最新美国发明专利第2015-03-17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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US08980579B2	Chromosomal landing pads and related uses Provided herein are methods for stable integration and/or expression of one or more recombinant polynucleotides in a host cell. The recombinant polynucleotides are typically integrated into the host genome at some native chromosomal integration sites. The integration can be mediated by homologous recombination or by using a hybrid recombinase targeting the specific chromosomal locations. The native chromosomal integration sites in the host cells, which support stable integration and strong transcription activities of foreign genes, are present within or adjacent to specific genes in the CHO genome, the ankyrin 2 gene (Ank2), cleavage and polydenylation specific factor 4 gene (Cpsf4), C-Mos gene, and Nephrocystin-1/Mal gene. Also provided are methods and nucleic acid molecules for inserting site-specific recombination sequences (chromosomal landing pads) into these specific chromosomal locations, engineered host cells containing chromosomal landing pads, methods and compositions (e.g., kits) therefore.
US08980578B2	Fungal beta-xylosidase variants The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or beta-xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase and/or beta-xylosidases, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.
US08980570B2	Composition for cancer prognosis prediction comprising anti-TMAP/CKAP2 antibodies The present invention relates to an antibody which specifically binds to TMAP (tumor associated microtubule associated protein)/CKAP2 (cytoskeleton associated protein 2) or a fragment thereof, and a method for identifying the presence or absence of mitosis and a method for diagnosing cancer prognosis using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for diagnosing cancer prognosis comprising an anti-TMAP/CKAP2 antibody or an antigen-binding site thereof, a method for detecting TMAP/CKAP2 using the composition, an anti-TMAP/CKAP2 antibody for diagnosing cancer prognosis, a method for providing information for diagnosing cancer prognosis using the composition, a method for screening a cancer therapeutic agent comprising the step of determining changes in the level of TMAP/CKAP2 antigen-antibody reaction by the treatment of a candidate substance, and a composition for determining cell-division cycles using the composition.
US08980568B2	Methods and compositions for detecting non-hematopoietic cells from a blood sample The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells, especially tumor cells, from a complex fluid sample such as a blood sample. In particular, the present invention is directed to methods and compositions for detecting a non-hematopoietic cell, e.g., a non-hematopoietic tumor cell, in a blood sample via, inter alia, removing red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample using a non-centrifugation procedure, removing white blood cells (WBCs) from said blood sample to enrich a non-hematopoietic cell, if any, from said blood sample; and assessing the presence, absence and/or amount of said enriched non-hematopoietic cell.
US08980562B1	Method of simultaneous detection and typing of human papilloma viruses The invention relates to a method of detecting HPV and determining HPV type.
US08980561B1	Nucleic acid detection system and method for detecting influenza The invention provides a rapid, sensitive and specific nucleic acid detection system which utilizes isothermal nucleic acid amplification in combination with a lateral flow chromatographic device, or DNA dipstick, for DNA-hybridization detection. The system of the invention requires no complex instrumentation or electronic hardware, and provides a low cost nucleic acid detection system suitable for highly sensitive pathogen detection. Hybridization to single-stranded DNA amplification products using the system of the invention provides a sensitive and specific means by which assays can be multiplexed for the detection of multiple target sequences.
US08980559B2	Method for assessing cancerous state The present invention relates to a method for assessing a cancerous state of a mammal-derived specimen, which comprises: (1) a first step of measuring a methylation frequency of Neurofilament3 gene contained in a mammal-derived specimen or an index value having the correlation therewith, and (2) a second step of determining a cancerous state of the specimen based on a difference obtained by comparing the measured methylation frequency or the index value having the correlation therewith, with a control; and the like.
US08980558B2	Methods, compositions and kits for the improved detection of small RNA molecules The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for use in the detection of small RNA sequences, which allow for rapid and robust amplification and detection. The methods provide improved sensitivity and efficiency in the amplification-based detection of small RNA sequences by incorporating one or more base-modified duplex-stabilizing dNTPs during reverse transcription and/or amplification.
US08980557B2	Marker for determination of sensitivity to triplet combination anti-cancer agent To provide a marker for determining sensitivity of a patient to an anti-cancer agent, which marker can determine whether or not the patient has a therapeutic response to the anti-cancer agent, and novel cancer therapeutic means employing the marker.The marker for determining the sensitivity of a subject to an anti-cancer agent including oxaliplatin or a salt thereof, fluorouracil or a salt thereof, and levofolinate or a salt thereof, the marker containing one or more genes selected from the group consisting of ALAD gene, C20orf43 gene, CABLES1 gene, CDC14B gene, GDA gene, HOXB6 gene, RPL7AP27 gene, TMEM18 gene, and UGT2B10 gene.
US08980556B2	High resolution melting analysis as a prescreening tool Compositions and methods for determining an increased likelihood of a response to a targeted treatment of a cancer disease including isolating genomic DNA from a patient sample, amplifying a fragment of DNA by means of PCR with a specific pair of amplification primers, determining if the amplified fragment comprises a wildtype sequence or a mutation by means of a High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM), and correlating the presence or absence of a mutation with an increased likelihood of success of said targeted treatment. Respective primer pairs, compositions and kits are also claimed.
US08980552B2	Method for isolating nucleic acids The invention describes a method of and kits for isolating and/or purifying nucleic acids, more specifically short-chain nucleic acids such as miRNA, from a nucleic acid-containing starting material, characterized by the following method steps of: (a) binding the nucleic acids to a nucleic acid-binding support material by contacting the starting material with said nucleic acid-binding support material in the presence of at least one chaotropic compound, at least two different detergents and at least one branched and/or unbranched alcohol, preferably isopropanol, with the concentration of said alcohol being 40% (v/v); (b) optionally eluting the bound nucleic acids from the nucleic acid-binding support material. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for purifying circulating, extracellular miRNA from blood.
US08980551B2	Use of class IIB restriction endonucleases in 2nd generation sequencing applications The present invention relates to a method for genotyping DNA molecules contained in at least one DNA sample. The method includes: (a) digesting the DNA molecules contained in at least one DNA sample with a class IIB restriction endonuclease to generate DNA fragments; (b) optionally separating DNA fragments comprising the recognition site for the class IIB restriction endonuclease from the remaining DNA fragments; (c) attaching at least one adaptor DNA to the 5′ and/or 3′ end of one or both strands of the DNA fragments comprising the recognition site for the class IIB restriction endonuclease obtained in a) or separated in b) to form adaptor-fragment constructs; (d) determining the sequence of at least a fraction of the DNA fragments obtained in c); and (e) assigning genotypes to the at least one DNA sample analyzed based on the sequence data obtained in d). The present invention further relates to method for determining the position of DNA molecules comprised in a DNA library within the DNA sequence represented by the DNA library or within a known DNA sequence and for establishing a cross-reference between individual DNA molecules and their location in an at least three dimensional matrix.
US08980550B2	Methods for measuring samples using consumer electronic devices and systems Methods for measuring and analyzing biological or chemical samples using consumer electronic devices and systems are described. Moreover, an accessory to enable using devices such as cell phones and smartphones with fluidic illumination chambers are described.
US08980547B2	Method for treating neurodegenerative tauopathy The present invention is directed to a filamentous bacteriophage for use in treating a neurodegenerative tauopathy or susceptibility to a neurodegenerative tauopathy and a method of using the bacteriophage for reducing the formation of fibrils of tau protein or for disaggregating pre-formed fibrils of tau protein, such as in a patient suffering from neurodegenerative tauopathy. The filamentous bacteriophage used in the present invention does not display (i) a mammalian cell internalization signal (ii) a β-amyloid antigen or an antibody to β-amyloid, or (iii) a tau protein antigen or an antibody to tau protein.
US08980546B2	Method for the detection of HIV-1-specific antibodies utilizing a Vpu polypeptide This invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection of immunodeficiency virus infection, especially immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-I) infection. The invention particularly concerns compositions and methods that may be used in HIV vaccine recipients whose sera may contain vaccine-generated anti-HIV-1 antibodies.
US08980543B2	Method of measuring enzyme activity by multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance An object of the present invention is to provide a substrate probe capable of detecting enzyme activity with high accuracy and a method for detecting the enzyme activity by a multi nuclear magnetic resonance method using the substrate probe. Multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance is performed by using a substrate probe, which is used for measuring enzyme activity by a multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance method and characterized by containing a enzyme recognition site that is selectively recognized by an active-state enzyme, as at least one constitutional unit, and a group to which at least three nuclear magnetic resonance active nuclei each having a nuclear spin and a different resonance frequency are connected, being present specifically to the enzyme recognition, thereby detecting presence of the substrate probe and the enzyme activity. Alternatively, imaging of the enzyme activity is performed by a multi-dimensional nuclear resonance imaging method.
US08980542B2	Arginine-containing compositions and methods for treating red blood cells Blood storage and/or rejuvenating compositions that include D-ribose and an arginine (e.g. L-arginine, D-arginine, or a combination thereof) are disclosed herein. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and/or rejuvenating) red blood cells.
US08980539B2	Developer A developer includes an organic solvent and a nitrogen-containing compound. The developer is configured to develop a resist film to form a negative resist pattern. The resist film is formed using a photoresist composition. The photoresist composition includes a polymer and a radiation-sensitive acid generator. The polymer includes a structural unit including an acid-labile group.
US08980535B2	Resist pattern improving material, method for forming resist pattern, and method for producing semiconductor device To provide a resist matter improving material containing C4-11 linear alkanediol, and water.
US08980534B2	Method for forming fine pattern, and coating agent for pattern fining A method for forming a fine pattern, including forming a resist film by applying, on a substrate, a resist composition containing a base material having a solubility, in a developer liquid including an organic solvent, that decreases according to an action of an acid, a compound which generates an acid upon irradiation, and an organic solvent; exposing the resist film; forming a resist pattern using the developer liquid; applying, on the resist pattern, a coating agent for pattern fining including a resin and an organic solvent; and heating the resist pattern on which a coating film is formed.
US08980533B2	Supply apparatus which supplies radicals, lithography apparatus, and method of manufacturing article A supply apparatus for supplying radicals includes: a generator arranged in a chamber and configured to generate radicals by activating a gas supplied into the chamber; and a transport pipe having one end connected to the chamber and the other end from which the generated radicals are discharged. The generator is configured to activate the gas with infrared light radiation accompanied. An inner surface of the transport pipe is formed into a patterned shape by which the infrared light exiting the other end is less than the infrared light entering the one end.
US08980528B2	Photoresist composition and method of forming a black matrix using the same A photoresist composition including: about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of a binder resin; about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of a photo-polymerization monomer; about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight of a photo initiator, which is activated by a light having a peak wavelength from about 400 nm to about 410 nm; about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of a black-coloring agent, each based on a total weight of the photoresist composition; and a solvent.
US08980526B2	Hydrophilic photoacid generator and resist composition comprising same Disclosed are a hydrophilic photoacid generator prepared by copolymerization of a first (meth)acrylic acid ester having a structure represented by the following Formula 1 or 2, with a polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of a second (meth)acrylic acid ester, an olefin-based compound and a mixture thereof, each of which contains a functional group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a lactone group, a nitrile group and a halogen group: wherein respective substituents are defined in the specification, and a resist composition comprising the same. The hydrophilic photoacid generator is uniformly dispersed in a resist film, thus improving a line edge roughness of resist patterns.
US08980525B2	Chemically amplified positive resist composition and patterning process A chemically amplified positive resist composition is provided comprising an alkali-insoluble or substantially alkali-insoluble polymer having an acid labile group-protected acidic functional group, an alkyl vinyl ether polymer, a photoacid generator, and a benzotriazole compound in a solvent. The composition forms on a substrate a resist film of 5-100 μm thick which can be briefly developed to form a pattern at a high sensitivity and a high degree of removal or dissolution to bottom.
US08980524B2	Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A positive resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure and a fluorine-containing polymeric compound (C′) which generates acid upon exposure, the base component (A) having a structural unit (a0-1) represented by general formula (a0-1) and a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, and the fluorine-containing polymeric compound (C′) having a structural unit (c0) which generates acid upon exposure and a structural unit (c1) represented by formula (c1) (wherein R2 represents a divalent linking group, R3 represents a cyclic group containing —SO2— within the ring skeleton, Q0 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, and R0 represents an organic group which may have a fluorine atom).
US08980520B2	Toner compositions and processes Toners are provided, which possess low melt properties capable of producing a low gloss finish. Methods for providing these resins and toners are also provided which include the process of controlling the gloss of the toner utilizing a slow acid addition during coalescence optionally combined with little or no chelating agent added during the aggregation process.
US08980511B2	Organic photoconductor coating An organic photoconductor includes a conductive substrate; a charge generation layer over the conductive substrate; a charge transport layer over the charge generation layer; and an overcoat layer over the charge transport layer. The overcoat layer comprises a cross-linked polyacrylate that includes a charge transport material dispersed therein and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane.
US08980510B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus, and method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member An electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a leakage hardly occurs, a process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus having the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a method for producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member are provided. The conductive layer in the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains metal oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with niobium or tantalum. The relations: Ia≦6,000 and 10≦Ib are satisfied. The conductive layer before the test is performed has a volume resistivity of not less than 1.0×108 Ω·cm and not more than 5.0×1012 Ω·cm.
US08980509B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, electrophotographic apparatus, and method of manufacturing electrophotographic photosensitive member An electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises a charge-transporting layer which is a surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member; wherein the charge-transporting layer has a matrix-domain structure having: a matrix comprising a component β and a component γ, and a domain comprising a component α.
US08980506B2	Photosensitive resin composition and application thereof The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition, which comprises an alkali-soluble resin (A), a compound (B) containing vinyl unsaturated group(s), a photoinitiator (C), ortho-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonic acid ester (D), a thermal initiator (E) and a solvent (F). The photosensitive resin composition added with the ortho-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonic acid ester (D) and the thermal initiator (E) can have excellent resolution and development adherence. Moreover, the present invention further provides a spacer or a protective film formed by the aforementioned photosensitive resin composition, as well as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) including the aforementioned spacer or protective film.
US08980502B2	Pore formation by in situ etching of nanorod PEM fuel cell electrodes The invention includes a method for use in creating electrochemical electrodes including removing a supporting structure in situ after the assembly of the electrochemical cell.
US08980500B2	Polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising reactant gas channels overlapping a peripheral portion of an electrode A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (5) and separators (6A, 6B). A plurality of reactant gas channels are formed on a main surface of at least one of the separator (6A, 6B) and a gas diffusion layer (3A, 3B). In a case where among the plurality of reactant gas channels, a reactant gas channel overlapping the peripheral portion of the electrode (4A, 4B) twice is defined as a first reactant gas channel, and a reactant gas channel formed to overlap the peripheral portion of the electrode (4A, 4B) and formed such that the length of a portion overlapping the peripheral portion is longer than a predetermined length is defined as a second reactant gas channel, the second reactant gas channel is formed such that the flow rate of a reactant gas flowing therethrough is lower than that of the reactant gas flowing through the first reactant gas channel or the second reactant gas channel does not exist.
US08980499B2	Proton-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane, and membrane-electrode assembly and polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same Provided is a polyimide-based proton-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane having high methanol permeation resistance property (methanol blocking property). The proton-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane includes, as a main component, a polyimide resin formed by polycondensation of a tetracarboxylic dianhydride, a first aromatic diamine having a proton-conductive group, and a second aromatic diamine having no proton-conductive group. The second aromatic diamine has a fused ring skeleton composed of three or more rings. This electrolyte membrane is suitable for use in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), in particular in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
US08980498B2	Fuel cell stack The present invention provides a fuel cell stack that has a separator arranged between fuel cells, the separator including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.
US08980492B2	Method and apparatus for controlling an array of power generators A control circuit controls power generation by a power cell in a presence of fuel and oxidant through electrical control. The control circuit may be extended to an array of power cells or array of banks of power cells to configure the cells or banks in series-row and column combinations to generate power in a selectable manner. The controller may include basic power maintenance and control of the array of power cells, and high level control modules may provide unique power generation control to cause the array to cold start, output time-varying waveforms, output multiple DC voltages from a single source of energy, regulate voltage or current, and so forth. Because the power cells may be configured in vast arrays, power cells may be connected to a group of other power cells in the array and driven with a time-varying voltage or pulse to self-clean catalyst of contaminants.
US08980490B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system of the present invention includes: a fuel cell supplied with fuel gas and oxidizing gas to generate electricity; a fuel gas supply unit supplying the fuel gas to the fuel cell; an oxidizing gas supply unit supplying the oxidizing gas to the fuel cell; an aftercooler cooling the oxidizing gas supplied to the fuel cell by heat exchange with a coolant; an oxidizing gas temperature detector detecting temperature of the oxidizing gas; and a coolant circulation controller starting circulation of the coolant when the detected temperature of the oxidizing gas exceeds a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to a value of not higher than a minimum electricity generation temperature of the fuel cell, and a circulation timing and flow rate of the coolant for the aftercooler are controlled such that the supplied oxidizing gas does not become cold. This enables the fuel cell to generate electricity at cold start-up.
US08980489B2	Fuel cell type power generation device, electronic apparatus and treatment method of fuel A fuel cell type power generation device including: a fuel cell extracting electric power by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel; a first combustor burning an unreacted fuel exhausted from the fuel cell; and a second combustor burning an unburned fuel exhausted from the first combustor.
US08980487B2	Fuel cell system and activating completion degree displaying method of the same The progress of activation of a fuel cell is appropriately transmitted in accordance with the rise of the temperature of the fuel cell, and an estimated time till the completion of the activation is displayed with higher accuracy. To realize this, the current percentage of a fuel cell temperature is displayed on a gauge (G) which displays, as a starting point, the temperature of the fuel cell at the start of the activation and which displays, as an end point, the temperature of the fuel cell at the completion of the activation. The percentage of the temperature is displayed as the estimated time till the completion of the activation, whereby an adverse effect due to a low accuracy in the case of the estimation of the time is eliminated. When the fuel cell is activated for a failure check, the percentage of an actually elapsed time with respect to a time required to complete the failure check may be displayed on the gauge (G). After comparing the percentage of the actually elapsed time with respect to the time required to complete the failure check with the percentage of the temperature of the fuel cell, the smaller value is preferably displayed.
US08980482B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte lithium ion secondary battery The present invention provides a lithium-ion secondary battery with excellent high-temperature storage characteristics. The lithium-ion secondary battery provided by the present invention has positive and negative electrodes capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions, and an electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt as a supporting salt in an organic solvent. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains not only the lithium salt, but also at least one type of dicarboxylic acid as additive A; and at least one type of additive selected from vinylene carbonate, vinylethylene carbonate, ethylene sulfite, and fluoroethylene carbonate as additive B.
US08980481B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte solution for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including the same Disclosed is a non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution includes a lithium salt, an organic solvent and additives. The additives include: 1 to 10% by weight of a mixture of a particular halogenated cyclic carbonate and a compound containing a vinylene or vinyl group; and 0.1 to 9% by weight of a nitrile compound having a C2-C12 alkoxyalkyl group. A lithium secondary battery including the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is also disclosed. The lithium secondary battery is protected from catching fire when overcharged and is prevented from swelling during storage at high temperature.
US08980480B2	Lithium primary cell The present disclosure is directed to a primary electrochemical cell having an improved discharge performance, and/or improved reliability under physical abuse and/or partial discharge. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to such a primary cell that comprises an improved cathode material comprising iron disulfide and a select pH-modifier and an improved non-aqueous electrolyte that comprises a solvent, a salt, pH-modifiers, and selected organic or inorganic additives, which improve cell stability and discharge performance.
US08980478B2	Cable-type secondary battery A cable-type secondary battery, includes an electrode assembly including first and second polarity electrodes with a thin and long shape, each electrode having a current collector whose cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction is a circular, asymmetrical oval or polygonal shape, and an electrode active material applied onto the surface of the current collector, and a separator or an electrolyte layer interposed between the first and second polarity electrodes; and a cover member surrounding the electrode assembly. Also, the cable-type secondary battery is provided with a first polarity terminal and a second polarity terminal connected to the first polarity electrode and the second polarity electrode, respectively, at the end of the cable-type secondary battery; and a housing cap configured to fix the first and second polarity terminals and cover the end of the cable-type secondary battery.
US08980473B2	Anode and battery An anode and a battery capable of improving battery characteristics such as cycle characteristics are provided. A coating containing at least one from the group consisting of oligomers having a polyene structure and derivatives thereof is provided on the surface of an anode active material layer. The anode active material layer contains a substance containing Si or Sn as an element as an anode active material. By the coating, oxidation of the anode active material layer is inhibited, and decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is inhibited.
US08980471B2	Carbon-sulfur composites encapsulated with polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes A carbon-sulfur composite coated with a membrane containing alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes is provided. A cathode containing the coated carbon-sulfur composite and a battery constructed with the cathode are also provided.
US08980465B2	Battery pack A battery pack that includes a battery cell having a positive and negative electrode terminal extending from a side of the battery cell. The positive and negative electrode terminal each have a non-exposed surface and an exposed surface. The battery pack also includes a case that includes a first case and a second case. The first case includes a first terminal guide unit to accommodate the positive electrode terminal with the non-exposed surface of the positive electrode terminal facing the first terminal guide. The second case includes a second terminal guide unit that accommodates the negative electrode terminal. The non-exposed surface of the negative electrode terminal faces the second terminal guide. The first case and the second case are coupled together with the battery cell positioned between the first case and the second case.
US08980461B2	Separator for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including the same The present disclosure relates to a separator and a lithium secondary battery including the same. The separator comprises a polyethylene-based powder or a polypropylene-based powder provided on or in the base film, wherein the polyethylene-based powder or the polypropylene-based powder is different from the base film.
US08980460B2	Methods and electrolytes for electrodeposition of smooth films Electrodeposition involving an electrolyte having a surface-smoothing additive can result in self-healing, instead of self-amplification, of initial protuberant tips that give rise to roughness and/or dendrite formation on the substrate and/or film surface. For electrodeposition of a first conductive material (C1) on a substrate from one or more reactants in an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution is characterized by a surface-smoothing additive containing cations of a second conductive material (C2), wherein cations of C2 have an effective electrochemical reduction potential in the solution lower than that of the reactants.
US08980459B1	Secondary metal chalcogenide batteries Cell and batteries containing them employing a transition metal chalcogenide positive electrode (cathode) in combination with a liquid alkali metal haloaluminate. At operating temperatures, the positive electrode (cathode) of the invention comprises a solid matrix comprising electroactive cathode material permeated with and in physical and electrical contact with liquid alkali metal haloaluminate electrolyte. The positive and negative electrodes are separated with a solid alkali metal conducting electrolyte. The transition metal chalcogenide is not in direct physical contact with the solid electrolyte. Electric and ionic conductivity between the solid electrolyte and the positive electrode is mediated by the liquid alkali metal haloaluminate electrolyte. More specifically, the cells are sodium/iron sulfide cells. Batteries of the invention are useful for bulk energy storage, particularly for electric utility grid storage, as well as for electric vehicle propulsion.
US08980455B2	Lithium-ion battery with a gas-releasing and explosion-proof safety valve The present disclose provides a lithium-ion battery with a gas-releasing and explosion-proof safety valve, which comprises a casing and a battery core. The casing includes an opening that is sealed by a thermal cover, on which a safety valve is disposed. The safety valve comprises a safety cover and a pressure filter. A middle portion of the safety cover includes a through hole. The pressure filter is affixed to the middle portion of the safety cover and has numerous pores. The safety cover and thermal cover are hooked together. The present invention offers multiple advantages. Firstly, simplified structure without aging issue enhances the safety and reliability of the battery. Secondly, during operation, gas is ventilated when an internal pressure of the battery reaches a certain threshold value to avoid rupture of the battery casing. Thirdly, with enhanced performance of the battery, the cycle life of the battery is greatly increased.
US08980450B2	Lubricant and magnetic disk A lubricant containing a compound (A) comprising a perfluoropolyether having a main-chain structure of the formula (1) and having a polar group at each of opposite terminals thereof, and a compound (B) comprising a perfluoropolyether having a main-chain structure of the formula (1) and having a nonpolar group at at least one terminal thereof —(CF2CF2CF2O)a- (1) wherein a is a real number of 5 to 30.
US08980444B2	Iridium complex and organic light-emitting device including the same A novel iridium complex includes a ligand including a phenyl ring and a pyrazole ring. The phenyl group is bonded to a triazine ring to form a backbone of the novel iridium complex. An organic light-emitting device includes the novel iridium complex.
US08980443B2	Organic electroluminescent element Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent element which can be produced by a wet process, has improved laminated structure, and also has improved external quantum efficiency and an improved service life. The organic electroluminescent element comprises at least an anode; a cathode and a laminated structure intercalated between the anode and the cathode, all of which are arranged on a substrate, wherein the laminated structure has at least four layers formed by a wet process, and wherein the layers produced by the wet process include at least a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer and a light-emitting layer. The organic electroluminescent element is characterized in that the hole injection layer comprises an electrically conductive polymer, the hole transport layer comprises a polymeric compound having a repeating unit represented by general formula (1), and the polymeric compound has a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 to 200,000 in terms of polystyrene content.
US08980438B2	Porous metal foil and production method therefor The porous metal foil of the present invention include a two-dimensional network structure composed of a metal fiber. This porous metal foil has a first side having a higher glossiness, and a second side having a lower glossiness located on the opposite side of the first side. The ratio of glossiness GS of the first side to glossiness GM of the second side, GS/GM, as measured at incident and reflection angles of 60 degrees in accordance with JIS Z 8741 (1997) is from 1 to 15. The present invention provides a highly useful porous metal foil which has a reduced difference in properties between both sides, in addition to the superior properties attributable to a porous metal foil, in a highly productive and cost effective manner that is suited for continuous production.
US08980435B2	CMC component, power generation system and method of forming a CMC component A ceramic matrix composite component for a power generation system includes a ceramic foam core and a ceramic matrix composite material surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic foam core. The ceramic foam core remains in place during operation of the component in the power generation system. Additionally, a method of forming the ceramic matrix composite component is provided.
US08980431B2	Primer composition for optical articles and optical articles A primer coating composition is provided for an optical article capable of forming a coating layer having excellent impact resistance, abrasion resistance, adhesion and high refractive index to an optical base material, having high refractive index, specifically a plastic lens without occurrence of poor appearance such as ununiformity, cloudiness, etc. and regardless of the materials of the plastic lens. A primer composition for an optical article may comprises urethane resin having a polycarbonate-derived skeleton, polyester resin, inorganic oxide fine particles and water, and water-soluble organic solvent, if necessary.
US08980428B2	Porous silicon particles and complex porous silicon particles, and method for producing both Porous silicon particles and complex porous silicon particles suitable for negative electrode materials etc. for lithium-ion batteries, which achieve high capacity and good cycling characteristics, are provided. Porous silicon particles formed by the joining of a plurality of silicon microparticles, and having an average particle diameter of 0.1 μm to 1000 μm, a three-dimensional network structure having continuous gaps, an average porosity of 15 to 93%, and a structure in which the particles of a whole particle are uniform. Complex porous silicon particles formed by the joining of a plurality of silicon microparticles and a plurality of silicon compound particles, and characterized by containing a compound of silicon and composite elements, having an average particle diameter of 0.1 μm to 1000 μm, and having a three-dimensional network structure having continuous gaps.
US08980427B2	Carbon fiber bundle A carbon fiber bundle has carbon fibers and a sizing agent, wherein the sizing agent comprises a water soluble polyurethane resin having an SP value of 11.2 to 13.3, and the sizing agent is deposited on the carbon fibers at a rate of 0.5 to 7% by mass. In another carbon fiber bundle, the sizing agent is composed of the component shown in (A) and the component shown in (B1) or (B2) below, and the sizing agent is deposited on the carbon fibers at a rate of 0.5 to 7% by mass: (A) 73 to 98% by mass of a polyoxyalkylene unit; (B1) 0.5 to 15% by mass of an aromatic ester unit, 1.5 to 10% by mass of an aromatic urethane unit; and (B2) 0.5 to 10% by mass of an aromatic ester unit, 1.5 to 11% by mass of an aliphatic urethane unit.
US08980426B2	Peel-and-set tile system A peel-and-set tile system is disclosed for being installed onto a substrate, along with a corresponding method of manufacture and installation. The system provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a tile body. An underside surface of the tile body provides a contact adhesive array for securing the tile body to the substrate, the contact adhesive array being positioned and configured for forming a perimeter gasket continuously about a perimeter of the underside surface of the tile body when it is secured to the substrate. A peel-away release liner is applied over the contact adhesive array and configured to be removed therefrom when the tile body is to be installed onto the substrate. When the tile body is secured to the substrate, the perimeter gasket forms a bond that substantially prevents liquid or contaminants from getting between the underside surface of the tile body and the substrate or compromising the installation.
US08980422B2	Polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foam having improved adhesion properties A polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foam is obtainable from the reaction of A) a polyol component comprising A1) an aromatic polyester polyol, A2) a polyether polyol started on a carbohydrate polyol and A3) a polyether polyol started on ethylene glycol, wherein the total hydroxyl number of the polyol component A) is from ≧150 mg KOH/g to ≦300 mg KOH/g; with B) a polyisocyanate component, wherein the equivalent ratio of NCO groups to the sum of the hydrogen atoms reactive towards NCO groups is from ≧110:100 to ≦200:100. This foam has improved adhesion properties to facings and is suitable for the production of composite elements without requiring the use of an additional adhesion promoter.
US08980421B2	Porous polyimide membrane and process for production thereof A porous polyimide film having a three-layer structure that comprises two surface layers (a) and (b) and a macrovoid layer sandwiched between the surfaces layers (a) and (b). The macrovoid layer has a partition wall bonding to the surface layers (a) and (b), and multiple macrovoids each surrounded by the partition wall and the surface layers (a) and (b) and having a mean pore size in the film plane direction of from 10 to 500 μm. The partition wall of the macrovoid layer has a thickness of from 0.1 to 50 μm and has multiple pores having a mean pore size of from 0.01 to 50 μm. The surface layers (a) and (b) each have a thickness of from 0.1 to 50 μm, at least one of the surface layers has multiple pores having a mean pore size of from more than 5 μm to 200 μm, and the other surface layer has multiple pores having a mean pore size of from 0.01 to 200 μm. The pores in the partition wall of the macrovoid layer as well as in the surface layers (a) and (b) communicate with each other and further communicate with the macrovoids. The film has a total thickness of from 5 to 500 μm and a porosity of from 60 to 95%.
US08980416B2	Architectural construct having for example a plurality of architectural crystals An architectural construct is a synthetic material that includes a matrix characterization of different crystals. An architectural construct may be comprised of, for example, graphene, graphite, or boron nitride. It may be configured as a solid mass or as parallel layers that may be as thin as a single atom. In large part, its configuration determines how it behaves under a variety of conditions. In implementations in which it is arranged as parallel layers, the architectural construct can be configured to behave in a desirable manner by selecting the layers' thicknesses, their composition, the amount of distance between them, and/or another variable.
