first average size in the first portion, and the second cooling rate may result in formation of a plurality of second precipitate phase domains comprising a second average size in the second portion. The average size of the first precipitate phase domains may be different than the average size of the second precipitate phase domains.
US08721811B2	Method of creating a cast automotive product having an improved critical fracture strain The present invention provides a casting having increased crashworthiness including an aluminum alloy of about 6.0 wt % to about 8.0 wt % Si; about 0.12 wt % to about 0.25 wt % Mg; less than or equal to about 0.35 wt % Cu; less than or equal to about 4.0 wt % Zn; less than or equal to about 0.6 wt % Mn; and less than or equal to about 0.15 wt % Fe, wherein the cast body is treated to a T5 or T6 temper and has a tensile strength ranging from 100 MPa to 180 MPa and has a critical fracture strain greater than 10%. The present invention further provides a method of forming a casting having increased crashworthiness.
US08721809B2	Method of thermomechanical shaping a final product with very high strength and a product produced thereby A method of thermomechanical shaping a final product with very high strength including the steps of: providing a coated hot-rolled and/or cold-rolled steel strip or sheet including (all percentages in wt. %): 0.04%
US08721807B2	Hypereutectoid, head-hardened steel rail A method of making a hypereutectoid, head-hardened steel rail is provided that includes a step of head hardening a steel rail having a composition containing 0.86-1.00 wt % carbon, 0.40-0.75 wt % manganese, 0.40-1.00 wt % silicon, 0.05-0.15 wt % vanadium, 0.015-0.030 wt % titanium, and sufficient nitrogen to react with the titanium to form titanium nitride. Head hardening is conducted at a cooling rate that, if plotted on a graph with xy-coordinates with the x-axis representing cooling time in seconds, and the y-axis representing temperature in Celsius of the surface of the head of the steel rail, is maintained in a region between an upper cooling rate boundary plot defined by an upper line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 775° C.), (20 s, 670° C.), and (110 s, 550° C.) and a lower cooling rate boundary plot defined by a lower line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 750° C.), (20 s, 610° C.), and (110 s, 500° C.).
US08721806B2	Device for cleaning a flexible hollow shaft of a medical instrument A device is used for cleaning a flexible hollow shaft of a medical instrument, the wall of said flexible hollow shaft is provided with openings. The device comprises a hollow space in which at least one portion of said hollow shaft can be received. A cleaning liquid can be delivered into said hollow space via an attachment piece. An inside wall of said hollow space is at a radial distance from the outer face of said hollow shaft. Flow resistance means, spaced axially apart from one another, are provided, either in the form of sealing means or in the form of narrow annular gaps which respectively seal off or delimit, in the axial direction, a space between said outer face of said hollow shaft and said inside wall of said hollow space.
US08721805B2	Towed portable cleaning station A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
US08721801B2	Method of using rinse aid compositions in automatic dishwashing machines A method of warewashing is provided. A combination detergent rinse aid composition is used according to the invention. The warewashing detergent composition includes an alkaline source and a water-soluble anion. The rinse aid composition comprises an acid. The alkaline source is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8. The anion is present in sufficient amount to leave a residue of anions on the surface of the wares. The acid of the rinse aid has a sufficiently low pKa to react with the anions to form an insoluble oxide on the surface of the wares. The insoluble oxide reduces the surface tension of water on the surface of the wares thus reducing water spotting. Methods for using and manufacturing a combination warewashing detergent-rinse aid composition are provided.
US08721800B2	Method of controlling washing machine A method of controlling a washing machine, capable of detecting clothes contained in the washing machine by rotating a drum. The method includes supplying a predetermined amount of water when a barrel cleaning is executed, soaking an interior of a drum in water, draining water after the interior of the drum has been soaked in the water, and detecting clothes contained in the drum by rotating the drum. Whether to perform a barrel cleaning is determined according to the existence of the clothes in the drum, so that vibration and noise are prevented from being generated in the washing machine, and accident due to the movement of the washing machine is prevented.
US08721796B2	Plasma cleaning apparatus and method Embodiments of the present invention generally include an apparatus for plasma cleaning and a method for plasma cleaning. The apparatus can include a lid body having a first surface for facing a pedestal during cleaning and a second surface opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to the first surface, the second surface having a first indentation sized to receive a magnet assembly, one or more handles coupled to the second surface of the lid body, and the magnet assembly resting in the first indentation. The method can include removing a sputtering target from the processing chamber, sealing the processing chamber, introducing a gas into the processing chamber, applying an RF bias to a pedestal within the processing chamber, maintaining the pedestal at a substantially constant temperature, and removing material from the pedestal to clean the pedestal.
US08721793B2	Continuous centrifuge feed pipe mixing system A feed pipe mixing system for delivering a homogenous massecuite product to a centrifuge comprising: a vertical feed pipe defining an upper end, and a lower end, the vertical feed pipe comprising: a mixing chamber disposed between the upper and lower ends of the vertical feed pipe and operable to mix a massecuite feed with feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to produce a massecuite product; a massecuite inlet disposed on the side of the vertical feed pipe above the mixing chamber, wherein the massecuite inlet is configured to deliver a massecuite feed into the vertical feed pipe; a massecuite outlet disposed on the lower end of the vertical feed pipe and configured to discharge the homogenous massecuite product from the feed pipe to a centrifuge; and a feed water pipe configured to deliver feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to the mixing chamber for mixing with the massecuite feed.
US08721786B2	Czochralski crystal growth process furnace that maintains constant melt line orientation and method of operation A Czochralski process (“CZ”) crystal growth method and furnace having a heater capable of generating a heating zone, a crucible within the heating zone and capable of retaining a volume of molten crystal growth material forming a melt line oriented in a designated position within the heating zone, a seed growth rod retractable from the crucible with a rod retraction mechanism, for forming a crystal boule thereon proximal the melt line from the molten crystal growth material. The furnace causes relative movement between the crucible and heating zone as the crystal boule is retracted, so that the melt line is maintained in the designated position within the heating zone. In some embodiments relative movement is based at least in part on sensed weight of the growing crystal boule. In other embodiments the crucible growth rod retraction mechanism are fixed relative to each other by a gantry.
US08721784B2	Systems and methods for capture and sequestration of gases and compositions derived therefrom A method of sequestering a greenhouse gas is described, which comprises: (i) providing a solution carrying a first reagent that is capable of reacting with a greenhouse gas; (ii) contacting the solution with a greenhouse gas under conditions that promote a reaction between the at least first reagent and the greenhouse gas to produce at least a first reactant; (iii) providing a porous matrix having interstitial spaces and comprising at least a second reactant; (iv) allowing a solution carrying the at least first reactant to infiltrate at least a substantial portion of the interstitial spaces of the porous matrix under conditions that promote a reaction between the at least first reactant and the at least second reactant to provide at least a first product; and (v) allowing the at least first product to form and fill at least a portion of the interior spaces of the porous matrix, thereby sequestering a greenhouse gas.
US08721779B2	Ceiling embedded type air conditioner Disclosed herein is a ceiling embedded type air conditioner having a filter cleaning device to clean a filter. The filter cleaning device includes a cleaning unit to remove dust from the filter and a dust storage unit to store the dust removed by the cleaning unit. The filter may automatically and periodically be cleaned by the cleaning unit and the removed dust may be stored in the dust storage unit, which eliminates a need to separate and clean the filter.
US08721778B2	Foil trap device with improved heat resistance The present invention relates to a foil trap device for debris mitigation, in particular in an EUV system. The foil trap comprises a plurality of spaced apart foils (4) extending from an entrance side towards an exit side of the foil trap, said foils (4) being arranged to allow a straight pass of radiation between the entrance side and the exit side. The foils (4) are coated at least at entrance side edges with a layer (8, 11) of a carbon material containing a fraction of at least 60% of sp3-hybridized carbon atoms, or with a layer (8, 11) of carbon nanotubes. As an alternative, the foils (4) are made of a bulk carbon material of the above composition. The proposed foil trap offers the combination of a high thermal conductivity, a high thermo-chemical resistance against Sn and other liquid metals and a high mechanical stiffness.
US08721770B2	Carbon dioxide removal and ionic liquid compounds useful therein This invention relates to compounds useful as ionic liquids that are based on an N-substituted pyrrolidinone and incorporate a pendant ammonium cation that is spaced from the pyrrolidone ring by a variable length linker; and to methods of carbon dioxide removal in which they may be used.
US08721765B2	Lead free dezincification alloy and method of making same A method of producing a brass is disclosed. The alloy contains trace amounts of iron, manganese or aluminum. Phosphorous is added to a zinc, copper melt and combined with the iron, manganese and aluminum to form intermetallics. Additional phosphorous is added so the melt contains between about 0.08 to 0.15% phosphorous. A low lead brass alloy is provided. The alloy has tin in the range of 0.15% to 0.35%.
US08721759B1	Method and system for agricultural fertigation An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous in situ manufacture of one or more nitrogen-nutrient raw fertilizers within the irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated for a prolonged term. Raw materials, namely nitric acid, urea, ammonium hydroxide, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and/or with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.
US08721757B2	Filter assembly; components therefor; and, methods Air filter assemblies and components therefor are described. The air filter assembly typically includes an air filter cartridge. Air filter cartridges including a media pack comprising at least a first stack of single facer strips are described. In examples described, at least a portion of the first stack of single facer strips is arcuate. Air filter assemblies are characterized that are configured, for example, to advantageously use such air filter cartridges. Example air filter assemblies are described that include pulse jet air cleaning systems.
US08721756B2	Filter construction for use with air in-take for gas turbine and methods The filter of the invention is a cartridge filter comprising a structure that can maintain a filter medium in an air stream to filter particulates to protect a gas turbine power system. The filter combines a mechanically adequate filter structure and an effective filter medium for to obtain a useful system.
US08721755B2	Fog and mist catching apparatus An apparatus is provided and includes an inlet, including a peripheral wall formed to define a pathway along which gaseous, fluidic and particulate matter flow and two or more nets sequentially disposed in the pathway, the two or more nets being suspended on the peripheral wall with substantially no clearance between each of the two or more nets and the peripheral wall and held sufficiently loosely to permit relative movement of each of the two or more nets such that an effective pore size of the two or more nets is variable over time to encourage fluidic condensation at the two or more nets and to permit a relatively substantial portion of the gaseous and particulate matter to continue to flow.
US08721752B2	PDC cutter with stress diffusing structures A PCD cutting element for use in earth boring drill bits where die interstices remote from the working surface are filled with a catalyzing material and the interstices adjacent to the working surface are substantially free of the catalyzing material is described. An intermediate region between the substantially free portion and filled portion has a plurality of generally conically sectioned catalyst-free projections which taper down, extending to a second depth from the planar working surface, preferably about 0.5 times or more of the first depth.
US08721751B2	Bonded abrasive article and method of forming An abrasive article including an abrasive body having abrasive grains made of microcrystalline alumina contained within a bond material, wherein the bond material comprises a total content of alumina of at least about 15 mol %.
US08721749B2	Fuel reforming process for internal combustion engines A fuel reforming system, process, and device including a catalytic chamber and a heating chamber. The catalytic chamber, further including a fluid fuel intake and a gaseous fluid exit port and at least one heat exchanger for distributing heat between the heating chamber and the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber further including a screen member having a surface, wherein the member includes a catalytic deposit made from a combination of platinum and rhodium alloy. A catalytic conversion of converting liquid fuel to gaseous fuel occurs within the catalytic chamber. Fuel exits the fuel reforming device through a gaseous fluid exit port. In the process of phase change from liquid to gaseous phase, there is no change of chemical composition and C8H18 remains stable throughout, except for an increase in Enthalpy (heat content) per mol.
US08721746B2	Solid fuel A solid fuel molded out of a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm and thermoplastic resin, wherein the mixture contains 80 to 95 parts by weight of the total of the wood pieces and the paper pieces and 5 to 15 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, and the weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces is 20:80 to 90:10.The solid fuel which generates a stable amount of heat is manufactured by using waste wood, waste paper and waste thermoplastic resin in a well-balanced ratio.
US08721744B2	Copolymer with high chemical homogeneity and use thereof for improving the cold flow properties of fuel oils A copolymer with high chemical homogeneity, consisting of (A) 50 to 30% by weight of ethylene, (B) 50 to 70% by weight of C4- to C24-hydrocarbyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, (C) 0 to 5% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid and (D) 0 to 10% by weight of copolymerizable monomers, obtainable by polymerizing a mixture of 80 to 60% by weight of ethylene, 20 to 40% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid and 0 to 10% by weight of copolymerizable monomers in a backmixing, continuous polymerization apparatus, and subsequently polymer-analogously esterifying the resulting copolymer with C4- to C24-hydrocarbinols. The inventive copolymer is suitable for improving the cold flow properties of fuel oils, for lowering the lower mixing temperature of cold flow improver additives into fuel oils, and for improving the filterability of fuel oils comprising cold flow improver additives.
US08721739B2	Agent for altering the color of keratin fibers containing a fatty substance and a rheology modifying polymer in an alkaline system The present invention is drawn to an agent and process for altering the color of keratin fibers wherein the agent comprises: (A) a color base composition containing a fatty substance having a viscosity greater than about 50 mm2/s at 40° C., a rheology modifying polymer; an alkalizing agent; a one short alkyl chain hydroxy compound chosen from monoalcohols and polyols; and an oxidative dye precursor; and (B) an oxidizing composition comprising an oxidizing agent; and wherein the pH of the agent for altering the color of keratin fibers is greater than 7.
US08721737B2	Passive ankle prosthesis with energy return simulating that of a natural ankle Disclosed are passive lower limb prosthetic devices comprising at least a two degree of freedom mechanism and a network of compression springs.
US08721733B2	Prosthesis kit with finned sleeve A modular prosthesis kit includes a sleeve. The sleeve has a central portion and a fin. At least part of the central portion includes a plurality of adjacent terraces. The fin includes a pair of tapered outer surfaces that are continuous, non-terraced and define a wedge-shape to stabilize the position of the sleeve when implanted. The sleeve may include a single terraced spout or wing with such a fin or may not have any spouts or wings extending out from the central portion. The kit may also include sleeves with two spouts or wings extending out from the central portion.
US08721730B2	Multiple-cam, posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action by either distinct bars or interconnected structural elements such as cam extensions to prevent early translation of the knee or dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which can occur in cruciate-substituting designs.
US08721727B2	Glenoid component with offset center and associated methods A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.
US08721726B2	Glenoid implant A cup intended to interact with a prosthetic humeral head has a generally circular shape and positioning and anchoring devices for embedding the cup in an anatomical glenoid cavity in such a way that a load-bearing and sliding surface of the cup is integrated into the continuity of the anatomical cavity so as to be perfectly congruent with the humeral head.
US08721723B2	Expandable vertebral prosthesis An expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, gear member and a locking assembly positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis is disclosed. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate the inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
US08721721B2	Devices, methods, and systems for prosthetic meniscus selection, trialing, and implantation Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.
US08721719B2	Controlling implanted blood pumps A blood pump controller includes a microcontroller and a communication interface. The microcontroller is configured to communicate with various types of blood pump communication modules. The microcontroller is further configured to determine, based on communication with a particular type of blood pump communication module, the particular type of blood pump communication module communicated with. The microcontroller is further configured to select, based on the determination of the particular type of blood pump communication module, control logic used to control the particular type of blood pump communication module. The microcontroller is further configured to generate, based on the selected control logic, commands for controlling the blood pump communication module. The communication interface is configured to connect the microcontroller to the particular type of blood pump communication module.
US08721713B2	System for implanting a replacement valve A system for percutaneously inserting a prosthesis containing a biological replacement for a defective valve into an implantation site through a body lumen. The system contains a balloon catheter upon which a collapsable stent containing a venous valvular replacement is mounted. A protective shield is slidably mounted upon the catheter that is movable between a closed position over the balloon and an open position wherein the balloon can be inflated to expand the stent. A central lumen runs through the catheter that is formed of stainless steel. The central lumen provides a one to one torque ratio between the proximal end of the catheter and the distal end to enhance the steerability of the catheter. The vein of the replacement is reduced in thickness between 50% and 90% of its original size thereby considerably reducing the size of the replacement package when the stem is collapsed upon the balloon of the catheter.
US08721711B2	Graft having microporous membrane for uniform fluid infusion Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body, having a first element capable of contacting the lumen of the conduit and a second element which overlays first element, a reservoir being formed between the first element and the second element, the interior of the reservoir being capable of fluid communication with the conduit such that a substance placed in the reservoir is delivered into the conduit. In embodiments, the first element may be fully or partially microporous or a separate intermediate microporous membrane may be provided. Also provided are methods of mixing or moving a drug within a reservoir using various mixing elements. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing a device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
US08721709B2	Self-expansible stent with radiopaque markers and method of making such a stent Pushing a self-expanding stent from one of its ends, during release of the stent at a stenting site in a bodily lumen, by proximal withdrawal of a surrounding sheath, can impose unacceptably high stresses on parts of the strut network of the stent. For location of stents in a bodily lumen, it is customary to equip the end annulus of a stent with radiopaque markers. The present invention involves arranging the markers so that they share with non-marker portions of the end annulus the stresses imposed in the stent by the end pushing, whereby the high stresses are shared more equally by all the struts of the stent in the end annulus.
