最新美国发明专利第2015-02-17期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08956735B2	Copper alloy and electrically conductive material for connecting parts, and mating-type connecting part and method for producing the same A mating-type connecting part can be obtained by stamping and surface-roughening a copper sheet into a predetermined shape with depressions as a plurality of parallel lines. The copper sheet then has a roughness of from 0.5 μm to 4.0 μm parallel to a sliding direction upon connection, a mean projection-depression interval of from 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm in that direction, a skewness less than 0, and a protrusion peak portion height of 1 μm or less. The copper sheet is then plated with Cu and Sn, followed by reflowing. The result is a connecting part having a Sn surface coating layer group as a plurality of parallel lines, and a Cu-Sn alloy coating layer adjacent to each side of each Sn surface coating layer.
US08956734B2	Black resin steel plate having improved drawing ability and good manufacturing the same Provided is a black resin steel plate having superior drawing ability and glossiness and particularly to a black resin steel plate in which the coefficient of friction of a black resin film is adjusted so as to block the transfer of a resin layer due to a reduction in thickness of the resin layer, thereby improving blackness and drawing ability, and to a method of manufacturing the same.
US08956733B2	Power transmission bus bar filling material A filling material of power transmission bus bar, composed mainly of a silicone and an inorganic material, wherein weight ratio of said silicone and said inorganic material is between 1:0.1 and 1:9. As such, the resilience of the silicone can increase the buffering capability of said power transmission bus bar in facing pressure of strong winds; also stiffness of said inorganic material can increase the stability of said power transmission bus bar in a same situation. Said filling material of power transmission bus bar is able to protect metallic conduction element of said power transmission bus bar from getting in touch with moisture and dust, that may reduce its efficiency in transmitting power.
US08956730B2	Conductive multilayer stack, coated substrates including the same, and methods of making the same An electrically conductive multilayer stack including a first metal oxide layer including titanium oxide, a metal layer on the first metal oxide layer, and a second metal oxide layer including titanium oxide on the metal layer, at least one of the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide layer including a first region, a second region on the first region, and a third region on the second region, the first region and the third region each having a higher oxygen concentration than that of the second region is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing an electrically conductive multilayer stack are also disclosed.
US08956728B2	Thermoplastic polyurethane interlayer A composition including an isocyanate, a polyether polyol and a low molecular weight polyester polyol having a weight average molecular weight in a range of about 200 g/mol to about 1000 g/mol is disclosed. Films including the composition and interlayers including the film are also disclosed. Transparencies including the interlayer and methods of making the same are further disclosed.
US08956725B2	Hybrid solid supports comprising conformal crosslinked polymeric coating and useful for oligonucleotide production A method for preparing a crosslinked polymer coated controlled porosity glass (CPG) particle is provided. The method involves mixing CPG particles in a solution comprising polyvinylbenzylchloride and a first solvent at a temperature below 10° C. A second solvent is added and a crosslinking agent is added to the mixture. The first solvent is removed rapidly within 1½ hours of addition of the crosslinking agent. The crosslinking reaction is permitted to proceed and the mixture is then cooled and treated to remove any remaining solvent. The resulting coated CPG particles are washed and dried. Also provided a polymer coated CPG particles using for loading ligand thereon.
US08956723B2	Coating liquid for coating glass fiber and rubber-reinforcing glass fiber using the same A coating liquid for coating glass fiber cords, containing: a chlorophenol-formaldehyde condensate (A) obtained by condensing a chlorophenol (D) and formaldehyde (E) in water; an emulsion of a vinylpyridine-styrene-butadiene copolymer (B); and an emulsion of a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (C).
US08956719B2	Flame-retardant poly lactic acid-containing film or sheet, and method for manufacturing thereof A film or sheet composed of a resin composition including a poly lactic acid (A), an acidic functional group-modified olefinic polymer (B) including an acidic functional group and having an acid value of 10 to 70 mg KOH/g and a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 80,000, a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (C), and an aromatic cyclic phosphazene-containing flame retardant (D) including a compound of Formula (I) and in which (D) is included in an amount of 10 to 70 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of (A), and a method for manufacturing the film or sheet by melt film formation.
US08956715B2	Resilient pad composite having floating reinforcing structure The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.
US08956711B2	High impact strength, elastic, composite, fibre, metal laminate A damage resistant High Strength, Impact Resistant, Elastic Composite Laminate primary (singular) structure with optionally having first (4) and second (4) outer face layers, having first (2) and second (2) inner reinforced plies being located between the first and second outer layers, and (1) a dissipating element located between the first and second reinforced plies, wherein the dissipating element is adapted to dissipate and redirect, randomly directed active loading applied to at least one of the two outer surface, to tensile loading being directed along the respective longitudinal axis of the inner reinforced ply; and a matrix (3) between (2) and (4).
US08956710B2	Vacuum insulation panel Disclosed are a vacuum insulation panel, a method for manufacturing the same and an insulation box having the same. By cutting the core material correspondingly to shape and thickness of the absorbent without cut of the core material and pressing the absorbent securing part to form the groove for placing the absorbent therein, the vacuum insulation panel prevents partial deterioration of heat transmission caused by the cutoff of the core material or deterioration of the smoothness caused by placing the absorbent above the core material or between the core materials. Particularly, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the periphery is pressed together, which is shown in a conventional press process, to thereby improve the smoothness by cutting the core material in shape and depth corresponding to the shape and thickness of the absorbent prior to the press of the absorbent securing part. Therefore, it is possible to provide an energy saving insulation box by reducing generation of wrinkle or poor sealing of the surface material of the vacuum insulation panel to thereby increase insulation efficiency of the vacuum insulation panel for a long time.
US08956708B2	Rotolined articles The present invention relates to the field of steel pipes and vessels rotolined with metallocene-produced polyethylene.
US08956707B2	Preform extended finish for processing light weight ecologically beneficial bottles Disclosed are preforms for the production of lightweight containers, such as bottles suitable for containing water or other beverages The preforms can have a thin neck finish area that is extended into the upper segment of the body portion below the support ring. Preforms with reduced thickness in these areas use less resin in forming the preform and bottle.
US08956706B2	Flexible tubing material and method of forming the material A flexible tubing material includes a radiation crosslinked blend of a first elastomeric polymer including a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene vinyl acetate elastomer, a polyolefin elastomer with a second elastomeric polymer including a polyolefin elastomer, a diene elastomer, or combination thereof, with the proviso that the first elastomeric polymer and the second elastomeric polymer are different. In an embodiment, a method of making a material includes providing the first elastomeric polymer, providing the second elastomeric polymer, blending the first elastomeric polymer and the second elastomeric polymer, extruding or injection molding the blend, and crosslinking the blend with radiation.
US08956705B2	Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) polymers A system having a ferroelectric liquid host material and a small amount of polymer additive is provided. In an embodiment, the polymer additive improves the physical characteristics of the system. In an embodiment, the system can be used in FLC applications.
US08956696B2	Ultra-thin membrane for chemical analyzer and related method for forming membrane A method for forming an ultra-thin membrane for use in a chemical analyzer such as a mass spectrometer includes the step of applying a sacrificial blocking layer onto a porous substrate, applying a semi-permeable membrane layer onto the sacrificial blocking layer, and removing the sacrificial blocking layer following cure of the membrane layer. In a preferred version, at least one of the blocking layer and the membrane layer are applied to the porous support by means of spin coating, though other deposition techniques can be employed.
US08956694B2	Developing apparatus, developing method and storage medium A pretreatment process, carried out prior to a developing process, spouts pure water, namely, a diffusion-assisting liquid for assisting the spread of a developer over the surface of a wafer, through a cleaning liquid spouting nozzle onto a central part of the wafer to form a puddle of pure water. The developer is spouted onto the central part of the wafer for prewetting while the wafer is rotated at a high rotating speed to spread the developer over the surface of the wafer. The developer dissolves the resist film partly and produces a solution. The rotation of the wafer is reversed, for example, within 7 s in which the solution is being produced to reduce the water-repellency of the wafer by spreading the solution over the entire surface of the wafer. Then, the developer is spouted onto the rotating wafer to spread the developer on the surface of the wafer.
US08956692B2	Device and method for manufacturing a three-dimensional body The production of three-dimensional bodies is performed by selective solidification, wherein surface impurities on the layers to be produced, which may occur during the production process using “powder shuttle” technology, are significantly reduced or eliminated. In this manner the production process is more efficient, produces a higher grade product and is more economical to implement.
US08956688B2	Aqueous processing of composite lithium ion electrode material A method of making a battery electrode includes the steps of dispersing an active electrode material and a conductive additive in water with at least one dispersant to create a mixed dispersion; treating a surface of a current collector to raise the surface energy of the surface to at least the surface tension of the mixed dispersion; depositing the dispersed active electrode material and conductive additive on a current collector; and heating the coated surface to remove water from the coating.
US08956684B2	IOL insertion apparatus and methods for making and using same Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.
US08956682B2	Hydrophilic polymeric coatings for medical articles with visualization moiety The invention is directed to medical device coatings, such as coated guidewires and catheters, containing a visualization moiety providing color to the coating in ambient or applied light. The coating allows for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage. In some embodiments the coatings include the visualization moiety and an activated UV photogroup, which is used to provide covalent bonding in the coating. The visualization moiety can be in particulate form and entrained in the coating, or can be covalently bonded to the hydrophilic polymer backbone. In other embodiments the visualization moiety includes a stilbene chemical group. Exemplary coatings include a hydrophilic vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, which can provide lubricity to the device surface, along with the colored properties.
US08956679B2	Process tolerant starch composition with high total dietary fiber content The present invention relates to a starch composition with high total dietary fiber (TDF) that retains its TDF upon processing. In particular, over 50% of such fiber is retained upon extrusion processing. Such starch is useful in the manufacture of high fiber food products, including extruded products such as breakfast cereals and snacks.
US08956676B2	Composition comprising protein and disperse fat The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a composition comprising proteins and fats, said method providing a simple and non-expensive way of obtaining fat-containing proteinaceous products of high nutritional value that are easy to handle and at the same time possess high stability towards coalescence and oxidation. More particularly, a method is provided for the manufacture of a composition comprising protein and fat in disperse form, the method comprising the following steps: (i) providing a suspension having a pH value higher than 7.0, said suspension comprising water, proteinaceous material, fat, and optionally alkali; (ii) incubating the suspension from (i) at a temperature in the interval 50-150° C.; (iii) homogenizing the suspension from (ii) to form a dispersion; and (iv), if desired, subjecting the dispersion from (iii) to a subsequent treatment; wherein the proteinaceous material in step (i) comprises vegetable-based proteinaceous material, and/or yeast-based proteinaceous material; wherein the suspension in step (i) comprises at least 5% fat by weight of dry matter. The current invention also relates to the compositions obtained by the method and to compositions obtainable by the method of the invention and, further, to the use of these compositions.
US08956670B2	Method for the control of the formation of acrylamide in a foodstuff There is provided a process for the prevention and/or reduction of acrylamide formation and/or acrylamide precursor formation in a foodstuff containing (i) a protein, a peptide or an amino acid and (ii) a reducing sugar, the process comprising contacting the foodstuff with an enzyme capable of oxidizing a reducing group of the sugar.
US08956669B2	Anticancer and antimicrobial compounds from antarctic extremophilic microorgansims The present disclosure describes the isolation of extremophilic microorganisms from the Lakes of Schirmacher Oasis located in the East Antarctic Dronning Maud Land. The isolated organisms were characterized and certain pigments produced by these microorganisms were isolated. The present disclosure teaches that the isolated pigments exhibit anticancer and antimicrobial properties and can be used as new therapies for the treatment and prevention of cancer and microbially-mediated diseases.
US08956665B2	Stable aqueous solutions of silane quat ammonium compounds Stable aqueous compositions of silane quaternary ammonium compounds are provided by diluting an alkanol solution of the silane quaternary ammonium compound in water with at least one nonionic surfactant. The weight ratio of the silane quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic surfactant is provided to yield a composition which can remain stable in dilute aqueous compositions, can be applied to any surface and dry quickly to provide an anti-microbial film. The addition of an alkali metal bicarbonate salt to the composition improves the anti-microbial properties as well as the drying time of the composition.
US08956663B2	Compositions and methods for treating vaginal infections and pathogenic vaginal biofilms The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions for treating pathogenic vaginal biofilms. More specifically, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of boric acid and diethylaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) and to methods of using such compositions to treat or prevent biofilm formation associated with vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), trichomoniasis or mixed infections.
US08956662B2	Phenylephrine pharmaceutical formulations and compositions for colonic absorption The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising phenylephrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an erodible layer which is for oral administration wherein the composition delivers phenylephrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof via absorption in the colon. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a core comprising phenylephrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an erodible layer which is in a time-dependent, pH-dependent, or colon-specific enzyme-dependent erodible layer that degrades to expose the core to release phenylephrine in the colon. In one preferred embodiment, the erodible layer encases the core. The composition optionally further comprises phenylephrine in the erodible layer or other additional layer(s). The pharmaceutical composition can further comprise one or more additional therapeutically active agents selected from one or more of the group consisting of antihistamines, analgesics, anti-pyretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The invention also discloses methods of administering phenylephrine via the colon, thereby increasing the bioavailable amount of therapeutically active unconjugated phenylephrine relative to the total phenylephrine in the plasma.
US08956657B2	Stable formulations for lyophilizing therapeutic particles The present disclosure generally relates to lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles which, upon reconstitution, have low levels of greater than 10 micron size particles. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.
US08956656B2	Production of small particles The present invention relates to a method for producing particles of a compound of interest. In a method according to the invention a solution is provided of the compound of interest in a solvent. This solution is thickened or gelled and particles are formed. The invention further relates to a particle that is obtainable by the invention.
US08956655B2	Biodegradable drug delivery system A drug delivery system (DDS) comprised of segmented biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The segmented implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer, and permit the DDS to have segments that possess individual and different drug release characteristics.
US08956654B2	Sustained release dosage form An osmotic dosage form which comprising: (a) a core comprising a biologically active ingredient; (b) a semi-permeable membrane covering said core; and (c) at least one passageway through the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the semi-permeable membrane comprises ethyl cellulose, an acrylic or methacrylic polymer and a water-soluble plasticizer with the proviso that the semi-permeable membrane comprises no or not more than 15 weight percent of a water-soluble material excluding any water-soluble plasticizer, based on the total dry weight of the semi-permeable membrane.
US08956647B2	Pellet formulation for the treatment of the intestinal tract An orally administrable pharmaceutical pellet formulation for the treatment of the intestinal tract is disclosed, which comprises a core and an enteric coating, the core including, as a pharmaceutical active compound, aminosalicylic acid or a pharmaceutically tolerable salt or a derivative thereof.
US08956642B2	Bupivacaine formulation in a polyorthoester carrier Effective treatments of pain, such as chronic pelvic pain, for extended periods of time are provided. The treatments include the administration of one or more drug depots intraspinally wherein the drug depots include an effective amount of bupivacaine formulated within a polyorthoester. By administration of one or more drug depots, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to chronic pelvic pain syndromes, spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discongenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least thirty days, at least sixty days, at least one hundred days or at least one hundred and thirty-five days.
US08956641B2	Alpha adrenergic receptor agonists for treatment of inflammatory diseases Effective treatments of pain and/or inflammation from tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, bursitis and/or an oral-facial disease are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of at least one alpha adrenergic agonist at or near a target site, one can reduce, prevent or treat pain and/or inflammation from tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, bursitis and/or an oral-facial disease.
US08956631B2	Cosmetic compositions comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and at least one vinylamide/vinylamine copolymer and methods of use thereof Disclosed herein are cosmetic compositions comprising: at least one non-ionic surfactant chosen from alkylpolyglycosides and mono- and polyglycerolated surfactants, and at least one vinylformamide/vinylamine copolymer comprising: from 10 to 90 mol % of units of following formula A: and from 90 to 10 mol % of units of following formula B: and a method for treating keratinous substances using said composition.
US08956628B2	Bacteriophage preparations and method of use thereof Disclosed herein are purified bacteriophage preparations that effectively lyse a plurality of C. perfringens strains. In one embodiment, a purified bacteriophage preparation includes four or more C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage, wherein each bacteriophage has lytic activity against at least five C. perfringens strains. In another embodiment, the purified bacteriophage preparation includes five or more C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage.
US08956627B2	Method of inducing antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus involving the administration of MPER peptide-liposome conjugates The present invention relates to a method of inducing the production in a patient of anti-HIV antibodies. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an amount of at least one liposome-peptide conjugate in an amount sufficient to effect that induction. The peptide comprises a membrane external proximal region (MPER) epitope and the liposome comprises lysophosphorylcholine or phosphatidylserine.
US08956622B2	Peptidic antagonists of class III semaphorins/neuropilins complexes The present invention concern a peptidic antagonist of class III semaphorins/neuropilins complexes comprising an amino acid sequence, which is derived from the transmembrane domain of a protein selected in the group consisting of neuropilin-1, neuropilin-2, plexin-A1, plexin-A2, plexin-A3, plexin-A4, Nr-CAM, L1-CAM, integrin Beta 1 and integrin beta 2, and including at least a GxxxG motif, eventually fused to an heterologous sequence; a nucleic acid encoding for said peptidic antagonist, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a peptidic antagonist or a nucleic acid encoding thereof and uses thereof.
US08956617B2	Vaccination by transcutaneous targeting The present invention relates to a method of vaccination via hair follicles that makes it possible to target vaccine components to the antigen-presenting cells in order to induce a protective and effective immune response against pathogens.
US08956616B2	Constructs binding to phosphatidylserine and their use in disease treatment Disclosed are new phosphatidylserine binding constructs with surprising combinations of properties, and a range of diagnostic and therapeutic conjugates thereof. The new constructs effectively bind phosphatidylserine targets in disease and enhance their destruction, and can also specifically deliver attached imaging or therapeutic agents to the disease site. Also disclosed are methods of using the new construct compositions, therapeutic conjugates and combinations thereof in tumor vasculature targeting, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and for treating viral infections and other diseases.
US08956615B1	Methods of treating OX40 mediated recall immune responses using OX40L antibodies and agents useful for identifying same T cell memory can persist in the absence of antigen. However, some memory cells by default are subject to signals accompanying periodic antigen exposure. OX40 is essential to the extent and persistence of Th2 memory when antigen is re-encountered. In an animal model of allergic asthma, inhibiting OX40/OX40L signaling during the secondary response to inhaled antigen suppressed lung inflammation. Inhibiting OX40 at the time of memory cell reactivation reduced the longevity of memory with further inflammation prevented upon tertiary encounter with antigen.
US08956614B2	BACE1 inhibitory antibodies The present invention relates to antibodies with a specificity for BACE1. More specifically, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies that bind to BACE1 and are capable of inhibiting the activity of BACE1 and methods producing these antibodies. The antibodies can be used for research and medical applications. Specific applications include the use of BACE1-specific antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US08956613B2	Gemcitabine prodrugs and uses thereof The present invention provides compounds according to formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. For compounds of formula I, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —C(═O)—(CH2)2-aryl, and —C(═O)—(CH2)n—C(═O)—NH-aryl. The subscript n is from 2 to 6. R3 is selected from the group consisting of H and —C(═O)—O—R4; and R4 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, substituted cycloheteroalkyl, heteroalkyl and substituted heteroalkyl. Compounds are provided wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is other than H. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and methods for the treatment of cancer are also provided.
US08956607B2	Humanized anti-IL 10 antibodies for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Provided is a humanized or chimeric antibody or fragment thereof capable of binding to interleukin-10 (IL-10), wherein said antibody or fragment thereof: (i) binds to the same region of IL-10 as the IL-10 receptor α(IL-I10Ra) and is not capable of binding IL-10 when the IL-10 is bound to the IL- 10 receptor; and (ii) binds to IL-10 in homodimeric form by binding a discontinuous epitope comprising residues of both monomers. Further provided are related products and methods involving the use of the antibody or fragment thereof.
US08956603B2	Amphiphilic compounds and self-assembling compositions made therefrom The present disclosure relates to amphiphilic compounds, self assembling compositions formed from the amphiphilic compounds and methods of making such compositions.
US08956601B2	Therapeutic uses of mastic gum fractions The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising polymeric myrcene. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions comprising an isolated fraction of polymeric myrcene in a hydrophobic carrier and formulations which maintain the biological activity of the active polymer.
US08956594B2	Fluoride-calcium compositions, dental products, and methods for providing dental fluoride Disclosed are dental compositions and methods. In accordance with one embodiment, a dental composition includes calcium, fluorine, which is generally present in the form of fluoride, and phosphate or another stabilizing anion. The composition is stable as against precipitation of calcium fluoride during transport and storage, but is unstable against the precipitation of calcium fluoride in the oral cavity of a human. In many embodiments, the amount of fluoride may be less than the amount of fluoride used in a comparable composition intended for a similar purpose. A dental method comprises applying the composition to the oral cavity of a patient, whereupon calcium fluoride precipitates from the composition.
US08956592B2	Oral care compositions Disclosed herein are methods of enhancing the solubility and delivery of one or more active ingredients found in magnolia extract, or a synthetic analog thereof, in an oral composition.
US08956590B2	Compositions and methods for reducing the incidence of equine digestive disorders The present invention encompasses compositions and methods of reducing the incidence of equine digestive disorders. A combination of either composition A (ASSURE PLUS®) and composition B (ASSURE®) or a combination of composition A (ASSURE PLUS®) and composition C (ASSURE GUARD®) may be administered to the equine.
US08956587B1	Hydrogen production process with high export steam A catalytic steam-hydrocarbon reforming process for producing a hydrogen-containing product and export steam where a first stream of make-up water is heated by flue gases from the reformer and a second stream of make-up water is heated by reformate from the reformer prior to being introduced into a deaerator.
US08956584B2	Production of polycrystalline silicon in substantially closed-loop processes that involve disproportionation operations Production of polycrystalline silicon in substantially closed-loop processes and systems is disclosed. The processes and systems generally involve disproportionation of trichlorosilane to produce silane or dichlorosilane and thermal decomposition of silane or dichlorosilane to produce polycrystalline silicon.
US08956583B2	Method for separating rhenium and arsenic, and method for purification of rhenium The present invention aims at separating and removing arsenic in a stable form from raw material containing rhenium and arsenic, and reducing a circulation amount of arsenic in a rhenium purification process to obtain rhenium with low-content arsenic. A method for separating rhenium from arsenic in a rhenium purification process, wherein the raw material containing rhenium and arsenic is oxidized and leached, and separated into a leachate containing perrhenic, arsenic, and arsenous acids and a leaching residue containing arsenate, followed by purification of rhenium from the leachate, wherein an alkali is added to the leachate to obtain an arsenic-containing precipitate and a rhenium-containing solution, rhenium is separated from the obtained rhenium-containing solution, an alkali is added to either or both obtained arsenic-containing precipitate and the leaching residue containing arsenate to obtain an arsenic-containing solution and a hydroxide precipitate, and arsenic in the obtained arsenic-containing solution is fixed as a precipitate.
US08956582B2	Rhenium recovery There is provided a hydrometallurgical process of recovering rhenium values from mixtures thereof with other metal values in which the rhenium values constitute a minority amount, for example super-alloys, which comprises subjecting the mixture to strongly oxidizing acid conditions, preferably an aqueous mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, so as to form perrhenate species of at least the major proportion of the rhenium values in the mixture, dissolving the perrhenate species and other soluble metal species in aqueous solution, removing insoluble metal species from the aqueous solution, and isolating the rhenium species from the solution.
US08956580B2	Analysis cartridge An analysis cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a first cover, a liquid storage box and a sealing film is disclosed. The cartridge body has an accommodation portion and a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first cover covers the first side or the second side of the cartridge body and has a first through hole. The liquid storage box is disposed in the accommodation portion and has a liquid through hole. The sealing film seals the liquid through hole of the said liquid storage box and passes through the first through hole of the first cover, wherein the liquid through hole is exposed by removing the sealing film.
US08956579B2	Control for dispensing system A chemical dispensing system is provided having a micro-controller and at least one expansion module. The expansion module includes an expansion module interface. The expansion module is in communication with the micro-controller via the expansion module interface. The at least one expansion module expands capabilities of the chemical dispensing system beyond a base operation of the device.
US08956575B2	System for radiation sterilization of medical devices Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.
US08956571B2	Carbon monoxide sensor system and related methods A miniature lower cost optical sensing apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of IR or visible photon monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and at least a portion of the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photo current from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculate the CO concentration and/or dose.
US08956567B2	Control and optimization system and method for chemical looping processes A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.
US08956565B2	Flake graphite cast iron and production method thereof The invention provides a flake graphite cast iron being highly strong and excellent in workability such as cutting performance, which is suitable for use, for example, in internal combustion engine parts and the like, and a production method thereof without using a misch metal. Specifically, the flake graphite cast iron according to the invention includes an A-type graphite with a uniformly and disorderly distributed existence form without directionality; and has a chemical composition containing 2.8 to 4.0 mass % of C, 1.2 to 3.0 mass % of Si, 1.1 to 3.0 mass % of Mn, 0.01 to 0.6 mass % of P, 0.01 to 0.30 mass % of S and the remainder being Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein the ratio (Mn/S) of the Mn content to the S content is within a range of 3 to 300.
US08956563B2	Molding method and molding apparatus A molding method includes drawing cross-section elements of a three-dimensional object as a molding target on a drawing surface of a drawing stand with a liquid whose curing is precipitated by receiving activation energy as cross-section patterns; applying the activation energy to the liquid configuring the cross-section patterns in a state in which the cross-section patterns is pinched between the drawing stand and a molding stand; and detaching the cross-section patterns after being applied with the activation energy from the drawing stand and transferring the cross-section patterns to the molding stand side, wherein the drawing surface has a liquid repellent area that is an area representing liquid repellency for the liquid and a lyophilic area that is independently formed in an island shape within the liquid repellent area and is an area representing lyophillicity stronger than that of the liquid repellent area for the liquid.
US08956561B2	Method for making gloves with enhanced gripping power A method for making gloves with enhanced gripping power, comprises: step 1, making a glove liner; step 2, covering a hand former with the glove liner and putting it into an oven for pre-heating; step 3, dipping the hand former into a coagulant completely; step 4, dipping the hand former into a latex; step 5, drying the surface; step 6, dipping the hand former into the latex again; step 7, spraying soluble solid particles on the surface evenly; step 8, baking; step 9, dipping the hand former into water to dissolve the soluble solid particles; step 10, baking; getting a glove with enhanced gripping power. The glove made by the method has good flexibility, can prevent oil permeability and has good slip-proof effect.
US08956559B2	Tubular member extrusion method and tubular member extrusion apparatus According to a fabrication method, an extruded tubular member HA is formed, using an extrusion die 23 which has an extrusion orifice 25 having an opening-side inner circumferential surface 25a having a circular section and a core-side die 26 disposed concentrically with the extrusion orifice 25, by extruding a tube material through an extrusion passage 27 defined between the opening-side inner circumferential surface 25 and a core-side outer circumferential surface 26d of the core-side die 26. As this occurs, a bent configuration is given to the extruded tubular member HA by changing contact areas where the tube material contacts the opening-side inner circumferential surface 25a and the core-side outer circumferential surface 26d in a circumferential direction so as to set velocities at which the tube material is extruded to different values in the circumferential direction by controlling the position of the core die 26 in rotating and axial directions relative to the extrusion orifice 25.
US08956553B2	Fluorescent powder of halogen silicate containing nano-metal particles and preparation method thereof Provided is a fluorescent powder of halogen-silicate containing nano-metal particles with the formula of CaX2.y(Ca1-a-bEuaMnbO).SiO2:zM, wherein X is fluorin or/and chlorine, y is 1 or 2, z is molar ratio of nano-metal particles and fluorescent powder CaX2.y(Ca1-a-bEuaMnbO).SiO2, 0
US08956552B2	Cyclohexene-3,6-diyl compound, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device To provide a compound, when the compound has both a high clearing point and a low crystallization temperature, having a wide temperature range of a liquid crystal phase and also an excellent solubility in other liquid crystal compounds, and further having general physical properties necessary for the compound, namely, stability to heat, light and so forth, a suitable optical anisotropy and a suitable dielectric anisotropy. A compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, for example, Ra and Rb are alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons; A1, A2, A3 and A4 are 1,4-phenylene; Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 4 carbons; and m, n, q and r are independently 0, 1, or 2, and a sum of m, n, q and r is 1, 2, 3 or 4.
US08956545B2	Hollow microneedle having variable appearance and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a hollow microneedle having a variable appearance. The method makes it possible to vary the length of the microneedle, the outer and inner diameters of the upper and lower parts thereof, the aspect ratio, the sharpness, and the structural bending rate thereof, in accordance with the purposes of the same. Accordingly, the appearance of the hollow microneedles according to the present invention can be varied with flexibility according to various purposes, such as the transferring of medication and the taking of a blood sample, and to various factors, such as the target part for the medication transfer, the depth of the medication transfer, and the amount and viscosity of the medication. Thus, the microneedle can be used as a multi-purpose device for transferring medication.
US08956539B2	System and method for drying biosolids and enhancing the value of dried biosolids A system and process for drying biosolids and wherein nutrients and/or minerals are blended into partially dried biosolids. Further, the system and method compresses the mixture of biosolids and nutrients into a selected form and this is followed by completion of the drying process. In the end, a more uniform and higher value dried biosolids product is produced.
US08956536B2	Devices and methods for manipulating components in a fluid sample Devices for sorting components (e.g., cells) contained in a liquid sample are provided. In certain aspects, the devices include a magnetic separation device and an acoustic concentrator device fluidically coupled to magnetic separation device. Aspects of the invention further include methods for sorting cells in a liquid sample, and systems, and kits for practicing the subject methods.
US08956526B2	Hybrid sulfur cycle operation for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors A hybrid sulfur (HyS) cycle process for the production of hydrogen is provided. The process uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) SO2-depolarized electrolyzer (SDE) for the low-temperature, electrochemical reaction step and a bayonet reactor for the high-temperature decomposition step The process can be operated at lower temperature and pressure ranges while still providing an overall energy efficient cycle process.
US08956525B2	Buffered cobalt oxide catalysts Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and buffering electrolytes (e.g. fluoride). They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and an anionic buffering electrolyte. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to oxygen and hydrogen gas at a range of mildly acidic conditions. Alternatively, these anodes can be used with cathodes that facilitate other desirable reactions such as converting carbon dioxide to methanol.
US08956523B2	Metal plating compositions and methods Disclosed are metal plating compositions and methods. The metal plating compositions provide good leveling performance and throwing power.
US08956520B2	Electrochemical process to prepare chemicals using a cyanide salt The present invention relates to a process comprising the reaction of a cyanide with a hydrogen cyanide-reactive compound, characterized in that the cyanide is a cyanide salt and the process is an electrochemical process involving the transporting of a reaction mixture to which cyanide salt has been added through an electrochemical cell, in which process the cyanide salt reacts with the hydrogen cyanide-reactive compound while at least partly under the influence of an electric current the cyanide salt is acidified and the salt cation content is reduced.
US08956518B2	Electrochemical sensors with carrier field An electrochemical sensing apparatus and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided having a carrier that supports an electrochemical module and that communicates between electrodes on the electrochemical module and an analyte measurement device.