US08980414B2	Carrier-attached copper foil The present invention provides a carrier-attached copper foil, wherein an ultrathin copper foil is not peeled from the carrier prior to the lamination to an insulating substrate, but can be peeled from the carrier after the lamination to the insulating substrate. A carrier-attached copper foil comprising a copper foil carrier, an intermediate layer laminated on the copper foil carrier, and an ultrathin copper layer laminated on the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate foil is configured with a Ni layer in contact with an interface of the copper foil carrier and a Cr layer in contact with an interface of the ultrathin copper layer, said Ni layer containing 1,000-40,000 μg/dm2 of Ni and said Cr layer containing 10-100 μg/dm2 of Cr is provided.
US08980410B2	Thermally conductive sheet and associated methods A thermally conductive sheet may include an electrically insulative bottom film, an electrically insulative top film, and an intermediate layer positioned between the bottom film and the top film. The intermediate layer may include a mixture of granulated thermally conductive material and granulated electrically insulating polymer. The granulated electrically insulating polymer is adapted to form a polyimide bridge between the bottom film and the top film.
US08980407B2	Linerless label The invention relates to an aqueous adhesive composition containing at least one acrylate polymer with a glass transition temperature Tg>50° C. and at least one amorphous polyurethane or polyurethane-polyurea polymer with a glass transition temperature Tg<+10° C., the use of the adhesive compositions for the manufacture of heat-activated adhesive layers, and planar formations containing adhesive layers based on the adhesive composition.
US08980406B2	Color stable inks and applications thereof In one aspect, inks for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink comprises a polymerizable material and a reactive wax comprising a saturated alkyl moiety bonded to an ethyleneically unsaturated moiety through a urethane, urea, ester, or carbonate ester linkage, wherein the ink is free or substantially free of non-reactive wax.
US08980399B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet includes a base material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and is formed therein with a plurality of through-holes passing through from one surface to the other surface, wherein the base material comprises a resin composition, and the resin composition contains: 50 to 88 wt % of a polyolefin-based resin (A); 10 to 48 wt % of a styrene-based resin and/or an acrylic-based resin (B) excluding the polyolefin-based resin (A); and 2.0 to 30 wt % of a pigment (C). According to such pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, air entrapments and blisters can be prevented or removed via the through-holes and the inner diameter of the through-holes is suppressed from expanding, and thereby the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet has a good appearance.
US08980398B2	Component having a ceramic base with a metalized surface A component which dissipates heat produced during operation thereof has a ceramic base the surface of which is covered in at least one area by a metalized coating, the ceramic base being spatially structured.
US08980394B2	Resealable label A roll-fed label web for a resealable label includes a label ply and a material that permits non-destructive manipulation of the label ply. An individual resealable label is produced when the web is cut by a label application machine. The label further includes an active portion.
US08980389B2	Copolyesters and blends with improved recyclability, processes for their manufacture, and articles prepared therefrom Described as one aspect of the invention are extrusion blow molded articles comprising at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) about 90 to about 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) about 0 to about 10 mole % of aromatic and/or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: (i) about 42 to about 60 mole % ethylene glycol residues; and (ii) about 40 to about 58 mole % residues of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; and wherein the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.50 to 1.0 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.25 g/50 ml at 25° C.
US08980387B2	Method of coating a surface and article incorporating coated surface A method of coating a surface, preparing a doped metal-ion precursor solution for coating, and an article including a component coated by the described method are disclosed. The method of coating includes applying a fluoro-silane doped metal-ion precursor solution on the surface to form a coated surface. The metal-ion precursor solution includes greater than about 0.6 molar percent concentration of a metal-ion precursor in a solvent comprising an alcohol. The method of preparing the doped metal-ion precursor solution includes dissolving a metal-ion precursor in a solvent comprising an alcohol at a temperature greater than about 100° C. and refluxing at a temperature greater than about 150° C. such that the concentration of metal-ion precursor in the solution is greater than 0.6 molar percent of the solution, and adding a fluoro-silane to the metal-ion precursor solution.
US08980383B2	Wide temperature-range smectic liquid crystal materials A method of making a wide temperature-range smectic liquid crystal material comprises taking a wide temperature-range nematic mixture and doping this with a mesogenic silicon-containing material. Aspects of the invention provide wide temperature-range smectic materials and devices using the smectic materials.
US08980378B2	Method and system for coating a surface with a viscous one or plural component coating material There is provided a system and method to spray viscous coating materials comprising abrasive particles, such as Silicium Carbide. Such coating materials are e.g. advanced ceramic composites formulated to protect equipment from corrosion and erosion. In particular the method and the system is able to spray and evenly coat a surface with two component materials based on modified epoxy resin and aliphatic curing agent loaded with abrasive ceramic particles.
US08980376B2	Storage stable epoxy resin compositions for electrical laminates Epoxy resin compositions that include an epoxy resin component that includes at least one epoxy resin and a solvent blend that includes methyl ethyl ketone and glycol methyl ether acetate are provided. The compositions are well-suited for use in the fabrication of prepregs and composite electrical laminates made therefrom.
US08980373B2	Supported elastomeric glove with enhanced gripping surface and a method of transferring of patterns onto a dipped elastomeric glove surface A semi cured supported elastomeric glove with enhanced gripping surfaces achieved by the method of transferring of patterns by compression molding, including a plurality of concave indentations of any pattern and molded into the gripping surfaces of the semi cured glove.
US08980368B2	Process for the preparation of plates for lead-acid batteries To improve the procedure for producing plates for lead-acid batteries, it is proposed with the invention to expose the pasted plates to saturated steam in one phase of the procedure.
US08980362B2	Powdered beverage comprising fruit or vegetable pulp The present invention relates generally to the field of food and beverages. In particular, the present invention relates to a powdered beverage comprising fruit or vegetable pulp. Embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions comprising dry fruit or vegetable pulp and sugar powder, wherein the size of the sugar powder particles and pulp particles is selected in a way that, e.g., segregation of low density pulp particles is avoided during transportation and storage time.
US08980360B2	Fat and/or oil composition Provided is a fat or oil composition, comprising: (A) from 0.02 to 1.8 mass % of a free type triterpene alcohol; and (B) 1.4 mass % or less of a fatty acid ester type triterpene alcohol, in which a mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) ((A)/(B)) is larger than 1.
US08980359B2	Oil or fat composition A fat or oil composition comprising from 0.02 to 0.65 mass % of a free type triterpene alcohol and 0.18 mass % or less of a γ-oryzanol.
US08980355B2	Food product with filling The bulk density of food products with a center fill mat can be reduced by expanding the food strands making up the center fill mat. A method for producing food products with fillings having low bulk density includes preparing the food strands by passing dough through small holes, and enclosing the food strands by a first layer and a second layer.
US08980354B2	Frozen confectionery product and method of manufacture A process for making a frozen confectionery product by providing a mold with closed and opened ends in a refrigerated environment, filling the mold with a liquid mix to form a shell, removing non-solidified liquid mix from the mold, pressure-filling the shell in the mold with a frozen confection, inserting a stick in the frozen confection, removing the product from the mold and packing the resulting product. In such process, inclusions may be homogeneously distributed in the liquid mix or in the frozen confection or can be accumulated on the top of the frozen confection after filling the mold. The resulting product, a molded ice confectionery stick bar, is also an embodiment of the invention.
US08980353B2	Methods of making snack food products and products made thereby Methods of making low-fat or fat free snack food products, and products made according to the methods, in which food pieces are subjected to enzyme and/or cation treatment and/or specific cooking and/or drying techniques, to provide for snack food products having the texture, flavor, and other characteristics of conventional full-fat products.
US08980344B2	Skin care products containing multiple enhancers The present invention provides a skin care product comprising at least two enhancers and at least one skin care ingredient, wherein the at least two enhancers are selected from cyclodextrin, pentasodium pentetate, phytic acid, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium gluconate and sodium gluconate.
US08980339B1	Mammalian hair stimulant and growth formula Formulations for mammalian wellness including stimulating the growth and/or regrowth of mammalian hair are provided comprising colostrum and one or more of the following ingredients: lanolin, soap, such as castile soap, olive oil, chamomile oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Methods for the application of a formulation for stimulating the growth and/or regrowth of mammalian hair are also provided.
US08980321B2	Pharmaceutical compositions providing enhanced drug concentrations A drug in a solubility-improved form is combined with a concentration-enhancing polymer in a sufficient amount so that the combination provides substantially enhanced drug concentration in a use environment relative to a control comprising the same amount of the same solubility-improved form of drug without the concentration-enhancing polymer.
US08980320B2	Film coating agent for solid preparation, and solid preparation using same A film coating agent for a solid formulation includes a water-soluble cellulose derivative, swelling clay, a cationic surfactant, and a fatty acid, wherein mass ratio of the swelling clay to the water-soluble cellulose derivative is 2:8 to 8:2, and content of the cationic surfactant is not less than 0.5 equivalents and not more than 3.0 equivalents relative to a cation exchange equivalent of the swelling clay.
US08980316B2	Stable tablet containing droxidopa A tablet containing droxidopa as an active ingredient in a proportion of 20-80 wt % relative to the total weight of the tablet, and characteristically containing at least one excipient selected from mannitol, lactose, erythritol, glucose, sucrose, crystalline cellulose, and corn-derived starch is provided. In addition, a preparation containing corn-derived processed starch or polyvinyl alcohol as a binder and the like, which is a stable tablet containing droxidopa as an active ingredient, is provided.
US08980314B2	Enteric formulation of duloxetine and its core and preparation method An enteric formulation of duloxetine, its core and preparing method thereof are disclosed. The core comprises duloxetine or its salt and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The excipients include water-soluble hot melt materials selected from PEG, poloxamer, polyoxyl (40) stearate or their mixture. Based on the total weight of the core, the amount of water-soluble hot melt materials is 10%˜40% and the amount of duloxetine or its salt is 15˜60%. The core material is prepared by hot melt process. The enteric formulation comprises the core, a separating layer and an enteric layer.
US08980313B2	Disinfectant A disinfectant comprising the following (a), (b), (c) and (d), but no other microbicidal disinfecting agents intended for microbicidal disinfection:(a) 40 to 90% (w/w) of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or a mixture thereof;(b) 0.1 to 2% (w/w) of lactic acid;(c) 0.01 to 2% (w/w) of citric acid; and(d) 0.001 to 0.1% (w/w) of a zinc-containing compound which releases zinc ion in solution, relative to the whole disinfectant.
US08980307B2	Compositions and methods for the sustained release of beta-alanine Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the anaerobic working capacity of muscle and other tissues. Also provided are compositions formulated for the sustained release of free beta-alanine. Also provided is a dietary supplement formulated, for example, as a solid food product, an edible suspension, liquid or semi-liquid as described herein.
US08980306B2	Method and composition for enhancing milk production The present invention concerns a method of enhancing milk production by a ruminant that includes providing a feed that contains sorbitol and at least one additional feed component, and orally feeding the feed to the ruminant, the ruminant ingesting about 100 grams, or less, of sorbitol per day.
US08980299B2	Method of making a vascular closure device A method of making a biocompatible, implantable medical device, including a vascular closure device is disclosed. The method includes forming a biocompatible polymer into at least one fiber and randomly orienting the at least one fiber into a fibrous structure having at least one interstitial spaces. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as antibacterial agents. In such instances, at least one agent, in therapeutic dosage, is incorporated into at least one of the fibrous structure and the at least one fiber.
US08980297B2	Thermo-mechanically controlled implants and methods of use An implant comprises a structure that may be implanted into tissue and that has a first material property at normal body temperature. The first material property is variable at elevated temperatures above normal body temperature. The implant also has a plurality of particles dispersed in the structure that are adapted to convert incident radiation into heat energy when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. The particles are in thermal contact with the structure such that exposure of the particles to incident radiation raises the temperature of the structure thereby changing the first material property relative to the first material property at normal body temperature.
US08980295B2	Multifunctional in situ polymerized network via thiol-ene and thiol-maleimide chemistry Biomaterials that support cell attachment and growth are provided. In one aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising a first polymer matrix comprising reactive amino moieties and a second polymer matrix that interpenetrates with the first polymer matrix, where the second polymer matrix comprises a poly(alkylene oxide) comprising two or more alkylene oxide oligomers joined by gamma-thioether carbonyl linkages. In another aspect, biomaterials are provided comprising at least one biopolymer comprising amino groups, thiol groups, and bifunctional modifiers connecting at least some of the amino groups to at least some of the thiol groups; and at least one poly(alkylene oxide) cross-linked to at least two thiol groups of the biopolymer. The biomaterials may further comprise a pharmacologically active agent or cells. Methods of administering such biomaterials to a patient in need thereof are also provided.
US08980293B2	Cosmetic composition containing retinol stabilized by porous polymer beads and nanoemulsion The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing retinol (Vitamin A), an unstable fat-soluble material, to use the same in cosmetics. The present invention provides an anti-inflammatory and skin wrinkle reducing cosmetic composition containing retinol stabilized by nano-emulsification, wherein a retinol polymer nanocapsule formed by capturing retinol with porous polymer particles is nano-emulsified by a mung bean MCT (medium chain triglyceride) extract and lecithin for stabilizing retinol.
US08980292B2	Conditioner compositions with increased deposition of polyacrylate microcapsules A conditioner composition that increases the deposition and retention of benefit agent containing polyacrylate microcapsules onto hair. The conditioner composition is based on the combination of anionic charged polyacrylate microcapsules, deposition aids, conditioner agents, and a carrier.
US08980289B2	Intestine immunomodulator The purpose of the present invention is to provide a better intestine immunomodulator. The intestine immunomodulator of the present invention comprises bacterial cells or a bacterial component of a Lactobacillus paracasei K71 strain having an international deposit No.: FERM BP-11098 as an active ingredient. Preferably, the intestine immunomodulator is used to facilitate production of secretory immunoglobulin A or to activate natural killer cells.
US08980288B2	Emulsion vaccine compositions comprising antigen and adjuvant in the aqueous phase Emulsion vaccine formulations containing an antigen and an adjuvant in the aqueous phase are used for the vaccination of animals wherein the adjuvant is an acrylic polymer and/or dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA). These formulations can be prepared by mixing an aqueous phase containing the antigen and adjuvant with an oil phase in the presence of an emulsifier.
US08980286B2	Multiple variants of meningococcal protein NBM1870 Meningococcal protein NMB 1870 has been described in the prior art. The inventors have found that NMB 1870 is an effective antigen for eliciting anti-meningococcal antibody responses, and that it is expressed across all meningococcal serogroups. Forty-two different NMB 1870 sequences have been identified, and these group into three variants. Serum raised against a given variant is bactericidal within the same variant group, but is not active against strains which express one of the other two variants i.e. there is intra-variant cross-protection, but not inter-variant cross-protection. For maximum cross-strain efficacy, therefore, the invention uses mixture comprising different variants of NMB 1870.
US08980281B2	High-yield transgenic mammalian expression system for generating virus-like particles Virus-like particles (VLPs) of mammalian-hosted viruses, such as SARS-CoV and influenza viruses, have been recombinantly produced from Vero cells. The VLPs closely emulate the exterior of authentic virus particles and are highly immunogenic. They can elicit not only humoral but also cellular immune responses in a mammal. Compositions and methods related to the VLPs are also described.
US08980280B2	Recombinant feline leukemia virus vaccine containing optimized feline leukemia virus envelope gene The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.
US08980279B2	Personalized site-specific immunomodulation The invention provides methods of treating inflammation in a specific organ or tissue of an individual. The method involves determining whether the individual has previously been infected with at least one pathogen that is pathogenic in the specific organ or tissue; and administering to the individual an anti-inflammatory composition comprising antigenic determinants, the antigenic determinants selected or formulated so that together they are specific for the at least one pathogen. The pathogen may be an endogenous or exogenous pathogen, and may further be a bacterial pathogen, a viral pathogen, a fungal pathogen, a protozoan pathogen, or a helminth pathogen.
US08980276B2	Conjugates for the prevention or treatment of nicotine addiction The present invention relates in part to nicotine-derived hapten-carrier conjugates of the formula (III): wherein m, n, W, -(spacer)-, X* and Y are as defined in the description. In certain embodiments, said nicotine-derived hapten-carrier conjugates can be used to prepare vaccines for the treatment and/or prevention of nicotine addiction.
US08980270B2	Methods of treating a tauopathy The present disclosure provides methods of treating a tauopathy, involving administering an anti-Tau antibody. The present disclosure also provides anti-Tau antibodies, and formulations comprising same, for use in the methods.
US08980268B2	Methods for treating cancer by administering an anti-Ang-2 antibody The present invention provides antibodies that bind to angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human Ang-2. The antibodies of the invention are useful, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with one or more Ang-2 biological activities including angiogenesis.
US08980267B2	Engineered antibody-interferon mutant fusion molecules The field of the present invention relates to genetically engineered fusion molecules, methods of making said fusion molecules, and uses thereof in anti-tumor immunotherapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to fusion molecule constructs wherein a tumor associated antigen (TAA) antibody (Ab) serves as a targeting moiety to selectively deliver a cytokine to a tumor cell for purposes of killing or inhibiting the growth or proliferation of said tumor cell. In various embodiments, the engineered fusion molecules comprise a TAA Ab fused to an interferon-alpha (IFN-α) mutant molecule. The engineered Ab-IFN-α mutant fusion molecules of the present invention demonstrate improved therapeutic index and preserved or increased efficacy as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-α fusion molecules, and/or demonstrate improved PK properties as compared to Ab-wildtype IFN-α fusion molecules.
US08980265B2	Site-specific antibody-mediated activation of proapoptotic cytokines: AMAIZEe (antibody-mediated apoptosis inducing cytokines) Subject matter of the invention are antibody-cytokine fusion proteins having proapoptotic and immune modulating properties, but wherein the cytokine moiety a priori has a bioactivity which is very low or restricted to certain receptor subtypes. These reagent exert their full biological activity via the corresponding cytokine receptor(s) only after antibody-mediated binding of the fusion protein to a specific cell membrane-expressed target molecule. By suitable choice of the antibody specificity, the cytokine activity is directed to the tissue, e.g. tumor tissue, to be treated, and a therapeutic agent can be produced being specifically designed/optimized for the respective indication/tumor entity.
US08980264B2	Mouse anti-Aggrus monoclonal antibodies The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or a functional fragment thereof, capable of recognizing Aggrus epitope that includes an amino-acid sequence represented by a sequence ID 1, 3, or 4, and the monoclonal antibody or the functional fragment thereof produced from a hybridoma with accession number of FERM BP-11446, FERM BP-11447, FERM BP-11448 or FERM BP-11449. The present invention provides the hybridoma, and further an Aggrus-CLEC-2 binding inhibitor and a pharmaceutical composition for inhibition of platelet aggregation, prevention of cancer metastasis, or treatment of tumor or cancer, including the monoclonal antibody or the functional fragment thereof.
US08980262B2	Humanized anti-CXCR5 antibodies, derivatives thereof and their use The present invention relates to humanized antibodies that specifically bind to CXCR5 and can, for example, inhibit CXCR5 function. The invention also includes uses of the antibodies to treat or prevent CXCR5 related diseases or disorders.
US08980255B2	Treatment of autoimmune disease by modulating annexin-1 (lipocortin 1) The present invention provides a specific binding molecule which binds to Annexin-1 (Anx-A1) for use in the treatment of T cell-mediated disease.
US08980254B2	Formulation for oral administration of proteins Pharmaceutical formulations of orally administered proteins can be stabilized from oxidative degradation and inactivation in the stomach and GI tract by the addition of an antioxidant.
US08980248B2	Injectable polymer composition for use as a cell delivery vehicle This invention provides a polymer composition comprising at least one thermal gelling polymer and at least one anionic polymer for cell delivery applications. These injectable polymer compositions are shear-thinning, thixotropic and resorbable. More specifically there is described a hyaluronan (HA) and methylcellulose (MC) based thermogelling cell delivery system (HAMC) that promotes cell survival both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, HAMC (relative to media alone) enhances survival of transplanted stem/progenitor cells in the injured CNS. HAMC provides a minimally-invasive cell delivery strategy where the microenvironment can be further defined and the differentiation and regenerative capacity further explored. This hydrogel system has applications for minimally-invasive cell delivery to other tissues/organs in the body as well.
US08980245B2	PEG-interferon λ1 conjugates and methods of treating viral infections The present application discloses new PEG-interferon lambda 1 conjugates (PEG-IFNλ1), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and processes for making the same. These conjugates have increased blood half-lives and persistence time compared to IFNλ1 and are effective in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
US08980243B2	Surface active agent compositions and methods for enhancing oxygenation, reducing bacteria and improving wound healing at a site of treatment This present invention relates generally to the use of novel formulations comprising a surface active polymer to enhance oxygenation in skin and other soft tissue. The present invention also discloses formulations that can be used to improve clinical outlook and reducing bacteria. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed.
US08980242B2	Aliphatic prodrug linker A polymeric prodrug is described which comprises at least one polymer attached via at least one permanent bond to a bicine linker. The bicine linker is attached via a temporary linkage to an amine containing biologically active moiety. The amine containing biologically active moiety—such as a drug—can be released by cleaving the temporary linkage.
US08980239B2	Personal care compositions and methods of making same The present invention relates to a personal care composition and methods of using the same, the composition including an anionic surfactant, a cationic conditioning polymer, and a silicone emulsion wherein a total content of a cyclic polysiloxane having a general formula: is present in the silicone emulsion in an amount less than 2.5 wt % based on the total weight of all polysiloxanes, R is a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C10 alkyl or aryl, wherein m is 4 or 5, wherein the composition forms coacervate particles upon dilution with water, and wherein a percentage of the coacervate particles with a floc size of greater than about 20 micron is from about 1% to about 60% upon dilution with water.
US08980236B2	Depilatory composition A depilatory composition comprising glucose syrup and a viscosity modifier comprising dextrose powder and/or crystals.
US08980232B2	Dental care product A dental care product comprises an orally acceptable carrier or excipient, and a bacterial resistance copolymer, which comprises a zwitterionic block and a charged anchoring block, wherein the anchoring block binds to tooth surfaces by electrostatic attraction, and the zwitterionic block extends outwardly to reduce the attachment of bacteria to tooth surfaces.
US08980228B2	Dermal rejuvenation compositions and methods The present invention relates, e.g., to a system for treating damaged skin, comprising a cosmeceutical formulation comprising about 1-10% of a mixture of perfluorocarbons (PFC's) of at least three different molecular weights, and about 0.001-5% hyaluronic acid (HA) of molecular weight about 100 kDa or less, packaged in an aerosol spray container.
US08980227B2	Dermal rejuvenation compositions and methods The present invention relates, e.g., to a system for treating damaged skin, comprising a cosmeceutical formulation comprising about 1-10% of a mixture of perfluorocarbons (PFC's) of at least three different molecular weights, and about 0.001-5% hyaluronic acid (HA) of molecular weight about 100 kDa or less, packaged in an aerosol spray container.
US08980224B2	Method of cardiac imaging The invention relates to a method of cardiac imaging using hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate as MR imaging agent, which allows determination of the viability of cells in the myocardium.
US08980216B2	Covalently functionalized carbon nanostructures and methods for their separation The present invention is directed to carbon nanostructures, e.g., carbon nanotubes, methods of covalently functionalizing carbon nanostructures, and methods of separating and isolating covalently functionalized carbon. In some embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with alkylating agents to provide water soluble covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes. In other embodiments, carbon nanotubes are reacted with a thermally-responsive agent and exposed to light in order to separate carbon nanotubes of a specific chirality from a mixture of carbon nanotubes.
US08980213B2	Ceramic materials for gas separation and oxygen storage A manganese oxide contains M1, optionally M2, Mn and O. M1 is selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. M2 is different from M1, and M2 is selected from the group consisting of Bi, In, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. These ceramic materials are hexagonal in structure, and provide superior materials for gas separation and oxygen storage.
US08980212B1	Flue gas stream bypass during selective catalytic reduction in a power plant A system includes a selective catalytic reactor and a bypass line. The selective catalytic reactor is located downstream of a furnace that generates flue gases. The selective catalytic reactor reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen. The bypass line is in fluid communication with the selective catalytic reactor. The bypass line contacts an input line to the selective catalytic reactor, where the bypass line is adapted to handle a volume of flue gases diverted from the selective catalytic reactor. A first control damper is disposed at an inlet to the selective catalytic reactor; and a second control damper is disposed at an inlet to the bypass line. The first control damper and the second control damper interact to divide the flue gas stream between the selective catalytic reactor and the bypass line in a ratio to reduce the amount of sulfur trioxide released from the system to a desirable value.
US08980211B2	Method for the capture and disposal of carbon dioxide in an energy conversion process An energy conversion process that exports by-product CO2 at elevated pressure where a fuel gas feed stream is mixed with a reactant stream and additional CO2 is added to at least part of, the fuel gas feed stream, the reactant stream or both through desorption by contacting with a CO2-rich solvent stream in a first stage contactor to produce a mixed feed gas stream and a CO2-lean solvent stream; passing said mixed feed gas stream to a chemical conversion step, where further CO2 is produced; chilling at least part of the products of said chemical conversion step and thereby produce a CO2-lean gas stream; and passing at least part of said CO2-lean gas stream said to a second stage contactor where further CO2 is removed, by absorption, to produce a product gas stream and a solvent stream rich in CO2 from which said CO2-rich solvent stream is subsequently derived.
US08980205B1	Method for reducing the mercury (Hg) and other metal emissions from a plant for manufacturing cement clinker and other industrial processes A method and plant for reducing mercury (Hg) and other metal emissions including injecting a chemical reagent into the process in such a way as to convert elemental mercury into a mercury compound that is more readily captured using normal particulate control equipment associated with kilns, smelters, furnaces, and boilers of cement plants and other industrial plants.
US08980203B1	Process for obtaining highly pure litharge from lead acid battery paste The present invention relates to the recovery of high purity litharge from spent lead acid battery paste at a low temperature which does not produce sulfur dioxide. In the process lead acetate or other lead salt is produced which is converted to high purity litharge by precipitation with a base.
US08980201B2	Apparatus and process for three-phase reaction A system and process for removing catalyst fines from a gas stream overhead the slurry in a Fischer-Tropsch slurry bubble column reactor. The gas phase at the top of the slurry bubble column reactor containing small amounts of entrained liquid and catalyst particles. The unreacted gases are passed through a demister, which removes larger droplets and catalyst particles. Smaller droplets and catalyst fines are conveyed to a secondary gas cleaner, such as a cyclone, whereby substantially all remaining particles are removed from the gas phase. A particle-containing liquid produced in the secondary gas cleaner can be further subjected to a filtrate cleaning unit to filter out fine catalyst particles and produce a substantially particle-free liquid product stream and a slurry stream of liquid product containing catalyst particles.
US08980198B2	Filler fluids for droplet operations The present invention relates to filler fluids for droplet operations. According to one embodiment of this aspect, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a first substrate comprising electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; (b) a second substrate spaced from the surface of the substrate by a distance sufficient to define an interior volume between the first substrate and second substrate, wherein the distance is sufficient to contain a droplet disposed in the space on the first substrate; and (c) a droplet arranged in the interior volume and arranged with respect to the electrodes in a manner which permits droplet operations to be effected on the droplet using the electrodes.
US08980194B2	Stacked catalyst bed for Fischer-Tropsch The present invention pertains to a reactor tube comprising a fixed bed of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles, wherein the catalyst particles in 5% to 40% of the fixed bed volume at the upstream end have an average outer surface to volume ratio (S/V) in the range of between 3.0 to 4.5 mm−1, and the catalyst particles in the remaining fixed bed volume have an average outer surface to volume ratio (S/V) in the range of between 4.5 to 8.0 mm−1, and wherein the difference between the average S/V of the particles at the upstream end and the average S/V of the particles in the remaining fixed bed volume is at least 0.5 mm−1.
US08980191B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing trichlorosilane An apparatus 1 for manufacturing trichlorosilane includes a decomposition furnace 2 into which polymers and hydrogen chloride are introduced, the decomposition furnace 2 includes: a heating device 11 which heats an interior of the decomposition furnace 2; a reaction chamber 4 which is formed in the decomposition furnace; a center tube 3 which is inserted in the reaction chamber 4 along a longitudinal direction of the reaction chamber and has a lower-end opening portion 3a; raw-material-supply pipes 5 and 6 which supplies the polymer and the hydrogen chloride to the reaction chamber 4 at an exterior of the center tube 3; and a gas-discharge pipe 7 which leads out reacted gas from the center tube 3, the apparatus 1 further includes a fin 14 that leads the polymer and the hydrogen chloride to the lower-end opening portion 3a of the center tube 3 so as to stir the polymer and the hydrogen chloride.
US08980190B2	Plasma generation and use of plasma generation apparatus A plasma generating apparatus comprises a first, powered electrode and a second electrode structure located in front of the first electrode. An insulating layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode structure. The second electrode structure has a plurality of second electrode portions defining gap portions therebetween. The width of the gap portions is w. The second electrode portions each have a forward surface and the gap portions each having a forward surface, the height difference between the forward surface of each second electrode portion and the forward surfaces of the adjacent gap portions being h, and wherein h is at most 1 mm and the ratio w/h is at least 1. Thus, the forward surfaces of the second electrode portions and the forward surfaces of the gap portions together provide a smooth topography. The plasma generated by the apparatus (in air or other oxygen-containing gas) forms ozone, which can be used to treat foodstuffs, for example. The smooth topography allows substantially all of the plasma to be generated inside a package whose wall is pressed towards the second electrode structure.
US08980188B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a case having at least one storage compartment for low temperature storage, a lighting source arranged in the at least one storage compartment to generate a sanitation wavelength, a location controller configured to control a location of the lighting source, and a controller configured to control operation of the location controller.
US08980187B2	Diesel particulate filters having a washcoat that improves filter performance Aspects of the invention include Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) that include a layer of inert particles some of which are in contact with a catalyst and are associated with the surface of the filter. Particles associated with the inlet side of the filter are sized such that they coat portions of the inlet surface and portions of the channels that connect the inlet surface to the wall separating the inlet surface from the outlet surface. In some aspects the particles comprise alumina of between about 1.0 microns to about 40.0 microns and colloidal alumina particles that are between about 1.0 nm to about 10.0 nm. The coating is applied by contacting the filter body especially the inlet channels of the filter body with a washout that includes the different sized particles and at least one catalyst that facilitates the conversion of soot particles into gases.
US08980182B2	Reactor control A liquid phase reactor comprising a screw within a barrel, the screw and barrel being relatively rotatable and defining a mixing zone therebetween, the barrel having at least two inlets for introduction of components for mixing into the barrel and an outlet for discharge of a product of mixing from the barrel, the screw comprising a spiral groove whereby relative rotation of the screw and barrel is adapted to axially transport the components between the screw and barrel while mixing the components and to extrude the product through the outlet, wherein the reactor is adapted to achieve a substantially constant flow ratio of components into the barrel during operation of the reactor.
US08980181B2	Ammonia generating and delivery apparatus An ammonia generating and delivery apparatus generating ammonia by heating a precursor material with a heating device controlled by a temperature pulse controller which receives commands from a pressure controller, and delivering ammonia with a flow rate controlled by a three-stage PWM controller. The temperature pulse controller is used in a first feedback loop to create a temperature pulse sequence at a surface of the heating device. A pressure controller in a second feedback loop provides duty-cycle commands to the temperature pulse controller, while in delivering ammonia, effects of pressure variation to delivery accuracy are compensated in the three-stage PWM controller, which includes a flow-rate feedback loop. The ammonia generating and delivery apparatus can also include two containers, in which the precursor material in one container is charged and discharged according to the capability of the other container in generating ammonia.