US08721706B2	Specialty stents with flow control features or the like Methods and systems are described for receiving a parameter relating to a specific patient and for configuring a stent with a flow occlusion portion in response to receiving the parameter relating to the specific patient.
US08721703B2	Adhesive coated stent and insertion instrument A deployment cartridge is provided to insert a coated stent into a junction formed between to tubular tissue sections. The deployment cartridge includes a pusher and a coated stent contained within the pusher. The pusher includes support structure for engagement with the stent. The stent is coated with a tissue sealant or tissue adhesive. An insertion instrument is also disclosed for advancing the deployment cartridge into the junction formed between the two tubular tissue sections. There is also disclosed a method of facilitating the support and healing at a juncture formed between tubular tissue sections with a coated stent.
US08721700B2	Therapeutic heated pocket A therapeutic heated pocket and method of use in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises an outer covering, edge trim, baby-dry material, insulation material, headliner material, heating coil, heating element, power cord and power adjustment controller. The pocket allows an arthritis sufferer to quickly and evenly warm an affected area in order to increase blood flow to the area. This has been shown to increase mobility and decrease pain for several hours after use.
US08721698B2	Light therapy device A light therapy device is taught including a light emitting assembly having light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. The light emitting assembly capable of generating 2,500 lux to 7,500 lux at 12 inches.
US08721696B2	Selective treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis Method for treating chronic rhinosinusitis in a human patient. In the method a photosensitizing agent such as indocyanine green can be applied to color a nasal or sinal treatment site harboring infectious microorganisms. The photosensitizing agent can have an energy absorption peak in a near infrared wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method can also include applying light energy from a laser source at a near infrared wavelength or wavelengths to the colored treatment site, for a duration sufficient to control the microorganisms. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
US08721695B2	Device and method for stimulating neuronal tissue by means of optical stimuli A device with a control unit and a plurality of stimulation units configured to be implanted in the body of a patient and generate optical stimuli, wherein the optical stimuli reset the phase of the neuronal activity of the neurons during the stimulation of neurons exhibiting abnormally synchronous and oscillatory neuronal activity, and the control unit is configured to actuate the stimulation units such that at least two of the stimulation units reset the phases of the respectively stimulated neurons at different times.
US08721693B2	Cervical plate locking mechanism and associated surgical method The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented. Alternatively, the cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention utilizes a locking plate having petal structures that are inwardly biased prior to insertion of the head portion of the locking screws via an externally-disposed c-ring or the like.
US08721692B2	Methods and devices for spinal fixation element placement Minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for positioning a spinal fixation element in relation to adjacent spinal anchors. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a percutaneous access device that can be coupled to a spinal anchor, and the method includes the step of positioning a spinal fixation element through at least one sidewall opening of at least two percutaneous access devices such that the spinal fixation element extends in a lengthwise orientation that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of each percutaneous access device. The spinal fixation element can then be advanced in the lengthwise orientation to seat the spinal fixation element in or adjacent to the receiver heads of at least two adjacent spinal anchors. A fastening element or other closure mechanism can then be applied to each spinal anchor to engage the spinal fixation element within the receiver heads of the adjacent anchors.
US08721689B2	Multi-axial spinal cross-connectors A multi-axial spinal cross-connector is configured for connection between spinal fixation devices such as spinal fixation rods. The cross-connector has first and second connection members that are joinable at a fixable pivot junction. The pivot junction allows the connection members to assume various positions relative to one another. A clamp is provided on each end of the first and second connection members whose open and closed states are controlled by fixation of a pivot structure which also fixates the positions of the first and second connection members relative to each other. The cross-connector provides single and/or multi-step locking of both end clamps at the pivot joint. The cross-connector also provides easy in situ sizing, positioning and adjustability.
US08721687B2	Spinal implant for lumbar vertebra to sacrum fixation A spinal implant includes a first arm comprising a first upper portion and a first lower portion extending from a first middle portion, the first upper portion, first lower portion, and first middle portion defining a first inward facing surface; a projection extending from the first middle portion; a second arm comprising a second upper portion and a second lower portion extending from a second middle portion, the second middle portion defining a bore configured to receive the projection to enable adjustment of the second arm relative to the first arm, the second upper portion, the second lower portion, and the second middle portion defining a second inward facing surface; a plurality of first spikes extending in a generally perpendicular fashion from the first and second inward facing surfaces; and at least one second spike extending in a non-perpendicular fashion from the first and second inward facing surfaces.
US08721686B2	Spinous process fusion implants and insertion, compression, and locking instrumentation A bone plate assembly including at least one bone plate, polyaxially adjustable fixation elements and a polyaxially adjustable locking mechanism. A first plate includes at least one polyaxial element for lockable connection with a fixation pad, and a connection feature which allows the plate to translate and polyaxially rotate relative to the locking mechanism. A second plate includes at least one polyaxial element for connection with a fixation pad and a connection feature for non-rotatable connection with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows translation and polyaxial adjustment of the first plate relative to the second plate and locks the first and second plates via a taper lock. The fixation pad includes a deflectable spacer configured to prevent premature locking of the pad. Methods for implantation of the bone plate assembly between bone structures are disclosed. Instrumentation for implantation, compression and locking of the bone plate assembly is disclosed.
US08721680B2	Apparatus and methods for sealing a vascular puncture An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including a positioning assembly, a sheath releasably engaged with the positioning assembly, and a support member axially advanceable through the sheath. The positioning assembly includes a positioning element positioned at a distal portion of the positioning assembly and a sealant disposed at a distal portion of the positioning assembly. The sheath guides the sealant and positioning assembly to the puncture in the vessel wall.
US08721674B2	Catheter with occluding cuff A device, method, and system of deploying an embolic protection device at a location distal to a treatment site in a vessel of a patient. A delivery catheter is encircled by a sealing member which is expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The device creates a seal to prevent the flow of blood during the treatment of vascular disease. A distal protection element is delivered by the delivery catheter and deployed to filter or remove embolic debris.
US08721673B2	Method of acupuncture and a needle for carrying out said method The invention relates to medicine, in particular to reflexotherapy and can be used for producing long-term acupuncture action on a patient body. The inventive method for prolonged acupuncture treatment consists in determining acupuncture loci, in selecting the needle input and output points, in passing the needle through the selected needle input and output points, in keeping both needle ends outside the patient's skin, in securing the needle in this position by means of locks mounted on the needle ends and, after finishing the acupuncture session, leaving the needle in the patient's body for a specified time. Said method is characterised in that acusal tracts are formed in different histological layers of the patient's tissue by introducing needles and the points, situated in the area of the acupuncture loci and/or reflexogenic zone and/or indifferent zone, are selected as the input and/or output points for each needle. Said invention makes it possible to non-medicamentally treat the extended range of diseases and to increase the efficiency of prolonged acupuncture. Said method is carried out by using relatively simple and inexpensive facilities and makes it possible to carry out the efficient treatment practically devoid of side effects, thereby ensuring the extended use thereof in medical practice.
US08721672B2	Variable fit lancet A lancet having a lancet body and a sharp lancing tip extending from the lancet body, the lancet body including at least one flexing engagement fin, which is resiliently deformable upon insertion into a receiver of a lancing device. The outer dimension of the lancet effectively self-adjusts to conform to a wide range of receiver inner dimensions, and as such, the lancet of the present invention enables universal application with a larger range of lancing devices than previously known lancets.
US08721671B2	Electric lancet actuator An electric lancet actuator and method of using same. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood by puncturing the skin. The lancet can be contained within a stationary housing which interacts with the proximal or driving end of lancet and allows the distal or front end of the lancet to protrude beyond the stationary housing and puncture the skin. Electric field coils or solenoids drive the lancet using either magnetic attraction or repulsion.
US08721669B2	Systems and methods for surgical removal of brain tumors A method for treating a brain tumor includes providing a surgical instrument having an inner member and an outer member. The outer member has a distal region forming a cutting window. The inner member is rotatably received within the outer member, and has a cutting tip that is exposed at the window. The cutting tip and the distal region of the outer member combine to define a cutting implement. An opening is created through the patient's skull to provide access to a brain tumor target site. The cutting implement is delivered through the opening to the target site. The cutting tip is placed into contact with the tumor and operated to cut the tumor. The target site is selectively aspirated to remove cut tumor tissue.
US08721668B2	Systems and methods for treatment of compressed nerves Disclosed herein is a system for releasing a ligament. In one embodiment, the system includes a proximal handle, a tubular body, and a flexible body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The handle is coupled to the proximal end. The flexible body extends through the tubular body and includes a tissue cutting portion. The flexible body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the tubular body to move the tissue cutting portion between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.
US08721666B2	Method of facial reconstructive surgery using a self-anchoring tissue lifting device A self-anchoring tissue lifting device for use with facial cosmetic reconstructive surgery includes an implant and a removable foil cover disposed on the implant. The implant includes an elongated mesh strip having a distal end on which is situated a tissue anchoring fleece material. Opposite lateral edges of the mesh material are preferably laser cut during the manufacturing process of the implant to provide a plurality of tissue engaging prickles along the longitudinal length of the implant. For treating the mid face and jowl, a stab incision is made within the hairline of the temple region of the patient and the device is applied from the temporal area to the peak of the ipsilateral cheek to capture the malar fat pad to correct midface abnormalities or the ptotic tissue causing the jowl.
US08721665B2	Method and apparatus for circulatory valve repair An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.
US08721663B2	Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.
US08721662B2	Skin treatment system and method of use A device, a system employing the device, and method of performing skin treatment are provided for skin treatment. The device includes a vacuum head base defining a chamber therein and having a substantially smooth treatment tip attached and extending from an end thereof or integral therewith. The tip has at least one central opening that is open to the chamber, and is adapted to contact the skin and traverse the skin in a substantially nonabrasive manner. A vacuum access opening is provided through a side wall of the vacuum head base and adapted to connect with a source of vacuum. A tissue stop member is located within the chamber. It may have an abrasive surface for exfoliating skin cells, or a smooth surface for traversing the skin without substantial abrasion.
US08721657B2	Medical instrument A medical instrument for performing a medical procedure within a body cavity includes: an insertion part which is inserted into the body cavity and has a bending part capable of bending in a predetermined range; a manipulating part which manipulates the bending part; a wire which connects the bending part with the manipulating part; and a clutch which is provided in the manipulating part and maintains a bending state of the bending part.
US08721653B2	Implantable cross-pin for anterior cruciate ligament repair A novel cross-pin for use in ACL reconstructive surgical procedures. The cross-pin has an elongated body having a distal tapered end. A guide wire opening in the distal end is in communication with a tunnel contained in the distal end. There is a trough extending into the outer surface of the trough for receiving a guide wire. The trough is in communication with the tunnel.
US08721649B2	Hip joint access using a circumferential wire and balloon The devices disclosed herein can provide access to the central compartment by accessing the medial-inferior side of the acetabulum, where a gap in the labrum exists. A distending device access the peripheral compartment of a hip joint. The device can then be circumferentially looped around the femoral head, and further tightened. Tightening the circumferential device can cause a balloon of the device to be placed within the gap. The balloon may then be inflated within the gap to distend the femoral head from the acetabulum.
US08721647B2	Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement methods related thereto The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member, which also preferably is arcuate, and avoids the associated problems with prior cage or straight rod and screw systems. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for repairing, replacing or augmenting the nucleus and/or annulus of a disc.
US08721645B2	Bone fixing system and method of use A bone fixing system useful for holding bone in position, and a method for installing the same are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature are passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop extending from a first portion of a body. The ends of the conformable ligature are passed through the body and extend out a second portion of the body. The ends may be attached to a tensioning tool and a selected tension may be applied. A closure member may engage an engagement portion of the body to create a friction force to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant movement relative to the body.
US08721643B2	Telemetric orthopaedic implant An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.
US08721639B2	Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.
US08721635B2	Bipolar chondroplasty device A system and method for convectively heating tissue to smooth the surface of the tissue. A fluid, such as saline is distributed across a tissue surface. A bipolar tool is placed within the fluid, but not touching the tissue. An RF signal is sent from a generator through the electrodes to rapidly boil the fluid. Heat is then transferred from the boiling fluid to the tissue resulting in minimal heat damage to tissue. An impedance matching system is used to maximize power received at the bipolar from the generator. Additionally, a control system monitors the boiling fluid to limit arcing.
US08721632B2	Methods for delivering energy into a target tissue of a body An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.
US08721631B2	Twister fiber optic systems and their use in medical applications An improved device and method for safe, accurate and efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. The disclosed device is an optical fiber set with an asymmetric distal end configuration, comprising a bent tip fiber with a fused sleeve as an integral part of it, placed at the fiber's distal (output) end and with a rotatable connector at the proximal (input) side. Fiber tip and tissue-contacting surface located at the distal end of the tip may be constructed with different shape configurations, such as convex tip to improve focusing characteristics, concave tip to achieve diverging irradiation or an expanded beam tip to achieve an effect similar to that obtained by electrosurgical tools. A grip guarantees and enhances the ability to twist and rotate it easily. In another preferred embodiment, twisting maneuvers are enhanced through a special configuration. Both special features (bent tip and rotatable connector), allow for improved and enhanced treatment of diverse pathologies, making possible to efficiently and easily reach and treat specific tissues. Optical fiber's steerability, twistability and rotation lead to a more precise and improved effect on tissues.
US08721629B2	System and method for mechanical closure of wounds Devices for treating wounds and methods of treating wounds are described. In use, the devices allow both mechanical force and negative pressure therapy.
US08721628B2	Medical coupling system An adapter that bridges the connecting ends of a medication providing device and a fluid connector includes a housing shroud that is fitted at one end with a core and at its other end with an inner shroud. Once fitted to the housing shroud, the core and the inner shroud each are not removable from the housing shroud. A catch hub is provided within the housing shroud for non-removably maintaining the core to the housing shroud. The core is rotatable relative to the housing shroud.
US08721626B2	Catheter for conducting a procedure within a lumen, duct or organ of a living being In an embodiment, the invention provides a catheter suitable for use in performing a procedure within a vessel, lumen or organ of a living having a distal end which is steerable, such as upon the application of compression. The catheter may be of the over the wire type, or alternatively may be a rapid exchange catheter. The catheter may provide for a rotating element which may be used to open a clogged vessel, or alternatively to provide information about adjacent tissues, such as may be generated by imaging or guiding arrangements using tissue detection systems known in the art, e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence reflectometry, etc. For rapid exchange catheters having a rotating element, there is provided an offset drive assembly to allow the rotary force to be directed from alongside the guidewire to a location coaxial to and over the guidewire.
US08721623B2	C-channel to O-channel converter for a single operator exchange biliary catheter A catheter system for use during biliary procedures, including a first elongate member carrying a guidewire lumen, and a channel extending longitudinally along the member which provides access to the guidewire lumen and defines two edge surfaces. A second elongate member is also included which is disposed within the guidewire lumen and mates with the cross-sectional profile of the guidewire lumen of the first elongate member, thereby converting a guidewire lumen having a C-shaped design into one having an O-shaped design. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures requiring the use of small diameter guidewires which would otherwise slip out of the channel during use.
US08721618B2	Device for actively removing a target cell from blood or lymph of a vertebrate subject Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling the level of one or more target cell types in the blood fluid and/or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; one or more sensor configured to detect one or more target cell types in blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; at least one reactive component disposed in the at least one treatment region; and at least one controller in communication with the one or more sensor and in communication with the at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen.
US08721617B2	Liquid component collecting device A liquid component collecting device capable of more easily collecting a liquid component. A liquid component collecting device (100) is provided with: a flexible cylindrical liquid component storage container (21) having an opening at one end thereof; a cylindrical first housing container (22) for housing the liquid component storage container (21) and having an opening at one end thereof; and a first cap (23) connected to the opening in the liquid component storage container (21) and fitted to the opening in the first housing container (22). A pressure regulating space (26) independent of the internal space of the liquid component storage container (21) is formed between the outer side of the liquid component storage container (21) and the inner side of the first housing container (22). The first cap (23) is provided with a liquid component inlet channel (27) for introducing blood into the liquid component storage container (21), a first communication channel (28) communicating with the internal space of the liquid component storage container (21), and a second communication channel (29) communicating with the pressure regulating space (26).
