最新美国发明专利第2014-12-23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
US08916292B2	Positive electrode for lithium rechargeable battery and lithium rechargeable battery including the same and method of fabricating the lithium rechargeable battery The present invention provides a positive electrode for a lithium rechargeable battery, a lithium rechargeable battery including the same, and a method of fabricating the lithium rechargeable battery. An antigelling agent is added in a positive electrode slurry to prevent gelation, and the positive electrode of the present invention is made with the antigelling agent added positive electrode slurry. During fabrication of the positive electrode by using a lithium nickel-based or manganese-based composite oxide for a positive electrode active material, gelation is prevented. A lithium rechargeable battery made with the positive electrode of the present invention shows a high capacity and excellent stability and reliability.
US08916290B2	Contoured battery for implantable medical devices and method of manufacture A battery having an electrode assembly located in a housing that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery housing provides a cover and a shallow case a preferably planar, major bottom portion, an open top to receive the cover opposing the bottom portion, and a plurality of sides being radiused at intersections with each other and with the bottom to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device. The cover and the shallow case being substantially hermetically sealed by a laser weld technique and an insulator member disposed within the case to provide a barrier to incident laser radiation so that during welding radiation does not impinge upon radiation sensitive component(s) disposed within the case.
US08916288B2	Lithium rechargeable battery and method of making the same A lithium rechargeable battery having corrosion resistance and a method of making the same. In the lithium rechargeable battery including a metal case, a cap plate and terminals, a protective layer is formed on at least portions of surfaces of the metal case, the cap plate and the terminals, and the protective layer is formed of a protective layer forming composition comprising at least one hydrophobic compound selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted 1,2,3-benzotriazole, alkoxysilance having 1 to 20 carbons, vinylakoxy silane having 1 to 20 carbons, and (meth)acryl silane, and chromic oxide.
US08916282B1	Battery cell isolation system A method and apparatus comprising a number of battery cells, a housing having a plurality of channels, an assembly, and a number of grooves. The housing is configured to hold the number of battery cells. The assembly is configured to separate the number of battery cells from the housing in which the housing has the plurality of channels. The number of grooves is formed by the assembly and surfaces of the number of battery cells.
US08916275B2	Light emitting device material and light emitting device Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent element which has achieved both high luminous efficiency and low driving voltage by containing a light-emitting element material, which comprises a specific pyrene compound, in one of the layers that constitute the light-emitting element, preferably in a light-emitting layer or in an electron-transporting layer. The pyrene compound may have the following general formula:
US08916273B2	Gypsum based formulations The formulation for making plasterboard with paper cover sheets comprises finely divided gypsum, a minor amount by weight of starch and, as crosslinking agent for the starch, a tri-functional reactive s-triazine having substituents at positions 2, 4 and 6 of the triazine ring which are reactive with the starch. A preferred crosslinking agent is 2,4,6-trichloro-s-triazine, which is preferably partially reacted with the starch before further reaction with the paper cover sheets for the plaster board.
US08916272B2	Surface protective film, method for fabricating the same, pouch thereof and method for fabricating the same Disclosed is a surface protective film, a method for fabricating the same, and pouch, and a method for fabricating the same. The surface protective film includes a stack of films including a middle layer, and a first skin layer and a second skin layer on opposite sides of the middle layer, wherein at least one of the first skin layer and the second skin layer is formed of a resin having a hardness lower than a hardness of a surface to be protected by the surface protective film, and the middle layer is formed of a resin including high density polyethylene, thereby permitting protection of a display surface without formation of scratch at a very low cost compared to the related art without aging and with slip.
US08916270B2	Glass filled copolymer products for thin wall and high surface gloss articles Disclosed are compositions, glass filled compositions, articles made therefrom, and processes for making articles therefrom. In an embodiment, a composition can comprise: one or more polycarbonates wherein at least one of the polycarbonates is a polyester-polycarbonate having at least one unit derived from sebacic acid and has a biocontent of at least 5 weight % based upon a total weight of the polyester-polycarbonate, determined according ASTM-D6866; a glass content of 10 weight % or greater based upon a total weight of the composition; and an epoxy resin. The composition has a melt volume rate of greater than 10.5 cm3/10 minutes at 300° C./1.2 kg according to ASTM-D1238-10. A part molded having a 0.8 mm thickness molded from the composition has a gloss value of 89 or higher at 60°, according to ASTM-D523.
US08916268B2	Iron powder for dust cores An iron powder for dust cores is provided which can be formed into a dust core having a high resistivity and having a low iron loss without degrading the mechanical strength. The iron powder for dust cores includes an iron powder and an oxide film on the surface thereof, wherein the oxide film is composed of a Si-based oxide in which the ratio of Si to Fe satisfies Si/Fe≧0.8 on an atomic number basis.
US08916264B2	Polyester film for solar cells The invention provides a polyester film suitable for a back sheet for solar cells, which requires a high reflectance not only in the visible light region but also in the near-infrared region, and also requires a low reflection directivity. The polyester film is a cavity-containing polyester film having an average reflectance of 70-95% in a wavelength range of 400-1200 nm and an average transmittance of 5-30% in a wavelength range of 700-1200 nm.
US08916263B2	Composite and methods of making and using the same Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.
US08916262B2	Composite materials and structures The invention provides composite components, structures and method for producing composite components. A composite component has a negative effect Poisson's ratio and comprises a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component extend longitudinally relative to an axis, the first component being provided around the second component through one or more turns which are spaced longitudinally relative to the axis. A variation in the tensile load on the first component causes the radial position of the second component relative to the axis to vary.
US08916261B2	Web substrates having wide color gamut indicia printed thereon A web substrate having indicia with Lab* color values disposed thereon is disclosed. The indicia disposed upon the web substrate are defined by CIELab coordinate values disposed inside the boundary described by the MacAdam 3-D gamut and CIELab coordinate values disposed outside the boundary described by the Kien 3-D gamut.
US08916259B2	Multilayer films for insert mold decoration, methods for making the same, and articles made therefrom A multilayer thermoplastic film having polycarbonate layers is disclosed, in which a first layer comprises a first polycarbonate that comprises repeat units derived from one or more of a monoaryl monomer (II) and/or (III), and a diaryl monomer (IV) as defined herein. A second layer, adjacent to the first layer and coextruded therewith, comprises another polycarbonate that is not the same as a polycarbonate in the first layer. The first layer provides improved properties, for example hardness, impact, and/or scratch resistance.
US08916255B2	Fastener tape and fastener stringer A fastener tape includes a tape main body portion and an element attachment portion in which a core thread is knitted. The tape main body portion includes a first tape main body portion region at the element attachment portion and a second tape main body portion region. A wale interval between a wale of the element attachment portion adjacent to the first tape main body portion region and a wale constituting the first tape main body portion region is narrower than that of the second tape main body portion region. Therefore, while the flexibility of the second tape main body portion region is ensured, a tape strength and an abrasion resistance are improved, and further, when a fastener element is formed, this prevents resin leakage through knitted loops of the element attachment portion.
US08916254B2	Method for manufacturing laminated core and laminated core A method for manufacturing a laminated core is provided that makes positions of boundary parts of laminated blocks and improves an efficiency of a welding operation of the blocks. The above-described object is achieved by the method of manufacturing the laminated core 10 including a process that forms a plurality of blocks 12 having a plurality of welding parts 13 to 15 of different forms or colors at intervals of prescribed angles in the circumferential direction, a process that laminates the plurality of blocks 12 under a state that the blocks are rotated at intervals of the prescribed angles and a process that welds the welding parts 13 to 15 having the different forms or colors of the laminated blocks 12 to form integrally the plurality of blocks 12.
US08916251B2	Towel A towel having an elongated first body portion provided with a first width and extends in a generally vertical direction when used with a towel bar. The elongated first body portion includes a first end that is configured to be secured to the towel bar by use of an attachment member. The elongated first body portion also includes a second end that is coupled to a first drying portion, which has a second width that is greater than the first width of the elongated first body portion. The towel may also include a second body portion that extends over the towel bar and is positioned to lie generally parallel to the elongated first body portion.
US08916246B2	Annular structure having excellent heat insulating and heat releasing properties A structure of the present invention is the structure which is formed of a base made of a metal and an inorganic material surface layer made of crystalline and amorphous inorganic materials, wherein thermal conductivity of the inorganic material surface layer is lower than the thermal conductivity of the base, infrared emissivity of the inorganic material surface layer is higher than the infrared emissivity of the base, and the base is an annular body.
US08916245B2	Safe pressure system viewing port A fracture-safe viewport for a pressure system having a pressure port which is pumped by said pressure system to a pressure above or below atmospheric pressure, comprising a plurality of panes each capable of passing electromagnetic radiation therethrough, each pane being mounted inside a tubular structure and being hermetically sealed to the wall of the pressure chamber. Each of the panes may be a different material or any combination of materials may be used from the group comprising sapphire, glass and quartz or any other material through which a high powered laser or other electromagnetic beam may be directed without adverse consequences. Highly pure, defect-free, ultra-polished, single-crystal sapphire is preferred. Spacing between the panes is used in most embodiments to avoid shrapnel damage in case of catastrophic failure of a pane. Half-donut shaped or chimney-shaped strain relief mounts are used in some embodiments to relieve strain caused by differential rates of thermal expansion when the structure is heated.
US08916243B2	Graphic medium and method of making same A graphic medium and a method of making same employs a paper core having a normalized opacity within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.4 percent/grams per square meter. The graphic medium includes a first material layer on a first side of the paper core and a second material layer on one or both of the first side between the paper core and the first material layer and a second, opposite side of the paper core. The graphic medium has a translucent opacity between about 40% and about 90%. The method includes mechanically refining a mixture of wood fibers until a paper substrate is formed having the normalized opacity. The paper substrate is calendered using a paper making machine and the first and second material layers are applied to form the graphic medium.
US08916241B2	Control system for can coating A can coating machine control system includes a coating control signal that functions as a go/no-go signal based on a plurality of monitored conditions such as can in position, vacuum pressure, gun in position, guard in position and speed condition. Local pressure regulation of the coating material in the spray gun is provided along with optional control of the material temperature. Local pressure regulation allows for optional spray weight control based on a wrap number derived from speed and gun spray durations. A CAN to CAN network buffer is provided as well for primary network isolation. A gun control circuit may be used to select specific gun drive signals and to adjust gun drive signals based on real-time feedback of the actual spray duration.
US08916238B2	Method and apparatus of producing composite for carbon dioxide separation There is provided a method of producing a composite that separates carbon dioxide that has a carbon dioxide separating film on a support includes preparing, at greater than or equal to 50° C., a coating liquid for carbon dioxide separating film formation that contains a water absorbent polymer, a carbon dioxide carrier and a gelling agent, and that gels, after being left at 12° C. at a solution film thickness of less than or equal to 1 mm, within 120 seconds and liquid not dropping-off due to gravity; coating the coating liquid on a strip-shaped support; cooling, at less than or equal to 12° C., a coated film obtained by the coating, and obtaining a gel film; and drying the gel film at least by warm air, and obtaining a carbon dioxide separating film, wherein, from coating to drying are carried out continuously while conveying the support in a given direction.
US08916235B2	Functional layers comprising Ni-inclusive ternary alloys and methods of making the same Certain example embodiments relate to Ni-inclusive ternary alloy being provided as a barrier layer for protecting an IR reflecting layer comprising silver or the like. The provision of a barrier layer comprising nickel, chromium, and/or molybdenum and/or oxides thereof may improve corrosion resistance, as well as chemical and mechanical durability. In certain examples, more than one barrier layer may be used on at least one side of the layer comprising silver. In still further examples, a NixCryMoz-based layer may be used as the functional layer, rather than or in addition to as a barrier layer, in a coating.
US08916211B2	Method and composition for preventing and treating avian influenza in poultry A method and composition for preventing and treating avian influenza utilizes an effective quantity of polyphenolic(s) and its derivatives in combination with a carrier. The anti-avian influenza ingredient having a composition selected from the group consisting of theaflavin, theaflavin-3,3′-digallate, theaflavin-3-monogallate, theaflavin-3 gallate, theaflavin-3′-gallate, thearubigin, gallic acid, tannic acid, (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (−)epigallocatechin (EGC), (+)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), and catechin.
US08916209B2	Extracts of Phyllanthus niruri A method of making a low molecular weight fraction of Phyllanthus niruri is provided. Such low molecular weight fraction is particularly useful for treating the signs of skin aging.
US08916208B2	Aluminophosphate-based materials for the treatment of wounds A method is provided for promoting blood clotting. The area which is bleeding is contacted with an aluminophosphate molecular sieve. The molecular sieve preferably contains a substance which assists the clotting of blood. This substance is preferably Ca2+ ions, which are readily introduced into aluminophosphate molecular sieves. Preferred aluminophosphate molecular sieves include AlPO4-5 and VPI-5.
US08916207B2	Corneal cover or corneal implant and contact lens and method thereof A corneal cover or corneal implant to be placed within or onto the surface of the cornea is made of bony fish scales and a contact lens is made of bony fish scales.
US08916204B2	SPARC and methods of use thereof The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.
US08916197B2	Bone marrow-directing drug delivery materials and their applications The present invention pertains to a bone marrow-directing drug delivery material that includes at least one fine particle, wherein the fine particle includes an anionic moiety on a surface of the particle. Also disclosed are uses of the material set forth herein for the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of a disease of bone, cartilage, bone marrow, or a joint. Also disclosed are methods of preventing, treating, or diagnosing a disease of bone, cartilage, bone marrow, or a joint in a subject, involving administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of the material of the present invention.
US08916193B2	Rifaximin complexes There is provided a complex comprising rifaximin and a complexing agent, wherein the complexing agent is a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) or a cyclodextrin. There is also provided a process for preparing the complex, a pharmaceutical composition including the complex, and therapeutic uses of the complex.
US08916192B2	Method and apparatus for the preparation of capsules An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.
US08916191B2	Device for transdermal administration of drugs including acrylic polymers A transdermal delivery system is provided where the drug delivery rates, onset and profiles of at least one active agent are controlled by selectively manipulating the monomeric make up of an acrylic-based polymer in the transdermal drug delivery system. The drug carrier composition may be comprised of (a) one or more acrylic-based polymers having one or more different monomers selected from the group consisting of hard and soft monomers; (b) one or more silicone-based polymers; and (c) one or more active agents where the device provides a desired solubility for the active agent and controls drug delivery rates, onset and profiles of at least one active agent.
US08916190B2	Method of inducing hemostasis in a wound A method of inducing hemostasis in a wound using a hemostatic product. A dextran support is provided. At least one hemostatic agent stabilizer is mixed with at least one hemostatic agent to form a hemostatic agent and stabilizer mixture. The at least one hemostatic agent includes at least one of thrombin and fibrinogen. The hemostatic agent and stabilizer mixture is associated with the dextran support. The hemostatic product is applied to the wound in which a bodily fluid is present. The at least one hemostatic agent is released from the hemostatic product to induce hemostasis in the wound.
US08916188B2	Block copolymer comprising at least one polyester block and a poly (ethylene glycol) block The present invention provides a block copolymer for a coating on an implantable device for controlling release of drug and methods of making and using the same.
US08916183B2	Pesticidal compositions and processes related thereto This document discloses molecules having the following formulas (“Formula One” &“Formula Two” and “Formula Three”) The Ar1, Het, Ar2, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are further described herein.
US08916179B2	Ascophyllum nodosum animal chews An animal chew including a surface comprising a base composition, wherein the animal chew exhibits a hardness in the range of Shore 70A to Shore 70D as measured by ASTM D2240-05 (2010) and a flexural modulus in the range of 50×103 psi to 500×103 psi as measured by ASTM D790-10 and Ascophyllum nodosum applied onto at least a portion of the surface of the animal chew, wherein the Ascophyllum nodosum is present in an amount of 0.1% by weight to 5.0% by weight of the animal chew. At least 10% by weight of the total amount of the Ascophyllum nodosum present in the animal chew may be applied to the animal chew surface.
US08916176B2	Modified parvovirus having enhanced anti-tumor efficacy Described are parvovirus variants derived, e.g., from H-1PV, showing higher anti-tumor potential compared to the wild type parvovirus, wherein said variant is characterized by (a) an amino acid substitution, alteration or addition, preferably substitution at position Lys96 of NS-2 and/or position Leu103 of NS-2 (together with a amino acid substitution at position Tyr595 of NS-1 in the latter case), or (b) an in-frame deletion in the parvovirus genome, preferably a deletion resulting in a large amino acid deletion in both the central part (aa 96-133) of NS-2 and the C-terminal part (aa 587-624) of NS-1. The present invention also relates to the use of said parvovirus variants for cancer therapy.
US08916174B2	HIV DNA vaccine regulated by a caev-derived promoter The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding a plurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against HIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruption of genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA molecule is further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3′ LTR.
US08916167B2	Treatment and diagnosis of macrophage mediated disease The invention relates to a method of treating or monitoring/diagnosing a disease state mediated by activated macrophages. The method comprises the step of administering to a patient suffering from a macrophage mediated disease state an effective amount of a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X where the group Ab comprises a ligand capable of binding to activated macrophages, and when the conjugate is being used for treatment of the disease state, the group X comprises an immunogen, a cytotoxin, or a compound capable of altering macrophage function, and when the conjugate is being used for monitoring/diagnosing the disease state, X comprises an imaging agent. The method is useful for treating a patient suffering from a disease selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammation, infections, osteomyelitis, atherosclerosis, organ transplant rejection, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and systemic sclerosis.
US08916158B2	Formulation of human antibodies for treating TNF-α associated disorders A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.
US08916156B2	Isolated egg protein and egg lipid materials, and methods for producing the same A method for separating proteins and fats from an egg mixture is disclosed herein. The method includes a step of microfiltration of the egg mixture, wherein microfiltration includes pumping across a filter an egg mixture containing egg yolk and egg whites (albumen). An egg powder obtained from egg and a high gel strength egg powder are also disclosed.
US08916154B2	Antibodies against delta-5 desaturase and uses thereof Disclosed are antibodies that specifically recognize Δ5-desaturase, methods of producing the antibodies, nucleotides and polypeptides for producing the antibodies, and methods of using the antibodies. The Δ5-desaturase-specific antibodies provide improved methods of detecting Δ5-desaturase in a sample.
US08916153B2	Purified antibody composition The invention provides a method for producing a host cell protein-(HCP) reduced antibody preparation from a mixture comprising an antibody and at least one HCP, comprising an ion exchange separation step wherein the mixture is subjected to a first ion exchange material, such that the HCP-reduced antibody preparation is obtained.
US08916151B2	Method for treating a reduction of fertility The present invention provides a method for retarding unhealthy manifestations brought by ageing of human beings (in particular, but not limited to the reduction of sexual activity and fertility, climax, changes in glucose tolerance, reduction of cognitive and mnestic functions, reduction of stress resistance, development of organ and tissue sclerosis). According to the invention this task is solved by administration into the blood circulation of an agent which inactivates extracellular blood plasma DNA.
US08916150B2	Compositions and methods for enhancing metal ion dependent drug therapies Methods and compositions are provided for increasing responsiveness to therapeutic metalloproteases including increasing and/or maximizing responsiveness and preventing botulinum and tetanus toxin resistance due to a functional deficiency of zinc. Also provided are methods for zinc replacement or supplement in lacking individuals comprising the administration of a zinc supplement for a loading period and/or administration of a phytase supplement together with the zinc supplement. Also provided are methods for standardization of botulinum toxin potency assays that provide for greater certainty and margins of safety in the use of products from different manufacturers.
US08916148B2	Tissue plasminogen activator variant uses A method is disclosed for using tenecteplase to restore function in dysfunctional hemodialysis catheters, which have a blood flow rate of less than 300 mL/minute. Kits are also provided with instructions to direct the user to administer tenecteplase in a total dose of about 3 to 4 mg locally into all catheter lumens and allow the tenecteplase to dwell in the catheter for from about one hour to about 72 hours.
US08916146B2	Treatment of inflammatory diseases using placental stem cells Provided herein are methods of treatment of individuals having an immune-related disease, disorder or condition, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-versus-host disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, mycosis fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome), or scleroderma using placental stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.
US08916145B2	Use of Bifidobacterium longum for the prevention and treatment of inflammation The invention relates to the use, in the manufacture of a medicament or a therapeutic nutritional composition for preventing or reducing inflammation in a mammal, of bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999.
US08916137B2	Monofunctional carbocyanine dyes for in vivo and in vitro imaging The present invention provides symmetric carbocyanine dyes and dye precursors useful for fluorescence microscopy, and methods of making and using same.
US08916134B2	Metal nanocomposite, preparation method and use thereof The disclosure provides metal nanocomposites including one or more metal nanoparticles having a hydrophobic surface and at least partially enclosed by cationic and hydrophilic polymers. The metal nanocomposites are useful as among others, a contrast agent, a diagnostic composition or a pharmaceutical composition.
US08916131B2	Radiopharmaceutical composition The present invention relates to radiopharmaceuticals and in particular to a radiopharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula (I): and polysorbate as an excipient. The radiopharmaceutical composition of the invention reduces problems encountered with prior art compositions comprising the same class of compounds. Also provided by the invention is a method for the preparation of the radiopharmaceutical composition of the invention as well as particular uses of the radiopharmaceutical composition.
US08916129B2	UZM-43 an EUO-NES-NON zeolite A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized that has been designated UZM-43. These zeolites are similar to previously known ERS-10, SSZ-47 and RUB-35 zeolites but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes. Catalysts made from these zeolites are useful in hydrocarbon conversion reactions.
US08916128B2	Integrated oxidation, reduction and gasification method for chemical looping syngas and energy production The invention relates to an energetically self-sufficient syngas production method in at least one chemical loop. The chemical loop involves at least three distinct oxidation, reduction and gasification reaction zones: 1. at least one air-supplied oxidation reaction zone R1, referred to as “air” reactor, where the reaction of oxidation of the metallic oxides takes place after reduction, 2. at least one combustion reduction reaction zone R2, referred to as “fuel” reactor, where the feed combustion reaction takes place in the presence of the oxygen present in the metallic oxides, 3. at least one gasification reaction zone R3, referred to as “gasification” reactor, for gasification of the solid and/or liquid feeds in order to produce a syngas, said gasification being catalyzed by the at least partly reduced metallic oxides from R2.
US08916127B1	Method, apparatus and system for making sulfuric acid A method for making sulfuric acid comprises: providing solid sulfur, melting the solid sulfur into liquid sulfur in a sulfur melting tank, burning the sulfur to generate a sulfur product, recycling high order heat energy generated from burning the sulfur and providing the high order heat energy to a distillation tower, recycling low order heat energy generated from burning the sulfur and providing the low order heat energy to the sulfur melting tank, providing hydrogen peroxide or sulfuric acid containing hydrogen peroxide into an absorption-reaction tower for reacting to produce a sulfuric acid product, and concentrating or purifying the sulfuric acid product to improve its concentration or purity.
US08916124B2	Group III nitride crystal, method for growing the group III nitride crystal, and apparatus for growing the same When a group III nitride crystal is grown in a pressurized atmosphere of a nitrogen-containing gas from a melt 50 including at least a group III element, nitrogen and an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal, a melt-holding vessel 160 that holds the above-described melt 50 is swung about two axes different in direction from each other such as an X-axis and a Y-axis.
US08916123B2	Ammonia synthesis using lithium ion conductive membrane Ammonia is synthesized using electrochemical and non-electrochemical reactions. The electrochemical reactions occur in an electrolytic cell having a lithium ion conductive membrane that divides the electrochemical cell into an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment. The catholyte compartment includes a porous cathode closely associated with the lithium ion conductive membrane. The overall electrochemical reaction is: 6LiOH+N2→Li3N (s)+3H2O+3/2O2. The nitrogen may be produced by a nitrogen generator. The non-electrochemical reaction involves reacting lithium nitride with water and/or steam as follows: Li3N (s)+3H2O→3LiOH+NH3 (g). The ammonia is vented and collected. The lithium hydroxide is preferably recycled and introduced into the anolyte compartment. The electrolytic cell is shut down prior to reacting the lithium nitride with water. The cathode is preferably dried prior to start up of the electrolytic cell and electrolyzing Li+ and N2 at the cathode.
US08916120B2	Dry processes, apparatus, compositions and systems for reducing sulfur oxides and HCI Dry processes, apparatus, compositions and systems are provided for reducing emissions of sulfur oxides, and sulfur dioxide in particular, and/or HCl in a process employing a combination of a dolomite hydrate sorbent and a sorbent doping agent administered to achieve coverage of a three-dimensional cross section of a passage carrying SOx and/or HCl —containing gases with a short but effective residence time at a temperature effective to provide significant sulfur dioxide and/or HCl reductions with high rates of reaction and sorbent utilization. The once-through, dry process can advantageously introduce the sorbent and sorbent doping agent dry or preferably as a slurry to enable uniform treatment. Preferred sorbent doping agents include water-soluble or water-dispersible copper and/or iron compositions which can be heated to an active form in situ by the flue gases being treated.
US08916113B2	Chemical analyzer An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk 161 is provided with a pore 240 and a pressure detector 241 connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) 170 ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe 1101 and a suction pipe 1102 inserted to the opening of the reaction container 1140 to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region 1150 at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.
US08916112B2	Liquid distribution and metering Devices for handling liquid, for example microfluidic devices, are described, which are rotatable about an axis of rotation to drive liquid flow within the device. The 5 devices provide one or more of an aliquoting structure (6) having a plurality of daisy chained aliquoting chambers (100, 200, 300) for providing a plurality of aliquots, arrangements for sequencing the dispensing of the aliquots by controlling the rotation of the device and arrangements for ensuring that a fault condition can be detected when insufficient liquid is present in the device to fill 10 all aliquots. Further disclosed are arrangements for ensuring a detection chamber (12) of the device remains filled with liquid, arrangements for reducing the risk of air ingress to the detection chamber (12) on repeated emptying and filling of a supply structure (10) and arrangements for reducing the risk of bubble formation when filling the detection chamber (12). A corresponding system for operating the 15 device and method for processing of a sample using the device is also disclosed.
US08916108B2	Device for distributing particles in a fluid and methods thereof A vial and particles for distributing reagent bound particles in a fluid, a kit, and methods for distributing particles in a fluid.
US08916107B2	Portable decontamination and deodorization systems Portable decontamination and deodorization systems configured to decontaminate a target environment for specified periods of time. A housing contains pressurized media. A spherical media diffuser can be connected to and controlled by a sphere retainer module and a funnel-like orifice can be located under a lower hemisphere of the spherical media diffuser to move the spherical media diffuser and over the funnel-like orifice creating a gap there-between to evenly distribute chemical in a fog or spray throughout a room. a valve controller can be coupled by tubing between media contained in said housing and the gap formed between the spherical media diffuser and funnel-like orifice.
US08916106B2	Detergent delivery device The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. In embodiments of the present invention, the multi-dosing detergent delivery device comprises: a housing comprising a base and a lid; a refill holder and shaft located within the housing and arranged, in use, for receiving thereon a cartridge having a plurality X of chambers each accommodating a detergent composition; a directing means formed in the lid of said device to direct, in use, wash liquor collected on said lid selectively into a chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein; an outlet formed in a base region of said housing to allow, in use, detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device; and indexing means located within the shaft of the device for causing, in use, automatic movement of said cartridge relative to said housing during and subsequent to a wash cycle so as to cause a neighboring chamber to be in an exposed, ready to be used, position prior to a next washing cycle, said indexing means comprising: a thermally reactive element, a resilient biasing means, a gearing mechanism and a clutch element for selectively decoupling torque forces generated by expansion of said thermally reactive element from said shaft.
US08916105B2	Multi-stack cure system and method of operating the same Provided is a multi-stack cure system. The system includes a chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port. A magazine is mounted in the chamber. A plurality of substrates having encapsulants are loaded in the magazine. A heater is mounted at the chamber and serves to heat the plurality of substrates having the encapsulants. A loading unit is positioned adjacent the inlet port. The loading unit has a transfer device and a push bar. A substrate recognition device is mounted in the loading unit. A control device is connected to the substrate recognition device. The inlet port has a size larger than each of the plurality of substrates having the encapsulants and smaller than the magazine.
US08916104B2	Exhaust gas denitrifying system having noise-reduction structure An exhaust gas denitrifying system having a noise-reduction structure includes a reactor in which a chemical reaction that converts nitrogen oxides included in exhaust gas into nitrogen by denitrifying the nitrogen oxides using a catalyst takes place. The reactor includes a catalytic filter unit coated with a catalyst and provided with a plurality of through-holes through which exhaust gas passes; and a noise-reducing unit for removing noise from the exhaust gas denitrified by the catalytic filter unit. The reactor denitrifies the nitrogen oxides, and simultaneously reduces the noise, thus reducing the size of the exhaust gas denitrifying system.
