Document	Document Title
US08114462B2	Methods for preparing oat bran enriched in β-glucan and oat products prepared therefrom Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of β-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated β-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is subjected to second and third rounds of milling and classification to form a high β-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low β-glucan content (3%) oat flour. The oat bran and oat flours can be used to prepare foodstuffs such as ready-to-eat cereals.
US08114446B2	Methods for modulating eicosanoid metabolism The inventive subject matter relates to methods for modulating an eicosanoid metabolic process in cells of an animal in need thereof, which comprises administering to the animal an amount of the inventive compositions effective for regulating the activity of an eicosanoid oxygenase. In particular, the inventive subject matter relates to methods for modulating arachadonic acid metabolism by administering an amount of the inventive compositions effective for regulating the activity of lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases.
US08114445B2	Dietary supplement for promoting wellness and weight loss and methods of administering the same Disclosed herein are dietary supplements for promoting wellness and weight loss in a subject. In one aspect, the method includes administering to a subject whom wishes to lose weight a dietary supplement containing an extract product of Salacia, an extract product of Lagerstroemea speciosa, an extract product of French maritime pine bark, an extract product of Pterocarpus marsupium, and an extract product of Syzygium cumini, said composition being administered in an amount effective to promote wellness and weight loss in the subject.
US08114439B2	Synthetic peptides reducing or removing bags formed under the lower eye contour and their use in cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical compositions The invention relates to peptides of general formula (I): that can reduce or remove bags formed under the eyes, their stereoisomers and racemic or non-racemic mixtures thereof, and the cosmetically or dermopharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X is cystenyl, seryl, threonyl or aminobutyryl; R1 is H or alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or acyl group; and R2 is amino, hydroxy or thiol, all of them substituted or non-substituted with aliphatic or cyclic groups. The invention also relates to a method of obtaining, cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use for treating skin, preferably for reducing or removing bags formed under the eyes.
US08114435B2	Oral pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising a proton pump inhibitor and a NSAID An oral pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an acid susceptible proton pump inhibitor and one or more NSAIDs in a fixed formulation, wherein the proton pump inhibitor is protected by an enteric coating layer. The fixed formulation is in the form of an enteric coating layered tablet, a capsule or a multiple unit tableted dosage form. The multiple unit dosage forms are most preferred. The new fixed formulation is especially useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal side-effects associated with NSAID treatment.
US08114419B2	Nucleic acid compositions for stimulating immune responses The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.
US08114418B2	Chimeric immunomodulatory compounds and methods of using the same—IV The invention provides immunomodulatory compounds and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory compounds.
US08114416B2	Modified oncolytic viruses An isolated selected Picornavirus capable of lytically infecting or killing a cell substantially in the absence of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).
US08114410B2	Composition and methods for the inhibition of membrane fusion by paramyxoviruses Fusion of the membrane of enveloped viruses with the plasma membrane of a receptive host cell is a prerequisite for viral entry and infection and an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses, such as paramyxoviruses. The instant invention is directed to providing polypeptides which are a heptad portion of a Henipavirus F protein effective against fusion between a membrane of a paramyxovirus and a plasma membrane of a cell. The instant invention also provides nucleic acids, compositions, and methods effective against paramyxovirus infection. Accordingly, the instant invention provides therapeutic agents and vaccines effective against paramyxoviruses viruses, especially HeV or NiV.
US08114409B2	Structural proteins of fish pancreatic disease virus and uses thereof The present invention relates to the structural proteins of the causative agent of Pancreatic Disease in fish, nucleotide sequences encoding said proteins, vaccines comprising said proteins or nucleotide sequences and diagnostic kits comprising said proteins or nucleotide sequences.
US08114407B2	EphA2 T-cell epitopes and uses therefor EphA2 T-cell epitope are provided herein. The epitopes include peptides corresponding to specific fragments of human EphA2 protein containing one or more T-cell epitopes, and conservative derivatives thereof. The EphA2 T-cell epitopes are useful in an assay, such as an ELISPOT assay, that may be used to determine and/or quantify a patient's immune responsiveness to EphA2. The epitopes also are useful in methods of modulating a patient's immune reactivity to EphA2, which has substantial utility as a treatment for cancers that overexpress EphA2, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The EphA2 epitopes also can be used to vaccinate a patient against EphA2, by in vivo or ex vivo methods.
US08114401B2	Chlamydia trachomatis antigens Proteins encoded by Chlamydia trachomatis which are immunogenic in humans as a consequence of infection have been identified using Western blots of two-dimensional electrophoretic maps. Several known immunogens were identified, as were proteins not previously known to be immunogens, and proteins not previously reported as expressed gene products.
US08114399B2	Targeting VEGF-B regulation of fatty acid transporters to modulate human diseases The present invention provides materials and methods for modulating FATP expression and/or activity in vivo. The materials and methods have numerous diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic applications for various diseases and conditions that are influenced by FATPs, or characterized by excessive or inadequate FATP expression or activity.
US08114397B2	Stabilized bacterial formulation Selected strains of Lactobacillus and products containing cells of the selected strains to improve breast milk for feeding to babies, more precisely to increase the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 in the milk and reduce the risk that the feeding baby will develop allergies and simultaneously reduce the cause and thereby the amount of TGF-beta-2 in the milk, thus resulting in reduced risk for the lactating mother to develop mastitis.
US08114394B2	Use of IL-1 antagonists to treat gout Methods of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating gout, including chronic acute (refractory) gout, pseudogout, or drug-induced gout, in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a subject in need a therapeutic amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist, wherein the incidence of a gout flare is reduced or inhibited.
US08114393B2	Methods and compositions for phosphate binding The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for therapeutically controlling and/or reducing serum phosphate levels in animals and mammalian patients. The methods comprise administering to the patient an amount of a dendrimer composition effective to prevent absorption of substantial amounts of phosphate from the patient's GI tract. In a preferred version, a dose of between 2.5 and 15 grams per day is effective to prevent over 80% of phosphate present in the patient's GI tract from being absorbed. The dendrimer composition may comprise a hydrocitrate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroacetate or hydroanionic form.
US08114390B2	Method for treating hair growth disorders, such as female pattern alopecia, and compositions useful therefore The invention relates to formulations useful in treating hair disorders, improving the health of hair, increasing hair growth, and in increasing the niacin content of hair follicles. Nicotinic acid alkyl esters having a straight chain alkyl group of from 1 to 22 methylene units, preferably from 6 to 16 methylene units, and most preferably from 8 to 14 methyl units, may be used, alone or in combinations for treating these conditions.
US08114387B2	Polyamide-polyether block copolymer Copolymers having linked internal polyether blocks and internal polyamide blocks have advantageous physical properties and solvent-gelling abilities. The copolymer may be prepared from a reaction mixture that contains 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid (CHDA) and poly(alkyleneoxy) diamine (PAODA). Optionally, the reaction mixture contains no monofunctional compound reactive with either amine or carboxylic acid groups, however some of this monofunctional compound may be present. Dimer diamine and/or dimer acid may be present in the reaction mixture. A copolymer may also be prepared from a reaction mixture containing dimer acid and at least two diamine compound(s) including PAODA and short-chain aliphatic diamine having 2-6 carbons (SDA), wherein: a) the reaction mixture comprises x grams of PAODA and y grams of SDA, and x/(x+y) is 0.8-0.98; b) the reaction mixture weighs z grams, and x/z is at least 0.25; and c) the reaction mixture contains either no co-diacid, or comprises a small amount of co-diacid, wherein, if the reaction mixture comprises a small amount of co-diacid, then acid equivalents from co-diacid contribute less than 25% of the total acid equivalents present in the reaction mixture.
US08114386B2	Topical insect repellent composition and method of application Stable, single phase, low VOC, topical insect repellent compositions containing a film-forming polymer, insect repellent, water miscible organic solvent, and water.
US08114382B2	Myelin detection using benzofuran derivatives The present invention relates to methods for the detection of myelin and a quantitative measurement of its local concentration in a sample using a benzofuran compound or its radioisotope derivatives. In one embodiment a method of myelin detection comprises identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, parenterally administering to the subject the benzofuran compound, or a derivative of the compound, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting binding in the sample. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of imaging myelinated tissue in a surgical field of mammalian tissue comprising the steps of contacting the surgical site with the benzofuran compound or a radioisotope derivative of the compound, and detecting binding in the surgical site. In yet another embodiment, a method of imaging spinal cord and spinal nerve root tissue is provided comprising the steps of parenteral administration of a radioisotope derivative of the benzofuran compound and detecting the radioisotope derivative within the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen. Methods of quantification of binding of the benzofuran compound or its derivatives are also provided.
US08114379B2	Diagnostic and therapeutic alkyl piperidine/piperazine compounds and process Piperidine or piperazine compounds useful for treating neurodegenerated diseases characterized by the lack of dopamine neurons activity or for imaging the dopamine neurons are provided. The compounds are characterized by the formulae: wherein: n is an integer of 1 to 6; X, Y, Z1 and Z2 can be the same or different and are hydrogen, halo, haloalkyl, alkyl, aryl, (C1-C6) alkoxy, N-alkyl, (C2-C6) acyloxy, N-alkylene, —SH, —SR, wherein R is from the same group as R1 and R2 and can be the same or different than R1 and R2, amino, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, C(═O)OR6, —C(═O)NR5R4, NR3R2, or S(═O)kR1 wherein k is 1 or 2, and R1 to R6 are independently hydrogen or (C1-C6) alkyl; R1, and R2 can be the same or different and are hydrogen, (C1-C6) alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or mercaptoalkyl, —C(═O)OR1, cyano, (C1-C6) alkenyl, (C2-C6) alkynyl, or 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl optionally substituted at the 3-position by Z4 wherein any (C1-C6) alky, (C1-C6) alkanoyl, (C2-C6) alkenyl or (C2-C6) alkynyl can optionally be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 Z; R7 can be hydrogen, O or phenyl R8 can be hydrogen, phenyl, halophenyl, nitrophenyl, pyridyl, piperonyl or sulfoxonitrophenyl Z4 is (C1-C6) alkyl or phenyl, optionally substituted by 1, 2 or 3 Z1 W is O or S T is amino or C1-C6 aminoalkyl A is N or C T is C1-C6 alklyl or sulfonyl and V is alkyl (C0-C6), alkenyl, alkynyl, haloaryl, alkyl phenol, alkyl halophenyl, and R1 or R2 as indicated above and φ is phenyl, naphthyl, thienyl or pyridinyl.
US08114372B2	Hierarchical mesoporous carbon, method of manufacturing the same, and fuel cell using the same A hierarchical mesoporous carbon is provided in which a total volume of mesopores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon is 80% or greater of a total volume of pores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon; a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 20 nm and no greater than 50 nm is 3% or greater of the total volume of the pores; and a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 2 nm and no greater than 10 nm is 65% or greater of the total volume of the pores. The hierarchical mesoporous carbon, which also contains macropores, has an optimized mesoporous distribution characteristic, and has an increased total volume of pores, thereby having a significantly improved catalytic activity when used as a catalyst support. When such a supported catalyst including the hierarchical mesoporous carbon as a support is used in a fuel cell, supply of fuel and transporting of byproducts are facilitated.
US08114371B2	Process for production of precipitated silica from olivine Process for the production of precipitated silica from olivine including the following steps: providing olivine particles with a particle size preferably below 1 mm in diameter, preferably mixing olivine and water to form an olivine/water slurry, mixing the olivine/water slurry with hydrochloric acid (HCl), preferably at a Concentration at 18 wt % or above, and at a temperature preferably between 50 -130° C., and reacting for a period of time, preferably between 20-360 minutes, removal of coarse mineral impurities (sand product), separation of precipitated silica from mother solution, mechanical treatment of the separated precipitated silica and optionally some water to obtain a slurry, preparation of a low viscosity slurry by adding sodium aluminate or another suitable aluminate, preferably to 100-6000 p.p.m., and adjusting the pH, preferably to values between 4-9 ageing at a temperature between 50-150° C. according to product requirements dispersion of silica slurry removal of fine mineral impurities (sand product) drying of the silica.
US08114368B2	Sorbents for coal combustion Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.
US08114366B2	Process for continuous production of fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particle Fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particles are continuously produced by the process comprising the following steps: (1) placing in a reaction vessel a seed particle-containing aqueous dispersion comprising fibrous basic magnesium sulfate seed particles dispersed in an aqueous medium; (2) supplying magnesium hydroxide and magnesium sulfate continuously into the reaction vessel under heating and stirring the seed particle-containing aqueous dispersion, whereby depositing basic magnesium sulfate produced by the reaction between the magnesium sulfate and magnesium hydroxide in the presence of water on the surfaces of the fibrous basic magnesium sulfate seed particles, to give an aqueous dispersion containing an increased amount of fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particles; (3) taking the aqueous dispersion obtained in the step (2) continuously out of the reaction vessel; and (4) recovering fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particles from the aqueous dispersion taken out of the reaction vessel.
US08114364B2	Increased reductant decomposition reactor robustness through the use of a hydrolytic catalyst coating A means for increasing the robustness of a SCR after-treatment system is provided. Specifically, a hydrolysis catalyst coating is applied to multiple surfaces within a decomposition reactor to aid in urea and urea based deposit decomposition and mitigation of urea based deposits. The reactor includes an injector mount attached to a middle tube portion, an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a mixer. A hydrolysis catalyst coating is applied to an inner surface of the injector mount, an inner surface of the middle tube portion, an inner surface of the outlet tube and an outer edge of the mixer. The hydrolysis catalyst coating is capable of decomposing urea and urea based deposits that comes in contact with the hydrolysis catalyst coating and mitigates the formation of urea based deposits.
US08114358B2	Apparatus and method for treating impurities in air and materials An apparatus and method for sanitizing, decontaminating, deodorizing, conditioning, drying, treating, cleaning, modifying and/or otherwise improving an atmosphere within a container. The container can be a bag or other housing for equipment, food and/or suitable material. Ozone is generated within an atmosphere that is exposed to the materials. The generated ozone is mixed with the atmosphere. At least a portion of the generated ozone is then removed from the mixed atmosphere. The apparatus and method of this invention can be used to treat contaminated sports equipment and the like, as well as to treat food storage atmospheres, such as those exposed to fresh fruits and vegetables.
US08114357B2	Apparatus for sanitizing writing utensils A sanitizing apparatus is provided for automatically sanitizing writing utensils. The sanitizing apparatus transfers disinfectant solution to the writing utensil as the writing utensil is conveyed through a sanitizing chamber on a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt absorbs disinfectant solution when it passes through a basin containing the disinfectant solution and then transfers it to the writing utensil. Once sanitized, the writing utensil is discharged into a retrieval basin where it can be removed by a person wanting to use the writing utensil.
US08114351B2	Analysis system and method for the analysis of a body fluid sample for an analyte contained therein Analysis system and method for the analysis of a body fluid sample for an analyte contained therein are disclosed. The analysis system has a dosing station for dosing a liquid into a test element through a sample supply opening, which reacts with a reagent system present in a sample analysis channel of the test element. The analysis system also has a measurement station for measuring a measurement variable characteristic of the reaction at the measuring zone of a test element for the analytical result. The test element also includes a separate flushing liquid supply opening and a flushing liquid collection chamber which are in fluid communication to one another via a flushing liquid channel. The flushing liquid channel and the sample analysis channel differ from one another in such a manner that a liquid flowing through the flushing liquid channel does not reach the measuring zone.
US08114349B2	Bio-analysis cartridge tracking and protection mechanism A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results). Such information provides an update to the stored information from the previous use of the cartridge.
US08114348B2	Label-free high throughput biomolecular screening system and method A screening system and method are described herein which provide a unique and practical solution for enabling label-free high throughput screening (HTS) to aid in the discovery of new drugs. In one embodiment, the screening system enables direct binding assays to be performed in which a biomolecular interaction of a chemical compound (drug candidate) with a biomolecule (therapeutic target) can be detected using assay volumes and concentrations that are compatible with the current practices of HTS in the pharmaceutical industry. The screening system also enables the detection of bio-chemical interactions that occur in the wells of a microplate which incorporates biosensors and surface chemistry to immobilize the therapeutic target at the surface of the biosensors. The screening system also includes fluid handling and plate handling devices to help perform automated HTS assays.
US08114344B1	Corrosion inhibition of hypochlorite solutions using sugar acids and Ca Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Sugar acids and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
US08114343B1	Corrosion inhibition of hypochlorite solutions using Zn and Ca Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Zinc and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
US08114336B2	Methods for increasing the strength and controlling the architecture and composition of ceramic articles Ceramic porous and non-porous articles are made by a process that includes a hardening step in which a fluid-containing ceramic composition is exposed to a solvent in which the fluid in the composition is soluble before the ceramic composition is solidified into the final ceramic article.
US08114334B2	Laser sintering processes using thermoplastic compositions A method of laser sintering a thermoplastic composition to provide an article of manufacture having a plurality of sintered layers is disclosed. The thermoplastic composition has a relatively high melting point and a small particle size. The articles of manufacture have a high resolution and excellent durability and strength.
US08114330B2	Method for vacuum forming an elastomeric tire A vacuum forming process for manufacturing a transport tire from an elastomeric material that include steps of: in a mold having a cavity or annular area, positioning a transport tire core of plies, belt and beads that has been laid-up on a mandrel. Fitting a cover in sealing engagement over the mold top and fitting a cylindrical canister, that is open at a top end, through the center of the cover and into the mold center and pouring an elastomeric material mixture into the canister that includes a needle valve in its lower end that exhausts into one end of the mold annular area. The cylindrical canister includes a port for connection to a deep vacuum source and the cover includes a port that is for connection to a low level vacuum source, where the deep vacuum is to remove air from the elastomeric material mixture, and, after filling, is open to atmosphere, and the needle valve is opened to the mold annular chamber allowing the mixture to be pulled by the low level vacuum through the mold annular cavity, impregnating the transport tire core maintained therein.
US08114329B2	Wing and blade structure using pultruded composites Tapered layers of pre-cured composite material are integrated into a tapered, highly stressed laminate structure in order to provide improved compressive strength. The pre-cured composite material can advantageously be cured under tension as pultruded material, to further augment compressive strength. The thickness of composite layers can be tapered on their termination edges by mechanically abrading, chemical abrading, or other methods. Especially preferred embodiments include aircraft structural components such as wings, wing spars, wing skins, fuselage skins, rotor blades, propellers, and propeller blades. Preferred laminates can be constructed to have at least 6, 10, 30, 50, or 100 layers of material, and can have a maximum thickness of at least 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 inches.
US08114328B2	Method of coating a dosage form comprising a first medicant Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, thermal cycle molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via novel transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms.
US08114325B2	Process for forming uniformly distributed material A fluidized mixture is issued from a nozzle comprising a fan jet at the outlet, causing the mixture to spread as it is issued. The issued material is collected on a moving collection surface located a distance of between 0.25 and 13 cm from the outlet of the nozzle, prior to the onset of large scale turbulence in the fluid jet. The resulting product has good basis weight uniformity.
US08114320B2	Method for producing polymer particles by the polymerization of fluid drops in a gas phase A process for producing polymer particles by polymerizing liquid droplets in a gas phase by metering a liquid comprising at least one monomer from at least one feed by means of a multitude of bores into a reaction chamber comprising the gas phase, wherein ratio of length of the feed to greatest diameter of the feed in the region of the multitude of bores is at least 10.
US08114316B2	Monomers, oligomers and polymers of thieno[2,3-b]thiophene The invention relates to novel mono-, oligo and polymers of thieno[2,3-b]thiophene, to their use as semiconductors or charge transport materials, in optical, electro-optical or electronic devices like LCDs, optical films, FETs or OFETs for TFT-LCDs and IC devices such as RFID tags, electroluminescent devices in flat panel displays or photovoltaic or sensor devices, and further relates to a FET, light emitting device or ID tag comprising the novel polymers.
US08114315B2	PHPIT and fabrication thereof The present invention provides PHPIT and fabrication thereof. PHPIT has a side-chain-tethered with hexylphenanthrenyl-imidazole polythiophene. The visible light absorption of the PHPIT/PCBM blend is enhanced by the presence of the electron-withdrawing hexylphenanthrenyl-imidazole. The PHPIT/PCBM blend experienced more-balanced electron and hole mobilities and solvability.
US08114310B2	Liquid-crystal display The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal (LC) display of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to novel polymerisable compounds and novel LC media for use in PSA displays.