US08980172B1	Automatic odor control system and method and related sensor module An odor control system includes a controlling gas source, a gas sensor module for detecting a dominant gas, the gas sensor module, a sample conduit, and an electronic control unit. The controlling gas source supplies a controlling gas to react with a foul air gas in a foul air volume. The gas sensor module for detects a dominant gas and generates a detection signal. The sample conduit routes reacted gas from the four air gas volume to the gas sensor module. The electronic control unit is configured to receive the detection signal from the gas sensor module and to automatically control the controlling gas source in response thereto. The detection signal has a signal direction relative to a signal baseline set such that the signal direction will differ depending on whether the controlling gas or the foul air gas is the dominant gas.
US08980169B2	High-purity lanthanum, sputtering target comprising high-purity lanthanum, and metal gate film mainly comprising high-purity lanthanum Provided are high-purity lanthanum, wherein the purity excluding rare-earth elements and gas components is 4N or higher, and amounts of aluminum, iron and copper in the lanthanum are respectively 100 wtppm or less; as well as high-purity lanthanum, wherein the purity excluding rare-earth elements and gas components is 4N or higher, amounts of aluminum, iron and copper in the lanthanum are respectively 100 wtppm or less, oxygen content is 1500 wtppm or less, elements of alkali metals and alkali earth metals are respectively 1 wtppm or less, elements of transition metals and high-melting-point metals other than those above are respectively 10 wtppm or less, and radioactive elements are respectively 10 wtppb or less. The invention aims to provide technology capable of efficiently and stably providing high-purity lanthanum, a sputtering target comprising high-purity lanthanum, and a thin film for metal gate mainly comprising high-purity lanthanum.
US08980166B2	Method for producing a semifinished product and semifinished product for electrical contacts and contact piece The invention relates to a method for producing a strand-like, particularly band-like semi-finished part for electrical contacts, wherein the semi-finished part has a top side intended for making the electrical contact, said top side made from a silver-based composite material in which one or multiple metal oxides or carbon are embedded, and has a carrier layer supporting the composite material made of silver or a silver-based alloy, said method having the following steps: Powder-metallurgic production of a block made from the silver-based composite material, encasing of the block made of the composite material with a powder made primarily of silver, compressing the block, encased by the metal powder, to condense the metal powder, sintering the compressed block, reshaping the sintered block by extrusion pressing, creating a partial strand with a top side made from composite material and a bottom side made from silver or a silver-based alloy.
US08980160B2	Label film for deep drawing methods The invention relates to a method for producing a labeled container which uses deep drawing, in which a label which is cut to size is laid in a mold and a deep-drawable thick film is heated using heating elements to a temperature at which the polymer is thermoplastically deformable and subsequently the film is drawn into a mold using a molding tool or pneumatically, so that the film is tailored to the mold and a container is molded and simultaneously the inserted label is applied, wherein the label comprises a biaxially oriented film having a microporous layer, which has an open-pored, net-like structure, which was generated during the production of the film by converting β-crystalline polypropylene into alpha-crystalline polypropylene during the stretching, the microporous layer facing toward the container.
US08980159B2	Methods for making artificial ligaments and tendons Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.
US08980158B2	Near field electrospinning system for continuous, aligned fiber tows A near field electrospinning system includes a spinneret that provides a plurality of fibers and a collector positioned relative to the plurality of spinnerets. The electrospinning system also includes a coagulant flowing along the collector. The coagulant is configured to receive a plurality of fibers from the spinneret(s) and move the plurality of fibers away from the spinneret(s). The electrospinning system also includes a roller configured to collect the plurality of fibers from the coagulant as a substantially untwisted bundle of continuous fibers.
US08980157B2	Method and apparatus for aseptic moulding of containers of plastic material Method for aseptic molding of containers (2) of plastic material, comprising the steps of: heating parisons (4) of plastic material; sterilizing the parisons (5) by means of soft X-rays inside an advancing tunnel (7) after heating them and before molding them; blowing the heated and sterilized parisons (4) in such a way as to obtain the containers.
US08980147B2	Kneading apparatus, method for producing thermoplastic resin molded product, and foam injection molding method A kneading apparatus for a thermoplastic resin, includes: a plasticizing cylinder which has a high pressure kneading zone and a pressure reduction zone; a screw in the plasticizing cylinder; a downstream side seal mechanism which shuts off communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone; and a pressure reduction zone pressure adjusting mechanism which is connected to the pressure reduction zone and which controls a pressure of the pressure reduction zone so that the pressure is not less than an atmospheric pressure and the pressure is not more than a maximum pressure of the high pressure kneading zone that is achieved when kneading a molten resin with a pressurized fluid, when the downstream side seal mechanism shuts off the communication between the high pressure kneading zone and the pressure reduction zone.
US08980146B2	Injection molding machines and methods for accounting for changes in material properties during injection molding runs A method and a machine that account for changes in material properties of molten plastic material during an injection run. If viscosity of the molten plastic material changes during an injection run, a controller alters an injection pressure to ensure that molten plastic material fills a mold cavity within a correct amount of time to prevent part flaws such as short shots or flashing.
US08980141B2	Electrowetting elements A dye for a fluid of an electrowetting element, the dye having a general formula selected from the group consisting of: wherein Q has the general formula: -Het1R1 or -Het1R1R2; V has the general formula: -Het2R3 or -Het2R3R4; Het1 and Het2 are heteroatoms; R1 and R3 are H; R2 and R4 are any functional group; T and U are any functional group; W, X, Y and Z are H or an alkyl group; and F, G, L and M are H or an alkyl group, and with the proviso that the dye does not have the general formula: The present invention further relates to a fluid comprising a dye of the present invention, an electrowetting element and an optical display device comprising the fluid, and a use of the dye to reduce photo-bleaching.
US08980135B2	Electroconductive particle, visible light transmitting particle-dispersed electrical conductor and manufacturing method thereof, transparent electroconductive thin film and manufacturing method thereof, transparent electroconductive article that uses the same, and infrared-shielding article An object of the present invention is to provide an infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion that has a property whereby visible light is adequately transmitted, and light in the near-infrared region is adequately shielded; an infrared-shielding body manufactured using the infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion; a method for manufacturing infrared-shielding nanoparticles that are used in the infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion; and infrared-shielding nanoparticles manufactured using the method for manufacturing infrared-shielding nanoparticles. The present invention is a method for manufacturing infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion obtained by dispersing infrared-shielding nanoparticles in a medium, an infrared-shielding body manufactured by using the infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion, and infrared-shielding nanoparticles used in the infrared-shielding nanoparticle dispersion, wherein the infrared-shielding nanoparticles include a substance expressed by the general formula MXAYW(1-Y)O3 (where M is one or more elements selected from H, He, alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, rare earth elements, Mg, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sb, B, F, P, S, Se, Br, Te, Ti, Nb, V, Mo, Ta, Re, Be, Hf, Os, Bi, and I; A is one or more elements selected from Mo, Nb, Ta, Mn, V, Re, Pt, Pd, and Ti; W is tungsten; O is oxygen; 0
US08980133B2	Semiconductor nanocrystals and compositions and devices including same A semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting light with an improved photoluminescence quantum efficiency. The present invention further relates to compositions and devices including semiconductor nanocrystals capable of emitting light with an improved photoluminescence quantum efficiency. A semiconductor nanocrystal wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal is capable of emitting light with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency greater than about 50% upon excitation and including a maximum peak emission with a FWHM less than 20 nm is disclosed. Also disclosed are a device, a population of semiconductor nanocrystals, and a composition including a semiconductor nanocrystal wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal is capable of emitting light with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency greater than about 50% upon excitation and including a maximum peak emission with a FWHM less than 20 nm. A semiconductor nanocrystal that is capable of emitting light upon excitation with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency greater than about 90%. Also disclosed are a device, a population, and a composition including a semiconductor nanocrystal.
US08980132B2	Borosilicate luminescent material and preparing method thereof Provided are a luminescent material and a preparing method thereof. The borosilicate luminescent material has a chemical formula of aM2O.bLn2O3.cAl2O3.dR2O3.eSiO2.fCeO2.gTb2O3 or aMO.bLn2O3.cAl2O3.dR2O3.eSiO2.fCeO2.gTb2O3, wherein M is alkaline earth metal or alkali metal, Ln is one or two elements selected from the group consisting of elements Y and Gd; R is one or two elements selected from the group consisting of elements B and P; a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are molar fractions, and 6≦a≦20, 3≦b≦12, 20≦c≦30, 32≦d≦45, 0≦e≦12, 0.01≦f≦1, and 0.05≦g≦1.5. The preparing methods comprises the following steps: 1) selecting source compounds of above elements; 2) mixing and grinding the source compounds to obtain a mixture; 3) presintering the mixture, then grinding the mixture; 4) sintering under reducing atmosphere, and cooling, thereby obtaining the luminescent material.
US08980127B2	Method for producing 3,7-diaza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-metal complex solutions The invention relates to a method for producing homogeneous solutions of metal complexes of general formula (2): [MaLxXn]Ym, where M is a metal from the group comprising Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), Fe(III), Fe(III) or Fe(IV), X is a coordinated compound selected from mono- bi- or tri-charged anions or neutral molecules which are able to coordinate with a metal mono- bi- or tri-dentate, Y is a non-coordinated counter-ion which ensures charge equalization of the complex, L is a ligand of general formula (1) or the protonized or de-protonized form thereof, and a, x, n, m, R, R1, R2, R3 and z are as specified in claim 1, in diols or polyols, the monoethers or mixtures of said substances. Said method is characterized in that a ligand of the formula (1) is reacted with an iron or manganese salt in a heterogeneous reaction in the diol or polyol, the monoethers or mixtures of these substances.
US08980126B2	Electrode material and method for manufacturing power storage device To provide a power storage device including an electrode material having a large capacity. First heat treatment is performed on a mixture of a compound containing lithium; a compound containing a metal element selected from manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel; and a compound containing phosphorus. A cleaning step is performed on the mixture subjected to the first heat treatment. Second heat treatment is performed on the mixture subjected to the cleaning step, so that a lithium phosphate compound is produced. With the use of the lithium phosphate compound, an electrode is formed.
US08980124B2	Aromatic compound gelling agent having perfluoroalkyl group Aromatic compounds having a perfluoroalkyl group and a gelling agent for gelling an organic liquid which is composed of any one of them. This gelling agent can gel many kinds of organic liquids by adding a small amount thereof.
US08980118B2	Heat transfer compositions and methods Compositions, methods and systems which comprise or utilize a multi-component mixture comprising: (a) HFC-32; (b) HFC-125; (c) HFO-1234yf and/or HFO-1234ze; (d) HFC-134a. In certain non-limiting aspects, such refrigerants may be used as a replacement for R-404A.
US08980116B2	Ferrite sintered magnet A sintered ferrite magnet having a ferrite phase with a hexagonal structure as the main phase, wherein the composition of the metal elements composing the main phase is represented by the following general formula (1): RxCamA1−x−m(Fe12−yMy)z: (1), x, m, y and z in formula (1) satisfying all of the conditions represented by the following formulas (2)-(6): 0.2≦x≦0.5: (2) 0.13≦m≦0.41: (3) 0.7x−m≦0.15: (4) 0.18≦yz≦0.31: (5) 9.6≦12z≦11.8: (6), and wherein the density of the sintered ferrite magnet is at least 5.05 g/cm3, and the crystal grains of the sintered ferrite magnet satisfy all of the conditions represented by the following formulas (7) and (8), where L μm is the average for the maximum value and S μm is the average for the minimum value among the diameters passing through the center of gravity of each grains in the crystal cross-section parallel to the c-axis direction of hexagonal structures. L≦0.95: (7) 1.8≦L/S≦2.5: (8).
US08980115B2	Cover glass for electronic devices A cover glass element can extend to the edges of an electronic device while maintaining the optical flatness and thickness needed for the cover glass. A first glass sheet with the desired thickness and flatness can be thermally bonded to a second glass sheet machined to include an opening to be received by the edges of the electronic device. The resulting three-dimensional cover element forms a uni-body frame that is significantly stiffer than a single sheet of glass, and the larger surface area of the edge provides for enhances pressure distribution, particularly after chemical strengthening, thus enhancing the durability of the electronic device. Further, the thermal bonding process uses lower temperatures than processes such as slumping or pressing, which could potentially affect the flatness and optical clarity of the original sheet glass.
US08980113B2	Chemical mechanical planarization using nanodiamond A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate includes polishing the substrate at a stock removal rate of greater than about 2.5 Å/min to achieve a Ra of not greater than about 5.0 Å. The substrate can be a III-V substrate or a SiC substrate. The polishing utilizes a chemical mechanical polishing slurry comprising ultra-dispersed diamonds and at least 80 wt % water.
US08980109B1	Method for providing a magnetic recording transducer using a combined main pole and side shield CMP for a wraparound shield scheme A method fabricates a magnetic transducer having a nonmagnetic layer and an ABS location corresponding to an ABS. A pole trench is provided in the nonmagnetic layer. The pole trench has a pole tip region and a yoke region. At least one pole material is provided. The pole material(s) have an external protrusion that is above and external to the pole trench. A hard mask that covers at least the external protrusion is provided. A portion of the nonmagnetic layer adjacent to the pole trench is removed to form a side shield trench. At least one side shield material is provided. A portion of the side shield material(s) are adjacent to the hard mask and fill at least a portion of the side shield trench. The side shield material(s) and the pole material(s) are planarized to form at least one side shield and a main pole.
US08980108B1	Method for integrated circuit fabrication Provided is an integrated circuit (IC) fabrication method. The method includes receiving a mask, the mask having a plurality of dies and receiving a wafer, the wafer having a resist layer. The method further includes exposing the resist layer using the mask with a fraction radiation dose thereby forming a first plurality of images; re-positioning the mask relative to the wafer; and exposing the resist layer using the mask with another fraction radiation dose. A second plurality of images is formed, wherein a portion of the second plurality of images is superimposed over another portion of the first plurality of images.
US08980105B2	Personal advanced oxidation water treatment system A portable, personal advanced-oxidation water treatment system based on ozone and a catalyst such as titanium dioxide that can cycle and purify water to make it portable by removing organic contaminants. The unit can be used for long periods of time without having to replenish the active portions. The unit can be carried in a backpack or in a vehicle. Fresh water is typically loaded into the unit, and the unit is cycled until the water is pure enough to drink. A battery is used to produce ozone and to cycle the water through a reaction vessel and can optionally be charged with a small solar panel The unit can also be powered directly from a vehicle.
US08980104B2	Activated carbon cloth-supported bimetallic Pd-Cu catalysts for nitrate removal from water An activated carbon cloth-supported bimetallic Pd—Cu nanocatalyst is disclosed comprising about 1 wt % Pd and about 0.35-0.45 wt % Cu and having a surface Cu/Pd metal ratio of about 8-10 m2/m2. The nanocatalyst is capable of removing nitrate and/or nitrite from wastewater with a high selectivity to nitrogen.
US08980103B2	Ballast water treatment system having a back-pressure formation part and control method thereof Disclosed herein are a ballast water treatment system having a back-pressure formation unit and a control method thereof. Back pressure in a filtering unit is checked and formed during a back washing operation for a filter of a filtering unit, thus enabling efficient back washing operation. Both a method of physically filtering ballast water using the filter and a method of sterilizing ballast water using ultraviolet rays are used to treat ballast water, thus preventing secondary contamination due to byproducts, and preventing the contamination of a ballast tank. A flow rate of ballast water introduced into an ultraviolet treatment unit is controlled such that the efficiency of the ultraviolet treatment unit is not reduced, while back pressure is formed in the filtering unit, thus increasing the overall treatment efficiency of the ballast water treatment system. Further, the filtering unit or the ultraviolet treatment unit may be automatically washed.
US08980102B2	Cooking medium systems having a single fill manifold, and methods of supplying a cooking medium using such systems A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes one or more cooking vessels. The system also includes a drain manifold in fluid communication with the cooking vessel, and a fill manifold having input valves, and output valves in fluid communication with a corresponding cooking vessel. A first flow path is connected to the fill manifold. A filter container selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold. A filter pump is positioned between the filter container and the fill manifold and conveys a recycled cooking medium. An overflow pump selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold via a second flow path and a portion of the first flow path. The overflow pump conveys a new cooking medium to the fill manifold. The first flow path conveys one of the recycled cooking medium and the new cooking medium to the fill manifold.
US08980101B2	Method for inhibiting scale formation and deposition in membrane systems via the use of an AA-AMPS copolymer A method of inhibiting scale formation and deposition from a feed stream passing through a membrane system is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) controlling the pH of said feed stream within the range between about 7.0 and about 8.2; (b) optionally controlling the temperature of said feed stream within the range between about 5° C. to about 40° C. when the membrane system is an RO system, a NF system, an ED system, an EDI system or a combination thereof; (c) optionally controlling the temperature of said feed stream within the range between about 40° C. and about 80° C. when the membrane system is an MD system; and (d) adding an effective amount of a scale inhibitor to said feed stream, said scale inhibitor comprises an AA-AMPS copolymer.
US08980099B2	Magnetic extractants, method of making and using the same A water treatment composition capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants from water is described. The composition includes magnetic extractants, which comprise magnetite nanoparticles containing functional groups. The composition is used to remove from water and aqueous streams oils and other contaminants. A process for removing contaminants from water and apparatus used in the process are also described.
US08980098B2	Rechargeable surface active porous media for removal of organic materials from aqueous fluids Organic material may be removed from a fluid, such as an aqueous fluid, by contacting the fluid with a surface active porous medium. The surface active porous medium includes a bed of substrate particles (e.g. sand), at least a partial coating of nanoparticles on the substrate bed, and a plurality of absorbing particles fixated on the nanoparticles. The absorbing particles may include, but are not necessarily limited to, coal fines, activated carbon, activated charcoal, activated coal and combinations thereof. The surface active porous medium may be regenerated by contacting the surface active porous medium with an acid solution to substantially remove the organic materials therefrom.
US08980093B2	Multicapillary device for sample preparation A multicapillary sample preparation device, especially useful for handling biological samples, comprising a plurality of uniform capillary tubes coated with a stationary phase, and arranged in a monolithic element. The multicapillary device is suitable for attachment to a pipette, micropipette, syringe, or other analytical or sample preparation instrument.
US08980087B2	System and method for filtering A system and method for filtering is disclosed, which is capable of accomplishing a filtering operation at a high recovery rate of 96% or more, and realizing a compact and simplified system structure, the system comprising a water bath including an inlet and a discharging hole, wherein feed water to be treated is supplied to the inside of the water bath through the inlet, and concentrated water is discharged out through the discharging hole; and plural membrane cassettes including first and second membrane cassettes submerged into the feed water contained in the water bath, wherein the first membrane cassette is positioned nearest to the inlet, and the second membrane cassette is positioned nearest to the discharging hole, wherein the first membrane cassette treats the feed water with a first impurity concentration; the second membrane cassette treats the feed water with a second impurity concentration; and the first impurity concentration is smaller than the second impurity concentration.
US08980086B2	Waste separation and processing system A multi-stage method of reducing solids and contaminants from liquid waste and other suitable streams without the use of chemical flocculants or polymers is disclosed.
US08980085B1	Ozone dissolution chamber An ozone dissolution chamber utilizes the principle of laminar stratification of gas in a turbulent dissolution chamber. The dissolution chamber is much shorter in height than the conventional tower dissolution chamber, and ensures a high degree of dissolution of ozone in water and, consequently, a high degree of oxidation of organic and metal impurities to a final oxidation state.
US08980082B2	Method of simultaneously removing sulfur and mercury from hydrocarbon material using catalyst by means of hydrotreating reaction Disclosed herein is a method of simultaneously removing sulfur and mercury from a hydrocarbon material, including: hydrotreating the hydrocarbon material containing sulfur and mercury in the presence of a catalyst including a metal supported with a carrier to convert sulfur into hydrogen sulfide, and adsorb mercury on a metal active site or a carrier of the catalyst in the form of mercury sulfide.
US08980081B2	Method of making high energy distillate fuels A process of upgrading a highly aromatic hydrocarbon feedstream comprising (a) contacting a highly aromatic hydrocarbon feedstream, wherein, a major portion of the feedstream has a boiling range of from about 300° F. to about 800° F., under catalytic conditions with a catalyst system, containing a hydrotreating catalyst and a hydrogenation/hydrocracking catalyst in a single stage reactor system, wherein the active metals in the hydrogenation/hydrocracking catalyst comprises from about 5%-30% by weight of nickel and from about 5%-30% by weight tungsten; and (b) wherein at least a portion of the highly aromatic hydrocarbon feedstream is converted to a product stream having a boiling range within jet or diesel boiling ranges.
US08980079B2	Electrolytic cell for ozone production An electrolytic cell includes at least one free-standing diamond electrode and a second electrode, which may also be a free-standing diamond, separated by a membrane. The electrolytic cell is capable of conducting sustained current flows at current densities of at least about 1 ampere per square centimeter. A method of operating an electrolytic cell having two diamond electrodes includes alternately reversing the polarity of the voltage across the electrodes.
US08980076B1	Electro-deposited passivation coatings for patterned media A method of fabricating a magnetic recording disk including providing a magnetic recording layer having a pattern of raised areas and recessed areas formed thereon and providing a mask layer on the raised areas of the magnetic recording layer. The method further including electrodepositing a first protection layer on the magnetic recording layer, removing the mask layer, and depositing a second protection layer above the first protection layer.
US08980075B2	Digital microfluidic platform for actuating and heating individual liquid droplets A digital microfluidic platform utilizes dual active matrix circuitry to actuate and heat liquid droplets on a biochip. Liquid droplets are introduced into a droplet handling area of the biochip where they can be actuated by electrodes residing in pixels of an actuating active matrix array according to the electrowetting on dielectric phenomenon and heated by heating elements residing in pixels of a heating active matrix array. Pixels of the actuating active matrix array and the heating active matrix array are independently addressable such that droplets in the droplet handling area can be selectively heated and actuated according to their location. The actuating active matrix array and heating active matrix array can be formed on the same or different substrates with the droplet handling area disposed above or between the substrates.
US08980070B2	Bipolar membrane and method of manufacturing the same To provide a bipolar membrane featuring improved adhesion between an anion-exchange membrane and a cation-exchange membrane without accompanied by an increase in the membrane voltage.[Means for Solution]A bipolar membrane comprising a cation-exchange membrane and an anion-exchange membrane joined together facing each other, wherein at least one of the ion exchange membranes contains a chlorinated polyolefin.
US08980066B2	Thin film metal oxynitride semiconductors The present invention generally relates to a semiconductor film and a method of depositing the semiconductor film. The semiconductor film comprises oxygen, nitrogen, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of zinc, cadmium, gallium, indium, and tin. Additionally, the semiconductor film may be doped. The semiconductor film may be deposited by applying an electrical bias to a sputtering target comprising the one or more elements selected from the group consisting of zinc, cadmium, gallium, indium, and tin, and introducing a nitrogen containing gas and an oxygen containing gas. The sputtering target may optionally be doped. The semiconductor film has a mobility greater than amorphous silicon. After annealing, the semiconductor film has a mobility greater than polysilicon.
US08980061B2	Profile bar screen for digester vessels The improved profile bar screen is for draining treatment liquor from a suspension of comminuted cellulose material and treatment liquor in an essentially cylindrical digester vessel. The profile bar screen is designed with horizontal support arches that have expansion slots allowing the otherwise rigid structure of the support arches to flex and adapt to any unevenness of the vessel wall, thus allowing support shoulders to rest against the inside of the vessel wall.
US08980057B2	Fibrous paper structures utilizing waterborne shape memory polymers A fibrous structure. The fibrous structure can be a paper product treated with a waterborne shape memory polymer. The waterborne shape memory polymer can include structural units, wherein each structural unit comprises: a) a switching segment comprising a semicrystalline or amorphous polymer; b) a chargeable unit comprising a cationically or anionically chargeable group; and c) a cross-linkable unit comprising a monomer, wherein the cross-linkable unit connects the switchable segment to the chargeable unit, wherein the waterborne shape memory polymer is dispersible in water.
US08980056B2	Composition and process for increasing the dry strength of a paper product A dry strength additive composition generally includes an anionic and/or amphoteric polyacrylamide having a molecular weight of less than 1,000,000 Daltons, wherein the amphoteric polyacrylamide has a net negative charge; a cationic and/or amphoteric starch; and a cationic non-starch polymer having a charge density greater than 1 milliequivalent per gram (meq/g) at a pH of 3. The components defining the composition can be added to a pulp suspension sequentially or as a pre-blended mixture.
US08980054B2	Soft tissue having reduced hydrogen bonding The present invention provides a modified cellulosic fiber having reduced hydrogen bonding capabilities. The modified fiber formed in accordance with the present invention may be useful in the production of tissue products having improved bulk and softness. More importantly, the modified fiber is adaptable to current tissue making processes and may be incorporated into a tissue product to improve bulk and softness without an unsatisfactory reduction in tensile.
US08980051B2	Sulfonation of pulp produced by alkali pulping process This invention relates to the delignification of lignocellulosic pulp. More particularly, the invention relates to sulfonation and bleaching of the alkali pulping produced by Kraft pulp processes or produced through combination of alkali pulping processes and extended delignification stages.
US08980048B2	Plasma etching apparatus A plasma etching apparatus includes a process chamber, a susceptor, microwave permeable plate that is made of a dielectric material that allows microwaves to pass therethrough, a microwave supplying portion including a microwave generation apparatus that generates microwaves of a predetermined frequency, a gas supplying portion for supplying a process gas, an evacuation portion, a bias electric power supplying portion; and an alternating bias electric power control portion that controls the alternating bias electric power, wherein the alternating bias electric power control portion controls the alternating bias electric power so that supplying and disconnecting the alternating bias electric power to the susceptor are repeated to allow a ratio of a time period of supplying the alternating bias electric power with respect to a total time period of supplying the alternating bias electric power and disconnecting the alternating bias electric power to be 0.1 or more and 0.5 or less.
US08980040B2	Manufacturing method of absorbent article A method of manufacturing an underpants-type absorbent article having an outer body provided with a mutually separate front piece, back piece and connecting sheet, and wherein the front piece and the back piece are mutually joined at side areas and are mutually connected by the connecting sheet extending in the front-to-rear direction at the crotch area, and an inner body containing an absorptive body and which is overlapped and anchored to the connecting sheet on the inside of the outer body, comprises, in turn, transporting a continuous body of the front piece in the form of a front piece web and a continuous body of the back piece in the form of a back piece web in a machine direction while maintaining a spacing area in a cross-machine direction, forming a continuous body of the outer body in the form of an outer body web by attaching the connecting sheet to the front piece web and the back piece web at intervals in the machine direction so as to straddle the spacing area, cutting the outer body web in order to form edges that define leg holes, and attaching the inner body to the outer body web.
US08980033B2	Filament winding method and filament winding apparatus A filament winding method performs a hoop winding step including a first step of fixing an end of a fiber bundle to a liner surface at a starting position of hoop winding, a second step of hoop winding the fiber bundle having the end fixed to the liner surface in the first step, a third step of fixing the fiber bundle hoop wound in the second step to the liner surface at an ending position of hoop winding, and a fourth step of cutting the fiber bundle upstream in a fiber bundle supplying direction of the position where the fiber bundle is fixed in the third step.
US08980030B2	Method and apparatus for forming a multi-layered tire component Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered tire component, the steps of the method including providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members; translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system; cutting a first strip from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the first strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating; cutting a second strip from the sheet subsequent to the step of cutting the first strip, this step occurring during the step of translating; mechanically applying the second strip to a building surface, this step occurring during the step of translating.
US08980028B2	Metal base substrate and manufacturing method thereof In a metal base substrate with a low-temperature sintering ceramic layer located on a copper substrate, bonding reliability is increased between the copper substrate and the low-temperature sintering ceramic layer. A raw laminated body is prepared by stacking, on a surface of a copper substrate, a low-temperature sintering ceramic green layer including a low-temperature sintering ceramic material containing about 10 mol % to about 40 mol % of barium in terms of BaO and about 40 mol % to about 80 mol % of silicon in terms of SiO2, and this raw laminated body is subjected to firing at a temperature at which the low-temperature sintering ceramic green layer is sintered. In the thus obtained metal base substrate, a glass layer composed of Cu—Ba—Si based glass with a thickness of about 1 μm to about 5 μm is formed between the metal substrate and the low-temperature sintering ceramic layer.
US08980027B2	Process for manufacturing a part made of a ceramic matrix composite containing matrix phases for healing and deflecting cracks The method comprises the steps of: forming a porous fiber-reinforcing structure; introducing into the pores of the fiber structure powders containing elements for constituting the composite material matrix; and forming at least a main fraction of the matrix from said powders by causing a reaction to take place between said powders or between at least a portion of said powders and at least one delivered additional element; the powders introduced into the fiber structure and the delivered additional element(s) comprising elements that form at least one healing discontinuous matrix phase including a boron compound and at least one discontinuous matrix phase including a crack-deflecting compound of lamellar structure. At least a main fraction of the matrix is formed by chemical reaction between the powders introduced into the fiber structure and at least one delivered additional element, or by sintering the powders.
US08980026B2	Gap seals for electronic device structures An electronic device may have structures such as housing structures, display structures and other device structures that form gaps when assembled. To prevent intrusion of moisture and other environmental contaminants, the gaps may be filled using gap sealing material. The gap sealing material may be a liquid polymer that is applied to the gap in a way that creates an excess protruding portion. Light-based processing techniques and application of solvent may be used to remove excess material. A sealing material such as an adhesive may be applied to gaps to forming a sealing structure. A material may be applied to the adhesive sealing material to cause the sealing material to expand and fill the gap. An undersized gasket may be placed in a gap. The gasket may include materials such as polymer that expands upon application of moisture.
US08980021B2	Metal treatment to eliminate hot tear defects in low silicon aluminum alloys An aluminum alloy and a method of casting. At least one of zirconium, scandium, a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of metal carbides, aluminides and borides, and rare earth elements are added to the alloy while in the molten state such that upon solidification, the cast alloy exhibits improved hot tear resistance. In a particular form, the nucleating agent may be titanium diboride for grain refining. Other agents that can be used for grain refining include scandium, zirconium, silicon, silver and one or more rare earth elements. In the case of rare earth elements, mischmetal may be used as a precursor. Combinations of titanium diboride and at least one other agent are especially effective in reducing the incidence of hot tearing in products cast from the modified aluminum alloy.