US08956513B2	Substrate processing method There is provided a substrate processing method, in which a throughput can be improved even in case the time for recovery processing for restoring the state of a processing chamber is longer than the time for predetermined processing to be performed in the processing chamber. Substrates are alternately transferred to two processing chambers C, D, and the same film forming processing is performed on the substrates in the processing chambers C, D in parallel with each other. When the number of substrates processed in the processing chamber C has reached a predetermined number (11 substrates), dummy sputtering processing in the film forming chamber C is started and also 23rd-25th substrates of the first lot are transferred to the film forming chamber D to thereby perform film forming processing until the dummy sputtering processing is finished.
US08956509B2	Method for producing a fuel cell electrode, involving deposition on a support The invention relates to a method for producing carbon electrodes by deposition on a substrate, to produce a fuel cell. The method comprises the steps of alternately and/or simultaneously depositing porous carbon and a catalyst onto the substrate by plasma spaying in a vacuum chamber. The catalyst is used to accelerate at least one of the chemical reactions that takes place in the fuel cell. The thickness of each layer of porous carbon is chosen so that the catalyst deposited on this carbon layer is distributed essentially throughout this layer, thereby by providing a layer of catalyzed carbon. The total thickness of catalyzed carbon in the electrode is less than 2 micrometers, and preferably equal to no more than 1 micrometer.
US08956507B2	High efficiency apparatus for liquid smoke generation from wood This invention relates to a high efficiency apparatus for manufacturing an aqueous wood smoke solution in the form of a liquid smoke desired concentration by burning wood, wooden chips or sawdust in a limited amount of air. Wood consumption per unit of liquid smoke is significantly smaller comparing to conventional methods, while the air pollution is reduced to a negligible level.
US08956506B2	Rotary evaporator The invention relates to a rotary evaporator comprising a rotary drive having a hub and a clamping insert with a sleeve-like basic shape, in particular a clamping sleeve, for the clamping of a steam leadthrough formed as a hollow glass shaft in the hub of the rotary drive, wherein the clamping insert has a longitudinal axis and a first and a second axial end, wherein the clamping insert has two clamping sections which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and which each have an outer cross-section tapering toward the first end and of which the clamping arrangement arranged closer to the second end has a larger maximum outer cross-section.
US08956505B2	Compact feed system and method for comminuted cellulosic material A feed system for a comminuted cellulosic material including: a chip bin having an upper chip inlet, an interior chamber oriented generally vertically and a lower discharge port; at least one liquor inlet to the chip bin to inject liquor in the chip bin, wherein the chip bin retains sufficient liquor and chips within the interior chamber to create a hydraulic pressure on the chips at the lower discharge port; a generally horizontally oriented chip conveyor or tube coupled to the lower discharge port to receive the chips and liquor from the bin under the hydraulic pressure, wherein the conveyor or tube includes liquor injectors which inject liquor into the chips and the conveyor or tube, and a high pressure transfer device coupled to a discharge of the conveyor or tube to receive the chips and liquor, whereby the hydraulic pressure of the chips and liquor at the discharge of the chip bin is sufficient to feed the chips and liquor to the high pressure transfer device.
US08956500B2	Methods to eliminate “M-shape” etch rate profile in inductively coupled plasma reactor An inductively-coupled plasma processing chamber has a chamber with a ceiling. A first and second antenna are placed adjacent to the ceiling. The first antenna is concentric to the second antenna. A plasma source power supply is coupled to the first and second antenna. The plasma source power supply generates a first RF power to the first antenna, and a second RF power to the second antenna. A substrate support disposed within the chamber. The size of the first antenna and a distance between the substrate support are such that the etch rate of the substrate on the substrate support is substantially uniform.
US08956498B2	Apparatuses facilitating fluid flow into via holes, vents, and other openings communicating with surfaces of substrates of semiconductor device components A method for removing material from surfaces of at least a portion of at least one recess or at least one aperture extending into a surface of a substrate includes pressurizing fluid so as to cause the fluid to flow into the at least one recess or the at least one aperture. The fluid may be pressurized by generating a pressure differential across the substrate, which causes the fluid to flow into or through the at least one aperture or recess. Apparatus for pressurizing fluid so as to cause it to flow into or through recesses or apertures in a substrate are also disclosed.
US08956490B1	Identification card substrate surface protection using a laminated coating In a method of forming an identification card, a card substrate having a surface is provided. A film laminate comprising a backing layer and one or more dried transferable layers attached to the backing layer is provided. One of the transferable layers comprises a coating comprising an inorganic ceramic-like material and a water insoluble polymer binder. The film laminate is laminated to the surface of the card substrate such that an exposed surface of the one or more transferable layers adheres to the surface of the card substrate. The backing layer is then removed from at least a portion of the one or more transferable layers that remain adhered to the surface of the card substrate. Additional embodiments are generally directed to a method of protecting a surface of an identification card and identification card manufacturing devices for performing the methods.
US08956489B2	Process for producing a shell-shaped hollow body and a use therefor A process for producing a shell-shaped hollow body composed of fiber-reinforced plastic in which, in a first step, a continuous hollow body made of fiber-reinforced plastic is produced. In a second step, the continuous hollow body is separated into a plurality of shell-shaped hollow bodies. Such a shell-shaped hollow body is applicable in vehicle construction, for example, as chassis or bodywork.
US08956486B2	Manufacturing method for monolithic ceramic electronic component In a manufacturing method for a monolithic ceramic electronic component, a plurality of green chips arrayed in row and column directions which are obtained after cutting a mother block are spaced apart from each other and then tumbled, thereby uniformly making the side surface of each of the green chips an open surface. Thereafter, an adhesive is applied to the side surface. Then, by placing a side surface ceramic green sheet on an affixation elastic body, and pressing the side surface of the green chips against the side surface ceramic green sheet, the side surface ceramic green sheet is punched and stuck to the side surface.
US08956480B2	Method of fabricating a friction part based on C/C composite material The carbon-carbon composite material is obtained by densification with a pyrolytic carbon matrix originating from a precursor in gaseous state at least in a main external phase of the matrix, and, at the end of the densification, final heat treatment is performed at a temperature lying in the range 1400° C. to 1800° C.
US08956479B2	Materials and methods for the removal of sulfur compounds from feedstock A composite material having utility for removing sulfur from a feedstock comprises a ceramic matrix having a relatively low melting point metal such as tin, zinc, lead or bismuth nanodispersed therein. The material may be prepared from a mixture of particles of a precursor of the ceramic matrix and precursor of the metal. The precursors are selected such that the melting point of the precursor of the ceramic is less than the melting point of the precursor of the metal. The mixture of precursor materials is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the precursor of the ceramic material so as to coat it onto the precursor of the metal. The ceramic precursor is then reacted so as to convert it to a ceramic. Thereafter, the precursor of the metal is converted to a free metal which is retained within the ceramic matrix so as to prevent agglomeration.
US08956475B2	Method and apparatus for restricting flow through an opening in the side wall of a body lumen, and/or for reinforcing a weakness in the side wall of a body lumen, while still maintaining substantially normal flow through the body lumen A method for making a device for causing thrombosis of an aneurysm, wherein said device comprises a single elastic filament configurable between (i) an elongated, substantially linear configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration, said method comprising: providing a sheet of shape memory material; producing a single filament, two-dimensional interim structure from said sheet of shape memory material; mounting said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure to a fixture so that said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure is transformed into said longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration; and heat treating said single filament, two-dimensional interim structure while it is mounted to said fixture so as to produce said device in its longitudinally-contracted, substantially three-dimensional configuration.
US08956474B2	Pressure resistant and corrosion resistant copper alloy, brazed structure, and method of manufacturing brazed structure A pressure resistant and corrosion resistant copper alloy contains 73.0 mass % to 79.5 mass % of Cu and 2.5 mass % to 4.0 mass % of Si with a remainder composed of Zn and inevitable impurities, in which the content of Cu [Cu] mass % and the content of Si [Si] mass % have a relationship of 62.0≦[Cu]−3.6×[Si]≦67.5. In addition, the area fraction of the α phase “α”%, the area fraction of a β phase “β”%, the area fraction of a γ phase “γ”%, the area fraction of the κ phase “κ”%, and the area fraction of a μ phase “μ”% satisfy 30≦“α”≦84, 15≦“κ”≦68, “α”+“κ”≧92, 0.2≦“κ”/“α”≦2, “β”≦3, “μ”≦5, “β”+“μ”≦6, 0≦“γ”≦7, and 0≦“β”+“μ”+“γ”≦8. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a brazed structure made of the above pressure resistant and corrosion resistant copper alloy.
US08956472B2	Corrosion resistant aluminum alloys having high amounts of magnesium and methods of making the same Systems and methods for continuously casting Al—Mg alloy sheet or plate product having a high amount of magnesium are disclosed. The Al—Mg products have 4 or 6 to 8 or 10 wt. % Mg and are resistant to both stress corrosion cracking and intergranular corrosion.
US08956464B2	Method of cleaning membranes Methods for cleaning polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes. The membrane may be contacted with a first cleaning solution including at least one oxidising agent. A second cleaning solution including at least one reducing agent may then be introduced to the membrane and first cleaning solution. The oxidising and reducing agents may undergo a neutralisation reaction to form an oxidation-neutral mixed cleaning solution. The membrane may be simultaneously cleaned during the neutralisation reaction.
US08956462B2	Treatment liquid for inhibiting pattern collapse in microstructure and method of manufacturing microstructure using the same The objects of the present invention are to provide a treatment liquid able to inhibit pattern collapse in a microstructure such as a semiconductor device or a micromachine, as well as a method of manufacturing a microstructure using the same.Means to solve the problems is to treat a microstructure with a treatment liquid for inhibiting pattern collapse in a metal microstructure comprising an alkylphosphonic acid or salt thereof in which said alkyl moiety contains 6 to 18 carbon atoms, water, and a water soluble solvent.
US08956460B2	Process for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol and products thereof The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol. Further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of values from an inorganic- and lignin-containing mass. The present invention also relates to processes for the recovery of a fraction having enhanced silica content from a silica-containing mass. Still further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of crude ethanol from a fermentation mass. The present invention relates to various lignin-containing products and solutions and mineral-rich products.
US08956456B2	Apparatus and method for atomic layer deposition Apparatus for atomic layer deposition on a surface of a sheeted substrate, comprising: an injector head comprising a deposition space provided with a precursor supply and a precursor drain; said supply and drain arranged for providing a precursor gas flow from the precursor supply via the deposition space to the precursor drain; the deposition space in use being bounded by the injector head and the substrate surface; a gas bearing comprising a bearing gas injector, arranged for injecting a bearing gas between the injector head and the substrate surface, the bearing gas thus forming a gas-bearing; a conveying system providing relative movement of the substrate and the injector head along a plane of the substrate to form a conveying plane along which the substrate is conveyed. A support part arranged opposite the injector head, the support part constructed to provide a gas bearing pressure arrangement that balances the injector head gas-bearing in the conveying plane, so that the substrate is held supportless by said gas bearing pressure arrangement in between the injector head and the support part.
US08956454B2	Method and device for producing material having a monocrystalline or multicrystalline structure According to the invention, a device and a method for producing materials having a monocrystalline or multicrystalline structure are provided, in which a container is arranged between two pressure regions and the setting of the height of the melt in the container takes place via the setting of the differential pressure between the pressure regions. As a result, even particulate material can be fed continuously to the container and melted uniformly. Delivery material with high purity can also be pulled out of the container.
US08956452B2	Method for producing rheologically effective urea urethanes in organic salts The invention relates to a method for producing a solution comprising urea urethanes and acting as a thixotropic agent, wherein at least two structurally different monohydroxy compounds are converted by an excess of toluoylene diisocyanate, forming monoisocyanate adducts having diamines in an ionic fluid, forming urea urethanes. The invention further relates to the use of the solution for thixotroping coating agents and solutions of urea urethanes in ionic fluids.
US08956447B2	Desiccant wheel dehumidifier and heat exchanger thereof A heat exchanger of a desiccant wheel dehumidifier, disclosed in the disclosure, includes a frame and multiple heat exchange platy tubes. The frame has an air inlet and an air outlet. The multiple heat exchange platy tubes are fixed on the frame and are substantially arranged side by side with each other. Every two of the multiple heat exchange platy tubes adjacent to each other are separated at an interval from each other to form a first flow channel. Each of the multiple heat exchange platy tubes includes a main body and at least one spacing wall. The main body has multiple second flow channels therein. The at least one spacing wall is located between two of the multiple second flow channels adjacent to each other. The air inlet and the air outlet communicate with the multiple second flow channels.
US08956445B2	High stability diionic liquid salts The present invention relates to diionic liquid salts of dicationic or dianionic molecules, as well as solvents comprising such diionic liquids and the use of such diionic liquids as the stationary phase in a gas chromatographic column.
US08956443B2	Device for trapping flammable gases produced by radiolysis or thermolysis in a containment A device for trapping flammable gases such as hydrogen comprises active means (3) inside a casing (1) which is closed except for openings which are plugged by filters (2) that normally allow only the gases that are to be trapped to pass through them. The trapping maintains a reduced pressure inside the casing, which continually draws in the gases produced outside. The trap can operate without any maintenance and for long periods of time, even in a completely enclosed environment.
US08956438B2	Low coefficient of thermal expansion cermet compositions A cutting element for engaging earthern formations having a wear surface formed from a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) composition including a polycrystalline diamond or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride hard phase material and a ductile phase low CTE material formed from an alloy made of Co, Ni, Fe, C, and Mn. The hard phase material is bonded to one another by the ductile phase material to form the low CTE composition.
US08956437B2	Filter media and articles including dendrimers and/or other components Articles such as filter media, which include dendrimers and/or other components, are provided. The filter media may further include a water repellant (e.g., a fluorinated species) to impart desirable properties to the media such as high water repellency. The filter media may also have a high efficiency as a function of pressure drop (i.e., high gamma values). In some embodiments, the filter media includes a fiber web which may be formed of various components such as glass fibers. The fiber web can also include additional components such as synthetic fibers, binder components, as well as other additives. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products.
US08956435B2	Baghouse filter cage A primary filter cage wall element is adapted to form, together with at least one complementary filter cage wall element, a tubular baghouse filter cage segment. The filter cage wall elements are provided with snap-locks, for snapping a first long side of the primary filter cage wall element to a second long side of the complementary filter cage wall element, and for snapping a second long side of the primary filter cage wall element to a first long side of the complementary filter cage wall element.
US08956434B2	Filter element support assembly, quick installation system, and methods A filter element support assembly for mounting a filter element to a tube sheet includes a plurality of elongated rods; a first clamp having a through-hole; the first clamp defining a plurality of rod seats sized to receive a first end of one of the rods; a clamp rod extending through the through-hole in the first clamp; a second clamp having a through-hole; the clamp rod extending through the second clamp through-hole; the second clamp being mounted against the first clamp; the second clamp having radially projecting bumps mounted against the rods adjacent to the first clamp to hold the rods in the rod seats; a plurality of feet; each foot being secured to a second end of one of the rods; and a handle secured to an end of the clamp rod.
US08956433B2	High flow V-bank filter A V-bank air filter having a high air flow rate with low pressure drop is provided. In one embodiment, a V-bank filter includes a housing having a first pair and a second pair of pleated filter elements arranged in a vee configuration and comprising a unitary disposable filter. A centerline defined by the first pair of pleated filter elements defines an acute angle with a centerline defined by the second pair of pleated filter elements.
US08956431B2	Two-part cyclone separator A cyclone separator (1) for separating particles from a gas flow, includes: a first housing component (3) with a guiding apparatus (7) for providing the inflowing gas flow with an angular momentum, a second housing component (4) with an immersion tube (10) through which the cleaned gas flow can be discharged, and a cyclone tube (9) which surrounds the immersion tube (10) and on which at least one opening (11) is formed for discharging the particles that are separated from the gas flow. The cyclone tube (9) is formed on the second housing component (4).
US08956429B2	Composition for cutting wheel and cutting wheel by using the same Disclosed are a cutting wheel composition, and a cutting wheel using the cutting wheel composition. The disclosed composition includes 50 to 85 wt % of abrasive particles, 10 to 25 wt % of binder resin, and balance filler, wherein the binder resin includes a phenolic resin as a first binder resin; and at least one of a (bis)maleimide resin and a cyanate ester resin as a second binder resin. The composition includes at least one of the (bis)maleimide resin and the cyanate ester resin, as well the phenolic resin, as the binder resin, and thereby makes it possible to fabricate a cutting wheel having improved life characteristics through the improvement of heat-resistance and scratch-resistance.
US08956428B2	Apparatus and process for treating offshore natural gas A process for treating offshore natural gas includes processing the natural gas on an off-shore processing facility by, (i) liquefying and fractionating the natural gas to generate a liquefied natural gas stream and a higher hydrocarbon stream, (ii) vaporizing at least a portion of the higher hydrocarbon stream, (iii) passing the vaporized higher hydrocarbon stream and steam over a steam reforming catalyst to generate a reformed gas mixture comprising methane, steam, carbon oxides and hydrogen, (iv) passing the reformed gas mixture over a methanation catalyst to generate a methane rich gas, and (v) combining the methane-rich gas with the natural gas prior to the liquefaction step.
US08956427B2	Gasification chamber with mass flow wedge members A gasifier includes a gasification chamber including an annular chamber wall with a top opening for introducing fuel into the gasification chamber. A restricted bottom outlet section of the gasification chamber has inwardly angled wedge walls encouraging a mass flow rather than a funnel-flow of fuel through the gasifier.
US08956426B2	Method of drying biomass A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
US08956424B2	Method and apparatus for sequencing-batch purification of potassium nitrate from solid waste produced by glass-strengthening process Provided is a method and an apparatus for purifying potassium nitrate from the solid waste produced by a chemical glass-strengthening process. In the method, the solid waste is melted into a liquid waste at first. Potassium nitrate of various purity grades can be obtained by batch processing the liquid waste through stepwise cooling processes of cooling the liquid waste to a first temperature facilitating the potassium nitrate contained in the liquid waste to be crystallized at a first rate and then cooling the liquid waste to a second temperature close to the freezing point of the potassium nitrate at a second rate that is slower than the first rate. The recovered potassium nitrate from the solid waste can be recycled and reused.
US08956419B2	Open lumen stent A stent according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate body defines a lumen and an opening in communication with the lumen between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion configured to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. The lumen is configured to have a diameter wherein the opening has a width greater than half the size of the diameter and less than the diameter of the lumen. The opening has a length at least twice the width of opening. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to laterally receive a guidewire therethrough. The elongate body can be configured to releasably couple the guidewire within the lumen of the elongate body such that the elongate body can be slidably moved along the guidewire.
US08956416B2	Vertebral osteosynthetis equipment A vertebral osteosynthesis equipemnt including an intervertebral implant (1); a member (2) for connecting vertebral bodies (100) of both treated vertebrae intended to be assembled to the intervertebral implant (1); and a member (3) for assembling the connecting member (2) to the intervertebral implant (1). The intervertebral implant (1) includes on its proximal side relatively to the direction of its introduction into the intervertebral space (102), a hole comprising two coaxial portions, i.e. a proximal portion of larger section and a distal portion of smaller section, these proximal and distal portions comprising respective connecting means. The connecting member (2) includes a hole which allows it to be engaged onto a guiding rod (50) intended to be inserted into said distal portion (13) of the hole of the implant (1), and the assembling member (3) comprises a conduit on this guiding rod (50).
US08956413B2	Hydraulically actuated expanding spine cage with extendable locking anchor A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.
US08956411B2	Preparation of tissue for meniscal implantation The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue matrix and its subsequent use in the replacement and/or repair of a damaged or defective meniscus. The invention also provides meniscal tissue that is substantially decellularised.
US08956409B2	Accommodating intraocular lens assemblies and accommodation measurement implant A haptics system for retaining an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) in a human eye has an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and at least one shape memory optical element resiliently elastically deformable between a natural shape with a first Diopter strength and a deformed shape with a second Diopter strength different than the first Diopter strength whereby the AIOL has a continuously variable Diopter strength between a minimum Diopter strength for distance vision purposes and a maximum Diopter strength for near vision purposes. The haptics system includes a main body with a longitudinal axis intended to be co-directional with the human eye's visual axis and at least two haptics tangentially extending from said main body in opposite directions in a plane perpendicular to the haptics system's longitudinal axis, and each with at least one pointed puncturing member for penetrating the tough connective tissue of the human eye's sclera for self-anchoring implantation in the human eye's annular ciliary sulcus at at least two spaced apart stationary anchor points for retaining the AIOL along the human eye's visual axis.
US08956403B2	Medical implant including a magnesium-based tie layer A medical implant includes a metallic base, a tie layer, and at least a first layer overlying an outer surface of the tie layer. The tie layer is bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the metallic base. The tie layer includes magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy. The tie layer can have an outer surface comprising dendritic grains. The tie layer can have a rough outer surface defined by pores, projecting grain structures, and/or projecting particles. A method of producing a tie layer on a medical device includes applying magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy to the medical device and cooling the magnesium or the magnesium-based alloy to produce a rough outer surface.
US08956402B2	Apparatus for replacing a cardiac valve A delivery assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve can include a first elongate component and a second elongate component. The delivery assembly can include a temporary valve location to which the prosthetic heart valve can be releasably mounted and an implantation location to which the prosthetic heart valve can also be releasable mounted. The delivery assembly can move from a delivery state with the prosthetic heart valve mounted to the temporary location to an implantation state with the prosthetic heart valve repositioned from the temporary location to the implantation location. The prosthetic heart valve can subsequently be deployed from the implantation location. The position of the prosthetic heart valve relative to the first elongate component at the temporary location is different than a position of the prosthetic heart valve relative to the first elongate component at the implantation location.
US08956400B2	Helical stent The present invention relates to a stent providing a high percentage of vessel coverage, preferably at least about 50% of the portion of the vessel covered by the helical elements of the stent. The stent comprises helical elements interposed between strut members in which the helical elements are connected to the strut members by linking elements. The portion of the stent having helical elements provides a high percentage of covered area for example, in an aneurysm area. The linking elements provide part of a mechanism that allows vessel coverage to be maintained as the stent is deployed from a crimped state to an expanded state allowing the helical elements to change its helix angle (the angle at which the helical elements progresses around the circumference and along the length of the stent) and thereby the pitch of the helical elements as the stent is expanded.
US08956399B2	Vascular remodeling device Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can conform to the shape of vessels of the neurovasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. In some embodiments, a vascular remodeling device includes a first section and a protruding section. During deployment, the device expands from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The first section anchors the device in an afferent vessel and/or in an efferent vessel of a bifurcation and the protruding section is positioned in the junction of the bifurcation having an aneurysm and across the neck of the aneurysm or at least partially within the aneurysm.
US08956395B2	Tissue graft anchor assembly and instrumentation for use therewith The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed.
US08956392B2	Adjustable rod assembly An adjustable rod for spinal corrective surgery is provided that includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member, each having rod portions couplable to one or more bone connecting elements and expansion portions slidably moveable with respect to one another. A plurality of holes in each expansion portion are alignable with one another to choose the length of the adjustable rod and a locking element is inserted through a pair of aligned holes to couple the first and second elongate members and secure or fix the length of the expandable rod.
US08956390B2	Devices and methods for applying bolster materials to surgical fastening apparatuses The present invention provides, in certain aspects, medical systems that are useful for applying bolster material to patient tissue. One such system includes a surgical fastening apparatus that is comprised of a first arm having a first arm working surface; and a cutting element operable along a cutting path. This system also includes at least one piece of bolster material having a portion received in the cutting path, and a retaining element retaining the at least one piece of bolster material in association with the first arm working surface, wherein the retaining element has one or more segments received in the cutting path and includes portions residing between the first arm working surface and the at least one piece of bolster material. The invention also provides medical devices that are useful for applying bolster materials to surgical fastening apparatuses, as well as methods for preparing and using such devices.
US08956387B2	Systems for replicating the beneficial effects of physical exercise and improving cardiovascular health A system and method for inducing physiological effects of ischemic conditioning and physiological effects of shear stress in a subject's body that mimic the effect of exercise on the subject. The disclosure includes a first device configured to cause ischemia, a second device configured to mechanically generate arterial shear stress, and a third device configured to monitor one or more of markers of ischemia or hemodynamic parameters and further including a microcontroller and actuators to cause the ischemia for a preset duration and then stop the ischemia for a preset duration, and to repeat the ischemia and reflow periods according to a preset program, simultaneously cause the second device to mechanically generate arterial shear stress according to a preset program of mechanical pulse amplitude, duration, and frequency; and to concurrently monitor hemodynamic parameters or markers of ischemia. The method and device further includes application of electrical muscle stimulation, body vibration and chemical stimuli.
US08956382B2	Slideable vascular filter A collapsible medical device for use, e.g., as a vascular filter. The device includes a mandrel having a distal end and a stop spaced proximally of the distal end. A proximal length of the mandrel extends proximally of the stop and a distal length of the mandrel extends distally of the stop. A functional element (e.g., a vascular filter) has a radially expandable body and includes a proximal slider and a distal slider. The proximal and distal sliders are slidable along the mandrel independently of one another such that the distance between the proximal slider and distal slider can be varied to effect different configurations of the functional element. In one method of using such a device, the functional element is urged distally to a treatment site by urging the mandrel distally. This causes the stop to exert a distal biasing force on the distal slider, which acts against a restorative force of the functional element to axially elongate the functional element and reduce friction between the functional element and a wall of the vessel.
US08956380B2	Reactive intragastric implant devices Transoral three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring systems, devices, methods of operation and manufacture are provided. A transoral three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring system and/or device (and related methods of manufacture and operation) may reduce obesity or weight by stimulating the stomach walls of the patient. The three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring device may be a purely mechanical device comprising a flexible body which in response to an input force in one direction, may deform and cause a resultant displacement in an orthogonal direction, thereby exerting a pressure on the inner stomach walls of the patient. Alternatively, a three-dimensionally orthogonal intragastric spring device may include a variable size balloon configured to occupy volume in the patient's stomach, thereby reducing the amount of space in the patient's stomach.
US08956377B2	Punch tool Technologies are generally described for a punch tool and method of use. In an example, the punch tool may include a malleable shaft and a finger grip body configured to encompass at least part of a shaft of a finger button. The finger grip body may be connected to a first end of the malleable shaft. The malleable shaft may be adjustable to a particular conformation and to maintain the particular conformation during use of the punch tool. A second end of the malleable shaft may be connected to an anvil. The shaft of the finger button may be connected to a first end of a flexible body member. The flexible body member may be adapted to move over the malleable shaft, the movement conforming to the particular conformation of the malleable shaft. A cutter may be operatively connected to a second end of the flexible body member.
US08956374B2	Shockwave balloon catheter system A system for breaking obstructions in body lumens includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and an arc generator including at least one electrode within the balloon that forms a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the arc generator.
US08956372B2	Filamentous tissue implant A tissue fixation system including a delivery tube and an elongated fastener with a loop at a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal end of an elongated curved needle is attached to the delivery tube. A distal end of the needle is configured to penetrate tissue. The needle includes an open channel sized to receive the elongated fastener with the loop located near the proximal end of the elongated curved needle and the distal end of the elongated fastener located near the distal end of the elongated curved needle. A capture needle is slidably positioned in the delivery tube to slide through the loop in the proximal end of the elongated fastener. The capture needle is configured to grasp the distal end of the elongated fastener and pull the distal end of the elongated fastener through the loop to cinch the elongated fastener.
US08956371B2	Shockwave balloon catheter system A system for breaking obstructions in body lumens includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and an arc generator including at least one electrode within the balloon that forms a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the arc generator.
US08956370B2	Laparoscopic tissue retrieval system A tissue retrieval system can contain and withdraw excised tissue specimens from within a body cavity. The tissue retrieval system can include a tissue retrieval bag, a foldable actuator, and an introducer. The foldable actuator can be foldable between an insertion configuration for placement through an access device without the aid of a grasper or applicator, and a deployed configuration for supporting the tissue retrieval bag in an open state. The actuator can have a foldable handle to facilitate withdrawal from the body cavity. After insertion of the tissue specimens into the retrieval bag, the retrieval bag is then cinched closed to prevent spillage of its contents and to prevent contamination of the body cavity and body cavity wall during withdrawal of the retrieval bag from within the body cavity.
US08956369B2	Parallel drill guide A parallel drill guide and system which maintains contact on the bone at various angles. The parallel drill guide comprises a fixed sleeve and a parallel, axially slidable, sleeve for guiding the insertion of two parallel wires or pins into bone at any angle while maintaining contact between the bone and the guide. The drill guide is also provided with a locking mechanism that locks the slidable sleeve into position at any lateral distance relative to the fixed sleeve, using a novel off-axis locking device.
US08956368B2	Methods, materials and apparatus for treating bone and other tissue A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone.
US08956366B2	Prosthetic acetabular cup inserter and impactor A prosthetic acetabular cup inserter and impactor has an expandable annular cup engaging element to engage the inner surface of a cup to be inserted in the acetabulum. An expander is provided for expanding the cup engaging element which is connected to one end of a handle via a hollow or partly hollow extension portion. The other end of the handle is provided with an anvil. An elongate operator is located within the extension portion and connected to the cup engaging element. A device is provided for moving the elongate operator to pull the cup engaging element towards the expander.
US08956364B2	Patient-specific partial knee guides and other instruments A patient-specific unicompartmental tibial guide has a patient-specific body with an inner surface. The inner surface is preoperatively configured to nestingly conform and mate in only one position with an anterior portion and a proximal portion of a tibial bone of a specific patient. The tibial guide includes a vertical resection channel having a variable width preoperatively configured for guiding a vertical resection through the proximal portion of the tibial bone.
US08956362B2	Spinal stabilization systems and methods A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
US08956359B2	Method, implant and instruments for percutaneous expansion of the spinal canal A bone saw including a flexible, rectangular saw blade having a central longitudinal axis and a cutting edge at a distal tip, and a shaft. The shaft has a central longitudinal axis, and a blade passage within the shaft that houses the saw blade, where the central longitudinal axis of the saw blade, of the shaft, and of the blade passage, are parallel. Further included is a blade opening located through a distal end of the shaft and of the blade passage, the blade opening being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Also, a curved abutment can exist within the blade passage, aligning the saw blade with the blade opening. Distally translating the saw blade within the blade passage can cause the saw blade to conform to the curved abutment and exit the blade opening with the cutting edge essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
US08956355B2	Integrated blade assembly and identification circuit An interchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including: an enclosure that electrically connects, signally connects, or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signal source, or both; and blade circuitry having: one or more control buttons, one or more switches, or both for controlling operation one or more functions of the interchangeable tip.