US08721616B2	Packaging system for pharmaceutical compositions and kit for intravenous administration The invention refers to a new system for packaging pharmaceutical compositions comprising active principles that may be administered intravenously, in particular it concerns a system for packaging in bottles which makes it possible to ensure the complete transfer of the content of the bottle into the liquid for intravenous infusion and at the same time prevent any accidental contact with the active principle by the health-care personnel preparing said intravenous infusion, and a complete kit for intravenous administration.
US08721612B2	System and method for intermixing the contents of two containers A system and method for intermixing the contents of two containers. The system includes a first container, a second container, and a connector for providing fluid communication between the first and second containers. The connector includes at least one resilient retention member for securing the first container to the connector. In addition, the connector accommodates standard vials containing, for example, medicaments, and prevents the unwanted discharge of the contents of the vial into the environment.
US08721609B2	Absorptive article An absorptive article (1) has: an absorptive body (10) which includes an absorption body; and an exterior body (20) which is provided to the outer surface side of the absorptive body (10) and which is provided with a belly-side portion (F) and a back-side portion (B). The belly-side portion (F) and the back-side portion (B) are joined together at joint sections (21, 22). Reduced strength regions (T) and unreduced strength regions (S) are disposed between the belly-side section (F) and the back-side section (B) at the positions of the joint sections (21, 22). A reduced strength region (T) includes a joint strength-reducing material for reducing the joint strength between the joint sections (21, 22), and an unreduced strength region (S) includes no joint strength-reducing material.
US08721608B2	Body waste collecting device comprising a layered adhesive construction A body waste collecting device comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive construction for attaching a collecting pouch on human skin containing at least two layers of adhesive. The two layers differ in that the skin facing layer of adhesive is softer and more dissipative in nature than the non-skin facing layer of adhesive.
US08721606B2	Dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed for treating tissue with reduced pressure. A dressing for distributing reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers that are stacked and a plurality of spacers disposed at least partially between adjacent liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers are fenestrated at least in part. The plurality of spacers and plurality of liquid-impermeable layers form a plurality of flow paths for allowing fluid flow under reduced pressure. Adjacent layers of the plurality of liquid-impermeable layers are stacked without foam between at least a majority of coextensive surfaces. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08721595B2	Surgical suction wand A suction wand for use during a surgical operation involving cutting of bone which yields bone debris, the wand comprising a suction conduit, a suction tip, and a positive pressure conduit for directing gas toward the suction tip to expel debris.
US08721588B2	Noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support A noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support has an inner wall defining a noncircular cross-sectional shaped lumen for use in delivery of multiple microcatheters or other devices for treatment of neurovascular defects, such as for treatment of aneurysms. The noncircular inner lumen guiding catheter with assisted variable support includes torque transmittal guidance walls that are flexible linearly but not circumferentially, and that are neither collapsible nor kinkable. The noncircular shaped cross-section of the inner lumen may extend along the entire length of the catheter or a portion thereof, including distal or proximal.
US08721584B2	Methods and systems for determining an intravenous insulin infusion rate to correct hyperglycemia of a patient, to maintain euglycemia of a patient, and to prevent hypoglycemia of a patient Methods and systems for determining an intravenous infusion rate to correct hyperglycemia of a patient, to maintain euglycemia of a patient, and to prevent hypoglycemia are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for determining an intravenous insulin infusion rate to correct hyperglycemia of a patient includes estimating an insulin infusion maintenance rate to maintain euglycemia in a patient. Further, a relationship between a current blood glucose concentration of the patient and a target blood glucose concentration may be determined. An insulin infusion rate may be determined based on the estimated insulin infusion maintenance rate and based on the relationship between the current blood glucose concentration and the target blood glucose concentration. A glycemic response of the patient may be measured while using the determined insulin infusion rate. The insulin infusion maintenance rate is re-estimated based on the glycemic response of the patient at a previous insulin infusion rate.
US08721582B2	Internal dry powder delivery system and method thereof An internal dry powder delivery system through a working channel of an endoscopic cannula for directly applying the powder form medication to an internal tissue/organ site, includes an elongated tubular delivery channel and a powder supply device for producing pressurized gas mixing with the dry powder for feeding to form a mixture of dry powder and pressurized gas delivering to an internal tissue/organ site through the delivery channel via endoscopic cannula. It ensures a smooth powder release by preventing liquid from accumulation at the tip of the delivery channel and offers physicians a new powder form drug delivery method via endoscope. Also, it offers new minimal invasive application by directly and precisely applying the powder format drug to the internal sites of human gastrointestinal organ via endoscope to achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor treatment, etc.
US08721574B2	Skin stimulator A skin stimulator which can be produced through a simple process in which a circular disc of a drum is formed by integrating a metal disc having needles on a circumferential surface thereof with a reinforcing resin material using insert injection molding and layering a plurality of metal discs and retainers, thus increasing productivity and economic efficiency, realizing stable operation and preventing foreign substances from being jammed in the drum, and which is configured such that, when pricking the skin with the needles, the needles do not give severe damage to the skin and can be prevented from being broken, thus being effectively used for a lengthy period of time, and in which each of the needles forms a polygonal cross-section of at least six sides instead of a circular cross section, so that, when pricking the skin with the needles, the contact surface of each needle relative to the skin can be reduced, thus minimizing the pain.
US08721573B2	Automatically adjusting contact node for multiple rib space engagement A vibratory attachment interface enabling transmission of oscillations generated by an oscillation source upon an external human body surface. The interface comprises a first contact node and a second contact node slideably mounted alongside the first contact node, wherein the contact nodes are each sized and shaped to enable seating within a human rib-space, and whereby upon forced engagement of the first contact node within a first rib-space, the second contact node automatically slides and conforms to the contour of a second differing rib-space thereby optimally nestling within the second rib-space. The attachment interface is for use in contoured application to preferably the anatomic left sternal border, third and fourth intercostal space, such as to enable and ensure an optimized vibratory transmission pathway from the chest wall to the base of the heart and coronary arteries thereupon.
US08721572B1	Systems, devices, kits and methods for therapy of the eye Modularized eye treatment devices, systems, kits and method are disclosed which include therapy delivery modules that are combined in a housing to deliver one or more therapies to a patient. Therapy modules include temperature control modules, moisture delivery modules and massage delivery modules. A controller can be provided that identifies which therapy modules are provided and therapy is adjusted based on the identification of which modules are provided in the housing.
US08721569B2	Physical therapy device A physical therapy device is disclosed. An example of the physical therapy device includes a cuff for attachment to a patient's limb. The example physical therapy device also includes a light emitter mounted to the cuff. The example physical therapy device also includes a tracking pattern corresponding to at least one physical therapy exercise. The patient performs the physical therapy exercise by moving the patient's limb in such a manner so as to track light from the light emitter on the tracking pattern.
US08721567B2	Mobile postural screening method and system A mobile, hand-held communication device with a display screen and a camera is programmed to perform a postural screening method. An image of a patient is acquired on the display screen having an array of pixels. A pixel to distance ratio of the displayed image is determined. A postural displacement of the patient in the displayed image is calculated using the determined ratio. A gyroscope, accelerometer and/or a level of the device is used to level the camera before capturing the image with the camera. Reference lines are overlaid on the display screen and the image to enable alignment of the image. A reference line on the display screen is used for normalizing a known distance in the aligned image to a reference distance of a known number of pixels on the screen for determining the ratio.
US08721565B2	Device for forming an effective sensor-to-tissue contact A device for tissue characterization, comprises a structure; a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for exerting a first force on a tissue, for fixing the tissue to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the tissue; and a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing a sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a second force on the immobilized tissue, wherein at least a component of the first force is in opposition to at least a component of the second force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the sensor, and forcing the sensor against the immobilized tissue, bringing about an effective contact between the sensor and the immobilized tissue.
US08721562B2	Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
US08721561B2	Method and apparatus for analyzing pulmonary performance A pulmonary testing device and method are provided that measure an inspired volume of a selected gas component. In one configuration, the selected gas component is injected into the device in an airway of the device upstream of a gas analyzer. The device has opposing open ends, one for the patient's mouth and the other for inspiration of air.
US08721558B2	Device for determining the flow rate of a blood flow, and cardiovascular assist device A device for the in vivo determination of the blood flow rate in a patient's blood vessel includes a microelectrode arrangement provided for placement in the blood vessel, an electrical power source which provides excitation energy having physiologically harmless parameters for obtaining a measured signal, a signal detector for detecting an electrical measured signal resulting from the blood flow in the presence of the excitation energy at measuring electrodes of the microelectrode arrangement, and a signal evaluation device, connected to the signal detector, for determining the blood flow rate on the basis of the measured signal.
US08721557B2	Pattern of cuff inflation and deflation for non-invasive blood pressure measurement Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for determining a physiologic parameter of a patient. Specifically, embodiments provided herein include methods and systems for non-invasive determination of blood pressure. Information from a photoplethysmography sensor may be used to determine a systolic pressure, which in turn may be used to control a deflation pattern of a blood pressure cuff.
US08721556B2	Arterial pressure-based, automatic determination of a cardiovascular parameter One or more cardiovascular parameters is estimated as a function of the arterial pressure waveform, in particular, using at least one statistical moment of a discrete representation pressure waveform having an order greater than one. Arterial compliance, the exponential pressure decay constant, vascular resistance, cardiac output, and stroke volume are examples of cardiovascular parameters that can be estimated using various aspects of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, not only are the first four moments (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) of the pressure waveform used to estimate the cardiovascular parameter(s) of interest, but also heart rate, statistical moments of a set of pressure-weighted time values, and certain anthropometric patient measurements such as age, sex, body surface area, etc.
US08721554B2	Random body movement cancellation for non-contact vital sign detection A method and system for cancelling body movement effect for non-contact vital sign detection is described. The method begins with sending on a first electromagnetic wave transceiver a first electromagnetic signal with a first frequency to a first side of a body, such as a person or animal. Simultaneously using a second electromagnetic wave transceiver a second electromagnetic signal is sent with a second frequency to a second side of a body, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are different frequencies. A first reflected electromagnetic signal reflected back in response to the first electromagnetic wave on the first transceiver is received and a first baseband complex signal is extracted. Likewise a second reflected electromagnetic signal reflected back in response to the second electromagnetic wave on the second transceiver is received and a second baseband complex signal is extracted. The first baseband complex signal is mathematically combined with the second baseband complex signal to cancel out a Doppler frequency drift therebetween to yield a periodic Doppler phase effect.
US08721552B2	Compressive surfaces for ultrasonic scanning Automated ultrasonic scanning of a chestwardly compressed breast of a supine patient uses a scanning assembly that moves down to compress the breast through a membrane that is secured to the assembly across a bottom opening. A motorized ultrasound transducer moves across the breast while the breast remains downwardly compressed against the patient's chest, sending and receiving ultrasound energy through the membrane. The membrane is porous with respect to an acoustic coupling liquid that impregnates it. The transducer outputs ultrasound information that is processed to form initial planar images and then reconstructed slice images of breast tissue.
US08721547B2	Ultrasound system and method of forming ultrasound image The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system capable of providing a plurality of M-mode images corresponding to M-mode lines without moving a probe. A volume data forming and reconstructing unit of the present invention forms volume data based on the ultrasound echo signals, the volume data forming and reconstructing unit being configured to determine a beat period of the moving object and reconstruct the volume data based on the beat period. A processor forms at least one reference image based on the reconstructed volume data and one or more M-mode images corresponding to one or more M-mode lines set on the reference image and a display unit displays the reference image, the M-mode lines and the M-mode images.
US08721546B2	Intravenous catheter insertion and blood sample devices and method of use Devices and methods for guidewire assisted placement of catheters into blood vessels are described. Some of the devices and methods relate to automated or partially automated or assisted insertion and placement of an intravenous catheter into a vein or artery of a patient. Other of the devices are blood draw devices and methods for insertion and placement of an intravenous device into a vein or artery of a patient or to withdraw a blood sample from the patient. The devices also provide for guide wire tip inspection after use.
US08721541B2	Physiological monitor A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites.
US08721536B2	Arcuate surgical guidance system and methods This disclosure is directed to minimally-invasive devices, methods and systems used through small access portals to minimize trauma to structures adjacent the treatment site. The access device includes a guide frame and a cannula support washer movebly coupled to the guide frame. The washer has a cannula port aperture extending therethrough and a surface geometry complementary to the surface geometry of the guide frame. The complementary surface geometries limit movement of the cannula port aperture to arcuate movement along a surface segment of a sphere.
US08721535B2	Tracheal intubation device A tracheal intubation device for placing an endotracheal tube in the trachea of a patient includes a bar-shaped camera, a handle portion, a guiding portion, and a display device. The bar-shaped camera for capturing images is placed inside the endotracheal tube. The display device is electrically connected to the bar-shaped camera for displaying images captured by the bar-shaped camera. The guiding portion connected to the handle portion has a front end and a rear end. The rear end is connected to the handle portion, and the bar-shaped camera and the endotracheal tube are movably situated in the guiding portion.
US08721533B2	Image pickup apparatus An actuator has a magnet moved together with a moving lens frame, an SMA wire capable of extending and contracting in a moving direction I of the moving lens frame with execution or non-execution of energization thereof, a fixing member made of a magnetic material attached to a distal end of the SMA wire, a pressing spring which urges the fixing member toward the magnet along the moving direction I, and a stopper member and a stopper portion which limits the movement of the magnet along the moving direction I at a first position or a second position.
US08721530B2	Tendon-driven endoscope and methods of use A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.
US08721526B2	Insertion assisting device and endoscope apparatus An insertion assisting device 60 has an insertion path 70 into which an insertion portion 12 of an endoscope 100 is inserted and has a substantially tubular shape. The insertion assisting device 60 includes a ventilation opening 90 that is formed on a distal-end surface or outer circumferential surface thereof, a ventilation duct 74 that communicates with the opening 90 and is different from the insertion path 70, and a liquid reservoir tank 116 that is connected to a base-end side of the duct 74 and stores liquid flowing out of the duct 74.
US08721525B2	Endoscope system with a modulated radiation source An endoscope system includes a radiation source which emits a modulated radiation and is applied in a manner such that an object to be examined by an endoscope may be illuminated with the radiation. A sensor is provided for detecting the radiation reflected by the object,at at least one picture point. An evaluation device obtains readings of the detected radiation from the sensor, determines phase differences on the basis of these readings, and computes the distance of the object to the sensor device on the basis of these phase differences. A corresponding supplementary module for an endoscope and endoscope optics with these features are also provided.
US08721523B2	Mechanized dildo A mechanized dildo, including a motor driven coaxial plurality of longitudinally spaced drive cams, and corresponding sets of passive cams that operate within an elastic phallic sleeve to locally cyclically expand a girth of the sleeve. Optional vibratory elements are positioned proximate a distal extremity of the sleeve, and in a laterally extending arm that is formed for clitoral stimulation. A battery powered control handle provides multiple operating modes and speeds.
US08721519B2	Implantable mesh combining biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers Disclosed are mesh materials adapted for use in an implantable sling. The mesh materials include biodegradable and non-degradable components that may be adapted to facilitate scar-tissue in-growth as the biodegradable components degrade.
US08721518B2	Implantable microphone for hearing systems An implantable microphone for use in hearing systems includes a housing having a sidewall, a first membrane coupled to a top portion of the housing and configured to move in response to movement from an auditory ossicle, and a second membrane coupled to the sidewall such that an interior volume of the housing is divided into a first volume and a second volume. The second membrane has an opening that permits fluid to flow from the first volume to the second volume. The implantable microphone also includes a vibration sensor adjacent to the second membrane and configured to measure the movement of the second membrane and to convert the measurement into an electrical signal. The vibration sensor may include a piezoelectric sensor and/or a MEMS sensor.
US08721517B2	Impeller for catheter pump An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.
US08721515B2	Rigid body aortic blood pump implant An implantable aortic blood pump includes a rigid body having wall extending along a long axis and defining an inflation port portion with an inflation aperture therethrough. The aperture is fluid communication with an inner surface of the body and on a fluid supply, the body is preferably independent of an external brace or an external stiffener, yet still has a cantilevered deformation of less than 8 millimeters in response to a 200 gram weight suspended from a front body edge. A deflecting structure of a membrane deflects in response to fluid pressure so as to pump blood when the pump is secured to a subject aorta.
US08721512B2	Tool magazine device for a machine tool A tool magazine device includes a magazine body adapted to be disposed on a machine body of a machine tool to confront a working space, a plurality of insertion openings formed in a right side wall of the magazine body and each extending towards a left side wall of the magazine body to form a storage chamber, a plurality of gripping members fitted in the insertion openings for grippingly engage cutting tools, an inlet disposed in the magazine body for introducing therein a flow of pressurized air, and an air duct unit disposed on the left side wall and coupled to communicate the inlet with the storage chambers so as to permit the pressurized air to flow out of the insertion openings to thereby clean swarf from the cutting tools.