US08916101B2	Reducing agent aqueous solution mixing device and exhaust gas post-treatment device A reducing agent aqueous solution mixing device includes an exhaust pipe, an injector, a mixing pipe and an inner pipe. The exhaust pipe includes an elbow part having a curved portion, and a linear part disposed downstream of the elbow part. The injector is disposed outside the curved portion and injects the reducing agent aqueous solution towards the linear part. The mixing pipe is disposed inside the elbow part to surround the reducing agent aqueous solution injected from the injector. The mixing pipe includes a plurality of openings on its outer peripheral surface. The inner pipe is disposed downstream of the mixing pipe and spaced apart from an outlet portion of the mixing pipe and from an inner wall of the linear part to allow the exhaust gas to flow through the inside of the inner pipe and along the outer periphery of the inner pipe.
US08916096B2	Automatic analyzer According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the analyzer includes a reagent driving disk that accommodates a reagent configured for analysis and that transports the reagent to a desired position, and a fixed disk that has a reagent stand-by position in which to make a reagent container containing the reagent, temporarily stand by, and a magnetic particles stirring position for stirring magnetic particles. A portion of the reagent stand-by position is constituted by a loading system. A reagent container moving unit moves reagent containers containing the reagent, between the reagent driving unit and the fixed disk, according to analytical request status. Providing in a part of the fixed disk the loading system constructed so that reagent containers containing the reagent can be mounted therein during operation enables changing of reagent containers, irrespective of an operational status of the reagent driving disk, and the system to having cold-storage functionality.
US08916094B2	Method and system for recapturing and reusing unreacted antimicrobial solutions in spray applications A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.
US08916093B2	Method and apparatus for decontaminating enclosed spaces The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for decontaminating an enclosure that includes a passage having an inlet (18) to receive a carrier gas from the enclosure, an outlet (31) to discharge the carrier gas to the enclosure, a fan (21) for causing a low of carrier gas through the passage from the inlet to the outlet, and a vapour generator (19) where a decontaminant vapour is introduced into the flow of carrier gas to be discharged with the flow at the outlet to decontaminate the enclosed space. A further fan (33) delivers a separate flow of gas from the enclosure bypassing the passageway in which the decontaminant vapour is introduced to be delivered into the enclosure from outlet vents (32) adjacent the vapour outlets (31) to assist in dispersing the carrier gas containing decontaminant vapour throughout the enclosure.
US08916091B2	Method for producing semi-finished products from NiTi shape memory alloys Disclosed is a method for producing semi-finished products from a shape memory alloy, particularly an NiTi shape memory alloy, wherein a powder is first produced from a shape memory alloy, and subsequently the powder is divided into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction in a separating cut T. While the fine fraction is required, in particular, for the production of a first semi-finished product, employing the metal injection molding (MIM) method, the coarse fraction can be used for the production of a second semi-finished product, employing the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) method. The advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows. The MIM method for producing semi-finished products from a shape memory alloy is qualitatively improved and more cost-effective to implement if the coarse fraction that is typically obtained during powder production, but not used for the MIM process, can advantageously be supplied to a further process, in this case the HIP process. Due to the use of particularly fine powder, the semi-finished products produced by way of the MIM method have an advantageous, powder-metallurgical microstructure. In particular, the alloying elements are distributed particularly homogeneously in these semi-finished products, casting flaws or segregations do not usually occur, no anisotropy of the structure occurs as a result of the processing steps, and ternary alloys can be processed, which due to the mechanical properties thereof, cannot be processed by way of conventional forming methods.
US08916090B2	Endoscopic camera component manufacturing method The invention provides an endoscope having a lens holder, wherein the lens holder comprises a body containing a sintered feedstock and machined surfaces. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the endoscope which comprises the steps of molding a metal blank by a MIM process, wherein the metal blank is “near net shape” and has a sprue, a post, and optionally an outer shell, machining the inner surfaces and then the outer surfaces of the metal blank to form a lens holder, installing a lens in the lens holder, and assembling the lens holder having the lens into the endoscope.
US08916088B2	Metal, ceramic and cermet articles formed from low viscosity aqueous slurries Metal, ceramic and cermet hollow articles produced from low viscosity suspensions. The articles are useful for filters, catalyst media, fuel cell electrodes, body implantation devices, structural materials, vibration and noise control, heat exchangers, heat sinks, heat pipes, heat shields and other applications.
US08916086B2	Process for the production of fibers A process is provided for producing fibers which includes forming a plurality of bubbles on the surface of a fiber spinning solution, applying a voltage between the solution and a counter-electrode spaced apart therefrom to cause jets to extend from the bubbles to the counter-electrode, and treating the solution with a surfactant to stabilize the bubbles.
US08916085B2	Process of making a component with a passageway A component is provided that includes at least one passageway. In another aspect, a component, such as a lamp or a vehicular washer jet, is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a component.
US08916079B2	Method for producing an electronic component A method for producing an electronic component includes: providing at least one carrier element having a microcomponent receptacle configured for contacting at least one microcomponent, injection molding a housing around the carrier element, the microcomponent receptacle being situated in a cavity of the housing that is open on at least one side, introducing the microcomponent into the microcomponent receptacle in the cavity to contact the microcomponent to the carrier element, and injecting the cavity using a filler material to fix the microcomponent in the housing and in the microcomponent receptacle.
US08916076B2	Pressure maintaining device for creating composite components by injecting resin and associated method A pressure maintaining device for a resin injecting system, including a first chamber that can be connected to a pressurizing device and is able to be connected to a vacuum generating device; a second chamber that can be connected to a resin injection network of the injection system by a resin injection pipe and a resin outlet pipe, the first chamber and the second chamber being arranged so that the one is unable to leak into the other; a flexible body able to transmit pressurizing of the first chamber to the second chamber so as to apply pressure to the injection network of the injection system; a perforated rigid plate able to limit the deformation of the flexible body when the vacuum is created in the first chamber.
US08916075B2	Method of making a reinforced resin structure A method of making a reinforced resin structure is disclosed. A volume of uncured resin compound is placed on a first outer surface of a carrier structure comprising a plurality of fibers. The uncured resin compound and the carrier structure are pressed between two cooperating plates to disperse the resin compound into and through a plurality of passages between the plurality of fibers. The dispersed resin compound is cured to fix the resin within the plurality of passages and around the plurality of fibers.
US08916071B2	Chromene compound and curable composition A chromene compound which has a sulfur-containing substituent represented by the following formula (2) at the 6-position and/or 7-position carbon atom of an indeno(2,1-f)naphtho(1,2-b)pyran structure and is excellent in photochromic properties and stability at a high temperature. In the formula (2), ring X is an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or aromatic heterocyclic ring, R3 and R4 are each independently an alkyl group, haloalkyl group, cycloalkyl group, alkoxy group, amino group, heterocyclic group containing a ring member nitrogen atom and bonded to the ring X bonded thereto via the nitrogen atom, halogen atom, aryloxy group or aryl group, and “a” is an integer of 0 to 4.
US08916069B2	Conductive compositions containing rhodium and Pb-Te-O and their use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices The present invention is directed to an electrically conductive composition comprising (a) an electrically conductive metal; (b) a Rh-containing component; (c) a Pb—Te—O; and (d) an organic medium; wherein the electrically conductive metal, the Rh-containing compound, and the Pb—Te—O are dispersed in the organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. Also provided is a process for forming such an electrode. The electrodes provide good adhesion and good electrical performance.
US08916062B2	High energy materials for a battery and methods for making and use A composition for forming an electrode. The composition includes a metal fluoride, such as copper fluoride, and a matrix material. The matrix material adds capacity to the electrode. The copper fluoride compound is characterized by a first voltage range in which the copper fluoride compound is electrochemically active and the matrix material characterized by a second voltage range in which the matrix material is electrochemically active and substantially stable. A method for forming the composition is included.
US08916061B2	CMP compositions selective for oxide and nitride with high removal rate and low defectivity The invention relates to a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising a ceria abrasive, cations of one or more lanthanide metals, one or more nonionic polymers, water, and optionally one or more additives. The invention further relates to a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate with the inventive chemical-mechanical polishing composition. Typically, the substrate comprises one or more of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and polysilicon.
US08916057B2	Roll-to-roll transfer method of graphene, graphene roll produced by the method, and roll-to-roll transfer equipment for graphene The present disclosure relates to a graphene roll-to-roll transfer method, a graphene roll-to-roll transfer apparatus, a graphene roll manufactured by the graphene roll-to-roll transfer method, and uses thereof.
US08916055B2	Method and device for controlling pattern and structure formation by an electric field A processing method and apparatus uses at least one electric field applicator (34) biased to produce a spatial-temporal electric field to affect a processing medium (26), suspended nano-objects (28) or the substrate (30) in processing, interacting with the dipole properties of the medium (26) or particles to construct structure on the substrate (30). The apparatus may include a magnetic field, an acoustic field, an optical force, or other generation device. The processing may affect selective localized layers on the substrate (30) or may control orientation of particles in the layers, control movement of dielectrophoretic particles or media, or cause suspended particles of different properties to follow different paths in the processing medium (26). Depositing or modifying a layer on the substrate (30) may be carried out. Further, the processing medium (26) and electrical bias may be selected to prepare at least one layer on the substrate (30) for bonding the substrate (30) to a second substrate, or to deposit carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a controlled orientation on the substrate.
US08916053B2	Pattern forming method A pattern forming method according to an embodiment includes: forming a pattern film on a first substrate, the pattern film having a concave-convex pattern, the pattern film being made of a material containing a first to-be-imprinted agent; forming a material film on a second substrate, the material film containing a second to-be-imprinted agent having a higher etching rate than an etching rate of the first to-be-imprinted agent; transferring the concave-convex pattern of the pattern film onto the material film by applying pressure between the first substrate and the second substrate, with the pattern film being positioned to face the material film, and by curing the second to-be-imprinted agent; detaching the first substrate from the pattern film; and removing the material film by etching, to leave the pattern film on the second substrate.
US08916050B2	Methods and compositions for treatment of water The present invention relates to compositions and their use for the treatment of water. In one embodiment, the invention provides for a compositions and their use for the treatment of microorganisms. This invention also provides compositions and their use to provide clean water in an environmentally-friendly manner. In another embodiment, the invention provides for compositions and their use in combination with common equipment for controlling the growth of micro-organisms, such as with an ozonator or UV-C lamp, in a water system such as in hot tub or pool. Additionally, the specification describes methods and compositions for controlling the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous system. Using the methods and compositions, one treats an aqueous system with an amount effective to control the growth of at least one microorganism. Accordingly, several advantages of the invention are providing improved water treatment, providing environmentally-friendly treatment, providing a more user-friendly treatment, and providing water that is better for human health.
US08916049B2	Method and apparatus for processing mixture The processing method for a mixture according to the present invention is a method for processing a mixture having first particles made of a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material and second particles made of a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material wherein the second particles are mixed in a fluid medium containing the first particles, and comprises a dispersion step of dispersing aggregates of the first particles and the second particles present in the mixture, and a magnetic separation step of providing the first particles and second particles with a magnetic force a of different magnitudes by applying a magnetic field to the mixture in parallel with or after the dispersion step, thereby separating the first particles and the second particles from each other.
US08916048B2	Water treatment method and method for producing ultrapure water A water treatment method and a method for producing ultrapure water are provided in which urea in raw water is sufficiently decomposed, and an organism (bacterial cells) in biological treatment is prevented from flowing downstream. In a water treatment method for performing biological treatment of raw water containing urea, a carbon source is added to the raw water, and the raw water is then supplied to biological treatment means 1 and 2 having a fixed bed formed of an organism-supporting carrier to perform the biological treatment. The biological treatment after the addition of the carbon source to the raw water improves the efficiency of decomposition and removal of urea. The biological treatment means using a fixed bed formed of an organism-supporting carrier decreases the number of bacterial cells flowing downstream.
US08916045B2	Installation for treating a biological liquid The invention concerns an installation for treating biological liquid comprising a platform provided with an edge running front-to-back, a pump (105), a filtration assembly (111, 150), a pre-filtration assembly (114) having an inlet point and an outlet point respectively belonging to first and second T-shaped branching connectors (137, 156), two pre-filtration components (115a, 115b) aligned in a front-to-back direction on said platform along said front-to-back edge and each provided with inlet (157, 158) and outlet (159, 151) nozzles, said installation comprising first and second conduits (152, 153) connected to said first T-shaped connector and respectively to said inlet nozzles and third and fourth conduits (154, 155) connected to said second T-shaped connector and respectively to said outlet nozzles (159, 151), which inlet and outlet nozzles and conduits are on an opposite side of said pre-filtration components (105) to said front-to-back edge of said platform.
US08916037B1	Instrument and method for measuring high concentrations of carbon monoxide in a gaseous sample An instrument and method for accurately measuring target analyte levels is a gas sample over an extended range. The instrument includes (i) a sensor effective for detecting the analyte, and (ii) a barrier film having limited permeability for the analyte covering the inlet orifice on the sensor for reducing the flux of analyte into the sensor. The method involves (a) sensing the flux of target analyte passing through the barrier film and into sensing contact with the sensor, and (b) reporting a concentration of analyte by multiplying a concentration value previously correlated to the sensed flux by the flux reduction factor of the barrier film.
US08916035B2	Arrangement and method using microsensors for measuring cell vitalities An arrangement and a method measures cell vitalities with a sensor array. The sensor array is formed on a surface of a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip has integrated circuits and an integrated circuit is associated with each sensor of the sensor array, for processing the measurement signals of the respective sensor. The integrated circuits are formed in the semiconductor chip spatially in each case below the associated sensor and neighboring sensors of the sensor array have a center-to-center in the range of micrometers. The pH and/or pO2 can be measured in the environment of a living cell.
US08916031B2	Recovery of tetracosanol from a mixture derived from tall oil pitch Described is a process to obtain tetracosanol from a complex mixture derived from tall oil pitch that comprises terpenoids, rosin alcohols, rosin aldehydes, aliphatic alcohols, hydrocarbons and stilbene derivatives. The process comprises a mixture crystallization step from hexane and a fractional distillation of the crystallized solids, which yields tetracosanol with more than 90% purity.
US08916030B2	Ethylene cracking furnace An ethylene cracking furnace comprising a high pressure steam drum (1), a convection section (2), a radiant section (3), multiple groups of radiant coils (4) arranged vertically in the firebox of radiant section, burners (5) and transfer line exchangers (6), each radiant coil comprising a first-pass tube (7), a second-pass tube (8) and a connection member (9); feedstocks being introduced into an inlet end of the first-pass tube and outflow from an outlet end of the second-pass tube, said first-pass tube (7) and said second-pass tube (8) are non-split coils, and the centerlines of the respective radiant tubes (7, 8) are within a common plane; said connection member (9) is a tridimensional structural member comprising an inlet bending tube (10), a return bending tube (11) and an outlet bending tube (12); said inlet bending tubes (10) and said outlet bending tubes (12) are arranged at two sides of the plane containing the centerlines of said first-pass tubes (7) and said second-pass tubes (8), respectively; the projections of the respective connection members (9) in a side view are the same curve line that is symmetrical, continuous and closed; the inner diameters of said radiant coils (7, 8) is varied at least once along the length of the tubes.
US08916029B2	Contaminated solvent recycling system A contaminated solvent recycling system is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a separate, lower, waste collection zone. A heater heats contaminated solvent feed within the distillation zone to distill off the solvent. By separating the distillation zone from the waste collection zone, the distillation zone can process consecutive batches of contaminated solvent feed. The waste collection zone can accommodate waste accumulating from the distillation process for extended periods of time between waste removal operations.
US08916028B2	Processing machine and paper sheet processing device In a processing machine including a processor having a processing blade and a receiver having a reception member and in which a blade edge of the processing blade and a reception portion, of the reception member, engage with each other to process a paper sheet therebetween, the processing blade is one processing blade selected from a blade group and is attached to the processor so as to be changeable to another processing blade of the blade group, reception portions of kinds corresponding to a plurality of kinds of the processing blades of the blade group are formed on the reception member, and the processing blade attached to the processor is positioned so as to be in a position where the blade edge is engageable with the reception portion of the corresponding kind.
US08916024B2	Method and system for producing market pulp and products thereof Methods and systems are provided for producing market pulp which include treatment of pulp with diverse ionic compounds before pulp drying. Cationically and anionically charged compounds can be used to treat pulp before pulp drying to improve pulp dewatering performance and efficiency in the production of market pulp. Market pulp products containing the treatment compounds are also described.
US08916023B2	Vapor phase hydrolysis vessel and methods related thereto A prehydrolysis of wood chips or other lignocellulosic material in a vessel having a gaseous portion and a liquid portion. The vessel includes at least one stress relieving piece that inhibits overcompression of the lignocellulosic material. The vessel operates in a continuous process. A slurry of lignocellulosic material and liquid is removed from the bottom of the vessel.
US08916020B2	Assembly bonded to a structural adhesive and method and applicator for making it The invention provides an assembly comprising at least one substrate being bonded to a structural adhesive wherein the structural adhesive is obtained by curing a precursor comprising a cross-linkable polymer, wherein a surface area of the substrate bonded to the structural adhesive comprises at least one metal, said surface area being treated with a liquid activator.
US08916018B2	Apparatus for fabricating organic light emitting display panel and method of fabricating organic light emitting display panel using the same An apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) a first roll around which a film is wound to be continuously drawn, ii) a second roll arranged to face the first roll and around which the film is continuously wound, iii) a plurality of chambers disposed between the first and second rolls and through which the film passes, and in which laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) is performed on a substrate by forming a transfer layer on the film, and iv) a gate unit installed at least one of the chambers and disposed at at least one of a film inlet and a film output of the chambers that are installed, to maintain a substantially vacuum state in the chambers during passing of the film.
US08916017B2	Glass sheet laminating system A contoured glass sheet laminating system may include a glass-side vacuum bed, a laminate-side vacuum bed and a lamination actuator. The glass-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a mold-receiving side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the glass-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the mold-receiving side of the glass-side vacuum bed. The laminate-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a thin-film loading side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the laminate-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the thin-film loading side of the of the laminate-side vacuum bed.
US08916016B2	Manufacturing method for components made of fiber-reinforced composite materials by using microwaves A method for manufacturing a component comprising at least one layer having a fiber-reinforced composite material that absorbs microwaves is disclosed. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) arranging the at least one layer in a shape, b) treating a first surface section of the at least one layer with microwaves, wherein a temperature limiting mechanism of the at least one layer cooperate with at least one adjacent second surface section, at least part of the time. The method may be carried out in such that steps a) and b) are carried out for a plurality of components and that the components are further treated according to at least the following steps: c) positioning a plurality of components with respect to one another such that each second surface section forms at least one overlapping area at least partially, d) treating the at least one overlapping area with microwaves.
US08916015B2	Tampon method of manufacture A pledget for a tampon having improved leakage prevention of bodily fluid after the tampon is inserted in the vagina. A method of manufacturing the pledget can include a step of bringing a contact member into communication with a fibrous material. The method can include a step of compressing the fibrous material into a pledget for a tampon.
US08916004B2	Thermal nitriding process for components of implantable medical devices A component of an implantable medical device comprises a body comprising at least one external surface, the body comprising at least one of titanium, titanium-based alloys, and composites thereof, and a corrosion-resistant surface region at the at least one external surface, the corrosion-resistant surface region comprising at least one of titanium nitride, dititanium nitride, and a solid solution of nitrogen dissolved in the body, wherein the corrosion-resistant surface region is formed by thermal nitridation of the body.
US08916002B1	Portable vacuum for yard waste A portable vacuum includes a container having a sidewall, an open bottom portion, an opposing, open top portion and an attachment opening in the sidewall. A bucket is detachably coupled to the container. A vacuum unit is detachably coupled to and closes off the top portion of the container, the vacuum unit having at least one air inlet and at least one air exhaust port. The vacuum unit is operable to selectably generate an air stream entering the air inlet and exiting the air exhaust port. The portable vacuum also includes an elongate, generally hollow suction tube having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being detachably coupled to the attachment opening of the container. The air stream generates a vacuum at the second end of the suction tube operable to draw waste material into the suction tube, the waste material being deposited in the bucket.
US08916001B2	Coated molds and related methods and components Molds that have coated mold surfaces, as well as methods and components associated with such molds, are provided. The mold surface coatings may be formed of a polymeric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and may be very thin (e.g., 50 microns or less). The coatings may facilitate the release of articles formed in the mold and may also reduce, or eliminate, the build up of contaminants on mold surfaces during processing which, thus, increases mold lifetime. The coatings may be formed in a chemical vapor deposition process with process conditions selected to enable formation of uniform, conformal coatings, even on mold features having small dimensions and/or high aspect ratios. The coatings are particularly well suited to be used in connection with rubber tires molds, though also can be used in other types of molds and articles.
US08915999B2	Shower plate sintered integrally with gas release hole member and method for manufacturing the same A shower plate is disposed in a processing chamber in a plasma processing apparatus, and plasma excitation gas is released into the processing chamber so as to generate plasma. A ceramic member having a plurality of gas release holes having a diameter of 20 μm to 70 μm, and/or a porous gas-communicating body having pores having a maximum diameter of not more than 75 μm communicating in the gas-communicating direction are sintered and bonded integrally with the inside of each of a plurality of vertical holes which act as release paths for the plasma excitation gas.
US08915998B2	Pigment granulate, method for producing the same and use thereof The invention relates to a pigment granulate which contains 40 to 65% by weight of pigment and at least 10% by weight of a compound of general formula (I) CH3—(CH2)n—CH2—O—[(CH2)p—O]m—H, wherein n=8-18, p=1-4 and m=35-100, the weight ratio of the compound of general formula I to the pigment being ≧ the STSA surface area of the pigment in m2/g multiplied by 0.0021 g/m2 and the mass-weighted particle size of the pigment granulate being <20 μm. The pigment granulate can be produced by dispersing the pigment and the compound of formula I in a solvent and then drying the dispersion obtained. The pigments according to the invention can be used for dying and/or the antistatic finishing in water-based paints and lacquer systems, dispersion on paints, printing inks, ink systems and coating systems.
US08915996B2	Low dust, light weight filler composition A filler composition for use in a casting formulation, where the filler composition includes a mineral filler, hollow plastic microspheres, and a food grade and non-flammable liquid, and where when the filler composition is mixed with a casting resin an OSHA 8-hour Permissible Exposure Limit set for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated is not exceeded.
US08915994B2	Non-aqueous ink [Problem to be solved] A non-aqueous ink, which has excellent pigment dispersion stability and can achieve reduction or elimination of print-through, thereby achieving high print density, is disclosed.[Solution] The non-aqueous ink contains at least a pigment and an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent contains a five-membered heterocyclic compound having a C═O bond in an amount of 50 mass % or more of the organic solvent, and the content of a polymer component in the ink is 20 mass % or less relative to the pigment.
US08915991B2	Fluid separator The invention relates to a fluid separator 40 having first and second inlets, a turbine and a separation chamber having a centrifugal separation member. The first inlet is in direct fluid communication with a turbine inlet, and in use delivers high pressure vent air flow from a first gas turbine engine bearing housing to the turbine. The second inlet is in direct fluid communication with the centrifugal separation member, and in use delivers low pressure vent air flow from a second gas turbine engine bearing housing to the centrifugal separation member. An outlet of the turbine is in direct fluid communication with the centrifugal separation member. The centrifugal separation member is driven by the turbine.
US08915989B2	Porous coordination polymer, process for producing same, gas storage method, and gas separation method The porous coordination polymer of the invention contains metal complexes formed by coordination bonding between a trivalent metal ion and an aromatic tricarboxylic acid represented by formula (1). The porous coordination polymer also has a pore structure formed by integration of a plurality of the metal complexes. [In formula (1), n represents an integer of 0 to 4.]
US08915987B2	Carbon dioxide absorption system Carbon dioxide is removed from a source gas stream by admission to a vessel containing a quantity of a material preferentially absorbing carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide content of an escaping gas stream is monitored. When the carbon dioxide content of the escaping gas stream indicates that absorbent is saturated with carbon dioxide, an inlet valve is closed, and a vacuum applied, causing the carbon dioxide to be desorbed for collection.
US08915986B2	Air filter An apparatus and method for filtering air in residential and commercial applications is described herein. The air filter may have a support frame which secures to the intake grille of an HVAC system. A filter media may be placed in the support frame to filter air as it passes through the air filter. The filter media may be replaced when the filter media becomes too dirty to effectively filter air. The dirty filter media may be removed from the frame and a new clean media may be replaced in the frame.
US08915985B2	Air cleaner, components thereof, and methods A filter cartridge includes a media pack having first and second opposite flow faces; the media pack comprising flutes extending in a direction between the inlet flow face and the outlet flow face; a frame mounted on the second flow face of the media pack; a seal support section extending from the base member; and first and second opposite and spaced blades extending from the base member and in a different direction from the base member as the seal support section. The first and second blades are embedded within the media pack through the second flow face. A seal member is oriented against the seal support section. The filter cartridge can be removably oriented in a cassette. The cassette and filter cartridge are removably oriented in an air cleaner housing. The cassette may include lugs to help position the cartridge in sealing engagement with the air cleaner housing. In another embodiment, the filter cartridge is cassette-free and includes a cartridge-handle projecting therefrom.
US08915983B2	Range extractor hood A range extractor hood includes a screen, at least one filter element and at least one pivot bearing which swingably supports the at least one filter element on the screen. At least one locking member retains the at least one filter element to the screen. Located on the screen is a releasing device for, at least partially, releasing the locking member and retention of the filter element.
US08915981B2	Method for producing methane from biomass A multi-stage method and apparatus for producing methane from biomass in which the biomass is hydropyrolyzed in a reactor vessel containing molecular hydrogen and a deoxygenating catalyst, the output of which is hydrogenated using a hydroconversion catalyst. The output from the hydroconversion step is provided to a water-gas-shift process providing a mixture of H2O and product gases including CO2, H2, and methane. The mixture components are separated, resulting in a product stream comprising substantially only methane.
US08915979B2	Hydrogen generating fuel cell cartridges The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.
US08915978B2	Methods of improving combustion of solid fuels A method comprising applying a chemical change reagent to coal prior to combustion of the coal is provided. In some instances, the chemical change reagent can include an effective amount of a material to reduce NOx emissions, SOx emissions, or both from combustion of the coal.
US08915977B2	Gasoline fuel composition for improved performance in fuel injected engines A fuel soluble additive for a gasoline engine, a method for improving performance of fuel injectors and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for a gasoline engine. The fuel soluble additive includes a quaternary ammonium salt derived from an amido amine containing at least one tertiary amino group and an epoxide, in the presence of a proton donor selected from a carboxylic acid and an alkyl phenol. The amido amine is made in a reaction medium that is substantially devoid of an acylating agent.
US08915976B1	Fuel additive Fuel efficiency can be increased in a diesel engine by adding a diesel fuel additive mixture. The diesel engine fuel additive mixture is made up of the following elements: tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and a Polyetheramine (PEA) dissolved in a Glycol ether. Adding one ounce of the diesel engine fuel additive mixture per five U.S. gallons of diesel fuel can increase miles per gallon and hours of operating time while reducing the emission of nitrous oxides, sulfur, and other pollutants.
US08915975B2	High-energy non-aqueous batteries containing ion-conducting gels, and method for preparing and using same Method for the preparation of a composite electrode and accumulator or battery including at least one composite electrode, the method includes a step of pouring a medium including at least one ionic liquid, a lithium, sodium or magnesium salt with at least one inorganic molecular precursor or a polymerizable monomer, the medium being in excess, and an in situ polycondensation or polymerization step.
US08915972B2	Method and apparatus for determining load fall in a laundry treating appliance An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for holding laundry and a motor for rotating the treating chamber based on a monitored torque signal from the motor of the laundry treating appliance.
US08915967B2	Anti reflux system The present invention is concerned with a system and method for preventing or substantially reducing the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux in a human or animal, in particular by the fixation of a valve based device (10) within the stomach of such a human or animal, about the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, which device supersedes the operation of said lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, in particular in situations when the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle is damaged.
US08915963B2	Artificial disc prosthesis for replacing a damaged nucleus A multi-piece disc replacement implant for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between the two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction and a provided with protrusions to be received in one or more channels cooperatively formed in the vertebrae and secured in place by a bone screw.