US08114308B2	Azeotrope-like composition of 2,3-dichloro-3,3-difluoropropene (HCFO-1232xf) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) Provided are azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of 2,3-dichloro-3,3-difluoropropene (HCFO-1232xf) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Such azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf).
US08114305B2	Method of manufacturing substrate for liquid discharge head A method of manufacturing a silicon substrate for a liquid discharge head with a liquid supply opening formed therein includes: forming one processed portion by laser processing on the substrate from one surface of the substrate; expanding the one processed portion to form a recess portion by performing laser processing at a position which overlaps a part of the one processed portion and does not overlap another part of the one processed portion; and etching from the one surface the substrate with the recess portion formed therein to form the liquid supply opening.
US08114297B2	Wet oxidation of soot A system and method for the treatment of soot containing an insoluble metal. The soot is formed into a soot slurry and a characteristic of the soot slurry is maintained to solubilize at least a portion of the metal to act as a catalyst. The soot slurry with the soluble metal is wet oxidized.
US08114296B2	Method and apparatus for skimming floated sludge A method and device for removing floated matter such as sludge located near the surface of a fluid body is contemplated that employs pneumatic force to remove the floated matter. The contemplated device employs pneumatic force for lifting and blowing the floated matter into an inlet channel. The device is configured to provide substantially uniform airflow across the inlet channel. The inlet channel of the device may also include an adjustable section which allows airflow velocity along the channel to be controlled in a periodic fashion.
US08114295B2	Intelligent system and method for automated packing of chromatography columns The present invention provides an automated system and method for packing chromatography columns. In one embodiment, the system first determines the type of media that is present in the column, and uses this information to generate an automated procedure to pack the specific media type. In a second embodiment, the media type is made known to the system, such as via input from the operator. The system then uses this information, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, to generate an automated procedure to pack the specific media type. Finally, in a third embodiment, parameters such as column height and rate of compression are made known to the system, such as via input from the operator. The system then packs the column in accordance with these supplied parameters.
US08114289B2	Method and apparatus for microfiltration to perform cell separation A microfiltration apparatus and method for separating cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from a sample using a microfiltration device having a top porous membrane and a bottom porous membrane. The porous membranes are formed from parylene and assembled using microfabrication techniques. The porous membranes are arranged so that the pores in the top membrane are offset from the pores in the bottom membrane.
US08114287B2	Surface purveyed filtration device A filtration appliance comprised of two types of convening disks, whereon opposing, contacting surfaces are textured or channeled, purveying passage and filtration of fluids traversing between the convening disks. A plurality of parallel, spiraling grooves on both sides of conveyance disks purvey channeling for fluid ingress and egress, inlet grooves spiral radially inward from the outside circumference, decreasing in width until terminating prior to the inside circumference, outlet grooves spiral radially outward from the inside circumference, decreasing in width until terminating prior to the outside circumference. Topologic disks conveying homogeneously textured surfaces for filtration sandwich conveyance disks. The textured topologic surface is pressed upon the conveyance surface between the grooves. Pressured dirty fluid ingresses the appliance via the conveyance disk inlet grooves, passes across the textured surface of the topologic disk surface, depositing residue thereon and egresses as clean fluid via the conveyance disk outlet grooves.
US08114283B2	Separator to separate a liquid/liquid/gas/solid mixture A separator for separating or partially separating oil, water, gas and solids from hydrocarbon production well fluids comprises a vessel and a cyclone contained within the vessel. An inlet passage passes through a wall of the vessel and into the cyclone, the inlet passage having means for causing the flow to rotate within the cyclone. A first outlet passage for an oil rich phase extends from a position within the cyclone and substantially on a central axis of the cyclone; a second outlet passage for a water phase extends from a base of the vessel; and a third outlet passage for the solids extends from a lower end of the cyclone.
US08114280B2	Separation matrix and method of purification The present invention relates to a separation matrix comprised of a porous support to which ligands have been immobilized, wherein said ligands comprise at least one sulphonamide and the R group of the sulphonyl comprises an aromatic group. The nitrogen of the sulphonamide may be a secondary or tertiary amine. The invention also relates to a chromatography column that contains the described separation matrix, as well as to a method of isolating immunoglobulin-like compounds by adsorption to the separation matrix.
US08114273B2	Two stage hydrotreating of distillates with improved hydrogen management An improved hydrotreating process for removing sulfur from distillate boiling range feedstreams. This improved process utilizes a two stage hydrotreating process scheme, each stage associated with an acid gas removal zone wherein one of the stages utilizes a rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption zone to increase the concentration of hydrogen in the process.
US08114272B2	Method for treating refinery waste streams in a fluid catalytic cracking unit and an improved catalytic cracking unit for processing refinery waste streams A method of processing the waste stream includes introducing the waste stream into the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit such that waste stream is processed within the regenerator unit or in CO boiler unit such that the waste stream and the regenerator flue gas are burned within the regenerator unit or the CO boiler unit. The waste stream contains NH3 and the NH3 is converted to the NOx and N2. The fluid catalytic cracking unit may further include an assembly for converting NOx to N2. Flue gas from the CO boiler unit containing NOx and N2 is fed to the assembly to NOx to N2 within the assembly. The assembly for converting NOx to N2 preferably includes a selective catalytic reduction unit containing a catalyst, and wherein converting NOx to N2 includes reacting the NOx with the catalyst to produce N2 and H2O.
US08114259B2	Method and system for providing potable water An electrically-driven separation apparatus can be used with a pressure-driven separation apparatus to provide potable water having a desired total dissolved solids (TDS).
US08114255B2	Membrane-augmented distillation with compression to separate solvents from water Processes for removing water from organic solvents, such as ethanol. The processes include distillation in two columns operated at sequentially higher pressure, followed by treatment of the overhead vapor by one or two membrane separation steps.
US08114251B2	Papers containing fibrids derived from diamino diphenyl sulfone This invention relates to papers made with fibrids containing a polymer or copolymer derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof. Such papers have high thermal stability and accept ink more readily than papers made solely with aramid fibrids.
US08114249B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring an evaporator A method and an apparatus for monitoring an evaporator (2), whereby a liquid is applied onto a heating unit (3) and evaporated and the temperature drop caused by the evaporation heat in the heating unit (3) is detected. In the absence of a predetermined temperature drop, a signal is generated. In this way, the evaporation process can be controlled in a simple manner.
US08114246B2	Vacuum plasma processor having a chamber with electrodes and a coil for plasma excitation and method of operating same A vacuum plasma processor includes a roof structure including a dielectric window carrying (1) a semiconductor plate having a high electric conductivity so it functions as an electrode, (2) a hollow coil and (3) at least one electric shield. The shield, coil and semiconductor plate are positioned to prevent substantial coil generated electric field components from being incident on the semiconductor plate. During a first interval the coil produces an RF electromagnetic field that results in a plasma that strips photoresist from a semiconductor wafer. During a second interval the semiconductor plate and another electrode produce an RF electromagnetic field that results in a plasma that etches electric layers, underlayers and photoresist layers from the wafer.
US08114245B2	Plasma etching device A plasma etching device which has an auxiliary electrode enabling realization of a uniform plasma density of generated plasma on the surface of a base and which enables uniform etching with respect to the base without depending upon pressure and without rotating a magnetic field applying means. The plasma etching device has magnetic field applying means which has two parallel plate electrodes I and II and RF power applying means, with the base set on the electrode I, and which is horizontal and unidirectional with respect to the surface of the base where plasma etching is carried out. In this plasma etching device, an auxiliary electrode is provided at least on the upstream side of the base in a flow of electron current generated by the magnetic field applying means. The auxiliary electrode includes a local electrode arranged on the side facing the electrode II and means for adjusting impedance provided at a part of the local electrode to be electrically connected with the electrode I.
US08114244B2	Method for etching a sample The invention provides a method for performing mass production processing of etching a sample capable of maintaining a stable processing profile. The method for performing mass production processing of etching for subjecting a wafer carried into a vacuum processing reactor to plasma processing uses an apparatus comprising a vacuum processing chamber, a gas supply apparatus, a plasma generating means for generating plasma, an emission spectroscope for monitoring the plasma emission, and a device for storing the emission spectrum, wherein a non-operating time of the apparatus (idling SS) occurs in which the mass production processing of the wafer is temporarily stopped, wherein during cleaning steps S2 and S2′ before and after idling SS, emission intensities SiF(1) and SiF(2) in the plasma including the information on the state of deposition of reaction products and the temperature on the uppermost surface of the reactor are monitored, and a database S4 is referred to based on these emission spectrums, so that the time of the plasma heating step S3 after the idling SS is controlled to heat the reactor, and after performing plasma heating S3, the next sample is subjected to etching S2.
US08114242B2	Dimension-set method for joining parts A method for joining first and second parts includes applying a structural adhesive, configured to form a permanent bond when subjected to a permanent-curing process, to one of the parts. A dimension-set adhesive is applied to join the parts, and is configured to fix the dimensions of the parts. The parts are not subjected to a mechanical fastening process or a welding process, and the structural adhesive is not subjected to a partial-curing process prior to the permanent-curing process. A permanent bond is formed between the parts with the structural adhesive by subjecting the parts to the permanent-curing process. The dimension-set adhesive may be isolated from the structural adhesive, or may be surrounded by the structural adhesive. An extended tab portion may be formed on one of the parts, and the dimension-set adhesive located thereon.
US08114241B2	Method for applying a vacuum bag around a fuselage barrel made of composite material to be polymerized A vacuum bag is applied around a fuselage barrel made of composite material to be polymerized, formed by lamination on the outer surface of a mandrel having the form of a solid of rotation about a longitudinal axis. A bag material in the form of a sheet having a transverse width corresponding to the longitudinal length of the fuselage barrel is provided alongside the mandrel. A first transverse end portion of the sheet is fastened or sealed on the outer surface of the barrel or the mandrel. Then the mandrel is rotated around the axis, so as to wrap the sheet about the barrel. While the mandrel rotates, the opposite axial end edges of the sheet are sealed on the mandrel. Finally, a second transverse end portion of the sheet is sealed on the outer surface of the barrel or the mandrel.
US08114232B2	Method and an apparatus for producing an insulating glass pane An insulating glass pane structure including two glass panes is formed by providing an elastoplastic strip from a delivery reel, where the elastoplastic strip has a varying dimension along its width including a first, nominal width section and a second, reduced width section that is smaller in width than the nominal width section. Side surface area portions of the nominal width section of the strip are coated with a first adhesive glue, and side surface area portions of the reduced width section of the strip are coated with a second adhesive glue that is diffusion-proof against water vapor. One side surface of the strip is pressed against a first glass pane to form a spacer, the strip being pressed close to an edge of the first glass pane, and the second glass pane is applied and pressed to form the glass pane structure.
US08114224B2	Process for the production of an articulated structural part having improved wear resistance An articulated structural part includes a peripheral zone. The peripheral zone includes a surface, an outermost layer situated immediately adjacent the surface, a further layer situated adjacent the outermost layer and a core situated adjacent the further layer, wherein the outermost layer is substantially martensite. The further layer includes a varying mixture of martensite and of ferrite or perlite. The core is substantially ferrite or perlite. A process for producing an articulated structural part is also provided.
US08114220B2	Formulations for cleaning ion-implanted photoresist layers from microelectronic devices A method and composition for removing bulk and ion-implanted photoresist and/or post-etch residue material from densely patterned microelectronic devices is described. The composition includes a co-solvent, a chelating agent, optionally an ion pairing reagent, and optionally a surfactant. The composition may further include dense fluid. The compositions effectively remove the photoresist and/or post-etch residue material from the microelectronic device without substantially over-etching the underlying silicon-containing layer(s) and metallic interconnect materials.
US08114210B2	Binders An un-reacted substantially formaldehyde free curable binder solution for binding loose matter consists essentially of a solution obtainable by dissolving a reducing sugar, an ammonium salt acid precursor optionally a carboxylic acid or a precursor thereof and optionally ammonia in water.
US08114203B2	Units for collecting particles, apparatus including the same and methods for collecting particles using the same A collection unit includes an exhaust conduit providing a path through which a process gas flows, a trap installed in the exhaust conduit, and a collection line connected to the trap. The trap has an inlet through which particles in the process are introduced into the trap, and the collection line penetrates a portion of the exhaust conduit to extend toward an outside region of the exhaust conduit. An apparatus including the collection unit and a method for collecting particles using the same are also provided.
US08114201B2	Air pollution control filter elements for filtration systems An improved filtration apparatus, filtering method and filtering material for capturing mercury and other pollutants in pollutant-laden fluid streams such as flue gases generated by process gas streams are disclosed. The improved filtration system may include two pollutant remediation layers, an upstream layer capable of filtering particulates and a downstream layer capable of adsorbing and/or catalyzing pollutants such as mercury, dioxin, furans, and NOx. The improved filtration system may be in the form of a particulate filter bag. The particulate filter bag may be configured for use in a reverse air filtration system with the upstream layer facing an internal volume of the bag. The upstream layer may include an ePTFE layer laminated to the upstream side of the upstream layer.
US08114198B2	Cross ship architecture for dispatch critical fuel tank inerting system A fuel tank inerting system uses two “half systems” for providing inerting gas for the fuel tanks. Each inerting system may be composed of a temperature control and air pressurization unit (TCPU) and an air separation unit (ASU). A cross-ship duct and valve allows using one TCPU (sized for about half capacity or more, but less than full system capacity) connected to two ASUs. The inerting system may provide for redundancy in the TCPU section.
US08114171B2	In situ formed ionically conductive membranes for protection of active metal anodes and battery cells Disclosed are ionically conductive membranes for protection of active metal anodes and methods for their fabrication. The membranes may be incorporated in active metal negative electrode (anode) structures and battery cells. In accordance with the invention, the membrane has the desired properties of high overall ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the anode, the cathode and ambient conditions encountered in battery manufacturing. The membrane is capable of protecting an active metal anode from deleterious reaction with other battery components or ambient conditions while providing a high level of ionic conductivity to facilitate manufacture and/or enhance performance of a battery cell in which the membrane is incorporated.
US08114170B2	Agent for coloring and/or bleaching keratin fibers comprising composition (A), composition (B), at least one fat and at least one reductone The present disclosure relates to an agent for coloring and/or bleaching keratin fibers, consisting of: a first composition (A) comprising at least one alkalizing agent, and a second composition (B) comprising at least one oxidizing agent, wherein at least one of the two compositions (A) and (B) comprises at least one fat selected from liquid hydrocarbons, such that the at least one fat is present in a mixture of compositions (A) and (B) in an amount of at least 20 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the mixture, and further wherein at least one of compositions (A) and (B) comprises at least one reductone optionally in a form chosen from acids, salts, and esters. The present disclosure also relates to a method of coloring and/or bleaching keratin fibers employing the agent, as well as a kit containing it.
US08114169B2	Compositions for biobleaching coupled with stone washing of indigo dyed denims and process thereof Disclosed herein are novel compositions for biobleaching coupled with stone washing of indigo dyed denims comprising a blend of glucose oxidase, catalases and cellulases in the ratio of 1.0:10.0:1.0 along with sugar base, peroxide source and optional adjuvants and a process for the said biobleaching coupled with stone washing wherein the process is carried out at optimized conditions of neutral pH (6.5-7.0) and a temperature of 55° C. Processing time may vary from 15 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the extent of bleach required for the fabric.
US08114165B2	Tibial insert and method for implanting the same A tibial insert includes a platform defining an upper bearing surface and first and second keels extending downwardly from the platform. Each of the first and second keels includes an angled anterior face. A surgical method for knee arthroplasty is also disclosed.
US08114164B2	Bicondylar resurfacing prosthesis and method for insertion through direct lateral approach A bicondylar implantable prosthesis resurfaces only the weight bearing portion of the patient's femur. The prosthesis includes a thin shell convexly curved outer articular surface including a medial condyle, a lateral condyle, and an intercondylar bridge, and a concave inner surface of the prosthesis that has at least one transverse ridge extending across the width of the prosthesis. When the prosthesis is implanted on the weight bearing portion of the femur, the entire outer surface of the curved articular surface is sized to resurface substantially only the weight bearing portion and no portion of the patello-femoral joint of the knee. The prosthesis is configured to be implantable by a lateral insertion through a direct lateral approach to a retropatellar region of the patient's knee joint, during which insertion the at least one transverse ridge guides the prosthesis along a laterally resected surface of the femur.
US08114156B2	Flexibly compliant ceramic prosthetic meniscus for the replacement of damaged cartilage in orthopedic surgical repair or reconstruction of hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist and other anatomical joints A flexibly compliant ceramic prosthetic meniscus comprised of ceramic fibers formed into a rope-like structure. The rope-like structure is coiled into a pad configuration with the proximal and distal ends completely placed into an interior of the pad to create a more stabilized structure. A flexibly compliant ceramic prosthetic meniscus fixed together by being sewn together using a high melting temperature ceramic thread. A flexibly compliant ceramic fiber prosthetic fixed together by being thermally fused. A flexibly compliant ceramic fiber prosthetic meniscus is thermally fused onto a metal prosthesis of the said patient's articulating joint. A flexibly compliant ceramic fiber prosthetic meniscus is bonded onto a metal prosthesis of the said patient's articulating joint.
US08114149B2	Hybrid stent with helical connectors The present invention is a hybrid stent design using half-slot circumferential sets of strut members with short (<1.5 mm) slot length that has minimal fish scaling and excellent stent retention and flexibility. These half-slot circumferential sets of strut members are connected one to the other with helical connectors similar to those of the Palmaz stent. One important difference in the design of the stent of the present invention is that the helical connectors are attached to every other crown (rather than connected to every crown) to further improve stent flexibility. By appropriately varying the strut width of both the connected and unconnected curved crowns to be greater at the center than at their ends, an increased radial strength can be provided for a given maximum strain that is imparted to the stent when it is expanded to its maximum diameter.
US08114146B2	Longitudinally flexible expandable stent Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
US08114139B2	Osteosynthesis plate A plate (1) includes blocking elements (4b, 5, 6) including: at least one slot (5) comprising a first portion opening into the hole (2) and a second portion extending over a section of this hole (2), at a distance from the edge defining this hole (2), this slot (5) thereby isolating a portion of material (6); this portion (6) has a first part (6a) with a radially increased thickness and a second part (6b) having a radially reduced thickness; this part (6b) has a thickness such that the portion (6) may be radially mobile between a withdrawn position and an active position; a pad (4b) engaged in the slot (5), able to be moved in such a way as to bring the portion of material (6) from its withdrawn position to its active position.
US08114130B2	Deflection rod system for spine implant with end connectors and method A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08114121B2	Tissue vitality comparator with light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle A surgical instrument having a tissue vitality comparator is provided to view images of tissue relative to the surgical instrument and compare the images with predetermined reference images. The surgical instrument includes a pair of jaws for capturing tissue and one or more light sources 14 illuminating the captured tissue. The surgical instrument additionally includes a light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle having a first end for viewing the tissue between the jaws and a second end on a handle portion of the surgical instrument for observing the tissue. A tissue comparison chart having a plurality of reference images is provided on the handle of the surgical instrument for comparison with the image observed through the second end of the light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle.
US08114110B2	Transseptal puncture needle and needle assemblies A transseptal needle includes an elongate needle body having a distal end and a proximal end and a cannular needle tip located proximate the distal end of the needle body. The needle tip has a distal segment, a proximal segment, and a longitudinal axis. An inner surface of the needle tip defines a passageway spanning at least a portion of the needle tip, and an outer surface of the needle tip defines a wall with the inner surface. The distal segment of the needle tip also includes a wedge surface and a dome-shaped region. The wedge surface forms a wedge angle of other than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The dome-shaped region, which intersects the wedge surface, includes at least two bevels that intersect the wedge surface and that intersect each other at one or more points on the needle tip.
US08114107B2	Laparoscopic scissor blades A laparoscopic scissor with a shaft for use through an access port, such as a trocar cannula, with one or more parabolic, cubic, quadratic or higher order cutting blades extending from the shaft is provided.
US08114105B2	Instrument for surgically cutting tissue and method of use Abstract An instrument for cutting tissue to controlled dimensions for removal of tissue specimens from remote sites in the body of a patient. The instrument has a housing and a substantially flexible shaft extending from the housing to a distal end. Suction can be municated along the shaft to the distal end for distribution across a cavity utilizing a nifold to pull tissue into the cavity against a tissue engaging of the manifold. One or more needles are extendable into the cavity to enable infusion of fluid into the tissue. A blade in the distal end is extendable over the manifold to cui the tissue held by suction in the cavity. The shape and depth of the tissue removed by the cut is in accordance with the contour of the tissue engaging surface and the size and shape of the cavity at the distal end.