US08721511B2	Reformer exercise apparatus A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall, an integral downwardly slanted inner wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein between the outer and inner walls. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having an upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly releases the cords by pivoting either one of the shoulder stops toward the foot end of the frame.
US08721510B2	Foldable skateboarding fitness equipment The present invention discloses a foldable skateboarding fitness equipment having a dual-rail track bar in a circular arc shape and slidably sheathed on a cushion frame by a pulley, a turnable cushion seat pivotally coupled to the cushion frame by a ball bearing, a front support frame of an elbow support cushion fixed separately on both sides of the top of the track bar by a pivoting base, a link rod pivotally coupled between the bottom of the front support frame and the top of the track bar, such that a user can kneel on the cushion seat and push the cushion seat to drive the cushion frame to slide back and forth along the track bar, as well as contracting and bending the waist or abdomen to rotate the cushion seat to the left and the right.
US08721509B1	Tiltable multi-purpose variable resistance exercise gym apparatus A table is slidably supported on a chassis which is tiltably supported on a base or support frame whose angle may be adjustable via a motorized tilt control device that allows the chassis and table to be tilted and the weight of the user made available to produce a load against which exercising can be carried out. Said weight may be increased by the addition of one or more elastic resistance bands at various geometric points of said slidable supported device and the fixed base on which it is mounted, and whose geometry serves to apply a pre-tension force to said band(s). By pre-tensioning the material, the resistance band then provides a more linear force to the end user.
US08721508B2	Counterbalance device for weight training A counterbalance device for weight training includes a brake unit and a control unit. The brake unit includes an outer cylinder, a resistant spring received in the outer cylinder, and a screw rod extending through the outer cylinder and the resistant spring. The screw rod is connected with a steel cable of a weight training apparatus. An adjusting member is coupled around the screw rod and movably threaded into the resistant spring. A gear is provided at a front end of the resistant spring. The control unit includes a transmission gear which can be driven by a motor and is engaged with the gear. When the motor is actuated, a position of the adjusting member relative to the resistant spring can be changed, so that a number of spring coils of the resistant spring for compressing are changed, therefore a counterbalance of the weight training apparatus can be adjusted.
US08721505B2	Training assembly Training equipment includes a punch bag suspended on a tensioned flexible resilient suspension cord between two vertically spaced apart fixed points, such as an overhead point and the floor. A pair of stop members limits sliding movement of the punch ball along the suspension cord. A bounce member is secured between the stop member(s) and the punch ball to impart unpredictability to the movement of the punch ball during horizontal and vertical displacement of the ball following a punch or a kick by a trainee.
US08721504B2	Cushioning mechanism of a treadmill A cushioning mechanism of a treadmill is interposed with an auxiliary plate between a base frame and the running board. The cushioning mechanism includes two hanging support pieces, two hanging swing pieces, and a flexible elastic element. When the running board is subject to a downward force and sinks, the flexible elastic element will be pulled and expanded externally. When the external force is eliminated, the running board will be returned back to its original position by the self-restoring ability of the flexible elastic element. In this way, an expected and optimal cushioning effect is achieved.
US08721503B2	Training method and device A training method and device. Signals are received from a training transducer. Training schedule data of exercises for a user is received from a remote correspondent. The training schedule data is stored in a first memory. A human perceptible signal, which is outputted in accordance with a feedback template, includes data content relating to performance of exercise by the user, said feedback template specifying a manner in which the data content is to be conveyed to the user. Output status data from which the human perceptible signal is generated is stored in a second memory. A determination of whether the received signals satisfy criteria of conforming to the training schedule data is continuously carried out in real time as the user is performing the exercises. The training schedule data is updated as a function of a result of the determination. The training device includes the first and second memory.
US08721498B2	Method for crankshaft torque modification during transmission shifts using multiple torque actuators and control system for same A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
US08721497B2	Automatic speed control system for manual transmission Disclosed therein is an automatic speed control system for a manual transmission. Clutch operating means using a combination of a motor and gears, transmission lever operating means using a combination of a motor and gears, and a control part, which check a driving state of a vehicle in real time and controls the motor if gear-shifting is needed, are additionally mounted to a general manual transmission, so that the general manual transmission can automatically shift the gear like an automatic transmission.
US08721496B2	Transmission control during regenerative braking A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle during regenerative braking is provided. The system and method include a brake controller adapted to cause, for a selected transmission gear, a first torque ratio to be applied to a regenerative brake system during regenerative braking and a second torque ratio, different from the first torque ratio, to be applied when the vehicle is not regenerative braking. The first torque ratio results in an increased braking torque generated by the regenerative brake system compared with application of the second torque ratio.
US08721493B2	Drive train for a motor vehicle A drive train system comprising a power transfer unit configured to selectively transfer power from a front driveshaft of a vehicle by providing an output torque through a ring gear, wherein the power transfer unit includes an input shaft that receives torque from a first device, and a first clutch configured to selectively couple the input shaft to the ring gear when activated; a cardan shaft in rotational communication with the ring gear and configured to transfer the output torque; and a rear drive unit coupled to the cardan shaft and configured to selectively transfer the output torque received from the cardan shaft to a rear driveshaft of the vehicle, wherein the rear drive unit includes a torque shaft that is driven by the output torque received from the cardan shaft, and a second clutch that is configured to selectively transfer the output torque from the torque shaft to the rear driveshaft when activated.
US08721489B2	Automatic transmission Provided is an automatic transmission capable of reducing friction loss. The automatic transmission is provided with an input shaft (2) coupled with a sun gear (Sa), an output member (3), a first to third planetary gear mechanisms (4, 5, 6), a first engagement mechanism (C1) coupling the input shaft (2) with a ring gear (Rc) releasably, a second engagement mechanism (C2) coupling a carrier (Ca) with a carrier (Cc) releasably, a third engagement mechanism (C3) coupling the carrier (Ca) with a second coupling body (Rb-Sc) releasably, a fourth engagement mechanism (B1) fixing a first coupling body (Ra-Cb) to a transmission case (1) releasably, a fifth engagement mechanism (B2) fixing a sun gear (Sb) to the transmission case (1) releasably, and a sixth engagement mechanism (B3) fixing the ring gear (Rc) to the transmission case (1) releasably.
US08721488B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US08721486B2	Continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission having a variator (5) comprising input discs (2) coupled to an input shaft (12) and an output disc (3) providing a rotary variator output. The input and output discs are mounted for rotation about a common axis and at last one roller (4) is arranged between the discs to transfer drive from one to the other at a continuously variable variator drive ratio. The roller is mounted in a carrier (30) in a manner which permits it to spin about its own axis and to tilt relative to the disks to vary the variator drive ratio. A hydraulic actuator (22) is arranged to apply to the carrier (30) a reaction force determined by a hydraulic pressure difference acting on the actuator. The reaction force opposes a traction force applied to the roller (4) by the action of the discs (2, 3). Power-recirculation gearing (6), preferably in the form of planetary gearing, receives as inputs the rotation of the input shaft (12) and the rotary variator output, and produces an output speed which is a function of both its inputs.
US08721483B2	Arrangement comprising at least one dog clutch An arrangement which comprises at least one claw clutch that can be connected to at least one component of a transmission, such that the claw clutch is arranged substantially within a bearing support (1) of the transmission.
US08721482B2	Hybrid drive system A hybrid drive system configured with a power split device that performs a differential operation with at least three rotating elements including an input rotating element, a reaction force rotating element, and an output rotating element that is connected to the output member so that driving force is transmitted. A reduction gear that performs a differential operation with at least four rotating elements including an input rotating element, a stationary element, a first output rotating element, and a second output rotating element. A control portion selects an operating mode of the hybrid drive system, from among a first split mode, and a second split mode.
US08721480B2	Bicycle crankset with two chainrings The bicycle crankset includes a bottom bracket axle, two cranks and a chainring carrier bearing first and second different toothed chainrings. The chainring carrier has the shape of a star, of which each arm is provided with a mounting hole aligned with a mounting hole in the first and second chainrings respectively. These holes accommodate elements for fastening chainrings to the chainring carrier, and they are arranged on a first circle with a predetermined diameter. Each arm of the chainring carrier is provided with a second mounting hole arranged on a second circle with a diameter that has been reduced relative to the first circle to match the chainring carrier to two other toothed circular chainrings with a size that is respectively reduced relative to the first and second chainrings and of which the mounting holes are located on the second circle.
US08721475B2	Golf ball and method for producing the same An object of the present invention is to provide a novel golf ball that controls the spin rate on the approach shots while suppressing the change in the spin rate on the driver shots and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a golf ball having a cover containing a resin component and a filler, wherein the filler is oriented roughly parallel to a surface of the cover. The cover having anisotropy behaves like a hard material against the deformation in the compression direction on the driver shots and behaves like a soft material against the deformation in the shear direction on the approach shots. The present invention also provides a method for producing a golf ball, comprising compression molding a cover composition containing a resin component and a filler to mold a shell, and compression molding a core covered with a plurality of shells to mold a cover.
US08721472B2	Golf club head An adjustable golf club incorporates instructions into the golf club, and more particularly, in connection with the club head. More specifically, encoded information is visibly provided on the club head, the encoded information relating to the performance of the club head. In addition to the encoded information, a decoder or device for interpreting the encoded performance information is also provided on the club head. The encoded information, in conjunction with the decoder, allows the golfer to easily adjust his or her club head based on playing conditions or his or her swing. Typically, the encoded information relates to a weight of the club head, and may be used to vary the weight of the club head. A method of configuring a putter-type golf club head adaptable to a plurality of configurations is described, as well as a kit for selectively configuring components of a golf club head.
US08721464B2	Biaxial suspension type dynamic simulator A dynamic simulator includes a carrying platform, a movable platform, a load carrying seat, a first actuator pivotally coupled to carrying platform, and a second actuator pivotally coupled to movable platform, and an included angle is formed between the first actuator and the carrying platform, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the load carrying seat, and an included angle is formed between the second actuator and the first actuator, so as to simplify the dynamic simulator.
US08721460B2	Toy laser gun and laser target system The present invention relates to a toy gun capable of transmitting a laser beam and/or an infrared (“IR”) beam of light for use in a game. The toy gun also has a detector for detecting a laser and IR signal. A controller within the gun tracks the number of shots fired, the type of light beam fired, the number of hits received by other guns, and permits the user to alternate between firing an IR beam or laser beam. The toy gun also has unique features available through the use of lasers, including detecting the distance to a target. The present invention further relates to an interactive electronic targeting system for use with a toy laser gun. The targeting system includes an electronic multi-colored backlit board with light detecting sensors positioned within the board. The targeting system is programmed with multiple interactive games for use with a toy gun.
US08721457B2	Secure offline interactive gambling A secure offline interactive gambling system includes a subscriber unit operative, through interaction with a user, to execute an offline interactive gambling application, a secure processor operatively associated with the subscriber unit and a central gambling facility. The secure processor includes a random gambling input generator operative to randomly or pseudo-randomly generate gambling input to the offline interactive gambling application during execution of the offline interactive gambling application, and a secure memory operatively associated with the random gambling input generator and operative to securely store information related to the execution of the offline interactive gambling application. The information, that is securely stored and the user cannot modify, typically includes the gambling input and user selections made in response to the gambling input and can be used to derive at least one result of the offline interactive gambling application. The information is transmitted to the central gambling facility that re-executes the offline interactive gambling application with the information replacing the gambling input actually generated and the user selections actually entered. By re-executing the offline interactive gambling application at the central gambling facility the at least one result is derived and validated and the user may be credited or debited based on the at least one result. Related apparatus and method are also described.
US08721451B2	Game play skill training Embodiments of the present invention provide a library of video related to game play involving the use of particular objects. By observing game play of users in a game play environment, determinations may be made as to users who excel at the use of a particular object. Video of game play related to these users and a particular object may be created, cataloged, and stored for later use by users that lack proficiency with that object. By observing video of game players with particular skill as to an object, less skilled players may improve their game play thereby avoiding frustration with a game, which may lead to a loss of interest. Acquisition and proffering of video may be facilitated through the use of an analytics server or functional software module that observes game play and identifies players of particular skill or lack thereof.
US08721450B2	Systems and methods for determining a level of reward A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
US08721444B2	Game device for performing operation object control and non-operation object control A frame image acquiring unit acquires a captured image of an input device that is provided with an illuminator. A device information deriving unit derives position information of the input device from the captured image. An input receiving unit acquires attitude information of the input device. An operation object control unit controls the motion of an operation object in accordance with the position information and the attitude information of the input device. A non-operation object control unit controls the motion of a non-operation object. A collision control unit determines the motion of at least one of the operation object and the non-operation object in accordance with a collision mode for the collision between the operation object and the non-operation object.
US08721443B2	System and method for interaction in a virtual environment A system and method for implementing game play are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises defining, in a game play controller object, at least one game play rule of a virtual multiplayer game, maintaining, in the game play controller object, at least one game play state, maintaining, in a virtual object controller object, at least one state of a virtual object in a virtual multiplayer game environment, wherein the virtual object is one of a plurality of object types, receiving, over a network, user commands regarding the virtual object, and executing the game play rule based on the received instructions and the object type of the virtual object, wherein the execution of the game play rule modifies the game play state.
US08721438B2	Wagering apparatus, methods and systems A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
US08721429B2	Gaming device and method for providing player selection of modifiers to game components In one embodiment, the gaming device and method disclosed herein provides a player one or more modifiers to apply to different components or characteristics of a game. In one such embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to selectively apply or associate a plurality of modifiers to a single game component or apply the plurality of modifiers across the plurality of game components. For each game component with at least one applied modifier, the gaming device disclosed herein modifies said game component based on each applied modifier. The gaming device generates any awards based on any modified game components and any unmodified game components and provides any generated awards to the player.
US08721428B2	Gaming machine with random symbol selection A gaming machine includes a display and a game controller that provides a wagering game in which a plurality of symbol display positions are provided on the display. When a player stakes a wager on the outcome of the wagering game the game controller selects symbols for display sequentially. The set of symbols is dynamic, wherein at least two symbols from the symbol set are changed between at least certain symbol selections depending on a characteristic of a symbol selected in a previous selection. The display positions may be arranged in rows and columns.
US08721425B2	Gaming system and method of use A gaming system and method involving a fixed bonus code and dynamic game code wherein one or more players playing multiple designated electronic gaming machines attempt to match a dynamic game code to the bonus code to win a fixed jackpot or progressive jackpot. The game code symbols adjust randomly (i.e., change) responsive to each play of a corresponding electronic gaming machine. Once a game code symbol matches a corresponding bonus code symbol, the game code symbol locks up such that the matching game code symbol cannot adjust again until the jackpot is won based on each game code symbol matching a corresponding bonus code symbol. Different electronic gaming machines may be re-assigned to drive different game code symbols as needed.
US08721418B2	Video poker game with a bet doubling option A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a video poker game allowing a player to double (or increase) his or her initial bet. After the initial deal, the player can decide to double the initial bet before drawing new cards. Both the initial bet and optional doubled bet are paid to the player.
US08721417B2	Method and system for protection against a bad beat during a poker game by utilizing a bad beat cutoff percentage A system and method of conducting a poker game in a manner which contends with bad beats. It comprises the steps of: selecting a distinct percentage (e.g. 70.0% or 80.0%) as a Bad Beat Cutoff %; selecting a specified amount as the Bad Beat Amount; conducting the selected poker game variant in accordance with conventional rules of play; calculating and recording the win probability of each player if an all-in bet occurs; awarding the Bad Beat Amount to any remaining player that lost despite having a win probability greater than the Bad Beat Cutoff % at the point of said all-in bet; and awarding the remainder of each pot to the high hand. By contending with bad beats in all-in situations, the systems and methods disclosed herein will help alleviate bad beat frustration and make poker more enjoyable for many players.
US08721414B1	Card game and method for playing a card game A card game and method for playing a card game are provided for a plurality of players. A pre-determined number of cards are included in the card deck. A preset number of cards from the card deck are dealt to each player. Each card has a face with a variety of characters, written instructions, numeric fractional values, shapes, mathematical symbols, special characters, or lines. In embodiments of the card game, a designated winning word is spelled or a designated number of matching cards are obtained, with consideration to the operation instructions of a number of cards that can alter the arrangement of the cards in a player's hand or can alter the order of play of the card game. Once a current designated player obtains the designated word or the designated number of matching cards and has a winning combination of cards, that player wins and the game is over.
US08721409B1	Airflow control system with external air control A cooling system includes one or more air channeling sub-systems that provide cooling air to electronic equipment, at least one heat removal sub-system that removes heat from the cooling air in at least one of the air channeling sub-systems, at least one temperature sensor measures a wet bulb temperature of outside air, and at least one controller. At least one of the air channeling sub-systems includes an outside air damper operable allow outside air into the air channeling sub-system. The at least one controller at least partially opens the outside air damper if a wet bulb temperature measured at the at least one temperature sensor drops to or below a predetermined temperature.
