最新美国发明专利第2014-06-10期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08748313B2	Electroforming technique for mask formation A method for making a mask for semiconductor manufacturing. The method includes providing a base layer, forming a conductive layer on the base layer, and forming a photoresist layer on the conductive layer. Additionally, the method includes exposing selectively the photoresist layer to an energy illumination, developing the photoresist layer by removing a first portion of the photoresist layer, and depositing a metal layer by an electroforming process. The electroforming process includes submerging the conductive layer into a chemical bath, and applying a deposition voltage across a negative electrode and a positive electrode. Moreover, the method includes removing a second portion of the photoresist layer, and removing a first portion of the conductive layer.
US08748310B2	Method for producing a metal contact structure of a photovoltaic solar cell A method for producing a metal contact structure of a photovoltaic solar cell, including: applying an electrically non-conductive insulating layer to a semiconductor substrate, applying a metal contact layer to the insulating layer, and generating a plurality of local electrically conductive connections between the semiconductor substrate and the contact layer right through the insulating layer. The metal contact layer is formed using two pastes containing metal particles: the first paste containing metal particles is applied to local regions, and the second paste containing metal particles is applied covering at least the regions covered with the first paste and partial regions located therebetween. By global heating the semiconductor substrate the first paste penetrates the insulating layer and forms an electrically conductive contact directly with the semiconductor substrate, whereas the second paste does not penetrate the insulating layer and is electrically conductively connected to the semiconductor substrate via the first paste.
US08748309B2	Integrated circuits with improved gate uniformity and methods for fabricating same Integrated circuits with improved gate uniformity and methods for fabricating such integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing a structure including a first region and a second region and a structure surface formed by the first region and the second region. The first region is formed by a first material and the second region is formed by a second material. In the method, the structure surface is exposed to a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) and an irradiated layer is formed in the structure in both the first region and the second region. The irradiated layer is etched to form a recess.
US08748303B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming ohmic electrodes on a source region and a drain region of a nitride semiconductor layer, forming a low-resistance layer between an uppermost surface of the nitride semiconductor layer and the ohmic electrodes by annealing the nitride semiconductor layer, removing the ohmic electrodes from at least one of the source region and the drain region after forming the low-resistance layer, and forming at least one of a source electrode and a drain electrode on the low-resistance layer, the at least one of a source electrode and a drain electrode having an edge, a distance between the edge and a gate electrode is longer than a distance between an edge of the low-resistance layer and the gate electrode.
US08748302B2	Replacement gate approach for high-k metal gate stacks by using a multi-layer contact level In a replacement gate approach, the dielectric material for laterally encapsulating the gate electrode structures may be provided in the form of a first interlayer dielectric material having superior gap filling capabilities and a second interlayer dielectric material that provides high etch resistivity and robustness during a planarization process. In this manner, undue material erosion upon replacing the placeholder material may be avoided, which results in reduced yield loss and superior device uniformity.
US08748301B2	Diffusing agent composition for ink-jet, and method for production of electrode or solar battery using the composition Provided are: a diffusing agent composition for ink-jet; a method for production of electrode and solar battery using the diffusing agent composition; and a solar battery produced by the method for production. The diffusing agent composition for ink-jet includes (a) a silicon compound, (b) an impurity-diffusing component and (c) a solvent, in which: the solvent (c) contains (c1) a solvent having a boiling point of no higher than 100° C. and (c2) a solvent having a boiling point of 180 to 230° C.; and the solvent (c1) is contained at a ratio of 70 to 90% by mass and the solvent (c2) is contained at a ratio of 1 to 20% by mass both relative to the total mass of the composition.
US08748299B2	Semiconductor devices having an epitaxial layer on active regions and shallow trench isolation regions A semiconductor device includes an isolation layer pattern, an epitaxial layer pattern, a gate insulation layer pattern and a gate electrode. The isolation layer pattern is formed on a substrate, and defines an active region in the substrate. The isolation layer pattern extends in a second direction. The epitaxial layer pattern is formed on the active region and the isolation layer pattern, and has a width larger than that of the active region in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction. The gate insulation layer pattern is formed on the epitaxial layer pattern. The gate electrode is formed on the gate insulation layer pattern.
US08748283B2	Methods of forming capacitors and semiconductor devices including a rutile titanium dioxide material Methods of forming a capacitor including forming at least one aperture in a support material, forming a titanium nitride material within the at least one aperture, forming a ruthenium material within the at least one aperture over the titanium nitride material, and forming a first conductive material over the ruthenium material within the at least one aperture. The support material may then be removed and the titanium nitride material may be oxidized to form a titanium dioxide material. A second conductive material may then be formed over an outer surface of the titanium dioxide material.
US08748280B2	Methods of fabricating fin structures There is provided fin methods for fabricating fin structures. More specifically, fin structures are formed in a substrate. The fin structures may include two fins separated by a channel, wherein the fins may be employed as fins of a field effect transistor. The fin structures are formed below the upper surface of the substrate, and may be formed without utilizing a photolithographic mask to etch the fins.
US08748279B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices. The method includes a step of performing a chemical mechanical planarization processing on a poly-silicon layer before fabricating a poly-silicon gate such that the poly-silicon gates obtained in subsequent fabrication process are kept at the same height, which thus avoids the silicon nitride residues issue that occurs in the prior art. Therefore, the present invention is capable of enhancing product yield of semiconductor devices and improving device performances.
US08748277B2	Method for fabricating a MOS transistor with reduced channel length variation According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a MOS transistor, such as an LDMOS transistor, includes forming a self-aligned lightly doped region in a first well underlying a first sidewall of a gate. The method further includes forming a self-aligned extension region under a second sidewall of the gate, where the self-aligned extension region extends into the first well from a second well. The method further includes forming a drain region spaced apart from the second sidewall of the gate. The method further includes forming a source region in the self-aligned lightly doped region and the first well. The self-aligned lightly doped region and the self-aligned extension region define a channel length of the MOS transistor, such as an LDMOS transistor.
US08748274B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming a GaN-based semiconductor layer on a substrate; forming a gate insulating film of aluminum oxide on the GaN-based semiconductor layer at a temperature equal to or lower than 450° C.; forming a protection film on an upper surface of the gate insulating film; performing a process with an alkaline solution in a state in which the upper surface of the gate insulating film is covered with the protection film; and forming a gate electrode on the gate insulating film.
US08748272B2	Method of introducing strain into channel and device manufactured by using the method The present invention relates to a method of introducing strain into a channel and a device manufactured by using the method, the method comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a channel in the semiconductor substrate; forming a first gate dielectric layer on the channel; forming a polysilicon gate layer on the first gate dielectric layer; doping or implanting a first element into the polysilicon gate layer; removing a part of the first gate dielectric layer and polysilicon gate layer to thereby form a first gate structure; forming a source/drain extension region in the channel; forming spacers on both sides of the first gate structure; forming a source/drain in the channel; and performing annealing such that lattice change occurs in the polysilicon that is doped or implanted with the first element in the high-temperature crystallization process, thereby producing a first strain in the polysilicon gate layer, and introducing the first strain through the gate dielectric layer to the channel. This method has greater process flexibility and simple process complexity with no additional process cost.
US08748269B2	Quantum-well-based semiconductor devices Quantum-well-based semiconductor devices and methods of forming quantum-well-based semiconductor devices are described. A method includes providing a hetero-structure disposed above a substrate and including a quantum-well channel region. The method also includes forming a source and drain material region above the quantum-well channel region. The method also includes forming a trench in the source and drain material region to provide a source region separated from a drain region. The method also includes forming a gate dielectric layer in the trench, between the source and drain regions; and forming a gate electrode in the trench, above the gate dielectric layer.
US08748264B2	Self-aligned charge-trapping layers for non-volatile data storage, processes of forming same, and devices containing same A discrete storage element film is disposed above a tunneling dielectric film against a shallow trench isolation structure and under conditions to resist formation of the discrete storage element film upon vertical exposures of the shallow trench isolation structure. A discrete storage element film is also disposed above a tunneling dielectric film against a recessed isolation structure. A microelectronic device incorporates the discrete storage element film. A computing system incorporates the microelectronic device.
US08748258B2	Method and structure for forming on-chip high quality capacitors with ETSOI transistors An ETSOI transistor and a capacitor are formed respectively in a transistor and capacitor region thereof by etching through an ETSOI and thin BOX layers in a replacement gate HK/MG flow. The capacitor formation is compatible with an ETSOI replacement gate CMOS flow. A low resistance capacitor electrode makes it possible to obtain a high quality capacitor or varactor. The lack of topography during dummy gate patterning are achieved by lithography in combination accompanied with appropriate etch.
US08748257B2	Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof Capacitor plates, capacitors, semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a capacitor plate includes at least one via and at least one conductive member coupled to the at least one via. The at least one conductive member comprises an enlarged region proximate the at least one via.
US08748251B2	Methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices using etch stop dielectric layers and related devices A method for manufacturing a semiconductor may include providing a substrate having first and second regions defined therein, forming an interlayer dielectric layer including first and second trenches formed in the first and second regions, respectively, and conformally forming a gate dielectric layer along a top surface of the interlayer dielectric layer, side and bottom surfaces of the first trench and side, and bottom surfaces of the second trench. An etch stop dielectric layer may be formed on the gate dielectric layer, a first metal layer may be formed to fill the first and second trenches, and the first metal layer in the first region may be removed using the etch stop dielectric layer as an etch stopper.
US08748248B2	Semiconductor device including contact holes and method for forming the same A semiconductor device including contact holes and method for forming the same are provided. A dual-stress liner is formed on a substrate. A first, second and third dielectric layers are then formed over the dual-stress liner. The second dielectric layer has a top surface leveling with that of an overlapping portion of the dual-stress liner. The third dielectric layer is etched to form first openings to have the etching stop at the second dielectric layer and at the upper stress liner of the overlapping portion. The second dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer and the upper stress liner are etched along the first openings to form second openings having the etching stop at the lower stress liner of the overlapping portion and the dual-stress liner in other regions. The stress liners are etched to form contact holes.
US08748247B2	Fin field-effect-transistor (FET) structure and manufacturing method A method for fabricating a semiconductor structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region, and doping top of the semiconductor substrate to form a doped layer at top surface of the semiconductor substrate over the first region and the second region. The method also includes etching the doped layer to form a first sub-fin in the first region and a first sub-fin in the second region, and forming an insulating layer over the semiconductor substrate including the first sub-fin in the first region and the first sub-fin in the second region. Further, the method includes removing top portions of the first sub-fin in the first region and the first sub-fin in the second region and forming corresponding second sub-fins.
US08748244B1	Enhancement and depletion mode GaN HMETs on the same substrate The present invention relates to fabrication of enhancement mode and depletion mode High Electron Mobility Field Effect Transistors on the same die separated by as little as 10 nm. The fabrication method uses selective decomposition and selective regrowth of the Barrier layer and the Cap layer to engineer the bandgap of a region on a die to form an enhancement mode region. In these regions zero or more devices may be fabricated.
US08748242B2	Electronic circuit structure and method for forming same A thin film transistor (TFT) structure is implemented. This embodiment is much less sensitive than conventional TFTs to alignment errors and substrate distortion. In such a configuration, there is no need to define gate features, so the layout is simplified. Moreover, the gate layer may be patterned by several inexpensive printing or non-printing methods.
US08748236B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes irradiating light to an effective region of a semiconductor substrate. A wavelength of the light is a wavelength adapted so that light absorptance of the semiconductor substrate increases if an intensity of the light increases. The light is irradiated so that a focus point of the light is made within the semiconductor substrate in the irradiating.
US08748234B2	Method for making circuit board A method for making the same is disclosed. First, a first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate includes a release film attached to a carrier. The second substrate includes a copper film covered with a solder mask. Second, the solder masked is patterned. Next, the release film and the patterned solder mask are pressed together so that the first substrate is attached to the second substrate. Then, the copper film is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern is in direct contact with the release film and the second pattern is in direct contact with the patterned solder mask. Later, a passivation is formed to cover the first pattern and the second pattern to form a circuit board structure. Afterwards, a package is formed on the carrier to form a packaging structure.
US08748231B2	Component assembly using a temporary attach material A method of attaching a die to a carrier using a temporary attach material is disclosed. The method comprises attaching the temporary attach material between a surface of the die and a surface of the carrier. The temporary attach material attaches the die to the carrier. The method comprises bonding at least one connector to the die and the carrier. The connector includes a first end bonded to the carrier and a second end bonded to the die. The method further comprises encapsulating at least a portion of the die and at least a portion of the at least one connector by an encapsulation material.
US08748228B2	Semiconductor packages and methods of forming the same A semiconductor package including a package substrate having a chip mounting region and a peripheral region and including a ground layer formed in the peripheral region, first solder balls on the package substrate in the chip mounting region, second solder balls on the ground layer, at least one semiconductor chip stacked on the package substrate in the chip mounting region, and a package cap covering the semiconductor chip and contacting the package substrate in the peripheral region may be provided. The package cap is electrically connected to the second solder balls. Methods of fabricating the semiconductor package are also provided.
US08748226B2	Method for fixing semiconductor chip on circuit board A method for fixing a semiconductor chip on a circuit board is provided, which includes following steps. The circuit board is provided, which sequentially includes a substrate having a chip connecting portion, at least one metal wire and an insulating layer. An organic insulating material is formed on the insulating layer of the outside edge of the chip connecting portion. An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is then formed to cover the chip connecting portion and a portion of the organic insulating material. Finally, a semiconductor chip is hot-pressed on the ACF. The organic insulating material formed on the insulating layer is used to prevent the metal wires beneath the insulating layer from occurring of corrosion. A semiconductor chip package structure is also provided.
US08748225B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A semiconductor device and manufacturing method are disclosed which prevent breakage and chipping of a semiconductor chip and improve device characteristics. A separation layer is in a side surface of an element end portion of the chip. An eave portion is formed by a depressed portion in the element end portion. A collector layer on the rear surface of the chip extends to a side wall and bottom surface of the depressed portion, and is connected to the separation layer. A collector electrode is over the whole surface of the collector layer, and is on the side wall of the depressed portion. The thickness of an outermost electrode film is 0.05 μm or less. The collector electrode on the rear surface of the chip is joined onto an insulating substrate via a solder layer, which covers the collector electrode on a flat portion of the rear surface of the semiconductor chip.
US08748223B2	Method for manufacturing oxide semiconductor film and method for manufacturing semiconductor device An object is to provide an oxide semiconductor having stable electric characteristics and a semiconductor device including the oxide semiconductor. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor film by a sputtering method includes the steps of holding a substrate in a treatment chamber which is kept in a reduced-pressure state; heating the substrate at lower than 400° C.; introducing a sputtering gas from which hydrogen and moisture are removed in the state where remaining moisture in the treatment chamber is removed; and forming an oxide semiconductor film over the substrate with use of a metal oxide which is provided in the treatment chamber as a target. When the oxide semiconductor film is formed, remaining moisture in a reaction atmosphere is removed; thus, the concentration of hydrogen and the concentration of hydride in the oxide semiconductor film can be reduced. Thus, the oxide semiconductor film can be stabilized.
US08748218B2	Solar cell A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes each including a first electrode layer connected to the emitter layer and a second electrode layer positioned on the first electrode layer, at least one first current collector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and a second electrode connected to the substrate. The emitter layer forms a p-n junction along with the substrate. The first electrode layer has a first width and the second electrode layer has a second width less than the first width of the first electrode layer.
US08748216B2	Non-vacuum method for fabrication of a photovoltaic absorber layer The present invention provides a non-vacuum method of depositing a photovoltaic absorber layer based on electrophoretic deposition of a mixture of nanoparticles with a controlled atomic ratio between the elements. The nanoparticles are first dispersed in a liquid medium to form a colloidal suspension and then electrophoretically deposited onto a substrate to form a thin film photovoltaic absorber layer. The absorber layer may be subjected to optional post-deposition treatments for photovoltaic absorption.
US08748212B2	Method and device for producing solar cell strings A method and an apparatus for producing solar cell strings by connecting at least two solar cells by a least one conductor ribbon of a first length, wherein the solar cells are respectively spaced from one another at a string cell spacing(s), until a desired number of solar cells for producing a first solar cell string is connected together, connecting a further solar cell with a last solar cell of the first solar string by at least another conductor ribbon which is longer than the at least one conductor ribbon, wherein the second solar cell is spaced from the last solar cell at a greater spacing than the string cell spacing(s) and wherein the second solar cell forms the first solar cell for a second solar string, and separating the at least another conductor ribbon for decoupling the first solar cell string.
US08748209B2	Semiconductor chip package structure for achieving flip-chip type electrical connection without using wire-bonding process and method for making the same A semiconductor chip package structure for achieving flip-chip electrical connection without using a wire-bonding process includes a package unit, a semiconductor chip, a first insulative layer, first conductive layers, a second insulative layer, and second conductive layers. The package unit has a receiving groove. The semiconductor chip is received in the receiving groove and has a plurality of conductive pads disposed on its top surface. The first insulative layer is formed between the conductive pads to insulate the conductive pads. The first conductive layers are formed on the first insulative layer and the package unit, and one side of each first conductive layer is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive pad. The second insulative layer is formed between the first conductive layers in order to insulate the first conductive layers from each other. The second conductive layers are respectively formed on the other opposite sides of the first conductive layers.
US08748208B2	Method for fabricating thermo-electric generator For the present invention, a P-type thermo-electric thin-film layer and a N-type thermo-electric thin-film layer are respectively deposited on two sides of an insulating substrate. During the deposition, the P-type thermo-electric thin-film layer and the N-type thermo-electric thin-film layer are deposited and connected on the same exposed side of the insulating substrate, and then a PN junction is formed. This method makes the fabrication simplified without special process for connecting the P-type thermo-electric thin-film layer and the N-type thermo-electric thin-film layer. Due to the features of thin-film thermo-electric material, the performance of thermo-electric generator is improved. During the deposition, the P-type thermo-electric thin-film layer and the N-type thermo-electric thin-film layer are deposited and connected on the exposed side of the insulating substrate, so welding is not required in this heating surface side. The performance of thermo-electric generator fabricated in heating surface working temperature is accordingly greatly improved.
US08748207B2	Hybrid MEMS RF switch and method of fabricating same Structures having a hybrid MEMS RF switch and method of fabricating such structures using existing wiring layers of a device is provided. The method of manufacturing a MEMS switch includes forming a forcing electrode from a lower wiring layer of a device and forming a lower electrode from an upper wiring layer of the device. The method further includes forming a flexible cantilever arm over the forcing electrode and the lower electrode such that upon application of a voltage to the forcing electrode, the flexible cantilever arm will contact the lower electrode to close the MEMS switch.
US08748205B1	MEMS structure with adaptable inter-substrate bond A MEMS structure incorporating multiple joined substrates and a method for forming the MEMS structure are disclosed. An exemplary MEMS structure includes a first substrate having a bottom surface and a second substrate having a top surface substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the first substrate. The bottom surface of the first substrate is connected to the top surface of the second substrate by an anchor, such that the anchor does not extend through either the bottom surface of the first substrate or the top surface of the second substrate. The MEMS structure may include a bonding layer in contact with the bottom surface of the first substrate, and shaped to at least partially envelop the anchor.
US08748203B2	Method for making light emitting diode A method of making a LED includes steps of providing a substrate having an epitaxial growth surface. A buffer layer and an intrinsic semiconductor layer are grown thereon in that order. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the intrinsic semiconductor layer. A first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer are grown in that order on the intrinsic semiconductor layer, the first semiconductor layer covering the carbon nanotube layer. A first electrode is applied to a surface of the second semiconductor layer and the substrate, the buffer layer, and the intrinsic semiconductor layer are removed to expose the carbon nanotube layer. A second electrode is applied to make electrical connections with the carbon nanotube layer.
US08748201B2	Process for producing a layer composite consisting of a luminescence conversion layer and a scattering layer A process of producing a layer composite includes a luminescence conversion layer and a scattering layer, wherein a press having a first pressing tool with a cavity and a second pressing tool is used including introducing a first polymer including a luminescence conversion substance into the cavity, inserting a film between the first and second tools, closing the press and carrying out a first pressing, hardening the first polymer to form a luminescence conversion layer in the press, opening the press, wherein the luminescence conversion layer adhering to the film remains in the press, introducing a second polymer including scattering particles into the cavity, closing the press and carrying out a second pressing, hardening the second polymer to form a scattering layer disposed on the luminescence conversion layer, opening the press, and removing the support film with the layer composite including the luminescence conversion layer and the scattering layer.
US08748200B2	Method for manufacturing LED package A method for making an LED package includes the following steps: providing a substrate with an electrode formed thereon; forming at least one barrier portion on the electrode; forming a reflective cup on the substrate wherein the reflective cup covers the at least one barrier portion; providing an LED die in the reflective cup and electrically connecting the LED die to the electrode; and forming an encapsulation in the reflective cup, the encapsulation covering the LED die.
US08748193B2	Apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.
US08748192B2	Optical fluorescence dual sensors and methods of preparing and using them The present invention relates to an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a probe for sensing pH, a probe for sensing oxygen, an intra-reference probe and a matrix. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing an optical fluorescence dual sensor and methods of using them.
US08748190B2	Methods for detecting urushiol-bearing plants such as poision ivy The present invention provides methods for detecting urushiol-bearing plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is a method of detecting a urushiol-bearing plant, the method comprising: dispensing a urushiol marking composition on a surface of the urushiol-bearing plant; then detecting a visual change on the urushiol-bearing plant caused by the reaction of the urushiol marking composition with the urushiol borne by the urushiol-bearing plant.
US08748186B2	Method for performing a blood count and determining the morphology of a blood smear A method for counting blood cells in a sample of whole blood. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a sample of whole blood; (b) depositing the sample of whole blood onto a slide, e.g., a microscope slide; (c) employing a spreader to create a blood smear; (d) allowing the blood smear to dry on the slide; (e) measuring absorption or reflectance of light attributable to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells in the blood smear on the slide; (f) recording a magnified two-dimensional digital image of the area of analysis identified by the measurement in step (e) as being of suitable thickness for analysis; and (g) collecting, analyzing, and storing data from the magnified two-dimensional digital image. Optionally, steps of fixing and staining of blood cells on the slide can be employed in the method.
US08748185B2	Test medium for the rapid analysis of motor oils in internal combustion engines The present invention relates to a test medium for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, having a weight per unit area of 50.0 to 200.0 g/m2, comprising, based on the total weight of the test medium, 20.0% by weight to 98.0% by weight of cotton pulp, 0.0% by weight to 50.0% by weight of cellulose and 0.1% by weight to 50.0% by weight of silicic acid and/or at least one silicate salt. The present invention also relates to a method for the rapid analysis of engine oils in internal combustion engines, in which a drop of an engine oil to be analyzed is applied to the test medium according to the invention and is allowed to penetrate into the test medium, and the text result is then preferably compared with at least one reference image in order to determine the condition of the engine.
US08748182B2	Mutant proteins and methods for producing them Aspects of the invention relate to methods of producing a mutant GPCR with increased stability relative to its parent GPCR.
US08748180B2	Microfluidic device for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study of drugs and uses thereof A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (μCCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.
US08748178B2	Method for producing pluripotent stem cells Methods are provided for producing a human embryo capable of developing to the blastocyst stage. The method includes transferring a human somatic cell genome into a mature human oocyte by nuclear transfer and activating the oocyte, without removing the oocyte genome. Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells, and methods of obtaining these, are also provided.
US08748177B2	Compositions for proliferation of cells and related methods We have discovered that p63 inhibition results in increased cellular proliferation. We have also performed a screen for agents capable of increasing cellular proliferation, (e.g., of stem cells such as skin-derived precursors (SKPs)). The invention therefore invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing proliferation of cells, using compounds that decrease p63 expression or activity or using the compounds described herein. The invention also features methods of using these compounds for increasing hair growth, improving skin health, or promoting skin repair in a subject.
US08748173B2	Monoclonal antibodies specific for anthrax spores and peptides derived from the antibodies thereof The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are highly specific for Bacillus spores. Also provided are peptides derived from those monoclonal antibodies. Both the antibodies and peptides are highly specific and can discriminate between spores of potentially lethal organisms such as Bacillus anthracis and other harmless but closely related bacilli and provide a very powerful tool in the construction of detection instruments as counter measures.
US08748166B2	System for forming and maintaining biological tissue A system (10) for forming and maintaining a biological tissue by which a biological tissue can be artificially formed by culturing cells, which comprises a pulse pump (12), a circulation pathway (13) having such a circuit structure as allowing a liquid cell culture medium discharged from the pulse pump (12) to return into the pulse pump (12), and a cell culture section (14A) and a gas exchange section (14B) provided along the circulation pathway (13). The cell culture section (14A) holds a cell holder (H) in such a manner to form a first channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes through the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway (13) and a second channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes outside the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway thereby bringing about a difference in pressure between the liquid cell culture medium passing through the respective channels.
US08748165B2	Methods for generating short tandem repeat (STR) profiles This invention provides a method for generating short tandem repeat (STR) profiles on each of a plurality of samples comprising, for each sample: a) isolating DNA from the sample; b) amplifying STR markers in the isolated DNA and c) analyzing the amplification product by electrophoresis.
US08748162B2	System and method for using a pulse flow circulation for algae cultivation A system and method for using a pulse flow to circulate algae in an algae cultivation apparatus are provided. In order to counteract the negative effects of biofouling on algae cultivation equipment, a pulse flow is created to periodically move through an algae cultivation apparatus. The pulse flow will dislodge algae cells adhering to various surfaces of the apparatus, and it will also create turbulence to stir up any algae cells which may have settled onto the bottom of the apparatus. To produce an increased fluid flow rate required to create an effective pulse flow, a sump, which is periodically filled with drawn algal culture from the apparatus, is located at an elevated position above the apparatus. When released, the algal culture travels through a transfer pipe and into the apparatus with gravity causing the algal culture to flow at a very high rate.
US08748161B2	Extraction of lipid from microbial biomass with hydrophobic ionic liquid solvent The subject invention relates to novel methods for treating microbial biomass and uses thereof. In particular, this invention provides methods for production of lipids using hydrophobic ionic liquid solutions, and subsequent uses of biomass components in food, biofuels, and as chemical precursors. Further, this invention provides methods for recovering the ionic liquids using an antisolvent, thus enabling subsequent reuse of the ionic liquids.
US08748159B2	Method and apparatus for viable and nonviable prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell quantitation A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.
US08748157B2	Method for producing hydroxycarboxylic acid by regenerating coenzyme Hydroxycarboxylic acids are produced by using a microorganism that is improved in ability to regenerate oxidized-type nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by being provided with an enhanced NADH dehydrogenase function by introducing a gene encoding NADH dehydrogenase into a microorganism.
US08748155B2	Protein exhibiting activity of pyrethrin biosynthetic enzyme, gene encoding the protein, and vector bearing the gene Amino acid sequences of an enzyme involved in pyrethrin biosynthesis and a base sequence of the gene thereof; constructing vectors bearing the gene and transformants; and extractable from plant bodies producing pyrethrin by applying such creative techniques to plant bodies with faster growth aiming to provide a method to efficiently produce pyrethrin. A gene encoding a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. A protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
US08748152B1	Prevotella ruminicola xylose isomerase and co-expression with xylulokinase in yeast for xylose fermentation A xylose isomerase (XI) enzyme which exhibits increased activity and affinity for xylose is produced by strain TC2-24 of the rumen bacterium, Prevotella ruminicola. The gene encoding this enzyme may be used to produce improved recombinant yeast capable of utilizing xylose. The recombinant yeast are preferably transformed with heterologous polynucleotide sequences coding both the P. ruminicola XI, and the xylulokinase (XKS) of a Prevotella species. Yeast transformed with the polynucleotide sequences coding both of these XI and XKS exhibit significantly increased xylose utilization and cell growth on a culture medium containing xylose as the sole carbon source, in comparison to yeast transformed with XKS and XI from other sources.
US08748147B2	High processivity polymerases Chimeric proteins comprising a sequence nonspecific single-stranded nucleic-acid-binding domain joined to a catalytic nucleic-acid-modifying domain are provided. Methods comprising contacting a nucleic acid molecule with a chimeric protein, as well as systems comprising a nucleic acid molecule, a chimeric protein, and an aqueous solution are also provided. The joining of sequence nonspecific single-stranded nucleic-acid-binding domain and a catalytic nucleic-acid-modifying domain in chimeric proteins, among other things, may prevent the separation of the two domains due to their weak association and thereby enhances processivity while maintaining fidelity.
US08748145B2	Mutants of pyrroloquinoline quinine-dependent soluble glucose dehydrogenase The present invention relates to novel mutants of PQQ s-GDH containing an amino acid substitution in position 428 of the protein sequence of the wild type PQQ s-GDH of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (SEQ.ID. NO:2). The invention also relates to the use of said PQQ s-GDH mutants for the development of glucose electrodes of interest in the assay of glucose, in particular of blood glucose in diabetic subjects, and for implementing biofuel cells that utilize glucose as fuel.
US08748142B2	Culture of cardiovascular cells on a matrix and method for regenerating cardiovascular tissue Materials for culturing cardiovascular tissues wherein a sponge made of a bioabsorbable material is reinforced with a reinforcement made of a bioabsorbable material.
US08748137B2	Method for production of polylactate using recombinant microorganism It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for efficiently producing a polylactate via microbial fermentation with the use of a sugar as a starting material.The method is a method for producing a polylactate, which comprises the steps of: (1) culturing a recombinant microorganism having a protein capable of catalyzing a reaction of transferring CoA to propionic acid and/or lactate and a protein capable of catalyzing a reaction of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesis consisting of the following amino acid sequence (a) or (b) in a medium containing a carbon source: (a) an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 by substitution of at least one of the amino acids at positions 130, 325, 477, and 481 with different amino acid(s); or (b) an amino acid sequence derived from the protein specified in (a) by additional deletion or substitution of one or several amino acid(s) other than the amino acids at positions 130, 325, 477, and 481 or by insertion of one or several amino acid residue(s); and (2) collecting the polylactate from the culture product obtained in step (1).
US08748135B2	α-1,4-galactosyltransferase (CgtD) from Campylobacter jejuni α-1,4-galactosyltransferase (CgtD) polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides, including a polypeptide from Campylobacter jejuni strain LIO87 have been isolated and characterized. A method of producing a galactosylated saccharide comprising contacting an acceptor saccharide containing a terminal galactose, a donor substrate comprising a galactose moiety and one of the CgtD polypeptides is described.
US08748134B2	Transcription activator-like effector assembly Described herein are techniques for assembling a polynucleotide encoding a transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN). The techniques ligate and digest necessary modules for a TALEN assembly in one reactor or system. Methods and Kits for generating a TALEN are also described.
US08748130B2	Human papillomavirus / Ii-Key hybrids and methods of use The present invention is directed towards compositions comprising Ii-Key/HPV hybrid peptides. The hybrid peptides of the present invention are effective in the generation of CD4+ helper T cell immune responses directed towards the specific HPV epitopes encoded in the hybrid peptide. The inclusion of the Ii-key peptide in the hybrid causes the peptide to have greater immunogenicity as compared to control peptide. The inclusion of Ii-Key/HPV hybrid in a peptide vaccine formulation composing both HPV hybrid and HPV CTL epitope peptide (administered concurrently or sequentially) leads to a greater CTL activity against HPV CTL epitopes. The hybrid peptides of the present invention may be useful, for example, for the immunization of subjects against HPV.