US08980019B2	Steel rail and method of manufacturing the same A steel rail includes: by mass %, higher than 0.85% to 1.20% of C; 0.05% to 2.00% of Si; 0.05% to 0.50% of Mn; 0.05% to 0.60% of Cr; P≦0.0150%; and the balance consisting of Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein 97% or more of a head surface portion which is in a range from a surface of a head corner portion and a head top portion as a starting point to a depth of 10 mm has a pearlite structure, a Vickers hardness of the pearlite structure is Hv320 to 500, and a CMn/FMn value which is a value obtained by dividing CMn [at. %] that is a Mn concentration of a cementite phase in the pearlite structure by FMn [at. %] that is a Mn concentration of a ferrite phase is equal to or higher than 1.0 and equal to or less than 5.0.
US08980018B2	Ferritic stainless steel sheet excellent in heat resistance and workability and method of production of same Ferritic stainless steel sheet for an exhaust part which has little deterioration in strength even if undergoing long term heat history and is low in cost, excellent in heat resistance and workability characterized by containing, characterized by containing, by mass %, C: less than 0.010%, N: 0.020% or less, Si: over 0.1% to 2.0%, Mn: 2.0% or less, Cr: 12.0 to 25.0%, Cu: over 0.9 to 2%, Ti: 0.05 to 0.3%, Nb: 0.001 to 0.1%, Al: 1.0% or less, and B: 0.0003 to 0.003%, having a Cu/(Ti+Nb) of 5 or more, and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities.
US08980016B2	Chromium-free solution for treating metal surfaces An acidic chromium-free solution for treating a metal surface containing: a vanadium cation source and/or a vanadyl cation source; an organic acid as an anion source; and at least one oxoacid as another anion source is provided. The oxoacid is selected from oxoacids of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine. A metal component composed of, for example, aluminum or magnesium is brought into contact with the chromium-free solution to form a vanadium coating film of a surface of the metal component. A surface treating process using this chromium-free solution is useful for formation of a coating film having low corrosion resistance and low electric resistance.
US08980015B2	Non-chrome passivation of steel Chromate free treatments and compositions for applying a conversion or passivation coating to metal surfaces. Preferred compositions comprise a film forming latex polymer, fluoacid, phosphoric acid, and a polyoxyethylene/oxypropylene block copolymer. The requisite metal surfaces are contacted by the compositions and dried. Rinsing is optional.
US08980014B2	Cartridge and water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system for a cartridge A cartridge for use in a detergent-dosing system of a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular, a cartridge for use in a domestic dishwasher of the type having a detergent dispenser configured with a holding space for holding the cartridge, the cartridge including at least a pair of chambers, each chamber for holding a detergent separate from any detergent held by another chamber; and a pair of seals, each seal being associated with a respective one of the chambers for substantially precluding discharge of a detergent retained by the respective chamber and each seal being configured to be opened at least once for a discharge of detergent from the respective chamber and to be closed again at least once.
US08980005B2	Liner assembly for chemical vapor deposition chamber Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for lining a processing region within a chamber. In one embodiment, a modular liner assembly for a substrate processing chamber is provided. The modular liner assembly includes a first liner and a second liner, each of the first liner and second liner comprising an annular body sized to be received in a processing volume of a chamber, and at least a third liner comprising a body that extends through the first liner and the second liner, the third liner having a first end disposed in the process volume and a second end disposed outside of the chamber.
US08980004B2	Crucible and method for pulling a single crystal A crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal has a double structure comprising a silica crucible and a graphite crucible covering an outside of the silica crucible, wherein the silica crucible is provided at its opening end portion with an inward falling prevention means for imparting a radially outward force to a body portion of the silica crucible.
US08980003B2	Method of manufacturing silicon carbide single crystal In a method of manufacturing a silicon carbide single crystal, a silicon carbide substrate having a surface of one of a (11-2n) plane and a (1-10n) plane, where n is any integer number greater than or equal to 0, is prepared. An epitaxial layer having a predetermined impurity concentration is grown on the one of the (11-2n) plane and the (1-10n) plane of the silicon carbide substrate by a chemical vapor deposition method so that a threading dislocation is discharged from a side surface of the epitaxial layer. A silicon carbide single crystal is grown into a bulk shape by a sublimation method on the one of the (11-2n) plane and the (1-10n) plane of the epitaxial layer from which the threading dislocation is discharged.
US08980000B2	Density-matching alkyl push flow for vertical flow rotating disk reactors In a rotating disk reactor for growing epitaxial layers on substrate or other CVD reactor system, gas directed toward the substrates at gas inlets at different radial distances from the axis of rotation of the disk has both substantially the same gas flow rate/velocity and substantially the same gas density at each inlet. The gas directed toward portions of the disk remote from the axis may include a higher concentration of a reactant gas than the gas directed toward portions of the disk close to the axis, so that portions of the substrate surfaces at different distances from the axis receive substantially the same amount of reactant gas per unit area, and a combination of carrier gases with different relative molecular weights at different radial distances from the axis of rotation are employed to substantially make equal the gas density in each region of the reactor. The system may be applied with a combination or carrier gases at multiple gas inlets, a combination of carrier and reactant gases at multiple inlets, and may be used with an arbitrarily large number of gases, when at least two gases of different molecular weights are provided. A linear flow pattern is achieved within the reactor, avoiding laminar recirculation areas, and permitting uniform deposition and growth of epitaxial layers on the substrate.
US08979996B2	Composition containing quaternary amino-functional organosilicon compunds and production and use thereof The invention relates to a composition and to a method for the production thereof, comprising quaternary amino-functional organosilicon compounds, in particular in the form of oligomers and polymers, which can be present ranging from partially hydrolyzed form to completely hydrolyzed form, and which are in particular soluble in water, have a low VOC content, and to the use thereof.
US08979995B2	Suspension for producing a layer increasing the coefficient of friction, molded part having such a layer increasing the coefficient of friction, method for the production thereof, and use thereof The invention relates to a suspension for producing a friction-increasing layer on a substrate, which comprises a liquid suspension medium, a predominantly inorganic binder or precursor compounds thereof and suspended hard material particles. The invention further relates to a shaped body comprising a substrate and a friction-increasing layer which has been applied to at least part of the surface of the substrate and comprises a predominantly inorganic binder matrix and hard material particles embedded therein, where the thickness of the binder matrix is less than the average particle size of the hard material particles so that the hard material particles project from the binder matrix and where the friction-increasing layer has been formed from a suspension according to the invention. The invention likewise relates to a process for producing the abovementioned shaped bodies and also their use for producing press or clamp connections and also as securing element.
US08979993B2	Ceramic compositions for increased batch feed rate A precursor batch composition that can be used to make porous ceramic articles is provided. The batch composition includes a cellulose-based polymer and, in particular, a methylcellulose showing a specified micro-calorimetry thermal response fingerprint. The methylcellulose can also have a cloud point above a specified temperature.
US08979990B2	Dispersant composition The invention relates to a composition containing a polyepoxide with polyether lateral chains and pendant hydrocarbyl groups. The invention further relates to a composition containing a particulate solid, an organic or aqueous medium, and a polyepoxide with polyether lateral chains and pendant hydrocarbyl groups. The invention further relates to novel compounds, and the use of the polyepoxide with polyether lateral chains and pendant hydrocarbyl groups as a dispersant.
US08979989B2	Ink for inkjet recording, ink cartridge and inkjet recording apparatus An ink for inkjet recording including a pigment, a penetrating agent and water, wherein the pigment includes: an ozone-oxidized carbon black, including carbon black oxidized by ozone and having a volatile matter content of the carbon black of 10% by mass to 20% by mass and a BET specific surface area of 90 m2/g to 150 m2/g; and a resin-coated carbon black, including: carbon black; and a resin present on a surface of the carbon black.
US08979981B1	Reusable, moisture wicking liner apparatus for produce containers and associated method A liner apparatus and method of extending the shelf like of produce items using said liner apparatus, in which the liner has first and second substantially planar surfaces, and is comprised of a felted body composed of a plurality of alpaca felting fibers and a fiber binding agent, said alpaca felting fibers being felted together with said fiber binding agent to form a felted body that wicks excess moisture from the surface of produce items placed in contact with said felted body.
US08979980B2	Gas cleaning unit and method for cleaning gas A gas cleaning unit for cleaning a main raw gas stream from a plant comprises a plurality of gas cleaning chambers (34a-c), each gas cleaning chamber (34a-c) equipped with a cleaning chamber inlet (46a-c); an inlet manifold (32), for dividing said main raw gas stream flowing therethrough into a plurality of separate fractional raw gas streams for flow to said cleaning chamber inlets (46a-c); and a plurality of heat exchangers (40a-c), each heat exchanger (40a-c) being located downstream of the inlet manifold (32) for exchanging heat with a respective fractional raw gas stream entering a respective cleaning chamber (34a-c).
US08979978B2	Graphene membrane with regular angstrom-scale pores Technologies are generally described for perforated graphene monolayers and membranes containing perforated graphene monolayers. An example membrane may include a graphene monolayer having a plurality of discrete pores that may be chemically perforated into the graphene monolayer. The discrete pores may be of substantially uniform pore size. The pore size may be characterized by one or more carbon vacancy defects in the graphene monolayer. The graphene monolayer may have substantially uniform pore sizes throughout. In some examples, the membrane may include a permeable substrate that contacts the graphene monolayer and which may support the graphene monolayer. Such perforated graphene monolayers, and membranes comprising such perforated graphene monolayers may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.
US08979974B2	Composition for collecting metal component The present invention provides a composition for collecting a metal component from a metal component-containing material, the composition containing a compound containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of lanthanoid elements and elements in group 2 of the periodic table, and a compound containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements in groups 3, 4, 12, and 13 of the periodic table and transition metal elements in the 4th period of the periodic table. The present invention further provides a method for collecting a metal component using this composition. With the use of the composition of the present invention, a metal component can be easily and efficiently collected from a material containing a highly useful metal component such as noble or rare metal.
US08979965B2	Magnetic attachment for box fan filter An air filter attachment apparatus for temporarily attaching a furnace-type air filter to a face of a box fan with a ferromagnetic box frame. The attachment apparatus comprises a plurality of magnetic flaps secured to respective top and side edges of the air filter, either directly or via a filter-receiving frame. The filter/frame is sized to approximate the face dimensions of the fan, and the flaps are foldable forwardly toward the fan to lie flat on top and side surface of the fan's metal box frame. Each flap includes magnetic attachment means to secure the flap to the fan.
US08979960B2	Motor, fan and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangement A motor, fan and cyclonic separation apparatus arrangement for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; and a cyclonic separation apparatus located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan. The cyclonic separation apparatus comprises: a plurality of cyclones each with an air inlet port and an air outlet port; and a cooling air flow path. The motor comprises a permanent magnet brushless motor, a switched reluctance motor or a flux switching motor. The fan has an outer diameter the same or less than the diameter of the motor. The plurality of cyclones, the motor and the fan are arranged in a circular array about a central axis of the cyclonic separation apparatus. The arrangement comprises a baffle for directing air flow from the fan out of the circular array. The motor is located in the cooling air flow path.
US08979959B2	Industrial air vacuum filter assembly An air vacuum filter assembly is disclosed for use in filtering particulates from smoke and air during scrap metal cutting processes. The air vacuum filter assembly includes an enclosed container forming an air chamber therethrough between an air inlet and an exhaust outlet. A pair of fans creates a vacuum pressure in the container to suction air through the air chamber. A deflector within the enclosed container deflects and directs the air along a predetermined path through the air chamber between the air inlet and exhaust outlet. A series of filters are provided in the air flow path to filter and clean particulates from the smoke and air prior to the air exiting the container through the exhaust outlet and into the atmosphere.
US08979955B2	Production of pyrolysis oil Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.
US08979951B2	Additives for improving the cold properties of fuel oils The invention provides terpolymers of ethylene, at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester and propene, which a) contain from 12.0 to 16.0 mol % of structural units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester, b) contain from 1.0 to 4.0 methyl groups derived from propene per 100 aliphatic carbon atoms, and c) have fewer than 6.5 methyl groups stemming from chain ends per 100 CH2 groups. and also their use as cold additives for middle distillates.
US08979943B2	Arm prosthetic device A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.The prosthetic limb includes at least one antenna in connection with the controller for transmitting and receiving signals. The at least one antenna including the housing of the prosthetic limb segment as a radiating element. The prosthetic limb further includes a user interface integrally formed in the housing. The user interface including a status indicator for displaying information and having a flexible protective cover disposed around a portion of the housing and covering the user interface, the flexible protective cover including a translucent portion over the status indicator.
US08979942B2	Multilayer surgical membrane One aspect of the present invention relates to a multilayer surgical membrane. The surgical membrane can include a substantially fluid impermeable outer layer, an inner layer that includes a plurality of fenestrae, and a middle region disposed between the inner and outer layers. The middle region can include at least one channel that extends through the middle region. The middle region can have a first surface in contact with the inner layer. The at least one channel can imbibe fluid under a compressive or tensile load and the fenestrae can deform to exude fluid under the load.
US08979935B2	Joint space interpositional prosthetic device with internal bearing surfaces Joint space interpositional prosthetic devices for positioning between surfaces of a joint in a patient are disclosed. The prosthetic device may have exterior surfaces affixed to the joint surfaces and may have internal surfaces which provide bearing surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing surfaces are encapsulated within the device. The exterior surfaces of the device may include bone securement features to facilitate attachment of the prosthetic device to the joint surfaces.
US08979931B2	Nucleus replacement device and method A method of replacing a nucleus pulposus material wherein curable nucleus pulposus material is injected into a balloon in an intervertebral space. The balloon has an inlet port and an outlet port that are connected to a pressure-measuring device. After the catheter is placed in the intervertebral space, the balloon is filled with a radio-opaque solution until the desired balloon volume is attained. The nucleus replacement material is then fed into the inlet port of the balloon, while the radiopaque agent is allowed to leave via the outlet port. Once the balloon is completely filled and curing of the curable nucleus replacement material is accomplished, the catheter and ports are removed, and the annular defect can be sealed.
US08979928B2	Sacroiliac joint fixation fusion system A sacroiliac joint fixation fusion system that provides a method of fixation and fusion of the sacroiliac joint and a sacroiliac joint implant which upon placement within the articular region of the sacroiliac joint facilitates stability and fusion of the sacroiliac joint.
US08979927B2	Spinal implant with staples A spinal implant having a spinal cage and a plurality of staples. The spinal cage is configured to be positioned in an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae. The plurality of staples are moveably disposed on the spinal cage and configured to be inserted into the adjacent vertebrae so as to secure the spinal cage in the intervertebral space when the spinal cage is positioned therein. A method of securing the spinal implant within the intervertebral space.
US08979925B2	Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.
US08979924B2	Apparatus and methods for repairing the function of a diseased valve and method for making same An apparatus for repairing the function of a diseased valve includes an annular first support member expandable to a first diameter. An annular second support member is spaced axially apart from the first support member and is expandable to a second diameter that is independent of the first diameter. A tubular graft section interconnects the first and second support members. The graft section defines an annulus having a third diameter that is independent of each of the first and second diameters. A prosthetic valve is secured within the annulus of the graft section. The bioprosthetic valve has at least two valve leaflets that are coaptable to permit the unidirectional flow of blood. Methods for repairing the function of a diseased valve and for making the apparatus are also provided.
US08979923B2	Tissue fastening systems and methods utilizing magnetic guidance Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
US08979921B2	Polymeric, degradable drug-eluting stents and coatings Absorbable stents and absorbable stent coatings have been developed with improved properties. These devices preferably comprise biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate, and optionally polylactic acid and other absorbable polymers and additives. Compositions of these materials can be used to make absorbable stents that provide advantageous radial strengths, resistance to recoil and creep, can be plastically expanded on a balloon catheter, and can be deployed rapidly in vivo. Stent coatings derived from these materials provide biocompatible, uniform coatings that are ductile, and can be expanded without the coating cracking and/or delaminating and can be used as a coating matrix for drug incorporation.
US08979916B2	Apparatus for delivery and deployment of an expandable stent within a blood vessel An improved apparatus for delivering and deployment of an expandable stent with a protection sheath within a blood vessel is provided. The system comprises a fluid pressure device which is coupled with a retraction device for the protection sheath such that after retraction of the protection sheath the stent is automatically deployed by the fluid pressure device. The advantage of the invention is an easy and simple operation of the apparatus.
US08979911B2	Porous bone screw A bone screw is described which includes a one-piece threaded screw body composed at least partially of a rigid foam. The screw body is headless and includes a bore extending therethrough to define a cannula and thereby providing the screw body with an annular shape defining a radial wall thickness. At least a central portion of the screw body is formed of the rigid foam which defines a matrix having a plurality of inter-connected pores therein. The inter-connected pores are disposed throughout the complete radial wall thickness of the screw body from an outer surface of the screw body to an inner surface thereof within the cannula, such as to permit bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness of the annular screw body. The inter-connected pores and the cannula thereby respectively allow bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness and the full axial length of the screw body.
US08979909B2	Tissue repair suture plates and methods of use Tissue repair suture plates and methods of use are provided which can, in general, allow soft tissue to be secured to bone. In one embodiment, a tissue repair suture plate can include a plurality of openings formed therethrough that can each be configured to have one or more sutures passed therethrough. Each of the sutures can be configured to be coupled to a soft tissue to be positioned against bone for healing thereagainst such that the soft tissue can have multiple sutures coupled thereto at different areas thereof. One or more bone fixation elements can be coupled to the plate and can be configured to attach the plate to the bone. The plate can be configured to move between a first configuration in which the plate has a first maximum length and a second configuration in which the plate has a second, greater maximum length.
US08979907B2	Arthroplasy revision system and method The present method includes the following steps: removing a portion of a previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device; and attaching a revision component to a remaining portion of the previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device to alter a biomechanical characteristic of the implanted arthroplasty device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of limiting motion between adjacent vertebrae including the steps of accessing an implanted spinal arthroplasty device comprising a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra, the cephalad and caudal components having a range of motion between them, and attaching a revision component to the cephalad and caudal components to reduce the range of motion. The invention also includes revision devices for revising the biomechanics of implanted spinal arthroplasty devices.
US08979906B2	Spine rod clamping body and pedicle screw assembly comprising same A pedicle screw assembly having a spine rod clamping body designed for exhibiting a limited amount of elastic deformation at a region location between its spine rod mounting portion and its bone screw connecting portion. When the pedicle screw assembly is placed in a spine stabilization procedure, a limited amount of motion within the fixation apparatus as a result of the spine rod clamping body exhibiting a limited amount of elastic deformation at the region location between its spine rod mounting portion and its bone screw connecting portion. This limited amount of motion can accelerate bone fusion. By reducing movement-induced stress concentrations, the limited amount of elastic deformation provided by the spine rod clamping body can enhance a rate at which bone fusion progresses and can reduce the potential for damage to the interface between the bone screw and bone.
US08979904B2	Connecting member with tensioned cord, low profile rigid sleeve and spacer with torsion control A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body and a receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity. The longitudinal connecting member assembly includes a tensioned cord and has hard, non-elastic sleeves for attachment to the bone anchors, at least one spacer located between the bone anchors, and in some embodiments, an end elastic bumper and cord blocker. A down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having inner and outer tangs and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver.
US08979903B2	Revision fixation plate and method of use A connection system is provided that joins a revision fixation plate to a previously implanted skeletal fixation plate. In one form, the system allows the previously implanted plating system to be revised without disturbing the original implant components. In one aspect, the connection includes joining the revision fixation plate to a previously implanted fastener. In another aspect, the revision fixation plate is directly joined to a previously implanted fixation plate. In yet another aspect, the connection includes forming a dynamic relationship between the previously implanted plating system, the revision fixation plate, and the affected vertebrae. In one form, the dynamic relationship enables movement between the previously implanted plating system and the affected vertebrae and in another form, the dynamic relationship enables movement between the previously implanted plating system and the revision fixation plate.
US08979900B2	Spinal stabilization device A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone securing member; and at least one spacer located between the first and second ends, the spacer comprising a resilient element and a ring element encircling at least a portion of the resilient element, wherein the ring element is configured to be engaged by a second bone securing member.
US08979894B2	Coated looped suture A suture including a reinforced loop is described herein. The suture includes an elongate body including a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the distal section includes first and second overlapping sections and a loop. A polymeric coating is positioned on at least a portion of the distal section to reinforce the loop.
US08979890B2	Surgical instrument with jaw member A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector first and second tissue engaging surfaces that are slanted with respect to a transection plane. The end effector may, for example, have an electrode defining a V-shaped cross sectional profile. The end effector may comprise a plurality of raised surfaces that are received by a plurality of indentions when the end effector is in the closed position. The end effector may comprise a cutting member having a plurality of bands.
US08979888B2	Paranasal ostium finder devices and methods Devices and methods for locating sinus ostia and positioning a guide wire within the sinus ostia. The subject devices include a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a curved region located between the distal and proximal ends, and an interior channel, an extensible and retractable guide wire movably mounted within the interior channel and a probe tip joined to the guide wire. Certain devices further include expandable portions for engaging and treating body anatomy.
US08979887B2	Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for reducing stomach volume in a subject. In certain embodiments, a subject receives a stomach-volume-reducing device that optionally includes at least one reservoir configured to release at least one appetite suppressant. In an embodiment, the stomach-volume-reducing device is responsive to one or more environmental conditions of the subject, for example, pH or chemical chemicals in the stomach of the subject. In an embodiment, the stomach-volume-reducing device controls hunger in the subject.
US08979885B2	Devices, systems, and methods to control stomach volume Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for reducing stomach volume in a subject. In certain embodiments, a subject receives a stomach-volume-reducing device that optionally includes at least one reservoir configured to release at least one appetite suppressant. In an embodiment, the stomach-volume-reducing device is responsive to one or more environmental conditions of the subject, for example, pH or chemical chemicals in the stomach of the subject. In an embodiment, the stomach-volume-reducing device controls hunger in the subject.
US08979883B2	Obturator tip A surgical instrument for use with a surgical portal apparatus includes an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. A dilating member disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft and has a first longitudinal arc segment and a second longitudinal arc segment being in diametrical opposed relation. The first and second longitudinal arc segments define respective first and second radii of curvature transverse to the longitudinal axis, and decrease from proximal to distal to define a generally tapered configuration of the dilating member. The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature at predefined longitudinal positions of the dilating member such that the first longitudinal arc segment extends distally beyond the second longitudinal segment to define a penetrating tip. The penetrating tip has a reduced profile and is dimensioned to facilitate initial insertion of the dilating member into tissue.
US08979882B2	Devices, methods, and kits for forming tracts in tissue Described here are methods and devices for forming tracts in tissue. Some of the devices feature an elongate member, a suction member coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member, and a tissue-piercing member slidably housed within the elongate member for forming a tract in tissue. Other devices feature more than one suction member. Methods for forming tracts in tissue are also described here. In some methods, a device is advanced adjacent tissue, where the device features one or more suction members and a tissue-piercing member. Suction is applied so that the tissue is drawn against the one or more suction members, and a tissue-piercing member is advanced in a first direction through the drawn tissue to form a tract in or through the tissue. Kits incorporating one or more of the devices described here, in conjunction with one or more tools or the like, are also described here.
US08979881B2	Methods and handpiece for use in tissue dissection A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.
US08979879B2	Nucleus chopper and splitter A surgical instrument for both chopping and splitting the nucleus of an eye has a handle housing a shaft mounted within a guide tube which slides into and out of the instrument to bring first and second jaws into and out of contact with one another. The jaws are planar and positioned approximately perpendicular with the axis of the handle. The bottom edges of the jaws are brought into alignment to form a cutting edge when the jaws are forced together, and separate to perform a splitting action within a cut when the jaws are moved apart.
US08979878B2	Instrument for the surgical removal of a defective heart valve An instrument for the surgical removal of a defective heart valve. The instrument has elements that can be collapsed, in which the instrument cutting elements are collapsed when the instrument is introduced into the surgical field and are covered by means of contact protective sheaths. The instrument cutting elements are formed as cutting ring halves that can fold in around a hinge axis, these cutting ring halves being elastically deformable during the folding-in process, whereby their deformation is achieved by fish joints that also serve to aid in mutually moving the contact protective sheaths onto each of two body members.
US08979876B2	Devices and methods for tissue restoration Devices and methods for tissue restoration. In an exemplary embodiment of an implantable restraining device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a first engaging component and a second engaging component at least substantially parallel to one another, a first swivel arm, comprising a first fixed arm, a first expandable arm, and a first hub, and a second swivel arm, comprising a second fixed arm, a second expandable arm, and a second hub.
US08979875B2	Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate Methods and systems for medializing a turbinate. Exemplary embodiments comprise methods and systems for repositioning a turbinate proximal to a septum. Certain embodiments comprise an implant and a flexible member coupled to the implant. Embodiments may also comprise an insertion device to install the implant in a desired location.
US08979872B2	Devices for engaging, approximating and fastening tissue New interventional methods and devices for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity, are disclosed. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged and approximated to create one or more tissue folds that are then secured by placing one or more tissue fasteners to produce one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications. Minimally invasive devices for engaging, approximating and fastening soft tissues are disclosed that enable these new interventional methods to be carried out safely, efficiently and quickly.
US08979871B2	Image-guided therapy of a tissue Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.
US08979862B2	Rod coercer A rod coercer for use in spinal fixation procedures is provided. The rod coercer can be pivoted in a first direction to fixedly grip an implant, and pivoted in a second direction to reduce a rod into the implant. In one embodiment, the rod coercer includes first and second articulating handle branches, first and second rod contacting arms extending from the first and second handle branches, first and second implant gripping arms pivotally interconnected with the first and second handle branches, and means for releasably locking the handle branches and the implant gripping arms in a closed and locked position. In another embodiment, the implant gripping arms of the rod coercer can be secured to each other by a flexible retainer.
US08979861B2	Method and system for performing spinal surgical procedures using natural orifices This disclosure describes devices and methods for performing spinal surgical procedures. In some embodiments, a method may include positioning at least a portion of at least one surgical instrument in at least one naturally occurring orifice of a human by a user. In some embodiments, a method may include accessing an interior space of the human using at least one of the surgical instruments. The method may include performing at least a portion of a spinal surgical procedure using at least one of the surgical instruments positioned in at least one of the naturally occurring orifices of the human. The method may include removing at least one of the surgical instruments from at least one of the naturally occurring orifices upon completion of at least a portion of the spinal surgical procedure.
US08979859B2	Depth of Impaction A method for determining a depth of impaction of a prosthetic cup into an acetabulum using an end effector and a movable impactor shaft is provided, wherein the prosthetic cup may be positioned at a distal end of the impactor shaft. The method may position the distal end of the impactor shaft at a known pose relative to the end effector, track a spatial pose of the end effector relative to a spatial pose of the acetabulum, determine a spatial pose of the prosthetic cup based on the spatial pose of the end effector and the known pose between the distal end of the impactor shaft and the end effector, and determine the depth of impaction based on the spatial pose of the prosthetic cup and the spatial pose of the acetabulum.
US08979855B2	Customized patient-specific bone cutting blocks A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.
US08979852B2	Tools for implantation of interspinous implants and methods therof The present disclosure provides a single insertion and compression instrument to facilitate the implantation of a spinous process implant, such as a spinous process fixation device, between and about adjacent spinous processes. The instrument has a first leg and a second leg, each with a handle and implant engaging portions. The implant engaging portions releasably couple to the spinous process implant and have compression pads to facilitate compression of fasteners on the plates into bone.
US08979850B2	Surgical guide device A surgical guide device comprises first and second limbs pivotally connected together, with a respective guide sleeve pivotally attached to each limb. Each guide sleeve has a bore through the sleeve that can guide a drill bit or bone fixing for insertion into a fragmented bone portion. The device has an orientation mechanism adapted to change the orientation of the guide sleeves relative to the limbs as the limbs move relative to one another, so as to maintain the orientation of the guide sleeves relative to one another during pivotal movement of the limbs.
US08979849B2	Osteochondral implant fixation procedure and bone dilator used in same A dilator for adapted to implant a graft in a bone. The dilator includes a hollow frusto conical configuration having a distal and proximal end, a continuous tapered outer surface extending from said distal end to said proximal end of said dilator, the continuous tapered outer surface configured to engage a bone in order to radially expand the bone outwardly as the dilator is advanced into an opening, one end of dilator having a cross-section less than the cross-section of the opening for insertion into the opening, and the other end of the dilator having a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the opening so that insertion of the body member in the opening expands the opening.
US08979843B2	Electrosurgical cutting and sealing instrument A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke may be regulated by a linear actuator, for example.
US08979841B2	Ablation catheter Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the mapping of electrical signals and the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be transformed from a compact, linear configuration to a helical configuration, such as to map and ablate pulmonary vein ostia.
US08979840B2	Irrigant distribution system for flexible electrodes Ablation electrode assemblies having a longitudinal axis include an electrode core member; an electrode shell; and an irrigant distribution element. The electrode core member comprises a thermal insulator and has a first end; a second end; and at least one irrigation passageway. The electrode shell comprises an electrically conductive material, defines an inner volume, and has a first end; and a second end. The second end of the electrode shell is configured for connection to the first end of the electrode core member. The electrode shell is sufficiently flexible for deflection of the distal end of the electrode shell relative to the longitudinal axis of the ablation electrode assembly. The irrigant distribution assembly comprises a first end; and a second end, wherein the second end of the irrigant distribution element defines a circumferential irrigation port between the irrigant distribution element and the electrode core member.
US08979837B2	Flexible tip catheter with extended fluid lumen A lumen extension member is provided for a catheter having a catheter body and an elongate electrode coupled to the catheter body. The elongate electrode defines an electrode lumen extending therethrough. The lumen extension member is positioned within the electrode lumen and is coupled to the catheter body. The lumen extension member includes a tubular member including a sidewall and at least one opening that extends through the sidewall.
US08979836B2	Endoscopic surgical instrument The application relates to an endoscopic surgical instrument, and in particular to an instrument for endoscopic mucosa resection. The instrument includes a device for feeding in at least one liquid (for injection and/or dissection) and a device for high frequency surgery. These devices are combined within a single surgical instrument, in the interest of uniform handling.
US08979835B2	Sensing contact of ablation catheter using differential temperature measurements Tissue ablation is carried out using insertion tube having at least one ablation electrode, a first temperature sensor disposed on the distal portion sufficiently proximate the ablation electrode to detect heat generated during the ablation procedure, a second temperature sensor disposed on the distal portion sufficiently distant from the ablation electrode to be unable to detect the heat, and electronic logic circuitry linked to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and programmed to compute a temperature differential between respective temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor when conveying the electromagnetic energy. Satisfactory contact status between the ablation electrode and the target tissue is indicated when the temperature differential exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08979831B2	Thermochemical ablation system using heat from delivery of electrophiles Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy. The chemical reaction energy is provided by chemical reactions including a highly reactive electrophilic reagent provided to a target tissue location.
US08979830B2	Treatment of cellulite and adipose tissue with mid-infrared radiation An apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively photoacoustically ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
US08979825B2	Implantable fluid delivery device including gas chamber pressure sensor An implantable medical device is configured with a pressure sensor arranged within the device to reliably and accurately measure the pressure within a propellant gas chamber at least partially surrounding a therapeutic fluid reservoir of the device. In one example, a housing of the IMD includes a protrusion that is configured to provide clearance for fluid communication between a propellant gas chamber pressure sensor and the propellant gas chamber.