US08915958B2	Devices for transcatheter prosthetic heart valve implantation and access closure Apparatus for use in conjunction with implanting a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve in a patient by means that are less invasive than traditional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The apparatus may include a one-way valve for preventing blood from escaping from the patient's circulatory system when that system is entered to implant the prosthetic heart valve. The apparatus may include various forms of cutters for gaining access to the patient's circulatory system. The apparatus may include various forms of devices for quickly closing the access to the patient's circulatory system after the prosthetic heart valve has been implanted.
US08915954B2	Endoprosthesis having foot extensions Endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen is provided. The endoprosthesis includes an annular element defined by a set of interconnected strut members, each strut member including a first end and a second end. The first end of selected pairs of circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a first longitudinal side of the annular element and the second end of selected pairs circumferentially-adjacent strut members are interconnected to define apices proximate a second longitudinal side of the annular element. At least one of the selected pairs of circumferentially-adjacent strut members has a modulator disposed proximate the apex defined there between, the modulator having a first mode to allow expansion of the annular element from an unexpanded configuration toward an expanded configuration and a second mode to resist contraction of the annular element from the expanded configuration toward the unexpanded configuration.
US08915953B2	Implant made of a biodegradable magnesium alloy An implant made in total or in parts of a biodegradable magnesium alloy consisting of Y: 2.0-6.0% by weight, Nd: 1.5-4.5% by weight, Gd: 0-4.0% by weight, Dy: 0-4.0% by weight, Er: 0-4.0% by weight, Zr: 0.1-1.0% by weight, Li: 0-0.2% by weight, Al: 0-0.3% by weight, under the condition that a) a total content of Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 0.5-4.0% by weight and b) a total content of Nd, Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 2.0-5.5% by weight, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities up to a total of 0.3% by weight.
US08915949B2	Method for providing directional therapy to skeletal joints An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C., are used for structural remodeling, whereas lower temperatures achieve other responses without appreciable remodeling.
US08915948B2	Method and apparatus for photothermal treatment of tissue at depth The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth by applying optical radiation thereto of a wavelength able to reach the depth of the region and of a selected relatively low power for a duration sufficient for the radiation to effect the desired treatment while concurrently cooling tissue above the selected region to protect such tissue. Treatment may be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.
US08915943B2	Self-retaining systems for surgical procedures The present invention relates generally to self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, and their uses.
US08915935B2	Endoluminal fundoplication device and related method A distal assembly of an endoscopic surgical device, and a related method, having a first arm and a second arm pivotal relative to the first arm. Each arm is configured to hold a part of a two-part fastener at a distal end of the arm. A closing mechanism is positioned proximate a proximal end of each of the first and second arms opposite the distal end of each of the first and second arms. The dosing mechanism is configured to move in relation to the first and second arms so as to close over at least one of the first and second arms to cause the distal ends of the arms to come together. An actuation member is also attached to the closing mechanism actuable to cause the closing mechanism to move in relation to the first and second arms.
US08915933B2	Suturing device having a retractable distal tip and method for sealing an opening in a blood vessel or other biological structure A suturing device including an elongated body, a distal tip, at least two support arms, and at least two extendable and retractable needles. The distal tip is moveable between an extended position in which the distal tip distally extends from a distal end of the elongated body and a retracted position in which the distal tip is disposed within the elongated body. The support arms are pivotally coupled to the distal tip. When the distal tip is in the extended position, each support arm is in a collapsed position disposed within the elongated body, and when the distal tip is in the retracted position, each support arm is in a deployed position extending radially away from the elongated body. Each needle includes a distal end configured to penetrate through a vessel wall and capture a suture releasably held within a portion of a support arm.
US08915931B2	Surgical clip and applier device and method of use A surgical clip is provided for ligating or transecting tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like and a surgical clip applier device for delivering and applying the surgical clip to the tissue. The surgical clip can include a spine and opposed arms extending from the spine where the arms can define a clamping length. In a resting state, the clip can be biased to a closed position such that the ends of each opposed arm are disposed in proximity to each other. With such biasing, when applied to a tissue, such as with a surgical clip applier, the clip can exert a positive clamping pressure to the tissue along the clamping length to seal the tissue and limit passage of fluids, such as blood, from the tissue.
US08915929B2	Methods and devices for manipulating and fastening tissue A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.
US08915928B2	Finger guided suture fixation system A suture fixation system includes a suture assembly having an anchor, an introducer, and a delivery device. The introducer is attachable to a finger of a person and includes a platform attached to an exterior of the introducer and a zip line attached to the platform. The delivery device is movable along the zip line and configured to removably retain the anchor. The introducer allows the finger to identify a target landmark within a patient and the delivery device is movable along the zip line and attachable to the platform to position the anchor for insertion to the target landmark.
US08915926B2	Pre-curved electrode array loading tools Exemplary loading tools configured to facilitate loading of a pre-curved electrode array onto a stylet include a docking assembly, a channel assembly, and a connecting member configured to connect the channel assembly to the docking assembly and maintain a distance therebetween. The docking assembly is configured to couple to the stylet. The channel assembly includes a channel configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of the pre-curved electrode array. The channel is aligned with the docking assembly such that when the stylet is coupled to the docking assembly, the stylet is located at least partially within the channel.
US08915925B2	Percutaneous compression and distraction system A compression and distraction shaft assembly applies compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.
US08915923B2	Patella resection assembly A patella resection assembly comprises a modular handle and claw member. The claw member is reversibly mountable on the handle so that the same modules may be used to resect the patellae of both the right and the left knees. The handle has an adjustable member that carries a bone-gripping member. Linear movement of the adjustable member allows the same patella resection assembly to be used to securely grip patellae of various sizes.
US08915918B2	Bone plate system for bone restoration and methods of use thereof A bone plate system is provided herein. The system may include a first and a second bone plate, which plates may be affixed to one or more bone portions and each other, so as to align and stabilize the bone and correct a bone fracture. A first bone plate is provided which includes both a bone contacting and a top surface, one of which corresponds to a primary plane. The first bone plate may be configured to engage a bone portion and a secondary plate. A secondary bone plate is provided, which plate is configured to engage the first plate. The secondary plate includes a bone contacting surface, which corresponds to one or more planes or an arc that are provided at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the primary plane. Methods of using such bone plating systems for the reduction, restoration and treatment of bone fractures are provided.
US08915915B2	Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of anatomical features Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient.
US08915914B2	Method for treating a fracture of a bone having a medullary canal A method for treating a fracture of a bone with a medullary canal. A first and a second group of three elongated monocortical pins are provided. Each pin has a stem with a first end portion having a conical shape with an external thread for insertion into a cortical portion of a bone. Each pin of the first and second group of three monocortical pins is inserted a predetermined distance from the bone fracture, and penetrates only into the cortical portion of the bone without reaching the medullary cavity, the pins of the first and second group being inserted such that they are not coplanar to each other. The stems of the pins of the first and groups are blocked to a first and a second common clamp element respectively. The first and second clamp elements are joined to a common rod to form a rigid external fixation system.
US08915912B2	Methods and devices for use of degassed fluids with fluid enhanced ablation devices Devices, systems, and methods for degassing fluid prior to applying fluid to a treatment site during ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation system can include an elongate body, an ablation element, a heating assembly, and a fluid source. Fluid in the fluid source can be at least partially degassed prior to being provided as part of the system, or, in some embodiments, a degassing apparatus can be provided that can be configured to degas fluid within the system prior to applying the fluid to the treatment site. The degassing apparatus can include one or more gas-permeable and fluid-impermeable tubes disposed therein, which can allow gas to be removed from fluid passing through the apparatus. Other exemplary devices, systems, and methods are also provided.
US08915911B2	Device and method for destruction of cancer cells The present invention provides devices and systems, as well as methods, of electric field delivery and non-thermal or selective ablation of target tissue regions, including selective ablation of cancerous cells and solid tumors. A method of the present invention includes delivering an electric field to a tissue, including positioning an electrode within a target tissue region comprising cancerous cells, and applying an alternating electrical current to the target tissue so as to non-thermally ablate cancerous cells of the target tissue region around the electrodes.
US08915909B2	Impedance matching circuit An impedance matching circuit may be used to adjust for manufacturing and design tolerances in a surgical instrument. The matching circuit may match the load of a thermal element with the impedance of a power source used to deliver electrical energy to the surgical instrument. The matching circuit may include capacitors, inductors, coaxial cables, varactors, transformers, resistors, and/or combinations thereof. The matching circuit may also comprise a circuit board or flex board layers which may be modified to adjust the impedance of the load.
US08915908B2	Cryogenic probe A cryogenic probe for ablating cardiac tissue is provided comprising a handle piece and an elongated probe tube extending from the handle that terminates in a malleable end effector closed at its distal end and having a smooth outer surface. A semi-rigid insulative sleeve extends from the handle and overlies the proximal portion of the probe tube. An internal support preferably in the form of a coiled spring is located interior of the probe tube for supporting the interior surface of the probe tube. A plurality of cryogenic fluid supply tubes are disposed on the interior of the probe tube for introducing cryogenic fluid to the probe tube, each supply tube having an outlet orifice, with the outlet orifices being staggered along the length of the probe tube. In one embodiment, the probe tube is axially movable relative to the sleeve/handle between retracted and extended positions. Also, the probe tube may be provided with a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the surface of the probe tube.
US08915906B2	Method for treatment of post-partum abdominal skin redundancy or laxity A system and method for providing treatments of electromagnetic radiation to areas of post-partum abdominal skin. The treatments provide for raising the temperature in a portion of post-partum abdominal skin to a treatment temperature, which is sufficient to reduce the laxity or redundancy of the post-partum skin. In one embodiment the treatment can provide treatment exposures to sub-areas, of an area of post-partum abdominal skin which has been identified for treatment, and bring a temperature of the tissue being treated to at 50° C.
US08915905B2	Apparatus for ophthalmic laser surgery An apparatus for ophthalmic laser surgery comprises a source (28) for a pulsed femtosecond laser beam, a telescope (32) expanding the laser beam, a scanner (36) downstream of the telescope, for deflecting the laser beam in a plane perpendicular to the beam path, and also an f-theta objective (44) downstream of the scanner, for focusing the laser beam. In accordance with the invention, an entrance lens (52) of the telescope (32) takes the form of a controllable lens of variable refractive power. The entrance lens (52) is preferentially constituted by an electrically controllable liquid lens or liquid-crystal lens.
US08915904B2	Implantable device with conforming telemetry coil and methods of making same A spiral-coil antenna conforming to a non-planar contour is deployed, in various embodiments, in an implantable device for controllably ejecting fluid into an anatomic region. The antenna facilitates wireless communications with the implantable device and external charging thereof. In one implementation, the device has a non-planar contour and the spiral coil defines a non-planar surface conforming to the non-planar contour.
US08915902B2	Inter vial transfer system A transfer system suitable for medicaments comprising a vial socket, a housing having first and second open ends with the first open end being releasably connected to the vial socket, a needle hub mounted within the housing, a needle having first and second piercing ends mounted in the needle hub, a vial having a neck and a body, the vial being inserted in the vial socket and being non removably retained therein, a cartridge having a plunger sealing an open end thereof and a septum located at an opposite end of the cartridge, and an activation cap for causing the needle to penetrate a septum of the vial and the septum of the cartridge to permit transfer of components therebetween.
US08915895B2	Dressing and method for applying reduced pressure to and collecting and storing fluid from a tissue site A reduced pressure treatment system includes a reduced pressure source and a reduced pressure dressing. The dressing includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at a tissue site and an absorbent layer in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A diverter layer is positioned adjacent the absorbent layer, and the diverter layer includes a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to distribute a reduced pressure to the absorbent layer. A cover is positioned over the diverter layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site.
US08915894B1	Vacuum cup for delivery of agents during vacuum treatment In various embodiments of the invention, the components can include a hemostatic vacuum cup which can utilize ancillary or self-contained vacuum generation, and a therapeutic agent which is supplied prior, simultaneously or subsequent to the application of a vacuum with the ultimate aim of slowing or arresting the flow of blood in a bodily tissue or organ. The invention relates to a hemostatic vacuum cup which can utilize ancillary or self-contained vacuum generation. The cup produces a hemostatic effect by the physical application of the device upon a traumatized tissue site and through the delivery of an agent, such as one that assists in hemostasis, antinociception, coagulation, sterilization, or other effective wound healing agents including antibiotics, antiseptics and antioxidants. The cup can be adapted to deliver the therapeutic agent, by methods integral to the vacuum cup. The therapeutic agent can be delivered in the form of a sponge, cellulose or other filter material.
US08915893B2	Variable flow infusion pump system An implantable infusion pump system is disclosed. The pump system preferably includes an implantable pump and a programmable module. The module may provide for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the flow rate, electronics for analyzing the flow rate information, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. In certain embodiments, the module includes a hermetically sealed housing. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient utilizing such a system are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.
US08915883B2	Catheter introducer The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.
US08915875B2	Adsorbents for the adsorption of hepcidin The invention relates to a device and a method for depletion of hepcidin from blood for treatment of iron deficiency, in particular in anemic patients suffering from chronic renal failure, with the goal of increasing the availability of iron in the body and thus improving the treatment of the anemia. The hepcidin adsorbent comprises a matrix and a hepcidin-binding ligand covalently bonded to the matrix with an affinity having a dissociation constant KD of less than 200 nM.
US08915874B2	Adjusting device for a joint mechanism An adjusting device having a first element and a second element movably mounted with respect thereto, wherein the first element has at least one latching device, and wherein at least one locking element coupled to an actuating element is movably disposed on the second element and can be moved out of a release position out of engagement with the latching device into a locking position in engagement with the latching device. The adjusting device has a simple construction which functions reliably and enables rapid adjustment of the stop position. The actuating element has at least one actuating magnet, which is associated with a locking magnet coupled to the locking element and the locking element moves into the release position and/or locking position and/or out of the release position and/or locking position.
US08915871B2	Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitation exercise and training A rehabilitation chair system, comprising: a seat adapted for sitting of a human thereon; at least one extender adapted to move relative to said seat; at least one sensor which generates an indication of a balance state of said human; and a controller configured to move said extender while measuring said balance state using said at least one sensor.
US08915864B2	Biopsy device with fluid delivery to tissue specimens The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.
US08915863B2	In vivo device and method for researching GI tract processes, microbes, and variables associated with illnesses and diseases An interactive research device comprised of an orally ingested capsule with pockets rendering the capsule capable of sampling intestinal tracts (gut) substances and microbes before, during and after delivery of system perturbation substances and methods of use and associate system are described. Sensors are provided to simultaneously measure, monitor, record, and transmit data in real time obtained from within the exact vicinity of substance deployment and location of microbial assisted digestive processes. In vivo collected samples are also collected and preserved for in vitro analysis. Digestive processes and dysfunctions involving proteins that result in “gluten sensitivities” and dozens of gut-based diseases that develop in stages, and have been mysteries for over 2,000 years, can be analyzed. The capabilities were developed to permit research within the heretofore inaccessible and important regions of the small intestine where villi functions are compromised, and in the upper colon. Special focus includes determining roles microbes and their byproduct substances in cascade play in autoimmune system responses and diseases.
US08915858B1	Monitoring device for an interactive game A system and method (1000) for an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system (1000) preferably includes monitoring device (20) monitoring the vital signs of a user, an interface (1115), a game console (1010) and an accessory (1020). The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35), and a pair of straps (26a and 26b). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article (25) is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.
US08915856B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with image filtering based on blood flow information The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasound signal to a diagnosis target and receives the reflected ultrasound signal from the diagnosis target to generate an ultrasound image. The ultrasound image to be displayed on a screen is divided into plural division regions, and filtering is performed for the respective division regions based on blood-flow information at plural division positions on the diagnosis target corresponding to the respective division regions to provide the filtered result as the ultrasound image.
US08915855B2	Ultrasound system and method for providing multiple plane images for a plurality of views Embodiments for forming multiple plane images for a target object in an ultrasound system are disclosed. A processor forms volume data indicative of the target object by using ultrasound data. The processor is configured to: set a reference plane in the volume data; detect a falx contour and a contour of a cerebrum in the reference plane and an entire contour of the brain in the volume data; normalize the volume data by using the falx contour, the cerebrum contour and the entire contour of the fetal brain; and set multiple planes with respect to the reference plane in the volume data. The processor forms plane images corresponding to the respective multiple planes by using the volume data.
US08915852B2	System and method for ultrasound scatterer characterization A method for characterizing ultrasound scatterers in a medium comprises receiving ultrasound data representing a region of interest comprising a plurality of scatterers in a medium, the plurality of scatterers including aggregates of the scatterers. The ultrasound data is modeled data using an effective medium theory combined with the structure factor model, the structure factor model defining the spatial organization and concentration of the aggregates. The modeled ultrasound data is compared to theoretical data obtained with the effective medium theory combined with the structure factor model. From the comparison, dimensional data of the aggregates of the scatterers and the volume concentration of scatterers in the medium is determined.
US08915851B2	Ultrasound imaging apparatus and method of displaying ultrasound image An ultrasound imaging apparatus and ultrasound image display method simultaneously obtain photo-acoustic information and elasticity information of a subject, and generate and display a single image having the photo-acoustic information and the elasticity information, thereby enhancing accuracy and efficiency of a diagnosis. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a probe to radiate light when stress is applied and when stress is not applied to the subject, and to receive a corresponding first acoustic wave signal and a second acoustic wave signal, a data acquisition unit to acquire first acoustic wave data and second acoustic wave data that each represent optical absorption rate information about the subject, an elasticity information generating unit to calculate elasticity information about the subject, an image generating unit to generate a single image having both of the optical absorption rate information and the calculated elasticity information, and a display unit to display the generated image.
US08915850B2	Analyte monitoring device and methods of use In aspects of the present disclosure, a no coding blood glucose monitoring unit including a calibration unit is integrated with one or more components of an analyte monitoring system to provide compatibility with in vitro test strip that do not require a calibration code is provided. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and kits for providing the same.
US08915847B1	Surgical retractor holder with dowel pins A retractor holder comprises a body poration, a retractor locking portion and a support ring mating portion. The retractor handle can be inserted through a compatible opening bore extending through body portion. The locking portion has a spring-loaded pawl where the leading edge of pawl can mate with teeth of the retractor handle to lock the retractor handle in a fixed position. The mating portion has a slot with an opening on the opposite surface from the leading edge of the pawl to slide onto the support ring. To improve the problem that prior art retractor holders can not rotate an angle on the support ring, a plurality of dowel pins are set in the slot of the support ring mating portion. Thus, the retractor holder can rotate an angle and keep at least one dowel pin to engage with an indentation on support ring.
US08915845B2	Methods and devices to decrease tissue trauma during surgery Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce the tissue trauma that occurs when a physician retracts or otherwise deforms a patient's tissues for surgery or other medical procedures. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for cooling the tissue around the incision. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that elute drugs into the tissues of the tissue margin. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to engage tissues during retraction to cushion, to sense tissue state, and to modulate tissue state.
US08915843B2	Light source apparatus for endoscope and control method for light source apparatus for endoscope A light source apparatus for an endoscope, which has a lamp, a power source, a light adjustment control module that controls power to be supplied to the lamp within a range not more than an upper limit power based on a brightness instruction signal, and a continuous lighting sensing module that measures a continuous lighting time period from time when the lamp shifts from being extinguished to being lighted, compares the continuous lighting time period with a predetermined upper limit time period, and initializes the continuous lighting time period while the lamp is extinguished, wherein the upper limit power is set to a first upper limit power when the continuous lighting time period has not reached the upper limit time period, and changed to a second upper limit power lower than the first upper limit power in a stepwise manner when the upper limit time period has not been reached.
US08915842B2	Methods and devices for maintaining visibility and providing irrigation and/or suction during surgical procedures Methods and devices are provided for providing irrigation and/or suction to a surgical site and maintaining clear visibility through a lens of a scoping device during a surgical procedure. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a surgical instrument to maintain visibility during a surgical procedure using a fluid conduit coupled to the surgical instrument. A surgical device can include a sheath having at least one lumen extending therethrough configured to allow a surgical viewing instrument to be disposed therein. The sheath can also have a passageway extending therethrough configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The fluid conduit can be configured to be movable between positions that can allow alternative directions of fluid toward and/or away from a viewing element on the surgical instrument and fluid away from the viewing element and toward a surgical field in a body cavity.
US08915841B2	Endoscopic system An endoscopic system includes an insertion-section, a wire, an adjustment-unit, a memory, a shape-acquiring-unit and a controller. The insertion-section includes a tubular-section and a bending-section. The wire is inserted in the insertion-section and pulled and loosened to bend the bending-section. The adjustment-unit adjusts tensile force applied to the wire. The memory stores correspondent information including a relationship between increase/decrease information indicative of increase/decrease in the tensile force due to a shape of the tubular-section and shape information indicative of the shape of the tubular-section. The shape-acquiring-unit acquires the shape of the tubular-section. The controller obtains the increase/decrease information corresponding to the shape information acquired by the shape-acquiring-unit with reference to the correspondent information, generates an adjustment signal configured to drive the adjustment-unit based on the increase/decrease information, and outputs the adjustment signal to the adjustment-unit.
US08915836B2	Endoscope, guide unit, guide wire, medical-device guiding system, and medical-device guiding method An endoscope and a surgical instrument are easily manipulated to desired positions and orientations independently while the state of treatment with the surgical instrument can be easily observed using an endoscopic image. Provided is a medical-device guiding method comprising a U-shape forming step of placing both ends of a guide wire outside the pericardium and placing the guide wire, with an intermediate portion curved in a substantially U-shape in the pericardial cavity; an endoscope inserting step of inserting an endoscope into the pericardial cavity along the guide wire from one end of the ends placed outside the pericardium in the U-shape forming step; a guide-unit inserting step of inserting the guide unit into the pericardial cavity along the guide wire from the other of the ends placed outside the pericardium in the U-shape forming step; and an opposing step of opposing the distal end portions of the endoscope and the guide unit, which are inserted into the pericardial cavity in the endoscope inserting step and the guide-unit inserting step, respectively, at intermediate positions of the guide wire.
US08915834B1	Spacers for use in brachytherapy, radiotherapy, and other medical therapy A spacer for use in brachytherapy, and radiotherapy, is formed of an encapsulating material in a generally cylindrical or elongated shape. Regions are formed within the spacer and retaining therapeutic loads, such as radiation sources and/or pharmaceutical therapeutic loads, and/or other substances to treat a patient, such as drug liquids, powder or particles (e.g., microparticles or nanoparticles), with the particles or powders combined with binders, such as polyacrylamide, that are selected to gradually disperse the powder or particles at a desired rate. Such regions can be formed at various locations within the spacer, and can have various shapes depending on the particular design and intended usage. The outer surface of the encapsulating material can optionally include one or more fins, ribs or other physical protuberances or features that improve the fixity of the spacer when implanted within a patient's body.
US08915832B2	Method for bifolding an article and article made thereby A method is provided for bifolding articles on a high speed production line on which the articles are moved along a predetermined path. The method includes the use of a vacuum conveyor assembly to engage the leading end portion of an article and transport it in the machine direction, thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment of the article end edges during a bifolding process.
US08915826B2	Hopping ball A hopping play ball comprises a pair of elongated grips or handles adjacent to each other and extending radially outward from the surface of the ball. The ball may also comprise an array of mammillated protrusions on the lower surface, opposite the handles, to improve the stability during bouncing on a soft or elastic surface, such as a trampoline rebounding mat. In other embodiments, the ball has one or more water reservoirs in fluid communication with squirt nozzles disposed on either the surface of the ball or an outward facing portion of the handles. The squirt nozzles are activated by the player via the handle grips, and may pump or squirt water in response to each bounce or may be triggered independent of the players bouncing movement. The mammillated surface aids in preventing slippage of the balls during such types of wet play with multiple players.
US08915824B2	Thumb fitness device An exercise device for improving thumb strength in a user of a thumb-driven throttle machine is provided. The exercise device comprises a shaft component, a grip component, and the throttle component, and generally resembles a right side of a handle of a vehicle having a hand throttle mechanism. The exercise device allows a user to exercise a thumb by moving a throttle component from a relaxed position to a position under tension.
US08915822B2	Vehicle driving system and control method thereof One-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 are provided on output sides of transmissions TM1 and TM2, and the transmissions TM1 and TM2 mechanically lock when the output member 121 of the one-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 is reversely rotated to the backward side. Clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 are interposed between the output member 121 and a driving target member 11 connected to a driving wheel 2. According to uphill start conditions, a controller 5 makes any one of the clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 enter ON state when a vehicle-backward-movement prevention control is determined to be required and the controller 5 makes the clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 enter OFF state when the vehicle-backward-movement prevention control is determined to be not required. Thus, it is possible to provide a vehicle driving system capable of performing a hill hold assist function with a simple control.
US08915821B2	Multiple-row epicyclic gear A multiple-row epicyclic gear includes a carrier with planet gears arranged in rows, as well as a composite central ring gear, having major crowns, with friction spacer rings disposed there between, are also mounted in the housing. The elements of the central ring gear are axially spring loaded. The end faces of the frictional spacer rings and counter-oriented end faces of the major crowns have tapered surfaces being in frictional contact. The friction spacer rings are spliced and arranged to bring their outer cylindrical surfaces into frictional contact with the inner cylindrical surface of the housing. The planet gears are disposed on the carrier in rows in corresponding apertures (or through openings) formed in the carrier. The optimal cone apex angle (δ) of the contacting tapered end faces of the major crowns and tapered end faces of the friction spacer rings is in the range 60-90°.
US08915818B2	Hub bearing, speed reduction mechanism, and in-wheel motor There are provided a hub bearing, a speed reduction mechanism, and an in-wheel motor, including an inner race portion which is fixed to a support mechanism, an outer race portion which is connected to a wheel, and a rolling element which is disposed between the inner race portion and the outer race portion, and the outer race portion includes an outer race member, a wheel flange, and a fixation mechanism. The end surface of the wheel flange away from the outer race member in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft extends to the rotation shaft in relation to the inner race portion in the radial direction of the rotation shaft. Further, the inner race portion includes a first inner race member which is fixed to the support mechanism, a second inner race member which is inserted into the outer peripheral surface of the first inner race member, and a locking nut which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first inner race member so as to be near the wheel in relation to the second inner race member and is threaded into the first inner race member, and the end surface of the locking nut away from the wheel in a direction parallel to the rotation shaft is positioned near the wheel in relation to the contact surface of the outer race member against the wheel flange.
US08915817B2	Torque split type automatic transmission A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque, may be provided wherein the torque of the engine is dividedly transmitted to first and second power delivery paths, a launching device for converting the torque and a transmission device for achieving multiple-shift are disposed on the first power delivery path in series, and a torque combining device is disposed on the second power delivery path, and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to the torque combining device such that output torque of the first power delivery path is added to output torque of the second output path to output the final torque.
US08915805B2	Extended playing surface apparatus for table tennis The object of the present invention is to provide an extended playing surface for paddle/racquet-based games, in particular table tennis. A playing surface is provided comprising four curved rebounding surfaces each with a vertical rebounding side wall configured so that two curved surfaces attach or extend on each side of a substantially horizontal playing surface thereby forming a continuous rebounding playing surface. A net is positioned perpendicular to the length of the horizontal playing surface at its mid point, allowing two or more opposing players to use the curved, vertical sidewall and horizontal surfaces as rebounding surfaces to serve, return and rally a spherical target object over the net.
US08915803B2	Color golf ball A golf ball comprising: a core comprising at least one layer A, a cover comprising at least one layer B, an intermediate layer C disposed between the core and the cover, and a coating D applied on an outermost surface of the golf ball. At least two of layer A, layer B, layer C and coating D comprise a golf ball color contributing component comprising a color and contributing to an overall golf ball color, wherein at least two golf ball color contributing components have different saturations. The overall golf ball hue is substantially similar to the hue of each color contributing component; the overall golf ball saturation is different than the saturation of at least one color contributing component and the overall golf ball chroma is different than the chroma of at least one color contributing component.
US08915802B2	Multi-color golf ball The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
US08915799B2	Variable moment of inertia golf ball A golf ball having a core that includes an aqueous solution contained by a boundary layer with a solid center suspended in the solution to modify the moment of inertia of the golf ball. The aqueous solution can be thixotropic, or rheopectic, or dilatant, or pseudoplastic in nature and the center formulated to simulate the specific gravity of the solution.
US08915797B1	Iron-type golf club head The present invention discloses an iron-type golf club head having a body and at least one weight disc having a first diameter, the body having a sole with a first recess, which comprises a first bore having a second diameter, a second bore having a third diameter, and a shelf located between the first bore and the second bore, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter and greater than the third diameter, the first bore is sized to receive the at least one weight disc, the at least one weight disc rests against the shelf, and the at least one weight disc is secured within the first bore. The sole may further comprise second, third, and fourth recesses, each of which may have a first bore, a second bore, and a shelf.