US08748122B2	Methods for the characterization of microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media The present invention relates to methods and systems for scanning, detecting, and monitoring microorganisms on solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements. The methods are further directed to detection, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms on a solid or semi-solid media using intrinsic fluorescence (IF) measurements that are characteristic of said microorganisms.
US08748119B2	Methods for determining calcineurin activity, and uses in predicting therapeutic outcomes One aspect of the present disclosure encompasses methods for determining a protein kinase or phosphatase activity in a biological sample, comprising: contacting in a reaction mix a first test sample and a fluorescently-labeled peptide substrate capable of being modified by a protein phosphatase or a protein kinase, contacting the reaction mix with a TiO2 matrix, thereby partitioning fluorescently-labeled phosphorylated peptide from fluorescently-labeled dephosphorylated peptide; and determining the fluorescence of the fluorescently-labeled dephosphorylated peptide, thereby determining a protein kinase or phosphatase activity.
US08748116B2	1L1RL-1 as a cardiovascular disease marker and therapeutic target This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.
US08748114B2	ZAP-70 expression as a marker for chronic lymphocytic leukemia / small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) It has been surprisingly found that ZAP-70 expression, both at the protein and mRNA levels, is indicative of clinical subgroups of CLL/SLL patients. In particular, high ZAP-70 expression is indicative of Ig-unmutated CLL/SLL. Methods are provided for discriminating between clinical subgroups of CLL/SLL, by determining whether subjects overexpress ZAP-70 mRNA or protein.
US08748113B2	Methods for detecting and monitoring circulating cancer stem cells Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits useful for detecting whether a subject has or is likely to develop a cancer and for monitoring, staging and examining a cancer patient. Also provide herein are methods for screening compounds.
US08748112B2	Methods of determining cancer cell responsiveness to a notch inhibitory agent The present invention is based on the discovery that the Notch signaling pathway is associated with cancer. Accordingly, the invention provides methods and compositions for treating cancer. Also provided are methods of modulating the expression and/or activity of proteins in the Notch signaling pathway for use in diagnoses and treatment of cancer in a subject.
US08748111B2	Multiplexed olfactory receptor-based microsurface plasmon polariton detector The invention provides a bio-sensing nanodevice comprising: a stabilized G-protein coupled receptor on a support, a real time receptor-ligand binding detection method, a test composition delivery system and a test composition recognition program. The G-protein coupled receptor can be stabilized using surfactant peptide. The nanodevice provides a greater surface area for better precision and sensitivity to odorant detection. The invention further provides a microfluidic chip containing a stabilized G-protein coupled receptor immobilized on a support, and arranged in at least two dimensional microarray system. The invention also provides a method of delivering odorant comprising the step of manipulating the bubbles in complex microfluidic networks wherein the bubbles travel in a microfluidic channel carrying a variety of gas samples to a precise location on a chip. The invention further provides method of fabricating hOR17-4 olfactory receptor.
US08748108B2	Biomarkers for identifying patient classes Disclosed are methods for classifying a patient with cancer as a candidate for therapy with a Bcl-2 family inhibitor comprising determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level. Also described are methods for identifying classes of patients having a refractory cancer for second-line therapy comprising a Bcl-2 family inhibitor, where the method comprises determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level.
US08748107B2	Isolated antibodies which bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 The present invention provides antibodies which bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and which do not induce significant apoptosis of CXCR4 expressing cells. Also provided are inter alia immunoconjugates and compositions comprising such antibodies and methods and uses involving such antibodies, particularly in the medical and diagnostic fields.
US08748104B1	Troponin I protein binding compounds The invention provides aptamers capable of binding to the skeletal Troponin I protein useful as diagnostics of skeletal muscle damage in which the skeletal Troponin I protein has been implicated.
US08748099B2	Method for the cytological analysis of cervical cells The invention provides for a diagnostic test to monitor cancer-specific genetic abnormalities to diagnose cervical cell disorders and predict which patients might progress to cancer. Genetic abnormalities are detected by identification in chromosomal copy number of chromosome 3 and chromosome 5 using FISH analysis of probes targeted to 3q and/or 5p.
US08748096B2	Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 and methods of detection The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.
US08748094B2	Particle-assisted nucleic acid sequencing This invention generally relates to particle-assisted nucleic acid sequencing. In some embodiments, sequencing may be performed in a microfluidic device, which can offer desirable properties, for example, minimal use of reagents, facile scale-up, and/or high throughput. In one embodiment, a target nucleic acid may be exposed to particles having nucleic acid probes. By determining the binding of the particles to the target nucleic acid, the sequence of the target nucleic acid (or at least a portion of the target nucleic acid) can be determined. The target nucleic acid may be encapsulated within a fluidic droplet with the particles having nucleic acid probes, in certain instances. In some cases, the sequence of the target nucleic acid may be determined, based on binding of the particles, using sequencing by hybridization (SBH) algorithms or other known techniques.
US08748092B2	Methods and compositions for detecting BK virus The invention provides methods and compositions for rapid, sensitive, and highly specific nucleic acid-based (e.g., DNA based) detection of a BK virus in a sample. In general, the methods involve detecting a target nucleic acid having a target sequence of a conserved region of BK viral genomes. The invention also features compositions, including primers, probes, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.
US08748081B2	Organic anti reflective layer composition Disclosed is an organic antireflective film composition which includes a monomer containing two or more thiol groups and a monomer containing two or more vinyl groups, as crosslinking agents. When the organic antireflective film composition is used, an antireflective film formed from the composition can be rapidly etched in an ultrafine pattern forming process, and the curing rate can be increased, while the etching rate is increased, without using an acid generator and a curing agent or by using the agents only in small amounts.
US08748078B2	Cyclic compound, process for preparation thereof, radiation-sensitive composition, and method for formation of resist pattern A cyclic compound represented by formula (1): wherein L, R1, R′, and m are as defined in the specification. The cyclic compound of formula (1) is highly soluble to a safety solvent, highly sensitive, and capable of forming resist patterns with good profile. Therefore, the cyclic compound is useful as a component of a radiation-sensitive composition.
US08748077B2	Resist pattern improving material, method for forming resist pattern, method for producing semiconductor device, and semiconductor device To provide a resist pattern improving material, containing: water; and benzalkonium chloride represented by the following general formula (1): where n is an integer of 8 to 18.
US08748076B2	Resist composition and patterning process using the same There is disclosed a resist composition comprising at least: (A) a polymer containing one or more repeating units having a structure shown by the following general formula (1) and/or (2), an alkaline-solubility of the polymer being increased by an acid, (B) a photo acid generator generating, with responding to a high energy beam, a sulfonic acid shown by the following general formula (3), and (C) an onium sulfonate shown by the following general formula (4). There can be a resist composition showing not only excellent LWR and pattern profile but also extremely good performance in pattern-fall resistance, and to provide a patterning process using the same.
US08748066B2	Method for forming photomasks A method for forming photomasks includes the following steps. A first photomask including a first target pattern and a first unprintable dummy pattern is provided. A second photomask including a second target pattern and a second printable dummy pattern are provided, wherein at least part of the second printable dummy pattern overlapping the first unprintable dummy pattern exposure limit, such that the second printable dummy pattern can not be printed in a wafer.
US08748065B2	Reflection type blank masks, methods of fabricating the same, and methods of fabricating reflection type photo masks using the same Reflection type blank masks are provided. The blank mask includes a substrate, a reflection layer substantially on the substrate, at least one fiducial mark substantially on the reflection layer, an absorption layer substantially on the at least one fiducial mark and the reflection layer, and a resist layer substantially on the absorption layer.
US08748060B2	Fluorinated coating and phototools made therewith A coating including an oligomer is disclosed, the oligomer being the reaction product of an epoxy silane, a multifunctional (meth)acrylate; and a polymerizable fluorochemical. The polymerizable fluorochemical can be fluorinated (meth)acrylate or a polymerizable fluorinated urethane. Phototools having a layer of the coating on a substrate can be made. A method of making a printed assembly such as a printed circuit board is also disclosed.
US08748057B2	Ionic electrolyte membrane structure, method for its production and solid oxide fuel cell making use of ionic electrolyte membrane structure To provide an ionic electrolyte membrane structure that enables contact between the air pole and the fuel pole in which structure an edge face of the interface between an ion conducting layer and an ion non-conducting layer stands bare on a plane, an ionic electrolyte membrane structure which transmits ions only is made up of i) a substrate having a plurality of pores which have been made through the substrate in the thickness direction thereof and ii) a plurality of multi-layer membranes each comprising an ion conducting layer formed of an ion conductive material and an ion non-conducting layer formed of an ion non-conductive material which have alternately been formed in laminae a plurality of times on each inner wall surface of the pores of the substrate in such a way that the multi-layer membranes fill up the pores completely; the ions only being transmitted in the through direction by way of the multi-layer membranes provided on the inner wall surfaces of the pores.
US08748054B2	Method for supplying fuel gas to a gas chamber of a fuel cell and fuel cell Mechanical stresses of the membrane of a fuel cell can be reduced by virtue of the fact that the supply of feed gas to a gas chamber of the fuel cell takes places, initially, by means of a first pressure increasing speed and then by means of a second pressure increasing speed. The first pressure increasing speed is slower than the second pressure increasing speed. Pressure surges are prevented in the membrane due to the lower pressure increasing speed in the first phase of the gas supply, and as a result, the life span of the membrane is increased.
US08748053B2	Anode bleed flow detection and remedial actions A system for bleeding the anode side of first and second split fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system that employs anode flow-shifting, where each split stack includes a bleed valve. The system determines that one or both of the bleed valves is stuck in an open position if there is flow through an orifice and a bleed has not been commanded. A shut-off valve is then used to provide the bleed if the cathode exhaust gas is able to dilute the hydrogen in the bled anode exhaust gas. An outlet valve between the first and second split stacks is used to bleed the anode exhaust gas if the cathode exhaust gas is not significant enough to dilute the hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas. If the first or second bleed valve is stuck in the closed position, then the outlet valve is used to provide the bleed.
US08748051B2	Adaptive loading of a fuel cell A fuel cell system is disclosed with a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, the fuel cell stack including an external electrical circuit adapted to control current from the fuel cell stack, a sensor for measuring at least one of an environmental condition affecting the fuel cell stack and a characteristic of the fuel cell stack, wherein the sensor generates a sensor signal representing a measurement of the sensor, and a processor for receiving the sensor signal, analyzing the sensor signal, and controlling an adaptive load applied to the external electrical circuit based upon the analysis of the sensor signal.
US08748045B2	Lithium battery and method for fabricating the same A lithium battery and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The lithium battery includes an anode, a cathode located opposite to the anode, a separator and an electrolyte solution. The separator is located between the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode, the cathode and the separator commonly define a containing region. The electrolyte solution is located in the containing region, and includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt and an additive. The additive includes a maleimide-based compound and a hydroxyl-containing species having a molecular weight less than 1000, and a content of the hydroxyl-containing species in the electrolyte solution ranges between 0.05 wt % and 5 wt %. The lithium battery and the fabrication method thereof can solve problems of water contained in the battery, and an environment with high dryness and low moisture content is unnecessary for fabrication, thereby reducing the production cost and enhancing the battery performance.
US08748043B2	Electrolytes for lithium sulfur cells Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and a sulfur-containing cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cell exhibits high utilization of the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode and a high charge-discharge efficiency.
US08748035B2	Battery, vehicle, and battery-mounting device An object is to provide a battery with good durability, and a vehicle and a battery-mounting device each having such a battery mounted therein. A battery includes a positive electrode terminal member made of aluminum, a negative electrode terminal member made of copper, a positive electrode resin member made of an insulating resin, covering a part of the terminal member in tight contact therewith, and a negative resin member made of an insulating resin, covering a part of the terminal member in tight contact therewith. A positive electrode resin adhesion surface and a negative electrode resin adhesion surface each have been subjected to a surface treatment. A negative electrode sealing length of a shortest path of negative seal paths is longer than a positive electrode sealing length of a shortest path of positive electrode seal paths.
US08748031B2	Rechargeable battery having multiple cases A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode, a first case housing the electrode assembly and electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a second case electrically insulated from the first case and housing the first case, wherein the second case is electrically coupled to the second electrode.
US08748029B2	Battery pack A battery pack (1) includes: multiple battery modules (3, 5, 7) stacked in a vertical direction with a predetermined gap (G1) provided between the battery modules (3, 5) and with a predetermined gap (G2) between the battery modules (5, 7); and a battery controller (13) attached to sides of the battery modules (3, 5, 7) in such a manner as to face the predetermined gap (G1).
US08748025B2	Cell holding device, assembled battery, and vehicle In a cell holding device, engaging members (224) are disposed in an insertion cavity (222) into which an end portion of each cell (400) is inserted, such that the engaging members (224) are movable in a direction of insertion in which the cell (400) is inserted. The cell holding device also has guides (225) that push the engaging members (224) toward the inner radius of the insertion cavity (222) as the engaging members (224) move in the direction of insertion. With this arrangement, when the end portion of the cell (400) is inserted into the insertion cavity (222), the engaging members (224) sandwiched between the guides (225) and a side circumferential surface (403) of the cell (400) hold the end portion of the cell (400).
US08748023B2	Electronic apparatus and battery pack An electronic apparatus comprises a battery pack that comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell that are arranged in a first direction and store energy for enabling operation of electronic components; and a battery holder that houses the battery pack. The battery holder comprises a projecting part in a first face that configures the battery holder and covers the battery pack while the battery pack is provided with a slit that is fitted with the projecting part in a second face that is opposed to the first face. Furthermore, the first direction intersects a boundary direction extending between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and the slit is formed to extend along the first direction in the second face.
US08748019B2	Car power source apparatus A case (20) of each battery cell (1) houses a current interrupt device (30) that cuts-off current when internal pressure exceeds a set pressure. The case has a rectangular outline with a pair of opposing planar surfaces (20A). An electrode unit (10), which is a stack of positive and negative electrode plates (10A) with intervening separators (10C), and the current interrupt device are disposed between the pair of opposing planar surfaces. A plurality of battery cells is stacked with opposing planar surfaces opposite each other to form a battery block (2). The power source apparatus has a pair of endplates (4) disposed at the ends of the battery block, the pair of endplates is connected by connecting components (5), and the pair of endplates holds the battery cells in the stacked configuration applying pressure in a direction perpendicular to the opposing planar surfaces.
US08748017B2	Magnetic recording medium According to one embodiment, a bit patterned medium includes a substrate, and a magnetic recording layer disposed above the substrate and including patterns of protrusions. Each of the protrusions contains a plurality of crystal grains. An average distance between the crystal grains is 0.5 to 3.0 nm in each of the protrusions. The protrusions include first protrusions each having a length of 1 μm or more in a radial direction of the medium and second protrusions each having a length in the radial direction shorter than the length of the first protrusion in the radial direction. Each of the first protrusions has a nucleation field Hn for magnetization reversal and a coercive force Hc satisfying the inequalities, Hn≧1.5 kOe and 0.5 kOe≦Hc−Hn≦1.5 kOe.
US08748014B2	Compound having a substituted anthracene ring structure and pyridoindole ring structure, and organic electroluminescent device The present invention relates to a compound having a substituted anthracene ring structure and a pyridoindole ring structure, which is represented by the following general formula (1) or the following general formula (2); and an organic electroluminescent device having a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer interposed therebetween, in which the compound having a substituted anthracene ring structure and a pyridoindole ring structure, which is represented by the following general formula (1) or the following general formula (2), is used as a constituent material of the aforementioned at least one organic layer.
US08748008B2	High performance coatings and surfaces to mitigate corrosion and fouling in fired heater tubes A fired heater tube that is resistant to corrosion and fouling is disclosed. The fired heater tube comprises an advantageous high performance coated material composition resistant to corrosion and fouling comprises: (PQR), wherein P is an oxide layer at the surface of (PQR), Q is a coating metal layer interposed between P and R, and R is a base metal layer, wherein P is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, and mixtures thereof, Q comprises Cr, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Co, B, C, N, P, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Sc, La, Y, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Re, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au and mixtures thereof, and R is selected from the group consisting of low chromium steels, ferritic stainless steels, austenetic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, Inconel alloys, Incoloy alloys, Fe—Ni based alloys, Ni-based alloys and Co-based alloys.
US08748004B2	Semiaromatic polyamide comprising a chain ending The invention relates to a copolyamide comprising at least two different units corresponding to the following general formulation: A/X.T A is chosen from a unit obtained from an amino acid, a unit obtained from a lactam and a unit corresponding to the formula (Ca diamine).(Cb diacid), with a representing the number of carbon atoms of the diamine and b representing the number of carbon atoms of the diacid, a and b each being between 4 and 36, advantageously between 9 and 18, X.T denotes a unit obtained from the polycondensation of a Cx diamine and of terephthalic acid, with x representing the number of carbon atoms of the Cx diamine, x being between 9 and 36, advantageously between 10 and 18, characterized in that said copolyamide exhibits: a content of amine chain ends of greater than or equal to 20 μeq/g, a content of acid chain ends of less than or equal to 100 μeq/g, and a content of unreactive chain ends of greater than or equal to 20 μeq/g, and to the process for the preparation of said copolyamide, to a composition comprising this copolyamide and to the use of this copolyamide and of such a composition.
US08748000B2	Method for producing water-absorbent polymer particles with a higher permeability by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution A process for preparing water-absorbing polymer beads with high permeability by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets, wherein a water-insoluble inorganic salt is suspended in the monomer solution and the polymer beads have a mean diameter of at least 150 μm.
US08747994B2	Anti-reflective film and production method thereof The present invention provides an anti-reflective film that prevents wavelength dispersion from being applied to light transmitted through an anti-reflective film. The present invention is an anti-reflective film, which reduces reflection of visible light on a surface of a substrate by being mounted on the substrate, has a wavelength dispersion structure for applying first wavelength dispersion to visible light transmitting through the anti-reflective film, and contains a wavelength dispersion material for applying second wavelength dispersion to the visible light transmitting through the anti-reflective film, wherein visible light transmitted through the anti-reflective film has flat transmission wavelength dispersion in a visible light region.
US08747993B2	Sliding component and timepiece A sliding component has a multi-layer structure having a sliding portion configured to undergo sliding contact with a surface of another component different from the sliding component. A lubricating oil retaining/supplying structure retains a lubricating oil and supplies the lubricating oil to the sliding portion during sliding contact between the sliding portion and the surface of another component irrespective of a contact angle between the sliding portion and the surface of the another component.
US08747991B2	Optical device, method for manufacturing the same and display device An optical device is provided and includes a substrate having a three-dimensionally random concave-convex shape on the surface thereof, and a hard coat layer formed on the substrate, wherein a projection height with the maximum frequency on the substrate surface falls within the range of 1.5 μm or more and not more than 10 μm. Projections larger than the projection height with the maximum frequency on the substrate surface have a height falling within +3 μm from a central value of the projection height with the maximum frequency. A length RSm in a lateral direction of concaves and convexes on the substrate surface is 55 μm or more and not more than 500 μm.
US08747989B2	Pattern production and recovery by transformation A transformative periodic structure includes a plurality of elastomeric or elasto-plastic periodic solids that experiences a transformation in the structural configuration upon application of a critical macroscopic stress or strain. The transformation alters the geometric pattern changing the spacing and the shape of the features within the transformative periodic structure. For the case of elastomeric periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the transformative periodic solids are recovered to their original form. For the case of elasto-plastic periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the new pattern is retained. Polymeric periodic solids can be recovered to their original form by heating or plasticizing.
US08747987B2	Ultra thick bamboo-wood composite panel, ultra thick solid wood composite panel and manufacturing methods thereof A composite panel and its manufacture are described. Ultra-thick bamboo/wood and solid wood composite panels are comprised of core board, surface board and back board. The core board is composed of ultra-thick peeling veneers with thickness of 6 to 12 mm. Both surface board and back board are made of bamboo or wood. The core board comprises several layers of the ultra-thick veneers, and the veneers of contiguous layer are assembled with parallel structure. A glue layer is arranged between contiguous veneers; adhesive in the glue layer is aqueous macromolecule isocyanate adhesive. The ultra-thick veneers of the core layer are the veneers with stress degradation treatment, i.e., punctate or line segment cracks are formed along the grain of the veneer's loose side in each layer.
US08747983B2	Optical recording medium An object of the present invention is to provide a recordable optical recording medium whose characteristics do not deteriorate when recording is conducted in a high-temperature environment. The present invention provides a recordable optical recording medium comprising a substrate as well as at least a reflection layer, recording layer, and light transmission layer provided on the substrate, wherein the recording layer of said optical recording medium contains (a) an azo metal complex dye and (b) another dye whose decomposition temperature is 240° C. to 360° C.
US08747982B2	Production method for an SiC volume monocrystal with a homogeneous lattice plane course and a monocrystalline SiC substrate with a homogeneous lattice plane course A method is used for producing an SiC volume monocrystal by sublimation growth. Before the beginning of growth, an SiC seed crystal is arranged in a crystal growth region of a growth crucible and powdery SiC source material is introduced into an SiC storage region of the growth crucible. During the growth, by sublimation of the powdery SiC source material and by transport of the sublimated gaseous components into the crystal growth region, an SiC growth gas phase is produced there. The SiC volume monocrystal having a central center longitudinal axis grows by deposition from the SiC growth gas phase on the SiC seed crystal. The SiC seed crystal is heated substantially without bending during a heating phase before the beginning of growth, so that an SiC crystal structure with a substantially homogeneous course of lattice planes is provided in the SiC seed crystal.
US08747981B2	Form and force locking connection of special graphite parts to form multi-part graphite components A form and force locking connection of special graphite parts is provided to form multi-part components, at which the joints/connection point has almost the same physical properties as the material surrounding the connection point. The form and force locking connection is achieved by the graphite parts being interlocked at the opposing front surfaces in a three-dimensional manner, so that one front surface of a first graphite part has the positive form of the interlocking and the front surface of a second opposing graphic part has the negative form of the interlocking, and the interlocking exclusively has evenly transitioned contours between side surfaces of the graphite parts.
US08747977B2	Multilayer hose with leak preventative interfacial layer containing super absorbent polymer (SAP) A multilayer hose is provided with a leak preventative interfacial layer that includes a super absorbent polymer (SAP) interposed between an inner layer and an outer layer. In one embodiment, the inner and outer layers are made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) (EPDM) rubber, and the interfacial layer is covalently bonded to the inner layer (and, optionally, to the outer layer) via a curing reaction between the EPDM rubber of at least the inner layer and a vinyl functionalized reaction product of alginic acid and acryloyl chloride of the interfacial layer. In addition, a reinforcement layer (e.g., textile filaments braided, knitted, or spirally wound onto the interfacial layer) is disposed between the inner and outer layers. In some embodiments, one or more SAP-equipped multilayer hoses interconnect liquid-coolant cooling system components (e.g., cold plates, headers, manifolds, pumps, reservoirs, and heat exchangers) of an apparatus that removes heat from electronic components.
US08747976B2	Orientated polymeric devices The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.
US08747973B2	Fluid transfer member The present invention provides a fluid transfer member having thermal stability on the occasion of molding, stress cracking resistance and low liquid chemical permeability at the same time. The present invention is a fluid transfer member which is composed by a laminate containing a layer [P] comprising a fluoropolymer and/or a fluorine-free organic material and a layer [Q] comprising a chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer.
US08747968B2	Recording medium A recording medium includes, in sequence, a support, a first ink-receiving layer containing a first inorganic particle and a first binder, a second ink-receiving layer containing a second inorganic particle and a second binder, and a third ink-receiving layer which is an outermost surface layer and contains a third inorganic particle, a third binder, and a particle different from the third inorganic particle and having an average secondary particle size of 1.0 to 20.0 μm. A mass ratio of a content of the first binder to a content of the first inorganic particle is larger than a mass ratio of a content of the second binder to a content of the second inorganic particle. A content of the particle having the specific average secondary particle size is 0.5% by mass or more with respect to a content of the third inorganic particle.
US08747967B2	Liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, an alignment layer disposed on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate, the alignment layer including at least one vertical alignment monomer and a photo-alignment layer separated from the at least one vertical alignment monomer, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The photo-alignment layer includes a main chain and at least one side chain connected to the main chain, and the at least one side chain includes at least one vertical photo-alignment material.
US08747964B2	Ion-induced atomic layer deposition of tantalum Systems, methods, and apparatus for depositing a tantalum layer on a wafer substrate are disclosed. In one aspect, a tantalum layer may be deposited on a surface of a wafer substrate using an ion-induced atomic layer deposition process with a tantalum precursor. A copper layer may be deposited on the tantalum layer.
US08747962B2	Method and device for the internal plasma treatment of hollow bodies The invention relates to a method for the plasma treatment of workpieces, particularly workpieces in the form of hollow bodies, in which a treatment zone in a reactor chamber is at least partially evacuated, a process gas is introduced into the treatment zone, particularly into the cavity of the workpiece, and a plasma is ignited by means of injected electromagnetic energy in the process gas introduced into the treatment zone, wherein the process gas flows through the treatment zone between opposite ends of the zone during the plasma treatment.
US08747961B2	Process for production of electret material Provided is a process by which an electret material having excellent thermal resistance of charge retentivity can be obtained. The process for producing an electret material of the invention includes an irradiation step, a formation step, and a charging step. In the irradiation step, a dispersion containing fine polytetrafluoroethylene particles is irradiated with γ rays. In the formation step, the dispersion which has been irradiated with γ rays is applied to an electrode plate and then dried, and the fine polytetrafluoroethylene particles are sintered to form a polytetrafluoroethylene layer on the electrode plate. In the charging step, the surface of the polytetrafluoroethylene layer is subjected to a charging treatment.
US08747960B2	Processes and systems for engineering a silicon-type surface for selective metal deposition to form a metal silicide The embodiments fill the need to enhance electro-migration performance, provide lower metal resistivity, and improve silicon-to-metal interfacial adhesion for copper interconnects by providing improved processes and systems that produce a silicon-to-metal interface. An exemplary method of preparing a substrate surface of a substrate to selectively deposit a layer of a metal on a silicon or polysilicon surface of the substrate to form a metal silicide in an integrated system is provided. The method includes removing organic contaminants from the substrate surface in the integrated system, and reducing the silicon or polysilicon surface in the integrated system after removing organic contaminants to convert silicon oxide on the silicon or polysilicon surface to silicon, wherein after reducing the silicon or polysilicon surface, the substrate is transferred and processed in controlled environment to prevent the formation of silicon oxide, the silicon or polysilicon surface is reduced to increase the selectivity of the metal on the silicon surface. The method further includes selectively depositing the layer of the metal on the silicon or polysilicon surface of substrate in the integrated system after reducing the silicon or polysilicon surface. An exemplary system to practice the exemplary method described above is also provided.
US08747954B2	Process for the preparation of an organic film at the surface of a solid support with oxidizing treatment The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an organic film on a portion of the surface of a solid support made of (co)polymer, characterized in that it comprises the successive steps consisting in (i) subjecting said surface portion to an oxidizing treatment and (ii) grafting an organic film to said surface portion by radical chemical grafting.
US08747953B2	Stable reactive thermosetting formulations of reducing sugars and amines The present invention provides stable aqueous thermosetting binder compositions having a total solids content of 15 wt. % or higher, preferably, 20 wt. % or higher, and having extended shelf life comprising one or more reducing sugar, one or more primary amine compound, and one or more stabilizer acid or salt having a pKa of 8.5 or less. The total amount of stabilizer used may range from 5 to 200 mole %, based on the total moles of primary amine present in the binder. The stabilizer may be an organic stabilizer chosen from a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a fatty acid, an acid functional fatty acid ester, an acid functional fatty acid ether, or an inorganic stabilizer chosen from a mineral acid, a mineral acid amine or ammonia salt, and a Lewis acid, and mixtures thereof. The compositions can be used to provide binders for substrate materials including, for example, glass fiber.
US08747952B2	Materials and processes for coating substrates having heterogeneous surface properties A coating material includes: (A) a compound of formula (I) Ra4-nSiXan (I), wherein: Xa is a hydrolysable radical; Ra is a non-hydrolysable radical; n is 2, 3 or 4; (B) a compound of formula (II) wherein: Xb is a hydrolysable radical; Rb is a non-hydrolysable radical without an epoxide function, an acryloxy function, a methacryloxy function and an isocyanate function; Yb is a non-hydrolysable radical with a crosslinkable function; p is 2 or 3; q is 1 or 2; the sum of p and q is less than or equal to 4; (C) a crosslinking agent; (D) an organozirconium, organotitanium or organoaluminum compound containing hydrolysable organic radicals; (E) a hydrolysis catalyst; (F) crosslinkable prepolymers of epoxy and epoxysiloxane resins, (G) optional corrosion inhibitors; (H) optional compounds for reducing the reactivity of component (D); wherein n and the sum of p +q are not at the same time each 4.
US08747951B2	Method for manufacturing hose with protector layer A method for manufacturing a hose with a protector layer 2 on the outer periphery of a tubular polyamide resin layer 1 includes steps of: preparing a rubber composition for forming the protector layer by separately preparing a first rubber material containing components (A) to (C) and a second rubber material containing components (a) and (b) but substantially free of a sulfur vulcanization agent and mixing them in a mixer; and forming the protector layer 2 by continuously vulcanizing unvulcanized rubber after continuous extrusion of the rubber composition onto the outer periphery of the previously formed polyamide resin layer 1. (A) Ethylene-propylene rubber (B) Sulfur vulcanization agent (C) Thiuram vulcanization accelerator (mp. 66 to 105° C.) (a) Ethylene-propylene rubber (b) Vulcanization accelerator (mp. 120° C. or higher).
US08747946B2	Pre-treatment apparatus and method for improving adhesion of thin film There is provided a pre-treatment method for improving an adhesion of a thin film which includes: preparing a base metal including a single metal or alloy; preparing a coating powder including powder of one or more single metals or an alloy thereof; forming a porous metal coating layer on a surface of the base metal, on which a thin film is to be deposited, by cold-spraying the coating powder and a process gas to the surface of the base metal; and depositing the thin film on the coating layer, wherein the thin film includes metal.
US08747943B2	Method for producing a master mold and cutout processing method for a master mold A metal plate having a pattern of protrusions on a first surface thereof is produced; photoresist is provided on a second surface of the metal plate; the photoresist is removed from a portion of the metal plate corresponding to a loop shaped outer peripheral cutout region that contacts the outer periphery of a mold region of the metal plate; and the metal plate is etched using the remaining photoresist as a mask, in a method for producing and a method for cutting a processing a master mold having a pattern of protrusions and recesses corresponding to data to be transferred on a surface thereof.