US08721407B2	Vehicle having fresh air intake A vehicle includes an air intake that facilitates air transfer from an ambient environment outside the vehicle to a vehicle space. The air intake inhibits liquid transfer from the ambient environment to the vehicle space. The air intake includes an inlet for receiving air from the ambient environment, and an outlet in communication with the inlet. The outlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. A blocking member is disposed within the housing adjacent the inlet for preventing upward fluid flow from the inlet directly to the outlet. The air intake receives ambient air through an aperture in a window in the vehicle, thereby reducing the size of the air intake.
US08721406B2	Air duct for supplying ambient air in an aircraft An air duct for supplying ambient air in an aircraft includes an air inlet, a flow duct portion and a feed device that is devised to feed ambient air through the air inlet and the flow duct portion. A flow control flap closes the air inlet in a first position, releases a first flow cross-section of the air inlet in a second position and releases a larger second flow cross-section of the air inlet in a third position. The flow control flap is designed to not increase drag significantly in the second position while still enabling flow through the flow duct portion, while increasing drag to increase air fow through the flow duct portion in the third position.
US08721402B2	Dust collection device for sanding tool A dust collection device for a sanding tool includes a bag having a sidewall with an inner surface and a coupler attached to the bag. The sidewall comprises at least one filter layer and an outer support layer. A sleeve having an outer surface, a sleeve sidewall, a first end, a second end, and at least one gap at either the first end or the second end is positioned within the bag. The sleeve's first end is positioned adjacent the coupler to direct incoming air towards the sleeve and the sleeve is positioned within the bag such that a bypass volume is present between the outer surface and the inner surface.
US08721401B2	Method for cleaning a polishing pad A method for cleaning a polishing pad includes dispensing a first amount of deionized water on the polishing pad; cleaning the polishing pad with an acidity/alkalinity solution after dispensing the first amount of deionized water on the polishing pad; rinsing the polishing pad with a second amount of deionized water after cleaning the polishing pad with the acidity/alkalinity solution; removing the acidity/alkalinity solution from the polishing pad. In a subsequent CMP process, the method includes polishing a GST material device for obtaining an improved performance of the GST material device.
US08721394B2	Polishing pad and polishing method A polishing pad and a polishing method for polishing a substrate are described. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer and at least two grooves. The grooves form polishing tracks respectively. The polishing tracks collectively construct an even tracking zone. A better polishing uniformity of a substrate surface is achieved with the even tracking zone.
US08721391B2	Carrier head with narrow inner ring and wide outer ring A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polisher includes base, a substrate mounting surface, an annular inner ring, and an annular outer ring. The inner ring has an inner surface configured to circumferentially surround the edge of a substrate positioned on the substrate mounting surface, an outer surface, and a lower surface to contact a polishing pad. The inner ring is vertically movable relative to the substrate mounting surface. The outer ring has an inner surface circumferentially surrounding the inner ring, an outer surface, and a lower surface to contact the polishing pad. The outer ring is vertically movable relative to and independently of the substrate mounting surface and the inner ring. The lower surface of the inner ring has a first width, and the lower surface of the outer ring has a second width greater than the first width.
US08721390B2	Method for the double-side polishing of a semiconductor wafer A method for double-side polishing of a semiconductor wafer includes situating the semiconductor wafer in a cutout of a carrier that is disposed in a working gap between an upper polishing plate covered by a first polishing pad and a lower polishing plate covered by a second polishing pad. The first and second polishing pads each include tiled square segments that are formed by an arrangement of channels on the pads, where the square segments of the first pad are larger than the segments of the second pad. The square segments of the polishing pads include abrasives. During polishing, the carrier is guided such that a portion of the wafer temporarily projects laterally outside of the working gap. A polishing agent with a pH that is variable is supplied during polishing at a pH in a range of 11 to 12.5 during a first step and at a pH of at least 13 during a second step.
US08721382B2	Reusable piñata A reusable piñata including a first container intended to contain gifts to be given, the first container being provided with a top filling mouth and a horizontal axis for its hanging and knocking down. A second container able of vertical displacement and provided with a upper mouth for introducing inside this various elements by participants or players, in order to cause the descent of the second container. An actuating cord can be mounted on support elements and describing an inverted U-like general path. One of the ends of the cord being externally fixed to the bottom of the first container and on top to the second container for its hanging fastening and causing during the descent of the second container a dump of the first container and the fall of the gifts contained therein.
US08721380B2	Method for manufacturing display panel Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a display panel, which employs a vacuum bonding method. A display material is dispensed such that the height distance from the upper surface of a lower substrate to the top of the display material is larger than the height distance from the surface of either upper or lower substrate on which the seal pattern is formed to the apex of the seal pattern. The upper substrate is placed at a position where the upper substrate and the top of the display material in the height direction are in touch with each other and the seal pattern on one substrate is not in touch with the other substrate, then, air is released. Thus, volatilization of the display material is reduced easily at small cost to prevent drying of the surface of the display material, and the display qualities can be prevented from being degraded.
US08721377B2	Outboard motor In an outboard motor having an engine and an engine cover adapted to cover the engine, the engine having an air intake passage that opens at the engine cover, it is configured such that a secondary air passage having an inlet disposed at an internal space of the engine cover and an outlet connected to the air intake passage at a position downstream of a throttle valve of the engine. The inlet of the secondary air passage is disposed at an internal space of the engine cover and near a belt cover that covers a timing belt adapted to transmit rotation of a crankshaft of the engine to a cam shaft of the engine.
US08721373B2	Connector A connector (A) includes a resiliently deformable resilient receiving portion (35) arranged to traverse an opening area of a lock hole (32) formed in a holder (30) and linked to an inner surface of the lock hole (32) at links (36) on opposite ends in a longitudinal direction. A locking rib (15) projects from a lock projection (12) formed in a housing (10) and extends along the longitudinal direction of the resilient receiving portion (35). The locking rib (15) causes the resilient receiving portion (35) to curve and deform in the process of assembling the housing (10) and the holder (30). Escaping edges (18) are formed on opposite longitudinal ends of a projecting edge (16) of the locking rib (15). The escaping edges (18) are oblique to the longitudinal direction of the resilient receiving portion (35) that is not resiliently deformed, and substantially face the links (36).
US08721372B2	Contact and electrical connecting apparatus Respective plungers are slidably supported in a stable manner without fluctuation, and reliable electrical contact is achieved.In a contact of the present invention, a first plunger and a second plunger include tip end portions provided on tip end sides, slidably supported, and contacting two respective members and sliding portions provided on proximal end sides, formed in halved shapes of the respective plungers, slidably overlapped with each other, and inserted in a compression coil spring. Each of the sliding portions is set to have a length to be slidably supported together with the tip end portion of the other plunger.
US08721369B1	Multi-connector power or power and signal transmission cable A multi-connector power or power and signal transmission cable includes a connection cable, a first connection head connected to one end of the connection cable and at least one connector to mate with the first connection head. The first connection head includes a first plug at a front end thereof. The connector includes a second plug and a socket at front and rear ends thereof. The first plug is detachably connected to the socket of the connector. The connector includes a connection arm thereon. The connection arm has a protruding block at a distal end thereof. The first connection head has a pivot hole for connection of a rotation disc. The rotation disc includes a rotation axle and a receiving hole on the top end of the rotation axle. The connection arm of the connector is detachably connected to the receiving hole of the first connection head.
US08721368B2	Power terminal connector and system A power terminal connector includes a multi-layered buss bar that has a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion and a flexible section between the first and second mounting portions. The flexible section has multiple layers of metal sheets in a stacked configuration. A first terminal assembly is coupled to the first mounting portion and a second terminal assembly is coupled to the second mounting portion. The first and second terminal assemblies are coupled to corresponding pins of corresponding power terminals. The multi-layered buss bar is configured to electrically interconnect the power terminals coupled to the first and second terminal assemblies.
US08721367B2	Fuse unit A fuse unit includes a fuse element and an insulative resin part. The fuse element includes a power supply connecting part fixed to a battery post of a battery so as to receive power supply and arranged along an upper surface of the battery, a terminal connecting part to which a terminal is connected, and a fusible part provided between the power supply connecting part and the terminal connecting part. The insulative resin part is arranged on outer surface of the fuse element. The fuse element is bent upwards at a position between the power supply connecting part and the terminal connecting part. The terminal connecting part is arranged at a position above the upper surface of the battery and along a side surface direction of the battery.
US08721363B2	Systems and methods for a power adapter In accordance with one embodiment, an adapter for connecting a network device is provided. The adapter includes adapter housing. The adapter housing further includes a base and a wall, such that the wall extends axially from the base. The base of the adapter housing also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The adapter includes a plurality of socket openings that extend across the base between the inner surface and the outer surface. The plurality of socket openings extend axially, the socket openings continue across the inner surface of the base through the first end of the rim and the second end of the rim. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit allows a network device to get power from a line side of a power meter and the consumer to get power from the load side of the power meter.
US08721361B2	Low profile cable connector assembly A cable connector assembly (100), comprises: a plurality of first contacts (2), an insulative housing (1) molding outside the first contacts (2), a plurality of second contacts (3) received in the housing (1), a flat cable (4) connecting with the first contacts (2) and the second contacts (3), and the cable (4) comprising a plurality of inner conductors (40) arranged on upper and lower row, the upper row of the inner conductors (40) soldered to the second contacts (3) and the lower row of the inner conductors (40) soldered to the first contacts (2), a metallic shell (5) shielding outside the insulative housing (1). The two inner conductors (40) are soldered to a single power contact (21).
US08721359B1	Heat sink socket A heat sink socket for cooling electronic devices has a heat conducting body having an upper surface for receiving an electrical component and a lower surface for engaging a supporting circuit board. An insulated terminal has an electrical insulating body supporting a first electrical terminal within the heat conducting body. The first electrical terminal connects an electrical contact of the electrical component to the circuit board. The heat sink socket may include a ground plane on the heat conducting body. The ground plane may have a second electrical terminal that connects an electrical contact of the electrical component to the circuit board.
US08721357B2	Electronic device connector A connector includes a body and a socket extending from the body. A blocking wall is located on the body. The socket includes a top wall, a resilient piece located on the top wall. The blocking wall is surrounded the resilient piece for preventing the resilient piece from destroying.
US08721351B2	Sensor The object of the present invention is to provide a sensor which has an advantage in reduction of the noise and for down sizing, and also which are capable to produce easily. A sensor comprising: a case member housing a resistance substrate and a mobile element which slides against said resistance substrate and formed with an aperture leading to said resistance substrate; a connector member having a connector terminal, a cover unit which is a part of a resin covering said connector terminal and covers said aperture of said case member, and a connector unit which is other part of the resin covering said connector terminal and is connected with an external terminal; and a clip resiliently contacting with said connector terminal and said resistance substrate, and electrically connecting said connector terminal and said resistance substrate.
US08721350B2	Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly Disclosed is an electrical connector comprising: at least one flexible electrically connecting element having a plurality of terminals at each end thereof; a first insulation element and a second insulation element configured to position said terminals for electrically connecting with a socket located on a printed circuit board, wherein said first insulation element has a first sidewall and said second insulation element has a second sidewall; and a supporting element having at least one sidewall, configured to engage with said first insulation element and second insulation element. Wherein a displacement space is defined between said at least one sidewall of said supporting element and at least one of said first sidewall and second sidewall to allow said first and second insulation elements to move relative to said supporting element. This present invention also provides an electrical connector assembly.
US08721347B2	RF receptacle connector having central conductor firmly retained with insulative housing An RF connector (100) for receiving a mating connector along a mating direction, includes an insulative housing (1), an outer conductor (3) retained with the insulative housing, and a central conductor (2) retained with the insulative housing. The outer conductor includes a tubular section (31) defining an axial line along the mating direction and a number of leg sections (32, 33) extending outwardly from a bottom of the tubular section. The central conductor includes a contact section (22) positioned within the tubular section along the mating direction, a radial section (21) extending outwardly from a bottom of the contact section along a radial direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and an extension section (24) extending out of the insulative housing. The extension section is connected with the radial section via a declined connection portion (23). The insulative housing extends below the radial section.
US08721346B2	Signal transmission module A signal transmission module is provided. The signal transmission module includes an electrical connector, a linked unit, a data connector, a sliding block, a link and a lock block. The data connector rotates and expands according to a first shaft and a first elastomer of the linked unit, and electrically connects to the electrical connector. During retraction of the data connector, the data connector pushes the sliding block. Then the sliding block moves against the lock block so that the lock block rotates. The lock block rotates to lock and secure the data connector by the lock piece, while a cam of the link moves to a secure location along an incline plane of a track of the sliding block.
US08721339B2	System and method for detecting a point of originality in a writing This paper proposes a new method for the objective evaluation of student work through the identification of original content in writing assignments. Using WordNet as a lexical reference, this process allows instructors to track how key phrases are employed and evolve over the course of a student's writing, and to automatically visualize the point at which the student's language first demonstrates original thought, phrased in their own, original words. After sketching the method for isolating “points of originality,” the paper provides a method for visualizing the resulting information. By visualizing otherwise subjective information in a way that is objectively intelligible, the goal is to provide educators with the ability to monitor student investment in concepts from the course syllabus, and to extend or modify the boundaries of the syllabus in anticipation of pre-existing knowledge or trends in interest.
US08721333B2	Air-driven rotary cutting tool An air-driven rotary cutting tool including a grip part, a head part provided at a distal end of the grip portion, and a rotor of double-wheel type rotatably installed in a hollow portion formed in the head part. The rotor has a first turbine blade portion provided with a plurality of first turbine vanes surrounding the rotary axis and a second turbine blade portion integrally formed with the first turbine blade and having a plurality of second turbine vanes surrounding the rotary axis. The first turbine vane has, on its side when seen in a direction into the rotary axis, a concave shape concaved in a direction of rotation of the rotor, and the second turbine vane has, on its side, a concave shape concaving in a direction opposite from the first turbine vane.
US08721331B2	Oral transmucosal drug delivery device A drug delivery device 10 has a support structure 20 and a medicine-laden member 100 affixed or otherwise attached to the support structure 20. The device 10 is sized to fit into the mouth and upon exposing the medicine-laden member 100 to saliva, medicaments 101 are released into the mouth. The drug delivery device 10 permits a new method of medication delivery. The method of oral transmucosal drug delivery has the steps of providing a drug delivery device 10 that fits into the mouth, the device 10 having a medicine-laden member 100; wearing the drug delivery device 10; activating release of medicine 101 by contact with saliva; and transmitting the released medicine 101 transmucosally to the bloodstream.
US08721330B2	Device and method for locating a pulp chamber in a tooth A pulp chamber locator assists a dentist in performing a root canal procedure. The device includes a generally circular plate and a plurality of struts extending from the plate. The plate has a hole in the vicinity of its center. The device is inserted over a tooth, such that the struts engage the cemento-enamel junction of the tooth. The hole then indicates the proper point of entry for a dental instrument. The device may also include a rotatable indicator for showing the proper angle of entry, to insure that the instrument reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The dentist adjusts the position of the indicator, based on information provided by an X-ray or equivalent, and positions the dental instrument so as to be generally parallel with the indicator.
US08721329B2	Gum tissue guide, systems and methods of producing and utilizing the same A method, device and system for modifying the gingival margin of a patient is disclosed. A method includes obtaining an electronic model of the dentition of a patient, determining an incision path along the gingival surface based on the electronic model, generating and fabricating a guide arrangement to assist in cutting the gingival surface of the patient, mounting the guide arrangement to the dentition of the patient, and cutting the gingival surface of the patient with the assistance of the guide arrangement. A guide arrangement includes a mounting portion and a template portion coupled to the mounting portion along the gingival surface of the guide arrangement and positioned to provide a desired incision path. A system includes a three dimensional scanner, a computer system and a fabricating device.
US08721328B2	Patch for oral health care The present invention is directed to a U-shaped patch for oral health care, comprising a thin film layer and a support layer, and the inner and outer margin of the U-shaped patch have at least one notch or cut line so that the patch can be folded as a three-dimensional concave shape, wherein the thin film layer comprises a health care agent. The present invention uses a two-layered design comprising a thin film layer and a support layer, and a health care agent in the adhesive layer effective for caries prevention, whitening and/or remineralization. The patch of the present invention can closely cover teeth with the thin film layer to enable the health care agent to tightly contact the teeth so as to increase the efficacy on tooth care.