US08956352B2	Catheter apparatuses having multi-electrode arrays for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
US08956349B2	Surgical generator for ultrasonic and electrosurgical devices In accordance with various embodiments, a surgical generator for providing a drive signal to a surgical device may comprise a first transformer and a second transformer. The first transformer may comprise a first primary winding and a first secondary winding. The second transformer may comprise a second primary winding and a second secondary winding. The surgical generator may further comprise a generator circuit to generate the drive signal. The generator circuit may be electrically coupled to the first primary winding to provide the drive signal across the first primary winding. The surgical generator may also comprise a patient-side circuit electrically isolated from the generator circuit. The patient-side circuit may be electrically coupled to the first secondary winding. Further, the patient-side circuit may comprise first and second output lines to provide the drive signal to the surgical device. In addition, the surgical generator may comprise a capacitor. The capacitor and the second secondary winding may be electrically coupled in series between the first output line and ground.
US08956330B2	Infusion set An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).
US08956327B2	Access device An access device for placing a medical article within a body space includes a needle, a dilator, and a medical article. The needle can include an elongated needle body with a distal end and a hub from which the needle body extends. The elongated needle body can include at least one side fenestration and an outer diameter. The dilator can be slideably disposed on the needle body and include a dilator hub and an elongated dilator shaft that extends from the dilator hub. The dilator shaft can include at least one side fenestration in communication with the needle side fenestration. The dilator shaft can also include an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the needle. The medical article can include a tubular section and a hub. The tubular section can be disposed on the dilator and define a space between the medical article and the dilator in communication with the needle side fenestration through the dilator side fenestration. At a least portion of the medical article can be configured to allow visual determination of the presence of a body fluid within the space.
US08956326B2	Obturator tips A trocar assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a cannula subassembly and an obturator subassembly. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft member defining a longitudinal axis and an obturator tip configured to be removable from the obturator shaft member or, alternatively, constructed with the obturator member as a single unit. Various designs of the obturator tip are contemplated.
US08956319B2	One-way valve devices for anchored implantation in a lung An intra-bronchial device placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes a support structure, an obstructing member carried by the support structure that reduces ventilation to the lung portion by preventing air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and at least one anchor carried by the support structure that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may engage the air passageway wall by piercing or friction, include a stop dimensioned for limiting the piercing of the air passageway wall, and may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the intra-bronchial device. The anchors may be carried by a peripheral portion of the support structure, or by a central portion of the support structure. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.
US08956317B2	Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus In a single needle extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an ultrafiltration pump (10) performs a pure ultrafiltration of ultrafiltrate from an hemofilter (4). The blood may be continuously circulated through the hemofilter using a first pump (5), which alternates an higher flow rate during the arterial phase and a lower flow rate during the venous phase, and a second pump (6) which is maintained at a flow rate intermediate between said higher and lower flow rate. The apparatus may be used for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.
US08956313B2	Powered rocking chair This application is related to an apparatus and method for improving venous blood flow in mobility-impaired patients. In one aspect, the apparatus is a motorized or powered rocking chair with a footplate. The rocking chair and footplate rotate through physiologically relevant ranges of motion either at the same frequency or at different frequencies in order to mechanically induce a calf muscle pump action in the dependent legs of a mobility-impaired patient. Artificially inducing the calf muscle pump action in such patients acts to boost the action of the heart and lessen blood pooling in the lower extremities of the legs.
US08956310B2	Medical guidewire Provided is a guidewire including a core shaft, an outer flexible tube, a stranded wire that extends parallel to the core shaft, and a hollow stranded-wire coil disposed in the outer flexible tube. The hollow stranded-wire coil is formed of multiple strands and surrounds the distal end portion of the core shaft and the stranded wire. Distal ends of the hollow stranded-wire coil, the core shaft, and the stranded wire are joined to a distal end of the outer flexible tube.
US08956298B2	Providing an ultrasound spatial compound image in an ultrasound system Embodiments for providing an ultrasound spatial compound image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to output first ultrasound data and a plurality of sets of second ultrasound data corresponding to a region of interest (ROI); a user input unit configured to receive input information for defining the ROI; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit and the user input unit, the processing unit being configured to form volume data based on the plurality of sets of second ultrasound data, compare the first ultrasound data with the volume data to detect geometric information therein, form a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data, and a first three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image and a second 3D ultrasound data based on the volume data in consideration of the geometric information, and perform a spatial compound upon the 2D ultrasound image, the first 3D ultrasound image and the second 3D ultrasound image based on the geometric information to form an ultrasound spatial compound image.
US08956294B2	Body-worn system for continuously monitoring a patients BP, HR, SpO2, RR, temperature, and motion; also describes specific monitors for apnea, ASY, VTAC, VFIB, and ‘bed sore’ index The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.
US08956291B2	Balanced physiological monitoring and treatment system A system and method for providing balanced, automated regulation of a patient's physiological condition by monitoring at least one physiological parameter and, optionally, monitoring and controlling additional physiological parameters, is disclosed. The system includes a physiological parameter monitor, an intelligent control device and a multi-channel delivery device for providing controlled intravenous delivery of at least two medications that affect the physiological condition being controlled. Control logic in the intelligent control device is derived by an algorithm based on model predictive control. The control logic includes mathematically modeled systems, empirical data systems or a combination thereof. The system of the present invention is optionally included in a networked system to provide centralized data storage and archival of system information as well as data export and query capabilities that can be used for patient file management, health care facility management and medical research.
US08956287B2	Patient customized therapeutic regimens Methods, systems and compositions that allow for treating a patient according to a patient customized therapeutic regimen are provided. Embodiments of the invention include obtaining dosage administration information from a patient and using the same to tailor a therapeutic regimen for the patient. Embodiments of the invention further include preparing and forwarding to the patient physical pharmaceutical dosages based on the customized therapeutic regimen.
US08956285B2	Retraction apparatus and method of use A retraction apparatus and method are disclosed that provide optimized access to a surgical site. In one form, a retraction frame has a retraction opening with two sets of blades operating therein. The blades are used to sequentially retract the tissue from about an incision. The sequential retraction of the blades generates only narrow gaps between the blades so that tissue and blood encroachment during the surgical procedure are minimized.
US08956281B2	In vivo camera with multiple sources to illuminate tissue at different distances An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.
US08956278B2	Multiple portal guide The present disclosure relates to a guide assembly including a guide having a body and a joint including at least one through hole, wherein the joint is configured for sliding along a length of the body, and a first surgical device. The guide is coupled to the first surgical device and a longitudinal axis of the through hole is co-radial with an end of the first surgical device. Other guide assemblies and methods of creating multiple portals during surgery are also disclosed.
US08956273B2	Firing patterns for deep brain transcranial magnetic stimulation Methods, devices and systems for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are provided for synchronous, asynchronous, or independent triggering the firing multiple of electromagnets from either a single power source or multiple energy sources. These methods are particularly useful for stimulation of deep (e.g., sub-cortical) brain regions, or for stimulation of multiple brain regions, since controlled magnetic pulses reaching the deep target location may combine to form a patterned pulse train that activates the desired volume of target tissue. Furthermore, the methods, devices and systems described herein may be used to control the rate of firing of action potentials in one or more brain regions, such as slow or fast rate rTMS. For example, described herein are multiple electromagnetic stimulation sources, each of which are activated independently to create a cumulative effect at the intersections of the electromagnetic stimulation trajectories, typically by means of a computerized calculation.
US08956270B2	Rowing sequence trainer A rowing sequence trainer includes a frame which holds a contact pad, the frame being mounted pivotably to a base. The base is inserted under a seat of an exercise machine, the seat being slidable along a support. The exercise machine includes at least one resilient cable which is attached to the frame. The athlete using the trainer pushes back along the support, while the frame pivots backwards. At the completion of the backward segment, tension in the cable pulls the athlete back to the starting position, and pivots the frame to its upright position. The exercise is performed without the assistance of hands, and trains the athlete in the proper sequence of initiation of tension in various muscle groups.
US08956268B2	Rehabilitation treadmill A rehabilitation treadmill includes a running belt, a plurality of pace sensors mounted to two opposite sides of the running belt, and a control panel. When a user intends to do rehabilitation exercise via the rehabilitation treadmill, the pace sensors can detect the user's footstep to generate and transmitting an activation signal and a stop signal to the control panel and then the control panel can activate or stop the running belt subject to the activation or stop signal. In this way, the user can repeatedly put his or her feet on running belt alternately to effectively have the rehabilitational effect.
US08956263B2	Method and apparatus for executing a transmission range shift in a multi-mode powertrain system A method for controlling a powertrain system including an internal combustion engine coupled to a multi-mode transmission in response to a command to execute a shift from a first EVT Mode range to a second EVT Mode range includes executing a first shift from the first EVT Mode range to an intermediate transmission range. The multi-mode transmission operates in the intermediate transmission range and the engine is controlled at an engine torque command that corresponds to an output torque request. A second shift is executed from the intermediate transmission range to the second transmission range. The powertrain system operates in the second transmission range to transfer torque to an output member of the transmission.
US08956261B2	Revolving apparatus for construction machine An electric motor is arranged on a reduction device, and a wet braking device which gives braking force to a motor shaft is arranged on an upper end side of the electric motor. The wet braking device has a brake case which accommodates an upper end portion of the motor shaft, an adapter which is detachably disposed to the motor shaft in the brake case, a plurality of rotating side brake disks and a plurality of non-rotating side brake disks arranged on an outer peripheral side of the adapter and a brake piston which gives braking force to the motor shaft by frictionally engaging the rotating side brake disks and the non-rotating side brake disks with each other. At the time of performing a maintenance operation for the wet braking device, the wet braking device alone can be solely removed while keeping the electric motor assembled to the reduction device.
US08956256B2	Transmission device for work vehicles Disclosed is a transmission device for work vehicles, said transmission device being capable of being used with high-horsepower engines, without an accompanying loss of power transmission efficiency or fuel economy. The transmission device is provided with: an input shaft (20) that transmits power from an engine (3); a continuously-variable transmission (40) that is disposed on the input shaft (20) and outputs power transmitted from the input shaft (20), steplessly converting the speed thereof; and a reversing clutch device (50) that outputs, either in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction, power outputted from the continuously-variable transmission (40). The reversing clutch device (50) can be selectively switched, and the gear ratio can be steplessly changed by the continuously-variable transmission (40).
US08956254B2	Bicycle sprocket assembly A bicycle sprocket assembly has a first sprocket with a plurality of first radially protruding portions, a second sprocket with a plurality of second radially protruding portions and a sprocket support member. The second sprocket has more teeth than the first sprocket. The sprocket support member includes a plurality of sprocket mounting portions extending radially outwardly from a freewheel engaging portion. Each of the sprocket mounting portions has first and second sprocket mounting openings for fixing the first and second sprockets, respectively. The first sprocket mounting opening is circumferentially offset from the second sprocket mounting opening with respect to a center rotational axis of the sprocket assembly. The radially innermost edge of the second radially protruding portion is spaced by a radial distance that is smaller than a radial distance of the radially outermost edge of the first sprocket mounting openings with respect to the center rotational axis.
US08956253B2	Speed and trajectory modifying device for moving object A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. Multiple sails of the same or varying size and shape may be slidably adjusted along a suspension line. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object. An adjustable aperture permits adaptation to various strikeable objects having a variety of sizes and weights or to cause a strikeable object to move in a preferred direction or with a preferred rate of travel.
US08956251B2	Golf ball having reduced surface hardness A golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core; the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the core further comprising an untreated region extending radially from the geometric center a distance DUTr and a treated region disposed about the untreated region and extending inward from the outer surface a depth DTr, said treated region having been exposed to and comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the core further comprising an intermediate untreated region disposed about the untreated region and adjacent the treated region, the intermediate untreated region having a third hardness, wherein the first hardness is different than the second hardness and the third hardness, wherein the core comprises a first core layer extending radially from the geometric center and a second core layer disposed about the first core layer, and wherein the first core layer comprises the untreated region and the intermediate untreated region, and wherein the second core layer comprises the treated region. In another embodiment, the core comprises a first core layer extending radially from the geometric center, a second core layer disposed about the first core layer and a third core layer disposed about the second core layer, wherein the first core layer comprises the untreated region, the second core layer comprises the intermediate untreated region, and the third core layer comprises the treated region. The golf ball may alternatively comprise a core and a cover, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the outer surface comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the geometric center having a hardness (Hg) and the outer surface having an extrapolated hardness (HE) and an actual hardness (HOS) wherein HE is derived from a five point extrapolation within three quarters of an outer core diameter and HOS as measured on the curved surface of the core, and the cover has a hardness (HC), wherein HCHg>HOS.
US08956250B1	Golf ball covers composed of PPDI-based thermoplastic polyurethane A golf ball comprising a cover composed of a PPDI-based thermoplastic polyurethane material. The phase morphology of the PPDI-based thermoplastic polyurethane material coupled with high levels of hard segment domain cohesion imparts excellent low temperature flexibility, rubber like elasticity, and mechanical properties to the final elastomer.
US08956249B2	Golf ball having specific spin, moment of inertia, lift, and drag relationship Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of inertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.
US08956248B2	Golf club head A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying sole and crown design is disclosed herein. The face component, which may be composed of a metal material, (60) has a striking area portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61), which may be composed of a non-metal material such as composite or thermoplastic material, is composed of a crown portion (62) and a sole portion (64). The sound modifying design, which may include deep pockets or pillars extending from the sole portion (64) to the crown portion (62), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
US08956245B2	Putter head with maximal moment of inertia A putter head has a front that strikes a golf ball during putting, a length a, a width b, a weight W, and a moment of inertia I. The width extends along a horizontal width axis perpendicularly intersecting the front of the putter head. The length extends along a horizontal length axis perpendicularly intersecting the horizontal axis. The dimensions are, for example, a≦7 inches, b≦a, and I/Wa2>0.30.
US08956244B1	Golf club head with center of gravity adjustability A golf club head comprising an adjustable weighting feature including a tube extending from the crown to the sole of the golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, a golf club head formed from three pieces, namely a first piece comprising a face, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a hosel, a second piece comprising a rear end, a crown portion, and a sole portion, and a tube, wherein these pieces are welded to one another, is disclosed herein. Each of these pieces may be separately cast, forged, or formed from a metal material such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, and aluminum alloy.
US08956240B2	Fairway wood center of gravity projection A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution.
US08956239B2	Golf ball holding structure An apparatus which uses a club having a head portion and a shaft. Integrated with the head portion is a golf ball holder. The golf ball holder is capable of gripping and holding a golf ball with a predetermined force requirement for release, which requires the user to execute a proper golf swing to release the ball. The predetermined force requirement may be adjustable. The user also may vary the angle of the club face on various planes relative to the shaft, thereby changing the swing required to release the ball.
US08956236B2	Universal joint structure for a tool A universal joint structure for a tool contains an operating rod, a fitting sleeve, and a retaining member. The operating rod includes a universal joint formed on one end thereof, the universal joint is formed in a polygonal sphere shape, the fitting sleeve includes a polygonal locking groove defined thereon for fitting the universal joint, the fitting sleeve also includes a circular recess arranged adjacent to an opening of the locking groove and retaining with the retaining member. The retaining member is a C-retaining ring and includes a tilted guiding face defined around one surface thereof, and wherein one end of the titled face away from the circular recess is larger than another end of the titled guiding face adjacent to the circular recess so that when the universal joint is fitted into the locking groove, the titled guiding face retains with the universal joint of the operating rod.
US08956235B2	Expansion/collapse control mechanism for police baton A police baton including an outer tube and an inner tube connected in a telescoping manner, and clutch locking and releasing mechanisms provided at first ends of the inner and outer tubes respectively. When the inner tube is moved outward of the outer tube until the first end of the inner tube presses against a second end of the outer tube, a clutch locking block of the clutch locking mechanism moves laterally outward due to an elastic force and is embedded into a retaining groove on the outer tube, thereby forming a long stick. When a releasing shaft of the releasing mechanism is inserted into a releasing groove on the clutch locking block, the clutch locking block is moved laterally inward and released from the retaining groove, thereby allowing the inner tube to move toward the outer tube for forming a short stick.
US08956233B2	Wireless communication game system A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device. Then, transmitting a child device number CID of the user's own apparatus at the E slot designated by the parent device packet, the user's own apparatus transmits a connection request to the parent device.
US08956225B1	System and method for using flash symbols for travel nodes in an online flash-based game One aspect of the disclosure relates to using FLASH symbols to define a travel grid formed by travel nodes in an online FLASH-based game. A FLASH symbol may be used that when instantiated defines a corresponding travel node that together with other travel nodes form a travel grid. The travel grid limits travel during gameplay by constraining travel from a travel node to its neighbor travel nodes. FLASH symbol properties may be leveraged to describe a travel node such as its location in the game space, neighbor travel nodes, and other information related to the travel node. In order to facilitate traversal of the travel grid formed by travel nodes, intelligence or other logic may configure a processor to obtain symbol properties of instantiated FLASH symbols that define travel nodes in order to dynamically make decisions during gameplay that determine next destinations to which travel is permitted.
US08956220B2	System for playing multiplayer games A gaming server hosts a turn of a zero-sum game played by a plurality of players via a plurality of websites, each of the websites having a respective clearing account. The application server determines for each player a respective player value contribution based on the wagering activity of the player during the turn and a respective player value indicator associated with the player. The application server determines a total player value contribution based on the player value contributions of all of the players who played during the turn. The application server determines for each player a respective rake allocation based on the player value contribution of the player and the total player contribution. The application server credits each website's clearing account based on the respective rake allocation of each player who used the website to play the game during the turn.
US08956209B2	Game system, game apparatus, storage medium having game program stored therein, and game process method An example game system includes a game apparatus, an operating device, and a hand-held device. The game apparatus receives first operation data from the operating device and second operation data from the hand-held device, and performs a predetermined game control process. Furthermore, the game apparatus generates a first game image of a virtual game space representing a result of the game control process, based on a first virtual camera, and the game apparatus also generates a second game image based on a second virtual camera. The first game image is outputted to a first display device provided independently of the hand-held device. The second game image is outputted to a second display device of the hand-held device. Moreover, the game apparatus performs as the game control process a process for controlling an attitude of the first virtual camera based on the first operation data and a position of the first virtual camera based on the second operation data.
US08956205B2	Method for removing blood released during filleting from the backbone of fish, and device for removing such blood In a method for removing blood released during filleting from the backbone and the indentations therein in the region of the vertebrae of fish that are conveyed in a row with the head forwards and the belly downwards, the removal of blood is carried out at the same time and in the same place as the cutting of the backbone. The backbone, which is freed of ray bones and rib bones, is guided through a cutting gap and is cut clear on the belly side of the fish over the entire length of the fish as far as the root of the dorsal fin to leave a backbone stump. The fish fillet flesh is covered by covering surfaces which converge at the cutting gap and of which at least two covering surfaces form the cutting gap. Pressurized cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the backbone that is guided between the covering surfaces through the cutting gap during cutting. A device for removing said released blood comprises a backbone cutting device having two backbone cutting circular blades, which are arranged obliquely in an inverted V shape and form the covering surfaces, and having fish guiding means forming covering surfaces that cover the fish fillet flesh. A cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning nozzle aligned with the cutting gap. An actuating device actuates the cleaning device and the backbone cutting device simultaneously. The covering surfaces protect the fish fillet flesh from being sprayed with the cleaning fluid.
US08956203B2	Noise-reduced abrasive articles Abrasive articles comprising a reduction layer configured to reduce noise level when the abrasive articles are in use.
US08956200B2	Wafer grounding design for single pad lapping Embodiments described herein generally relate to connecting Electronic Lapping Guides (ELG) to a lapping controller to reduce resistance from current crowding while reducing connections to the ELG. A device and a system can include a wafer with peripheral grounding vias having a radius of at least 10 μm, a plurality of sliders with a magnetoresistive (MR) elements; a plurality of ELG electrically coupled to the lapping controller through a combination of the wafer and grounding pads and a bonding pad electrically coupled to the ELG. The ELG or the bonding pad can be positioned in the kerf or the device region of a row. If the ELG and the bonding pad are positioned in separate regions, a noble metal should be used to connect. Further, the number of grounding pads can be reduced by using grounding vias at specific intervals and specific sizes.
US08956199B2	Breast cup assembly and a brassiere incorporating such a breast cup There is provided a breast cup assembly comprising an outer panel comprising an outer fabric layer, an inner panel comprising an inner fabric layer, an inner flexible film applied over the convex surface of the inner panel, an outer flexible film applied to the inner flexible film such that the inner and outer flexible films are sealed substantially proximal to a periphery of the inner panel forming a cavity between the inner and outer flexible films, and a gel pad positioned in the cavity formed between the inner and outer flexible films. A method of producing such a breast cup assembly is also provided.
US08956197B1	Foot activated deer rattling device A foot-operated antler rattling simulator device having a base and a moveable pedal moving a pair of sound plates having a plurality of protuberances extending therefrom to simulate the sound of antlers smashing together and rattling while engaged. The sound plates are selectively removable to tailor the antler sound to specific species of antlered animals. An optional embodiment includes a deer grunt, also actuated by the foot apparatus independent of operation of the antler rattle, allowing a hunter to simulate antler noises and grunting of two bucks fighting.
US08956195B2	Marine vessel propulsion device A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.
US08956192B2	Finger protection for 90° header The present invention relates to an electrical plug-in connector (1) in particular for high-voltage connections, comprising an outer body (2) having a plug opening (5) for receiving a mating plug-in connector (101), a terminal housing (8, 8′, 8″, 13, 13′, 13″, 13′″) for fastening an electrical contact (36), and a finger protection member (25) projecting into the plug-in direction (X) towards the plug opening (5). Further, the present invention relates to a finger protection member (25) for an electrical high-voltage plug-in connector (1), with a bar-shaped body having a protection end (56), and to a construction kit for a high-voltage electrical plug-in connector (1), comprising an outer body (2) with a plug opening (5) for receiving a mating plug-in connector (101), and at least one terminal housing (8, 8′, 8″, 13, 13′, 13″, 13′″) for fastening an electrical contact (36). Finally, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a plug-in connector (1), in particular for high-voltage connections, wherein a terminal housing (8, 8′, 8″, 13, 13′, 3″, 13′″) of the plug-in connector (1) is inserted into an outer body (2) of the plug-in connector (1) having a plug opening (5) which opens towards a plug-in direction (X) of the plug-in connector (1). In order to provide a plug-in connector (1) which is more plug-compatible than 1 known connectors with a finger protection device (25), yet user friendly, the present invention provides that the finger protection member (25) is a separate piece engaged with the terminal housing (8, 8′, 8″, 13, 13′, 13″, 13′″).
US08956190B2	Submergible fused receptacle assembly for a vehicle charging inlet A receptacle assembly for a vehicle charging inlet is provided having a base with apertures formed through, an external receptacle extending from the base in a first direction for receiving a charging cable connector, and an internal receptacle extending from the base in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for receiving a plurality of wires from a wire harness. The internal receptacle defines an internal cavity having at least one terminal receptacle formed about one of the apertures and at least one fuse receptacle. The internal receptacle includes wire channels for routing a wire having an inline fuse from the terminal receptacle to the fuse receptacle and from the fuse receptacle to a wire outlet. The inline fuse is received by the fuse receptacle.
US08956186B2	Right angle header assembly A high voltage (HV) header assembly includes an outer housing having a right angle body including a first segment and a second segment oriented perpendicularly to the first segment. The first segment has a mating interface at a distal end for mating with a plug assembly. The second segment has a mounting flange at a distal end for mounting to a device. The second segment extends from the first segment such that the mounting flange is oriented perpendicularly to the mating interface. The body defines a right angle chamber extending through the first and second segments between the mating interface and the mounting flange. The chamber has first and second openings therethrough in the first and second segments, respectively. HV contacts are received in the chamber of the outer housing and are configured to electrically connect to plug contacts of the plug assembly.
US08956184B2	Coaxial cable connector A coaxial cable connector includes, in one embodiment, a coupler, a body, an inner conductor engager and an outer conductor engager. The connector also includes a driver configured to axially move along an axis as a result of at least one axial installation force.
US08956179B2	Receptacle connector with detection function A receptacle connector has an insulator, multiple contacts, a shell, an insulating bracket, and a detection contact. The shell covers the insulator and the contacts and has a cavity to receive the insulator and the contacts. A detection arm is formed on one of two sidewalls of the shell, which is resilient and able to be deformed by external force and recovered after removal of the external force. The insulating bracket is mounted outside of one of the sidewalls of the shell and has mounting slot defined in the insulating bracket. The detection contact is mounted in the mounting slot of the insulating bracket and is capable of contacting the detection arm. When a plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector, the detection arm is bent to contact the detection contact for detecting the existence of the plug connector and activating signal transmission or power supply.
US08956176B1	Lead wire connector for measuring electrophysiological signals The present invention is related to a connector for a lead wire for a electrode. The present invention is further related to the use of a connection element to provide mechanical and electrical connections with a physiological electrode. The present invention is further related to the use of a helical connection element to provide mechanical and electrical connections with the node of a physiological electrode. In various embodiments, the invention comprises an expander that can stretch the connection element so that it may fit over the head of a male connector of an electrode and release to secure the connection element around the neck of the male connector of the electrode. When secured to the electrode, the connection element preferably makes contact with the electrode at multiple points in order to increase electrical connectivity with the electrode and decrease mechanical force in a single direction on the electrode.
US08956173B2	Securing access of removable media devices A security adapter for an electronic device comprises a body, a device connector and host connectors that include a male connector and a female connector and an interlocking structure. The host connector is capable of engaging with a host, and the device connector is capable of engaging with an electronic device. In a first position, the interlocking structure is configured to lock an unlocked engagement of the interlocking structure to the device connector, and in a second position, the interlocking structure is configured to unlock a locked engagement of the interlocking structure to the device connector. Electronic circuitry of the security adapter is operable to identify the security adapter to the host. The electronic circuitry communicates with an access control application running on the host for controlling data access operations between the host and a device that is connectable to the security adapter.
US08956172B2	Device-connecting connector A connector adapted to connect device, allows itself to be fastened with a bolt using a conventional tool, and to be downsized. A edge 9a of the protection rib 9 and a bearing surface 7b on which a bolt 10 on a fastening part 7 is tightened are formed in the same plane.
US08956169B2	Self-adjusting coaxial contact A self-adjusting mated pair connector having a conductive flexible wire and a retaining ring to facilitate electrical connections through the mated pair connector. A receptacle assembly rigidly and electrically connects a portion of the receptacle assembly to a receptacle PCB. A plug assembly rigidly and electrically connects a portion of the plug assembly to a plug PCB. During mating of the receptacle assembly and the plug assembly, the flexible wire and retaining ring allow for floating or movement of a portion of the receptacle assembly and/or plug assembly without stressing or damaging the rigid electrical connections with the receptacle PCB and the plug PCB or the connector interfaces. Electrical conductivity can be maintained without needing to angle the entire receptacle assembly and/or plug assembly during misalignment in the mating process. Impedance matching and low inductance of the mated pair connector may allow for desired electrical performance.
US08956161B2	Article and method for controlling oral-originated systemic disease Systems and methods for treating gingival tissue or oral biofilm includes applying to the gingival tissue (sulcus or periodontal pocket) a biofilm penetrating antimicrobial agent; removing the imbedded anaerobic bacteria from the gingival tissue following at least one applying of the antimicrobial agent to the gingival tissue; administering colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel to the gingival tissue following the removing of imbedded anaerobic bacteria; and cleaning the gingival tissue with a cleaning agent directly following the administering of the colloidal hydrogen peroxide gel for modifying the environment from anaerobic (diseased) to aerobic (healthy).
US08956158B2	Surgical template for performing dental implantology A surgical template (10) comprises at least one a drill guide bore (70) surrounded by a guide bore ring (71) and is adapted to be positioned within the oral cavity of patient. The template (10) comprises an inner rail (20) and an outer rail (30) with an interspace (60) in between. At least three inner and three outer connecting points (81, 82) are provided on the inner and outer rail (20, 30) which are adapted to be positioned on portions of the dental apparatus of the patient in his oral cavity to define the three dimensional position and orientation of the at least one drill guide bore ring (71). The rails (20 and 30) are provided in a predetermined varying distance one from the other allowing accommodation of the inner and outer connecting points (81 and 82) on the rails (20, 30), wherein the template (10) further comprises at least two connecting webs (40) connecting the inner rail (20) and the outer rail (30) in a predetermined distance one from the other.
US08956155B2	Thin flame burner for a fireplace A burner assembly for a fireplace, comprising a fuel-metering plate, a fuel-delivery plenum and a dividing plate. The fuel metering plate has tines that form a combed structure in an uppermost portion of the fuel-metering plate, the combed structure extending along a long dimension of the fuel-metering plate. The fuel-delivery plenum has a fuel chamber and the fuel-delivery plenum being coupled to the fuel-metering plate such that the fuel chamber extends along the long dimension of the fuel metering plate. The dividing plate is located between the fuel-metering plate and the fuel-delivery plenum. The dividing plate has a slotted opening that extends along the long dimension of the fuel metering plate, the slotted opening being in fluid communication with individual channels between the tines and with the fuel chamber.
US08956153B2	Security device for gas appliance operating in an environment with insufficient oxygen A gas appliance has a security device and a combustor. The security device has a gas valve, a thermocouple, and a controller. The thermocouple receives a heat of the combustor and generates thermoelectric potential accordingly. The controller controls the gas valve according to the thermoelectric potential. While the thermoelectric potential is lower than a high level, the controller controls the gas valve to reduce the gas supplied to the combustor, and while the thermoelectric potential is lower than a low level the controller controls the gas valve to stop the gas supplied to the combustor to avoid the incomplete burning because of insufficient oxygen.
US08956152B2	Burner control A fuel-fired water heater is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.
US08956138B2	Cookie decorating tool A cookie decorating tool includes a main body having attachment points for a plurality of decorating tool heads. In one version, the tool heads are in the form of one or more interchangeable stamps or rollers, each having a different design that may be imparted onto cookie dough to leave an impression prior to baking.
US08956137B2	Assembly for a tabletting press Pellet fabrication device comprising a powder distributor and a table provided with cavities to be filled with powder, on which the distributor moves. The distributor comprises two assemblies of rollers cooperating with rails fixed on the table on each side of the distributor displacement zone, a set of rollers being used to guide displacement of the distributor and a set of rollers being used to press the distributor in contact with the table.
US08956136B2	Method of and device for cooling blown film during the production of blown film A method of cooling blown film consisting of thermoplastic plastics during the production of blown film by means of a blown film extruder with a film blowing head which comprises an annular nozzle from which the blown film emerges and is guided away in an extraction direction, wherein at least two cooling gas flows are made to approach the blown film from the outside in at least two blowing-out planes located at a distance from the annular nozzle, wherein at least one cooling gas flow KG is blown out in the direction opposed to the extraction direction of the blown film and wherein at least one cooling gas flow KA is blown out in the extraction direction of the blown film, and wherein, at least one of the cooling gas flows KG, KA can be controlled around their circumference in sectors, at least in respect of its volume flow or temperature.
US08956133B2	Vehicular internal gear type oil pump An oil pump includes a first spill passage formed on a side surface (60) of a pump chamber (58) to communicate a hydraulic pressure chamber (54) with a first high pressure discharge passage (68) when the entire hydraulic pressure chamber (54) is positioned between the first high pressure discharge passage (68) and a first low pressure discharge passage (70). Therefore, when the hydraulic pressure chamber (54) passes between the first high pressure discharge passage (68) and the first low pressure discharge passage (70), the hydraulic pressure inside the predetermined hydraulic pressure chamber (54) escapes to the first high pressure discharge passage (68) through a first spill passage (76), so a hydraulic pressure value inside the hydraulic pressure chamber (54) is maintained at the pressure value inside the first high pressure discharge passage (68). As a result, fluid is inhibited from flowing into the hydraulic pressure chamber (54) from the first high pressure discharge passage (68) through a space between inner peripheral teeth (48) and outer peripheral teeth (42).