US08747942B2	Carbon nanotube-based solar cells Solar cells are provided with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which are used: to define a micron/sub-micron geometry of the solar cells; and/or as charge transporters for efficiently removing charge carriers from the absorber layer to reduce the rate of electron-hole recombination in the absorber layer. A solar cell may comprise: a substrate; a multiplicity of areas of metal catalyst on the surface of the substrate; a multiplicity of carbon nanotube bundles formed on the multiplicity of areas of metal catalyst, each bundle including carbon nanotubes aligned roughly perpendicular to the surface of the substrate; and a photoactive solar cell layer formed over the carbon nanotube bundles and exposed surfaces of the substrate, wherein the photoactive solar cell layer is continuous over the carbon nanotube bundles and the exposed surfaces of the substrate. The photoactive solar cell layer may be comprised of amorphous silicon p/i/n thin films; although, concepts of the present invention are also applicable to solar cells with absorber layers of microcrystalline silicon, SiGe, carbon doped microcrystalline silicon, CIS, CIGS, CISSe and various p-type II-VI binary compounds and ternary and quaternary compounds.
US08747941B2	Liquid crystal dispensing apparatus A liquid crystal dispensing method includes loading a substrate onto a stage, aligning at least one liquid crystal dispenser coupled to a guide bar with a dispensing position on the substrate, dispensing liquid crystal material onto the substrate, and unloading the substrate from the stage.
US08747934B2	Moulding A system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, has a production device having a frame, a mould member provided with at least one mould cavity, the frame supporting the mould member, mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mould cavities of the mould member. The system also has at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mould member is removable from the frame. The system has a storage device for storing a plurality of mould members, which may be provided with an identification, has recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mould member, and may have a memory for storing at least one history of a mould member.
US08747933B1	Can cooker A can cooker includes a main body that is generally cylindrical in shape having a bottom portion, wall portion, neck portion, and lid ring. The bottom portion, wall portion, and neck portion may be integrally formed and connected to one another. A lid is sized and shaped to fit within a part of the neck portion. The lid includes an outer lip that engaged with lid ring on the main body in such a way that a seal is formed between the lid ring and the outer lip. The lid is secured to the main body through a plurality of latches. Handles may be placed on the exterior surface of the lid and main body to ease use and transportation of the can cooker.
US08747932B2	Method of brewing a beverage with an elongate member An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.
US08747931B2	Super critical fluid extraction and fractionation of bran extraction materials Generally, a bran processing system for the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of bran extraction material from bran and fractionation of the bran extraction material. Specifically, a bran processing system for the isolation of a bran extraction material fraction enriched in ferulate-phytosterol esters or oryzanol.
US08747925B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating diabetes The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating diabetes comprising Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Semen Persicae, Radix Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, and Cordyceps. The use of the composition for the manufacture of a medicament for treating type II diabetes is also provided.
US08747917B2	Composition comprising Cudrania tricuspidata and Coix lachryma-jobi for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar, and use thereof The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar which comprises Cudrania tricuspidata extract and Coix lachryma-jobi extract, and more specifically relates to a pharmaceutical composition for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar which comprises Cudrania tricuspidata extract and Coix lachrymajobi extract, to a functional health food or food additive composition for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar which comprises Cudrania tricuspidata extract and Coix lachryma-jobi extract, to a tablet having an obesity-suppressing function and blood-sugar lowering effect which is produced using Cudrania tricuspidata and Coix lachryma-jobi as principal raw materials, and to a production method therefor.
US08747914B2	Anti-inflammatory dissolvable film Provided, among other things, is a slowly dissolvable film comprising: herbal bioactive agent(s); and polymer(s), dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins to absorb moisture therefrom.
US08747912B2	Drug delivery system A drug delivery system for the controlled release of a pharmaceutically-active compound by oral route comprises an intercalate of a layered double hydroxide having, before intercalation, layers of metal hydroxides, and having intercalated therein a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group. A preferred layered double hydroxide is one that has layers which comprise [LiAl2(OH)6]+. The drug delivery system has use in the delivery of drugs such as 4-biphenylacetic acid, Diclofenac, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, 2-Propylpentanoic acid and Tolfenamic acid.
US08747896B2	Mucosal bioadhesive slow release carrier for delivering active principles A mucosal bioadhesive slow release carrier comprising an active principle and devoid of starch, lactose, which can release the active principal for a duration of longer than 20 hours. This bioadhesive carrier contains a diluent, an alkali metal alkylsulfate, a binding agent, at least one bioadhesive polymer and at least one sustained release polymer, as well as a method for its preparation.
US08747893B2	Capsule which disintegrates specifically in the large intestine The present invention is to obtain capsules which do not disintegrate in stomach and intestine after orally administrating them and which disintegrate specifically in large intestine.The present invention thus provides a capsule which disintegrates specifically in large intestine, comprising a content comprising a main agent, and a shell, covering the content, comprising a natural water-soluble polymer as a shell base material and chitosan powder dispersing in the natural water-soluble polymer.
US08747891B2	Ceramide anionic liposome compositions Described herein are pharmaceutical compositions according to aspects of the present invention which include one or more hydrophilic antineoplastic chemotherapeutics, such as vinca alkyloid antineoplastic chemotherapeutics, encapsulated in ceramide anionic liposomes. Methods of treatment of a subject having cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions are described, along with methods of making ceramide anionic liposomes which encapsulate one or more hydrophilic antineoplastic chemotherapeutics in the aqueous interior of the ceramide anionic liposomes.
US08747889B2	Transdermal analgesic systems with reduced abuse potential A transdermal analgesic system having reduced potential for abuse, wherein the system provides for the controlled release of the antagonist at a rate sufficient to provide an abuse limiting release rate ratio of the antagonist to the analgesic when the dosage form is subject to abuse is disclosed.
US08747888B2	Dermal delivery device with in situ seal This invention relates to a transdermal drug delivery device that comprises an active ingredient (AI) layer, having a skin contacting surface and a non-skin contacting surface and comprising a volatile component, a release liner impermeable to the volatile component adjacent the skin contacting surface of the AI layer having a perimeter that extends beyond the perimeter of the AI layer in all directions, and an overlay comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) that does not absorb the volatile component adjacent the non-skin contacting surface of the Al layer having a perimeter of which extends beyond the perimeter of the AI layer in all directions, wherein the release liner and the PSA of the overlay are in contact with and adhered to each other around the perimeter of the AI layer to form a seal that reduces or prevents volatile component loss.
US08747880B2	Engineered biological nerve graft, fabrication and application thereof An engineered three-dimensional structure includes living cells cohered with each other. The living cells suitably include Schwann cells and at least one other type of cell. The cells accompanying the Schwann cells can suitably be bone marrow stem cells or another type of cell having one or more anti-inflammatory properties. The structure is suitably a graft that facilitates restorative axon growth when the graft is implanted between the proximal and distal stubs of a severed nerve in a living organism. The graft can optionally include a plurality of acellular conduits extending between opposite axial ends of the graft. Bio-printing techniques can be used to assemble a three-dimensional construct that becomes through maturation an axon-guiding graft, by stacking a plurality of multicellular bodies, each of which includes a plurality of living cells cohered to one another to sufficiently to avoid collapsing when the multicellular bodies are stacked to form the structure.
US08747879B2	Method of fabricating an implantable medical device to reduce chance of late inflammatory response The invention provides a method for fabricating an implantable medical device to increase biocompatibility of the device, the method comprising: heat setting a polymer construct, wherein the polymer construct is at a temperature range of from about Tg to about 0.6(Tm−Tg)+Tg such that the set polymer construct comprises a crystalline structure having crystals at a size less than about 2 microns; and fabricating an implantable medical device from the heat set polymer construct.
US08747877B2	Control of ectoparasites Disclosed is a method of controlling ectoparasites that infest companion and livestock animals by applying to the animal an effective amount of 4-tert-butylphenethyl quinazolin-4-yl ether or 4-chloro-5-ethyl-2-methyl-N-[(4-tert-butylphenyl)methyl]pyrazole-3-carboxamide or 5-chloro-N-[2-[4-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2,3-dimethylphenoxy]ethyl]-6-ethyl-4-pyrimidinamine or 4-chloro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[4-(p-tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide.
US08747876B2	Oleophilic antimicrobial composition The present invention relates to an oleophilic antimicrobial composition comprising silica nanotubes containing silver nanoparticles. The composition is added to an oil-based composition, such as an oil-based paint, a ceramic composition or a fiber coating compositions, immediately before the use of the oil-based composition, such that the contact time of the silver nanoparticles with the organic solvent contained in the oil-based composition is shortened to inhibit the oxidation of the silver nanoparticles. In addition, the composition has improved antimicrobial effects due to the excellent dispersibility of the silver nanoparticles, because the silver nanoparticles do not agglomerate in any solvent due to the silica nanotube structures, unlike spherical silica structures.
US08747875B2	Photo-stable pest control An insecticidal composition comprising stabilized pyrethrins or pyrethroids is provided. Such composition includes stabilizing effective amount of N,N-dialkyl fatty acid amide solvents and certain ultraviolet-light absorbers. In such composition, the pyrethrins or pyrethroid can retain their insecticidal activity for an acceptably long period of time. Therefore, an advantage of this invention is to provide a topical pyrethrins or pyrethroid based insecticide which can remain effective in light over a long time period. Another advantage of this invention is to provide a stabilized topical pyrethrins or pyrethroid insecticide insecticidal formulation containing a high concentration of the active pyrethrins or pyrethroid ingredient to minimize the volume of formulation required.
US08747874B2	Spray oil and method of use thereof for controlling turfgrass pests A paraffinic spray oil and a method of using the spray oil for controlling turfgrass pests is disclosed. The spray oil comprises paraffinic oil and a quick break emulsifier, which is formulated as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion for use. The paraffinic oil and emulsifier are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 95:5 to about 99.95:0.05, and preferably from about 98.5:1.5 to about 99.9:0.1. When applied to turfgrass, the O/W emulsion quickly releases the oil phase upon application to the turfgrass to contact pests thereon. When provided at sufficient paraffinic oil dosages, generally at least about 0.5 gal oil/acre and preferably in the range of about 0.5 gal/acre to about 60 gal/acre, the spray oil is effective in controlling a variety of turfgrass pests, particularly insect and fungal pests, with little or no phytotoxic effects. Further, use of the spray oil as indicated for controlling turfgrass pests also enhances the growth of turfgrass.
US08747873B2	Compositions of dibromomalonamide and their use as biocides A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and an aldehyde-based biocidal compound, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.
US08747867B2	Cancer markers The invention relates to methods of diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, and in particular NSCLC, the methods comprising determining the expression level of one or more genes. In some embodiments the invention relates to prognosis of early stage NSCLC.
US08747860B2	Methods and compositions to modulate antiviral and immune activity responses The invention is directed to an improved method to manufacture virus for use in vaccine by culturing infected cells that have been modified to overexpress miR-144. The invention is also directed to manipulating the activity or level of miR-144 in subjects in order to modulate the antiviral and immune response systems.
US08747857B2	Calicheamicin derivative-carrier conjugates Methods for preparing monomeric cytotoxic drug/carrier conjugates with a drug loading significantly higher than in previously reported procedures and with decreased aggregation and low conjugate fraction (LCF) are described. Cytotoxic drug derivative/antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described. Monomeric calicheamicin derivative/anti-CD22 antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described.
US08747856B2	Antigen binding fragments of an antibody for use in treating or diagnosing ocular diseases The present invention relates to the use of a fully human antigen binding fragment of an antibody for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or diagnosis of an ocular disease upon topical administration. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fully human binding fragment of an antibody for ocular topical administration for treatment or diagnosis of an ocular disease. In particular, the antibody neutralizes HSV1 and HSV2.
US08747852B1	Methods of treating pterygium Methods for treating pterygium recurrence following pterygiectomy, and for treating keloid recurrence, following surgical removal of the keloid, are disclosed. The methods include administering an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., antibody (e.g., bevacizumab) or small molecule inhibitor of VEGF signaling), or a combination therapy that includes co-administering an anti-VEGF agent, with an anti-inflammatory steroid and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to a subject.
US08747845B2	Methods of treatment by administering antibodies that bind colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) Antibodies that bind CSF1R are provided. Antibody heavy chains and light chains that are capable of forming antibodies that bind CSF1R are also provided. Polynucleotides encoding antibodies to CSF1R are provided. Polynucleotides encoding antibody heavy chains and lights chains are also provided. Methods of treatment using antibodies to CSF1R are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis, bone loss, and multiple sclerosis.
US08747842B2	Pharmacological vitreolysis A method of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD). TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
US08747840B2	Compositions and methods comprising glycyl-tRNA synthetases having non-canonical biological activities Isolated glycyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides and polynucleotides having non-canonical biological activities are provided, as well as compositions and methods related thereto.
US08747837B2	Oncolytic vaccinia virus combination cancer therapy Embodiments of the invention are directed methods that include a thymidine kinase deficient vaccinia virus. The methods include evaluating a tumor for reperfusion after treatment with vaccinia virus and administering an anti-angiogenic agent if reperfusion is detected.
US08747836B2	Agent for prevention of alcoholic hepatopathy The present invention provides an agent for inhibition of alcoholic hepatopathy comprising cells of a strain belonging to Lactobacillus brevis, or treated product thereof as an active ingredient. The agent for inhibition of alcoholic hepatopathy of the present invention is safe for living body and can be used as a component in foods and beverages.
US08747833B2	B7-H1 and methods of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer The invention features methods of diagnosis by assessing B7-H1 expression in a tissue from a subject that has, or is suspected of having, cancer, methods of treatment with agents that interfere with B7-H1-receptor interaction, methods of selecting candidate subjects likely to benefit from cancer immunotherapy, and methods of inhibiting expression of B7-H1.
US08747828B2	Cosmetic method using a composition containing siloxane resins and specific non-ionic surfactant The invention relates to a cosmetic method for making-up and/or caring for keratin materials, in particular the skin, whereby a cosmetic composition is applied to the keratin materials, said cosmetic composition taking the form of an emulsion and comprising siloxane resins and a specific nonionic silicone surfactant. In particular, the invention relates to compositions used to care for or make-up the aforementioned keratin materials.
US08747820B2	Methods for treating conditions of the nail unit The biodegradable drug delivery systems described here are formulated for implantation into the nail unit and its surrounding tissues for the treatment of various nail unit conditions. The systems include non-temperature dependent phase change compositions that may be formulated as solutions, solids, semisolids, microparticles, or crystals.
US08747812B2	Aqueous negative contrast medium for CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and the preparation method thereof An aqueous negative contrast agent for CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and the preparation method thereof. The agent is used in biological and pharmaceutical field. Its components and the weight percent are: hydrogel matrix 0.01-1%, micro-/nano-particles of the materials with low densities 5-50%, stabilization agents 0.1-5%, the rest is deionized water. The preparation method is: stabilization agents are added into the hydrogel matrix made of natural or synthetic hydrophilic polymers, then micro-/nano-particles of the materials with low CT densities are added or prepared, and uniformly dispersed in the hydrogel matrix. The CT density of the resulted aqueous negative contrast agent for CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract is −30 HU to −500 HU. It can decrease the CT density inside the intestine lumen to lower than −30 HU. The intestine wall can be depicted clearly and the CT signals intensities inside lumen are uniform. It is feasible for 3D images processing such as virtual endoscopy reconstruction with the negative contrast agent. The agent is safe, stable and nontoxic. It will not lead to diarrhea after administration. It is of great significance for the improved sensitivity and specificity of CT diagnosis for the diseases on the intestinal wall and lumen.
US08747810B2	Compositions and methods for imaging tissues, organs and tumors The present invention relates to compounds and related technetium and rhenium complexes thereof which are suitable for imaging or therapeutic treatment of tissues, organs, or tumors. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods of imaging tissues, organs, or tumors using radiolabeled metal complexes, particularly tissues, organs, or tumors which express certain receptors to which the compounds or complexes of the invention have an affinity. The present invention also relates to methods of treating cancer, particularly those cancer lines which express certain receptors to which the compounds or complexes of the invention have an affinity. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of imaging and/or inhibiting receptors or neuroreceptors using compounds or complexes of the invention which have an affinity for the receptor or neuroreceptor to be imaged and/or inhibited.
US08747806B2	Hydrogen process A process for producing hydrogen includes: passing a hydrocarbon feed though purification sorbent(s), combining steam with the purified hydrocarbon and passing the hydrocarbon/steam mixture adiabatically through a bed of steam reforming catalyst, passing the pre-reformed gas mixture through a fired steam reformer to generate a crude synthesis gas mixture, passing the crude synthesis gas mixture through one or more beds of water-gas shift catalyst to generate a shifted synthesis gas mixture, passing the shifted synthesis gas mixture to a membrane shift reactor containing a bed of water-gas shift catalyst and a CO2-selective membrane, cooling the hydrogen-enriched gas mixture to below the dew point and separating off the condensate, passing the de-watered hydrogen-enriched gas mixture to CO2 separation in pressure-swing absorption apparatus, and recycling at least a portion of the purge gas stream as fuel to the fired steam reformer or to the hydrocarbon feed or purified hydrocarbon feed streams.
US08747801B2	Broad-emission nanocrystals and methods of making and using same Disclosed herein are methods of preparing inorganic nanoparticles. In one aspect, the methods can comprise heating a reaction mixture comprising a C8 to C20 alkyl- or arylphosphonic acid and a source of cadmium or zinc to a temperature of greater than about 300° C.; adding to the reaction mixture an injection mixture comprising a C2 to C16 trialkyl- or triarylphosphine and a source of selenium, sulfur, or tellurium; and decreasing the temperature of the reaction mixture to less than about 300° C. Also disclosed herein are nanoparticles made from the disclosed methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08747799B2	Method of forming single-walled carbon nanotubes The present invention relates to a method of forming single-walled carbon nanotubes. The method comprises contacting a gaseous carbon source with mesoporous TUD-1 silicate at suitable conditions. The mesoporous TUD-1 silicate comprises a metal of groups 3-13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements.
US08747798B2	Polycrystalline diamond and method of manufacturing the same Polycrystalline diamond includes cubic diamond and hexagonal diamond, and a ratio of X-ray diffraction peak intensity of a (100) plane of the hexagonal diamond to X-ray diffraction peak intensity for a (111) plane of cubic diamond is not lower than 0.01%. In addition, a present method of manufacturing polycrystalline diamond includes the steps of preparing a non-diamond carbon material having a degree of graphitization not higher than 0.58 and directly converting the non-diamond carbon material to cubic diamond and hexagonal diamond and sintering the non-diamond carbon material, without adding any of a sintering agent and a binder, under pressure and temperature conditions at which diamond is thermodynamically stable.
US08747797B2	Biochar The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.
US08747794B2	Polycrystalline silicon and method for production thereof Polycrystalline silicon of the invention contains: (a) polycrystalline silicon fragments, wherein at least 90% of the fragments have a size from 10 to 40 mm, (b) <15 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <400 μm; (c) <14 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <50 μm; (d) <10 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <10 μm; (e) <3 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <1 μm; and (f) surface metal impurities in an amount ≦0.1 ppbw and ≧100 ppbw. A polycrystalline silicon production method of the invention includes fracturing polycrystalline silicon deposited on thin rods in a Siemens reactor into fragments; classifying the fragments by size; and treating the fragments with compressed air or dry ice to remove silicon dust from the fragments without wet chemical cleaning.
US08747791B2	Calcium phosphate porous material with small amount of remaining aromatic hydrocarbon The purpose of the present invention is to provide calcium phosphate porous material with small amount of the remaining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are toxic substances. The present invention relates to a method for the production of calcium phosphate porous material of β-tricalcium phosphate comprising calcining micronized β-tricalcium phosphate wherein a temperature in a furnace is retained at a temperature in a range of 250-550° C. for a certain period of time, or wherein a temperature-rising rate in the furnace while in said range is decreased to one thirds or less of that during ranges before or after said range in said calcining step.
US08747784B2	Process and apparatus for producing diesel A process and apparatus are disclosed for hydrocracking hydrocarbon feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The hydrocracking unit and the hydrotreating unit share the same recycle gas compressor. A make-up hydrogen stream may also be compressed in the recycle gas compressor. A warm separator separates recycle gas and hydrocarbons from diesel in the hydrotreating effluent, so fraction of the diesel is relatively simple. The warm separator also keeps the diesel product separate from the more sulfurous diesel in the hydrocracking effluent, and still retains heat needed for fractionation of lighter components from the low sulfur diesel product.
US08747779B2	Microfluidic clinical analyzer A microfluidic cartridge including on-board dry reagents and microfluidic circuitry for determining a clinical analyte or analytes from a few microliters of liquid sample; with docking interface for use in a host workstation, the workstation including a pneumatic fluid controller and spectrophotometer for monitoring analytical reactions in the cartridge.
US08747778B2	Method of producing microfluidic device There is provided a method of producing a microfluidic device including a substrate having a depressed portion and a cover member, whereby to reduce the dispersion of a geometric individual difference and the possibility that a non-joint area can occur in a joint portion between the substrate and the cover member. At the time of producing the microfluidic device, the depressed portion serving as a channel, a chamber and a reservoir is formed in advance in the substrate and a liquid-state energy ray curable resin is applied to the surface of the substrate in which the depressed portion is formed. The energy ray curable resin is cured by an energy ray irradiation unit and caused to serve as the cover on the depressed portion of the substrate, thereby to form the channel, chamber and reservoir.
US08747776B2	Microfluidic platform for discrete cell assay A microfluidic chamber for use in individual cell assays. The microfluidic chamber includes a cell microchamber having an interior region and front and rear valves, each of which are separately controllable so that they can be selectively opened and closed to thereby permit the transference of an individual cell into and out of the interior region. Cell secretion and contact interaction studies can be carried out using the microchambers, with the valves permitting either complete isolation or perfusion media flow through the microchambers. An internal perfusion wall can be included to partition the microchamber for non-contact perfusion studies of secretion interactions between cells.
US08747775B2	Food safety indicator A food safety device for placement on a product is disclosed. The food safety device comprises one or more sensors that measure at least one condition of the product and/or its environment, one or more visual indicators that are configured to display a visual indication of freshness and/or safety of the product. An antenna transmits and receives data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product. A logic module executes programmable logic to determine the freshness and/or safety of the product from the at least one measured condition of the product, to cause the one or more visual indicators to display a visual indication of the freshness and/or safety it determines, and to transmit and receive data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product via the antenna.
US08747774B2	Integrated hinged cartridge housings for sample analysis The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.
US08747773B2	Portable detection apparatus for beverage ingredients Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.
US08747771B2	Apparatus for treating material comprising pressure vessel with drum rotatable arranged inside A pressure vessel and a drum rotatably arranged inside which has an inner space for material that is introduced into the pressure vessel. In various embodiments, a drive mechanism rotates the drum in relation to the pressure vessel. The drive mechanism can include a motor that can be located inside the pressure vessel in an interspace between the drum and the pressure vessel. Some embodiments include a door to close an opening of the pressure vessel and a part of the door can extend into an open end of the drum when the door is closed to keep the material in the drum and out of the interspace. In particular embodiments, a steam supply conduit extends into the drum at the closed end of the pressure vessel. In some embodiments, a helical agitation blade in the drum moves the material away from or toward the opening.
US08747769B2	Catalytic reactor including a cell-like structure and elements optimizing the contact thereof with the inner wall of the reactor The invention relates to a catalytic reactor including: a reaction chamber; at least one catalytic structure made up of at least one catalytic cell-like architecture having outer dimensions at most 10% smaller than the inner dimensions of the reaction chamber; an annular space between the inner wall of the reaction chamber and the cell-like architectures; and at least one second structure positioned in the annular space, selected from among: a) a fibrous structure, or b) a structure including at least one metal collar clasping at least one portion of the cell-like architectures and supporting metal fins.
US08747768B2	Screenless internals for radial flow reactors An apparatus for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with apertures disposed within the partitions. The apertures are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the apertures to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet apertures.
US08747762B2	Methods and apparatus for treating exhaust gas in a processing system Methods and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas in a foreline of a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for treating an exhaust gas in a foreline of a substrate processing system includes a plasma source coupled to a foreline of a process chamber, a reagent source coupled to the foreline upstream of the plasma source, and a foreline gas injection kit coupled to the foreline to controllably deliver a gas to the foreline, wherein the foreline injection kit includes a pressure regulator to set a foreline gas delivery pressure setpoint, and a first pressure gauge coupled to monitor a delivery pressure of the gas upstream of the foreline.
US08747757B2	Method and apparatus for preparation of granular polysilicon A process for preparing granular polysilicon using a fluidized bed reactor is disclosed. Upper and lower spaces of the bed are the reaction zone and heating zone, respectively, wherein the height of the reaction gas outlet is the reference height. Reactor productivity is maximized by sufficiently providing the heat required and stably maintaining the reaction temperature in the reaction zone, without impairing the mechanical stability of the fluidized bed reactor. This is achieved through electrical resistance heating in the heating zone where an internal heater is installed between the reaction gas supplying means and the inner wall of the reactor tube, thereby heating the fluidizing gas and the silicon particles in the heating zone. The heat generated is transferred to the reaction zone by supplying the fluidizing gas at a rate silicon particles can be intermixed between the reaction zone and the heating zone in a continuous, fluidized state.
US08747753B2	Controller for UV light purification system A controller for an ultraviolet (UV) purification system having UV lamps includes a sensor in communication with a given UV lamp as well as a processor in communication the sensor. The sensor provides the UV light intensity rate of the UV lamp (sensed rate) and transmits this information to the processor which compares the sensed rate with a memory stored desired UV light intensity rate (desired rate). An indicator in communication with the processor indicates when the UV lamp is producing a UV light intensity below the desired rate. Current is provided to the UV lamp by a ballast. The processor includes a memory stored predetermined UV light intensity rate (predetermined rate) that is greater than the desired rate. When the sensed rate is lesser than the predetermined rate, the current provided by the ballast is increased such that the UV lamp produces a UV light intensity at least equal to the predetermined rate.
US08747752B2	Drying substances, preparation and use thereof There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both), the polymer substance includes: a porous support member having a plurality of pores, wherein at least a portion of the pores are filled with a cross-linked co-polymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, or a combination thereof. The substance may include a membrane or a tube. There is further provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both), the process includes impregnating into at least a portion of the pores of a porous support member a solution which comprises: (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, or a combination of (i) and (ii), graft co-polymerizing the anionic monomer and the cationic monomer and/or the zwitterionic monomer within at least a portion of the pores to form a co-polymer, and cross-linking the co-polymer, such that the pores of the support member are at least partially grafted with a cross-linked co-polymer bound to the support member.
US08747751B2	System and method for nucleic acids sequencing by phased synthesis A system and methods of sequencing a nucleic acid by detecting the identity of a fluorescent nucleotide analogue incorporated at the 3′ end of a growing nucleic acid strand are provided. The system may include a substrate comprising a plurality of substantially parallel excitation waveguides, and a plurality of substantially parallel collection waveguides, the excitation waveguides and collection waveguides crossing to form a two-dimensional array of intersection regions, a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with the intersection regions, one or more switchable light sources and a detector coupled to the light dispersive module. Methods of using these systems are also described.
US08747749B2	Methods for testing impurity content in a precious metal A precious metal testing apparatus and methods adapted to analyze impurities in a precious metal test sample is described. The testing apparatus contains a test probe that has a replaceable portion and that is connected to a meter to measure resistance. The replaceable portion contains or forms a reservoir that includes at least one electrolyte component, a conductive member, and a fibrous tip. The electrolyte component is fluidly associated with a fiber tip and the conductive member contacts an electrical contact located outside the reservoir. Methods of testing and instructions regarding such methods are also included.
US08747740B2	Process and apparatus for generating haloamine biocide Haloamine biocides are prepared via multi-step processes in an integrated apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell and a mixing chamber, wherein active halogen donor species are electrochemically generated and subsequently reacted with amine-containing compositions to form haloamine biocide. Haloamine biocides prepared according to such processes are used to treat liquids in order to inhibit, reduce, and/or control microorganism growth therein.
US08747737B2	Air decontamination unit An air decontamination unit is described with a housing defining an interior, an intake and exhaust in direct communication with the interior, a blower—in operational communication with a control panel—for drawing in and moving air through the housing, which further includes a filter assembly, a UV lamp, an ozone lamp, and an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of ozone therein—positioned in the interior of the housing, all in direct communication with the control panel.
US08747727B2	Method of forming container A container forming assembly and method includes receiving a parison within a cavity of a mold, enclosing the parison within the mold having a wall with a recess, inflating the parison in the mold to form a blow molded container where the blow molded container has a sidewall, a movable region formed at the recess, and a hinge circumscribing an interface between the sidewall and the movable region, and moving or repositioning the movable region toward an interior of the blow molded container about the hinge before filling. The movable region can form a deep-set grip. Further, multiple movable regions can be provided, each of which may form respective deep-set grips. The container shape can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
US08747725B2	Manifold-type die for the prodcution of a multilayer blown film A blow head for production of a multilayer blown film with at least two plastic layers has melt guide areas, which are traversed in succession in the direction of flow (z) of the melt, including feed lines to at least two individual gaps for guiding an individual stream, and an annular gap for combining of the film composite. At least one thermocouple is arranged on at least one flow path of at least one individual stream before the stream reaches the annular gap.
US08747722B2	Single piece end support for a vehicle article carrier and method of making same A one piece end support for use with a cross bar of a vehicle article carrier system. The one piece end support may have a hollowed out neck portion adapted to receive an end of a cross bar. A hollowed out intermediate portion is provided which extends non-parallel to, but is integrally formed with, the neck portion. A flange portion is adapted to be secured to a support rail of the vehicle article carrier system. The flange portion may be integrally formed with the intermediate portion.
US08747716B2	Process for manufacturing golf balls having a multi-layered covers The invention is directed to a process for making a golf ball having a multi-layered cover including a very thin outermost cover layer, the process comprising for example: forming first and second substantially hemispherical half shells having a thickness and comprising a thermoplastic composition, each half shell further having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming an hemispherical cavity; dispensing an uncured liquid thermoset composition into the hemispherical cavity of the first half shell; inserting a first half of the core subassembly into the hemispherical cavity of the first half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer having a thickness; inserting a second half of the core subassembly into the hemispherical cavity of the second half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer having a thickness and thereby mating the first and second half shells; and curing the thermoset inner cover layer to complete the golf ball and then removing the resulting golf ball from the golf ball mold.
US08747713B2	Method and apparatus for manufacture of a polymer film, which is oriented under an angle to its longitudinal direction Flexible tubular film (10) is helically cut into a flat strip by unwinding the tubular film in flattened form by a tumbling unwinder (1), advancing the flat film tube to a tube expansion zone (17) in which the flat tube is expanded into a circular cylindrical tube and is passed axially over a hollow mandrel (14) slightly lower in external diameter than the diameter of the expanded tube to be cut by knife (18) helically while on the mandrel into a flat strip that is removed at an angle to the mandrel axis. The flat tube is longitudinally stretched by stretching rollers (107-112), which tumble with the tumbling unwinder. The apparatus further comprises stabilization means for stabilizing the orientation applied by the tumbling stretching rollers, applied to the helically cut film strip after it has been drawn from the mandrel.
US08747711B1	Method of manufacturing rubber and polyolefin sole assembly A sole assembly is formed by preheating a mold assembly, placing a quantity of rubber in a first portion of a lower recess of a mold assembly; placing a middle plate in contact with a bottom plate, and an upper plate in contact with the middle plate; subjecting the top, middle, and bottom plates to heat to semi-cure the rubber in the lower recess to form an outsole member; separating the top plate, the middle plate, and the bottom plate; placing the top plate in contact with the bottom plate, with polyolefin forming a midsole above the semi-cured rubber; subjecting the top and bottom plates to heat such that the polyolefin expands within the sole recess and the polyolefin and rubber in the sole recess fully cure, cross-link, and bond to one another to form a sole assembly; cooling the top and bottom plates; and removing the sole assembly.