US08721326B2	Orthodontic appliance for bite correction A bite-correcting orthodontic appliance attaches directly to the elements of braces (i.e., brackets and archwires); flexes in its distal 25-45% to stay away from the food bolus; has a reduced elliptical profile for patient comfort; and introduces gentle force vectors to the patient's upper and lower teeth that sweep in an arch to lift up on the front of the molar and down on the lower front teeth as the appliance tries to return to its preinstalled (passive) state, resulting in rapid, yet gentle changes unseen in the orthodontic industry. Various attachment members are disclosed allowing for ease of installment in the patient's mouth.
US08721323B2	Lever-type mold ejection mechanism of injection molding machine A lever-type mold ejection mechanism is arranged on a platen of a mold in the injection molding machine. The lever-type ejection mechanism includes a base body arranged on the platen; an actuating cylinder having a motion shaft; a link rod having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the first end is pivotally disposed on the base body through a first pivot axis, and the second end is pivotally disposed on an end of the motion shaft of the actuating cylinder through a second pivot axis, and the link rod has a movable ejector pin at its bottom surface adjacent to the first end; and a ejector rod resisting between the ejector pin and the mold. The actuating cylinder is operated to push the mold through the link rod in a lever manner so as to obtain enough pushing force.
US08721315B2	Method of handling liquid to prevent machine contamination during filling A mold device for injecting a fluid into a container where the mold device comprises a first mold portion having a first mating surface and a second mold portion having a second mating surface. The second mating surface is shaped complementary to the first mating surface. A mold cavity is disposed within the first mold portion and the second mold portion. The mold device further comprises an interlocking mating surface system disposed between or made a part of the first mold portion and second mold portion to define a fluid seal therebetween and align the first mold portion to the second mold portion in at least a first direction.
US08721312B2	Kneading extruder A kneading extruder includes a barrel having an extrusion port through which kneaded material including first and second liquid raw material is extruded, and a screw shaft placed in the barrel, the screw shaft kneading the first and second raw material to produce the kneaded material in melted state. A screw driving device continuously rotates the screw shaft at a constant speed, and a die communicates with the extrusion port of the barrel, the die having an extrusion port through which the kneaded material in a pressurized state is extruded. An ejection device ejects a portion of the kneaded material between the extrusion port of the barrel and the extrusion port of the die, the ejection device including an ejection quantity regulating unit for regulating the ejection quantity of the kneaded material so that the pressure of the kneaded material at the extrusion port of the barrel is kept constant.
US08721306B2	Pump unit A pump unit includes an electric motor, located in a stator housing (6), a terminal box being arranged on an axial face of the stator housing (6). The terminal box (12) includes a tubular housing element (44) having a first axial face to which the axial face of the stator housing (6) is connected. An opposite second axial face (46) of the tubular housing element (44) is closed by at least one cover element (40) into which operating and/or display elements (38) are integrated. An electrical connecting element (42) is arranged on the outer periphery of the tubular housing element (44).
US08721303B2	Piezoelectric micro-blower A piezoelectric micro-blower includes a blower chamber located between a blower body and a vibrating plate, a first wall portion of the blower body arranged to face the vibrating plate across the blower chamber so as to vibrate with vibrations of the vibrating plate, a first opening in the first wall portion, a second wall portion on the opposite side of the first wall portion with respect to the blower chamber, a second opening in a portion of the second wall portion which faces the first opening, and an inflow passage located between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. Each of the first and second openings includes a plurality of holes, and each hole of the first opening and each hole of the second opening are arranged to face each other. Thus, noise is significantly reduced while the flow characteristic is maintained.
US08721302B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly includes an active fan, a supporting base and a passive element. The active fan includes a first impeller and a motor. The passive element is driven to rotate by an airflow from the active fan. The passive element includes a impeller and at least one load. The load is connected to the impeller.
US08721301B2	Smart blow-down system for variable frequency drive compressor units A method and apparatus for blowing down a compressed air system when temperature is at or below a predefined temperature threshold is provided. Temperature sensors in the compressed air system monitor temperature and a control processor determines when the temperature is at or below the predefined temperature threshold. When it is determined temperature is at or below the predefined temperature threshold, the control processor operates a solenoid blow-down valve that depressurizes the compressed air system.
US08721298B2	Air blower An air blower comprises a motor including a rotor, a stator, and an output shaft fixed to the rotor, a fan that rotates by receiving power from the motor, a casing that retains the motor and the fan, and a handle provided at the casing. The rotor has a coil disc including a plurality of substantially annular coils arranged in the circumferential direction around the output shaft as viewed from the direction of the axial line of the output shaft. The stator has a magnetic flux generating mechanism that generates magnetic fluxes passing through the coil disc in the direction of the axial line of the output shaft.
US08721294B2	Airfoil with galvanically isolated metal coating An airfoil component includes an aluminum alloy body having at least an airfoil portion and a root portion. A metallic layer is located on at least a portion of the aluminum alloy body and an electrochemically insulating layer is located between and adjoining the aluminum alloy body and the metallic layer.
US08721291B2	Flow directing member for gas turbine engine In a gas turbine engine, a flow directing member includes a platform supported on a rotor and includes a radially facing endwall and at least one axially facing axial surface extending radially inwardly from a junction with the endwall. The flow directing member further includes an airfoil extending radially outwardly from the endwall and a fluid flow directing feature. The fluid flow directing feature includes a groove extending axially into the axial surface. The groove has a radially inner groove end and a radially outer groove end, wherein the outer groove end defines an axially extending notch in the junction between the axial surface and the endwall and forms an opening in the endwall for directing a cooling fluid to the endwall.
US08721289B2	Flow balancing slot A cover of an airfoil having opposing pressure and suction sides of a rotatable turbine stage to prevent fluid from crossover-flowing from a pressure side of a leading airfoil to a suction side of a trailing airfoil is provided. The cover includes pressure and suction side edge portions, one of which having a shape that is discontinuous relative to that of a complementary one of suction and pressure side edge portions of an aft cover of a corresponding one of a trailing and a leading airfoil, respectively.
US08721282B2	Active twist hollow beam system A system for actively controlling the span-wise rotational twist of a hollow beam along its longitudinal axis, including a hollow beam structure having a leading edge and a trailing edge region, the beam being split along its length, an actuator arranged between split surfaces of the beam, the actuator adapted to move the split surfaces in a longitudinal direction relative to each other, inducing a twist in the beam. The hollow beam is affixed to an external structure at one or both ends, with only the zero warping displacement points of the beam being attached to the external structure, material or device. In one embodiment, the actuator is a plurality of solid blocks with high thermal expansion coefficients arranged between frames of the split surfaces of the beam, with alternating blocks being heated by resistance heaters to cause expansion in the spanwise longitudinal direction.
US08721277B2	Unit for locking ring sectors on a turbomachine casing, comprising radial passages for gripping it A unit locking a ring sector attachment device onto an aircraft turbomachine casing, the unit including two clamping arms connected to each other at their aft ends by a connecting arm extending approximately parallel to the general direction between the two clamping arms. The unit also includes a passage enabling gripping of the unit on each side of a fictitious median plane orthogonal to the circumferential direction, each passage being formed in the connecting arm, extending along a direction line approximately parallel to the direction between the arms.
US08721271B2	Oil cooler An air-cooled oil cooler for the wall of an air flow passage of a gas turbine engine is provided, the oil cooler allowing improved heat exchange performance to be obtained. This is achieved by: (I) diverting air flow from the inner side of the oil cooler towards the outer side of the oil cooler, (ii) enhancing heat exchange performance at the leading edge of the cooler, and/or (iii) suppressing airflow wake at the trailing edge of the cooler.
US08721270B2	Passage wall section for an annular flow passage of an axial turbomachine with radial gap adjustment A passage wall section of an annular flow passage of an axial turbomachine is provided. A guide ring has a first toothing arrangement which is in contact with a second toothing arrangement arranged on a sidewall of a circumferential groove which accommodates the guide ring, wherein for axial displacement of the displaceable guide ring, the guide ring is rotatable in a circumferential direction.
US08721259B2	Planet wind sail mechanism A planet wind sail mechanism includes a main axis, a first driving unit, and a wind sail body. The first driving further includes a rotation frame with a plurality of ribs, a transmission gear attached on the rib, a fixed gear which is disposed on the main axis and engaged with the transmission gear and a rotary gear is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame and engaged with the transmission gear. The wind sail body includes one rotation axis and the rotation axis is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame. When the wind sail body revolves along the main axis, both the rotary gear and the wind sail body also rotate itself. And the fixed gear rotates in an opposite direction with the rotary gear.
US08721258B2	Wind turbine A wind turbine having a nacelle being rotatably disposed on a tower is proposed. The nacelle has a first cavity, a generator housing portion disposed upstream to the nacelle having a second cavity, a hub disposed upstream to the generator housing portion with attached rotor blades at it having a third cavity. The first, second and third cavities communicates with one another. A rail-system has at least one rail-element having a device for lifting and/or transporting. The device for lifting and/or transporting is movable along the rail-system. The rail-system at least partially extends through at least two adjacent cavities.
US08721256B2	Turbomachine optimized for fastening a rotary shaft bearing, A method of mounting said bearing on said turbomachine A turbomachine including a shaft, a bearing for supporting the shaft and including an outer ring, and a support for the bearing, the support having a flange to which the outer ring is fastened by fasteners, is provided. Each fastener includes a fastener bolt and a nut screwed together. The turbomachine further includes, for each fastener, a position-retention device for retaining the bolt, and suitable for retaining the bolt in a position that is stationary relative to the bearing support or the outer ring, even in the absence of the nut. The head of the fastener bolt and the position-retention device may be of small dimensions, thereby enabling the fastening of the flange to the bearing support to be optimized, and in particular enabling the weight of the fastening to be optimized. A method of mounting the bearing of the turbomachine is also provided.
US08721255B2	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 en do sable 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, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
US08721252B2	Work aligning system and method of moving work A work aligning system capable of easily altering the kind of works to be aligned. The work aligning system (1) comprises a storage device (10) in which nuts (11) are stored, a take-out base (30) on which the nuts (11) are placed, and a robot (20) for grasping and taking out the nuts from the take-out base (30) and aligning the nuts. An electromagnet (53) is provided at the tip end of the robot arm (23) of the robot (20). The storage device (10) is equipped with a plurality of buckets (131-134) in which nuts (11) of different kinds are stored, and a feed screw mechanism (14) for moving one bucket selected from the plurality of buckets (131-134) to a position near the take-out base (30). The take-out base (30) is equipped with a part (31) on which the nuts (11) are placed and a drive device (32) for discharging the nuts (11) on the part (31) to one bucket selected from the plurality of buckets (131-134).
US08721249B2	Apparatus and method for loading a pack storing device A method for loading a pack storing device of an order-picking line with packs, particularly packs of one or a plurality of beverage articles, including providing at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, especially the at least one group of packs comprising packs at least of a single article, particularly beverage article; and manually loading the pack storing device with at least one pack from the at least one group of packs, particularly a pallet, by one or more operators.
US08721248B2	Rotator The invention relates to a rotator (10) for jib-carried tools (1), for example tree working units, wherein the rotator (10) includes a stator (20) and a rotor (30), wherein the rotator (10) is connected to a tip (2) of the jib or arm (3) and to the tool (1). The rotator (10) has or includes in its surroundings means (70, 71) for determining the relative position of rotation between rotor (30) and stator (20). The means for determining the relative position of rotation comprises a pulse emitter (70) and a number of pulse generating elements (71), such as grooves or teeth. Limitation of the angle through which the rotator (10) can turn and control of the direction of rotation prevents, for instance, hoses and/or cables (7) from twisting or rotating away from their respective connections, while enhancing the extent to which automation can be achieved at the same time.
US08721246B2	Fasteners A fastener may include an anchor that is configured to be inserted into an attaching hole formed in a panel. The anchor includes a pillar, at least one engagement strip positioned in at least one side of the pillar, and a guide block formed in a distal end of the pillar and having a planar shape corresponding to a shape of the attaching hole. The at least one engagement strip is capable of passing through the attaching hole while being flexed inwardly and engaging a periphery of the attaching hole when the anchor is inserted into the attaching hole. The guide block is configured to pass through the attaching hole only when an axis of the anchor is positioned substantially perpendicular to a surface of the panel.
US08721245B2	Penetration load reduced staple A penetration load reduced staple includes a pair of leg portions configured to penetrate sheets of paper, a crown portion connecting the pair of leg portions. Each of the leg portions includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the leg portion, from a portion of a side surface of the leg portion between the crown portion and a distal end portion of the leg portion and near the distal end portion.
US08721243B2	Anchor with structured clamping section In an anchor for installation into a lightweight construction panel including at least a cover plate, wherein the anchor includes a radial clamping section for firm engagement with the cover plate when installed in a bore formed into the construction panel, the radial clamping section comprises an upper zone provided with axial grooves and a lower zone having transversely extending grooves both in engagement with the walls of the bore in the area of the cover plate.
US08721240B1	Cargo bracing device A cargo bracing device includes a fixing member and a driving member. Mainly the fixing member possesses a connecting plate easily fitted with one end of an elastic device, and a locking plate easily fitted with another end of the elastic device. So the locking plate can be restored with dynamic force provided by the elastic device deposited between the connecting plate and the locking plate. The driving member includes two wings respectively having one end formed as a hook collaborating with a latch of a driven plate to enable the driving member combined with or detached from the fixing member. Similar to the fixing member, an elastic device is easily installed between an actuating plate and a connecting bar of the driving member, providing dynamic force for restoring the actuating plate. Therefore the cargo bracing device can be easily assembled, even with automatic equipments.
US08721237B2	Device for fabricating dental prosthetics and method A machining device for a workpiece wherein a first feed axis extends through a workpiece holder, a first machining tool is disposed on a first side of the feed axis, and a second machining tool is disposed on a side of the feed axis opposing the first side. Between a first feed axis and perpendicular to a second feed axis, at least one machining tools has a predetermined fixed angular offset.
US08721234B2	Depth gauge for drill bit A depth gauge for use with a drill bit includes a body configured to receive a drill bit, a retention mechanism coupled to the body and configured to removably couple the body to the drill bit, and a cap configured to be removably coupled to the body. The cap can be coupled to the body in one of a first position relative to the body where the cap contacts a workpiece surface to prevent the drill bit from entering the workpiece more than a first depth, and a second position relative to the body where the cap contacts the workpiece surface to prevent the drill bit from entering the workpiece more than a second depth that is different from the first depth.
US08721230B2	Method of filling large-capacity storage silos with a fluidizable material, and arrangement therefor The invention relates to a method of, and an arrangement for, filling a large-capacity silo with a fluidizable material while preventing air-flow or gas-flow separation, in the case of which the material-charging operation takes place in a controlled manner via a delivery line, feed channel and air- or gas-delivery channels into the top part of the large-capacity silo, towards the silo wall, and downwards to the surface of the material above the base of the large-capacity silo. The material-charging operation is combined with a uniform and controlled suction-extraction operation for air or gas, which is carried out by means of one or more essentially annular suction-extraction lines, arranged directly beneath the silo top, or via annular suction gaps on the material-outflow heads.
US08721227B2	Yielding bolt and assembly A mine roof bolt includes an elongated rod and a polymer coating layer. The elongated rod has a first end and a second end with a protruding portion extending radially outward from the elongated rod. The polymer coating layer covers at least a portion of the elongated rod between the first and second ends. The elongated rod is movable relative to the polymer coating layer in an axial direction. The elongated rod has a first position where the elongated rod has a predetermined axial position relative to the polymer coating layer and a second position where the elongated rod has a displaced axial position relative to the first position.
US08721224B2	Protective apparatus for marine structures An apparatus for inhibiting damage from impact between a marine structure and an adjacent watercraft, and a related method, are described. The apparatus includes a cushion body forming a mounting surface and a watercraft-engaging surface substantially opposing the mounting surface, at least one rigid support member, the rigid support member defined by or configured for contact with the mounting surface of the cushion body and disposed, during use, between the cushion body and the portion of the marine structure, and attachment means for detachably attaching the cushion body to the portion of the marine structure. The cushion body, when attached to the portion of the marine structure, is sized and configured to prevent destructive contact between the marine structure and a watercraft when the watercraft-engaging surface is contacted by the watercraft.
US08721213B2	Seal assembly for track pin joint assembly A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin joint assembly including a pin defining a longitudinal axis, a first member and a second member both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining a seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly including a seal ring and a load ring is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first and second members. An axial segment of a seal ring engagement surface of the load ring extends over at least half the length, measured along the longitudinal axis, between a radial segment of the seal ring engagement surface and a radial segment of a first member engagement surface of the load ring. At least one of a load ring engagement surface of the first member and an axial segment of the first member engagement surface of the load ring includes a convex rounded portion.