US08979824B2	Stent delivery system having retention structure A stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a stent selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft by inserting a tab on one of the stent or the elongate shaft into an opening in the other of the stent or the elongate shaft. The tab may be deflected from a first position to a second position to disengage the tab from the opening.
US08979822B2	Catheter assembly A catheter assembly comprises a first catheter including a wall with an inner surface at least partially defining a lumen. A second catheter is connected to the wall of the first catheter and is disposed outward of the inner surface of the wall. The second catheter is at least partially covered by a sheath portion of the first catheter. A first portion of the wall of the first catheter is made of a relatively low durometer elastomeric material and is relatively extensible. A second portion of the wall is formed of a relatively high durometer elastomeric material and is relatively inextensible.
US08979817B2	Multi-chamber container with seal breach detection A container having multiple compartments formed by frangible seals in the interior chamber of the container is disclosed. The container comprises an indicator adapted to provide an indication that a seal breach between the chambers has occurred. Methods of forming a container having a seal breach detection indicator are also disclosed.
US08979812B2	Stoma pad/seal ring A stoma pad configured to cooperate with a fluid handing tube comprises a flexible, resilient, soft annular pad having a generally flat bottom surface and a convex annular wall extending upwardly from the bottom surface, and a circular hole extending through the center of the annular wall and the bottom surface. A stoma pad assembly comprises the stoma pad and a retention, support or holding device for securing the stoma pad on a patient.
US08979810B1	Nasal aspiration systems and related methods A nasal aspiration system for removing secretions from the user's nasal canals includes a port having a cap and a vacuum canister coupled on opposite ends. The cap includes two aspiration tubes extended therefrom. The aspiration tubes are configured for inserting into a user's nasal canals. The port includes a valve disposed therein, where the valve is operable to control the flow of nasal secretion from the aspiration tubes into the vacuum canister.
US08979806B2	Medical device with adjustable tissue ingrowth cuff Methods and apparatus are disclosed for making and using adjustable epidermal tissue ingrowth cuff and catheter assemblies for transcutaneous placement to provide periodic or continuous external access for medical purposes to an interior body region of a patent who requires such medical treatment over an extended period of time.
US08979805B1	Catheter connector securement device A catheter connector and securement device system includes a connector seated within a securement device. The securement device includes a lower shell member having a perimeter wall defining an interior cradle space that conforms to the connector body. A cover member is hinged to the lower shell member at a hinge line and is movable from an open position for insertion and removal of the connector to a closed position wherein the cover member releasably latches to the lower shell member to retain the connector within the lower shell member. A catheter retention device may be spaced from the perimeter wall.
US08979803B2	Stylet for bilumenal flexible medical device Utilizing the technology and methods disclosed, the characteristics of flexibility and rigidity for intralumenal devices, including coaxial two piece devices such as stylet and needle sets, can be adapted by a physician or device manufacturer according to the type of procedure, the patient size and unique anatomical challenges of a given procedure. Rigidity and flexibility are actively controlled by the operator at predefined portions of a device through rotating the stylet within the cannula to bring about alignments of customized notches to impart target flexibility or rigidity profiles at specific spots on the device. The device operator is able to alter the relationship and orientation of specific notched and non-notched segments of either or both the stylet and cannula that are strategically located at said critical points along the length of the device.
US08979801B2	Microcatheter devices and methods for targeted substance delivery Delivery catheters useable to deliver substances, articles or devices to target locations within the bodies of human or animal subjects. The delivery catheter generally comprises a catheter having a tissue penetrating distal tip member on the distal end and one or more delivery aperture(s) whereby a substance, article or device may be delivered through the lumen of the catheter body and out of the delivery aperture(s). In some applications, the substance delivery catheter is used in combination with a transluminal tissue penetrating catheter having a penetrator that is advanced to a first location. The delivery catheter is then advanced through (or over) the penetrator, through intervening tissue, to a desired target location.
US08979797B2	High pressure delivery system and method for treating pelvic disorder using large molecule therapeutics The invention relates generally to methods and systems for the treatment of pelvic tissues using a high pressure injection device to deliver a therapeutic composition that includes a large molecule therapeutic agent, such as a nucleic acid or a polypeptide, to a target tissue in the pelvic area. Methods of the invention can improve delivery of the therapeutic agent into the tissue, which can be beneficial for the treatment of a pelvic tissue disorder, such as bladder and prostate tumors.
US08979796B2	Applicator for treating skin An applicator for treating skin, includes a housing, in which a device for perforating an area of skin is arranged, wherein the device for perforating the skin can be brought into contact with the area of skin through an opening in the housing. At least one device for disinfecting is additionally arranged in the housing, and the device for disinfecting acts upon the area of skin through the same opening. With the applicator, a particularly secure and simple handling can be achieved.
US08979788B2	Systems, devices and methods for cardiopulmonary treatment and procedures A cardiopulmonary bypass system utilizing membrane-based reciprocating positive displacement blood pumps (“pod pumps”). In one aspect, the pod pumps are constructed to provide reduced shear forces on the blood being pumped. In another aspect blood flow through the pod pumps can be controlled by a controller using information from pressure sensors in the control chamber of the pod pumps. In another aspect, the pod pumps are included on a disposable unit that can be received and held by a receptacle means on a base unit, the base unit also providing pressurized control fluid to the pod pumps on the disposable unit through the receptacle means.
US08979786B2	Autoretroperfusion devices and systems Devices, systems, and methods for providing retroperfusion to at least one ischemic tissue in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein enable an anastomosis to be formed between a vein and an artery without the use of sutures and through a non-invasive procedure. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide a cannula device comprising a Y-configuration for bifurcating arterial flow between an anastomosis and the underlying artery. The devices, systems and methods herein can further provide simultaneous autoretroperfusion therapy to more than one area of an ischemic tissue.
US08979777B2	Portable cool therapy device Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment stores various electrical components, such as the power connection. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The insert is a shell with a cable grip that secures the cable from pump and a recessed area for securing the pump. The edges of the insert are sealed to the inside surface of the box. A carrying strap is secured to the sidewalls of the box in a manner that prevents protrusions and aid in minimizing storage.
US08979775B2	Combination ultrasound-phototherapy transducer A soundhead of a treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the soundhead to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the soundhead includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the soundhead. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Alternate embodiments including externally mounted light sources are also disclosed.
US08979773B2	Dental treatment diagnostic method, method for calculating determination indicators, program and computer There is provided a method of calculating an index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw in orthodontic treatment wherein an index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw which becomes objective materials for a dentist to decide the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw of a patient in orthodontic treatment of the patient can be calculated easily, and by appropriately combining the results of other inspection methods, the dentist is able to diagnose easily with high objectivity and correctness, moreover with a short period of time, and its program.Using the distance (S−A) between S and A, the distance (S−Xi) between S and Xi (i is an integer from 1 to 4. X1=B, X2=Pog, X3=Gn and X4=Me.) and the distance (Go−Xj) between Go and Xj (j is an integer from 1 to 4. j=i or j≠i.) which are measured by the cephalometric radiography of a patient, an index for deciding the necessity of surgically operating on the jaw in orthodontic treatment is calculated by calculating P=((S−Xi)+(Go−Xj))/(S−A).
US08979771B2	Acoustic myography system and methods Acoustic impulses from a muscle are converted into an electrical signal with a transducer such as a piezo film microphone, and analog or digital signal processing circuitry determines the density of self-similar spectral components of the signal and generating an output signal representative of the contractile force of the muscle based upon the density of the self-similar spectral components. The circuitry is used to determine self-similar spectral components of the signal and the density of those components, and the density is used to provide an output signal filtering. Different embodiments use combinations of filtering, Fourier analysis and correlation or auto-correlation. The self-similar spectral components may be pre-determined or determined through signal processing. The output signal may be used to calculate muscle contractile force, fatigue or other muscle conditions.
US08979770B2	Extraction and diagnostic fluid devices, systems and methods of use The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for RNA isolation from biological samples containing white blood cells, such as whole blood. The devices have a device body that includes a first chamber having a first membrane that selectively binds white blood cells, a second chamber having a second membrane that reversibly binds RNA and a plurality of ports that are removably attached to a reagent pack and waste receptacle via a valving system controlled by a control unit.
US08979768B2	Surgical device for the collection of soft tissue A handheld biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand and is independently manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end and a port located proximal to the distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The handpiece further comprises a holster for detachably connecting a cutter rotation transmission and a cutter axial transmission to the power transmission source.
US08979767B2	Neural monitoring system A neural monitoring system for determining a proximity between a stimulator and a nerve within an intracorporeal treatment area of a human subject includes a stimulator, a mechanical sensor, and a receiver. The stimulator is configured to extend within the intracorporeal treatment area and to provide an electrical stimulus therein. The mechanical sensor is configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle. The receiver is configured to: receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor; receive an indication of a magnitude of the provided intracorporeal stimulus; determine a magnitude of acceleration of the muscle from the received mechanomyography output signal; and determine a proximity between the stimulator and the nerve from the magnitude of the provided intracorporeal stimulus and the magnitude of acceleration of the muscle.
US08979766B2	Sensor system A sensor system comprises a mat (20) for placement over a patient's mattress including a number of sensors (10) located in the mat. The sensors include a sensor housing (12), a sound vibration sensing element in the form of a PVDF membrane (13), and means for amplifying sensed sounds. The PVDF membrane is coated/covered with a typically latex, impedance matching layer (14). The sensor automatically provides for auscultation, in which the patient's own weight, from the patient lying on the bed, compresses their thorax against the membrane, compressing also the patient's clothing, bed sheet and mattress cover material between the two. The recoil in the mattress opposes the body mass, thus compressing the membrane against the thorax. The impedance matching layer on top of the membrane transmits fine breath sounds through to the membrane as the latex does not weaken or attenuate the fine breath sounds but transmits them to the PVDF membrane. However being flexible, it is not uncomfortable to lie on.
US08979761B2	Sleepiness assessment apparatus A sleepiness assessment value P1 is set to be an average heart rate HR (S130). A sleepiness assessment value P2 is set to be a standard deviation σ of a respiration interval RespI for one minute (S150). A sleepiness assessment value P3 is set to be a value that is obtained by dividing, by one minute, an integrated value of a square of an average heartbeat interval RRIavg in a case where a variation in which a heartbeat interval RRI increases occurs (in a case where an RRI count value Xi is a value of one) (S190). A sleepiness assessment value P4 is set to a value that is obtained by averaging a variation ratio in a case where a variation in which the respiration interval RespI increases occurs (in a case where an RRI count value Yi is a value of one) (S210). A sleepiness assessment value P is set to be a value obtained by summing values that are obtained by multiplying the individual sleepiness assessment values P1 to P4 by weight coefficients a to d, each of which is set for a corresponding one of the sleepiness assessment values P1 to P4 (S220). When the sleepiness assessment value P is smaller than a value of zero, it is determined that a person is highly alert (S240), and, when the sleepiness assessment value P is equal to or larger than the value of zero, it is determined that the person is less alert (S250).
US08979759B2	Ultrasonic imaging device and information processing device Ultrasonic imaging device noninvasively measures cardiac muscle stiffness or intracardiac pressure. The device includes: an ultrasonic probe (2) transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the heart; a signal-processing section (15) processing reflected echo signals; a display section (14) displaying results of signal processing as an image; and an input section (10) setting a predetermined point on the image. The signal-processing section (15) includes: a shape-extracting section (152) perceiving information on the shape of the heart from the reflected echo signals; a natural-frequency detecting section (153) detecting natural frequency of the heart from the reflected echo signals; and a calculating section (154) calculating stiffness of the cardiac muscle or the intracardiac pressure, wherein the calculating section (154) accurately calculates the stiffness of the cardiac muscle from the natural frequency of the heart and calculates the intracardiac pressure from the stiffness of the cardiac muscle that has been calculated.
US08979758B2	Sensing module for orthopedic load sensing insert device A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (1802) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The cap (1702) is adhesively coupled to the housing (1706). The adhesive is flexible allowing movement of the cap (1702) when a force, pressure, or load is applied thereto.
US08979757B2	Method and system for monitoring the condition of livestock A method and system for monitoring the condition of livestock comprises a plurality of sensors (115, 103, 113, 111, 107, 105) for sensing a plurality of different behavioral parameters of an animal. The sensed data is transmitted by a unit (115), wirelessly, t a central processor (119) and a plurality of status conditions of the animal is determined on the basis of the transmitted, sensed data such as the onset of parturition, fertility status and other health status conditions. The unit (115) may be permanently worn by the animal and may keep an electronic record of the status conditions of the animal.
US08979755B2	Devices and systems for remote physiological monitoring Devices and systems are provided for the remote monitoring of physiological parameters of a patient. An exemplary wireless physiological monitoring device comprises a substrate formed of a flexible biocompatible material. The substrate has a surface for affixing to the skin of a patient. A wireless data transmission device, a biosensor, and a power source are integrated with the substrate. The biosensor is configured to measure a physiological parameter. Flexible conductors are integrated with the substrate and are configured to electrically couple the biosensor and the power source with the data transmission device.
US08979751B2	Specula A supplementary blade for a speculum is disclosed, the speculum having a plurality of primary blades movable relative to each other for opening and closing, wherein the supplementary blade comprises an anchor portion attachable to the speculum and a blade portion movable with respect to the anchor portion, and the blade portion is shaped to interact with at least one of the primary blades to move into an extended position in response to opening of the primary blades.A speculum is disclosed having a plurality of primary blades movable relative to each other for opening and closing, wherein at least one of the blades comprises a means for attaching a supplementary blade thereto to increase the functional length of the at least one blade.
US08979747B2	Endoscopic ports and related kits and methods An endoscopic port that includes an elongate cannula defining a central lumen that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cannula and is sized to receive at least one endoscopic instrument therein. The cannula further defines a first opening that extends through a sidewall of the cannula at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The first opening is sized to receive a suture passer.
US08979740B2	Bi-directional handle for a catheter A steerable catheter or sheath includes a catheter or sheath body defining a longitudinal axis; first and second actuation wires extending from a proximal end of the body; and a control handle coupled to the body for steering a distal end of the body. The control handle includes a grip portion including a pivot; a wire diverting assembly located on the grip portion at a location separate from the pivot; and an actuator assembly coupled to the pivot and configured for pivotal movement in a single plane. The wire diverting assembly can include first and second actuation wire connection locations that are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The first and second actuation wires can extend toward the wire diverting assembly in a first orientation, and the wire diverting assembly can change the first orientation to a second orientation that is at an angle to the first orientation.
US08979739B2	Bending tube and medical instrument Included are a bending tube; slits; wire guides; an outer coat member; and hole portions that are formed between particular slits in a distal end region that is forward from a central region on an outer circumference of a cylindrical member, each of the hole portions being communicated with any one of the slits, the wire guides covered by the outer coat member being respectively fixed to the hole portions while being attached to the cylindrical member from an outside thereof.
US08979736B2	Treatment endoscope A treatment endoscope includes that a body cavity insertion portion which includes a main body distal hard portion, and a main body curving portion provided to a proximal side of the main body distal hard portion, one or more treatment arm/arms projecting to a distal side from the main body distal hard portion, each of the treatment arm/arms including a curving mechanism, an operation portion provided to the proximal side of the body cavity insertion portion, and an observation section configured to image a field of view in a body cavity, the observation section including an imaging section provided within the main body distal hard portion. The treatment endoscope includes that an operation portion attaching/detaching mechanism configured to removably attach the operation portion to the body cavity insertion portion, and an observation section attaching/detaching mechanism configured to removably attach the observation section to the body cavity insertion portion.
US08979730B2	Method and system for providing behavioural therapy for insomnia The disclosed system and method provide for the automatic assessment of the presence/severity of the sleep problem and its exact nature. The assessment is based on qualitative information about sleep patterns, insomnia-related factors and daytime consequences, as well as quantitative information about sleep patterns measured by a sensor. By combining the different sources of information (subjective as well as objective data), the diagnosis gives more insight into the nature of the sleep problem and is therefore more accurate. Furthermore, the disclosed system may be used to select specific components of the system that are medically relevant to the individual and therefore create a personalized program. The system teaches a selection of self-management skills that could help the individual to better cope with sleep disturbances and target those factors that maintain the problem or make it worse by a particular individual.
US08979729B2	Tinnitus rehabilitation device and method A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person. For example, the masking algorithm may be partly tailored to the hearing loss characteristic of the person. A tinnitus rehabilitation device used in conjunction with a personal sound reproducing system is also described.
US08979726B2	Hemostasis composition with magnetite A composition and method of arresting the flow of blood from a bleeding wound. The composition preferably includes an anhydrous salt ferrate compound preferably combined with an effective amount of an insoluble cation exchange material and an effective amount of anhydrous Magnetite mixed uniformly together. Povidone iodine may be added for enhanced antimicrobial properties. In the method, a quantity of the composition is magnetically attached to a surface of a magnet, after which the powderous mixture is applied to the wound by pressing the surface covered with the powderous compound against the wound for a time sufficient to clot the blood to arrest substantial further blood flow from the wound.
US08979720B2	Strength and balance exercise apparatus A strength and balance exercise apparatus is provided having a pair of exercise arms pivotally supported from the floor. Each arm has handgrips for grasping and manipulation of the arm by the user. A passive force generating means, in this case, double-acting hydraulic cylinders are connected between the floor and the exercise arms to resist movement of the arms. According to the method, the user grasps the handgrips and manipulates the arms to get slow resistance of the passive force generating means while maintaining balance in a standing position.
US08979719B2	Kettlebell and method of manufacturing a kettlebell A kettlebell comprising a handle and a main body portion. The handle comprising a loop handle having a grip portion and first and second arm portions extending from opposite ends of a center portion attaching the grip portion of the handle to the cast body portion. The arm portions have distal ends and the cast main body portion is cast around the distal ends of the handle arms. The main body weight portion is cast around a portion of the handle to thereby secure the handle to the cast main body portion. The body portion is cast onto the end of the handle such that the body portion is both formed and attached to the handle in a single operation thereby providing a secure connection between the main body and the handle. The body may only become detached from the handle through fracture of the handle or the body.
US08979718B2	Hand-held exercise weight An exercise weight includes a weight member, a handle member spaced apart from and substantially surrounding the weight member, and at least one attachment member joining the weight member to the handle member so that the weight member is located inside the handle member. The exercise weight has a relatively narrow profile, or width, to avoid contact with the body during exercise.
US08979710B2	Adaptable exercise system and method A system and method for correlating a video content presentation rate with an exercise machine operation rate is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus is an interactive video system that adapts easily to use with a wide range of gym equipment utilizing a video presentation device that includes an accelerometer and/or camera. The camera embodiment utilizes vision algorithms to determine periodicity and motion orientation prior to modifying the input as a function of the type of exercise equipment is being utilized, in order to determine a cadence. In one embodiment the camera does not rely on seeing the limbs being exercised but utilizes the observation that even highly trained athletes have a degree of extraneous motion of their theoretically immobile body parts during exercise. A prerecorded video presentation is modulated by sensing proximate vibrational energy to determine cadence in the case of the accelerometer.
US08979705B2	Method and system for controlling aircraft engine starter/generator A system and a method for controlling an aircraft engine starter/generator. The system includes an AGB of fixed gear ratio for coupling mechanically to a turbine shaft of the engine to enable the engine to be started, a gearbox having multiple gear ratios mechanically coupled to a gearwheel of the AGB, a starter/generator mechanically coupled to a gearwheel of the gearbox, and a controller to cause the gear ratio of the gearbox to be changed as a function of the mode of operation of the starter/generator.
US08979704B2	Hybrid drive of a motor vehicle and method for controlling a hybrid drive A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle having an automated manual transmission with two input shafts and a common output shaft. The first input shaft can be connected to the drive shaft of an internal combustion engine by a clutch and can be brought into a drive connection to the output shaft by a first group of shiftable gearwheel sets. The second input shaft has a drive connection to the rotor of an electric machine, which can operate as a motor and a generator, and can be brought into a drive connection with the output shaft by a second group of selectively shiftable gearwheel sets. The input shafts can be coupled by coupling-shift element. The hybrid drive is provided with a second electric machine, which can operate as a motor and a generator and has a rotor that can be connected to the first input shaft.
US08979702B2	Configuration for compact planetary transmission A compact five-speed transmission planetary hear train includes a first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets between an input and an output as well as first, second, and third brakes and first, second and third clutches. The first, second and third brakes and first, second and third clutches are selectively actuatable to provide five different forward speeds and four different reverse speeds between the input and the output.
US08979700B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08979697B2	Large-ratio speed changing apparatus A speed changing apparatus for changing an input speed to an output either greatly slower or faster, the apparatus has a coaxial pair of ring gears that includes a large ring gear having a pitch diameter A and a small ring gear having a pitch diameter D. A coaxial pair of spur gears includes a large spur gear having a pitch diameter B and a small spur gear having a pitch diameter C. The large spur gear meshes with the large ring gear and the small spur gear meshes with the small ring. A carrier member is connected to one of the input and output shafts of the apparatus. Two gears of one of the two coaxial pairs being fixed together to operate epicyclically on the carrier. One gear of the other of the two coaxial pairs being fixed to the frame of the apparatus and the other gear being connected to the other of the input and output shafts. In the apparatus, the four gears satisfy the dimensional relationship of A=K+i, B=K, C=K−j and D=K+i−j.
US08979687B2	Torque transmission chain and torque transmission device A torque transmission chain and torque transmission device of which the strength of links is increased by devising lock points that regulate the maximum relative rotation angle between the links are provided. Lock points that contact with pins and interpieces to regulate the maximum relative rotation angles are provided at four portions, that is, a front surface of a link front pillar portion, a rear surface of a link rear pillar portion and a front surface and rear surface of a link intermediate pillar portion. Each of allowable maximum relative rotation angles regulated by the lock points of a link outline portion is set so as to be smaller than each of allowable maximum relative rotation angles regulated by the lock points of the link intermediate pillar portion.
US08979685B2	Impact protector mounting The current invention relates to impact protector mountings and methods of using such mountings for parts or structures that are susceptible to impact or the forces of an impact. Protectors of the invention are useful to protect any parts or structures in vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, utility vehicles, and other vehicles. Impact protector mountings of the invention can be used to protect any parts and structures, including sprockets, disc brake rotors, engine parts, bottom brackets, drivetrain components, and other components susceptible to impact damage.
US08979684B2	Mechanical tensioner with one way damping An apparatus for imparting tension to multiple strands of an endless loop power transferring member encircling a drive sprocket and at least one driven sprocket. A tensioner mechanism includes a slider assembly having a fixed body defining a slot, a slider body engaged within the slot for movement between opposite ends of the slot, and a spring urges the slider body toward one end of the slot. The slider body is operably engageable with at least one tensioning arm for driving the at least one tensioning arm to tension the power transferring member. A link assembly can include two link members pivotally connected to the slider body at first ends and individually connected at second ends to two tensioning arms.
US08979683B2	Bicycle electric actuator unit A bicycle electric actuator unit basically has a housing, an electric drive part and a cable holding member. The electric drive part is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to an electrical cable. The cable holding member is provided at an outer surface of the housing to hold a portion of the electrical cable. The bicycle electric actuator unit can be for example part of an electric bicycle component such as an electric front derailleur or an electric rear derailleur.
US08979682B2	Ball bat including a reinforced, low-durability region for deterring barrel alteration A ball bat includes one or more low-durability regions fortified by one or more reinforcing elements. If the reinforcing element is altered or removed, the durability of the ball bat is significantly reduced. For example, if the ball bat is subjected to internal shaving or external rolling in an attempt to increase the bat's performance, the reinforcing element would de removed or damaged such that the durability of the bat is reduced to the point that the ball bat's performance remains below a specified limit.
US08979681B1	Methods and apparatus for batting tee having rapid return Methods and apparatus for a batting tee having a base removably matable to a post that includes a pivot mechanism including a pivot point located between axially aligned first and second springs connected to a cable extending along a coincident longitudinal axis of the first and second springs. The pivot point allows the post to rotate at the pivot point in response to an impact on the ball holder and/or post. The springs force the post back to an upright position.
US08979679B2	Golf ball having hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions A golf having hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions is disclosed. In wet playing conditions, moisture may be repelled by the hydrophobic portions and attracted to the hydrophilic portions. Thus, the surface of the hydrophobic portions may remain dry such that the friction between a golf club head and the golf ball surface is not reduced. As a result, the golf ball may not be adversely affected by wet playing conditions.
US08979674B2	Iron-type golf club head or other ball striking device A ball striking device, such as an iron-type golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface and a rear surface, and a body connected to the face. The body has a sole member and a rear cavity defined at least partially by the sole member and the rear surface of the face. The body has an elongated, recessed channel extending within the cavity along a juncture line between the rear surface of the face and the sole member. Additionally, the head is formed in part by a face member having a first leg forming at least a major portion of the face and a second leg extending rearwardly from a bottom end of the first leg and forming at least a portion of the sole member. The head may further be formed by a body member connected to the face member.
US08979673B2	Golf club heads with weight redistribution channels and related methods Embodiments of golf club heads with weight redistribution channels are described herein. Other examples and related embodiments are also disclosed herein.
US08979670B2	Golf club head with textured striking face A golf club head includes a heel portion, a toe portion, a hosel, and a striking face. The striking face includes a plurality of scorelines each having an average depth no less than about 0.10 mm, a plurality of micro-grooves each having an average depth no greater than about 0.010 mm, and a plurality of textured surface treatment regions superimposed on the micro-grooves so as to at least partially intersect the micro-grooves.
US08979668B2	Putter-type golf club head and putter-type golf club The present invention relates to a putter-type golf club head with a face on a front side to hit a golf ball comprising a head main portion provided with a concave portion on a side of the face, and a face insert made of elastic material attached to the concave portion of the head main portion, the face insert having a three-layer structure comprising of a first layer disposed at the front, a third layer disposed at the rear, and a second layer disposed between the first layer and the third layer, each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer having a hardness of h1, h2, and h3 and a rebound resilience of r1, r2, and r3, and the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer satisfying the following relations: h2r2, and r1>r3.
US08979666B2	Golf club shaft In a shaft 6, a shaft full length is defined as Ls, and a distance between a tip end of the shaft and a center of gravity G of the shaft is defined as Lg. Lg/Ls is 0.52 or greater and 0.65 or less. A shaft weight is equal to or less than 52 g. Preferably, the shaft 6 has butt partial layers a5 and a6. When a point separated by 250 mm from a butt end Bt is defined as P2; a range from the point P2 to the butt end Bt is defined as a specific butt range; the total weight of the butt partial layers a5 and a6 existing in the specific butt range is Wa gram; and a weight of the shaft in the specific butt range is defined as Wb gram, Wa/Wb is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4.
US08979660B2	Helicopter amusement apparatus A helicopter amusement apparatus, which enables hovering, climbing and descending, and flying back and forth in a play helicopter by force of muscles with excellent steering performance. The helicopter amusement apparatus is equipped with a hydraulic system, which enables positioning a balancing weight in a suitable location to obtain equilibrium according to the weight of the using pilot to enable lifting and driving the cockpit by means of a small force generated by a rotor activated by the power source of the pilot's feet.
US08979648B2	Game system One object is to provide a video game system that can technically restrain real money trade. In accordance with one aspect, a server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a determination unit 58 configured to determine whether an exchange of exhibited game contents and bid game contents is concluded based on a game content parameter value characterizing the exhibited game contents and the game content parameter value characterizing the bid game contents; and an updating unit 61 configured to update an owned game content storage unit 52 such that, only when the determination unit 58 determines that the exchange is concluded, the exhibited game contents are stored in association with player identification information of a bidder player and the bid game contents are stored in association with player identification information of an exhibitor player.
US08979645B2	Gaming device having a selectively accessible bonus scheme A gaming device having a bonus scheme, wherein the player may choose when to play a bonus scheme, so long as the player is qualified to do so. The method of qualifying the player to enter the bonus round connects or links the base game operation of the gaming device with the bonus scheme. The reels of the base game contain symbols which alone or in combination with other symbols yield one or more bonus awards to a player. The bonus awards are escrowed and displayed a bonus award escrow display. Once the player obtains a single bonus award, the player becomes eligible or qualified to play the bonus round and the player may choose to do so at any time. The player can accumulate bonus awards and use multiple bonus awards at one time.
US08979642B2	Systems and methods for electronic fund transfers for use with gaming systems Electronic fund transfer (EFT) systems and methods are disclosed for managing and transferring electronic funds from a patron's financial account to provide gaming or amusement credit in physical or electronic form. The systems comprise an electronic fund transfer (EFT) device, a secure payment gateway configured to connect to the patron's financial accounts via a financial network, a host system, and a funds management portal connected to the host system and to the secure payment gateway. The EFT device is configured to communicate with the patron's financial account via a secure connection to the secure payment gateway and to transmit instructions for transferring electronic funds from the patron's financial account to a credit system via the secure payment gateway and the funds management portal.
US08979639B2	Gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game associated with multi-component symbols configured to affect a base count and/or a value of one or more modifiers Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers.
US08979634B2	Wagering games with reel array interacting with simulated objects moving relative to the reel array Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for executing a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes a memory device that stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes the gaming system to: display a symbol array at a first position of a three-dimensional (3D) space; display a 3D object at a second position of the 3D space, the 3D object having two or more surfaces each lying in a respective plane of the 3D space and each having a respective symbol modifier; display the 3D object and/or symbol array moving towards each other; display, in the symbol array, symbols indicative of a wagering-game outcome; and, in response to the 3D object engaging the array, modify each of the symbol-array symbols by the symbol modifier of the 3D object which engages that symbol.
US08979631B2	Gaming machine capable of realistically informing of a payout rate The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of realistically informing a player of a payout rate, via an effective rendering of such a type in which the player is permitted to participate. In this gaming machine, when the routine migrates to a bonus game, a player makes an input operation via a first display panel to thereby advance a game in a second display panel that is provided upward of the first display panel. In this manner, as the bonus game, a game of such a kind in which the player is permitted to participate can be executed at a position that is easily seen from an upward periphery.
US08979629B2	Scratch-card game system and corresponding game medium The game system is characterized in that it comprises a first instant game based on the purchase by a player of a game medium (1) that in particular bears results information for said first instant game, accessible to the player after removing a first mask and that reveals itself to be either winning (1b, 1c) or losing (1a), the winning result information in the first instant game indicating to the player either a direct winnings (1b) on said first instant game, or a right (1c) to participate in a second instant lottery game accessible via an instant and automatic lottery computer server means.
US08979628B2	Method and apparatus for gaming with alternate value payouts Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
US08979625B2	Wagering game system with shared community preferences A computer-implemented method is conducted in a gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals that participate in a community event. The method includes associating, by at least one of one or more processors, sets of one or more individual preferences with respective players at the respective gaming terminals. The method further include determining by at least one of the one or more processors, based on the sets of individual preferences, a set of one or more community preferences that govern the community event.