US08747709B2	Phosphonate-substituted lignin as a flame retardant Modified lignin having covalently attached phosphorous containing groups and methods for preparing such compounds are described herein. The modified lignin described herein provides a renewable source of flame retardant material.
US08747708B2	Electrically conductive floor care compositions The present invention relates to a transparent, electrically conductive floor care composition, in particular for antistatic flooring, which is distinguished by the fact that it comprises one or more conductive pigments.
US08747701B2	Electroconductive rubber composition for electrophotographic apparatuses and charging roller for use in electrophotographic apparatuses manufactured using the same The charging roller has a base layer formed of an electroconductive rubber composition containing (a) a polar rubber having an unsaturated bond or an ether bond, (b) an ion carrier containing one or more phosphonium salts selected from the group consisting of phosphonium salts having the formulae (1) and (2), and (c) a cross-linker, wherein the amount of (b) component ranges from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the (a) component. The formula (1) represents [(H9C4)3(CnH2n+1)P]+(CF3SO2)2N—, and the formula (2) represents [(H9C4)3(CnH2n+1)P]+(CF3SO3)—.
US08747693B2	Silica having metal ions absorbed thereon and fabricating method thereof A silica having metal ions absorbed thereon and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The silica having metal ions absorbed thereon is a silica having metal ions absorbed thereon and being modified with persulfate salt. The method includes following steps. A solution is provided, and the solution includes silica and persulfate salt therein. The solution is heated to react the silica with the persulfate salt, so as to obtain silica modified with persulfate salt. Metal ion source is added in the solution, the metal ion source dissociates metal ions, and the silica modified with persulfate salt absorbs the metal ions to obtain the silica having metal ions absorbed thereon.
US08747688B2	Glass disk processing method The present invention provides a method of easily chamfering and polishing an inner peripheral face and an outer peripheral face of a glass disk at low cost. By continuously supplying fresh etchants to an inner peripheral face and an outer peripheral face of a glass disk stacked body in which a plurality of glass disks are stacked, the inner and outer peripheral faces are polished.
US08747687B2	Aqueous polishing agent comprising solid polymer particles and two complexing agents and its use in a process for polishing patterned and unstructured metal surfaces An aqueous CMP agent, comprising (A) solid polymer particles interacting and forming strong complexes with the metal of the surfaces to be polished; (B) a dissolved organic non-polymeric compound interacting and forming strong, water-soluble complexes with the metal and causing an increase of the material removal rate MRR and the static etch rate SER with increasing concentration of the compound (B); and (C) a dissolved organic non-polymeric compound interacting and forming slightly soluble or insoluble complexes with the metal, which complexes are capable of being adsorbed by the metal surfaces, and causing a lower increase of the MRR than the compound (B) and a lower increase of the SER than the compound (B) or no increase of the SER with increasing concentration of the compound (C); a CMP process comprising selecting the components (A) to (C) and the use of the CMP agent and process for polishing wafers with ICs.
US08747685B2	Shape simulation apparatus, shape simulation program, semiconductor production apparatus, and semiconductor device production method Disclosed herein is a shape simulation apparatus including: a flux computation block configured to compute the flux of particles incident on the surface of a wafer covered with a mask; and a shape computation block configured to compute a surface shape of the wafer by allowing the coordinates of a plurality of calculation points established on the surface of the wafer to be time-evolved based on the incident flux computed.
US08747683B2	Die for moth-eye, and method for producing die for moth-eye and moth-eye structure A mold of an embodiment of the present invention has a surface that has a shape which is inverse of a surface shape of a moth-eye structure. This surface has a plurality of protrusions, a plurality of ridges extending between the plurality of protrusions via saddle portions, and a plurality of holes, each of which is defined by at least any three of the plurality of protrusions and ridges extending between the at least any three of the plurality of protrusions, and an average distance between centers of adjacent holes, p, and an average depth of the saddle portions, r, satisfy the relationship of 0.15≦r/p≦0.60.
US08747676B2	Heavy metal removal methods and systems A support impregnated with selenium and capable of effectively removing a heavy metal from a process stream that is at an ambient temperature or is at an elevated temperature.
US08747672B2	Process and system for recovering phosphorus from wastewater Methods and systems for recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes.
US08747670B2	Centrifugal filter Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device. The two-panel configuration also maintains more available membrane area in use during the last stages of filtration than a one-panel configuration.
US08747662B2	Modular hemofiltration apparatus with removable panels for multiple and alternate blood therapy An apparatus for performing blood therapy having a plurality of pumps for engaging blood and fluid tubing is characterized by a plurality of manually mounted and disengagable panels installed on the sides of the apparatus housing, the panels having pump engaging tubing mounted on the inside of the respective panels.
US08747657B2	Process and apparatus for mixing two streams of catalyst A process and apparatus for mixing streams of regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves passing a catalyst stream into and out of a chamber in a lower section of a riser. The chamber fosters mixing of the catalyst streams to reduce their temperature differential before contacting hydrocarbon feed.
US08747653B2	Process for hydroprocessing two streams A process is disclosed for hydroprocessing two hydrocarbon streams at two different pressures. A hydrogen stream is compressed and split. A first split compressed stream is further compressed to feed a first hydroprocessing unit that requires higher pressure for operation. A second split compressed stream is fed to a second hydroprocessing unit that requires lower pressure. Recycle hydrogen from the second hydroprocessing unit is recycled back to the compression section.
US08747652B2	Catalyst based on a crystalline material comprising silicon with a hierarchical and organized porosity, and an improved process for the treatment of hydrocarbon feeds The present invention concerns a catalyst comprising at least one crystalline material comprising silicon with a hierarchical and organized porosity and at least one hydrodehydrogenating element selected from the group formed by elements from group VIB and/or group VIII of the periodic table of the elements. Said crystalline material comprising silicon with a hierarchical and organized porosity is constituted by at least two spherical elementary particles, each of said particles comprising a matrix based on oxide of silicon, which is mesostructured, with a mesopore diameter in the range 1.5 to 30 nm and having microporous and crystalline walls with a thickness in the range 1.5 to 60 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 200 microns. The invention also concerns hydrocracking/hydroconversion and hydrotreatment processes employing said catalyst.
US08747648B2	Method and device for treating liquids, using an electrolytic stage The invention relates to a method and device for treating liquids, particularly ocean, brackish water, refuse liquid, and waste water, wherein a hot carrier gas flow charged with water vapor is present in a predetermined treatment step as a hot water vapor carrier gas flow, particularly from a device for the treatment of liquids. According to the invention, at least a partial flow of the hot water vapor carrier gas flow is subjected to water vapor electrolysis in a water vapor electrolysis device in which at least part of the hydrogen and oxygen is separated from the hot water vapor carrier gas flow, and a dried carrier gas flow is created.
US08747647B2	Process and apparatus for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride or alkali chloride in an electrolytic cell In a process for chlorine-alkali electrolysis, use is made of an oxygen depletion cathode. The process is run with a high excess of oxygen. The oxygen needed for this is provided for a device of the gas separation, for example a VPSA plant or an air fractionation plant. The large quantities of oxygen produced lead to considerable costs of the process. According to the invention, the oxygen-rich atmosphere remaining after passing through the process is fed back into the device for gas separation as input gas. The device the gas separation is therefore operated with an oxygen-rich input gas and therefore produces a larger quantity of oxygen-rich gas, which in turn is fed to the oxygen depletion cathode. As a result of the circulation of the gas, the economy of the overall process is increased considerably.
US08747645B2	Process for preparing unsymmetrical biaryl alcohols The invention relates to a process for preparing unsymmetrical biaryl by anodic dehydrodimerization of substituted ortho-alkoxyaryl alcohols in the presence of partially fluorinated and/or perfluorinated mediators and a supporting electrolyte.
US08747636B2	Low water vapour transfer coating of thermoplastic moulded oxygen gas sensors A gas sensor is disclosed. The gas sensor includes a gas sensing electrode and a counter electrode disposed within a housing, and respective conductors that connects the gas sensing electrode and the counter electrode to a sensing circuit. The housing includes walls defining a cavity containing electrolyte in fluid communication with the gas sensing electrode and counter electrode and wherein the walls further comprise one or more coatings or second layers superimposed on the walls. The one or more coatings or second layers have a lower water vapor transport rate than that of the walls, such that, in use, water vapor transport between the electrolyte and atmosphere through the walls of the housing is reduced.
US08747635B2	Gas sensor A gas sensor is provided with a multilayer body of solid electrolyte layers, a measurement electrode, a reference electrode, a reference gas introduction layer, a detection unit and a heater. The reference electrode and the measurement electrode are formed directly on the same first solid electrolyte layer. Thus, heat from the heater is transferred from a third substrate layer to the first solid electrolyte layer, and also to the reference electrode and the measurement electrode through the same first solid electrolyte layer. The reference electrode is covered with a reference gas introduction layer, formed of a porous body. The transference of heat from the heater to the reference electrode through the reference gas introduction layer is smaller than the transference of heat from the heater to the reference electrode through the first solid electrolyte layer on which the reference electrode is formed directly.
US08747629B2	TMR device with novel free layer A TMR sensor with a free layer having a FL1/FL2/FL3 configuration is disclosed in which FL1 is FeCo or a FeCo alloy with a thickness between 2 and 15 Angstroms. The FL2 layer is made of CoFeB or a CoFeB alloy having a thickness from 2 to 10 Angstroms. The FL3 layer is from 10 to 100 Angstroms thick and has a negative λ to offset the positive λ from FL1 and FL2 layers and is comprised of CoB or a CoBQ alloy where Q is one of Ni, Mn, Tb, W, Hf, Zr, Nb, and Si. Alternatively, the FL3 layer may be a composite such as CoB/CoFe, (CoB/CoFe)n where n is ≧2 or (CoB/CoFe)m/CoB where m is ≧1. The free layer described herein affords a high TMR ratio above 60% while achieving low values for λ (<5×10−6), RA (1.5 ohm/μm2), and Hc (<6 Oe).
US08747627B2	Method and device for reversing the feeding of sputter coating systems in clean rooms The invention relates to a method and to a device for reversing the feeding of a sputter coating system, particularly when coating a photovoltaic module, in clean rooms, having the following characteristics: a) a transport frame (11) for receiving a substrate wafer (19) of a photovoltaic module, b) a rotary device having means for mounting the transport frame (11), having means for rotating the transport frame (11), and having means for transporting the transport frame (11), c) means for precisely aligning the rotary device relative to the sputter coating system, d) a detection device (18) for checking a sputter process, and computer program having a program code for performing the process steps.
US08747621B2	Process for the rectification of mixtures of high-boiling air- and/or temperature-sensitive useful products A process for the rectification of mixtures of high-boiling air- and/or temperature-sensitive substances which require a high separation efficiency is proposed, in particular a process for the working-up of a VE- or VEA-containing product stream. The process includes a first purification stage to separate low-boiling products and unspecified isomers of the useful product from the product stream virtually without loss of useful product and a second purification stage for removing the useful product in a stream having a purity of >97% by weight and a further stream having a purity of >92% by weight.
US08747620B2	Cellulosic pulp mould comprising an impermeable outer surface A pulp mould, comprising a porous sintered body (11) having an outer surface (13) and an inner surface (12), wherein a portion (11B) of said mould comprises an area (16) at its outer periphery provided with means (16A; 47) integrated during sintering to achieve impermeability of said outer area (16).
US08747617B2	Controllable filler prefloculation using a dual polymer system A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the dispersion, followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition, a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the first flocculating agent is added.
US08747615B2	Volatile debonder formulations for papermaking Formulations and methods for papermaking use one or more volatile debonders, where the volatile debonder forms a solution or an emulsion with water in a paper precursor, and where the volatile debonder is evaporable from the paper precursor before the paper precursor is completely dried to form a paper sheet during papermaking. Two volatile debonders having different boiling points can be used, where they are miscible in water and in each other, and where one volatile debonder has a higher molecular weight and the other volatile debonder has a lower boiling point.
US08747611B2	Apparatus and method for treating substrate, and injection head used in the Apparatus Provided are an injection head, and a substrate treatment apparatus and method using the same. The substrate treatment apparatus includes a rotatable spin head supporting a substrate, an injection head installed on the spin head to supply a fluid to a bottom surface of the substrate supported on the spin head, and a fluid supply unit supplying the fluid to the injection head. The injection head includes a body disposed below a center region of the substrate supported on the spin head to receive the fluid from the fluid supply unit and a injection member extending from the body to an edge region of the substrate supported on the spin head to inject the fluid supplied from the body to the bottom surface of the substrate, the injection member having first injection openings injecting the fluid to the edge region of the substrate and second injection openings injecting the fluid to a middle region disposed between the center region and the edge region, and a flow path through which the fluid is supplied to the first injection openings and then to the second injection openings.
US08747609B2	Plasma processing apparatus and shower head A plasma processing apparatus includes a shower head that is installed within a processing chamber for processing a substrate therein so as to face a mounting table for mounting the substrate thereon and supplies a gas toward the substrate in a shower pattern through a plurality of gas discharge holes provided in a facing surface of the shower head facing the mounting table; a plurality of gas exhaust holes formed through the shower head to be extended from the facing surface of the shower head to an opposite surface from the facing surface; a multiple number of rod-shaped magnet pillars standing upright in a gas exhaust space communicating with the gas exhaust holes on the side of the opposite surface; and a driving unit that varies a distance between the magnet pillars and the gas exhaust holes by moving at least a part of the magnet pillars.
US08747607B2	Thermally cured silicone coating which can be adhesively bonded without primer A thermally cured silicon coating on a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, can be adhesively bonded without use of an adhesive primer. Such thermally cured silicon coatings are produced by a process including: application of a silicon composition to the surfaces of a plastic or to the surface of a plastic treated with a plastic primer; air drying of the silicon composition to form a silicone film; baking at a temperature in the range from 80° C. to 200° C.; and application of a bonding agent composition to the silicone film during baking or during the phase of cooling to ambient temperature after baking.
US08747606B2	Method of forming an adhesive bond A method of forming an adhesive bond between a first substrate and a second substrate includes applying a semi-crystalline polymeric adhesive composition to a bonding area of the first substrate, and, after applying, disposing the second substrate adjacent to and in contact with the composition to form a workpiece. After disposing, the method includes heating the workpiece to cure the composition and thereby form a crosslinked polymeric adhesive material. After heating, the method includes cooling the workpiece such that the material has a crystalline molecular structure. Concurrent to cooling, the method includes imposing a stress on the material to thereby orient the crystalline molecular structure in a desired direction, and, after imposing, dissipating the stress along the crystalline molecular structure in the desired direction to thereby form the adhesive bond between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08747605B2	One-part structural epoxy resin adhesives containing elastomeric tougheners capped with phenols and hydroxy-terminated acrylates or hydroxy-terminated methacrylates Structural adhesives are prepared from an elastomeric toughener that contains urethane and/or urea groups, and have some terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a phenol and other terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a hydroxy-functional acrylate or a hydroxy-functional methacrylate. In certain embodiments, the presence of both types of capping on the toughener leads to higher impact peel strengths and a greater level of cohesive failure, than when the toughener is capped with a phenol an hydroxy-functional acrylate or hydroxy-functional methacrylate alone.
US08747601B2	Solid imaging objective and assembly technique for small scale sensor applications An imaging optic comprising a first combination element comprised of at least two individual lens elements, aligned with each other along an optical axis and adhered to each other, a second combination element comprised of at least one individual lens element and an aperture disposed between the first and second combination elements, the surfaces of the imaging optic having less than about 3 minutes tilt relative to the optical axis and less than about 0.005 mm de-center relative to the optical axis. A method of making the imaging optic and an endoscope comprising the imaging optic.
US08747593B2	Methods for manufacturing fluid-filled chambers incorporating spacer textile materials A method for manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber may include obtaining a spacer textile material a stabilization structure. A tensile member is removed from an area of the spacer textile material where the stabilizing structure is absent. The tensile member is located between a first polymer element and a second polymer element. Additionally, (a) the first layer is bonded to the first polymer element, (b) the second layer is bonded to the second polymer element, and (c) the first polymer element and the second polymer element are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member.
US08747589B2	Cut-out sintered ceramic sheet and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a cut-out sintered ceramic sheet having a complex shape and a cut-out sintered ceramic sheet made according to the method, the method including forming a ceramic green sheet, sintering the formed ceramic green sheet, adhering a plastic resin film onto which adhesive is applied on at least one surface of the sintered ceramic sheet, and shearing the sintered ceramic sheet.
US08747582B2	Self-wrapping textile sleeve with protective coating and method of construction thereof A self-wrapping, textile sleeve for routing and protecting elongate members from exposure to abrasion, thermal and other environmental conditions and method on construction thereof. The sleeve has an elongate wall constructed from interlaced yarns having interstices between adjacent yarns. At least one of the yarns is heat formed at one temperature to form the wall as a self-wrapping wall curling about a longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The wall has an inner surface providing a generally tubular cavity in which the elongate members are received. The wall also has an outer surface with a cured layer thereon. The cured layer is cured at the one temperature at which the yarns are heat formed into their self-wrapping configuration, wherein the cured layer fills the interstices between adjunct yarns to form an impervious layer on the wall.
US08747578B2	Steel for structural part of automobile and method for producing the same A steel having excellent formability, fatigue endurance after quenching, low temperature toughness, resistance for hydrogen embrittlement, and corrosion fatigue endurance. A method includes heating a steel slab at 1160° C. to 1320° C., hot-finish-rolling the steel slab at a finisher delivery temperature of 750° C. to 980° C., and then coiling the hot-rolled steel at a coiling temperature of 560° C. to 740° C. after slow cooling for a time of 2 seconds or more to produce a hot-rolled steel strip having a structure in which the ferrite grain diameter df corresponding to a circle is 1.1 μm to less than 1.2 μm and the ferrite volume fraction Vf is 30% to 98%, the steel slab containing 0.18 to 0.29% of C, 0.06 to 0.45% of Si, 0.91 to 1.85% of Mn, 0.019% or less of P, 0.0029% or less of S, 0.015 to 0.075% of sol. Al, 0.0049% or less of N, 0.0049% or less of O, 0.0001 to 0.0029% of B, 0.001 to 0.019% of Nb, 0.001 to 0.029% of Ti, 0.001 to 0.195% of Cr, and 0.001 to 0.195% of Mo so that the carbon equivalent Ceq satisfies a value of 0.4 to less than 0.58, and the total x of multiplying factors including that for B according to Grossmann satisfies a value of 1.2 to less than 1.7.
US08747574B2	Maraging steel strip Provided is a maraging steel strip which has such a composition that can reduce the content of TiN acting as the starting point of fatigue fracture in a high-cycle region, and the bending fatigue strength of which has been improved by the precipitation hardening effect yielded by precipitating coherent nitrides in the nitrided structure. A maraging steel strip produced by nitriding a managing steel which contains by mass, C: 0.01% or less, Si: 0.1% or less, Mn: 0.1% or less, P: 0.01% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Ni: 8.0 to 22.0%, Cr: 0.1 to 8.0%, Mo: 2.0 to 10.0%, Co: 2.0 to 20.0%, Ti: 0.1% or less, Al: 2.5% or less, N: 0.03% or less, and O: 0.005% or less, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein Baker-Nutting orientation relationship with an orientation difference within 10° exists between the Cr nitride precipitated in the nitrided layer and the matrix martensite.
US08747572B2	Carbonitriding method, machinery component fabrication method, and machinery component A carbonitriding method that allows the permeating rate of nitrogen to be increased to improve the efficiency of the carbonitriding process is directed to carbonitriding a workpiece formed of steel containing at least 0.8 mass % of carbon, including an atmosphere control step of controlling the atmosphere in a heat treatment furnace, and a heating pattern control step of controlling the temperature history applied to a workpiece. The atmosphere control step includes an undecomposed ammonia concentration control step of controlling the undecomposed ammonia concentration in the heat treatment furnace, and a partial pressure control step of controlling the partial pressure of at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the heat treatment furnace. In the atmosphere control step, the undecomposed ammonia concentration control step and partial pressure control step are carried out such that the γ value defined by γ=aC/CN, where aC is an activity of carbon in said workpiece and CN is the undecomposed ammonia concentration in said heat treatment furnace, is within the range of at least 2 and not more than 5.
US08747570B2	Bio-based glass cleaner A concentrate cleaning composition includes water, glycerine, and at least one alkyl polyglycoside. The water may be present in an amount of greater than about 65% by weight. Glycerine may be present in an amount between about 0.05% and about 8% by weight of the cleaning composition. The at least one alkyl polyglycoside may be present in an amount of between about 1% and about 25% by weight of the cleaning composition.
US08747562B2	Tobacco-free pouched product containing flavor beads providing immediate and long lasting flavor release A tobacco-free oral pouch product providing immediate and long lasting flavor release comprises a pouch wrapper and tobacco-free flavor beads contained within the pouch wrapper. The flavor beads comprise at least one of microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and sodium alginate, at least one polymer having a higher solubility in saliva than microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and/or sodium alginate, and at least one flavorant. The pectin and sodium alginate are cross-linked. The tobacco-free flavor beads provide immediate release of the flavorant upon placement of a pouch product in a user's mouth and long lasting release of the flavorant for about 15 minutes to about 80 minutes. The oral pouch product contains only tobacco-free flavor beads.
US08747561B2	Cellulose hydrolysis with pH adjustment Methods are disclosed for controlling the rate of cellulose hydrolysis and reducing the rate of glucose degradation by adjusting the pH during cellulose hydrolysis.
US08747556B2	Apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel. The chamber lid assembly further contains a showerhead assembly disposed below the inlet manifold assembly, a water box disposed between the inlet manifold assembly and the showerhead assembly, and a remote plasma system (RPS) disposed above and coupled with the inlet manifold assembly, and in fluid communication with the centralized channel.
US08747550B1	Water-repellent admixtures for cementitious materials The present disclosure provides improved water-repellent admixtures for cementitious materials. The water-repellent admixtures are incorporated during masonry processing to improve the water resistance of the final product. Solid water-repellent admixtures may be conveniently incorporated into pre-blended dry mortar mixes. In some variations, a pre-blended dry mortar mix comprises a cementitious material, an aggregate, and a dry water-repellent admixture, wherein the water-repellent admixture contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of silanes, siloxanes, free fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, particulated polymers, and particulated copolymers, and wherein the water-repellent admixture is present in the pre-blended dry mortar mix in a dosage from about 0.01% to about 1.00% by weight of the pre-blended dry mortar mix. Water repellency is achieved while maintaining workability as well as the properties of the hardened mortar, including compressive strength and bond strength to other substrates, such as clay or concrete masonry units.
US08747549B1	Fly ash-based cementitious mixture A cementitious mixture for high-volume production of masonry products comprises a hydraulic binder accounting for 20 wt % or more of the cementitious mixture, the hydraulic binder comprising 75 to 100 wt % Class C fly ash with a CaO equivalent content of at least 15% by weight. The cementitious mixture also comprises one or more aggregates, and a set control system.
US08747545B2	Producing method of powder particles by using grinding medium The present invention provides a producing method of powder particles having an average particle diameter on the order of submicrons. Specifically, the producing method is a producing method of powder particles obtained by grinding a product to be ground by using plural grinding media, wherein the grinding media including at least one kind (grinding medium A) having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 5 times and at least one kind (grinding medium B) having an average particle diameter of 10 to 450 times, with respect to the average particle diameter of the product to be ground before being ground, are used.
US08747543B2	PCC filler composition for improved printability of supercalendered papers A method of blending a fine precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) filler with larger PCC, the resulting blend to be used alone or in conjunction with a ground carbonate, clay or other filler, resulting in improved porosity by the lowering of the porosity of supercalendered paper, thereby imparting improved and offset printability. The fine PCC can be ultrafine PCC filler which then is blended with other fillers including but not limited to pigments. These fillers which are blended with the fine PCC include commercial and experimental PCC and commercial clays. Ultrafine PCC has agglomerates of small, discrete particles. Ultrafine PCC for use in the invention has a specific surface area of about 20 m2/g as measured by BET gas adsorption. As measured by a sedigraph, the average size of these agglomerates is from 0.4 to 1.1 microns.
US08747539B2	Chitosan-based adhesives and uses thereof There is provided an adhesive comprising chitosan an optionally a crosslinking agent. A method for preparing such an adhesive is also disclosed. A wood-panel made with such an adhesive is also provided. Moreover, a method for manufacturing a wood-based panel is provided. The method comprises preparing a mixture comprising wood, chitosan, optionally a crosslinking agent, and optionally an acid, forming a mat with the mixture, and pressing the mat under heat and pressure so as to obtain the wood-based panel.
US08747538B2	Photovoltaic ingot mold release A photovoltaic crucible mold release compound includes a powder mixture comprising silicon nitride powder having 1 ppm of impurities or less and silicon dioxide 1 ppm of impurities or less mixed in with the silicon nitride powder until the gray of the silicon nitride powder turns lighter in color which is from 1% silicon dioxide in weight up to 50% silicon dioxide in weight. Also included is a binder having a liquid. The powder mixture is mixed with the binder. The binder can be ethanol, water or alcohol. A photovoltaic crucible mold release compound can also include a photovoltaic crucible mold, so that the mold release compound is applied to an inside surface of the photovoltaic crucible mold to a thickness of 75 to 1500 microns.
US08747536B1	Phase change ink formulation including malic acid derivatives as amorphous materials A phase change ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. The present embodiments provide an ink composition including a component that is substantially amorphous, the component comprising at least one non-ester material and at least one ester of malic acid having a formula of wherein R1 and R2 each, independently of the other, is an alkyl group, and further wherein the alkyl portion can be straight, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, having from 1 to about 40 carbon atoms, an substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group, and mixtures thereof.
US08747534B2	Antimicrobial size emulsion and gypsum panel made therewith Disclosed is an emulsion of an internal paper size and a biocidal emulsifying agent, such as a cationic non-starchy quaternary ammonium compounds, that is introduced into a paper-making furnish to produce an antimicrobial paper. The antimicrobial paper is useful as facing for gypsum panels. A method of making the paper includes emulsifying the internal size with a biocide before introducing the size to the paper furnish. A method of making a microbial growth resistant gypsum panel that incorporates the antimicrobial paper is also disclosed.
US08747533B1	Systems and methods to determine fouling in a gas turbine filter A smart filter assembly is provided, the smart filter assembly having a fouling detection instrument and a communications module. The fouling detection instrument measures the weight of the filter assembly to indicate the degree of fouling. The communications module conveys the signal from the fouling detection instrument to a control system.
US08747531B2	Apparatus and method for removing water vapor from a production plant discharge A method and apparatus for removing water vapor from the flue gas stream of an industrial process, including flue gas from a power station. The apparatus including a moisture transfer device, a cooling device, and an optional enthalpy exchange device. The method including running high volumes the flue gas through the moisture transfer device, the cooling device, and the enthalpy exchange device to remove substantially all of the water vapor from the flue gas stream. Also, a method and apparatus for capturing CO2 from flue gas with very low water vapor content. The apparatus including one or more towers packed with a solid sorbent, or including a liquid sorbent. The CO2 from the water vapor free CO2 stream is sorbed by the sorbent and captured for later use.
US08747529B2	Device for drying a medium flow A device for drying medium flow (8), in particular an air flow, includes a device housing (2), in which at least first and second drying agents (4, 6) are received. The first and second drying agents have a high moisture absorption capacity in the case of low and high moisture values of the medium flow (8), respectively. The amount of the respective drying agent (4, 6) can be selectively set depending on the actual moisture present in the medium flow (8).
US08747526B2	Vertical type air humidifying and purifying machine A vertical type air humidifying and purifying machine, comprising a front casing, a rear casing, a humidifying unit, an ultraviolet light purifying unit, a motor-fan unit and a negative ion generator; in which the front casing and the rear casing are assembled correspondingly with each other, and the humidifying unit, the UV light purifying unit, and the motor-fan unit are disposed orderly between the front and the rear casings, and the negative ion generator is installed at an air outlet of the motor-fan unit; ON-OFF switches being respectively provided on the humidifying unit, the UV purifying unit and the negative ion generator for ON-OFF switching.
US08747523B2	Water separator having a filter assembly A water separator reduces a water content of an air stream, which is used in an HVAC unit for a vehicle. The water separator includes a diverter wall and an adjacent wall spaced from the diverter wall to define an air passage. The diverter wall has a terminal end extending into the air passage for changing a direction of the air stream to reduce the water content of the air stream. A filter assembly is disposed through a receiving slot in the diverter wall and is within the air passage downstream of the terminal end.
US08747521B2	Gas separation membrane and method for producing the same, and gas separating method, module and separation apparatus using the same Provided is a gas separation membrane having superior gas permeability, separation selectivity and mechanical properties. A gas separation membrane to separate at least one acid gas from a mix gas, comprising in this order: a first layer that is porous; a second layer that is a separation-active layer containing a compound having a molecular weight of 150,000 or less and capable of interacting with the acid gas; and a third layer having high gas permeability.
US08747519B2	Method for recovering metal copper from coated copper wires A method selectively recovers a useful substance from waste including a chlorine-containing synthetic resin and metal copper in a mixed state. Metal copper is recovered from coated copper-wire waste. The method includes the steps of heat-treating the waste in form of coated copper wires, each having a coating material made of a chlorine-containing synthetic resin, in oil or under a non-oxygen condition. Here, the coating material is carbonized and a chlorine content of the coating material is reduced. Then the coating material and the copper wire are separated from each other the copper wire is recovered. The chlorine-containing synthetic resin can be treated without generating dioxin.
US08747511B2	Honeycomb filter, and manufacturing method of the same A honeycomb filter includes a tubular honeycomb structure having porous partition walls with which there are formed a plurality of cells extending from one end surface to the other end surface to become through channels of a fluid; and plugged portions arranged in one open end portion of each of predetermined cells and the other open end portion of each of the remaining cells, porosities of the partition walls are 46% or less, a pore volume ratio of pores having pore diameters of 40 μm or more is 7.5% or less, and a pore volume ratio of pores having pore diameters of 10 μm or less is 25% or less, a permeability of the honeycomb structure is 0.8 μm2 or more, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the honeycomb structure in a range of 40 to 800° C. is 1.0×10−6/° C. or less.
US08747508B2	Honeycomb filter and manufacturing method of the same There is provided a honeycomb filter including: a honeycomb base material; plugged portions; and a porous collecting layer disposed on the surface of the partition wall parent material in at least the remaining cells. The collecting layer has a constitution in which a plurality of particles combine or intertwine with one another, and the collecting layer includes flat plate-like particles as the plurality of particles. The plurality of particles are particles in which an average long diameter is 0.2 μm or larger and smaller than 10 μm, an average value of ratios (long diameters/short diameters) of the long diameters to the short diameters of the respective particles is smaller than 3, and an average value of ratios (the long diameters/thicknesses) of the long diameters to thicknesses of the respective particles is 3 or larger. An open area ratio of the surface of the collecting layer is 10% or larger.