US08956128B2	Spherical expansion compressor adapted to variable working conditions A spherical expansion compressor adapted to variable working conditions with a spherical inner chamber, comprises a rolling rotor compressor used as first-stage compression, compression working chambers, expansion working chambers, a gas tank and a pressure control circuit. The pressure control circuit is between the gas tank and a pressure-controlled inlet valve of the rolling rotor compressor, and controls the inlet valve to open/close according to pressure in the gas tank and maintains constant pressure in the tank. A working medium after first-stage compression enters the gas tank, where the pressure control circuit regulates the gas tank pressure. The working medium enters second-stage compression, and expands in the expansion-stage, forming the spherical expansion compressor adapted to variable working conditions.
US08956120B2	Non-continuous ring seal An assembly is disclosed that includes a first rotating component and a second rotating component disposed adjacent to the first rotating component. An annular slot may be defined between the first and second rotating components and may include a sealing surface. Additionally, a seal may be disposed within the annular slot and may be configured to be engaged against the sealing surface when the first and second rotating components are rotated. Moreover, the seal may form a non-continuous ring within the annular slot when the seal is engaged against the sealing surface.
US08956107B2	Air conditioner There is provided an air conditioner having a fan guard assembly which is easy to assemble, and the transversal crosspieces of the fan guard assembly are not easily disengaged from the longitudinal crosspieces. The air conditioner includes: an air conditioner, comprising: a housing accommodating therein an air delivery fan and having a discharge opening from which an airflow generated by the air delivery fan is blown out; and a fan guard assembly disposed between the air delivery fan and the discharge opening, in the housing, wherein the fan guard assembly includes a first member having a protruding portion protruding in such a manner as to form a retaining groove, and a second member held in the retaining groove of the first member; and the protruding portion protrudes in such a manner that, in a side view, the protruding portion intersects a rectilinear line passing a center point of the second member held by the retaining groove and an arbitrary point P1 along an edge of the discharge opening.
US08956106B2	Adaptive eductor system An apparatus is provided having a first zone with a fluid flow at a first pressure, and a second zone with a fluid flow at a second pressure. A sump cavity is provided in fluid communication with the first zone and a sump vent. An eductor system may be provided with a fluid flow path therethrough and in fluid communication with the second zone and the sump vent. The eductor system may be provided with an altitude sensing valve and may also be provided with gage pressure sensing valve. The eductor system may further be provided with a second gage pressure sensing valve and may also be provided with an orifice plate. The gage pressure sensing valves may react to the gage pressure of the second zone.
US08956099B2	Rack-serving unit and order-picking warehouse A rack-serving unit for storing boxes having an open box bottom, including a load pick-up device and at least one substantially horizontally telescopic article transport gripper including at least one rest for the articles for gripping under an article, is provided with a single telescopic gripper pin serving as article transport gripper and having a rest for the articles for gripping under the article in a just unstable position and at least one telescopic flank and/or a telescopic hold-down device for setting a stable transport position of the gripped article. In an order-picking warehouse equipped with said rack-serving unit having storing boxes with bottoms which are open in the center thereof, the telescopic gripper pin includes a rest for the articles of a width which is transverse to the telescoping direction for supporting the article in a just unstable position on the rest for the articles and the box bottom opening being just slightly broader than the width.
US08956096B2	Stationary self-draining fastening post with vibration-free frame attachment for traffic-rated utility vault cover A fastening post for a traffic-rated utility vault cover comprising an oblong mass with a tapped hole on its upper surface and a drainage port in its side surface where the upper end of tapped hole intersects with the lower end of drainage port in the interior of the oblong mass to form a smooth junction between these members. This design allows all debris falling into the tapped hole to slide down into the drainage port where it continues to fall and exit the oblong mass through the lower end of the drainage port. Fastening post has overall width that is at least three times that of the bolts or fasteners used to fasten down the hatch to the frame of the utility vault cover. Together with a specifically designed utility vault cover, fastening post provides a vibration-free reversible connection between the hatch and the frame of utility vault cover.
US08956093B1	Seal arrangement for a high speed spindle with through the spindle cooling An arrangement for sealing a pressurized coolant system for a drawbar cylinder rod and a spindle drawbar in a machine tool utilizes a stationary mounting plate for supporting a piston plate and a drawbar cylinder rod. A pulley is mounted on the spindle for driving the spindle and a rotary seal that rotates with the spindle is mounted to the spindle. A non-rotating seal is mounted on the mounting plate. A planar sealing surface is formed by the contact between the non-rotating seal and the rotary seal, whereby a reliable fluid seal is formed between the rotating and the non-rotating structures of the pressurized coolant system.
US08956090B2	Milling cutter and method of operating same, and other machine tools, and an adjustment mechanism therefor Milling cutter and method of operating same, and other machine tools, and an adjustment mechanism therefor. A cutting insert is adjusted by moving a resilient web with an adjusting screw.
US08956088B2	Drilling device for drilling side portions of large section members A device for drilling side portions of large section members, the device being arranged in a cutting system for cutting individual section member lengths, starting from a long section member, comprises a base thereon swinging support arms extend, the support arms being arranged with a V pattern enclosing an angle (α), each support arm including a plurality of sliding rollers for causing the section member to slide thereon, the swinging arms including guides slidably supporting a controllably driven carriage operatively connected to a threaded screw, each threaded screw being operatively connected to a controllable motor, each carriage having a movable arm which may be controllably displaced along guides and comprising parallel guides engaging a drilling assembly operatively coupled to a driving shaft, each driving shaft being operatively connected to a corresponding controllable motor.
US08956086B2	Toolholder assembly with internal coolant delivery system A toolholder assembly includes a toolholder body having a coolant passage and a cutting insert seated within a recess of the body. The cutting insert includes an insert orifice extending between a top face and a bottom face that aligns with the coolant passage. A lock pin includes a lock pin orifice that aligns with and is in fluid communication with the coolant passage of the body. The lock pin orifice has an outlet port to allow the fluid to flow through the lock pin orifice and exit through the outlet port. A lock pin ring includes a coolant port in fluid communication with the outlet port of the lock pin to effectively discharge cooling fluid in the direction of a cutting area of the cutting insert.
US08956081B2	Ice worthy jack-up drilling unit with gas agitated ice prevention An ice worthy jack-up rig that may extend the drilling season in shallow water off shore Arctic or ice prone locations. The rig would work like a conventional jack-up rig while in open water with the hull jacked up out of the water. However, in the event of ice conditions, the legs are held in place by cans embedded in the sea floor to resist lateral movement of the rig and the hull is lowered into the water into an ice defensive configuration. The hull is specifically shaped with an ice-bending surface to bend and break up ice that comes in contact with the hull while in the ice defensive configuration.
US08956079B2	Tubular installation system and method The present invention relates to a tubular installation system (10) for J-laying tubulars comprising a J-lay tower structure (100), a tubulars supply system and a loader device (20) comprising tubular grippers (21a-c) and a boom (24) for transporting a tubular, an accessory supply system (200, 201, 202) and accessory handling means (29) for transporting an accessory between the essentially horizontal accessory supply position and the firing line. According to the invention, the accessory handling means (29) are distinct from the tubular grippers (21a-c) and are attached to the boom (24) of the loader device, at a different position than the tubular grippers, such that the loader device can be used as desired for transporting a tubular or an accessory between the respective supply position and the firing line.
US08956078B2	Reel lay system A method for reel-laying pipelines from a vessel includes reel laying a first pipeline by unwinding a first reel, and guiding the pipeline via a guide wheel through a tensioners and a hang off clamp into the sea; closing the hang off clamp to support the first pipeline; connecting an end portion of the first pipeline to a retaining system; replacing the first reel by a second reel; providing a temporary connection between an end portion of the second pipeline and the end portion of the first pipeline; disconnecting the first pipeline from the retaining system; opening the hang off clamp; continuing reel laying by unwinding the second reel; closing the hang off clamp; removing the temporary connection between the first and second pipeline; and connecting the first and second pipeline end to end between the tensioners and the hang off clamp.
US08956071B2	Quick release joint system for assembling frames A frame joint system including a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members include laterally opening channels running axially thereof. The frame members are adapted to be rigidly secured together by quick release coupling. Embodiments of the frame joint system include mitered corner, end-to-face, face-to-face and end-to-end joints. The quick release coupling includes at least a first sleeve member and a gripping member. The gripping member is nested within the first sleeve member, and the first sleeve member is nested within the first frame member. The gripping member includes gripping elements that mate with a slot in a box rail element fixedly associated with the second frame member. Activating the gripping elements pulls the two frame members together into a rigid joint.
US08956067B2	Split case of a magnetic coupling, in particular of a magnetic coupling pump A magnetic coupling includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor between which a split case is disposed. The split case has a flange which can be fixed with a counter-flange on a coupling component. The split case is made of a ceramic, whereas the coupling component and the counter-flange are formed from a metal material. Provided on the flange is a spherical elevation which engages in a corresponding, spherical indentation. A compensating element is arranged between the flange and the counter-flange and can have a spherical indentation corresponding to the spherical elevation on one of its front sides.
US08956066B2	Roller-ball applicator assembly with retainer for topical oils application Exemplary applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual are disclosed. Some embodiments of an exemplary applicator device may include a topical oil container and a roller-ball applicator coupled to the container. The roller-ball applicator may include a roller-ball housing, a roller-ball within the housing, the roller-ball being freely rotatable within the housing, and a retention cap configured to retain the roller-ball within the housing.
US08956063B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a spool that holds a roll of print medium; an image forming device that forms an image on the medium; a transporting device including a transport rotary member that transports the medium to the image forming device, and a drive source that generates drive force; and a drive force transmission device which transmits the drive force to the spool when the transport rotary member rotates in a medium rewinding direction, and which includes a first gear train for rotating the spool in the same direction as the transport rotary member when the transport rotary member and the spool rotate in the same direction during the transport of the medium and a second gear train for rotating the spool in an opposite direction to the transport rotary member when the transport rotary member and the spool rotate in opposite directions during the medium transport.
US08956062B2	Roll paper supply device and printing device having the same A roll paper supply device has a roll paper compartment that stores roll paper with the axis of rotation transverse so that the roll paper can roll thereinside; supply rollers that feed the roll paper from the roll paper compartment in a sheet; and pair of side pressure plates that cover substantially all of the sides of the roll paper and contact part of the sides.
US08956061B2	Compact keyboard and cradle One exemplary aspect comprises a keyboard apparatus comprising: a collapsible keyboard comprising five substantially rigid frames, the frames comprising a central frame, two end frames, and two intermediate frames, each intermediate frame located between an end frame and the central frame; each pair of adjacent frames being relatively pivotably connected together along a folding axis, the folding axes being substantially mutually parallel; and a plurality of keys mounted on the frames. Another exemplary aspect comprises a keyboard apparatus as above, further comprising a collapsible cradle assembly detachable from the collapsible keyboard.
US08956060B2	Imaging apparatus An imaging apparatus includes a body mount to which an interchangeable lens is attachable; an imaging device; and a circuit board. The circuit board is arranged between the body mount and the imaging device, and an opening or a cut part through which light from the interchangeable lens toward the imaging device passes is formed in the circuit board.
US08956056B2	Optical connector capable of assembling therein optical fiber led out from rear of ferrule and optical connector system containing same An optical connector has a pair of coil springs (30) which are disposed so as to sandwich an optical fiber (50) led out of the rear of a ferrule (20) in substantially the axial direction (A) and which extend in the axial direction (A).
US08956054B2	Inner raceway with axial extension An inner raceway (3) having a rolling element raceway facing radially outward, for an angular contact bearing arrangement, and particularly an angular ball bearing arrangement, where a cylindrical surface which is situated at the furthest outward position radially is included as a seal seat. Such inner raceways are used in wheel bearing units, for example, which have an orbital rivet bond, which in turn can also form an end-face gearing (7). The orbital rivet bond and the axial extension (8) of the inner raceway form an annular gap (20) which leads to a configuration where a decoupling of loads from the inner raceway (3) prevents an undesired deformation of the same. In addition, advantages result from the sealing of the region of the orbital rivet bond and/or the end-face gearing (7) thereof.
US08956053B2	Bearing retainer assembly A retainer assembly for securing a bearing relative to a shaft in a first axial direction. The retainer assembly includes a collar, a lock ring, and a retaining nut. The collar includes a first portion, a second portion, and a bore extending through the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes external threads, and the second portion includes an internal recess extending circumferentially around the bore. The lock ring is located within the internal recess such that the lock ring is positioned between the second portion of the collar and the shaft and is removably coupled to the shaft. The retaining nut includes internal threads that threadingly engage the external threads of the first portion.
US08956050B2	Rolling bearing and rolling bearing assembly A rolling bearing includes rolling elements interposed between rolling surfaces of an inner ring and an outer ring. An oil supply hole for lubricant oil supply is provided in the outer ring so as to communicate between an outer diameter surface of the outer ring and a position, near the rolling surface, in an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. A circumferential groove is provided on the outer diameter surface of the outer ring so as to communicate with the oil supply hole to introduce, to the oil supply hole, a lubricant oil supplied from a circumferential position outside the bearing that is different from that of the oil supply hole.
US08956048B2	Squeeze film damper A squeeze film damper is provided, which includes a bearing cartridge (6), a housing (4), in which the bearing cartridge (6) is accommodated, and a squeeze film in a gap (22) between the housing (4) and the bearing cartridge (6) for producing a damping force directed opposite a circulating radial exciter force, which is generated by an imbalance retained in the bearing cartridge (6). In the squeeze film damper, an arrangement (28) for attenuating the damping force according to the circumferential position are provided around the bearing cartridge (6).
US08956046B2	Bag with port member and connection structure thereof A bag with a port member according to the present invention includes a bag having an opening and a port member attached to the opening. In addition, the port member has a tubular insertion portion and a bag side connection portion that is connected to a container side connection portion of other container, and the bag is positioned on the innermost circumferential face side of the bag with a port member on an inner face of the insertion portion. According to the bag with a port member, the bag with a port member that can reduce a residual amount of contents to be as small as possible when the contents inside the bag are taken out can be provided.
US08956045B2	Radiation imaging apparatus A cassette holder of an imaging stand is provided with first and second catch members for catching and holding an electronic cassette from above and below. The first catch member has a multi connector connected to a multi terminal of the electronic cassette. The multi connector is offset with respect to a center line of an imaging surface of the cassette holder. The multi terminal is offset with respect to a center line of an irradiation surface of the electronic cassette in the same direction by the same amount as those of the multi connector. In a state where said electronic cassette mounted on a tray is loaded into the cassette holder, the center line of the irradiation surface coincides with the center line of the imaging surface.
US08956042B2	Timepiece movement with power reserve for extended operation A mechanical timepiece movement, including a spiral spring, a barrel, the spiral spring accommodated in the barrel as an energy storage, the barrel transmitting energy of the spiral spring by a gear train to an oscillator, the oscillator including a balance as a regulating device, and a mechanism configured to reduce a torque generated by the barrel to reduce loss of energy stored in the spiral spring.
US08956041B2	Timepiece with tourbillon mechanism having a support A timepiece includes: a frame; a mobile body of a finishing gear train; and a tourbillon mechanism including a holder supporting a balance and at least one escapement. The tourbillon mechanism includes: an outer ring rotatably mounted onto the frame about a first axis; at least one inner ring inside the outer ring and rotatable relative to the outer ring about a second axis, the holder being pivotably mounted in the inner ring and secured to a shaft around which the inner ring is freely and rotatably mounted about a third axis; a first toothed member mounted onto the frame; a first pinion secured to the shaft of the holder to engage with the first toothed member to rotate the holder; and a unit driving the inner ring, engaging with the movable body of the finishing gear train and arranged to move the inner ring and, consequently, the outer ring.
US08956040B2	Static mixer for the treatment of exhaust gases and manufacturing method thereof Static mixer for the treatment of exhaust gases, including an annular support portion and a plurality of substantially coplanar radial vanes that are arranged radially with their rear portions or bases associated with the support portion and the front portions or radial tips converging towards the center of the mixer, wherein the body of the vanes includes at least three lines of bending, which define respective portions arranged on non parallel planes and defining corresponding impact surfaces for the exhaust gases.
US08956037B2	Light guide plate and backlight module including same A light guide plate includes a light incident surface and a plurality of micro cylinders protruding from the light incident surface in parallel. Each of the micro cylinders has a circumference surface and two opposite end surfaces. The circumference surface is connected to the light incident surface. The two end surfaces are positioned on two opposite ends of the circumference surface, and are perpendicular to the light incident surface. Each of the two end surfaces is circular arc-shaped, and the radius of each of the two end surfaces is in the range of 0.04 μm to 0.07 μm.
US08956026B2	Light guides for vehicles A light guide for vehicles includes a light coupling section for the coupling of light into a first end and/or a second end of the light guide, with a main section having a front side for the coupling out of light and a back extending between the first end and the second end of the light guide and comprising elements for coupling-out for the deflection of the coupled-in light toward the front side, wherein the section for the coupling-in of light is embodied as a defocusing element situated between a surface coupling the light in and the main section.
US08956025B2	Vehicle headlight A vehicle headlight including a common light distribution unit and a variable light distribution unit and a headlight system including the headlight can form a common light distribution pattern and a variable light distribution pattern using the common and the variable light distribution units. The variable distribution unit can include a light source, a phosphor panel, a mirror reflecting/scanning light emitted from the light source onto the phosphor panel and a projector lens projecting the scanning light adjacent the common light distribution pattern. The headlight system can include a front sensor detecting a surrounding condition, and can control the common and the variable light distribution units to form an optimum light distribution pattern in accordance with surrounding conditions. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide a headlight system including a headlight that can form an optimum light distribution pattern in accordance with surrounding conditions and can have a simple structure.
US08956021B2	Aircraft light An aircraft light consists of a housing containing a light source, a heat sink element forming at least part of the exterior surface of the housing and an auxiliary thermal capacitor that is thermally decoupled from the heat sink element. A thermally expandable medium is coupled to the heat sink element and operates to thermally decouple the light source from the heat sink element and thermally couple the light source to the auxiliary thermal capacitor and vice versa, depending on the actual temperature of the heat sink element.
US08956019B2	Methods and apparatus for grounding an electrical device via a lampholder A lampholder includes a housing and a plurality of electrical terminals. The lampholder is adapted to hold a light-emitting diode (LED) tube light assembly supported at two ends of the tube light. The lampholder includes at least one terminal that electrically couples before the remaining terminals located in the same housing to ensure a first-connect, last-disconnect electrical connection when inserting the LED tube light into and removing the LED tube light from the lampholder.
US08956016B2	Annular-arranged lamp capable of backward projecting by concave sphere The annular-arranged lamp capable of backward projecting by concave sphere provided by this invention is mainly provided with a side of an annular heat dissipation device being installed with light emitting devices (102) wherein the lamp is installed with two or more than two light emitting devices (110) arranged in a circular or polygonal means, and the light projecting axial line of each light emitting device (110) is projected towards a reflection device with concave sphere (103) disposed above the annular heat dissipation device (101), light beams of the light emitting devices (110) are reflected by the reflection device with concave sphere (103) then refracted to a preset projection range, thereby forming a unified light source.
US08956015B2	Light-emitting apparatus and lighting system A light-emitting apparatus includes a light-emitting diode that functions as a light source, and a teardrop-shaped translucent member formed of a translucent material. The teardrop-shaped translucent member includes a bottom portion via which the light emitted from the light-emitting diode is input, a lateral portion configured to provide total internal reflection of the light input via the bottom portion, and a top portion configured to focus the light subjected to total internal reflection by the lateral portion so as to form an image.
US08956013B1	LED light troffer/fixture assembly A light assembly contains a troffer containing a housing. One or more LED light units are contained within the troffer, wherein each of the LED light units contain only one corresponding conductive end cap. A pair of conductors extending from each of the corresponding conductive end caps are mated with a corresponding socket contained within a DC power supply module contained within the troffer.
US08956009B2	Apparatus and methods for controlling a three-dimensional optical field The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling a three-dimensional optical field. The apparatus includes a light-emission device and a set of zoom elements. The light-emission device emits a light. The set of zoom elements are disposed in front of the light-emission device, and focus the light from the light-emission device.
US08956008B2	Light-emitting unit and luminaire According to one embodiment, a light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting section, a diffusion cover, and a reflector. The light-emitting section includes an LED element. The diffusion cover diffuses light emitted from the light-emitting section. The reflector controls the light diffused by the diffusion cover.
US08956007B2	Encapsulating sheet, producing method thereof, light emitting diode device, and producing method thereof An encapsulating sheet includes an encapsulating layer for encapsulating a light emitting diode element, a light scattering layer formed at one side in a thickness direction of the encapsulating layer and for scattering light emitted from the light emitting diode element, and a spacer layer interposed between the encapsulating layer and the light scattering layer.
US08956006B2	Elongated LED lamp for replacing a fluorescent lamp An elongated LED lamp suitable for replacing a fluorescent lamp in a lamp fixture comprises a chassis having a first chassis end with two electrodes adapted to be respectively coupled to two electrodes in the lamp fixture supplying AC power, and a second chassis end. A light source depends from the chassis. A power regulating circuit is mounted to the chassis and is coupled to the two electrodes for providing DC power to the first light source. A first light collector conditions the light it collects light from the first light source for TIR propagation within a side-light distribution arrangement. An elongated side-light distribution portion depends from the chassis and receives light exiting the first light collector. Light-extraction structure extract light from the side of the first portion, along a length of the first portion, in a different direction from the direction of light received from the first light collector.
US08956005B2	Low-profile elongated LED light fixture The invention provides an elongated lighting fixture with multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) arrayed in two groups that are angled to each other. The fixture provides an extremely broad light emitting angle and includes an elongated housing having a pair of side walls. Each side wall has a support member extending upward at angle from the side wall, wherein the side walls terminate at a central wall. A generally transparent cover is connected to the housing and extends between opposed ends of the housing. A first group of LEDs and a second group of LEDs are mounted to the first support member and the second support member, respectively. PCB boards assemblies are affixed to respective support members beneath the group of LEDs by tension clips. When the PCBs are energized by a power source, current travels from the PCBs to each LED for illumination.
US08956004B2	Reconfigurable modular lighting system A reconfigurable modular lighting assembly, including at least two tube sections, each tube section having an end cap thereon and including at least one light emitting diode light source. An interconnection unit including multiple tube section receiving locations that each physically, releasably connect one end of a first of the at least two tube sections to one end of a second of the at least two tube sections such that the tube sections are adjacent and form a positive angle between them; and provide for interchangeably electrically connecting the light sources in the tube sections to a source of electrical power. Control data paths are operatively connected to each of the light emitting diode light sources via the interconnection unit to allow for control of the light emitting diode light sources when the at least two tube sections are respectively connected to the interconnection unit at the tube section receiving locations.
US08956000B2	System and method for illumination of a rain gutter A rain gutter illumination system including an inverted U-shaped hanger, an illuminable surface attached to a stem of the hanger and including an aperture, an L-shaped base including a foot at one end, the end of the base opposite the foot being attached to the end of the illuminable surface opposite the hanger. A light source and one of various removable decorative inserts and optionally a diffusing panel are arranged so that the light source projects light through the aperture of the illuminable surface.
US08955999B2	Lamp and plenum for laminar air flow ceiling A lamp having a first module for being attached to a ceiling or wall element, a second module connected to the first module and being rotatable with respect to the first module along a first axis, a third module having one or more light-emitting elements, the third module being connected to the second module and rotatable with respect to the second module along a second axis, the second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
US08955995B2	Key lighting assembly The present disclosure describes key lighting assemblies, electronic devices and keycaps. In one aspect, a key lighting assembly comprises a keycap defining at least one key. The keycap has one or more decorations. The assembly comprises a keycap, defining a key. The keycap has a non-opaque portion to identify the key. The assembly further comprises a light guide which is mounted in spaced relation with the keycap and an optical radiation source optically coupled to the light guide. The assembly further comprises a first opaque layer disposed on a first surface of the light guide. The first opaque layer defines a first opaque layer opening for passing optical radiation from the light guide to the keycap. The first opaque layer opening is located to permit optical radiation to be transmitted from the light guide to the non-opaque portion.
US08955994B2	Method and apparatus for controlling an outside rearview mirror of a vehicle from an unfolded position to a folded position A method and a device for controlling movement of an outside rearview mirror of a vehicle from an unfolded position to a folded position includes determining whether an ignition of a vehicle is turned off, and determining whether an object has been detected in a rear detection range of the vehicle. The mirror is moved into the folded position, when the ignition is turned off, and when either no object has been detected in the detection range, or when an object has been detected in the detection range and a seat associated with the mirror is unoccupied and/or a door associated with the mirror is opened. The vehicle has a seat occupancy sensor and a door switch.
US08955990B2	Projector A projector includes a housing, an image projection unit, and an operation unit. The housing has a base and a side face. The side face has an area greater than an area of the base. A light projection port is disposed in a top face of the housing. The image projection unit, encased within the housing, projects light corresponding to image data via the light projection port. The operation unit, disposed on a top face of the housing, includes a first pressable control moveable in an upward/downward direction.
US08955989B2	Systems for and methods of creating a visual display associated with a data storage library robot Systems for and methods of creating a visual display associated with a mobile robot within a data storage library and libraries including such systems and utilizing such methods.
US08955984B2	Projection associated methods and systems The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection.
US08955980B2	Image display apparatus which reduces speckle noise and which operates with low power consumption An image display apparatus includes: a laser light source for outputting a laser beam; a diffusion optical element for diffusing the laser beam; a drive unit for oscillating the diffusion optical element; and an image conversion unit for converting the laser beam output from the diffusion optical element into an image. The diffusion optical element disposed in the drive unit is oscillated and operated in a state where an amplitude of the drive of the drive unit, which is, for example, an amplitude that is driven in a direction of the arrow X in a plane that is perpendicular to an optical axis, is not constant.
US08955978B2	Polarization conversion device and projector system An external polarization conversion device used for a projector includes a first element which converts light from the projector to polarized light in a uniform polarization direction, and a second element which is arranged in a position subsequent to the first element in such a way that there is a space between the first element and the second element and which converts the polarized light from the first element to predetermined polarized light that is different from the polarized light from the first element.
US08955977B2	Projection-type image display apparatus A projection-type image display apparatus includes a color separation element including a color separation surface, a light modulation element configured to receive the light divided by the color separation element, a polarizing beam splitter disposed between the color separation element and a projection optical system to separate a light path of a light modulated by the light modulation element according to a polarization direction and guide the resulting light to the projection optical system, and a phase difference plate disposed between the color separation element and the light modulation element. An optic axis of the phase difference plate and the normal of the color separation surface are substantially parallel or perpendicular to each other, in a cross section parallel to a normal of the color separation surface and a normal of the light modulation element.
US08955976B2	Projector system for animation of image cells An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to created a projected motion animation.
US08955975B2	Three dimensional image projector with circular light polarization A method is provided that includes providing a light source having a light emitting diode (LED) that emits a light. A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located adjacent the LED and has both a linear polarizer and a wave plate. A polarizing beam splitter (PBS) is adjacent the light source and an imaging device is adjacent the PBS. The wave plate of the PCS is rotated to a first position, and a first light is emitted by the LED in the first light source. This first light is converted to circular polarization. This first light travels to the PBS where it is reflected onto the imaging device. The wave plate is then rotated to a second position, and a second light is emitted by the light source. This second light is converted to circular polarization and reflects from the PBS onto the imaging device.
US08955974B2	Systems and methods for evaluating human eye tracking Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating human eye tracking. One method includes receiving data representing the location of and/or information tracked by an individual's eye or eyes before, during, or after the individual performs a task; identifying a temporal phase or a biomechanical phase of the task performed by the individual; identifying a visual cue in the identified temporal phase or biomechanical phase; and scoring the tracking of the individual's eye or eyes by comparing the data to the visual cue.
US08955972B2	Ophthalmologic apparatus An ophthalmologic apparatus includes an aberration measurement unit configured to measure aberration caused by a subject's eye by using a return beam of a first measuring beam from the subject's eye, a correction unit configured to correct aberration of a return beam of a second measuring beam from the subject's eye caused by the subject's eye based on the aberration measured by the aberration measurement unit, a first acquisition unit configured to obtain a first image of the subject's eye by using the aberration-corrected return beam of the second measuring beam from the subject's eye, and a control unit configured to enter one of the first measuring beam and the second measuring beam into the subject's eye while limiting entry of the other measuring beams into the subject's eye.
US08955971B2	Fundus photographing apparatus A fundus photographing apparatus comprises: an anterior-segment observation optical system arranged to image an anterior-segment illuminated with infrared light to obtain an anterior-segment image; a fundus photographing optical system arranged to image a fundus illuminated with visible light emitted from a light source to obtain a fundus image; a display controller arranged to selectively display the fundus image and the anterior-segment image on a monitor; a photographing switch for inputting a photographing start signal to start photographing using the fundus photographing optical system; and a time informing part arranged to inform an elapsed time after the photographing start signal is input with the photographing switch or an elapsed time after the visible light is emitted from the light source, wherein the display controller displays the elapsed time informed by the time informing part together with the anterior-segment image on the monitor.
US08955969B2	Ocular imaging A system for performing at least one of quasi-elastic light scattering and fluorescent ligand scanning on a subject's eye includes a light source configured to transmit light toward the subject's eye, a lens configured to focus light sent from the source and received from the subject's eye, a measurement reflector disposed to receive at least a portion of the focused light and configured to reflect a first portion of the received light, a camera configured and disposed to receive the first portion of the received light and configured to provide indicia of an image corresponding to the first portion of the received light, and a processor coupled to the camera and configured to analyze intensities of light in the image to determine a location of a reference point corresponding to an interface of a portion of the eye.
US08955967B2	Printing apparatus with an openable cover structure A printing apparatus includes a print head configured to discharge ink, a housing in which the print head is provided, the housing having an opening, a cover unit which is openable with respect to the opening, a detection unit configured to detect an opening of the cover unit, and a wall inside the housing arranged between the detection unit and the print head, wherein the wall is configured to establish a separation between a space where the detection unit is located and a space where the print head is located when the cover unit is in a closed state.
US08955964B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a sheet includes a recording section which records the image on the sheet in a transport passage for transporting the sheet in a transport direction; and a plurality of holding members which are provided while being separated from each other in a widthwise direction of the transport passage perpendicular to the transport direction and which press the sheet transported along the transport passage, from at least one of front and back surfaces of the sheet. At lease one holding member, which is provided at a central portion in the widthwise direction of the transport passage, is arranged on a downstream side in the transport direction as compared with the other holding members.