US08114090B2	Drill centering tool for removal of orthopedic plug A tool centers an elongated drill bit within an elongated canal surrounded by bone tissue. A sleeve having an expandable diameter is internally threaded. The sleeve threadedly engages an externally-threaded cylindrical guide. A key includes a handle at one end of an elongated rod. The rod includes transversely-protruding buttons for engaging the guide so that rotation of the handle produces rotation of the guide to cause radial expansion of the sleeve. This results in symmetrical contacting of the interior surfaces of the bone tissue, thereby creating a vertical, centered channel with respect to the bone, that extends through the tool for guiding the drill bit.
US08114088B2	Geared spinal implant inserter-distractor Embodiments of a geared spinal implant inserter-distractor disclosed herein provide a greater mechanical advantage in delivering an intervertebral implant via an anterior, anterior-lateral, or posterior approach. The geared spinal implant inserter-distractor comprises an inserter, a distractor structured to slidably receive the inserter with a collar and an intervertebral implant attached thereto, and a gear mechanism arranged to translate a surgeon's rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the surgeon to have a greater control and feedback when placing an implant within an intervertebral disc space. The gear arrangement comprises a pinion inside the distractor and a rack on the inserter. The pinion can be driven by a shaft connected to a knob or handle. With the gear mechanism, a surgeon can turn the knob or handle to drive the inserter in and out of the distractor in a quantifiable manner, which facilitates the desirable precision delivery of the intervertebral implant.
US08114087B2	Humeral rotating burr guide A cutting guide for removal of bone during arthroplasty. The cutting guide includes a housing having a three-dimensional guide path and an arm coupled to the housing and extending through the guide path. The arm includes a burr. As the arm is slid along the path, the burr simultaneously cuts in two planes on the bone.
US08114079B2	Intramedullary nail with coupled shafts A nail assembly for use in trauma surgery is provided. The nail assembly includes an intramedullary shaft including a first transverse passage and a second transverse passage in the shaft. The first transverse passage and the second transverse passage do not contact each other on the shaft. The nail assembly also includes a first shaft extending through the first transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft and a second shaft extending through the second transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft. The second shaft includes an engagement feature configured to bring the second shaft into contact with the first shaft. The engagement feature may be in the form of a lateral mechanical feature that provides simultaneous unilateral coupled motion of the first shaft with the second shaft through the transverse passages in the intramedullary shaft.
US08114077B2	Clamping pin A clamping pin is intended to be inserted into and held in an opening of a medical device. The clamping pin comprises a screw having a longitudinal axis, a first clamping element having a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a first part of a clamping section. A second clamping element has a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a second part of the clamping section which is complementary to the opening in the medical device. The inclined surfaces of the first and second clamping elements are in contact. A screw extends at least partly through both the first and second clamping elements. The screw engages in one of the clamping elements such that the axial distance between the two clamping elements and the diameter of the clamping section that can come in contact with a surface of the opening in the medical device will be changed upon actuation of the screw.
US08114074B1	Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same Endoscopic bipolar scissor blades are formed in a laminate assembly of an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically insulating material, and a metal shearing surface which is electrically insulated and physically spaced from the electrode by the insulating material which is disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the electrode is a metal blade, while the insulating material is a ceramic which is fixed to the metal blade, and the metal shearing surface which also provides the cutting edge is of a metal material which is fixed to the ceramic. In a second embodiment, the insulating material is a molded ceramic blade, with the electrode and the metal shearing surface layer metalized or otherwise fixed to the ceramic blade. In a third embodiment, the electrode is metalized on a thin layer insulating material which is fixed onto a metallic blade. In a fourth embodiment, metallic shearing and electrode layers are laminated to opposite sides of a fiberglass material. In all embodiments, the metal cutting edges and surfaces are insulated from the electrodes, and no short circuit can form between the electrodes even though the cutting edges and shearing surfaces are metal.
US08114072B2	Electrical ablation device An electrical ablation apparatus includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the housing. The electrodes are configured to connect to electrically conductive wires. The first and second electrodes are separated by a gap. The second electrode includes first and second prongs defining an opening suitable to receive tissue to be ablated therebetween. When the first and second electrodes are energized at a predetermined energy level, an electric current suitable to ablate the tissue flows across the gap and forms an electric arc between the distal end of the first electrode and the tissue. A system includes an energy source to drive the electrical ablation apparatus. A method includes introducing the electrical ablation apparatus into a patient and ablating tissue with the electric arc.
US08114066B2	Display for an infusion delivery system The present disclosure generally relates to an infusion pump for dispensing medication. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a display unit that can be pulled out by a user.
US08114054B2	Medical article anchoring system An anchoring system provides secure attachment between a portion of a medical article and a body of a patient. The anchoring system comprises a securement device and a first fitting attached to the medical article, the first fitting having a first configuration. Embodiments of the anchoring system also comprise a second fitting attached to the medical article. The second fitting has a second configuration that differs from the first. The securement device includes a mounting surface for attaching the securement device to the patient's body and a receiving area. The receiving area is oriented so as to face away from the patient's body, and includes retainer mechanisms that are capable of engaging one or both of the first and second fittings, which have different configurations.
US08114048B2	Balloon catheter with elastic segment The present invention relates to a catheter comprising an outer tube; an inner tube; and a balloon fixed at its proximal sleeve to the outer tube and at its distal sleeve to the inner tube, wherein the inner tube comprises an elastic segment.
US08114044B2	Arteriovenous access valve system and process An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. By minimizing or preventing arterial steal, other complications associated with arteriovenous grafts are also avoided. For instance, the present invention is also well suited to preventing arteriovenous graft thrombosis, eliminating dialysis needle hole bleeding, and eliminating or minimizing arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurism formation.
US08114041B2	Orthopedic brace An orthopedic brace is provided that is adapted for securing a wrist, hand and thumb. The brace includes a pad having proximal and distal edges, and first and second sides each comprising loop fastening material forming a generally continuous surface extending substantially the entirety of the corresponding side. The brace further includes a strap pod having an attaching portion and at least one strap, the attaching portion being defined by a region of a hook fastening material such that the attaching portion is removably securable to either side of the pad for placing the pad in a closed position. A thumb stay is disposed in a thumb stay pocket formed by the pad. A distal closure member extends from or near the distal edge of the pad, and defines a first extension depending from the pad, and an intermediate flap depending from the first extension. The intermediate flap is configured to extend about the thumb stay, and defines at least one strap securable to the first and second sides of the pad.
US08114038B2	Oral hygiene apparatus A method and apparatus for oral hygiene, in particular having an oral hygiene device similar to a WATER PIK® brand device which has a pump with an inlet port and an outlet nozzle. A reservoir is placed in a sink above a drain and below a faucet and water from the faucet is adjusted for temperature and flows into the reservoir and over and into the drain of the sink. A conduit is provided between the inlet of the pump and the outlet of the reservoir so that, in use, a person can first adjust the temperature of the water in the reservoir and then turn on the pump and use the oral hygiene device as with any other oral hygiene apparatus while either allowing the water to continue to flow from the faucet at the desired temperature; or, if desired, to stop the flow and put medication into the container before use so that the water and medication solution is used rather than just water.
US08114023B2	Analyte sensing and response system Electrochemical systems for measuring an analyte concentration, and correcting any surplus or deficiency in the measured concentration. More specifically, systems for measuring an analyte level in a fluid with an implantable sensor, processing the measurements with an algorithm, and determining an appropriate fluid infusion rate in response to the measurements.
US08114021B2	Body-associated receiver and method Receivers, which may be external or implantable, are provided. Aspects of receivers of the invention include the presence of one or more of: a high power-low power module; an intermediary module; a power supply module configured to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to a high power processing block; a serial peripheral interface bus connecting master and slave blocks; and a multi-purpose connector. Receivers of the invention may be configured to receive a conductively transmitted signal. Also provided are systems that include the receivers, as well as methods of using the same. Additionally systems and methods are disclosed for using a receiver for coordinating with dosage delivery systems.
US08114018B2	Adjustable line and net retractors Devices for use during surgical or non-surgical procedures can move items from the field of view or work space. Retraction of items during any surgical or non-surgical procedure moves the items from the field of view or work space. The flexibility and compactness of a retraction device can make it suitable for surgery, especially minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
US08114017B2	Articulating endoscopic instrument An endoscopic instrument comprises a shaft, comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A grip comprising a handle is arranged at said proximal end of said shaft and a tool having at least an open and a closed position is arranged at said distal end of said shaft. Said shaft comprises at least two sections, a first section and a second section, which can be articulated with respect to said first section. Said second section comprises said tool. Said instrument further comprises an actuating element, by means of which said handle is in operative connection with said second section and with which an articulation of said second section can be initiated. Said first section or said actuating element and said tool are connected by a control element, by means of which said tool can be moved back and forth between said closed position and said open position in the course of an articulation of said second section, such that both the articulation of said second section and an opening/closing of said tool can be accomplished by the movement of said actuating element.
US08114006B2	Radio guided seed localization of imaged lesions A method of removing lesions by implanting a radioactive seed at the location of the lesion, locating the lesion with the radioactive seed, and removing the lesion with the radioactive seed. A kit is also provided by the present invention for use in removing lesions by implanting a radioactive seed at the location of the lesion, locating the lesion with the radioactive seed, and removing the lesion with the radioactive seed. Other embodiments of the invention include: a disposable needle preloaded with radioactive seed(s); and radioactive seeds comprising hooks to ensure proper localization of the seed(s) in the patient.
US08113999B2	Training hoop An oblong hoop formed of six tube pieces fitted together end to end has tube junctions at each of four beveled corners. A pair of telescoping side junctions preferably connects side tubes together to make the oblong hoop extendable and retractable in length. The hoop can be used in three ways during three stages of learning—first, with the pupil supported in the front region of the hoop and an instructor within the hoop and close behind the pupil, second, with the pupil remaining forward in the hoop and the instructor moving to a rear region of the hoop, and third, with the pupil remaining in the forward region of the hoop, and the instructor moving outside the hoop to hold onto a rear region of the hoop.
US08113995B1	Elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride An elliptical exercise machine includes two swing rods connected pivotally to a base, a flywheel, two supporting rods connected pivotally between the flywheel and the swing rods, two pedal rods slidable respectively on the supporting rods, and a motion transmitting device. The device includes a fixed member fixed on the base, a rotatable member locked releaseably on the fixed member at a selected angular position, two cranks connected pivotally to the rotatable member, and two links each having a first pivot portion connected pivotally to the corresponding pedal rod, a second pivot portion connected pivotally to the corresponding swing rod, and a third pivot portion connected pivotally to the corresponding crank. The links are driven by the cranks to move the pedal rods forwardly and rearwardly on the supporting rods, respectively.
US08113994B2	Exercise device with treadles An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
US08113993B2	Exercise grip for exercising pectoral muscles An exercise grip and method for performing a low cable pectoral muscle development exercise is disclosed wherein the exercise grip is attachable to a cable weight system. The exercise grip includes a body substantially formed to receive thereon the palmer side of a human hand. The body has an upturned flange formed at an outer edge of the body to bear against the ulnar border of a human hand. An elongate finger grip extends from and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upturned flange and is formed to accommodate the curled fingers of a human hand therearound. A thumb recess is adjacent to the finger grip opposite from the upturned flange for allowing a human thumb to bear thereagainst. A hook is affixed to the body proximate to the thumb recess to facilitate attachment to the cable of the cable weight system.
US08113989B2	Control of sequential downshifts in a transmission A method for executing a downshift in a transmission includes starting disengagement of a second control element after starting disengagement of a first element. Disengagement of the second element starts before starting engagement of a fourth element. A third element is forced to synchronous speed by beginning engagement of the fourth element before engaging the third element. Engagement of the third and fourth elements is completed at the end of the downshift.
US08113988B2	Hydraulic control module for vehicle transmission and diagnostic detection method for the same A detection scheme for diagnosing failure of clutch control components in a hydraulic control module of a power transmission utilizes pressure switch sensors to detect the position of each of the valves associated with the clutch control mechanization. The mechanization of these sensors with the valves provides the ability to clearly define the position of each of the valves, while also enabling the transmission electro-hydraulic control module (TEHCM) to diagnose the state of health of each pressure switch. The detection scheme may then differentiate between a failed switch and a failed (e.g., “stuck” or “out of position”) valve, while preventing unexpected and undesired shift sequencing within the transmission.
US08113974B1	Hunting arrow point A hunting arrow point having a ferrule having a forward nose, a rearward shank, and a body, the body having a plurality of radially outwardly opening apertures; the point further having blades, each blade having a proximal end, a distal end, a forward end, and a rearward end, each proximal end having an eye, each blade's forward end having a sharpened edge, each blade being positioned so that its eye aligns over one of the ferrule's apertures; the point receiving screws, each screw extending through one of the blade's eyes and engaging one of the ferrule's apertures; and the point presenting a plurality of pivot stops, each pivot stop being fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the ferrule, each pivot stop being positioned for biasing against one of the blades upon application of a rearwardly directed force to the blade, and each blade being forwardly canted.
US08113973B1	Hunting arrowhead with rotary blade Disclosed is a hunting arrowhead for gaining ascendancy over and hunting the wild animals such as a deer quickly and accurately without degrading the flight stability and the hit rate of an arrow. The hunting arrowhead includes a ferrule having a ferrule body, in which a fitting slot is formed in a longitudinal direction, and a mounting screw section extending rearwards from the ferrule body, a blade assembly, a rear portion of which is fitted into the fitting slot, and in which a leading edge is formed on a side end thereof, and a mounting slot for a rotary blade and a rotary pin-receiving hole are formed in a flat surface thereof, and a rotary blade rotatably mounted in the mounting slot and having a central pin-hole and a circumferential cutting blade part.
US08113965B2	Golf club head This invention provides a golf club head comprising a plurality of scorelines formed in its face. The golf club head is configured such that an angle θ of the side wall of the scoreline with respect to the face is 70° or less, the edge of the scoreline has a ridged portion projecting from the face, and a height H of the ridged portion from the face satisfies: 5 μm≦H≦20 μm.
US08113963B2	Water based entertainment device A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is connected to a garden hose to provide smooth walls of water that define an enclosed dry that is substantially free of water spray.
US08113952B2	Embedded reel games with progressives A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game.
US08113948B1	Method and system for a gaming or gambling operator for issuing secondary value for redemption of primary value A method includes associating a user with a primary value identifier that, in turn, is associated with a primary value. Optionally, the primary value identifier is inactive until activated. Optionally, the user is also associated with a secondary value identifier. Upon redeeming at least a portion of the primary value for goods or services, a secondary value is presented to the user, optionally by association with the secondary value identifier. A system includes a database of primary value identifiers communicating directly or indirectly with an activation terminal and a redemption terminal and a gaming device receiving at least a portion of a secondary value for wagers in a game of chance.
US08113945B2	Playing method of card game and game machine A method of playing card games, according to the present invention, includes the steps of: (a) accepting participation of players; (b) determining banker's cards and players' cards, the players' cards being dealt to the players having accepted participation, from a first card set consisting of plural types of cards; (c) dealing the players' cards determined at the step (b) to the players having accepted participation; (d) in a case where the number of players having accepted participation exceeds a predetermined number of players, determining the players' cards to be dealt to the players having accepted participation in excess of the number of players, based upon cards excluding the banker's cards dealt based upon the first card set among a second card set that consists of cards identical to those of the first card set; (e) dealing the players' cards determined at the step (d) to the players having accepted participation in excess of the number of players; and (f) determining a winner or loser after comparing hands of the players' cards dealt to the players and a hand of the banker's cards.
US08113944B2	Game of chance A game of chance includes receiving a stake corresponding to a target game-item from a player. In each phase of the game, a random integer is selected and a game-item corresponding to that integer is removed from play. If the target game-item is removed from play, the player is awarded a return and the game of chance ends. If specific game-items or combinations of game items are removed from play, the player is defeated, and the game of chance ends. A subsequent phase of the game of chance begins if the player is not defeated or awarded a return.
US08113943B2	Gaming device with changing wild symbols A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are set to be wild symbols. Free spins occur for each symbol acting as a wild symbol until the symbol appears on the reels in a winning format, either alone or in combination with other symbols. Then, the next symbol of the set is used in the wild symbols and so on until all symbols for the set are used. If free spins remain after all symbols of the set are used, the free spin sequence is repeated until the free spins are exhausted.
US08113940B2	Gaming machine with element selection feature A gaming machine and method of conducting a wagering game are disclosed. The method comprises displaying a plurality of selectable elements and an indicator defining an area having a size adapted to contain at least one of the plurality of selectable elements. The size of the area defined by the indicator is variable during the wagering game. The variation of the size of the area defined by the indicator varies a quantity of the selectable elements contained within the indicator. The indicator is moved to vary which of the plurality of selectable elements are contained within the indicator. The indicator is stopped with one or more of the plurality of selectable elements contained within the indicator. An award is provided based on the one or more selectable elements contained within the indicator when the indicator is stopped.
US08113932B2	Method and computer readable medium relating to creating child virtual decks from a parent virtual deck Methods and systems relating to virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments are provided. In one embodiment, a child deck may be created using one or more rules to resequence a parent virtual deck created from physical playing instruments, such as cards. In one embodiment, a player may be allowed to “cut” the deck of virtual playing instruments before a virtual deck is assigned to a game session. In another embodiment, a copy of the child (or parent) virtual deck is created before the child (or parent) virtual deck is transmitted for use in a game session, and a game may be electronically recreated using the copy of the virtual child deck to confirm the outcome of the game. Further aspects relate to allowing a player of a game to request a secondary audit of the game.
US08113929B2	Combination residue spreader and collector for single pass harvesting systems A crop residue harvesting system for a harvesting machine is provided. The crop residue harvesting system includes a blower and a transition member having a first position and a second position. In a first position the transition member directs at least a portion of the crop residue to the blower for harvesting of the crop residue. In a second position the transition member allows for spreading at least a portion of the crop residue. A lever or actuator may be operatively connected to the transition member for selecting between the first position and the second position or selecting an intermediate position to control the proportions of the crop residue harvested and the crop residue spread.
US08113927B2	Cooling tool A tool has a first member cooperatively associated with a second member. The first member has a first gripper integral at an end thereof. The first member has an internal longitudinal groove in communication with a plurality of internal spaced locking grooves. The second member has a second gripper attached at a first end. The second member has a projection at a second end. The projection of the second member is received by the longitudinal groove. The second member is moveable with respect to the first member between a fully contracted position and a plurality of extended positions. In one of the plurality of extended positions, the protrusion is selectively received in one of the plurality of locking grooves to lock the members in one of the plurality of extended positions.
US08113924B2	Apparatus for transferring a stick with a strand of sausage or the like suspended therefrom An apparatus for transferring a stick with a strand of sausage or the like suspended therefrom includes a transversely transferring device for transferring a stick from a first position to a second position by stick transverse transfer members; and a vertically transferring device having stick vertical transfer members which receive the stick from the stick transverse transfer members at the second position and deliver the stick to a conveyor device. The transversely transferring device has a stick transfer body having the stick transverse transfer members provided thereon, a rail body for supporting the stick transfer body and guiding its linear movement, and a transverse wrapping connector traveling body wound around and trained between transverse transfer wheels. A stick transfer body is adapted to be reciprocatingly moved by a transverse transfer electric motor.
US08113920B2	Cut-off wheel comprising a double core clamping device The invention relates to a composite system for a cut-off wheel. The cut-off wheel includes an abrasive external cutting ring with depressions on both sides in the vicinity of the bore and two flush-fitting tensioning plates placed in the depressions to act as a core clamping device. The clamping plates are reusable elements, retained by the user, and transfer forces to the clamping flanges of the machine. The plates also increase stability and reduce waste.
US08113919B2	Bowling ball surface treatment apparatus A bowling ball surface treatment apparatus is designed to uniformly abrade and polish a bowling ball. The apparatus includes a housing and a ball movement guider provided inside the housing for guiding movement of a bowling ball and confining the bowling ball within a limited surface treatment area, and a surface treatment disc arranged below the ball movement guider for supporting, rotating and revolving the bowling ball. The surface treatment disc has a disc shaft and a surface treatment element for abrading or polishing the bowling ball. The apparatus further includes a disc rotating device for rotating the surface treatment disc about a disc center axis and a disc revolving device for rotatably holding the disc shaft of the surface treatment disc and for causing the surface treatment disc to make revolving movement around a sun axis offset from the disc center axis.