US08747502B2	Particulate matter reduction apparatus for diesel engine A particulate matter reduction apparatus for a diesel engine, which can reduce particulate matter in a convenient manner with a relatively simple structure, while preventing the shortening of the lifespan of a filter and improving particulate matter burning efficiency, is provided. The particulate matter reduction apparatus includes a housing configured to be placed on a flow path into which exhaust gas is discharged from the diesel engine, a filter configured to collect particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas that flows in the housing, electrodes configured to transmit electronic signals to the filter, and a control unit configured to control the electric signals provided to the electrodes. The particulate matter reduction apparatus is advantageous in that particulate matter is burnt and removed by directly heating the filter. In addition, the apparatus is more convenient, compared to a system which requires a filter to be separated and cleaned. In addition, the particulate matter reduction apparatus has a more simplified structure, compared to a system that heats a filter using an electric heater or a diesel burner. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the particulate matter reduction apparatus is advantageous in that the filter is relatively uniformly heated rather than being partially heated, so that a long lifespan of the filter can be assured.
US08747500B2	Plasma assisted gasification system with internal syngas heater A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
US08747499B2	Modular plasma assisted gasification system A modular gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels within the fuel.
US08747498B2	Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system comprising the same A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer (16) for generating a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (102a) for heating the reformer (16); a combustion air supplier (117) for supplying combustion air to the combustor (102a); and an abnormality detector (110a) for detecting an abnormality; and a controller (110) configured to control the combustion air supplier (117) such that the reformer (16) is cooled with a higher rate in an abnormal shut-down process executed after the abnormality detector (110a) detects the abnormality, than in a normal shut-down process.
US08747496B2	Compact fuel processor A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-containing product stream from a fuel stream and an oxidant stream, comprises a mixing tube from which the combined fuel and oxidant stream is directed substantially axially into a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber comprises a turn-around chamber and a turn-around wall at one end for re-directing the combined reactant stream, so that in the turn-around chamber the re-directed stream surrounds and is in contact with the combined reactant stream flowing substantially axially in the opposite direction. This design and opposing flow configuration creates a low velocity zone which stabilizes the location of a flame in the fuel processor and offers other advantages.
US08747493B2	Ethanol compositions In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol.
US08747485B1	Artificial ankle joint An artificial ankle joint having a universal joint and shock absorbers is provided. The artificial ankle joint enables distribution of vertically applied weight of a human body to ground, and enables an artificial foot connected to the artificial ankle joint to move in multiple axial directions.
US08747483B2	Needle apparatus for closing septal defects and methods for using such apparatus Apparatus and methods for closing a septal defect including a flap of tissue partially detached from a septum of a heart. A needle is advanced through a patient's vasculature within a delivery apparatus until the needle is disposed within a first chamber adjacent the septum. The needle is directed through the flap of tissue until the needle is disposed within a second chamber opposite the septum. A filament attached to an intermediate region of the needle is pulled, thereby causing the needle to pivot about the intermediate region such that the ends of the needle straddle the septal opening. A locking element is secured to the filament to secure the flap of tissue against the septum, and the filament is cut. Alternatively, the filament is biased to coil to engage the flap of tissue and secure the needle against the septum to close the opening.
US08747482B2	Device and method for determining proper seating of an orthopaedic prosthesis An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a curved outer surface configured to abut a patient's bone when the orthopaedic prosthesis is implanted therein. The outer surface may or may not be electrically conductive. A channel is defined in the outer surface in which one or more electrical conductors are positioned. A switch is positioned at a first location on the outer surface and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the outer surface (e.g., an electrical trace) and/or another electrical conductor when the first location of the outer surface is pressed against the patient's bone. The switch may be embodied as an end of the electrical conductor or a more complex switch such as a push-button type switch.
US08747473B2	Modular lateral expansion device A modular lateral expansion device to be inserted into an intervertebral space. The modular lateral expansion device includes a first member and a second member. The first end and the second end comprise a first extension and a second extension respectively. The first extension and second extension outwardly protrude from the first member in a same direction and are positioned at an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first member. The second member comprises a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a plurality of outwardly extended arms and a first passage positioned between the plurality of outwardly extended arms. The first end of the second member is dimensioned and configured to couple to the first end of the first member. The second end comprises a second passage dimensioned and configured to accommodate the second extension of the first member.
US08747470B2	Femoral fixation Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.
US08747468B2	Coatings for the manufacture and application of polyhydroxyalkanoate medical devices Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.
US08747463B2	Methods of using a prosthesis fixturing device Devices for fixturing a prosthesis to a first mass and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Complementary fixturing devices and methods of making and using the same are also disclosed. The devices can be used to attach a heart valve gasket body to a biological annulus.
US08747462B2	Corkscrew annuloplasty device An annuloplasty device includes a plurality of corkscrew anchors. The annuloplasty device further includes a core wire extending along the length of the device and at least one corkscrew wire which is operably connected to the corkscrew anchors to screw the corkscrew anchors into heart tissue. One or more of the corkscrew wires can include a drive key; the corkscrew anchors are connected to a sleeve with a keyway that engages the drive key on the corkscrew wires.
US08747457B2	Medical device and method of manufacturing same A stent (10) has wrapped therearound a barb element (12) formed of a length of wire provided with first and second ends (14, 16) forming barb prongs. In intermediate zone (22), the barb element (12) is wrapped or coiled. The two pronged ends (14, 16) extend out of the graft element (26) to provide an anchoring function to the medical device. As well as being wrapped onto a strut of the stent (10), the barb element (12) is sutured to the stent (10) and to the graft material (26) by suture stitching (28). The turns of the coiling or wrapping in section (22) assist in fixing the barb element (12) relative to the suture (28) and thus to the stent graft (24). The barb elements (12) could be made of any suitable material, including Nitinol. This structure of barb elements provides an effective arrangement which is easy to manufacture, which provides strong barbs able to withstand the high processing temperatures required for setting shape memory elements of the device.
US08747453B2	Stent/stent graft for reinforcement of vascular abnormalities and associated method A stent/stent graft for reinforcement of vascular abnormalities and an associated method are provided. According to on embodiment, the stent/stent graft includes a flexible tubular structure comprising proximal and distal ends and having a heat set configuration. The tubular structure is configured to engage a lumen upstream and downstream of a vascular abnormality, such as an aneurysm, and a portion between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular structure is configured to engage the aneurysm.
US08747452B2	Stent having a multiplicity of undulating longitudinals A method for implanting a balloon expandable stent at a site within a passageway of a curved coronary article. The stent includes at least two longitudinally spaced apart circumferential rings. At least one longitudinally extending connector extends between adjacent rings. The connector has at least one turn back portion that can expand or contract in length while being passed through a curved passageway. The stent is disposed on a stent delivery catheter having an inflatable balloon. The stent delivery catheter and the stent is delivered through the passageway to the site of implementation with the connector member expanding or contracting in length to facilitate delivery and placement of the stent. The stent is expanded at the site of implantation by inflating the balloon to force the stent radially outward against the wall of the coronary artery.
US08747451B2	Graft apparatus Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
US08747450B2	Stent graft assembly and method A method for assembling a stent graft onto a balloon delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a graft over a stent with attached security rings and inserting the ends of the graft between the stent and the rings; placing the assembled stent graft on the delivery balloon of the delivery catheter; and crimping the stent graft onto the balloon. The stent may include a plurality of axially aligned belts that include a plurality of mid belts, and first and second end belts, where each of the mid belts includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts having first and second ends adjoining first sinusoidal-shaped elements, and each of the first and second end belts includes at least about twice the number of circumferentially spaced struts adjoining second sinusoidal-shaped elements. Also disclosed is a stent graft for use in practicing the method.
US08747448B2	Stent graft delivery system A stent graft delivery system including a tip assembly, a middle member tube, a sheath assembly, and a unitary front grip. The sheath tube is axially slideable within the distal front grip lumen, the threaded assembly distal end is disposed in the proximal front grip lumen and fixed to the unitary front grip, and the first threaded tube portion and the second threaded tube portion are radially compressed together by the unitary front grip. The sheath handle engages the exterior thread of the threaded assembly in a first configuration to move the sheath tube axially relative to the middle member tube and tip tube through rotation of the sheath handle and disengages the exterior thread of the threaded assembly in a second configuration to move the sheath tube axially relative to the middle member tube and tip tube through axial motion of the sheath handle.
US08747445B2	Spinal fixation device An enclosure device connecting a pedicle fixation device with an elongated spinal fixation member. The enclosure device can include an enclosure member and an elongated guide member affixed to the enclosure member and defining a fracture region for breaking off the guide member from the enclosure member. The enclosure member can have a spherical outer surface rotatably received within a receiver portion of the pedicle fixation device. The enclosure member can include an internal bore capable of slidably receiving the fixation member.
US08747442B2	Method of implanting a modular fracture fixation system A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes. A method for coupling the plates to the bone is also provided.
US08747438B2	Suture thread A suture thread having: a thread-shaped main body with spikes and a stopper cylinder having a diameter enlarged with respect to the main body is described.
US08747437B2	Continuous stitch wound closure utilizing one-way suture Continuous wound-closure techniques use one-way suture. The one-way suture has tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is passed alternately through tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.
US08747426B2	Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size Vitrectomy probes and systems related thereto are disclosed herein. There are various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, there are examples included herein for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
US08747423B2	Endoscopic surgical clip applier An apparatus for application of surgical clips is provided and includes a lockout system selectively engageble with a pusher bar to prevent the pusher bar from returning to a home position and to prevent a trigger from completing a full stroke when a plurality of clips are substantially exhausted. The apparatus may include a trip mechanism including a trip lever biased into contact with the pusher bar, wherein distal movement of the drive bar moves the trip mechanism until the trip lever engages a lip of the pusher bar and in turn distally moves the pusher bar. The apparatus may include a wedge plate including a distal end placeable between spaced-apart jaw members, wherein the wedge plate is moved proximally to withdraw the distal end thereof from between the jaw members when a drive channel is moved in a distal direction.
US08747422B2	Methods for accurately deploying particular medical appliances at a target site The present invention regards an apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. The apparatus includes a body having a channel, a string passing through the channel, and a mechanism for moving the string predetermined distances to deploy medical appliances. The medical appliances may be, but are not limited to, ligation bands.
US08747421B2	Multi-fire stapling systems and methods for delivering arrays of staples A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.
US08747420B2	Extracting device for surgical fasteners The application provides a device (2) for extracting from a body tissue surgical fasteners (20) having a crown, a baseplate and prongs extending from the crown to the baseplate. The device includes a shaft having a lumen with a cross-sectional shape and dimensions to allow the crown to enter the lumen while preventing the baseplate from entering the lumen.
US08747418B2	Trajectory guide A trajectory guide for providing access to a target site of a living subject along a desired path comprises a baseplate including a clamp lock, a guide member at least partially contained within the baseplate and having a channel therein, a plurality of adjustable legs each including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the baseplate, and a leg lock coupled to each adjustable leg and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position in order to set a desired length of the adjustable leg, wherein the adjustable legs and the guide member are structured to be adjusted to provide an infinite number of trajectories in three-dimensional space extending through the channel in the guide member toward a target.
US08747399B2	Method and system of reduction of low frequency muscle stimulation during electrosurgical procedures Reduction of low frequency muscle stimulation during electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: treating a target tissue with an electrosurgical wand comprising a plurality of active electrodes intermittently exposed to a rectifying electrical phenomenon; charging a first capacitance in series with a first electrode of the plurality of active electrodes, the charging during periods of time when the rectifying electrical phenomenon proximate the first electrode; charging a second capacitance in series with a second electrode of the plurality of active electrodes, the charging during periods of time when the rectifying electrical phenomenon is proximate the second electrode; charging a third capacitance in series with a third electrode of the plurality of active electrodes, the charging during periods of time when the rectifying electrical phenomenon is proximate the third electrode; and discharging, through the first electrode, the first capacitance, while simultaneously charging the second capacitance.
US08747398B2	Frequency tuning in a microwave electrosurgical system A method and apparatus is disclosed for the ablation of biological tissue to produce a therapeutic effect. An adjustment is made to the output frequency of an electrosurgical generator during the ablation cycle to accommodate changes in the electrical properties of the apparatus and the biological tissues that occur as energy is transferred to the tissue. The adjustment is made to better align the source impedance with that of the load.
US08747396B2	Cryosurgical probe with adjustable sliding apparatus A cryosurgical probe assembly that includes a gas delivery assembly, including a stem and a fluid conduit subassembly bonded to the stem. The fluid conduit subassembly delivers and returns cooling fluid used for cryogenic cooling. The fluid conduit subassembly, comprises a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation; a housing securely connected to said shaft; and, an insulation element slideably engaged with an inner surface of the shaft and slideably engaged with the stem. The cryosurgical probe assembly includes an adjustable sliding apparatus that includes a slider assembly securely attached to said insulation tube for slideably guiding the insulation tube along said shaft; and, a button assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation tube relative to the shaft. A handle assembly is positioned about the housing.
US08747395B2	Device for treating eye tissue An ophthalmological device (1) includes an optical transmission system (5) for transmitting femtosecond laser pulses (L) onto a projection lens (3) for projection onto or into the eye tissue (21). The device (1) also includes a lens interchange device (4) designed for interchanging and connecting different projection lenses (3) to the optical transmission system (5). The lens interchange device (4) includes a number of different projection lenses (3) which are connected mechanically to one another and which can be fed to the optical transmission system (5) by a rotational or translational movement in order to connect the former to the optical transmission system (5). The lens interchange device (4) makes it possible for a user to flexibly and efficiently change the projection lens (3) so that the projection lens (3) can be changed or altered without great expenditure of time and without using a varifocal lens, even between different applications and treatment steps.
US08747394B2	Apparatus and methods for hybrid endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.
US08747393B2	Medical instrument A medical instrument with a shaft on whose distal end a tool is positioned and on whose proximal end a handle is positioned consisting of at least two gripping members, such that the tool can be actuated by a gripping member of the handle that is moveably configured and such that at least one gripping member of the handle consists of a rigid partial area and a pivotable partial area that can pivot around the rigid partial area. To create a medical instrument that is of simple structure and can be quickly and thoroughly cleaned, it is proposed with the invention that the pivotable partial area of the gripping member can be removably affixed to the rigid partial area of the gripping member by a catch mechanism.
US08747392B2	Handheld medical device A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.
US08747391B2	Implantable pump with reservoir level detector An implantable pump includes a base plate and a can that are parts of the pump housing. The base plate bottom divides the housing into a first electronics chamber and a second chamber. A bellows mechanism is connected to the base plate and is disposed within the second chamber. The bellow mechanism has an expandable sidewall and a bottom plate. The bellow mechanism divides the second chamber into a medicament receiving portion and a non-medicament-receiving portion. The bellow mechanism has an intermediate plate disposed within the medicament-receiving portion. A coil is disposed in a recess on the lower surface of the base plate, and the coil is spaced from an internal wall of the recess. The amount of fluid remaining in the implantable pump can be monitored by energizing the coil. A primary magnetic field is generated by the energized coil. A secondary magnetic field, which is dependant on the position of the bottom and intermediate plate of the bellow mechanism, couples back to the primary field affecting the electrical characteristics of the coil. The amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir is determined based on the resulting changes in the electrical characteristics of the coil.
US08747386B2	Anastomosis device and related methods An anastomosis device that includes a catheter body is provided. A distal end portion of the catheter can include a spring device to prevent the formation of blood clots and to improve the flow of urine out of the catheter. The device may be used, for example, in performing procedures such as a vesico-urethral anastomosis in association with a radical prostatectomy, or with an end-to-end urethral anastomosis.
US08747379B2	Absorbent articles with refastenable side seams A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define a refastenable pant. The refastenable pant includes a pair of elastomeric front side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of elastomeric back side panels extending from the waist opening to each leg opening, and a pair of refastenable seams extending from the waist opening to each leg opening and positioned between the elastomeric front and back side panels.
US08747378B2	Tampon A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes is disclosed having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which withdrawal end a withdrawal cord extends. The tampon has compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and ribs of the tampon in the longitudinal direction are inclined and correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part that preferably does not show a maximum or a minimum.
US08747375B2	Reduced-pressure, linear-wound treatment systems A system for treating a linear wound on a patient has a closing dressing bolster for placing on the patient's epidermis over the linear wound, a sealing subsystem for providing a seal over the closing dressing bolster and the patient, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced pressure subsystem are operable to deliver reduced pressure to the closing dressing bolster. The closing dressing bolster is operable under reduced pressure to develop a inward closing. The closing dressing bolster may include one or more closing members on each side of a center wound area to create the inward closing when under reduced pressure. A compressive force may also be developed. Other systems and methods are presented.
US08747368B2	Dispensing fluid from an infusion pump system Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a flexible pushrod that can adjust from a curved configuration to a generally straight configuration. The flexible pushrod is part of a drive system of the pump device so that the flexible pushrod can be controllably and incrementally advanced toward a medicine reservoir to incrementally dispense the medicine therein. In particular embodiments, the flexible pushrod may comprise an anti-rotation mechanism, an anti-torsion mechanism, or a combination thereof.
US08747366B2	Medical needle To develop a medical needle having a small protecting member that is not separate from a needle and a hub, is not obstructive to the performer during use, and is easy to switch from being in a usable state to being in a protective state.A pair of wings are pivotally connected to a hub provided at the tail end of a needle, the wings being provided on both sides of the axis of the needle; one or two or more link members are connected to the tip of each of the wings with joints interposed therebetween; the tips of the link members are pivotally connected to a cylindrical protecting member slidably fitted onto the needle; and, when the protecting member is moved toward the tip of the needle, the wings and the link members move in such directions as to become parallel to the needle while the protecting member comes to cover the tip of the needle, whereby the above object is solved.
US08747365B2	Needle cannula containing medicament A method and system of delivering a first medicament to a first injection depth and a second medicament to a second injection depth using a single dispense interface. An example medicated module is attachable to a drug delivery device, where the drug delivery device includes a drug reservoir holding a first medicament. The medicated module includes a needle cannula having a sidewall, at least one micro-hole in the sidewall of the needle cannula, and a flexible membrane sealably fixed to an inner surface of the needle cannula. The flexible membrane holds a second medicament between the flexible membrane and a portion of the sidewall having the at least one micro-hole. The first and second medicaments can be delivered to two, axially separate injection depths.
US08747360B2	Adhesive backed IV catheter with auto release liner Intravenous catheter devices are provided which may include one or more adhesive portions which are positioned and configured to temporarily maintain a position of a catheter assembly following catheterization. A release liner covering and protecting the adhesive portions may be automatically removed to reveal the adhesive upon withdrawal of an introducer needle of the catheter assembly. The adhesive may be configured such that a clinician may insert the catheter assembly into the patient, adjust the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly to a desired position, withdraw the introducer needle, thereby removing a protective, non-adhesive release liner from the adhesive of the positioned catheter assembly, thereby temporarily fixing the position of the catheter assembly at the desired position by contacting the exposed adhesive to the skin of the patient.
US08747358B2	Injector system with a manual control device An injector system includes a powered injector, a pressurizing chamber in operative connection with the powered injection, a fluid path in fluid communication with the pressurizing chamber, and a manual control in fluid connection with the fluid path. The manual control includes at least one actuator for controlling the injector through application of force by an operator. The actuator provides tactile feedback of pressure in the fluid path to the operator via a fluid connection therewith. An injection system for use in angiography includes a source of saline, a pump in fluid connection with the source of saline to pressurized the saline, a source of contrast, a contrast valve in fluid connection with the source of contrast, a powered injector in fluid connection with the contrast valve, and a pressure isolation mechanism.
US08747354B1	Catheter for the local delivery of therapeutic agents A catheter for the local delivery of therapeutic agents and methods of using the same for the treatment or prevention of disease are disclosed. A catheter may include a tubular net and a guidewire attached to the tubular net longitudinally along the abluminal side of the net. The catheter may further include a tubular member that opens onto the abluminal side of the tubular net.
US08747351B2	Catheter with multi-functional control handle having linear mechanism A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.
US08747350B2	Steerable catheter with rapid exchange lumen A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes a number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.
US08747347B2	Device, system, and method including micro-patterned cell treatment array Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types.
US08747346B2	Hemostatic agent applicator for survical procedures An apparatus for applying agents, including hemostatic agent, to the cervix and accompanying areas.
US08747343B2	Hemodialysis catheter with improved side opening design A hemodialysis catheter is provided which includes a catheter body having a proximal and a distal end and defining at least one lumen. The at least one lumen includes a distal opening and a side opening formed through a sidewall of the catheter body. The side opening communicates with the at least one lumen, and includes guiding structure positioned adjacent a distal side of the side opening configured to smoothly redirect blood flow into the at least one lumen. The guiding structure may be defined by a raised wall, or in the alternative, an angled distal wall of the side opening.
US08747342B2	Air separator for extracorporeal fluid treatment sets An air separator (1) comprises a first chamber (2) where blood or other fluid can be received, an inlet and an outlet port associated to the bottom wall (4) and in fluid communication with the first chamber. A first channel (14) extending along the lateral wall of the separator and has a first and a second portion (16 and 18). The channel second portion (18) terminally forms an orifice (15) facing the chamber and extending in an area closer to a top wall (5) of the chamber (2) than to the bottom wall of the same chamber. The orifice faces the top of the separator and has a flow passage cross section greater than that of a first portion (16) of the channel.
US08747340B2	Ankle and foot support system Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.
US08747339B2	Corrective joint The invention relates to a joint comprising a first joint arm (1) and a second joint arm (2), which is supported pivotally about a pivot axis (A) on the first joint arm (1) and with the first joint arm (1) encloses a spread angle (Φ), which is between a maximum spread angle (Φmax) and a minimum spread angle (Φmin), which is determined by the design of the joint. According to the invention, a locking device (15), which by moving a bar (8) can selectively be brought into a locking position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) are locked relative to each other, a release position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted freely relative to each other, and an angle limiting position, in which (i) the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted relative to each other up to a preset stop spread angle (ΦA) and (ii) a pivoting motion at larger spread angles (Φ) is blocked.
US08747338B2	Methods and devices for treating hypertension Devices, systems and methods are described which control blood pressure and nervous system activity by stimulating baroreceptors. By selectively and controllably activating baroreceptors and/or nerves, the present invention reduces blood pressure and alters the sympathetic nervous system; thereby minimizing deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature and other organs and tissues. A baroreceptor activation device or other sensory activation device is positioned near a dermal bone to provide the treatment.
US08747337B2	Interactive massaging device A vibratory massaging device having a spaced plurality of proximity sensors distributed on a massaging surface of the device, and a control circuit operative for controlling vibratory intensities in response to activation of particular ones of the sensors being close to a user's body parts being massaged. The device can be configured as a dildo, including both main and secondary vibrators, the secondary vibrator being within an arm portion that is configured for clitoral stimulation. At least one of the vibrators is automatically driven at increased intensity as penetration increases.
US08747332B2	Guidewire for crossing occlusions or stenoses Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material.
US08747331B2	Variable angle guide holder for a biopsy guide plug Apparatus and methods are described as relating to a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures is provided, including a guide plug holder for receiving an angular determination fixture, the guide plug holder movable relative to the angular determination fixture between a plurality of positions, each position providing a different angle of insertion relative to a point of origin on the angular determination fixture, and plate plug engaged with the angular determination fixture wherein the plate plug is insertable into a guide plate aperture of a guide plate for use in an interventional procedure.
US08747328B2	Continuous blood pressure monitoring The systems and methods monitor a subject's blood pressure under a constant applied pressure. Measurements taken from a pressure measuring element and a pulse sensing element are combined to determine the subject's systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is measured directly by the pressure measuring element, and the diastolic pressure is determined indirectly by using a pulse waveform to extrapolate portions of a pressure waveform. The systems and methods can be employed in any number of applications, including, without limitation, taking a single reading from a subject, continuously monitoring a subject, or evaluating a subject during physical exertion.
US08747327B2	Apparatus and method for measuring blood pressure A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a sensing unit including a plurality of sensors sensing sphygmus waves at a measurement site, a selection unit selecting one sensor of the plurality of sensors based on the sphygmus waves sensed by the plurality of sensors, and a blood pressure estimation unit estimating blood pressure of the measurement site based on a sphygmus wave sensed by the selected sensor.
US08747325B2	Non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure by extracting and analyzing acetone concentrations in captured exhaled breath The invention application presents a fast, efficient, reproductive alternative of a non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure based on a specific biomarker. An additional object of the present invention is a collector device for the biomarker from exhaled breath that is portable, simple, low cost and does not need to run on electric power. This invention advantageously permits the replacement of invasive diagnosis methods, favoring the patient's comfort in addition to the agility and speed of medical attention at hospitals, and may become a standard method for all suspected cases of circulatory disease and heart failure and, more specifically, decompensated heart failure.
US08747320B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus The present invention is made to accurately detect an absolute pressure even when a contact property between an elastic coupler and a body surface of an object is poor. An elastic coupler 20 is formed by an elastic material with flexibility to have two layers at least with different ultrasonic wave reflectance properties and attached to an ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver surface, and a pressure calculating unit 30 detects the position of a boundary surface 22 between those two layers based on RF signal frame data output from an RF signal frame data selection unit 10, obtains positional change of the boundary surface based on the detected position of the boundary surface and the initial position of the boundary surface, which was obtained in advance, and obtains the absolute pressure applied to the object based on the positional change and a pre-set elasticity property of the elastic coupler. At this time, for example, an ID code is given to the elastic coupler by making the initial position or the like of the boundary surface of the elastic coupler be different in accordance with the type of the elastic coupler, the pressure calculating unit 30 identifies the ID code, identifies the type of the elastic coupler with reference to a coupler database, and reads the elasticity property corresponding to the ID code.
US08747317B2	Full-field breast ultrasound system and architechture A modular, flexible architecture for offering full-field breast ultrasound (FFBU) functionality and general-purpose ultrasound functionality in a single system is described. A conventional, general-purpose ultrasound system is modified with an FFBU toolkit to create a dual-capability ultrasound system, the dual-capability ultrasound system being able to accommodate both general-purpose ultrasound functionality and FFBU functionality, using a single ultrasound engine. Among other advantages, real-world clinical environments may enjoy cost savings for initial system procurement, space savings on clinic floors, easier and less expensive system upgrades, and the ability to use a single system and user interface for both FFBU screening and for follow-up diagnosis, biopsy, etc. Among other advantages from an ultrasound manufacturer's perspective are the ability to quickly and/or more easily come to market with an FFBU-related offering by modifying their existing general-purpose ultrasound systems with FFBU toolkits to quickly create dual-capability ultrasound systems.
US08747313B2	Health monitoring appliance A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.
US08747312B2	Biometric monitoring device having a body weight sensor, and methods of operating same A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.
US08747305B2	Endoscope system and endoscopic observation method To provide an endoscope system that includes a light source, an insertion part to be inserted into a living organism for guiding a illumination light emitted from the light source and a light returned from the living organism, a deflection optical system for outwardly directing the illumination light in a radius direction of the insertion part and for introducing a light inwardly returned from the living organism in the radius direction into the insertion part, a part for capturing the returned light, a part for detecting an insertion speed of the insertion part, a part for adjusting a frame rate for the image capturing of the image capturing part based on the detected insertion speed, an image forming part for arranging acquired images at a pitch based on the insertion speed to form an image of the inside of the living organism, and a part for displaying the formed image.
US08747303B2	Method for affixing endoscope curved section protective sheath The protective sheath front end of the disclosed curved section protective sheath for covering the curved section of an endoscope covers the outer periphery of the front end of the endoscope. A filamentous member is wound around the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end, affixing the protective sheath front end to the front end of the endoscope. An adhesive agent is layered on the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end so as to cover the filamentous member. A ring member is fitted to the protective sheath front end so as to cover the adhesive agent. The inner surface of the ring member is bonded to the filamentous member with the adhesive agent therebetween.
US08747302B2	Laparoscopic instrument and trocar system and related surgical method Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.
US08747299B2	Method and device for the pathology analysis of the Schlemm's canal A method and device are proposed for carrying out ophthalmologic analysis especially for the pathological evaluation of the Schlemm's canal that has been exposed through a scleral flap and into which an micro catheter is inserted that also includes a medium line by which medium is brought into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal for dilating the lumen and a light guide for illumination such that analog images of the dilated lumen, the inner wall of the trabecular tissue and the veins of the aqueous humor can be taken by a camera and transmitted to an outside monitor for visual evaluation.
US08747297B2	Endoscopic heart surgery method It is an object to provide an endoscopic heart surgery method with which it is possible to observe an endoscopic image with a stable field of view in the pericardial space. Provided is an endoscopic heart surgery method including an inserting step of inserting an inserted portion of an endoscope into a body from the subxiphoid area and inserting the inserted portion into the pericardial space by penetrating the pericardium in the vicinity of the heart apex; a moving step of advancing the inserted portion toward the base of the heart so that the inserted portion passes through the roof of the pericardial space and is moved toward the heart apex to a treated area in the pericardial space; and an observing step of observing the treated area with the endoscope.
US08747288B2	Power control of a robotic tool changer A robotic tool changer removably attaches a robotic tool to a robotic arm. The changer includes a tool module connected to the robotic tool, and a master module connected to the robotic arm. To attach and detach the robotic tool, the changer couples and uncouples the tool module and the master module. A master electrical signal module (ESM) affixes to the master module and a tool ESM affixes to the tool module. In accordance with design requirements, the changer applies the same power supply to both the master ESM and the tool ESM. The changer, however, selectively suppresses application of the power supply to the tool ESM, while maintaining application of the power supply to the master ESM, during the coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. In doing so, the changer enables such coupling and uncoupling, while also preventing the formation of transient electric arcs.
US08747286B1	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus is provided for strengthening the wrists, forearms and chest of a user through manipulation of a compact easy to use assembly. The apparatus includes a first handle and a shaft extending from the first handle. A protrusion extends from the shaft and is positioned proximate a distal end of the shaft relative to the first handle. A second handle has a cylindrical inner wall forming a chamber extending into the second handle from an opening in a first end of the second handle. The chamber is shaped to receive the shaft. A biasing member is positioned between the first handle and the second handle. The biasing member is compressed when the shaft is inserted into the chamber.
US08747284B2	Lifting strap with enhanced gripping properties Weight lifting strap which is looped around the wrist and wrapped in helical fashion about a weight lifting bar or the like and gripped by the hand with opposite sides of the strap facing the bar and the hand, and the strap being fabricated of a woven material with rubberized strands on the side of the strap which faces the bar.
US08747277B2	Gear transmission load sharing mechanism A method for use with a transmission system (A, A1, B) incorporating a split gear assembly (20, 120, 220) for splitting an applied input load between two or more reaction gears (30, 40, 130, 140, 230, 240) or pathways to selectively positioning a support bearing (50, 150, 250) to achieve an optimized load distribution (LRT) among a set of drive planet pinions (22, 122, 222) and idler planet pinions (70, 170, 270) in the transmission system.
US08747276B2	Drive device and image forming apparatus including same A drive device including a planetary gear reduction device having at least two stages and an output shaft, and a driven shaft to support a driven member rotatively driven by torque reduced by the planetary gear reduction device and transmit the torque from the output shaft to the driven member. Each stage of the planetary gear reduction device includes a sun gear, an outer gear, multiple planetary gears, a carrier, and a support shaft. The output shaft is provided to the carrier of the last stage. Central axes of the sun gear, the outer gear, the carrier, the output shaft, the driven shaft, and the driven member are all arranged coaxially with one another and at least one carrier is floatingly supported relative to the outer gear. The carrier is formed as a single integrated unit having holes into which both ends of the support shaft are fitted.