US08955961B2	Platen and image recording apparatus A platen, which supports the recording paper to be transported, includes a first portion having an upper surface on which an ink discharged from nozzles disposed thereover can be landed, first ribs which are provided to extend in a transport direction in an area of the upper surface and which support the recording paper on an upper side beyond the upper surface, and a second portion which is provided on at least one of an upstream side and a downstream side of the first portion.
US08955955B2	Image recording method An image recording method has a feature such that a first ink, a second ink, and a third ink satisfy both the following relationships (1) and (2): (1) the film thickness of dots of the inks formed when one drop of each ink is applied to the recording medium is as follows: First ink>Second ink>Third ink; and (2) the penetration time of the clear ink when applying the inks to the recording medium, and then further applying one drop of the clear ink to the region to which each ink is applied is as follows: First ink≧Second ink≧Third ink.
US08955953B2	Inkjet recording ink, ink cartridge, inkjet printing apparatus and image forming method An inkjet recording ink including a carbon black, a dispersant, a polyurethane resin particle, and water, where the carbon black is a channel black, a gas black, or a mixture of channel black and a gas black, and the polyurethane resin particle is an anionic self-emulsifying ether-based polyurethane resin particle, wherein the anionic self-emulsifying ether-based polyurethane resin particle has an acid value of 40 to 120 and a mass average molecular weight of 500 to 50,000, and an average primary particle diameter of 20 nm or less.
US08955950B2	Liquid container An ink cartridge for use in a printer includes a second ink chamber in which a liquid can be stored, an ink flow path that leads the ink to an ink supply port through which the ink is supplied from the second ink chamber to outside, and a prism unit disposed in the ink flow path configured to detect an amount of the ink inside. A portion of the ink flow path downstream of the prism unit is defined by a first wall and a first seal film, and the first wall is lower than a second wall constituting the second ink chamber.
US08955949B2	Ink circulation apparatus, ink circulation method and inkjet recording apparatus An object of the invention is to prevent, both bubbles and particles from being generated, when circulating ink in an inkjet head. The object can be achieved by an ink circulation apparatus, including: an ink tank that accumulates radical polymerization-type UV-curing ink so as to be in contact with gas including at least oxygen; an inkjet head; oxygen removing means that removes oxygen from the radical polymerization-type UV-curing ink; and control means that changes a mode between a first mode of removing oxygen from the radical polymerization-type UV-curing ink by the oxygen removing means and a second mode of not removing oxygen from the radical polymerization-type UV-curing ink and changes a mode from the first mode to the second mode before electric power of the apparatus is cut off.
US08955948B2	Device forming a continuous inkjet printer cabinet with reduced concentrations of solvent vapor inside and around the cabinet The invention concerns a device forming a continuous inkjet printer cabinet including a combined ventilation system for the electronic compartment and consumable fluids compartment (ink and solvent). According to the invention, condensates derived from solvent vapors not condensed by the condenser are extracted through a pipe then retained in order to be evaporated by the ventilation airflow. The solution according to the invention ensures that the increase in solvent concentration around the printer remains below the legal limits for unpleasant smells for persons. One advantageous embodiment consists of using a heat exchanger on the ventilation airflow path, to condensate solvent vapor in the ink reservoir to enable gravity flow of vapors thus condensed and return them to the ink reservoir.
US08955947B2	Piezoelectric material, piezoelectric element, liquid discharge head, ultrasonic motor, and dust removing device Provided is a piezoelectric material which has satisfactory insulation property and piezoelectric property and which does not contain lead and potassium. The piezoelectric material includes a perovskite-type metal oxide that is represented by the following general formula (1): (NaxBa1-y)(NbyTi1-y)O3 General formula (1) where relationships of 0.80≦x≦0.95 and 0.85≦y≦0.95 are satisfied, and y×0.05 mol % or more to y×2 mol % or less of copper with respect to 1 mol of the perovskite-type metal oxide.
US08955944B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and control method of liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head, a driving signal generator which generates a micro vibration pulse, a controller which controls applying of the micro vibration pulse to a pressure generation unit, a cap which includes a sealing space not including an absorber inside, and seals a nozzle in the sealing space by being in close contact with the liquid ejecting head, and a suction unit which sucks liquid from a nozzle, in which micro vibration driving which causes liquid in the pressure chamber corresponding to a nozzle to be subjected to a micro vibration by applying at least one or more micro vibration pulses to the pressure generation unit corresponding to the nozzle in which a cleaning operation including a suction operation using the suction unit is performed is intermittently performed.
US08955943B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A seal member includes a communication hole that makes a holder flow path communicate with a connection flow path in a state of the seal member being nipped between a holder projection and a connection projection, a holder-side fitting recess that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the holder projection and also fits to a leading end portion of the holder projection, a connection member-side fitting recess that fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the connection projection and also fits to a leading end portion of the connection projection, and a recessed groove that is hollowed in the bottom of the holder-side fitting recess or the bottom of the connection member-side fitting recess along the inner circumferential surface of the holder-side fitting recess or the connection member-side fitting recess.
US08955941B2	Image forming apparatus and method capable of weakening electric field formed under printing head An image forming apparatus includes a printing device; a printing medium conveying unit to convey a printing medium, a first electric charger to charge the printing medium conveying unit, a second electric charger to charge the printing medium conveyed by the printing medium conveying unit, a first surface potential detector to detect a surface potential of the printing medium bearing the electric charge, a second surface potential detector to detect a surface potential of the printing medium bearing the electric charge, and a controller to adjust a power supply voltage supplied to each of the first and second electric chargers in accordance with each of surface potentials detected by the first and second surface potential detectors. The first and second surface potential detectors are located at different positions in a conveying direction in which the printing medium is conveyed by the printing medium conveying unit.
US08955940B1	System and method for printing colors outside of a limited gamut A method of operating a printer includes identifying coordinates in a device independent color space for a spot color, identifying color components in a device dependent full color profile in a printer model for an association between the spot color in the device independent color space and a device dependent color space, and emitting a pattern of colorants with reference to the color components to reproduce the spot color in a printed image. The colorant pattern has a colorant density exceeding a predetermined colorant limit threshold associated with printed colors other than spot colors.
US08955938B2	Inkjet recording device An inkjet recording device includes: first and second pairs of rollers for conveying a sheet while nipping the sheet; and a recording head disposed between the first and seconds pairs of rollers. The recording head performs an image recording on the sheet by ejecting ink droplets onto the sheet when the sheet is stopped in an intermittent conveyance of the sheet. The recording head performs the image recording in accordance with a first image-recording data, before a trailing end of the sheet passes through the first pair of rollers that is disposed on an upstream side of the second pair of rollers. The recording head performs the image recording in accordance with a second image-recording data which is based on the first image-recording data and which has a higher image resolution than the first image-recording data, after the trailing end of the sheet passes through the first pair of rollers.
US08955930B2	Adjustable modular toolbox system A toolbox system is designed as with modular drawer unit with a mounting cradle that can adjust the height of the modular drawer unit, making it compatible to a wide variety of applications. The mounting cradle can be affixed from the top or bottom and can adjust the position of the modular drawer unit to various heights. The modular drawer units can be fabricated in different depths and stacked together for optimal space utilization. The toolbox system allows for placement so that the drawers pull out of a compartment or work space, allowing complete accessibility and space utilization. The mounting cradle can be designed so that the toolbox system can fit in almost any storage compartment or other desired spaces. The toolbox system allows for easy access to its compartments, especially in confined or limited spaces.
US08955926B2	Electronic device enclosure An electronic device enclosure includes a receiving case, a bracket rotatably attached to the receiving case, and a positioning member secured to the bracket. The receiving case includes a sliding rail. The positioning member includes a positioning portion, and the positioning portion is deformable. The positioning portion slidably engages with the sliding rail, for preventing the bracket from rotating relative to the receiving case.
US08955923B2	Arrangement, method and device for influencing a yawing moment in a motor vehicle A brake system for a motor vehicle, in particular for a utility vehicle, with a device for reducing the yawing moment on the front axle of the vehicle, characterized in that a device for measuring the slip and/or a device for measuring the load on the rear axle or on two running wheels of the rear axle of the vehicle arranged on sides opposite one another is present and a regulating or control device for influencing the brake pressure on the front wheels is present which limits the brake pressure on the front wheels depending on the measured slip and/or depending on the measured load on the rear axle or on the running wheels of the rear axle, the regulating or control device multiplying the difference of the brake pressures on the front wheels by a value which is smaller than 1.
US08955918B2	Method and apparatus for increasing the yield in a deposit A method is provided for increasing the yield in a deposit comprising a rock that includes a valuable mineral, which can be exposed by virtue of the rock being comminuted, and at least one further mineral, wherein the valuable mineral has a higher density than the at least one further mineral, which method includes: carrying out a drilling operation using a drilling tool prior to the rock being extracted, drillings being generated in the process; forming an aerosol comprising the drillings and a gas stream; transferring the aerosol from the drilling tool to at least one air separator; carrying out hydraulic classification, wherein at least two fractions comprising in each case equal-falling particles of the drillings are formed; and determining a property which belongs to at least one of the fractions and is used as a measure for setting an optimum degree of comminution of the rock.
US08955917B2	Method and apparatus for increasing the yield in a deposit A method for increasing the yield of a deposit including a rock which including at least one valuable mineral to be exposed by comminuting the rock and at least one further mineral, may include the following steps: performing a boring operation using a boring device prior to extracting the rock, determining at least one predetermined boring parameter for the boring device, determining at least one measured value characterizing a current boring behavior of the boring device, and performing a computational elimination of a dependency of the at least one measured value on the at least one boring parameter, wherein at least one rock texture-dependent characteristic value is obtained, and wherein the at least one characteristic value is used as a measure for a mineral particle size of the at least one valuable mineral in the rock and for setting an optimum degree of comminution when comminuting the rock.
US08955915B2	Child safety seat having an adjustable crotch strap A child safety seat includes a seat shell having an opening, a crotch strap and a fixture. The crotch strap has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The first end portion is anchored with the seat shell, the second end portion extends outward through the opening, and the intermediate portion is adjustable relative to the seat shell between a first and a second position spaced apart from each other. The fixture is operable to hold the intermediate portion of the crotch strap at any of the first and second positions.
US08955911B2	Seat reclining device for vehicle A seat reclining device includes a pawl having external teeth, a first arm, a second arm, a cam assembly, and a pressing member. The first arm has a pair of guide walls that guide the pawl in the radial direction. The second arm is rotationally supported by the first arm and has internal teeth. When the cam assembly rotates in a forward direction, the cam assembly presses and moves the pawl radially outward to mesh the external teeth with the internal teeth, and presses the pressing member radially outward. When pressed radially outward, the pressing member presses the pawl in the radial direction and a direction from the guide wall towards the pawl. When the cam assembly rotates in a reverse direction, the cam assembly releases the pressing member and moves the pawl radially inward to separate the external teeth from the internal teeth.
US08955904B1	Moon chair structure A moon chair structure comprising a seat ring tube, a front leg tube, a rear leg tube and back supporting rods; the front leg tube, the rear leg tube and the back supporting rods form a frame for supporting the seat ring tube; the rear leg tube and the front leg tube intersect with each other to form a supporting leg; slidable sleeves are provided at top ends of the rear leg tube; the slidable sleeves sleeve on the back supporting rods for forward and backward sliding movement on the back supporting rods; the slidable sleeves disposed at the top ends of the rear leg tube are slidable with respective to the back supporting rods; dynamic and variable triangular structures are formed by coordination between the rear leg tube, the front leg tube and the back supporting rods.
US08955900B2	Side-impact energy absorption bracket A door for selectively opening and closing at least a portion of an opening in a vehicle includes an outer door panel and an inner door panel. The inner panel is attached to the outer panel thus defining a space between the inner and outer panels. The inner panel is characterized by height and length. A reinforcement beam having a length substantially equal to the length of the inner panel is attached to the inner panel such that the beam is disposed in the defined space. A reinforcement bracket having a height and a length is attached to the inner panel intermediate the first and second ends of the length of the inner panel such that the beam is disposed in the space between the inner and outer panels. The length of the bracket is smaller than the length of the reinforcement beam.
US08955899B2	Integrated floating overmolded snap-ring and seal for a plastic fuel housing assembly A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle fuel system includes a rigid housing and, an inner seal assembly flexible body for sealing engagement with a fuel pipe and with a body panel of the vehicle. A rigid snap ring for attachment to the body panel is held by the flexible body.
US08955897B1	Mobile repair and response unit The mobile repair and response unit is a truck with an attached trailer that includes a plurality of uniquely defined compartments and areas that are each provided to accomplish a particular task. The attached trailer contains a cabin within which a customer may stay while the customer's vehicle is being repaired. The attached trailer includes a tire balancing station adjacent to a tire changing station. An opposing side of the attached trailer includes a plurality of pump stations that dispense different types of fuels or lubricating oils that are customarily used to operate different types of vehicles. An air station is included on the attached trailer in order to provide pressurized air for use with pneumatically operated tools or to inflate tires of the vehicle being repaired. The rear of the attached trailer includes a ramp that folds down to enable entrance into the attached trailer.
US08955895B2	Interior material mounting structure A roof lining and a front pillar trim are mounted on a roof panel and a front pillar inner panel respectively, an end portion of the roof lining and an end portion of the front pillar trim are connected to each other, a washer hose feeder line and a tether belt are disposed from a space between the front pillar trim and the front pillar inner panel to a space between the roof lining and the roof panel, a projecting piece projecting toward the roof panel or the front pillar inner panel is provided on the end portion of at least one interior material out of the roof lining and the front pillar trim, and the washer hose feeder line and the tether belt are disposed to keep clear of the projecting piece.
US08955892B1	Hauling device A mat for gathering and hauling materials is herein disclosed. The mat has handles on either end for a user to easily grab and pull or carry. Additionally, the edges of the mat may be raised by securing dowels in the corners of the mat and raising the dowels perpendicular to the ground, as by pulling the dowel upward into a standing position.
US08955891B2	Door stop There is a door stop including a block having a top surface and a bottom surface. The block includes an engaging perimeter and a non-engaging perimeter opposite the engaging perimeter and is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The block includes a protrusion extending therefrom at a boundary region between the engaging perimeter and the non-engaging perimeter. The door stop includes a plurality of magnets disposed in an array along an exterior of the engaging perimeter. The door stop includes a recessed portion disposed about the engaging perimeter and is configured to rest about a hinge of a door.
US08955887B2	Liquid phase diffusion bonded pipe joint A liquid phase diffusion bonded pipe joint comprised of metal pipes or a metal pipe and a joint pipe joined by liquid phase diffusion bonding, the liquid phase diffusion bonded pipe joint comprised of a metal joint provided with a tapered slanted part press-fit into an end of a metal pipe by a thrust in a pipe axial direction while expanding the metal pipe in inside diameter and tightly engaging with the end and a joining surface part continuing from the tapered slanted part and joined with an end face of the metal pipe by liquid phase diffusion bonding and a metal pipe tightly engaging with the tapered slanted part in the expanded state and with an end face joined with the joining surface part by liquid phase diffusion bonding.
US08955883B2	Steering apparatus When the guide bracket 61 is fixed to the vehicle-mounting bracket 21 by the guide pin 71, the upper surfaces 24c, 24c of the capsules 24, 24 are in contact with the lower surfaces 61c, 61c of the flange portions 61b, 61b on the guide bracket 61, and the first engaging portions 64, 64 and the second engaging portions 65, 65 engage with the capsules 24, 24. As a result, even before fixing the vehicle-mounting bracket 21 and the guide bracket 61 to the vehicle body 41 by the bolt 22, the guide bracket 61 does not rotate with respect to the vehicle-mounting bracket 21 about the guide pin 71, or move in the forward and rearward direction, or in the vehicle body width direction.
US08955880B2	Carrier adjustable headboard An adjustable headboard for a carrier vehicle includes a hoop with a first frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, a second frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a connecting member extending between the distal end of the first frame member and the distal end of the second frame member. The hoop is moveable between a first position and a second position. The adjustable headboard further includes a stationary base with a first receiving channel and a second receiving channel and a retainer coupled to the hoop to secure the hoop in the first position and the second position.
US08955875B2	Airbag device An action of once strongly pressing an airbag against a pillar trim at the initial stage of deployment is omitted to enable the airbag to be quickly inflated and deployed without reducing the deployment speed thereof. An airbag device includes a folded airbag (10) that is attached to an upper part of a side wall inside a vehicle cabin in the front-rear direction of a vehicle, and an inflator that inflates and deploys the airbag (10) to the lower side of the vehicle. The airbag (10) includes a roll-folded portion (10R) rolled from one end thereof opposite from an attaching side, and an accordion-folded portion (10J) continuous with the roll-folded portion (10R) and folded in an accordion manner. The accordion-folded portion (10J) is folded so as to be located at a side of the roll-folded portion (10R). The accordion-folded portion (10J) is formed by folding the roll-folded portion (10R) into two and making accordion folds from the two-folded portion so as to have the same width as the width (L2) of the two-folded roll-folded portion (10R).
US08955873B2	Airbag apparatus and airbag cover An airbag apparatus or the like in which the form of breaking of a tear line can be made more stable, and the deployment positions of an airbag cover and a bag portion can be made more stable is provided.An airbag apparatus includes a bag portion formed of a base cloth panel in a bag shape and deployed and inflated in front of a driver by being supplied with gas for deployment, an inflator that generates the gas for deployment, a retaining container in which the bag portion not in use is housed and at the top of which an opening is provided, and an airbag cover that substantially covers the opening of the retaining container when not in use and a front portion of which rises to uncover the opening when the bag portion is deployed and inflated. The airbag apparatus is provided in front of a seat of a saddle-ride type vehicle. The airbag cover has a tear line that is provided in the vicinity of the front end and extends substantially along the vehicle width direction and that is broken by input from the bag portion when the bag portion is deployed and inflated, and an opening is provided in the middle of the tear line in the vehicle width direction.
US08955870B2	Tracking foldable cart A foldable cart assembly which is arranged to provide trackable transportation to a product or a person. The cart contains sensors and computer-controlled drive wheels to enable that cart assembly, when fully opened, to follow a safe path as directed by received electronic signals. That cart assembly is also tri-foldably collapsible, so as to have multiple portions pivoted into nesting configuration with one another thus containable in a minimal volume and even carried by an individual.
US08955863B2	Bicycle operating device A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member and an electrical switch. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member to perform a first signal. The electrical switch is detachably disposed on the first operating member to move with the first operating member with respect to the base member and to perform a second signal.
US08955862B1	Cycling control system A cycling control system designed to facilitate the operation of all cycle functions with a single hand. The controls are intended to allow individuals with unilateral weakness to steer, shift gears, and brake on any bicycle or tricycle. The system includes a handlebar that either replaces or attaches to existing handlebars. The handlebar grip is located adjacent to the brake and gear controls such that the user may operate all functions without ever having to remove his or her hand from the controls.
US08955857B1	Carcass transportation cart A carcass transportation cart is provided for moving a dead pig from a confinement area to a disposal location.
US08955856B2	Stroller A stroller for assembling with an infant safety seat having a first engaging portion. The stroller includes a second engaging portion and a covering component. The second engaging portion is for engaging with the first engaging portion; the covering component includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for covering the second engaging portion. The second portion is surrounding the first portion, and the first portion is clamped between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion the infant safety seat is assembled with the stroller via the first engaging portion being engaged with the second engaging portion. It is not needed to form an opening on the covering component to implement engagement between the stroller and the infant safety seat, so as to solve a problem of fingers of an infant on the stroller being clipped by the opening.
US08955852B2	Clamping unit A clamping unit (1) for machine tools (2) with a housing (11) connected in a rotationally fixed arrangement with a machine spindle, (5) and a screw drive (13) that interacts with a draw rod (6) such that rotational movements are converted into translational movements, the housing (11) being provided with an output element by which rotational movements are transmitted to an actuator (21). The housing (11) has an input element in a rotating mounting, with the actuator (21) acting on the input element, and the input element (29) is in driving connection with a shaft (14) by means of intermediate elements (31), whereby to direct rotational movements of the machine spindle (5) via the clamping unit (1), and for adjustment movements of differently configured clamping devices, to be converted into axial adjustment movements and transmitted directly onto the draw rod (6). No complicated electrical control devices and programs are required for adjusting and adapting a power chuck (3) linked to the draw rod (3) to different operating conditions.
US08955851B2	Metalannular gasket A metal annular gasket comprising an annular metal base plate; a compound layer integrally laminated on both surfaces of the annular metal base plate, the compound layer being made of synthetic resin or a rubber material mixed with a fiber material; and an annular seal layer having a circumferential covering portion which covers the inner circumferential edge of the annular metal plate and the inner circumferential edge of both compound layers, the compound layer being made of synthetic resin or a rubber material. The annular seal layer is formed such that the surface of the annular seal layer is so connected to the surfaces of the compound layer as to provide smooth transition in its thickness direction.
US08955846B2	Articulated target stand with multiple degrees of adjustment One embodiment of an articulated target stand having a base consisting of radially symmetrical legs extending out from a central hub wherein the legs are splayed, optimally forming a three point stance in the deployed position, or folded vertically about the axis of the central hub when in the collapsed position. Pivotally connected atop the base central hub is a three axis yoke gimbal assembly providing selectively rotatable adjustments about the axes. Pivotally connected atop the yoke gimbal assembly is a further assembly providing the means by which the operator can attach commonly available, expendable type targets and target support members. The articulated target stand formed by this embodiment provides a means by which the target can be positioned about four axis of adjustment with respect to the stand's base on a variety of terrains, for a variety of target presentations and is collapsible to an easy carry configuration.
US08955843B2	Print control apparatus and print control method An apparatus includes a print control unit, a determining unit, and a control unit. The print control unit causes a printing unit to print an image on a sheet and causes one of a plurality of discharge units to discharge at least one sheet on which the image is printed by the printing unit facing downward. The determining unit determines whether some of the discharge units are to be used for discharging sheets for an input print job. In response to determining that the some of the discharge units are to be used for the input print job, the print control unit discharges the sheets to the some of the discharge units such that a former page of the sheets is discharged to a lower-level discharge unit and a latter page of the sheets is discharged to an upper-level discharge unit.
US08955841B2	Method for controlling sheet conveyance in image forming apparatus An actual sheet interval from a preceding sheet to a succeeding sheet is detected by a top sensor. A registration roller is accelerated or decelerated such that the sheet interval from the preceding sheet to the succeeding sheet is an ideal value by the time that the leading edge of the succeeding sheet reaches a transfer nip part. Note that a time period during which acceleration or deceleration is applied and a sub-scan synchronization signal output timing are determined from the actual sheet interval. Note that a recording sheet P does not stop at the registration roller.
US08955840B2	Paper sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus A paper sheet conveying apparatus includes a paper sheet conveyance path, a conveyance sound detection portion, an abnormality correspondence information storage portion, and an abnormality specifying portion. The conveyance sound detection portion detects conveyance sound of a paper sheet on the paper sheet conveyance path. The abnormality correspondence information storage portion has stored therein abnormality correspondence information indicating correspondence relationships between contents of a plurality of types of sheet conveyance abnormalities that can occur on the paper sheet conveyance path, and contents of the conveyance sounds detected by the conveyance sound detection portion when the respective sheet conveyance abnormalities occur. The abnormality specifying portion specifies the content of the sheet conveyance abnormality that has occurred on the paper sheet conveyance path, in accordance with the abnormality correspondence information stored in the abnormality correspondence information storage portion and the conveyance sound detected by the conveyance sound detection portion.
US08955839B2	Paper feed apparatus and image forming system A paper feed apparatus is capable of correcting the skew of a sheet irrespective of a differential conveyance distance. The paper feed apparatus is provided with a first large volume paper feed apparatus 100A having a control unit 130 which performs first correction control to correct the skew of a sheet by controlling a first conveyance unit 110 and forming a loop of the sheet P before a paper stop rollers 110d, and also performs second correction control to correct the skew of a sheet by controlling a second conveyance unit 120 and forming a loop of the sheet before a paper stop rollers 110d. In this case, the control unit 130 controls the first conveyance unit 110 and the second conveyance unit 120 in order that the skew correcting ability of the second correction control becomes greater than the skew correcting ability of the first correction control.
US08955831B2	Fluid-filled vibration damping rubber device Provided is a fluid-filled vibration damping rubber device, including enclosed spaces (primary fluid chamber and auxiliary fluid chamber) formed by chamber walls (vibration damping rubber body and rubber membrane) which deform in accordance with vibration input, the enclosed spaces being filled with a fluid, in which: the chamber walls each include a diene-based rubber; and the fluid includes a glycol-based solution containing a benzotriazole-based compound having an amine group. The fluid-filled vibration damping rubber device is capable of eliminating the degradation of the chamber walls (rubber bodies) and the deterioration of its durability due to the dissolution of components in the rubber bodies into the filling fluid.
US08955826B2	Button water-stopping device and its control method A button water-stopping device has a button mechanism that can be glidingly connected to a main body, a shaking plate that can be asway set in the main body. The main body has a water channel that can penetrate the main body and a division board that is hermetically set in the water channel and has the first water hole that penetrates the division board. The button mechanism has a button and an elastic rod which is fixed under the button, and reaches into the water channel. The shaking plate has the second water hole that penetrates the shaking plate and a control groove which has two cooperative grooves. The elastic rod reaches into the control groove and can alternatively resist one of the two cooperative grooves to make the shaking plate swing left or right.
US08955824B2	Filter device A fluid filter device (1) includes an opening (14) for draining the fluid (33), a first counter thread (13), a closure element (12) for a fluid-tight closure of the opening screwed in with a thread (11) thereof into the first counter thread (13), a second counter thread (17) into which a connecting element (21) with a thread (22) thereof is screwable for simultaneously unscrewing the closure element (12) from the first counter thread (13) and thereby releasing the opening (14) for draining the fluid (33).
US08955822B2	Passive sensors for automatic faucets and bathroom flushers The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.
US08955818B2	Broom stabilizer damper A stabilizer-damper for stabilizing a broom, mop, or other long-handled device while such device is resting against a countertop or other surface. The stabilizer-damper is a device that provides stabilization to prevent the long-handled device from falling to the floor and also provides a damping effect to lessen the intensity and harshness of the sound if the long-handled device happens to fall to the floor. The stabilizer-damper fits onto the handle and provides a frictional surface to resist movement of the handle.
US08955815B2	Supporting device for electronic apparatuses A supporting apparatus is disclosed. The supporting apparatus has a supporting device comprising a plurality of connected planar panels with a first panel, a second panel, an optional third panel, a fourth panel, and a fifth panel, and a locking component coupled to an edge region of at least one of the planar panels. The supporting apparatus further comprises a restraining unit configured to engage the series of connected panels such that the such that an edge of each of the first panel, the second panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel is restricted to movement within a base plane, the base plane being aligned with an orientation of the restraining unit, while another edge of each of the first panel, the second panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel is capable of moving out of the base plane. The electronic device can be a keyboard, a tablet computer, etc.
US08955811B2	Extendable/retractable support column An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections of the linked chains engage individual sections of adjacent linked chains to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections of the linked chains disengage from the individual section of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up for compact storage.
US08955808B2	Support systems for holding items Support systems for supporting an item on railings of a deck or other structures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a support system is attached to the railings at one end and at least one more additional point. The other end of the support system extends outwardly from the railing to support an item, such as a torch, a lamp, a lantern, a candle, and a plant basket.
US08955800B2	Method and apparatus for automated launch, retrieval, and servicing of a hovering aircraft An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for a small vessel. For retrieval, the aircraft hovers over a base apparatus having one or more rails which bound a space into which the aircraft can safely descend. When the aircraft's measured position and velocity are appropriate, the aircraft descends promptly such that a spanwise component on the aircraft engages the rails. The teeth restrain the aircraft in position and orientation, while the rails bring the aircraft to rest. Articulation of the rails is used to park the aircraft in a servicing station. Connections for refueling, recharging, and/or functional checks are made in preparation for launch. Launch is effected by removing connections and restraints and articulating the rails to put the aircraft in an appropriate position and orientation. The aircraft uses its own thrust to climb out of the apparatus into free flight.
US08955799B2	Aircraft landing gear stop pad A stop pad (11) for an aircraft landing gear arranged to provide protection against impact between first and second elements of the landing gear, the stop pad being arranged to provide an indication that it is been subject to an impact against one of the first or second landing gear elements, the impact having an impact load above a predetermined threshold level.
US08955798B2	Aircraft landing gear An aircraft landing gear includes at least one load bearing longitudinal structural element. The longitudinal structural element is hollow and is arranged to have a non-structural element located inside.
US08955796B2	Aft aerodynamic fairing with improved thermal resistance for a pylon for attaching an aircraft propelling assembly An aft aerodynamic fairing for a pylon for attaching an aircraft propelling assembly, including a caisson structure, a heat-shield floor, as well as a support structure for this floor comprising linking parts arranged to link two side edges of this floor to the caisson structure. The linking parts of each side edge of the floor are configured so as to allow travelling motion of the side edge relative to the caisson structure in a corresponding direction included in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the fairing. The linking parts form a sliding link between the floor and the caisson structure, reducing the stresses induced by the deformations of these elements in use.
US08955794B2	Bleed air systems for use with aircrafts and related methods Bleed air systems for use with aircrafts and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a turbo-compressor including a compressor has a compressor inlet fluidly coupled to a low-pressure compressor of an aircraft engine and an intermediate port of a high-pressure compressor of the aircraft engine. The compressor inlet to receive fluid from either the low-pressure compressor or the high-pressure compressor based on a first system parameter of the aircraft. A turbine has a turbine inlet fluidly coupled to the intermediate port of the high pressure compressor and a high-pressure port of the high pressure compressor of the aircraft engine. The turbine inlet to receive fluid from either the intermediate port of the high-pressure compressor or the high-pressure port of the high-pressure compressor based on a second system parameter of the aircraft.
US08955791B2	First and second stage aircraft coupled in tandem A vehicle comprises a first stage supersonic aircraft, and a second stage hypersonic aircraft. The second stage aircraft is in tandem with the first stage aircraft.
US08955790B2	Dispenser A dispenser for dispensing wiping material through a dispensing opening, includes an outer, first housing for holding at least one roll containing a continuous web of wiping material. The first housing may further hold an inner, cassette including at least a front wall and two side walls, the cassette at least partially enclosing a feeding unit for controlling the dispensing of the web. The feeding unit includes at least a drive roller, a pressure roller and a cutting device, and the web is arranged to be fed from the roll and into the feeding unit. The cassette includes an at least partially removable hatch, which hatch, when opened, is arranged to provide access to the feeding unit.
US08955782B2	Tape guiding member There is provided a tape guiding member including: a hub around which a recording tape is wound or is trained; a flange main body that is provided at the hub, and that restricts a position in a transverse direction of the recording tape; a tape contacting layer that is formed in a shape of a sheet of a material that is different from a material that structures the flange main body, and that is superposed on a surface, at the recording tape side, of the flange main body; and a holding portion that is provided at the flange main body, and covers an outer peripheral edge portion of the tape contacting layer from the recording tape side, and holds the tape contacting layer at the flange main body.