US08113909B2	Cushioning structure for an underwire of a brassiere or the like There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups; a connector securing together an inner edge of each of the breast cups; a back wing or pair of back wings for securing the brassiere to the torso of a wearer; and an underwire disposed about a lower periphery of each breast cup. A cushioning structure for the underwire comprises an inner sleeve for receiving the underwire, the inner sleeve having two major surfaces and opposed elongate edges; a cushioning material covering at least one of the major surfaces; and a panel of outer fabric having first and second opposed elongate edges; wherein the first and second elongate edges of the panel of outer fabric each fold over an opposed elongate edge of the inner sleeve to substantially cover the cushioning material. A cushioning structure and a method of making the same are also provided.
US08113898B1	Gas discharge device with electrical conductive bonding material Plasma-shells filled with ionizable gas are positioned on or within a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible substrate. Each plasma-shell is electrically connected to one or more electrical conductors such as electrodes with an electrically conductive bonding substance to form an electrical connection to each electrode. The electrically conductive bonding substance may comprise a pad connected to the plasma-shell and/or an electrode. The bonding substance is made of a light reflective material that reflects photons to enhance light output from a plasma-shell.
US08113895B2	Article such as surfboard and production method thereof A production method of an article for water sports such as a surfboard with a hollow structure achieves a wide range of selections for users. The article is established with sufficient strength and durability, and is capable of achieving low cost and short delivery time. The article is configured by an outer shell having a hollow structure for forming an outer shape of a main body of the surfboard, a partition wall arranged within an internal space of the outer shell for connecting inner surfaces facing one another in said internal space, sectioned spaces separated and sealed by said partition wall and the inner surfaces of the outer shell, and a vent hole formed on said partition wall so that the sectioned spaces adjacent to one another can properly communicate with one another.
US08113891B1	Connector terminal A connector terminal which is curved from a strip-shaped metal plate to form a substantial R-shape includes a soldering plate and a flexible arm gradually away from the soldering plate from one end of the flexible arm to the other end of the flexible arm and arching toward the soldering plate. One end of the flexible arm abuts against the soldering plate and the other end of the flexible arm is bent towards the soldering plate to form a contacting end. An arched bent portion connects the soldering plate and one end of the flexible arm, which abuts against the soldering plate, to make the connector terminal show a substantial R-shape. When an external force acts on the contacting end to press the contacting end towards the soldering plate, the contact area between the flexible arm and the soldering plate is gradually enlarged.
US08113885B2	Portable assembly having a subscriber identification module An electrical assembly comprises a housing, where the housing has an inner housing and a removable outer housing removably connected to the inner housing. A first connector portion is secured to the inner housing. The first connector portion comprises a dielectric body and connector terminals. A subscriber identification module is supported by the inner housing. The subscriber identification module has device terminals. A group of conductors or a conductor assembly supports an electrical connection of the connector terminals to the device terminals. A holder retains the subscriber identification module with respect to the inner housing.
US08113883B2	Card connector with double locking portions between metal shield and insulative housing thereof An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2, 4, 6) defining a number of passageways, a number of contacts (12) retained in the passageways and the insulative housing and a metal shield (3, 5, 7) covering the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a base portion (20, 40) and a pair of retaining portions (22, 42, 62) extending forwardly from the base portion. Each retaining portion defines a cavity (24, 44, 45, 63). The metal shield includes a main portion (30) and a number of lateral walls (31) for defining a card receiving room. The metal shield integrally forms a locking portion (34, 54, 55, 75) having a stamped portion (341, 543, 553, 751) therefrom. The stamped portion is received in the cavity to pre-loadingly engage with the retaining portion.
US08113872B2	Flat-cable connector, production process thereof, and locking device A flat cable connector includes an insulated housing, a plurality of conductor contacts regularly arranged in the housing at a predetermined interval pads of a flat cable are connected with the contacts, respectively, when the flat cable is inserted into the housing. The conductor contact includes a stationary portion secured to the housing and a movable portion integrally formed with the stationary portion being resiliently moved with respect to the stationary portion, the conductive pads of the flat cable come into contact therewith.
US08113870B2	Cable connector assembly with a front shell A cable connector assembly (100) in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) received therein, a cable (5) connected with the contacts (2), a strain relief portion molded on the cable (5), the strain relief portion having a extruding portion (52) on a front end thereof and a retaining portion (51) behind the extruding portion (52), the retaining portion (51) also having a pair of locking blocks (53) at opposite sides thereof, and a cover (8) enclosing the aforementioned components, a back surface of the cover (8) defining a pair of gaps (826) at opposite sides thereof and connected with the correspondence locking block (53) in order to make the strain relief portion and the cover (8) assemble together.
US08113866B2	Aircraft electrical connector with differential engagement and operational retention forces An aircraft powering system is provided which includes an aircraft electrical connector is provided with features to allow facile engagement with an aircraft and strong retention forces. The aircraft powering system may include the aircraft electrical connector having a unique biasing mechanism and modular construction, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to place differential forces onto mating electrical connectors from an aircraft. The biasing mechanism may be operatively coupled to a handle or trigger, which may be easily engageable by an operator.
US08113857B1	High frequency connector An improved high frequency connector including an insulative housing, a shield covering the housing, a first terminal and a second terminal defining a switch and securely contacting with each other in normal position. The housing includes an upper insulating case and a lower insulating case with a central cavity, wherein the contact portion of the first and second terminals are extending inside. The second terminal includes a second fixed portion and a second contact portion that is uniform in width up to the second fixed portion before bending forming. The invention is advantageous in that since the second contact portion of the second terminal is uniform in width up to the end of the second fixed portion before being punched and bent to form a contact area, no abrupt change will incur within that region, and therefore providing consistency of impedance, and thus attaining good signal transmission properties. In addition, by providing, respectively, a convex portion and/or cut-off portion for the first and second terminals to prevent the solder flux that is rising due to surface tension by reflow soldering from reaching the switch area, the invention prevents a disadvantage of poor signal transmission properties due to the increasing contact resistance by flux.
US08113852B2	Connector and interposer using connector A connector conducting electricity between external electrodes while the connector is being compressed, the connector including: a columnar main body made of an elastic dielectric; a first contact terminal made of an inelastic conductor including first and second electrode sections provided on a top surface and a side surface of the columnar main body and a coupling section interconnecting the first and second electrode sections; a second contact terminal made of an inelastic conductor including third and fourth electrode sections provided on a bottom surface and a side surface of the columnar main body and a coupling section interconnecting the third and fourth electrode sections, the fourth electrode section being disposed in a position in which the fourth electrode section does not contact the second electrode section; and a conductor provided outside the main body and conducting electricity between the second and fourth electrode sections.
US08113849B2	Docking system for use with a mobile medication cart The docking system includes a wall-mounted assembly having an extending contact portion which includes a set of power contacts for supplying power to a medication cart via a docking port located on the medication cart when the cart is engaged with the wall-mounted assembly. The contact portion includes a depending hook member which engages a spring-biased locking solenoid in the docking port to lock the cart to the wall-mounted assembly when the cart is moved into contact with the wall-mounted assembly. The cart can be unlocked by a signal to the locking solenoid from the cart or manually.
US08113845B2	Method and system for maintaining injection reminders via stuffed doll The present invention provides for a system and method for keeping injection reminders via stuffed doll. A stuffed doll is configured to receive a plurality of needles and a plurality of markers on the entirety of its body. The needles' locations on the stuffed doll may represent reminders of injection sites on the patient's body. The needles may represent past, current, or future injection sites, or any combination thereof. The needles may further comprise different distinctive qualities, such as thickness and changeable day of the week indicators or colors, allowing the needles to represent different injection types or times. Each needle may still further include blank labels on which a patient can record details pertinent to the specific injection instance. The markers' locations on the stuffed doll may represent reminders of future injection sites on the patient's body. The markers may further comprise different distinctive qualities and include blank labels as described with the needles above.
US08113844B2	Method, system, and computer-readable recording medium for synchronous multi-media recording and playback with end user control of time, data, and event visualization for playback control over a network A system and system are provided for providing synchronous multimedia recording and playback. Aspects the exemplary embodiment include in response to a training session is being conducted, synchronously recording in real-time simulator data from a simulator captured by a simulator capture tool, and video of the training session captured by a plurality of A/V sources; encoding each of the videos captured by the plurality of A/V sources as respective digital media files formatted as streaming media; and transmitting both the simulator data and the video media files from a server to a client over a network, such that when the client receives the simulator data and the stream, the respective videos are synchronously played back with the simulator data on the client.
US08113841B2	Reading device for blind or visually impaired persons A reading device for blind or visually impaired persons for recognizing and reading text passages comprises an image capturing unit being configured to capture an image of an environment of a blind or visually impaired person and to output image data corresponding thereto, an image processing unit being configured to process the image data such that text is recognized and extracted from the image data and to output text data corresponding thereto, a text outputting unit being configured to output data corresponding to the text data in a form noticeable or convertable to be noticeable by the blind or visually impaired person, and a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first part having the image capturing unit attached thereto and the second part accommodating the image processing unit and the text outputting unit.
US08113829B2	Unified workstation for virtual craniofacial diagnosis, treatment planning and therapeutics An integrated system is described in which digital image data of a patient, obtained from a variety of image sources, including CT scanner, X-Ray, 2D or 3D scanners and color photographs, are combined into a common coordinate system to create a virtual three-dimensional patient model. Software tools are provided for manipulating the virtual patient model to simulation changes in position or orientation of craniofacial structures (e.g., jaw or teeth) and simulate their affect on the appearance of the patient. The simulation (which may be pure simulations or may be so-called “morphing” type simulations) enables a comprehensive approach to planning treatment for the patient. In one embodiment, the treatment may encompass orthodontic treatment. Similarly, surgical treatment plans can be created. Data is extracted from the virtual patient model or simulations thereof for purposes of manufacture of customized therapeutic devices for any component of the craniofacial structures, e.g., orthodontic appliances.
US08113824B2	Large diameter mid-zone air separation cone for expanding IRZ A large diameter mid-zone air separation cone is provided for decreasing NOx during burner operation by expanding the internal recirculation zone (IRZ) at the burner exit. The mid-zone air separation cone has a short cylindrical leading edge that fits in the outer air zone of a burner. The mid-zone air separation cone splits the outer air zone secondary air flow into two equal or unequal streams depending on the position of the air separation cone with respect to the outer air zone, and deflects a portion of the secondary air flow radially outward. Since the radial position of the air separation cone is farther from the burner centerline, the IRZ size is expanded and NOx emissions are minimized.
US08113821B2	Premix lean burner A burner assembly for lean, low NOx combustion may include a gaseous fuel manifold, counter-swirl vanes, and a converging nozzle with bluff body flame anchors. A cooling air tube optionally extends from the air inlet to the nozzle.
US08113814B2	Barrel clamping system for quick assembling and dismantling of extruder barrel sections A system for clamping together a pair of extruder barrel sections of an extruder is disclosed. The system comprises of a clamp that includes an upper arm, and a lower arm connected to the upper arm at one edge of the upper arm. The upper and lower arms cooperating to define a recess configured to receive a pair of extruder barrel sections. The clamp further includes a locking structure configured to lock the upper arm to the lower arm with the pair of extruder barrel sections therebetween. The system further comprises of a support structure for the clamp that includes a bracket connected to the clamp and a column connected to a base of the extruder. The bracket and column are connected to each other such that relative movement between the bracket and the column is permitted axially along the extruder barrels sections. An extruder is also disclosed.
US08113805B2	Rotary fluid-displacement assembly A rotary fluid-displacement assembly having a housing and a rotor positioned within an internal cavity of the housing. The rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation eccentric to a housing longitudinal axis. A gate is also provided that is slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which a distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor. The distal end of the gate being constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
US08113802B2	Food centrifugal pump formed by stamping and welding having a seal arrangement between the impeller and casing A food centrifugal pump formed by stamping and welding, comprising a pump casing and a cover mounted therein, an impeller, a shaft and a motor provided on the outer side of the casing, wherein the impeller is mounted on the shaft and driven to rotate by the motor; the pump casing is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; the impeller have a structure of half-opened type and consists of blades, a hub and a back cover plate, the front end of the blade is close to the inner side of the axial plane of the pump casing, and there is an end face seal formed therebetween; the pump casing is formed by stamping a single metal plate, the outer side of the axial plane of which is provided with an inlet pipe bracket used to support the inlet pipe, the end of which is connected to the outer side of the pump casing, the other end of which is nestedly connected to the inlet pipe and fixed thereon. The manufacturing process of the food centrifugal pump is simple and convenient, its cost is low, its flow rate capability is high, and the inside of the pump casing is clean.
US08113793B2	Fan The present invention provides fan with an inrunner motor. The fan includes a fan frame, a rotor and a stator. The fan frame includes a base. The rotor includes a hub, a bushing and a magnetic member, wherein the magnetic member sleeves on the bushing. The stator is disposed on the base and coupled with the rotor, and the stator includes a shaft through the bushing, wherein an end of the shaft is fixed on the base.
US08113785B2	Turbomachine rotor and turbomachine comprising such a rotor A turbomachine rotor comprising a disk the periphery of which has a plurality of slots, a plurality of removable blades, each blade comprising a blade root housed in one of the slots, and a downstream flange, secured to said disk and against which each blade root bears. Further, the rotor comprises, between each blade root and the downstream flange, an elastic buffer intended to maintain a gap between the blade root and the downstream flange.
US08113781B2	Fan, motor and bushing thereof A fan includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to rotate. The motor includes a bushing and a rotating shaft penetrating through the bushing. The bushing includes a tube and at least one base connected with one end of the tube. An inner diameter of the tube is smaller than an inner diameter of the base so that the mechanism design variability is enhanced and the efficiency of the fan and the motor is enhanced by effectively utilizing an inner space of the bushing.
US08113778B2	Wind turbine blade stowage A wind turbine blade stowage arrangement includes a first section of the wind turbine blade nested at least partially inside a second section of the wind turbine blade; and a conformable spacer, arranged between the first and second sections of the wind turbine blade, for positioning the first section inside the second section.
US08113776B2	Reduced-impedance cooling system with variable pitch blade and hot-swappable spare A method of operating variable pitch fans in series to cool an operating computer system. The method comprises running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through a second variable pitch fan disposed in series with the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the second variable pitch fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. In response to detecting a failure condition of the first fan, the method includes running the second fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the first fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. Preferably, the method includes locking the rotor of a fan that is not running, and locking the blades of the non-running fan in a minimal impedance position.
US08113773B2	Airfoil shape for a compressor vane An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08113766B2	Fan and fan frame thereof A fan includes an impeller and a fan frame. The fan frame has a main body and at least one sound absorber, wherein the main body has a passage for receiving the impeller, a plurality of flanges are disposed on a periphery of the main body, a recess is defined between the two adjacent flanges, an aperture is disposed on a wall of the main body corresponding to the recess so as to allow the recess to communicate with the passage, and the sound absorber is disposed in the recess. Also, a cover is assembled in the main body and covers the sound absorber within the recess.
US08113764B2	Steam turbine and a method of determining leakage within a steam turbine A steam turbine includes a shaft operatively connecting a first turbine section and a second turbine section. A packing assembly is positioned about the shaft. A first conduit is fluidly connected to the packing assembly. The first conduit is configured to introduce a flow of low temperature, low pressure steam to the packing assembly. A second conduit is also fluidly connected to the packing assembly downstream from the first turbine section and upstream from the first conduit. The second conduit receives a portion of the high temperature, high pressure steam passing into the packing assembly from the first turbine section. A valve is fluidly connected to the second conduit. The valve is configured to be selectively operated so as to allow the high temperature, high pressure steam to mix with the low pressure, low temperature steam in the second conduit.
US08113759B1	Container contents discharging station assembly with sealing guard lip and loading guide shoulders A container-contents discharging station may include a guard in sealing engagement with a container prior to inverting the container to discharge its contents. A container-contents discharging station may also include an air bellows to seal an open top of a container to a guard prior to inverting the container to discharge its contents. A method for retrofitting an existing container-contents discharging system removes an existing enclosure and replaces it with a modified enclosure having a sealing guard and a container lifting mechanism.
US08113754B2	Fastener system with positive retention mechanism An apparatus comprises a fastening member, a complimentary fastening member, and a retainer member. The fastening member has a first end, a second end, a channel located at the first end, outer threads located on an outer surface of the fastening member, and inner threads located on an inner surface of the channel. The outer threads of the fastening member are closer to the first end than the second end. The complimentary fastening member has a channel and inner threads located within the channel. The inner threads of the complimentary fastening member are capable of engaging the outer threads of the fastening member. The retainer member has a threaded end. The retainer member is capable of entering the channel of the complimentary fastening member and the threaded end of the retainer member is capable of engaging the inner threads of the fastening member.
US08113746B2	Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of cutting workpiece using the same A cutting insert of the present invention includes a side face having an upper concave portion which is located between an upper face and a lower face and extends up to the upper face, and a plurality of divided upper cutting edges which are located at the intersection of the upper face and the side face, and are divided by the upper concave portion. Each of these divided upper cutting edges includes a first end and a second end, and is inclined being closer to the lower face from the first end toward the second end. The plurality of divided upper cutting edges include a first divided upper cutting edge and a second divided upper cutting edge adjacent to each other. When viewed from side, the first end of the second divided upper cutting edge is located above the intersection of an extension line of the first divided upper cutting edge, and a line which passes through the first end of the second divided upper cutting edge and is parallel to the central axis of the cutting insert, and is located at the same position as the second end of the first divided upper cutting edge, or located therebelow. A cutting tool including the cutting insert, and a method of cutting a workpiece by using the cutting tool are also provided.
US08113744B2	Jetting system for foundation underpinning A jetting system for installing foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the jetting system includes a pile having one or more pile segments, an elongated reinforcing tubular member, and a jetting tube. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile. The elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage, and the jetting tube is inserted into the reinforcing tubular.
US08113741B1	Boring machine with conveyor system for cuttings and method for boring therewith A boring machine includes a cutter head, an internal casing and an auger that is located within the internal casing. The cutter head and the auger are operationally connected to a rotational mechanism. A rear bulkhead is located at the rear end of the auger, and a rear hopper is located behind the rear bulkhead. The boring machine also includes means for directing material cut by the cutter head into the auger so that rotation of the auger will convey such material rearwardly to the rear hopper. The boring machine includes a transverse conveyor located behind the rear bulkhead in the rear hopper which is adapted to convey material out of the rear hopper in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the auger.
US08113735B2	Joint structure and joining method A joining component is joined to a joint component. The joining component includes an insertion hole and two fitting holes. The joint component includes a fusible shaft at a position corresponding to the insertion hole and two protrusions at positions corresponding to the fitting holes. The joining component is placed on the joint component such that the fusible shaft is inserted into the insertion hole, and the protrusions fit into the fitting holes. The fusible shaft is then fused by using ultrasonic vibrations.
US08113731B2	Medical skin applicator apparatus A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface.
US08113730B2	Dispensing package with applicator A package for dispensing a substance is described, where the package includes a stiff sheet that has a score formed on and traversing the first surface. The package also includes a flexible sheet defining a cavity for receiving the substance between the stiff sheet and the flexible sheet. The package also includes an applicator having a porous material pad, where the applicator is attached to the stiff sheet over the score by two hinges. The stiff sheet is configured to be folded about the score to cause the substance to be expelled from the cavity through a metering hole into the porous material pad and the two hinges allow the porous material pad to remain generally flat as the stiff sheet is folded.
US08113713B2	Fluoroscopy operator protection device A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.
US08113712B2	Bed for capturing radiation image and radiation image capturing system A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications in a communication range selected by a selector of the bed, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information.
US08113705B2	Optical plate, backlight assembly and display device including the same Provided is an optical plate that resolves white screen generation while maintaining emission brightness, a backlight assembly and a display device including the same. The optical plate is a light guide plate for a liquid crystal display. The light guide plate includes at least one plane in which a plurality of uneven patterns forming crests and valleys are formed. The plurality of uneven patterns is formed such that the crests rise to a plurality of different heights.
US08113700B2	Headlamp with high and low beam control device A headlamp includes a lamp base with an interior reflecting surface, a lamp provided in the lamp base, a driver deposited on a recessed supporting surface of the lamp base, two light shields installed on the lamp base and a spring biasing the lamp shields towards one another. The driver includes a driving shaft, and a pushing block with a conical surface gradually tapered toward its free end. The light shields are pivotally fixed on the lamp base by fastening elements and their inner portions overlapped each other, and each has a sliding groove bored obliquely and tapered downwards for the pushing block to pass through. The light shields are drawn by the driver to control light projecting from the lamp to produce a high and low beam illumination pattern.