US08915790B2	Large-area controlled electrostatic levitation of lightweight show objects A system for electrostatically levitating an object with a body adapted for receiving a static charge. The system includes an array of at least three electrostatic generators, with each of the electrostatic generators including an exposed element that becomes statically charged during operation of the array. The system also includes a controller operating to generate control signals to the array to independently operate each of the electrostatic generators to provide the static charge at first, second, and third voltages. When positioned in a flight space above the array, the object is levitated above the array of the electrostatic generators by an electrostatic lifting force(s). Each of the electrostatic generators is a high voltage Van de Graaff generator. The first, second, and third voltages are in the range of 0 to 300,000 volts and are varied over time to direct the levitated object along a flight path by the controller.
US08915788B2	Universal joint for a downhole drilling motor A universal joint carried by an elongate body having an axis. The universal joint has an inner race that pivots omni-directionally within an outer race and a series of first and second opposed cavities formed in the inner race and the outer race. There are a plurality of torque transfer elements, each torque transfer element having a first portion that engages a first cavity and a second portion that engages a corresponding second cavity. The first cavity is a socket that permits rotation of the first portion within the first cavity as the inner race pivots omni-directionally within the outer race and the second cavity is a track oriented in the direction of the axis of the elongate body. The second portion moves along the track as the inner race pivots omni-directionally within the outer race of the second portion along the track. The second portion has at least one drive surface that engages an inner surface of the track at more than one point along the direction of the track.
US08915784B2	Program, information storage medium, and image generation system A program for playing a game based on an input from an operation section including a first controller and a second controller, the program causing a computer to function as: a movement operation input detection section which determines whether or not an output value from a movement sensor provided in at least one of the first controller and the second controller satisfies a detection condition for a movement operation input; a game calculation section which performs a game calculation process based on the movement operation input; an operation input display control section which performs a display control process of a movement operation input display object for displaying a detection result of the movement operation input; and an image generation section which generates a game image including the movement operation input display object.
US08915779B1	Apparatus for retrieval of vapor and fumes An apparatus for retrieval of vapors or gases produced during the hair styling process comprises: a vacuum nozzle housing, an attachment bracket, a styling iron, a vacuum and at least one filter.
US08915778B2	Hybrid solar attic vent A hybrid solar attic vent comprising a housing configured to be mounted on the roof or in the gable of a building in communication with the attic of the building. A photovoltaic solar panel is positioned to be exposed to sunlight and to power the attic fan when sufficient sunlight is present. An alternative source of energy, which may be the building's AC power, is connected to the fan through an electronic control module. The control module monitors the output of the solar panel and switches the fan's power source from solar power to the alternative source of energy when the solar panel produces insufficient electrical energy to power the fan. A thermostat allows operation of the fan by the alternative power source only when the temperature in the attic is above a predetermined threshold.
US08915773B2	Separation of the spinal column from a carcass middle part A method and a system for separating the spinal column from a carcass middle part, comprising the steps of providing a digital representation of an outer surface of the carcass middle on the basis of, e.g., an optical scan, determining a cutting path (1c) for a cutting device for the separation of the spinal column from the carcass middle on the basis of digital processing of the scan, and subsequently separating the spinal column from the carcass middle by causing a relative movement between the middle and the cutting device and simultaneously causing the cutting device to engage the carcass middle, wherein the relative movement between the middle and the cutting device during the spinal column separation to achieve a cut along the predetermined cutting path (1c).
US08915767B2	Sandpaper replacement device A sandpaper replacement device is used for replacing sandpaper of a polishing device, including a support platform, a driver, a driving detector sensor, a clamping member, a clamping detector and a controller. The driver includes a cylinder body and an extension rod movably positioned on the cylinder body. The cylinder body is positioned on the support platform, and the extension rod passing through and protruding out from the support platform. The driving detector sensor is positioned on the support platform adjacent to the extension rod. The clamping member includes a main body and two claws positioned oppositely to each other on the main body. The main body is mounted on the support platform away from the cylinder body. The clamping detector is positioned adjacent to the two claws. The controller is electrically connected to the driver, the driving detector sensor, the clamping detector and the clamping member.
US08915765B2	Garment with support back-wing The present invention includes a garment, such as a bra or a shaper, having regions of differential elasticity. For example, a bra includes: two cups located at a front side of the bra; and a backwing comprising a plurality of regions having differential elasticity. Optionally, the plurality of regions comprise at least five areas which comprise: a central area having reduced elasticity; a right-side area having increased elasticity; a left side area having increased elasticity; a first intermediary area, located between the central area and the right-side area, wherein the first intermediary area has intermediate elasticity; and a second intermediary area, located between the central area and the left-side area, wherein the second intermediary area has intermediate elasticity.
US08915755B2	Board-mounted connector An object is to provide a board-mounted connector which has an assembly fitting opening provided on the attachment surface side of an external shield shell onto a circuit board such that a housing assembly can be fit from the assembly fitting opening into the external shield shell, and is capable of improving the ease of assembling the housing assembly. In a board-mounted connector 1A, a housing assembly 21A to be fit from an assembly fitting opening 34 provided at an external shield shell 11A into the external shield shell 11A is made by integrally forming an internal housing 23 that accommodates a plurality of connection terminal members 22 and an external housing 26 that covers the outer circumference of the internal housing 23 and accommodates and holds the internal shield shell 25.
US08915754B2	Connector having a coupler-body continuity member A connector having a coupler-body continuity member is provided, wherein the coupler-body continuity member electrically couples a coupler and a body, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the coupler and the body. Furthermore, the coupler-body continuity member facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US08915753B2	Signal continuity connector A male coaxial cable connector includes spring with tines and a fastener wherein the spring is housed by the fastener and distal ends of the spring tines are arranged to provide a spring mouth.
US08915751B2	Male coaxial connectors having ground plane extensions Coaxial connectors are provided that include a contact post that has a pedestal and a post extending therefrom. These connectors further include a ground plane extension that is separate from the contact post. The ground plane extension includes a first end that is positioned on a first side of the pedestal and a sidewall that extends from the first end of the ground plane extension. This sidewall extends beyond a second side of the pedestal that is opposite the first side.
US08915750B2	Plug connector with mis-insert features and corresponding receptacle connector therewith A plug connector (100) comprises an insulative housing (1), a plurality of terminals (2) retained to the insulative housing (1), a pair of latches (3) fit to the insulative housing (1) and a housing cover (4) attached to the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) has a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from a middle of the base portion (11). The terminals (2) are arranged on the tongue portion (12) in parallel. The housing cover (4) has a cylindrical portion (41) with a pair of slits (411) extending therethrough for the latch (3) partly extending through. Each latch (3) has a locking piece (31) provided with a front straight edge (311) to abut against with a front edge of a receptacle connector (900) when the plug connector (100) is inserted upside down to the receptacle (900).
US08915741B2	Sleep quality data collection and evaluation A sleep quality assessment approach involves collecting data based on detected physiological or non-physiological patient conditions. At least one of detecting patient conditions and collecting data is performed using an implantable device. Sleep quality may be evaluated using the collected data by an implantable or patient-external sleep quality processor. One approach to sleep quality evaluation involves computing one or more summary metrics based on occurrences of movement disorders or breathing disorders during sleep.
US08915739B2	Coloring sheet A coloring sheet including a sheet of paper and a design formed on the sheet of paper. The design is at least partially formed by a pair of parallel, adjacent raised lines, wherein the adjacent raised lines are spaced apart by a distance of less than about 13 mm ½ inch).
US08915738B2	Driver quality assessment for driver education A driver performance evaluation and apparatus includes means for generating first data stream representing driver actions, a second data stream representing vehicle movements, a filtering function to eliminate short term actions in both data streams, the generation of a raw score which is independent of timing and the adjustment of the raw score based on a comparison of actual driver action timing to an ideal timing sequence to provide a final score which is an indication of driver performance/proficiency.
US08915727B2	Rotary compressor with spring holder pin According to one embodiment, a rotary compressor includes a compressing unit provided with a cylinder having a flared portion to provide a vane groove. In the compressing unit, a piston revolves along a cylinder inner wall, and an operation chamber is formed between the cylinder inner wall and the piston. A vane protrudes from the vane groove into the operation chamber and comes in contact with the annular piston to partition the operation chamber into an inlet chamber and a compression chamber. A spring inserted in a spring hole formed in the back of the vane groove presses the back of the vane. A spring holder pin is inserted in a pin hole located on the outer circumferential side of an end of the vane groove and crossing the spring hole to prevent the spring from coming off the spring hole when the compressing unit is installed in the housing.
US08915721B2	Mini fan A mini-fan has a drive motor having an external rotor (222) and an internal stator (244). The external rotor (222) is equipped with a rotor shaft (234) that has a necked down portion (258) in the region of its free end (235). The mini-fan (216) has a bearing tube (238) on whose outer side the internal stator (244) is mounted and in whose interior is arranged a bearing arrangement (236) in which the rotor shaft (234) is rotatably supported. A closure arrangement (262) serves to close off the bearing tube (238) in liquid-tight fashion at one end, and is equipped, in the region of the necked down portion (258) of the rotor shaft (234), with at least one resilient securing member (260) that engages into that necked down portion (258) and secures the rotor shaft (234) against being pulled out of the bearing arrangement (236).
US08915715B2	Wind power plant and method for operating the same The invention is directed to a high-power wind energy installation, wherein the rotor blades, to minimize the static and/or dynamic structural load and/or to damp vibrations, for example by generating counterforces to compensate for interference forces and moments, can be adjusted even when a constant wind velocity v∞ does not warrant it, and to a method for operating such a wind energy installation; it is provided according to the invention to configure at least one rotor blade bearing therein as a rolling bearing that is optimized for a high number of inner race revolutions in that the total dynamic axial load rating Ca,total, defined according to DIN ISO 281, of all those rows (μ) of a utilized rolling bearing according to DIN ISO 281 which participate in force transmission in an axial direction is at least 1.5 times the dynamic axial load rating Ca,ref according to DIN ISO 281 of a double-row ball slewing bearing of comparable dimensions in terms of the cross-sectional area of the bearing and the circumference centered on the centroid, and having mutually identical balls in two rows and a support angle α of 45°; and/or in that the rated life L10, defined according to DIN ISO 281; of a utilized rolling bearing is at least 3.375 times the life L10.ref, calculated according to DIN ISO 281, of a double-row ball slewing bearing of comparable dimensions in terms of the cross-sectional area of the bearing and the circumference centered on the centroid, and having mutually identical balls in both rows and a support angle α of 45°.
US08915714B2	Wind turbine and wind turbine blade A partial pitch wind turbine is described wherein the wind turbine blade has an inner blade section designed for stall-controlled operation and an outer blade section designed for pitch-controlled operation. The different blade profiles for the different sections allow for the efficient operation of the blade while providing for the control of the wind turbine to effectively reduce blade root moments. The outer blade sections can be pitched out of the wind to reduce root moments due to the outer blade sections, while the increasing power capture of the inner blade section maintains nominal power output.
US08915711B2	Erosion indicator for a compressor wheel A centrifugal compressor wheel including a hub, a web extending radially from the hub, and a plurality of blades carried by the wheel. The web includes an erosion indicator of the wheel.
US08915709B2	Optical angle of attack detector based on light detection and ranging (LIDAR) for control of an aerodynamic surface Methods and apparatus for optically detecting an angle of attack for an airfoil using light detection and ranging (LIDAR). To determine the angle of attack, one or more light beam pulses may be emitted from the leading edge of the airfoil into an (apparently) flowing fluid at various emission angles. The emitted pulses may be backscattered by particles in the fluid, and the backscattered light may be received by a detector at the airfoil. By range gating the returning pulses of backscattered light, a fluid velocity may be determined for each of the emission angles. The angle of attack is identified as the emission angle corresponding to the maximum velocity. A parameter (e.g., pitch or speed) of the airfoil may be controlled based on the angle of attack. In this manner, the airfoil may be manipulated or the shape of the airfoil may be adjusted for increased performance or efficiency.
US08915700B2	Gas turbine engine with fan-tied inducer section and multiple low pressure turbine sections A gas turbine engine includes a first shaft defining an axis of rotation and a second shaft rotatable about the axis of rotation and spaced radially outwardly relative to the first shaft. A speed change mechanism is driven by the second shaft. A fan includes a fan rotor driven by the speed change mechanism such that the fan and the first shaft rotate at a slower speed than the second shaft. At least one inducer stage is positioned aft of the fan and is coupled for rotation with the fan rotor.
US08915697B2	Mobile wind turbine An articulated erection structure is disclosed for use in mobilizing a wind energy extraction device. The wind turbine has blades capable of being disposed in side-by-side, parallel alignment for transportation. The erection structure has a mast that can be configured in a horizontal orientation for transportation with the turbine generator lowered, and reconfigured for power-generating operations in a vertical orientation with the turbine raised. The turbine generator may be mounted with an erection structure to a variety of transportation platforms, such as on a self-propelled vehicle, towed trailer, or transportation pallet. A hybrid system may integrate photovoltaic cells in addition to a wind energy extraction device.
US08915692B2	Adaptable container handling system An adaptable handling system featuring a boundary subsystem and one or more robots. Each robot typically includes a chassis, a container lift mechanism moveable with respect to the robot chassis for transporting at least one container, a drive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis, a boundary sensing subsystem, a container detection subsystem, and a controller. The controller is responsive to the boundary sensing subsystem and the container detection subsystem and is configured to control the drive subsystem to follow a boundary once intercepted until a container is detected and turn until another container is detected. The controller then controls the container lift mechanism to place a transported container proximate the second detected container.
US08915691B2	Apparatus for transporting frac sand in intermodal container Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.
US08915690B2	Transport system and transport method A transport system includes a first track that passes above loading ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the first track and includes a hoist. A second track is below the first track, passes above the loading ports, and is disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first track. A buffer is provided below the second track at a position higher than the loading ports, and is arranged such that the articles can pass in a vertical direction over the loading ports. The buffer is disposed such that the articles can pass through the height position of the buffer in a vertical direction over the loading ports. A local vehicle travels along the second track and includes a hoist to perform delivery and receipt of the articles between the buffer and the loading ports.
US08915688B2	Weight screw A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.
US08915686B2	Unitary, strike, drop-in anchor for concrete and the like There is provided a unitary, strike drop-in anchor where the individual parts are permanently held together to avoid misplacing any such individual part. The anchor comprises an anchor body with a central bore, the first end of the bore being threaded and having a constant internal cross-section for the length of the threaded portion. The exterior of the anchor body, and the central bore, having a decreasing bore towards the second end of the anchor body beyond the threaded portion, a threaded bolt with an internal central bore and a preferably polygonal drive head, and external threads extending from the drive head to the second end, has a strike tool extending through the central bore from the second end and extending beyond the drive head. The strike tool has a strike head that has a diameter larger than the central bore of the threaded bolt and is adjacent the second end of the threaded bolt; a wedge slug is wedged within the central bore of the anchor body, adjacent the decreasing bore portion and is held in place within the anchor body by the threaded bolt and the strike head. When the anchor is assembled, and the anchor is placed within a hole drilled into concrete, striking the outer end of the strike tool with a hammer, causes the wedge slug to flare the narrower inner end of the anchor body, locking the anchor into the concrete.
US08915683B2	Latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item The present invention relates to a latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item on a cargo deck, wherein the latch device comprises: a sliding guide carriage extending longitudinally; a bearing in which the sliding guide carriage is movably supported in such a way that the sliding guide carriage is pivotable out of a restraining position into an inoperative position; at least one releasing device which is attached to the latch device by way of at least one articulation in such a way that the releasing device can be brought out of a blocking position into a releasing position, wherein in the blocking position the releasing device acts on the sliding guide carriage in such a manner that said carriage is locked in the restraining position, wherein the releasing device has at least one releasing device ramp section which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a cargo item approaching longitudinally pivots the releasing device out of the blocking position into the releasing position.
US08915681B2	Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of manufacturing machined product using the same A cutting insert with a first flat and major cutting edges in order in an intersection region of a first side surface and an upper surface, and a second flat and major cutting edges in order in an intersection region of a second side surface and upper surface. The first and second side surfaces include respective first and second chamfered side surfaces, respective first and second corner side surfaces, and respective first and second major side surfaces in order. The intersection region of the second side surface and upper surface includes a first intersection region of the second chamfered side surface and upper surface, and a second intersection region of the second corner side surface and upper surface. The second flat cutting edge is located from the first intersection region to the second intersection region, and has a lowermost portion in the first intersection region in a side view.
US08915677B2	Jack-up rig with leg-supported ballast loads A jack-up rig for offshore operations comprises a hull. In addition, the rig comprises a support leg moveably coupled to the hull. The support leg has a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end opposite the upper end. Further, the support leg is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the hull. The rig also comprises a ballast tank movably coupled to the support leg. The ballast tank is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the support leg and the hull.
US08915675B1	Access and connection for a buried pipeline Access and connection for a buried pipeline, wherein a hole is dug to a buried pipeline, a riser pipe is disposed within the hole, and one or more powered tools are lowered into the hole and activated such that work is performed on the pipeline without the need for anyone to be lowered into the hole. Because no one needs to be physically present down in the hole at the pipeline, the hole, and thus the surface disturbance can be much smaller than conventional pipeline work methods.
US08915673B1	Floating oil containment boom A floating oil containment boom is comprised of boom sections connected end to end. Each boom section is of a tubular member or pipe section. The pipe or tubular member is buoyant, either closed at its ends and/or filled with foam or other buoyant material. Plates extend above and below the tubular member or pipe section for each section of boom. A specially configured connecter joins each boom section to the other, the connecter extending above and below the pipe or tubular member. An elastomeric block forms an interface between connectors on each boom section while simultaneously sealing the area between boom sections to flow of oil.
US08915670B2	Bollard An impact absorption apparatus includes a force transfer member including a base and a sidewall extending from the base, the base including an opening, a shock absorber disposed within the force transfer member and resting on the base, the shock absorber including a through hole, a plate disposed within the force transfer member and resting on the shock absorber, the plate including a through hole, and a fastener that extends through the base opening, the shock absorber through hole, and the plate through hole, the fastener including an end protruding from the base opening, the fastener end configured to secure the force transfer member to a support surface. The force transfer member is configured so that when an impact force is applied to the force transfer member, the force is transferred from force transfer member to the shock absorber.
US08915668B2	Connection assembly for interconnecting to a frame A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.
US08915667B2	Apparatus for positioning a component of an exercise device An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam against which the cam biases the member.
US08915662B2	Marking blade The present disclosure is directed towards the design of a marking device for writing or drawing on a given surface. The marking device can be made of any material that leaves a residue or makes legible marks on a surface brought into contact with the device. The marking device of the present disclosure can be used to make precise lines or shapes on any material, including rough surfaces, such as, wood, concrete, drywall, tiles, etc. The marking device can consistently produce thin lines without needing any sharpening. The marking device can be attached to a support frame, which can serves as a handle for grasping and using the marking device. The support frame can further provide a housing to shield the marking device from damage when not in use. In one exemplary embodiment, the marking device is shaped as a razorblade and is configured to fit into any standard utility knife. In such an embodiment, the utility knife serves as the support frame for the marking device. Such an arrangement allows a utility knife to be reversibly converted into a carpenter pencil.
US08915660B1	Self-photographing mount device A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.
US08915659B2	Splice enclosure arrangement for fiber optic cables An optical fiber cable includes a first cable segment; a second cable segment; and a splice enclosure. The first cable segment can have a different configuration than the second cable segment. The splice enclosure is coupled to the strength member and strength component of the first cable segment and the second cable segment. One example splice enclosure includes a first enclosure body having a first threaded connection region and a second enclosure body having a second threaded connection region. Another example splice enclosure includes a tubular enclosure with two end caps. Cable retention members are positioned within the splice enclosure at fixed axial positions.
US08915656B2	Taper-locking ferrule A taper-locking ferrule for use with optical fibers is provided. The taper-locking ferrule has an interior channel. The interior channel is tapered from one end to the other end and has a threaded interior portion. In an embodiment, the threaded interior portion covers approximately half of the interior wall of the channel. A slit may extend along the threaded portion, from the exterior surface of the device to the interior channel, dividing the threaded portion of the interior channel into sections and allowing the interior channel to slightly expand. The threaded portion of the interior channel grasps and secures an optical fiber.
US08915653B2	Optical connector housing assembly with dual insertion and extraction options A housing for an optical connector including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall forming a passageway and a rear opening; a rear portion for receiving a first optical connector; a rectangular opening located on the top wall of the rear portion, wherein the rectangular opening extending from the rear opening along length of the rear portion of the top wall; a rectangular channel located on the bottom wall extending from the rear opening, wherein width of the channel is substantially equal to width of a stop located on distal end of the bottom wall of the connector; and a first notch located on the first side wall and a second notch located on the second side wall, wherein the first and second notches are capable of engaging with projections located on the connector when the connector is inserted into the housing.
US08915651B2	Wheel rolling bearing device An inner ring member having multiple flange portions is formed by cold forging. A tapered surface is formed in a state of a forged surface on the inner ring member so as to gradually increase in diameter from an inner side toward an outer side in a vehicle lateral direction over a region from a position near root portions of inner side faces of the flange portions in the vehicle lateral direction to a position radially outward of an outer periphery of an outer end portion of an outer ring member in the vehicle lateral direction. A seal member is attached to the outer periphery of the outer end portion of the outer ring member. A seal lip that is in sliding contact with the tapered surface in the state of a forged surface is formed at a distal end portion of the seal member.
US08915650B2	Mechanism for adjusting the rotation direction and speed of an inner ring and an outer ring of a rotary bearing A mechanism for adjusting the rotation direction and the speed of an inner ring and an outer ring of a rotary bearing is provided. The mechanism includes a base, a main bearing module being through the base, multiple supporting rotary bearings mounted on the base and surrounded the main bearing module, and a transmission mechanism. In the application for contact type bearing, it also includes multiple rolling elements. In the application for non-contact type bearing, it also includes a fluid. The present invention provides with the transmission mechanism to connect with the main bearing module to make the inner ring and the outer ring rotate properly.
US08915646B2	High accuracy temperature sensor Temperature accuracy is improved, conversion gain is increased without increasing current density and parasitic resistance errors and other problems with conventional bandgap reference temperature sensors are eliminated by generating a signal proportional to temperature from three samples, where the signal is defined as a difference between a first difference and a second difference, the first difference comprising a difference between a second sample and a first sample, the second difference comprising a difference between a third sample and the first sample, and where the signal is defined to cancel parasitic components in the first, second and third samples.
US08915644B2	Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.
US08915636B2	Flat panel lighting device and retrofit kit The present application is directed to a light fixture and associated retrofit lighting kit that includes a substantially flat light emitting diode panel. The light fixture can be employed in a variety of applications, including installation as a standalone fixture, a replacement for a fluorescent lighting unit and as a retrofit lighting kit to be used in connection with an existing fluorescent lighting unit.
US08915635B2	Backlight having dual collimating reflectors A backlight to emit light from a surface thereof includes a light guide to guide light, first and second collimating reflectors and a light source to produce light. The first collimating reflector is at a first edge of the light guide to collimate the light from the light source in a vertical direction and to direct the collimated light into the light guide. The second collimating reflector is at a second edge of the light guide to further collimate the collimated light in a horizontal direction and to redirect the further collimated light back into the light guide.
US08915634B2	Plane light source and flexible plane light source A plane light source including a circuit substrate, a plurality of sets of side-view light-emitting devices (LEDs), and a diffusive light-guiding layer is provided. The side-view LEDs are arranged in array over the circuit substrate and are electrically connected with the circuit substrate. The diffusive light-guiding layer covers the side-view LEDs, wherein the diffusive light-guiding layer includes a plurality of diffusive light-guiding units arranged in array and connected to each other. Each of the diffusive light-guiding units is respectively corresponded to illumination coverage of one set of side-view LEDs. Each set of side-view LEDs at least includes two side-view LEDs for emitting light respectively along two different directions and towards into one single diffusive light-guiding units.
US08915628B2	Decorative candle with inner pattern A decorative candle with inner pattern includes: a candle main body with inner pattern, and a light-emitting device. The candle main body is made of light-transmittable plastic material, has at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is smooth, and the inner surface has a plurality of predefined patterns. The candle main body and the patterns are monolithically formed by blowing. The light-emitting device is disposed inside the candle main body, has at least a light source and an electrical box for providing power to the light source. As such, in the decorative candle with pattern of the present invention, the patterns on the inner surface and the candle main body are monolithically manufactured by blowing, and thus the problems associated with the conventional two-process manufacturing are eliminated.
US08915626B2	Laser beam transmitter lighthouse A laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light and rotates the beam about an axis which is generally normal to the beam. The transmitter includes a laser beam source, and a lighthouse. The lighthouse encloses, at least in part, the laser beam source while permitting the beam of laser light to be projected there through. The lighthouse includes a plurality of transparent panels, and a panel support of elastomeric material. The panel support engages the plurality of transparent panels and supports them in a peripheral configuration such that they surround the laser beam source.
US08915625B2	Lighting device A lighting device that comprises a light source unit, with light sources positioned upon a circuit substrate; an LCD panel illuminated by the light emitted from the light sources; a casing, and a diffusion member installed upon the casing. The circuit substrate is mounted so as to block the lower end aperture of the hollow portion. The diffusion member is mounted so as to block an upper end aperture of the hollow portion, which constitutes the opposite end of the hollow portion from the lower end aperture thereof. Radiation units are formed upon the casing to radiate heat caused by the light sources outside the casing.
US08915623B1	Cover for a light bulb A more versatile cover for a light bulb, such as a compact fluorescent lamp or light emitting diode, that is aesthetically pleasing, flexible, and requires no modifications to the bulb while also capable of fitting a multitude of bulb configurations and sizes. The cover may include a hollow and at least partially elastic body in a pre-formed shape having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the body is removable and frictionally secured to said bulb to form an envelope around the bulb. The body may also include a collar and a bulbous section, which extends from the collar. The collar is configured to engage the base of the light bulb and create a substantially airtight seal between the base and the body. The body is fabricated from a light pervious material, and any light transmitted by the cover is preferably substantially diffuse.
US08915616B2	Lighting apparatus having a drain structure A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus has a drain structure of guiding water introduced through an assembly clearance to discharge the water to the outside and improves waterproof performance.
US08915615B2	Shutter lock The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus or a shutter assembly for a lighting apparatus comprising: a light path for passage of light emanating from a lamp, at least one shutter plate 130-133 moveable into a position external to or at least partially across the light path, and a rotatable shutter lock 180 being rotatable to directly or indirectly generate a friction force on the shutter plate 130-133, wherein the friction force generated on the shutter plate 130-133 is dependent on the rotational position of the shutter lock 180 and in at least one rotational position there is sufficient frictional force to retain the shutter plate 130-133 in the position external to or across the light path.
US08915614B2	Light source module using lasers as light source A light source module includes a first triangular prism, a second triangular prism, a second laser source, and a third laser source. A first laser beam emitted from the first laser source and a second laser beam emitted from the second laser source are mixed to a first mixed laser beam by the first triangular prism. The third laser beam emitted from the third laser source and the first mixed laser beam emitted from the first triangular prism are mixed with a second mixed laser beam by the second triangular prism.
US08915611B2	Light well providing wide angle up lighting in an LED luminaire A luminaire providing wide angle up lighting using light wells is provided. The luminaire can include a frame having a center plate and side walls. LED modules can be disposed adjacent to opposite side walls such that the LED modules are oriented towards each other. The luminaire can include light wells positioned over each of the LED modules such that light emitted by the LED modules may be reflected within the light wells until it is transmitted by a lens region of the light well at a wide angle relative to the nadir of the luminaire. The light wells can include reflective layers disposed on all surfaces surrounding the LED modules, and a transmittance lens region through which light, emitted by the LED modules as point sources, can exit the fixture as a surface of light. Light emitted by LED modules and light wells disposed on opposite sides of the luminaire can provide a bat wing distribution of up light.
US08915608B2	Desktop item with LED means has USB-unit(s) or USB-module to charge other electric or digital data device(s) Desk top items with LEDs also include USB-unit(s) or USB-module(s) and, optionally, additional outlet-units, to supply power to other electric or digital devices such as a smart phone or digital data device.
US08915603B2	Cooling system utilizing potential energy A cooling system utilizing a potential energy that provides cooling with low power consumption is disclosed. The cooling system may comprise a heat dissipating member, a support structure, a movable assembly, and a coil. In one embodiment, the movable assembly may be configured to oscillate above the heat dissipating member by utilizing induction from the coil and the potential energy to generate air flow that provide cooling on the heat dissipating member. In other embodiments, the movable assembly may be configured to oscillate substantially within the recess of the heat dissipating member.