US08955777B2	Method for producing salt dust and salt dust generator A salt dust generator and method for producing salt dust that is used in salt therapy are described where salt dust is generated when salt particles that are moved in an air flow collide with each other and with certain parts of a salt dust generator. By regulating the speed of the air flow, thus changing its capability to carry the salt particles, and using obstacles, for instance nets that are placed into the salt dust generator vessel, it is possible to increase the amount of the collisions of the salt particles and thus make the formation of the salt dust more efficient.
US08955776B2	Method of constructing a stationary coal nozzle Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of constructing a stationary wear-resistant stationary nozzle 200 and/or nozzle liner 230 for solid fueled furnaces. A transition section 210 is constructed from several flat pieces 211-218 several that may have identical starting shapes. This reduces manufacturing complexity and costs. All pieces 211-218 have a high-wear weld overlay on their inner surface 316, 416. Corner pieces 215-218 are folded into a corner shape at an outlet edge 412 and rolled into a curved shape at an inlet edge 411. Horizontal 211, 212 and vertical pieces 213, 214 are only rolled at an inlet edge 311. The pieces have seam tab 240 along longitudinal edges that are welded together to construct a transition section 210. The transition section 210 may be used as a liner to reduce wear in an existing stationary nozzle or may be constructed to be connected to an inlet piece 220 to form a strong, wear-resistant coal nozzle 200.
US08955773B2	Nozzle design for high temperature attemperators An improved spray nozzle assembly for use in a steam desuperheating device that is adapted to spray cooling water into a flow of superheated steam. The nozzle assembly is of simple construction with relatively few components, and thus requires a minimal amount of maintenance. In addition, the nozzle assembly is specifically configured to, among other things, prevent thermal shock to prescribed internal structural components thereof, to prevent “sticking” of a valve element thereof, and to create a substantially uniformly distributed spray of cooling water for spraying into a flow of superheated steam in order to reduce the temperature of the steam.
US08955771B2	Device for injecting a liquid into an exhaust gas flow and exhaust gas aftertreatment system A device for injecting a liquid, particularly an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust gas flow has at least one atomizing nozzle which is designed as a two-component nozzle and by means of which the liquid is injected into the exhaust gas flow by means of pressurized air such that the liquid can be mixed with the pressurized air first directly upon exiting, or after exiting, the respective atomizing nozzle outside of the atomizing nozzle. The atomizing nozzle, or each atomizing nozzle, has a nozzle base body, a nozzle air cap and a nozzle insert which are formed as turning parts. The respective atomizing nozzle can be connected to a nozzle lance via the nozzle base body, and the nozzle air cap and the nozzle insert are received and held in the nozzle base body.
US08955769B2	Vortex atomizing foam pump and refill unit utilizing same Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam.
US08955766B2	Heatable injector for fuel injection in an internal combustion engine A heatable injector for fuel injection in an internal combustion engine, the injector having an injector housing, a fuel space which is situated inside the injector housing, an adjustable injector needle which is arranged in the injector housing for opening and closing a fuel discharge opening of the injector housing, and a heating device which is arranged inside the injector housing with a heating element for heating the fuel which is situated in the fuel space. The heating element is configured as a coating of a boundary face of the injector with respect to its fuel space, the coating being composed of a carbon nanoparticle material.
US08955764B1	Building heat exchange system The building heat exchange system is suited for installation in areas having warmer seasonal climates. The system can include an external solar heated water supply, and an indoor water heater. An enclosure extends around the water heater, with indoor air flowing between the enclosure and water heater to a duct for distribution. During cooler conditions the water heater heats incoming water from the relatively cool external water supply, with the warmth of the water heater warming the air for distribution into the bathroom or other area as desired. In warmer times, the water supplied from the water supply can be sufficiently hot that additional heating is not needed, and can be hotter than desired. In such warmer conditions, the water heater can serve as a radiator, with heat radiated from the water heater being absorbed by air flowing past the water heater and expelled to the external environment.
US08955756B2	Security system tag having combined clamp and antenna A security tag incorporating a hybrid clamp that combines an attachment clamp with an RFID component. The attachment clamp is used to secure an item, such as an article of clothing, to the tag. The RFID component, e.g., an RFID antenna, transmits data signals to an RFID reader where the data signals are encoded with information stored about the security tag. The hybrid clamp combines the attachment features and RFID antenna features of the security tag in one clamp.
US08955755B2	Data carrier configuration A data carrier configuration method and apparatus are disclosed. The data carrier configuration including an electronic data carrier and a transport carrier. The transport carrier has a top surface and forms a recess, the area of the recess having an opening of a length and width sized to accommodate passage of the electronic data carrier. The recess has a depth that is substantially similar to the thickness of the electronic data carrier. The transport carrier serves as a base upon which the electronic data carrier will releasably attach.
US08955753B2	Media processing device for accepting insertable media A media processing device enables reading second media that do not bend easily from the device front with the same ease of use as processing first media that bend easily. The media processing device has a media conveyance path that guides first media inserted from a media insertion opening toward the back and then again toward the front on the front-back axis to the media exit. A straight conveyance path that angles to the inside on the device width axis is formed at a part connected to the media exit, and a second media insertion path that extends straight to the front from the straight conveyance path is connected to the media exit.
US08955752B2	Automatic testing system and automatic testing method for testing barcode identification apparatus An automatic testing method applied to an automatic testing system for testing a barcode identification apparatus is described. In the method, a test host is utilized to generate a barcode pattern automatically, so as to display the barcode pattern through a barcode revealing apparatus. The barcode identification apparatus reads and resolves the barcode pattern to retrieve an identification result. The identification result is returned to the test host. The test host compares the barcode information carried by the barcode pattern and the identification result, and generates a test result. The test host repetitively generates the barcode pattern for a barcode identification apparatus carried the barcode pattern and the identification result, and then generates a test result. Through the test host repeatedly generates the barcode pattern and records the corresponding test result, manual operation is not required to obtain testing data for being analyzed.
US08955751B2	Method and device for identifying an electronic code A method and device for reading an electronic code. An alternating electrical signal is brought to the code being measured with the aid of electrodes, and the current or voltage travelling through the electrodes is measured. The real and the imaginary components of the current or correspondingly the voltage are defined. The electrodes, being on an essentially lossless surface, an angle correction is made to the real and imaginary components of the current or the voltage in such a way that substantial changes in the current take place only in the imaginary component of the current or voltage.
US08955749B2	Aiming system An aiming system for portable weapons comprising pairs of inertial sensors of gyroscopic, accelerometer and magnetometric type arranged respectively on a weapon and on an helmet with Head Up Display, so as to determine both the relative orientation and the relative position in space of the weapon and of the helmet, with consequent display of the line of fire on the Head Up Display.
US08955747B2	Devices, systems and methods for wireless point-of-sale Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to executing a transaction at a point-of-sale device using a mobile device. In exemplary embodiments the mobile device reads an identifier from the point-of-sale device through wireless technology such as RFID. The identifier is an IP address, serial number, telephone number, etc. The mobile device prompts the user to input the amount of the sale, a payment method, and an authorization code. Once input, the mobile device sends the information along with the identifier to a payment server which verifies the information. Once verified, the payment server notifies the point-of-sale device that the amount has been transferred. The point-of-sale device prints a receipt for the customer or sends it back through the network to the mobile device.
US08955745B2	Wristband for commercial transactions on mobile devices A wristband for supporting mobile devices is disclosed. The wristband can include an elastic body having an opening sized such that the elastic body securely conforms to an adult human wrist when the wrist is positioned in the opening. The elastic body can have a distal end, a proximal end, an inner side adapted to be disposed on an anterior portion of the wrist, and an outer side adapted to be disposed on a posterior portion of the wrist. A transparent screen can be coupled to the inner side of the elastic body. A pocket can be provided between the screen and the inner side of the elastic body. The pocket can be sized and shaped to receive a mobile device. A port hole can be formed through the wristband. The port hole can be sized and shaped to permit access from the pocket to an interface portion of a card reader.
US08955743B1	Automated banking machine with remote user assistance In an example embodiment, an automated banking machine that allows a customer to employ a mobile wireless device for performing banking transactions. The customer may request assistance from a teller or other bank personnel at a remote location. An audio, and optionally video, communication may be initiated between the remote location and the customer. The customer may use either the automated banking machine, mobile wireless device, or both for communicating with the remote location.
US08955741B2	Money transfer systems and methods for travelers One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.
US08955736B2	Carton with handle A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first top panel and the second top panel are at least partially overlapped to form a top wall of the carton. A handle extends in at least the top wall. The handle can comprise at least a first handle portion of the first top panel and a second handle portion of the second top panel. The first handle portion can at least partially overlap the second handle portion at a rounded corner of the carton.
US08955731B2	Multiple endless belt type band sheet coiling tension applying apparatus In a multiple endless belt type band sheet coiling tension applying apparatus in which a coiling tension is applied to slit band sheets a by a frictional force generated by slippage between belt pressing surfaces 4a, 5a and internal belt surfaces 1a of endless belts 1, a friction plate 8 made of a thin metallic sheet having heat conductivity equal to or better than that of the belt pressing units 4a, 5a is detachably installed on a front surface of each of the belt pressing units 4a, 5a.
US08955730B2	Tape feeder and method of mounting tape onto tape feeder A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.
US08955728B2	Electronic enclosure and a method for mounting portable electronic devices on motorcycles An electronics enclosure and a method configuring a cover and base member is disclosed. The base member includes mounting holes that secure the enclosure to a motor vehicle and safely encloses a portable electronic device that eliminates the risk of losing or damaging the portable electronic device during transport.
US08955727B2	Stroller with protective cover and other accessories A protective cover that is stored in a pouch that is integrally formed as a part of an upper surface of a pivotable canopy that is attached to a frame of the stroller. The protective cover is movable between a closed position in which the cover is stored in the pouch and an open position in which the cover is disposed across the canopy and across a seat of the stroller.
US08955723B2	Multi-handle beverage dispensing valve Applicants' invention may retrofit or may be provided initially with a dispensing valve and comprises a second handle, interacting with a valve and/or a valve first handle for dispensing a beverage from the valve. Applicants' invention comprises a valve body typically having at least a pair of handles, one typically upstanding and one downwardly depending both which separately may be moved to actuate the dispensing mechanism within the valve to dispense a beverage therefrom.
US08955722B2	Assembly of a tapping keg with a neck and a connecting device and parts therefor An assembly (1) of a tapping keg (2) with neck (5) and a connecting device (15) for placement on said neck (5). In the neck is at least one valve (20, 22). The neck is provided with an outwardly reaching flange (8) with a top surface (14) and an inclined bottom surface (9). The bottom surface (9) is inclined with respect to the top surface (14). The connecting device has a substantially horse shoe-shaped connecting element (16), provided with a slot (18) by way of which the connecting element (16) is slidable over the flange (8). The side of the slot facing the bottom surface (46) during use comprises a lower surface (19) which is inclined at an angle which is at least virtually equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined bottom surface (9) and, in coupled condition, abuts at least against a planar central part (9A) of the inclined bottom surface (9).
US08955718B2	Foam pumps with lost motion and adjustable output foam pumps Embodiments of lost motion foam pumps are disclosed herein. One exemplary embodiment includes a liquid chamber, a liquid piston movable in the liquid chamber, an air chamber and an air piston movable in the air chamber. The air piston is linked to the liquid piston. A connector is linked to the air piston or the liquid piston. The connector includes an engagement member for connecting to an actuator of a foam dispenser. Movement of the actuator in a first direction moves the liquid and air pistons to contract the liquid chamber and the air chamber. Movement of the actuator a first distance in a second direction does not move the liquid piston or the air piston; however, continued movement of the actuator a second distance in the second direction moves the liquid piston and the air piston and expands the liquid and air chambers.
US08955717B2	Anti-refill dispensing fitment for a container An anti-refill product includes a container including a neck with an interior surface, an anti-refill dispensing fitment positioned in the neck of the container, and including at least one ceramic or glass component, and a bonding material between the container and the component that non-removably secures the fitment to the container and thereby renders the product tamper-evident.
US08955716B2	Molded preform and container having integrated pour spout A one-piece plastic container includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and having an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion. The upper portion has a spout defining an opening into the container and a finish offset radially outwardly from the spout. A trough defines a passage into the body. The trough slopes toward the passage and defines a non-orthogonal angle relative to the longitudinal axis. According to other features, the sidewall portion is integrally formed with and extends from the upper portion to the base portion. The base portion closes off an end of the container. The finish defines a means, such as at least one thread, for attaching a closure thereon.
US08955715B2	Packaging The packaging comprising an essentially dimensionally stable, elastically deformable external container, an easily deformable inner bag arranged therein, which receives the filling material, and a valve is characterized in that the valve comprises a base body which extends over the opening of the external container and comprises at least one through opening for the filling material and a valve holder which has fastened therein a valve body which comprises an elastically deformable partition wall tightly sealing the valve holder, and a valve pin pointing away from the external container, said partition wall together with the valve holder delimiting an air chamber under the valve pin, and comprising a cap which is fastened to the neck of the external container and covers the base body and the valve body and which delimits a receiving chamber for the filling material between the cap and the base body and comprises an outlet opening for the filling material which in the unpressurized state of the packaging is closed by the valve pin which under preload of the elastically deformable partition wall abuts on the area of the cap containing the outlet opening, the valve pin being retracted from the cap upon application of pressure to the external container by the pressurized filling material contained in the receiving chamber so that the filling material can exit, and that the cap comprises an air chamber which is separated from the receiving chamber for the filling material and sealed with respect to the receiving chamber and the external container and which is connected by means of at least one hole through the wall of the external container to the intermediate chamber between the external container and the inner bag and to the exterior atmosphere by means of at least one venting valve.
US08955712B2	Container having a relockable lid provided with a resilient ring A container includes (i) a metal receiving body having a peripheral upper edge delimiting an upper opening and provided with an one-piece outwardly projection and (ii) a relockable lid including a metallic cover provided with a resilient ring having a locking part with a lower free edge, and divided into two annular portions separated by an annular folding line, whose lower portion is foldable around the folding line between two stable positions. The locking part has:—locking elements including a plurality of beads arranged around the inner surface of the lower portion and at a distance from each other, and—a plurality of orifices, arranged around the locking part at a distance from each other and extending at a distance from the lower free edge, wherein the orifices extend through the locking part, at least over a part of the height of the upper and lower portions thereof.
US08955707B2	Portable triple container A portable triple container is provided, which enables food and beverages to be separately accommodated therein, thereby enabling convenient carrying and storage during an outdoor activity. The present invention implements a novel triple container in which two separate spaces are formed so as to enable the food and beverages to be separately accommodated in the container, and which also enables the food to be extracted and consumed through a simple operation. Thus, the food and beverages may be simply and conveniently carried and stored, and may be extracted without using an additional utensil so as to be conveniently consumed. The portable triple container is configured such that an operation cap part arranged at the bottom of the container may be selectively fixed so as to not only restrict the rotation structure of an inner case according to need but also to ensure that the container is airtight.
US08955705B2	Closure for a container A closure is provided that is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle to form a container. The closure includes a body having an open bottom formed of a skirt that defines an outer periphery of the body and an end wall defining at least one body dispensing aperture. A cover has two or more cover dispensing apertures and is rotatably coupled to the body and movable between a dispensing position with at least one of the cover dispensing apertures aligned with the body dispensing aperture, and a closed position. A handle has segments extending between each of the cover dispensing apertures, and one or more cover position stops provide a tactile or an audible indication when the cover is moved to either of the dispensing position or the closed position.
US08955704B2	Foldable utility box A foldable utility box which includes an upper loop formed in a rectangular shape; a pair of side supports each rotatably connected to two sides of the upper loop facing each other to thereby be in a first state in which they are in parallel with the upper loop or a second state in which they are vertical to the upper loop; and a shell member includes at least one door part so as to approach the pair of side supports and formed to enclose the upper loop and the pair of side supports to thereby be folded in the first state and have a hexahedral shape in the second state.
US08955698B2	Tool retaining plate A tool retaining plate has a disc base with a holding surface and a mounting surface. Sets of sleeving columns are configured at interval on the mounting surface and are of an octagonal columnar pattern to define a column head end, a column foot end and a circumferential portion. Four abutting surfaces and four locking surfaces are cross connected at the circumferential portion, and an angular locking portion is formed between the abutting surface and locking surface. Positioning bulges are protruded externally onto two opposite abutting surfaces of the circumferential portion of the sleeving column, opposite to the positioning flanges of the sleeve. This enables engagement with the positioning flanges on the slot wall of the square slot of the sleeve. Two locking portions configured diagonally and set adjacent to the abutting surface with positioning bulges are set into a notched pattern or offset towards the abutting surface.
US08955694B2	Greeting card display fixture A greeting card display includes an upper tier and a lower tier positioned below the upper tier. The upper and lower tiers include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards. Some of the pockets of the upper tier and/or the bottom tier, typically the pockets of the bottom rows, can present greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The upper tier can include a card highlighter display, positioned along one of the rows, configured to present and highlight cards placed therein.
US08955689B2	Apparatus, propulsive element and method for processing non-consolidated materials A propulsive element usable for producing a jet of fluid using a pressurized fluid. An inlet receives the pressurized fluid; a propulsive element passageway extends from the inlet; two main outlets are in fluid communication with the propulsive element passageway and are configured and sized for releasing each a respective main jet portion when the pressurized fluid is injected in the inlet, the two main jet portions being each substantially divergent, the two main jet portions creating a low pressure zone therebetween.
US08955687B1	Separation apparatus and method for extracting plant material The present invention may be used for separation of plant extract material from plant material. A tubular container with an open first end and a closed second end may be constructed of a rigid material. A plant material may be place in the tubular container. The tubular container may be inserted in a tubular screening container having an open first end and a screen covered second end to position the screen covered second end over the open first end of the tubular container. The separation apparatus may then be shaken with the screen covered second end over a surface for receipt of extract material. A frozen material, for example, dry ice, may be placed in the tubular container with the plant material as part of the process method.
US08955685B2	Glycerides and fatty acid mixtures and methods of using same Green compositions and technologies are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of separating a first material from a second material. For example, the method can comprise mixing the first material and the second material in a slurry with a beneficiation composition. The beneficiation composition can comprise one or more glyceride and fatty acid mixtures extracted from an ethanol process. Air bubbles can be provided in the slurry to form bubble-particle aggregates with the first material and the bubble-particle aggregates can be allowed to be separated from the second material.
US08955684B2	Dispensing package A package for dispensing pills that is childproof yet senior-friendly. The package includes a housing, which may be substantially tear-resistant, that encloses one or more blisters. In one embodiment, the cavities of the blisters are positioned such that pills or other objects are dispensed into a chamber. An object dispensing opening associated with the chamber is selectively covered by a childproof closure member. In various embodiments, the childproof closure may be rotationally or slidingly connected to the package to move between a closed position and an open position to selectively permit dispensing of the objects.
US08955683B2	Packaging for portions of confectionery product and means for securing the same in packaging The group of inventions relates to the food industry, more specifically to embodiments of a packaging for pre-portioned confectionery goods consisting of one or a number of portions. A packaging for confectionery goods consisting of a number of portions comprises a lid and a base that is provided with at least one raised flat section for holding trays corresponding to the number of portions of the goods in question. Each tray has a means for the removal thereof from the packaging, in the form, for example, of a tongue situated on the side that faces the edge of the packaging base, and at least one tray anchoring projection with a widened part is provided on the base between each pair of adjacent trays. Furthermore, pairs of projections may be provided along the edges of the raised section to restrict the movement in a horizontal plane both of the tongues and of the trays with the confectionery goods. The trays are designed so that they can be attached to at least part of the base of the confectionery goods by means of an adhesive food substance. The technical effect of the invention is an increase in the reliability with which confectionery goods are secured inside a packaging, and an increase in the ease of handling of the confectionery goods by the user during consumption.
US08955679B2	Clip string for a bar connecting apparatus A clip string includes a plurality of connected clips. Each clip includes a downwardly open lower seat for receiving a reinforcing bar from below, a downwardly open upper seat for receiving a reinforcing bar from below, and an upwardly open upper seat for receiving a reinforcing bar from above. The downwardly open upper seat is oriented transversely to the lower seat. The upwardly open upper seat is oriented parallel to the lower seat. At least one connection point is defined on each clip, and the plurality of clips are connected at the connection points such that all the clips are consistently oriented.
US08955667B1	Bulk material handling system and method A bulk material handling system and method use a horizontal boom frame supporting a conveyor mechanism for bulk material that is slidable relative to the horizontal boom frame. The conveyor mechanism is positioned such that, with bulk material received at a fixed location, or loading axis, on the horizontal boom frame, a portion of the conveyor mechanism will always be positioned to receive bulk material. The horizontal boom frame can also be made rotatable about the loading axis. By rotating the horizontal boom frame and advancing or withdrawing the conveyor mechanism, the discharge point for bulk materials relative to the loading axis can be altered radially and angularly without interrupting the flow of bulk materials through the system. A supply bridge assembly can be employed to bring the bulk materials to the loading axis of the boom.
US08955665B2	Container treatment machine The invention relates to a revolving treatment machine for treating containers, comprising a rotor element which can be driven to revolve about a vertical machine axis and which is used as a container support or forms a container support. The treatment machine further comprises a support element for at least one functional element of the machine which interacts with the containers, said support element being drivable as to revolve about the vertical machine axis.
US08955657B2	Mining vehicle and method for its energy supply The invention relates to a mining vehicle and method for its energy supply. The mining vehicle has a carriage, driving equipment for moving the carriage, and at least one mining work device. Further, the mining vehicle has at least one electric motor for operating a main function of the mining vehicle, and at least one electric motor for operating an auxiliary function of the mining vehicle. The mining vehicle further has a power-generating auxiliary unit. When necessary, the power-generating auxiliary unit supplies at least part of the power required by the electric motor operating the auxiliary function.
US08955651B2	Brake disc A brake disc for a vehicle disc brake has a friction ring supported by a brake disc chamber made of a specifically light material and having a central flat hub section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the brake disc and a support wall section connected thereto. The support wall section extends radially outward and in some regions has a truncated circular cone shape, with whose free edge region the friction ring is connected via connection elements. The ratio of the height of the friction ring to the diameter of the brake disc is less than 0.12, and the connection between the brake disc chamber and the friction ring is provided with a prestressed support wall section such that the edge region of the brake disc chamber acts in an outwardly pressing manner upon the unheated friction ring directly or indirectly by way of the connection elements.
US08955644B2	Pool ladder safety system A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.
US08955643B2	Multi-degree of freedom resonator array Apparatus and methods for attenuating noise, vibration, and/or acoustic energy in a turbomachine. The apparatus includes a first base plate having first base plate perforations defined therethrough. The apparatus also includes first and second spacers each extending from the first base plate, being spaced apart from each other, and defining a first channel therebetween. The apparatus further includes a first insert disposed in the first channel and having insert perforations defined therethrough, the first base plate, the first and second spacers, and the first insert at least partially defining a first acoustic chamber therebetween, wherein the base plate perforations and the insert perforations are in communication with the first acoustic chamber.
US08955641B2	Passive valve and resonator assembly for vehicle exhaust system An exhaust system includes first and second exhaust components with an inter-pipe that fluidly connects an outlet of the first exhaust component to an inlet of the second exhaust component. A passive valve is mounted within the inter-pipe. The second exhaust component defines an internal cavity that is at least partially packed with a high frequency absorption material and cooperates with the passive valve to effectively attenuate low and high frequency noise.
US08955640B2	Integral power steering apparatus In a stroke-limiter equipped integral power steering apparatus, a valve body of a spring-loaded-plunger-equipped limiter valve is configured to enable a position of the valve body relative to a housing to be adjusted in a longitudinal direction of the valve body via an intermediate sleeve.
US08955637B2	Motorcycle having a swing arm suspended from a rear suspension via a link mechanism A motorcycle including a multi-cylinder engine; a main frame; and a swing arm for supporting a rear wheel in a rear portion of the main frame. A rear suspension has one end rotatably supported by a portion located in a position above a swing axial support portion of the swing arm. A link mechanism connects the rear suspension and the swing arm, and includes a suspension arm rotatably supported by an upper portion of the swing arm and a link member having one end rotatably supported by the main frame. An exhaust collecting pipe is arranged below the multi-cylinder engine; and an exhaust device is arranged in a space below the swing arm. An exhaust connecting pipe connects an outlet of a rear end of the exhaust collecting pipe with a front surface of the exhaust chamber in a moving direction of the motorcycle.
US08955635B2	Saddle-riding type automotive vehicle A motorcycle frame assembly (FR) for a motorcycle includes a main frame (1), which extends from above a combustion engine (E) in a direction rearwardly, and a subframe (4) having front and rear end portions connected with the main frame (1) and also having an intermediate portion positioned laterally outside of a cylinder block (26) of the combustion engine (E). The combustion engine (E) is fixed to a motorcycle frame assembly (FR) by means of first, second and third engine mounting areas (M1, M2, M3). The first engine mounting area (M1) is provided in the intermediate portion of the subframe (4) and, also, a damping unit (72) for suppressing vibrations of a to-be-damped region (76) is provided in the to-be-damped region (76) provided at a location remote from the first engine mounting area (M1) in the subframe (4).
US08955634B2	Pedestrian protection airbag A pedestrian protection airbag system for a vehicle includes an airbag that is adapted to be deployed along a windscreen and/or A-pillars of the vehicle, is inflatable to a deployed state and has projected periphery. The airbag system further comprises at least one tethering member connecting a first region of the airbag with a second region of the airbag along a path, the path being arranged within the projected periphery of the airbag when the airbag is in the deployed state. A vehicle comprising such a pedestrian protection airbag system and a method of deployment of an airbag of such a pedestrian protection airbag system are also provided.
US08955630B2	Symbiotic engine intake system and battery box An engine compartment of an automotive vehicle is provided. The compartment comprises an internal combustion engine including an air intake manifold and an electrical storage battery. The battery is housed in a storage box and an air intake system supplies air to the air intake manifold and the battery storage box. The air intake system has an inlet supplying air to a flow diverter. The flow diverter has a main channel including a bend dividing the main channel into a first passage and a second passage tangential to the first passage. The second passage is in fluid communication with the air intake manifold. The flow diverter includes an outlet facing the first passage which is in fluid communication with the battery storage box.
US08955628B2	Cooling arrangements for vehicles A vehicle comprises front and rear wheels, a passenger cell, and an engine, wherein the engine is located entirely aft of the foremost extent of the passenger cell, the engine having a cooling circuit, further comprising a radiator that is in fluid communication with the cooling circuit, the radiator being located aft of the front wheel centers and in front of the engine, and in an airflow path that extends from an underside of the vehicle to an exit on a rear face of the vehicle, wherein the airflow path is ducted at least in a portion around the radiator. This arrangement succeeds in placing the radiator close to the engine, thereby avoiding long conduit paths and their associated weight. The ducting causes a region of high pressure on the face of the radiator, and the exit on the rear face of the vehicle opens into the low pressure region behind the vehicle, so that air is drawn along the flow path, through the radiator.
US08955627B2	Electric vehicle An electric vehicle has simple structure allowing effective cooling of on-board batteries collectively disposed within a swing arm. The electric vehicle includes a swing arm that houses an electric motor that is swingably mounted to a vehicle body and drives a drive wheel WR, and batteries of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A wide case portion that houses the batteries is formed at a position toward a pivot shaft of the swing arm. Also, a protruding portion for forming an air reservoir space above the batteries is formed at a roof portion of the wide case portion. The batteries are disposed side by side in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The protruding portion, in a side view of the vehicle body, is substantially convex protruding upward across the batteries.
US08955621B1	Grooved drill string components and drilling methods This specification discloses a drilling string, including drill pipe, drill collar, or sub for use in drilling operations, comprising at least one upset that has an outer surface having a plurality of grooves, wherein at least one of the grooves comprise a curved leading edge that is generally convex, a leading side, a trough having a generally convex curvature, a trailing side that extends in a substantially radial direction, and a trailing edge. The groove configuration results in improved transport of drilling fluids and cuttings and is especially beneficial for use in directional drilling operations.
US08955614B2	Pneumatic power wrench with an exhaust air outlet unit A portable pneumatic power wrench has a housing with a handle, a motor, a pressure air inlet passage, and an outlet passage for ducting exhaust air from the motor out of the housing. An outlet unit is connected to the outlet passage and has a first outlet opening section forming a main exhaust air flow path, a second outlet opening section forming an additional exhaust air flow path, and a manually operable valve arranged to control the additional exhaust air flow path by opening or closing the second outlet opening section. The total outlet flow area of the main exhaust air flow path and the additional exhaust air flow path gives an augmented torque output of the power wrench.
US08955613B2	Pneumatic impact tool A ground piercing tool as according to the invention has a front head assembly mounted on a bit shaft. A mid-portion of the bit shaft is mounted between front and rear chambers. Compressed fluid is supplied to the front chamber to form a gas spring that prevents the bit shaft from impacting against a front stop when it receives a blow from the striker. A valve is provided that includes a passage that permits communication between the front chamber and the rear chamber when the bit shaft is in a forwardmost position wherein it contacts the front stop. The valve permits compressed air to pass from the front chamber to the rear chamber, negating the gas spring when the bit shaft is in the forwardmost position.
US08955609B2	Storage tank fire supression system The present invention relates to automatically activated fire suppression system providing a system that releases fire suppressant foam, or aqueous film forming material (“AFFF”) over a flammable material contained within a storage tank or gas tank, when a heat sensor comprised of glass, plexi-glass or plastic, is compromised (i.e. melted, or broken) by temperatures in the container indicating that the flammable material is are at or near combustion levels.
US08955608B1	Accommodating hazard mitigation systems in fluid guides In an embodiment, a method of accommodating a hazard mitigation system in a system including one or more fluid guides is described. The method includes forming a one-way valve in at least one of the one or more fluid guides. The one-way valve may be configured to substantially prevent the egress of fluid from the at least one of the one or more fluid guides through the one-way valve. The one-way valve may be further configured to allow ingress of a neutralizing agent supplied by a source outside the at least one of the one or more fluid guides through the one-way valve.
US08955607B2	Cooling arrangements for fire suppression sprinkler system fire pumps A building sprinkler system includes a pump having an input for receiving water and an output that is connected to selectively feed a plurality of sprinkler heads. A driver is operatively connected to the pump for driving the pump. A cooling arrangement is provided for cooling the pump during pump testing operations. The cooling arrangement includes: a heat exchanger with a primary loop formed by a flow path for delivering water from the output of the pump through the heat exchanger and back to the input of the pump, and a secondary loop formed by a flow path for delivering coolant from the heat exchanger through a radiator and back to the heat exchanger so that heat is transferred from the water to the coolant via the heat exchanger and from the coolant to air via the radiator.
US08955605B2	Downhole tool and method of use Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a mandrel for a downhole tool that may include a body having a proximate end with a first outer diameter and a distal end with a second outer diameter; a first set of threads disposed on the distal end; and a transition region formed on the body between the proximate end and the distal end. In aspects, the mandrel may be made from filament wound composite material.