US08113695B2	Trim component with concealed indicium A component of an actuatable apparatus has a substrate, a selectively light- transmissive opaque covering, and an illumination source. The opaque covering is applied to an obverse surface or a reverse surface of the substrate to selectively enable and prevent transmission of light therethrough. The illumination source is adjacent the reverse surface for illuminating a selected area of the substrate. The opaque covering is characterized by first and second portions collectively defining a pattern associated with the selected area. The first portion enables transmission of light therethrough, and the second portion prevents or impedes transmission of light therethrough. Actuation of the illumination source directs light through the first portion but not through the second portion to reveal the pattern. The opaque covering renders the pattern invisible when the illumination source is in the non- illuminated state, and visible when the illumination source is in the illuminated state.
US08113685B2	Lighting device comprising at least one lamp and at least one OLED The invention provides a lighting device comprising at least one lamp and at least one OLED which are arranged to generate light, wherein the at least one OLED is arranged to transmit at least part of the light generated by the at least one lamp. The lighting device of the invention may advantageously provide the option of providing two types of light, namely, “normal” of the lamp, which can be used for e.g. illumination purposes, and OLED light of the OLED, which can be used for lumination purposes.
US08113674B2	Storm light A storm light includes a housing having walls, a light positioned on the housing, and a battery electrically connected to the light. A control unit situated in the housing is electrically connected to the light and battery, the control unit having programming corresponding to ON, OFF, and AUTOMATIC modes. A mode selection switch is positioned on the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, the mode switch being movable between positions corresponding to respective modes. An electrical plug is mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit includes programming initiated when the mode switch is at the ON position that causes the light to be energized by AC power if the plug is connected to AC power and the AC power is available and that causes the light to be energized by the battery if AC power is unavailable.
US08113670B2	Image recording apparatus with pivotable display An image recording apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording section for forming an image, a display panel assuming upright and laying posture with respect to the apparatus body by pivoting on a predetermined axis, and a covering member having a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted pivotably on one of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. The second end engages slidably with the other of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. Accordingly, the covering member can be accommodated substantially in parallel with the back surface of the display panel. As a result, when the display panel is laid down, it is low in height, thereby making the image recording apparatus to be compact.
US08113660B1	Laser projection apparatus with liquid-crystal light valves and scanning reading beam Laser lines at 635 nm or longer (ideally 647 nm) are preferred for red, giving energy-efficient, bright, rapid-motion images with rich, full film-comparable colors. Green and blue lines are used too—and cyan retained for best color mixing, an extra light-power boost, and aid in speckle suppression. Speckle is suppressed through beam-path displacement—by deflecting the beam during projection, thereby avoiding both absorption and diffusion of the beam while preserving pseudocollimation (noncrossing rays). The latter in turn is important to infinite sharpness. Path displacement is achieved by scanning the beam on the liquid-crystal valves (LCLVs), which also provides several enhancements—in energy efficiency, brightness, contrast, beam uniformity (by suppressing both laser-mode ripple and artifacts), and convenient beam-turning to transfer the beam between apparatus tiers. Spatial modulation provided by an LCLV and maintained by pseudocollimation enables imaging on irregular projection media with portions at distinctly differing distances from the projector.
US08113657B2	Device and method for determining the orientation of an eye In a device or a method for determining the direction of vision of an eye, a starting point or a final point of a light beam reflected by a part of the eye and detected by a detector system, or of a light beam projected by a projection system onto or into the eye two-dimensionally, describes a pattern of a scanning movement in the eye. The inventive method uses a displacement device that guides the center of the pattern of movement into the pupil or macula center of the eye, and a determination device that uses the pattern of movement of the scanning movement to determine the pupil center or macula center.
US08113654B2	Contact lens with visual indicator A contact lens is provided with an indicator that is visible when placed in contact with a solution, but substantially transparent when removed from that solution. The indicator may be of the type to designate whether the contact lens is to be worn on the right or left eye.
US08113642B2	Liquid ejection head The present invention provides a liquid ejection head which includes a plurality of ejection ports 302 arranged so as to form an ejection port row and which, after a recovery process of expanding and transferring a bubble toward an ink supply port, allows the bubble to be smoothly removed from a nozzle 310. electrothermal transducing elementA plurality of nozzle filters 306 are arranged between an ink supply port and the ink channel 304 so that ink supplied to the bubbling chamber 303 through the ink supply port is passed between the nozzle filters 306 to separate impurities contained in the ink, from the ink. When a distance between an ink channel inlet 311 and the nozzle filter 306 is defined as L1 and a distance between the adjacent nozzle filters 306 is defined as L2, a relationship between L1 and L2 satisfies L1≦L2.
US08113641B2	Printing cartridge with radio frequency identification A printing device includes: a processor; a printing cartridge having a housing and a supply of media; a memory storing at least one of: (a) a plurality of values representing various characteristics of the printing cartridge, and (b) a script containing instructions relating to an operation of a printhead of the print device; a data lookup table storing a plurality of first codes, each of the first codes corresponding either one of the plurality of values stored in the memory, or the script; a radio frequency tag embedded within the housing of the printing cartridge and carrying one or more second codes; and a radio frequency tag reader communicating the one nor more second codes to the processor. The processor applies an algorithm to the one or more second codes to identify a first code associated therewith, and further determines a value or a script stored in the memory corresponding to the identified first code.
US08113634B2	Recording head and manufacturing method thereof A recording head includes a stacked body including: a liquid flow path; a plurality of plates stacked on each other; and two communicating holes. Each of the plurality of plates includes: a cross-sectional portion of the liquid flow path; a positioning hole; and a reference hole. Locations of the positioning hole and the reference hole of a plate of the plurality of plates correspond to locations of the reference hole and the positioning hole, respectively, of a plate adjacent to the one plate such that, when the plates are stacked, the positioning holes and the reference holes of adjacent plates alternate to communicate with each other so as to form the two communicating holes, the diameters of the positioning holes of the plurality of plates being successively smaller in order from one side to another side of the stacked body relative to a stack direction of the plurality of plates.
US08113633B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus having same A liquid ejecting head includes a passage unit made by laminating a plurality of plates including a first plate having a first through-hole with a first size and a second plate having a second through-hole with a second size which is larger than the first size. The first plate and the second plate are bonded with adhesive so that the first through-hole and the second through-hole in communication with each other. The affinity for the adhesive to bond to the inner peripheral surface of the second through-hole is set to be at least higher than the affinity for the adhesive to bond to the area around the opening of the first through-hole. Adhesive that flows out from between the first plate and the second plate at the time of bonding of the first plate and the second plate is guided to the inner peripheral surface of the second through-hole.
US08113630B2	Method, head, and apparatus for ejecting liquid A liquid ejecting method includes ejecting a liquid through a liquid ejecting head. Viscosity of the liquid falls within a range from 6 mPa·s to 15 mPa·s. The liquid ejecting head includes a nozzle that ejects the liquid, a pressure compartment that causes a change in the pressure of the liquid to eject the liquid through the nozzle, and a supply unit that communicates with the pressure compartment and supplies the liquid to the pressure compartment. A channel flow resistance of the supply unit ranges from equal to or higher than a channel flow resistance of the pressure compartment to equal to or lower than twice the channel flow resistance of the pressure compartment. A channel length of the pressure compartment ranges from equal to or longer than a channel length of the supply unit to equal to or shorter than twice the channel length of the supply unit.
US08113627B2	Micro-fluidic actuator for inkjet printers An inkjet printing device includes an ink reservoir containing ink and having an outlet through which the ink passes for ejection onto a print medium; a micro-fluidic actuator having at least (i) an inlet channel through which fluid enters; (ii) a chamber through which the fluid is received from the inlet channel; (iii) an outlet channel that receives the fluid from the chamber and passes the fluid through the outlet channel so that a conduit pathway for the fluid is formed from the inlet channel, chamber and outlet channel; (iv) a flexible member that forms a portion of a wall of the chamber and that displaces in response to fluidic pressure; (v) at least a first valve in the conduit pathway which, when the valve is activated, causes flow of the fluid through the conduit pathway to be altered so that pressure of the fluid passing through the chamber changes which, in turn, causes the flexible member to displace which, in turn, causes the ink to be ejected or not ejected from the ink reservoir according to the displacement of the flexible member.
US08113617B2	Ink-jet recording apparatus for current detection during startup and termination An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a flow-passage unit; a plurality of actuators; a plurality of signal output circuits which are provided so as to respectively correspond to the actuators; at least one power supply device; at least one electric current detecting device; and a control device including (a) a startup charging portion which controls the signal output circuits, upon startup of the apparatus, such that all of the actuators are placed into a charged state from a discharged state in order at least one by one, when all of the actuators are in the discharged state and (b) a power-supply inhibiting portion which inhibits electric power supply from the at least one power supply device when the electric current detected by any of the at least one electric current detecting device is equal to or larger than a threshold during execution of a control by the startup charging portion.
US08113614B2	Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus A recording apparatus for discharging ink from a recording head arraying a plurality of nozzles to execute recording of an image includes a drive unit configured to form a group with a defined number of nozzles so as to include an adjacent nozzle in a different block and to execute time-division driving of the block according to a driving order corresponding to a recording mode, and a recording control unit configured to execute scan recording to a recording medium in a first recording mode or a second recording mode. Each pass of scan recording in the second recording mode is executed using nozzles smaller in number than a number of nozzles used to execute each pass of scan recording in the first recording mode. The recording apparatus further includes a driving control unit configured to control the drive unit wherein a drive interval of an adjacent nozzle in the same group corresponding to the first recording mode is larger than a drive interval of an adjacent nozzle in the same group corresponding to the second recording mode.
US08113601B2	Product securement and management system A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base and a dampener assembly mounted to the spring-urged pusher configured to control the rate of speed at which the spring-urged pusher is urged forward.
US08113597B2	Track joint seal system A track joint seal system comprises a pin (43) having, at each end, a first track link (41) rotatably coupled to the pin by means of interposition of a bushing (49) and an end element (42) coupled to the end of the pin (43); the end element (42) comprises an annular seat (57) bearing, housed, a seal group (56) cooperating with the bushing (49) to make the sealing of the joint; the bushing (49) is provided at the end with an annular head seat (58), provided to house a bushing insert (53) provided with an abutment surface (48) destined to be in contact with a seal portion (47) of the seal group (56).
US08113587B1	Portable lift chair A portable lift chair has a lightweight frame with a pair of cross members extending from opposing sides thereof from front to back in a substantially X-shaped configuration, with the cross members pivotally secured to one another and to the front portion of the frame by a pivoting linkage, a seat base, a pivotable bracket connecting the front portion of the seat base to the frame, a weight adjustable pressurized cylinder providing an upward bias to the rear portion of the seat base, a removable back rest, and a guide track with an actuator for moving the weight adjustment bracket from one anchor point to another as desired to achieve a predetermined pressure for the seat.
US08113579B2	Child safety seat A child safety seat includes a seat body, a headrest mechanism, an illumination device, and a power supply device. The headrest mechanism is connected to the seat body. The headrest mechanism includes a main body and a side wing. The side wing is movably connected to the main body. The illumination device is disposed on the side wing. The power supply device is electrically connected to the illumination device and is disposed separating from the side wing. The power supply device is used for providing electrical power to drive the illumination device to emit light.
US08113578B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat comprises a headrest mounted on the seatback frame so as to be movable in a front-and-back direction, a cushion plate mounted on the seatback frame, and a collision detector provided at back side of cushion plate. The headrest is connected to the collision detector by way of a active headrest mechanism. When the collision detector is moved backward, the headrest is moved forward. A space part is formed between an upper edge of the cushion plate and an upper frame of the seatback frame. The space part is enlarged by forming the upper frame by a pipe frame.
US08113576B2	Cable connecting devices One aspect according to the invention can include a cable connecting device including a first cable and a second cable coupled to a first mechanism and a second mechanism of a vehicle seat, respectively, and each having an inner cable member and an outer cable member. A cable receiving member can receive end portions of the first cable and the second cable. A coupling mechanism can coupling the inner cable member of the first cable and the outer cable member of the second cable to each other within the cable receiving member. A recognition enabling device enables recognition of a coupling condition between the inner cable member of the first cable and the outer cable member of the second cable during an operation for coupling by the coupling mechanism.
US08113573B2	Seat articulation mechanism A seat articulation mechanism including a seat pan member that travels along a pathway defined in a seat articulation linkage as the entire mechanism translates between an upright and sleeping configuration through a lounge configuration. The mechanism further includes main and secondary translation linkages, one of which is driven by a single actuator to drive the mechanism between the upright and sleeping configurations.
US08113572B2	Rocker panel structure In a motor vehicle body, plates of a rocker panel reinforcement situated inside a rocker panel are led up to a terminus part manufactured from plastic. A front wall of the terminus part is led up almost to a tire envelope curve. In the event of a crash of the motor vehicle, occurring forces are introduced particularly early into the plates of the rocker panel reinforcement.
US08113566B2	Loading space cover A loading space cover having a dimensionally stable housing and a flexible sheet like screen is rolled up in the housing. Fastening devices are disposed at the longitudinal end sides of the loading space cover. Each fastening device can be held releasably in associated loading-space fasteners of a motor vehicle. The fastening devices are of structurally simple and cost-effective design. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fastening devices are held reliably in the loading-space fasteners and permit an energy-absorbing twisting of the loading space cover about its longitudinal axis.
US08113555B2	Vehicle impact mitigation system The present disclosure relates to a vehicle impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system can be configured to mitigate front impact situations. A main rail and an extendable rail—configured to move with respect to the main rail—are provided. A front module is attached to the extendable rail and attachable to the main rail. A spring is positioned between the front module and main rail, the spring is configured to apply a force to the front module when the front module is detached from the main rail. An actuator is configured to control attachment of the front module to the main rail.
US08113552B2	Locking device A locking device for a sliding door or a swing and sliding door having a door leaf, the lock device comprising a drive train including at least one motor, a drive transmission and a drive spindle. The locking device also comprises a locking transmission and a torque dividing arrangement.
US08113543B1	Hose adapter and assembly incorporating the same A hose adapter defines a passageway therethrough and has a first connector portion and a second connector portion with the first connector portion being substantially larger in transverse dimension than the second connector portion. A transition portion is disposed between the first and second connector portions. A vacuum device is operatively associated with one of the first and second connector portions, and a hose is secured to the other connecting portion. In one embodiment, the hose adapter has a vent with an associated closure, which is designed to vary the opening in the vent and thereby alter the amount of suction created by the vacuum device. A plurality of interiorly-mounted, inwardly-projecting ribs are provided in the second connector portion to facilitate retention of a hose therein. A vacuum system employing the adapter is disclosed.
US08113539B2	Automotive seat trim cover A trim cover for an automotive seat including an air bag includes a bolster and a side facing attached with the bolster to form a seam. At least a portion of the side facing includes a panel folded onto itself and joined along at least one edge, and is configured to direct the air bag, upon deployment, through the seam.
US08113537B2	Airbag module An airbag module with a gas generator, airbag, diffuser and with an airbag module housing, in particular for carrying the gas generator and the airbag is provided. The diffuser is designed as a component partially fitting tightly at the ends thereof against the gas generator, whereby the diffuser extends in the region of the gas outlet openings of the gas generator at a distance from the gas generator. The airbag module housing has in the region of the ends of the gas generator contact surfaces for the gas generator, whereby dented sections of the airbag module housing are provided as contact surfaces. The gas generator is clamped between the diffuser and the airbag module housing for arranging the gas generator on the airbag module housing, whereby the contact surfaces form first clamping points fitting against the gas generator for clamping the gas generator on the airbag module housing.
US08113535B2	Safety system The invention relates to a safety system for motor vehicles having sensor devices for detecting an accident and an apparatus for reinforcing a carrying construction (1) of a motor-vehicle roof (6), in particular the A, B or C column of the motor vehicle, which protrudes beyond a lower edge of a window opening (4), in which an inflatable reinforcing element (2) is deployed which is fastened to the carrying construction (1) and can be filled with gas via a gas generator (3) if corresponding sensor data are present. The invention also relates to a carrying construction (1) per se.
US08113534B2	Safety buckle structure of baby stroller This invention relates to a safety buckle structure of baby stroller which shows a collapsible stand provided between rear wheels thereof, a main rod being provided at the central portion of a main joint of the collapsible stand, two upper rods being pivoted at the top end of the main rod and to the corresponding rear wheel rods at the other ends thereof, two lower rods being pivoted at the bottom end of the main rod and to the corresponding rear wheel rods at the other ends, a buckling means being pivoted at the pivot of the bottom end of the main rod and the lower rods, the main rod and lower rods are inserted and fixed in the buckling means. Thus, the front and rear wheel rods can be moved closely to the center to shrink the volume thereof as small as possible for facilitating assembly, storage or transportation.
US08113524B2	Hubless personal vehicle A personal vehicle for carrying a passenger, the vehicle comprising: a center frame; two wheel assemblies, wherein at least one wheel assembly is hubless; a foot support in a center portion of at least one wheel assembly; and at least one pivot means between at least one wheel assembly and the center frame.
US08113523B2	Backrest reclining mechanism and related stroller A backrest reclining mechanism is applied to a stroller. The backrest reclining mechanism includes a fabric, at least one pulley, at least one cable, and an adjusting device. The fabric is disposed around a backrest of the stroller. Two ends of the fabric are connected to two sides of a main body of the stroller respectively. The pulley is rotatably disposed on the backrest. The cable is wound around the pulley. A first end of the cable extends within the fabric to be connected to the main body. The adjusting device is movably disposed on the backrest and connected to a second end of the cable. The adjusting device is used for changing a length of the cable between the first end and the pulley when moving, so as to adjust a reclining angle of the backrest.
US08113522B2	Counter-rotating motors with linear output An actuator includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor, and a transmission coupled to the first and second rotary motors. The transmission converts rotation of the first rotary motor in a first direction and simultaneous rotation of the second rotary motor in a second direction to linear motion of an output shaft in a single direction. The actuator is usable in an active automobile suspension.
US08113521B2	Intelligent electronic air suspension system that automatically adjusts its air pressure An intelligent electronic air suspension system that automatically adjusts its air pressure includes a vehicle speed detector, a vehicle height detector, a level detector, a first pressure sensor, a control end, and four air struts on the vehicle suspension system. The data of the vehicle speed detector, the vehicle height detector, the level detector, and the first pressure sensor are integrated to obtain the dynamical condition of the moving vehicle and its position on the road. Such information is transmitted to the control end and displayed on the monitor end at the same time. According to needs, the user can set manual or automatic control to adjust the air struts so that passengers in the vehicle enjoy more comfort. The air struts can also be adjusted according to the driver's habits to have better controllability. Moreover, the vehicle height can be adjusted according to its load, ensuring the safety of both passengers and cargo.
US08113520B2	Adapter for a motor-driven machine tool with a rotatably driveable machine tool An adapter (9) for a motor-driven machine tool with a tool to be rotatably driven has positive-fit counterpart pieces (10) on one face (16) which are adapted to positive-fit elements (3) of the tool shaft (1). Multiple axially protruding mandrels (11) are arranged along the circumference on the opposite face (13).
US08113515B2	Paper sheet transporting device and image forming apparatus using the same In a paper sheet transporting device, in an air duct portion of a suction duct, a suction confluence opening that collects air that is sucked and allows the air to pass through is disposed in a position included in a region where suction openings whose suction force is relatively the highest of plural suction openings exist and which position is away from the inner surface side of the suction surface portion, with the air duct portion being formed in a shape where the opening cross-sectional area of an air duct becomes relatively narrower away from the suction confluence opening in the rotating axial direction of a transport belt.
US08113513B2	Sheet processing apparatus with cross-directionally moving device A sheet processing apparatus including a cross-directionally moving device for moving a sheet in a direction crossing a sheet discharging direction, and a cross-side restricting member for receiving one side edge of the sheet moved in the crossing direction by the cross-directionally moving device, and restricting the movement of the sheet, wherein the cross-directionally moving device moves the next sheet from a position between the other side edge of the sheet received by the cross-side restricting member and the cross-side restricting member to the cross-side restricting member.