US08915601B2	Exterior mirror assembly with actuator An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting portion mounted to a side of a vehicle, a mirror head portion, a reflective element fixedly attached at the mirror head portion, and an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion and about a generally horizontal pivot axis and a generally vertical pivot axis to adjust the mirror head portion and the reflective element relative to the side of the vehicle to which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator may include a tilting drive system for tilting the mirror head portion about the generally horizontal pivot axis and the actuator may include a rotating drive system for rotating the mirror head portion about the generally vertical pivot axis.
US08915600B2	Optical body, wall member, fitting, solar shading device, and building An optical body includes a substrate having a concave-convex surface, a reflecting layer formed on the concave-convex surface, and an optical layer formed on the reflecting layer to embed the concave-convex surface, wherein the reflecting layer directionally reflects light, the concave-convex surface is made up of a plurality of triangular pillars arrayed in a one-dimensional pattern, and the triangular pillar has an apex angle α and a slope angle β, the apex angle α and the slope angle β satisfying a formula (1) or (2) given below: 30≦β≦4.5α−285(70≦α≦80) (1) 30≦β≦−1.5α+195(80≦α≦100) (2).
US08915599B2	Retro-reflective marker The present application relates to a reflector body (10), particularly a spherical retro-reflective marker, comprising a plurality of reflector body segments (11), and the individual reflector body segments (11) comprised by such a reflector body (10), and methods for producing the reflector body segments (11) and the reflector body (10). The reflector bodies (10) comprise a coating having a reflection film (12), by which the reflector body segments (11) of the reflector body (10) are uniformly spanned, performed by suitably selecting the geometric shape of the reflector body segment (11) to be spanned, by injecting molding behind the reflection film (12) in an injection molding process and/or by producing the reflector body segments (11) in a forming process.
US08915597B2	Light source apparatus and image display apparatus A light source apparatus includes: an excitation light source; a phosphor having, as a main fluorescence wavelength region, wavelengths of green excited by excitation light emitted from the excitation light source; a red laser light source that oscillates in a red wavelength region; an optical multiplexer that multiplexes fluorescence emitted from the phosphor and red laser light emitted from the red laser light source; and color demultiplexing optics that demultiplexes the multiplexed light into two light beams. A cutoff wavelength of the color demultiplexing optics is a wavelength in the wavelength region of fluorescence, and is shorter than the red wavelength region.
US08915595B2	Method of manufacturing foil for producing a pepper's ghost illusion A method of producing a Pepper's Ghost Illusion comprising using a reflective and semi-transparent foil formed from a polymeric composite, the polymeric composite including a flame retardant.
US08915591B2	Colored contact lens A contact lens, comprising a preprint of a first shade and a main print of a second shade, wherein the preprint consisting of a first band of gradient dot matrix, wherein the main print consisting of a second band of evenly spaced circular voids, wherein the second band surrounds the starburst pattern, wherein the first band and the second band have a substantially identical outer diameter and the first band has a smaller inside diameter than the second band, wherein the first shade and the second shade are different, wherein the gradient dot matrix is characterized by dot coverage increases in a radial direction from the center too the peripheral edge or a position near the peripheral edge of the substantially-circular pattern.
US08915588B2	Eyewear including a heads up display Eyewear is provided including a frame, a visor attached to frame and a heads up display. The heads up display may be housed in the visor. The visor may be configured to be positioned in multiple positions relative to the pupil of a wearer's eye, and/or adjustably positioned so that the heads up display may be transitioned between positions within the line of sight of the wearer and out of the line of sight of the wearer. The heads up display may be configured to be controlled by a remote controller, e.g. a wrist watch. The heads up display may be monocular or binocular. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.
US08915587B2	Eyeglass frame An eyeglass frame includes a front portion, a hinge provided on each of both ends of the front portion, and a temple connected to the front portion via the hinge. The hinge has a hinge piece, the temple has a metal connection part integrally formed with the hinge piece, and the connection part has a partially reduced section to form an elastic portion.
US08915585B1	Printing apparatus and printing method A printing apparatus, including: an ink jet head for ejecting ink droplets of an ultraviolet curing type ink toward a medium; a temporary curing ultraviolet light source; an irradiation setting storage section which stores ultraviolet irradiation settings of ultraviolet rays from the temporary curing ultraviolet light source to the medium; and a curing completion ultraviolet light source being for completing curing of the dots of the ink, is provided. The ink jet head performs a printing by a multi-pass method. The ultraviolet irradiation settings are set so that, regarding temperature of the region where the ink jet head ejects ink droplets in each main scanning operation in the multi-pass method, an increasing range of temperature compared with temperature at a timing of the last main scanning operation is suppressed within a temperature rising range which dot gains of the dots of the ink are substantially the same as each other.
US08915579B2	Inkjet printing device and method for replacing a print head An inkjet printing device includes a print head for ejecting ink, a carriage provided with the print head detachably mounted thereon for moving the print head, an ink tank placed outside the carriage for storing ink, an ink supply path for supplying ink from the ink tank to the print head, and a discharge unit for discharging ink in the print head. Before the print head is detached from the carriage, the discharge unit discharges the ink in the print head.
US08915577B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes a first head that forms a first dot group and a second head that forms a second dot group. The first head has a first nozzle row for a first chromatic ink and a second nozzle row for a second chromatic ink. The second head has a third nozzle row for the first chromatic ink and a fourth nozzle row for the second chromatic ink. With respect to at least the first chromatic ink or the second chromatic ink, in a case in which the number of dots that configure dot rows that are lined up in the main scanning direction, is 3500 or more, a rational number, which is expressed using a number of dots included in the first dot group and a number of dots included in the second dot group in the dot rows, is a value other than zero.
US08915572B2	Printhead adapter for pigmented ink An inkjet printhead adapter, including a chassis operative to accommodate one or more printheads and include one or more ink recycling valves and one or more ink supply valves communicating with an ink reservoir via an ink feeding tube and with one or more printhead accommodated in the adapter and wherein the ink supply valve is operative to direct a flow of ink from the feeding tube to one or more of the printhead and the ink recycling valve.
US08915570B2	Inkjet device and sealing method for the inkjet device According to one embodiment, an inkjet device includes: an inkjet head; an armor section configured to surround the periphery of the inkjet head; a first gap formed over the entire periphery in the peripheral direction in a plurality of the armor sections; and a seal body for forming a surface tension seal by fluid in a second gap arranged in the first gap to form a gap narrower than the first gap.
US08915565B2	Method for printing marking material on a receiving medium by a printing system A method obtains color consistency over at least one printing system in order to print a digital image containing pixels and color information of the primary colors per pixel. Each printing system includes at least one engine including a plurality of containers, each of the containers containing a marking material having a primary color. The method includes the steps of, for each primary color, determining a target color which is printable by each engine on the receiving medium, determining for each container how much marking material must be ejected to establish the target color, and for each pixel of the digital image to be printed by an engine, replacing each primary color of the pixel by a corresponding target color, and printing the pixel by ejecting marking material from the containers of the engine according to the determined marking material per target color per container of the engine.
US08915560B2	Twist-preventing apparatus for mounting a rack in a dishwasher A disclosed example dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a rack for holding utensils for treatment within the treating chamber, a first wheel coupled with the tub, a second wheel coupled with the rack at an angle other than perpendicular, and a track. The track can have first and second channels in a back-to-back relationship for respectively receiving the first and second wheels to slidably mount the rack to the tub.
US08915558B2	Laptop computer support Articles for supporting computers on users' laps and for isolating the users from heat from the computers. Embodiments may include a body, a top surface for contacting the computer, a bottom surface for contacting the user's lap, and back and front walls or surfaces. In various embodiments, the body defines a hollow area and a side opening, the back is taller than the front, the top surface is at an acute angle to the bottom surface, the bottom surface has a greater horizontal dimension from front to back than the top surface, the bottom surface has a greater horizontal dimension from left to right than the top surface; the article has a cross section that is a trapezoid (e.g., isosceles), the article comprises a foam portion (e.g., tubular) and fabric covering the foam portion, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, each surface comprises the foam covered with fabric.
US08915554B2	Vehicle brake fluid pressure control apparatus A vehicle brake fluid pressure control apparatus controls operations of a fluid pressure adjusting unit capable of performing adjustment of individually increasing and decreasing brake fluid pressures acting respectively on wheel brakes for front wheels and wheel brakes for rear wheels to be within allowable differential pressures allowable between the brake fluid pressures of the wheel brakes for the left and right coaxial front wheels and the left and right coaxial rear wheels. In the apparatus, estimated vehicle body deceleration calculator calculates an estimated vehicle body deceleration of a vehicle and allowable differential pressure setting device sets the allowable differential pressures matching a road surface friction coefficient based on the estimated vehicle body deceleration calculated by the estimated vehicle body deceleration calculator. This enables accurate judgment of a road surface having a high friction coefficient and setting of sufficiently large allowable differential pressures.
US08915549B2	Lifting apparatus A lifting apparatus for lifting a user from a sitting position to a semi-upright position. The lifting apparatus is positioned under the seat portion and along the back portion of the chair. The lifting surface extends from a first roller over a second roller and along the front surface of the chair to the base of the lifting apparatus adjacent the front of the chair. A seating area can be provided in the lifting surface to keep the user in position on the lifting surface. To use the lifting apparatus, the first roller is rotated to wrap the lifting surface onto the first roller which moves the lifting surface away from the front surface of the chair and lifts the user away from the chair.
US08915548B2	Fitting for a vehicle seat A fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part, on which a ring gear is formed, a second fitting part, on which a gear is formed. The gear meshes with the ring gear, whereby the two fitting parts are in transmission connection with each other. It also includes a rotatably supported eccentric for driving a relative rolling motion of the gear and the ring gear, wherein the eccentric rotates in the circumferential direction and is driven by a carrier. An installation space is provided between the first fitting part and the second fitting part, wherein a separating ring is arranged in the installation space. The separating ring divides the installation space into an outer installation space, and an inner installation space.
US08915546B2	Locking device, in particular for a crash-active head restraint of a vehicle A locking device is disclosed, such as for head restraint of a vehicle seat. The head restraint has a first subsection that may be displaced from a first position in a direction of displacement into a comfort position. Relative movement of a second subsection relative to the first subsection and/or relative to a third subsection is provided about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the direction of displacement. A blocking device and a sliding device are arranged between the first and second subsections and/or between the second and third subsections.
US08915544B2	Furniture member with mechanism for powered occupant lift A furniture member providing powered occupant lift includes a mechanism having a mechanism support base, a support base side movably connected to the mechanism support base, and a mechanism inner portion connected to the support base side. The mechanism inner portion includes a seat back portion; a leg rest portion; and a first drive assembly connected to the mechanism inner portion sequentially operating to extend the leg rest portion from a stowed to a fully extended position followed by seat back portion rotation from an upright to a fully reclined position. A second drive assembly connected between the mechanism support base and the support base side displaces the support base side and the mechanism inner portion with respect to the mechanism support base. A frame structure connected to the support base side is moved to at least a forward fully raised position by operation of the lift/drive mechanism.
US08915543B2	Sunroof apparatus Provided is a sunroof apparatus including a movable roof panel installed in an opening in a fixed outer roof panel of a vehicle, a drive slider to move in a front-rear direction along a fixed guide frame, and a panel support stay interposing between the roof panel and the drive slider to support the roof panel. The roof panel is tilted up and moves backward by a backward moving of the panel support stay while the panel support stay is in an inclined position, as the drive slider slides backward. A part of a plurality of engagement portions between the panel support stay and the drive slider is located rearward more than a rear edge of the opening when the opening is fully opened.
US08915542B2	Sunroof apparatus A sunroof apparatus includes a movable roof panel including a front edge connected to an upper edge of a front window without a roof outer plate interposed between the roof panel and the front window for closing an opening portion of a roof; a seal member disposed at a circumference of an edge portion of the opening portion; a front panel holder fixed to a lower surface of at least the front edge of the roof panel for reinforcing the roof panel, wherein during closing of the opening portion of the roof, the front panel holder pressingly contacts the seal member disposed at the front edge of the roof panel, and a lower surface of the roof panel pressingly contacts directly the seal member disposed at a rear edge of the roof panel.
US08915540B2	Vehicle upper structure Provided is a vehicle upper structure which is capable of increasing, in a simple manner, a section modulus (resistive force) against a bending moment to be imposed on a roof reinforcement by a swinging phenomenon of a gusset occurring when a side impact load input into a center pillar and a roof side rail member is applied to the roof reinforcement from the gusset during a vehicle side impact event, to allow the load to be effectively dispersed to the roof reinforcement. The vehicle upper structure comprises a roof side rail member 4, a roof reinforcement 15 and a gusset 30, wherein an end of the gusset 30 on a side fastened to the roof reinforcement 15 has a shape which inclines with respect to a line L1 oriented in a vehicle front-rear direction, in top plan view.
US08915532B2	Vehicle trunk door structure Deformation of a trunk door is suppressed with a simple structure. A lateral bead is formed along a ridgeline region that is formed by an inner upper wall portion and an inner rear wall portion of an inner panel of the trunk door. The lateral bead is not connected to a ring bead formed at an outer periphery of the inner panel. Thus, stiffness of the ridgeline region may be suppressed compared with a case in which the lateral bead is connected to the ring bead. Thus, substantial V-form folding of an outer upper wall portion and an outer rear wall portion may be suppressed.
US08915531B2	Vehicle console assembly A vehicle console assembly includes a vehicle console and a support member. The vehicle console includes first and second cup holders. Each of the cup holders has an upper opening defined by a surface of the vehicle console and a bottom portion extending downwardly in the vehicle. The bottom portions of the cup holders are spaced from each other. The support member directly couples the bottom portion of the first cup holder to the bottom portion of the second cup holder. Also, the support member is spaced apart from the surface of the vehicle console that defines the upper openings.
US08915530B2	Vehicle support frames with interlocking features for joining members of dissimilar materials The present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing vehicle frame assemblies. Some of the disclosed methods include forming a key and receptor arrangement between an interconnecting member, having a first material composition, and a cross-member, having a second material composition; attaching the interconnecting member and cross-member via the key and receptor arrangement at one location; inserting the interconnecting member and cross-member in a side rail; and welding the interconnecting member to the side rail at another location.
US08915528B2	Gripping device The invention relates to a gripping device, comprising a proximal member (10), a medial member (20), and a distal member (30), which are each pivotably supported on each other, and comprising an actuator (80), which is coupled to a slidably supported coupling element (50), wherein the coupling element (50) is arranged between the proximal member (10) and the distal member (30) and is connected in a force-transmitting manner both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30). According to the invention, at least one lever (40) is arranged on the coupling element (50), which lever is connected both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30) and kinematically couples the proximal member (10) with the distal member (30).
US08915527B2	Workpiece taking-out method using robot including holding nails Before chuck 20 is opened, coil spring 22 is compressed, and coil spring 22 applies downward force to holding nails 24. Accordingly, when the chuck 20 is opened, resultant force that opens the chuck 20 and the restoring force of the coil spring 22 causes the holding nails 24 to automatically move in oblique downward directions. As a result, the holding nails 24 move to positions that are laterally close to the holding target workpiece 26a. At this time, when other workpieces 26b and 26c neighbor the holding target workpiece 26a, the holding nails 24 can move the neighboring workpieces 26b and 26c from the workpiece 26a so as to flick away the neighboring workpieces 26b and 26c.
US08915516B2	Convertible tandem stroller frame A convertible tandem stroller frame is capable of locking in a tandem stroller mode for installing a second seat thereby concurrently transporting two occupants, and capable of converting said mode into a single seat mode for transporting single occupant by simply manipulating a release actuator at a front portion of the convertible tandem stroller frame. The convertible tandem stroller frame may include a front rack, a rear rack, at least a longitudinal telescopic mechanism and at least a locking mechanism. The front rack and the rear rack are lockably and adjustably connected by the longitudinal telescopic mechanism, so as to be extended into the tandem stroller mode and be retracted into the single seat mode. The locking mechanism is associated with the release actuator for locking and un-locking the longitudinal telescopic mechanism by manipulating in front of the convertible tandem stroller frame.
US08915513B2	Reverser mechanism applied to the rear axle of a wheelchair A reverser mechanism particularly developed to provide better posture to the wheelchair user and a more efficient propulsion during a forward movement (wheelchair touch) by means of the application of a traction force to the handrims, which is contrary to the rotating movement of the rear wheels (movement contrary to the propulsion), allowing the wheelchair user to adopt a more comfortable and straight position during the effort made to move the wheelchair forward.
US08915511B2	Easily assemblable two wheeled vehicle for heavy cargo transport One embodiment includes a bicycle frame that includes a plurality of square cross-section tubing members, wherein all tubing members are straight, and are consistent in cross-sectional dimensions along their length and wherein each tubing member is cut to length with a straight cut defining a tubing opening formed by an edge that extends along a single plane.
US08915506B2	Inline skateboard with differentiated wheels “INLINE SKATEBOARD WITH DIFFERENTIATED WHEELS’ that has wheels with different predetermined sizes being affixed by means of two trucks to the shape. Besides the wheels, the two trucks have a shock absorber device, a metallic base structure and a torsion system for the execution of curves with the automatic alignment of the wheel sets with the shape after turning movement completion. Thus, the movement is limited by three features combined: the size of the internal wheels, the sliding of the internal screw through the aperture of the wheels axles' fixation support and the sliding of the intermediary parts of the recesses of the torsion device mortise aperture with the wheels axles' fixation support relative to the sleeve apertures.
US08915496B2	Feeding apparatus A feeding apparatus includes a pickup roller arranged to pick and feed a medium downstream along a conveying path, a separating roller arranged downstream to the pickup roller for advancing the medium downstream, a brake roller arranged opposite to the separating roller, and a pressing structure arranged opposite to the pickup roller and operable to swing toward or away from the pickup roller according to the rotating direction of the brake roller. When the brake roller rotates for feeding mediums downstream, the pressing structure moves toward the pickup roller and applies a normal force required for picking the medium. But when the brake roller stops rotating downstream because multiple mediums are fed between the brake roller and the separating roller, the pressing structure moves away from the pickup roller and stops applying normal force, so as to control the medium-picking process.
US08915494B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus, including: a drive source rotatable forwardly and reversely; a first roller rotatable in a first direction by the forward rotation of the drive source to convey a conveyed medium and rotatable in a second direction reverse to the first direction by the reverse rotation of the drive source; a recording device; a second roller; a first power transmitter which transmits a first-direction driving power to the second roller and not to transmit a second-direction driving power to the second roller, wherein the first-direction driving power is a rotational driving power of the first roller rotating in the first direction, and the second-direction driving power is a rotational driving power of the first roller rotating in the second direction; and a second power transmitter which transmits the second-direction driving power to the second roller and not to transmit the first-direction driving power to the second roller.
US08915491B2	Method for operating a collection means for printed products A method for operating a collection system for printed products includes drawing off the printed products from discharge device(s) disposed at corresponding discharge point(s) in the collection system. The printed products are deposited on a collection section during a cycle period of the discharge device(s) so as to form a bundle of printed products. The bundle is transferred to a subsequent conveying mechanism having receiving pockets. It is determined whether at least one missing printed product exists due to an incorrect drawing off from the discharge point(s). A repair process is initiated and controlled in which the at least one missing printed product is drawn off from the corresponding discharge point(s) at a time corresponding to a subsequent recurrent pocket-related cycle of the subsequent conveying mechanism in a subsequent cycle period of the discharge device(s). The at least one missing printed product is inserted in the relevant receiving pocket.
US08915488B1	Septic aerator A septic aerator with a top end and a bottom end, a first pipe spaced apart from a parallel second pipe, a Tee atop each pipe, a first T-junction joining the two Tee's atop the pipes, an elbow atop each of the Tee's atop the pipes, a collar affixed on each pipe proximal to the bottom end, an air space disposed between the collars and the pipes, a plurality of injection holes disposed within the pipes and, in communication with the air spaces, a Tee's disposed below each of the collars, a second Tee junction connecting the Tee's affixed below the collars, a plurality of inlet holes disposed in each Tee below each collar, an air line disposed between the pipes and extended above the top end, an air Tee connected to the air line, the air Tee in communication with the first collar and the second collar airspaces.
US08915483B2	Valve with a valve bonnet A valve comprising a valve housing with a valve bonnet, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the valve bonnet having a passage for a valve stem, the passage having a sidewall and the valve stem comprising a valve disk for closing the valve by bringing the valve disk in contact with a valve seat in the valve housing, the passage in the valve bonnet comprising at least a first section with a first cross sectional area and a second section with a second cross sectional area that is smaller than the first cross sectional area. The sidewall in the passage is in direct contact with the valve stem at the second section with the second cross sectional area.
US08915480B2	Valve actuator system Valve actuator system and a system for operation of valves, which valve comprises a valve housing, which valve housing comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet, which valve housing further comprises a valve closing element, which valve element is mechanical connected to a valve actuator, which valve actuator comprises at least one piston, which piston is moved in a housing by a pressurized fluid in at least one direction, which valve actuator is connected to a control valve which control valve regulates a flow of a liquid medium from a pressure source to a first cavity chamber in the hosing of the valve actuator where the valve is a sanitary valve primarily for regulation of a flow of Fluid food, which valve actuator is activated by a liquid medium.
US08915478B2	Apparatus for carrying critical care equipment An easily transportable apparatus for carrying critical care equipment, such as an EKG unit, needed by a patient being transported on a conventional gurney, stretcher, or like patient transport device. The apparatus is adjustable so that it can be conveniently attached to gurneys having side rails with different spacing. Additionally, the apparatus includes an equipment support platform to which the critical care equipment can readily be connected. This platform can be connected and disconnected to a tray component that is connected to a turntable. The turntable can be readily rotated 360 degrees so that the equipment can easily be viewed by caregivers located in both the front and rear of the patient transport device.
US08915474B1	Solar panel sequencing mechanism A deployable solar panel array featuring in-line solar panels and side solar panels, where the side solar panels are configured to deploy in a staggered fashion after deployment of the in-line panels. A passive deployment mechanism governs the deployment sequence.
US08915468B2	Interior covering device for an aircraft cabin incorporating at least one system A device for interior covering of an aircraft cabin, intended to be fastened to a structure of an aircraft and to extend along a skin of the aircraft, the device comprising a covering panel. The covering panel bears at least one system, possibly through a system support. It advantageously comprises at least one air circulation pipe fastened to an exterior face of the covering panel, each air pipe having an upstream end equipped with a connection device.
US08915461B2	Mandrel cupping assembly A mandrel cupping assembly for releasably engaging unsupported ends of a plurality of mandrels is disclosed. The mandrel cupping assembly comprises a cupping arm turret having a cupping arm turret central axis, a mandrel cup cooperatively associated with each mandrel of the plurality of mandrels, at least three motion limiting devices disposed upon the cupping arms distal from the fulcrum, and a first actuator.
US08915452B2	Leveling rail joints with oblique support A joint between connected ends of two rails of different height is provided with a connector/juncture bar member which is configured to fit with and engage corresponding surfaces formed on the rails when the rails are connected together. The joint so formed is one with increased strength, with ease and accuracy of alignment during assembly.
US08915450B2	Dual deterent incremental information object Systems and methods for generating a dual deterrent information object (IIO) are provided. A method includes analyzing a dual deterrent IIO to determine a first code, wherein the dual deterrent IIO comprises an IIO comprising a plurality of tiles and an associated mark, wherein each tile in the plurality of tiles represents a data element encoded by color, intensity, or both, and the associated mark comprises information related to the IIO. The first code is confirmed, and, if the first code passes the confirmation a new code comprising a bitstream is generated. The bitstream is overwritten on the plurality of tiles, wherein the dual deterrent IIO is the same size after writing of the bitstream. A new associated mark related to the dual deterrent IIO is generated and the associated mark is overwritten with the new associated mark.
US08915446B1	Apparatus having removable member and carrier for same Various apparatus having removable member and carrier for same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a card with carrier includes a sheet of material having a central area, a bottom area, and another area. The bottom area is lowerly adjacent and foldable relative to the central area, and the another area is adjacent and foldable relative to the central area. The central area, the another area, and the bottom area are initially of a unitary construction. A card is coupled to or formed by the another area and is separable from the central area. Folding the bottom area inwards towards the central area forms a pocket configured to retain the card.
US08915445B1	Activating device using contacting motion sensor A signal is provided in response to moving contact of a device with an object. Electronic circuitry transitions from an inactive state to an active state in response to the signal and scans a machine-readable code borne by the object. A data signal including or encoding the machine-readable code is provided. The electronic circuitry may transition from the active state back to the inactive state after the data signal has been provided and the present code scanning operation is complete. Power consumption by code scanner devices, user input stylus, or other apparatus is reduced accordingly.
US08915444B2	Imaging module having lead frame supported light source or sources An imaging module for data collection devices, such as bar code scanners. The module includes an aiming or illumination light source or sources, seated on a support is mounted in a housing. The support is fixed in the housing to provide for its precise placement therein, in a predetermined position.
US08915441B2	Synchronizing mobile devices and displays Methods and tangible computer-readable media for synchronizing a mobile device to a display via a communication network are disclosed. For example, a method receives an identification code from a display and sends a request to the communication network to establish a communication session between a mobile device and the display. The request comprises the identification code. Thereafter, the communication session is established via the communication network. Another method receives a request to establish a communication session between the mobile device and the display. The request comprises an identification code of the display that was received by the mobile device from the display. The method then establishes the communication session.
US08915439B2	Laser scanning modules embodying silicone scan element with torsional hinges Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.
US08915437B2	Identification medium, method for reading data therefrom, apparatus for identification, and method and apparatus for production thereof A technique detects counterfeit products having appearances similar to authentic products with high accuracy. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer in which hologram is processed and circularly polarized light of primary rotating direction having specific central wavelength can be selectively reflected and a code forming layer in which code printed pattern that is an objective of reading is formed, are arranged in this order seen from a side from which reading is performed. The hologram image that inhibits reading of information of the code while an optical reading device reads it together with the code, and it is formed by the hologram processing.
US08915436B2	Method and apparatus for optically reading information The present invention relates to a novel type of information carrier, on which information is stored in the form of diffraction structures. The information carrier according to the invention can be read by being drawn manually through a reading device. The present invention also relates to a device with which an information carrier according to the invention can be read.
US08915434B2	Fraud prevention A card reader guide for use in a fascia of a self-service terminal is described. The card reader guide defines a card reader aperture extending in a first direction through which a customer may insert a data card. The card reader guide also comprises: a first protrusion extending (i) along part of the card reader aperture through which a magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer, wherein the first protrusion defines a stripe path in registration with the magnetic stripe of the card as the card is inserted by the customer; a second protrusion, opposite to, and aligned with, the first protrusion, and extending (i) along the part of the card reader aperture through which the magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer; and a magnetic reader detector located in the first protrusion at the stripe path.
US08915433B2	Indentifier eligibility In various disclosed examples, an identifier is selected from a first set of identifiers, the selected identifier having a representation of at least two different characters. An indication of a difference between the representation of the selected identifier and representations of one or more identifiers from a second set of identifiers is calculated, and the selected identifier is determined to be an eligible identifier if the indication of the difference satisfies a threshold criteria.
US08915426B2	Media dispensing self-service terminal A self-service terminal comprises a media dispenser coupled to a control board; a cryptographic memory coupled to the control board; a network connection; a contact token reader; and a user interface comprising a plurality of lights. The control board includes a processor executing firmware. The firmware is operable to (i) read a token presented to the token reader each time the token contacts the token reader, (ii) ascertain a number of times a token reader is presented as part of a single transaction, (iii) create a transaction request including (a) an identifier read from the presented token and (b) an amount of cash requested based on the number of times the token was presented, (iv) encrypt the transaction request using data read from the cryptographic memory, and (v) transmit the encrypted transaction request to a remote authorization server using the network connection.
US08915425B2	Automatic identification system for randomly oriented objects A method of identifying a plurality of items, the method comprising: performing a CT scan of a plurality of items, at least some of said items bearing information tags; reconstructing an image based on the CT scan; and identifying an information tag associated with the items based on the reconstructed image.
US08915423B1	System and method for verifying an individual's authorization to cross borders The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method, for verifying an individual's authorization to enter into a country's borders using an electronic data card with at least one biometric identifier stored thereon for identifying the card holder. The system and method includes biometric verification means for validating at least one biometric sample that is compared with the at least one biometric identifier stored on the electronic data card when the electronic data card is within a predetermined spatial proximity to the card reader. Upon validation of the biometric sample, the electronic data card releases the card holder's information to the card reader, which receives and transmits the information to a computer processor for determining the card holder's travel authorization.