US08955604B2	Receptacle sub A receptacle sub that increases the venting flowrate during retrieval of a running tool. The sub includes a sleeve with a bypass port in a central bore defined by a tubular body. The sleeve is selectively moveable from an upper position to a lower position. A seal on the sleeve seals the sleeve to the bore while a retainer holds the sleeve in the upper position. A bypass passage in the body is in fluid communication with the bypass port. A drop member lands on the sleeve, blocking downward flow through the sleeve and actuating a hydraulic function. The drop member receives a fluid pressure greater than the hydraulic function fluid pressure, releasing the retainer to move the sleeve to the lower position. This allows fluid communication from above the central bore through the bypass passage and through the bypass ports of the sleeve below the drop member.
US08955602B2	System and methods for continuous and near continuous drilling The present disclosure provides a drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme and methods using two or more systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubulars into or out of a well bore is achieved with continuous or near continuous movement, without the need for periodic interruptions. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is also able to rotate the tubulars in the well bore with continuous speed and torque sufficient for both drilling and back-reaming operations. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is additionally able to circulate drilling fluid into the internal bore of the tubulars with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation.
US08955600B2	Multi-barrier system and method A multi-barrier system includes a first valve and a second valve that are both in fluidic communication with a lower completion. The first valve and the second valve are positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, and a member in operable communication with the first valve and the second valve. The system is configured such that both the first valve and the second valve are open when the member is in a first position, the first valve is closed and the second valve is open when the member in a second position, the first valve is open and the second valve is closed when the member is in a third position, and the first valve and the second valve are both closed when the member is in a fourth position. The first valve and the second valve are closable in response to retrieval of an upper completion.
US08955596B2	Damping apparatus for moonpool Provided is a damping apparatus for a moonpool, which has a simple driving mechanism. The damping apparatus includes one or more damping plates which cover a moonpool of a hull entirely or partially. The damping plates are pivotally hinged to a sidewall of the moonpool, and one or more conveying units are disposed above the moonpool to convey drilling equipment. Driving wires are coupled between the conveying units and the damping plates, and the conveying force of the conveying units is transferred through the driving wires to the damping plates. Thus, the damping plates are pivoted to open and close the moonpool entirely or partially.
US08955593B2	Damping sleeve and anchoring method The present invention relates to an accessory device which comprises a damping sleeve (100), which is coupled to a bend stiffener (4), capable of acting in the anchoring operation of a riser (3) so as to eliminate the need for fuse cables and safety straps, the need to use a team of divers, and to guarantee the implementation of the operation in all sea conditions.
US08955585B2	Forming inclusions in selected azimuthal orientations from a casing section A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.
US08955584B2	Drill string mounted rotatable tool and cleaning method A method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore while rotating the drill string after full drilling depth is reached without running the drill string out the bore to install a clean up work string is disclosed wherein a drill string having a drill bit at one end includes at least one near bit selectively activatable cleaning tool (10, 11, 12) mounted within the length of the drill string, said cleaning tool having a cleaning member (18) adapted to be moved from a close fitting stowed configuration within a recess (17) to a deployed configuration upon a body of the tool, wherein the cleaning member has magnets (19, 43) for use in positioning thereof, and compact tools for scraping, milling and brushing with improved resistance to ingress of detritus, debris and formation particulates are disclosed.
US08955580B2	Use of a graphite heat-dissipation device including a plating metal layer The present invention relates to a heat-dissipating device for an electronic device, comprising a graphite planar body, one or more metal layers, an insulation film and an adhesive. The heat-dissipating device is optionally attached to a heat sink. The method of using the heat-dissipating device to dissipate heat is also disclosed.
US08955576B2	Cast features for a turbine engine airfoil A core assembly for a turbine engine blade includes a generally radially extending trunk interconnected to multiple generally axially extending tabs. The tabs are interconnected by a generally radially extending ligament. Multiple generally axially extending protrusions are interconnected to the ligament opposite the trunk. A mold is configured to define an exterior surface of an airfoil. The core is arranged within the mold and is configured such that the tabs and the ligament break through at the exterior surface.
US08955575B2	Roller blind system for a motor vehicle A shade arrangement for a motor vehicle with at least one shade length and at least one roller tube for taking-up and unrolling the shade length, each side edge of the shade length having at least one flexible, flat guide strip which extends along the drawing direction of the shade and is guided in a guide. The guide contains a connecting link in which the guide strip is guided, and which has an exit gap through which the shade length emerges from the guide, the guide strip being guided such that its base surface is guided essentially parallel to the adjacent region of the shade length. The shaping and dimensioning of the exit gap and guide strip are such that the guide strip cannot emerge from the guide by itself. The shade length is connected to the roller tube via at least one constant force spring.
US08955573B2	Apparatus for a plaster taping device The present invention resides in an apparatus for use with a plaster taping device, the apparatus comprising a base for removably attaching the apparatus to the plaster taping device and a frame having a first end coupled to the base and a second end for supporting a wheel member rotatably connected thereto, wherein the wheel member facilitates application of a tape material along an internal corner joint.
US08955565B2	Suspension system for vehicle and tire for vehicle Road-going assembly consisting of a vehicle comprising a front axle and a rear axle, and of a set of tires which are mounted on their mounting rim in order to be fitted to the front axle and the rear axle of this vehicle, the tires of the rear axle having grooves the mean depths of which are at least equal to 3 mm and at most equal to 5 mm, the tires of the front axle having grooves the mean depths of which are greater than 5 mm, this road-going assembly having, at least in the case of the rear axle, static setups (camber, toe-in) of close to zero, that is to say a camber of each wheel-tire assembly on the said axle of between −0.8 degrees and +0.8 degrees and a toe-in at each wheel of between −0.15 degrees and +0.15 degrees, the static setups of the tires of one and the same axle being equal in terms of absolute value and symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the road surface.
US08955564B2	Pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire comprising, in a tread portion 1, at least two block groups GB, each block group being composed of a plurality of independent blocks 4 defined by grooves, wherein the block groups GB have at least two different values of block number densities D, each of the block number densities D being represented by the formula: D=a/{PL×W×(1−N/100)}, wherein PL (mm) represents a reference pitch length of the block 4 in the block group GBn, W (mm) represents a width of the block group, a (pieces) represents the number of the blocks existing in a reference zone of the block group, the reference zone being demarcated by the reference pitch length PL and the width W, and N (%) represents a negative ratio in the reference zone; wherein the block number density of at least one block group is within a range of 0.003 (pieces/mm2) to 0.04 (pieces/mm2).
US08955562B2	Filling element and filling system comprising such a filling element A filling element for filling systems for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a hot liquid product, comprising a liquid channel (14, 15), which is formed in the filling element (1), has a filling valve (9) and forms at least one discharge opening, via which, by controlled opening and closing of the liquid valve (9), the liquid product can be introduced into the respective container (2) that has been raised towards the filling element (1) in a lifting movement, and comprising at least one flow path (16, 17, 18), which is formed in the liquid valve (1) and, for heating the filling element (1), can be connected to a hot circulation of the liquid product, characterized in that control means (5.2) are provided and, by the lifting movement of the container (2) to be filled, open the liquid valve (9) and block the flow path (16, 17, 18) for the hot circulation or reduce the effective flow cross section of this flow path (16, 17, 18), and in that optionally, at least over part of the length of the flow path (16, 17, 18) for the hot circulation, the inner surface of this flow path is profiled, for example provided with ribs (30), to increase the surface area that comes into contact with the product and/or to create a turbulent flow of the product.
US08955556B2	Cable tie tensioning and cut-off tool A hand held tool for the tensioning and severing of cable ties, including reciprocating means for tensioning the cable tie tail, locking means to prevent further tensioning upon the attainment of a preselected tension level in the tie tail, and severing means to sever the tie tail from the cable tie head.
US08955555B2	Three-dimensional woven fabric and method for producing the same A three-dimensional woven fabric including front layer, rear layer, and light-shielding layer connecting front layer to rear layer and a method thereof are disclosed. The light-shielding layer is formed by repeatedly overlapping first, second, and third light-shielding layers with another light-shielding layer with adjacent ones among the first to the third light-shielding layers overlapped. The front layer includes front parts formed by weaving front layer wrap threads and weft threads, the front parts have front layer-connecting parts formed by sequentially and repeatedly weaving front layer wrapwrap threads and weft threads and light-shielding layer wrap threads, the rear layer includes rear layer-connecting parts formed by weaving sequentially and repeatedly the rear layer wrap threads and weft threads and light-shielding layer wrap threads. The light-shielding layers are formed by weaving light-shielding layer wrap threads and the weft threads, and the light-shielding layers are sequentially and repeatedly connected to front layer-connecting parts and rear layer-connecting parts. Three-dimensional shapes are implemented without adhesive. Various designs and light-shielding control are available.
US08955553B2	Flexible pipe body with buoyancy element and method of producing same A flexible pipe body and method of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an inner fluid retaining layer; an armour layer provided radially outwards of the inner fluid retaining layer; and a buoyancy layer including a plurality of discrete elongate buoyancy elements provided radially outwards of the fluid retaining layer wound at a helical pitch angle equal to or more than 0 degrees and less than about 85 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe body.
US08955552B2	Fire resistant hose assembly A fire resistant flexible hose construction particularly adapted for aerospace applications includes a tubular core, a reinforcement layer surrounding the exterior surface of the tubular core, a thermal insulation layer surrounding reinforcement layer, and an integral firesleeve layer surrounding the thermal insulation layer. The reinforcement layer includes one or more filaments of one or more fibers, such as aramid fibers. The thermal insulation layer is constructed of one or more filaments of e-glass.
US08955551B2	Pipe sealing tool with external and internal clamp An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes an external clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior surface of the pipe and an internal clamp for frictionally being secured to the interior surface of the pipe. A sealing plate, connected to one or both of the clamps seals the open end of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a means for pressurizing the interior of the pipe. A method of sealing and pressurizing the pipe is also provided.
US08955550B2	Damper device A damper device includes a first diaphragm having a first peripheral part, a second diaphragm having a second peripheral part, a first support portion disposed on the opposite side from the second peripheral part with respect to the first peripheral part, and a second support portion disposed on the opposite side from the first peripheral part with respect to the second peripheral part. The first peripheral part and the second peripheral part are supported between the first support portion and the second support portion. Radially outer sections of the first peripheral part, the second peripheral part, the first support portion, and the second support portion are integrally welded with each other.
US08955547B2	Apparatus and method for providing uniform flow of gas Provided are gas distribution apparatus with a delivery channel having an inlet end, an outlet end and a plurality of apertures spaced along the length. The inlet end is connectable to an inlet gas source and the outlet end is connectible with a vacuum source. Also provided are gas distribution apparatus with spiral delivery channels, intertwined spiral delivery channels, splitting delivery channels, merging delivery channels and shaped delivery channels in which an inlet end and outlet end are configured for rapid exchange of gas within the delivery channels.
US08955543B2	Large bore auto-fill float equipment An auto-fill type float collar assembly is provided. The float collar assembly of the present invention has at least one curved flapper-style valve, preferably constructed of composite, non-metallic material. Each flapper of the present invention has a substantially 90° range of motion, and is closed via a torsion spring. Each flapper is held in the open (or “auto-fill”), position via an external shifting mechanism passing around, rather than through, the central flow bore of the assembly. A floatable actuation ball can be run with the tool, or pumped downhole, in order to selectively actuate the assembly and close the flappers when desired.
US08955541B2	Disc assembly with branch hole for fluid flow control device A disc assembly for a fluid flow control device includes an annular disc member, a disc holder, a relief bore, at least one branch passage, and an annular recess formed in the disc holder. The relief bore is formed in a first side of the disc holder along a central axis of the assembly. The annular recess is formed in the first side of the disc holder and is disposed coaxially with the relief bore for accommodating at least a portion of the annular disc member. The at least one branch passage is formed in the disc holder and provides fluid communication between the relief bore and the annular recess such that during use pressurized fluid that accumulates in the annular recess between the disc member and the disc holder can be relieved through the relief bore via the branch passage.
US08955539B2	Portable steel-reinforced HDPE pump station The portable steel-reinforced HDPE pump station includes a vertically upright, cylindrical wet well fabricated from steel-reinforced plastic. Pumps are disposed in the wet well. A pipe connected to the pumps extends to the outside of the wet well to allow outflow of water to external systems. An access hatch covers the upper portion of the wet well and is arranged above grade. The remainder of the wet well is disposed in the ground, below grade. Vertically disposed sliding rails are attached inside the wet well, and extend upward from a working area of the well to the top of the well near the access hatch. The pumps are slidably attached to the rails to facilitate sliding installation and removal of the pumps by way of the access hatch. A water-receiving inlet pipe extends into the wet well, the inlet pipe allowing entry of water inside the wet well.
US08955536B2	Faucet mountable water conditioning systems A faucet mountable water conditioning devices include a relatively simple configuration that allows for reduced cost, easy installation, and a pleasing aesthetic. In one or more implementations, a faucet mountable water conditioning device includes a universal faucet mounting mechanism. The universal faucet mounting mechanism allows the faucet mountable water conditioning device to connect and seal to a wide variety of faucet designs and sizes simply by pressing the mounting mechanism over the faucet. The faucet mountable water conditioning device can also include a base configured to hold a water conditioning source. In one or more implementations a connector can couple the base to the mounting mechanism; thereby, allowing the base to move between active and inactive positions.
US08955529B2	Device and method for wet treating disc-shaped articles In a spin-chuck with plural collector levels, a separate exhaust controller is provided for each level. This permits selectively varying gas flow conditions among the collector levels, so that the ambient pressure at one level does not adversely affect device performance in an adjacent level.
US08955528B1	Denture cleaning set The instant application is an all-natural denture cream designed to remove stains, clean, disinfect, and shine the denture with minimal effort within seconds There is also an added double headed brush that can be used with the cream, with a curved easy grip feature that will allow for easy cleaning experience. The brush is designed to reach those hard to access spots of the denture that could not be otherwise accessed by the fingers alone.
US08955527B2	Hair styling device A hair styling device comprising a first blade section, a second blade section, and at least one fin. The first blade section comprises an inner blade surface and at least one first blade section heating element one of coupled to and integrated with the inner blade surface. The second blade section may be rotatably coupled to the first blade section and may comprise at least one second blade section heating element substantially opposing the at least one first blade section heating element. The at least one second blade section heating element may also comprise a substantially flat surface and at least one outer surface. A portion of the at least one fin is one of coupled and integrated to the at least one outer surface.
US08955526B2	Hair styling device A hair styling device comprising a first blade section, a second blade section, and at least one fin. The first blade section comprises an inner blade surface and at least one first blade section heating element one of coupled to and integrated with the inner blade surface. The second blade section may be rotatably coupled to the first blade section and may comprise at least one second blade section heating element substantially opposing the at least one first blade section heating element. The at least one second blade section heating element may also comprise a substantially flat surface and at least one outer surface. A portion of the at least one fin is one of coupled and integrated to the at least one outer surface.
US08955523B2	Tobacco-derived components and materials The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that includes an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. The additive can be a flower of the Nicotiana species or a portion thereof in particulate form or in the form of flower isolate derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. In certain embodiments, the flower isolate is in the form of an extract from a flower of the Nicotiana species or in the form of a chemically transformed flower isolate, the chemical transformation being selected from acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment, and enzymatic treatment. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the flower additives described herein, and methods for preparing an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.
US08955517B2	Forehead supports for facial masks A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob includes a resilient prong having a ratchet bump. The ratchet bump is adapted to selectively engage a series of ridges provided to the frame connector to provide indexed incremental adjustment.
US08955516B2	Face seals for respirators and method of manufacturing respirators A respirator includes a mask having a body extending between a front edge and a rear edge, and a face seal extending inward from the body. The face seal has a first wall extending from the body and a second wall intersecting with the first wall at a sealing land. The sealing land is configured to contact a user's face to form a continuous circumferential seal. The face seal is folded over such that the first wall and the second wall both extend away from the sealing land in a common direction. Optionally, the face seal may be U-shaped.
US08955515B2	Patterned chemical sensor having inert occluding layer A sensor 40 that detects a chemical such as an organic vapor. The sensor 40 includes a film that has a film body 58 that includes a detection layer 48 and that is responsive to the presence of a chemical by providing a color change. The film also includes an occluding layer 54 that has a first major surface 59 and that is bound to the film body 58 but is inert to the detection layer 48 to preclude the occluding layer 54 and the chemical from causing a color change in the film body 58 in an area 42 normal to the first major surface 59 of the occluding layer 54. A sensor having this construction can provide a distinctly visible image on the sensor, which may be helpful in evaluating the remaining life of a filter cartridge.
US08955513B1	Automatic continuous positive airway pressure treatment system with fast respiratory response The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing continuous positive airway pressure for treating sleep apnea. The method comprises the steps of providing a breathing gas flow to a subject, measuring a respiratory characteristic of the subject, determining or estimating a preferable breathing gas flow for the subject based on wavelet analysis utilizing in part the respiratory characteristic of the subject, and preferably adjusting the breathing gas flow if the determined or estimated preferable breathing gas flow is different. This method and apparatus can be used in a number of applications including both clinical and home use in the form of CPAP for the treatment of sleep apnea or less preferably as a ventilator to assist in patient breathing.
US08955510B2	Delivery system for therapeutically conditioned air An apparatus for delivery of therapeutically conditioned air to a patient may include a hollow flexible tube and at least one clamp attached to the tube. A shape retention wire may be engaged with the tube. The apparatus may be configured to direct the therapeutically conditioned air to a region near the patient's nose and mouth without being attached to the patient.
US08955505B2	Wall or floor chainsaw A chain bar unit for a wall saw is presented herein. The chain bar unit can include a bar configured to receive a circulating chain or wire around a perimeter of the bar. The chain bar unit also can include a driving gear for driving the chain or wire around the bar, the driving gear configured to be coupled to an output shaft of the wall saw. The chain bar unit further includes the bar being tapered from an end proximate to the driving gear to a distal end having a distal end radius, wherein a width of the bar at the proximate end, is at least two times the distal end radius of the distal end.
US08955504B1	Accessory for archery bow A C-shaped forearm brace attaches to a bow through a support and a bracket that is attached to the front of a bow's riser. The brace extends arcuately around a forearm axis at least 180°, to partially encompass a forearm. The support is mounted in a slot in the brace and extends outwardly, transverse to the forearm axis. The support can be adjusted to allow angular and linear translation of the forearm brace relative to an axis that is parallel to the forearm axis. The forearm brace is circumferentially repositionable along the support. The support may be a post with a bearing surface skewed relative to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. Walls on opposite sides of this bearing surface straddle part of the forearm brace. The bracket supports a rearwardly extending element that attaches to and supports the post.
US08955502B2	Bottom loading paintball feed system A paintball propelling device capable of propelling paintballs using bottom feed magazine is disclosed. The paintball propelling device, in one embodiment, includes a receiver and a bottom feed magazine. The receiver, for example, has a top surface facing upward and a bottom surface facing downward at the ground, wherein the bottom surface of the receiver includes a bottom feed port. The bottom feed magazine provides paintballs to the receiver via a bottom feed port of the receiver. The bottom feed magazine, in one aspect, includes a feed tube, an L-shaped tube, and one-way paintball stopper. The feed tube transfers the paintballs from the bottom or floor of the bottom feed magazine to the top of the bottom feed magazine. The L-shaped tube assists to transfer paintballs from paintball reservoir to the feed tube. The one-way paintball stopper is configured to hold paintballs from leaving the feed tube back to the paintball reservoir.
US08955498B2	Variable valve timing for EGR control Methods and systems are provided for adjusting cylinder valve timings to enable a group of cylinders to operate and combust while another group of cylinders on a second are selectively deactivated. Valve timing may be adjusted to allow flow of air through the inactive cylinders to be reduced, lowering catalyst regeneration requirements upon reactivation. The valve timing may alternatively be adjusted to enable exhaust gas to be recirculated to the active cylinders via the inactive cylinders, providing cooled EGR benefits.
US08955490B2	Fuel-pressure-sensor diagnosis device A fuel-pressure-sensor diagnosis device is applied to a fuel injection system having a plurality of fuel pressure sensors detecting a fuel pressure which is provided to a fuel injector of each cylinder, and a control portion controlling the fuel injectors by using a computed result which is computed based on a variation in the fuel pressure detected by the fuel pressure sensor due to a fuel injection. Two pressure sensors of which pulsation values of the detected fuel pressure are in a specified range are selected among the multiple fuel pressure sensors. For example, a pair “A” refers to the sensors #1 and #3, a pair “B” refers to the sensors #3 and #4, a pair “C” refers to the sensors #4 and #2, and a pair “D” refers to the sensors #2 and #1. An ECU diagnoses whether the selected sensors are faulty by comparing the detected values.
US08955483B2	Vehicle with a vacuum reservoir A vehicle having an internal combustion engine and having a vacuum reservoir which is connected to at least one vacuum source and to a plurality of vacuum consumers, wherein the internal combustion engine includes a control device, an intake system with an intake line, and a crankcase, and wherein the vacuum reservoir is connected to the intake line and to the crankcase in such a way that both the intake system and also the crankcase serve as vacuum sources.
US08955471B2	Mechanical coolant pump A mechanical coolant pump for an internal combustion engine includes an outlet channel comprising an outlet valve and an outlet channel wall with a passing slit. An impeller is configured to pump a coolant into the outlet channel. The outlet valve comprises a shiftable flat valve plate configured to be shiftable in a transversal plane of the outlet channel through the passing slit of the outlet channel wall.
US08955470B2	Gas-liquid mixing nozzle, and emulsion fuel combustion system and environment purification liquid spray system that use the same Provided is a gas-liquid mixing nozzle (10) including an internal air discharge path (A), an external air discharge path (D), at least one liquid introduction path (B, C) which is disposed between the internal air discharge path (A) and the external air discharge path (D) and introduces a liquid having water and/or fuel as a main component into a nozzle discharge opening (18), and an impact member (22) with which a mixture of the air and the liquid mixed with each other in the outlets of the internal air discharge path (A) and the liquid introduction path (B, C) collides, the outlet of the internal air discharge path (A) and the outlet of the liquid introduction path (B, C) being disposed on the inside of a nozzle in relation to the nozzle discharge opening (18), and the impact member (22) being disposed between, the outlets of the internal air discharge path (A) and the liquid introduction path (B, C) and the nozzle discharge opening (18). With the above-described configuration, the gas and the liquid may be highly efficiently mixed with each other, and the generation of water droplets of a liquid may be suppressed, thereby producing finer particles.
US08955466B2	Heat recovery system and method A system providing for heat recovery from exhausted flue gas in a steam generator is described comprising a flue gas outlet conduit defining a flow path for flue gas from a flue gas outlet of a steam generator to a flue gas conduit junction point; a flue gas primary conduit defining a flow path for flue gas from the junction to a primary air preheater; a flue gas secondary conduit defining a flow path for flue gas from the junction to a secondary air preheater; wherein a steam generator process fluid heat exchanger is disposed within the flow path of the flue gas primary conduit upstream of the primary air preheater to recover some heat from the flue gas in advance of the primary air preheater. A method implementing the flow principles embodied in such a system is also described.
US08955463B2	Stair safety apparatus A stair safety apparatus includes a wrist with an elastic cord attaché at one end to said band. A bar member attached by one end to a second end of the elastic cord. The bar member is of a length sufficient to allow the bar member to become wedged between a wall-mounted stair rail and a wall.
US08955462B1	System and method for remote guidance of an animal to and from a target destination A system and method for remote guidance of a dog or other suitable animal to and from a selected location using GPS related triangulation methods. The system using a series of audible cues or electrical shocks to guide the dog from a current location to a target location by continually monitoring the current GPS location of the dog and establishing a waypoint target for the animal as it moves. The system issues cues such as audible signals to control the dog and keep it confined within a suitable corridor so that the next waypoint may be attained. Using the invention, a dog owner can control the movement of the dog as the owner moves in its proximity, thereby creating an invisible tether or “virtual leash” or to the animal.
US08955461B2	Animal training apparatus A trigger arrangement for an animal training apparatus, the trigger arrangement including a fluid pump having a pump actuator, the pump including an inlet and an outlet and a sound emitter configured to be actuated by the pump actuator, wherein actuation of the pump pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet accompanied by a simultaneous emission of sound from the sound emitter.
US08955460B2	Horse hair braiding device and method According to an aspect of the invention a device for braiding horse hair while minimizing damage to the horse hair is provided. The device includes at least one semi-rigid, resilient material being intertwined with the horse hair into a braid and to form and retain the braid into a decorative shape. In an embodiment, the at least one semi-rigid, resilient material intertwined with the horse hair to form and retain a decorative shape.
US08955458B2	Wireless detection of motion Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting motion of an object, such as the paw of rat. A tag comprising an inductive element and a capacitive element may be attached to the object and the motion detected by monitoring the affect of the tag on a time-varying magnetic field.
US08955455B2	Device and method for pseudonoise generation A derivation part derives accelerator information AR corresponding to accelerator opening angle and rotating speed information ER corresponding to engine rotating speed, based on the traveling information reflecting the operational state of a drive mechanism of a vehicle, acquired by an acquisition part. Subsequently, a generation part generates a pseudo sound signal of a waveform pattern corresponding to a combination of AR and ER. On the other hand, a level control part calculates a level designation value LVC based on the derived rotating speed information. The level control part reduces the pseudo sound signal level at a change rate to decrease discomfortness for the passengers in the vehicle, if ER continuously changes in a predetermined range for a predetermined time period during the calculation of LVC. As a result, pseudo sound that does not impart any discomfort sense to the passengers in the passenger compartment is generated.
US08955451B2	Foil structure for providing buoyancy and lift A foil structure for providing buoyancy and lift to a floating device is provided. The foil structure comprises an elongated left hand side floating device section and an elongated right hand side floating device section. The left hand side floating device section and the right hand side floating device section are placed at a predetermined distance to a longitudinal axis of the floating device and oriented substantially parallel thereto. A left hand side foil and a right hand side foil protrudes from the left hand side floating device section and the right hand side floating device section, respectively, towards a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis and is oriented at an acute angle to a horizontal plane. A leading edge of each foil intersects the respective floating device section in proximity to a bow portion thereof. Each foil extends along the respective floating device section and terminates in proximity to a stern portion thereof. Each foil has a top surface with a front portion thereof being angled downward towards the leading edge. The angled front portion is determined such that wave penetration is assisted and instabilities due to buoyancy change are substantially dampened.
US08955448B1	Method and vessel for shipping hazardous chemicals A method and vessel for shipping hazardous chemicals, includes an articulated tug barge having a plurality of holds substantially filled with containers or tanks of hazardous chemicals, each container, or tank, being associated with an ISO frame, and the holds include a plurality of cofferdam bulkheads.
US08955444B2	Energy recovery system for a mobile machine The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine. The system may have a tank configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within a main engine located on the locomotive, and a fuel delivery circuit connecting the tank to the main engine. The system may also have an auxiliary engine, and a boil-off circuit connecting the tank to the auxiliary engine. The system may also have an accumulator fluidly connected to the boil-off circuit between the tank and the auxiliary engine and configured to store gaseous fuel formed in the tank, and a carbon adsorbent disposed within the accumulator and configured to adsorb the gaseous fuel. The auxiliary engine may be configured to selectively generate a suction force to withdraw gaseous fuel adsorbed onto the carbon adsorbent.
US08955441B2	Dentonator cross-talk reduction A detonator system (10) which has a plurality of segments (16), each segment having a respective plurality of detonators (14), and a synchronizer (18, 12), which may be a compound arrangement or a single device, which prevents the transmission of voltage modulated signals to the detonators (14) in one segment (16A) if current modulated segments are being transmitted from the detonators (14) in another segment (16B).
US08955440B2	Method for controlling a printing operation A method for controlling a printing operation includes detecting at least one position and/or an extent of a register mark located on a printing material by means of a register mark sensor, and using the detected at least one position and/or the extent of the register mark for register control. The method further includes acquiring at least one item of color information by means of the same register mark sensor during the printing operation, carrying out color monitoring with at least the at least one item of color information, and determining a color deviation with respect to a reference value. Furthermore, the method includes defining a threshold value for the color deviation, and outputting a warning and/or automatically making a change from good to poor products when the threshold value for the color deviation is exceeded.
US08955439B2	Printing system and printing apparatus using continuous recording sheet, and conveyance control method of continuous recording sheet A printing system includes first and second printing apparatuses that form images on first and second surfaces of a continuous recording sheet, respectively. The second printing apparatus includes a printing unit that forms a toner image on the sheet; a conveying unit that conveys the sheet at a reference speed in the printing unit; a fixing-conveying unit that conveys the sheet and fixes the toner image adhered to the sheet; a buffer unit that takes up slack in the sheet generated because of a difference in conveyance between the conveying unit and the fixing-conveying unit; a determining unit that determines a brake force for stopping conveyance of the fixing-conveying unit, based on a buffer amount of the buffer unit, which corresponds to the slack in the sheet; and a conveyance control unit that performs control to stop conveyance of the sheet by the determined brake force.
US08955438B2	Printing device and printing method A printing device employing a rewritable plate, includes: a first plate forming member forming a rewritable plate; a latent image forming unit as to the first plate forming member; a protrusion forming unit selectively adhering an ink-repellent particle to a portion where a latent image on the surface of the first plate forming member is formed; a second plate forming member accepting and holding the ink-repellent particle adhered onto the surface of the first plate forming member using a hollow included in the surface; a pressure adhesion unit configured to push the ink-repellent particle adhered into the hollow; and a recording material supply unit supplying a recording material to the surface of the second plate forming member; with the surface of the ink-repellent particle having a property of repelling the recording material, and also the surfaces of the plate forming members having a property not to repel the recording material.
US08955433B2	Method and system for pad printing with removable pre-filled ink cup A doctor assembly for a pad printing system includes a body and a doctor blade. The body has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface that defines a passageway through the body. The inner surface engages a removable pre-filled ink cup to secure the ink cup to the body. The inner surface directs ink from the ink cup through the passageway toward an ink-receiving surface of a cliché device. The doctor blade is coupled with the body and engages the cliché device. The doctor blade wipes the ink along the cliché device as the body laterally moves relative to the cliché device. The doctor blade is coupled with the body such that the doctor blade is laterally spaced apart from the inner surface of the body.
US08955431B2	Imprint tool An imprinter for creating impressions of designs in media such as buttercream, fondant, gum paste, modeling dough, and cookie dough for decoration. The imprinter includes a retainer having a retainer body and at least one retaining portion and a lock configured to be received by the retainer. The lock has a lock retaining portion engageable with the retaining portion of the retainer to selectably secure the lock to the retainer.
US08955428B2	Blocked orifice tube sensor for citrus juice extractor A juice extractor includes a strainer tube mounted to receive juice and pulp of a fruit. An orifice tube reciprocates within the strainer tube and has an ejection port and is configured to generate pressure and separate juice and pulp, collect core, and discharge core out of the ejection port. A sensor is positioned adjacent the orifice tube and configured to sense material ejected from the ejection port.
US08955427B2	Top chuck plate and prune pitting apparatus including same An apparatus for removing pits from prunes or other soft fruit, including holders defining pockets for holding soft fruit, an excess fruit removal assembly (e.g., comprising one or more paddle wheels), a pitting knife assembly, and a holder drive assembly for translating the holders along a closed loop. Each pocket defined by each holder is movable between open and closed configurations as the holder is translated around the loop. Each holder includes a top chuck plate shaped to guide an article of fruit into each pocket with reduced risk that excess fruit (fruit not properly seated in a pocket) will remain lodged on the chuck plate after the holder has translated past the excess fruit removal assembly. Other aspects are a chuck plate configured for use as a top chuck plate of a fruit holder of a pitting apparatus, and a fruit holder including such a chuck plate.