US08979616B2	Gear processing machine A gear grinding machine wherein a tooth alignment operation is performed prior to grinding, is equipped with a workpiece processing rotation shaft (22) which rotates a workpiece (W1) located at a workpiece processing position (P2); a workpiece swing device (30) whereby a tailstock (50) that holds the workpiece (W1) is swung between a workpiece replacement position (P1) and a workpiece processing position; a workpiece alignment rotation shaft (52) which rotates the workpiece held by the tailstock (50); and a tooth alignment sensor (43) that detects the rotation phase of the workpiece, which was rotated by the workpiece alignment rotation shaft. Before the workpiece held by the tailstock is placed at the workpiece processing position, the rotation of the workpiece alignment rotation shaft is controlled on the basis of the rotation phase detected, so that the workpiece will engage with a threaded grinding stone (16).
US08979614B2	Deburring machine A deburring machine for removing burrs from workpieces includes a framework, a deburring mechanism and a transport mechanism. The deburring mechanism mounted on the framework, includes deburring units positioned on the framework. The transport mechanism is positioned on the framework adjacent to the deburring units. The transport mechanism includes a base, multi-station rotating plate and a first driver. The base is positioned on the framework. The multi-station rotating plate is rotatably positioned on the base. The first driver is positioned on the framework and connects with the base. The first driver is capable of driving the multi-station rotating plate to transport the workpieces to the plurality of deburring units, the plurality of deburring units are capable of removing the burrs of the workpieces.
US08979611B2	Polishing pad, production method for same, and production method for glass substrate A polishing pad having a polishing layer comprising a thermoset polyurethane foam, wherein about the thermoset polyurethane foam, the Asker C hardness value thereof is 82 or less as a 60-second value, the hardness value being a value after the foam is immersed in water for 24 hours, and further the value of the tensile storage modulus E′ (30° C.) thereof at a frequency of 1.6 Hz satisfies the following expression (1): Y<5X−150 (1) wherein Y represents the tensile storage modulus E′ (MPa), and X represents the Asker C hardness value (60-second value) after the foam is immersed in water for 24 hours.
US08979607B2	Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display panel According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, which includes preparing a pair of substrates including respective alignment films formed therein and subjected to photo alignment treatment, providing a sealing material on a frame area of the alignment film of one of the pair of substrates, and bonding the pair of substrates to each other with the sealing material, and curing the sealing material to form a sealing member, and forming a liquid crystal layer in space surrounded by the pair of substrates and the sealing member. The sealing material satisfies the following formula B≦2000 [μm]/A.
US08979606B2	Method of manufacturing a ruthenium-based spark plug electrode material into a desired form and a ruthenium-based material for use in a spark plug A method of making an electrode material for use in spark plugs and other ignition devices including industrial plugs, aviation igniters, glow plugs, or any other device that is used to ignite an air/fuel mixture in an engine. The electrode material is a ruthenium-based material that includes ruthenium as the single largest constituent. The disclosed method includes hot-forming a layered structure that includes a ruthenium-based material core, an interlayer having a refractory metal disposed over the ruthenium-based material core, and a nickel-based cladding disposed over the interlayer.
US08979604B1	Flying ski and elongated board for flying ski An improved elongated board for a flying ski designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device. The elongated board comprises a front end and a back end. The front end extending from a front edge to about one-half of the length of the elongated board, the back end extending from a back edge to about one-half of the length of the elongated board, and the back end has a greater mass than the front end.
US08979599B2	Connector having insertion detection An electrical connector includes a molded body having at least one recess for receiving an electrical contact crimped onto a power supply wire. The body includes a flap that is mobile between a position allowing the insertion of a contact into the recess, and a locked position in which the flap locks the contact in the recess. The flap is translatably mobile relative to the body and forms a single hinged part with the latter. A system also includes a bulb provided with a connection socket and the connector.
US08979598B2	Assembled connecting device with a protective sleeve An assembled connecting device with a protective sleeve includes a first connector and a protective sleeve. The first connector has a plugging portion. The protective sleeve is movably coupled to the first connector and has a sheath. The sheath of the protective sleeve is selectively sleeves the first connector.
US08979597B2	Leadframe having selectively removable bridges between terminals and contacts The present invention relates to a leadframe having a plurality of connections for electrical conductors, a plurality of contacts and at least two outer current bars, and to a connecting socket having a leadframe as well as to a system for transmission of electrical power, in particular from a plurality of solar modules (photovoltaic modules), having a connecting socket such as this. In order to devise a leadframe which occupies as little space as possible, at least one connection (32a-e) is provided for an electrical conductor between the outer current bars (34a, b). This allows the leadframe to have a compact physical shape. The invention is based on the discovery that leadframes are used in the prior art to bridge the distances between predetermined contact separations, offering the possibility of producing, in one stamped part, strip conductors which have different geometries. Furthermore, a connecting socket having such a leadframe is described, and a system for transmission of electrical power using such a connecting socket.
US08979595B2	Electrical connector and method of manufacture An electrical connector, including a shell, a housing and a plurality of metal terminals, configures a chamber that several ribs allocate the chamber with terminal recesses, a ramped portion being formed at the bottom of chamber, the terminals pass through terminal recesses in which the terminals are assembled amid housing, among the sections of the terminals, a contact section forming a engagement in front of the ramped portion of chamber.
US08979594B2	Electrical receptacle An electrical receptacle includes a first plastic main body, a tongue plate structure, plural signal interface structure segments, and a second plastic main body. The second plastic main body has at least one structure segment fixing space. At least a first portion of said plural signal interface structure segments are previously accommodated and fixed within the at least one structure segment fixing space. The second plastic main body with the first portion of said plural signal interface structure segments and the first plastic main body are combined together, and assembled with the first plastic main body, the tongue plate structure and a second portion of said plural signal interface structure segments so as to produce the electrical receptacle.
US08979593B2	Low profile electrical connector An electrical connector includes a metal shell and two terminal seats, the two terminal seats and the metal shell together define a mating slot. Each terminal seat having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, the terminal seat including a housing, a metal frame and a plurality of terminals. The metal frame includes a bottom plate and two side plates. Each side plate includes a pivoting portion, each terminal seat is pivoted to the metal shell via the pivoting portions. The pivoting portion is positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. The plurality of terminals are embedded in and fixed to the housing, each terminal includes a contact portion and a soldering portion, the contact portion extends into the mating slot, and the soldering portion is positioned at the first end portion.
US08979588B2	Method and system for improving crosstalk attenuation within a plug/jack connection and between nearby plug/jack combinations An RJ45 communication jack has a housing with a top, bottom, front, and back. A foil is immediately adhered to and partially covers the housing. A top or bottom of the housing is covered by a first portion and a second portion of the foil wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a nonconductive gap. The gap extends from the front of the housing to the rear of the housing.
US08979583B2	Terminal-mounting structure and terminal used in the same terminal-mounting structure The invention provides a terminal-mounting structure for mounting a terminal to a terminal-receiving portion, which includes the terminal and the terminal-receiving portion. The terminal includes an elongated plate-shaped connecting portion, a pair of wings extending from both edges of the connecting portion which are disposed in a width direction of the connecting portion and being perpendicular to the connecting portion, and a locking hole formed in the connecting portion and located between the pair of wings. The terminal-receiving portion includes a tube portion for receiving the terminal therein, and a lance capable of being locked to the locking hole of the terminal and positioned between the pair of wings. A front face of the connecting portion is not covered by the pair of wings at all. The pair of wings extends in a same direction.
US08979578B2	Electrical connector with relative movement of mid sections of contacts inhibited by frictional engagement with a recess An electrical connector for transmitting data signals between the insulated conductors of a first data cable and corresponding insulated conductors of a second data cable, including a first part having a socket shaped to at least partially receive a plug of said first data cable; a second part having a plurality of insulation displacement contact slots shaped to receive end sections of the conductors of the second data cable; and a plurality of electrically conductive contacts including resiliently compressible spring finger contacts extending into the socket for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the first cable; insulation displacement contacts seated in corresponding insulation displacement contact slots for effecting electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the second data cable; and mid sections extending therebetween, wherein relative movement between the mid sections of the contacts is inhibited by a fastener.
US08979577B2	Bridging terminal A bridging terminal includes a cap and four conductive pieces. Each of the flexible conductive pieces has two pin portions and a connecting portion. The connecting portions are combined in an assembling chamber of the cap. The pin portion of the first flexible conductive piece has a front-left-outer facet and a front-right-outer facet jutting frontward, and has a flexible arch jutting backward. The second and third flexible conductive pieces have each of their pin portions including a left-outer facet, a right-outer facet and a slot. The pin portion of the fourth flexible conductive piece has a rear-left-outer facet and a rear-right-outer facet jutting backward, and has a flexible arch jutting frontward. When the flexible conductive pieces are aligned and piled, the flexible arches are received in the corresponding slots. Thereby, the bridging terminal provides improved electric conductivity, bonding strength and stability, while preventing elastic fatigue and premature failure.
US08979575B2	Electrical connector assembly having assistant heat dissipating device An electrical connector assembly for use with an electronic package, includes an electrical connector having a plurality of contacts, and an assistant heat sink mounted upon the electrical connector and having an opening to allow the electronic package connecting with the contacts.
US08979573B1	Connector block with spring-loaded electrical terminal assemblies An electrical terminal or spring terminal for forming an electrical connection between a wire conductor and a current bar includes a spring and a spring retainer, the spring retainer not integral with the spring and not integral with the current bar. Engageable abutment surfaces on the spring retainer and the current bar cooperate to transfer spring force to the current bar.
US08979569B2	Modular connectors and associated systems and methods Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular connector assemblies that generally include a connector and an attachment unit. The connector includes a connector housing, the connector housing including a first coupler element. The attachment unit includes an attachment unit housing, the attachment unit housing including a second coupler element. The first coupler element can be configured and dimensioned to interlock with the second coupler element for movably securing the connector to the attachment unit. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods and systems for modular connector assemblies.
US08979568B2	Electrical plug-in connector having locking clips The invention relates to an electrical plug-in connector, comprising a first and a second housing half, the first housing half (2) having two opposite U-shaped locking clips (8), which are each pivotably retained on both sides on bearing journals (12) and which each have locking projections (9) on both sides, the locking projections having a recess (11), wherein said recesses act on locking pins (13) of the second housing (3) when the locking clips (8) are closed so that the two housing halves (2, 3) are pressed against each other, characterized in that the first housing half (2) has at least one web (4), which penetrates a recess (6) of the second housing half (3) intended therefore when the two housing halves (2, 3) are joined so that the housing halves lie against each other in an accurately fitting manner, and in that the locking clips (8) have lateral shields (7), which cover the bearing journals (12) of the first housing half (2) and the locking pins (13) of the second housing half (3) in the locked state of the system plug-in connector, wherein each shield (7) has a straight edge (17) between the bearing journal receptacle (22) and the locking pin (13).
US08979563B2	Electric contact module and electric contact box for an electric unit, as well as electric equipment and electric unit The invention relates to an electric contact module, particularly electric test module, for an electric unit, preferably an electric distribution unit such as an electric voltage or power distribution unit or an installation of an electrical substation of an urban electrical power system, having a casing having first electrical contact means electrically connectable by/to a first electric unit, and a slider having second electrical contact means electrically connectable by/to a second electric unit. The slider may be provided in a plurality of positions in relation to the casing. Locking recesses 132 and locking protrusions 232 may be used to set the positions of the slider. Furthermore, an electric contact box is disclosed having one or a plurality of electric contact modules according to the invention, wherein the electric contact box preferably comprises two, three or five electric contact modules or an integer multiple thereof.
US08979560B2	Lever type connector A lever type connector in which workability in inserting terminals is enhanced is provided. A lever type connector 1 includes a connector housing 22 for containing terminals 61 at terminal ends of wires, and a lever 30 which is rotatably mounted on the connector housing 22, and rotated at a wire extending side of the connector housing 22 thereby to move a mating connector to be engaged with the connector housing 22 up to a normally engaged position. The lever 30 includes a pair of arm parts 31 (31a, 31b), and a connecting part 38 for interconnecting respective base end parts 51 (51a, 51b) of the arm parts 31. A recess part 53 for enlarging a distance between the base end parts 51 is provided on at least one of inner walls 50 (50a, 50b) of the base end parts 51 of the arm parts 31 which are opposed to each other.
US08979558B2	Interposer assembly A shielded interposer assembly includes an electrically conductive plate, an electrically conductive EMI cage, and an interposer. The cage is configured to be supported by the electrically conductive plate and defines a cage interior. The interposer that defines first and second opposed mating interfaces. The interposer is configured to be supported by the electrically conductive plate such that each of the first and second mating interfaces is disposed in the cage interior. The EMI cage has front and rear ends that at least partially define front and rear mating paths that are configured to receive respective first and second electrical devices so as to mate the first and second electrical devices to the first and second mating ends, respectively, of the interposer.
US08979557B2	Liquid-tight conduit fitting with grounding element A fitting for terminating a conduit includes a substantially tubular fitting body having a central bore extending therethrough, a forward end, and a rearward end opposing the forward end. The fitting body includes a first liquid-proof coating that includes a rearward sealing rim. A gland nut is rotatably coupled to the rearward end of the fitting body. The gland nut includes a second liquid-proof coating that includes a forward sealing rim. A grounding ring is positioned between the gland nut and the fitting body and contacts the fitting body. Upon axial movement of the gland nut, the grounding ring engages the rearward sealing rim of the first liquid-proof coating on the fitting body and the forward sealing rim of the second liquid-proof coating on the gland nut to form a sealed relationship therewith.
US08979556B2	Communication socket and communication device A communication socket comprises an outer casing, a circuit board, a communication connector, and a power terminal set. The outer casing has a power terminal passage formed penetratingly in the outer casing. The circuit board and the communication connector are arranged inside the outer casing. The communication connector is disposed between a side wall of the outer casing and the circuit board, and the communication connector electrically connects to the circuit board. The power terminal set is arranged in the power terminal passage and passed through the circuit board, wherein one end of the power terminal set exposes from the side wall of the outer casing, and another end of the power terminal set passes through the circuit board, and wherein the power terminal set and the circuit board are insulating to each other. The instant disclosure also provides a communication device.
US08979546B2	Method and system for quantitative assessment of facial emotion nulling A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion nulling of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a single facial expressions and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) adjusting the facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) transforming the modulated facial expression; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
US08979545B2	Method and system for quantitative assessment of social interactions nulling testing A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of social interactions nulling testing of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of body images and a background; (2) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (3) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (4) modulating the adjusted body image relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (5) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; (6) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
US08979543B2	Method and system for quantitative assessment of word identification latency A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word identification latency of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; ((6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
US08979540B2	Method and system for quantitative assessment of visual form discrimination A method and apparatus are presented to address quantitative assessment of visual form discrimination in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, said scene comprising a plurality of elements and a background; (2) distorting at least one geometric characteristic of at least one; (3) modulating the contrast level of the predetermined section of the scene; (4) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by said subject via at least one input device; (5) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (6) quantitatively refining the received feedback relative to the scene; (7) adjusting at least one distorted geometric characteristic relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (8) calculating the critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (9) recording the critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
US08979537B2	Firearm barrel plug and training method A training/safety plug for use in firearms is provided. In one implementation, the plug comprises a chamber end and a shaft extending away from the chamber end. The chamber end is adapted to fit within a chamber of a designated firearm, the chamber end has a cross-sectional dimension sufficient to prevent the chamber end from extending into a barrel of the designated firearm and further comprises a strike surface for receiving an impact of a firing pin and a proximal end dimension such that the chamber end is not engaged by an ejector mechanism of the firearm. The shaft comprises a barrel end coupled to and extending distally from the generally cylindrical chamber end. The training/safety plug renders the designated firearm inert. Methods of training a student to target a firearm or other targeting device are also disclosed.
US08979536B2	Preformed malleable dental articles and methods A hardenable dental article including a base and at least one outer surface extending from the base, wherein at least the base and the at least one outer surface of the hardenable dental article includes a hardenable dental material; and a multi-layer polymeric film conformable release liner in contact with at least a portion of the at least one outer surface.
US08979534B2	Tooth scaffolds Provided is an acellular mammalian tooth-shaped scaffold including a compound that is chemotactic, osteogenic, dentinogenic, amelogenic, or cementogenic. Also provided is a method of replacing a tooth in the mouth of a mammal, where the tooth is absent and a tooth socket is present in the mouth at the position of the absent tooth. The method includes implanting an acellular scaffold having the shape of the missing tooth into the tooth socket. Additionally, a method of making a tooth scaffold is provided. The method includes synthesizing an acellular scaffold in the shape of a mammalian tooth and adding at least one compound that is chemotactic, osteogenic, dentinogenic, amelogenic, or cementogenic.
US08979531B2	Double-arched tweezers for dental operations In order to get good access for treatment at hidden parts of the oral cavity, double arched tweezers are disclosed, that can favorably be applied for operations at one or the other side of the mouth and by left- or right-handed dentists.
US08979528B2	Customized orthodontic appliance method and system An orthodontic bracket is disclosed having three archwire retention channels in the mesial-distal directions, a central channel and two side channels. The two side channels each include a pair of spaced apart inverted archwire retaining regions having a recess that opens generally towards the bracket base. Each such recess is for grasping or holding an archwire therein. Other aspects are directed to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket; embodiments that include an orthodontic appliance and method of producing and using the same, and preferably employed in a lingual orthodontic system, that includes friction reducing features between an interior of an archwire slot portion of the appliance and an archwire placed within the archwire slot.
US08979524B2	Method and apparatus for making a light weight container An apparatus for forming a blow-molded container includes a mold, a mandrel, and a die. The mold includes a bottom section for forming a container bottom, a sidewall section for forming a plurality of sidewalls, a spout section for forming a spout, and a neck section for forming an upwardly converging neck member coupling the sidewalls to the spout having a convex radius transition section of approximately three inches in a container having an overall height of approximately ten inches. The mandrel and the die are operative to form a parison that assumes an ovoid cross-section within the mold with the outer surfaces of the parison positioned approximately equidistant from sidewall section of said mold.
US08979514B2	Pump pressure control valve with shock reduction features A pump includes a pump casing defining a first chamber and a second chamber, and fluid moves from the first chamber to the second chamber during a stroke. The pump also includes a needle that is movably disposed in the first chamber and a valve carriage that is movably disposed in the second chamber. The valve carriage includes an internal stop, and the valve carriage also includes a cavity therein that is partially defined by the internal stop. The pump further includes a valve that is movably disposed within the cavity of the valve carriage, and the valve is operable to be impacted by the needle during the stroke. Also, the needle is operable to impact the valve carriage during the stroke. Moreover, the valve is operable to impact the internal stop during the stroke at a time different from the needle impacting the valve carriage.
US08979510B2	Micropump and driving method thereof A micropump includes: a fluid suction tube for suctioning fluid; a pumping tube connected to the fluid suction tube and providing a suction force and a discharge force to surroundings while repeatedly being expanded and contracted by an external signal; a deform tube connected to the pumping tube and having an aperture that is deformed by the suction force and the discharge force of the pumping tube; and a fluid discharge tube connected to the deform tube and discharging fluid.
US08979501B2	Connection of a shaft to a rotating component For connecting a shaft to a rotating component, especially of a shaft to a turbine wheel of an exhaust gas turbocharger, an intermediate component is provided by means of which the shaft is connected indirectly to the rotating component. The connection between the rotating component and the intermediate component is a form-locking and/or force-locking connection, especially a riveted connection.
US08979498B2	Turbine airfoil having outboard and inboard sections A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine and formed from at least an outboard section and an inboard section such that an inner end of the outboard section is attached to an outer end of the inboard section. The outboard section may be configured to provide a tip having adequate thickness and may extend radially inward from the tip with a generally constant cross-sectional area. The inboard section may be configured with a tapered cross-sectional area to support the outboard section.
US08979497B2	Blade arrangement, especially stator blade arrangement A blade arrangement on a wall of a fluid flow path of a turbomachine includes a locating channel disposed in the wall and having undercut flanks. A plurality of blades each having a blade-side root section corresponding to the undercut flanks. A plurality of intermediate filling pieces correspond to the undercut flanks and separate each of the blade-side root sections. The plurality of blade-side root sections and intermediate filling pieces are seated in a form-fitting manner and fixed in a force-locking manner in the locating channel. The plurality of intermediate filling pieces fill out the locating channel so as to form a gas flow-side surface essentially free of a disturbing contour between the blade-side root sections. Each of the plurality of intermediate filling pieces includes a threaded hole disposed essentially perpendicular to a base of the channel. A screw is disposed in the threaded hole.
US08979493B2	Fluid pump The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular liquid pump, with a rotor, with a rotor shaft (11) and with at least one rotor blade for delivering the fluid, wherein the rotor with regard to its diameter may be changed between a first, compressed condition, and a second expanded condition, wherein the at least one rotor blade comprises at least two erection elements (12, 13, 14) which are distanced to one another along the longitudinal axis (18) of the rotor shaft (11) and which project away from the shaft in the expanded condition of the rotor, as well as at least two limp rib elements (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30) which run at a distance to one another from one erection element (12, 13, 14) at least up to a further erection element, wherein a limp membrane (10) is held between the rib elements, which is tautened in the expanded condition of the rotor. A good compressibility of the rotor with low counter-forces, as well as a simple setting-up of the rotor may be achieved by the membrane-like design of the rotor blades. The membrane may for example be manufactured with the immersion method.
US08979490B2	Fan inlet diffuser housing riveted center body retention A fan inlet diffuser housing system includes an air cycle machine, a housing coupled to the air cycle machine, an inlet fan disposed on the air cycle machine and configured to pass inlet air into the fan inlet diffuser housing, a center tube disposed in the housing, a diffuser cone disposed around the center tube, an inboard strut supporting the inner tube within the diffuser cone, and an outboard strut supporting the inner tube within the diffuser cone, the outboard strut being integral with the diffuser cone, wherein the inboard strut is coupled to the inner tube with a first plurality of mechanical fasteners, and the outboard strut is coupled to the inner tube with a second plurality of mechanical fasteners.
US08979488B2	Cast turbine casing and nozzle diaphragm preforms Various turbine component preforms are disclosed having near-net shape features. In one embodiment, a turbine casing preform is disclosed. The turbine casing preform includes an as-cast body comprising a partially cylindrical wall section of a turbine casing, the wall section having an inner surface and an outer surface. The turbine casing preform also includes a circumferentially-extending vane slot formed in the wall section on the inner surface. In another embodiment, a turbine nozzle diaphragm preform is disclosed. The turbine nozzle diaphragm preform includes an as-cast body comprising a partially-cylindrical wall section of a turbine nozzle diaphragm having an inner surface and an outer surface. The turbine nozzle diaphragm preform also includes an as-cast, circumferentially-extending seal member projecting from one of the outer surface or inner surface.
US08979484B2	Casing for an aircraft turbofan bypass engine A casing for an aircraft turbofan bypass engine includes an outer ring, an inner hub and a plurality of struts radially extending therebetween. An annular portion of an engine core casing having an outer wall and an inner wall, is disposed between the outer ring and inner hub, forming an annular splitter supporting an upstream splitter tip structure. The annular splitter further includes an intermediate wall disposed in the annular splitter fixed to the outer wall and the struts, to distribute loads from the annular splitter box to the struts.
US08979478B2	Fully enclosed seal and bearing assembly for between-bearing pumps A bearing and seal assembly for supporting and sealing a terminating outboard end of an impeller shaft in a centrifugal pump such as a between-bearings pump includes only one seal but provides advantages typical of a dual-seal assembly, including barrier fluid protection against seal damage caused by abrasive slurries, and protection against leaking of toxic process fluid to atmosphere. A bearing housing sealed to the pump's pressure casing encloses the seal, bearing, and terminating impeller shaft end. Leakage of process fluid past the seal is prevented by a lubricating, pressurized, cooled barrier fluid which is circulated through the bearing housing by an external pump and/or by an internal, shaft-driven impeller. Because the impeller shaft terminates within the bearing housing and does not penetrate to atmosphere, the barrier fluid is contained within the bearing housing and a second seal is not required.
US08979472B2	Directional, sealable wind-powered turbine A cylindrical wind-turbine has an intake opening set in a known direction of oncoming wind (such as towards the direction of an expected oncoming train). A central plunger acts as a valve to regulate airflow, and may seal the intake opening. Exit valves are situated near the rear of the device and/or at the rear in embodiments of the disclosed technology. The intake opening and exit valves may be opened or closed depending on readings from wind and water sensors. Generally speaking, when there is sufficient wind and low threat of water, the openings and valves are open, collecting wind energy. When there is a lack of wind or presence of water, the openings and valves are sealed to protect the interior components of the device from the elements and unnecessary wear and tear, prolonging the life of the device.
US08979471B2	Bearing carrier with multiple lubrication slots A bearing assembly, a pump with a bearing assembly and a method of lubricating a pump bearing using a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes a bearing carrier and a bearing housing that are rotatably connected to one another to permit axial adjustment of the pump's impeller or other fluid-conveying apparatus, as well as variable rotational positioning of the bearing carrier relative to a pump housing. Numerous lubricant access apertures placed around the periphery of the bearing carrier facilitate lubricant passage from a connection on the bearing housing to the bearings, regardless of the rotational position of the carrier relative to the bearing housing or other pump structure.
US08979470B2	Gas turbine engine and method for cooling the compressor of a gas turbine engine A gas turbine engine includes a compressor with rotor blades having roots connected into seats of a compressor drum. The rotor blade roots and/or the compressor drum have longitudinal passages for a cooling fluid, connecting higher pressure areas to lower pressure areas of the gas turbine engine.
US08979469B2	Heat treatment apparatus and method of transferring substrates to the same A heat treatment apparatus includes a vessel loading unit on which a substrate vessel configured to accommodate a plurality of substrates at a first interval is loaded, a substrate holder configured to hold the plurality of substrates at a second interval which is smaller than the first interval, a substrate transfer unit capable of supporting the substrates and configured to transfer the plurality of substrates between the substrate holder and the substrate vessel and includes at least two substrate supporting parts stacked with the first interval therebetween and configured to be simultaneously advanced and retreated relative to the substrate vessel and individually advanced and retreated relative to the substrate holder, and a control unit configured to control an upper one of the at least two substrate supporting parts to be in an inoperative state when a lower one is supporting the substrate.
US08979468B2	Loading work apparatus with attachment tools A loading work apparatus includes booms, attachment tools, an implement tool removably attached to the attachment tools, and implement tool cylinders. The implement tool includes an engaged member on a back surface thereof. The attachment tools include an attachment unit having an engaging member engaged with the engaged member, coupling members supporting the transverse shaft, and lock members locking/unlocking engagement between the engaging member and engaged member. Each coupling member includes brackets on lateral opposite sides of the lock member. The transverse shaft is supported at opposite ends thereof by lower portions of the right and left brackets. The support shaft is supported at opposite ends thereof by intermediate portions of the right and left brackets. The transverse shaft and the support shaft bridge across the lock member.
US08979464B2	Production facility, and production system Provided is a production facility which allows a worker to perform manual works such as restoration, setting change, and manufacturing, without entering an action area of a robot. The production facility includes a casing, a swaging as a dedicated device housed in the casing, for performing swaging using a boot band, and an internal transfer device. A human work area on the front side of the production facility and an action area of a transfer robot on the back side of the production facility are separated by the swaging device and the casing. The worker positioned on the front side of the production facility operates swaging device without entering the action area of the transfer robot so that the transfer robot need not be stopped when the work is performed.
US08979457B2	Device for fastening A device for fastening includes a threaded rod, a nut that can be screwed on the rod and elements for locking the nut in rotation in relation to the threaded rod including an intermediary ring mounted between a skirt of the nut and an end of the threaded rod, this ring including rotational coupling elements with the end of the threaded rod and rotational coupling elements with the skirt of the nut. The nut is elastically deformable to tightening during the screwing on the threaded rod.
US08979456B2	Retention clip assembly A retention clip assembly is for attachment to a stud. The assembly includes a base plate and a cover plate. The base plate includes a base rim and a locking finger extending from the base rim. The cover plate includes a cover rim and a flange. The cover rim defines a lock opening configured for receiving the locking finger therein to retain the cover plate to the base plate. The flange extends inwardly from the cover rim at an angle which is acute such that the flange overlays the cover opening and is configured for engaging the external teeth on the stud. The cover plate attached to the base plate with a sheet of material therebetween. The cover plate and base plate are positioned such that the flange engages the external teeth of the stud to prevent removal of the retention clip assembly from the stud.
US08979451B2	Self-leveling lift-assisted decking system for use in a cargo trailer An improved captive beam decking system is disclosed for use in a cargo trailer. The system includes a beam assembly and a foot assembly that is selectively engagable to a vertical sliding track system. The sliding track system is attached to the sidewall of a trailer vertically. The beam can be easily moved at different heights that are selected based upon the configuration of the cargo trailer.
US08979450B2	Function element, method for producing a function element Some embodiments of the invention relate to function elements for fixing in seat rails of aircraft. The function element according to the invention may include: a fixing rail with a web running in the x direction and a multiplicity of extensions which protrude beyond the web in a y direction to form a T profile, wherein the fixing rail is formed corresponding to the seat rail such that the fixing rail can be inserted in the seat rail and moved along the x direction into a holding position in which the extensions sit between the holes below the slots, at least one fixing peg which is arranged mobile on the fixing rail and can be brought into a blocking position in which the fixing peg engages in a hole of the seat rail so that the function element is fixed in the x direction.
US08979445B2	Cutting tip and rotary cutting tool employing same A rotary cutting tool includes a first end defined by a cutting profile and structured to perform cutting operations on a workpiece. The cutting tool also includes an opposite second end structured to be mounted in a machine tool, a central longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a generally cylindrical body disposed about the central longitudinal axis between the first end and the opposite second end. The cutting profile includes a first portion adjacent the central longitudinal axis and disposed generally at a first angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; a second portion adjacent the first portion and disposed generally at a second angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; and a third portion adjacent the second portion and disposed generally at a third angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. The second angle is greater than both the first and third angles.
US08979444B2	Cutting bit adapted to cut metal and wood and associated method A cutting bit adapted to cut wood or metal is disclosed. The cutting bit is prepared by a process which includes the step of performing a forming operation on a metal blank so as to create a formed metal part that includes (i) a shaft having a polygonal shaped drive surface and defining an axis, (ii) a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the body being attached to the shaft, the body further having a first shoulder and a second shoulder at the distal end thereof, the first shoulder defining a first cutting edge segment, and the second shoulder defining a second cutting edge segment, the axis extending between the first cutting edge segment and the second cutting edge segment, (iii) a central cutting member extending from the body so that the central cutting member is aligned with the axis, (iv) a first cutting spur extending from the distal end of the body, the first cutting edge segment being interposed between the first cutting spur and the axis, and (v) a second cutting spur extending from the distal end of the body, the second cutting edge segment being interposed between the second cutting spur and the axis. The process of preparing the cutting bit further includes the step of performing a carburization operation on the formed metal part after the first step so as to create the cutting bit. The cutting bit is particularly useful in performing a drilling operation on a metal construction wall stud to form a hole therein.
US08979442B2	System and method for modifying a gas turbine engine in the field A system and method for modifying a gas turbine engine in the field to drill a series of cooling holes in a turbine rotor disk made of a superalloy. A portable field repair system includes a stand configured to receive, support, and position a turbine rotor disk, a drill having a self-feeding spindle and configured to automatically drill a predetermined depth through a superalloy and to automatically stop upon completion, a drill guide configured to coordinate the drill with a plurality of radial axes associated with a precise hole pattern to be cut and a drill mount configured to mechanically couple the drill to the drill guide and to position the drill during the modification of the gas turbine engine turbine rotor disk.