US08915418B2	Electronic component bonding method The present invention ensures a good bonding state between the electrode terminals of electronic components and the electrodes of a substrate, and achieves an increase in productivity and a downsizing of the substrate. The present invention includes: an applying step of applying a metal fine powder paste on each of multiple electrodes that are provided on a substrate; a component placing step of placing multiple electronic components with different heights, on the multiple electrodes, respectively; an organic film placing step of placing an organic film on the multiple electronic components; an organic film compressing step of applying a first pressure to the electronic component side with a pressing member and equalizing the height of the organic film; and a bonding step of applying a second pressure to the electronic component side with a compressing member on heating for a predetermined time and sintering the metal fine powder paste.
US08915416B2	Nail guiding device for nailers A nail guiding device for nailers includes a guide plate located between the opening of the casing of the nailer and the magazine. The guide plate has a guide slot and two flanges on two sides of the guide slot. The end of the cover contacts the flanges and the strike plate is movable within the guide slot. The guide plate has at least one guide block on a face facing the opening. An adjustment plate is located in the casing and has at least one adjustment block. A resilient member located in the casing and biases the guide plate to make the at least one guide block contact the at least one adjustment block or move over the at least one guide block to adjust the distance between the guide plate and the magazine, such that the nails of different sizes can be used in the nailer.
US08915415B2	Gas combustion type striking machine In a gas combustion type striking machine, a combustion chamber is opened and closed by moving a movable sleeve in a vertical direction. A safety lever is attached to a trigger, and a switch is switched by being pressed by a switch lever arranged to be engageable with the safety lever. A hold member which is engageable with the movable sleeve is rotatably connected to the trigger. A shaft supporting a base end of the hold member positions between a shaft supporting the switch lever and a cylinder in a right-left direction which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.
US08915414B2	Combustion fastener tool with lockout mechanism A fastener actuation system for driving fasteners into a work surface separated a significant distance from a user, the system comprising a fastener actuation tool coupled to a pole assembly, the assembly including a lockout mechanism disposed within the tool. The tool may have a firing pin assembly configured such that depression of the barrel assembly against the work surface loads a firing pin into a ready-to-fire position. In addition, the tool may have a trigger sleeve slidable within the tool housing and having a ramp surface such that forward motion of the trigger sleeve may cause a trigger sear to move along the ramp surface until a point where the sear disengages and the firing pin fires. The lockout mechanism may include a ball and a receptacle, where the receptacle receives the ball if the tool is in an acceptable orientation and does not receive the ball otherwise.
US08915408B1	Baby bottle support system for feeding a baby A device to assist in the feeding of an infant from a bottle comprising a shoulder support pad shaped like a figure eight comprised of a washable material including a nonskid on the underside having ridges and valleys. A baby bottle holder is rotatably attached near one end of said shoulder support band. The caregiver can hold and support an infant in one arm and hand greatly reducing the effort required to feed an infant milk from a baby bottle.
US08915407B2	Mobile confectionary apparatus with protectible dispensing system A mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.
US08915406B2	Dosing unit for a powder dispenser The invention concerns a dosing unit for a powder dispenser comprising two dosing chambers (2,3) each chamber comprising: one upstream inlet (21, 31) and one downstream outlet (22, 32), an upstream means (23, 33) for opening and closing the inlet, a downstream means (24, 34) for opening and closing the outlet, the upstream means (23, 33) closing the inlet (21, 31) when the downstream means (24, 34) opens the outlet (22, 32) and reciprocally, wherein the upstream means (23) of the first chamber closes the first chamber (2) when the upstream means (33) of the second chamber opens the second chamber (3) and reciprocally.
US08915405B2	Dosing apparatus A dosing apparatus includes a dosing unit provided with a casing for supporting or containing a dosing device and a support device that are associated in particular with a filling machine, for supporting and locking the dosing unit in a mounting configuration. The apparatus further includes a coupling device associated with a casing and slidingly insertable into or disconnectable from a guide of the support device along a first direction. The support device further includes a fixing device for reversibly locking the coupling device to the guide in the mounting configuration.
US08915404B2	Dosing apparatus with a joint arrangement A dosing apparatus includes a dosing unit having a piston movable along a first axis in a cavity of a casing and a joint for removably connecting a first end portion of the piston t to a movement mechanism arranged for moving the piston. The first end portion includes a seat that is suitable for receiving a clutch portion of the joint, that is connectable in and detachable from the seat along a coupling direction that is almost parallel to the first axis.
US08915402B2	Depositing device The invention is a depositing device (5) for depositing flowable food containing gas comprising a pressurized feed line conveying flowable food containing gas under pressure into the food; piston (60) means operatively connected to the feed line comprising a piston and a chamber (61); an outlet to deliver food at the atmospheric pressure into molds (85). The device comprises a pressure retaining means (9) arranged to retain the product in the chamber at the same pressure as the line pressure and to deliver the product through the outlet as pressure in the chamber increases from the line pressure upon descent of the piston in the chamber.
US08915399B1	Simulated contrast injection medium A medical fluid injection system may include a powered injector and a fluid reservoir that contains a simulated contrast medium. The simulated contrast medium may exhibit a fluid flow property substantially equal to that of an active contrast medium but be devoid of any active contrast agent that provides contrast during diagnostic imaging. During operation, a syringe in the powered injector may be filled with the simulated contrast medium and then evacuated to discharge the simulated contrast medium from the syringe. The simulated contrast medium may be used to test and evaluate the performance of the powered injector prior to use in a medical procedure without exposing personnel to an active contrast agent or creating medical waste that contains the active contrast agent.
US08915398B2	System and method for storing and dispensing a powder A powder dispensing container is provided, the container divided into a powder storage chamber and a powder dispensing chamber with an opening between the two controlled by a valve mechanism. A cap or closure member is disposed over an upper open end of a powder dispensing chamber and when opened, causes a closure of the valve mechanism. When the cover is returned to its closed position, the valve will automatically open allowing for new charge of powder form the storage chamber to enter into the dispensing chamber. The closure member is provided with an actuator that extends through the powder dispensing chamber and engages and causes operation of the valve mechanism.
US08915393B2	Child resistant container A child resistant container (10) has a container cavity (20) for the receipt of one or more items to be stored therein. The container cavity (20) is defined by a pair of lids (14, 16) which are hingedly connected to one another. Primary lock means (50) includes a first lock assembly on one lid (14, 16) which engages with a second lock assembly on the other lid (14, 16). A primary lock actuation includes an externally open topped pocket (60) formed in the body of said one lid (14, 16). The pocket (60) has a pocket side wall (62) which is resiliently deflectable from a lock position to an unlock position. The pocket (60) is shaped and sized to permit a finger of an operative to enter the pocket (60) to effect deflection of the pocket side wall (62) to its unlock position.
US08915391B2	Drinkware rimming apparatus and method A drinkware rimming apparatus including a wetting receptacle, a cutout, and a rotatable tray having a plurality of spice receptacles. The tray is rotatable relative to the cutout (or vice-versa) to align and provide downward access to a desired spice receptacle or to the wetting receptacle. A cover may be included and the cutout can be in the cover and/or the tray. The cover can have beverage garnish compartments on a top surface thereof. The wetting receptacle can be positioned in a tray or on the cover. The cutout can be in another tray also having one or more spice receptacles and above the first-mentioned tray and rotatable independently of the lower tray. A method of applying spice to rims of drinkware is also disclosed.
US08915389B2	Electron beam welding of large vacuum chamber body having a high emissivity coating Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a large vacuum chamber body that has been welded together. The chamber body may have a high emissivity coating on at least one surface therein. Due to the large size of the chamber body, the chamber body may be formed by welding several pieces together rather than forging the body from a single piece of metal. The pieces may be welded together at a location spaced from the corner of the body, which may be under the greatest stress during evacuation, to ensure that the weld, which may be the weakest point in the body, does not fail. At least one surface of the chamber body may be coated with a high emissivity coating to aid in heat transfer from incoming, heated substrates. The high emissivity coating may increase substrate throughput by lowering the time that may be needed to reduce the substrate temperature.
US08915388B2	Vial with push-button release closure A child-resistant package includes a vial and a closure configured to mount on the vial to cover a mouth opening into a product-storage chamber of the vial. A child-resistant feature cooperates with the closure and the vial to prevent unwanted removal of the closure from the vial.
US08915386B2	Disposable baby bottle kit A disposable baby bottle kit (10) that is easy to assemble with lowered risk of contamination of the baby bottle. The disposable baby bottle kit comprising a container that has a first portion (1) and a second portion (2), a collapsible baby bottle (3) positioned within the first portion of the container and a teat unit (4) fitted to the second portion of the container. The first portion and the second portion of the container are coupled to each other enclosing the collapsible baby bottle and the teat unit therein.
US08915376B2	Collapsible mobile material processing plant with flexible hopper A mobile collapsible screen and cone crusher combination where the screen is pivoted forward and downward for transport and a rubber hopper is coupled to the fines conveyor so as to permit a hinged connection and a sliding connection between the flexible hopper and the fines conveyor. A plurality of flexible matter edge plates are used at the rear of the flexible hopper to facilitate proper compression and expansion of the flexible hopper. A selectable maintenance catch is used to allow the screen to be elevated to an intermediate height for maintenance.
US08915371B2	Dual compartment dispenser A dual compartment dispenser for pill or other item storage includes a larger outer compartment container and an auxiliary smaller pocket container configured to accommodate a predetermined daily dosage of items, which the user can carry in a clothing pocket, backpack or handbag, without having to carry the entire bottle container of items. The smaller auxiliary pocket container compartment nests on an interior collar ledge within the outer compartment container It is loosely supported by a ledge within the neck of a bottle neck container. The daily dose container gyrates and pivots upward when pushed against on one side of a top edge thereof, so that the daily dose container is up-ended and provides a portion extending upward above a top of the neck of the main housing container housing, for manual grasping without the need to invert the main housing container to release the smaller auxiliary pocket container therefrom.
US08915369B2	Jointed liquid crystal glass panel package box The present invention provides a jointed liquid crystal glass panel package box, which includes a box body and a plurality of brackets mounted to the box body. The box body includes a frame and a hollow plate arranged inside the frame. The frame includes two opposite first frame members, two opposite second frame members, and four L-shaped connection members connecting between the first frame members and the second frame members. The first and second frame members are of a linear configuration. Each first frame member includes a plurality of first frame member units and a plurality of first couplers each connecting between two first frame member units. Each second frame member includes a plurality of second frame member units and a plurality of second couplers each connecting between two second frame member units. A plurality of water-resistant pads is arranged between the first couplers and the first frame member units.
US08915367B2	Loading container for transporting glass substrate A zipper-type loading container for transporting glass substrates in which an increased number of glass substrates can be loaded for transport, thereby increasing the convenience of workers. The loading container for transporting glass substrates includes a loading frame having a loading surface, which supports the lower end of the glass substrates, and a backing surface, which supports the rear surface of a batch of the glass substrates. A cover frame is provided on the loading frame, and slides on the loading frame in forward and backward directions of the loading frame, and cover the upper end and the sides of the glass substrates. A zipper-type opening/closing sheet is provided on the front portion of the cover frame, and opens and closes the front portion of the cover frame.
US08915360B2	Case for holding portable digital devices A case for holding a portable digital device is disclosed. The case includes a body comprising a first panel and a second panel which are fastened together. The first panel comprises a first pocket to hold the portable digital device, wherein the top cover of the first pocket is made using a transparent material, wherein the first panel flips open to enable a user to operate the portable digital device though the transparent or semi-transparent top cover. The second panel includes a flexible elongated segment to secure the case to an object on which the case is mounted.
US08915356B1	Key management system and organizer Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a key management system and organizer for storing a plurality of keys. The key management system and organizer may include a first component and a second component, which together form a case. The first component may have a first clearance opening, a first magnet proximate to the first clearance opening, and a second magnet distal from the first clearance opening. The second component may have a second clearance opening, a first compatible magnet proximate to the second clearance opening, and a second compatible magnet distal from the second clearance opening. Each of the first component and the second component may have a pad adhered to an interior surface thereof. The first magnet and the second magnet may engage with the first compatible magnet and the second compatible magnet, creating a case having an interior configured to accommodate a plurality of keys.
US08915355B2	Flux applicator brush and flux container system A system for applying a pipe joining agent, such as flux, primer or adhesive, to pipe structure surfaces. The system includes a male brush that cooperates with a female brush that is removably mounted on a container than contains the agent to be applied. The male brush can be inserted through the female brush and into the container to pick up the agent. As the male brush is withdrawn from the container, the female brush wipes excess agent from the male brush so that the female brush picks up agent thereon. The male brush can then be inserted into the end of a pipe structure to apply the agent to the interior surface of the pipe structure. Also, the female brush can be removed from the container and then inserted over the end of a pipe structure to apply the agent to the exterior surface of a pipe structure.
US08915354B1	Device for arranging and storing jewelry having organizing clasps A foldable and collapsible jewelry storage device including a flexible substratum having a top portion and two opposing substantially planar surfaces, a plurality of pockets disposed on at least one of the surfaces, and an attachment clasp disposed adjacent to a top edge of at least one of the pockets. A hanger is attached to the top portion of the substratum to provide a point of attachment to a rigid body, such as a closet rod. Each of the pockets comprises a flexible translucent strip attached to the substratum along at least the lower edge and sides of the strip, leaving the top edge open, forming a storage pocket. The pockets are spaced apart and arranged in a matrix or grid. The attachment clasp provides enhanced organization for longer jewelry pieces and prevents kinking and tangling. The substratum may comprise two layers with a hanger disposed between the two.
US08915347B2	Attachment assembly for use with a self-propelled power unit The invention relates to a self-propelled outdoor power equipment unit, an attachment for use with such a unit and associated methods. The unit may be in the form of a mower having a mower deck. The attachment includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The conveyor assembly has operational and stored positions, the latter of which provides a narrower profile of the attachment and unit. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment is configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the unit, and provides additional functionality to a mower or other unit on which the attachment is mounted.
US08915343B2	Method of controlling a dual clutch transmission A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
US08915342B2	Dual stage input lever transmission downshift system A two stage clutch and shift actuation paddle assembly provides clutch disengagement through a first range of movement of a manually operated control lever or paddle and electronic shifting of a transmission upon movement through a second range. A return spring force generator causes a lower return force to be exerted on the generator paddle in a range of motion wherein the clutch is disengaged and a pronounced increased spring force to be exerted in advanced range of motion wherein the transmission shift actuation occurs.
US08915340B2	Actuator arrangement for active vibration isolation comprising an inertial reference mass Actuator arrangement with an actuator (8), a reference mass (22), a spring (24) and a first sensor (26; 42, 43; 32, 36). The actuator (8) applies a force between a first object (2) relative to a second object (16; 54). The reference mass (22) is, in use, supported by a third object (16; 56) by means of the spring (24). The first sensor (26; 42, 43; 32, 36) generates a first distance signal that depends on a first distance (z2; z5,z6; z3,z4) between the reference mass (22) and the first object (2) and is provided to a controller (6) to actuate the actuator (8).
US08915335B2	Device for electrical braking of a drive shaft The electrical braking device according to the present invention includes a braking element (2) which is formed, on the one hand, by electric jaws (7) and at least one sliding block (8) mounted in the proximity of the brake disk (3) in such a way that the latter passes at least partially through the electric jaws (7) and sliding block (8), and, on the other hand, by means (4) for fastening the electric jaws (7) and the sliding block (8) to the fixed frame (6) while providing the jaws and block with degrees of freedom obtained by the combination of different connections of the “flat plane contact” (FC), “point contact” (PC) and “annular linear contact” (AC) types, in order to compensate for the misalignments and defects in the shape of the brake disk (3) when the latter is driven in rotation.
US08915334B2	Controlling an elevator installation using a disadvantage parameter or a disablity indicator A method of controlling a elevator installation with several elevator cages per elevator shaft, wherein a destination call to a desired destination story is actuated on a call input story by at least one passenger and at least one most favorable call allocation for transport of the passenger by the elevator cage from a start story to a destination story is determined for the destination call by at least one destination call control. If at least one disadvantage parameter is set, at least one disadvantage-free call allocation for transport of the passenger by the elevator cage from a start story to a destination story is determined by the destination call control, in which it is possible the start story and call input story or the destination story and desired destination correspond.
US08915330B2	Lubrication of positive displacement expanders A method and system for lubricating a positive displacement machine operating as an expander of a compressed gas, comprising introducing into an expansion chamber of the machine a lubricant whose pour point temperature is greater than the operating temperature of the machine in the expansion chamber as determined by the expanding gas, which thus causes the lubricant to freeze-adhere to the internal surfaces of the expansion chamber, to become fluid under increased pressure at a point of contact of the working surfaces of the expander and then to refreeze when the surfaces separate. Considerable reduction in the quantity of lubricant is realized with the attendant advantage that dis-entrainment of lubricant from the gas exhausted from the machine is largely avoided.
US08915328B2	Construction machine A construction machine including: a frame; an engine on a frame; a hydraulic pump; a guard panel disposed on the frame to surround an engine room and including a maintenance port for the hydraulic pump; an exhaust-gas-purification device inside the engine room; and a support member to support an exhaust-gas-aftertreatment device including the exhaust-gas-purification device just above the hydraulic pump. The support member includes a first portion to support the exhaust-gas-purification device and a second portion to support a NOx-reducing catalyst at a position closer to the maintenance port than the exhaust-gas-purification device. The catalyst supporting portion supports the NOx-reducing catalyst at a position higher than the exhaust-gas-purification device so as to form, over the hydraulic pump, a maintenance space having an upper end higher than an upper end of a space formed under the first portion and the exhaust-gas-purification device.
US08915327B2	System and method for operating a large single engine sweeper A system and method for operating a large single engine sweeper includes a transfer case assembly inserted into the chassis drive train of the vehicle on which a package of sweeping equipment is mounted. In road mode operation, power from the chassis engine passes through a chassis automatic transmission, through a transfer case assembly to the differential and real wheel assembly. In sweep mode, power passes from a propel hydraulic motor into the transfer case assembly and then to the differential and real wheel assembly.
US08915326B2	Axle beam arrangement on a vehicle, in particular on a motor vehicle An axle beam arrangement on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has two longitudinal beams and at least one cross beam connecting the two longitudinal beams. At least one of the beams has in an installation state of the vehicle a clearance between the beam stop region and a vehicle-side stop structure, in particular a body structure. The beam has in the beam stop region at least one stop and reinforcing element which reinforces the beam stop region and which is constructed and arranged so that it comes into supporting contact with the stop structure when the beam moves toward the stop structure.
US08915321B2	Device for removably attaching a battery of a motor vehicle A device for the removable attachment of a battery of a motor vehicle includes a top portion including an attachment to a motor vehicle, a bottom portion including a connection with the battery, and a latch and a screw including a threaded portion so as to allow locking and unlocking, then the mutual tightening and loosening of the top portion and the bottom portion.
US08915315B2	Drill pipe and corresponding drill fitting A drillpipe for a drill stem to drill a hole. The drill stem includes a drill string and a bottom hole assembly. The drillpipe includes a first end having a first inertia, a second end having a second inertia, a first intermediate zone adjacent to the first end, a second intermediate zone adjacent to the second end, and a central substantially tubular zone with an external diameter smaller than the maximum external diameter of at least the first or the second end. A casing is fixed on the pipe over a portion of the external surface thereof, at least one physical parameter sensor is disposed in the casing, and at least one data transmission/storage mechanism is connected to the sensor output, the casing being disposed at a distance from the first and second ends, the casing being integral with the central zone at a distance from the first and second intermediate zones and having a smaller inertia than the first and second inertias.
US08915311B2	Method and apparatus for drilling a zero-radius lateral A jet drill coupled to a distal end of a flexible jet lance is lowered into a well casing and advanced through a curved passage formed in a deflection shoe oriented to direct the jet drill through an orifice milled in the well casing. The jet drill is actuated with a pressurized fluid produced by a pump on the surface that is conveyed through a high pressure hose that runs through the flexible jet lance. Force transmitted through a thrust liner of the jet lance advances the jet drill while the lateral bore is being drilled. The thrust liner comprises helical coils of steel wire providing a high elastic modulus and buckling resistance, even while passing through the curved passage. Tension cables in the jet lance maintain tension on the thrust liner and enable the assembly to be pulled from the lateral bore and well.
US08915310B2	Long lateral completion system and method A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.
US08915307B2	Atomizing nozzle for a fire suppression system A nozzle for a fire suppression system has a bonnet and a deflector base. An inlet port extends through the bonnet along the axis of symmetry of the bonnet. The inlet port receives an outlet end of a fire suppression delivery pipe to mount the bonnet to the pipe. The bonnet has a frustoconical surface which extends radially outward and downward from the inlet port. The deflector base is secured to and co-axially aligned with the bonnet at a predetermined distance to create a flow passageway therebetween. The flow passageway imparts a down angle to a suppressant flow discharging from the nozzle to better disperse the suppressant within the fire zone. A discharge port at the circumferential edge of the bonnet and deflector base constricts the suppressant flow to atomize the droplets of liquid suppressant discharged into the fire zone.
US08915306B2	Universal farrier's hoof and cradle support stand The present invention is a combination of a hoof support stand and a cradle support stand that is to be used by a farrier. A hoof support and a cradle support are both attached to a multipurpose pivot mechanism. The multipurpose pivot mechanism is rotatably attached to an adjustable height stand. The rotatable capability allows a farrier to immediately switch between either the hoof support or the cradle support without needing to remove or attach additional components. The adjustable height stand is removably attached to a base support that is conical to provide optimal stability. A padded support is attached to the multipurpose pivot mechanism so that a horse's fetlock can comfortably and securely rest within the cradle support. The padded support is an improvement to slings used with conventional cradle support stands.
US08915305B2	Downhole packer tool with safety systems for preventing undue set and release operations A packer tool has safety devices to prevent premature and reverse setting and release operations. The safety devices are independent of shear-pin safety systems. Confined annular segments prevent a setting actuator piston from moving absent tool-setting hydraulic pressure. The setting pressure first moves a cylinder in an opposite direction to unroof the segments allowing them to exit confinement and free the piston to set the packing and the anchor slips. Release safety pins extend radially inward from a packing-holder collar into short slots formed on a mandrel surface, preventing the mandrel from being turned. Previous set motion causes the pins to leave the slots thereby freeing the mandrel to turn only after the tool has been set. A third safety device comprises an expanded ring which is dragged by the release cone during release motion until it lodges in a circumferential groove in the mandrel, locking against reverse movement.
US08915304B2	Traversing a travel joint with a fluid line A method of traversing a travel joint with a line can include, after the travel joint has been installed in a well, activating a connector which provides sealed fluid communication between sections of the line on respective opposite sides of the travel joint. A travel joint system for use with a subterranean well can include a travel joint comprising a releasing device which permits relative displacement between sections of the travel joint, and a connector which provides fluid communication between sections of a line.
US08915303B2	Method and apparatus for installing and removing an electric submersible pump A method of servicing an electric submersible pump in a well with a positive wellhead pressure includes providing production tubing in the well casing, a coil tubing string within the production tubing having an electric submersible pump at a downhole end of the coil tubing string, and a pump-receiving housing above the injection port of the wellhead. With the injection port sealed and the pump-receiving housing opened, the electric submersible pump may be inserted or removed from the pump-receiving housing. With the pump-receiving housing closed and the injection port opened, the electric submersible pump may be moved to or from the production tubing in the well.
US08915301B1	Treatment of saline streams This invention presents innovative methods to treat saline streams such as produced water, seawater, and the like. The invention can be used to: (1) de-NORM produced water; or (2) de-NORM and partially de-salt produced water; or (3) de-NORM and partially de-salt and de-ionize produced water; or (4) de-oil, de-NORM, de-salt and de-ionize produced water. The invention can also be used to de-sulfate seawater and the like in conjunction with desalting plants.
US08915299B2	Apparatus for use in top filling of tubulars and associated methods Apparatus (100) for use in top filling of tubulars comprising an inlet (200) for fluid communication with a top drive for providing top filling fluid, and an outlet (300) for fluid communication with a tubular. The apparatus (100) comprises a filter configuration (120), in fluid communication with the inlet (200) and the outlet (300) and configured to remove debris from a top filling fluid flow flowing from the inlet (200) to the outlet (300) during top filling of a tubular.
US08915298B2	Slickline or wireline run hydraulic motor driven mill A tool is run in with a bottom hole assembly that includes a seal and support within the tubing where a fish is to be milled. A ported sub allows pressurized fluid pumped from the surface to enter the bottom hole assembly above the sealed support location and to be directed to set an anchor and to a fluid driven motor such as a progressive cavity motor that is in turn connected milling tool at the rotor of the progressive cavity motor. The fluid exiting the stator goes through a debris removal device and can return to the surface through an annulus around the production tubing. A telescoping joint allows the mill to axially progress with a force applied to the fish generated by a tractor or a stack of Belleville washers.
US08915296B2	Apparatus and method for setting a tool in a borehole Disclosed is an apparatus for setting an anchor in a borehole and milling a window in a side surface of the borehole in a single trip. The apparatus includes a mechanically-settable anchor initially forming part of the drill string, a plug member position below the anchor, and a milling assembly. When the drill string reaches a desired depth in the wellbore, the plug member may be activated from the surface, thus setting the plug member in position with respect to the wellbore. The anchor has an activation element which, when contacted in a predetermined manner, sets the anchor. The plug member has an operation element adapted so that, when the anchor and plug member come into contact with one another in a predetermined orientation, the activation element is operated by the operation element, thus setting the anchor.
US08915292B2	Exhaust gas heat exchanger and method of operating the same An exhaust gas heat exchanger that includes a stack at least partially surrounded by a housing. The stack includes a first tube, a second tube, and a coolant duct between the first tube and the second tube. A fin is located within the coolant duct. The fin includes a first portion and a second portion and the first tube includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the fin is fixed to the first portion of the first tube such that the first portion of the fin is coupled to the first portion of the first tube for movement with respect to the housing, and the second portion of the fin is supported in the housing for movement relative to the second portion of the first tube to permit movement of the second portion of the first tube with respect to the second portion of the fin.
US08915291B2	Plant for the continuous formation of grids for electric battery plates Plant for forming grids for electric battery plates, which comprises a grid forming machine with continuous casting provided with a rotary drum, and a sliding block mounted fixed and slideably sealingly coupled with the external surface of the rotary drum and provided with means for distributing molten lead, in order to insert the molten lead within grooves provided on the external peripheral surface of the rotary drum during the rotation of the latter. The plant is also provided with an ultrasound generator placed to intercept a feed duct for the molten lead, connected to the distribution means and provided with at least one tip immersed in the pressurized flow of molten lead that moves through the aforesaid feed duct in order to transmit the waves produced by the ultrasound generator to the molten lead flow.
US08915289B2	Ceramic core with composite insert for casting airfoils A multi-wall ceramic core for casting an airfoil with one or more internal cooling passages is made by preforming at least one fugitive core insert to have a joint-forming surface with a male and/or female joint feature and then forming at least one fugitive core insert in-situ adjacent and integrally connected and fused to the at least one preformed core insert at the joint-forming surface to form an interlocked, fused joint to form a composite core insert that includes features to form internal passage surfaces in the core when the composite core insert is removed. Another aspect involves preforming first and second fugitive core inserts to have respective joint-forming surfaces with respective snap-fittable joint features and assembling the first and second fugitive core inserts to form a composite core insert by snap fitting the snap-fittable joint features together to form an interlocked joint. The composite core insert is placed in a core molding die cavity, and a fluid ceramic material is introduced into the die cavity to form the ceramic core body incorporating the fugitive composite core insert therein.
US08915285B2	Bead seater apparatus and method for using the same An apparatus for seating a bead of a tire adjacent a bead seat of a wheel is disclosed.
US08915281B2	System for manufacturing optical display unit and feed mechanism Provided is a system for manufacturing an optical display unit and a feed mechanism, which can well prevent an optical film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer from being peeled from a release film. A pressure-sensitive adhesive type sheet material, wherein the optical film and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (film main body (F)) are cut without cutting a release film (F12, F22) which is laminated to the optical film with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in between, is fed along a feed path (12A, 22A). A press member (200) is arranged at a position opposed to a bent portion or a curved portion in the feed path (12A, 22A). Since the film main body (F) which is peeled from the release film (F12, F22) can be pressed to the release film (F12, F22) by the press member (200), the film main body (F) can be well prevented from being peeled from the release film (F12, F22).