US08747275B2	Differential device A differential device has a differential case that houses a gear group, and a ring gear that is disposed fitted to the differential case. The differential case and the ring gear are supported rotatably about a drive shaft. The ring gear is made up of a helical gear. The ring gear abuts the differential case in the axial direction of the drive shaft. The ring gear and the differential case are welded at an abutting portion of the ring gear and the differential case in the axial direction of the drive shaft.
US08747264B2	Energy harvesting system for a vehicle An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component. The heat engine includes a belt, a first member, and a second member. The belt includes a strip of material and at least one wire at least partially embedded longitudinally in the strip of material. The wire includes a shape memory alloy material. A localized region of the at least one wire is configured to change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite and either contract or expand longitudinally in response to exposure to a first temperature or a second temperature such that the strip of material corresponding to the localized region also contracts or expands. The first member is operatively connected to the belt and moves with the belt in response to the expansion or contraction of the belt. The component is operatively connected to the first member such that movement of the first member drives the component.
US08747262B1	Jointed bat A jointed bat includes a barrel, a handle, and a glue. The barrel is tubular and has one end fixedly connected to a top cap and the other end having a tapered first joint portion. An opening is formed at the end of the first joint portion. The handle is tubular and has one end fixedly connected to a knob and the other end having a tapered resilient second joint portion. At least a relief slit is formed at an end of the second joint portion. A dam protrudes from the second joint portion and abuts against an inner wall of the first joint portion. The second joint portion penetrates the opening to fit inside the first joint portion. The glue is filled between and fixedly connected between the first and second joint portions. Therefore, requirements for precision in production of the barrel and the handle are reduced.
US08747261B2	Reinforced objects A reinforced object of the invention comprises: at least one structural layer; and at least one reinforcing rod positioned on or within the at least one structural layer, wherein the object is an elongated object, with the at least one reinforcing rod longitudinally positioned essentially parallel to a central axis thereof. A method of manufacturing the reinforced object comprises steps of: providing a mold; and positioning the at least one reinforcing rod such that it is positioned on or within the at least one structural layer in the reinforced object formed in the mold.
US08747259B2	Wind resistant practice cage with opening and alternative closures A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
US08747257B2	Golf club fitting method, device thereof, and analysis method The analysis method includes steps of acquiring measurement data obtained from swings and values of hitting results (flight distance or the like) (STEP 3); calculating a characteristic value (face angle or the like) from the measurement data (STEP 4); and determining an indicator for selecting a shaft of a golf club from the characteristic value and the values of hitting results (STEP 5). In the step of determining an indicator, when a hitting result of a golf club is an objective variable, and the characteristic value is an explanatory variable together with a predetermined shaft physical property (flex point or the like), and has a statistically significant relation with the hitting result, the characteristic value is determined as the indicator. A relational expression of the indicator and the hitting result is calculated for each value of the physical properties.
US08747256B2	Golf balls including multiple dimple types and/or multiple layers of different hardnesses Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.
US08747255B2	Golf ball having modified surface hardness A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer having a cover inner surface, a cover outer surface, a treated cover region, and an untreated cover region, the treated cover region extending inward from the cover outer surface a depth DCTr and being treated with and comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the untreated cover region disposed between the cover inner surface and the treated cover region and having a depth DCUTr, the untreated cover region comprising n regions of hardness wherein n≧1 and wherein at least one of the n regions of hardness has a hardness H1 such that the hardness α is greater than the hardness H1, and wherein each of said n regions of hardness further comprise a depth DCUTn such that DCTr≦(1/n)(DUT1+DUT2+ . . . +DUTn). In another embodiment, DCTr≦(n)(DCUT1+DCUT2+ . . . +DCUTn). In yet another embodiment, DCTr≦(1/n2)(DCUT1+DCUT2+ . . . +DCUTn).
US08747250B2	Golf club head A golf club head with a club head body having an external surface with a heel portion, a toe portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a front opening is described. A face insert support structure is located at the front opening. The support structure includes a peripheral member and a rear support member. The rear support member has a front surface and a rear surface. A face insert is attached at the front opening and closes the front opening of the body. An undercut fill structure is attached to a portion of the rear surface of the rear support member.
US08747245B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an insert forming a ball striking face and engaged with the putter body. Portions of the insert may be formed of a metal material, while portions of the insert may be formed of a polymer material. The insert may include a base portion having grooves or openings formed therein. This base may be joined with another material (such as a polymer backing material) to form the insert, wherein the backing material at least partially fills the grooves or openings. In some arrangements, the backing material of the insert may be visible at the top and/or bottom surfaces of the putter structures. Methods for making such putter devices are also described.
US08747237B2	Sliding ball type constant velocity joint for vehicle A sliding ball type constant velocity joint including an outer race having a track groove pair formed by a pair of track grooves on its inner surface, an inner race installed in the outer race having a track groove pair formed by a pair of track grooves on its outer surface to correspond to the track groove pair of the outer race, a plurality of balls installed in the track groove pairs formed in the outer race and the pair of track grooves formed in the inner race, for transmitting the rotational power of the outer race to the inner race, and a cage having windows for accommodating and supporting each two of the balls. The joint can minimize vehicle vibration by forming the track groove pairs on the outer and inner races to reduce a contact area between the inner race and the cage.
US08747236B2	Constant velocity joint A constant velocity joint comprising a first shaft (2) rotating about a first rotation axis (X1), a second shaft (3) rotating about a second rotation axis (X2), a triad of yokes (5) comprising a control yoke (6), a first shaft yoke (7) and a second shaft yoke (8), the first shaft yoke (7) being pivotally mounted on the first shaft (2) with the pivot axis (A1) oblique to the first rotation axis (X1), the second shaft yoke (8) being pivotally mounted on the second shaft (3) with the pivot axis (A2) oblique to the second rotation axis (X2), the three yokes of the triad of yokes (5) being pivotally mounted to each other to pivot about a common axis (C) passing from the center (4) of the joint, a set of additional pivotally mounted yokes (9) providing support to the control yoke (6) so that the transmission ratio between the first shaft (2) and the second shaft (3) of the constant velocity joint (1) remains strictly at 1:1.
US08747235B2	Damper device A damper device including an input element to which power from a motor is transmitted; a first elastic body to which power is transmitted from the input element; a first intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the first elastic body; a second elastic body to which power is transmitted from the first intermediate element; a second intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the second elastic body; a third elastic body to which power is transmitted from the second intermediate element; and an output element to which power is transmitted from the third elastic body. A stiffness of the third elastic body is higher than a stiffness of the second elastic body.
US08747234B2	Vibration absorber A system for absorbing vibration created by operation of an engine of the present invention includes a first plate driven by an engine shaft and a torque transmitting device for transferring torque from the engine shaft to a transmission input shaft. The system includes a first vibration absorber and a second vibration absorber. The first vibration absorber includes at least one selectively moveable mass. The second vibration absorber includes at least one biasing member and generally opposing ends. The first vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at a first harmonic of the engine and the second vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at multiple harmonics of the engine.
US08747232B1	Multi-player game state backup and restoration across multiple devices Technology for a method for backing up and restoring multiplayer game state across multiple devices that are registered to multiple users is disclosed herein. The method includes running instances of a multiplayer game application at multiple electronic devices, determining a backup event that occurs in any of the multiple electronic devices, wherein the backup event suggests a backup of game state data and the game state data represent a game state of the game application at the backup event, and transmitting the game state data of the game application to a remote storage service, in response to the backup event. Other electronic devices registered to any of the multiple users can retrieve the application state data from the remote storage service and restore the game application state.
US08747225B2	Gaming machine chair A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.
US08747222B2	Game system, game device, storage medium storing game program, and image generation method An example game system includes a portable display that includes an image-capturing unit, and a display unit. The game device obtains first operation data representing an operation performed on a controller device, second operation data representing an operation performed on the portable display, and data of a image captured by the image-capturing unit. In a virtual space, an action of a first control object is controlled based on first operation data and an action of a second control object is controlled based on second operation data. The game device generates a first game image including a game image that represents the virtual space and corresponds to the first control object, and at least a portion of the captured image. The first game image is displayed on a predetermined display. The game device generates a second game image corresponding to the second control object, and displays the second game image.
US08747221B2	Service controller for servicing wagering game machines Methods and apparatus for servicing wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, over a wagering game network, service information originating from a wagering game machine, wherein the wagering game machine is configured to receive a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include, based on the service information and a service plan associated with the wagering game machine, determining a service action. The method can also include performing the service action.
US08747212B1	Number picking game with integrated sports projectiles A number picking game such as keno which incorporates sports animations into the visual presentation when numbers are picked by a random number generator. A player indicates the player's selection of numbers. Randomly generated numbers are determined. Animated athletes can cast a projectile onto a grid of numbers, the projectile colliding with a number on the grid and thus picking that number. The animated athletes will thus pick all of the randomly generated numbers while they are playing their sports. The player's selected numbers and the randomly generated numbers are compared and an award is made to the player based on a number of matches.
US08747200B2	Capture game apparatus An electronic hand held capture-the-light game apparatus in which the apparatus includes a controller, eleven light sources in a linear display and two oppositely disposed movable handles. One of the handles activates a compression switch when the handles are pressed together. The controller is programmed to include a series of games to be played on the apparatus that become progressively more difficult. The games provide that the light sources are momentarily illuminated in a predetermined sequence at a predetermined tempo, and object of the game for a player is to activate the compression switch when one of three light sources in a capture zone is illuminated. If successful, the player earns a reward, if not, the player loses one of a limited number of chances to continue the game.
US08747196B2	Force feedback device for simulating combat A method and apparatus for providing force feedback to a user operating a human/computer interface device and interacting with a computer-generated simulation. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method simulates the interaction of simulated objects displayed to a user who controls one of the simulated objects manipulating a physical object of an interface device. The position of the simulated object, as provided within the simulation and as displayed, is mapped directly to the physical position of the user object. This mapping is broken under conditions that are effective to provide force feedback to the user which imparts a physical sensation corresponding to the interaction of the simulated objects. In another aspect, hand-to-hand combat is simulated wherein a user controls a simulated object by manipulating a physical object, such a sword hilt, to allow the user to utilize a wide range of physical skill and dexterity in interacting with the simulation. In another aspect, a simulation apparatus provides a display device such as one or more display screens or a projection device, and which also provides an intuitive mechanical interface device for the user to skillfully and dexterously manipulate objects within a computer-generated simulation.
US08747195B2	Unloader system for an agricultural combine An agricultural combine with a plurality of grain tanks and an unloader system for unloading grain harvested by the combine. The unloader system has an unloader tube, a sensor and a controller. The unloader tube includes an interior passageway with a conveyor inside the interior passageway for moving the grain through the unloader tube and at least two discharge assemblies on the unloader tube for discharging grain traveling through the unloader tube to one of the plurality of grain tanks. The sensor is used for sensing an attribute of the grain that is to be unloaded through the unloader tube. The controller is operatively connected to and in communication with the unloader system and sensor so as to discharge the grain from the unloader tube through one of the at least two discharge assemblies based upon the attribute detected by the sensor.
US08747191B2	Endless belt type grinding tool In an endless belt type grinding tool, a tension bar includes a front portion and a rear portion which are divided from each other in a tubular holding portion. The front portion and the rear portion forcibly abut against each other when the endless grinding belt wound around the drive pulley and the idle pulley is applied with a tension by the spring. The endless belt type grinding tool includes a locking member which, when the tension bar is pushed into the tubular holding portion against the spring, engages with the rear portion of the tension bar to retain the rear portion at the pushed position against the urging force of the spring. Thus, in a state in which the grinding belt is removed, it is possible to reduce damage even if the tension bar, which is being pushed in, accidentally jumps out.
US08747190B2	Tool for removing grout, mortar and the like A grout removal tool includes a cover shaped to define a substantially enclosed interior cavity and a grinding assembly designed to simultaneously abrade grout from multiple, non-linear tile joints. The grinding assembly includes a motor-driven shaft that is rotatably coupled to the cover by a pair of ball bearings. The grinding assembly additionally includes two or more grinding elements that are axially mounted on the shaft in a spaced apart relationship, each grinding element including at least one disc-shaped grinding wheel. A vacuum attachment is externally mounted on the cover and is in communication with the interior cavity through a plurality of circular openings formed in the cover in direct alignment with the grinding elements. One end of the vacuum attachment is preferably connected to a vacuum device that forcibly withdraws and contains debris created during the grout grinding process.
US08747187B2	Method for shaping an ophthalmic lens for eyeglasses A method of shaping an ophthalmic lens to have a desired outline with a machining device including a blocking support for the ophthalmic lens and at least one first machining tool, the method includes: obtaining an inner cutting limit for the first machining tool; defining an initial blocking position for the ophthalmic lens and its desired outline; calculating whether at least a portion of the desired outline presents a non-zero intersection with the inner cutting limit; defining as the final blocking position either the unchanged initial blocking position if the calculated intersection is zero, or else a blocking position that is modified relative to the initial blocking position so that the desired outline as repositioned using the modified blocking position does not present an intersection with the inner cutting limit associated with the first tool; and blocking and shaping the ophthalmic lens with the desired outline.
US08747186B2	Single piece abdominal support garment Garments to support a distended abdomen are described herein. For example the garment comprises an abdominal panel displaced beneath and in a position to support a distended abdomen, said panel being formed from an anisotropic elastomeric fabric that stretches in a latitudinal direction; side panels secured to a side of said abdominal panel, each side panel extending upwards and to a rear of said abdominal panel and being formed from an isotropic elastomeric fabric having a modulus of elasticity at least 1.5 times greater than said abdominal panel; and a back panel positioned over a lumbar region attached to said side panel.
US08747184B2	Support structure for a brassiere A support structure for placement in a lower periphery of a breast cup for a brassiere, the support structure including a support component shaped to follow the curve of at least the underside of a wearer's breast, the support component including a first region formed by a first polymer material and a second region formed by a second polymer material, wherein the first polymer material is harder than the second polymer.
US08747181B1	Toy vehicle and playset therefor A toy vehicle track and vehicle therefor having an actuator mechanism operably coupled with the motor and configured to remove power from the motor once the actuator mechanism senses the toy vehicle has exceeded a first speed provided by battery-powered propulsion and reached a second speed provided by either the vehicle being moved manually by a user or by moving downhill. Once the actuator mechanism has activated, the vehicle moves into free-wheeling mode and remains in that mode until the actuator mechanism senses that the toy has moved from the second speed to a third speed slower than the battery-powered propulsion speed.
US08747180B2	Toy track set and relay segments A relay for a toy is disclosed herein, the relay having: a first relay segment having an upper portion rotatably secured to a lower portion for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the lower portion; a trigger coupled to the first relay segment, the trigger being configured for movement from a first position to a second position; a mechanism for retaining the upper portion in the second position after it has been rotated to the second position from the first position, the upper portion being spring biased towards the first position, wherein the mechanism releases the upper portion to allow for rotation movement of the upper portion to the first position from the second position, when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; a projectile launcher for launching a projectile into air after the release mechanism releases the upper portion and the upper portion is rotated to the first position from the second position; and a second relay segment, the second relay segment having a release mechanism for launching a portion of the second relay segment in the air as well as launching an object from the relay when the second relay segment is impacted by the projectile.
US08747179B2	Robot toy A robot toy includes a body and a controller. The body includes right and left arms, legs, arm-actuating mechanisms, thrust mechanisms, and a driving unit. The arms can be extended forward and back, and are pulled back by a predetermined biasing force in a normal condition. The arm-actuating mechanisms are provided at the respective arms and allow the corresponding arms to be extended and pulled back. The thrust mechanisms are provided at the respective legs and allow the corresponding legs to move forward. The driving unit drives one of a pair of the left arm-actuating mechanism and the left thrust mechanism and a pair of the right arm-actuating mechanism and the right thrust mechanism. The driving unit simultaneously drives the arm-actuating mechanism and the thrust mechanism in the same pair.
US08747176B2	Method of forming a spark plug A method for forming a spark plug includes positioning an electrode center wire within an insulator and positioning at least one substance within the insulator and proximate the electrode center wire. The method further includes ultrasonically tamping the at least one substance to the electrode center wire.
US08747175B1	Ergonomic flotation device The invention is a unique ergonomic personal flotation device suitable for comfortably supporting a human user while floating in a fairly calm water-based environment such as a swimming pool, lake or other natural body of water that allows a person using the flotation device to comfortably lie on their stomach, in order to provide even tanning on their backside. Likewise, the person can also comfortably lie on their back to get tanning on the front of their body. The ergonomic flotation device is comprised of a number of separate air chambers that provide an overall comfortable ergonomic experience when in use by a person. When lying on their stomach, there is provided an opening for the person's face with side air channels around the opening for comfort. When lying on their back, there is provided a separately inflatable lower back support chamber.
US08747172B2	Water jet propulsion watercraft A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull having a sealed engine room, an engine installed in the engine room, a jet propulsion unit arranged to be driven by the engine so as to suck in water from around the hull and jet the water, a saddle type seat disposed above the engine room, a first exhaust pipe, an exhaust pipe cooling unit, and a catalyst unit. The first exhaust pipe is attached to a side of the engine inside the engine room, extends rearward from the side of the engine, and is arranged to guide exhaust gas discharged from the engine. The exhaust pipe cooling unit is arranged to cool the first exhaust pipe. The catalyst unit is connected to the first exhaust pipe, is disposed inside the engine room so as to oppose a rear surface of the engine, and is arranged to promote reaction of components contained in the exhaust gas.
US08747170B2	Connector assemblies and systems and methods for forming disconnectable joint assemblies A disconnectable joint system includes first and second connectors and a coupling fastener. The first connector defines a first conductor bore to receive a first cable conductor, and a first coupling portion including a first coupling bore and a first integral interlock feature. The second connector defines a second conductor bore to receive a second cable conductor, and a second coupling portion including a second coupling bore and a second integral interlock feature. The first and second coupling portions are mateable in an interlocked position wherein the first and second interlock features are interlocked with one another, the first and second coupling bores are substantially aligned, and the coupling fastener can be inserted through the first and second coupling bores and tightened to securely couple the first and second connectors to one another. The first and second connectors can be separated upon removal of the coupling fastener.
US08747166B2	Connector and connector set A connector etc. that prevents wrong insertion and does not require large rotation of plug etc., when inserting a plug to a socket, is provided. Plug-in connector 1 comprises pin plug 10 and receptacle 20, and pin plug 10 and receptacle 20 are connected. On pin cover body 14 of pin plug 10, plural pin plug key protrusions 15 are constructed separately along the circumferential direction, and on socket cover 27 of receptacle 20, plural sets 28a-28e of plural key grooves 28 separated along the circumferential direction, that plural pin plug key protrusions 15 fit into each set, are arranged with shifting along the circumferential direction. Receptacle 20 can be substituted by a socket plug 30.
US08747165B2	Connection module for portable device A connection module for a portable device having a reduced thickness and a slimmer shape. The connection module includes a case, an upper plug connection terminal unit, and a lower plug connection terminal unit. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper plug connection terminal unit includes a plurality of upper connection terminals disposed along the upper portion. The lower plug connection terminal unit includes a plurality of lower connection terminals disposed along the lower portion. The plurality of lower connection terminals are spaced apart from the plurality of upper connection terminals and alternately arranged at staggered positions such that the plurality of upper and lower connection terminals engage each other when positioned on a same plane.
US08747164B2	Card edge connector A card edge connector is provided for mating with a printed circuit board (PCB) having a card edge. The connector includes a housing having a card slot. The card slot is configured to receive the card edge of the PCB therein. The card slot includes opposing first and second sides. Signal contacts are held by the housing. The signal contacts include signal mating segments arranged in opposing first and second rows that extend along the opposing first and second sides, respectively, of the card slot. The signal mating segments are arranged in differential signal pairs, wherein the signal mating segments within a differential pair are arranged within the same row of the first and second rows. A ground contact is held by the housing. The ground contact includes a base and first and second ground mating segments that extend outwardly from the base. The first and second ground mating segments are arranged along the first and second sides, respectively, of the card slot such that the first and second ground mating segments are configured to engage the card edge therebetween. The first and second ground mating segments include springs that resiliently deflect when engaged by the card edge.
US08747162B2	Host device with memory card slot having a card gripping-extracting recess A host device with a memory card slot and an associated fingernail recess is provided. In one embodiment, a host device is provided comprising a housing with an outer surface, a memory card slot formed in the housing and accessible for memory card insertion through a slot opening in the outer surface, and a plurality of electrical contacts exposed in the memory card slot for engaging corresponding contacts on a memory card. The host device further comprises a recess in the outer surface associated with the slot opening, wherein the recess is sized to allow fingernail access to a fingernail grip of the memory card in the memory card slot. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.
US08747161B2	Electrical connector having small size A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of conductive contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1) and a shell (3) enclosing over the insulative housing (1). The shell (3) includes a top wall (31) and a pair of side walls (32) downwardly extending from two sides of the top wall (31). The side wall (32) has a latching arm (36) at the bottom thereof to upwardly abut against a bottom face (12) of the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) has a top surface (11) facing the top wall (31). The top surface (11) and the top wall (31) define a receiving cavity (30) to receive an electrical card. The side wall (32) also has a limiting portion (33) extending into the receiving cavity (30) and downwardly abutting against the top surface (11) of the insulative housing (1). Therefore, the size of the card connector (100) is smaller which is in favor of a small-scale development of the card connector (100).
US08747160B2	Memory card module with electromagnetic radiation shield A memory card module includes a memory card, a socket including a connecting portion and a main body protruding from the connecting portion, two locking members, and a shielding member made of electromagnetic shielding material. The shielding member covers the memory card and the main body. The locking members are pivotably attached to opposite sides of the main body respectively. Each locking member includes a locking portion. The shielding member includes a top plate, two end plates extending down from opposite ends of the top plate, and two side plates extending down from opposite sides of the top plate. A number of vents are defined in each end plate. A block protrudes from each side plate. The locking portion of each locking member abuts against the block of the corresponding side plate, to mount the shielding member to the socket.
US08747152B2	RF isolated capacitively coupled connector A connector with a capacitively coupled connector interface for interconnection with a female portion is provided with an annular groove, with a sidewall, open to an interface end of the female portion. A male portion is provided with a male outer conductor coupling surface at an interface end, covered by an outer conductor dielectric spacer. A waveguide path between the male outer conductor coupling surface and the female portion, while in the interlocked position, extends from the outer conductor dielectric spacer to an exterior of the interconnection through an S-bend in a radial direction, to improve RF isolation. The male outer conductor coupling surface is dimensioned to seat, spaced apart from the sidewall by the outer conductor dielectric spacer, within the annular groove, when the male portion and the female portion are in an interlocked position.
US08747146B2	Electrical connector having connector position assurance An electrical connector comprising a housing having at least one terminal receiving passageway, an opening positioned proximate at least one terminal receiving passageway, a primary latch for latching the electric connector to a mating connector, and a slot extending longitudinally along side the primary latch. The connector has a connector position assurance member (CPA) positionable in the opening and having a locking latch which is laterally offset from the primary latch of the housing. The CPA has first and second longitudinal positions. The first position where the CPA is in a partially inserted position and a second position where the housing is in a fully mated position within a mating connector housing and the CPA is in a fully inserted position.
US08747145B2	Electrical connector The invention relates to a connector with a housing, with terminals, with conductors that are connected with the terminals, with a guidance element that is arranged in the housing and that guides the conductors in the housing, with an elastic element that is arranged between the conductors and the guidance element, with a retainer element that forces the conductors against the elastic element.
US08747143B2	Charging connector A charging connector (10) is provided to be connected to a vehicle-side connector (50) for charging a battery in a vehicle. The charging connector (10) has a main body (11) including a connector fitting (13) connectable to the vehicle-side connector, a lock (22) for holding the vehicle-side connector (50) and the connector fitting portion (13) in a connected state by being locked to a lock projection (52) on the vehicle-side connector (50), an unlocking portion (23) for canceling the locked state of the lock (22) and the lock projection (52), and an unlocking hole 16 formed in the connector main body (11) at a position corresponding to the unlocking portion (23). The unlocking portion (23) projects to the outside of the main body (11) through the unlocking hole (16) and includes recesses (27) at positions facing the peripheral edge of the unlocking hole (16).
US08747142B2	Connector assembly A connector assembly includes a plug device and a socket device. The plug device includes a holding portion. The holding portion includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite to the top wall, and an middle portion located between the top wall and the bottom wall. An inner surface of the top wall facing the middle portion defines a stopping hole. The socket device includes a main body and a resilient piece. The main body includes a top panel and a bottom panel opposite to the top panel. The resilient piece is located on the top panel. A latch portion is located on the resilient piece. The resilient piece is elastically deformable to engage the latch portion in the stopping hole. The main body is located between the top wall and the bottom wall. The middle portion is located on the top panel and the bottom panel.
US08747140B2	Plug connector set and plate for said plug connector set A plug connector set has first and second plug connector parts, an unlocking part and a plate. The first plug connector has at least one first contact element and a latching lug. The second plug connector part has at least one second contact element. An unlocking part is used to displace the latching lug out of a locking position into the unlocking position or for latching to the latching lug and locking the first and second plug connector part to each other. A plate is adjacent to the latching lug and projects away from the first plug connector part.
US08747138B2	Plug connection assembly for a moisture-protected electrical plug connection In a plug connection assembly for a moisture-protected electrical plug connection having at least one plug which has a main body (1) having a fastening flange (4) on the front side and a resilient sealing element (7) arranged on said flange and an electric line cable (2) emerging rearward from the main body (1), a contact carrier (5) which receives electric contacts (6) is inserted into the main body (1) in a form-fitting manner. The fastening flange (4) can have a rigid contact area (14) for contact with a socket (9), and the sealing element (7) can have a surface seal (17) and a raised molded seal (27) on a partial surface thereof.
US08747137B2	Connector A connector includes a packing which includes an annular body part, ear parts extending outward from the body part, and lock receiving parts provided in the ear parts. The connector further includes a case which includes an annular packing-mounted part provided on which a body part of the packing is mounted, a flange part which is integrally provided on the case body part to surround the packing-mounted part, a pair of through holes which are formed in the case body part to communicate between a face of the packing-mounted part and a back face of the flange part and through which the ear parts are respectively passed, and a pair of locking parts which are provided on the back face of the flange part and with which the lock receiving parts in the ear parts are respectively engaged.
US08747136B2	Contact-making apparatus having a charging contact element rotatable by a drive motor A contact-making apparatus is provided for producing a low-voltage connection between a motor vehicle (1) and a charging apparatus. The contact-making apparatus has at least one motor vehicle contact element (11, 12) associated with the motor vehicle, and with at least one charging contact element (15, 16) associated with the charging apparatus. To simplify the production of a low-voltage connection between a motor vehicle and a charging apparatus, the charging contact element (15, 16) has a charging contact face (17, 18) that can fit on the charging apparatus movably relative to a motor vehicle contact face and has a configuration matched to the configuration of the motor vehicle contact face on the motor vehicle contact element (11, 12).
US08747130B2	Electrical connector assembly with connection assist An electrical connector including a housing; a slide slidably mounted to the housing, wherein the slide comprises a rack section with teeth; a cam member and a connector position assurance (CPA) member. The cam member is rotatably mounted to the housing. The cam member comprises a caming surface adapted to contact a cam portion of a mating electrical connector. The cam member comprises a gear section with teeth engaging the teeth of the slide. The CPA member is movably connected to the housing. The CPA member is adapted to directly engage the cam member for preventing the cam member for rotating relative to the housing.
US08747129B2	Charging connector and method of mounting it A charging connector (10) is provided for connection to a vehicle-side connector provided in a vehicle to charge a battery installed in the vehicle. The charging connector (10) includes a main body (11) with a connecting portion (13) connectable to the vehicle-side connector, a protection cap (30) made of an insulating material and to be mounted on the connecting portion (13) when the connecting portion (13) is separated from the vehicle-side connector, and a cable (W) drawn out from the main body (11) for connection to a power supply. The protection cap (30) is removed from the connecting portion (13) and attached to the cable (W) when connecting the connecting portion (13) to the vehicle-side connector.
US08747124B2	Eye-of-the needle pin contact An eye-of-the needle (EON) pin contact is provided for being received within an electrical via that includes conductive material. The EON pin contact includes a compliant segment having two opposing spring arms and an opening defined between the spring arms. The compliant segment is configured to be received within the electrical via such that the spring arms engage the conductive material of the electrical via. A tip segment extends from the compliant segment. The tip segment is configured to be received into the electrical via before the compliant segment is received into the electrical via. The tip segment includes a broach that is configured to displace the conductive material as the tip segment is received into the electrical via to plow a path through the conductive material for reception of a corresponding one of the spring arms.
US08747121B1	Television tuner module having a shielded housing mounted on an outer circuit board and having an inner circuit board with a tuner chip Described systems and methods allow the manufacture of compact television (TV) tuner modules comparable in size to standard RF connectors. In some embodiments, a compact TV tuner module (tuner can) includes a metallic housing mounted on an external printed circuit board (PCB), a radio-frequency (RF) connector, an internal PCB within the housing, and a bare-silicon TV tuner chip centrally mounted on a side of the internal PCB facing away from the RF connector, directly opposite a central contact made directly a central pin of the RF connector and a central area of the internal PCB. A major dimension of a shielded internal volume enclosed by the housing is less than 150% of an outer shell of the RF connector, and may be about equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the RF connector.
US08747118B2	Automatic voting among small subsets of contestants A method of surveying a population of voters concerning a pool of contestants to obtain a consensus comprises generating a digital list of all possible pairs, triplets or quadruplets of contestants in the pool and/or sublist of such small subsets of contestants in a subpool such as a social network, presenting to voters in the population at a web site each small subset of contestants in the digital list and/or digital sublist, and for each small subset of contestants presented prompting the voter to select a preferred contestant among the contestants that appear in the small subset of contestants. The voters may also be contestants. A tally of preferred contestants among all voters is assembled as is a tally among contestants from the subpool, and contestants may be ranked. The voting may be applied to costume contests, pet contests, political elections, market surveys and other data collection methods.
US08747115B2	Building an ontology by transforming complex triples An approach for building an ontology is provided. Based on a grammar, extracted complex triples are syntactically transformed to identify core terms. The syntactically transformed complex triples are semantically transformed into simplified triples referring to new terms that conceptualize the core adjectives, adverbs and verbs, and assigning the core terms to respective definitions and keys in a reference ontology, thereby retaining the semantics of the complex triples. Based on a meta-schema of the reference ontology, an enrichment transformation of the simplified triples is performed to create simplified and enriched triples by adding relations derived from a correspondence each term in the simplified triples has with the reference ontology and by adding representations of semantics of reference ontology definitions of the terms. The simplified and enriched triples are stored as an ontology representing knowledge in an application providing the free-form text from which the complex triples were extracted.
US08747103B2	Oven burner flame sensing apparatus Apparatus for sensing the presence of a flame issuing from the flow of fuel through an elongate oven burner comprises an electrical current sensor immersed in a flame having carbon atoms which support such current. The fuel is ignited by a spark igniter. Should no flame exist after a predetermined time interval, or if the flame is extinguished, the supply of fuel to such burner is terminated and the spark igniter is disabled.