US08979441B2	Power tool with integral pencil sharpener In one embodiment of the present invention, a power tool includes a housing having a first opening formed therein with a motor being contained within the housing. The tool includes a device for sharpening a writing implement. The sharpening device is at least partially contained within the housing and accessible through the first opening which permits the writing implement to be inserted into the sharpening device. The sharpening device is operatively connected to the motor such that operation of the motor drives the sharpening device.
US08979436B2	Water craft bumper A watercraft bumper for a watercraft may include a sleeve to connect to a piling, the sleeve being detachably connected to the piling, the sleeve having a slit to open and close to detachably connect to the piling, the slit being in communication with a central aperture to cooperate with the piling, and the sleeve including a biasing device to open and close the slit.
US08979433B2	Liquid containment berm and method of use A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has one or more interior seal members, a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. The berm is assembled and installed on site about a liquid container.
US08979432B2	Vortex flow type water surface control device for draining device In a conventional storm overflow chamber of a combined sewer system, inflowing floating debris do not flow into an intercepting pipe in a rainy weather, and flow out to a public water body, causing a water pollution in the public water body. According to a vortex flow type water surface control device for a draining device of the present invention, a control plate (6) higher than at least a separating weir (1) is provided between an opening of an inflow pipe (2) and an opening of an intercepting pipe (3) in a storm overflow chamber of a combined sewer system. Moreover, a guide wall (7) higher than at least the separating weir (1) is provided along the separating weir between the opening of the inflow pipe (2) and the separating weir (1).
US08979429B2	Drainage and material-settling device for conveyance channels A drainage and material-settling device for conveyance channels, comprising an elongated base member for placement in a channel transverse to the main direction of flow through the channel. A plurality of spaced-apart upright members extend from one side of the base member. At least two anchor members extend from the other side of the base member and are placed in a subsurface of the channel. That number of upright members corresponding to the number of anchor members are secured to the anchor members such that the base member is sandwiched between the anchor members and the upright members. Those upright members not secured to anchor members are secured to further connecting members.
US08979427B2	Coastal recovery utilizing repositionable shoal module A coastal recovery module including a body portion defining an interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may also include a selectively sealable fluid conduit. The selectively sealable fluid conduit may provide a fluid communication between the interior compartment and an exterior of the body portion, the fluid conduit configured for selectively flooding and dewatering the interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may further include a wave energy mitigation structure associated with at least a portion of a top surface of the body portion.
US08979426B2	Boat lift apparatus A boat lift apparatus includes a base having a first base beam and a second base beam and a moveable boat support platform having a first lifting beam, a second lifting beam, and at least one cradle support connected to and suspended between the first and second lifting beams. At least two first support struts connect the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and at least two second support struts connect the second base beam and the second lifting beam. When the boat support platform is in a lowered position the at least two first support struts are generally parallel to both the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and the at least two second support struts are generally parallel to both the second base beam and the second lifting beam.
US08979422B2	Cover having a wear-resistant surface and method for the production thereof The invention relates to a cast-iron cover fitted with at least one traffic-bearing surface which in turn comprises at least segment-wise a wear-resistant layer constituted by chilling the cast iron. Preferably the wear-resistant layer exhibits a Brinell hardness larger than 275 HBW but less than 350 HBW. A method of the invention furthermore relates to manufacturing a cast-iron cover, first manufacturing a shaped body. Then an activation layer is made within the shaped body. Cast iron is poured-in in a way to be at least partly chilled at a contact surface with the activation layer.
US08979421B2	Manhole cover and method for manufacturing same A manhole cover maintains a strength and weight the same as those of conventional manhole covers made of cast iron, eliminates the risk of theft, and achieves improved corrosion resistance and sealing properties. The manhole cover comprises: a base unit made of composite materials having compositions containing 12 to 18 wt % of glass fiber, 17 to 23 wt % of a polyester resin, with the remainder being calcium carbonate (CaCO3), wherein the base unit is mounted on the manhole such that an upper portion of the base unit is exposed aboveground; and a metal reinforcement unit which is uniformly distributed within the base unit to reinforce the base unit and increase weight and strength of the base unit.
US08979419B2	Security barrier The invention relates to a security barrier, and a method for operation thereof. The security barrier (10) comprising a support (12) and a barrier member (30) movable relative to the support between a stowed position and a deployed position. The support (12) having an upper part (22) for positioning substantially at ground level (106). The barrier member (30) being rotatably mounted relative to the support (12) such that an axis of rotation (76) of the barrier member (30) is above the upper part (22).
US08979417B2	Attachment system An attachment system for attaching a first component to a second component is provided, the system including a cylindrical element which has an outer lateral surface and a sleeve-shaped element which has an inner lateral surface, by means of which the two components may be variably attached to each other. At least one rib is arranged on one of the lateral services of the cylindrical or sleeve-shaped element and is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the cylindrical and sleeve-shaped elements. A projection is arranged on the other lateral surface of the sleeve-shaped or cylindrical element, the rib and the projection being provided on the cylindrical and sleeve-shaped elements in such a way that the sleeve-shaped element may be mounted on the cylindrical element, and the cylindrical element may be rotated relative to the mounted sleeve-shaped element in variable axial positions around the axis. The rib is brought into communication with the projection during rotation, and the cylindrical element being thereby fixed in place relative to the mounted sleeve-shaped element in the axial direction.
US08979415B2	Adhesively bonded joint in agricultural boom structure An adhesively bonded joint in a boom arm of an agricultural sprayer has a tee-shaped brace member with a top flange and a stem extending from the top flange. A brace-receiving portion of the joint has a slot formed therein that receives the stem of the tee-shaped brace member. The sides of the stem and underside of the top flange are adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the brace-receiving portion. The slot is formed with a v-shape, with the mouth of the slot being wider than the width of the distal end of the slot, to provide some flexibility in the angular positioning of the tee-shaped bracing member. The joint further includes a locking collar around an end of the tee-shaped brace. Opposite sides of the locking collar engage notches on either side of the slot to lock the stem of the tee-shaped brace member in the slot.
US08979414B2	Connection system A connection system includes a sheet-metal part which is connected to a base plate. A connecting slot is formed in the base plate, and the sheet-metal part includes a connecting tab. The connecting tab includes a retaining region and a first stop. The connecting slot has a first end which faces towards and which is opposite the retaining region. The retaining region is inserted into the connecting slot in an assembly position. The retaining region includes a surface which engages an underside of the base plate in a connected position. The first stop is exposed in the assembly position. During the transition from the assembly position into the connected position, the first stop is inserted into the connecting slot and is brought into engagement with the first end of the connecting slot.
US08979412B2	Tip unit for a cosmetic applicator A tip unit of a cosmetic applicator includes a tube portion connected to a hollow body of the cosmetic applicator, and a tip portion tapering away to a point from the tube portion. The tip portion has a passage space contain liquid cosmetics advanced from the hollow body through the tube portion, and has a plurality of flexible blade segments, a plurality of guiding grooves defined respectively by corresponding adjacent pairs of the blade segments, and a plurality of slits, each communicating the passage space with a respective one of the guiding grooves, and being enlargeable when the tip portion is deformed so as to permit flow of the liquid cosmetics from the passage space to the respective one of the guiding grooves therethrough.
US08979409B2	Device for storing and selectively dispensing different products A device for storing and dispensing different product possesses at least two interlocking product dispenser units each possessing a product dispensing outlet through which stored product may be selectively dispensed.
US08979408B2	Method and apparatus for applying solid paint to skin An apparatus for applying solid paint to the skin includes a housing having opposite first and second ends, a first quantity of solid paint in a first receptacle, a second quantity of solid paint in a second receptacle, and an actuator for longitudinally shifting the first receptacle relative to the housing. A pusher may be operatively coupled to the actuator and include a threaded shaft and a first receiver configured for removably mounting the first receptacle. The pusher and the first receptacle mounted therein may move longitudinally relative to the housing corresponding to relative rotational movement of the actuator. The first and second receptacles may be removably mounted in the apparatus whereby the receptacles and the quantities of solid paint contained therein may be removed and replaced without the need for tools. The first and second receptacles may be sized and configured so that their positions may be alternated.
US08979404B2	Image forming apparatus, image forming system and program product An image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit; plural trays; a sheet feed unit that feeds a sheet held in one of the trays; a correspondence storing unit that stores correspondence between trays and kinds of sheets; a priority setting unit that sets priority to a designation of the tray or to a designation of the kind; a sheet feed control unit that feeds the sheet from one of the trays when the priority is given to the designation of the tray and the one of the trays is designated, and searches one of the trays that holds the sheet of the designated kind based on the correspondence to feed the sheet from the searched tray when the priority is given to the designation of the kind and the kind of the sheet is designated; and a setting change unit that changes a setting of the image forming unit correspondingly to the kind of sheet.
US08979403B2	Camera body, interchangeable-lens camera, and method of determining mounting of lens A main CPU (a mounting determination part) in a camera body makes a determination by detecting voltage, at a lens detection terminal, n1 consecutive times at time intervals of dl, at the time of turning on a power supply with a power switch. After a result of the determination turns out to be non-mounting, the main CPU makes a determination by detecting voltage, at the lens detection terminal, n2 consecutive times at time intervals of d2 (where n2 and d2 are equal to or greater than to n1 and d1, respectively) on condition that any one of conditional expressions d1
US08979402B2	Friction member for brake mechanism and camera shutter using the same A friction member for a brake mechanism in a camera shutter is provided. The friction member includes at least two carbon nanotube composite layers stacked on each other, each carbon nanotube composite layer includes a polymer and a carbon nanotube structure including a number of carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a same direction. An angle defined by the carbon nanotubes oriented along the same direction in adjacent carbon nanotube composite layers ranges from greater than 0 degrees, and less than or equal to 90 degrees. The camera shutter using the friction member is also provided. The camera shutter includes a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism including a blade driving lever having a moving path. The brake mechanism includes two abovementioned friction members and a brake lever clamped between the two friction members. The brake lever is located at a termination of the moving path to brake the blade driving lever.
US08979401B2	Optical element The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.
US08979400B2	Drive mechanism for movable mirror of camera A camera movable-mirror drive mechanism includes a first shock-absorbing member, pushed by a main-mirror support member to absorb shock when the main-mirror support member rotates to a viewfinder light-guiding position; a second shock-absorbing member, pushed by the main-mirror support member when the main-mirror support member rotates to the retracted position; and a third shock-absorbing member, pushed by a sub-mirror support member to absorb shock when the sub-mirror support member rotates to a jutting position with rotation of the main-mirror support member to the viewfinder light-guiding position. When the main-mirror support member and the sub-mirror support member are in the viewfinder light-guiding position and the jutting-out position, respectively, the first shock-absorbing member is held by the second shock-absorbing member and does not contact the main-mirror support member and the third shock-absorbing member is held by the first shock-absorbing member and does not contact the sub-mirror support member.
US08979399B1	Monopod turret support A monopod turret type support for a camera or the like comprises an upper shaft aligned along a common axis with a lower shaft, and a pivot joint located between and uniting the upper shaft and lower shaft. The pivot joint may comprise a screw disposed to vary pressure acting on the interface between the upper shaft and the lower shaft. Pressure acting on the interface may be adjusted by inserting a pin to lock the screw to one of the upper and lower shafts, and rotating the upper shaft relative to the lower shaft. The upper shaft may terminate in a threaded attachment for threading to the camera. The lower shaft may terminate in a threaded adapter to enable threading to a threaded shaft of an environmental object.
US08979397B2	Camera body with integral strap connector Couplers that are configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera or lens. Following general camera construction, the attachment points are typically found on the bottom of the camera or lens. The attachment points may be specifically configured to engage with the couplers. The couplers may be freely rotatable relative to the camera to prevent binding or tangling of a camera strap to which the couplers are connected.
US08979395B2	Tools and methods for preparing a ferrule-less optical fiber connector A tool set for terminating an optical fiber with a fiber optic connector includes a crimping tool and a polishing tool. The crimping tool includes a locating feature for locating a housing of the fiber optic connector, a stop for locating an end of an optical fiber relative to the housing, and at least one anvil for crimping a crimp of the fiber optic connector to secure a position of the optical fiber relative to the housing. The polishing tool includes a locating feature for locating the housing and thereby locating the end of the optical fiber and a seat for activating a compression member of the fiber optic connector thereby securing the end of the optical fiber to the polishing tool.
US08979392B2	Photoelectric converter A photoelectric converter for optical signals includes a laser diode for emitting the optical signals, an optical transmission module for transmitting the optical signals, and a photo diode for converting the optical signals to electrical signals. The optical transmission module includes lenses oriented at ninety degrees from each other, with total internal reflection between the lenses, and optical fibers coupled with the lenses. The photoelectric converter has a high coupling precision between the lenses and the optical fibers, and the loss of optical signals is minimized.
US08979386B2	Rolling element bearing having replaceable seal A rolling-element bearing includes a first bearing ring (2) and a second bearing ring (4) opposing the first bearing (2) in a radial direction (3). A sealing element (6) of the rolling-element bearing includes a radially-encircling seal support (8) extending in the radial direction (3) by a predetermined distance towards the second bearing ring (4). The seal support (8) is interference-fit and removably attached to an axial end side (9) of the first bearing ring (2). A sealing lip (10) is attached to the seal support (8) and extends from an end of the seal support (8) opposite the first bearing ring (2) in the radial direction (3) up to a mating surface (12), which is part of the second bearing ring (2).
US08979385B2	Labyrinth seal of a radial rolling contact bearing having a radial flange A seal assembly for sealing a radial rolling contact bearing, having a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring, wherein the two sealing rings can be rotated relative to each other about a common axis of rotation and together form a labyrinth seal, wherein a sealing gap of the labyrinth seal that extends substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation is covered radially by an axial projection of the second sealing ring, and the sealing gap at the axial projection opens axially into a first catch channel of the first sealing ring. A hub of the radial rolling contact bearing forms the second sealing ring. Therefore, the second sealing ring is integrated into the hub flange, which means that the hub flange performs the function of the second sealing ring and to some extent helps to form the labyrinth seal.
US08979384B2	Rolling bearing device A rolling bearing assembly in which the number of components is reduced, and a high speed operation can be enabled with an increase of the stirring resistance being avoided by a sufficient discharge of lubricant oil and with an increase of temperature within the bearing assembly being suppressed. The rolling bearing assembly includes a pair of raceway rings, which are inner and outer rings, a plurality of rolling elements interposed between the inner and outer rings and a retailer for retaining the rolling elements. Each of the inner and outer rings is provided with an axially extending raceway ring extension portion and an oil supply and drainage mechanism for supplying a lubricant oil, which concurrently serves as a bearing cooling medium, to the bearing assembly and for discharging the lubricant oil to outside of the bearing assembly is provided in the raceway ring extension portion.
US08979383B2	Dynamically-lubricated bearing and method of dynamically lubricating a bearing Dynamically-lubricated bearings and methods of dynamically lubricating bearings, including bearings used in gas turbine engines. Such a bearing includes an inner race having an inner race groove, an outer race having an outer race groove that opposes the inner race groove, rolling elements disposed between the inner and outer races and in rolling contact with the inner and outer race grooves, and a cage disposed between the inner and outer races to maintain separation between the rolling elements. A lubricant is introduced into a cavity between the inner and outer races, and rotation of the inner race relative to the outer race causes air to enter pockets of the cage that contain the rolling elements, which in turn causes the lubricant to exit the cavity of the bearing.
US08979382B2	Rolling bearing With the inner race and shaft fitted with a clearance fit, the bearing satisfies the relation: t/w>0.5, where t is an inner race minimum thickness at a contact area between each rolling element and the inner race raceway, in the direction perpendicular to the raceway, and w is the circumferential distance between adjacent rolling elements (w=π×SD/Z, Z is the number of rolling elements, and SD is the bearing inner diameter). With the outer race and housing fitted with a clearance fit, the bearing satisfies the relation: t/w>0.5, where t is the inner race minimum thickness at a contact area between each rolling element and the outer race raceway, in the direction perpendicular to the raceway, and w is the circumferential distance between adjacent rolling elements (w=π×LD/Z, LD is the bearing inner diameter).
US08979376B2	Spherical plain bearing A spherical plain bearing for a ball-and-socket joint includes a plain bearing shell. The plain bearing shell comprises a sliding layer containing a sliding material, at least one dimensionally stable support layer, and at least one elastic layer.
US08979374B2	Rotating device A rotating device comprises a hub, a shaft, and a bearing unit. The bearing unit includes a surrounding portion arranged to surround the shaft, and a facing portion arranged to face an end of the shaft. A gap between the shaft and the surrounding portion includes two dynamic pressure generation portions and an intermediate portion arranged between the two dynamic pressure generation portions. The bearing unit further includes a path of a lubricant arranged to connect one side of one dynamic pressure generation portion and the intermediate portion. The shaft and the bearing unit are arranged so that the lubricant pushed out of the other dynamic pressure generation portion towards a gap between the end of the shaft and the facing portion stays in the gap.
US08979373B2	Linear motion bearing with interlock structure A linear motion bearing assembly comprising a ball retainer structure having at least a portion of a plurality of open axial ball tracks formed therein. The ball tracks including an open load bearing portion, an open return portion and turnarounds interconnecting the load bearing and return portions. A plurality of bearing balls are disposed in the ball tracks. A plurality of load bearing plates are axially positioned adjacent the ball retainer structure for receiving load from the balls disposed in the load bearing portion of the ball tracks. A first outer housing sleeve is effective to hold the ball retainer structure. The first outer housing sleeve includes a first interlock structure. A second outer housing sleeve is effective to hold the ball retainer structure, the second outer housing sleeve including a second interlock structure. The first interlock structure is effective to mate with the second interlock structure.
US08979369B2	Adhesive closure strip for bulk material product bag A bulk material product bag has an adhesive closure strip fixedly secured thereon. As a result of the adhesive closure strip being oriented transversely across the normally open end region of the bulk material product bag so as to be adhesively bonded to both the back and front sides of the bulk material product bag, the adhesive closure strip effectively closes and seals the open end region of the bulk material product bag. Handle structure can also be integrally incorporated within the adhesive closure strip.
US08979364B2	Combined panoramic and computed tomography apparatus A combined imaging apparatus for x-ray imaging of a subject in multiple modes has a supporting structure having an extended rotary arm, wherein the rotary arm has a computed tomography detector and a panoramic imaging detector, both mounted adjacently against a movable platen. A detector positioning apparatus is actuable to translate the position of the movable platen to either of at least first and second positions with respect to an x-ray source. The first position disposes the computed tomography detector in the direct path of an x-ray source and the second position disposes the panoramic imaging detector in the direct path of the x-ray source.
US08979361B2	Time-temperature dosimeter The present disclosure relates to a dosimeter for measuring exposure to heat over time in combination with peak temperature indicators and reversible temperature indicators. The preferred temperature indicator tag is credit card sized and comprises four time-temperature dosimeters. Each dosimeter has a wick in contact with a separate reservoir containing a mix of a colored dye, a wax and an amorphous polymer to indicate a distinct temperature range when the mix melts. The wicks are preferably made of porous paper with a pore size around 8 microns to allow for proper capillary action along its length. An adhesive, except where each wick contacts its respective reservoir and at a vent, preferably seals each wick. The tag preferably has a plurality of peak temperature indicators where each indicator has a blend of a dye, a wax and a polymer for a temperature indication range. The tag also preferably has a plurality of reversible temperature sensors.
US08979353B2	Light fixture having modular accessories and method of forming same A light fixture (400) includes a housing (401) having a cavity (403) for use with at least one accessory module (415). A light source (411) is integrated in the housing (401) such that the accessory module (415) is modular for allowing functionality of the light to be customized to a specific application. The light fixture (400) is particularly useful in an RV environment where a single light housing is all that is available which must have user selectable functionality in a limited space location. Moreover, the accessory module (415) makes it easy to move functional features from fixture-to-fixture enabling the user to achieve greater utility in many different lighting applications.
US08979351B2	Light guide plate, die, and die processing method A light guide plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface receives light in a first direction parallel with the second surface and emits the light towards the first surface in a third direction perpendicular to the first surface. The light guide plate includes a light receiving portion which receives the light; a light guiding path which guides the light in the first direction; and an emitting portion which emits the light by reflecting the guided light towards the first surface in the third direction. The emitting portion includes a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending on the second surface in a second direction crossing the first direction. Each V-shaped groove extends in the first direction and is formed so as to be deepest in the center in the second direction and become shallower as a distance from the center increases.
US08979350B2	Light guide plate and backlight module using same A light guide plate includes an incident surface, an emitting surface, and a reflecting surface opposite to the emitting surface. The incident surface connects the emitting surface to the reflecting surface. A plurality of microstructures is defined in the reflecting surface. Each microstructure is a slot. A cross-section across each microstructure and parallel to a light emitting direction is substantially V-shaped. Each microstructure is formed with two sidewalls. Each sidewall includes a plurality of stepped portions connected in order.
US08979347B2	Illumination systems and methods This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for providing illumination for lighting systems. One or more light emitters can be disposed about a longitudinal axis, such as in an at least partial polygonal shape, so that the light sources emit light radially outwardly away from the longitudinal axis. A collimating reflector can be disposed radially outward of the one or more light emitters and can be configured to at least partially collimate the light and to substantially preserve etendue of the light emitted from the light emitters. The one or more light emitters can substantially fill an input aperture of the collimating reflector in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The light can be coupled into a light guide, which can be configured to distribute the light to a target lighting area.
US08979345B2	Surface light emitting apparatus including an optical distributor The present disclosure relates to a surface light emitting apparatus including: a light source bar including a light source for generating an optical signal; at least one optical distributor for dividing the optical signal generated in the light source into a plurality of optical signals; a light guide plate for confining the plurality of optical signals divided by the optical distributor in an inside thereof and transfer the optical signals; and a scattering pattern formed on a surface of the light guide plate and for emitting a light by the optical signal transferred through the light guide plate.
US08979344B2	Backlight module using laser emitters as light source A backlight module includes a laser light source and a light guide plate. The light source locates beside a side surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate comprises a plurality of transflective films arranged along a direction in alignment the laser light source. When the light from the laser light source emits to the transflective films, a part of the light passes through the transflective films and transmits along a same direction, and another part of the light is reflected by the transflective films and emits into a light diffusion plate. The light beams reflected by the transflective films and into the light diffusion plate have the same intensity.
US08979343B2	Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same A backlight assembly including a container having a light exiting boundary, and a light source part. The container includes a first light source supporting part supporting first and second light sources, and a reflector extending from the first light source supporting part. The reflector reflects the light from the first and second light sources to guide the light to the light exiting boundary. The first light source is disposed under the light exiting boundary and generates the light. The second light source is spaced apart from the first light source in a first direction by a first distance. The first direction is substantially parallel with the light exiting boundary. The second light source is spaced apart from the light exiting boundary in a second direction by a first depth. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the light exiting boundary.
US08979340B2	Method and arrangement for coupling in radiation emitted by LEDs A method and arrangement for transmitting radiation emitted by LEDs operated in pulsed operation via at least one optical waveguide, wherein a first optical waveguide having first and second coupling surfaces is assigned to each LED, the first optical waveguides are in each case aligned, by their first coupling surfaces, with an assigned stationary LED, the second coupling surfaces are arranged on a closed path and a coupling surface of a second optical waveguide is assigned to the second coupling surfaces. In order that a high light power can be coupled into the second optical waveguide by means of the LEDs, it is provided that the second optical waveguide, in accordance with the clocking of the switched-on LEDs, can be aligned with the second coupling surface of a first optical waveguide from at least one switched-on LED.
US08979329B1	Method and apparatus for a curved wall reflector assembly A curved wall, square-shaped reflector assembly includes multiple reflector wall sections and multiple enclosure wall sections. Each reflector wall section is slidably coupled to a respective enclosure wall section by positioning a top reflector flange of the reflector wall section above a top support flange of the enclosure wall section and aligning alignment features on the enclosure wall section with holes on the reflector wall section. In addition, a bottom flange of the reflector wall section is positioned below a bottom edge of the enclosure wall section, thereby providing a consistent tension along the wall surface of the reflector wall section. Each enclosure wall section includes flange members on opposing side edges. Each of the combined reflector-enclosure wall sections are positioned orthogonal to one-another and coupled together along the adjacent flanges from the adjacent enclosure wall sections with rivets. The assembly reduces light leak without damaging the reflector surface.
US08979328B2	Optical lens and lighting device having same An optical lens for increasing viewing angle of light from a light emitting diode includes a bottom surface, a reflective surface, and a side surface connected between the bottom surface and the reflective surface. The light emitting diode is received in the bottom surface. The reflective surface defines a cone-shaped recess and is concaved from a top of the optical lens towards the bottom surface. A vertex angle of the cone-shaped recess defined by the reflective surface is less than or equal to 60 degrees.
US08979327B2	Spotlight The invention relates to a spotlight, in particular for at least partially illuminating a stage, wherein the spotlight comprises a housing for accommodating a light source and a lens, through which light emitted by the light source can leave the housing when the light source is accommodated in the housing and which is a Fresnel step lens, which is characterized in that the Fresnel step lens has at least one spiral step on at least one side.
US08979325B2	Lens and bulb-type light emitting device lamp employing the lens A lens and a bulb-type light emitting device lamp employing the lens are disclosed. The lens for changing light distribution of incident illumination light and emitting the illumination light includes a light incident surface that is curved, a top surface that is planar and via which at least a portion of light incident via the light incident surface is emitted, and a side surface that is uneven and via which at least a portion of light incident via the light incident surface is emitted. The bulb-type light emitting device lamp includes the lens and a light emitting device package including one or more light emitting devices.
US08979324B2	Optical device structures with the light outcoupling layers An optical device structure with a light outcoupling layer is provided. The optical device structure includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, and a layer of polyimide (PI) or its copolymer formed on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the layer of polyimide or its copolymer is prepared from at least one aromatic diamine and at least one cycloaliphatic dianhydride, and an optical component formed on the layer of polyimide or its copolymer.
US08979323B2	Led lighting device having light emitting and power circuitry integrated within a casing A LED lighting device comprising a casing, which houses a plurality of power LEDs set on a LED-carrier board; and a plurality of optical elements positioned in front of respective LEDs; the casing is formed by a first half-shell and a second half-shell joined along respective peripheral edges; the first half-shell is made of light permeable material and has a front plate facing the LEDs which constitutes a light emission plate; the second half-shell is made of heat conductive, light impermeable material and has a rear wall, onto which the board is applied and which constitutes a heat dissipation plate opposite to the light emission plate.
US08979321B2	Light guide A light guide (201) including a transparent element is presented. The transparent element includes an optical diverter section (204) including one or more reflective surfaces (205) forming walls of a notch (206) extending into the diverter section, where the reflective surfaces provide total reflections for directing light into directions lateral with respect to an arrival direction of the light. The transparent element includes an optical channel section (208) for receiving the light from a light source and for directing the light to the optical diverter section. The optical channel section includes a side surface (209) shaped to provide total reflections for directing light to the optical diverter section. The optical channel section makes it possible to place the light source a distance apart from the optical diverter section and also to prevent or at least to reduce direct propagation of light from the light source to the lateral directions.
US08979320B1	LED lighting device A lighting device includes a light emitting diode (LED) element configured to emit light about an axis. The lighting device further includes an optic of a transparent material. The optic includes a first surface configured to intersect and refract said emitted light to form a first light interior to the optic, a second surface configured to intersect and reflect said first light to form a second light interior to the optic. The optic further includes a third surface configured to intersect and reflect said second light to form a third light interior to the optic. The optic further includes a fourth surface configured to intersect and transmit said third light to form a fourth light exterior to said optic. The fourth surface is further configured to concentrate the fourth light about an emerging light plane perpendicular to said axis.
US08979319B2	Luminaire and illumination system Disclosed is a luminaire having a light exit window (30) for emitting light from the luminaire, and a reflective screen (40) arranged opposite the light exit window. The luminaire further includes a light source (20) which is arranged for indirect illumination of the light exit window via the reflective screen. The light source is arranged near the light exit window on an imaginary plane P substantially parallel to the light exit window and emits light away from the light exit window. The luminaire further includes a specularly reflective part (43) as part of the reflective screen, which specularly reflective part is concavely shaped for reflecting at least part of the light emitted by the light source towards a diffusely reflective part (42) of the reflective screen.
US08979318B2	Light source with a low color temperature LEDs having a low color temperature up to 5000 K, comprising a blue-emitting LED and, connected upstream thereof, two phosphors having a first phosphor from the class of the chliorosilicates and a second phosphor from the class of the nitridosilicates having the formula (Ca,Sr)2Si5N8:Eu.
US08979315B2	Lamp having outer shell to radiate heat of light source According to one or more arrangements, a lighting device such as a lamp may include a substrate on which one or more lighting elements are mounted. One or more aspects of the lamp may further provide heat conductive/dissipating properties. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate may include a through hole through which at least one wire of the lighting device may extend. For example, the wire may extend through the at least one through-hole from a first side of the substrate to a second side of the substrate. The wire may be connected to a pattern layer of the substrate. According to other aspects, the lighting device may further include a supporting body for supporting the substrate. The supporting body may include another through-hole through which the at least one wire further extends.
US08979314B2	Light emitting device In a light emitting device (10) includes a light source (11) which emits near-ultraviolet laser light and a fluorescent member (12) which includes a fluorescent body (13) that is excited by the light emitted from the light source (11) so as to emit light, the fluorescent member (12) includes a substrate (16) which is formed with a highly heat conductive member and a fluorescent body layer (14) in which particles (13d) of the fluorescent body (13) are deposited on the substrate (16).
US08979311B2	Power supply system for adjustable shelving A system for lighting shelving with a conductive bus and shelf connectors aligned to allow engagement and disengagement of the shelf connectors during positioning and repositioning of shelves.
US08979303B2	Light fixture with curved frame A lighting fixture for protecting and mounting an array of light sources such as LED modules. The fixture includes a frame with a first surface that arcs or curves with an arc angle of between ten and fifty degrees and an arc length of between about ten to fifteen times the arc height. A plurality of LED modules including a lens and bonnet reflector are each functionally coupled against the first surface to direct a combination refracted and reflected beam pattern, the beam pattern of each LED module having an peak luminous intensity directed substantially normally from the first surface in front of and against which each LED module is functionally coupled. The peak luminous intensity of the combination refracted and reflected beam pattern associated with each LED module has a positive angle with respect to the combination refracted and reflected beam pattern from adjacently located LED modules.
US08979302B2	Multiple wavelength LED array illuminator for fluorescence microscopy One embodiment provides light along an optical axis. It comprises a substrate and at least one array of multiple LED chips without individual packaging supported by the substrate. The LED chips emit light within different wavelength ranges and are distributed laterally with respect to the axis over an area, the LED chips having light emitting surfaces for emitting light in directions transverse to the area. An optical element adjacent to the light emitting surfaces of the LED chips in the at least one array collects and directs light emitted by the LED chips of the at least one array along the axis towards a target. Another embodiment is directed to a method for providing multiple wavelength light for fluorescent microscopy using the above system. Electric current is supplied to the multiple LED chips, causing them to emit light of multiple wavelengths. The currents supplied to the multiple LED chips are controlled so as to control the exposure of fluorescent dyes with different excitation wavelengths wherein the light emitted by the multiple LED chips include wavelength components at such different excitation wavelengths without having to move the multiple LED chips.