US08113507B2	Image forming apparatus with variable-position guideway of a pair of position guide rollers A pair of conveyor rollers arranged in an image forming apparatus to convey a recording sheet which has been subjected to a fixing process toward outside of a body of the apparatus is configured to be shiftable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. A first holding member is configured to support one of the conveyor rollers in such a manner that a conveyor roller supported by the first holding member is swingable around a pivot located adjacent to a sheet conveyance path upstream of the supported conveyor roller to allow the pair of conveyor rollers to be shifted between the first position and the second position. The first holding member comprises a sheet guide portion which provides a variable-position guideway extending from a position located upstream along the sheet conveyance path toward a peripheral surface of the supported conveyor roller. The sheet guide portion is configured to come to a position suitable to guide the recording sheet toward a nip position at which the pair of conveyor rollers nips the recording sheet at least when the pair of conveyor rollers is shifted to the first position.
US08113500B2	Duplex automatic document feeder and duplex document scanning method using the same A duplex automatic document feeder includes first, second, third, and fourth paths, an ejecting path, a scanning module, first and second reversing roller units, a feeding tray, and an ejecting tray. A document is moved from the feeding tray to the scanning module for scanning of a first side surface thereof. Subsequently, the document is moved along a second-side scanning path defined by the first reversing roller unit, the third path, a portion of the first path, the fourth path, and the first reversing roller unit to allow for scanning of a second side surface thereof. After the first and second side surfaces are scanned, the document is moved along a document-inverting path defined by the second reversing roller unit, a portion of the fourth path, the ejecting path, a portion of the second path, the first reversing roller unit, and the ejecting tray.
US08113485B2	Leak-proof structure of oil pipe connector A leak-proof structure of an oil pipe connector includes: a connector cylinder, being a hollow housing, and having an oil inlet at a front end, and an oil outlet at a rear end, and a switch base interconnected to a shaft hole in the connector cylinder; a control device, installed in the connector cylinder; a switch device, having a transmission shaft, inserted into the shaft hole and linked with the control device, and a switch handle coupled to the top of the transmission shaft; a leak-proof device, having a bearing slot below the shaft hole, and a first leak-proof slot, a circular latch slot and a second leak-proof slot above the leak-proof device, and a bearing being disposed below the bearing slot, and a first O-ring, and a latch ring, a second O-ring for achieving a leak-proof effect.
US08113484B2	High temperature ball valve seal A high temperature ball valve seal is disclosed that achieves Class IV shutoff for operating temperatures above 550 degrees F. The ball valve seal includes a C-seal positioned between a main seal and a seal housing to prevent fluid from flowing through a secondary flowpath when the ball valve is in a closed position.
US08113479B1	Telescoping stabilization system comprising a reinforced telescoping member Telescoping stabilization system comprising a telescoping composite strut body which comprises a lower member pivotally coupled at a lower end to a base, a medial member telescopically received within the lower member, and an upper member telescopically received within the medial member and having an upper end portion releasably coupled to a strut head and having a reinforcement member received within a complementally shaped exterior peripheral recess formed in the upper member adjacent its upper end portion wherein the reinforcement member includes an exterior surface lying substantially flush with an exterior peripheral surface of the upper member for being slideably receivable within the medial member when the telescoping composite strut body is in a collapsed position and wherein the rectangular reinforcement member precludes the strut head from splitting the upper member when the telescoping composite strut body is in an extended position and side loaded.
US08113477B2	Holder for a beverage container A holder for a beverage container has a container receptacle for insertion of the beverage container, a holding jaw which is mounted so as to be movable a short distance into the container receptacle, and a spring element which urges the holding jaw into the container receptacle. The holder has a simple construction and is economical to produce, since the spring element, together with the holding jaw, is in the form of a mountable unit and the spring element consists of a synthetic material.
US08113474B1	Mounting apparatus for data storage device A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device includes a bracket and a blocking member. The bracket includes a front panel and two sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the front panel. The blocking member is positioned between the sidewalls of the bracket opposite to the front panel and pivotably attached to the sidewalls of the bracket.
US08113461B2	Helicopter A helicopter comprising a drive having an air intake conduit, a main rotor connected functionally to the drive and a transmission interposed functionally between the main rotor and the drive and housed in a housing. The helicopter further comprises at least one air intake having a first inlet fluidly connected to the intake conduit, at least one second inlet fluidly connected to the housing and deflecting means interacting, in use, with an airflow to divide the airflow into a first and a second airflow. The air intake also has guide means for guiding the first airflow along a first path extending from the deflecting means to the first inlet, and for guiding the second airflow along a second path separate from the first path and extending from the deflecting means to the second inlet.
US08113459B2	High-security aircraft An aircraft comprising an elongated framework provided with propelling means and direction-control planes. The framework is coupled to a pneumatic chamber suited to be filled with lighter-than-air gas and comprising two tubular branches joined to form a V-shaped profile, with an aerodinamic-lift surface extending therebetween.
US08113457B2	Filament winding apparatus A filament winding apparatus reduces fluctuations in a winding operation by bringing a plurality of guide portions that guide fiber bundles to a liner close to the liner in a winding unit. Each of the guide portions is a tubular member having a guide hole penetrated from a base end to a leading end portion. The leading end portion has a smaller thickness width. Each of the guide portions guides a second fiber bundle to the liner by passing the second fiber bundle from a side of the base end portion to a side of the leading end portion of the guide hole. By rotating each of the guide portions about an axis of the guide portion, and by sliding the guide portions in the radius direction of the liner, the guide portions can be brought close to the liner.
US08113444B2	Light cleaning device for a vechicle A light cleaning device for washing lights located on an external portion of a vehicle. The device has an elongate housing formed with an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized liquid and a rinsing head fitted with at least one jet nozzle. The jet nozzle is mounted at a distal end of a telescopically retractable hollow tube of the device, which is normally retracted. There is a liquid flow path from the housing to the rinsing head which can emit a jet spray therefrom when the tube is projected from the housing. The nozzle may have a jet forming member fitted therein to turbulate the jet spray fluid.
US08113443B2	Rotary sprinkler A sprinkler for discharging liquid onto an area with a predetermined geometrically shaped perimeter while maintaining a substantially constant liquids precipitation over said area. The sprinkler comprises a housing fitted with a flow chamber accommodating a motor for rotating a sprinkler head mounted on the housing, the housing comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, in flow communication with the outlet end of the flow chamber. The first nozzle fitted for discharging liquid at a substantially short range. The sprinkler further comprises a dynamic liquid deflector associated with the second nozzle, and biased by an array of biasing elements, each adapted to dynamically bias the liquid deflector to a predetermined angle, thereby determine a deflection angle thereof.
US08113441B2	Lap joint A lap joint assembly that includes two spaced apart mating railroad end sections that are double bent and machine tapered and trimmed to conform in spatial alignment with one another, an electrical insulating material positioned between the two machined mating rail sections and at least one fastener attaching the machined railroad rail sections to one another.
US08113438B1	Governor arrangement for contactless point of sale terminal gateway Gateway for contactless purchase transactions identifies plural transaction cards held by a customer at a point of sale terminal and loads account information into a memory. The customer's payment options are presented and a selection is received through a user interface. Account information associated with the selected card is forwarded to the point of sale terminal for use in the purchase transaction. The memory is cleared of the account data in advance of a next purchase transaction. Optionally, payment options can be displayed concurrently for selection, and one or more of the payment options can be highlighted to encourage its selection, and other messages, offers, and incentives can be displayed to the customer.
US08113435B2	Card reader A card reader system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed. The card reader can include a transmitter that modulates a radio frequency carrier with a transmit data signal and a receiver that detects a modulation of the radio frequency carrier by a contactless smartcard. A processor can be coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor can generate the transmit data signal so as to simulate a data exchange according to a protocol of the contactless smartcard. The processor can determine a timing for reading data from or writing data to the contactless smartcard and can discontinue the simulated data exchange based on the timing.
US08113427B2	Methods and apparatus for automated product identification in point of sale applications Systems and techniques for product identification using terahertz radiation detection. An area of interest is illuminated with radiation in the terahertz frequency range and terahertz radiation reflected from objects within the area of interest is detected and a detector signal based on the detected radiation is processed to generate identifying information for the objects. The generated identifying information may be compared against stored identifying information for products and the result of the comparison is used to select a product or group of products for which the comparison produces a match. Processing of the detector signal may generate a spectral signature characteristic of reflective and absorptive properties of an object under illumination, and the spectral signature may be compared with stored spectral signature information for products.
US08113426B2	Check processing module for a self-service check depositing terminal A check processing module (CPM) is provided for a self-service check depositing terminal. The CPM comprises a substantially U-shaped plastic guide including (i) first and second leg portions forming the substantially U-shape, (ii) a surface which forms an opening in the first leg portion, and (ii) a releasing member which is disposed on the second leg portion. The CPM further comprises a shaft assembly including (i) a plastic shaft having opposite end portions and a central portion between the opposite end portions, (ii) a number of drive rollers disposed on the central portion, (iii) a first plastic race bearing attached to one end portion of the plastic shaft and disposed in the opening of the plastic guide, and (iv) a second plastic race bearing attached to the other end portion of the plastic shaft and secured by the releasing member to the plastic guide. The releasing member is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the plastic guide during operation of the CPM, and is operable to release the shaft assembly from the plastic guide during disassembly of parts of the CPM.
US08113425B2	RF point of sale and delivery method and system using communication with remote computer and having features to read a large number of RF tags A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing. The electromagnetic field is moved or altered within the micro-warehouse through the use of reflectors, devices that move the antennas, or other mechanisms.
US08113423B2	Store for spare parts and method for allocating kits of spare parts Said store for spare parts comprises a plurality of compartments which each contain a kit of spare parts and a plurality of kits are each composed of different types of spare parts.Application to the automotive industry.
US08113421B2	Dedicated self-service return terminal and method of operating a dedicated self-service return terminal for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a reader arranged to read data associated with returned media on which entertainment data is stored, a media transporter mechanism having a media return slot for receiving returned media, a shutter mechanism having a shutter door movable between an open position which allows returned media to be inserted through the media return slot and a closed position which blocks the media return slot and prevents returned media from being inserted through the media return slot, and a controller arranged to (i) move the shutter door to the open position to allow returned media to be inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media, and (ii) maintain the shutter door in the closed position to prevent returned media from being inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is not being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media.
US08113419B2	Processing device for value documents An apparatus for processing documents of value having a checking device for checking documents of value in a processing area, an intermediate repository arranged in an intermediate area for intermediately storing documents of value, a transport device for transporting the documents of value to the intermediate repository, a final storage device for storing documents of value from the intermediate repository, an intermediate-area housing enclosing the intermediate area having a first opening that receives documents of value coming from the checking device, a second opening, through which the documents of value are transportable from the intermediate repository into the final storage area, and an intermediate-area housing element which can be moved back and forth between an open position, which allows access to the intermediate repository, and a close position, which prevents access to the intermediate-area housing, and a locking device for locking the intermediate-area housing element in the close position.
US08113414B2	Method of brazing an aluminum alloy material and method of producing an aluminum alloy heat exchanger A method of brazing an aluminum alloy material, which is a Nocolok brazing method of the aluminum alloy material, in which the method satisfies the condition: Ts≦Tf≦Ts+15° C. in which Tf represents an incipient fluidization temperature of a filler material, and Ts represents an incipient fluidization temperature of flux.
US08113413B2	Protective metal-clad structures In various embodiments, a metallic structure includes first and second clad structures each comprising a protective layer disposed over a steel layer, a joint joining the steel layers of first and second clad structures, and, directly connecting the protective layers of the first and second clad structures, a layer of metal powder disposed in contact with (i) the joint, (ii) the protective layers of the first and second clad structures, and (iii) a portion of at least one of the steel layers proximate the joint.
US08113409B2	Surgical stapling apparatus with clamping assembly A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position.
US08113406B2	Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staple sizes A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08113394B2	Garment hanger including fold-over paper sizer A garment hanger having a fold over paper sizer. The hanger includes a sizer-receiving web defining opposing sizer-receiving slots. A paper sizer is folded from a flat unfolded state to a folded U-shaped state, and then installed about the web such that a first edge of the sizer is received within the first sizer-receiving slot and a second edge of the sizer is received within the second sizer-receiving slot.
US08113387B2	Water dispenser for a kitchen wall partition A water dispenser is adapted to be disposed in a kitchen wall partition that is formed with an opening and that has a sink unit disposed thereon. The water dispenser includes a housing retained in the opening, a pipe unit disposed in the housing to fluidly communicate with the sink unit, a heating unit disposed in the housing for boiling and storing water from the pipe unit, a face panel, and a control unit. The face panel is retained detachably on the housing, and has a hot water supply pipe extending from the heating unit into a dispensing cavity, and a drain unit connected to the sink unit. The control unit includes a heating circuit for controlling heating operation of the heating unit, a first valve for controlling water flow into the heating unit, and a second valve for controlling water flow through the hot water supply pipe.
US08113386B2	Device and method for on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products having visual appearance of multi-components A dispensing system and method for the on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products into a container. Single servings or larger portions of these products can be dispensed. The system and method achieve dispensing of the product with a visual differentiation of the components in the container. The container may be translucent or transparent so that the consumer can view the visually differentiated product therein. The products form yet another embodiment of the invention.
US08113384B2	Beverage dispensing system with a head capable of dispensing plural different beverages A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.
US08113369B2	Container A blow molded container has a neck portion defining a mouth. The neck portion leads into a shoulder portion and a bottom portion forms a container base. A sidewall portion connects the shoulder portion and the bottom portion and employs a first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels and a second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. The first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels is larger in surface area than the second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. A vertical column at each corner of the container joins the first pair of opposing vacuum panels to the second pair of opposing vacuum panels. A structural convex arch resides above and below each convex vacuum panel. Each of the vertical columns are molded into the structural convex arches. Vacuum initiator grooves may be molded into the first and second pair of opposing vacuum panels to control vacuum panel movement.
US08113366B2	Child resistant container closure package with multiple twist and turn configuration A maze type package that includes a cylindrical container member that has a plurality of mazes thereon is disclosed. The package includes a coaxial closure member that employs studs for engaging the mazes and to releasably secure the closure to the container.
US08113357B2	Screening module A screening module 10 comprises a frame component 12 to be secured to an underlying screen deck, in use. A screening panel 14 is carried by the frame component 12. The screening panel 14 comprises an operatively upper screening surface 16 and a support structure 18 underlying the screening surface 16 with a plurality of spaced protrusions 20 being supported by and standing proud of the support structure 18. Operatively upper ends of the protrusions 20 lie substantially in a plane of the screening surface 16 and the protrusions 20 define a plurality of screening apertures 22 in the screening surface 16.
US08113353B2	Harvesting corn cobs A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.
US08113347B2	Razor storage case having mating closure members A wet shaving razor case suitable for storage of a razor having a cartridge and adjoining handle, the case comprises an upper portion comprising a cartridge hold down member disposed at a periphery of said upper portion and a handle-receiving recess; a lower portion joined to the upper portion wherein the lower portion comprises a engagement member positioned along a periphery of the lower portion; and wherein upon closure of the upper portion onto the lower portion the hold down member both secures the cartridge within the case and engages with the engagement member to maintain closure of the upper portion on the lower portion.
US08113344B2	Package for storing discs A package, a system and method of manufacturing discs, the package for storing discs including: a base; a stem, the stem including: a first end including a first protruding portion of a first predetermined protruding shape; and a second end attached to the base, such that the stem is substantially perpendicular to the base; and a cover configured to be locked to the first end of the stem, the cover including a first hole of a first predetermined hole shape, having a shape configured to allow the first predetermined protruding shape to pass through the first hole; wherein the cover is configured to be placed over the stem, such that the first protruding portion enters into the first hole at an open position of the first hole, and the cover is configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the stem, to lock the package at a locked position of the first hole such that the first protruding portion extends beyond at least a portion of the first hole.
US08113339B2	Chain conveyor having damping device A conveyor (10) includes at least one endless conveying device (20) having a conveying section (22) having a conveying surface (21), on which conveyed goods (11) can be conveyed. The conveying device (20) are held on a frame (12) using at least two deflection rollers (40), thereby enabling it to circulate endlessly. A driving wheel (51) with a rotary axle (52) is coupled to the conveying device (20) such that the former can be set into a rotational motion by the latter. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is coupled to the damping device (50) such that vibrations in the rotation of the conveying device (20) can be damped. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is supported on the frame (12) such that it can move with translatory motion. The damping device (50) can dampen a translatory motion of the rotary axle (52).
US08113335B2	Unit for grouping packages along a transfer path A unit for grouping packages along a transfer path includes an input station receiving the packages arranged in longitudinal lines parallel to the transfer path; an output station for groups defined by a given number of packages from respective longitudinal lines and aligned in at least one line crosswise to the transfer path. A movable conveying surface is supplied at predetermined time intervals with a number of packages equal to that in each group, and which feeds the packages along the transfer path. At least one aligning member is moved cyclically along a first path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path, and at least one push member is moved cyclically along a second path having a work portion parallel to the transfer path. The aligning member and the push member are moved respectively by independent first and second conveying mechanisms, and the work portions of the first and second paths coincide with each other.
US08113328B2	Quick disconnect coupling A quick disconnect coupling including a first hub, a shaft fixedly connected to the first hub, the shaft being non-round in cross-section, and a second hub having a non-round recess extending therethrough, the non-round recess being sized to closely receive the shaft such that the second hub is capable of sliding along the shaft and is prevented from rotating about the shaft, wherein rotation of the first hub results in corresponding rotation of the second hub.
US08113323B2	Self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut with internal level control An oil-filled working cylinder is divided into first and second working spaces by a working piston, the first working space being connected to a high pressure chamber. A piston pump includes a pump rod received in a pump cylinder formed by the hollow piston rod, the pump rod having a bore connected to a low pressure chamber via a discharge valve, a distal end provided with a suction valve, and a down-regulating opening connecting the bore to the first working space as a function of the position of the working piston, the pump cylinder being connected to the first working space by an outlet valve. At least one of the valves is a check valve including a housing having a bore, a ball reciprocably guided in the bore by guide ribs, and a resilient retaining element capturing the ball in the bore and spring-loading the ball toward a valve seat.
US08113312B2	Evaporative emissions canister arrangement for a motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating same An evaporated fuel vapor from a fuel tank is fed through a charging pipe into an evaporated fuel storage canister, and is reserved there. The charging pipe, an upstream end of which is disposed in the fuel tank, is set to penetrate a side wall of the fuel tank and extends from the inside to the outside of the fuel tank. The canister is disposed in a swell-shaped recess on the inside of the front cowl, which recessed portion is situated between the headlight and the fuel tank as seen in side view.
US08113308B2	Integrated electric motor differential for hybrid electric vehicles An electro-mechanical drive train for a hybrid electric vehicle. The electro-mechanical drive train includes a housing and a pinion shaft having a first end disposed within the housing and a second end in communication with a combustion engine. A differential is disposed within the housing and in combination with the end of the pinion shaft. An electric motor is also disposed within the housing and in actuating combination with the pinion shaft.
US08113303B2	Modified cutters and a method of drilling with modified cutters A cutter for a fixed cutter drill bit including a substrate and an ultrahard material layer disposed on an end surface of the substrate, the ultra hard material layer having an upper surface opposite the substrate end surface and a peripheral surface such that the upper surface intersects the peripheral surface along a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge continuously increases and decreases in height as measured from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cutter.
US08113300B2	Impact excavation system and method using a drill bit with junk slots A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation including pumping a fluid through a nozzle such that an exit velocity of the fluid is greater than an entrance velocity of the fluid. A plurality of solid material impactors may be circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of approximately 0.100 inches or less. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle, contact the formation and rebound into a junk slot.
US08113293B2	Single packer structure for use in a wellbore A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. A mandrel is positioned within the outer flexible skin, and an expansion mechanism is provided to control expansion of the outer flexible skin to selectively create sealing engagement with a surrounding wall.
US08113286B2	Downhole barrier valve A ball type downhole barrier valve capable of bidirectional sealing features a ball rotating on its axis to open or close with control line pressure to an actuating rod piston assembly. The ball is also shiftable to a locked open position. A cage surrounds the ball and retains opposed seats to it. The cage is made from one piece and tangential holes are drilled and tapped before the piece is longitudinally split with a wire EDM cutting technique. Fasteners to rejoin the cut halves properly space them to the original one piece internal dimension. Auxiliary tools allow determination of spacing of internal components so that a desired spring preload on the seats against the ball can be achieved. Seals on the sleeves that form ball seats help prevent leakage due to ball distortion at high differential pressures when the valve is closed.