US08747101B2	High velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) liquid fuel gun and burner design The present invention provides a burner design and method for a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) liquid fuel gun that generates turbulent atomization and uses one or more jets as an injection method for liquid fuel and oxygen to improve the combustion inside the combustion chamber. The burner uses preheated oxygen and preheated fuel to improve vaporization prior to combustion of the fuel.
US08747097B2	Networked three-dimensional printer with three-dimensional scanner Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.
US08747091B2	Water injection type screw compressor A water injection type screw compressor wherein gas sucked from an intake flow is supplied to a rotor chamber, compressed and discharged into a discharge channel as compressed fluid together with water supplied to the rotor chamber, comprises a water separator disposed in the discharge channel to separate water and gas from compressed fluid, a water channel connecting the water separator to a compressor main body for supplying the rotor chamber with the water separated in the water separator, and an oil circulation channel including an oil pump, an oil filter, and a housing for storing oil for supplying the oil to where lubrication is needed. Further, a part of the water channel is arranged passing through an oil trap formed at the bottom inside the housing for storing oil. Thus, oil temperature increases can be minimized in simplified structure having no oil cooling means such as an oil cooler.
US08747087B2	Scroll pump having pockets formed in an axial end face of a scroll wall In some examples, a scroll pump 10 may include two scrolls, which are co-operable for pumping fluid from an inlet to an outlet on relative orbiting motion of the scrolls. Each scroll may include a respective scroll base from which a respective scroll wall extends generally axially towards the base of the opposing scroll. At least a first portion of one or each of the respective scroll walls has formed in an axial end face thereof a plurality of pockets distributed along the first portion for disrupting leakage of fluid from a high pressure side of the scroll wall to a low pressure side of the scroll wall.
US08747085B2	Sliding vane pump with improved rotor profile A vane cell pump has a rotor mounted in a pump housing and driven by a shaft, multiple vane plates mounted in the outer circumference of this rotor, and an outer ring that surrounds the rotor and the vane plates, whereby this ring is disposed either directly in the pump housing, or in a setting ring that can be moved in the pump housing, along predetermined paths. The vane cell pump has transverse grooves disposed in the cylinder mantle surface of the rotor, between the bearing grooves of the vane plates, running over the entire rotor width, disposed parallel to the bearing grooves of the vane plates, spaced apart from the bearing grooves by a bearing crosspiece. These transverse grooves have a non-symmetrical cross-section progression, which has a low point in each cell chamber, which point is always disposed behind the cell chamber center axis, seen in the direction of rotation.
US08747082B2	Electric water pump The present invention relates to an electric water pump having improved performance and durability. The electric water pump may include a stator generating a magnetic field according to a control signal, a rotor rotated by the magnetic field, a pump cover having an inlet and an outlet, a body having a front surface forming a volute chamber, a stator chamber, and a rotor chamber, the stator mounted in the stator chamber and the rotor mounted in the rotor chamber, a shaft having a central axis, fixed to the rotor and mounted in the rotor chamber, and an impeller fixed to the shaft so as to rotate together with the shaft, pressurizing the coolant having flowed in through the inlet, and mounted in the volute chamber, wherein the rotor chamber is fluidly connected to the volute chamber, and the stator chamber is fluidly closed and sealed from the rotor chamber.
US08747080B2	Fluid pump A small-sized, low-profile fluid pump having high pumping capabilities includes an actuator and a planar section including a metal plate. The actuator includes a disk-shaped piezoelectric element attached to a disk-shaped diaphragm. As a result of application of a square-wave or sine-wave drive voltage, the actuator performs a bending vibration from the central portion to the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion of the actuator is not restrained. The actuator performs a bending vibration in the state in which it is in proximity to the planar section while facing the planar section. A center vent is provided at or in an area adjacent to the center of an actuator facing area of the planar section that faces the actuator.
US08747067B2	Trillium wind turbine A trillium wind turbine has an electricity-generating nacelle and swept-back, complexly-curved blades. Each blade has a main blade, a trailing edge blade, and a diversion blade. Wind is directed down the length of the blade and exits the tip. The main blade resembles a portion of a cylinder in form, the cylinder being twisted to change the angle of attack, thereby adding more lift throughout the length of the blade. The trailing edge and diversion blades are pitched relative to the wind and produce lift. Additionally, wind hitting the diversion blade is diverted behind the blade. Because the surface area and volume of the blade are larger near the nacelle and smaller at the tip, the air that travels along the blade increases in velocity as it travels producing more thrust/lift. The turbine also automatically faces into the wind without the need for sensors or positioning motors.
US08747062B2	Pump casing A pump casing for a centrifugal pump, which comprises an inlet opening, a discharge outlet, and a transition surface extending between an inner peripheral surface of the main pumping chamber and an inner peripheral surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface arranged for separating an in use exit flow of material in the discharge outlet from an in use recirculation flow of material in the main pumping chamber. The transition surface has a cutwater having a profiled section which comprises a protrusion which extends irregularly from an otherwise generally rounded arched or U-shaped transition surface and is configured such that, in use, the velocity and/or turbulence resulting from the in use flow of the material being pumped in the main pumping chamber is reduced.
US08747058B2	Adjusting ring for a charging device, more preferably for an exhaust gas turbocharger of a motor vehicle The invention relates to a charging device, more preferably an exhaust gas turbocharger for a motor vehicle with a variable turbine/compressor geometry (1) with a plurality of adjustable guide blades, which are each engaged with an adjusting ring (2) via a corresponding lever (3, 3′) and which are preferentially jointly adjustable through said adjusting ring. Through a reinforcement (10) of a plurality of engagement regions (7, 7′) of the adjusting ring (2) which are in contact with an adjusting lever (3, 3′) each, higher force transmission from the adjusting ring (2) to the adjusting levers (3, 3′) is made possible without disadvantageous plastic deformation of the adjusting ring (2) or of the adjusting levers (3, 3′).
US08747055B2	Geared architecture for high speed and small volume fan drive turbine A gas turbine engine includes a flex mount for a fan drive gear system. A very high speed fan drive turbine drives the fan drive gear system.
US08747053B2	Method for producing a lubricant feed line of a thrust bearing A method for producing a lubricant feed in an axial bearing, wherein the lubricant feed is designed as a channel guiding lubricant from a lubricant pocket of the axial bearing, includes the following steps: preparing an initial axial bearing mold, stamping a groove in the area of the initial mold in which the channel is planned; embossing and putting through material on at least one or both sides of the groove along at least one segment of the groove; stamping the material on the side of the groove toward the groove so that the material and the groove form the channel.
US08747050B2	Substrate transport apparatus A substrate transport apparatus including a first shaftless rotary motor including a first stator and a first rotor, the first stator being linearly distributed and the first rotor being coupled to a first arm, a second shaftless rotary motor including a second stator and second rotor, the second stator being linearly distributed and the second rotor being coupled to a second arm, the second arm being connected to the first arm and a first substrate support being coupled to at least one of the first and second arms, wherein the first stator and second stator are configured so that the first and second arms and the first substrate support are inside the stators and a motor output at a connection between the first and second shaftless rotary motors and a respective one of the first and second arms is a resultant force disposed peripheral to the first and second arms.
US08747047B2	Device for unloading compartment trays, used in tobacco industry, filled with rod shaped elements A device for unloading compartment trays holding rod shaped elements, for use in the tobacco industry, is disclosed. The device includes an inlet conveyor for full trays, an unloading conveyor for unloading rod shaped elements into a throat, a conveyor for out-feeding stacks of rod shaped elements that have been unloaded into the throat, and an outlet conveyor for empty trays. A linear transporter for the trays has a gripping unit that grips the full trays and moves the full trays for unloading into the throat, and a second gripping unit that grips the empty trays and moves the empty trays for cleaning in a cleaning mechanism.
US08747038B2	Packaging clip A packaging clip having an end tab that aids in the quick removal of the packaging clip from an end board without damaging either the clip or the end board. The packaging clip can be placed to receive a single end board or to receive adjoining end boards. Each packaging clip is capable of gripping the end board received therein in the event that the fit is too loose. Packaging clips are used for receiving and stabilizing the placement of multiple end boards on a pallet and for the alignment of the ends boards with each other.
US08747034B2	Boring head The boring head has a tool body (2, 38), to which two cutter holders (3, 4; 22, 23) arranged offset from one another by 180° are fastened. The cutter holders (3, 4; 22, 23) are mounted on a clamping surface (11, 26) in a slidable manner for radially adjusting the cutters (5). The clamping surface (11, 26) has a first partial clamping surface (11a, 26a) for the one cutter holder (3, 4; 22, 23) and a second partial clamping surface (11b, 26b) for the other cutter holder (3, 4; 22, 23). These two partial clamping surfaces (11a, 11b; 26a, 26b) are offset in the axial direction by a certain extent. The two cutter holders (3, 4; 22, 23) have different heights with respect to the cutters (5) in accordance with this extent and in addition can be optionally fastened to and radially adjusted on the first partial clamping surface (11a, 26a) or the second partial clamping surface (11b, 26b). The boring head permits the conventional roughing work and is especially stable while being produced at a low cost.
US08747033B2	Through tool coolant adapter for drilling motor A collet chuck for use in boring through a workpiece that provides a cooling and cleaning fluid to the element that is machining the workpiece. One end of the collet chuck is coupled to the drive end of a motor and its other end retains the machining element. The motor provides a rotational force to the collet chuck and machining element used in machining the workpiece. The machining element, which can be a drill bit or reamer, includes an axial passage that communicates with an annulus in the chuck. The cooling/cleaning fluid flows into the annulus through a rotary seal that circumscribes the collet chuck.
US08747032B2	Tool for machining, in particular straight turning tool The present invention relates to a tool for machining a workpiece, comprising a tool body, a cutting tool and fastening means for fastening the cutting tool in an accommodating recess of the tool body, wherein the cutting tool has a cutting edge and a cutting tool through-bore, and wherein the tool body has a tool body through-bore opening into the accommodating recess. According to the invention, in order to provide a simple possibility of being able to change the cutting tool from both sides, depending on accessibility, the fastening means have a clamping bush provided with an internal thread and a clamping screw provided with an external thread corresponding with the internal thread of the clamping bush, the clamping screw is selectively either inserted through the cutting tool bore into the tool body bore and is screwed to the clamping bush or is inserted from the opposite side through the tool body bore into the cutting tool bore and is screwed to the clamping bush, wherein both ways of inserting of the clamping screw are enabled, and anti-rotation locking means are provided which prevent rotation of the clamping bush about the longitudinal axis thereof during the screwing-down and release by means of the clamping screw, wherein the anti-rotation locking means are formed by a tapered surface on the clamping hush and/or by a tapered surface on the clamping screw head, said tapered surfaces being adapted to at least part of the tool body bore and/or the cutting tool bore.
US08747029B2	Low pressure continuous dense phase convey system using a non-critical air control system An air control system for a low pressure continuous dense phase convey system employs a non-critical air flow control system that allows for a supply pressure to be only incrementally larger than a convey pressure. The convey system has an inlet for introduction of pressurized air into the system and an airlock associated with a feedpoint for introduction of particulate into the system. A first pressure sensor is positioned immediately downstream of an air source to measure the supply pressure, and a second pressure transducer is positioned proximate an airlock to measure the convey pressure. The non-critical air flow control system is dependent on the supply and convey pressures and a position of a control valve, such as a sonic nozzle. The difference between the convey pressure and the supply pressure is less than 10% of the supply pressure.
US08747027B1	Reinforced silt retention sheet A reinforced silt retention material with a variable sieve capability is provided for use in soil erosion control applications. The reinforced silt retention material includes a sheet of water permeable filtering material having varying apparent opening sizes at a series of filtering zones defined along the sheet, which allows varying amounts of runoff water to pass through the sheet but resists the passage of silt and debris therethrough. The silt retention material further includes one or more reinforcing elements that provide additional support to the sheet to protect against tearing and/or undue movement of the sheet, as well as provide attachment points for fasteners used to fasten the sheet to support members for proper positioning during erosion control applications.
US08747023B1	Wave energy absorbing self-deployable wave break system A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The bulkhead having a first wall extending at least 45° with respect to a second wall of said bulkhead so as to have an inverted V-shaped configuration. A crushed stone coating is applied to a surface of the bulkhead.
US08747022B1	Screed tow point assembly for a paver Tow point assembly includes a tow arm, tow point plate, and tow point support for securing to a traction unit. A rearward end of the tow arm is adapted for securing to a screed assembly, and a forward end pivotably coupled to the tow point plate at a pivot point. The tow point plate is slidably disposed through an opening in the tow point support with the rollers of two coupled roller assemblies disposed to roll on the forward edges of the tow point support, and rollers of a third roller assembly disposed to roll on contact with rearward edges.
US08747021B1	Transport apparatus and method for the transport, orientation and installation of a unit of paving blocks A transport apparatus for the engagement, orientation and installation of a unit of paving blocks is comprised of a support frame having a pair of spaced-apart aligned pivot connections. Support arms are pivotally connected to each pivot connection under the support frame. Two or more spaced-apart parallel block engaging arms are displaceably secured by connecting posts to the pair or parallel support arms. A piston simultaneously displaces the parallel support arms and the block engaging arms. The block engaging arms each have two or more suction cups for releasable securement to a top face of respective ones of paving blocks in the unit of paving blocks. When the piston rod of the piston is at a first position all of the suction cups are aligned on transverse parallel axis and when at a predetermined second position they are disposed in alignment on parallel angulated axis. The method of installation is also described.
US08747019B2	Artificial flagstone for providing a surface with a natural random look An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.
US08747015B1	Hemispherical joint for composite material joining An assembly includes a fiber-reinforced composite structure, a bushing, and a fastener. The composite structure includes a composite panel on a first side, where the composite panel defines a hemispherical well. The structure further includes a plurality of stiffening ribs on a second side, which are affixed to the composite panel. The composite panel defines a first bore at the center of the hemispherical well, which extends through the structure. The bushing has a hemispherical end and a flat end, and defines a second bore from the center of the hemispherical end to the center of the flat end. The hemispherical end of the bushing is configured to nest within the hemispherical well defined by the composite structure such that the flat end of the bushing is flush with the surrounding composite panel. The fastener is configured to extend within both of the first bore and the second bore.
US08747011B2	Ball and socket joint, as well as process for manufacturing a ball and socket joint A ball and socket joint, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle, as well as to a process for manufacturing a joint housing for a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint has an essentially annular joint housing (3), in the cylindrical interior space of which a ball shell (1) can be arranged. The ball (2) of a ball pivot can be accommodated in the ball shell (1) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing is of a smooth cylindrical design in the area of a housing cover-side functional section (14), while elevations (10) and/or depressions (15) are arranged in the area of a ball pivot-side functional section (13) of the inner jacket surface of the joint housing.
US08747007B2	Decorating pen A decorating pen particularly useful for decorating cakes, pastries and other food items provides a reservoir containing a decorating material, a nozzle attached to the reservoir, a housing which holds the reservoir and a compression member pivotally attached to the housing member. A user holds the decorating pen in a fashion similar to a standard writing pen or pencil and squeezes the housing and compression member together to extrude the decorating material from the reservoir through the nozzle to write, draw, or color with the decorating pen.
US08747006B2	Flat box finisher The invention generally relates to a flat box finisher for applying mud (or mastic or joint compound) over taped joints on walls and ceilings. Usually, paint or wallpaper is then applied over the finished mud. The flat box finisher has no external springs, but has at least one internal support bar which acts as a spring for applying pressure to a corresponding dry wall finishing handle affixed to the flat box finisher. The internal support bar is surrounded by the mud while the device is in use. As a result of having no external spring, the flat box finisher may be reduced in size for smaller jobs or difficult to reach areas of a room. The internal support bar may also eliminate problems with external springs, such as the spring wearing out or becoming damaged during use or storage.
US08747005B2	Oral care implement with cavitation system An oral care implement generates cavitation within the oral cavity. One or more cavitation cleaning elements may be located in the head area of the oral care implement. The cavitation cleaning element vibrates at a frequency that produces cavitation of fluids within the oral cavity. The oral care implement may include an elastomeric cavitation cleaning element. A cleaning element may be configured to vibratory release an oral care substance from a container; and a body for gripping the implement.
US08746997B2	Recording apparatus and sheet processing method A method includes pulling out and conveying a sheet having splice portions, acquiring information relating to a position of an indentation on the sheet formed in addition to a splice portion, and performing processing on the sheet but a position corresponding to the acquired position of the indentation and its vicinity.
US08746996B2	Camera accessory, camera body and camera system A camera accessory is detachably mounted at a camera body that includes a first body contact point, a second body contact point, a third body contact point, a fourth body contact point and a fifth body contact point and detects disengagement of the camera accessory when the fifth body contact point sustains a signal level corresponding to a first truth value continuously over a length of time equal to or greater than a predetermined time length. In the camera accessory, the accessory-side communication control device executes control so as to ensure that the signal assuming a level corresponding to the first truth value is not continuously output from the fifth accessory contact point any longer than the predetermined time length while the operating voltage supply from the camera body is provided via the first accessory contact point.
US08746995B2	Camera In a camera, a first cam is rotated to assume a rotational phase at which drive of a first shutter blade set with a first drive force is not hindered and a second drive force charge cam face in contact with a second charge member charges a second drive force as a rotating shaft is caused to rotate to a first rotational phase. A second drive force charge cam in contact with the second charge member sustains a second drive force charging state period in which the shaft in the first rotational phase rotates to a second rotational phase. A first drive force charge cam face in contact with the first charge member charges the first drive force and the second cam face in contact with the second charge member charges the second drive force as the shaft rotates from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase.
US08746994B2	Auxiliary device for full-circle panoramic video imaging So that parallax-free images can be taken even if the camera is rotated during filming and the direction of the camera is changed to an arbitrary direction, the auxiliary device is provided with a camera body retaining part and, in an equidistant surface centered on the nodal point of the camera, a camera attachment part. Regardless of the angle the camera makes as a result of the way in which the camera attachment part is mounted to a camera support mechanism part, the nodal point of the camera remains at a fixed location.
US08746988B2	Cable with a connector used for transmission of an electrical signal, an optical signal, and the like Provided is a cable with a connector (1) having a form in which a connector is fitted to a cable (6). A housing (2) of the connector is constituted by two case members (2a, 2b). A root portion of the cable (6) is covered with a boot (8) made of a resin, and a flange (8a) is formed in the boot (8). Inside the boot (8), a stop ring (10) made of a metal is arranged. The stop ring (10) allows a transmission line (6a) to be inserted through a main body thereof having a cylinder shape, and a jacket (6b) is covered on its outer side. A flange (10a) is also formed in the stop ring (10), and the flange (10a) and the flange (8a) are inserted into grooves (2c, 2d) in an overlapped state.
US08746984B2	Mechanism for mounting and dismounting bearing A mechanism and method for locking a bearing to a shaft includes a split sleeve and a receptive flange adapted to be fixed to the bearing. A positioning flange is coupled to the split sleeve. A screw extends through the positioning flange and threadingly engages the receptive flange. Rotation of the screw in a first direction axially drives the sleeve into engagement with the bearing to collapse the split sleeve into engagement with the shaft.
US08746978B2	Fluid bearing apparatus A fluid bearing apparatus includes a housing 7 which has a cylindrical shape having a fixing face 7c for fixing the outer circumferential surface 8b of a bearing sleeve 8, and axial circulation grooves 7d for bringing both end faces 8c, 8d of the bearing sleeve 8 into circulation on the inner periphery by forging. A groove molding portion 18a2 is provided on the outer circumference of a rod 18 which serves as a forming mold for the inner periphery of the housing 7, and the circulation grooves 7d are formed by forging with this groove molding portion 18a2. Moreover, after a sealing face 107d and a cylindrical outer circumferential surface 107e provided on the outer periphery of the housing 107 are formed by forging, an inner circumferential surface 107c is formed by forging.
US08746973B2	Systems and methods for quasi-simultaneous multi-planar x-ray imaging Systems and methods for obtaining two-dimensional images of an object, such as a patient, in multiple projection planes. In one aspect, the invention advantageously permits quasi-simultaneous image acquisition from multiple projection planes using a single radiation source.An imaging apparatus comprises a gantry having a central opening for positioning an object to be imaged, a source of radiation that is rotatable around the interior of the gantry ring and which is adapted to project radiation onto said object from a plurality of different projection angles; and a detector system adapted to detect the radiation at each projection angle to acquire object images from multiple projection planes in a quasi-simultaneous manner. The gantry can be a substantially “O-shaped” ring, with the source rotatable 360 degrees around the interior of the ring. The source can be an x-ray source, and the imaging apparatus can be used for medical x-ray imaging. The detector array can be a two-dimensional detector, preferably a digital detector.
US08746963B2	Mixing apparatus and process A continuous, semi-continuous or fed-batch mixing apparatus and process for producing and maintaining a consistently mixed substance uses a tubular vessel equipped with a plurality of annular baffles configured to initiate and maintain uniform mixing and efficient dispersion of the substance in the tubular vessel, with a pump to impart unidirectional linear and non-oscillatory motion to the substance in the tubular vessel thereby promoting and maintaining uniform mixing and efficient dispersion of the substance.
US08746961B2	Method, apparatus, system and heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of a substance which is initially in an at least partly solidified state in a container One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for increasing the temperature of a substance which is initially in an at least partly solidified state in a container, where at least one heat exchanger is arranged in the container. One object is to obtain that the temperature of a substance may be changed relatively fast. This is obtained by having pumping means for displacing the substance, exchanging heat between a heat exchanger and the substance, displacing substance with the pumping means for increased heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the substance, as well as stirring the substance with the pumping means by displacing the substance inside the container. When the substance is displaced, then not only stagnant substance is in contact with the heat exchanger for heat exchange. The amount of substance in contact with the heat exchanger is thereby greatly increased, and the heat transfer is less dependent on thermal conductivity of the substance.
US08746955B2	Screw machine with at least one extension-kneading element in a flow direction In a screw machine, to extend the material to be prepared with the latter, at least one processing element is configured as an extension-kneading element, the crest region of which has a reduced thickness compared to a flank region and, with adjacent processing elements, forms an extension channel for the material in the region between the triangles, which tapers in cross section in the flow direction of the material. Because of the tapering of the extension channel, the material is accelerated in the flow direction thereof and extended, so that high-molecular particles in the material are divided and the latter is therefore homogenized.
US08746954B2	Method and system for calculating and reporting slump in delivery vehicles A system for managing a concrete delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum. Temperature readings are further used to qualify or evaluate a load. Also, water purge connections facilitate cold weather operation.
US08746952B2	Illumination apparatus, display apparatus, and electronic device In an illumination apparatus, a plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted to one surface (a first surface) of a light source substrate. The light source substrate is anchored to a substrate support portion using a screw that is tightened down into the substrate support portion from the opposite side as the light source substrate. Meanwhile, the light source substrate includes a metallic plate that configures another surface (a second surface) and a flexible wiring board that is affixed to the metallic plate on the side of the one surface (the first surface), and a through-hole that passes through the metallic plate is formed, as the hole for tightening down the screw, in the location of the light source substrate in which the screw is tightened.
US08746950B2	Front frame and back light module The invention discloses a front frame and a back light module. The front frame comprises at least one stacked plate which is stacked with the front frame. The invention adds the stacked plate on the front frame which the stacked plate is stacked with, so that the structure thickness of the front frame is increased, thereby increasing the total strength. In case that the strength is increased, the plate thickness of the front frame can be reduced, or some structures of the front frame like side walls can be removed, or structure material with low cost can be employed to achieve the aim of reduction of material cost.
US08746947B2	Backlight module, LCD device and light source of backlight module The invention provides a backlight module, an LCD device and a light source of the backlight module. The backlight module includes an LED chip, and a heat sink; the LED chip and a circuit thereof are directly arranged on the heat sink. In the invention, because the LED chip of the backlight module and the circuit thereof are directly arranged on the heat sink, heat emitted by the LED chip can be conducted out through the heat sink with good heat dissipation effect; thus, the inside temperature of the backlight module is reduced, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the backlight module is increased.
US08746936B2	Luminaire and optical component It is presented an optical component (5) a first side (30) and a refractive opposite side (14). The refractive side (14) presents a refractive surface (13) and has radially extending refractive structures (6) for refracting light mainly in the azimuth direction (27) of an inciding light beam. The optical component (5) can be used as an exit window in a luminaire (1) having at least one light source (4), whereby light inhomogeneity may be reduced.
US08746934B2	Lighting assembly with asymmetrical light ray angle distribution A lighting assembly that efficiently collects and accurately directs light with a defined asymmetrical light ray angle distribution onto a nearby target surface. The light with the asymmetrical light ray angle distribution illuminates the target surface with a defined illumination profile. In theatrical and architectural lighting, the defined illumination profile is an even illumination profile on a nearly vertical surface. In street lighting, the defined illumination profile is an even illumination profile on a horizontal surface. The lighting assembly includes an LED and a solid reflector optic having a reflective surface shaped to reflect light from the LED in a way that produces the asymmetrical light ray angle distribution at least in part.
US08746932B2	Light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same In the production of a light emitting device, in which a plurality of light emitting element parts carrying LED elements are formed on a substrate, and the substrate is diced, generation of shaving dusts is suppressed at the time of the dicing, and breakage of the substrate during the production process can be prevented. In the process of forming a slit crossing a region for forming a light emitting element part in a metal substrate, a recess which serves as a resin reservoir can be formed so as to cross the slit. The slit can be filled with an insulating material, the recess can be filled with a resin, and they both can be cured. A light emitting element part can be formed in the region for forming the light emitting element part, the metal substrate can be cut into units comprising one or a plurality of the light emitting element parts, and can be mounted on a printed circuit board on which a pattern is formed.
US08746930B2	Methods of forming direct and decorative illumination In various embodiments, direct illumination is provided from a primary light emitter and decorative illumination is provided from a secondary light emitter illuminating a shade.
US08746926B2	Illuminating device and method for manufacturing the same A method for manufacturing an illuminating device includes steps of: forming an electrical conductive circuit on a metallic substrate, arranging light-emitting elements on the metallic substrate to be electrically connected with the electrical conductive circuit, covering a transparent cap on each of the light-emitting elements, fixing an electrical connector to the metallic substrate to be electrically connected to the electrical conductive circuit, forming a transparent body outside the transparent caps, the metallic substrate and the electrical conductive circuit by means of an over-molding process; forming a lamp cover outside the transparent body, the metallic substrate and the electrical connector by means of an over-molding process. An illuminating device is further provided, thereby prevents the light-emitting elements from suffering damage due to the temperature and pressure of the over-molding process, and increasing the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting elements.
US08746922B2	LED based illumination module color matched to an arbitrary light source LED based illumination modules are realized that are visually color matched to light sources not based on LEDs based on visually matched color spaces. A visually matched color space is employed to both instrumentally and visually match an LED based light source with a light source not based on LEDs. In one aspect, an LED based illumination module is realized to achieve a target color point in a visually matched color space within a predetermined tolerance. In another aspect, an LED based illumination module is realized to visually match a light source not based on LEDs. A target color point in the CIE 1931 XYZ color space is derived based at least in part on the spectrum of the visually matched LED based illumination module. LED based illumination modules visually matched to light sources not based on LEDs are realized based on the derived target color point.
US08746921B1	Adjustable multi-distributive lighting mount A multi-distributive lighting mount includes a first mounting surface rotatably coupled to a second mounting surface. Longitudinally extending LED light modules are coupled to each of the first and second mounting surfaces. The direction of light for each of the first LED light module and the second LED light module is affected by the rotational positioning of the first mounting surface with respect to the second mounting surface. The first mounting surface can also include a first barrel portion and a second barrel portion. The second mounting surface can also include a first barrel portion and a second barrel portion. A pin extends through the second barrel portion of the first mounting surface and the second barrel portion of the second mounting surface to rotatably couple the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface and to act as the axis of rotation of the first mounting surface with respect to the second mounting surface.
US08746919B2	Luminaire controlling a luminous intensity distribution According to one embodiment, a luminaire is provided which can enhance the feeling of brightness of a space and can reduce glare. The luminaire includes an equipment mounted on a ceiling surface. The equipment includes a light source and a light control unit. When an amount of light emitted outside from the equipment is an equipment luminous flux, and a direction right under the equipment has a luminous intensity distribution angle of 0°, the light control unit controls to cause a luminous flux falling within a range of a luminous intensity distribution angle of 90° to 120° to be 20% or more of the equipment luminous flux and to cause a luminous flux falling within a range of a luminous intensity distribution angle of 60° to 90° to be 20% or less of the equipment luminous flux.
US08746917B2	Fan base with illuminated mirror and fan A fan base and illuminated mirror apparatus for use in cooling a user's neck and torso while the user is positioned adjacent the apparatus includes a base member having upper and lower portions. A fan member is pivotally coupled to the base member and selectively movable between upward and downward directed configurations. A length adjustable rod is coupled to the upper portion of the base member and extending upwardly therefrom, the rod being selectively movable between expanded and retracted configurations. A mirror is operatively coupled to an upper end of the rod such that the mirror is vertically displaced from the fan member, the mirror being movable between straight and tilted configurations. The apparatus includes a light coupled to the mirror and electrically connected to a power source, the light configured to illuminate the mirror when energized.
US08746906B2	Light source module for macro photography A light source module for macro photography is disclosed. The light source module is for connecting to a lens of an image capturing apparatus and bearing against a plane surface to capture the image of the plane surface. The light source module includes a barrel, a contact unit and a lighting unit. The barrel has a rear portion for connecting to the lens and a front portion opposite to the rear portion. The contact unit is arranged on an end face of the front portion. The contact unit has a plurality of contact pads arranged at intervals on the end face for contacting with the plane surface. The lighting unit is arranged on the inner surface of the barrel.
US08746905B2	Reflecting sheet and method of fabricating the same A method of fabricating a reflecting sheet includes: providing a base sheet including a reflecting layer, an upper surface layer over the reflecting layer and a lower surface layer under the reflecting layer, the reflecting layer including a fine foam; dividing the base sheet into upper and lower division sheets; and forming a reinforcing layer on each of the upper and lower division sheets to constitute the reflecting sheet.
US08746900B2	Lens cover mechanism for projector The present invention provides a sliding lens cover mechanism for a projector, which enables enhancement in operability and prevention of noise, and the sliding lens cover mechanism includes: a front panel that allows the projection lens to be exposed from a part thereof; a lens cover that moves over said front panel, from fully-open state in which the projection lens is exposed and a fully-closed state in which said lens cover covers the projection lens; and a slide device unit that biases the lens cover to move to a fully-open state or to a fully-closed state or to an intermediate state, wherein the lens cover includes a pin that protrudes toward the front panel; and wherein the front panel includes a slide plate that abuts against the pin only in the fully open state or in the fully closed state.
US08746899B2	Light emitting apparatus, illuminator, and projector A light emitting apparatus includes a first rod integrator and a second rod integrator supported by a support substrate and a light emitting device disposed between the first rod integrator and the second rod integrator. The light emitting device emits a plurality of light beams to be incident on the first rod integrator and a plurality of light beams to be incident on the second rod integrator. Each of the rod integrators has a light incident surface on which the plurality of light beams are incident, a bent portion that changes the propagating direction of the plurality of incident light beams, and a light exiting surface through which the plurality of light beams mixed with each other exit.