US08979299B2	Linear solid-state lighting with readily retrofittable modular structure A linear light-emitting diode (LED) tube lamp having a readily retrofittable modular structure enables consumers or manufacturers to readily retrofit the lamp by replacing an LED module or internal electronic control units that include an LED driver in maintenance or lamp upgrade without hazards. The readily retrofittable modular structure includes a core assembly in each of lamp bases for easily securing or removing the electronic control unit through a mechanical securing means, and two sets of connection modules for quickly connecting and disconnecting the electronic control unit with the LED module. The readily retrofittable modular structure may use one bi-pin or two bi-pins to connect to the AC mains via pluggable wire for delivering power to the LEDs. Thus, the LLT lamp using the readily retrofittable modular structure may be configured as single-ended, double-ended, or double-ended with double shock-protection switches and can be cost-effectively retrofitted after initial installation.
US08979298B1	Flashlight with sidelight structure A flashlight with a sidelight structure is provided and is for use in illumination in dim environments or at night. A sidelight is peripherally disposed at a predetermined position on the flashlight and emits light in a second direction different from the direction of light emitted from a frontlight of the flashlight such that, depending on the required direction of irradiation, a user presses a frontlight switch to turn on the frontlight or presses a sidelight switch to turn on the sidelight. Therefore, the flashlight provides illumination broadly and flexibly.
US08979293B2	Lighting device, display device, and television device An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device in which a problem is hardly caused by a hole formed in a chassis of the lighting device. A backlight unit (a lighting device) 1 according to the present invention includes an LED (a light source) 17, a flat cable (a flat conductor) 22 connected to the LED 17, a chassis 14 including a hole 14e, a cable protector (a flat conductor protector) 23 including a protection portion 24 and an insertion hole 24a extending through the protection portion 24. The chassis 14 houses the LED 17. The flat cable 22 is inserted through the insertion hole 24a. The flat conductor protector 23 is arranged such that the protection portion 24 is positioned between an edge of the hole 14e of the chassis 14 and a portion of the flat cable 22 that is positioned in the insertion hole 24a.
US08979289B2	Illuminated knob for household appliance The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control panel (2) produced from glass, a circular opening (3) disposed on the control panel (2), a knob (4) disposed in the opening (3), a casing (5) fixed to the rear side of the control panel (2), extending inwards from the control panel (2) and which protects the knob (4), light source (8) LEDs placed on the rear wall of the casing (5) and a light conductor (9) placed in the casing (5) and which provides the periphery of the knob (4) to be illuminated.
US08979288B2	Snap fit connection in a rear view mirror The invention is related to an external rear view mirror assembly including a positive connection that fits mirror components as a support frame mounted to a mirror housing or shell. The positive connection is a connector having a two part snap-fit connector with a first snap-fit connector part and a second snap-fit connector part.
US08979286B2	Spherical mechanical linkage and multi-axis trackers Spherical mechanical linkages may include a yoke defining a first axis and a second axis, a crank rotatably coupled to the yoke about the first axis; a deflecting member that defines a plane and that is coupled to the crank along a third axis, and a rocking frame slideably coupled to the yoke in the plane defined by the deflecting member and rotatably coupled to the yoke about the second axis. One or more components of the spherical mechanical linkage may be symmetric about an axis. A payload, such as a mirror or a camera, can be mounted on the linkage as part of a multi-axis tracker.
US08979273B2	Line display system using projector [Problem] A line display system capable of changing a line easily when the sporting event is changed is to be provided.[Means for Resolution] A line display system 1 includes plural projectors 100A, 100B each of which is installed to project a line image on a floor surface F or ground surface.
US08979268B2	Ophthalmic apparatus An ophthalmic apparatus including an operation stick to adjust an optical unit, comprising: a rotary dial that is provided on a side surface of the operation stick and rotates with respect to the operation stick; a trigger arranged on a top of the operation stick while being decentered with respect to the operation stick; and a control unit adapted to control to perform one of movement and focusing of the optical unit with respect to an object in accordance with rotation of the rotary dial and perform control to cause the optical unit to start a predetermined operation in accordance with press of the trigger.
US08979263B2	Diagnosing and remediating cognitive deficits involving attention, sequential processing, reading, speed of processing, and navigation Cognitive deficits involving attention, sequential processing, reading, speed of processing, and navigation may be diagnosed and remediated in a subject by respectively measuring and improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of the subject. A background may be displayed with a contrast and temporal frequency and either single, or multiple, higher spatial frequencies that may repeat over a wider area than the individual frequency components. A test window may be superimposed over the background, and includes a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency and a temporal frequency. The subject may provide a signal indicative of the direction the subject believes the test pattern moved. In response to this signal, the contrast of the test pattern, the spatial frequency of the background, the spatial frequency of the test pattern, or the temporal frequency may be modified, either by increasing or decreasing its respective value.
US08979258B2	Liquid ejection device A liquid ejection device has a feeding mechanism, a nozzle, an irradiating section, and a color meter. The feeding mechanism is configured and arranged to feed a medium in a feed direction. The nozzle is configured and arranged to eject a liquid to be cured by irradiation of light toward the medium. The irradiating section is configured and arranged to radiate the light toward the liquid landed on the medium. The color meter is disposed on a downstream side of the feed direction with respect to the irradiating section so as to perform color measurement of an image generated on the medium, the color meter being configured and arranged such that calibration of the color meter is performed by reading a reference. The irradiating section is configured and arranged to radiate the light when the calibration of the color meter is performed.
US08979257B2	Printing or coating apparatus and method An inkjet printing apparatus for printing on a substrate comprises a first support, which is a substrate support, and a second support which supports at least one inkjet printing head, at least one UV source of ultraviolet radiation, and at least one gas dispenser. The second support is moveable relative to a substrate supported by the first support. The printing head deposits ink on the substrate and the UV source cures the deposited ink. The gas dispenser is arranged to provide a layer of gas, which is at least depleted of oxygen, between the UV source and the substrate.
US08979256B2	White inkjet ink improved for dispersion stability An inkjet printing method includes the steps of a) providing a white inkjet ink and at least one color inkjet ink to an inkjet printer; and b) jetting the white inkjet ink at a higher temperature than the color inkjet ink onto an ink-receiver. The difference in jetting temperature between the white inkjet ink and the color inkjet ink is at least 5° C. Inkjet ink sets and inkjet printers are also disclosed.
US08979243B2	Inkjet printing apparatus, clogged nozzle recovering method and clogged nozzle recovery program An inkjet printing apparatus, a clogged nozzle recovering method, and a clogged nozzle recovery program are provided. The inkjet printing apparatus includes a head, a tank, a first pump, a cap, a second pump and a control means. The head is provided with a nozzle face and a plurality of nozzles. The tank is connected with the head through a tube. The first pump is connected with the tank and maintains the tank at a constant negative pressure. The cap for suction covers a part of the nozzles on the nozzle face of the head. The second pump is connected with the cap for sucking an inside of the cap. The control means controls to lower the negative pressure of the tank that is maintained by the first pump when the inside of the cap is sucked by the second pump.
US08979241B2	Using saturated mesh to control adhesive bond line quality In some aspects of the present application, a printhead assembly is disclosed that comprise a plurality of functional plates stacked together; an adhesive confinement structure comprising an adhesive-coated mesh substrate arranged between adjacent functional plates to provide bonding between the plates.
US08979237B2	Recording head control method and dot impact printer A recording head control method prevents head coil burnout caused by heat output while suppressing a drop in printer throughput. A control method for a recording head 18 of a dot impact printer 100 that prints information on a recording medium S by driving the recording wires 9 of a recording head 18 that has a plurality of recording wires 9 while a carriage 19 that carries the recording head 18 traverses the recording medium S, each of the recording wires 9 being allocated to printing one dot line in the scanning direction of the carriage 19, the control method including steps of: during dot line printing, determining before printing if the number of previously defined specific dot patterns P1, P2 contained in the dot line to be printed is greater than or equal to a reference number N of 2 or more; and printing the dot line based on the result of the decision.
US08979236B1	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a media roll, an image forming device, a conveyance unit, and a controller. In the roll, a printing medium having an adhesive face and no separation sheet on the adhesive face is wound in a roll shape. In pulling back the medium to the roll, the controller sets a linear velocity of the roll to be not lower than a linear velocity of a conveyance rotator of the conveyance unit. The controller controls a velocity difference between the roll and the rotator to be Va from a start of pulling back the medium to when a separation point of the medium from the roll reaches a tangent line of the roll in an area between the roll and the rotator. When the separation point reaches the tangent line, the controller switches the velocity difference from Va to Vb that is smaller than Va.
US08979227B2	Container and method for liquid storage and dispensing A method for measuring the volume of liquid, such as ink or solvent, remaining in a container, such as a replacement cartridge for a continuous ink jet printer, uses a reservoir enclosing an internal space having a variable volume for storage. The reservoir is adapted to provide a reduction in the pressure of the internal space, the reduction substantially monotonically increasing in magnitude as liquid is drawn into the printer, such that the volume of liquid remaining may be calculated from knowledge of the minimum withdrawal pressure required to draw further liquid from the reservoir into the printer. Containers for use with the method have a liquid dispensing port adapted to allow liquid to be dispensed when a withdrawal pressure at the exterior of the port is less than the pressure of the internal space and adapted to prevent the ingress of air into the internal space of the reservoir as liquid is dispensed.
US08979226B2	System and method for depositing solidifiable translucent fluid with a determined thickness An ink jet printing system to obtain a finished product comprising a printing station using nozzles with liquid ink for inkjet printing of at least one image on the surface of a suitable substrate. The system also includes at least a first deposit station with nozzles depositing a variable thickness of a solidifying translucent liquid on the substrate surface to produce a finished product without relief, positioned upstream of the drying station of the printed image relative to the direction of movement of the substrate in the system.
US08979224B2	Refrigerator A refrigerator having a mid-front plate structure that provides a superior coupling strength with respect to a middle wall while ensuring a simple shape and a high strength. The refrigerator includes a coupling member which is fixed to a front surface of the middle wall such that the mid-front plate is fixed to the middle wall. The mid-front plate includes an interior space to accommodate the coupling member and an insertion hole part allowing the coupling member to be inserted into the interior space therethrough. The mid-front plate is fixed to the middle wall by moving the mid-front plate toward the middle wall such that the coupling member fixed to the middle wall is inserted into the interior space and then by pushing the mid-front plate to one side.
US08979223B2	Adjustable coupling device for connection between sliding rail assembly and a sliding box An adjustable coupling device includes a base member fastened to a sliding rail assembly, a sliding block connected to the base member to support a sliding box, a first adjustment member rotatable to adjust the position of the sliding box horizontally subject to the constraint of a limiter member, and a second adjustment member rotatable to adjust the position of the sliding box vertically subject to the constraint of a push member.
US08979220B2	Locking element for locking of a panel cover on a module rail A locking element for locking of a panel cover on a module rail includes a bearing block with a flat mounting surface and threaded holes for mounting on the inside of the panel cover and a slide lock, which is mounted to move on the bearing block and has a locking tab. A sliding mechanism moves the slide lock from a locked position, in which the locking tab engages beneath the module rail, to a release position and vice versa. An actuating screw forms a rotary actuator, which can be activated through a hole in panel cover when the locking element is engaged.
US08979216B2	Power braking system with steering assist A vehicle power braking system has separate left and right brakes (11, 12) operable from a source of pressurized fluid (13) via relay valve means (16) controlled by separate left and right brake operating pedals (14, 15) to provide steering assistance during a turn. The relay valve means delivers a brake operating pressure proportional to the depression of the associated brake operating pedal to separate left and right shift valves (17, 18), each shift valve being connected with its respective operating pedal (14, 15) by a respective pilot line (19, 20) so that when each pedal is operated the associated shift valve is opened by the respective pilot line pressure to supply the proportional pressure from the relay valve means to the respective brake (11, 12). The relay valve means comprises a single relay valve (16) which supplies both shift valves (17, 18) and the pilot lines (19, 20) are interconnected via a shuttle valve (21, 22) so that the highest pilot pressure generated by operating the brake pedals (14, 15) is applied to the single relay valve (16) so that each shift valve receives the same brake applying pressure proportional to said highest pilot pressure.
US08979213B2	Apparatus and method for increasing the traction of vehicle wheels A traction device for a vehicle wheel can include a first locking segment and a second locking segment adapted to receive the first locking segment in a first direction. The second locking segment can be adapted to stop movement of the first locking segment through the second locking segment in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one traction element can be located between the first locking segment and the second locking segment. A method of attaching a traction device to a vehicle wheel including a rim and a tire is also described.
US08979212B2	Water sprays for dust control on mining machines This invention refers to innovative water sprays applications to significantly improve coal and quartz dust control around a continuous miner. Significant dust control is achieved through utilizing different types of sprays at locations on the top and sides of the miner chassis to create water curtains or shrouds of water around zones of high dust concentration and zones of high concentration dust transport. This is called “multiple lines of defense” spray system (MLD.) This invention also provides a method of reducing dust around a continuous miner by configuring a spray system, located at the top or sides of the cutter boom, thereby improving control of respirable dust.
US08979206B2	Seat back frame Embodiments of the present invention may include a seat back frame of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seat back main body configured to support the back of an occupant and an extension portion extending from a side of the seat back main body. The seat back frame has a main body frame, an extension frame, and a connection member. The main body frame may form a framework of the seat back main body and may be mounted on a base. The extension frame may form a framework of the extension portion. The connection member connects the extension frame to a side of the main body frame. The connection member has a rear support portion and a front support portion. The rear support portion contacts the main body frame and the extension frame from the rear so that the rear support portion integrally couples the main body frame and the extension frame. The front support portion contacts with the main body frame and the extension frame from the front so that the front support portion can couple the main body frame and the extension frame.
US08979205B2	Seat assembly having a cross member A seat assembly having a seat back that includes a side frame member and a cross member. The cross member may have first and second support post openings for receiving a headrest support post. First and second sets of arcuate ribs may be disposed between the first and second support post openings. Members of the first set may be concave with respect to the first support post opening. Members of the second set may be concave with respect to the second support post opening.
US08979201B2	Dynamic furniture Dynamic furniture supports a seated or reclining user. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat platform, and a back platform. The actuator is in circular connection to the base. The seat platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The back platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly, seat platform and back platform may be restricted in movement along paths by assemblies of the circular or excentric connections.
US08979198B2	Child safety seat A child safety seat includes a seat shell, a headrest and a latch. The seat shell has a seat portion and a backrest portion, the backrest portion having a rear surface, and a front surface for supporting a child's back. The headrest is adjustable along the backrest portion. The latch is accessible from the rear surface of the backrest portion, wherein the latch is biased to lock the headrest in position relative to the backrest portion.
US08979197B2	Child seat having an anchoring harness The present application describes child seats having anchoring harnesses that can attach with an external anchorage fixture, such as the anchorage fixture provided in a vehicle. In some embodiments, the child seat comprises a seat portion and an anchoring harness. The seat portion includes a rear edge, and a slot and a bar segment disposed adjacent to the rear edge, the bar being accessible from an outside of the seat portion and extending transversally. The anchoring harness is assembled with the seat portion and includes a fastener operable to attach with an external anchorage fixture for holding the child seat in place, wherein the anchoring harness is routed through the slot and wraps at least partially around the bar segment.
US08979196B2	Removably engaged wheelchair headrest A support frame removably engageable with a wheelchair using no fasteners or tool-requiring engagement components. The support frame is slidably engaged and disengaged to the wheelchair by vertical translation. In an engaged position the weight of the support frame and anything attached thereto is born entirely by the rigid frame of the wheelchair through a positioning of support members of the frame in a frictional engagement atop the push handles of the wheelchair. So engaged, the support frame allows for easy transfer to other wheelchairs or easy removal and engagement from a collapsible wheelchair prior to or after transport of the wheelchair in a car or vehicle.
US08979190B2	Tray with armrest clamp A tray attached to a pivot housing, support arm, and armrest clamp may be easily and quickly detached and reattached to an armrest on a chair. The tray may rotate around an arm hub when a stationary lower index plate in the arm hub is displaced from an upper index plate in the index housing. The tray is restrained from rotation when the upper and lower index plates are in contact with one another. The tray may be disconnected from the support arm while the support arm remains clamped to an armrest. The armrest clamp includes a bevel gear driven in rotation by a clamping ring on the support arm. The bevel gear drives rack gear attached to a traveling clamp jaw. Rotating the clamping ring displaces the traveling clamp jaw relative to a stationary clamp jaw, enabling the armrest clamp to securely clamp to an armrest.
US08979180B2	Detachable positioning and reinforcement structure and method of disassembling a front end assembly for a vehicle A detachable positioning and reinforcement structure includes a first wing structure operably coupled to a first automotive component. Also included is a second wing structure operably coupled to a second automotive component. Further included is a central portion removably coupled to the first wing structure, the second wing structure and a third automotive component disposed rearwardly of the central portion.
US08979174B2	Small overlap frontal impact countermeasure A countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction; a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension forming an end portion of the bumper; and a pivot link having front and rear mounting portions. The front mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the bumper extension member to define a front pivot joint, and the rear mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint. The rear pivot joint is located rearward and inward from the front pivot joint. The bumper extension is bolted to the forward end of the front side rail. The bumper extension has a front member and a rear member, of which the rear member is bolted to the front side rail. The front member and the rear member of the bumper extension define a hollow box structure.
US08979173B2	Vehicle body floor structure for automobile A vehicle body floor structure for an automobile, includes a joint line extending in a vehicle width direction and connecting a rear edge of a dashboard lower panel and a front edge of a front floor panel, a side sill extending in a front-rear direction and connected to an outer edge in the vehicle width direction of each of the dashboard lower panel and the front floor panel, a floor frame member extending in the front-rear direction and connected to the dashboard lower panel and an upper surface of the front floor panel on a side inward of the side sill in the vehicle width direction, and a floor gusset extending in the vehicle width direction, connecting the side sill and the floor frame member, and disposed on the upper surface of the front floor panel along the joint line.
US08979169B2	Device for fastening a vehicle interior trim panel A device (20) for fastening a vehicle inner lining (14) to a lining support (12) includes a holding element (22) and a receiving element (24). The receiving element (24) has a latching portion (26) that is laterally open and into which the holding element (22) can engage such that it is fastened to the receiving element (24) in the axial direction. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method of mounting and demounting the vehicle inner lining (14) to or from the lining support (12) by means of this device (20).
US08979166B2	Fender panel mounting structure for vehicle A fender panel mounting structure for a vehicle is configured so that a fender panel can be removed without detaching the corner glass of a non-opening window. The fender panel mounting structure has the triangular non-opening window provided between a front pillar and an outside panel. A protrusion covering the upper frame member of the front pillar is formed at the upper edge of the fender panel covering the outer surface of the outside panel. A flange protruding to the inner surface side of the non-opening window from a side edge of the protrusion, the side edge facing the non-opening window, is provided on the protrusion. A clip having a slit extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is provided at the opening edge of the non-opening window at a position corresponding to the flange. The flange is engaged in a releasable manner with the slit.
US08979163B2	Holding device for fixing a portable driver information unit in the interior of a motor vehicle A holding device for fixing a portable driver information unit in the interior of a motor vehicle is provided. The holding device includes a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are swivelable with respect to one another. The first part or the second part has, or both have, a material section through which the portable driver information unit is fixed between the first part and the second part.
US08979156B2	Vehicle panel attachment arrangement A vehicle panel attachment arrangement includes a vehicle panel, a clip supporting section, a first wall section, a second wall section and at least one resilient arm. The clip supporting section defines a shaft receiving hole extending therethrough. The first and second wall sections extend from the vehicle panel to first and second sides of the clip supporting section. The clip supporting section further defines a shaft insertion slot open to the shaft receiving hole. The shaft insertion slot extends in a radial direction from the shaft receiving hole between the first and second side walls. The at least one resilient arm extends from one of the clip supporting section and the first wall section in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. A portion of the at least one resilient arm is aligned with the clip supporting section and another portion of the at least one resilient arm is offset from the clip supporting section as viewed in the radial direction.
US08979153B2	Water bottle strap carrier A water bottle strap carrier that includes a longitudinal strap, an upper latitudinal strap, and a lower latitudinal strap allows the users to easily grip and pickup a five gallon water bottle. The longitudinal strap restricts the vertical movement of the water bottle while the upper and lower latitudinal straps restricts the horizontal movement of the water bottle. A first and a second handle of the longitudinal strap are positioned above the water bottle providing griping areas for the users, and the rest of the water bottle strap carrier is positioned below the first and second handle as a harness around the water bottle.
US08979148B1	Fly jib for a crane and method of use A fly jib for a crane having a load block includes a variable length beam to which a load can be connected. A rotation mechanism is connected to the variable length beam, and is connectable to the load block so that said rotational mechanism can selectively rotate the variable length beam with respect to the load block. A balance mechanism is connected to the variable length beam, the balance mechanism automatically keeps the variable length beam in a horizontal position.
US08979147B1	Kitchen tongs A pair of tongs having two arms including a pivotal engagement therebetween with a pin. Each arm includes a jaw displaced from the pivotal engagement. A locking sleeve includes a channel therethrough with opposed tracks to receive the pin. Stops limit movement of the locking sleeve on the arms. A closure at the end of the channel includes a cup engageable with the locking sleeve. The stop at the distal end of the channel includes an opening therethrough conterminous with the channel. Each arm also includes an outer profile curved inwardly toward the pivotal engagement across which the locking sleeve slides. The pivotal engagement includes oblong holes in the arms with a resilient element biasing the arms apart.
US08979146B2	Vehicle bumper beam A vehicle bumper beam including: a resin beam having an elongate body extending along a vehicle-width direction, two tubular shock-absorbing portions disposed at the beam body's opposite longitudinal end portions extending in front-rear direction, the beam body and shock-absorbing portions being formed with each other; a metal beam disposed outside the resin beam in the front-rear direction, fixedly fitted to the resin beam. Further, flat attachment portions, formed with inner end portions of the shock-absorbing portions in front-rear direction; bent portions bent in a crank extending from attachment portions outward in front-rear direction, the beam body being to attachment portions via bent portions, the metal beam fixedly fitted to an outer surface of the beam body's intermediate portion; metal beam's opposite end portions extending beyond bent portions covering the right and left sides, fixedly fitted to distal end portions; each space defined by shock-absorbing portion, metal beam and bent portion.
US08979144B2	Self-aligning catch and latch A latch and catch assembly is provided to secure two or more components together in a locked or closed position. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a catch and a tensile member connected to a latch, wherein the assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The catch includes a lip configured to engage a recess formed in the latch when the assembly is in the closed configuration. In a further embodiment, the latch includes a pull-tab extending from the latch, wherein the pull-tab is configured to enable the user to move the assembly between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the catch has a wider proximal portion which tapers to a narrower distal portion, such that the catch has a “V”-shaped planform.
US08979143B1	Fire bolt assembly for a door A fire bolt assembly (10) includes a receiving tube (117) mounted in a door (106). A mounting member (32) is mounted to the receiving tube (117). A positioning bolt (151) is received in the receiving tube (117). A stop member (58) is securely mounted in the mounting member (32) to hold the positioning bolt (151) in the receiving tube (117). The front end (153) of the positioning bolt (151) is moved out of the receiving tube (117) by a spring (100) to engage with a coupling hole (116) in another door (112) or a door frame when the stop member (58) melts due to the heat of a fire, locking the door (106) in place during the fire. A stick (175) in the receiving tube (117) is moved to a blocking position preventing the front end (153) of the positioning bolt (151) from disengaging from the coupling hole (116).
US08979136B2	Luer connectors Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the first inner fluid flow channel having a diameter of approximately d1 increasing at a connection point between the first inner fluid flow channel and the secondary female section to form a neck N the secondary female section having an internal diameter of d2 at a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector, where d1 is smaller than d2, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel ex having an internal diameter of approximately d1.
US08979134B2	Joint unit and joint assembly comprising such a joint unit for non-detachable connection of media-conveying lines A joint unit is provided, including a main body, a bush, which is fastened to the main body and forms with the main body a receiving space for a connecting piece, and a separately formed retaining unit arranged in a radially inwardly open circumferential groove in the bush. The radially inwardly open circumferential groove in the bush is open towards an axial end face of the bush in at least two circumferential portions. A connection assembly is further provided, including a joint unit and a connecting piece.
US08979132B2	Mudguard structure for straddle-ride type vehicle A mudguard structure for a straddle-ride vehicle suppresses the enlargement of an attachment portion of a mud shield plate and makes satisfactory the external appearance of the circumference of a rear fender. A mudguard has left and right erecting walls erecting to the rear from respective left and right outer edges thereof and a front-lower concave portion integrally continuing into a lower portion of a rear wheel runout concave portion of a rear fender. A box-like attachment portion for attachment to the rear fender is located at each of both, left and right, sides of the upper end portion of the mudguard.
US08979127B2	Steering column for vehicle Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. According to the present invention, as an adjusting bolt passing through a telescope slot to be coupled to the telescopic slot is slid in stages in the telescopic slot during a telescopic operation for adjusting a location of a steering wheel, a user can accurately and easily adjust the location of the steering wheel.
US08979123B1	Utility vehicle A utility vehicle includes a chassis frame, a single-row seat arranged on the chassis frame, and a rollover protective structure (R.O.P.S.) surrounding a riding space in which the single-row seat is arranged. The R.O.P.S. includes a right side unit and a left side unit, and a plurality of cross members for detachably coupling the right side unit and the left side unit. Each of the right side unit and the left side unit integrally includes a front pole portion, an upper beam portion, a mid pole portion, and a rear pole portion. For each of the right side unit and the left side unit, a lower end of the front pole portion, a lower end of the mid pole portion, and a lower end of the rear pole portion are individually and detachably coupled to the chassis frame.
US08979120B2	Methods and devices for restraining airbags Devices for restraining deploying airbags are disclosed, along with methods for using, making and refurbishing such devices. The devices and methods are designed to improve the safety of individuals in the vicinity of undeployed airbags, in particular, when there is a chance that the airbag may deploy unexpectedly. Unexpected airbag deployment can occur when the airbag deployment system is compromised, for example, by an accident such as an automobile collision.
US08979119B2	Vehicle side door A door inner panel includes a front operation opening and a rear operation opening that communicate with the inside of a door main body. A seal portion is formed at an edge of each of the openings. The seal portion allows a hole seal that covers the openings to be attached thereto. In the door inner panel, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a third extension portion extend, toward the rear opening, from the lower rear portion of the seal portion formed at the edge of the rear opening. The top ends of the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and the third extension portion are connected together to form a connection portion. A displacement preventing portion is located in the connection portion and prevents displacement of a door trim urged by a side airbag toward the door inner panel.
US08979117B2	Air cushion with a channel-shaped closure element The restraining function of support structure airbags in particular and mechanical airbags should be able to be specifically guaranteed in a simple manner. To this end, an air cushion for an airbag of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sleeve with at least one opening and a closure element arranged on the at least one opening in order to at least partially prevent air from flowing from a first direction, Furthermore, the closure element is flexible and has a channel-shaped design at least upon the flow of air from a second direction opposite the first direction. The closure element thus has the effect of a check valve.
US08979111B2	Bicycle on-board device and related mounting method A bicycle on-board device having a body that includes a containment space and is sized for insertion into a tube of a bicycle frame. The device has fastener locations that are located to match fastener locations on the bicycle frame for attaching cycling items, such as a bottle cage.
US08979110B2	Bicycle with battery mount A bicycle including a frame, a bottom bracket coupled to the frame and adapted to support a crankset, and a battery pack supported by the frame. The battery pack has a powered end cap with a tapered protrusion and a battery connector on an end of the tapered protrusion. The bicycle also includes a receiver supported by the frame and including a tapered socket in which the tapered protrusion is positioned. The tapered socket includes a power connector detachably coupled to the battery connector.
US08979108B2	Lever-propelled bicycle A bicycle equipped with two, oscillatingly mounted on a joint axis (1), rear-facing levers (2) with pedals (3) and a rotary-return mechanism comprising a hub (9), bearing-placed on an axis (8), on which fixed are two freewheels (6) cooperating with levers (2) and a third chainwheel (10) transmitting the drive through the chain (13) and sprocket (14) onto the bicycle's drive wheel (15). To each of the levers (2) attached is rotatively on an axis (5) one end of one of the two chains (7) which connect these levers (2) with one of the two freewheels (6), and the other ends of these chains (7) are mutually joined with a chain (11) run on a reversible chainwheel (12). The lever (2) together with a part of the chain (7) in the upper extreme position of the pedal (3) is tangent to one of the two freewheels (6), and the second lever (2) in the bottom extreme position of the second pedal (3) is in a near-vertical position. The chain (11) and reversible chainwheel (12) ideally are lying in a vertical plane tangent to freewheels (6). The rotary-return mechanism is equipped with guards (16) protecting chains (7) against falling off the freewheels (6). In a similar way, the guard (17) protects the chain (11) against falling off the reversible wheelchain (12). The bicycle according to the invention can be equipped with both an internal and external speed changer, and it can be produced in a horizontal version.
US08979102B1	Retractable wheel fairings for motor vehicles A retractable wheel fairing device for decreasing the aerodynamic drag and/or increasing downforce of a vehicle is described. The device includes a fairing body with a suspension-mounted support system such that the fairing body, when deployed, reciprocates up and downwardly with the corresponding wheel of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the wheel fairing device from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting of the wheel fairing device with a separate retraction system.
US08979097B2	Rotatable footplate integrated with a bearing assembly imbedded in a single-board sport board Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a rotatable footplate integrated with a corresponding bearing and well assembly that is imbedded into, screwed into, or otherwise, integrally a part of, a single-board sports board, such as a snowboard.
US08979095B2	Wheeled travois A collapsible, wheeled travois that may be used to transport multiple passengers in a hands-free mode is provided. The wheeled travois is quickly and easily assembled and includes detachable wheels, support members, load carrying surface, and harness.
US08979092B2	Luminous dart board set Disclosed is a luminous dart board set. The luminous dart board set comprises: a dart pin (10) including a magnet (11) at the front portion thereof; a dart board (20) made of either an iron plate or an iron rubber sheet and including a printed matter (22) having a printing pattern (21) on the front surface thereof; a body (30) including a fixing part (32) coupled to a bottom surface of the dart board (20) and outwardly bent along the circumference thereof, and a reinforcement part (33) perpendicularly bent in a direction extending away from the fixing part (32); a rim cover (50) including a cover part (51) bent along the circumference of the body (30) so as to cover the front surface of the circumference of the body (30), and a floodlight space (52) spaced apart from the cover part (51); LED parts (70) disposed on the inner face of the rim cover (50) so as to emit light toward the floodlight space (52); and a fluorescent pigment, a phosphorescent pigment, and/or a mixture of the fluorescent pigment and the phosphorescent pigment which is added to the dart pin (10), the rim cover (50), and the printed matter (22).

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