US08113275B2	Multipart frac head with replaceable components A multipart frac head with removable components permits the frac head to be refurbished in the field. A bottom leg and inlet ports of the multipart frac head can be replaced.
US08113271B2	Cutting tool for cutting a downhole tubular The tubular cutting tool for severing downhole tubulars, the tool having a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, a cutting member, and a lubricant delivery system. Cutting may be accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor and extending the cutting member away from the cutting head. The lubricant delivery system lubricates the respective contacting surfaces of the cutting member and the tubular and is actuated when the cutting member extends from the cutting head.
US08113268B2	Sequential valve member driving mechanism for an HVAC system An air conditioning system of the present invention for an automotive vehicle includes a housing having at least two sections connected by two side by side air passage. A blower device of the air conditioning system discharges air into the housing. An evaporator is disposed in one of the sections for taking heat from the air discharged from the blower device to produce cool air. A heater is disposed in the other section positioned downstream of the evaporator for adding heat to the cool air to produce warm air. First and second sliding valve plates mechanically communicating with a driving mechanism of the present invention are supported by the housing for selectively closing the two side by side air passages thereby regulating air flow of cool and warm air.
US08113265B2	Washdown door An example of a door with a pliable curtain includes various washdown features that make the door particularly suitable for use in food and drug related environments that demand cleanliness. To prevent product contamination, such as bacteria and other microorganisms, some examples of the door include a curtain storage track with a spiral groove machined in a unitary block of plastic, a ventilated side frame with a removable curtain guide track and a removable seal, and various curtain seams that not only join multiple sheets of the curtain together but also promote and strategically direct liquid runoff to avoid creating water-holding surfaces and to prevent liquid from dripping on products passing through the doorway.
US08113263B2	Barrier operator with magnetic position sensor A motorized operator for moving a barrier, such as a garage door, between open and closed positions, includes a magnetic sensor for determining position and/or velocity of the barrier. The operator motor is drivingly connected to a speed change transmission which is connected to the barrier. The magnetic sensor includes a housing supporting a speed change mechanism including an output shaft supporting a magnet. The magnet is mounted adjacent a Hall effect sensor circuit which measures the change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet to determine position of the barrier, as well as speed. Control circuitry enables accurate determination of the position of the barrier for setting open and closed limit positions, for example.
US08113251B2	Anti-skid device for a tire An anti-skid tire device for increasing the grip of a tire of a vehicle on a road surface. The device includes a plurality of modules associated with each other to form substantially a chain disposed annularly around the tire's external surface. The modules each have a shaped plate with a plurality of gripping elements protruding during use towards the outside of the shaped plate, so as to improve the tire's ability to grip the road surface. An attachment element is include which has a first end associated with the shaped plate, a second end selectively attachable to a shaped plate of an adjacent module, and a central body radially facing towards the tire and inserted into a corresponding groove provided on the tire's external surface. The attachment element further has at least one adjustment member adapted to adjust the size of the anti-skid device with respect to the tire.
US08113249B2	Multi-function mortise/tenon apparatus A multi-function mortise/tenon includes a chassis including a placement portion for placing a work piece horizontally/vertically and at least one transverse sliding rod. A work table includes a first base member, a second base member and a lift/lower platform provided between the first and second base members. The lift/lower platform and the first and second base members are driven to slide with respect to the chassis transversely/longitudinally. The lift/lower platform is driven to lift/lower with respect to the chassis. A guiding device is installed to the at least one transverse sliding rod slideably and transversely and is coupled to the work table which is driven by the guiding device to slide with respect to the chassis transversely/longitudinally.
US08113248B2	Dispenser related technology A food storing apparatus capable of dispensing a content stored in the apparatus is disclosed. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray composite device configured to function as a switch to control the dispensation of the content, but also configured to function as a tray for receiving a residual content discharged after the content dispensation.
US08113247B2	Bottom fillable bottles and systems for charging the same A valve assembly for charging/recharging containers and the like, from a bottom surface thereof is provided. The valve assembly includes a dispenser manifold including a nipple extending from an upper surface thereof and defining a lumen through the nipple; a fitting extending from a bottom surface of the dispenser manifold, the fitting defining an opening therethrough which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the nipple; and a plunger reciprocally disposed within the lumen of the nipple and within the opening of the fitting, wherein the plunger has a first position in which the lumen of the nipple is occluded and a second position in which the lumen of the nipple is not occluded.
US08113243B2	Apparatus and methods for filament crimping and manufacturing Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.
US08113235B2	Apparatus and methods for facilitating prosthesis donning, doffing, retention, and fit Apparatus and methods for improved prosthesis donning, doffing, retention, and fit. A valve located in a prosthetic socket port includes a body, a core, a spring located partially within the core, a diaphragm, and a maintained operator. The operator includes a recess and a protrusion. The operator may be indexed to a displacement or vent position. When the operator is indexed to the displacement position, a tip of the core is pressed against the recess via the spring, and the diaphragm displaces any air that enters into the prosthetic socket when a load is applied to the residual limb. When the operator is laterally actuated, it is indexed to the vent position and the core tip moves from the recess to the protrusion. In this position, the diaphragm opens the socket cavity to the external atmosphere via valve vents, thereby facilitating prosthesis donning and doffing.
US08113223B2	Telescoping umbrella The invention relates to a telescoping umbrella, particularly a sun or rain umbrella, having a receiving tube and a telescoping tube displaceably and lockably located therein, having an umbrella roof connected to the telescoping tube in an articulating manner, the umbrella roof being adjustable by means of a cable or Bowden wire running inside the tubes, and having an actuating device for the cable or Bowden wire, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a winch for the cable or Bowden wire, the winch being located inside the receiving tube.
US08113218B2	Interlocked V-shaped pointed eyelashes A method to apply a V-shaped eyelash having four symmetric tapered strands attached at the mounting portion to natural eyelash's hair. The V-shaped eyelash has two strands on each side. The V flare corresponds to an angle can be less than or equal to 160° degrees. The thickness of each strand can be 0.10 mm to 0.30 mm thick at the base and tapered at the tips. The lengths can be from 7 mm to 17 mm giving the illusion of a natural long, beautiful and luscious eyelash. Because the eyelash extension is a V shape with the two strands on each side, the eyelash can distribute weight evenly on each side. The natural hair strand as the holder at center also making the eyelash extensions last longer. The eyelashes are made from synthetic fiber which is crimp free and can be permed to a C, and J curl.
US08113209B2	Sub-dermal laser skin treatment A method and system for skin tightening comprises a hollow cannula that contains an optical fiber connected to a laser source. The cannula is inserted subcutaneously into a patient so that the end of the fiber is located within the tissue underlying the dermis. The source emits an output pulse that is conveyed by the fiber to the dermis, where the pulse causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within the treatment area. Radiation from the skin surface is detected to prevent non-reversible damage to the dermis, such as skin necrosis and excessive collagen melting. This method of sub-cutaneous laser treatment can also be used to treat striae, or stretch marks.
US08113207B2	Self-conforming sound attenuation earplug A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug for location in an ear canal. The earplug includes a stem. At least one support is joined with the stem and located between the stem ear end and the stem user end, and extends radially outward from the stem. A shell is made of a deformable-resilient shell material and has a tapered exterior that increases in circumference when moving from the stem ear end to the stem user end. The shell engages at least a portion of the support and engages at least a portion of the stem located between the stem ear end and the stem user end. At least a portion of the support is free from contact with the shell and the support material is a different type of material than the shell material.
US08113204B2	Microdosing device A microdosing device with a dosing chamber for the at least temporary reception of a liquid quantity, and with which is associated at least one discharge opening is provided. A vibrating unit in operative connection with at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber is provided in order to vibrate the same for a discharge process, and with a delivery function unit connected to the vibrating unit for activating the latter during a delivery time period. A drying function unit is additionally provided and can be activated in time-separated manner with respect to the delivery function unit in order to free the dosing chamber from liquid residues.
US08113199B2	Counter for use with a medicament dispenser There is provided a dose counter for use with a medicament dispenser. The dose counter comprises a first count wheel arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation, the first count wheel including a set of primary drive teeth arranged annularly thereon for drivable rotation of the first count wheel about the first axis of rotation; a second count wheel arranged to rotate about the first axis of rotation, the second count wheel including a set of secondary drive teeth arranged annularly thereon; and a kick wheel arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation, the kick wheel including a set of kick teeth arranged annularly thereon and in meshed relationship with the set of secondary drive teeth of the second count wheel such that rotary motion of the kick wheel results in rotary motion of the second count wheel. The first count wheel further includes a fixed index tooth arranged for intermittent meshing with the kick teeth of the kick wheel such that rotary motion of the kick wheel results from rotary motion of the first count wheel only when the intermittent meshing occurs.
US08113195B2	Bringing a multi-component jet into the visual field of a user A device for supplying a multi-component jet into the visual field of a user, wherein the device has a line, an outlet opening and a transport unit. An oxygen-containing component and a water-containing component can be supplied to the line. The transport unit can be used to transport a mixture consisting of the oxygen-containing component and the water-containing component through the line to the outlet opening, so that the mixture streams out of the outlet opening directly toward the visual field of the user.
US08113187B2	Delay compensation systems and methods A steady-state (SS) delay module determines a SS delay period for SS operating conditions based on an air per cylinder. A dynamic compensation module determines a predicted delay period based on first and second dynamic compensation variables for dynamic operating conditions, the SS delay period, a previous predicted delay period. The first dynamic compensation variable corresponds to a period between a first time when fuel is provided for a cylinder of an engine and a second time when exhaust gas resulting from combustion of the fuel and air is expelled from the cylinder. The SS and predicted delay periods correspond to a period between the first time and a third time when the exhaust gas reaches an exhaust gas oxygen sensor located upstream of a catalyst. A final equivalence ratio module adjusts fuel provided to the cylinder after the third time based on the predicted delay period.
US08113184B2	EGR valve device An EGR valve device includes a valve housing of which inside exhaust gas passes through, a poppet valve as a valve body accommodated in the valve housing, and a hydraulic servo actuator for driving the poppet valve to be opened and closed. The hydraulic servo actuator is provided by a three-port or four-port servo valve.
US08113182B2	Integrated supercharger module Integrated supercharger module having a low-pressure charging device (2) having a low-pressure compressor housing (4), a high-pressure charging device (3) having a high-pressure compressor housing (5), a turbine (9) and a cooler arrangement, wherein the low-pressure charging device (2), the high-pressure charging device (3), the turbine (9) and the cooler arrangement form a structural unit.
US08113181B2	Method and apparatus for capturing and controlling fugitive gases Method to provide fugitive gases to an engine. A source of fugitive gases is directed to the air intake of the engine. A fugitive gas pipe supplies the fugitive gases to the air intake and a vent allows the fugitive gases to vent to atmosphere. A check valve in the vent inhibits the flow of fugitive gases to the vent and allows the escape of the fugitive gases to the vent if the pressure of the fugitive gases exceeds a predetermined value.
US08113169B2	Device for controlling heating of a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine In an embodiment, conductance of electricity to a heating element (4) for heating a throttle valve (2) of an automobile engine and a peripheral section thereof is performed only during a period wherein this heating can be performed effectively. Specifically, a controller (53) receives an output signal from an air flow sensor (54), and when a quantity of intake air is equal to or less than a predetermined “intake air quantity criterion for heating”, conduction of electricity to the heating element (4) is carried out. Conversely, when the quantity of intake air is greater than this “intake air quantity criterion for heating”, conduction of electricity to the heating element 4 is prohibited.
US08113166B2	Auto choke device for an engine An auto choke device for an engine includes a choke valve for varying the opening of an intake passage of the engine, and a starter motor for starting the engine. Upon activation of the starter motor, the choke valve starts valve opening motion from a fully closed position. The choke valve continues the valve opening motion at a certain valve opening speed until it achieves a start opening set based on the temperature of the engine.
US08113164B2	Ignition source adapted for positioning within a combustion chamber An ignition source for initiating combustion is provided. The ignition source includes an electrical delivery conductor mounted in a delivery conductor mounting structure. An electrical ground conductor is mounted in a ground conductor mounting structure and extends from the ground conductor mounting structure to a point proximate the delivery conductor to define an ignition spark gap between the delivery conductor and the ground conductor. At least one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor are mounted in a respective one of the delivery conductor mounting structure and the ground conductor mounting structure so as to be selectively positionable with respect to the other one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor to selectively adjust a width of the ignition spark gap.
US08113160B2	Camshaft phasing system An engine cylinder head 10 is disclosed having a first camshaft 14 driven by the engine crankshaft via a phasing system 12 mounted to the camshaft 14. A second camshaft 22 is driven via the phasing system 12 mounted to the first camshaft, and two oil control valves 46, 48 are connected to the phasing system for enabling the phasing system to vary the timing of each camshaft independently with respect to the engine crankshaft in response to oil pressure signals from a respective one of the control valves. In the invention, oil feeds from each control valve 46, 48 enter the camshaft 14 via an oil feed journal 34, 36, and connect to the phaser 12 via axially extending channels within the camshaft 14.
US08113153B2	Return temperature stabilizer assembly A return temperature stabilizer assembly or metering means is provided for a boiler that facilitates the mixing of cooler, inlet return fluid with the heated fluid within the boiler chamber whereby the temperature striations within the boiler chamber are reduced or eliminated, and wherein the temperature stabilizer assembly is modular in design, and therefore capable of easily accommodating boilers of differing sizes.
US08113137B2	Folding seat with movable backrest A movable seat and backrest are coupled by a pivoted link system, allowing the seat to pivot from a raised stowed position to a lowered use position. A connecting link is coupled to one of the pivoted seat links, such that, as the seat is lowered, the connecting link raises the backrest. When the seat is raised to a stowed position, the connecting link lowers the backrest to a lowered position. When mounted in a vessel, the backrest forms part of the bolster system when the seat is stowed.
US08113128B2	Folding table assembly A table assembly is provided for removably coupling to a chair or couch or other furniture with an opening from the floor, such as a bed or cabinet, to provide a horizontal table surface. The table assembly is removably coupled to the chair or couch by a spring engaging the bottom surface of the chair or couch or other coupling mechanism for removably coupling the table assembly to the chair or couch. The table assembly includes a base for engaging the floor and a table leaf that can be pivoted from a retracted position to an extended horizontal position. A latching mechanism is provided for retaining the table leaf in the upright extended position.
US08113124B2	Auto laundry conveyor dolly A car wash dolly that uses a single shaft having two camshaft lobes and a series of snap ring grooves. The bolt-less design of the dolly includes a stronger camshaft and minimized component count. The center link and wheels may be mounted directly on the shaft to produce a sturdy design for the dolly. Grooves and snap rings are provided to “lock” wheels in their place on the shaft and to keep wheels physically close to one another to prevent dirt or other debris from getting between the wheels. Optional thrust washers also may be provided between plastic wheels and snap rings to reduce friction between the wheels during operation of the dolly in a car wash facility. The dolly according to the present disclosure is intended to roll, via a conveyor chain, on a slotted track of an auto-laundry system. Because of rules governing Abstracts, this Abstract should not be used to construe the claims in this patent application.
US08113116B2	Lithographic printing plate precursor A lithographic printing plate precursor which is capable of undergoing on-press development by supplying at least one of printing ink and dampening water and includes a support and an image-recording layer, wherein the image-recording layer contains at least one of compounds represented by the formulae (1) to (3) as defined herein.
US08113102B2	Programming process for the fuse of a projectile and programming device enabling the implementation of such process The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles.
US08113095B2	Torque measuring mechanism using cam engagement A device for delivering a predetermined amount of torque to a tool. The device has a handle and a cam assembly located within the handle. The cam assembly has a cam member integrally formed with a drive shaft. An adjustment ring is capable of rotating the cam assembly to different positions related to different levels of torque. A plunger will be biased against an exterior surface of the cam member to provide the different levels of torque delivery.
US08113093B2	Combination wrench socket A combination wrench socket is provided that includes, but is not limited to a one-piece outer part, in the form of a wrench socket having an inner part situated therein, a first tool head molded onto the inner part, and a second tool head, designed differently there from, molded onto the outer part, in which the outer part is designed in such a way that it has at least one retention element for the lockable fastening of a tool head.
US08113087B2	Bicycle handle-bar grip A bicycle bar grip, particularly for touring bikes, mountain bikes and the like, comprising a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. A grip element is joined to the sleeve and extends over a portion of the length of the sleeve. The sleeve also comprises a clamping area and a sleeve slot. A holding bar end extension is arranged in the clamping area via a clamp. The grip element has a supporting portion, which is provided for supporting a palm of the hand and which preferably transitions into a holding portion. The supporting portion ensures that a cyclist, when changing his/her grip from the grip element to the holding bar end extension or vice versa, can be supported on the supporting portion for turning the palm of the hand. This ensures that the cyclist, also when changing his/her grip, does not lose contact with the inventive bicycle handlebar grip and a sure hold by the cyclist is ensured.
US08113086B2	Parking brake with separate pedal pivot A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a primary and secondary pivot. The brake lever selectively rotates about the primary and secondary pivots changing a ratio of rotation of the brake lever relative to a cable.
US08113084B2	Mounting device A mounting device includes a vertically movable mounting table for mounting thereon a target object and a rotational driving mechanism for rotating the mounting table within a predetermined angle. The mounting table is vertically raised and rotated by the rotational driving mechanism. The rotational driving mechanism includes a driving shaft extending in a tangential direction of the mounting table and a moving body moving in the tangential direction via the driving shaft. A first cam follower is attached in perpendicular to the moving body and a second cam follower is extending horizontally from an outer circumferential surface of the mounting table so as to be in contact with the first cam follower. Also, a resilient member connecting the mounting table and the moving body brings the first cam follower and the second cam follower into elastic contact with each other.
US08113075B2	Drive for reclining furniture A drive mechanism for a piece of reclining furniture. The mechanism has a housing whose side walls are formed adjacent an upper wall with a pair of longitudinally spaced seats defining a pair of generally parallel and transversely extending axes lying in a common first plane. Respective furniture shafts rotatable in the seats are connectable to parts of the piece of reclining furniture, and respective arms project from the furniture shafts. Respective servomotors in the housing each have an output shaft defining an output rotation axis. The output rotation axes define a second plane forming an angle greater than 0° with the first plane, respective transmissions and links between the output shafts and the control arms so that rotation of the output shafts is transmitted through the respective transmissions and links to the control arms to rotate the furniture shafts.
US08113070B2	Sight glass with a flow directing assembly A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained.
US08113068B2	Micro-liquid transfer apparatus and micro-liquid transfer method In a micro-liquid transfer apparatus including two washing tanks (first washing tanks A and B), operations to transfer a sample are carried out using two pin tools (pin tools A and B) alternately. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a liquid, the other pin tool B is waiting in a state where the lower end portions of their associated pins are immersed in the first washing tank B. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a very small amount of liquid, the lower end portions of the respective pins of the other pin tool are washed, whereby the liquid transfer operations can be made in progress with no interruption and thus the generation of the operation waiting time can be prevented.
US08113066B2	Chuck-integrated force-measuring system A chuck-integrated force-measuring system for determining cutting forces at the cutting tool tip of a rotating tool, for example a drill or milling cutter having at least one measuring sensor, as well as a measured-value processing station. The at least one measuring sensor is designed as a strain sensor which is placeable on a tool holder of a machine tool. A measuring hub assembly is also provided which is insertable as an adapter piece into the chuck of the machine tool and is designed with its own chuck for receiving the tool, the at least one measuring sensor being integrated in the adapter piece.
US08113054B2	Capacitive accelerometer A conventional capacitive accelerometer has a limitation in reducing a distance between a sensing electrode and a reference electrode, and requires a complex process and a separate method of correcting a clearance difference caused by a process error. However, the capacitive accelerometer of the present invention has high sensitivity, can be simply manufactured by maintaining a very narrow distance between a reference electrode and a sensing electrode, and can make it unnecessary to individually correct each manufactured accelerometer by removing or drastically reducing a functional difference due to a process error.
US08113046B2	Sensor assembly with hydrophobic filter The present disclosure relates generally to sensors, and more particularly, to methods and devices for reducing moisture, dust, particulate matter, and/or other contaminates entering a sensor. In one illustrative embodiment, a sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port and an outlet flow port. The housing defines a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, with a sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The illustrative sensor is configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A hydrophobic filter may be situated in the fluid channel, sometimes upstream of the sensor. When so configured, and during operation of the sensor assembly, a fluid may pass through the inlet flow port, through the hydrophobic filter, across the sensor, and through the outlet flow port. The hydrophobic filter may be configured to reduce the moisture entering the fluid channel of the sensor.