US08746897B2	Image projector having an optical projection system with independently focusing lens An optical projection system for projecting an enlarged image on a projection surface is provided. The optical projection system includes an image forming element, a coaxial optical system and a concave mirror. The coaxial optical system and the concave mirror are arranged in this order on an optical path from the image forming element to the projection surface. The coaxial optical system includes lens groups and an aperture stop that share an optical axis. The lens groups include a first lens group and other lens groups. The first lens group has negative refractive power and independently moves in an optical axis direction for adjusting the focus of the optical projection system. The aperture stop is arranged at a position closer to the image forming element than the first lens group that is arranged closest to the concave mirror among the lens groups having the negative refractive power.
US08746892B2	Illuminating optical system and projector device An illuminating optical system includes: a substantially rectangular-shaped light source that includes a light emitting surface with a split pattern formed thereat by a splitting line, the splitting line extending along a predetermined direction and splitting the light emitting surface into a plurality of separate areas; an illumination-target member that includes a rectangular radiation-target area; and an optical member in that condenses light departing the light emitting surface and radiates the condensed light toward the radiation-target area, wherein: an extent of uneven illumination attributable to an image of the split pattern at the light emitting surface of the light source, formed at the illumination-target member, is reduced.
US08746890B2	Polarization beam splitting element and image projection apparatus The polarization beam splitting element includes a one-dimensional grating structure having a grating period smaller than a wavelength of an entering beam and including a metal grating portion, and two light-transmissive members each having a refractive index higher than that of air. The one-dimensional grating structure is disposed between the two light-transmissive members. The grating period of the one-dimensional grating structure is 120 nm or less, a thickness of the one-dimensional grating structure is 100 nm or less and an inter-grating portion of the one-dimensional grating structure is formed as a vacuum space or formed of air or a dielectric material. The grating period Λ [nm], a filling factor FF that is a ratio w/Λ of a width w [nm] of the grating portion to the grating period, a refractive index na of the inter-grating portion and a wavelength λg of 550 [nm] satisfy (1.4na−2.9)Λ/λg−0.57na+1.32≦FF≦(1.4na−2.9)Λ/λg−0.57na+1.39 and 0.152np−1.375(Λ/λg)+0.5≦FF≦0.152np−1.375(Λ/λg)+0.6.
US08746888B2	Stereoscopic projector using spectrally-adjacent color bands A stereoscopic digital projection system for projecting a stereoscopic image including a left-eye image and a right-eye image, comprising: first and second light sources providing corresponding first and second light beams having spectrally-adjacent, substantially non-overlapping spectral bands falling within a single component color spectrum; a spatial light modulator having an array of pixels that can be modulated according to image data to provide imaging light; illumination optics arranged to receive the first and second light beams and provide substantially uniform first and second bands of light; beam scanning optics arranged to cyclically scroll the first and second bands of light across the spatial light modulator; a controller system that synchronously modulates the spatial light modulator pixels according to image data for the stereoscopic image; projection optics for delivering the imaging light from the to a display surface; and filter glasses for a viewer.
US08746885B2	Methods and apparatus for cataract detection and measurement In exemplary implementations of this invention, cataracts in the human eye are assessed and mapped by measuring the perceptual impact of forward scattering on the foveal region. The same method can be used to measure scattering/blocking media inside lenses of a camera. Close-range anisotropic displays create collimated beams of light to scan through sub-apertures, scattering light as it strikes a cataract. User feedback is accepted and analyzed, to generate maps for opacity, attenuation, contrast and sub-aperture point-spread functions (PSFs). Optionally, the PSF data is used to reconstruct the individual's cataract-affected view.
US08746884B2	Optical image acquisition apparatus having adaptive optics and control method for the same The present invention provides an optical image acquisition apparatus, while controlling the amount of light within the range prescribed by safety standards, etc., decreasing in image acquisition time by using a simple configuration, as well as securing a high resolution of an optical image by using adaptive optics.Provided is an optical image acquisition apparatus having adaptive optics, the adaptive optics includes: a wavefront aberration detector for detecting a wavefront aberration in a reflected or backscattered beams generated when a plurality of beams are scanned on a surface, and a single wavefront aberration corrector for correcting a wavefront aberration in each of the plurality of beams, based on the wavefront aberration, and the plurality of beams enter the single wavefront aberration corrector with different incident angles and are overlapped on each other, and the wavefront aberration in each of the plurality of beams is corrected.
US08746883B2	Ocular surface interferometery (OSI) devices and systems for imaging, processing, and/or displaying an ocular tear film Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image. The second image can be subtracted from the first image to reduce and/or eliminate the background signal(s) in the first image to produce a resulting image. The resulting image can be processed and analyzed to measure a tear film layer thickness (TFLT), including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT).
US08746882B2	Customized intraocular lens power calculation system and method Selecting an optimal intraocular lens (IOL) from a plurality of IOLs for implanting in a subject eye, including measuring anterior corneal topography (ACT), axial length (AXL), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) of a subject eye; selecting a default equivalent refractive index depending on preoperative patient's stage or calculating a personalized value or introducing a complete topographic representation if posterior corneal data are available; creating a customized model of the subject eye with each of a plurality of identified intraocular lenses (IOL) implanted, performing a ray tracing through that model eye; calculating from the ray tracing a RpMTF or RMTF value; and selecting the IOL corresponding to the highest RpMTF or RMTF value for implanting in the subject eye.
US08746881B2	Device for processing eye tissue by a means of femtosecond laser pulses For processing eye tissue (8) by means of femtosecond laser pulses, an ophthalmological device (1) includes a projection optical unit (2) for the focused projection of the femtosecond laser pulses into the eye tissue (8). Disposed upstream of the projection optical unit (2) is a first beam-deflecting scanner system (3) for scanning the eye tissue (8) with the femtosecond laser pulses along a processing line. A second beam-deflecting scanner system (5) is disposed upstream of the first scanner system (3) and is designed for scanning the eye tissue (8) with the femtosecond laser pulses in a scanning movement superimposed on the processing line and running in a deflection plane. The second scanner system (5) has a scanner speed that is a multiple of the scanning speed of the first scanner system (3). A rotation system is provided for aligning the deflection plane with a defined angle with respect to the processing line.
US08746879B2	Adhesive system for a laminated lens and method for applying same A method for laminating a functional film on to an optical base element and a tri-layer adhesive system for use in the method. The tri-layer adhesive includes a first latex adhesive layer disposed on the functional film and a second latex adhesive layer disposed on the optical base element. An HMA layer is disposed in between the latex layers to form a tri-layer adhesive to permanently retain the functionalized film on the optical base element. The method includes first coating a latex adhesive on the functional film and second coating a latex adhesive on the optical base element. An HMA is then coated on to one of the dried latex adhesive layers. The film is hot pressed on to the optical base element with the HMA sandwiched in between the latex layers to form a laminated optical device.
US08746877B2	Eyewear with enhanced ballistic resistance Eyewear is provided that can comprise a frame, a lens, and at least one retention component that can secure the lens relative to the frame. The frame can be configured to support at least one lens in a field of view of a wearer. The retention component can be supported by the frame and/or the lens and can be movable or fixed relative to the frame and/or the lens. In some embodiments, the retention component can slidably engage an engagement portion of the frame and/or the lens for preventing the lens from separating from the frame in response to a ballistic event. In some embodiments, the eyewear can comprise a faceplate and a pair of straps that attach to the frame of the eyewear in a manner that evenly distributes compressive stresses across the surface of the faceplate.
US08746876B2	Stereoscopic eyewear with stray light management Disclosed embodiments relate to eyewear configured to reduce stray light. An exemplary embodiment of the eyewear accounts for various design factors, including the cross sectional profile of the rim, the micro topography of the rim surface, the reflectivity, the theatre or room geometry, proximity of the eye to the lens, lens size, and the screen gain. An exemplary eyewear includes lenses connected to the rim sections of a frame, and a path may be defined through a maximum height of the outer flange portion of a rim section and a maximum height of the inner flange portion of the rim section. The path may be inclined at an angle relative to an angle α relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the lenses.
US08746874B2	Medium conveyance apparatus, image forming apparatus and medium conveyance method A medium conveyance apparatus includes: a medium supporting device having a medium supporting surface which supports a rear surface of a medium opposite to a processing object surface; a gripping device which grips a leading end portion of the medium; a fastening device which fastens at least a non-gripped portion of the medium; a conveyance device which conveys the medium held by at least one of the gripping device and the fastening device to a processing region where a processing is performed to the processing object surface; and a control device which controls the gripping device such that after the gripping device has gripped the leading end portion and before the leading end portion arrives at the processing region, at least a part of the gripping device is temporarily opened and then the part of the gripping device having been opened is closed to grip the leading end portion again.
US08746872B2	Method for UV inkjet printer to generate irregular transparent matte particle surface and completed printing object thereof A method for an ultraviolet (UV) inkjet printer to generate an irregular transparent matte particle surface and a completed printing object thereof are provided. After a pattern is printed on a substrate, an inkjet module is enabled to perform first transparent ink spraying on an entire pattern region with UV lights on, so as to form a first transparent color layer on the pattern, and then perform second transparent ink spraying on an entire region of the first transparent color layer with the UV lights off. After the spraying, the inkjet module is enabled to move back and forth above all printing regions of the substrate with the UV lights on, so as to form a second transparent color layer having irregular transparent matte particles on the first transparent color layer.
US08746864B2	Filter and ink-jet recording apparatus having the same A filter, the alignment of which does not need to be adjusted, and an ink-jet recording apparatus having such a filter are provided, the ink-jet recording apparatus capable of avoiding leakage of residual liquids in filter exchange operation. The filter of the present invention includes an upper capsule member, a lower capsule member, and a filter medium. The upper capsule member has a central connecting port and a peripheral connecting port, and also has a pipe section that extends, within the capsule, from the peripheral connecting port to the vicinity of the bottom surface (the deepest section) of the lower capsule member. A liquid supplied from the peripheral connecting port via the pipe section is filtered through the filter medium, and the filtered liquid is output from the central connecting port.
US08746861B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a liquid cartridge having a plurality of liquid tanks, a cartridge mount, liquid applicators, communication paths to communicably connect the liquid tanks with the liquid applicators, a subsidiary tank arranged in an intermediate position in one of the communication paths, a first remaining amount detector to detect amounts of liquids remaining in the liquid tanks, a first liquid conveyer to transfer the liquid from the communicably connected liquid tank to the subsidiary tank, and a first liquid conveyer controller to manipulate the first liquid conveyer. When an amount of one of the liquids remaining in one of the liquid tanks is smaller than a first predetermined amount, the first liquid conveyer controller manipulates the first liquid conveyer to transfer the other of the liquids remaining in the other of the liquid tanks to the subsidiary tank.
US08746860B2	Ink supply system and process for cleaning this type of ink supply system An ink supply system includes a print head assembly and a print head with one or more nozzles for a color. The print head is connected with the nozzles via a first connection line. A supply tank is connected with an intermediate tank via a filler line under an interconnection of a feed unit and a filter assembly. The pressure difference of the ink flow from a return tank to the supply tank is controlled by the print head. A method cleans the ink supply system, and a method cleans the print head.
US08746855B2	Method for manufacturing piezoelectric element, piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element is manufactured in a method including forming an adhesion layer of zirconium above a zirconium oxide insulating film, forming a first electrode above the adhesion layer, forming a piezoelectric layer of a complex oxide containing bismuth above the first electrode, and forming a second electrode above the piezoelectric layer.
US08746852B2	Liquid-ejecting head and liquid-ejecting apparatus A liquid-ejecting head includes a pressure-generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening and includes a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric layer and electrodes. The piezoelectric layer contains bismuth sodium potassium titanate and satisfies the inequality 0≦Pr/Pm≦0.25 at 25° C., where Pm and Pr are the saturation polarization and remanent polarization, respectively, of the piezoelectric layer.
US08746851B2	Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the inkjet head According to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes: a nozzle plate including plural nozzles; a piezoelectric element including plural pressure chambers corresponding to the nozzles and sidewalls provided adjacent to the pressure chambers and serving as driving elements configured to press the pressure chambers to eject liquid from the nozzles; a substrate to which the piezoelectric element is bonded; and a frame member placed on the substrate to surround the piezoelectric element. Grooves are formed on the upper end, and in which an adhesive is applied to bond the upper ends of the sidewalls and the nozzle plate.
US08746849B2	Liquid discharge head and method for manufacturing the same A liquid discharge head includes a recording element substrate including an energy generation element for generating energy used to discharge a liquid and a terminal electrically connected to the energy generation element, and an electric wiring board including an electrode electrically connected to the terminal via a wire to transmit an electric signal supplied from outside to the energy generation element, wherein the terminal has an area twice or more larger than a contact area between the terminal and the wire and the electrode has an area twice or more larger than a contact area between the electrode and the wire.
US08746843B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a recording head and a carriage. The carriage includes a slide member that is provided so that the position of the slide member relative to a carriage body is changeable in a direction where a gap between the recording head and a medium changes, and moves together with carriage body in the scanning direction, a gap adjusting cam that is interposed between the slide member and the carriage body, and, upon reception of the dead weight of the carriage, changes in the scanning direction relative to the slide member and the carriage body to change the gap, and a restriction section that restricts at least one of expansion of the interval between the carriage body and the gap adjusting cam and expansion of the interval between the gap adjusting cam and the slide member in such a way as to keep a predetermined gap.
US08746841B2	Liquid jetting apparatus A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a liquid jetting head configured to have a liquid jetting surface on which a plurality of nozzles, from which liquid is jetted, are open; a wiper configured to move, relative to and along the liquid jetting surface, while being brought in contact with the liquid jetting surface and to wipe the liquid adhered on the liquid jetting surface; a wiper movement mechanism configured to move the wiper in a direction orthogonal to the liquid jetting surface and to make the wiper approach to or separate from the liquid jetting surface. The wiper moving mechanism includes: a cam configured to have a cam surface; an axis configured to extend along the liquid jetting surface; and an arm member configured to make the wiper approach to the liquid jetting surface by pushing and moving the wiper in accordance with movement of the cam.
US08746838B2	Liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a conveyor mechanism for conveying a recording medium in a conveying direction; a head including an ejection face including an ejection opening region having ejection openings, the region being longer than the recording medium in a conveyance perpendicular direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; a capping unit for selectively establishing a sealing state or an open state; an air supply opening and an air discharge opening; a humidification unit for performing a humidifying maintenance; a recording control unit for performing image recording; and a flushing control unit. The conveyor mechanism conveys the recording medium in the image recording such that one of opposite end portions of the ejection opening region and one of opposite edge portions of the recording medium are opposed to each other in the conveyance perpendicular direction when seen in a direction perpendicular to the ejection face.
US08746834B2	Image recording device and image recording method An image recording device includes a conveying part that conveys a medium along a conveying path, a first medium support part that supports a region of the medium positioned in an image recording area on the conveying path and heats the region, a second medium support part disposed in an upstream area from the image recording area on the conveying path, and supports an upstream region of the medium positioned in the upstream area and heats the upstream region, and a temperature control part that controls a temperature of the first medium support part and a temperature of the second medium support part so that the temperature of the second medium support part corresponding to the upstream region is lower than the temperature of the first medium support part corresponding to the region.
US08746833B2	Liquid jet head and liquid jet apparatus A liquid jet head has a head chip including channels and nozzle holes communicating with respective ones of the channels. The channels have sidewalls each provided with a drive electrode. A temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of a liquid in the channels. A drive voltage value setting device is electrically connected to the temperature sensor for determining a magnitude of a drive voltage based on the temperature of the liquid detected by the temperature sensor. A control device performs a control operation that applies a drive voltage of the magnitude determined by the drive voltage value setting device to the drive electrodes of the head chip so as to increase a pressure in each of the channels by deformation of the side walls to thereby discharge the liquid in the channels from the respective nozzle holes.
US08746832B2	Printer having fixed vacuum platen and moving belt assembly A printer includes: a fixed printhead assembly defining a print zone; a drive roller for feeding media along a media path and into the print zone, the drive roller being positioned upstream of the print zone; a fixed vacuum platen for receiving the media from the drive roller, the fixed vacuum platen being positioned in the print zone opposite the fixed printhead assembly; and a moving belt assembly positioned downstream of the print zone for receiving the media from the fixed vacuum platen.
US08746827B2	Ink jet apparatus A drop emitting device that includes a drop generator and a drive signal waveform that includes in sequence a pulse of a first polarity, a first pulse of a second polarity, a delay interval, and a second pulse of the second polarity that includes a high frequency segment.
US08746816B2	Tamper resistant modular anti-tip locking system An anti-tip lock assembly for a storage compartment includes a pair of geared actuators mounted on a base abutting against a follower. The follower and the base are configured to travel a limited distance along a vertical track installed in a storage unit. When the compartment is closed, the actuators are aligned with the track. When the compartment is opened, the actuators are moved out of alignment to block access to the moving components of the assembly. When the anti-tip lock assembly is operational, the array of like anti-tip assemblies in the track allow displacement of only one pair of actuators to occupy the limited distance at one time. A security bar array interacts with the actuators and other assemblies in the storage unit, to prevent simultaneous opening of two or more compartments. The security bar is provided with the track to lock and unlock the assembly.
US08746812B2	Brake control unit Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.
US08746811B2	Brake fluid pressure control device A brake fluid pressure control device includes: a electromagnetic control valve; a electromagnetic booster valve; a electromagnetic decompression valve; a pump, which are incorporated in a single housing; and an electronic control unit, wherein, the pump draws up at least one of brake fluid, which is supplied from the main reservoir, and brake fluid, which is discharged from the wheel cylinder, and then the pump returns the drawn brake fluid to an area that extends from the electromagnetic control valve of a main flow path up to the electromagnetic booster valve; and a fluid reservoir, which communicates with both the decompression path and an intake port of the pump, and which is arranged inside the housing so that the brake fluid in the fluid reservoir flows toward the intake port of the pump by gravity.
US08746809B2	Vehicle brake control device When an EPB performs a locking operation of operating a parking brake, a pressure-decreasing limit control is performed until a driving shaft contacts a piston. Accordingly, even when the time of decreasing the W/C pressure by a service brake is equal to the time of brining the driving shaft having moved by the motor driving of the EPB into contact with the piston are equal to each other, it is possible to prevent the piston, which has been urged to the driving shaft with the decreasing of the W/C pressure, from colliding with the driving shaft with a great impact, thereby preventing a large load from being applied to the driving shaft.
US08746808B2	Bicycle rim A bicycle rim is provided with an annular tire mounting part, an annular spoke mounting part, at least one spoke attachment member and an orientation maintaining structure. The annular spoke mounting part includes a plurality of spoke openings a circumferential spaced along the annular spoke mounting part. The spoke mounting part extends from the annular tire mounting part to define an interior space containing the spoke attachment member. The orientation maintaining structure is dimensioned with respect to the interior space to form an orientation maintaining arrangement such that the spoke attachment member is slidably disposed within the interior space in a circumferential direction of the bicycle rim to selectively align with one of the spoke openings while also maintaining an orientation of the spoke attachment member within the interior space to align with the one of the spoke openings.
US08746807B2	Bit holder and base part for receiving a bit holder The invention relates to a bit holder having an insertion projection and having a holding projection having a bit receptacle, the insertion projection comprising a bearing segment and the holding projection comprising a supporting segment. In order to allow the bit holder to be braced in permanent and stable fashion with respect to a base part, provision is made according to the present invention that the supporting segment and/or the bearing segment comprise two supporting surfaces and bearing surfaces, respectively, arranged at an angle to one another; and that the longitudinal center axis of the bit receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the insertion projection enclose an obtuse angle.
US08746800B2	Vehicle head restraint assembly A vehicle head restraint assembly includes a head restraint body for providing support to a vehicle occupant's head and a lower frame assembly for mounting the head restraint body to an associated vehicle structure. The head restraint body is longitudinally adjustable relative to the lower frame assembly. An upper frame assembly can be secured to the head restraint body and movably secured to the lower frame assembly for longitudinally adjusting the head restraint body relative to the lower frame assembly.
US08746798B2	Retractable headrest A vehicle seat assembly includes a support structure and a headrest supported by the support structure. The headrest includes a headrest body that is movable with respect to the support structure between a stowed position and a use position, and a locking mechanism for locking the headrest body in the use position. When the headrest body is in the use position, the locking mechanism is releasable to allow the headrest body to rotate rearwardly and slide downwardly to the stowed position.
US08746796B2	Anti-backdrive for continuous disc recliner A disc recliner includes a fixed plate having a plurality of outer teeth and a movable plate having a plurality of inner teeth meshingly engageable with the outer teeth to allow rolling movement of the movable plate relative to the fixed plate. A pair of wedges defining an eccentric is rotatably mounted between the fixed and movable plates and rotation of the wedges causes the rolling movement of the movable plate. An anchor is disposed between the wedges for rotation therewith. A lock plate is coupled to the anchor and is movable between a locked position engaged with the fixed plate to prevent rotation of the wedges and an unlocked position disengaged with the fixed plate to permit rotation of the wedges. A cam actuates the lock plate from the locked position to the unlocked position and rotates the wedges thereby causing the rolling movement of the movable plate.
US08746795B2	Manually longitudinally adjustable motor vehicle seat Longitudinally adjustable motor vehicle seat comprising opposite rail pairs; a lower rail for securement to a chassis and an upper rail secured to a seat component, displaceable in the lower rail. Two pivotable levers are associated with the rail pairs. A second lever is connected to a locking mechanism for securing the upper rail; both levers are connected to a seat backrest. Upon operation of a control member connected to the levers for comfort-longitudinal seat adjustment, a first lever synchronously pivots the second lever to release the locking mechanism. A Bowden cable is connected to the backrest for adjustment when the backrest is folded forward into an easy-entry-position. A Bowden cable core is attached to the first lever, and a sheathing thereof is secured to the second lever. In a neutral position, the sheathing presses the first lever against an abutment secured to the upper rail.
US08746793B2	Child safety seat with side impact protection Child safety seats are used for the safe transport of children in vehicles. The child safety seats known from prior art often offer only insufficient protection in the case of a side impact. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a child safety seat that improves the protective effect of the child safety seat in the case of a side impact. This object is solved by a child safety seat with side impact protection according to the invention. Such a child safety seat comprises at least one element absorbing and/or transmitting energy which is arranged and designed to be transferred from a rest position to a functioning position to absorb a laterally impacting energy in the functioning position.
US08746792B2	Energy management load limiting vehicle seat member An energy management load limiting vehicle seat member or construction is shown with collision energy absorbing and anti-submarining features.
US08746783B2	Positioning and reinforcement structure for a vehicle A positioning and reinforcement structure for a vehicle includes a top support member and a bottom support member each extending relatively horizontally in a cross-car orientation and relatively parallel to each other. Also included is a first side member and a second side member each extending relatively vertically and relatively parallel to each other, the first side member and the second side member each coupled to the top support member and the bottom support member. Further included is a first wing structure detachably coupled to the first side member, the first wing structure comprising a first side flange configured to operably mount to a first fender assembly. Yet further included is a centering bracket disposed proximate a top side of the top support member, the centering bracket configured to locate a front region of a hood to the positioning and reinforcement structure.
US08746782B2	Car body forepart structure A maintenance cover includes a pair of lateral turning support parts provided at right and left sides of a front edge part, and a central turning support part. The lateral turning support parts have opening parts that can be caught by hook parts with an L-shaped cross-section that are provided at a cover main body part. The central turning support part has a stopper that is engageable with an inner wall surface of a side wall part provided at the cover main body part. When the maintenance cover is slid backwardly, a sliding operation of the maintenance cover is stopped by the lateral turning support parts and the central turning support part, and the maintenance cover is rotated with the lateral turning support parts being as supporting points.
US08746781B2	Reinforcing unit for vehicle body A reinforcing unit for the vehicle body may include an insert member coupled to a front side member while being inserted in the front side member, and a fender apron lower reinforce member mounted in a fender apron to be coupled to the insert member, so that crash energy transmitted to the fender apron in a front offset crash of the vehicle may be transmitted to the front side member through the reinforcing unit of the vehicle body to be effectively distributed.
US08746770B2	Concrete lifting anchors A tension bar for an edge lift anchor for a concrete panel, the tension bar being shaped to provide a central portion to lie adjacent a head portion of the anchor and legs extending from each end of the central portion, an inner side of each leg being profiled to lock into the surrounding concrete, the profiling being formed by a series of longitudinally spaced formations each of generally saw-toothed shape with a leading edge of each formation facing towards the head portion such that on application of tensile load to the tension bar, the leg will lock into the concrete with a generally compressive loading being applied to the concrete in the zone between the two legs.
US08746767B2	Modular long handled tool component system An industrial long handled tool component system is provided having interchangeable tool heads, connectors, handles and grips. The novel connector system provides a polygonal locking bar concentric with a round outer reinforcing collar both engaged by a material connector insert and separated by plastic isolations seals. The novel connector promotes connection integrity and prevents joint movement. An alternate embodiment provides a connector system without the collar to save weight and manufacturing cost.
US08746766B2	Hook assembly A load bearing hook assembly (e.g., an ROV hook or hoist hook) with (A) a main body operationally configured to attach to a support line, (B) a load bearing member attached to the main body and pivotal from a fully closed position to a fully open position, the load bearing member defining a gape of the hook assembly; and (C) a non-load bearing member pivotally attached to the main body operationally configured to obstruct the gape of the hook assembly.
US08746764B2	Vehicle with front impact beam lateral load transferring member A vehicle includes a frame rail and an impact beam attached to an axial end of the frame rail. A body panel mount is attached to the frame rail. The body panel mount is axially spaced from the impact beam a distance along a longitudinal axis. A load transferring member includes a first axial end attached to one of the impact beam and the body panel mount, and a second axial end disposed adjacent to and a pre-defined distance from the other of the impact beam and the body panel mount. The load transferring member is disposed outboard of the frame rail. The load transferring member extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis between the impact beam and the body panel mount.
US08746762B2	Car door shock absorber The inventive device disclosed in the present application is a set of shock-absorbent panels that attach to the doors of a vehicle. The system is designed so each of the panels may be easily hooked onto the car doors and locked in place when the doors are closed, protecting the vehicle from collisions and objects which may inadvertently bump the doors, causing unsightly dents and scratches.
US08746761B2	Vehicle bumper device A bumper reinforcement includes a front wall portion, an upper wall portion, and a lower wall portion. The front wall portion constitutes the front portion of the bumper reinforcement. The upper wall portion constitutes the upper half of the rear portion of the bumper reinforcement. The lower wall portion, connected to the lower edge of the front wall portion, constitutes the lower half of the rear portion. Outer grooves, formed by denting the front wall portion rearward, extend along the vehicle width direction. Upper grooves, formed by denting downward a top wall of the upper wall portion, are located intermittently along the width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction. The lower wall portion comprises a bottom wall constituting the bottom of the lower wall portion. Lower grooves, formed by denting the lower wall portion upward, are located intermittently along the width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction.
US08746758B2	Security handle for vehicles Handle for vehicles, which comprises a lever (5) which is pivoted for rotating around a first axis (7) in a frame (1) and is mechanically connected to a rocker (11; 111) which rotates around a second axis (12) when the lever (5) rotates, wherein a counterweight (28; 128) is pivoted to the frame (1) and is mechanically connected to the lever (5) for balancing the lever (5) and rotating around a third axis (30) when the lever (5) rotates.
US08746757B2	Passageway closure security apparatus Methods and apparatuses provide for a security apparatus having a first anchor assembly with a first pin, wherein the first anchor assembly is to be mounted to a wall adjacent to a first side of a passageway closure such as a door or window. A second anchor assembly may include a second pin, wherein the second anchor assembly is to be mounted to the wall adjacent to a second side of the passageway closure. In addition, the security apparatus can include a longitudinal member having an open end and a closed end, wherein if the open end is coupled to the first pin and the closed end is coupled to the second pin, the apparatus inhibits opening of the passageway closure.
US08746755B2	Universal global latch system A latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly having a catch and a pawl, an actuatable inside handle, and an actuator engaged with the pawl and being configured to be activated by actuation of the inside handle. The catch is configured to be moved to an open position by activating the actuator to thereby move the pawl to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position. The catch is also configured to be moved to the open position after actuation of the inside handle or a toggle lever to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position to when the vehicle does not have power.
US08746751B2	Quick connect coupling systems with insert A threaded adapter is part of a quick-to-connect and quick-to-disconnect flexible hose coupling system. The adapter may provide a low-profile securement and seal between the port and the stem portion of the quick connect coupling. The adapter in combination with the fluid valve block orifice provides a seal that is further down in the valve block than the location of seals provided by other fluid couplings. Without relying on wrenching flats, the adapter also provides effective access to the hoses for repair and therefore is a cost saving device. The adapter may be a safe, reliable, easy to connect and disconnect component in a hydraulic system and is adaptable to accommodate any coupling including those in high and low pressure fluid and other systems.
US08746745B2	Luer connectors Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
US08746738B2	Airbag folding method and airbag apparatus There is provided an airbag folding method for folding an airbag. The method includes in the following order: (a) folding the inner panel and the outer panel into a symmetrical substantially rectangular shape such that a groove of the concave region is located along a center line, wherein the center line passes through a center of the introduction port and symmetrically divides the inner and outer panels; (b) folding the inner and outer panels along fold lines from right and left edges thereof toward the center line, wherein the fold lines are substantially parallel to the center line; and (c) folding and rolling up the inner and outer panels from both ends of the center line toward the introduction port.
US08746737B2	Gas generator A gas generator includes a metallic housing, an ignition device including an igniter assembly, and gas generating agent, the igniter assembly including an igniter main body fixed to a metallic cylindrical fixing member with a resin and a connector-connecting portion for fitting a connector, at least part of the metallic cylindrical fixing member being electro-conductive to the housing, and including an exposed portion exposed to an inner surface of the connector-connecting portion, the exposed portion of the metallic cylindrical fixing member serving as a ground terminal, when the connector is connected to the connector-connecting portion, the ground terminal being in contact with an earth terminal of the connector, a grounding lead wire of the connector being grounded to a ground circuit located outside the gas generator.
US08746736B2	Airbag module An airbag module comprising an inflatable airbag cushion that includes a vent hole and a vent pocket, an inflator for inflating the airbag cushion, an actuator, a vent member configured to fill at least a portion of the vent pocket to selectively cover the vent hole, and a tether having a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether is coupled to the vent member and the second end is coupled to the actuator. When the actuator has not been activated, the vent member remains in a first position covering the vent hole under a tension applied by the tether to thereby prevent inflation gas from escaping through the vent hole. When the actuator has been activated, the tension is reduced enough to allow the inflation gas to move the vent member to a second position uncovering the vent hole thereby allowing inflation gas to escape through the vent hole and through the vent member.
US08746735B2	Inflatable shoulder harness assembly for an aircraft seat An inflatable shoulder harness assembly for an aircraft seat including a shoulder belt, a retractor, an airbag contained within an outer cover, and a belt guide slideably receiving the inflatable airbag and outer cover therein when the shoulder belt is retracted, the belt guide defining an elongate channel for facilitating free movement of the outer cover during belt fastening and retraction. The assembly further includes an exit bezel for finishing the look of the seat and a stiffening element for preventing kinking, bunching and twisting of the outer cover.

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