US08915280B1	System and method for applying adhesive, buffer, and/or liner to I-joists A system and method for automated application of adhesive, buffer, and/or liner to I-joists, whereby a controlled amount of adhesive, glue, buffer material, and/or a protective liner, are successively applied to the exposed flange of an I-joist. An air-activated side pressure wheel first pushes one flange of an I-joist against an opposing friction-reduced straight edge, then at least one adhesive/glue head extrudes adhesive and/or buffer material onto the opposing exposed flange of the I-joist. An overhead liner applicator may then place a protective liner upon the applied adhesive and/or buffer material. An applicator roller bearing and a pressure roller bearing press the adhesive/buffer/liner to the desired mil thickness, after which the liner applicator cuts the protective liner according to the cut pattern instructions received from a controller. A cooler can be used to cool the adhesive/buffer before release liner application. The system may comprise coordinated mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic components.
US08915277B2	Air maintenance tire and connector system An air maintenance tire and connector system includes a tire carcass having an elongate integral air passageway contained within a flexible tire component of the tire carcass between an air inlet and an air outlet cavity and a connector assembly inserted within one or both of the cavities. A coupling post having an axial bore extends from the hollow body through a tire wall thickness to a tire central cavity. A remote end of the coupling post is operative for sequential alternative attachment to a punch device for penetrating in a pre-cure procedure through the tire wall thickness to the tire central cavity.
US08915274B2	Spindle for controlling wheel end endplay and preload A spindle includes an inner bearing shoulder to seat an inner bearing and an outer bearing shoulder to seat an outer bearing. The inner and outer bearing shoulders are spaced apart by a controlled distance such that the outboard bearing is accurately positioned relative to the inboard bearing to control endplay and preload without requiring bearing adjustment.
US08915272B2	Noise reducing device, manufacturing method for the noise reducing device, and pneumatic tire having the noise reducing device Provided are: a noise reduction device with an improved adhesion of a noise absorbing member formed of a porous material and with a reduced processing time; a method of manufacturing the noise reduction device; and a pneumatic tire including the noise reduction device. The noise reduction device of the present invention includes: a noise absorbing member formed of a porous material; a band member for attaching the noise absorbing member to the inner surface of a tire; and locking members formed of a thermoplastic resin. The band member is formed of a thermoplastic resin. The noise absorbing member is disposed between the band member and the locking members. The locking members are bonded to the band member through the noise absorbing member by thermal fusion.
US08915268B2	System and method for filling a portable liquefied gas storage/delivery system A liquefied gas storage/delivery system and method that includes a liquefied gas storage system. The liquefied gas storage system includes a housing containing a storage vessel suited to contain a supply of liquefied gas, such as liquid oxygen (LOX). A rotatable turntable is provided on an exterior surface of the housing. An interface shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of a portable liquid storage/delivery device is provide in or on the turntable. A connector is disposed in the interface that couples to a corresponding connector on the portable liquid storage/delivery device. The two connectors are coupled by placing the portable liquid storage/delivery device in the interface and rotating the turntable.
US08915267B2	Device and method for filling syringes A device and a method for filling syringes, which allows the filling of a syringe with exact dosage of different drugs, by using electronic guns or any other suitable device, without the necessity of using a needle and which may be disconnected from said electronic gun to connect a standard needle for the application of the fluid to a patient.
US08915265B2	Double walled tanks with internal containment chambers A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.
US08915262B2	Mass flow controller algorithm with adaptive valve start position A mass flow controller (MFC), a method for calibrating an MFC, and a method for operating an MFC are disclosed. The MFC may include a valve that is adjustable between a closed position and an open position to control a flow rate of a fluid responsive to a control signal, a thermal mass flow sensor that provides an indication of the flow rate of the fluid, calibration data including data that relates the control signal to the flow rate of the fluid at a plurality of fluid flow rates, and a control system that provides, based upon the calibration data and run time data, an adjustable non-zero starting control signal to the valve when the valve is closed to more quickly respond to a set point signal.
US08915259B2	Fluid mixing and delivery in microfluidic systems The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.
US08915257B2	Water-carrying domestic appliance having a water-distribution mechanism A water-carrying domestic appliance, especially a dishwasher or washer, which comprises a water diverter having at least one adjustable fluid distribution element, to which a fluid to be discharged through one or more fluid discharge lines can be supplied from a fluid supply line. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the fluid distribution element includes a plurality of passage openings respectively configured as funnel-shaped for sealing purposes such that a fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through a transition region between an outlet side of a respective passage opening and an inlet region into a respective fluid discharge line is lower than a pressure in a region surrounding the transition region.
US08915254B2	Method and system for vaporization of a substance A smoking device for generating and releasing smoking vapor free from contamination into the mouth of a user comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a smoking substance at a substantially constant low temperature by regulating the flow of fuel by a thermal regulator and further having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.
US08915253B2	Method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction employing heated medium A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
US08915252B2	Implant systems and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.
US08915239B2	Dual fuel heater with selector valve A heater assembly can be used with a gas appliance. The gas appliance can be a dual fuel appliance for use with one of a first fuel type or a second fuel type different than the first. The heater assembly can include at least one pressure regulator, a housing, and an actuation member. The housing has a first fuel hook-up for connecting the first fuel type to the heater assembly, a second fuel hook-up for connecting the second fuel type to the heater assembly, and an internal valve. The actuation member can control the position of the internal valve based on whether the first or the second fuel hook-up is used.
US08915235B2	Mixing system for engine with exhaust gas recirculation An air exhaust mixer assembly includes an upstream intake section with an upstream elbow and a downstream elbow. A mixing tube is configured to introduce exhaust gas into the upstream intake section at a location upstream of the downstream elbow. An internal combustion engine utilizing the air exhaust mixer assembly is also provided.
US08915231B2	Engine speed control system An engine includes a carburetor, a governor assembly, and a vacuum actuator. The carburetor includes a throttle plate configured to control a fluid flow, a throttle lever coupled to the throttle plate, and an intake port in fluid communication with an engine vacuum pressure. The governor assembly includes a governor, a governor linkage coupled to the governor and the throttle lever, and a governor spring coupled to the throttle lever to bias the throttle plate towards the fully open position. The vacuum actuator includes an actuator housing, a pressure-sensitive member positioned in the actuator housing, an actuator linkage directly coupled to the governor spring and also coupled to the pressure-sensitive member for movement in response to the engine vacuum pressure, and an actuator spring coupled between a fixed attachment point and the actuator linkage to bias the actuator linkage to increase the tension on the governor spring.
US08915229B2	Engine An engine includes a head cover covering an upper part of a cylinder head to accommodate a valve gear mechanism and an injector. The head cover is separatable into a lower cover body and an upper cover body detachable from and attachable to the lower cover body. The lower cover body includes a fuel pipe and a relay connector. Through the fuel pipe, fuel is supplied to the injector. The fuel pipe penetrates through the lower cover body. The relay connector is configured to relay power supply from outside the head cover. The relay connector is attached to the lower cover body. One end side of an injector harness disposed in the head cover is coupled to a terminal portion of the injector. Another end side of the injector harness is coupled to the relay connector.
US08915225B2	Rocker arm assembly and components therefor A system for preloading a latch used in a variable valve actuation system for internal combustion engines is disclosed. It includes a rocker arm assembly having a first arm for operatively engaging the first cam for a first desired lift profile, and a second arm for operatively engaging the second cam for a second desired lift profile. A selectively-activatable latch to operatively latch the second arm with the first arm. An electronic control unit (ECU) communicates with an oil control valve that changes oil pressure to the latch to cause it to secure the arms together, or allow them to move independently. Due to the short time period required to operate the latch, the ECU provides a signal for the oil control valve to supply oil pressure or release oil pressure prior to the rocker arms being engaged with the base circle of the cams. This effectively preloads the latch causing it to react quickly and within the small time period allowed to latch.
US08915220B2	Variable valve actuation mechanism for overhead-cam engines with an oscillating/sliding follower A finger follower apparatus to effect opening of an engine valve includes a first member with first and second opposite ends. The first member is pivotally fixed at the first end and operatively engaged with the engine valve at the second end. A second member is slidably engaged with the first member and carries a roller for engagement with a cam.
US08915214B2	Poultry feeder with level sensor A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined “empty” level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined “full” level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a “start” signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the “empty” level and emits a “stop” signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the “full” level.
US08915213B2	Division mask and method of assembling mask frame assembly by using the same In a division mask and a method of assembling a mask frame assembly by using the same, the division mask includes a stick body on which deposition patterns are formed, and a clamping portion which extends from the stick body outward along a longitudinal direction of the stick body, the clamping portion increasing in width from the stick body. By using this structure, since tight tension is exerted on the division mask during the assembly of a mask frame assembly due to an extension portion of the clamping portion, creases are prevented from being formed on the division mask, thus obtaining a precise mask frame assembly.
US08915206B1	T-step hull form for monohull planing vessels A T-step hull form for monohull planing vessels includes a forward section, an aft section, a transom, a step, and a skeg. The step is transversely oriented and separates the forward section from the aft section, and the skeg extends longitudinally along the length of the hull form from the step rearwardly to the transom, dividing the aft section into a starboard tunnel portion and a port tunnel portion. The starboard and port tunnel portions are ventilated at their respective outboard sides, at the transom, or both. Vents may pass transversely through the skeg. Tunnel flaps may be disposed in each of the tunnel portions and are hingeably attached at the step to allow for adjustability of the step's geometry. The addition of the skeg, which extends from the step to the transom, provides additional longitudinal surface area for the hull form, and in turn increases lateral stability.
US08915200B2	Seeder with metering system having selectively powered metering sections A metering system for a seeding machine is provided. The metering system includes selectively powered metering sections operable to individually allow or restrict seed dispensation. A damper arrangement is also provided so that pneumatic conveying of the particulate within the machine is consistently maintained when particulate flow is varied between the metering sections.
US08915197B2	Deck ledge table A deck table is provided that includes a table section and a clamping mechanism that are attachable to a number of vertical posts in order to position the support surface on the posts in a horizontal position. The table section includes support surface and a bottom support that can be positioned against the posts and engaged by the clamping mechanism that extends between the posts. The clamping mechanism is rotatably attached to the table section and can be releasably engaged with the vertical posts to enable the table to be readily repositioned and/or removed from the posts, as desired, without disassembly of the component parts of the table.
US08915190B2	Launched smoke grenade A launched smoke grenade has a body having a hollow interior that contains an active grenade material and a bullet trap element formed of an inert material, the body defining a muzzle receptacle bore that is adapted to receive a rifle muzzle, the active grenade material defining a cavity, and the bullet trap element having at least a forward portion received in the cavity. The active grenade material may include a smoke generation component and an ignition component. There may be a bullet suppressing material positioned between the rifle muzzle and the inert material. The bullet suppressing material and the inert material may be made of different materials.
US08915186B2	Method of and system for cleaning off ink in flexographic printing machine It is an object is to improve the cleaning effect, to reduce the cleaning time, and to reduce the consumption of cleaning water during cleaning of an inside of an ink chamber of a flexographic printing machine. For cleaning an ink chamber 20, purge air “a” is supplied from pipes 46a-b to the ink chamber 20, and an ink “f” is collected from an ink supply pipe 26 and an ink recovery pipe 36 to an ink can 30. Subsequently, cleaning water “w” is supplied from the pipes 46a-b to the ink chamber 20, as well as defining a cleaning water circulatory passage 44 constructed from a three-way valve 24, an ink supply port 22, the ink chamber 20, excessive ink recovery ports 32, the ink recovery pipe 36, and a connecting pipe 40 for circulating cleaning water “w” through the circulatory passage 44 to clean inside the ink chamber 20. At the same time, compressed air “a” is supplied from a compressed air supply pipe 424 of an air gun 42 to generate bubbles in the cleaning water “w”, thereby improving the cleaning effect on the ink chamber 20 by the agitating action and the turbulent flow generating action of the bubbles.
US08915185B2	Assembly for axially aligning a print die An assembly for axially aligning a print die, the assembly comprising an axle; at least a first expandable force ring receiving the axle; a roll having a circumferential outer surface and a hollow bore receiving the axle and the at least first expandable force ring; loading sleeves connected operatively to the axle for alternatively outwardly compressing the at least first expandable force ring against the roll's hollow bore, for resisting axial movement of the roll with respect to the axle, and for alternatively inwardly decompressing the at least first expandable force ring for permitting such axial movement; and print die mounting magnets fixedly attached to the roll's outer circumferential surface for attaching the print die to the roll.
US08915183B2	Screen printing screen A screen printing screen, having: a screen printing stencil carrier which is configured as a film which is provided with first recesses which are configured in such a way that they reach from one upper side to the underside of the film, and a screen printing stencil which is configured as a nonmetallic masking layer which is connected fixedly to the underside of the screen printing stencil carrier, the masking layer being provided with second recesses which lie in congruence at least partially with the first recesses of the screen printing stencil carrier in such a way that a printing medium can pass through the first recesses of the screen printing stencil carrier from its upper side in the direction of the underside and through the second recesses of the masking layer to a substrate which can be placed underneath.
US08915180B2	Autonomously rotating cookware An autonomously rotating cookware adapted to more evenly cook a food item within a cooking space presenting variable temperatures, includes a rotatable member and a thermally activated active material element, such as a shape memory alloy wire, drivenly coupled to the member, such that heat by-product during the cooking process causes the element to activate and activating the element causes the member to rotate, so that the food item is alternatively exposed to the variable temperatures.
US08915179B2	Muffin baker A muffin maker comprises a support device, a main body and a collecting plate. A pedestal of the support device includes a first inserted portion. Two support arms of the support device include a rotary device. The main body is used for baking muffin and is connected to the rotary device. The collecting plate is mounted on the pedestal of the support device and includes a second inserted portion. The second inserted portion is connected with the first inserted portion and the normal line of the collecting plate is perpendicular to the normal line of the pedestal.
US08915176B2	Hydraulic blocking rotary actuator In one embodiment, a hydraulic blocking rotary actuator including a stator housing having a through bore to position a rotor assembly. A rotor assembly includes an output shaft and at least one rotary piston disposed radially about the output shaft. The rotary piston includes an integral first vane element and an integral second vane element each with peripheral longitudinal faces substantially concentric to the other. A continuous seal groove is disposed in peripheral longitudinal faces and lateral end faces of the rotary pistons. A continuous seal is disposed in the continuous seal groove. The bore through the stator housing includes an interior cavity with surfaces adapted to receive the rotor assembly. With rotation fluid ports blocked the housing cavity is sealed with the continuous piston seal for hydraulic blocking, preventing actuator displacement by external forces. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08915175B2	Pneumatic cylinder A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder block, two piston rods, and two pairs of pistons. The cylinder block defines two receiving portions parallel to each other. Each receiving portion defines a first air chamber and a second air chamber; the second air chamber is in series with the first air chamber Each piston rod is partially received in one receiving portion. Each pair of pistons is sleeved on one piston rod, with two pistons received in the first air chamber and the second air chamber, respectively.
US08915174B1	Progessively ported gun barrel The present invention is an improved barrel for a gun, wherein the gun barrel has an axis and a front face defined by a plane extending perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of ports is formed in the gun barrel. A first set of ports has a first spacing and a second set of ports is spaced apart from the first set of ports by a spacing distance greater than the first spacing.
US08915172B1	Magnetized fence with integral stock feeder for decked saws The invention herein named “Magnetized Fence with Stock Feeder for Decked Saws” is in total manifestation a table saw fence or other saw fence magnetized for resistance to lifting, in combination with a stock feeder or powerful spring-loaded workpiece guide mounted directly on said fence. Thus the stock feeder, which advances workpieces over the cutting element of a saw, can be used without its mounting apparatus interfering with lateral travel of the fence.Said invention is comprised of a: 1) saw fence, which guides workpieces, 2) motorized feeder with mounting apparatus, or spring-loaded guide, and 3) mechanisms incorporated for switching the magnetic element.
US08915169B2	Adjustable driving tool An adjustable driving tool includes a handle and a driving rod. The handle has a limiting portion disposed in the handle and a slot. The limiting portion has an inner space communicating with openings of a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion. The slot communicates with the inner space. The handle provided with a pin disposed through the inner space, and the first and second sleeve portions are disposed around the pin. The driving rod has a working end and a fixation end having an elongate through hole around the pin. The fixation end is disposed into the inner space through the slot. The driving rod is slidable relative to the pin, and the fixation end is controllably selectively inserted into the first sleeve portion or the second sleeve portion so that the driving rod is held.
US08915164B2	Tilt-type steering apparatus A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a tilt lever, an expandable mechanism having a driving cam rotated by the tilt lever and a driven cam engaged with the driving cam, and a telescopic damper arranged to apply resistance against the rotation of the tilt lever in a direction allowing a position of a steering wheel to be adjusted. The telescopic damper is provided between a lever-side engaging portion which rotates together with the tilt lever and a cam-side engaging part of the driven cam.
US08915160B2	Group transmission device In a group transmission arrangement, in particular a commercial vehicle group transmission arrangement, comprising a main group with a central synchronizing unit for synchronizing at least two main group shifting units for changing a main group transmission ratio, includes at least one auxiliary group with at least one auxiliary group shifting unit for changing an auxiliary group ratio, wherein a control unit is provided to actuate in a shifting operation the auxiliary group shifting unit and a central synchronizing unit in order to change an overall gear ratio, the control unit is adapted to actuate the auxiliary group shifting unit and the central synchronizing unit in parallel at least intermittently.
US08915156B2	Method for friction compensation in a device with force feedback provided with cable transmission A method of compensating friction in a force-feedback device comprising a control member manipulated by a user and coupled to a tensioned cable that is actuated by a motor and gearbox unit. The method includes the steps of (1) detecting a variation in the sag of the cable caused by a manipulation of the control member, and (2) in response to such a detection, controlling the unit so that it develops a force (Fa) that compensates, at least in part, for the internal friction (Rsa) of the unit that opposes movement of the control member manipulated by the user.
US08915155B1	Method and device for monitoring integrity of wooden posts A device (10) for monitoring the integrity of a wooden post (40) including an outer sleeve (11), a moveable pin (12), a spring (24) and a measuring rod (50). The outer sleeve (11) is adapted to be mounted in a pre-formed recess (41) of complementary size and shape extending from the outer surface (43) of a wooden post (40) substantially into the center (45) thereof. The moveable pin (12) is mounted within the outer sleeve (11) and has a head (18) arranged normally to bear against wood at the center (45) of the post (40). The spring (24) is arranged to urge the pin head (18) against wood at the center (45) of the post (40). The measuring rod (50) denotes any movement of the pin (12) further into the post (40).
US08915153B2	Double die sensor One embodiment of the present invention relates to a device, such as a sensor device. The device includes a sensor die and a circuit die. The sensor die includes a sensor and a feedback component. The circuit die includes circuitry. The circuit die is varied from the sensor die, such as comprising a varied substrate material. The circuitry is coupled to the sensor and the feedback component. The circuitry and the feedback component can communicate correlation information.
US08915151B2	Active skin for conformable tactile interface Disclosed is an active skin including: a tactile sensor substrate which includes a first film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of sensing points, and a pair of first electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the sensing point; a tactile actuator substrate which includes a second film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of actuating points, and a pair of second electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the actuating point; and an insulating layer which is interposed between the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate and couples the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate. With this, a tactile sensor and a tactile actuator are integrated, so that there is provided an interactive tactile interface to not only feel like a human's skin but also actively move like a muscle.
US08915149B1	Force measurement system A dual force plate system having two independent measurement surfaces is disclosed herein. The dual force plate system includes a first plate component having a first measurement surface for receiving a first portion of a body of a subject, a second plate component having a second measurement surface for receiving a second portion of the body of the subject, a first force transducer element operatively coupled to the first plate component, a second force transducer element operatively coupled to the second plate component, and a third force transducer element operatively coupled to both the first plate component and the second plate component. A force plate system for computing a center of gravity of a subject is also disclosed herein. In addition, a method for determining the center of gravity for a subject disposed on a force measurement assembly is described herein.
US08915148B2	Motion conversion system A motion conversion system is described. The motion conversion system comprises a first torsional member operative for rotating in a first direction. A second torsional member is offset a distance from the first torsional member, wherein the second torsional member is operative for rotating in a direction opposite from the first direction. And, a lateral member has a lower surface connected to the first and second torsional members. Wherein, translational movement of the lateral member results from rotational movement of the first and second torsional members.
US08915146B2	Magneto-inductive flow measuring device having a securement means to secure an electrode to the measuring tube A magneto-inductive flow measuring device having a measuring transducer, which includes a measuring tube a magnet system for producing a magnetic field, and at least one electrode inserted into a bore of the measuring tube for registering an electrical voltage. A securement device is provided, which serves for securing the electrode on the measuring tube. The securement device is at least partially composed of plastic, and is connected with the measuring tube by a plastics welding technology.
US08915143B2	Combination ultrasensitive force transducer and grabbing device for force and strain measurement from single cells The scientific characterization of cellular contractility and cell movement, such as muscle function in particular is, to a large extent, carried out on intact tissue preparations for example using whole intact muscles from animals. Typical indices of muscle function may include isometric force, contractility under external force (load) and spatio-temporal determination of internal calcium concentration under strictly controlled conditions of length and applied force. The major advance of the described apparatus is that the common characterization of cellular contractility can be performed on a single cell rather than an entire tissue or whole animal. As such the apparatus described improves on and eliminates known limitations of currently considered state-of-the-art approaches.
US08915141B2	Pressure sensor having a connection housing and a sensor housing Pressure sensor unit for sealed attachment to a fluidic system comprising a mounting member, a membrane cavity extending through the mounting member with an opening in contact with the fluidic system when the sensor unit is attached thereto, a membrane formed at the distal end of the membrane cavity, and a membrane deflection sensor, wherein the membrane is separated from the mounting member by a stress insulating member arranged to isolate the membrane from stress and strain in the mounting member.
US08915140B2	Corrosion resistant isolator assembly for process devices A process device has a process seal for coupling to an industrial process. The process device includes a process device body having an isolation cavity and an isolation passageway extending from the isolation cavity to a pressure sensor. The isolation cavity and isolation passageway filled with an isolation fluid. An isolation diaphragm is positioned to isolate the isolation cavity from process fluid. The isolation diaphragm has a process fluid side and an isolation fluid side. A weld ring is positioned around a periphery of the process fluid side of the isolation diaphragm. The weld ring is formed of a first material compatible with the isolation diaphragm and a second material compatible with the process device body. A weld secures the weld ring to the process device body.
US08915137B2	Yaw rate sensor, yaw rate sensor system, and method for operating a yaw rate sensor A yaw rate sensor having a substrate which has a main plane of extension, and a Coriolis element is proposed. The Coriolis element is excitable to a vibration along a third direction which is perpendicular to the main plane of extension. A Coriolis deflection of the Coriolis element along a first direction which is parallel to the main plane of extension may be detected using a detection arrangement. The detection arrangement includes a Coriolis electrode which is connected to the Coriolis element, and a corresponding counterelectrode. Both the Coriolis electrode and the counterelectrode may be excited to a vibration along the third direction.
US08915135B2	Barometer A barometer which is rotatable and a method of using a barometer which is rotatable is presented comprising a barometer tube retaining barometric fluid that is shorter than that required by non-rotatable barometers. The provision of a rotatable barometer allows the use of a barometric fluid of a density lower than that of mercury to be used, thereby enabling the use of mercury to be avoided.
US08915132B1	Visual warning device for weight bearing An improved weigh bearing monitor determining weight or urge applied upon an impaired lower extremity when limited weight bearing is prescribed by a medical professional. The limited amount of weight borne on the affected limb visualized on gauge (3) attached to assistive walking device (4) with weight borne readable on gauge (3) located within visual range of the user or caregiver. The device consists of gauge (3) connected to assistive walking device (4) connected by hose or tube (2) to foot appendage component containing bladder (1) attached to user's (6) foot. When user (5) applies pressure upon bladder (1), then gauge (3) is in view of user (5) or caregiver monitoring weight applied to the affected limb. This device may also be wireless with elimination of the hose. This device may also be hydraulic or pneumatic in accordance with variation maintaining the visual ability of user or caregiver.
US08915128B2	Brake tools for inspecting a brake shoe, and related methods A brake tool for inspecting a brake shoe having an anchor end and a cam end includes a first portion adapted to engage with an anchor aperture in the anchor end of the brake shoe, the first portion defining a first portion axis and having a length along the first portion axis sufficient to engage substantially an entire width of the anchor aperture; a second portion adapted to engage with a cam aperture in the cam end of the brake shoe, the second portion defining a second portion axis and having a length along the second portion axis sufficient to engage substantially an entire width of the cam aperture; and a connecting member connecting the first portion and the second portion with the first portion axis and the second portion axis substantially parallel to one another.
US08915126B2	Device for testing fuel injectors, and corresponding method A device and a method for testing fuel injectors, in particular, of the piezo type. The device includes at least one, in particular, bidirectional interface for connecting an operator control unit, at least one outlet for connecting at least one fuel injector, at least one integrated circuit, as well as a microcontroller for controlling the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit and the microcontroller cooperating in a way that allows the fuel injector to be tested as a function of the type and/or subtype thereof, including at least the piezo type having the subtypes active high and active low.
US08915125B2	Cylinder internal-pressure sensor for engine A cylinder internal-pressure sensor is provided with a housing unit 2 composed of an outer cylinder portion 2e and an inner cylinder portion 2i having elastic portions 2es and 2is having elasticity in an axial direction Fs formed on an intermediate portion Xm in the axial direction Fs; a pressure-receiving ring block portion 3 hermetically fixed between the outer cylinder portion 2e and the inner cylinder portion 2i located on the fronts of the elastic portions 2es and 2is and faced with the rear of the elastic portions 2e and 2i through the elastic portions 2e and 2i and having a front surface 3f as a pressure receiving surface; at least one or more pressure detection elements 5a, 5b, 5c, . . . in contact with one electrode portion 4 provided on a rear surface 3r of this pressure-receiving ring block portion 3, given the internal pressure Pc by the pressure-receiving ring block portion 3 and arranged at predetermined positions in a peripheral direction Ff; and a support ring block portion 6 fixed between the outer cylinder portion 2e and the inner cylinder portion 2i, having a front surface 6f as a support surface supporting the pressure detection elements 5a . . . and serving also as the other electrode 7.
US08915122B2	Sniffing leak detector The invention relates to a sniffing leak detector comprising a sniffing line (11) and a feed line (33) that leads to a vacuum pump (16). A distribution point (24) from which a branch line (25) leads to a test gas sensor (15) is provided on the feed line (33). In order for the intermediate pressure (P2) at the distribution point (24) to be independent of feed fluctuations of the vacuum pump (16), a throttle (D2) comprising a supercritically operated orifice (20) is provided between the distribution point (24) and the vacuum pump (16). The pressure drop at the orifice (20) is greater than half the intermediate pressure (P2) at the distribution point (24). The flow at the orifice (20) is thus blocked, wherein the flow (Q) remains constant regardless of changes of the pump pressure (P3). Changes of the intermediate pressure (P2) are thus prevented so that the sensitivity and signal stability of the test gas sensor (15) is unaffected by changes of the pump pressure.
US08915105B2	Latch assembly A compression latch is provided having a lock bolt operated via a codable cylinder lock. The lock bolt includes a guide having first and second inner surfaces. The lock includes a rotatable portion having a cam with a projection that is movable between the first and second inner surfaces. When the rotatable portion of the cylinder lock rotates via the key to cause the projection to move from a first position to a second position, the projection contacts the second inner surface and urges the lock bolt to engage a control member which prevents a handle of the compression latch from rotating. When the rotatable portion rotates via the key to cause the projection to move from the second position to the first position, the projection contacts the first inner surface and urges the lock bolt to disengage from the control member, which enables the handle to rotate.
US08915103B2	Washer/dryer with a light source inside a baffle for illuminating the drum The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) wherein the laundry is placed and at least one drum baffle (3) extending in the radial direction towards the center of the drum (2) for tumbling the laundry and wherein the interior of the drum (2) is illuminated effectively.
US08915094B2	Refrigerator and operating method thereof A bypass device of a refrigerator connected to an inrush current preventing device bypasses an input power when the input power is applied to the refrigerator, and a controller controls the input power input through the inrush current preventing device in response to a voltage measured by a voltage measuring device, recovers a function of the inrush current preventing device, and drives a compressor. Therefore, a standby time to re-drive the refrigerator is decreased and convenience is enhanced.
US08915091B2	Thermoelectric-based thermal management system Disclosed is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle that operates in a heating mode, a cooling mode or a demisting mode. In some embodiments, the system includes a first circuit having first pump for circulating a first medium therein, a second circuit having a second pump for circulating a second medium therein and a thermoelectric module having a first surface in thermal contact with the first medium and a second surface in thermal contact with the second medium.