US08113037B2	Method for testing high temperature mechanical durability of articles A process for erosion testing of a specimen article includes securing a test specimen in a test rig; measuring physical characteristics of the test specimen article; using a thermal spray coating apparatus, flowing incident particles at the test specimen; and re-measuring the physical characteristics of the test specimen.
US08113019B2	Drum type washing machine for preventing water from penetrating into a bearing Disclosed is a drum type washing machine. The drum type washing machine includes a sealing member for preventing water between a tub and a drum from penetrating into a bearing for supporting a rotation shaft and a water penetration preventing unit for preventing the water between the tub and the drum from penetrating into the sealing member. Accordingly, it is doubly prevented that the water between the tub and the drum penetrates into the bearing, thereby preventing corrosion of the bearing due to the water. As a result, it is capable of preventing vibration and noise caused by the corrosion of the bearing and of stably supporting the rotation shaft with maintaining the initial performance of the bearing, thereby preventing the drum type washing machine from being out of order.
US08113003B2	Transition with a linear flow path for use in a gas turbine engine A transition duct for routing a gas flow from a combustor to the first stage of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The transition duct may have an internal passage extending between an inlet to an outlet. An axis of the transition duct body may be generally linear such that gases expelled from the transition duct body flow in a proper direction into the downstream turbine blades.
US08112997B2	Condensate polisher circuit A power generating system including a working fluid circuit. The power generating system includes a condenser system in the working fluid circuit and a condensate polisher circuit. The condenser system receives a working fluid that includes steam or a combination of water and steam and condenses at least a portion of the working fluid into a condensate. The condensate has a temperature above a predetermined upper operating temperature. The condensate polisher circuit is branched off from the working fluid circuit and receives and treats said condensate from the working fluid circuit and returns treated condensate to the working fluid circuit. The condensate polisher circuit includes a heat exchanger that reduces the temperature of the condensate at least to the upper operating temperature and a condensate polisher that removes contaminants from the condensate to bring the condensate to a predetermined purity.
US08112990B2	Low exhaust temperature electrically heated particulate matter filter system A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter, a sensor, a heating element, and a control module. The PM filter includes with an upstream end that receives exhaust gas, a downstream end and multiple zones. The sensor detects a temperature of the exhaust gas. The control module controls current to the heating element to convection heat one of the zones and initiate a regeneration process. The control module selectively increases current to the heating element relative to a reference regeneration current level when the temperature is less than a predetermined temperature.
US08112988B2	System and method for desulfating a NOx trap A method is described for controlling an engine with a NOx trap. The method may include adjusting timing of subsequent desulfation based upon a delay between initiating the desulfation process and a temperature increase in the NOx trap.
US08112986B2	Managing reductant slip in an internal combustion engine A method for controlling operation of vehicle system including an internal combustion engine and a catalytic emission control device coupled in an exhaust of the engine, the method including delivering, which may include injecting into the exhaust, reductant to the emission control device responsive to vehicle operating conditions, and increasing emission control device inlet-NOx in response to reductant release from the emission control device.
US08112982B2	Charged particle thrust engine Several methods of increasing the thrust and energy efficiency of charged particle jet engines operating in a gaseous or liquid medium have been developed. We identify the three main components of charged particle thrust generation and provide means to take maximum advantage of each. We also describe several methods to reduce the energy associated with the generation of charged particles and to minimize the number of charged particles needed to further increase energy efficiency. In addition to the methods used to increase thrust and energy efficiency, we have also developed several methods of efficiently controlling the amount and direction of thrust. Finally, we show many uses of these charged particle jet engines and ways to control them.
US08112980B2	Finish for synthetic filament yarn processed in friction false-twist texturing and application thereof A finish for synthetic filament yarn which decreases broken filaments and ends down in friction false-twist texturing includes 40 to 98 wt % of a polyether compound, and essentially comprises components (A) and (B); wherein the component (A) is at least one member selected from the group consisting of (A1) a C1-C10 fatty acid, (A2) a C1-C10 hydroxyfatty acid, (A3) a sarcosine derivative, and salts thereof, and the amount of the component (A) in the finish ranges from 0.05 to 5 wt %; and wherein the component (B) is an alkylphosphate salt and the amount of the component (B) in the finish ranges from 0.01 to 3 wt %.
US08112978B1	Mobile hedging machine A mobile hedging machine includes a hedger frame having an elevated platform supported by a plurality of spaced apart legs to form a passage under which hedges are traversable in a travel direction. A plurality of motor-driven wheels are mounted to lower ends of the legs allowing the machine to be driven and steered. First and second cutter arms extend from generally opposite sides of the elevated platform generally perpendicular to the travel direction. Each cutter arm includes an upper arm positionable generally perpendicular to the travel direction, a lower arm pivotable about an axis generally parallel to the travel direction, and a cutter head attached to a lower end of the lower arm. The cutter arms are preferably offset in the travel direction. A topper assembly is secured to a forward edge of the platform and vertically positionable relative thereto.
US08112972B2	Method for molding and assembling containers with stoppers and filling same A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly.
US08112970B2	Flexible carrier and system for application to a plurality of containers A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet and a plurality of container receiving apertures formed in the flexible sheet together with a system and method of application including an applicating machine for applying the flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes a jaw assembly that reciprocates to apply a generally continuous string of carrier stock onto a quantity of containers.
US08112968B1	Pre-assembled internal shear panel An internal shear panel for reducing the tendency of the upper portions of buildings to move relative to the foundation when lateral forces, such as those produced by winds and earthquakes, are applied to the walls. The shear panel is pre-assembled having two vertical posts and two diaphragm members interconnecting the two vertical posts. The panel also has an upper and a lower horizontal member that are connected to the vertical posts and the diaphragm members. The lower horizontal member and the vertical posts are configured to be attached via brackets to holdown bolts mounted in the foundation of a building and the upper horizontal member is configured to be attached to an upper plate or rail of the wall. Hence, the shear panel can be installed by connecting the upper horizontal member to the upper portion of the wall and connecting the lower horizontal member to the holdown bolts in the foundation.
US08112960B2	Insulating concrete form block including foam panel having inner row projections flush with and inner row projections set back from inner edge and different in size from outer row projections An insulating concrete form block adapted to be interlocked with other insulating concrete blocks to form an insulating concrete form for casting concrete. The insulating concrete block including a first foam panel and a second foam panel supported in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to form a concrete receiving cavity. Each of the first panel and the second panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, and a second end. The top end and the bottom end of each of the first and second panels having an outside row of a plurality of projections and an inside row of a plurality of projections. The projections of the outside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses and the projections of the inside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses with the projections of the outside row being adjacent to the recesses of the inside row and the recesses of the outside row being adjacent projections of the inside row. At least some of the projections of the inner row are set back from an inner edge of the panel such that when one panel is interconnected with a like panel a plurality of spaced apart recesses are formed along an inner face defined by the interconnected panels.
US08112959B2	Device connecting concrete slabs at an expansion joint A device equips an expansion joint between slabs in building constructions, in particular concrete slabs. According to a first embodiment, the device is made up of two profiles (3,4) that fit together in such a way that the elements passing through the joint between the slabs are discontinuous and have a bracket shape anchored by plate dowel anchors. According to a second embodiment, the device has a single profile, the lower part of which is bent alternately in one slab part and the other on each side of the joint.
US08112958B2	Flooring system having complementary sub-panels Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.
US08112956B2	Frame construction arrangement forming an opening in a wall of a low-rise building A frame construction for a low rise building. In the construction, a wall frame panel is made of thin light-gauge section steel by bonding together a surface member, a lower frame member, vertical frame members and an upper frame member. Roof or floor support girders are made of heavyweight section steel having H-shape or channel shape. The girders are coupled to frame construction panels by bolts or hold-down fasteners.
US08112947B2	Pedestal head A pedestal head for a floor panel comprises includes a base for a lower part of a floor panel and an upper support for receiving an upper part of a floor panel. The pedestal head has a receiver or projection for receiving and locating a corresponding projection or receiver of the floor panel The pedestal head may be die formed from a single piece of metal.
US08112943B2	Convertible hard side shelter A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter.
US08112941B2	Construction product having a moveable element with multi-functional thermal break A construction product such as a window or door includes a multi-functional thermal break. The thermal break serves to contact and support elements of the sash of the construction product. The thermal break also provides one or more additional structural functions for the construction product.
US08112940B2	Seal arrangement on a vertical frame profile of a door wing A seal, which is disposed at a vertical frame profile of a stationary door leaf or of a movable door leaf and has a sealing profile protruding from the frame profile and a deformation chamber extending in a longitudinal direction of the sealing profile. A part of the sealing profile protruding from the front side of the frame profile in cross-section forms the portion (T) of an ellipse or substantially of an ellipse, the minor axis (N) of the ellipse intersecting the wall of the sealing profile outside the frame profile.
US08112939B2	Oscillating self-centering traffic-door A door that has a beam and door panel that are secured by molding the door panel to the beam.
US08112931B2	Shotgun gas exchanger A shotgun gas exchanger comprising a gas exchanger tube for connectively engaging with a shotgun barrel and a choke disposed in the gas exchanger having longitudinal axial channels on the exterior surface thereof, such that gas from the shotgun barrel flows through the longitudinal axial channels and gathers in front of the muzzle end of the choke to retard the release of pellets from a wadding cup exiting the muzzle.
US08112930B2	Firearm with enhanced corrosion and wear resistance properties This invention encompasses articles, compositions, and methods that provide enhanced corrosion resistance and wear resistance to firearms, firearm components, and firearm accessories. In one aspect, for example, a substrate comprising a firearm component is coated with a first layer of a corrosion-resistant material such as a first metal, followed by a second thin film layer of an abrasion-resistant material such as a second metal, a ceramic material such as a metal nitride, diamond-like carbon material, or other materials.
US08112921B2	Sign and method for lighting A sign comprising a surface having a display, and a plurality of sources of visible light. The sources of visible light are oriented to illuminate at least a portion of the display, and include solid state light emitters and/or luminescent materials. Line segments drawn on a Chromaticity Diagram connecting coordinates of some of the illumination color hues define a shape which encompasses coordinates of the display color hue(s). Also, a sign comprising a surface having a display having a surface area of at least 4 square meters, and at least 100 sources of visible light including solid state light emitters and/or luminescent materials. Also, a sign comprising a white light source and at least one additional source of light. Also, methods of illuminating signs.
US08112913B2	Multi-purpose bucket Disclosed is a multi-configurable bucket for screening material comprising a blade having a bottom edge, a top edge and a connector therebetween for securing to a distal end of the arm of a earth moving equipment. The bucket has a bottom screen having front and rear edges being rotatable about the top edge of the blade section. The bottom screen is positionable so as to extend angled away from the bottom edge of the blade. The bucket further comprises a front screen rotatable relative to the bottom screen having a main screen portion and an angled end screen portion. The front screen is positionable to a closed position proximate the front edge of the bottom screen such that the front edge of the bottom screen extends past the angled bottom portion of the front screen.
US08112902B2	Method for determining the load quantity in a spin dryer and spin dryer A spin or tumble dryer having an air outlet with a moisture sensor is connected to a controller. The moisture sensor determines and stored the measured absolute atmospheric humidity values in the air outlet during operation. Specific characteristic values of the detected moisture can be determined, such as at a point in time and the duration to reach a maximum value or an absolute atmospheric humidity at a specific instant, which can be compared with the values stored in the controller. From this, it is possible to determine the laundry load quantity that is located in the spin dryer, and as a result a program sequence for drying the load can be optimized.
US08112897B2	Monitoring devices, assemblies and methods for attachment to gauges and the like A monitoring device assembly and method may include a primary interface for attaching to a monitored device, and a monitoring device mechanically coupled to the primary interface that captures an image of the monitored device.
US08112892B2	Hair removal apparatus A hair removal apparatus with a housing and an actuator head movable in the housing. The actuator head accommodates an actuator system that removes the hairs and is adapted to be driven by an electric drive mechanism arranged in the hair removal apparatus. The actuator system is movable into at least one active position for hair treatment. The actuator head has only one of its ends rotatably mounted on the housing. The actuator head is readily accessible from the one side, thus enabling hairs in problem areas of the skin surface to be removed.
US08112888B2	Method for repairing riser pipe elbow weld in boiling water nuclear reactor A support clamp assembly for mechanically securing a thermal sleeve to an elbow conduit in a jet pump of a nuclear reactor vessel, the support clamp assembly including: a tension shaft having a first end extendable through an opening in a sidewall of the elbow conduit and an opposite end with a head; a cruciform assembly having a base with an opening to receive the tension shaft and to abut the head of the shaft, wherein the cruciform assembly seats in the thermal sleeve; a boss slidable over the first end of the tension shaft and having a curved surface seating an outside surface of the elbow conduit, and a coupling device engaging the first end of the tension shaft and abutting the boss, wherein the coupling device places the tension shaft under tension to secure the cruciform assembly to the thermal sleeve and the boss to the elbow conduit.
US08112887B2	Two-piece shipping cap for a seal A seal shipping system includes a seal having an outer diameter surface and an inner sealing lip. A sleeve member having a cylindrical body and a radially extending flange extending from the cylindrical body engages the inner sealing lip. An annular collar surrounds the radially extending flange of the sleeve member and frictionally engages the outer diameter surface of the seal.
US08112879B2	Method for removing a cover from a jack module A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover.
US08112868B2	Method for manufacturing custom chairs A method for manufacturing a chair assembly (20) with a customized backrest (46) includes fabricating a standardized frame (22), preparing a contoured plywood blank (48) for the backrest (46), selecting a customized design for the backrest (46) and then converting the design for the backrest (46) into a readable format, loading the readable format for the backrest (46) design into a customized cutting apparatus, loading the blank (48) into the cutting apparatus, cutting the blank (48) in conformity with the selected backrest (46) design, removing the completed blank (48) from the cutting apparatus, mounting the backrest (46) onto the frame (22), and lastly, mounting a seat (36) onto the frame (22).
US08112861B2	Method for replacing the hoisting roping of an elevator and a traction appliance arrangement used in the replacement The present invention relates to a method and a traction appliance arrangement for replacing the hoisting roping of an elevator, which elevator comprises at least guide rails (10) along which an elevator car (7) provided with safety gear (7a) travels in the elevator shaft in an essentially vertical direction, a hoisting machine (8), a traction sheave (9) and roping (1b). The ropes (1aa) of the new roping (1a) and the ropes (1bb) of the old roping (1b) are joined to each other by splicing the ropes (1aa and 1bb) together at one of their ends and by strengthening the joint by means of compressive sleeves (4, 4a), after which the new roping (1a) is pulled into position by means of the old roping (1b) and the hoisting machine (8) of the elevator.
US08112855B1	Tool for the removal and reassembly of cylinder valve caps A tool to assist in the removal and reassembly of a valve cap, to a cylinder includes a shaft. The first end of the shaft includes a support surface. The second end of the shaft includes threads for selectively engaging one of the threaded apertures contained in the cylinder upon removal of one of the plurality of cap bolts. The shaft is insertable through a valve cap aperture and is attachable to the cylinder, such that the support surface supports the valve cap when the valve cap is removed from the cylinder. The shaft includes a slot. A toggle is pivotally mounted within the slot and rotatable between a retracted position wherein the toggle is contained within the shaft and an extended position wherein the toggle extends beyond the shaft. The toggle is positioned in the retracted position to allow the valve cap to slide past the slot. The toggle in the extended position engages the valve cap to thereby support the valve cap during reassembly of the valve cap to the cylinder.
US08112852B2	Radio frequency tunable capacitors and method of manufacturing using a sacrificial carrier substrate An embodiment of the present invention provides a method, comprising manufacturing capacitors by creating a wafer using a substrate as a sacrificial carrier for the construction of said capacitor; and removing said sacrificial carrier wafer once said capacitor processing is complete.
US08112850B2	Buckle A buckle includes a male member and a female member. The male member is provided with a base, a pair of legs and an engaging portion provided on a distal ends of the legs. The female member is provided with an insertion port, a guide that elastically deforms the distal end of each of the legs inserted through the insertion port in a direction in which the distal ends come closer to each other and a pair of engaged portions formed on both sides of a remote side of the guide. Each of the engaged portions displaces each of the engaging portions in the direction in which the engaging portions get apart with each other and is provided by a concave that has an abutment wall on a rear portion in the releasing direction to be abutted by each of engaging portions. Each of the abutment walls is formed as a slant surface that inclines in the direction in which the abutment walls come closer to each other toward the releasing direction of the male member.
US08112848B2	Slider for a fluid tight slide fastener A slider for a fluid tight slide fastener that has upper and lower plates joined together by a guide post. A guide plate is formed on the guide post to cooperate with the upper and lower plates, to guide the coupling elements and sealing lips of the slide fastener into engagement in conjunction with side flanges on the upper and lower plates. The slider is integrally formed, such as by die casting or moulding. To facilitate moulding the guide plate may be thickened at its leading end and provided with a tapered edge, and connected to the upper plate by a web at its trailing end.
US08112843B2	Centering bush and combination, system and printing press having the centering bush A centering bush for connecting components includes a bush head having a construction generally in accordance with that of a blade pin. A combination, a system and a printing press having the centering bush, are also provided.
US08112839B2	Synthetic grass cleaning element for vehicle washing apparatus A cleaning element for washing a vehicle includes a support having a layer of synthetic grass material mounted thereto. The support maybe a rotatable support which forms a rotary brush. The cleaning element also may be a solid curtain of synthetic grass material or a curtain formed into individual strips of synthetic grass material.
US08112835B2	Bassinet with height adjustable wall A bassinet includes a frame and a bed basket supported by the frame. The bed basket defines an infant sleep surface. The frame and the bed basket are pivotably coupled to allow the bed basket to rotate relative to the frame to convert between a first bassinet configuration and a second bassinet configuration. The second bassinet configuration has a greater wall height about the infant sleep surface than the first bassinet configuration.
US08112833B2	Table assembly for patient transfer device A table assembly for a patient transfer device has upper and lower tables surrounded by belts which counter-rotate as the table assembly moves between a patient and a supporting surface such as a bed. The table assembly includes integrated means for laterally retracting side plates of the upper table while adjusting incident angles of the side plates and vertically separating the upper table from the lower table. Guide slots in end plates fixed to a slide assembly retain positioning posts attached to ends of the side plates. The slots are inclined upwardly toward a centerline of the table assembly at different angles. A crank moves the side plates using a rotating disk attached to a central frame of the upper table and linkage arms with one end pivotally attached to a peripheral region of the disk and another end pivotally attached to one of the positioning posts.
US08112832B2	Attachment of a sanitary washstand fitting to a washstand The invention relates to a sanitary washstand fitting, comprising a housing which is detachably secured to a washstand with the aid of a fixing device. The fixing device comprises a base which can be fixed to the washstand, an insertion device enabling the housing to be placed on the base from the top, and a clamping device enabling the housing thus arranged to be clamped against the base. The clamping device comprises a spring ring which is received in a groove of the base and which is radially expandable by means of a threaded pin such that it can also be engaged in a complementary counter groove in the housing.
US08112829B2	Flush valve assembly structure of water tank A flush valve assembly structure of a water tank is provided, and includes a valve seat, a guide rod, and a canister flush valve. The canister flush valve seals a flow path from an internal of the water tank to a toilet bowl, and may be lifted up to be separated from the valve seat to form a valve port. A water passage part is mounted on the canister flush valve, and a water passage post is disposed on the water passage part. A water inlet is disposed on the water passage post, which may be appropriately blocked by a block wall correspondingly disposed on the bottom wall. Meanwhile, a position of the water passage post may be adjusted to change a degree that the water inlet is blocked, so as to change a flow volume of flush water entering the canister flush valve from the water inlet.
US08112828B1	Toilet anti-splatter apparatus The toilet anti-splatter apparatus limits urine splash in a toilet. The apparatus is provided in a plurality of sheets, all combined in a stack with one edge having a releasable bond. Each sheet provides a floating target with bulls eye containing a foaming agent. Upon water contact, the surfactant foaming agent foams, thereby diminishing splatter. The sheets are disposable and biodegradable and further inhibit splatter by floating until flushed. Available embodiments of the apparatus include those with bactericidal and fungicidal chemicals within the center capsule. Further embodiments contains dyes to encourage target strike by the user.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10