US08955424B2	Linear actuator A linear actuator includes a cylinder main body. With respect to the cylinder main body, a slide table is disposed for reciprocal displacement through a guide mechanism, which is disposed on the cylinder main body. A stopper mechanism having a stopper bolt is disposed on one end of the slide table centrally in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slide table. In addition, when the slide table is displaced along the cylinder main body, an end of the stopper bolt comes into abutment with an end of a cover of the guide mechanism, whereupon the slide table becomes engaged therewith and movement of the slide table is stopped.
US08955423B2	Pneumatic brake booster A tandem-type pneumatic brake booster, in particular for hydraulic vehicle brake systems, having a housing comprising a first and a second housing half shell, the interior of which is divided with the aid of a partition into a front and a rear booster chamber, wherein the partition has a centrally arranged, circular cavity, through which a control housing or a cylindrical control housing extension extends, and the partition rests sealingly against the control housing or the control housing extension by a sealing element, having a first and a second movable wall, which respectively subdivide the front and the rear booster chamber into a first low-pressure chamber and a first working chamber and into a second low-pressure chamber and a second working chamber, having at least one connecting conduit between the first working chamber and the second working chamber in order to equalize the pressure between said two working chambers.
US08955420B2	Glass cutting machine A glass cutting machine includes a worktable, a cutting mechanism positioned above the worktable, and a plurality of grasping assemblies rotatably positioned on the worktable for transporting glass plates. Each grasping assembly includes a support shaft rotatably received in the worktable, a positioning bar fixed to an end of the support shaft, and one or more grasping members positioned on the positioning bar. The worktable includes several rotating members, and each rotating member includes a support disc that can be rotated to drive the glass plate to rotate.
US08955418B2	Threaded fastener driving tool A threaded fastener driving tool includes a proximal end portion, a distal driving head, and a torsion zone extending proximally from the driving head, The distal driving head has a central portion and a plurality of driving surfaces. Each pair of adjacent driving surfaces define a driving space therebetween. The driving surfaces and driving spaces are configured to engage a threaded fastener. The torsion zone includes a plurality of helical grooves bounded by non-cutting surfaces, each helical groove in communication with and extending proximally from at least one of the driving spaces. The helical grooves are configured to untwist and cause lengthening of the torsion zone when an input torque applied to the proximal end portion is insufficient to overcome an output resistance torque at the driving head. The torsion zone may comprise a plurality of twisted wires or cables. A method of manufacturing the driving tool is disclosed.
US08955415B2	Removal tool A removal tool includes an elongate rod. A first end of the elongate rod is to be connected to and driven by a drive device, and a second end of the elongate rod is connected integrally to the first end. A direction from the first end toward the second end, which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the elongate rod, is defined as a first direction. Along the first direction the second end is conically tapered and formed with plural splines which obliquely extend relative to the longitudinal center axis according a twist direction, wherein the twist direction generally conforms to a direction in which the removal tool is used to unfasten a fastener. Each spline has a circumferential surface having plural first teeth which obliquely extend relative to the longitudinal center axis according to the twist direction along the first direction.
US08955414B2	Nut removal tool An apparatus for removing a nut is described. The apparatus includes a housing, a cage, and a canted coil spring. The housing has a top surface, an interior sidewall, and a bottom surface. The interior sidewall defines an orifice that extends from the top surface to a lip. The interior sidewall includes a three-lobed cam and a groove. Each lobe has a lobe center line, a counterclockwise cam inner surface on one side of the lobe center line, and a clockwise cam inner surface on the opposite side of the lobe center line. The canted coil spring is received by the groove of the interior sidewall and the groove of the cage. The canted coil spring rotatably couples the cage to the housing. During nut removal, the housing rotates counterclockwise relative to the cage. The cage rotates counterclockwise to engage the nut, and the cage interfaces with the interior sidewall.
US08955406B2	Workpiece transfer apparatus The vacuum seal unit of a workpiece transfer apparatus includes a plurality of seal rings and a cooling flow passage formed so as to circulate through inside a rotating shaft and a workpiece transfer mechanism. The seal rings adjacent to each other with a spacing therebetween, out of the plurality of seal rings, and the rotating shaft define a first space and a second space independent from each other and respectively surrounding the periphery of the rotating shaft. An end portion of the cooling flow passage communicates with the first space, and the other end of the cooling flow passage communicates with the second space. Even when the rotating shaft is rotating about the axial center, a coolant supplied to the second space can flow through the cooling flow passage and be supplied to the first space, thereby enabling cooling with high efficiency without restriction on the angle of rotation.
US08955404B2	Ball screw module Disclosed is a ball screw module including a screw shaft, a nut member, a ball connector, and a circulating device mounted on the nut member. A helical rolling track is formed between the screw shaft and the nut member. The circulating device is in communication with the helical rolling track and has a circulating route. The circulating route includes an intermediate route, two connecting routes connecting the intermediate route, and two guiding sidewalls formed at sides of the circulating route. The guiding sidewalls guide the ball connector to twist in a clockwise direction while the ball connector entering and leaving the intermediate route and guide the ball connector to twist in a counterclockwise direction while the ball connector passing the intermediate route.
US08955403B2	Accessory gearbox device for a jet engine The present invention proposes an accessory gearbox for an engine with a drive shaft operatively connectable to a main shaft of the engine, with an extension shaft being provided which can be put into a detachable operative connection to the drive shaft substantially coaxially to said drive shaft of the accessory gearbox At least one auxiliary unit can be detachably arranged on the extension shaft.
US08955400B2	Aerosol sampling device A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device includes a labyrinth structure and a sampling tube. The labyrinth structure includes a first baffle plate, a second baffle and a third baffle plate. The second baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate defines an inlet channel and is configured to receive a portion of oil aerosol containing liquid oil particles. A curved bend is included downstream of the inlet channel and is configured to separate the liquid oil particles from the portion of oil aerosol. The third baffle plate is relatively inclined with respect to the first baffle plate. The third baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate is configured to drain the separated liquid oil particles. The sampling tube provides the portion of oil aerosol separated of liquid oil particles to a detection device.
US08955396B2	Stator assembly and torque measuring device Disclosed are a stator assembly and a torque assembly device. The stator assembly includes a stator holder, a first stator which includes a first body making contact with an upper end of the stator holder and a plurality of first teeth extending from the first body so as to be disposed inside the stator holder, a second stator which includes a second body making contact with a lower end of the stator holder and a plurality of second teeth extending from the second body so to be alternately aligned with the first teeth inside the stator holder, and a fusion-welded material that is fusion-welded to the stator holder and the first and second bodies.
US08955394B2	Device for measuring the torque, the direction of rotation and the speed of rotation of a shaft of a transmission, in particular an output shaft of an azimuth transmission of a wind power plant A device for measuring the torque, the direction of rotation, and the speed of rotation of a shaft of a transmission, in particular an output shaft of an azimuth transmission, includes bands configured to be mounted in a fixed position on an outer circumference of the shaft. The bands are configured to be detected by measuring sensors and allow torsion of the shaft to be measured. Each of the measuring sensors has a Hall effect sensor, and the bands are respectively arranged at two different positions on the outer circumference of the shaft. Each of the bands includes polygonal apertures and/or depressions having webs located between the apertures and/or depressions. The webs are configured to be detected by the measuring sensors. A method includes operating the device to measure the torque, the direction of rotation, and the speed of rotation of the shaft.
US08955391B2	Ultrasonic flow measurement arrangement and method having a clock generating device and driver A measurement arrangement comprises a clock generator (11) which can be coupled to an emitting ultrasonic transducer (13) and a mixing arrangement (12) for providing a first mixer output signal (SO1). The mixing arrangement (12) has a first input (18) which can be coupled to a receiving ultrasonic transducer (14) and a second input (19) which is coupled to the clock generator (11).
US08955390B2	Vortex flow meter A vortex flow meter (1) with a measurement tube (2) through which a medium can flow, a baffle body (3) for generating vortices in the medium and a deflection body (4) which can be deflected by the pressure fluctuations which accompany the vortices in the medium. The vortex flow meter seeks to avoid the disadvantages of the implementations of the measurement principle of the prior art there being an electronic unit (6) which exposes the deflection body (4) to electromagnetic radiation and receives electromagnetic radiation from the deflection body (4).
US08955381B2	Three-mass coupled oscillation technique for mechanically robust micromachined gyroscopes A micromachined gyroscope is disclosed comprising a substrate, three masses m1, m2, and m3, configured to oscillate along a first direction x or y, whereby the first mass m1 is mechanically coupled to the substrate, the second mass m2 is mechanically coupled to the first mass m1 and to substrate, and the third mass m3 is mechanically coupled to the second mass m2, whereby the weight and the spring constants k1, k2, k3 of the respective masses m1, m2, and m3 and mechanical couplings k12, k23 are selected, such that, during operation mass m2 oscillates at a frequency substantially above the resonance frequencies of mass m1 and mass m3. The resonance frequency of mass m2 may be at least 2 times, or even 2.5 times, higher than the resonance frequency of mass m1 or m3.
US08955377B2	Method for determining or monitoring a predetermined fill level, a phase boundary or a density of a medium A method and an apparatus for determining or monitoring a predetermined fill level, a phase boundary or a density of a medium in a container with an oscillatable unit. The oscillatable unit is placed at the height of the predetermined fill level and is excited to oscillate successively with discrete exciter frequencies following one another in a frequency scanning operation (sweep) within a predeterminable frequency band in the working range of the oscillatable unit. The corresponding oscillations of the oscillatable unit are received in the form of received signals; wherein that exciter frequency is ascertained in the frequency scanning operation, at which the oscillatable unit oscillates with an oscillation frequency, which has a predetermined phase shift between the transmission signal and the received signal; and wherein the transmitting/receiving unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate with the ascertained oscillation frequency.
US08955375B2	System and method for sampling and analyzing downhole formation fluids A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.
US08955373B2	Exhaust sensor for an internal combustion engine The present invention relates to an exhaust sensor (1) comprising a tubular support body (2) receiving a measurement probe (3), a first end of said probe extending beyond a first end of the tubular support body through an opening therein, and a second end of said probe being secured to an electrical connection connector (4) housed inside the tubular support body (2) and fitting closely against its walls. According to the invention, the measurement probe is sealed inside the tubular support body (2) and is thermally decoupled from the environment outside the tubular support body by means of an assembly of spacers (10, 11, 12, 13) made of ceramic and of glass, the spacers being threaded around the measurement probe and distributed inside the tubular support body between the electrical connection connector and the first end of the tubular support body so as to provide at least two separate cavities, said spacers providing leaktight sealing between the measurement probe and the tubular support body.
US08955371B2	High pressure fracture tester A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Additionally, the system includes a data acquisition device configured to receive data from at least one of the vessel, the fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap. The methods further including measuring a fracture tip fluid loss through the variable gap and measuring a matrix fluid loss through the permeable media.
US08955368B2	Apparatus and method for aerosol collection and fluid analysis An apparatus for aerosol collection and fluid analysis includes a rotary motor, an aerosol-collection disk configured for mounting on the rotary motor, and a fluid-analysis disk that is also configured for mounting on the rotary motor. The aerosol-collection disk includes at least one interior inlet, at least one peripheral outlet and a passage coupling the interior inlet with the peripheral outlet, and a particle collector opposite the peripheral outlet. The fluid-analysis disk includes at least one fluid in each of a first reservoir and in a second reservoir on or in the fluid-analysis disk and offset from a central axis of the disk, wherein each reservoir has an outlet and a stopper in the outlet of each reservoir to seal the reservoirs; and release of the fluids from the reservoirs is spin-induced.
US08955367B2	Gas sensor with compensations for baseline variations Reliable, fast and inexpensive breath gas detector systems for medical diagnostics, including personal, handheld monitoring devices for a variety of diseases and conditions, including, for example, asthma, diabetes, blood cholesterol, and lung cancer. A sensor device (100) for detecting gases includes a sensing element (109) having an electrical resistance that changes in the presence of a target gas; a readout circuit, electrically coupled to the sensing element due to the presence of the target gas and converts the measurement to a digital signal; and a feedback loop (203) from a digital unit (205) to the readout circuit to compensate for variations in a baseline resistance of the sensing element.
US08955362B2	Apparatus for and method of manufacturing helically wound structures An apparatus (50) for and method of manufacturing helically wound tubular structures (116) includes a rotating faceplate (74) upon which are mounted a plurality of diameter defining rollers (78) which, in operation, cause a strip material (80) to be plastically deformed into a helical winding which may be lain down in abutting or self-overlapping relationship to form said tubular structure (116).
US08955360B2	Transverse row bushings and methods with freedom of movement An exemplary bushing system utilizes a bushing having a bottom plate having a plurality of holes from which filaments are drawn, and a plurality of support-receiving elements that are each configured to receive an elongated support. The support-receiving elements extend through the bushing generally along a longitudinal axis. A frame supports the bushing and includes a pair of horizontal rails upon which the supports rest. The horizontal rails comprise a treated surface that permits movement of the elongated supports relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction as the bushing expands and contracts due to thermal heating and cooling.
US08955357B2	System and methods of embedding material in a glass substrate A method for embedding a dopant into a glass substrate is provided. The method may include the steps of applying the dopant to a surface of the glass substrate, positioning the glass substrate adjacent to a catalyst such that the dopant is intermediate the catalyst and the glass substrate, heating the glass substrate to a first temperature, operating a directed thermal energy source so as to generate thermal energy incident upon the dopant, reducing the temperature of the glass substrate to a second temperature below the first temperature, and holding the glass substrate at the second temperature for at least a period of time.
US08955355B1	LeFleur decorative jewelry A decorative floral jewelry device is shown. The device allows the user to change out the beaded center portion of the floral jewelry and also provides at least one rod with platform that affixes to the back of the floral element such that the floral element does not sag thereby deterring from the look of the jewelry. An alternative embodiment shows a jewelry device that has a rod with platform and loop but uses a hook with loop a retention device and clip to fasten a decorative element.
US08955354B2	Fractionation of hydrogen sulfide rich sour gas and methods of use Methods and systems are provided for treating hydrogen sulfide rich sour gas through a series of fractionation columns. The processes disclosed herein and the variations thereof provide optimized processes for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from sour gas through the introduction of innovative azeotrope breakers, novel configurations of process equipment, and optimized operating conditions. Advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include reduced equipment requirements, improved process efficiencies, reduced operating costs, and reduced capital costs. Other advantages include better process suitability to certain environmental conditions such as the arctic cold when compared to conventional amine treatment processes.
US08955353B2	Food server assembly A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid.
US08955351B2	Energy storable air conditioning device An energy storable air conditioning device includes a main body, at least one air blower module and at least one energy storage module. The main body has an air inlet, an air outlet and several receiving spaces connected to each other and disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air blower module includes a first drawer inserted into one of the receiving spaces and a fan disposed in the first drawer. The energy storage module includes a second drawer inserted into another one of the receiving spaces and an energy storage unit disposed in the second drawer. The first drawer is connected to the second drawer.
US08955349B2	Water filter assembly In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a water filter assembly for a refrigerator is described. The water filter assembly includes a door that includes a mover element for engaging a removable water filter such that in the closed position the mover element holds the removable water filter water inlet and water outlet in fluid communication with the water inlet and water outlet, respectively, of a manifold assembly, and in the open position the mover element allows for removal of the removable water filter which is not in fluid communication with the manifold assembly.
US08955347B2	Air-side economizer facilitating liquid-based cooling of an electronics rack A cooling apparatus and method are provided for cooling an electronic subsystem of an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a local cooling station, which has a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and ducting for directing a cooling airflow across the heat exchanger. A cooling subsystem is associated with the electronic subsystem of the rack, and includes either a housing facilitating immersion cooling of electronic components of the electronic subsystem, or one or more liquid-cooled structures providing conductive cooling to the electronic components of the electronic subsystem. A coolant loop couples the cooling subsystem to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station. In operation, heat is transferred via circulating coolant from the electronic subsystem and rejected in the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station to the cooling airflow passing across the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the cooling airflow is outdoor air.
US08955345B2	Method for operating a motor vehicle in a sports operating mode A method for operating a motor vehicle having at least one electric drive component which is cooled via at least one coolant circuit which is coupled thermally to a refrigerant circuit. In a first operating mode of the motor vehicle, an inlet temperature of a coolant of the at least one coolant circuit is set to a first value by active cooling by means of the refrigerant circuit. In a second operating mode, in particular a sports operating mode of the motor vehicle, the inlet temperature is lowered with respect to the first operating mode. As a result, more pronounced cooling of the components is made possible in the second operating mode, as a result of which the maximum driving power of the motor vehicle is increased.
US08955344B2	HVAC sensor assembly and method An HVAC sensor assembly for sensor deployment within an HVAC air passage defined by passage walls is provided. In some instances, the HVAC sensor assembly includes a base mountable to a passage wall of an HVAC air passage, and a support member attached to and extending out from the base and configured to project into the HVAC air passage. The HVAC sensor assembly may include one or more HVAC sensors secured to the support member such that the one or more HVAC sensors are positionable and then maintainable at a field configurable distance from the base.
US08955341B2	Method and equipment for servicing cooling systems in vehicles In a method for servicing an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, surrounding areas in which there is a risk of leakage of inflammable coolant is ventilated such that air in the surrounding areas is suctioned out and discharged from the surrounding areas.
US08955340B2	Biocontainer with integrated temperature sensor The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly also includes a storage element, which is capable of storing various parameters during the freezing process.
US08955334B2	Systems and methods for controlling the startup of a gas turbine Systems and methods for controlling the startup of a gas turbine are described. A gas discharge component may be configured to discharge gas from a compressor component associated with the gas turbine. A fuel control component may be configured to control a fuel flow provided to a combustor component associated with the gas turbine. A drive component may be configured to supply a rotational force to a shaft associated with the gas turbine. At least one control device may be configured to (i) direct the gas discharge component to discharge gas from the compressor component, (ii) direct the fuel control component to adjust the fuel flow, and (iii) direct the drive component to rotate the shaft.
US08955333B2	Heat exchange bulkhead A base plate is more effectively cooled, and the efficiency of cooling the base plate is further improved. In a heat exchange bulkhead 1 that includes a base plate 20 and a plurality of pin-fins 21 provided upright on the surface 20a of the base plate 20, a cooling medium 18 flows in the length direction of the base plate 20 along the surface 20a of the base plate 20, and each of the pin-fins 21 is entirely or partially inclined backward to the downstream side such that the top face thereof is located at the downstream side of the bottom face thereof.
US08955330B2	Turbine combustion system liner A combustion chamber liner (41) with a forward section (44) and an aft section (46). The aft section has an array of aft axial cooling fins (62) covered by a tubular support ring (52), thus forming an array of aft axial grooves (66) between the aft axial fins. Inlet holes (54) in the front end of the support ring may admit coolant (37) into an upstream end of the aft axial cooling fins. An impingement plenum (61) may receive the coolant just before the aft axial cooling fins. Each aft axial fin may include a plurality of axially spaced bumpers (64) that contact the support ring. Spaces or grooves (68) between the bumpers provide circumferential cross flow of coolant between the grooves. The aft axial grooves may discharge the coolant as film cooling along the inner wall (76) of a transition duct (28).
US08955328B2	Burner arrangement A burner arrangement is provided. The burner arrangement includes a support and at least two fuel nozzles attached to the support in the direction of flow, with each fuel nozzle including a support-side section which includes a contact surface on the support side with which it rests on a supporting surface of the support, with at least two fuel nozzle tips embodied in one piece extending out from the support-side section in the direction of flow and the support-side contact surface including at least two extension parts projecting in the direction of the support, with the extension parts each embodying a channel through which fuel is fed in each case to the fuel nozzle tips through passages which are arranged in the support-side contact surface of the support-side section.
US08955321B2	Method for primary control of a steam turbine installation A method is provided for primary control of a steam turbine installation in network operation, which provides at least two pressure stages, these being a high-pressure and a low-pressure steam turbine stage, in which for storing reserve power a live steam valve along an operating-steam feed line to at least one pressure stage of the steam turbine is operated in a throttled manner, the live steam valve, in the case of a reducing network frequency and network frequency boosting which is necessary as a result of this, is transferred to an at least less throttled state. At least some of the partially expanded operating steam which issues from the high-pressure steam turbine stage is introduced directly without reheating, into the low-pressure steam turbine stage for further expansion.
US08955320B2	Methods and apparatus for latent heat (phase change) thermal storage and associated heat transfer and exchange In various embodiments, phase change and heat exchange methods between heat collection, heat transfer, heat exchange, heat storage, and heat utility systems are described. In certain embodiments, the heat transfer fluids/heat exchange fluids, heat storage media, and working media in the system are all phase change materials with transition temperatures close to each other and in decreasing order and perform their respective function through phase changes within a relatively narrow temperature range. Methods to control heat transfer rate, heat exchange and/or heat charging/discharging rate between heat collection, thermal energy storage and heat utility apparatus at will are provided. Methods of controlling such systems are also provided.
US08955318B2	Turbocharger cartridge and engine cylinder head assembly A turbocharger cartridge and engine cylinder head assembly includes a turbocharger cartridge having a center housing defining a bore therethrough, bearings housed in the bore, a shaft rotatably supported in the bearings, a compressor wheel affixed to one end of the shaft, and a turbine wheel affixed to an opposite end of the shaft. The engine cylinder head defines a receptacle in which the turbocharger cartridge is disposed. The cartridge defines a cartridge oil circuit and the engine cylinder head defines an engine oil circuit. An oil circuit connector plug is removably installed in a socket in the head, the plug defining a connector passage that mates up with an oil supply conduit in the engine cylinder head and with an oil supply passage in the center housing such that oil is conducted from the oil supply conduit through the connector passage to the bore.
US08955314B2	Thermoelectric device for oil temperature control The present disclosure describes systems and methods to increase the speed of engine warm up by heating oil with a thermoelectric device and also to generate electricity using the same thermoelectric device, exploiting a temperature gradient between engine oil and exhaust gases. The disclosure describes a vehicle engine, comprising: an engine oil reservoir; an exhaust gas system; and a thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side and connected to a battery, wherein, the thermoelectric device is configured such that the hot side is thermally coupled to the exhaust gas system and the cold side is thermally coupled to the engine oil reservoir. A diverter valve and duct are provided in the exhaust gas system to selectively convey exhaust gases to the thermoelectric device located in or adjacent to the engine oil reservoir.
US08955313B2	Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine, which includes: a silver-alumina-based catalyst, which is arranged in an engine exhaust system and, when an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, releases adsorbed NO2 at a first set temperature and adsorbed NO at a second set temperature, a secondary air feed passage configured to suppress a temperature rise of the silver-alumina-based catalyst; and an electronic control unit, that: controls the air flow through the secondary air feed passage to: when the silver-alumina-based catalyst has reached a third set temperature, suppress a temperature rise of the silver-alumina-based catalyst to maintain the silver-alumina-based catalyst near the third set temperature, and then lift the suppression of the temperature rise of the silver-alumina-based catalyst so that at least part of the NO adsorbed at the silver-alumina-based catalyst, is oxidized to NO2 to be adsorbed at the silver-alumina-based catalyst.
US08955312B2	Reductant aqueous solution mixing device and exhaust aftertreatment device provided with the same A mixing device of an exhaust aftertreatment device includes: an elbow pipe attached to an outlet pipe of a filter device; a straight pipe connected to a downstream side of the elbow pipe to extend in a direction intersecting an axial line of the outlet pipe; and an injector attached to the elbow pipe, the injector injecting a reductant aqueous solution into inside the elbow pipe toward the straight pipe. The elbow pipe includes: an inlet connected with the outlet pipe; an outlet connected with the straight pipe; a direction-changing section provided between the inlet and the outlet; and an injector attachment provided outside the direction-changing section and attached with the injector. The injector attachment is offset toward the outlet. The direction-changing section includes a first bulging portion provided by bulging outward a portion thereof opposite to the injector attachment.
US08955311B2	Device for conveying liquid reducing agent and motor vehicle having the device A device for conveying a liquid reducing agent from a tank to a supply element includes a connecting element for connecting a reducing agent line, a system heating unit and a heat-conducting structure configured to transport heat from the system heating unit to the connecting element. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.
US08955310B2	Adaptive regeneration of an exhaust aftertreatment device in response to a biodiesel fuel blend A compression-ignition engine is coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment system including a particulate filter. A method of operating the compression-ignition engine includes executing a feed-forward control scheme to determine an amount of post-combustion fuel to achieve a preferred temperature in the exhaust gas feedstream at an inlet to the particulate filter. The amount of post-combustion fuel is a nominal post-combustion fuel amount adjusted for a biodiesel blend ratio of the fuel. The post-combustion fuel is injected upstream of the exhaust aftertreatment system in response to a command to regenerate the particulate filter.
US08955308B2	Method for operating a reducing agent tank and motor vehicle in which the method is carried out A method for operating a tank for reducing agent, in particular aqueous urea solution, having a sensor with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, includes initially determining a conductance value for liquid reducing agent, a conductance value for frozen reducing agent and a conductance value for air in steps a.1) to a.3. A voltage is then applied between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact in step b. A conductance value between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is then determined in step c. The conductance value determined in step c) is then compared to the conductance values determined in steps a.1) to a.3) and a determination is made as to if liquid reducing agent, frozen reducing agent, or air is present in step d). A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out, is also provided.
US08955306B2	Method for synchronizing the actuators of a movable thrust reverser cowl The invention relates to a method for controlling a plurality of actuators (9a, 9b, 9c) for a movable thrust reverser cowl (1), characterized remarkable in that the position deviation between adjacent actuators is measured in real time, and in that the speed profile of the actuator or actuators in question is adjusted by a position deviation exceeding a predetermined threshold.
US08955302B2	Flushing the exhaust gas recirculation lines of a gas turbine A method and gas turbine are provided for the reliable purging of an exhaust gas recirculation line of the gas turbine with exhaust gas recirculation without the use of additional blow-off fans. A blow-off flow of the compressor is used for the purging of the exhaust gas recirculation line. The gas turbine can include at least one purging line which connects a compressor blow-off point to the exhaust gas recirculation line.
US08955301B2	D-ring apparatus An improved D-ring apparatus is provided that comprises a first arm and a second arm, a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member, and a connecting member. The first arm and second arm are substantially parallel to each other. The first arcuate member and the second arcuate member are attached to the first and second arms so that the first and second members are located at opposite ends of the first and second arms and form a continuous apparatus. A connecting member is attached to the first and second arm approximately mid-way between the first and second arcuate members, thereby forming a first aperture and a second aperture.
US08955298B2	Mowing finger arrangement A mowing finger arrangement has a lower element and an upper element connected to each other and forms two mowing fingers. A space is formed to accommodate a cutting device between the lower element and the upper element. The two mowing fingers are connected to each other via, respectively, a connection web on the upper element and on the lower element on a rear end of the mowing finger, when viewed in working direction. At least one of the connection webs has, at least portion wise, an off-set to provide an enlarged distance between the connection webs.
US08955292B2	Capping device A device for fitting a screw cap to a container, the device comprising a guide (104) for insertion of a container (106) along a first axis (108), and a holding area (110) for loading of the cap(s) (114) along a second axis (116). The holding area is coupled to the guide so as to form a channel (112) there-between. A slider (118) is movable along the channel so as to allow loading of the cap into the holding area and subsequently bring the cap into contact with a rotating engaging element (120). The slider holds the cap in place against the rotating engaging element while it rotates to fit the cap to the container. The first axis is different from the second axis such that the cap is supported by a portion of the guide upon release from the holding area.
US08955291B2	Packaging machine with oscillating sealing tool The invention relates to a packaging machine with a sealing device, whereby a sealing-tool upper part or sealing-tool lower part can be excited to a vibration (S) approximately parallel to a sealing plane (E).
US08955290B2	Sandwich structure having arrestment feature A composite sandwich structure comprises a core sandwiched between composite laminate facesheets. The core includes a plurality of core sections spliced together at joints that incorporate integral features for arresting the propagation of irregularities in the facesheets.
US08955286B2	Brackets and bracket kit for assembling playground equipment A bracket system kit for assembling playground equipment may include some or all of a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets can secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets can attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. Horizontal frame brackets can interconnect with vertical frame brackets. Swing brackets can fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The two ladder brackets can connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.
US08955284B2	Structure including a frame having four sides and a closed cross-section structural member A structure including a structural member configured like a frame with four sides is disclosed. A closed cross-section structural member serving as a reinforcing material is provided in a crossing corner of the structural member. The closed cross-section structural member includes two horizontal portions separated from each other in a thickness direction of the structural member and extending in an in-plane direction of the structural member and two vertical portions one of which connects first ends of the two horizontal portions together and the other of which connects second ends of the two horizontal portions together. The closed cross-section structural member includes a first opening formed therein facing an inner-peripheral flat surface of the structural member and a second opening formed therein facing inside of the structural member.
US08955283B2	Mounting base A mounting base is formed from a metal foundation, height adjustment bolts for adjusting the height dimension of the foundation, support bolts inserted into support bolt insertion holes, a metal cover installed on the foundation, and mortar filling the space between the foundation and the upper surface of a concrete slab. In the base, the first fixed ends of the bolts are inserted into insertion holes formed in a metal plate and are fixed to the metal plate with nuts, and the second fixed ends of the bolts are fixed to a steel beam with nuts. The portion of the first fixed ends of the bolts which extends between the metal plate and the top surface of the concrete floor is integrated with the mortar filling the space, and the metal cover covers the opening at the top of a metal tube of the foundation.
US08955282B2	Soloarmar construction engineering system The invention relates to the Soloarmar construction system comprising an original wall construction method, in which the cavities in the blocks are precisely aligned in the vertical axis. According to the invention, the blocks are assembled using an inner engagement device such that resistant masonry can be produced quickly and specially adapted for clay or concrete blocks using specific industrial templates, machines, nozzles and dies designed by Soloarmar. The appearance and characteristics obtained are similar to those obtained with standard masonry techniques, but with the mixture only being used to lay the first course instead of between all of the blocks.
US08955280B2	Rigid foam board installation clip A clip for facilitating installation of foam insulation boards in a building structure. The clip comprises a body, a spacer and a foot for holding the insulation board, and a connection region for attachment of the clip to a building structural member. The clip is designed to ensure proper ventilation and greatly easy the proper installation of rigid foam insulation.
US08955278B1	Subfloor drainage panel A subfloor drainage panel is provided for draining moisture from a floor. The subfloor drainage panel has an upper member, a lower member attached to the upper member, and an intermediate member located in the lower member. The lower member includes a plurality of first projections extending away from the upper member, a plurality of second projections extending toward the upper member, and at least one drain hole defined in the first projections. The first projections support the subfloor drainage panel on a surface. The intermediate member has a plurality of openings each configured to receive therethrough a portion of one of the second projections so as to contact and support the lower member. The lower member is configured to define a gap between a portion of the lower member and the surface, with the gap being configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

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