US08915088B2	Fuel control method for starting a gas turbine engine A method for controlling a flow of fuel to a starting gas turbine engine includes controlling the flow of fuel to the engine by controlling fuel pressure to the engine, and modulating the flow of fuel to the engine if engine exhaust gas temperature approaches a given exhaust gas temperature to lower the engine exhaust gas temperature below the given exhaust gas temperature.
US08915087B2	Methods and systems for transferring heat from a transition nozzle Methods and systems are provided for transferring heat from a transition nozzle. The transition nozzle includes a transition portion, a nozzle portion integrally formed with the transition portion, and at least one surface feature configured to transfer heat away from the transition portion and/or the nozzle portion. The transition portion is oriented to channel the combustion gases towards the nozzle portion.
US08915079B2	Brake actuator unit A brake actuator unit capable of improving the pedal feeling. The brake actuator unit includes a housing, a master cylinder connected to one end of the housing and provided therein with first and second pistons arranged in parallel to each other, an operating fluid reservoir coupled to an upper portion of the master cylinder to store operating fluid, a simulator accommodated in the master cylinder to provide repulsive force to a pedal, an input shaft moving back and forth according to an operation of the pedal, a control plunger slidably moving back and forth together with the input shaft, first and second output shafts positioned corresponding to first and second pistons to move back and forth together with the control plunger, and a pedal displacement sensor connected to the input shaft.
US08915074B2	System and method for determining accumulator fill A method for determining whether an accumulator is filled to a predetermined level with a hydraulic fluid includes commanding a current to a solenoid, providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the accumulator, setting a timer to an initial value, incrementing the timer, determining if the timer is greater than a timer threshold value, measuring a current to the solenoid if the timer is greater than the timer threshold value, calculating a modified current as a function of the measured current, the timer value, and the commanded current, comparing the modified current to a threshold, and determining that the accumulator is filled to the predetermined level if the modified current is greater than the threshold.
US08915071B2	Exhaust gas purifying device Provided is an exhaust gas purifying device which can improve handling work ability such as maintenance of an engine while it can improve a purifying performance of an exhaust gas of the engine. The exhaust gas purifying device is provided with a plurality of gas purifying bodies which purifies the exhaust gas discharged by the engine, a plurality of inside cases which are inward provided with the gas purifying bodies, and outside which are inward provided with the inside cases. An outlet end portion of an inside case in an exhaust gas upstream side and an inlet end portion of an in an exhaust gas downstream side are superposed as a double structure. Sensor boss bodies for supporting exhaust gas sensors are arranged in an outside surface of the outlet end portion or the inlet end portion of the double structure. The sensor boss bodies are extended to an outside direction of the outside case.
US08915069B2	Arrangement for introducing a liquid medium into exhaust gases from a combustion engine Arrangement for introducing a liquid medium into exhaust gases from a combustion engine: an exhaust gas line (2), an injection chamber (3) bounded in radial directions by a tubular wall (8), an injector (13) injects the liquid medium into the injection chamber; a mixing duct (14) to which the injection chamber has an outlet (10) for delivering exhaust gases; a bypass duct (15) which has an outlet (17) via which it is connected to the mixing duct, and an endwall (7) at the injection chamber's downstream end and demarcating the chamber from the mixing duct, such that the chamber's outlet is situated at the periphery of the endwall. The outlet of the bypass duct is close to the outlet of the injection chamber so that the exhaust gases which flow into the mixing duct via the chamber's outlet will collide with the exhaust gases which flow into the mixing duct via the outlet of the bypass duct.
US08915068B2	Device for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine A device (40) for reducing pollutants, in particular nitrogen oxides, in an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine, includes a reducing agent (46), in particular a urea-water solution, which is stored in a storage tank (42), a metering module, in particular a nozzle (68), for injecting the reducing agent (46) into the exhaust gas flow, and a pump (56, 100) for delivering the reducing agent (46) from a suction point (62) in the storage tank (42) to the metering module via lines (58, 66). A pump (56, 100) lies beneath a reducing agent level (44) in the storage tank (42), and a non-return valve is provided.
US08915065B2	Particulate filter regeneration In one example, a method of operating an engine having a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle, the particulate filter having a length and depth, includes performing particulate filter regeneration in response to temperature variation across the length and/or depth of the particulate filter.
US08915063B2	Method and device for estimating NOx emissions in combustion engines The present invention provides for a system for controlling NOx emissions based on the calculation of an error given by the difference between a first measured value obtained from a NOx sensor (7) and a second one estimated from a NOx estimation. Said sensor (7) can be used in an adaptation loop, where an open-loop or closed-loop EGR control system is adapted such that the expected NOx emissions (from the EGR controller) match the ones measured with the NOx sensor under steady-state conditions.
US08915062B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring a reductant injection system in an exhaust aftertreatment system An internal combustion engine operating at a lean air/fuel ratio includes a reductant injection system configured to dispense reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream upstream of a selective catalytic reduction device. The reductant injection system includes a reductant delivery system fluidly coupled to a reductant dispensing device that is configured to dispense the reductant. A method for monitoring the reductant injection system includes commanding the reductant dispensing device to dispense reductant at a prescribed reductant flowrate, controlling the reductant delivery system to a preferred operating state, monitoring operation of the reductant delivery system and estimating a reductant flowrate as a function of the monitored operation of the reductant delivery system, and diagnosing operation of the reductant injection system as a function of the prescribed reductant flowrate and the estimated reductant flowrate.
US08915060B2	Method of varying a fan duct throat area A method of varying a fan duct throat area of a gas turbine engine may include non-pivotably moving a fan nozzle outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine during axially aft translation of the fan nozzle without activating a thrust reverser.
US08915051B1	Method of loading a multi-dose blister card using a transfer fixture A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card including a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card including a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card.
US08915048B1	Optionally attachable, permanently fixed two piece cap and container apparatus A pharmaceutical storing and dispensing device including a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode between the container and the closure. The closure comprises a non-child resistant cap shaped to removeably engage the container and a child-resistant cap shaped to be permanently fixed to the non-resistant cap. The non-child resistant cap and child resistant cap are provided in intentionally varying quantities such that the quantity of child resistant caps is less than the quantity of non-child resistant caps.
US08915047B2	Beverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles with screw-type and other caps A beverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles with screw-type and other caps.
US08915044B2	Wall board clip and mount apparatus A mounting clip for use in the construction industry. This device will be used to effectively and efficiently establish a gap under the bottom edge of a building wall board, such as sheet rock or gypsum boards. Hanging of building panels on wall assemblies in building construction projects is very common. The present invention is a gapping device which fits onto the bottom edge of sheet rock wall board like a shoe. The clip holds the sheet rock in position raised off of the floor while the sheet rock hanger permanently affixes the panel to the panel support area, typically a stud wall. The clip prevents moisture from wicking from the floor into the wall board material The clip is designed to become a permanent fixture in the final wall construction.
US08915042B2	Steel frame structure using U-shaped composite beam A steel frame structure includes brackets connected to columns to allow the columns to be connected to a girder. Each bracket includes a U-shaped plate having a bottom plate, side plates extended upwardly perpendicularly from both ends of the bottom plate, and base plates extended outwardly from the side plates, a vertical plate welded perpendicularly to the center of the bottom plate of the U-shaped plate in such a manner as to be parallel to the side plates, and a horizontal plate welded to the top end of the vertical plate in such a manner as to be parallel to the bottom plate of the U-shaped plate. The girder has a generally U-shaped section.
US08915039B1	Solid-wood rigid block assemblies In some embodiments, a durable solid-wood door or other rigid block assembly includes two generally-planar, mutually-parallel solid-wood boards each having a plurality of mutually-parallel dovetail-connection channels running generally along an internal surface of each of the boards, and a solid-wood central keying structure disposed between the two solid-wood boards. The central keying structure includes a plurality of two-sided sliding dovetails keys sized to slide within the dovetail-connection channels to secure the two-mutually-parallel solid-wood boards to each other via sliding dovetail connections to the central keying structure. Alternating wood grain orientations may be used to reduce warping. Each board may include multiple laterally-adjacent monolithic slabs interconnected via tongue-and-groove edge connections, with the dovetail connection channels extending across multiple slabs. An adhesive and/or fasteners secure the two boards in a fixed position relative to each other, creating a solid block structure.
US08915028B2	Stilt for elevating storage means in a roof space A roof stilt for elevating flooring in a roof space comprising: a joist receptacle; a platform for affixing flooring to the stilt; and a support column extending between the joist receptacle and the platform for supporting the weight of elevated flooring.
US08915026B2	Wildlife barrier apparatus and system A barrier for blocking access to an enclosed space so that wildlife cannot enter the space for either nesting or other habitation is disclosed. Plural resilient spikes extend outwardly in an array from a base. When the apparatus is inserted into a space, the spikes bend so that the tips engage the walls of the space to lodge the barrier in place and resist extraction. The spikes discourage wildlife from entering and nesting in the space.
US08915025B2	Cut and rigidified construction component and method of manufacturing the same A method of creating a bend in a construction component for use in a transportation vehicle. The method comprises providing a plurality of cuts in the construction component so as to create a region of increased flexibility in the construction component. The method further comprises bending the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause the construction component to acquire a bent shape, and then rigidifying the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause said construction component to maintain the acquired bent shape.
US08915023B2	Safety hatch system In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.
US08915022B2	System and method for management of a roof A system for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.
US08915019B2	Sliding door stopper system A sliding door assembly for use with a tub or shower enclosure, said assembly comprising a rod, having a first end and a second end extending along said enclosure; at least one door, having a top, bottom, first end, second end, first surface and second surface; at least one roller attached to said door at a predetermined position and slidably engaging said rod; a stopper attached to said rod, at a predetermined position; a striker attached to said door, at a predetermined position; said striker further comprising at least one striking member; said stopper further comprising at least one striking member receiver; wherein when said door is in a first position, said at least one striking member and said at least one striking member receiver are not engaged and when said door is in a second position, said at least one striking member and said at least one striking member receiver are engaged, preventing said at least one door from substantial horizontal and vertical movement along said rod.
US08915018B2	Slider window assembly A vehicular slider window assembly (10) includes upper and lower rails (22, 24), at least one fixed window panel (16, 18) and a movable window panel (20). The lower rail comprises a channel (26) and a guide element (28) received in and secured to the channel. The guide element extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and the opening and the channel extends at least partially along the fixed window panel and beyond an end of the guide element and receives a carrier (30) of the movable window therein during loading of the movable window. The movable window is received in the channel at a first depth during the loading process and is raised to a second depth to generally align the carrier with the guide portion (28a) of the guide element for insertion of the carrier into the guide portion for movement along the guide portion.
US08915015B1	Solar greenhouse A solar greenhouse which may be modular, free-standing or erected against an adjacent structure such as the wall of a building, having s a frame including structural members such as extruded aluminum channels which support a glazing system of transparent or translucent panels. The transparent or translucent panels preferably are opaque to the transmission of infra red light rejected from the solar collector louvers and the interior of the solar greenhouse. Positioned within the solar greenhouse enclosure below the glazed roof or top are a plurality of rotatable solar collector louvers which may be individually positioned or preferably are rotated in unison by a drive system which may be manually controlled or controlled by a software program in a computer or microchip. The louvers are effectively flat plate solar collectors. Water is circulated through the tubular axle of the louvers and is heated by solar radiation when the louvers are in their solar collection positions. The louvers may be adjusted to various positions.
US08915014B1	Finger mounted insect dissuasion device and method of use An insect dissuasion device that incorporates a miniature fly swatter adapted to be fixed onto an end of a human finger. An insect can be discouraged by simply flexing, slowly encroaching upon and then “flicking” the finger with the attached device to strike the insect. Devices of the present invention are designed to be removably attached to a finger by a ring-like structure. The ring-like structure is tailored to slip onto and engage a finger in various positions and remain attached to the finger when the finger is flicked. Joined to the ring-like structure is an extension shaft that terminates in an insect engagement head. The length and/or cross-sectional profile of the extension shaft can be altered as well as the shape of the head portion or ring-like structure.
US08915011B1	Mechanical fish hook assembly A mechanical hook assembly for catching fish. The hook assembly comprises a hook having an elongated shank, bend, and point. A spring-biased trigger resides adjacent the hook and comprises an elongated distal point guard, an intermediate latch, a proximal spring shaft, and spring. The spring normally urges the hook assembly into an open spread condition, such that the spring shaft of the trigger extends outwardly at an angle to the shank of the hook and in a direction opposite the bend. A catch is located beside the shank of the hook.
US08915008B2	Fused optic An optical sight is provided and may include an optics train having at least one prism with a first surface, a display associated with the first surface to selectively supply the first surface with an image, and a processor in communication with the display to provide the display with the image. An infrared camera may be in communication with the processor and may provide the processor with thermal-energy data for use by the processor in generating the image.
US08915007B1	Cartridge magazine loader A magazine loader has an elongated bar shape with a top wall and four subtending side walls with a recessed portion in the top wall relative to the plane of the top wall. The recessed portion has an open top cartridge channel in a first portion with two opposed horizontal flanges that extend the length of two side walls, and an open top magazine cavity in a second portion with a bottom wall, three upstanding side walls, and a follower projecting member. The follower projecting member is positioned to fit between opposed retaining clips of a magazine to partially depress a follower. The cartridge channel at a first end has an inclined portion sloped from the top wall to a bottom wall. A strip of sticky tape material attached to a row of cartridges may be used to pull the cartridges through the cartridge channel and into the magazine.
US08915005B2	Foldable stock assembly A folding stock assembly for a firearm includes a butt stock portion; a receiver interface portion; and a bidirectional hinge assembly configured to allow the butt stock portion to bidirectionally pivot with respect to the receiver interface portion.
US08915002B2	Self illuminated signage for printed graphics Self illuminated back and front lit signage for a printed graphic. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. The turning film receives light from an ambient light source and directs the light via the structured surface toward a viewer of the graphic in order to passively illuminate the signage.
US08915000B2	Greeting cards with optical fibers The greeting card of the present invention includes a three-panel pocket with an internal cavity which contains a fiber optic bundle, various electronic components, fabric layer and a removable panel. A front face of the three-panel pocket contains a substantial opening thereon through which the fabric layer is visible. The fiber optic bundle contains various fiber optic strands. Each of the fiber optic strands is inserted through the fabric layer and is visible through the front face of the greeting card. A contact arm switch controls illumination of the fiber optic strands along with the insertion and removal of the removable panel.
US08914998B2	Sole assembly for article of footwear with interlocking members An article of footwear includes a sole assembly with a rib that is resiliently flexible, and the rib has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The transverse axis extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of the first and/or second longitudinal end is greater than that of the middle portion. The rib is operable to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib transverse axis remains substantially straight in response to the first force. The rib resiliently bends about the rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface to make the rib transverse axis non-linear.
US08914996B2	Antistatic insole An antistatic insole is disclosed, which consists of one cover layer, one first layer body, one second layer body, one arch pad, and one heel pad. The insole is assembled with a cover layer on the surface of the first layer body and the second layer body below the first layer body and the heel pad and the arch pad are below the second layer body. The elasticity of the heel pad is more elastic and the arch pad less elastic than the first layer body. The contour of the surface of the first layer body follows that of the foot arch of a human body and acts coherently with that of the second layer body. The cover layer, the first layer body, and the second layer body are antistatic. The arch pad is equipped with antistatic and anti-fatigue functions according to various arch shapes of a human foot.
US08914994B2	Guitar-shaped bladder for footwear An article of footwear includes an upper for securing the article of footwear to a wearer. The footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a bladder that contains a fluid. The bladder has a posterior portion, an anterior portion, and a middle portion disposed between the posterior and anterior portions. The posterior portion has a heel recess that is approximately coincidental with a center of a heel of the wearer. The middle portion includes a neck chamber that extends between the posterior and anterior portions. The neck chamber is elongate and has a width that is less than both the posterior and anterior portions, and the anterior portion has a plurality of toe recesses that extend generally away from the neck chamber.
US08914992B1	Shoe sole with decorative insert Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing a shoe sole, in which a shoe sole is preliminarily assembled by bonding together a plurality of layers with a temporary insert disposed between two adjacent layers. Then, an outer edge of the shoe sole is ground and, following that, the temporary insert is removed and a permanent insert is bonded in place of the temporary insert, such that the permanent insert forms a portion of a side wall of the shoe sole.
US08914983B2	Measuring and testing device having segmented threads and thread segments adjustable with respect to each other The invention relates to a measuring and/or testing device (1) comprising a segmented thread (2) having thread segments (3 to 6). A first thread segment (3) and a second thread segment (4) of the segmented thread (2) are adjustable with respect to each other.
US08914978B2	Application roller and manufacturing method of application roller A manufacturing method of an application roller that applies a coating solution onto a surface of a substrate, wherein the application roller includes a roller body that includes a large diameter portion and small diameter portions coaxially extended from both ends of the large diameter portion, the manufacturing method includes: overlaying a resin layer on at least an outer periphery of each of the small diameter portions; forming a masking portion on the outer periphery of each of the small diameter portions by processing an outer periphery of the resin layer; and forming an application groove portion on an outer periphery of the large diameter portion.
US08914976B2	Turbine airfoil to shroud attachment method Bi-casting a platform (50) onto an end portion (42) of a turbine airfoil (31) after forming a coating of a fugitive material (56) on the end portion. After bi-casting the platform, the coating is dissolved and removed to relieve differential thermal shrinkage stress between the airfoil and platform. The thickness of the coating is varied around the end portion in proportion to varying amounts of local differential process shrinkage. The coating may be sprayed (76A, 76B) onto the end portion in opposite directions parallel to a chord line (41) of the airfoil or parallel to a mid-platform length (80) of the platform to form respective layers tapering in thickness from the leading (32) and trailing (34) edges along the suction side (36) of the airfoil.
US08914975B2	Method for repairing a guide blade segment for a jet engine A method for repairing a guide blade segment fashioned as a twin guide blade segment within a guide blade composite element, the guide blades being formed from a nose segment and a rear edge segment, the method having identification, within a guide blade segment, of a non-repairable guide blade to be separated from the guide blade composite structure; separation of a non-repairable guide blade from a one repairable guide blade in a first plane of division; division of at least one separated guide blade in a second plane of division between the nose segment and the rear edge segment; reconditioning of the at least one repairable nose segment and/or rear edge segment; joining of a reconditioned and/or new nose segment to a reconditioned and/or new rear edge segment to form at least one guide blade; and joining of at least two guide blades to form a guide blade segment.
US08914974B2	Method for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board The invention relates to a method for integrating an electronic component into a printed circuit board, whereby the electronic component (4) comprising contacts (6) oriented towards an insulating layer (1) which is fixed to a laminate consisting of a conductive layer (2) and a insulating layer (1). Once the component (4) has been fixed to the insulating layer (1), at least one hole or perforation (8, 11) corresponding to the contacts (6) of the component (4) are formed in the conducting layer (2) and in the insulating layer (1), the contacts come into contact with the conducting layer (2), enabling a reliable integration or embedding of an electronic component (4) into a printed circuit board.
US08914973B2	Engine cylinder sleeve heater and method A method for installing a heated piston into a cylinder sleeve that is initially smaller than the piston includes: receiving the engine block at a heating station, heating the engine cylinder sleeve with heated air for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature such that a temperature of the cylinder sleeve is equal to or greater than a temperature of the piston, and inserting the piston into the heated cylinder sleeve.
US08914966B2	Die for molding honeycomb structure, and its production method A die having large numbers of grooves for molding a material to a honeycomb structure, wherein a surface having the grooves has an outer periphery in a polygonal shape having 6 or more corners, and wherein the grooves are crossing the outer periphery at an angle of 30° or more.
US08914965B2	Processing method for brake rotor-equiped wheel bearing devices An outer member and an inner member constituting a wheel bearing device are assembled and the brake rotor is fixed to the hub ring of the inner member. In this state, the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by a wheel pilot end surface. Alternatively, the wheel pilot end surface of the hub ring by chucking the knuckle pilot of the outer member with the wheel bearing device put in its assembled state, and the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by the wheel pilot end surface.
US08914964B2	Hemming working method and working apparatus A moving die is held by a robot and made to approach a vehicle, and a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole of the vehicle. The moving die is brought into a floating state of being displaceable relative to the vehicle by reducing a force of the robot for maintaining an attitude thereof. In a state of holding the moving die by the robot, a surface of the moving die is brought into contact with the vehicle by an adsorbing mechanism including an adsorbing portion of an elastic member provided to the moving die. The moving die and the robot are cut to be separated.
US08914962B1	Buoy split key removal device A buoy split key (“BSD”) removal apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The BSD utilizes a power screw to apply a steady and controllable compressive load onto the split key. The BSD applies a compressive force or load to the bitter ends of the split key in order to maximize the use of the moment on the split key. The spread and/or twisted split key is compressed by a compression assembly and compression power screw as supported by a compression frame. The compression assembly provides steady and controllable compression on a buoy split key. A compression power screw and extrusion power screw should be threaded in the opposite direction for maximum torque to remove the buoy split key. Once the split key is fully compressed by the compression assembly, the compressive load from the power screw and split key are then removed.
US08914960B2	Tooth brush head removal device A device (10) for removing the tooth brush head from the body of an electrical tooth brush is described. Device (10) includes a tooth brush head engaging member (12), a seat member (14) for seating against a body of an electrical-tooth brush and a screw-threaded member (16) positioned operatively between the tooth brush head engaging member (12) and the seat member (14), so as to cause the tooth brush head engaging member (12) to displace relative to the seat member (14) in response to angular displacement of the screw-threaded member (16).
US08914959B2	Apparatus and method of assembling a piston on a shaft over a lip seal A method and apparatus for installing a piston over a lip seal on a shaft includes a cylinder or primary force and a weight member or secondary force. The primary force and secondary force are coupled by a resilient member, which will permit the secondary force to retract from the assembly process when the force needed to complete the assembly is above a predetermined value.
US08914956B2	Manufacturing method for monolithic ceramic electronic component In a manufacturing method for a monolithic ceramic electronic component, a ceramic paste is applied by using an application plate to a side surface of each of a plurality of green chips arrayed in row and column directions which are obtained after cutting a mother block. In the applying step, the ceramic paste is transferred to the side surface by moving the green chips and the application plate relative to each other in the direction in which the side surface extends while separating the green chips from the application plate, in a state where the ceramic paste is connected to both the green chips and the application plate.
US08914955B2	Method for manufacturing piezoelectric element and method for manufacturing liquid ejection head A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric element includes a process for forming a first conductive layer, a process for forming a piezoelectric layer having a region serving as an active region, a process for forming a second conductive layer, which overlaps with the region, a process for forming a third conductive layer, which overlaps with the region, on the second conductive layer, a process for forming an opening portion that divides the third conductive layer into a first portion and a second portion, a process for forming a resist layer that covers the opening portion and a peripheral portion at the side of the opening portion of the first portion and the second portion; a process for etching the third conductive layer to form a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion, and a process for etching the second conductive layer to form a third conductive portion.
US08914954B2	Method for making a core having built-in cross-linking fibers for composite material panels, resulting panel, and device A process for the production of a core (10) with integrated bridging fibers (12) for the manufacturing of composite panels, includes producing the following stages: using a cake that is made of light material of the rigid foam type, forming the core (10); depositing excess bridging fibers (12) on at least one surface (18, 20) of the core; making a portion of these bridging fibers (12) penetrate into the core; and removing excess bridging fibers (12) that are not used. The panel that is obtained as well as the associated device are also described.
US08914950B1	Communication and/or electrical cord organizer and cover The communication and/or electrical cord organizer and cover includes a tubularly-shaped member of an undefined length, which is outfitted with a fastening means that runs along the length so as to enable opening and sealing off of the tubularly-shaped member. The organizer and cover further includes at least one connector tube that can attach itself in perpendicular orientation to any location along the tubularly-shaped member in order to provide a branching effect for ingress or egress of any electrical or communication cord with respect to the tubularly-shaped member. The connector tubes each include a serrated collar member that pierces a hole through the tubularly-shaped member, and from which threadings are provided on both the serrated collar member and the respective connector tube for securement to the tubularly-shaped member.
US08914948B2	Scarf zipper A scarf zipper with a scarf securing member, a medallion member and a medallion connector member. The scarf securing member is attached to the medallion member by the medallion connector member. The scarf securing member is a wire-form component. The scarf securing member having two halves, each terminating at one end in a locking mechanism and at the opposite end in an integral spring and loop. The spring causes the halves to be biased outward from each other until locked together by the locking mechanism. The locked halves retain two panels of a standard scarf. The scarf securing member is capable of being zipped up or down by pulling on the medallion member. The scarf securing member remains in place after being zipped and the medallion member ends up at the front portion of the scarf and acts as a decorative element.
US08914942B2	Attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the attachment including a head divided into a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, each rotatable member comprising means for sweeping dirt from a surface, a conduit connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the head towards the appliance, a drive mechanism for rotating the head about a first axis while simultaneously rotating the first rotatable member about a second axis and the second rotatable member about a third axis, each of the second axis and the third axis being angled to the first axis, and means for dislodging dirt from the sweeping means with rotation of the head about the first axis so that dislodged dirt may become entrained within the air flow.
US08914941B2	Cyclone dust collecting apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a first chamber; an entering passage disposed above the first chamber, the entering passage guiding outer air to form a downwardly whirling air current in the first chamber; a second chamber formed at a position higher than that of an outlet of the entering passage above the first chamber, the second chamber in which the outer air entering from the first chamber whirls; a contaminants-blocking member disposed to be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the first chamber at a center of the first chamber, the contaminants-blocking member preventing contaminants and water separated in the first chamber from moving into the second chamber; and a grill disposed inside the second chamber to be in fluid communication with an air discharging port through which clean air is discharged.
US08914940B2	Vacuum axle with a motor embedded therein and wheels A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.
US08914932B2	Self adjusting ramp A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.
US08914931B2	Method for controlling a laundry machine using first and second rotations A laundry machine capable of washing or drying laundry and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method includes a first rotation including rotating a stationary drum in a first rotating direction by a predetermined angle within ˜180 degrees, and a second rotation including rotating the drum, in a direction opposite to the first rotating direction, at least one revolution.
US08914928B2	Angle detection and control An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.
US08914924B2	Patient support with universal energy supply system A patient support includes a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system, and a device selected from the group consisting of an inflatable device, a conduit, an air operated device, an actuator, a ventilator, and a chamber, with the port adapted for coupling to the device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system when the device is coupled to the port.
US08914920B2	Patient lift and coupling therefor A patient lift including a boom a spreader bar, and a friction coupling for securing the boom and the spreader bar. The friction coupling may include two friction washers disposed against respective inner faces of the boom. Two compression springs are disposed abutting the friction washers with a spreader bar support member in between. The compression springs urge the friction washers against the inner faces of the boom end. The spreader bar does not swing when the lift is moved without load. Also, the friction coupling reduces the swing of the patient, when transferred in the lift. This makes the lift easier to maneuver for the caregiver.
US08914917B1	Universal athletic pads with combination attachment means Protective hip pads and tailbone pads formed of resilient padding material have a combination belt slot and snap faster attachment arrangement and can selectively attached to athletic pants having either snap fasteners in the waistband, or to athletic pants having a waistband with a number of exposed slots through which a belt extends. Thin stiff flexible support plates are affixed to the front and back side of the pads and laterally spaced slotted apertures extending through the pad and support plates have a vertical slot and an intersecting horizontal slot. Snap fasteners slidably mounted in respective horizontal slots can be moved to be aligned and pressed onto mating snap members in the waistband to secure the pads to the waistband or, alternatively, moved to expose the vertical slots to receive a pants belt laced through the waistband and vertical slots to secure the pads to the waistband.
US08914913B2	Pull away vest with detachable shoulders A vest is disclosed that the user can remove without removing an outer garment such as a coat. The vest utilizes hook and loop fasteners at the shoulder to allow the back and front to be separated. In order to facilitate separation, a pull cord is attached at the rear shoulder and crosses the back of the vest and passes through a guide near the opposing hip. When the pull cord is pulled the opposing shoulder that has been separated is peeled back and down across the back allowing the user to remove the vest without removing an overcoat.
US08914912B2	Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear An improved fishing or hunting wader, exposure suit or foul weather pants/bib incorporates a novel waterproof connectable hatch to provide access for urination. The low profile and lightweight waterproof hatch is centered over the groin area and allows the wearer of a fishing wader, or similar foul weather gear pants, to be able to quickly open the hatch and urinate without removing the cumbersome garment. A hinged or connectable lid may swing upwards and downwards and features a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic, or mechanical fastener so that the lid is held up in place and out of the way. After urination, the lid may conveniently snap back into place against a seal or O-ring thereby forming a water tight seal.

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