US08721210B2	Cosmetic multi-layered wiper A multi-layered wiper for removing a product (e.g., a cosmetic product) from an applicator. The multi-layered wiper comprises a wiping body having a wiping face, an acute wiping tip, and vertical slits, formed of a first material, over-molded to a retention body, formed of another material harder than the first material. By virtue of having a multi-layered wiper comprising a wiping body, formed of a first material, over-molded to a retention body, formed of another material, harder than the first material, the multi-layered wiper is capable of providing exceptional installation characteristics, while simultaneously providing exceptional wiping characteristics.
US08721208B2	Portable printer and methods This is disclosed a portable printer that is easy to load with an ink ribbon cartridge and record members web supplies, that is simple, has relatively few parts, is lightweight and has a small footprint.
US08721207B2	Paper discharge apparatus, paper discharge method, image forming apparatus and image forming method A paper discharge apparatus includes a conveying path configured to convey a paper from an upstream portion to a downstream portion. A preventing mechanism is provided on the conveying path. The preventing mechanism is configured to prevent the paper from being conveyed to the downstream portion by pushing the paper or blocking the conveying path. A control unit is configured to bend the paper by preventing the conveyance of the paper by using the preventing mechanism, and then convey the paper to the downstream portion of the conveying path for discharge of the paper from the conveying path.
US08721206B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes: at least one roller pair which has a driving roller and a driven roller facing the driving roller and which rotates while interposing the recording medium therebetween to transport the recording medium in a first direction; a recording section which records an image on the recording medium transported by the roller pair; a position detecting section which detects a position of the recording medium with respect to the roller pair in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction before the recording section starts recording; a determining section which determines a rotation amount of the driving roller before the recording section starts the recording depending on the position in the second direction of the recording medium detected by the position detecting section; and a control unit which controls the driving roller based on the rotation amount determined by the determining section.
US08721203B2	Memory system and method for consumables of a printer A print head for use with a printer. The print head includes an input that receives data or commands associated with printing from the printer. A memory component of the print head is connected in communication with the input and is configured to bi-directionally communicate information to the printer via the input. For example, the memory component may be soldered to a circuit of a print head and connected to a data line normally used to communicate print data to the print head. In this manner, the print head may hold configuration information in the memory module for easy upgrades without an additional dedicated communication line. Also, printers may be upgraded, and print heads retrofit, with the memory component without installation of a dedicated input or communication line.
US08721202B2	Two-sided thermal print switch In one embodiment, a two- or dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to direct printing of received print data on one or both sides of thermal media such as a receipt, document, or label. In a further embodiment, a dual-sided thermal print switch is provided to select custom or predefined data for printing on one or both sides of thermal media with or without received print data. Dual-sided print switch operation may be defined using commands implemented with, for example, setup configuration settings in hardware or software, escape sequences, real-time printer commands, and the like.
US08721200B1	Protector for camera lens A protector for camera lens includes a shell, a lens, and a positioning member. The shell is formed with an aperture. The lens and the positioning member are received in the aperture, and the lens is restricted from dropping by the positioning member. The positioning member is formed with several axial notches, so that the positioning member is formed in a wave-shaped appearance. Thus, space between the lens and the shell is occupied by the positioning member. Acceptable tolerance of the lens and the shell is increased, and manufacturing precision requirement can be relaxed.
US08721199B1	Slide-able mount for an image device A camera slider system that supports a camera for longitudinal sliding. The camera sliding system comprises a pair of longitudinal rail members and a carriage system. The rail members are spaced at a substantially constant distance apart. The carriage system further comprises of a base plate upon which a camera mounting plate is fixed, along with a pair of wheel support assemblies. Each wheel support assembly engages the corresponding rail member to support longitudinal movement. Each wheel assembly further comprises of three rollers, wherein two rollers engage the interior surface of the corresponding rail member, and one roller engages the exterior surface of the same rail member. The arrangement of rollers is coplanar with the plane of the rail members. The exterior roller of each wheel assembly is adjustable relative to the corresponding rail member to accommodate any flaw in the rail profile.
US08721197B2	Image device, surveillance camera, and mask method of camera screen In a microcomputer included in an image device, a mask 2D 3D converting section expresses coordinates of a 2-dimensional image plane defined by an imaging element having a rectangular contour in a 3-dimensional coordinate system. The image plane is positioned in the state that a focal length corresponding to a zoom position is adopted as a Z coordinate value of the image plane in the 3-dimensional coordinate system. A mask display position calculating section 165 calculates a 2-dimensional position of a mask on a camera screen by utilizing a similarity of the size of the image plane and the size of the camera screen when a position of a mask on the image plane in the 3-dimensional coordinate system after PAN, TILT rotations and a zooming is converted into the 2-dimensional position of the mask on the camera screen.
US08721194B2	Optical transceiver module The present invention provides an optical transceiver module, comprising: a circuit substrate; a z-axis positioning base connected to the circuit substrate that, wherein the z-axis positioning base comprises two first sides respectively provided on two lateral sides of the optical transceiver sub-module, a second side provided between and connecting the two first sides, an opening corresponding in position to a side of the optical transceiver sub-module that faces away from the second side, and a step difference provided on each of the two first sides and the second side; a fiber-optic lens element provided on the z-axis positioning base and comprises a cover and a fiber-optic lens sub-module, wherein the cover comprises a recess and step differences surrounding the recess and respectively corresponding in position to the step differences provided on the z-axis positioning base, so as for the cover to be fitted on the z-axis positioning base.
US08721193B2	Electronic module having multiple flex circuit connectors In one example embodiment, an electronic module comprises a plurality of components and flex circuit connectors each electrically connected to respective components of the electronic module. The electronic module may be an optical subassembly of an optical transceiver. Moreover, one of the flex circuit connectors may be physically connected to another of the flex circuit connectors.
US08721192B2	Optical connecting structure An optical connecting structure has an optical fiber, a pressing member having a circular outer cross section, and an optical member, wherein the optical member has an optical element, an optical fiber stopper structure, and an optical fiber holding groove, wherein the optical fiber stopper structure is positioned between the optical element and the optical fiber holding groove, wherein the optical fiber is inserted along the optical fiber holding groove so as to contact with the optical fiber stopper structure, and wherein the pressing member is arranged on the optical fiber holding groove mutually perpendicular, the pressing member presses the upper surface of the optical fiber to a direction of a bottom of the optical fiber holding groove, and the optical fiber and the optical element are thereby optically connected.
US08721190B2	Optoelectrical connector An optoelectrical connector is composed of a plug to which a wire and an optical fiber are assembled and a receptacle to which the plug is inserted and connected. A receptacle includes insulation sleeves and conductive contacts in openings of receptacle housings, and plugs include a ferrule assembled bodies which are composed of an insulation ferrule which holds an optical fiber and a conductive cylindrical member which holds the ferrule and to which a wire is assembled, in an opening of the plug housing. When the plugs are inserted into the receptacle, the contacts and the cylindrical member contact with each other and the ferrules are inserted into the sleeves. Parts which serve electrical connection are not exposed.
US08721189B2	Optical fiber connector assembly An optical fiber connector assembly includes a first, and second plug connectors, and a socket connector. The first plug connector includes a first main portion and a first plate with a first front surface defining alignment holes. A first distance is defined between the first front surface and the first main portion. The second plug connector includes a second main portion and a second plate with a second front surface. A second distance is defined between the second front surface and the second main portion. The socket connector includes a side surface defining a recess with a bottom surface. A third distance is defined between the side surface and the bottom surface. Alignment pins extend from the bottom surface. The length of each alignment pin is defined as a fourth distance. The third distance is equal to the first distance and greater than sum of the second and fourth distances.
US08721188B2	Cage for a rolling element bearing and method for the production thereof A cage for a rolling element bearing and a method for the production thereof. The cage has either an increased number of rolling elements or improved load-bearing capacity. A The cage has a plurality of cage pockets for receiving the rolling elements, two side rings and a plurality of cross-ribs. The cross-ribs connect the side rings such that the cage pockets are formed. The cage pockets have milled-out or drilled-out corner regions. hereinafter collectively referred to as milled-out corner regions, The corner regions, in a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cage, have a radial milling course in the direction of the axis of rotations. The milling course, at least in a partial section, is configured at an incline with respect to a radial vector placed through the partial section and the axis of rotation, and is configured at an incline in the direction of the cage pocket.
US08721185B2	Constructive arrangement added to a support for assembling agricultural tilting bearings Constructive arrangement added to a support for assembling agricultural tilting bearings with new constructive form applied to the assembly support, which comprises the arrangement of multiple and contiguous openings practiced on its upper portion, so as to allow the use, in different diameters and different inter centers, of fastening elements. Alternatively, the multiple openings can be of analogous conformation and not contiguous, so as to allow the desirable interchangeability among different brands and models of agricultural equipment. The new constructive form of the support foresees the arrangement of hollow ears at opposite side ends, and also the arrangement of openings practiced on its lower ends, preferably with recesses tied in one of the ends of the fastening methods for their retention at the tilting bearing.
US08721183B2	Bearing assembly A bearing assembly is formed by coupling at least two units together in an axially abutting manner. Each unit has two connection portions on two opposite ends and a mounting portion on a largest outer periphery. The connection portions between two adjacent units form at least one set of interfaces, each set having complementary shapes contact with each other. The mounting portion is securely encased in an inner periphery of a jutting chamber located at each end of a motor housing. At least one groove and notches are formed on at least one of two abutting connection portions between the two adjacent units. The notches communicate with the groove and an axle hole. In the assembly, the groove forms at least one storage chamber to store lubricating media, and the notches form at least one set of passages communicating with the storage chamber and an axial hole.
US08721182B2	Bent bearing assembly for downhole mud motor A downhole drilling assembly which includes a drill bit assembly, and a mud motor, and a bearing assembly disposed between the drill bit assembly and the mud motor, wherein the bearing assembly includes an offset portion.
US08721181B2	Keyless bearing sleeve for subterranean applications A sleeve is retained to a shaft without the use of a keyway through at least one end connection that has a preferably flat face with one or more projections from the flat face. Rounded projections are preferred. The projections go into shape matching depressions on the sleeve. Alternatively the sleeve can have the projections and the end retainer can have the depressions. The end retainer is spring loaded for axial deflection in the event of an over-torque. If that happens there is planned for slippage until the condition is alleviated at which point the spring bias is able to again match a projection to a depression for continuing tandem driving of the shaft and the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably carbide and resides in a carbide bushing.
US08721175B2	Fastening apparatus with engine and cartridge thermistors The fastening apparatus for fastening elements includes a combustion chamber, a housing for a gas cartridge, means for injecting gas from a cartridge into the combustion chamber and a management module. An engine thermistor is provided to be subjected to the temperature of the chamber, as well as a second cartridge thermistor intended to be subjected to the temperature of the gas cartridge disposed in the cartridge housing. Both thermistors are mounted for transmitting their temperature information to the management module. The management module is operable for managing temperature information and determining the opening time of the injection means.
US08721173B2	Temperature calibration device, a calibrator block, and a method for calibrating a temperature probe A temperature calibration device 1, comprising a calibrator block 3 having a cavity 4 and one or more heating elements and at least one temperature sensor being thermally coupled to the calibrator block 3, and where the heating elements and the temperature sensor is connected to a control system being adapted for controlling the temperature of the calibrator block 3, and where the calibrator block 3, at least partly, is surrounded by thermally insulating material 5. A number of channels 9 are arranged in the calibrator block 3 or the insulation material 5, and being connected to a gas supply 6, and where the control system is adapted for activating or deactivating the gas supply.
US08721172B2	Method for calibrating an electronic chip, electronic chip and heat pattern detector for this method A method for calibrating an electronic chip comprises: the placing of a calibration transducer of a chip to be calibrated in contact with a first element and the measurement of a corresponding temperature variation ΔTc with this calibration transducer, the calibration thermal transducer having thermal characteristics different from those of the normal transducer so as to measure a temperature variation ΔTc that is different from a variation ΔT1 measured by the normal transducer, and the calibration of the chip to be calibrated on the basis of the measured variations ΔT1 and ΔTc.
US08721170B2	Stepping motor control circuit, movement, and analogue electronic timepiece A rotation detection unit configured to detect the condition of rotation of a stepping motor on the basis of an induced signal generated in a drive coil of the stepping motor in a detection period in which the condition of rotation of the stepping motor is detected and a control unit configured to rotationally drive the stepping motor by supplying a drive signal to the drive coil of the stepping motor within the driving period in which the stepping motor is rotationally driven are provided. The driving period and part of the detection period are configured to overlap with each other in a first time interval, and the control unit stops supply of the drive signal to the drive coil of the stepping motor in the first time interval.
US08721163B2	Agitator release for a food mixer A machine (10) for mixing food products includes a motor (22) which turns a hollow shaft assembly (28) that carries an agitator (40). An assembly (70) for releasing the agitator (40) from the shaft assembly (28) includes a solenoid (71) which pivots an arm (74) that engages a plunger (80). The plunger (80) includes a pin (81) which is received in the hollow shaft assembly (28) and which engages the agitator (40) upon activation of the solenoid (71) to release the agitator (40) from the hollow shaft assembly (28).
US08721157B2	Backlight module structure preventing light leakage from protrusion in optical sheets A backlight module comprises a frame, a light source, an optical film and a light blocking element or a light reducing element. The frame has at least one recess formed on a sidewall thereof. The light source is disposed in the frame and located on one side thereof. The optical film is disposed in the frame and has at least one protrusion portion corresponding to the recess. The light blocking element or the light reducing element is disposed corresponding to the recess. By utilizing the light blocking element or the light reducing element, the light emitting from the light source can be block from leaking through the recess or the amount of the emitting light being reflected by a bezel of the frame can be reduced, whereby the amount of light leaking though the recess can be reduced.
US08721154B2	Backlight module and manufacturing method thereof, and liquid crystal display device The invention discloses a backlight module, a manufacturing method thereof, and an LCD device. A backlight module comprises an LGP; the light emergent surface of the LGP is covered with more than two material layers with different refractive indexes. In the invention, coatings of different refractive indexes are covered on the light emergent surface of the LGP, P light selectively transmitted, S light is reflected to the LGP for being reflected and converted to P light and then is transmitted again. The transmittance of the P light is increased by such repetition. The utilization rate of light energy is increased, and the brightness of LCDs is increased. In addition, that the material layers with different refractive indexes are covered on the light emergent surface of the LGP can be carried out using various processing modes, such as making general adhesive membranes in advance, or directly coating coatings onto the light emergent surface of the LGP, etc. The mode has the advantage of simple process, and is suitable for manufacturers to select the technical scheme of lower cost in accordance with self situation to reduce production cost.
US08721153B2	Backlight reflectors having a prismatic structure A back reflector for a lightguide in a turning film backlight includes a prism film layer in direct contact with a reflective layer. The lightguide includes a light guiding region having a refractive index that is substantially spatially uniform. The reflective layer may be specular or diffuse and may include a multilayer polymeric film.
US08721152B2	Light emitting devices and applications thereof In one aspect, the present invention provides light emitting devices, including light fixtures and luminaires. In some embodiments, a light emitting device comprises at least one light source, a lightguide operable to receive light from the at least one light source at a first location on the lightguide, at least one light extraction region optically coupled to the lightguide and a substantially non-scattering region along a portion of the lightguide.
US08721147B2	Supplemental brake light The present invention is a supplemental brake light in communication with a brake of a vehicle that includes an existing brake light, a triangular or inverted triangular casing that is disposed within the existing brake light and a plurality of LED lights that are housed within the casing. A second embodiment of the supplemental brake light includes an existing brake light, a plurality of LED lights that are housed within the existing brake light and a center LED light disposed within the center of the existing brake light. A third embodiment of the supplemental brake light includes a pair of existing brake lights, a generally rectangular casing positioned between the existing brake lights and a plurality of LED lights that are disposed within the generally rectangular casing. The LED lights become brighter and flicker as the brake is increasingly depressed in all three embodiments.
US08721144B2	Method and device for illuminating roadsides A method and a device for illuminating an edge region of a roadway by headlights of a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle includes a camera. Activating takes place of at least one additional illuminating device or a masking of an headlight that is present on the vehicle. An additional illuminated region is generated which extends in the vertical and the lateral direction with respect to the vehicle. Activating the at least one additional illuminating device or headlight masking at least one headlight present in the vehicle takes place by a navigation system of the vehicle or in response to a decrease in the speed of the vehicle and/or by an object/traffic sign detection using the camera.
US08721136B2	10 foot multi directon splitter light A construction lighting apparatus having a plurality of lighting modules, each comprising an electrical cord having approximately a 10 foot length, the electrical cord comprising an integral molded light source located midway, one end having a male electrical plug and the other end having a three-directional three-way female electrical outlet plug, the male electrical plug further having at least two pliable loops, the three-directional three-way female electrical outlet having at least two hooks. If two lighting modules are attached the pliable loops of the male electrical plug of one lighting module will be secured to the hooks of the three-directional three-way female electrical outlet of the other lighting module.
US08721135B2	Fluid cooled lighting element A fluid cooled lighting element is disclosed. A fluid, preferably a liquid, cools and stabilizes the p-n junction of a light emitting diode thereby reducing the energy required to power the light emitting diode, lengthening its usable lifetime, and outputting more consistent light. The fluid can cool a heat sink, printed circuit board, metal plates to which the light emitting diode is mounted, the lens surrounding the light emitting diode, or other heat transferring elements proximate to the light emitting diode.
US08721132B2	Flow sensing system and method A visual display is provided through the combined effect of many devices that individually illuminate in response to wind flow. The devices are distributed at different locations within a three-dimensional space, so as to provide an overall illumination effect throughout the space that visually indicates wind (air) or other fluid flowing through the space. Each device can include a housing, at least one light source, a sensor system, and a device controller. The sensor system can include any of various types of sensor subsystems, each having one or more sensors, but includes at least a flow sensor subsystem. The device controller is configured to activate the light source in response to the sensor system detecting a change in an environmentally-related input, such as air flow, sensed by the sensor system.
US08721131B2	Lighting unit A lighting unit comprises a slender substrate; a plurality of semiconductor light sources arranged in a row in the lengthwise direction on the substrate; and a light reflector disposed along one long side of the substrate, the light reflector has a multi-reflector in which a plurality of small pieces are combined.
US08721130B2	Vehicle headlamp with cut-off line forming reflector A lighting apparatus including a light source having a light emitting surface, and a reflector configured to reflect light from the light source to form a light distribution pattern having a first cutoff line and a second cutoff line such that the first cutoff line and the second cutoff line form an angle with each other. The reflector is configured to form the first cutoff line and the second cutoff line by reflection images of the same edge of the light emitting surface.
US08721126B2	Slim type backlight unit with through-hole adhesive heat dissipating means A backlight unit includes a flexible printed circuit board having a least one through hole perforated therein, and an LED package disposed on a top portion of the flexible printed circuit board corresponding to the through hole. The LED package is directly bonded onto a bottom plate by a heat conductive adhesive.
US08721123B2	Pattern generator for a light fixture An apparatus includes a first flexible material that has a first area with a first texture that produces a first predetermined amount of diffusion of a beam of light, where the first texture produces at least some diffusion in the beam of light. The apparatus also includes a second flexible material attached to a first portion of the first area, where the second flexible material reduces the amount of diffusion of the beam of light produced by the first texture of the first portion of the first area. A light fixture includes a light fixture and the first flexible material coupled to a scrolling mechanism. The scrolling mechanism is operable to position a selected area of the first flexible material such that a beam of light from the light source passes through a first area of the first flexible material.
US08721116B2	Light element seal module and method for same An LED panel assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs. An LED seal louver is coupled over the circuit board. The LED seal louver includes a substrate and a pliable seal membrane. The substrate includes one or more substrate cavities. The pliable seal membrane is coupled with the substrate, and the pliable seal membrane includes a pliable material partially extending across the one or more substrate cavities. One or more LED passages extends through the pliable material adjacent to the substrate cavities. Each of the LED passages is sized and shaped to receive a single LED. Bulbs for one or more of the plurality of LEDs are correspondingly received within the LED passages, and the pliable material seals around each bulb with an interference fit. The bulbs are directly visible through the LED seal louver while the pliable seal membrane is sealed around the bulbs, and the circuit board is concealed by the LED seal louver and isolated from an environment exterior to the LED panel assembly.
US08721110B2	LED explosion-proof light An LED explosion-proof light comprises a front casing, a light source support disposed at a center of a space enclosed by the front casing, and cooling plates disposed between the front casing and the light source support; the cooling plates are in railing shape; a power supply is electrically connected with light emitting components in the light source support. The light emitting components comprise: an LED chip integrally packaged on a front side of a metal base panel; back of the metal base panel is securely attached to a light source backing panel, and their contact surface is applied with high-performance cooling cream. Lens components are disposed at a front side of the LED chip.
US08721105B2	Incapacitating high intensity incoherent light beam An optical device for incapacitating individuals exposed to generated light. It has a housing with a head portion and window opening, a reflector with a focus facing the window opening, a power source, an electric lamp mounted at the reflector's focus. It emits a high intensity incoherent light beam of between 380-780 nm. It has a switching and isolation circuit connected to a pulse mode power conversion and a first control circuit to the electric lamp, and connected in parallel to a steady state mode power conversion and a second control circuit to the electric lamp. Both the pulse mode power conversion and control circuits are connected in common to the power source. The circuits apply pulses of power to the electric lamp temporarily increasing the total luminous flux to incapacitate one of more targeted individuals within a duration of less than 2 seconds.
US08721103B2	Utility helmet with integrated lighting system A welding shield includes a durable shell body having a front viewing window pivotally attached to a headband, a welding shield lens attached to the shell body covering the front viewing window of the shell body, a first light source disposed to the front area of the shell body, a second light source disposed to the front area of the headband, and at least one control device for controlling the light sources.
US08721101B2	Light emitting device comprising a light guide plate with reflective shielding with glare reduction The present invention relates to light emitting devices and more specifically to light emitting devices comprising light guides making use of total internal reflection (TIR). The light emitting device (100, 600) comprises a substrate (3), a plurality of light sources (2) mounted on the substrate (3) and a light guide plate (4). Reflective shielding (5) is arranged to shield the light guide plate (4) at positions were the flux of the direct light of the light sources (2) towards the light guide plate (4) have their maximum density in a powered state of the light sources (2). The reflective shielding (5) enhances the mixing of light and avoids glare problems. In-coupled is transmitted within the light guide plate (4) by total internal reflection so that light from different light sources (2) is mixed within the light guide plate (4). Further, at least a part of the lower surface is provided with an optical structure (6) for out-coupling of light.
US08721087B2	Light source device and projector A light source device includes: light sources arranged in a plane; collimator lenses disposed in the vicinities of corresponding each of the light sources, each of the collimator lenses collimating a light beam emitted from the corresponding light source, and a holder that holds the light sources and the collimator lenses. The holder holds the light sources and the collimator lenses so that optical axes of the collimator lenses are respectively shifted parallel to optical axes of the light sources by shift lengths that are set so that light beams emitted from the light sources via the collimator lenses are focused on a certain region of an illumination subject body. The light beams emitted from the light sources are refracted by the collimator lenses and focused on the certain region.
US08721085B2	Image display device An image display device includes: at least one illumination system adapted to emit a light beam; at least one light modulation element adapted to modulate the light beam emitted from the illumination system; and a projection optical system adapted to project the light beam modulated by the light modulation element, wherein a proceeding direction of a principal ray of the light beam modulated by the light modulation element is nonparallel to an optical axis of the projection optical system when the light beam modulated by the light modulation element enters the projection optical system.
US08721084B2	In-vehicle spotlight projecting apparatus for switch operation guidance to vehicle occupant An apparatus includes a laser projector and a laser beam ECU that is connected to a vehicle communication apparatus for communicating with an information center that provides a guidance service by an operator. According to an operation guidance by the operator, information indicating a switch to be operated is sent from the information center to the laser beam ECU through the vehicle communication apparatus. Then, the laser beam ECU identifies the switch to be operated based on the information and controls the laser projector to direct a laser beam to the switch to be operated.
US08721080B2	Systems for imaging structures of a subject and related methods Systems for imaging structures of a subject are provided. The subject has an optical axis, a pupil, and a nodal point. The system includes an image capture device; a first structure including a mount for the subject to be imaged by the image capture device, the first structure providing at least two rotational degrees of freedom; a second structure including a mount for the image capture device, the second structure providing at least two translational degrees of freedom; and a means for aligning the image capture device in relation to the optical axis, the pupil, and the nodal point of the subject.
US08721078B2	Fundus photographing apparatus An ophthalmic photographing apparatus includes an optical coherence tomography device provided to imaging a tomographic image of an examinee's eye. The device includes: an irradiation position changing unit for changing an irradiation position of measurement light emitted from a light source on the eye to change an imaging position on the eye; and a detector for detecting a interference state between the measurement light reflected from the eye and reference light, and a displacement detecting unit provided to detect displacement in continuity between a tomographic image having already been obtained in a first imaging region and a tomographic image to be obtained in a second imaging region different from the first imaging region.
US08721076B2	Process for controlling a lens manufacturing process A process for controlling a lens manufacturing process comprising the steps of: a) manufacturing a master lens according to a manufacturing process using a manufacturing device, b) measuring by using at least a measuring device at least one parameter of the master lens of step a), c) recording the value of the parameter, d) repeating regularly step a) to c) and checking the evolution of the parameter over time, wherein the evolution of at least one parameter of the manufacturing device used during the lens manufacturing process is checked over time and the evolution over time of at least one parameter of the master lens is related with the evolution over time of the at least one parameter of the manufacturing device.
US08721074B2	Electrical interconnects in an electronic contact lens Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses may be enhanced through the incorporation of both active and passive electrical components. Electrical interconnects and die attachment configurations are required to ensure electrical connectivity between the components and the optic portion of the lens as well as providing a means for mounting planar devices on spherical surfaces. Electrical interconnects and die attachment for powered ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses includes realizing conductive traces on optical plastic, attaching planar dies to spherical surfaces and underfilling, overmolding and light blocking to complete the lens.
US08721072B1	Vision correction method A vision correction method is disclosed wherein a purchaser selects, obtains, and assembles a custom pair of over-the-counter, non-prescription reading glasses having different diopter magnification for each eye. A display of left lenses and right lenses in various diopters and lens frame components are available in a retail store. The purchaser conducts a self-test of reading ability to determine the correct lens diopter for each eye. The purchaser then assembles the selected lenses with supplied components according to the model selected.
US08721071B2	Protective spray painter eyewear A binocular snap on lens for conventional safety glasses having slits located in front of a user's eyes through which the user can see. The snap on lens is configured to snap onto the safety glasses, and preferably stagnantly sealingly conforms to the safety glasses to create a stagnantly sealed interior space between the snap on lens and the safety glasses. The air in the interior space creates a stagnant air barrier that creates air resistance against airborne particles traversing the interior space and contacting the safety glasses. Another preferred embodiment comprises two monocular snap on lenses, each configured to snap onto a corresponding side of the safety glasses.
US08721068B2	Nail print apparatus Disclosed is a nail print apparatus including a printing finger fixation section which fixes a printing finger and a printing section, and the printing finger fixation section includes at least on finger insertion member which is provided so as to slide along a finger inserting direction according to a length of the printing finger when the printing finger is inserted, and the finger insertion member includes a nail portion exposure window which is provided for exposing the nail portion in a side of the printing section, a finger pressing section for pressing a vicinity of a base of the nail portion from above when the printing finger is inserted, and an abutment member which is arranged in a back side in the finger inserting direction than the nail portion exposure window so that a tip portion of the printing finger abuts when the printing finger is inserted.
US08721066B2	Image recording device An image recording device includes a recording unit, a feeding mechanism, a guide member, and a lock portion. The feeding mechanism is configured to feed a first feeding object along a feeding path. The feeding path has a straight path and a curved path. The recording unit faces the straight path. The guide member defines the curved path and is rotatable between an exposed position and a closed position. The lock portion is movable between a locked position at which the guide member is locked in the closed position and an unlocked position at which the lock is released. The guide member has a recess formed therein and the feeding mechanism further feeds a second feeding object to the recess along the straight path. When the second feeding object is disposed in the recess, the lock portion is disposed at the locked position.
US08721060B2	Liquid circulation system A liquid circulation system includes an inkjet head formed with a common ink flow passage, an ink cartridge, a supply flow passage through which ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to an inlet of the common ink flow passage, a return flow passage through which the ink is returned from the outlet of the common ink flow passage to the ink cartridge, a tube pump sending the ink in the supply flow passage, a tube pump sending the ink in the return flow passage, a pressurization bellows unit pressurizing the ink in the supply flow passage, a pressure reduction bellows unit depressurizing the ink in the return flow passage, a pressurization regulator maintaining the inlet being a center value “+α” of a designated head value, and a differential pressure regulator by which a differential pressure of the ink between the inlet and the outlet is maintained to be “2α”.
US08721059B2	Printing material cartridge and printing material supply system A printing apparatus has a cartridge attachment section including a terminal block having apparatus-side terminals disposed on its inclined surface, and a printing material supply pipe. Among the apparatus-side terminals, one apparatus-side ground terminal located on their center in Y direction is protruded to a greater height than the other plural apparatus-side terminals. A printing material cartridge has a circuit board, a printing material supply port, and a board mount portion that is inclined at an acute angle relative to a plane extended from an opening face of the printing material supply port. The circuit board is arranged such that one cartridge-side terminal on the circuit board comes into contact with the apparatus-side ground terminal prior to the other cartridge-side terminals in the process of attachment of the printing material cartridge to the cartridge attachment section. This arrangement enables the printing material cartridge to be attached in an adequate correct orientation or alignment to the printing apparatus. This arrangement also reduces the possibility of failure caused by application of a high voltage to the circuitry of the printing material cartridge.
US08721058B2	Inkjet head device and method of controlling inkjet head According to one embodiment, an inkjet device includes: an ink circulating device configured to communicate with an inkjet head to form an ink circulating system; an arithmetic unit configured to calculate, on the basis of pressure detected from the ink circulating system, pressure in an ink discharge port section according to an arithmetic expression set in advance; a pressure determining unit configured to determine, with proper nozzle pressure in the ink discharge port not discharging ink set as a reference value, whether a value calculated by the arithmetic unit is positive pressure or negative pressure with respect to the reference value; and a negative pressure regulator configured to communicate with the ink circulating system and perform, if the pressure determining unit determines that the value is the positive pressure, an ink reducing operation in the ink circulating system and increase a negative pressure value on the ink discharge port. The pressure determining unit changes the reference value to a negative pressure side.
US08721046B2	Ink jet printing head, ink jet printing device, and ink jet printing head manufacturing device An ink jet printing head includes a head portion, an ink tank, a first rigid circuit board, a second rigid circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, and a connector. The connector is disposed on a top surface of the ink tank, the first rigid circuit board is disposed on a side of the ink tank, the second rigid circuit board is disposed between the ink tank and the head portion, and the flexible printed circuit board is disposed in a bent condition between the first rigid circuit board and the second rigid circuit board.
US08721040B2	Liquid collection container and liquid ejecting apparatus A waste ink tank which is capable of collecting discharged ink includes an ink absorbing material which absorbs discharged ink and a recess which makes a suction force act on the ink absorbing material.
US08721039B2	Image forming apparatus The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a print head, including nozzle heads, configured to discharge ink droplets upward and movable between an image forming area in which images are formed on a recording medium and an idle discharge area in which idle discharge of the ink droplets is performed to clean the nozzles; an endless belt ink receiving member, disposed above the print head in the idle discharge area in which the print head performs idle discharge and configured to hold the idly-discharged ink; an ink receiving member driver operatively connected to the ink receiving member to circularly drive the ink receiving member; and a cleaner disposed downstream of the idle discharge area in the direction of rotation of the ink receiving member and configured to remove the ink from the ink receiving member.
US08721038B2	Methods for in situ applications of low surface energy materials to printer components In an inkjet printer, a low surface energy material is applied to a printhead face and a drip bib during a printhead maintenance operation. The low surface energy material forms a thin layer on the printhead face and drip bib to resist adhesion of ink to the printhead. The low surface energy material can be a layer of silicone oil.
US08721037B2	Composite ink absorber In one embodiment, a composite ink absorber includes a porous layer and an absorbent layer integrated together into a single part. The porous layer is configured to trap inky sludge while simultaneously allowing ink liquids to pass through to the absorbent layer and the absorbent layer is configured to absorb ink liquids passing through the porous layer. In one embodiment, a printer platen assembly includes a platen and a composite, single part ink absorber covering the floor of the platen for capturing ink overspray in the platen area.
US08721036B2	Geographically based humidity adjustment of printhead maintenance A method of controlling a maintenance operation of an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printer, the method includes providing at least one parameter of the maintenance operation as a function of humidity condition; providing a table of average humidity conditions for a geographic locale in which the printer is located; providing a current date; determining a humidity condition corresponding to the current date; and controlling the maintenance operation, wherein the at least one parameter is determined in accordance with the determined humidity condition.
US08721034B2	Inkjet recording method The inkjet recording method includes ejecting an inkjet ink toward a recording medium to form an ink image on the recording medium. The inkjet ink includes a pigment, water, a surfactant, and at least one of 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide and 3-n-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide. When Dp represents the diameter of a pigment portion in a dot image formed by dropping a droplet of the inkjet ink with a volume of 0.5 μl on the recording medium, and Dv represent the diameter of a vehicle portion in the dot image, the ratio Dv/Dp is from 1.4 to 1.7.

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